Korra rubbed the sleepiness off her eyes, scanning the room with only the darkness welcoming her. The sun hasn't risen yet, but her body knew it was time for her to get up. Another habit she got used to back in the South Pole. Korra realized then that there's no forcing herself to go back to sleep after having had the nightmares of Zaheer again. She's had nightmares almost every day.

She got up and changed out of her pajamas. Quietly, she slid her door open and walked the hallway, making as little noise as possible. A few lights have been lit in the dormitories, probably by the air acolytes preparing to start the day on Air Temple Island. Korra has seen a few white lotus guards on duty as well.

Tenzin and the others should be waking up in an hour, so she walked around the island, the breeze lightly hitting her face and the exposed skin between her vest and her sleeves. Korra has gotten better at controlling the heat in her body now. She wouldn't miss the moments where she got frustrated due to the fact that she couldn't do it when she was in the South Pole. Senna always had to bring her extra blankets.

Across the horizon, the sun is peeking from amidst the body of water. Korra sat down on the grass in a lotus position, taking one deep breath and closing her eyes in the process. She imagined she was floating in the air, like a feather, weightless, easily swayed by the strong wind. She was rising up in the clouds and then all too sudden, the scenario changed into the mountains again. She fought off the urge to open her eyes and stayed longer. She was at the Laghima's Peak and right in front of her was Zaheer. The panic ran like electricity through her body quickly and the flow of the poison flowing through her veins. Korra wanted to scream, but no sound came out. Her throat was constricting, and the sky was getting darker and darker.

Until someone literally snatched her and took her breath away.

Korra opened her eyes with a gasp and in front of her was Jinora looking deeply concerned. Her heart was thudding loudly, and she can literally hear it in her head, still trying to catch her breath, she wiped the sweat on her forehead.

"Korra, are you okay? What happened?" Jinora asked, kneeling in front of Korra.

"I—," Korra began, her breathing became steadier and continued, "I was trying to meditate again, to get to the spirit world. Wha—What are you doing here?"

"I saw you walking out of the house and I followed you. Do you often wake up this early? Before our session?" Jinora asked, curious.

"I got used to it back home. I would often wake up at a certain time in the morning and couldn't let myself go back to sleep." Korra hugged her knees as she rested her chin in between, "He's still in my head."

Korra kept her gaze in the sea. In her periphery, Jinora has settled to sit beside her, following her gaze.

"Everyone was eager to know what you've been up to when you were in the South Pole. We checked the newspaper, asked the white lotus guards with some news about you." Every word had cut straight to Korra's chest, guilt-stricken, her eyes set on the horizon. An apology was caught in her throat. She knew she shouldn't have shut herself off. But she found it was easier to keep it all in than to explain what goes in her mind. She'd rather figure it out on her own than to tolerate the sympathy in everyone's eyes. Her hands gripped at her skin. It hurt. She wanted to kindly tell Jinora to stop now but Korra can't trust herself not to lash out towards the master airbender.

So Jinora continued, "We waited for a response to our letters every day, you promised." She was calm, yet Korra can't deny a change in resonance at the end of her sentence. Jinora's eyes fixated on the gentle waves of the water. "Asami looked for you, correct?"

" Jinora. " Korra decided maybe she didn't have to listen to what she says. She threw a glance over her, warning, but Jinora couldn't care less.

Jinora looked shy, stepped a line she wasn't aware was there. It was never there before. "I'm sorry." She said.

Korra pursed her lips. She wanted to scream, but every day she surprises herself, breathing out slowly, calming herself and looked for something to distract her. A boat sailed across her view of the ocean, she watched 'til it's nothing but a small dot in the water. Jinora is still waiting for an answer. She stopped talking and now Korra felt terrible. How could she tell this girl that she almost thought of just running away forever, with the chances of not being found, away from everyone, everything. If Asami hadn't found her, Korra wouldn't admit how the thought of running away forever seemed enticing then. The pained memory etched into her mind without meaning to. The hurt in Asami's eyes was crystal clear and right then she thought otherwise. She couldn't give up. That there are people still waiting for her to come home. And Korra wouldn't admit that somehow all this time, Asami kept her going. Stubborn, some things never change.

