Chapter 18
"Help me, help me..." Korra hears a chorus of voices moan, as she looks around an impossibly dark room. The voices sound pained.
Moving through a thick wave of bodies, and barely making any progress at all, she sees the President. Isn't he dead?
She spots a dark figure approaching him from behind. The figure pulls something out of it's pocket, and the metallic item gleams in the small amount of light shining in the room.
"Behind you!" Korra screams, trying to stop what's about to unfold before her very eyes. The people from earlier grab her, and prevent her movement, as their cries get louder, and more insistent. She watches helplessly as Raiko's throat is slit.
Watching Raiko's lifeless body drop to the ground, Korra is dragged by the mob still screaming in her ear. At this point, the voices sound more enraged than pained. The hands gripping her, throw her against the ground, and she brings up her arms to guard her face, as they bombard her.
After a moment she opens her eyes, and faces the sight of Asami, struggling as a group of men attack her. She's clearly outnumbered and if Korra doesn't help quickly, it'll be over for her.
With that thought in mind, Korra runs to her help.
She's instantly stopped as a giant fist collides with her face. The momentum of the punch added to her sprint, sends her flying to the ground. Quickly rising to her feet, Korra faces the owner of said fist, on shaky legs. Looking over her opponent's shoulder, she can see Asami being overpowered. She can't waste any time playing with him. She needs to end this quickly. Running at full speed, Korra sees him preparing to punch her again, and she ducks under his fist, and slides between his legs. Righting herself, she tries to run to Asami's aid, when she's yanked by the back of her shirt collar. Choking and coughing, she quickly slips out of her shirt, and wraps it around his wrist, bringing it behind his back.
Left in her bra, she sees Asami being forced to the ground face first, with bruises and scrapes all over her. One of the men that is fighting her, pulls a gun from his belt.
"Korra help!" Asami says with her arm outstretched, reaching for Korra. The man with the gun stomps on her back, and aims at her head.
"No!" Korra elbows her opponent in the back of his head, as he struggles in her grip, and he drops to the ground.
As she starts running to Asami, she's lifted off of her feet. Seems that her opponent had been playing dead. He leads her away from Asami, and she struggles with all her might, kicking, punching, and flailing all of her limbs.
She hears a gunshot go off and her entire body goes limp. Her captor laughs, and it echoes through her head, along with the sound of the gunshot.
"You're too weak to save anyone."
Slowly lifting her head, she looks at Asami's lifeless body. Her arm is still outstretched… wordlessly asking Korra to save her.
"Asami- ASAMI!"
"Korra. Hey. Korra wake up." Asami gently shakes Korra.
Opening her eyes, Korra sees Asami leaning over her slightly. Korra's face is wet, and her hands are balled into the covers, shaking.
"It's okay." Asami pulls Korra against her chest, and soothingly rubs her tears away, just for them to be replaced by more. "I'm right here."
Asami feels Korra wrap her arms around her, and grip for dear life. "Oh Asami." Asami feels light kisses all along her collarbone.
"Are you okay? Do… you wanna talk about?" She asks, after giving Korra a moment to calm herself.
"I was forced to watch the President's murder." Korra hesitates, remembering Asami's dead lifeless body.
"I heard you say my name, too." Asami says, softly.
Almost instantly, Asami can feel Korra stiffen. Pulling away, Korra sits up and clutches the blanket to her chest. "You d-" The words get stuck in Korra's throat. She takes a deep breath before continuing. "I couldn't protect you either. I'm sorry." Korra says, as more tears fall from her eyes.
"It was just a dream." Asami takes Korra's hand.
Shaking her head, Korra's face sits in a frown. "If Lin and Kya hadn't have been there, they would have gotten away with you."
Grabbing Korra's face, Asami matches her frown with a slight glare. "You can't blame yourself for what happened. You fought a guy three times your size, and actually put up a good fight. If it wasn't for you, they would have gotten away with me. Lin and Kya couldn't have found them if you didn't chase us as far as you did. If you weren't there, Lin and Kya would've been outnumbered, and who knows what would've happened. So please, stop being so hard on yourself." Asami gives Korra a quick peck. "Okay?"
