Author's notes
So, yeah. I lied. The first part of this chapter will be about Saren. I know I said I was refocusing on Korra and Asami, (and I am) but I also need to establish some things about Naomi and Saren that will be important for when team avatar leaves to find the other airbenders. I also wanna set some things up for down the line.
Chapter 4: New Benders, new problems
Air Temple Island, 1 hour earlier
Sarens point of view
"So, basically, I just have to find my inner balance?" I ask Tenzin as he finishes a long winded speech about the winds free spirit and how one does not control air, only direct it. And the importance of balance and blah, and blah blah blaaaaah… Truth be told, I was incredibly bored. And judging by the light snoring I heard behind me, so was Naomi.
"That would be a partial summation of what I said. Yes." Tenzin replied, looking a little annoyed by my question. "Though you don't seem to be taking my lessons to heart. And here I was thinking I'd finally found a student who respects my teachings."
"It's not that I don't respect you, your culture, or your teachings, but I really need to get home sometime soon. It's my turn to make dinner and if I don't my sisters are gonna be pissed." I explain. "Also, ya said some stuff about "that being a lesson we can continue during your training proper" as if you expect this to be more than a one time thing."
He seems shocked "Is it not going to be?"
"Probably not, no. I just need to get this under control so I can get back to my life." I have a sinking feeling I know where this is going...
"But you have a duty as an airbender to help restore the air nation." He says, as if it's a fact of life. I don't doubt that was how he was raised. Being the only air-bending child of avatar Aang must have been a lot of pressure. But there's something this guy needs to hear.
"Look, Master Tenzin, with all do respect, can you honestly say that it's fair to ask me to uproot my entire life up to this point to help you restore a culture I have no stake in?" He's about to say something, but I can tell by his frustrated expression that it's just more of the same, so I cut him off. "And before you say anything, no being an airbender does not give me a stake in restoring the air nation. That's like saying being born a firebender means you have to join the fire nations army. It's illogical. I have my own life, my own goals, and I won't give those up to become a monk just because you were raised to restore the air nation by Aang. Do you think Asami should give up future industries and become an air nomad?"
His expression is still angry but he stops himself from speaking rashly. Then takes a deep breath, calming himself. "You make valid points. I apologize. To answer your question, I wouldn't expect miss Sato to abandon her passion to pursue a life as an air nomad."
"Exactly. I'm not saying that you shouldn't try to rebuild your nation, but I'm saying you shouldn't expect new airbenders to feel any obligation to help you. You'll have to accept that some simply won't share your ideals, and honoring the legacy of the peaceful and accepting air nomads of the past means not forcing the issue." Hopefully I haven't given too much away.
"True… you have a connection to the white lotus don't you?"
I can't help the expression of pure shock and fear that crosses my face. Shit! I let on too much! I knew I should have acted more ignorant!
"That answers that question. You're very knowledgeable about the air nation, and wise beyond your years. With the poise and self control of a white lotus sentry." He says with a smile, proud of his deductions.
"yeah," I say with a heavy sigh. I do not want to talk about this. "my dad was a white lotus sentry. He wanted me and my sisters to join as well, but he was expelled from the order when I was 5. Not a chance in hell we were getting in after that. Didn't stop him from training us though."
"Why was he expelled?" Tenzin asks, surprisingly calm.
"Something about failing to adequately protect the avatar from a kidnapping attempt." That's all your getting from me old man...
"Ah, would your father's name happen to be Shin yozora?"
"... you memorized the names of the men expelled that day." I say, incredibly surprised.
"Yes. And their faces. You have his eyes. Those men didn't deserve to be expelled. None of them could have done more to stop Zeheer. Those men weren't neglectful, they were betrayed. First by Zaheer, then by their leaders." He looks to the ground, clearly he feels some personal shame in what happened. I guess he was one of the ones who was making the decisions at the time.
"Well, for what it's worth, he never seemed bitter about it. And if he had a grudge against you, he never said anything." Why am I trying to comfort him!? He forced me into a conversation about my dad...
"You speak of him in the past tense. When did he pass?" Tenzin asks cautiously.
"Last year. We were in a car crash. I made it out with only a couple broken limbs and a kidney removal surgery, he wasn't so lucky." I try to stay calm. It's not my fault. I couldn't have known. Just keep breathing.
"I'm sorry for your loss. I didn't mean to drag up unpleasant memories." He says reaching out to put a hand on my shoulder. I step away, turning my back to him and walking to where Naomi is still lightly sleeping.
"Well you did." I say, the bitterness in my voice surprises even me. "Now if ya don't mind, imma wake up Naomi and go home. I'm pretty sure I have a grip on this airbending crap anyway." Damn it… I shouldn't take this out on him…
I grab Naomi's shoulder gently and shake her awake "huh…?" She asks groggily as she looks around, then yawns "ah, is it time to go?"
I just nod, taking her hand and leading her out towards the dock. On the way we walk past a couple police officers. The younger one looks at us curiously, and Chief Beifong acknowledges me with a glance, but neither stop us. Good. The chief is the last person I want to talk to right now.
