A Legend of Korra Fanfic
By Sakura Martinez (aka 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]

Author's Notes:

Hey there, everyone!
I hope the holidays are treating you well!

I had planned to update this fanfic sooner than I did, unfortunately the beta-reading phase got delayed a bit. And when I was notified that the chapter has already been processed by my beta-reader, I was already on our planned family trip that lasted for 3 days and 2 nights. And then, I had to go to work as soon as we came back from that road trip.

It was only just now that I got enough free time to upload this new chapter.
Anyways, I hope you all enjoy reading this! And as always, thank you for the kind words you are giving me in regards to this story.

Dream on; fly on!

The Legend of Korra:

The Schism

Chapter 44: Too Warm A Welcome

It was a heavy-laden sigh; the only sound that broke the silence that had pervaded the room. It was out of necessity that the silence was kept, not just so they could hide themselves, but also to allow the Avatar her much-needed rest.

After they had flubbed their plans to secretly stow away in the airship, a very surprised Bolin had agreed to let them board without question－though, one could guess if seeing a badly-wounded Korra had swayed his earlier stance of not giving them aid. Because they had made a ruckus, however, the Mover Star's Secretary had quickly made her way to his room. It was only through some very ingenious storytelling from her employer and an incredible amount of luck that they were not found out.

Not being found did not mean they could waltz around as they pleased. If anything, they were all confined in Bolin's room, having to share whatever food the Mover Star could smuggle. It was not much. Meager as it was, it was still enough to satiate their hunger.

It had been several days since then－four, Asami reckoned so (she was not so certain herself. Her focus, after all, was on something else entirely). Though her wounds had healed with not even a sign of them left behind, the Avatar had yet to regain consciousness.

The Prodigy wasn't going to lie. She was worried. Greatly so. And she didn't even bother to hide it to the others who viewed this side of her as something entirely new. Even Opal and Bolin, who had known the brilliant, young woman, had never seen her lose sleep over someone. And Asami did lose sleep, something both of her long-time friends could testify to.

They had tried to get the raven-haired, young inventor to rest. Several times, in fact, over the course of those four days. But Asami would simply shake her head and refuse to even get the quickest of winks.

"Someone has to look after Korra," she would say.

To which all three of her companions would tell her that they could do that themselves. And yet, for whatever reason that may be (one that eluded Kai but was not all that difficult for Opal and Bolin to fathom), she would adamantly refuse and change her reasoning to a desire to be awake when Korra finally regained consciousness.

Still, despite how somber everyone seem to be with the ostensibly-comatosed Avatar, there were still a few moments of levity in their trip. One such occurred not long after Asami and her companions fell from the airship's vents right into Bolin's room.

The young actor had just teased Asami of her unexpected and unconventional arrival, choosing to do so instead of being completely stunned by what had just transpired. Perhaps one could equate it to something akin to looking for a silver lining amidst the chaos happening outside. Regardless of what the reason for Bolin's attitude and his way of greeting the intruders, whatever words filled with jest and friendly jab he was to say was lost on him, his mind completely going blank, when a groaning and understandably upset Opal pushed herself up from the tangled mess of bodies.

It was like everything disappeared in Bolin's sight except for the Earth Kingdom native who, at that time, was trying to get fix her mused up hair; every sound was silenced, except for that caramel-skinned, young woman's voice. And, even when he did not mean to (for he knew how rude it could be) he ended up staring at her, his jaw dropping to the floor as though stuffed with a dozen tennis balls.

The effect Opal had on Bolin－oblivious then as she was to the fact－was instantaneous.

And it only took a second for Asami to put two and two together.

"Don't even think about it, Bolin," the young inventor sighed, whispering the words to the young man and hoping he would listen.

"What?" Bolin replied, in a daze. He did not even bother to look at Asami as he spoke, his focus was simply on someone else. "I'm not thinking about anything…"

As he was talking, the young man had taken a couple of steps forward, intent to introduce himself with as much charm as someone of his caliber could deliver. Before he could open his mouth, however, he noticed yet another new addition to Asami's entourage－someone he would not have been made aware of him had he not spoken.

"Asami, Opal, Lady Korra is…" the young man was in a state of panic, which in turn caused both young women in the group to hurry over to his side.

"I hope the fall didn't make things worse for Korra," the other young woman－Opal, Bolin was glad to know－muttered. "I don't think she'd appreciate learning of our drop."