"Look," Korra rubbed the dirt in her pants. She straightened it as she thought of a response, "I know I shouldn't have shut myself off to you guys, but I figure it's best to do it on my own. I- I kinda explained this to Asami," though not fully, she wanted to add, "I'm sorry."

Jinora didn't look mad nor disappointed, just her usual calm demeanour, she smiled softly, "I understand, and it still doesn't change. We're here for you no matter what. You've done so much for the world, to us, the air nation, and we want to make sure you're okay." She moved closer and placed a hand on Korra's shoulder, "I want to make sure that my older sister is okay."

Korra warmed at the title, something she never thought of for a second because being with them and taking care of the airbender kids was like second nature to her. The sun has risen and some air acolytes greeted them as they walked past.

"I thought when the poison was out that I'd be okay. That's it—no more nightmares. No more troubles for me," Korra confessed. She looked at her hands and added, "I thought I was finally ready to face my duty as the avatar again."

"We're doing the best we can, Korra. I know you are," Always so optimistic, Jinora, Korra thought. She let her continue, "not being able to meditate to the spirit world is something intriguing. The poison is out, but I know we can get to the root of it," Jinora cradled her chin with her pointer and thumb. Young mind thinking of a solution for the Avatar's obstacle.

The root of it, Korra thought, is Zaheer. Her mind ran a mile to thinking something so risky yet reasonable as her face lights up, "What if I go to Zaheer's and face him. Maybe for me to be able to meditate into the spirit world, I can convince myself that I'm no longer afraid of him and that he doesn't control me."

Jinora looked at her as if she were crazy, "Korra. I know that we're running out of options but to be in the same room again with him, I don't think that's a good idea. We'll figure something out."

When Korra was about to respond, Ikki came for them to say that it's time for breakfast. Korra let the thought linger as they all walked towards the main house.

000000

Maybe it's both a blessing and a curse, Korra thought. She held onto the bar railings on the boat as the white lotus guard drove them towards the mountains where Zaheer is imprisoned.

Maybe the universe is finally listening to me.

"Are you sure about this?" Mako stood beside her. He wouldn't let her go alone. After the long argument Korra had with Tenzin to convince him to let her go, she couldn't do another dialogue to tell Mako to back off.

"Most of the airbenders were taken. Jinora too. I can't just sit and do nothing. I should be able to do something about this, Mako." There was a splash in the water as a wave hit the boat. Tenzin wasn't lying when he said Zaheer's prison was deep in the mountains.

"I know it's just," he breathed. Korra noticed the puff of smoke coming out of Mako's nose. A sign probably that he's been holding back something than he cares to admit, "you just came back."

The gnawing feeling was back again, though Mako didn't mean to, the guilt she suppressed in the depths of her stomach came rushing back like a big wave. She wavered away from his gaze.

"I'm not making you feel guilty for cutting yourself off from us," Mako said as if he read her mind.

"Sounds like it," Korra said under her breath.

"Well, if I do sound like it, which I don't." Mako looked at her and folded his arms across his shoulder, "can you honestly blame me?" Korra met his eyes, curious, she swore she heard a tinge of pain or betrayal in his tone if not for the splashing sounds of the boat against the current.

"Mako—"

The firebender let out a laugh that caught her off guard. Korra looked at Mako, confused. He put an arm over her shoulders, half-hugging her, which got her more perplexed and Mako starts speaking, "I'm not here to argue with you, Korra. We've had a ton of those back then, and I wouldn't want to add more to that. I'm glad you're back. I'm just worried for you."

They lost balance for a brief moment as the boat clashed with a large wave. They're only surrounded by water now. No island in sight and they've been sailing for what felt like hours now. Korra held on to the railings. She can feel Mako's presence, heat radiating from his body, something the firebenders use to warm themselves. The skies have gone darker, she noticed finally, and it looks like a storm is coming their way.

"I know what I'm doing is dangerous, but I've run out of options. Kuvira's army is rising to power, and the number of people siding her just keeps increasing." Korra said over the roaring sounds of water mixed with the boat's engine. Mako tensed and bit his lower lip. The way his eyes narrow and his brows meet an inch closer are all too familiar and slightly aching for Korra's liking. Korra waited for a response, but it never came. They would always clash against one another, butting heads and wouldn't back down without a fight. But it seems like Mako will keep on surprising her.

