Her vision was blurry but it slowly came back into focus along with a splitting headache. Moaning, she tried to move. The ropes wrapped around her remained their hold. With a sharp inhale, Asami started to struggle increasingly as she found herself strung on top of a heap of fresh hay. The braids of garlic piled over her body stunk to high heaven, though in a way she was relieved that they caused her no harm. A good sign, indeed.
"Oh, good," the old farmer said from the other side of the tool shack. He rose from his seat on the floor and approached her, clutching onto a knife. "You're not undead."
Asami's head flopped back into the hay with an exasperated sigh of relief and exhaustion. "What happened?"
"Aft'a all that noise died down, I went to check on the barn. Found you nearly drained on the ground," the middle aged man muttered with a hard root sticking out of his mouth. He pressed a wooden cup up to the Asami's lips for which she gratefully gulped down the water. "Sorry about de bindings… when I saw that you was bit I was just takin' precautions."
"You did more than I would have…" Asami confessed while the man pushed the garlic braids off of her in order to cut at the ropes. "I wouldn't have hesitated to chop off my head… I'm glad you did not."
"It's the least I could have done for you." The man stepped back as his guest shimmied herself to a sitting position, wincing along the way as every bone and muscle in her body seemed to ache. Peering down, Asami observed that her wounds were dressed in cloth bindings. "You did run those things off and saved meh farm. I really don't have any coin to pay you."
"I'm not searching for coin," Asami said, peeking underneath her bandages, surprised that the wounds didn't seem to be as bad as they were before. Then it rained on her that she may have been passed out here passed dawn, maybe even days. "How long have I been here?!"
"Just a few hours…" the farmer answered. "Dawn should be breaking soon." Asami hoisted herself up, hissing at the soreness but managed to get to her feet.
"Whoa, now…" He caught her while failing to maintain her balance as the sudden rush of movement gave her a dizzy spell. "You lost a lot of blood. You need to take it easy."
"I can't stay," said with a groan. "I must get back to the capital before daylight." Asami took a deep breath, steadying herself and pushing pass the farmer to gather her cloak and sword from the corner.
"Your horse is still outside my house…. Be careful out there." With a nod of thanks, Asami pushed out the tool shack's exit, using her sheathed weapon as a makeshift cane to keep herself from toppling over. Hokage was even aware of her condition and knelt down to make her mount easier. The rain had stopped for now, to her relief. Being cold and sore would be absolutely awful on the journey back home.
Asami and Korra are a special pair of souls. They have been cycling the planes of existence together for over ten thousand years. They even manage to find rebirth in similar ranks of status to increase their chances of being able be mates in the physical world.
When Hokage kicked off into a gallop, Asami cued in on Korra's location. A mix of relief and concern washed over her. At least she was alive and still out in the country, but she was closer than she should be and Asami could feel that she's under a lot of stress. There is no doubt that a battle was going on. Asami could smell the sulfur of fire magic in the air. She longed to aid her mate in battle, fighting side by side together to face on the world. But being discovered by the other warriors would cause too much trouble for her liking. Besides, she almost died this night. She did not even understood why she isn't a ghoul… but she would not take it for granted either. If she had any chance of being useful to Korra, she needed to return to the island, heal, and train. Crafting and designing can wait… she needed to get stronger, better, faster. Time, as always, is against her.
The strength of their soul bond is so powerful, that they have build it up an immunity to the curses of other dark gods, for they belong to each other. Even if they get bitten by Vlad Zar's vampires, they have the ability to resist their souls from being marked and cursed. Because of this, Asami in particular is a perfect tool for me to reclaim the souls lost from sovereignty and give them a second chance for reincarnation.
Because of Hokage's impressive speed, Asami had made it back to the stables just as the sun's light started to peek over the eastern horizon. Luckily, the docks were just a few paces away. The hardest part about reentering the island was the swim over. There was a row boat, but the guards that patrolled the parameter could easily see it in morning light. So she wrapped her boots, sword and other affects up in her cloak and took a dive into the freezing ocean water. The shock of the cold sucked the air from her lungs, but she gritted her teeth and braved trek across the bay. By no short of a miracle, she made it to the shore without being noticed.
Tearing herself onto the beach and shivering uncontrollably, Asami gulped for air to catch her breath while strung out in the white sand. Her lips, now blue and trembling. Now she had another problem… She needed to get warm before the cold catches her death. Everything hurt like pins and needles but her will was as stubborn as a horse. She managed to ungracefully pull herself up on her feet and tread off towards the dormitory, heading straight to the community bath. Her soggy wet clothes laid abandoned on the dressing room floor, forgotten. Finally, with a great sigh of relief she was warm, safe and exactly where she needed to be. All that was left is to wait for Korra to return to her arms.