Having heard and understood Asami's point, Korra nods. But she had gotten lucky then. She can't allow anything like that to happen again.
"How did they even get you? We were in the bathroom together and you just disappeared." Korra asks.
"I heard the commotion in the main room, and was going to check it out. As soon as I stepped out, somebody put a bag over my head, and drugged me." Asami frowns. "What about you? What did you see in there? I don't really know what happened. Lin was running around looking for Kya, so she doesn't have much information. And Kya was just helping anybody she saw."
Korra returns to lying on Asami's bare chest, before answering. She feels Asami's fingers in her hair and it soothes her. "Well after you disappeared, I went out looking for you. Then I saw the President, slumped over in his own blood. I tried to help him, but it was too late. There was so much blood. I could barely find a pulse. After I confirmed that he was… dead, I found his wife unconscious, on her stupid balcony thing. Then I saw you, getting swept away by those guys. And I wasn't just gonna let them have you. So I chased them."
"And chase them you did." Asami chuckles.
"So has there been any backlash about us?" Korra asks, closing her eyes as Asami massages her scalp.
"No. Well, there were a few posts, right before the attack. But everyone's focused on the President's death."
Korra hums, signaling she had heard her. "When's the next time you're visiting your dad? I'm sure he's worried."
"I was thinking about going tomorrow. Do you wanna come?"
Yawning, Korra shrugs. She winces, as her chest expands. "I don't wanna intrude."
"That's not what I asked."
Korra squirms slightly. "I uh, I do." She has a faint blush over her cheeks.
Smiling, Asami nods. "Okay then. When are your parents visiting?"
"In a week or two." Korra releases a sigh. "The city's in shambles. My dad's going to see what he can do to help, but they probably won't let him do much."
"It may be for the best. Doesn't he have his hands full, with the Southern tribe? He'd lose his mind, having to deal with this… cesspool" Asami cringes.
Korra chuckles, then winces. "Well knowing him, he's still going to try, regardless of if he's running himself into the ground." She says, shaking her head.
Asami looks at her, out of the corner of her eye. "Sounds like somebody I know."
"Hmm? That was different, and you know it." Korra yawns.
"Yeah, whatever. Get some rest, okay?"
Making herself comfortable against Asami, Korra wastes no time taking Asami's advice, and before long, Asami's hearing light snores.
Wrapping her arms around Korra, Asami follows soon after.
The next day Korra awakens, and feels the weight of something draped over her back. She assumes it's Asami, since she distinctly remembers falling asleep in her arms, and can smell her scent.
Remembering last night's events, she smiles lightly. She opens her eyes, and slowly rolls off of Asami, mindful of her aching ribs. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she looks at Asami over her shoulder, and bites her bottom lip. They're both still completely nude. Leaving the bed, she walks around to Asami's side, and places a light kiss to her forehead.
She makes her way into the bathroom, and notices that the floor has water all over it. They sure had made a mess. Walking to the mirror, she inspects her reflection and sees small little bruises all over her neck, accompanied by Asami's lipstick. Her hair is a mess too. Sighing, she walks into the kitchen and grabs the mop, deciding that the least she can do is clean up their mess.
Just as she finishes, she hears someone knocking on the door. She walks over to answer it, before pausing, remembering her lack of clothes. The knocking only gets more insistent, and she looks around for something to cover herself with, before the knocking wakes Asami.
Spotting Asami's red and black coat, she pulls it on and zips it closed before opening the door and glaring, at whoever is on the other side. She's greeted with the sight of Mako, Opal, and Bolin, who had his hand raised, preparing to knock again.
"Korra! We heard-" Bolin starts, only to be interrupted.
"Shh!" Korra says harshly, looking back, inside the house. "Asami's still sleeping." She says, stepping outside and closing the door. She crosses her arms, and looks at them. "What's up?"
"Whoa!" Mako says, covering his eyes.