Bolin watched as Asami gently pushed a couple of lose strands from Korra's face. It was then he noticed how badly the darker-skinned girl looked. Whatever thoughts he had about making a move on Opal dissipated then, taking a backseat to helping Korra.

As though a switch was flipped, Bolin quickly went to act, pushing aside the mess he had on his bed and helping the mohawked, young man with the unconscious Korra. As soon as that was done, however, the big, furry thing that the Mover Star first thought to be some kind of rug, gave a loud bark that gave Bolin a massive fright. So much so that he gave a loud enough yelp as he jumped backwards, knocking himself over to his desk which, consequently, knocked over his desk lamp.

It was then that noise that had alarmed Duo Xing and made her charge towards Bolin's room. Had it not been for the young Mover Star's penchant to always keep his room locked, his secretary would have seen the odd assortment of people and the gigantic animal that crowded his room.

Duo Xin did not seem to believe Bolin's explanation when the secretary had asked what was wrong and her employer replied vaguely about being clumsy enough that he tripped on his own, two feet. She was adamant, as Asami and the others (even Naga, as if understanding the situation) all held their breaths, that the young man opened the door so she could check up on him. Had Bolin not reminded her of who was in charge and that he deserved privacy, even going so far as to threaten her of letting the agency know about her forcefulness, Duo Xin would no doubt had gone through great lengths to enter his room.

That was not to say, however, that the older woman did not try to do so. She would not stop doing so in a subtle manner. It came to Bolin having to bolt his room shut and giving instructions to the group only staying by the door that led to his bedroom and bathroom. That was why, every time there was even a hint of someone trying to get into the young man's private quarters, everyone would quickly make their inside wither the bedroom or the bathroom. Save, of course, Korra who was already in Bolin's room, recuperating in his bed and Asami, who was keeping watch over her.

And so, the days meshed together, being cooped up as they were. With Asami taking care of Korra, Opal trying to get her best friend to take care of herself, Kai making sure Naga was well and did not make any kinds of noise that may give them away, and Bolin trying to strike a conversation with Opal.

Opal eyed with much disdain the untouched bowl that sat on the nightstand, her eyes then traveled to the young woman sitting close beside it. Asami's head was nodding, her eyes just about ready to close. And yet, the Prodigy continued to fight off the drowsiness she was feeling. It was unhealthy, and Opal wanted to throttle her for it.

"You're going to get her mad when she wakes up, you know?" Asami quickly straightened herself, rubbing the sleepiness from her eyes.

"What?" The young inventor asked, turning to face her friend.

Opal nodded towards the sleeping Korra. "If you end up getting sick on her account, I mean. I doubt the Avatar appreciates seeing her friends in trouble on her behalf."

Asami scoffed. "I won't get sick. You know that rarely happens, even when I was doing long nights with my studies."

"This and that are completely different things," Opal waved her hand in dismissal as she gently plopped down on the free space on the bed. "Seriously, Asami, you haven't even touched your food. And it's just noodles."

"I'm not hungry," the raven-haired girl muttered. It was a poor excuse and she knew it.

The look Opal gave her would have put her to shame, but Asami did not pay any mind to the other young man. This gave the Historian another reason to sigh.

"You know, this is so unlike you, Asami," She gave the Sato Heiress a sidelong glance. "This is even worse than that time you became such a lovesick puppy for that idiot from your Mechanical Engineering class."

"H-Hey!" the slight mention of her disastrous past relationship still gave Asami cause to blush. This in-turn, brought forth a self-satisfied smirk from the other girl. "T-That was a long time ago! And I was never a 'lovesick puppy'. And Teki was not an idiot."

"He used you to get an invite to one of your dad's gala, then when he was supposed to be your date, he invited another girl to go with him." Opal pointed out, which made Asami flinch. "I'd say this is a new, surprising level for you, though. I mean, the Avatar?"

No matter how much Opal may have left her words open for interpretation, but Asami could allude to the singular thing her friend meant. Knowing that, however, did nothing to keep her ears from burning the same shade as the rest of her face－proving, yet again, that Opal could easily fluster her if the Earth Kingdom native so desired.

"O-Opal!" she hissed, trying not to raise her voice in favor of the resting, young woman. Feigning ignorance, she added, "I don't know what you are talking about."

The Historian rolled her eyes, "Of course, you don't. Just so you know, though, if this is your way of trying to hide it, you're doing a poor job. The only one who don't seem to understand what is going on with you is Kai."

