Don't Think Twice
Intro: Avatar: The Last Airbender Theme
Author's Note: We're on chapter 10! Shout out to everybody who's reading this story, you guys are the best!
Chapter 10: Turning Point
It's been a weird time for Sonic these last couple of weeks. He was currently laying on his bed, having his arms behind his head as he looked at the ceiling for long periods of time. This was due to him being deep in thought about a lot of things, such as Infinite, this world as a whole, trying to get back home, Korra…
Wait, he was thinking about Korra?
I mean, they're friends, so it's not weird for a friend to think about another friend, right?
But something was off. Something was off about him. By the day, it seemed like he and Korra were only growing closer. It's okay to become closer with your friends, that's how it's supposed to happen as time passes. However, he felt a connection with Korra, like a real, real connection, and it's not just in the typical friendship sort of way.
It was possible that it could be something more.
Sonic might only be starting to realize this, and it's safe to say that it was driving him crazy. He didn't want to admit it, but Tails and Knuckles may be right after all. That includes the part of them possibly going to the next step, if it ever got to that point. He knows that he can't be with her, because he and his friends have to get back home. It would only cause a bunch of mess if a relationship was involved.
Besides, Korra didn't like him like that anyway. She's into Mako.
Maybe this is all an overreaction.
Sonic groaned, feeling annoyed at the entire thing and got out of his bed, proceeding to walk into the kitchen. When he walked in there, he saw Pema who was currently cutting up some vegetables. When she turned around and saw Sonic, she showed a smile.
"Hi, Sonic." Pema said, turning back to the vegetables and continued to cut them.
"Hey, Pema." Sonic replied rather flatly, now watching Pema be a master at cutting up those vegetables. Even though she wasn't slicing and dicing enemies, it reminded him of the good old days when he was cutting up bad guys with Caliburn.
Pema stopped cutting when she noticed how flat Sonic's voice sounded, which was completely unlike him. She turned around, now not taking her eyes off him. "Uh oh. Is something wrong?"
Sonic shook his head, replying, "Naahhh, I'm fine. Really, I am."
Yeah, it was obvious that he was lying.
It didn't help that Pema was a mother of three children, so she already knew about all of the tricks that kids tried to pull off when they didn't want to talk. She frowned, telling Sonic, "You know that you're talking to a mother of three, right? I can tell when something's wrong with any of my kids."
In that way, Pema was making it seem like she was Sonic's mother. I guess in a way you could say that, given that Pema is the one that makes sure things are running smoothly along with being a caring person to everyone.
Pema went to the dinner table and sat down, extending her hand which basically told Sonic to sit next to her. Sonic sighed, but he would sit next to Pema while being slouched, looking like a kid that just got in trouble.
"So, I'm going to ask you again. What's wrong?" Pema asked, Sonic remaining silent for a few good moments. He honestly didn't want to say this. Would it be simple? Sure. Would it be slightly embarrassing? In his eyes, yes, mainly because he doesn't deal with stuff like this.
In the end, he would spit it out.
"Pema… what do you do when you like someone?"
Pema listened to Sonic, saying, "Define like."
"Like uh…" Sonic paused, thinking about how he wanted to say this. "Liking someone more than just a friend."
Pema showed a smile once more. "Is that why you're acting like this?"
Sonic put his head down in embarrassment. Jesus, he was the one that usually gave advice to people, but being on the opposite end, while talking about he's the one that actually likes somebody, he doesn't know how to deal with it. Sonic's never really been the relationship type. He's always been this fast blue blur that's always been about freedom. He's always figured that a relationship would not only slow him down, but risk the chance of his significant other getting hurt because of the trouble he gets in.
Somebody he loved has already died because of his actions, and he doesn't want to go through that feeling anymore.
That's the burden of being a hero, I guess.
Pema started to rub Sonic's back, trying to cheer him up. "Hey, there's nothing wrong with liking someone more than a friend. We all have our crushes growing up." She would decide to explain it in further detail. "For me, it was Tenzin. Believe it or not, he was actually dating Lin for a good while."
