"The ties that bind us to life are tougher than you imagine, or than any one can who has not felt how roughly they may be pulled without breaking."

―Anne Brontë, Agnes Grey

Chapter 19 - The Ties That Bind Us

Behind her impeccable desk she sat, back straight and head tilted down. In her right hand, she swirled the water in her tumbler. Ice clanked against the glass, joining the muffled daily activities of her office that was just beyond her closed door.

A low chuckle fell from her lips. It wasn't exactly her father's dream, but it was close enough. A Fire Nation whiskey sounded good right about now, but she was unwilling to put any unnecessary stress on her body that would end up stressing Korra out.

Korra was due back in a few days. Life would never become less hectic for them, but when they were in the same vicinity with one another, all the chaos gave them something to fight for and return home to.

Hisakata and Midori had been swallowed up in the darkness. She'd tried tracking them with Naga, but she couldn't pick up their scent. There weren't any signs of them. Asami barely knew them, but in any scenario of why and how they went missing, she couldn't stop from worrying about them.

"Ms. Sato, it's time for the press conference," Gin interrupted through the door with a knock.

"I'll be right out, Gin. Thank you." Asami tipped her head back, and the remainder of the refreshing liquid slipped down her throat. The ice once again clanked against the bottom of the glass as she set it down, sounding louder than it actually was.

With one final deep breath, she slid out of her chair and exited the room.


"Future Industries is collaborating with Varrick Global Industries to once again revolutionize the transportation industry. At this time, details are still being arranged, but are well underway. This is in addition to Future Industries' current product lines and contracting with Republic City to rebuild and construct new infrastructures."

Asami was no stranger to press conferences or public speaking to dozens of people, but this time felt different.

"My recent hospitalization was because I was injured in battle assisting Avatar Korra and Chief Beifong. It was not because of a falter in my mental or emotional well-being. The accusations associated with my name and Future Industries are serious and in poor taste."

None of their words held any meaning. Ending remarks about Future Industries' future growth and forecasts were approaching when nature whistled a little tune. A stray leaf in the wind brushed against her cheek. Nothing irritated Asami's face, but she reached up where the leaf had hit her face, maybe to brush any stray debris from her face to look professional and perfect for the cameras.

But when she pulled her right hand away, the light scar reminded her of so much. She lowered it to the podium and closed it into a fist, knowing what she had to do.

"Future Industries is here today because Hiroshi Sato had a vision." Asami stood tall with the statement, scanning the aghast crowd. Cameras began going crazy and murmurs were growing louder. "He grew up dirt poor, shining shoes to earn enough money to help his family put food on the table every night. He had a vision to bring transportation to the common man. He had been in their shoes and saw an opportunity to help the world."

There was no turning back now. The whole world was watching now. Asami had broken the unspoken rule to not speak of Hiroshi's association with Future Industries. For years, Asami tried to wipe the ledger clean of his name, but maybe completely wiping him away was irrational.

"When my mother, Yasuko, was killed, my father forged his own path. He believed it was another opportunity to help the world. Hiroshi Sato recognized his wrongs personally to me and to Republic City by sacrificing his life last year by cutting a hole that was pivotal for Republic City's survival. He also assisted me in developing the suits required to even have a chance of cutting that hole. In no way does it erase the trauma he caused, but he was able make the ultimate sacrifice in an attempt to make amends to the city he loved so much." She wanted to add herself into that, but this was about him, not her.

"Join me Asami."

"I now see there is no chance to save you!"

"Please, just let me say one thing, then I'll never contact you again."

"Goodbye, Asami. I love you."

Opportunities were recognized. He made his choice and was dealt the consequences. Both times. With the Equalists and Kuvira. In the pit of her heart, she knew he died at peace knowing that she loved him and forgave him for his deplorable actions. If no one else did, that would be alright. She was all that mattered.

"Like my father, I am being scrutinized because of my actions and that, by default, falls on Future Industries' shoulders. I was eighteen when Future Industries' control was passed to me. I am a woman who is in a healthy, loving relationship with Avatar Korra. I am at the top of the corporate ladder, of the world, yet the glass ceiling still holds true for me despite strong evidence of my capabilities. If I were a man, would I be standing up here right now reinforcing my state of mind and direction for Future Industries?"

Reporters shouted their questions and own opinions. The flashes catching this monumental moment were beginning to burn her eyes, but she stood her ground. Not a single person in that crowd was someone who knew her true story.

