A Legend of Korra Fanfic
By Sakura Martinez (SMTsukishiro)

Summary:

A promising engineering student. A mysterious woman capable of controlling the four elements. When their paths cross, the resulting collision not only changes their lives and themselves, but the fate of the entire world as well. [Korrasami AU]

The Legend of Korra:

The Schism

Chapter 41: Resolution

Avatar Korra didn't know for how long she had been wandering around the history-filled, dirt-ridden, cobblestoned pathways of Shu Jing. Even if she could, she found that she didn't particularly care for the moment. Walking alone, as she did, gave her ample time to weigh her own feelings—something she had scarcely, if ever, thought to consider.

Feelings—emotions—were a human thing. And she wasn't anything near human. At least, that was before the Four Elemental Spirit Lords had been forcefully removed from her and her status as Raava's incarnation—the Avatar—became nothing more than a title. Certainly, she could still bend the elements to her will, but she wasn't all-powerful any longer.

She could feel things, other than human emotions, she couldn't before. Like hunger and pain. Weakness. It took a lot of getting used to. Even now, there were still things she couldn't understand.

Maybe it was her failure to truly understand human nature that placed her and Asami Sato at odds with each other; the reason why Asami had attacked her.

Korra absent-mindedly rubbed the spot on her shoulder where Asami's glove had left an imprint. There was no sign of it now, but the Avatar could still feel the burning sting. The memory of the act sent a painful pang to her heart so strong that Korra had to stop walking and keep herself from falling to her knees as she gripped the middle of her chest.

It was something Avatar Korra had never experienced before; a pain that only comes after that memory resurfaces.

Not this again, the dark-skinned, young woman tried to shake the thoughts and feelings away, even when the old man had suggested that she face them head on.

"Never hold back your feelings," the old man had said. "Let them flow like water. For he who holds back, creates a well of emotions to drown in."

She knew those words rung true. And, at the time, she truly believed she could face her feelings and Asami Sato as bravely as she would a foe, but as she continued to make her way back to their inn, she slowly began to falter.

What was she to say when even now it was clear to her that she still held a smidge of contempt against the human she had truly considered her friend? How was she to speak truthfully when, even now, she questions Asami's own prerogative to be honest with her, when she knew that underneath it all Asami feared her? Should she even bother to sort out this whole mess with the human? Why did she even need to?

And yet, even as those questions piled up one after the other, Korra already knew the answer to them.

She already had the words to say in mind for when she would eventually speak with Asami. She would speak them as truthfully as she could, putting her faith and trust that she would be given the same courtesy; she would trust Asami even when there was fear in her that it would not be reciprocated. She would mend the bridge burnt by what had transpired that night because Asami was her first human friend; because there was something about Asami Sato that was unlike all the other humans she had come across, even those who lived in Nia Bayou; because Asami Sato was someone she cared for deeply—a thing Korra didn't expect would happen.

And because—

Whatever admission of thought could have come after those two, simple words were lost the moment the Avatar rounded the corner.

Raava's incarnation prided herself as a person who was always ready for anything, unfazed by the sudden change of wind. Calm. Composed. And when the need arose could tackle everything and anything that needed to be faced. That was how an Avatar should be.

Again Korra wondered if being an Avatar had turned to nothing more than just a title with her.

Asami Sato sighed even when her thoughts had finally been cleared of the things that cluttered it. Perhaps that was the very reason why she had sighed. Or perhaps it was because she had come to realize something important. Something that had seemed so frustratingly mundane—normal—and even logical.

"Never let your actions be inspired by fear, Asami. Let all you do be out of love. It is something your mother, Yasuko, took to heart."

It wasn't that long ago when that mysterious woman she had encountered at Taku said those words, but she had forgotten them during the moment she needed to remember them most.

That woman—whomever she may have been—had warned her about the correlation between motivations and actions. She had been told of the difference between doing something out of love, and acting out of fear. And yet, what did she end up doing?

Bolin—whom she had to part with once again, with the promise of meeting up sometime in the future—had opened her eyes to the fact that her actions were brought about by fear. It wasn't the question of whether what she had done was the right thing or not, but rather what had motivated her to act that had created a rift between her and the Avatar. She had feared Korra. Mistrusted her, even. That was truly the gist of it. That was truly where her fault lay.

And now, she had come to a decision. She was going to own up to her mistake and apologize—something she realized she should have done instead of ignoring the elephant in the room (or trying to, at least). She was going to admit to her fault and face whatever consequences that may be as soon as she found the missing Avatar.

Asami couldn't help think, however, that apologizing to Korra was the easier of the two as she had come to grasp that Korra was challenging to find when she didn't want to be found. Not that Asami truly knew whether the shorter girl wanted to be found at that moment or not. She could scarcely imagine what goes through the mind of someone like Korra, after all.