Sonic raised his head up at this, being surprised. "You're talking about that grumpy cop? Tenzin dated her?" he asked, not believing what he just heard.
Pema nodded, confirming it. "Yep. Though, I couldn't watch the person that I loved date another woman. So, I confessed my feelings to him, and the rest was history." She sounded proud as she was explaining this to Sonic.
Hearing this, all Sonic could do was chuckle a bit. "Wait, so you're saying that you broke them up?"
"I wouldn't call it that… I think I'll just say it was more about the timing when I confessed, because when I finally did, Tenzin and Lin were going through a lot of relationship problems."
Sonic nodded, having a sly look on his face. "Ahhhhh, nice way of saying that you broke them up."
"Oh, hush." Pema replied, the two of them laughing. After the laugh, Pema would continue with helping Sonic. "So, who is this person that you have a crush on, anyway? And when do I get to meet her?" As she said this, Pema already had a feeling on who Sonic could be talking about.
Sonic shrugged, replying, "I don't think it would work out anyway." Of course, there was a variety of reasons why he thought this, but he'll state the one he actually can say. "She doesn't share the same feelings. Besides, she likes somebody else."
"Are you talking about Korra?"
That's when Sonic immediately froze up, his eyes widening. Then he frantically moved his arms, going into panic mode. "What?! Nah, what would make you think of that?! There's no way that would ever work out!" he exclaimed, Pema now giggling.
"I guess I'm right." Pema said. "You two would make such a cute couple. I don't know if you two noticed it, but right off the bat, I could tell that you guys had a great connection. I think that's mainly because of how similar you two are, and that causes both of you to really understand each other. That connection has only gotten stronger since you first got here."
Figuring that there was no way out of it now, Sonic rubbed his forehead and sighed, now beginning to speak. "The thing is, though, I've never really went through this before. I don't consider myself the relationship type, to be honest. It's one of the reasons why I'm so confused when it comes to this whole thing."
Pema gave a nod, understanding where Sonic was coming from. "Romance is a very complicated thing. You're not the first nor the last person to not be completely sure on what they're doing. But, when you finally get to the point where you know what you want, it's the best feeling in the world. Happiness and love can't ever be beaten. You can have everything in the world, but if you don't have those two things, then what are you really living for?"
This was the part where Sonic really started to listen to what Pema was trying to say. It's like he became one of her kids during this moment, being quiet as she continued to speak. "Happiness is a given, but love itself doesn't always have to come from a significant other. Love can come from many people, like friends, family, and even yourself. It's such a precious thing that a lot of people take for granted, and they only start to realize it when the love they once had is gone. When you finally find love, wherever you may find it, cherish it and don't ever let it go. This is my advice to you, Sonic."
When Pema finally finished, Sonic took a deep breath, her words really hitting home. He was quiet for a long time, his memories of Uncle Chuck, his friends, his adventures, everything that he's gone through in his life was running through his mind. When he tried to speak, it sounded like he was getting choked up.
"I…" he began, taking another deep breath. He didn't know what he wanted to say, so the best thing for him to do would be to let it flow naturally. "Thank you, Pema. Your speech is really hitting me right now, because I didn't have any parents growing up. Never met them or anything. The only man that took care of me and loved me like a son was my Uncle Chuck." He looked up to the ceiling, Pema now looking worried for him.
"Uncle Chuck became more than some uncle to me… He became my father. All he did was try to love and protect me, which makes it so hard that the last real conversation we ever had, he was trying to tell me something important, and I repaid him by throwing it in his face." He looked down in sorrow as he explained this, regretting what he did on that day ever since.