"Future Industries will continue to prosper for generations to come. No matter your wealth class, no matter your profession, Future Industries will have your back with its top-of-the-line products. I will personally see it as my life's mission to positively impact the world in any way possible. A majority of the time my impact will be through running Future Industries."

Their relationship was common knowledge, but apparently, she had to make it known yet again. Not only to clarify her place with Korra, but also to remind her girlfriend where they stood together to the whole world.

"And at other times, it will involve supporting Avatar Korra in her endeavors to keep balance in the world. It could involve Future Industries' products or it could involve fighting alongside Avatar Korra as I've done ever since I met her as a part of Team Avatar. Any way possible, I have Korra's back, and she has mine. And we always will."

She really wished Korra was by her side or in the crowd to hear that. Korra would smile like she just gave her the entire world. Money and fame could never give her that in life.

"The Sato family has committed mistakes and carry regrets that can't be erased. We will be judged by society because of where society has placed us. What truly matters is how we perceive ourselves and who we come home to at the end of the day. We have to learn to live with our mistakes and regrets and progress ourselves and the world towards balance. I'm happy where I'm at in my life right now. I'm Asami Sato, but Hiroshi and Yasuko Sato will always be a part of me."

And with a final salutation of thanks for everyone's attendance, Asami vacated the podium to a flurry of camera flashes, pops, and questions. Even through the doors, the storm that Asami created was heard.

People moved aside to allow the CEO to return to her office. It wasn't that she appeared furious or intimidating, but it was how she held herself in their presence. She was known to exude confidence inside and outside the office, but with the added adrenaline rush and emotions, Asami Sato was unstoppable.

Gin was on the phone at her desk, but threw the boss a smile. Asami nodded in acknowledgement and entered her office. She pressed her back against the strong door, releasing yet another deep breath and closing her eyes. She didn't regret what she said, but knew she was going to have to have an emergency meeting with the public relations department and conduct several phone calls.

Opening her eyes back up, she was met with her tidy office. The lone tumbler sat alone on the desk. Some of the ice had since melted. Seeing the ice and water brought a smile to her lips and a little fluttering of her heart. Korra was what mattered.

"Ms. Sato, Mr. Lee and Mr. Tang from PR would like to speak with you immediately in Mr. Tang's office regarding what just occurred."


"Ya done good, Asami. Ya done good," Varrick praised loudly with a slap to her left shoulder. On her desk laid several headlines from various papers.

Future Industries' New Vision Under Asami Sato

Who is Asami Sato, CEO of Future Industries?

The Bad, The Good, and The Phenomenal of the Sato Family

Future Industries Supporting Avatar Korra in More Ways Than One?

The Deviation of Asami Sato from Hiroshi Sato

Asami Sato, Breaking Barriers and Boundaries

She'd been the CEO for years, but with how many articles were being published about her now, it seemed like she was fresh off the boat. Amazingly, more of the articles and commentary on her impromptu declarations were positive or neutral rather than negative. Those that were negative were those that still doubted her mental well-being, brashness to bring up Hiroshi's erroneous ways, dedication of her duty as CEO and member of Team Avatar, and flaunting her controversial sexuality with the Avatar no less.

Business was all about risks. This risk seemed to be working in Future Industries' favor. Its shares were up fifteen percent after much fluctuating the previous day. The numbers were saying one thing, but she knew this little battle with the media was from over. She just had to wait for a scandal from another big corporation to get the heat off of her and Future Industries. The press only had so much attention for old news.

"Thanks, Varrick." Asami flexed her right hand and ground her teeth together. It'd been cramping up ever since she came in for the day. She had a sneaking suspicion it had to do with the fact that it was wedge beneath her body and the hard bed when she woke. And the fact that she was still regaining her strength in that hand.

"Are you alright?" He took notice of her flexing hand. "You've been doing that a lot. Didn't Korra give you the direct order to not work on anything so you wouldn't strain anything?"

"The most I've done is sign and review documents and attend meetings," she replied and mumbled the next part. "Then that press conference and doing damage control. The only thing I worked up was my blood pressure."

"I know what you need!" He propped himself up on her desk and took her right hand in both of his. "I'm no healer, but I'm sure I can give you a decent hand massage."

"Don't you have your own business to manage? Or a wife to support?" Asami leaned back in her chair in an attempt to get more comfortable as his surprisingly soft fingers hit all the right spots to relieve some pressure.

"You love my company! Plus, you're privy to my Water Tribe good looks. I'm your Korra substitute."

