AN: Oof I think this may be my longest chapter? So sorry in advance it the grammar is a bit botched, it's hard to have a good attention span for long passages. Butttt lololol, I haven't been leaving any teasing notes since I've been behind with editing (cause life) but finally got it done early this time! :D so without further ado, may the angst continue! Enjoy~

Ch 8: Ambers and Ashes

Everything was dark and cold. Aimlessly floating around, feeling weightless, submerged under water, her body was just numb and tingling with pain from smashing into the bay. She couldn't even move her arms or legs let alone breath. The captain was drowning and her mind was foggy from the sudden shockwave created from the explosion. But, she knew that she was too weak to survive so only death awaited her. As she sunk deeper and deeper, the only thing that Asami could recall was that the Avatar had jumped in after her for some reason and she completely blacked out after that. But, when she regained consciousness, she felt a sense of familiarity when she coughed up water. Those lips, they were a familiar shape and sense of warmth but Asami couldn't fully pinpoint why. At least, not yet.

Waking up in a cold sweat, Asami groaned in pain as her body felt like heavy stone and was throbbing in pain. She tried focusing on her surroundings and thoughts but she didn't know what happened. The detective had been admitted into the hospital with three cracked ribs, a sprained ankle and had areas with deep bruises and busted up skin here and there.

Weakly trying to sit up, she grunts with pain, "Dammit… my body is killing me…" letting out a pained deep breath, she gave up and sunk back down into her bed. Blinking a couple times, she replayed the last thing on her mind, the Avatar.

"..."

Touching her lips, "No… it can't be… his… no, her… her lips… her voice… her face? K-Korra?" Shutting her eyes due to a sharp headache, she tried remembering her fragmented memory.

Letting out a frustrating sigh, "Nothing..." sitting there nervously, she started tapping her right finger on her lap while biting her other one. "Korra… Korra… it would make sense… Korra… it's… it's you isn't… you're… you're the Avatar…"

*meanwhile*

Korra has been taking care of her girlfriend for the past few days after the incident and she has been unconscious for about a week now. But, at the moment, Korra had left the room for some fresh air and was now currently walking back to Asami's room when she realized that her girlfriend was awake. However, the young informant quickly notes how anxious she was by her increase in heart rate. Stopping short in front of the door, she heard Asami's mumbles to herself and took in a short breath, "So she knows…" Korra lets out a soft sigh before knocking on the door. "Asami, are you awake yet?"

Tensing at the sound of the knock and the voice of her lover, "(Korra…) y-yeah I'm awake come in…"

Korra carefully opened the door and stepped inside, "Hey…" walking up to the side of the bed she kisses Asami one last time on the lips. "I heard what happened, are you alright?" Making a sad face filled with honest concern.

"Hey… and yeah, I'm okay… (thanks to you) been better but you know…" smiling nervously.

"..."

They remained silent and looked at each other in the eyes before Asami started. "Korra, I… I need to ask you something… I-I need to know… we've been dating for a few months now and I love you… I love you but I know that you're hiding something from me. Korra… who… just who are you? The way you carry yourself… your outstanding reconnaissance skills… even the way you fight, it's… it's just so, so inhuman..." the maiden says with sadness implying that Korra is the Avatar.

Korra looked at Asami with sadness yet some relief, she finally didn't have to keep secrets anymore. "Asami… look there are things that you don't know about me and I can't tell you… it is just something for me to know and for you not concern yourself with. Now, I am sorry if I sound harsh or if I seem… if I seem cold like a cruel and vile monster… (it's dangerous)." Letting out a sad chuckle, "You know… this, this vigilante, the Avatar… whoever that person is, there is only one thing I know for sure and it is that: He. Is. Dangerous…" Looking her straight in the eyes, "He isn't someone you should go after Asami..."

"..."

They both stared at each other with grieve expressions for what felt like an eternity, "Korra… I, I am a cop. It is my duty to protect the citizens of Republic City. It is my job to arrest people who break the laws! If… if you are who I think you are… we can't…" closing her eyes, she took one last breath before looking at the vigilante with determination. "I will stop you Korra… even if you're my…"

Understanding their situation, Korra accepted her determination. "Asami… I know that you're not going to believe me if I say… if I say that I am not the Avatar so I won't bother, but, just know this. What this beast… what this, this monster is doing is something that is in over your head. That's why..." frowning while masking her emotionless eyes, "us… we can't be a thing anymore."

"..." the wounded woman looked at her not noticing the pain she was hiding before letting out a breath and responded, "I guess so..."

Korra leaned in and gave Asami one final loving peck on the forehead as a farewell before turning around. Without turning back, she walked towards the door and stopped in place. "I hope you get well soon. Goodbye Asami."

