Aaaand we on to the off-canon path now. This took me longer to write, I'm guessing it would be the same for the next chapters 'cos the time lapses are done now. I hope u like it : I try. Most of the scenes from book 4 will change drastically as well to adapt to the storyline lol.
00000
Asami stared at the letter on the table. She didn't know what much to make of it; the name was staring back, mocking her, accompanied by the background silence in her office. Hiroshi Sato kept sending her letters. And every time it goes straight to the drawer on the bottom right of her table. This time, Asami let the envelope linger on top of the table a little longer. She was getting tired of it, yet she can't seem to throw the letters away for some reason. Eventually, the heiress will have to deal with it, whether she liked it or not. Sometime this week. She kept waiting for another name to wind up on her mail, but disappointment welcomes her every time she opens the mailbox.
After what appeared to be ages just gawking at the envelope, she took a deep breath then went to put it in the bottom drawer where all the other letters go.
Asami laid her back on the chair, crossing her arms and her legs. Now she has taken the interest of the ceiling. Plain, white, well, she could say fazing because of the light. But empty. That's what she feels at this moment. Ever since her mom died, she knew there will always be something missing, and her father didn't waste time to prove to it. The void her mom left their family gnawed through her growing years, and it forced her to grow up sooner than any of the people her age. Hiroshi enrolled the engineer in self-defence classes. So, when the time comes that she needs to use, she will be ready. She went with the flow of life, and she worked on what she did best. Asami wanted to become an engineer, so she became one of the brightest minds of her age. For her mom, and to make his dad proud.
But now, she just feels empty.
The engineer looked around the office and found a stack of blueprints lined up at the far-left corner of the room.
Huh. Blue. Water. Southern Water Tribe.
She will not cry anymore. She will not.
Chief Tonraq of the Southern Water Tribe.
She is tired of crying.
South Pole.
She won't cry anymore. Her eyes start to betray her, though, as her vision blurs while staring at the blueprints.
Chief Tonraq of the Southern Water Tribe, father of the Avatar.
She wipes a tear that dared flow on her right cheek.
Kor-
Knock. Knock.
Asami blinked a few times and turned her head to the door. Tin's figure showed as she peeked through.
"Miss Sato? They're ready for you." She gave the heiress a small smile.
Asami straightened her posture and took another deep breath, "Okay, give me a few minutes, then you can let them in." She nodded towards her assistant while she pulled a drawer from her left.
Tin was still standing near the door, holding the doorknob with her right hand. She hesitated but asked, "Will you be alright?"
"I will." She pulled out a hand mirror and smiled at Tin, "Thank you."
Her assistant looked at her ruefully, but she let the heiress be and closed the door.
Asami raised the mirror to look at her reflection. She uses her right thumb to wipe a smudge of lipstick on the bottom right corner of her lip and then got a lipstick from the same drawer. The heiress reapplied the lipstick, gave her mouth a smacker, and then examined her features by turning her head from left to right. Asami tried fixing her hair, tied back with a loose ponytail, and strands of her raven black hair on either side of her face that perfectly captures her beauty. Satisfied, she put the mirror and the lipstick back to the drawer as she heard another set of knocks at the door. She put her hands together at the table as the corner of her lips stretched upward, mustering the most charming smile, and says, "Come in."
As usual, like all the other meetings, this one seemed to drag on. Asami looks at her watch and sees that 15 minutes have only gone by, and she groaned internally. She skims through the file that was given to her, not really taking in the writings. She pitches in a nod and a 'hmm' at the right moments. And the two presenters in front of her are more encouraged to entice her. Another growing company is yet to flourish. The CEO gave them the benefit of the doubt and concludes the meeting by telling them to provide her with any updates. Any additional documents should be given to her assistant. They were beyond jovial, shook hands with the engineer, and then left.