Asami gave him a once over and frowned. "I'm sorry, but I don't see you as a suitable Korra substitute. No one could ever replace her."

"Oh, pipe down, Sato! When's that Avatar returning, anyway?"

"Last I spoke with her, she said they'd be leaving tomorrow. If there's no problems, they should be back in two to three days if they don't make any long stops or have any engineering issues."

"Great! Then you can stop moping around, and we can resume our talks about the HSV!"

Leave it to Varrick to actually be productive when she didn't feel a hundred percent. She hadn't gotten much sleep last night, worrying about what the papers would say about her poorly planned "outburst" as the PR department called it. Except she didn't regret a single word she said. It was all the truth and she was going to stand by it.

Then waking up with an almost crippling pain in her hand didn't make things better. She needed a little distraction and keeping in mind this was Varrick, it probably wouldn't be too hard to distract him.

"Varrick, you've been in business a while, haven't you?"

Varrick dramatically dropped her hand. "Who do you think you're talking to? Of course, I have! It all started on a canoe…"

Asami spent the entire time thinking about Korra.


Discussions with Wu and the Dai Li hadn't revealed much of anything to Korra and Beifong. After the fall of the Earth Queen, it was confirmed that the Dai Li, royal guards, and other security sectors of Ba Sing Se were in shambles with no authoritative directive. Once the dust settled and Ba Sing Se was stabilized, some came back, some never returned, and some were new recruits.

None of that was too surprising given the severity of the situation. The Dai Li agents in collusion with Tokuga were identified as lower and middle ranked agents, the one being electrically shocked being the lower ranked one. Dai Li agents that recognized them said that when they were allegiant to the Earth Queen, they lived by their oath like all the others though many did express she was extremely difficult to serve for.

No one was sure how Tokuga had even found a pair of Dai Li agents. Those that never returned obviously didn't traipse around in their robes, but likely blended in with society.

"This runs deeper than what we're seeing," Beifong said one day. "Tokuga was targeting Asami and Republic City. But what was in it for the Dai Li? A new leader to follow? What did Tokuga offer them to make them help him? What was their motive?"

Since they left Republic City, everything seemed to return to normal according to reports from the force. Citizens were back home with their families and friends all over the United Republic. There was still animosity about the situation, but crime wise, no robberies that fit with the case, no explosions, and no suspected kidnappings. Beifong was a little wary about the kids going missing conveniently when she and Korra left though.

It seemed that the waters were in the beginning stages of settling, but beneath it, lied something that no one could identify.

Days were filled with discussions and Wu's terrible singing and dancing during breaks. Many nights, especially in the beginning of the trip, were filled with nightmares. Beifong and royal guards came running into her room more often than not to double check the Avatar wasn't being killed in her sleep.

Finally, they were going home, and Korra was feeling a little better. She couldn't hear Asami's press conference live, but she'd been informed by Lin through Tenzin that she'd caused quite a stir. Pema, the wonderful woman she was, requested a transcript of the whole press conference from Gin for Korra to have when she returned. Then hearing Asami's voice repeat the same message when they last spoke was the best thing she'd heard all week.

"The corporate world transforms executives into figure heads, criticizing every little move of ours whether they pertain to the value of the company or not. That world will never distort me enough to turn my back on my family, on you. Future Industries has been my life for so long, but if I was forced to choose between Future Industries and you, I'd chose you in a heartbeat, Korra."

She'd gotten past the nightmares before, she had to again. For Asami. To be the woman she deserved to be with.

"Tell me again why you lied to your girlfriend?" Beifong asked, shielded by a newspaper.

"I wanted to surprise her by coming home a day earlier than she expected," she replied, looking out the window and seeing Air Temple Island in the night.

Beifong hummed skeptically, but she had no right to judge their relationship dynamic when she wasn't in one let alone one like theirs. "Just stay at home so I'm not called down for a public indecency call in the morning."

Korra departed from the airship in the dead of night and sent a wave up to Beifong as the airship flew off in the direction of the station.

She could've easily airbent herself up the stairs and hills, but she wanted the extra minutes to clear her mind. Hands in her pockets, she languidly walked the paths she walked many times under the moon's rays.

It seemed even officially living with Asami, she'd never stop sleeping on Air Temple Island. But knowing that when her duties called and Asami remained in Republic City, she had a second home to have dinner with others, to be part of a family gave her peace of mind. The brothers were great, but the airbenders were great in another way.

Korra was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't hear the loud, pounding steps or barks of a polar bear dog running out and tackling her flat on her back, enthusiastically licking her face.