The door closed shut and Asami laid back down not realizing that tears were falling down her face. Covering her eyes with her hand, "This can't be real… it-it hurts…" gripping her chest, "It hurts so so much…"

Then for the next little over a month, the detective spent her time recuperating while collecting her thoughts. She was certain that the Avatar is Korra and she needed to think of a way to stop her. After all, the young genius knew that her ex-girlfriend was clever and wouldn't be foolish enough to appear freely in public for no reason now. And fortunately for the maiden, her wounds had recovered quickly well enough to resume working and she was discharged from the hospital.

Now, she was currently in her apartment thinking about a way to capture Korra since there were many things she had to consider: how to find her, the evidence connecting the Avatar to Korra, and how she would execute everything. She was having a hard time coming up with any ideas and was lost in her thoughts before glancing over to the radio that was playing in the background:

"Ladies and gentleman breaking news! Amon has finally come out from hiding and has sent in a notice that he will be bombing places of influences such as Future Industries or Cabbage Cooperation! What are the police going to do to stop him or will our dark horse save us?! What will it be!? The Republic City Police Force vs the Avatar! Who will stop Amon first in this battle of lives?!-..."

Staring intensely at the radio, Asami knew what she had to do. Korra was going to be there with or without taunts and she was going to stop her. But, despite how complicated things were going to be, the captain couldn't tell her coworkers. She couldn't tell them or Mako and Bolin that the Avatar was in fact her ex-girlfriend, Korra. She had to do this fair and square, on her own. The captain then spent the next few days planning what she should do discreetly to capture the Avatar while helping out her teammates to stop Amon. They all ended up agreeing on evacuating the high risk places and factories. The police made a mandatory evacuation and the employees were forbidden to enter that area within three mile radius.

*the fateful day*

The moon was shining brighter than ever before despite it being a couple days before the full moon. The Avatar was on the hunt and she had easily tracked down Amon's rally. Running across rooftops, Korra reaches the one closest to the underground arena. Looking at the surroundings, she noted several people standing course the large number didn't really bother her but what did alarm her was the amount of C-4 and gunpowder she could smell in the air. "What is he planning to do with the amount he has… the city is drowned with explosives and it could destroy… no, it would lead the whole city to ruins…"

Letting out a breath, she quickly went down into the building and made her way inside. Knocking out a couple guards along the way, she sneaks past everyone with ease before reaching the power room. Scanning the area she located some bombs and decided to disarm them before cutting off the power.

Snipping the last red wire, she could hear Amon's voice in the distance as it echoed through the steel pipes, "With the help of our comrade's sacrifice at the Republic City Police Headquarters, we have managed to set up multiple bombs around the city thanks to his distractions. Now, the only thing left is for us to detonate them when the time is right and finally, the unjust social system with finally become equalized! We, the Equalists, have made tremendous progress since the beginning and we will finally have our first true victory!-..."

Korra was rushing back to the power room while taking out some more guards along the way, "Things aren't looking good…" bracing herself for the battle yet to come, she closed her eyes before cutting the power. Everything went pitch black and the whispers and murmurs of the Equalists could be heard everywhere. Opening her golden eyes, Korra made her way to the source of the commotion. Once there everyone's heart rate was frantic, except for one. She could clearly feel that one of the men's heart rate was different, it was calm. So, just like that the Avatar knew who her target was but she couldn't suppress her snarl before attacking the minions rendering them useless. No one knew what hit them and scream after scream after scream, they were taken down like flies.

Pulling the last man into a choke hold from behind, she dropped him once he was unconscious before speaking in a low and intimidating voice, "Give up Amon… it's over, tell me what I need to know and unless you stop the bombs, no one is getting out here alive." Cracking her knuckles in intimidation.

Laughing amusingly while walking around in darkness, "Well well well… you must be the Avatar… I didn't think you'd be giving me a visit. Well, nonetheless, amuse me. Who are you and what do you want?"

"Who am I doesn't concern you. So, what will it be? We can either do this the peaceful way and you tell me what I need or you won't see the light of day anymore," she growls at the man.

He lets out another mocking laugh while walking around with a purpose now, "Well then let me guess… I don't know why your playing hero in this damned city but I'm guessing something… no some hatred deep inside of you is driving your blood thrust. Hell, I take it you don't even believe in the justice system since you've long before taken the role as this city's 'guardian' serving justice and punishing those criminals that the police fail to do…"

Korra stood there not amused by his words. He may have been correct but that didn't change how she felt, "This is my final warning."