"And that was the last time I saw him… He died afterwards." Sonic confirmed, Pema now rubbing his back to comfort him. "I took his love for granted, and ever since that day, I swore to myself to never let that happen again." Another reason why Sonic was getting so emotional at this, was because Pema was telling him this in a motherly way. Since he never knew his mom, it's like Pema became the mom he never had in this very moment. Pema knew what this conversation meant to Sonic in a way, especially after hearing that he's never met his parents.
They embraced each other in a hug, resembling a mother's love for her son, even if the two weren't really related.
After the touching conversation that Sonic had with Pema, Sonic would walk around Air Temple Island at night. The words of Pema, just like his other thoughts, were constantly coming into his mind. Those thoughts would stop, though, because he saw Korra who was practicing airbending forms. She was still trying to airbend. Heck, she would accept one measly puff of air at this point, but she can't even do that. Instead of airbending, she was firebending. She was obviously angry that she still couldn't airbend, as long as she's been trying to, which is the reason why she was sending multiple fireblasts at the sky. "Why can't I do it?!" she shouted, still shooting fireblasts.
Sonic was wondering if he should say anything to her in the first place. He knew that when Korra was angry, there's not much you can do, and it would be best to stay away from her.
But seeing her troubled like this, seeing his friend being frustrated, he just couldn't help himself.
He cleared his throat, making an 'ahem' sound. Korra stopped dead in her tracks, turning around to see that it was Sonic. Now she looked embarrassed, as she scratched the back of her head. "Uh… Did you see any of that?"
"Mhm." Sonic told her, nodding.
Korra sighed in response. "I don't understand. I have all the forms down, I've been trying to listen to Tenzin more about meditation, but I still can't freaking airbend!" she pouted, feeling defeated. "Maybe I'm not meant to airbend or something, I don't know."
"Oh come on," Sonic said, walking closer to her. "You're the Avatar, of course you're meant to airbend. You're gonna get it eventually."
"And what makes you so sure?" Korra replied, folding her arms.
BGM: Spider-Man 2002 OST – Backyard Connection
Sonic made sure to think about this, wanting to prove a point to Korra while also helping her the best he could.
Eventually, it would come to him.
"Because you're the type of person that never gives up. I've gotten a front row seat to that for the last few weeks, considering how much we've trained together." Sonic said in an encouraging tone. Korra slightly smiled at the compliment. She didn't know how, but the blue idiot was always able to make her smile in some capacity.
"Thanks." She replied, turning to Republic City and how it lit up in the night. Sonic did the same, but as he looked, he still thought about the conversation he had with Pema.
Would he… No, he wouldn't. It would be so out of the blue.
But he was thinking about something else, and it made him ask Korra a question.
"Korra, I want to ask you something." Sonic told her, Korra turning around to face him.
"What's up?" she replied.
"This may sound weird or random, but what do you hope to accomplish in your life? Like, what's your number one goal?"
An odd question, but Korra didn't mind it since she felt comfortable talking to Sonic. "I want to…" she began, but started looking at the ground, like she was almost doubting herself in a way, and debating if she should even say this in the first place.
"Korra, it's me. Remember, you can tell me anything, suffering buddy." Sonic told her. Korra continued to look at the ground, but would face Sonic once again.
"I want to become the best Avatar ever." She told him, but the way she said it, she honestly wasn't sure how Sonic would take it.
You see, Korra has been beaten into a pulp lately, because the people want a fully realized Avatar now, and she's quite simply not there yet. With the people constantly comparing her to Avatar Aang, saying he would have known what to do during this Equalist revolution, along with her still not being able to airbend yet, the once overly confident Korra that first came into Republic City… suddenly felt not so confident anymore.
When Korra told Sonic this, he noticed how her voice sounded. But in typical Sonic fashion, he would try to cheer her up. "You're well on your way. You know that, right?"
"Sonic, I appreciate you trying to cheer me up, but let's face it. I'm not ready. What have I done for you to say that I'm on my way to be the best Avatar ever?" She said, still not really sounding confident and honestly didn't really believe Sonic. She believed the only reason why he was telling her this was because they're friends.