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The cavern was deep, dark and humid. Great rock carved carefully by stonemason hands to honor the God of the Unliving. Vlad Zar. His statue placed in the foyer of the grand entrance bestowed his immortal glory with very few distinguishing features. The only image his servants could portray was just a tall figure shrouded in robes of finery displaying his monstrous claws out in welcome. Lieutenant almost forgot to stop and bow to the idol as he made haste to the west wing of the temple.
The wooden door with rusty hinges creaked open, leaking out screaming moans from the dungeon to echo further down the void of the corridors. Young virgin women, alive and dead were there all strung up like livestock to the slaughter. Those alive shook in their chains with tired cries of pleading - for freedom, death and pleasure. In the center, the floor was marked with a large alchemy circle. The symbols etched were hardly visible now that the copious amount of blood seeped into the design. The immortal star sat in the middle and upon it, Amon hunched over a victim gorging himself on her blood with veracious gulps.
"Master Amon." The call of his subordinate caused the master vampire to lift his head from the woman's neck, snarling and flashing his glowing red eyes in anger for the interruption. "I've came to inform you that the wolfrider had assembled a team of powerful magic users against us." Amon snorted out in dismissal and relatched his fangs into the girl's neck to finish draining her. The lieutenant stood in silent patience, but for only a moment. "It is only a matter of time before they assemble an army. The amount of thralls we have won't be enough. They are killed too easily."
Amon dropped the lifeless body from his grasp with a loud thud. The blood on his chin dripped without care as he advanced towards him. "I have no doubt that the Republic will use all its resources to brace against us… Which is why I send your brothers to the north to feed upon the villages in the area. You were supposed to infiltrate the city…"
"I ran into a slight… distraction," he explained with a gurgle in his throat. The lesser vamp slapped his hand over his mouth as blood spilled out through his lips. His master's eyes narrowed. His clawed hand clutched his subordinate's jaw in a flash and angled his chin up to observe his condition. The lieutenant's veins were black, showing underneath his skin, inflamed with some sort of sickness. Even his artery was pulsing at a faster speed than what was necessary for an undead.
"What have you been feeding on?" Amon asked sternly. The skinny vamp recoiled out of his master's touch, spitting out more red liquid from his mouth.
"Some mercenary who maced me with garlic…" he explained with very vague detail. If his master caught wind of him killing the virgin that he desired for his sacrifice he would certainly be ripped into pieces.
"Garlic does not cause this type of illness," Amon's eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Take one of the women to heal yourself. I need you here to feed our new recruits while I make negotiations with our allies."
Lieutenant bowed his head in humble respect at his master's command. "Thank you, Master." After the discussion came to an end, Amon left the feeding dungeon to retire for the day.
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It was nearly daybreak, but the threat of the light did not stop the army of ghouls from their bloodlust. Korra was exhausted and spent. Her manna pool was almost down to nothing. Even though her fire magic was the best thing against them, it burned the most energy from her aura. Everyone else seemed to be doing better than she was. They were more experienced and had learned to span out their manna effectively to sustain them. Whatever magic they didn't use, they took to the sword. Another disadvantage she had, her knife was all she can use to slash limbs and necks. All she had to do was wait it out until the sun rises, but it was easier said than done.
Her limbs felt heavy and her muscles were stiff but she pressed forward to keep fighting. Before a cluster of monsters could pile on her, the were stopped by daggers of ice stabbing into their chests. Tarrlok extended his hand and helped her to her feet during the chaos. Her brows raised when he placed a small blue vile in her fist.
"Drink this," he commanded. "It will help regenerate your manna faster… use ice to strike their hearts, it's just as effective as decapitation." Korra nodded and popped the vile open, downing it in one swig. Tarrlok twisted his head to the east when a group of mercenaries showed up to help with the battle.
Bolin shouted in jubilation at the aid during a spell to roll a boulder down a hill, knocking ghouls in its path. He was distracted enough to leave his back unguarded and if it were not for Kuvira's last minute wall raise, he would have been a goner. She grumbled something about half-baked magic casters while continued on to slash off heads with her blade, ignoring Bolin's annoying screaming of gratitude at her.
The battle continued on and Korra found her energy raised up a bit more. She followed Tarrlok's advice and used her water magic to produce makeshift ice stakes punching them forward and striking down her enemies. One of the mercenaries used the same tactic, pouncing himself right next to her with a wide mischievous grin as his own spell struck down more than twenty in one swing. The action stole all of Korra's targets.
