A Moonlit Awakening
Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Korra, nor do I profit from this writing. Please support the original creators.
Spoilers: Legend of Korra – Books 1 & 2
Korra stood on the balcony of the Southern Water Tribe Chief's, her father's, state house looking out upon her homeland and the bay. If the position of the full moon was any indication, the midnight hour was well upon her. She felt at peace with the blissful stillness around her, something only the late-night could offer.
The last few days had not been easy for the young Avatar. Mere days ago, she had fought for her life during Harmonic Convergence against her uncle. While she won in the end, it was not without consequences. Korra had lost her connection to her past lives. Never again would she be able to seek their wisdom, at least not in a way that wasn't broadly available. And even now she was hearing reports from Republic City that her giant spirit fight with Vaatu had caused vines to erupt across the city.
Even on a personal level, it had been tough. She had regained her memory but realized that Mako had lied about their breakup. It hurt to lose her first partner, especially in such an uncomfortable circumstance. But she felt surprisingly relieved because she was sure now that she and Mako were better as friends. On the other hand, Korra worried that she had badly hurt Asami.
Asami. Korra wished she had not let Mako come between them. Starting around the time Asami had taken her around the racetrack, Korra had felt a kinship with Asami. There was an intensity to Asami that Korra had long felt distinctly alone in personifying for much of her life. There had been times when she saw flashes of it in Master Katara, but there had always been an edge of grief and reservation accompanying it.
Korra shook herself from these thoughts and quickly sighed, "Maybe my next partner will be more the Master Katara to my Aang. Maybe they'll even be a she..."
Before she could continue her ruminations to the wind. Korra heard the door behind her start to open. Surprised that another would be up at this hour, Korra turned to find Asami, bundled up against the cold, slip out the door with her back towards her as if trying to avoid waking anyone.
"Hey, Asami. I didn't expect you to be awake."
Asami jumped, "Oh! Hey Korra. I didn't think anyone would be out here. I can find another spot..."
Korra broke in, suddenly wanting to clear the air, "I'm happy to share. I was just surprised. I'm normally the only night person around here."
"I know what you mean. I got used to late nights in the office cleaning up my father's mess. But I found I didn't mind so much on nights like this. They're peaceful."
"Finally, someone who understands. Tenzin and the White Lotus love their early morning meditations..."
"I really enjoy them here. The air feels so cool and clean. It's so different from the city. I'm sure for you it's just home though."
"That it is. Though I do love the city. Things can get a bit too calm here if you know what I mean. The past month or so excluded."
That elicited a soft chuckle from the pair. Afterward, they lapsed into a not uncomfortable silence letting the calm of the chill air fill them. Before their eyes, a few errant snowflakes floated lazily towards the city below. Korra glanced over at Asami and could almost feel a slight sadness and loneliness coming from her friend. Feelings Korra knew all too well.
"Asami... I owe you an apology. I really regret how I've treated you especially with everything surrounding Mako. You didn't deserve any of it."
"I won't lie and say it didn't hurt but I think I'm more liable to blame Mako than you, Korra. I owe you an apology too. I could have done things differently too."
"Thank you, Asami. I was afraid you'd hate me. I really don't want to lose you or Mako as friends. You both have stood by me through a lot since we all met." Korra gave a pained look but forced herself to continue, "Despite being the Avatar, I've never had that many close friends."
"I don't think I could ever hate you, Korra. But I know the feeling since I was worried about the same thing," Asami reached over and put a comforting gloved hand on Korra's arm. She continued, "Growing up most of the people trying to befriend me were only trying to get in with my father, so you're not the only one."
"I grew up surrounded by the White Lotus at that compound where all healing pools were set up. You, Bolin, and Mako were some of the first people my age I got to spend much time with."
"Oh, Korra I'm sorry you had to go through that."
"I'm sorry for what you went through too, Asami. Do you think we'll be able to get past everything that happened with Mako? Because I would really like to get to know you better. I think we could be great friends."
"I think we can, and I think we will be. I hope you don't mind me saying it, but I don't think he is right for either of us. At least not in that way."
