AN: Sorry for late post life got busy -m- ah but I hope this chapter doesn't confuse you. Basically the first part is narrating and then most of chap is a flashback with the last part taking place in the present. So narration, past, present, please keep that in mind! Sorry for the awkwardness, I'm just tired! -A-
Ch 11: False Hope
After the confrontation with Hiroshi Sato, Korra has been observing the news constantly like a hawk. Every morning. Every afternoon. Every evening. Every night. Days and days quickly went by which greatly disappointed Korra. Hell! She didn't even know what to expect because she knew him for the monster he was even if he is Asami's dad. Honestly, Korra had earnestly fallen in love with Asami and still does adore her even if they did break up. That's why somewhere inside of her cold heart, she had this false hope that maybe, just maybe he would surrender himself.
But, sadly it was all in vain.
During this whole, damn, long week, Korra waited patiently watching and observing Hiroshi's every move. Of course, her expectations didn't betray her and Hiroshi did nothing. But, the only good news that she did manage to confirm was that Asami had no knowledge of her father's work. However, this didn't mean that Asami wasn't completely innocent. She had a soft spot for her father and this clouded her judgement.
Korra honestly did wish that Asami would do the right thing but her fears were sadly confirmed a while back. It all started when she gave an anonymous tip to the police force in order to put some pressure on Hiroshi. She personally delivered a package that contained data on the kidnappings on the same day she threatened Hiroshi. But sadly for her, it wasn't good enough apparently and they settled it later that week.
No one even earnestly took it into consideration.
For insurance Korra had also tipped the news stations but of course, it was futile, especially since the police had immediately made an announcement. There were only murmurs around town and people actually were laughing instead of being baffled by this accusation. That's why the vigilante couldn't help but laugh because Hiroshi really did do an amazing job at creating the perfect reputation for himself. That's why Korra gave up. No one would believe her even if it was the truth.
Hiroshi Sato was just too much of an 'honorable' man.
*7 days ago*
Whispers were happening all around the station, "Hey did you hear? Apparently Detective Sato's dad, Hiroshi Sato is being accused of the recent children kidnappings."
"Wait what? No way…."
"Yeah, we received an anonymous tip from someone last night and it basically said something along the lines of, 'Hiroshi Sato is the man behind the kidnappings. He worked with Amon to get the kids and he's apparently experimenting on them in one of his hospitals for some new type of drug.'"
"Holy shit! That's seriously sounds specific so it might kinda be legit… has the Chief said anything yet?"
"Well about that, they're planning to conduct a quick search and then-"
"Hey shut it!" smacking his shoulder.
"Ow what the hell man why-" turning around, "O-Ohhh! H-Hey Asami…"
Glaring at her coworker, the maiden quickly dismisses them and starts walking away. Making her way to Chief Beifong's office, Asami needed to understand the details and situation of what she's been hearing around. When she arrived at her destination, she knocked on her door and the chief welcomed her in. Then, after the detective was briefed, Asami understood the shady situation and went back to her office upset. She thought about the information long and hard, looking at the possibilities of her father being the culprit behind the kidnappings. There were multiple ideas running through her head before she decided on calling her father. Her heart was beating and she was uneasy as her phone rang few times before he picked up.
"Hello. Hey dad…"
"Hello? What's wrong sweetie you sound a bit strange?"
"W-Well… we… we actually received an anonymous tip last night that said that you are the mastermind behind the recent children kidnapping cases. It said you were using them in experiments…"
"What!? That's ludicrous honey! Why in the world would I do that?! (Korra…) there's no way I would do such a thing and the only thing that I can think of that would remotely go with this is… hm… well the new hospital that I created for free treatments for families that can't afford it. Don't believe this nonsense sweetie! There's no way I would do such a cruel thing!"
Smiling with some relief, "Yeah y-you're right dad… I'm sorry. I believe in you but I guess I just needed to hear it out loud for some reason," laughing wryly. "Anyways I'm sorry to bother you when you're so busy. Bye… I love you dad."
"Of course sweetie and I love you to. Bye and be safe."
She smiled again and right when she hung up, her team came back. "Hey Asami!"
"Hey you guys…" making a sort of sad smile.
The brothers looked at each other and frowned, "I'm assuming you heard the news about your dad…"
She nodded while shifting back in her seat.
*Korra's POV*
After her confrontation with Hiroshi, Korra was still extremely irritated and couldn't sit still. That's why she planned to drop by the police station to see if they started a investigation or even bothered to do anything with the tip she left. Stopping short outside of Asami's team room, she let out a deep breath and pulled her hoodie past her face. Leaning against the wall, she listened in through the walls on the conversation that was currently happening.
"What do you think Asami… do you think your dad fits the profile we made…" Mako asks while stepping over to comfort the captain.
"... I-I don't know… I mean he does fit the profile but I… I would like to say no..."
"Asami don't worry about it! I'm sure that tip is ludicrous because there is no way your dad is behind the kidnappings!" Bolin reassures.
"Yeah Asami… I'm going to have to agree with Bolin on this one. From how long we've know you're father, he is the most humble, kind and respectable man I know. No one can beat Dr. Sato in terms of kindness." Patting the woman's shoulder firmly.
Looking up at her team, "I… I would love to think so too… yeah… you're right, I actually just called him and he seemed perfectly fine. He wasn't weird or out of ordinary in any way so it can't possibly be him… (right?)"
The brothers both grin, "See there you go! Now let's go follow up with Chief Beifong again and clear your dad's name!"