Asami Sato found herself at a loss for words. Her mouth opened and closed, like a fish out of water, as she wrestled with a good-enough comeback. She wanted to argue that Opal was wrong; that her friend was reading too much into things. But even as she wanted to, she also had to be honest with herself. And, the truth was, she was uncertain. She didn't know what it was she felt for Korra, only that she had found herself caring for the shorter girl much too deeply than was wise.

With each second she failed to come up with something to say, Asami became even more discomposed. Thankfully, she was saved from further embarrassment, by Bolin poking his head into the bedroom. The young man's face lit up when he saw Opal.

"Opal, hey!" he beamed, then turned to Asami and said her name as though it was an afterthought. "I just thought I'd let you guys know that we'll be docking on the Fire Nation Capital in around four to five hours."

"I guess we'll have to figure out our next move," Opal mused before she shook her head, turned to face Bolin and thanked him for letting them know.

The smile on the Mover Star's face could not have burned any brighter. And he wore that smile even as he left the two, young women alone once more.

Once they were left by themselves, Opal glanced at Asami once again. Gone was the jesting look she had supported earlier. In its place was a look of pure, unadulterated concern.

"I'm asking this of you as one of your closest friends, Asami, and I hope you heed my words," she said. "Please, please , eat and rest for at least until we get to port. You really could use it."

Cobalt blue eyes blinked trying to ward off the blurriness of vision that came from taking that first few fluttering winks when one returns to the world of the living. As she drifted back to consciousness, the Avatar found herself staring at an unfamiliar, dull-gray ceiling.

The memories of what occurred prior to collapsing flooded her sleep-addled mind. Remembering what had occurred immediately made her eyes widen and the chased the drowsiness away. She would have sat up, no matter how comfy the bed she found herself laying was, if not for the fact that her whole body still ached and felt heavy; the toll of having to fight off those creatures and use her air-bending to carry them all to safety still burned under her skin, making movement difficult.

The Avatar, however, found it a good thing that she was not able to make any sudden movements when, upon turning her head to the side, she came face to face (literally, at that) with Asami Sato peacefully, sleeping mere inches from her head, with the young prodigy's arms tucked underneath acting as her pillow, a couple of lose strands of hair obscuring her face.

At first, Korra thought the other young woman had decided to bunk with her, but closer inspection told her that Asami was not on the bed but had fallen asleep on the chair beside the bed. It didn't seem like a comfortable position to fall asleep in and the Avatar wondered why the Prodigy would subject herself to such a cramped way of sleeping.

She knew that there were a lot more pressing matters to think about, such as their current whereabouts and the status of their other companions, but for that moment, the caramel-skinned, young woman found herself mesmerized.

Korra had seen Asami sleeping many a times since they both went on this quest, but never had she been given such a close look of it until then. It took a while before the newly-awakened Avatar could pinpoint what it was that made the Prodigy look a little bit different.

Her face isn't painted, she felt like it was one of the dumbest things to think about for the moment, even more so when she found herself musing, Asami is still exquisite without it though…I wonder why she has to wear them…

Catching herself with such thoughts made Korra a little bit uncomfortable. Was she supposed to have those thoughts? She didn't really know. She hoped it was. After all, she was just admiring a friend.

And it's not as if anyone would know.

No sooner had that thought escaped her when the first signs of wakefulness manifested themselves on Asami. As she opened her eyes, Korra found herself at a lost as to what to do. She was frozen, still staring at the other girl, her mind completely going blank for reasons that escaped her.

"Hey," her voice sounded husky even to her ears, but that one word was all Korra could manage to come up with to hide her embarrassment, even when she felt her face growing hot.

It seemed Asami was caught with the web of sleep still clouding her judgement, because she smiled at the greeting and returned a "Hi" of her own, looking at the Avatar as though she was one of her favorite things.

Korra returned the soft smile that played on the Sato Heiress with a lazy one of her own.

A heartbeat passed before Asami's eyes widened with sudden realization of where she was, what she had been doing, and who was before her. Quicker than one can say 'Pyrolysis', the taller girl's eyes widened and she snapped back up, looking at Korra with disbelief.

"K-Korra?" Asami asked, uncertain if she was still dreaming.

"Y-Yes?" Likewise, the Avatar stuttered her answer, thinking she was in trouble.