"I know what you mean. He's a great friend but as a boyfriend... we just don't work. All we seemed to do was fight."
"I was getting worried for the two of you. I didn't want you both to hurt each other."
"I didn't want you hurt either, but we can't change that now. Did I tell you I threw his desk halfway across the police station?"
Korra and Asami laughed as Korra relived the moment and Asami imagined it in her mind's eye. "That must have been a sight to see. Though I always knew you were amazing."
Korra could have sworn Asami just winked at her and had to fight off the rising heat from her blush. Korra hoped that Asami wouldn't notice or would blame it on the cold.
"You're one to talk. You're pretty amazing yourself, Asami. The things you can create are incredible, including saving your company. You're the most natural pilot and driver I've ever heard of too."
Now it was Asami's turn to fight off her rising blush. If either young woman noticed the others' blush, they did not mention it.
"I'm just trying to keep up with the rest of Team Avatar. I may not be a bender, but I do what I can."
"We'd be lost without you, I think. The way you flew that plan was so incredible to watch. My dad's been raving about how well you handled Naga when you took him to safety."
"Naga's a sweetheart. I didn't really have to do much. I get a similar feeling watching your bending. It's beautiful."
"Hmm... Naga's also pretty stubborn though so she must really like and trust you. Others haven't had much luck getting her to cooperate. A bit like me and satomobiles."
Korra flashed Asami her signature Avatar crooked grin causing Asami to laugh. Korra joined her with her own laughter. Both women quietly hoped they would hear the other's laugh more often finding comfort and happiness in the other's mirth.
Asami, eventually sobering, continued, "Thanks, Korra. I needed that. You know I could give you driving lessons if you'd like?"
"You'd do that?"
"Of course. We're friends after all and it's an easy excuse to hang out together. I'm sure we could both use an excuse to step away from our responsibilities for a bit."
"You're brilliant, Asami! I'd love to learn from you. Let's do it! I'm a bit nervous about returning to Republic City tomorrow..."
"Worried about the vines that sprouted all over the city?"
"It's like you're reading my mind. I'm sure Raiko will be blaming me for them already and if I can't get rid of them... I just don't want the city turning on me again."
"President Raiko shouldn't be able to treat you like that. It isn't right. No one worth worrying about will blame you. And you can bounce ideas off me any time."
"I really appreciate that Asami. Your support means a lot. I hope you know you can do the same with me. I might not understand everything but I'm happy to listen."
"Yours means a lot to me too, Korra. It helps to know that neither of us is alone no matter how much it can feel like it."
"I know what you mean. We certainly have a lot in common. Both young women in positions of power in the public eye. Both only children. I'm glad we met Asami and I'm excited to be better friends."
"I'm looking forward to it too..." Asami's words were cut off by a blast of frigid arctic air.
"We should probably get inside. A storm will be here any minute and it's getting pretty late." Korra had to shout to be heard.
Unsure if Asami heard her, Korra reached out and took Asami's hand. Asami, catching on, followed Korra back into the estate. The pair walked a little way before dropping each other's hand and turning to face each other.
"I'm glad we ran into each other tonight. I had been wanting to clear the air, but I hadn't found the right moment since I ended things permanently with Mako a couple of days ago." Korra spoke quietly and was standing fairly close to Asami as not to disturb the rest of those staying at the estate.
"Good thing I decided I could use some air and wanted to admire the aurora before we left. I really enjoyed tonight." Asami mirrored Korra, leaning forward and speaking softly.
"We can talk more on the boat ride back if you'd like."
"I'd like that. We should probably get some sleep, or they might try to leave without us. Good night Korra."
"Whose idea was it to get the early morning ship anyways... Good night Asami. See you bright and early."
Korra and Asami shared a hug and parted for their rooms hoping to eke out a few hours' sleep before they had to leave for their ship. Little did the pair know that had just begun down the long and winding path that would lead them to become best friends and, eventually, lovers and soulmates. Nor that years later they would remember this conversation and seek out the same spot every time the pair visited Korra's parents.