Asami let her shoulder slouch while resting her elbows on the table, supporting her face on both palms. This day couldn't get any longer. Suffice to say that all the other days are the same, she just wants to get her hands busy and tinker on engines right now. The heiress ran a hand on her hair and rested on the chair once more. Tin walks in again with a telephone on hand.
"Before you complain, it's Mako, and he's eager to talk to you." Tin warned while she approached the heiress, a smirk forming on her lips.
Asami pouted but grabbed the phone, nonetheless. Tin went back out, and she puts the speaker on her right ear.
"What is it, Mako?"
"Guess what! Lin just told me!" He practically shouted from the other end. Asami grimaced at the volume, she grumpily responded, "I don't wanna guess right now, please just tell me." She closed her eyes for a brief moment.
"You're a sour puss in the morning, Asami." She could feel Mako rolling his eyes at her. Still, she couldn't care less, "Anyway, Lin talked to Tenzin, and he said Tonraq is arriving in Republic City tomorrow!"
"Wha-what?" Asami straightened on her chair, her eyes widened with shock but collectively went back to normal. She can feel her heart thumping faster, though.
"Uhuh, it means! Korra is coming with him! She's finally coming back!"
Asami had to take a moment to process what the guy on the other end was saying. She took a deep breath and croaked, "That's great." She tried to bite back a sob, her hand automatically went over her mouth to stifle the sound. She's too overjoyed, and she couldn't concentrate right now, her mind running a thousand miles per hour. It's starting to give her a headache because well, the Avatar is coming back.
"After the ceremony in the morning, how about we go together on the island tomorrow? I'm sure.."
Asami zoned out to what Mako was saying. Korra is coming back. Maybe that's what her last letter meant. It took her a while, but she's coming home, and she can't wait for tomorrow to come.
"Asami? You still there?"
After three years, Asami's going to see Avatar. Korra. Oh, the high she's feeling right now as she thought of all the activities they can do together, that is if they settle this Kuvira thing. Maybe after. They will have time. She can ask how Korra is doing, what she was up to, or how she's feeling. Asami can touch the Avatar now, no more daydreaming, no more antics. Korra will actually be here. The smile plastered on her face right now was blinding, and her aura was actually glowing and-
"Asamiiiii, earth to Asami, I know Korra is coming back, and I can tell you're really excited, but uhm, you need to still talk to other peopleee."
Her thoughts were cut out by the voice on the phone. Oh right, Mako was still there.
"Y-yeah, shut up, idiot. I'll see you tomorrow then." Asami replied with a smile on her face.
No more tears, well, if the happy tears don't count. The sundown was visible in the horizon as Asami sped down the highway, driving past daw the park and gazing over the statue, that is, the Avatar. That same face will be replaced with the actual person tomorrow, and Asami couldn't wait.
00000
People gathered in front of the Central City Station as President Raiko presented his speech. He acknowledged the work of Future Industries, especially Asami Sato, the only person who could pull the modernization of Republic City into works. But the heiress didn't care about any of that. In fact, she wasn't even tuning in the speech of the man beside her. She was just too worked up regarding the arrival of Chief Tonraq and the Avatar, well, more on the latter. Everyone started clapping their hands, then Raiko gestured her to do the honours and cut the red ribbon. Camera flashes welcomed her all angles. The CEO smiled genuinely in front of the flashes, at the side, the other side. Then suddenly it was done, everyone started to disperse.
She was talking to one of the investors when the prince, whom she'd heard about from Mako, a lot. Like a lot. He came into view and started talking. He wore a green styled suit, scarf with the same colour, black slacks, and hairstyle done with a wave on the front to the side.
"Hey there, Asami, isn't it? Great train house. Maybe you can give me a personal tour some time? What do you say?" He was doing something with his eyebrows, and Asami could only grimace.
"I do like the idea of putting you on a train and sending you far, far away." She deadpanned, wanting to get away from the royalty as soon as possible.