"Hey, girl, I missed you too!" Korra happily accepted each and every sloppy kiss from her animal companion, rubbing her muzzle lovingly. "Did you keep Asami safe like I asked? You didn't wake her up with your big feet and big mouth, did you?"

"I can't speak for Asami, but she did wake Pema and me up." Past Naga's big form stood the patriarch in his robes. "You're looking better, Korra. Lin informed me the last few weeks have been difficult for you."

"I'm feeling a little better now that I'm back and after hearing about Asami's speech." Naga whined when Korra pushed her away so she could stand up and properly greet him.

Tenzin appraised Korra, like he was looking for something within her. Silently, he motioned for her to follow him back inside, turning on his heel and walking without waiting for her. She found it odd that he wasn't using words, but then he said, "Come along, Korra. It will only take but a few minutes of your time."

They ended up in the dining room where Pema sat, pouring three cups of hot tea. Korra stopped in the doorway, worried about what this was all about and looking a lot like an intervention.

"Please, take a seat, Korra," Tenzin requesting, taking his own seat next to Pema and taking a sip of his tea.

"Am I in trouble or something? I just got back, there isn't possibly anything I could've done," she attempted to joke and laugh, but fell flat. She took her seat, but neither of them gave any indication of what this was about. Tenzin had his usual stoic face on while Pema had on her motherly face.

"We know how much Asami's hospitalization has affected you, sweetie. In some ways, it seems you've been more traumatized by it than her. I've kept my eye on her, and she's been well and keeping busy with the kids and Naga."

"Korra, we don't want to see you spiral into a severe depressive state once again." Tenzin received a glare from Pema who clearly did not approve of his bluntness. "I know that if you were to go there again, it would devastate Asami. You two are connected, bonded in ways that many people cannot and will never be able to understand. It all comes with being the Avatar."

"I am being honest when I say I'm feeling a little better about the situation, Tenzin. Leaving Asami shortly after she left the hospital probably didn't make things better on my end, but if I spend some quality time with Asami and see that everything is fine, I'll be fine."

Tenzin nodded and fingered his beard. "You must embrace the darkness alongside the light in order to survive. It doesn't have to be at this instance, but if you continually run away from the darkness for eternity, the darkness will continue to corrupt the light as you try to find safety in the light until there is only the flicker of light that innately resides in you."

"And if you need us, Tenzin and I will both be here for you two," Pema added, reaching over and squeezing Korra's hand.

"The darkest times are the most painful, gut-wrenching of times, but overcoming and learning from them, is one of life's lessons that many truly do not experience. We as humans limit ourselves to only pushing through the darkness so we can see the light that's always been there. That, however, is one of the gravest mistakes you can make. Embrace the darkness with open arms so the light can shine brighter and with new vigor and meaning afterwards."

Powerless.

One single word to explain why Korra was on a head spinning spiral. Had Asami not been chi blocked, she might not have been having as many nightmares. Had it been her instead of Asami, she might not have been having as many nightmares.

She'd ran away and avoided the darkness the last time for many months, years even. Everything was in her head again. She needed to get out of her mind, overcome this block. For herself. For Asami.

"We've kept you long enough, sweetie. I believe you're more than capable of finding Asami." At that, Pema and Tenzin stood and gathered their empty cups and said their goodnights, but not without Pema winking knowingly at Korra.

Korra walked the familiar halls to the room she knew where Asami would be staying. She technically had her own room on the island, but what was the point anymore? Tenzin knew they slept in the same bed and while the beds on Air Temple Island weren't the most comfortable, sleeping in the same bed made the stiffness bearable.

Peeking inside the open door, Korra was met with a sight she never wanted to forget. If she could, she'd locked the memory away forever for all her future lives.

"Naga, please, it's the middle of the night. Go back to sleep…Naga! Pfff! Spirits, that went in my mouth!"

There Asami was, sitting up in bed, spitting on air and wiping her tongue with her hands in an attempt to rid her tongue of the slobber. Naga sat by her bedside, nudging her.

She wasn't wearing her usual nightgown or old clothing, but the Avatar's full sleeve armbands and parka. She couldn't tell if she was wearing anything underneath the parka, but seeing her in her clothing in bed was not only sexy, but heartwarming.

The engineer was in such a tizzy and trying to cleanse her tongue and block herself from more kisses that she hadn't noticed Korra. She propped herself up against the door, not saying a word, and just enjoying the show, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

Naga then began barking loudly and thumping her tail against the floor, prompting the woman to scold her. She still didn't notice Korra hidden by the shadows.