That was why, Korra was completely floored when Asami suddenly tackled her into a hug－something no one has ever done before, nor been given permission to do. The act froze the young Avatar even more. So uncertain was she on how to act, or how to receive such a human contact.

"You're awake!" Korra was certain Asami didn't mean to shout those words out at her ear. Loud as the words were, Asami's relief was even louder. "You're really awake!"

"I would hope so," Avatar Korra replied. "It will be quite difficult to awaken if this was a dream of some kind…so real as it seems."

The fair-skinned heiress pushed herself at arm's length away from Korra, just far enough to get a better look at her.

"Are you alright? Are you feeling better now?" she asked.

"I'm still recuperating." the Avatar shrugged. "And I think it may take a while longer before I can stop feeling the ache all over my body." Seeing that her answer did nothing to make the other girl feel better, Korra immediately added, "Not to worry. This will pass."

Korra could see that Asami didn't take her at her word. There was doubt, and she could understand why. Even the Avatar herself was uncertain that her words rung true. She hoped it did. And that was all she really could do at that point. All both of them could do.

"But, we've used that bottled healing water on you…" Asami couldn't understand why that would not have completely healed Korra of all her aches and pains. It had worked on her and Opal before, after all.

Looking away, the Avatar said with a shrug, "Then perhaps what I have bended was not as potent as I thought it was. Perhaps my being the Avatar has something to do with it not working as it did with both you and Opal. I don't really know for certain…"

Steering the conversation away from her well-being, Korra asked, "Tell me, is everyone alright?"

The Prodigy pushed herself further away from the Avatar, if only to be able to sit properly and more comfortably. It also gave Korra enough leeway to get herself comfortably sitting as well.

"Yes," Asami replied. "Everyone's doing fine. We got away okay. Although, Kai isn't taking your injuries and you falling unconscious too well. He's blaming himself for what happened to you." And he should, the raven-haired girl thought. He was the one who suggested the whole thing.

"You are…upset," the shorter girl－surprisingly－was quick to pick that up. "I suppose that makes sense. I did end up doing something reckless, even if it was something Kai had audaciously suggested. But, I have told you before, I will do whatever I can to ensure you're safety and everyone else's…that's all I can do." Korra's face darkened. "If I can save, at least, you, Opal, Kai, and Naga, that should mean something…even if I have caused so much pain and suffering to the other humans once again."

Asami carefully searched the young Avatar's face. She couldn't believe that Korra was actually pained by her inability to save the citizens of Shu Jing. She also couldn't believe that Korra would readily put herself at the spotlight, blaming herself for what had happened.

"What happened wasn't your fault, Korra," she shared her sentiment, touching the other girl's knee for good measure. She hoped such a gesture would comfort Raava's Incarnation. "You didn't do anything to harm those people. Those creatures did."

If Asami had hoped her words would soothe whatever inner turmoil Korra was feeling, she was wrong. The Avatar winced, as though Asami's words were an arrow that pierced through her.

"That's－" Korra began, but was not able to finish.

The bedroom door flew open. Quickly, two sets of eyes turned to its direction; one already had her hand equipped with the Shock Glove, while the other managed to push herself up to a viable, defensive position. Both of them thinking the worst－especially Korra who had yet determined where they were.

It was a strange sight. And if Kai－who had been the one to open the door－had found it thus, he didn't say. Although, his jaw did drop upon seeing his mistress finally awake. Although, he didn't dwell too much on that fact. Instead, the Avatar's Steward went straight to the point of his sudden bursting into the room.

"There's been a change of plans," he told Asami in particular. The crease on his forehead another indication that whatever that change was, was not good. "We're not landing by the Fire Nation Capital."

So, we've managed to sneak into the airship, then… Korra mused, one of her unasked questions, answered.

"We're not?" The change was unexpected. Bolin had assured her that they would. "Why? Did something happen?"

"Bolin didn't say," Kai shook his head. All Korra could do was watch the exchange, though she took whatever information was given. "All he said was that his secretary had made plans behind his back."

"So, where will we be landing docking?"

"The Royal Capital."

He wanted to let out a sigh of frustration. He had so much on his mind now that having to interact with that young man once again seemed like punishment from a trickster god.

It wasn't like he didn't enjoy the young man's stories. He did. Some of them were interesting. But he found it tiring to hear his constant chatter and his loud and energetic manner of speaking.