"Ahaha. Hmm. That's- That's funny. I like funny games." The prince shifted his position, so he's right in front of the heiress now, "Maybe I should introduce myself. I am Prince Wu, future king." He raised one eyebrow. Asami found it revolting, and she didn't mind that her face showed it.
"Yeah... I'm aware of who you are."
"Don't let my reputation intimidate you, I'm just human like everyone else." He raises his bushy brows again, what the hell is wrong with this guy? "Only more human, like extra human? Or hmm," He places his pointer finger on his chin, making it look like he's thinking while Asami rolled her eyes while she folds her arms on her chest at the same time. Wu suddenly leans forward, "Superhuman."
"Superhuman?" Asami quirked a brow. This is the guy who's going to take over the Earth Kingdom?
"So, what do you say? Can I show you a low-key night out with a superhuman soon to be king?" He lifted his shoulders simultaneously, and Asami, bless her soul, wanted to smack the gibberish out of the guy. Still, she prides herself to be calm and collected at all times. And suddenly, like an answered prayer, Mako comes in to save her from the reprehensible situation.
Mako cleared his throat and began, "Prince Wu, President Raiko has some really important, uhm, king stuff to talk to you about."
"Now?" The prince whined, "Ugh, fine. Think about the offer. I'll be back." He winked at Asami then started backing away towards the adults, and she breathed in the air only to release it after.
"He's a real charmer, huh?" Mako chided, a smirk forming his lips.
"He's something." Asami could only raise an eyebrow, too unappalled to the conversation with the boy in question. "How do you even stand him?"
"Well, it's easy. I just think once he's crowned as king, I go back to be a detective."
"That helps?"
"Sometimes, when I get home, I just bang my head in the counter too." Mako shrugged.
And they burst into a fit of giggles.
"Anyway, are you ready to finally see Korra?" Mako raised an eyebrow to Asami with a smug face.
"Yeah. I honestly couldn't sleep last night. So, I went to the gym and let off steam." Asami paused, "Didn't help, though."
Mako snorted, "You're really excited, huh. So… Are you gonna tell her about your feelings?"
Asami cheeks tinted, "I don't know, maybe? It should be a perfect time, I guess." She smiled despite herself. After the last letter Asami received from Korra, in which she didn't know would be the last, she hoped.
"It's been three years, Asami. I know I'm your ex, but I've never seen you that sad and heartsick with a person. Don't!" He backed away from the girl shielding himself, crossing both shoulders in front of him, while Asami tried to smack the lights out of him. "I'm serious!"
Asami puffed, and then went back on crossing her arms, "Whatever."
Mako composed himself and probed on, "See? You've always been so tranquil before, now Korra's rubbing off on you." He laughed. From afar, they could hear the prince call for Mako.
He grumbled, "This coronation thing couldn't come any sooner." He stopped, then his eyes sparkled with joy, "Oh! We'll see Bolin too. He told me they were going to be there as well."
Asami grinned, at this point, everything seems to fall into place, "I can't wait for team Avatar to be together again."
"Makoooooo."
Mako wanted to bang his head in the concrete, and the CEO could only laugh, "Ugh, I'll see you on the island Asami, I'm sorry. The royal highness awaits." He mumbled.
Asami chuckled and gave a playful on the poor guys' shoulder, "You'll be fine. You look good together, though." That earned her a glare, so she raised both her hands in surrender while laughing, then he walked away.
The ride to the island was calm and peaceful for Asami.
00000
Everyone gathered in the dining area as they wait for Korra to arrive. Asami was eating with the kids and Pema on one table. Much of her dismay, Mako came with the prince, Raiko, and his wife. She could only roll her eyes but was looking forward to that evening to even care. Lin was also present, and yet she can note a hint of glee on the Chief's face as well.
An air acolyte entered the room and announced, "There's a southern water tribe ship pulling up to the dock."
"KORRA!" Ikki and Meelo both shout in unison, and soon after, everyone was picking their paces walking towards the dock.