It's several minutes into the boat ride back before I've got a handle on my emotions again. By this point Naomi is fully conscious and looking worried. "Ya alright?"
"Yeah just… he asked about my dad." I say staring down at my lap.
"Oh…"
"Yeah…"
"Want me to come help ya with dinner?"
I look up at her, confused "what?"
"It's your turn to make dinner for hikari and Seika right? I'm offering to help." How did she know it was my turn?
"... right. Yeah, I'd like that. Thanks."
She hugs me "no problem! I'm just returning the favor." Right… returning the favor.
"... right. Can we just… not refer to any more painful memories please?" I really don't want to think about what she's referring to. It still makes my blood boil that someone could do that to a 7 year old girl…
"R-right… well onto lighter subjects then!" She says pulling back from the hug and smiling brightly at me. How does she do it? I may never know, but it helps me smile too.
"Like what?"
"Well, this morning you asked if I got laid last night, which rather prompts the question, ya seeing anyone?" She says with a suggestive eyebrow raise
I can feel my face heat up a bit. This is the last thing I wanna talk to her about. Well… maybe not the last, but close to it. "I wish. Nah, I'm still single and too socially anxious to mingle."
"Hm… maybe you should come with me on a little night out, me and a couple friends are planning…! Who knows, ya might hit it off with one of em!" Bless her spirit for trying.
"No offense, but I don't really wanna date one of your friends."
"Why? Afraid I'll get jealous~?" She asks in a taunting tone.
"Would you? Cause if so then maybe I should go to this night out and hit on your friends." I taunt back.
"My my, it almost sounds like you have feelings for me."
"Gee, only took ya a year to notice." wait… shit did I say that out loud!?
She laughs, and I feel a sharp pain in my chest. "Good one." She keeps laughing.
"maybe don't laugh so hard at the idea." I mutter.
"Why not? I mean, it's a crazy idea, the two of us together." Oh. So that's what heartache feels like. Fuck.
"Yeah… crazy." I mutter.
"Are… are you ok?" The boat stops and I quickly depart, not bothering to answer. "Saren!? Saren what's wrong?!"
"If you have to ask, maybe you shouldn't come over." Before she can respond I use my airbending to jump up onto a nearby roof and start making my way home as fast as possible.
Naomi's point of view
FUCK! Damn it! I knew I shouldn't have said that… why don't I ever listen to me!? I let out a loud sigh as I begin my walk home in silence and isolation. Even so, I can't help the glimmer of hope in my chest. He said it! He has feelings for me! I know it now!
I've been trying to get him to make a move or give some kinda sign for months. But evidently he's been after me for a year… maybe I should make the first move? Show up at his place and just ask him out? No… he'll make a move. I just need to keep the pressure on. An idea strikes me.
I need to make him jealous! It's perfect. Now I just need to find a guy to fake date… fuck. Falling at the first hurdle… maybe Lee? No, he's gay, Saren will know what's up.
I growl in frustration. Why is this so hard!? Why can't he just tell me how he feels!? After all we've been through together to get back to being somewhat functional human beings, the least the world could do for us is make relationships less complicated…
Korra's point of view.
Asami and I make our way back out to the car, with Asami now wearing a burgundy hoodie, left open over a t-shirt with a red future industries logo emblazoned across the chest, a pair of black skinny jeans and black running shoes with red decals. All told, I really like this look, she actually looks well… normal. I really thought she would dress more high-society than this, like she usually does, but I guess I was wrong. But I don't really have time to admire her wardrobe change as she throws me the keys again.
"What, are you suddenly allergic to driving?" I joke.
"Nah, I just like the power fantasy of having The Avatar as my personal driver." She jokes back, smiling mischievously.
I can't help but to grin back, as I open the passenger side door for her "well step right in M'lady." I say in a very bad posh accent.
She laughs as she gets in "ok, nevermind, if that voice is the price I pay for your services, I would like a full refund in the form of my keys back."
I jump on into the driver side, starting the car "My most humble apologies Madame Sato, no refunds, only store credit. In the form of a free ride." I continue to tease her with the awful voice as she laughs and groans melodramatically. Besides, she never has to pay to take me for a ri-STOP THAT!
I start to pull the vehicle out of the driveway and drive down the street. Honestly now that I'm behind the wheel I can see where Asami is coming from with her love of driving. Don't get me wrong, I still prefer riding Naga to driving a car, but it defini- the car comes to a screeching halt as the realization hits me
"That's it!" I yell over Asami's scream. "... sorry."
"Look," Asami begins after a couple deep breaths "I'm super jazzed about whatever mental breakthrough you're apparently having, but please don't ever stop that suddenly again. Unless we're in danger of course."
"Right…" I reply sheepishly. "I just got excited about an idea. Polar bear dogs have powerful noses, if I can get Naga to the scene where Mako found that air bender, I can have Naga track him!"
"That's brilliant!" Asami says as she hugs me. Don't freak out, don't freak out, don't do anything weird. Don't think about those perfect orbs on her chest pressing against your arm Korra. You're stronger than the temptation. "Where's Naga?" Asami asks as she pulls away from the hug.