Korra's bottom lip stuck up with annoyance at his boastful display. This black haired creep was getting in her way, and before she could take a chance to show him up, the sun broke over the horizon. All the ghouls disintegrated before the party's eyes, leaving only their dust to be carried away in the wind. With sighs of relief, everyone took a moment to roll out their stiff shoulders and sheath their weapons, basking in silent glory.
"Man, I'm beat…" Korra let out a huff while the captain approached the mercenary groups with a gesture of respect, thanking them for helping even though she was confident that it was not needed. While the party regrouped, the black haired water mage approached Korra again with a grin, smoothing his locks back in confidence.
"Name's Tahno," he announced with a gesture for a shake, however Korra only leered at his extended hand until it retracted. "That was an exciting experience…" Even with his attempt at conversation, Korra made an effort to not acknowledge him, busying herself by tightening the harness on her wolf. "You know… if you want to find out how a real water mage casts… I can give you some private lessons."
"That won't be necessary." Korra hoisted herself up on her wolf. Now that the night was over, she was eager to return to the island for some much needed rest. But more importantly, she was eager to get back in Asami's arms. The thought of her sprang up a flutter in her aura and Korra noticed that she could feel her mate's presence, safe and sound on the island. She went on ahead, leaving scene and not caring about the captain's shouting about their next mission. She could get the details later.
When she returned to Air Spirit Island, Korra fed her wolf a hardy meal before taking off down the halls of the dormitory. The acolytes were already roaming the halls heading to their morning mediation sessions and Korra was grateful that she had a good excuse for not attending this time. Finally, she was sliding open Asami's bedroom door and quietly intruded. She found her bundled up on the bed, fast asleep. The soft features of her face brought a smile to Korra's lips, encouraging her further to sit at the edge of the bed and softly move a lock of damp hair out of her face.
Her hair is wet… Korra also noticed the dark circles under Asami's eyes. Maybe she was up all night reading or working on a project. The hunter leaned down and pressed her lips against her soulmate's brow.
"Korra," Asami whimpered, blindly grasping out for her in her half-sleep state. With haste, Korra's metal armor dropped to the floor in abandon. Asami sighed out when Korra slipped under the bedding with her, wrapping her arms around her waist and pressing herself up against her back. A moan escaped Asami's lips when Korra's mouth worried the bite mark on her shoulder. "What if someone comes knocking?" she asked with a sleepy mumble.
"I have Naga guarding the door," Korra whispered, leaving peppered kisses on her skin making Asami crane her neck for more. The noblewoman sighs grew with longing as she rolled her hips back, pressing her bottom more firmly against Korra's pelvis. As tired as she was, the touch of her lover was giving her a second wind of energy. She simpered softly while her ear was nibbled on and shivered against the ghosting of hot breathes. A devious hand slid down her stomach and pass the tuff of black curls.
Asami sucked in her breath, arching back as her lover found her. Her glistening petals provided a coating of lubrication for Korra's fingertips to spread over her little bundle of nerves. "Ooh… K-Korra…" Asami rolled her hips in a lazy fashion, not having the strength to do much more than to accept her lover's touching. "I… want you inside me… I wish that we could…" Korra let out a deep moan on her neck, bucking her hips against her energetically.
"Asami," Korra hot pants grew heavier in her ear along with the speed of her fingers. "I want to fill you up and let you come around my fingers." Asami whimpered almost painfully both as a result of her words and the quick little patterns being lashed upon her clit.
Asami trembled when Korra's fingers slid up and down the entirety of her sex, swiping over the skin of her maidenhead in doing so. "D-Don't be cruel… I want that too. But we can't…"
"One day…" Korra promised then swiped her fingers quickly over where they should be. "I'm going to do it… you are going to beg me. And I won't show you any mercy. I'll make you come a thousand times over." Asami came undone. Shivering and jerking through her orgasm against Korra's feverish fingertips, all the strength she had left her as soon as her body couldn't come anymore.
"Please," Asami chuckled in exhaustion as Korra continued to dance slow, lazy circles on her. "Korra, I'm so tired… Please let me rest." And to her request, Korra withdrew. She, too, was exhausted but Asami was so beautiful and inviting that it drove her not to care about her state of metabolism. Asami had turned to face her, draping her hand over the side of Korra's face with a tired smile. Korra couldn't help but lean in. She sighed against Asami's lips as she was reminded of what they felt like. Soft and warm and opening for her eager tongue. Her hand slid over her shoulder and down her arm until she met with an obstruction.
Korra broke the kiss and looked down at the bandage on her mate's arm. "Are you hurt? What happened?"