As everyone gathered on the platform, the uneasiness Asami feels overcame her whole body. She's focused on the door of the ship. The slow and agonizing wait to watch it go down and make the pavements even for the people to come out was more than she could handle. Still, she was patient.
And then Naga came out, all too happy to get out of the ship while she approached the gathering crowd. She rolled over to get a belly rub from anyone near her, and the heiress was the closest one, so she did the honours. "Hey girl, it's so nice to see you," Asami said while scratching the polar bear dog, and Naga could only whine with happiness, she hoped.
Tonraq came down the platform too, but as Asami stood back up, she looked over his shoulder for any sign of the Avatar.
Tenzin was the first to speak as the Chief of the Southern Water Tribe approached them.
"Tonraq, it's good to see you back in Republic City. And everyone is excited to see the Avatar again."
Asami was still waiting for Korra to come down the plank, but yet no sign of her. She's starting to worry that—no.
Tonraq looked at the airbender with concern in his eyes, confused even, "What do you mean? Isn't Korra already here?"
No. Asami was starting to feel nauseous. Three years.
"No. we thought she was coming with you." Now Tenzin was just as confused as Tonraq. The people around her started murmuring to each other about the possibility of Korra—no.
"Korra left the South Pole six months ago. She's written me letters. She said she was here in Republic City." Tonraq responded, his brows furrowing together, and now genuinely concerned as he notes that Korra was lying to him. Six months ago. Six months ago, she received a letter from Korra. That was the last letter. Her eyes widened at the realization that she stopped writing when she left. Where did she go? He wrote letters to her dad. She didn't write to me. Korra could've written to me.
"I assure you. Your daughter's not here."
No. No. No. Asami could only stare at the two gentlemen. The noise in her background as people started to worry, and the talk was a buzz to her ears. The uneasiness she was feeling a while ago was enveloping into shakiness and pain in her body. This can't be happening.
"Then where is she?" Korra's father could only question.
She waited for her for three years. And to say Korra told her it will only be a few weeks. Three years. And she's now missing. Asami tried to stop her hands from shaking as everyone tried to settle down. Lin and Tenzin ushered everyone back to the living room, and the heiress found herself approaching Tonraq.
"Tonraq," She spoke, but her voice faltered as she tried to choke back a sob. Not again.
"Asami, have you heard anything from her?" The same concern in his voice was noted as they both walked towards the temple.
"No, she didn't mention anything about going somewhere she's," Her voice cracks. Still, she continued, "She's written me letters, but she stopped responding six months ago." She looked at Tonraq, desperation in her eyes, for Korra. For her presence.
Tonraq gave the heiress a quick hug as they continue to ascend towards the temple. "We'll find her, Asami. And if I know my daughter better, she can handle herself."
Asami could only nod. The dinner went by quick. The tension in the air was suffocating, and all she wanted was to get away as far as possible. When she finished her food, or, to put it off bluntly, when she managed to eat at least three bites, she excused herself from everyone saying that she has work to do back in the office.
She walked towards the dock, numbness overwhelming her soul. Asami has never been this lost, never been so shattered since her mom died. And it's happening all over again.
She won't let it happen again this time; she needs to take action. The heiress was almost at her private boat when someone from behind was calling her.
She continued her stride and stepped on the plank when a hand yanked her back in the platform.
Pissed off, she looked back, saw Mako trying to catch his breath, and still holding one of her arms. She tugged her arm back and snapped, "What do you want?"
While trying to catch his breath, Mako was able to let out fragments of sentences, "You. Very fast. I." He took a deep breath and gathered himself, "I know what you're going to do. I'll come with you to your office."
Asami stared at him in disbelief, she shrugged and rolled her eyes, motioning him to step on the boat.
She switched the keys to clockwise while pressing buttons to start up the boat, and Mako from the background voiced out his suspicions, "You're going to look for her, aren't you?"