"I think she's trying to tell you something." Korra stepped into her room enough to be lit up by the moon. The sound of her owner's voice made Naga bark and spin around in a circle in the room then lick Korra, but beyond the polar bear dog, sat Asami in shock. "Surprised?" She held her hands arms out, charming smile on her lips.

Asami threw herself into the strong body and engulfed her in a hug, sharing a little laugh with Korra. The warmth, the familiarity, the undeniable love from only a hug, was everything that Korra ever craved. Like when she first saw Asami after three years, she tuckered herself into her shoulder, inhaling a deep breath, getting absorbed into the feeling of being held by this incredible woman.

Unlike that hug, this one last much, much longer. It was as much for Korra's sake as it was for Asami's sake. While Korra was away on diplomatic purposes and not combat, seeing her in such a good mood relieved Asami. Their hug let them physically connect in a simple, foundational way to let each other they were there.

"I thought you weren't supposed to be back for another day," she murmured into her ear, letting Korra decide when to pull away.

The shorter woman's body shook with laughter. She turned inwards to the taller woman's neck, laying a soft kiss on the skin that was nearly healed now. "Well, we were supposed to be here earlier, but some sort of engineering problem came up. By the way, I need to have a serious chat with you about the sleeping quarters on those airships."

The engineer cracked up, her own body vibrating, but still not pulling away. She laid a kiss against the warm ear. "I never know what's going to come out of your mouth, but I love every bit of your smart, dorky, expressive mouth."

Korra moved her hands from around Asami's back to her shoulders, looking into the immaculate green eyes that sent a rush of energy up her spine. One hand in her hair now, she pulled her down, tasting her clean lips and feeling the warm brush of her breath against her face. Asami's hands remained around her back, but pulled them impossibly closer together, bringing together every inch of their bodies together. That miniscule touch, action electrified the Avatar's entire body.

A simple hug, a simple, but passionate kiss was worth more than anything in the world to her.

Reluctantly, but needing air, she gradually pulled away from those tantalizing lips. Their foreheads pressed together, she responded, "And I love your geeky engineer, generous, selfless mouth. I may have bent the truth a bit when we were leaving Ba Sing Se."

"Sneaky, sneaky, Avatar." She leaned in and kissed the tip of the tan nose. "But I'll forgive you since you're here earlier rather than later."

"And I'll forgive you for stealing my clothes and sleeping in them." She pulled an arms-length away, looking the Fire Nation woman up and down in Water Tribe attire. Her lower half was covered by a pair of pants that looked new and different than hers so she assumed she must've been shopping for an appropriately sized pair of pants. "Not that there is anything to forgive in the first place since you're gorgeous in my clothes."

"What can I say? I regret not wearing your culture's clothing my entire life. They're very comfortable, but more so," her right hand reached up and caressed Korra's cheek, which she leaned into, fully accepting the sentiment and closing her eyes, "I can have a piece of you with me when you can't be here."

Blue eyes opened, seeing the expanse of a delicate throat. She reached up, tracing the distinct healing skin, thinking about what could've been for a fraction of a second before moving on to the future.

The nightmares weren't real. They never were, but this moment was.

Asami mistook the action, tilting her head to the side and eyes softening. "How are you? Almost every time we spoke you had a nightmare the night before."

Korra released a long sigh, looking into the green eyes, smiling a little. "I will be. I just need a little time, time with you. I already told you I loved your speech, but I want to add something." Korra's grin grew impossibly wider. "It was a nice, professional middle finger to everyone."

"Spirits, baby" Asami laughed, looking up at the ceiling and shaking her head. "What am I going to do with you?"

"Feed me? Sleep with me? Love me?" One more question lingered on the tip of her tongue, but used the tiny bit of restraint in herself to hold it in.

"Yes," she answered, still chuckling gleefully, "to all three. Of course."

For the first time in two weeks, the Avatar laid at peace in bed, Asami soundly asleep in her arms. She had a nap on the way back during their maintenance break, leading to a bout of insomnia during the night. Rain was imminent. Slivers of sunlight snuck in through the dark clouds, but looking down at the raven-haired beauty laying against her chest, she was the permanent light in her life.

Daybreak was upon them. A few hours of sleep were needed at least. Laying a final kiss against the top of Asami's head, Korra relaxed further into the bed, drifting off with one final thought as the soundtrack for her dreams.

"Marry me?"


Posted: April 18, 2021

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