"It's nothing," Asami groaned out. "Just a smith's accident… I was working on a clamping mechanism and it caught my arm in its teeth." She moved to unwrap her bandage to show her the wound. It clearly looked like an animal bite though the peirce marks were shallow, barely breaking the skin. "It's amazing that it's practically healed up already…" Asami sighed and brought her hand over the mark on her shoulder. It was still tender and sorely bruised with purple coloring. "It was deep enough to tear my muscle… but I do not understand why this one is more stubborn… Do you think it will leave a scar?"
"I don't know…" Korra blushed in embarrassment. "If it does… I'm sorry about that."
"Don't be…" Asami smiled softly at her. "It will be a pleasant reminder… Now, enough talk." She craned up and pecked her on the mouth with a lazy grin. "Let us sleep." All snuggled up in her arms, Asami keened with bliss at the warmth of Korra's embrace. Finally, they let the night's exhausting events leave them as it took just minutes to fall into a slumber.
That being said, you did a service to me by giving Korra the power to bestow a mating mark. With it, Asami's soul is protected against dark forces… even in a sacrificial ritual.
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"Stolen?!"
"I don't know how it happened, but that is what had become of it." Tarrlok was pacing back and forth in Lord Hiroshi's private study as his colleague sat at the desk, frozen with shock and fear.
"How did Amon know where it was?!" The businessman shot up from his chair, furious at the news he had just heard.
"It could not have been him!" Tarrlok looked just as troubled waving his arms out in a hustle. "My guards said it happened during daylight hours. They were poisoned by sleeping gas and the vault was picked. I bought the most sophisticated lock on the market!" The northern ambassador shook his head in disbelief, worrying his chin in thought.
"Must have been the Thieves Guild." Hiroshi clenched his fists to his side.
"No…" Tarrlok twisted his brow at the thought, not sounding too convinced at the suggestion. "They only took the blade. I have much more valuable items in my treasury." The northerner ceased his pacing. "Unless…"
"Unless what?" Hiroshi asked him. Tarrlok twisted to face him, raising his chin up in speculation.
"Did you tell anyone else about our arrangement?" he asked. Hiroshi's eyes flashed in surprise at such an accusation. Does his fellow councilman think him to be a fool?
"Of course not!" He spat out. "If I would have known any better, perhaps you had a loose tongue!" Tarrlok waved his hands up to the air at the lord's outburst.
"I mean no disrespect, old friend," He said with a tired sigh. "Not even my guards knew what was being placed in the vault… I only question you because if there was any chance of anyone else knowing… The Thieves Guild may have taken on a contract to retrieve it. Now tell me… who else could have known?"
"No one..." The confidence in Hiroshi's voice faded into a weak whisper. How could this happen? Did he have Amon spies in his midsts? His servants? The only concluding factor was perhaps the princess figured it out somehow and wanted the blade for her own sense of security. But he knew that the services of the Thieves Guild was an expensive one and Korra clearly lacked the coin for such a contract. He straightened his spine when another suspects sprouted into his mind. The princess may not have the resources to hire a thief, but she was close to a couple of people who did. Master Tenzin is never a person who would fall to such diabolical tactics. So that left only one other person with coin… his coin. His hands balled up into fists. "Regardless, you have failed to keep the blade secure. What will Amon say now that we have lost sight of it?"
"We must keep him perceiving that we have it in our possession," Tarrlok declared. "We need him to keep his end of the deal."
"He is no fool," Hiroshi growled out. "If we show up without the blade he will kill her and our negotiations with Unalaq will be voided."
"You remember what the blade looked like," Tarrlok pivoted on his feet with a finger in the air as an idea suddenly struck him out of thin air. "Craft a replica. We will use that as a failsafe. As long as it's made out of silver, he won't know it is a fake until he uses it in the ritual."
"If it comes to that, he will break our negotiations and go after my daughter." The businessman worried his mustache obsessively.
"Then we must keep her under surveillance during the blood moon," Tarrlok announced. "This plan will work, my friend. Korra's disappearance will be blamed on Amon and Asami will be safe. If the blade does show up, Amon will be desperate enough to use it on a farm girl, he won't have the time to search for your daughter, leaving you the chance to get her out of the city."
Hiroshi had never knew that he would be making a deal with Amon again until recently. The demon had fooled him once, but this time he did have the upper hand. When Tarrlok approached him with a plan to make friends with an enemy in order to get rid of another, he found himself in a beneficial conspiracy. King Unalaq had made contact with Tarrlok, promising contract deals of rare ores and land deeds to the South. He even when so far into disguising his connections to Hiroshi by sending the negotiations through the Fire Nation's military contracts.