But there was nothing he could do. With the sudden mix up, they needed an entertainer－a special guest－to hold their visitors' attention. There was no one else to fill that spot on such short notice, than the rising star currently making his rounds on the Fire Nation.

Still, he couldn't truly fathom why－of all people－his own daughter would think it wise to add him to the delegates that would welcome the famed Mover Star. Although, he had an inkling it had something to do with a previous commentary he had made in regards with his age.

Their citizens might think of their Fire Lord as someone who had no funny bone in her body; someone who was a bit too serious with her mind only stuck on one thing: the betterment of their nation and its people. The old man, on the other hand, knew her daughter as someone with a sense of humor he could liken to an old flame of his.

He chuckled at the thought. No matter how vexed he was, he could never truly fault his daughter for doing what she needed to do, if only to get back at what he had said. The only silver lining he could think of, at that moment, was that he was not the only one in the Royal Family to go welcome the Mover Star. His grandson, thankfully, would be there as well.

Korra sat on the bed and watched as a flurry of activity happened all around her. Everyone was busy, even Bolin (who had equally been happy to see her awake, despite the trouble she had caused him).

She wanted to be able to do something, but when she tried to stand and give a hand, she had almost fallen face-first on the carpeted floor. That had made everyone stop what they were doing and worried about her, of course. They dotted her, asking her what had happened. The Avatar almost lied. She had almost told them she had merely lost her balance. It would have been a plausible prevarication from someone who had spent days in bed.

But she couldn't get the lie out. Looking at Asami, made her swallow the falsity she was about to say and, instead, speak out the truth. It was maddening to find herself unable to do anything that would disappoint the human she had come to value as someone important. And though she wanted to get to the bottom of it, Korra didn't think she was ready to find the answer waiting for her at the end of the line. Not yet, at least.

That was how everyone came to learn of the meaning behind the strange discoloration of the Avatar's right leg…and the truth of what had happened in Shu Jing. Of how Korra believed it was her fault the Dark Spirits found their way to the land of the living.

As she expected, they did not blame her for it. Even Bolin, who could scarcely grasp the situation, agreed with the others in saying that she was not at fault. It didn't completely erase the guilt the Avatar felt, but knowing she had these humans behind her did make her feel better.

Though, whatever that happy feeling was dissipated when Korra tried to stand and walk on her own. She couldn't do so without help. Every time she put too much weight on her right foot, a pain so intense it felt as though her entire leg was being torn off would spring up.

And so, while everyone was busy getting ready for yet another plan that involved "blending in", Korra merely watched and waited. She had little to provide at the moment, being clueless to the attires of the people outside of Nia Bayou, and so she just waited for whatever clothes the humans would toss her way and tell her to try out.

With nothing but the animal furs and dried pelt made for clothing as her sole understanding of what humans deemed as 'fashion', Korra could only try out one form of clothing after another. Unlike before, however, she was mindful not to take her clothes off when Kai and Bolin were around. She didn't want to freak out either (or both) of Asami and Opal once again.

Despite the number of clothes they had her wear, in the end, she settled with the ones she was already wearing: the pale brown Sherwani. Tattered as it was on some places, it was the only set of clothing they had on-board that was neither fanciful nor would show the markings on Korra's arms and forearms. The Avatar didn't complain, however. Why would she? They were quite comfortable and easy to move in, so unlike the clothes the others had chosen for themselves.

By the time everyone had picked out the "disguise" (Korra could hardly call it that. It was easy to recognize them all if one were to only pay attention), the captain of the airship had already notified everyone of their landing.

They didn't really have a plan going in. They couldn't act as though they were part of Bolin's entourage. Not with Duo Xing around, who could easily disprove such a claim. They were left with one option－as dangerous and unpredictable as it was.

"Just wait here until after we've left," Bolin instructed the group. Then he handed a small, silver keycard to Asami and said, "That should override all the systems and allow you to pass through doors without any problems. But you guys still need to be careful, we are at the heart of the Fire Nation. This place will be heavily guarded."

"We feared as much," Asami sighed as she took and pocketed the keycard.

The somber air that had settled on the once-bustling room was palpable. It was as if both Asami and Bolin knew that this would be the last they would see of each other for a long while.

"I won't claim to fully understand what's going on and I am afraid this is all that I can do, but please, all of you, be careful." He said, his pale-green eyes lingering on Opal the longest. He had wished to know the young woman some more, but time and circumstance seemed to be against him.