"Well, I can go down the list. One, when you saw that me, Tails, and Knuckles didn't have a place stay, it took about 15, maybe 20 minutes for you to help us and offer us a place to stay. Really, we were strangers to you during that time, but with the type of person you are, you instantly wanted to help us." Sonic told her, still not being done.
"Second, you've helped me more times than I could count. When I was having nightmare after nightmare, you were always by my side, making it an effort to help me while also telling me to don't think twice about coming to you for help. You're a freaking pro-bender that's in the tournament with your friends, isn't that awesome? Not only that, but you're also in the task force at the same time. I honestly don't know how you're combining all of this crap into your schedule and finding the time for all of this, but somehow, you're doing it."
Sonic still wasn't done.
"You risked your life for someone you didn't know, this time the person being Blaze. I don't think I need to go back on how that night ended for both of us, but you get the point. You stayed with me all night and healed me when I apparently coughed up blood, the only thing stopping you being your body which forced you to sleep. You saved those people's lives at your parade, even if they choose not to admit it. They'd all be dead if you weren't there to see that beam. You were there for me when I was talking about the death of Uncle Chuck. You've done so many things to help not only my life, but other people's lives as well. That's why I say you're well on your way, and I see it coming." Sonic finished, Korra looking at him wide eyed and was speechless.
Truth be told, she was touched at what Sonic said to her. For him to let her know that he really appreciates what she's done for him, along with stating the things that she's done for other people, was the encouragement she desperately needed.
Korra would proceed to ask Sonic a question. "What do you see coming for you?"
Sonic thought about it for a quick second. What did he see coming for him?
There's so many things he could say, but there would be only one thing he would say.
"I don't know." Sonic spoke in an honest tone, slowly shaking his head as he still thought about all the things he could say. "But I already know for you, though, you're going to be the best Avatar ever. When people look at you, you're going to be the symbol of peace and balance in the world. Whenever people look at you, you're going to give people hope."
Korra slowly showed a sweet smile towards Sonic. "You know, I have a good example to go by when it comes to giving hope to others, and I'm trying to get to that person's level."
Sonic raised an eyebrow. "And who's this person you're talking about?"
Korra paused, her sweet smile staying as she replied with only one word.
"You."
When she said that, it was safe to say that he was surprised. Honestly, he should have known that Korra was talking about him, but his slight denseness might have actually helped the blue blur in this situation. They stared at each other for a good bit, until somebody would interrupt them.
"Hey, Korra!" Mako exclaimed, now being on Air Temple Island. "You have time to practice some team moves for the tournament? Bolin and I can't do them without you!"
Korra looked to Mako, getting excited that he showed up again. She was about to run off, but realized that running off without saying bye to Sonic would be rude.
"I gotta go." She told him, Sonic being disappointed that they couldn't carry on their conversation further. Though, he would make sure not to show it.
"Bye," Sonic replied, watching Korra as she was now running to Mako, the two taking off as they went on to practice for the tournament.
It was the next day, Team Sonic being up bright and early as an excited Tails was scrambling around, bugging Sonic, Blaze, and Knuckles literally every second. You see, Tails and Asami talked about seeing what goes on at Future Industries. Long story short, Asami promised Tails that she would give him a tour.
Tails would also force Sonic and Knuckles to go with him, as much as they wanted to continue sleeping instead.
After they got ready, the three made it to Future Industries, Asami waiting for them at the front door. She smiled widely, saying, "Hey guys! Glad you could make it!"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world!" Tails exclaimed, being excited to see everything.
The rest of the team, though?
Eh.
"I could be getting some extra sleep right about now…" Knuckles said, being slightly annoyed but made sure to say it in a low tone so Asami couldn't hear him.
"We'll be back in the bed soon enough. Just have to get through this short tour and we'll be fine." Sonic replied.
"I hope you're right, because a cat needs her beauty sleep." Blaze said, rubbing her eyes.