I restart the stalled car and resume driving "I left her back at air temple Island. She likes to have space to run around, and no one wants her running through the city. At least, not without me on her back."
"Gotcha, well let's go get her!"
Little Ba Sing Se, an hour later.
After a quick trip to the air temple, and a not so quick (and awkward) trip to the police station to talk to Mako, we had our destination. We arrived to find the shopkeeper still trying to clean up the mess and we explained the situation before having Naga sniff around. The shopkeeper was definitely not keen on having a polar-bear-dog sniffing around his shop, but Naga got the scent quickly and went outside, waiting for me and Asami to mount up.
"Alright, I'll follow behind, please try to warn me about turns." Asami says, heading to her car.
"Aww, I was hoping I could teach you to ride." I say with a fake pout.
"Really?" She looks at Naga and i skeptically
"Well… I was joking, but if you're interested, it could be fun!" I say enthusiastically. Totally not trying to get her to sit really close to me on a bouncing surface. No idea what you're talking about. Shut up brain.
Asami contemplates it, then shrugs "Sure, just gimme a minute, I'll call someone to come pick up my car." Yes! Er.. I mean… cool. Now I can be her airbending and riding instructor. I'm just helping her learn new skills. Yup. That's all this is.
After a short conversation with the shopkeeper, Asami is allowed to use his phone to call her assistant to have someone grab the car. After the call she heads out to Naga and I. "So, am I driving or riding?" She asks.
I laugh "Asami, Naga is an animal, not a machine. Ya don't "drive" her, ya ride her. You can direct her, but it's up to her to follow those directions.. And that will be especially true right now since she's tracking." Naga barks. "And impatient apparently… look, just hop up in the saddle and I'll explain."
She seems hesitant, but climbs up in the saddle "this is weird… I think I prefer cars. There's a certainty to cars. You tell it what to do and it will do it. I don't think I like the idea that my mode of transportation may decide it just doesn't want to take me where I'm going." She's got a point… maybe this was a bad idea…
I climb up into the saddle in front of Asami and Naga takes off sprinting, causing Asami to scream and hang on to me tightly. I would be happier if I wasn't pissed at Naga. "NAGA! EASY! We have a new rider on board!" Naga whines apologetically and slows down considerably. "Sorry about that Asami. Naga's usually more understanding, I swear."
Asami looks at me like I'm crazy. Yeah. I deserve that. "You do realize she's a polar-bear-dog right? And she can't actually understand us?"
"Actually she can." I explain. Seeing the look she's giving me I know I need to explain more. "So, thing is, every avatar has an animal companion. For Aang it was his sky bison, for roku it was his dragon, for me it's Naga. It's kinda hard to explain but… basically, the animal and the avatar just have this sorta… connection. We understand each other. Even if Naga doesn't quite understand my exact words, she'll still know what I'm trying to tell her."
"Wow. I… didn't know that." Asami says, seeming fascinated by the new information. "Does the animal reincarnate like the avatar?"
"Honestly, I'm not sure." I reply, just as excited to be able to teach Asami something. Honestly I quite like being a teacher. Or maybe I just like seeing Asami's "I'm really happy to learn something new" face. She gets this bright smile that melts my heart. "I'm pretty sure some white lotus scholars think that exact thing, but there's really no way to know for sure. But I do know that from the moment I met Naga, I knew we were gonna be together for a long time."
"I see… have you… ever felt that with a person?"
"... you mean… like a "love at first sight" kinda thing..?" I ask nervously, turning to face her in the saddle.
"Yeah. Something like that." She replies, staring at me dead in the eyes, I feel like she's staring into my soul. I… I have no choice. I have to tell her.
"Well, Maybe not at first sight, but recently I have been feeling that for someone." I start. She leans forward slightly, all her attention focused on my words as she eagerly awaits hearing about who I'm talking about. "The person I'm talking about is-"
I'm interrupted by Naga stopping abruptly and barking loudly. SON OF A BITCH! I turn to glare at whatever disturbed my friend, but the glare is short lived as I stare at the scene before me. We're on Kiyoshi bridge and I can see police all over the place, and a man in green clothes standing near the top of one of the bridge support towers.
Guess we found the airbender…
Authors notes
Yup. Sometimes a giant dog is the best wingman. And sometimes they're the worst wingman. Way to screw everything up Naga! Just kidding. I always found Naga absolutely adorable, so she can do no wrong in my eyes.
Also, addressing another issue, I know I tend to stray a bit from cannon in terms of the lore, The animal companion explanation being the example in this chapter, but that was my interpretation, and only while having a friend proofread this did I learn that wasn't actually the way that worked. I was kinda bummed out but went on the wiki to try and find the official information, and I found it lacking. Honestly I like my interpretation better, so if that bothers you, ya don't have to read.
Also for those who are wondering why Naomi can only bend lightning when she's extremely emotional, well, there's a reason. It'll be explained later, but for now I'll just say that she's not very good at it.