"Don't worry, Bolin," Korra spoke up. "I will make sure to keep them safe. I swear this, as the Avatar."

The young man shook his head. He turned his full attention to the young woman who was still testing her weight on her right foot even when her friends have already told her not to.

"That's all well and good, Korra," he said. "But you have to make sure to keep yourself safe as well. It would do no good to anyone if you end up getting injured again. You guys are lucky you happened to crash into my room. If it had been anyone else, I doubt all of you would have arrived here."

It was a breath of fresh air－not just to Asami, but to Opal and Kai as well－to hear someone else say those words to the Avatar. Though, they were equally as worried that she might not take kindly to the reprimanding way Bolin had spoken.

The Avatar, in a surprising display of childishness, rolled her eyes, crossed her arms, and blew raspberry. "I am not like you humans. I do not injure easily."

And yet, even as she said those words, Korra wondered just how much of that was true now. This wasn't the first time she was hurt, true. But this was the first that she was actually bothered by the injury she sustained.

"Human or not," Bolin charged straight on, though he spoke lightly. "It doesn't lessen your 'badassery' any to be cautious." He placed both hands inside his pockets and rocked himself back and forth by the balls of his feet. "I mean, I haven't seen you in action, but the way Asami, Opal, and Kai told it, makes it seem like you're way more heroic than Nuktuk."

"Nuk-who?" Korra asked, puzzled. She didn't know whether to take Bolin's words as a compliment or not.

"It's the name of the titular character in Bolin's show," it was Opal who explained, matter-of-factly, which made Bolin light up. "It's also the character Bolin portrays in that show." Seeing the confused look on Korra's face, the young Historian was quick to add, "He's an actor; a performer."

"Are you likening me to something made-up?" Korra's eyes blazed and both Asami and Opal exchanged uneasy looks. It was far too similar to how Opal had, unintentionally, insulted Korra the same way when they had first met.

Before Bolin could say anything that might have dug him further into a hole, and before Korra could show just how real she as an Avatar was, the two friends stepped in.

"He doesn't mean anything by it, Korra," Opal said.

"It was a compliment. Just take it." Asami nodded in agreement.

The Avatar continued to glare, though－thankfully－she didn't set anything (or anyone) on fire. Still, neither Asami nor Opal wanted to take the chance. It was, therefore, advantageous to them when someone finally knocked on the door.

The act caused everyone to stiffen and hold their breath. Kai even went so far as to taper Naga's mouth with his own hands, even when the Polar Bear Dog was not making a sound to begin with.

"Bolin?" Duo Xing's voice sounded from the other side of the room. The young man in question placed a hand over his lips, signaling everyone to be quiet.

"Yeah, I'm here." He called out.

"I hope you've prepared yourself well," the Secretary went on. "And I do hope you are ready."

Bolin glanced at the others in the room with him. "Yeah, I am. Give me a second. I will be right out."

Silence, followed shortly by, "Do not make us wait too long. The Royal Family has sent an envoy to meet with us."

They all waited for the sounds of retreating footsteps before they all expelled the breath they were holding.

"A welcome from the Royal Family?" Opal whistled, clearly impressed. "I knew you were famous. I didn't think you were that famous."

The Mover Star grinned sheepishly, "Y-Yeah. It's not that big of a deal. I've actually met the Royal Family before…"

"Color me impressed." Again with the smile that Bolin was certain had already melted his heart on more than one occasion. Who knew 'love at first sight' was an actual thing?

"That's something hard work can do," He grinned. Then shook his head. Again, this was not the time. "A-At any rate, I better be going. If I don't go out there soon, Duo Xing might really break that door open and then we'll all end up being busted."

They all nodded.

Before Bolin left the room, however, Asami pulled him for one, last hug.

"Thank you, Bolin." she said. "For everything."

She watched as her charge came bounding down the steps of the airship, far too chipper at that time of day and with the searing weather. She couldn't understand what went on in that young man's mind. She never did, and didn't know if she ever would. But that was neither here nor there. This was yet another one of her missions; something that needed to be done.

Still, she was worried.

It had been a while since she had received any form of contact from Councilman Tarrlok. She had to shake the unease she was feeling. There was, after all, no need to fret. Councilman Tarrlok had everything under control. There was no way his plans would fail!