Ever since the savage came to his home, Asami had been acting differently. His once fairly submissive daughter was turning into a hellion for rebellion. Making rash decisions without consulting him first and even dressing like a warrior instead of the noble persona that always pleased him. He had figured that it she had been doing these things in a feeble plight to gain some sort of independence before marrying the Prince. But now, maybe the savage's brash ways was rubbing off on his daughter. And Hiroshi will not have any of that for long. With the closeness Asami had established with the Princess, he needed to snuff out any future possibility of them consorting with each other after Asami's wedding. To keep Asami under his control as much as he is capable. Control over Asami, ultimately will grant him power over the entire Fire Nation.
So he struck a deal with Amon, promising him the blade on the solstice. In return, he and Asami will escape to the Fire Nation and Korra will be snagged and shipped back to where she belonged.
Even though the blade was taken, Tarrlok's idea of a replica was nearly ingenius. Except for the fact that left a very small window for fleeing the Republic in the time before Amon could catch on. Korra's disappearance must to happen during the final fight, during all the chaos so she would be declared missing in action leaving as little suspicion of treachery as possible.
"We can not afford anymore mistakes, Tarrlok," he pressed firmly. "I will not risk my legacy and the life of my daughter if anything else fails. You must follow through on your part."
"I can assure you that I am well capable of handling the southerner. She has yet to master any of the elements. An amature at best."
"Do not underestimate her abilities… There are rumors of an ancient spiritual power in possession." Hiroshi's words did not worry the northerner. Tarrlok was full aware of the rumors floating around the guard force. Since he was yet to confirm them, he will take it with a grain of salt for now. Besides, he has already went above and beyond to prepare for Korra's transportation to the North. Housing a multi-elemental will be needing much more than just a simple iron slave coach.
"Once Zaofu arrives we will arrange a meeting with Amon. You have a few weeks to get a replica made. I will stay close to the princess during the attack and will make my move when she is battleworn." As the conversation simmered to a flatlined silence, Tarrlok left his comrade to his devices. All what was left for him now is to keep a close eye on the princess.
So you are saying… That in order to defeat Amon. Asami must be the sacrifice…
Precisely. And she has already accepted this fate and have made preparations to see it through. I suppose you are right… Love can accomplish great things.
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"Korra, are you paying attention?" Opal called out, relaxing her stance just a little. Her form practice partner has been distracted all afternoon. A good reason too. Opal's own focus had windled ever since her ex-lover had been visiting the island on a regular basis for the past week now. By Asami's invitation no less. Hoarse taunting and cries of fighting echoed through the courtyard of the temple grounds followed by the ringing of clashing steel. "Korra?"
Blue eyes blinked dumbly at her. Korra shook her head to get herself back into the state of mind she needed in order to practice the air spell stances. Asami and Kuvira's sparring was indeed a distraction. Her mate was spending quite a lot of time with the general and it was bothering her. The reason why it was bothering her so much is because…
"Kuvira!" Asami shrieked out a hearty laugh of playfulness. Korra could feel Asami's joy in her aura. She was having fun…. Having fun with someone she detested. During such trying times as well… The southern royal exhaled while her shoulders slumped forward.
"Hey," Opal approached, placing her hands on Korra's shoulders with an expression of sympathy. "It's alright… Asami and Kuvira have been friends for a very long time. I don't like it either, but their friendship is healthy for the both of them."
"How is it you can read me so well?" Korra moaned out, rolling herself away and hiding her face in her hands in humiliation.
"It's one of my gifts," Opal giggled into her hand. "I'm able to read just about anyone by their body language and subtle facial movements. A master of observation apprenticed me in Zaofu before my gift of magic was discovered. My mother wanted me to have a useful talent. I can tell when someone is lying even just a small lie."
"So…" Korra's face deepened in color.
"Yes, I can tell…" Opal craned her chin upward, sliding closer to the hunter, fiddling with the silver buttons on her tunic. "You know… I've been thinking. If you really want to blow her mind I can give you a few pointers. But it would be best if I just showed you."
"I… ugh…" Korra tried to form words, but became a sputtering mess instead. It seemed like her tongue was too thick to swallow. She couldn't believe even after knowing her relationship status, Opal was still trying to bed her. Not like the attention was unwanted, Korra found her magic partner rather attractive. The southerner was just fully content with how things are. There was no desire to wander to other women. She had everything she wanted with her soulmate. Well… almost everything. The only thing she wanted now was to fully claim Asami's maidenhood, but sometimes things aren't meant to be.
"It would not be fair for Asami to keep you all to herself. She is betrothed and will be married soon. Why would she care if you were to lay with me?"