Smirking under his mask, "Hmm you seem out of… ordinary… your following me with ease and the way you handled my people… did you escape from Dr. Y? Marvelous, you seem like the perfect soldier however, you are older than the samples I brought to him…"

Planting her feet firmly on the ground, her eyebrow twitched as she muttered angrily, "Dr. Y… tell me who he is..."

"Oh, was I mistaken then? The skills you have are similar to what he was developing… well whatever the case if they're anything like you, the Equalists will have the opportunity to live a better life. It's a shame that I'm going to have to end your life," pulling out the detonator in his pocket, "It was a pleasure… the heroic Avatar." He says mockingly before flipping off the lid and covered the button with his thumb.

"AMON!" Leaping forward, Korra didn't make it on time. He clicked it and the bomb went off making a huge explosion echo and shake the entire building.

Scrunching his face with irritation, "What did you do?" Throwing the detonator to the floor with anger, he went into a fighting stance.

Raising her fists, "You honestly thought I was going to let all of your bombs go off? What a joke, who do you think I am? I told you, but it looks like you won't answer my questions. That only means that none of you are getting out of here alive."

"Hmfp, then so be it."

*Asami's POV*

Asami had somehow managed to figure out where Amon's rally was taking place and had the forces on standby. She already knew that Korra was here and she needed to stop her before it was too late. With that being said, the police forces had circled Amon's rally but Asami couldn't shake off this feeling in the pit of her stomach. Something was wrong, it was just far too quiet.

Chief Beifong started on the radio, "Listen up, we don't know what Amon is planning so stand guard everyone."

"Roger."

"Yes ma'am" the team's sound off.

And just when the coast was clear and they were about to conduct their raid, an explosion went off shaking the entire building.

"What the… GO GO GO!"

The troops all rushed into the building that was instantly raging with fire. Flames were crackling as amber and ashes sparked all over the place and black smoke was quickly filling the building. As the officers entered, they gawked at the sight of all the equalists on the floor. No one understood what was happening but Asami knew that Korra had been through here.

"Oh no… EVERYONE HELP EVACUATE THE WOUNDED-" another explosion goes off making everyone flinch, "CHECK FOR SURVIVORS AND DO A SEARCH AND RESCUE!"

"ROGER!" They all respond and quickly picked up the fallen men.

After dragging out some injured men, Team 7 and the others ripped up a piece of cloth to cover their mouths. Tying her makeshift bandana, Asami looked at the buildings with terror as it looked like a sight from hell. The sky was already filled with black ashes and smoke and the building was falling apart. It was just as if satan's fury was let loose upon it and the flames were swallowing everything whole.

"Asami we need to hurry, we don't know if there are any men inside and the fire department is on their way but they won't make it on time. Lives are going to be lost if we don't do something!" Mako quickly briefs his captain.

"... I know. Come on let's go before it's too late."

The team members nods at each other before running back inside. Asami directed the brothers to take the west side while she went east. She aimlessly ran as fast as she could towards the hall where the two outlaws were conveniently located in. Avoiding multiple cracking and falling structures along the way, she pushed her way in until she heard and saw who she was looking for, the Avatar.

*Korra's POV*

Throwing a heavy right hook, she aimed for Amon's face which he blocks with his left forearm. Counter attacking, he makes a right jab which Korra deflects. They both glared into each other's eyes before exchanging a series of blows. Right hook after left, deflecting and countering, they both blocked and landed a couple of hits before backing away from each other from a falling, burning block of debris.

"You don't know who your messing with Avatar… you will regret what've you done. It is only a matter of time before my partner makes progress with his experiments."

Scoffing with anger, "Mark my words. I will find and stop all of your bombs AND Dr. Y... none of you are getting out of this city alive."

Letting out a annoyed grunt, "Enough talk."

Amon runs up to Korra and swiftly kicks through the fire landing a hard blow. The Avatar quickly blocks it with her arms grunting and feeling her bone crack upon impact. But she ignores the damage and grabs a hold of his leg shoving him down towards the burning floor. They both fall creating a whoosh of ambers scattering into the unbearable and smoldering atmosphere. They were both panting as Korra rose her right fist and struck down hard breaking off his mask.

He flinched before grabbing Korra's collar and started retaliating back with punches. The beast inside her was quickly filled with more rage and she let out a howl before quickly dominating him. She started beating the life out of the man.

"ARHH AAAAAAARRHHH!"

Loud audible punches were repeatedly being thrown and blood was splattering back and forth as the vigilante couldn't stop the fury boiling inside of her. She was too lost and distracted in rage to hear the footsteps approaching her in the distance until a loud crack sounded off. Whipping her head around, Korra saw a familiar silhouette in the flames.