Mako has mentioned his encounter with Bolin during the coronation day. He went with Kuvira. She's doing something good. We're helping people. Kuvira's helping people. Bolin is the type to listen and respect the higher-ups. Easily getting tricked into spending more yuans on stuff that's more than half the price he's willing to pay for, but spirits she wished he'd come to his senses. Korra didn't know much about what happened the past few months, and she knew better than to ask. It felt like she didn't deserve to know. She left the South pole for the purpose of healing (she was thankful for Katara, but she needed to do this on her own) and left Republic City again because she was scared. She thought it was for the better to flee and hide her identity from the face of the universe. Now she might've been wrong, she wondered. The people needed her after all. That is why her eyes are set out front, deal with her internal battles now, and then the external.

A trace of an island was forming from across the waters and a drizzle has started. They were quiet for a while, and Mako was the first to speak.

"I like your hair. It suits you. You look beautiful." He gave a small nod and smiled warmly.

Korra smiled back while playfully punching Mako's broad shoulders.

00000

Asami walked swiftly towards the main entrance of City hall. She memorized all the corners and the turns and designs as she drew most of them back when they were renovating the city. She knew her displeasure was visible in her features as she passed by a couple of employees and unnecessarily giving her a vast space to walk through the hallways. She was still pissed at her failed meeting with Raiko once again. Asami would be more than happy to say what her heart wants to stay, but she still has this good conscience to not tell the man that he is not thinking because of his empty brain. For the fourth time, Raiko has rejected her proposal to put some of the mecha tanks she refurbished to better prepare for Kuvira's army.

This will cause unnecessary panic to the public. You of all people should be more familiar with crowd control, Miss Sato.

She remembered vividly how he spat out her last name. Like venom, as if it's the dirtiest word he has said. Asami closed both her hands to a fist. The papers on her left hand scrunching up. Actively replaying scenarios of how she can break Raiko's face when she almost toppled down on the ground as she turned in the corner and almost hit Tenzin's chest. The Airbender held both Asami's shoulders to help get her balance.

"Tenzin," Asami said, surprised. "I didn't notice you, sorry I." She straightened her clothes and readjusted the papers in her hand.

"Was just lost in your thought?" Tenzin asked. Though his mouth was mostly covered with his beard, she could barely see any part of his lips at all, but Asami can sense a ghost of a smile was there.

"The meeting with Raiko went horribly again." She said in a melancholy tone.

"I will talk to him. He better start listening now. The people are starting to get worried because of the vines."

"The vines?"

"Ah, no one has told you yet. The vines recently started attacking and kidnapping people, Jinora and some of the airbenders are the latest victims." He stroked his beard after speaking, a tic Asami noticed when he's deep in his thoughts or when he's worried about something.

"Kidnap? Does Korra know about this?" Asami asked.

"She does." Tenzin met the young CEO's eyes and then looked away. The way he pursed his lips has Asami wondering if there's something he isn't telling, "I should go now, Miss Sato. We'll talk again afterwards."

Asami sidestepped to let Tenzin through and asked him a question again, "Where's Korra?"

Tenzin walked a few steps, but Asami followed, her eyes bore through the man's soul. "I'm not supposed to say, Asami."

"Tenzin."

He sighed and gave in. The anticipation is shown in Asami's eyes as she awaits his answer. Tenzin faced her and said, "she went to go see Zaheer."

"She what ?"

Tenzin winced at the change in tone of the young girl. He cleared his throat to start explaining. However, he delivered it somewhat defensively. "She demanded to go see him. She said that it might help—"

Asami waved her hand, exasperated. "Tenzin, you and I both know Korra. She likes to go headfirst towards danger. That man in prison almost killed her." Asami wasn't aware how many steps she's taken forward as she found they're almost near the wall.

"We have to trust her," Tenzin responded calmly, keeping his composure.

"I trust her." Asami ran a hand through her tied down hair. She couldn't believe what is happening right now, "it's Zaheer I don't trust."

"I have the same sentiments with you, Asami. But we have to let her do what she thinks is right. If it makes you feel any better, I have asked for more guards to accompany them at the mountains and Mako is with her."