"Well.." Korra rubbed the back of her neck nervously. Whatever reasoning she could think of was better left in secrecy. Besides, would Opal actually believe her that Asami was her soulmate? That they were spiritually tied by a seal that connected them on such a deep level? But then again, Opal did hold a point. Korra just wasn't sure if she wanted to share her bed. "Maybe someday… but it's complicated. Asami and I haven't really discussed much about that."
Opal gave her a soft smirk, flickering her eyes over Korra's blushing face. Just then, Asami's laughter echoed out in the courtyard once again. "Maybe we can make a trade… she sounds like she is having a time with the general."
Korra snarled at that suggestion, clenching her fists as her anger boiled up in her stomach. "Absolutely not!" Opal waved her hands back defensively letting her co-pupil stomp off with a fury towards the courtyard. She didn't mean to offend her so. She wasn't really aware of the relationship Korra had with her ex lover. Whatever, it was… she won't make that mistake again if she hoped to convince the princess to cater to her advances.
Lashing her weapon forward, Asami's eyes blazed with an internal fire her. Her blow was deflected as expected so she kept attacking in a blurry fit. Kuvira wasn't as fast but her technique had improved to make up for it. She paid close attention to Asami's attack patterns as they flowed out with an incredible speed. Managing to deflect her blows, Kuvira was remaining patient, waiting for her friend to wear herself out and leave an opening.
After a sequence of attacks, Kuvira ceased the opportunity when a slight pause came. But Asami was expecting it. Kuvira's sword lashed in from the side and Asami blew it back with an uppercut near the hilt. The deflection was strong enough to knock the general's sword from her grip, leaving the noblewoman smirking in triumph.
"Getting wet, m'lady?" Kuvira grinned at her as she picked her weapon off the ground.
"You are relentless aren't you?" Asami shook her head, raising her weapon at the ready for the next round. Sparring with Kuvira has always been the same. She would say something to try to throw Asami off. Sometimes it was a jab at her nobility, other taunts would come out sexual. Her comment earlier about how she liked women who can handle a metal phallic weapon of death had her rolling in laughter. Kuvira's flirtatious banter flustered her at first, but over the years it has now just been a game of sorts. In a way, Asami missed it.
"More like just trying to cover how bad I am at swordplay compared to you." The general rolled her shoulder to shake out some of the strain. "Why is it that you want to train so much all of a sudden?"
Asami lowered her sword, flipping the loose strands of her tail out of her face. "Well, I have a lot of time on my hands now. And I am out of practice."
"If I didn't know any better…" She moved closer, stepping in to mutter in Asami's ear. "I think you just miss me." With a click of her tongue and a small chuckle, Kuvira was pushed back with the hilt of Asami's saber.
"Don't flatter yourself, General. I know what type of woman you are." Kuvira's chin raised up with the tip of the saber. "You like to manipulate people to your liking and gain as much power as possible. Is Baatar the Second really the best suitor you could snatch up? Or was he the only man that can't see through your pretense?"
The general's eyes narrowed at her friend. She swatted the sword out of her face with a snarl, tightening the grip on her weapon. "That sure is a lot of talk coming from you. Toting around and playing dress up. What's the point? Everyone knows you are just going to be a royal breeding vessel. Unless you have other plans…"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Asami smirked at Kuvira's surprised face when her saber sheathed. "Cloak and dagger tactics will only get you so far, General. When the time comes, you will see what a real woman can do to change the world."
This time, it was Asami's turn to be surprised. Kuvira's sword clashed on the floor in abandoned so her hands were free to pull at the noble's waist. Their bodies collided, drawing out a gasp from Asami's lips out of reflex. "Why don't you show me now?" Kuvira growled out. "What say that we have some real fun before we are hitched?"
"Are you mad?!" Asami flushed and pushed back against her friend's shoulders. "Spirits, first Opal and now you? You two are impossible!"
"She's been chasing your fancy?" Kuvira recoiled anxiously, almost fumbling to reclaim her weapon from the ground.
"She's been doing more than that…" Asami grumbled out, darting her attention towards her soulmate's direction as she felt a flare of anger. "Poor girl is starved thanks to you. I'm surprised at how persistent she is… She's been driving my housecarl up the walls as well."
"What?!" Kuvira steeled her frame jutting her jaw out in a clench. As if on cue, Korra made herself present, stomping over the two black haired women with a fire in her eyes. Asami sensed a hard tension as the two of them shot daggers at each other for a moment until she felt Korra's grip on her arm.
"I need to speak to the lady," Korra announced as she pulled the noble towards her, still not taking her stone glare off the general. Kuvira's hand shot out, grabbing onto Asami's other arm with defiance.
"We are not done, yet!" Kuvira snarled at Korra's direction, baring her teeth like a threatened canine. "You can wait your turn."