"Asami…" her face was contorted in anger as her pupils were sharply dilated.

*Asami's POV*

Finally reaching the last place of two the living survivors, the captain couldn't believe her eyes. There were just so many bodies on the floor: some were buried under the burning wood and platforms while some just laid there lifelessly on the smoldering floor. Take a step forward, Asami stepped on some wood, cracking it as she scanned the room with horror before noticing two figures: one dressed in black and the other in dark grey. They were intensely wrestling with each other and she noticed that Korra noticed her but ignored the maiden continuing on with her fight.

"FREEZE RCPD," raising her gun she aims at the black figure on top of the other unknown suspect she presumes to be Amon.

Ignoring the detective, the Avatar starts in a cold voice, "Tell me what do you know about Dr. Y! WHAT is he doing to the kids…"

Amon spits out blood before talking, "Equality will come Avatar… whether you find his identity or not, his research is unstoppable!" Laughing demonically making Korra snarl before raising her fist.

"I SAID FREEZE!"

Korra gripped his neck with monstrous strength and crushes his wind duct while smashing in his head with one last blow. He stopped moving. He was no longer breathing and simply laid there lifeless.

Asami froze. She couldn't move because the sight of this beast was beyond horrifying. Even if she was wearing black, her clothes were visually soaked in blood and the flames in the background only created a scene of a devil burning in hell. "Is, is this really Korra?" Coming to her senses, she let out a horrid cough from breathing in too much smoke. Her eyes were starting to burn and she slowly lost vision from watering eyes. By the time she looked up again, she was struck with fear when the Avatar was standing right before her eyes with those deadly golden eyes.

Korra could sense that Asami was in danger since her breathing was haggard and her heartbeat became irregular, "She needs to get out of here now…" walking closer, Korra knew that the detective was about to shoot. Quickly lunging forward, she pushes the detective's gun upwards and a shot sounds off as the woman grunts. The vigilante then quickly disarms Asami and throws the gun into the flames.

Asami clenched her jaw and fist before throwing a quick right punch. The Avatar easily deflects it and they continuing exchanging blows until the outlaw finally had enough and tackled her. Lifting her off the floor, "LET. ME. GO!" The detective screams while thrashing about, punching and kicking at her ex-lover's body trying to break free.

The Avatar remained silent as she held onto Asami tightly and quickly ran for the blocked entrance. Staring at the messed up door, Korra starts clearing her way and slams her foot and body against the cindered mess. The rubble manages to loosen up but her outfit gets cindered and burns through all the way in the process which Korra ignores and continues to get through the mess.

While all of this happened the detective had accidentally inhaled some of the thick smoke and stopped resisting. Even if her mouth was covered by a makeshift bandana, she was painfully coughing and her throat burned. She couldn't even see anything and her eyes were closed shut from the burning pain. Even if Asami felt helpless, she was aware that she would have been dead if it weren't for Korra. She was being saved by the vigilante again and could only lay on her shoulder, helpless. No matter how much it hurted her pride, she had no choice. She was simply human, weak and helpless.

Korra quickly ran through the warehouse, dodging the rubble and debris. The building was completely smothered and shrouded in a thick, black smoke but the beast managed to navigate perfectly fine through the ruined halls. Her abilities made her unstoppable and she was in a rush, she didn't care if Asami knew that she wasn't exactly human since her ex-girlfriend needed fresh air, now. Finally seeing the back door, the beast let out a low snarl before bracing her lover on her shoulder and ran at full speed, tackling down the door.

They both fell with the burning doorway as it landed onto the floor with a crash, spreading around more ambers. Not resting, the vigilante took a glance behind them before rushing forward. The building finally gave up and caved in. The structure collapsed and crumbled onto the scorched ground with a force great enough that created a mist of embers in the smoky sky.

Korra ran a good distances away before finally setting down the detective on her back as she coughed hard trying to catch her breath. Of course, she wanted to stay to make sure that Asami was alright but she saw her fellow teammates rush over. That's why on cue, that Avatar turned around and started to sprint away. She didn't bother turning around and the last thing she could hear was the crackling of the flames and the weak screams of her beloved.

"W-WAIT! K-Korra… wait…" she was weakly musters, reaching out at the disappearing figure before collapsing onto the hot floor.

AN: Soooo how are y'all enjoying the story so far lol? Muwhahaha, the angst continues and our children both be looking out for each other in their own ways. Of course Asami is being the lawful one trying to arrest Korra for her 'sinful deeds' while Korra is dealing with some deep, secret underground shit! Who do yah think is behind this ohohohoho?! I've thrown some hints here and there so it should be obvious but you never know, I might throw a curveball. *smirks*