Looking away from the young man she considered their 'hostage' (even if he wasn't aware of the fact), she made quick note of the Fire Lord's emissaries. For the land that prided itself in having one of the world's most powerful armies, the representatives did not seem so impressive. One was an old man with a distorted and injured face－the same man they had met and dined with in Shu Jing－and the other was a man who looked too serious for his own good.

Duo Xing shook her head. She didn't know much of the Royal Family, but she had heard stories of their descent and so far they didn't seem to be made from the stuff of legends most people believed they were. They didn't even seem regal enough.

"We bid you welcome, Bolin," the scarred, old man whose name she didn't catch on their first meeting but seemed important enough in the entourage, said. "When I said you were welcomed at the palace any time, I did not think you would decide to visit so soon…"

Bolin laughed, slightly uncomfortable－which was a first. "I am as surprised as you are, sir. To tell the truth, I didn't expect to visit your Royal Palace during my tour as well." He gestured towards Duo Xing as he explained, "My Secretary, Miss Duo Xing, was the one who arranged for this visit. I apologize if it was as sudden as you say it was. I didn't mean to trouble you or the Royal Family."

The old man laughed. Amongst the group, he was the only one who wasn't so stiff.

"It is not that troublesome, young man." he said, amber eyes twinkling. "Unexpected, yes. Troublesome, not so much. My daughter is actually looking forward to meeting a famed actor such as yourself. She rarely gets visits from someone of your stature. I am sure she could do well with a break from matters of the state, and hearing your stories might just be what she needs."

"Grandfather," the man beside him called his attention. He needn't say much more. All it took was those words and the look that passed between the two.

"Ah, yes." The old man said after a while. "I apologize for delaying us. Shall we be off?"

She kept her mouth shut, though she wanted to blurt out a loud 'yes'. She was already sweaty, and it had merely been minutes since they deboarded. She didn't want to stay out any longer than they had to. She glanced at Bolin, waiting for his reply.

The Mover Star glanced behind them, towards the ship, once again. He had been doing that a lot over the past few minutes as well. It was a curious thing that made her look back as well, discretely.

"Y-Yes," again with the stuttering, Duo Xing noted. "Lead the way, Lord Zuko."

We really had lucked out, or so Asami thought as she peeked through the doors of their sanctuary. There was not a soul left in the airship as Bolin had promised. He had taken them along with him to meet with the Royal Family.

It must have been quite a surprise to the crew, even more so to the one who orchestrated their visit to the Imperial Capital. She hoped they would not find it too suspicious.

When they were certain the coast was clear, they left the comforts of Bolin's room and began their way to exit the airship. They had to be careful, however, not knowing who was outside the craft. As they passed through one of the bigger windows by the hallway that led to the cargo bay, Korra noticed something that had stopped her－as well as Naga whom she had been using as support－dead on their tracks.

The Prodigy was not the only one who noticed it, Opal and Kai did as well. Though it was Kai who breached the topic, asking, "Is there something wrong, Korra?"

Cobalt eyes starred, transfix on the view outside. She didn't need to squint just to get a clearer vision. She didn't need to read the lips of others to get a sense of what they were saying.

They waited for the Avatar to speak, to share with them what had gotten her so focused, the crease on her brow reappearing.

"Korra?" Asami walked towards her. She didn't know what the look of surprise and confusion was for, though she knew it was not directed at her. "What is it?"

Korra shook her head. Instead of answering to Asami, however, she turned her response to Opal. "Opal, what did you say the name of the hero in that story was?"

"What story?" Opal asked. She didn't remember telling Korra any kind of tale recently.

"The hero whom your version of the Hundred Year War calls a 'hero'?"

"Prince Zuko?" Opal asked, not really certain what has gotten Korra curious of it now. "What about him?"

Korra turned to face them, curiosity now plainly written in her face as she asked, "That old man…he said his name was Zuko…"

Post-Author's Notes:

And there you guys have it. Another chapter done. And we are getting to the point where Korrasami moments will become more frequent than before. :)

I know some readers might not like how long it is taking Korra and Asami to end up being together. And as much as I love the pair, I do not want to write them rushing into a relationship. We all know that is going to be the endgame-even for this story-but I would like to believe that a relationship is stronger if it is not rushed; if Korra and Asami first grow as their own persons and as friends. It is something of a personal writing-thing for me: to first strengthen the basic bonds before putting the characters (whether in this story or in another one) in a relationship. I do hope you all understand.

Anyways, what do you guys think? I always enjoy hearing from you all.