Korra tilts her head. Looking at Bolin, he has a blush spread across his face, as he looks at his shoes, and Opal is smirking at her like an idiot.
"What?"
"What are you wearing, under that jacket?" Opal asks.
Korra looks at the jacket, and blushes furiously. She rubs the side of her neck. "Oh."
Clearing his throat, Mako brings the attention to him. "Anyway… we're here, because Tenzin wants to see us. All of us. Asami too."
"What does he want?" Korra asks.
Bolin shrugs. "We don't know. It sounded important though."
"I'll go get Asami. You guys can come in, I guess. Just… don't come past the hallway." Korra says, blushing as she rushes into the house and into Asami's room, closing the door.
She moves to Asami's side, and smiles. She looks so beautiful, sleeping like she doesn't have a care in the world. Korra cups the side of her face. "Asami. Wake up."
Furrowing her brow, Asami looks up at Korra confused. "Korra? What's going on?" She sits up, and looks at Korra more closely. "And why are you wearing my jacket?"
Rubbing the back of her neck, Korra blushes. "Well uh, our friends are here, and this was the closest thing around."
"Why are they here?" This isn't making any sense to Asami. She just wants to sleep in her girlfriend's arms a little longer…
"Tenzin wants to see us. Apparently it's important." Korra shrugs.
Sighing, Asami stands. "It must have something to do with the attack the other night."
Korra nods. "I think so too."
Asami stretches and Korra watches closely. "Alright, let me get dressed and I'll be right out."
"Uhh, I don't think I'm in any position to go anywhere right now either." She motions up and down her body.
"Well, let's go take a shower." Asami smiles. "Only a shower though. We don't have time for anything else."
Dropping Asami's jacket to the floor, Korra returns the smile. "Whatever you say, Ms. Sato."
Exiting the bedroom, Korra and Asami stand before their friends, looking much more presentable. Well, Asami more than Korra. Korra still has very noticeable bruises all over her neck.
Asami waves, with a smile. "Hey guys."
A chorus of greetings ring out, and Opal looks at her with a smirk plastered on her face.
Confused, Asami raises an eyebrow.
"How was your night?" Opal asks, causing Korra to cough, and Mako to snort in laughter.
Asami looks around the room. She really needed new friends. "Well, it was pretty quiet..." She looks at Korra out of the corner of her eye, watching a blush creep up her neck.
"Mhmm…" Opal says, skeptically. "Let's go guys."
Everybody exits the door, but Opal stops Asami before she can. "I want to know everything. You're gonna give me all the details. But not too many."
Asami chuckles. "I'll tell you later. I promise."
Satisfied, Opal releases a slight squeal. "I'm so happy for you two!"
They then disappear out of the house. Opal climbs into Mako's car, while Korra waits for Asami by hers.
"Well..." Asami sighs. "That could've gone better." She laughs.
"Just wait until Tenzin's kids see my neck." Korra groans. "If only you didn't get so excited."
Scoffing, Asami looks at her in shock. "Me? I didn't hear you complaining."
Korra thinks back to the details of last night, and shivers as a chill rolls through her. "Whatever… Let's go."
Laughing, Asami complies.
On the ferry, as it closes in on Air Temple Island, Korra can see the kids waiting for her in the distance, with Pema, Tenzin and their newborn Rohan. Ikki and Meelo are by far the easiest to notice, as the both jump up and down in excitement.
"Is this welcoming party for you?" Asami asks, with a cocked eyebrow.
"Well, it's for all of us really." Korra shrugs.
Before the ferry can even dock, a chorus of voices floods their ears. "KORRA!" Wasting no time, the three children jump aboard the ferry, and prepare to tackle Korra in a hug.
"Whoa there guys! Take it easy. Korra's a little hurt, so be gentle." Mako stops them in their tracks, with his arms spread out blocking their path.
Ikki pouts. "What's wrong, Korra? Did it happen at the party? Are you okay? Is that why your neck is all bruised up?"