Feeling exhausted, she smiled softly before speaking. "Yeah… sounds good."
Meanwhile, Korra stood there completely disappointed and regretful. Out of all the people she thought that would believe in her tip, it was them. From what she learned about Asami's squad, it was that her team is righteous and always fought for justice. Korra believed that they would investigate it seriously, especially because it was the only lead they had on the kidnapping case. But, she just knew from the flow of the conversation that they weren't going to expose Hiroshi. Her eyes couldn't help but fade out becoming emotionless, remembering that the only people she could trust were her brethren from the faculty. "Iroh… I wish you could be here to help me…" walking away quietly, she disappeared into shadows of the alleyway.
As Korra walked away leaving behind all of her hopes, the squad proceeded to walk over towards the Chief's office to further discuss the situation. Knocking on the door, "Chief it's Team 7 and we would like to have a word with you."
"Come in."
The three of them stepped in carefully and saluted. The Chief nodded back and started first, "I assume this is about Hiroshi Sato?" The team nodded, "First off, you three know I can't dismiss this even if it was from an unreliable source."
"But-"
Raising her hand, "Hold it before you three start, we will be only conducting a simple search and once your father gets the green lights, we won't bother him again. This is because it was also leaked to the news stations so we have to conduct a proper investigation before we clear him and the misunderstanding… understood?"
The three of them looked bitter but understood that it had to be done. "Yes ma'am…"
"Good but just so you know, Mako and Bolin will be in charge of the search because it is related to your case… I'm sorry Asami but you are only permitted to provide support if needed… understood?"
Asami was upset but knew that the chief was doing her a big favor by allowing her to even work on the case. "I understand ma'am…"
"Good… make you clear Hiroshi Sato's name. He is one of this city's best men and the people can't lose faith in him."
Their expressions all lighten up and they happily accepted their new task. "Yes ma'am!" Saluting, they all proceeded to prepare for the investigation and hastily walked out the door.
The next day, Asami informed her father of the news. "Hey dad… I just wanted to let you know that we do have to conduct a search and we'll be heading over soon with several forensics teams to search the hospitals…"
Letting out a chuckle, "Of course sweetie. Don't worry I don't mind, just go ahead and lead them 'll have some staff full prepared to cooperate with you so do your best sweet heart!"
Smiling thankfully, "Thank you for understanding dad… I know this probably looks bad on the hospital but if we don't conduct a search the people will lose faith in you…."
"Of course of course, no harm done. I have nothing to hide (besides they're not even located in any of our hospitals…) so go ahead and do your job honey. But unfortunately I have to go now so I'll see you later, I love you sweetie."
"I love you to," smiling guiltily before hanging up.
*4 days ago, Team 7 POV*
With that, the RCPD spent the next few days investigating all of Future Industries Hospitals and after series of searching and questioning, the forensics found nothing out of ordinary. Checking in via walkie, "The fourth floor is all set and clear. Nothing out of ordinary."
"The fifth floor is all clear to."
"Alright good work everyone once you're wrapped up, you're dismissed."
"Roger."
"Copy."
Letting out a sigh of relief, Asami did feel truly relieved. Even if she did believe that her dad was innocent, it was nerve wracking to see her father being accused of something so cruel. However, even though her father got the green lights the detective couldn't shake off this weird feeling inside of her stomach. "... Everything was clean… too clean… Korra, you were the one who left this tip so you must've have based it on something. None of us found anything… why… what is happening?"
Becoming startled when Bolin set his hand on Asami's shoulder, "See I told you! Dr. Sato, no your dad is totally innocent!" Making a great big grin.
Smiling solemnly, "Yeah thanks Bolin…"
Raising his brow "What? Why do you seem so sad Cap! You should be happy! Your dad is totally cool!"
"Yeah I know it's just…"
Mako interrupts them, "Too clean… I don't know Bolin… it's true that his hospitals are clear but I can't shake this feeling that something is up…"
Looking up sadly, "You think so to Mako…" letting out a heavy sigh, "Alright here's what we're going to do. We're going to continue searching but covertly…"
Mako nodded firmly and agreed. "You're right, if we doing anything strange Hiroshi will most likely mark us and hide his tail… we need to find some sort of solid evidence before we can accuse him again. Especially since we just cleared his name today…"
Russling his hair, "Arghh! This is just too complicated great! Why can't things just be good and normal for once!"
"Life isn't fair Bo… but this is the only lead we got and we have to pursue it until the end…" letting out a deep sigh, "I just hope that we're just worrying for nothing… i-if it's what we think… I-I don't know how I'll…"
"..."
They stood there silently before their coworkers started coming down. Giving each other one last look, they started packing up their items and left the hospital. Then, once all of their items were in their vehicle, the team couldn't help but look back at the hospital one last time. They all had this silent agreement that they'll see this situation till the very end whether it be good or bad.
*present*
Back at the warehouse, Korra sat there in silence playing her plan over and over again in her head. She was going to expose Hiroshi Sato for the sick man he is and no one was going to stop her.
Pledging to herself, "Once I rescue these children and expose Hiroshi's true self to the world, I will end this once and for all even if I die… I will have no regrets. I'll leave everything in your guys hands…"
Standing up, Korra looked at herself in the mirror one last time staring at the demon that she has become. Setting her hand over the reflection of her face, she cracks the mirror remembering her past, playing her pained memories again and again. Letting out a breath, she was finally calm and relaxed before she turned around and walked out of her hideout with rage and determination.
"It's time I end this."
The door slams shut and echoes across the empty, cold warehouse.