Still, there was a certain kind of relief that she hadn't found her still. Even when she felt ready to admit her wrong and apologize for it, there was still a sense of nervousness at how Korra would take it and what she would say in return.

Already, various scenarios played in the young inventor's mind of what could be. And with each of them Asami thought of a counter-measure, planning what was best to say and thinking of ways to better express herself without causing the Avatar much more distress.

It seemed, however, that fate intended to keep on teaching her a lesson. For just when she thought that, perhaps it would be better to simply let Korra's possible frustrations with her cool-off and wait until the morn to do what needed to be done, fate showed her that often the universe conspires to make things happen…whether you were ready for it or not.

Because, at that moment when her heart faltered in what she had already readied herself to do, did she hear her name being called—softly, hesitantly—by the Avatar's voice.

"Asami?"

Korra would have slapped herself if she had the time to do when that name escaped her lips, un-beckoned. It was like her mouth had a will of its own, choosing to speak when she did not truly wish it to. She hadn't meant to call on Asami when she saw her, looking so pensive. Especially not when it seemed as though the raven-haired human didn't even know their paths would meet that night.

The Avatar had hoped that the wind wasn't able to carry her voice, knowing that it had sounded so small and so very much uncertain. And, for a very brief moment, she had thought that really was a possibility. That possibility disappeared completely when Asami was shaken out of her thoughts and looked at her.

If there was one consolation in accidentally calling out to the human, it was the look she had received in turn. Even the young Prodigy was surprised to see her, a testament that she really didn't expect their paths to cross that night as well.

Or so Korra would like to think. After all, it seemed less distressing to know that she was not the only one who was hoping to postpone what needed to be done.

"K-Korra?" was Asami's response as she halted in her steps. She, too, looked as though the person in front of her was nothing more than an apparition.

Yes, Korra thought to herself. She is definitely surprised.

"What are you doing out here and—" the Avatar frowned as she looked up towards the moon still shining brightly overhead, but ready for its descent, reading the time as though it was written plainly in the heavenly bodies above. "—so very late in the night?"

It was the most Korra had said to Asami since the events that had happened at the airship. They both knew it. And, the length by which she was spoken to was enough of an indication for them both that, though the wounds lingered still, Korra had already offered as much of an olive branch as she could at that moment.

"That should be my line." Asami walked towards her, stopping just a few paces away. There was a pause of uncertainty as the Prodigy looked everywhere except the Avatar before adding, "But, if you must know, I woke up and saw your bed empty. I've been looking for you since."

Korra's head snapped right back to look at Asami, perplexed as she asked, "Looking for me? What for?" But no sooner had she asked that question did it became apparent to her the reason why. The Avatar gave a mirthless chuckle, shaking her head as she added, "Ah…I see. I understand. You thought I have left you all behind…again."

"That's not…" Asami was about to protest, but thought better of it. Who was she kidding? Was that not always the reason why she would look for Korra? "No. You're right. But, can you really fault me for that? I really thought you had left us this time around."

The Avatar looked guilty as she admitted, "I had thought about doing just that. A part of me had considered a few hours ago that maybe I should. But then, I did make a promise and, regardless of what you may think of me, Miss Sato, I always try keep my word."

There was a moment of silence that stretched towards the realm of awkwardness as both looked away from each other. The Avatar trying to decide how to say the things she wanted to say and not make it seem like she was blaming the other even further, while the Prodigy did her best to keep from shifting from one foot to the other like a little child as she gauged the best way to breach the topic.

In the end, however, both came to the same decision at the same exact time. So much so that they blurted the words out in unison.

"I'm sorry."

Neither expected the other to speak a word of apology. Both of them thinking that they were in the wrong themselves, that it did not cross their mind that the other might think the same way about themselves.

The unexpected apology said and received made both parties lips quirk into a small smile—the first one they had shared since that night. Again, the tension eased.

"Why are you apologizing to me?" Asami asked, a second later. She lowered her head, allowing some of her hair to fall down and obscure her face, as she added, "I was the one who was in the wrong. I was the one who hurt you; the one who failed to trust you. I let my fear get the better of me, and for that I am truly sorry, Korra."

The Avatar didn't speak at once. Didn't even acknowledge that she had heard and accepted Asami's apology. And, even though Asami wanted to look at the shorter girl, she couldn't. So afraid was she to know what the expression etched on Korra's face would be.

"I won't lie to you and say that I didn't feel devastated and confused by what you did." Korra's words were slowly delivered and spoken with care. "It was something I didn't expect and even now I wonder if I should have. I kept asking myself why…and I was about to give up on finding the answer. Like I've said, I have really thought about—and was greatly tempted—to simply leave you, Opal, and Kai behind…regardless of the promise I had made."