Opal snorts, while Korra and Asami both blush.
"There will be plenty of time to talk about her injuries during lunch. I'm so glad you two are okay." Tenzin says, as he pulls Korra into a gentle hug.
Korra returns the embrace. "It's good to see that you guys made it out untouched. What the heck is going on Tenzin?"
Returning to his wife's side, Tenzin sighs. He seems tired. "I'm sure you all have a lot of questions. Why don't we go inside and we'll talk more over lunch."
Everyone follows his lead without another word, except for Meelo, who has one of Asami's hands held in his own. "Hello pretty lady. I'll save you a seat by me."
"Sorry Meelo, but Asami's with me." Korra chuckles.
Narrowing his eyes, Meelo looks between the two. "I am prepared to battle for her heart."
"I don't think Korra is in any position to battle anybody." Jinora smiles at them.
"I'll have you know I got these injuries batling for Asami. I'll gladly add onto them for the same reason." Korra playfully glares at Meelo. He sticks his tongue out at her.
Asami shakes her head. "Please don't."
Entering the dining room, everyone takes their seats. Not long after sitting down, Korra's phone starts to ring.
"Hello?" She answers.
"Hey Korra, how are you? I was just scrolling through social media and saw you with Asami, at the First Lady's party. I heard it turned into a real shit show." Kuvira says into her ear.
"Oh, I'm fine. I'll talk to you about it more tomorrow, at work." Korra says, while watching Lin and Kya walk into the dining room.
"Come in a little early, if at all possible. There's something I wanna talk to you about. Oh, and congrats on your relationship." The call ends, leaving Korra no time to respond and she looks at the phone in shock.
That was weird.
"This had better be important. You drag me away from my job for lunch." Lin says, taking a seat at the table.
Kya swats her. "Oh hush."
"Of course. I'm sure you're all aware of the reason I've called you here." Tenzin says, looking from Asami to Korra.
Mako looks at him, confusedly. "I understand why Asami and Korra are here, but why did you ask us to come?" Opal and Bolin nod their heads, not understanding the reasoning.
Tenzin smiles a bit before answering. "I think it's important that you all hear this, considering the amount of time you spend with each other. Plus it's been quite a while since we've all been able to enjoy a meal together."
"So what have you guys found out?" Korra asks. She wants to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible. The longer this goes on the more people get hurt, not to mention she feels uneasy about their interest in Asami.
"The three men who kidnapped Asami are members of The Triple Threats. What we don't know is who sent them, or why they were there." Lin states, clearly annoyed with the lack of information.
Tenzin nods. "It's clear they have an interest in Asami. Maybe Korra now as well, since they've seen you together. Please try not to go anywhere alone, and if you do be weary."
Korra huffs, then winces slightly. "That's no more than we knew two days ago."
Glaring at her, Lin folds her arms. "What do you suggest we do then? I'd love to hear your great plan to speed up this process."
Korra simply stares back at her, giving no response. Even though she does have a plan, it's still too early to disclose it to anyone. Well she's following a lead, more so than a plan. Hopefully she can learn something.
"That's what I thought." Lin grumbles.
"Ladies please." Massaging his brow, Tenzin interferes. "I'm sure we're all very eager to be done with this situation, but please be patient. I know it's frustrating, but bickering with each other will only hinder us. The Vice President plans to give a speech in the next few days. Maybe we can learn something then." He says, ending in a hopeful tone.
Lin stands from her seat and heads toward the exit. "Sure, whatever. I'm going back to the precinct. If anything comes up I'll let you know. Oh and Korra. I'm glad you're back on your feet." And with that, she's gone.
"Don't mind her." Kya sighs, looking at Korra, with an apologetic smile. "She's just a little on edge."
"Aren't we all?" Korra mumbles dryly, as she picks at her food.
A/N:
I KNOW I FUCKING SUCK! :((
Here we are... nearly three years later. If there are any of you still reading, I ask that you forgive me. I'm uncertain when we'll finish this fic, but I promise you that I won't abandon it, no matter what.