"My business with her is more urgent than your sparring match." Asami's eyes widened upon realizing the situation she was in. With Korra's grip tightening on her arm, she could feel a flare of possessive aura coiling around her. Her body reacted immediately, leaning in to the dark skinned warrior flushed with a primal desire that she couldn't help. Korra was jealous.
"Let go!" Asami commanded weakly, darting her eyes back and forth between the two. She could feel her face heat up as the thought of them fighting over her. Kuvira and Korra were a pair of strong… beautiful women. Yes, Asami did find Kuvira attractive, but it was her narcissistic personality that she did not find pleasure in. Although, she certainly had her shining moments of making her laugh and being a pillar for her to lean on when she felt down. But now was not the time to be thinking such a thing. She willed her own aura to try to calm Korra's rage even if she felt it was fruitless to try.
"She's speaking to you." Kuvira hissed out at her rival. "Be a good dog and obey your master."
"I'm speaking to both of you!" Asami screamed, snapping both of them out of it. She immediately yanked herself out of their grips when their fingers loosened the hold. "We are done for now, Kuvira. Go play with your rubble." Pivoting on her heels, she shot a glare at her housecarl. "And you." Korra suddenly shrank under Asami's fiery stare, almost whimpering like a scolded pup. "Come with me."
Korra mumbled in submission following behind her, but not without catching Kuvira's amused snort at her back. She twisted her head to shoot one last glare but only received an insulting smirk.
"Well, at least you didn't kill each other." Kuvira turned to find Opal leaning against a wooden pillar with her arms crossed.
"Is it true?" Kuvira sprouted a frown. "Have you been trying to bed her?"
"Both of them… but my interest is mostly in Korra… she reminds me of you." Opal pushed off the pillar floating up her her ex with a mischievous look in her eyes. "Jealous?"
"Maybe..." The tall general asked while eyeing her lips. "Is this your way of revenge? Bedding her and our childhood friend to get back at me?"
"I'm not that petty." Opal smiled sweetly, spreading her fingers out on Kuvira's tunic. "I… I miss you… Kuvira… the way you touch me. Not having that anymore is…" With a hitched breath, Kuvira leaned down to kiss her only to be stopped by Opal's fingers. "But you have hurt me, Kuvira. I… I still love you. But I have too much respect for myself to let you destroy me."
"I'm sorry, m'lady," Kuvira's eyes filled with pain. "I know it's not what you wanted. But… I need your brother. I need him to help build a new empire. The empress is starving her people. I need the support of Zaofu to bring her to justice. Your mother refuses to get involved."
"I know that is what you believe…" Opal swallowed the thickness building her her throat and pulled Kuvira's tunic in her fists. She will not cry. She's cried enough. "But I also know you are stronger than this. You don't need to marry into power. You don't need to resort to the norm. The Kuvira I know wouldn't do this." Opal nearly broke when Kuvira tore away from her touch with a hiss.
"Would you rather me take Zaofu with force? Opal, I'm doing this to spare you more pain! Can you not see that? If I were to call off the engagement… I will resort to taking the throne from your mother! What would you rather me do?!"
"Neither!" Opal cried out with anger. "You don't need to do any of that! You have the loyalty of many soldiers. They will be more than willing to follow you to Ba Sing Se."
"You really think your mother would allow that to happen?" The general shook her head pacing back and forth.
"Yes." Opal declared, stopping Kuvira in her tracks. "My mother loves you like her own. So long as you don't threaten my family… I believe she will let you go to pursue your vision." Opal could see the thoughts turning in Kuvira's head as she fell silent to absorb her words.
"If I do that…" She stepped up, stabbing a look of suffering into her eyes. "Would you come with me?"
"You know I can not…" The short woman turned away, hugging her arms around herself. "My duty is to Zaofu… Unlike you, I am not a free woman."
"I can free you, Opal," Kuvira closed in on her, gripping her shoulders with trembling hands. "I want to be close to you… I can not bare this distance between us…" Her nose dipped into her short brown hair, inhaling her scent as if she haven't breathed air for years. "Even if I marry your brother, at least I can be near you to make sure you are safe. That is the reason why I chose this path. But if you are willing… Please… run away with me. I love you, Opal. You know I am not lying."
"..." Opal sucked in a breath, fighting the tears pillowing at the corners of her eyes. "I… I'll think about it." She turned with a frown on her face, her stomach sick with indecision. On one end, she loved the general deeply. On the other, she still loves her family, her city and the life she had made in Zaofu. Kuvira would be the reason to leave it all behind and she wasn't sure what the future would hold for the two of them. "Prove to me that you are serious… And I'll consider."