"Mako." Asami breathed in the air. She let Tenzin go to his meeting and she walked towards her car. Asami dialled Mako's radio number. Not even a second after the ringing stopped, she began with, "You didn't even stop her?" She tried to keep her voice down, but people passing by looked her way and she had to lower her head.

"You know how she is. She would fight for what she wants."

That was true, Asami thought. Sadly, Korra doesn't have the same energy when it comes to her wellbeing.

It took her a few more seconds to calm down, enough for Mako to check if she's still on the line.

"Asami, still there? Korra's been inside for almost half an hour now. I told the guards to call if something bad happens. So far, it's been quiet."

"You're outside? You didn't come with her?" The panic rising in her tone as well as with her volume.

"I offered. She didn't want to. She said she needed to do it alone."

"Dammit Korra," She whispered, but Mako caught on.

"She'll be fine."

"How do you know that?" Her voice sliced through like a sharp knife, and she would've apologized, but Asami's mind is literally buzzing with concern.

"You keep forgetting she's the Avatar. She's our Korra. If she thinks that this is the best chance to solve whatever she's going through, we have to follow her lead. We were running out of time and we saw Jinora's and some of the air benders bodies inside a cocoon. She thought this might help her meditate into the spirit world."

Asami closed her eyes and her lips. She noticed but won't voice out how everyone treats Korra as THE Avatar, especially the ones closest to her. But she's also a person, Asami thought. My person.

"I know she's the Avatar Mako. She's been through so much already. I just worry…" Her voice falls short. This was the topic of their conversations a long time ago when they go out to drink or have lunch.

"I know."

"And she just got back."

"I know."

"Will you ever stop saying you know?"

"Have you talked to her about your feelings?" Mako changed the subject and caught her off guard.

"Wh- what?"

"Your feelings," Mako repeated, pointing out each syllable.

Asami groaned, "I don't need to. Not important. I told you, she wouldn't have time for th—"

"Yeah, I know. It pains me to see how it's literally eating you alive. You might as well say what you have to say when you get the chance, Asami. Or you'll regret it." There was a pause. Static in the background is all she could hear, then Mako finally said, "I did."

Asami didn't even have time to comprehend what he said when he finishes the call with, "I will let you know when we come back. We'll probably be in Air Temple Island. Come meet us there." Then the call ends.

It wasn't long until she was on a boat on the way to the island. She kept herself preoccupied prior, upgrading more mecha tanks and hummingbird suits as much as she can together with her staff. Though she could've just delegated some work, Asami wanted to keep her hands busy so she doesn't think much about Korra.

Mako has given her a brief summary of the events. How Zaheer managed to help Korra go to the spirit world, connected to Raava once again, and how she freed the airbenders. As she walked the steps up to the temples, she can already see some air acolytes walking towards the dormitory. A crowd formed at the middle of the pavement in the main house. Amidst the number of people, her eyes seek for a blue vest. Her eyes locked onto Korra's back, who appears to be carrying Rohan. Always has been good with kids, Asami thought as she watched her play with the airbenders. She stopped dead on her tracks and watched in awe. The trickle of a tear in her eye ran down slowly as if waiting for her to wipe it away. And when she did, she started to think that maybe Mako was right and that she should confess her feelings. Asami would be lying to herself if she said hasn't been thinking about it in some nights. A future with Korra, and then come the other what-ifs scenarios her brain comes up with.

The fire festival in the fire nation was something she'd want to do with Korra. She and her parents used to visit every year before Yasuko passed. Before Hiroshi didn't become too driven with work. Asami backed away slowly, careful not to be seen, and she walked the same path back to the docks. Korra wouldn't have time for Asami. The whole world relies on her.

Asami found herself in the park where Korra's enormous statue stands graciously and proud right in front of her.

The irony.

The sun has come down and the lights are already turned on. It looked beautiful in the park. Thanks to her, the park was renovated and well taken care of. Its true beauty emerged in the nighttime, the moon in the sky peeking behind the clouds. She sat there at the bench, appreciating it while she also pondered on her thoughts.

Asami has never felt so alone before. And now that her best friend is back and her continuing growth of feelings won't stop, the small fear tucked in the corner of her mind was left on blast and has her thinking about what may happen in the future.