"That would be true if you were still a cat." Knuckles said, chuckling. Blaze's eye twitched, her hands suddenly becoming lit with flames. Knuckles wasn't stupid, he knew when to stop with the antics.
"Sorry."
When they went inside Future Industries, they got a glimpse on how all of the Satomobiles were made. Truth be told, it was a cool sight, and it showed them how much went into making them. It wasn't as advanced as the technology back on their world, but it can still be appreciated. Tails has made various things that relate to inventions and Satomobiles, as the same could be said for Eggman.
"Man, this place is so big! This is a mechanic's dream!" Tails said, Asami giggling at Tails' excitement.
"Yeah, it sure is. Believe it or not, the reason why this company got started was because my dad found a man that was willing to help him out. He gave him a loan, and as you can see, this is what came from it." Asami explained, looking at Future Industries.
"He's a great business man, and it gives me a lot to live up to. He's set the bar so high that I don't even know if I can reach it." She said, her voice kind of getting a little somber as she told Team Sonic this. They noticed the change in tone, and Tails would be the first one to ask about it.
"What's wrong, Asami?"
Asami remained silent, continuing to look at all of the Satomobiles and what her dad built. This only served as a constant reminder of what she would eventually have to live up to, and it also gave her a constant reminder of her past.
Tails came closer and put a hand on her shoulder, the rest of Team Sonic now coming closer to her. "Come on, you can tell us." Blaze said.
"Yeah, we're all ears." Knuckles confirmed.
"Most definitely." Sonic added.
Asami showed a small smile at the support she was getting from her friends, but as quick as the smile came, it left. She sighed, going on to explain.
"Ever since I was a little girl, my father would always tell me that I'm the future of this company, and that I would be a great business person just like him. A lot of the time, it seemed like that's all we talked about. Carrying on the legacy of Future Industries after he retires… and when I say that I'm not sure I'll be able to live up to him, I mean that wholeheartedly. It's like I'm scared, and it constantly makes me doubt myself on if I'll be able to keep this company running."
Team Sonic all looked at Asami with concern. "Did you and your father talk about anything besides eventually taking over the company?" Knuckles asked. "The relationship with your father wasn't only about that, right?"
Asami looked down, knowing why Knuckles asked this since it was a valid question. Judging by her face, with each passing second, this was becoming more difficult to talk about.
"We did have a loving father and daughter relationship… That is, until my mom got killed."
The History of Asami
It was nighttime in Republic City, the moonlight shining on the Sato estate. The Sato's, just like today, were filthy rich, and it showed in the size of their mansion. It was utterly ridiculous, but that's what happens when you have a lot of money to spend. Hiroshi and Yasuko were sleeping in their bedroom, while Asami was in her's. It was just like any other night in the mansion.
Before disaster struck, Hiroshi, Yasuko, and Asami were a happy family, ready to take on the world with Future Industries.
But just like the rest of Team Avatar, this chapter in Asami's story isn't all sunshine and rainbows, as tragedy would strike.
On the outside of the mansion, the Agni Kai Triad were discussing a plan to break in and rob the Sato Family. Once the details of the plan were finalized, they came to the doors and sent a fireblast, effectively breaking in.
Yasuko woke up, feeling like she heard something. She would wake Hiroshi up, saying, "Honey, honey, wake up."
Hiroshi's eyes fluttered, saying, "Hm?"
"I think I hear something." She told him, but Hiroshi brushed it off.
"Dear, I think those are your dreams playing tricks on you again. There's nothing to be worried about." Hiroshi said, trying to calm down his wife in his own way. "Now come on, let's get back to sleeping." He finished, closing his eyes.
Though, Yasuko wouldn't let it go.
She got up, and walked into the living room. Once she saw who was in there, her heart dropped. The Agni Kai Triad all looked to see that Yasuko had entered the room, knowing they had to take care of things swiftly.
The next thing Yasuko saw was a fireblast coming right for her.
And what followed afterwards was yell of pain and agony.