Korra took one step closer towards Asami, whose eyes were still downcast. "But then, I met this strange, old man up in Piandao's Castle. He gave his insight about what was plaguing me. And though I do not wish to admit it, he was right." She smiled at the memory of the old man she had met just a few hours ago. "He made me realize things I would not have on my own."

"Things like what?" Asami dared to look at Korra as she asked. She was surprised to see that, although there was still a little bit of pain dancing in her eyes, there was also something else. Understanding. Forgiveness.

"Honesty. Trust. About how a human's mind—their perception—generally works." At the look Asami was giving her, Korra was quick to add, whispering conspiratorially. "Don't fret, he doesn't know who I am. I believe he just thought me a troubled human with a penchant for trespassing on to historic sites."

"But, from what you are saying, I don't really see why you are apologizing to me…"

Korra looked thoughtfully at Asami for a moment before she turned her attention to their surroundings. Looking around, the Avatar checked if there was anyone in the vicinity who may have been eavesdropping on their conversation. There was an instant when the Avatar's brows furrowed, as if sensing something Asami could not—and, quite frankly, Asami would not be surprised if that was the case.

It took a moment before she faced her raven-haired companion once more. But instead of explaining herself, Korra walked towards an empty bench sitting by the side of the cobblestoned road, and sat, patting the space next to her when she noticed Asami had not followed.

Again, Korra waited for a couple of heartbeats before she spoke. And again, it was not to explain herself.

"Can I ask…? You said you let fear get the better of you. A fear of what? Was it me? Did you truly fear me at that time?" the Avatar asked bluntly. "What was going on through your mind that made you decide on that course of action?"

Asami closed her eyes upon hearing the torrent of questions. Her heart palpitated in her chest faster than she would have liked. She was nervous, as anyone would be when tasked to admitting the truth, especially when much was needed to explain.

Before she could open her mouth to answer, Korra quickly added, "And please tell me the truth. I would like to hear it..."

And so, with a shaky breath, Asami responded, telling Korra everything she had been thinking at that moment back at the airship.

"At first, I was afraid of the thought that I would have to be brought back to my father," Asami began. "The coastguards that stopped us, they realized who I was, thought I was kidnapped, and were promising to rescue me from my kidnappers. I had explained to them that I wasn't, but they were adamant about 'rescuing' me." She made air-quotes at the word, "That was when I decided to try to get them off the ship."

"That's why the fight broke out," Korra nodded, making a statement rather than asking a question. Opal, who had told Kai, who in turn had spoken with her, had told her that much.

"Yes." Even when Asami recounted the events, she sat as stiff as though she was a witness forced to testify in a court of law. "And, well, you knew what happened after that. You and Kai decided to take matters into your own hands. When—" Asami paused, taking a breath. "—When you seemed gleeful at the prospect of dealing with the intruders that boarded the airship and with the way you and Kai handled the others that had surrounded us, my mind couldn't help but flash back to that time when you were about to kill that guard back at the Academy and how you had looked with Mako. The men who had boarded the vessel were already tied and incapacitated, but from the way I saw it, it looked as though that was not enough for you."

Another shaky breath. "Then you started talking about getting rid of Mako just like how you were going to get rid of those men. And then with the explosion and how you didn't seem to hear what I was trying to say…I just lost it. I was afraid of what you would do to those men…and yes, though I hate to admit it, I was afraid of you."

"You thought I was going to kill them…just like what I had intended to do with that man way back at your Academy that night we met and you thought it best to stop me?"

"Yes."

"Even when I had already given my word that I would not?"

Asami shrugged. "As I have said, I failed to trust you. Even though I did, for the most part, believed in what you say, there is still a part of me that didn't. Even when we had experienced much in such a short amount of time, after all the dangers we have braved, that part of me that has a hard time believing in your words still couldn't trust you all that much. I suppose, at the end of the day, you and I are still strangers to one another. I know so little of you, and you of me. The only things we do know of each other are from the tidbits we do share about ourselves. And it is hard, Korra, to understand what goes on through your head most of the time…"

Neither Korra nor Asami spoke for a while after that, letting the cacophony of nocturnal animals inhabiting Shu Jing drown out the silence.

"That was why I was apologizing," Korra sighed and closed her eyes, leaning further into the bench where they sat. "I did not take into account your feelings. I didn't bother to explain what I was going to do. I just went ahead and did what I believed was right, thinking that you had no say in the matter."

"It is strange," she went on to say. "As the Avatar, I never once had to worry about what people would think of my actions. I lived, after all, at a place where people do not question it. To be honest, sending Kai out in search of me was the first I recall the people of Nia Bayou—or the Chieftains, at least—really thought about questioning me and wondering what I was up to. I was left alone for the most part. I didn't associate with the humans, and they only come to me when they need help, or to offer prayer."