Korra is and will always be the Avatar. A part of her wanted to ask Katara through a letter regarding her love for Aang. How does it feel to love the Avatar? Basically competing against the world, constant worry that one day she'll hear about the worse news. How does one handle their feelings for the Avatar? Perhaps it would be best to keep her emotions in check and to be with Korra as she deemed necessary. Maybe it will be less painful.

"I thought I'd find you here." Asami followed the direction of the voice and there she was, the woman constantly in her mind. On her right hand, she held her glider as she walked towards where Asami was sitting.

She smiled at Korra and said, "Oh? You knew I'd be here in the park? In this bench specifically?"

Korra sat down beside her and rubbed the back of her neck, "Well, I went to check at your office first and you weren't there. They told me you're probably home or in the park. I thought of it and chose the park. Had to find where you were, though. Apparently, you spend most of your time here?" Korra flashed her crooked smile.

Asami was relieved that it was dark from where they were sitting. She blushed intensely, seemingly caught with an unspoken secret that is entirely innocent, to say the least.

"It helps me clear my mind. This place. And it wouldn't hurt for a breath of fresh air every now and then." Asami thought it was a good excuse and Korra asked again, "You made the statue?"

"I just designed it. The people in the construction department made it come to life."

Korra laughed, "Still can't take compliments, I see," She raised one eyebrow at Asami in which she smiled in return.

"Why were you looking for me?" She asked.

"I haven't seen you the whole day. I thought you'd wanna know what happened earlier."

A group of teenagers started making a commotion somewhere on their left. A group of friends having a good time in the park. A couple walked past them, talking loudly about the new pro-bending tournament that will start next week.

"Tell you what," Asami said, "I know a much quieter place." She stood up and Korra followed her to where she parked her Satomobile.

"I like the new colour of your car, Asami." Korra commented, and Asami could only say 'thanks' in return, trying not to make it obvious that she might've changed the colour because of the Avatar.

They arrived shortly at the Future Industries building. Asami punched in a set of numbers, and soon enough, they were on the elevator all the way up to the rooftop. Asami went out first and looked back at Korra's reaction, awestruck, endearing for the CEO.

"This is beautiful, Asami!" Potted plants are set in every corner of the rooftop. A light is turned on, enough for them to see the whole floor, and a radio on the left, just beside the door, played tunes to set the mood.

"I go here when I need a break from work. The fastest one if I don't have time to drive to the park."

They walk all the to the end. Asami laid both her shoulders in the railings and Korra did the same. They looked at the city below them. "You've been working hard the past few years. I saw a picture of you when the first construction of the train system started in the newspaper." Korra began. She fixed the end of her sleeve and looked at Asami.

Asami warmed at the thought of Korra seeing her face. She tucked a strand of her behind her ear, "I've been keeping busy with the projects, yes. I enjoy what I do, so more or less it doesn't seem like I'm working,"

"I see."

"You went to see Zaheer."

Korra smiled, she glanced at the sky, "I did. All this time, I wasn't able to meditate to go to the spirit world or get in touch with Raava. Katara has tried to help me but it's been hard. It's like he was blocking the door."

"That's why you went to face him so he can open it for you?"

Korra nodded, "And I was right. All this time, I've been questioning myself as the Avatar and then he went and told me that my power is limitless."

Asami hummed, "Don't you feel like you are limitless?"

"It's hard, really. Ever since I've lost connection with the other avatars, I feel like I've been walking the world blind, not knowing where to go, what direction to choose."

"Yet you revived a whole nation and stopped the rise of the Red Lotus," Asami said nonchalantly.

"I did," Korra sighed, "when I was a kid, all I could think of was how I'm going to become a good avatar and how I'll answer to my duties. That's what I trained for my whole life. Sometimes I just feel like a weapon made by the spirits to bring balance to the world, and amidst that, I don't know who I am, in solitude. Something to exercise my freedom, my power, but I feel so alone."

"I'm here." Asami shifted her weight to face Korra, "We'd follow you everywhere you go. You have to let us."

"I know you would," Korra said. The tune in the radio changed to a slow melody. The stars in the sky sparkled like dancing lights and Asami didn't think before she reached for Korra's hand.

"Uh, Asami?" She led them in the middle of the rooftop and Asami guided Korra's hand in her waist and the other holding her hand.