This woke both Hiroshi and Asami up. Hiroshi noticed that Yasuko wasn't in the bed anymore, hie eyes widening when he connected the dots. That was her screaming like that.
"YASUKO!" Hiroshi yelled, jumping out of bed and ran towards the living room. Asami would do the same, running with her father to see what happened.
Once they made it to the living room, they saw a sight that would traumatize both of them forever.
"MOMMY!" Asami shouted, the Agni Kai Triad being in the middle of grabbing every thing they could find. Once they saw that both Hiroshi and Asami were now in the room, they sent another fireblast. Luckily, Hiroshi grabbed Asami and got out of the way just in time before the fireblast could get them.
"Move guys, MOVE! Let's get outta here!" One of the robbers in the Agni Kai Triad said, all of them now running out the door before any more ruckus could be caused.
Hiroshi and Asami saw them run off, but their possessions were the least of their concern at this point. They ran back into the living room, seeing Yasuko looking lifeless, blood being all over her.
"No…" Hiroshi muttered, trying to hold back the tears. "NO, NO, NO!"
Asami came closer to her lifeless mother's face, trying to find any signs of life.
Nothing.
Her face resembled Asami's face so much. Seeing her mom die, was like seeing a piece of her die.
Asami started crying, hugging her dead mother and didn't want to let go.
From this day forward, her life and Hiroshi's life changed.
"Ever since that day, my father and I became more distant from each other. The murder of my mom was too much to handle for both of us. The dad I once knew, the loving father that was always beaming with life… turned into more of a serious and cold-hearted person that only seemed to care about his business, which caused us to grow apart. I not only lost my mom that night, I lost my dad as well."
End of Flashback
At the end of her story, Asami was on the verge of tears. She didn't like going back to the story, and it was for good reason. Who would wanna talk about that kind of stuff? She only said it so that Team Sonic could understand where she was coming from.
In mere moments, all of Team Sonic would hug Asami, the young girl being fully accepting of it. She would hug them back tightly, a tear dropping from her face.
"Thanks guys…" Asami said in a low tone, all of them now separating from the hug. Tails wiped a tear off Asami's face, smiling.
"We're gonna be here for you. Whenever you feel the need to talk, break down, or whatever, we'll be here." Tails told her, making Asami smile.
"Yeah. For you to go through all of that and still turn out as nice as you are? Your mother would be so proud of you." Knuckles said.
"I also wouldn't give up on getting your father back," Blaze told her, catching Asami's attention. "He's still that nice person on the inside, all we have to do is bring it out of him."
Asami sighed, shaking her head. "While I appreciate your optimism, Blaze, I've tried to bring it out of him. I've tried to bring it out of him for years, but I had to come to grips with it… The dad I once knew was never coming back."
Sonic listend to all of this, folding his arms as a smirk appeared on his face.
"Sounds like a challenge."
Asami raised an eyebrow, clearly being confused by what Sonic meant.
"What are you talking about?"
END OF CHAPTER 10: TURNING POINT
BGM: Sonic R – Number One
Sonic: Get ready, Asami! This plan is going to work!
Asami: I have no idea whether I should be accepting of this or simply terrified.
Knuckles: Knowing Sonic's ideas… Probably terrified.
Sonic: Shut up, Knuckles!
Tails: I'm actually all in on this plan! It's at least worth a shot!
Knuckles: Oh, good grief…
Next time on Don't Think Twice!
Turning Point Part 2
Blaze: We're still not done with this title?
Author's Note: There goes chapter 10! Man oh man, writing these sad chapters is going to make me cry one of these days, lol. If you guys like what you read, leave a follow and a favorite. And don't forget to READ AND REVIEW, READ AND REVIEW, READ AND REVIEW! Your reviews let me know what you guys would like to see, and how this story can be improved, so it's extremely important that you guys leave your feedback. See you guys in the Turning Point Part 2! Oh, and be safe from the coronavirus. It's getting crazy out here! Peace out!