"But then I met you." Korra opened her eyes then and stared straight at Asami's own. "I may have said it before, but you were the first human to have ever stood up against me. The only one who had the gall to think herself equal from the very first time we met." The dark-skinned, young woman grinned. "I must admit, I begrudged you for that."

Asami's eyebrows shot up, "Really?"

"It is true." The Avatar nodded. "Even now, and even before what had happened with those coastguards, there are times that I feel so frustrated about you…It is still something I do not quite understand. Or, perhaps, it is with me I feel frustrated with."

"Well, if we're talking about frustrations, you are among my list as well." Asami said in jest, though they both knew it held truth in them.

"I am not easy to handle, am I?" Korra chuckled. "But, regardless, your frustration with me and of me with myself stem from different things. I am more frustrated with something even Jinora had pointed out. And, quite frankly, it was something that made me fear you, as well."

"Okay, now you are just pulling my leg." The Prodigy huffed as she crossed her arms. She had thought this discussion was a serious one. If Korra had time to say something as foolish as that, then it wasn't as somber as she thought it was.

Chocolate-colored brows furrowed. "I do not understand. I am not even touching you. How can I be 'pulling your leg'?" And then Korra stood up, quickly looking around. She looked ready for battle. "Wait, don't tell me…are the spirits trying to wind you up?"

"What?"

Asami looked incredulously at Raava's incarnation. She was perplexed at what Korra was saying, wondering where she got that from. Before she realized the Avatar had once again misinterpreted her words. She couldn't help the laughter that bubbled up from within her. And when Korra looked strangely at her like she was the one who had gone crazy, she laughed even more.

"Why are you laughing?" Korra's eyes were mere slits as she spoke, squinting at Asami as though she was some kind of specimen.

"It was an expression, Korra. A figure of speech. I didn't mean someone was pulling my leg literally." The aspiring inventor explained. "What I had meant was that you were only just making fun of me."

"Oh." Korra's blushed, turned away, and scratched her cheek. "You humans have a strange way of speaking."

"Not as strange as you always are," Asami answered back with a grin.

"Hey!"

"Well, it's true. You can ask Opal and Kai too if you want."

The Avatar grumbled, but did not take Asami's challenge, which only served to make the other girl smile smugly.

"So, dare I ask what is it that made you, the almighty Avatar, fearful of me?" Asami's eyes crinkled into a smile as she asked, still thinking Korra's previous statement was a jest.

"There is no single thing." Korra had turned her back then as she gave her answer. "Just…you. Everything about you. With you, it is frightful, really…especially with the way Jinora had phrased it." She cocked her head to the side as she recalled, from memory, the Air Nomad's words, "'Anyone who can get the Avatar to do things she would rather not, is something worth fearing.' She was not wrong about that. Had it been anyone else, I do not think I would even stop to consider what they have to say as I do with you. You are…different." Again, the Avatar frowned. "Though, different doesn't seem adequate a word…it is what I have now, though."

How was one meant to respond to something like that? Asami had no clue. She was taken aback. Never had she expected to hear something like that from anyone—especially Korra.

"You're not…kidding, are you?" was all she managed to say in return.

Korra turned to look at Asami. "I said I wasn't, did I not? The words I have spoken are true."

"Well, I don't really know what to say to that." Said Asami. "I don't even know why you would think and feel that way about me."

The shorter girl shrugged. "As I have said, I do not understand it myself. Human emotions are so…complex. It's remarkable how you humans can keep track of them all."

"Not everyone can. I doubt even I have a handle on all my emotions, as I think you know by now."

The Avatar hummed in response, having said what she had for the moment. Korra was content. Relieved, even. The weight—the burden—that was on her shoulders and the pain she had carried since that moment had eased. Though she knew these things would never truly fade, what was done was done. What was important was that they had made amends, and both she and Asami had decided to change for the better. It was enough, for now.

"So, what do we do now?" Asami broke her companion's reverie.

Korra looked intently at Asami for a moment before giving her response, saying, "I suppose now we should head back. You look tired, and I am too. And then, come morning, we'll begin our search for those Elemental Cores anew."

Post Chapter Notes:

This chapter was supposed to be a lot longer, but I figured it would be best to leave out some things until later. I think it came out good...of course, I may be quite biased about that. XD

I do hope you guys still remember the woman Asami remembers in this chapter. :)

Again, thank you to everyone who continues to read and support this fanfic. Thank you to those who take their time to review and leave a kudos. It is very much appreciated.

Next chapter, the search for the cores continues, someone new joins the gang, and some more stuff that's going on in Republic City! Until then, dream on; fly on!