"Let's dance," Asami smiled and rested one hand on her shoulder. They swayed to the melodious tune.

"You're my person." Asami began and she chuckled at Korra's confused expression, "You're not just the Avatar to me, you're my friend. My person. Someone I can trust with my deepest darkest secret."

"Your deepest darkest secret?" Korra's eyes sparkled, and the night has never made her blue eyes as beautiful as now. Asami didn't realize she was staring at Korra's lips when Korra called her name. "'Sami?"

She locked eyes with Korra, their faces a few inches apart. "Your deepest darkest secret. Let me guess, is it you secretly not listening to whatever boring meetings you're in?" Korra smirked and Asami chuckled.

"That's a given plus, I study the agenda before coming in anyway," She responded and shrugged her shoulders.

"Is it you giving too much to the public that sometimes you wish you could have it back?"

"These are not deep dark secrets worthy, Korra." Asami rolled her eyes, and Korra let out a laugh that made her insides squirm.

"You haven't told me what it is, have you?" They continued dancing on the rooftop. The wind picked up, but Asami felt warm when she's this close to the Avatar.

"Well, no. I don't think I have one yet." A lie. Asami pursed her lips, but Korra wouldn't drop the subject.

"You secretly hate all of us, Me, Mako and Bolin."

Asami grimaced, "Why would you think that? Of course I love all of you. Always will." She said matter-of-factly.

Korra caught her eyes shyly and said, "You haven't dated the past few years while I'm gone?" Her voice went an octave lower as if she was almost afraid to ask.

She shook her head, "No one was worthy of my time." Asami subconsciously pulled Korra closer to her. Their chests barely touching.

"Mako?"

"Oof. We're way past that, and we've gotten closer as friends. Honestly, I've just been keeping busy with my company. I have no time to date around and meet other people." Asami said.

"And you had time to look for me," Korra said, eyes staring with a glint of something Asami is too afraid to find out.

"I was worried, so I made time for you. I had to make sure you were safe."

Korra moved her head closer and Asami's breath hitched, "You designed the statue, what, from your memory of me?"

"It's easy to remember your features when I'm always around you before," Asami responded in almost a whisper.

"You were willing to come to the South Pole with me," Korra's face moved an inch closer to hers. They stopped dancing now. They stood in the middle of the floor and their hands that were intertwined moved to Korra's heart.

"I was, but you didn't let me come with you," Asami looked away, but Korra's hand on Asami's waist moved and caught her chin. She made her face Korra again.

"You love me." It wasn't a question but a statement. Standing there, Asami felt like she was exposed, strip naked of the armour she has built. Her eyes widened and her heart was thudding loudly in her chest. Her deepest darkest secret revealed.

Asami closed her eyes and whispered, "I do." She couldn't bear the rejection coming her way, so she thought it was best to not see Korra's face. She was waiting for Korra to respond, but the hand holding her chin was now cuffing one side of her face. Confused, she opened her eyes and saw blue eyes staring back at her with intent.

"I love you." Korra said, "I'm gonna kiss you now."

Asami was able to nod her head when her lips met Korra's. It was soft, gentle, and she tilted her head to be able to kiss her better. Asami's lips parted and Korra took at as a cue to put her tongue in. Asami couldn't believe this was happening. She was finally kissing her best friend. Korra.

Asami shifted the hand on Korra's shoulder and held her jawline. Korra let out a low moan that drove Asami crazy and when her other hand reached the other side of Korra's neck, a loud crash below was heard, and an explosion occurred. They parted and locked eyes for a brief moment and checked what was going on.

Mecha tanks with green design, more extensive than Asami's tanks were marching in the streets and shooting at the people in front. Screams were heard, and they could see the two people trying to outrun the mecha tanks. They appear to be wearing green uniforms, but their appearances are dishevelled, and their voices sound awfully familiar.

"Varrick and Bolin!" Korra said while she grabbed her glider on the side. She met her gaze shortly and Asami understood. This can wait.

"Go. I'll call Lin and Mako for reinforcements. I'll meet you downstairs."

Asami was about to head for the rooftop doors before she stopped and looked back, "Korra!"

Korra looked and she said, "please be careful."

She nodded and jumped out the rooftop with her glider.