"I need validation… I can't make decisions based on hope." Opal turned in her arms deeply gazing into her green eyes with longing.
"N-Neither can I…" Opal pressed herself out of Kuvira's arms and escaped the conversation before Kuvira could see her tears spill over her cheeks. Kuvira's teeth ground together as the pain swelled up in her chest. She hated that she loved her. Love made her weak and it tore her up inside. The way Opal made her feel… wasn't fair.
.
.
.
Korra was waiting for Asami to scream at her for her embarrassing behavior with Kuvira earlier. She couldn't help it though, the thought of Kuvira laying a hand on her mate infuriated her to no end. But did she have the right to be jealous? Asami may be her soulmate, but in the real world… She had no stake to claim. It made her feel helpless, insecure and terrified. Their relationship was still new, still unstable.
The thoughts of doubt flew out of Korra's mind almost immediately when Asami shut the door behind her, giving her a heated look that she learned to only mean one thing. Korra grunted out when the heiress suddenly jumped on her, wrapping her legs around her waist and attacking her lips with a hungry kiss. Moans spilled into her mouth. Hands tugged painfully at her chestnut hair. Korra was relieved to say the least. She's been joining the taskforce on the patrol almost every night, leaving very little opportunity to spend quality time with her.
Korra hoisted her up higher, turning and slammed her against the wall with only one purpose in mind. Every touch, every kiss grew heavier with urgency. She lost herself in her smell, her taste and her throating moans for more. Korra's mouth unlatched from Asami's lips with a sloppy smack when when her shoulders were pushed back. Asami's chest heaved with gasping breaths as she gazed with darkened pupils. Her hands grasped the front of Korra's tunic. Silver buttons tore off violently with one fluid motion, revealing the bounded well of her lover's chest to her hungry eyes.
Korra shrugged off the blue fabric with urgency and made due to pull the sash on Asami's waist free. Asami's hands clawed at her shoulder blades while her hips bucked with impatience trying to get as much friction as possible. Korra seemed to be less in a hurry, taking more care to kiss at her neck with every button that was freed to reveal more of Asami's beautiful pale skin.
"Asami? Can I speak with you?"
The lovers stilled in an instant, tearing their attention to the door that was now slid open. Opal's eyes widened at the scene she just stumbled upon. "I'm terribly sorry! I…" She blushed heavily watching Korra lower her friend to her feet and frantically stumble to collect her tunic from the floor. "I'll leave you alone."
"Opal, wait." Asami reached out in concern before she could make her leave. She noticed her eyes were puffy and filled with emotion. "Are you okay?" Asami placed her hands on her shoulders.
"It can wait…" Opal mumbled in embarrassment, darting her eyes over to Korra who was staring back in concern.
"What happened?" Korra asked, stepping closer to join Asami with an equal expression to offer some sort of comfort.
"N-nothing.. Really," Opal lowered her eyes to the ground.
"Is it Kuvira again?" Exhaling a shuttered breath, Opal nodded her head to Asami's suspicion in confirmation. "Don't worry about her. Here come inside." Korra swallowed nervously when Asami slid the door shut and escorted the short woman to sit on the bed.
"I…" Opal sighed. "I'm so sorry, I should have knocked."
"Nonsense, you know I'm here for you whenever you need to talk." Asami brushed a lock of hair from Opal's face. "Tell me what happened." Korra took station against a wall, feeling a little out of place as a spectator but listened to Opal's story. While she felt sorry for Opal's plight, she understood why Kuvira was acting so selfishly. Even though she was raised as a royal, Korra could relate the need to reclaim her homeland as well as wanting to keep Asami close while doing so, even if it hurts to love her from afar.
"Opal…" Korra pushed herself off the wall and joined the two on the small bed next to her. "I understand how you feel… I'm sorry that love has caused you so much pain. It hurts a lot knowing that the person you love is promised to another." Asami bit her bottom lip with guilt, lowering her gaze to the floor. "But from what I learned… the pain is worth it. From what little I can give, I hope that she will keep every memory of me for the rest of her life."
"Don't be such a sap," Asami muttered with a blush growing on her cheeks as Korra gave her a soft smile.
"I'm rather jealous, honestly," Opal confessed. "And I didn't know that you had such deep feelings for each other… If I caused any discourse-"
"Actually… you kind of encouraged it," Asami shot in with a laugh. "So… thank you for that. But I know that you are going through quite the dry spell now." Opal tightened her lips with a meek nod. "Korra…" When Korra's eyes met Asami's, she could see a mischievous glint in her eyes then watched her pale hands drape up Opal's arms.
"Why don't we show her our appreciation for bringing us together?"