"Mhmm." Was all the heiress could say as she pulled a lever with a swift motion, revving the engine to life, and started driving.
"Well, in that case, let's stop by the police station really quick. People had been giving us reports saying they saw the Avatar roaming around the Earth Kingdom." Asami turned back to face him with an annoyed look and said, "And you didn't tell me this?" Then turned around to focus on the waters.
"Hey, I didn't think that she would go missing okay!" Mako yelled in response as the engine made it harder for them to hear each other, "This whole time we thought she was in the South Pole."
Asami didn't respond after that.
00000
"The Avatar is missing?!"
Tin shrieked as she walked inside Asami's office while closing the door. She saw a board on the left corner, and the chairs for Asami's guests were rearranged to face it. She came in as quick as possible when her boss called her from the office to go in, and she managed to wear skinny black jeans and a white long-sleeved top for the night. Pictures of newspaper clips and maps laid out on the board, and she looked at the two figures in front of her, waiting for a response.
Asami shrugged and went beside the board. "We thought she was arriving with Tonraq today, but he told us she left the South Pole six months ago."
"So, you're going to track her down?" Still confused, Tin went and took the chair near her and sat down.
"I'm going to track her down, make sure she's okay." Asami chided, she focused her gaze on the board to figure out where the hell she was going to start.
"Uh. Asami, you can't just go alone, I can't leave right now, you—" Mako started to reason out, but the heiress cut her off.
"I can handle myself, Mako. I'll have my team to maneuver the airship anyway. So technically, I won't be alone."
"I know, but.."
They started arguing, bantering back and forth how it's still dangerous and with Kuvira rummaging over the Earth Kingdom. Tin was in the background, just watching everything unfold. Ever since she started working with the heiress, she's seen her manage to work out things along the way without her even breaking a sweat. She's the epitome of elegance and grace! She's always admired the younger girl who is her boss and, looking at her, all frantic and not so collected, Tin realized that Asami needed a person she can trust if she's really keen on finding the Avatar.
She can only admire the heiress, nope, not in that way, she's straight as a ruler. Besides, she's six years older than Asami and she can also pass off as the engineer's older sister. Tin admired her perseverance and push to get through anything. That girl has gone through a lot, and here she is now, trying to plot to track down Korra, the girl she only ever talked about every day. The things we do for love, am I right? Tin shakes her head then cleared her throat towards the two figures bickering.
"I'll go with Asami."
That stopped their arguing and looked at the girl like she's a madman. She raised both her hands and raised an eyebrow, "What? I know stuff, and not only do I fix your schedules, Asami, but I also make sure that you're still breathing when you get out of the office. Besides, I'm still a firebender, you know." Tin said matter of factly as she stood up and went in front of the board to examine the information. "I'll make sure the airship is ready tomorrow, and I'll clear all the meetings in the next few days for you. Sound good?" She glanced at Asami who could only stare back astoundingly.
Asami and Mako shared a look, shrugs, then went on to discuss their plans. It took them three hours to finally agree to start somewhere east of the Earth Kingdom. It's a long shot because most of the reports are hearsay, but it was their only lead to find Korra.
"We'll leave first thing in the morning," Asami announced as they finished taking out the stuff from the board to bring in the airship.
"Okay then, I'll see you tomorrow, boss! I've notified the team that will come with us to steer the airship. Get some rest. I'll see you around, Detective Mako." Tin gave a salute to Mako then left the office.
Asami can't help but smirk, remembering when she and Korra teased Mako for being very awkward and just—being Mako. She started walking towards the door when Mako grabbed her hand from behind and pulled her enough to face him.
"Hey. Be careful, okay?" Mako professed.
Asami rolled her eyes again and said, "Mako, I just told you I can handle my—"
"I know. I know. I mean," he let go of the heiress's hand and pointed to Asami's chest, right where her heart is beating. "Be careful with that."
The heiress could only smile, she knew what he meant.
"I will."
