Chapter Seven
Satori's P.O.V
I sit on the edge of my bed—shaken, puzzled, afraid. My trembling hands tightly grip the piece of paper while my eyes scan over the four, eerie words that are printed on it for what's probably been the twentieth time.
You will join us.
I received this note just a few minutes ago by an unfamiliar deliver. When I saw that it was unaddressed I became confused. But I just shrugged it off, assuming it was from my parents and they just forgot to sign that it was from the tribe. I eagerly tore it open; although I really wish I hadn't. The letter is completely blank besides those four words written in the middle of the page—no signature, no address, absolutely no clue of who could have sent this.
This utterly terrified me.
Who will I join? This... This couldn't be from the Equalists could it? What would they want with me? I'm nothing special. I can't chi-block nor do I have any interest in destroying the bending population. Does this have to do with when I blurted out how I was Korra's sister at the rally? That's obviously how they discovered who I am. Maybe they plan to use me as bait to capture Korra; or maybe to lure more non-benders in by displaying that even the Avatar's sister is on their side.
This may not even be from the Equalists. But who else is an "us?" Is there another group of oppressors besides the Equalists? No. I really don't they there is. It only makes sense if this note was created by Amon.
Trying me best to stop my teeth from chattering, I read the statement again.
You will join us.
My eyes snap over to the door when it unexpectedly bursts open. When I see that it's Korra, decked out in her pro-bending uniform, I hastily shove the letter under my legs. I try my best to force a convincing smile her way.
"Hey, Korra," I greet, mentally slapping myself when my voice cracks toward the end.
Fortunately, it doesn't blow my cover. "Hey. I'm heading down to practice. You wanna join?" she offers cheerfully.
"Uh... I-I'm fine here. You go ahead without me."
She shrugs nonchalantly before sauntering out the room and jogging down the hall. "Alright then. See you later!" she calls. I don't bother to reply since I highly doubt she'd hear me.
The urge to show Korra the letter is really itching on me, but I know that would be just drive in her insane with worry and she doesn't need that right now. Ever since she quit Tarrlok's task force she's been feeling a lot less pressured about Amon and has been happy with her routine of air bending training and her successful pro-bending career—I don't want to ruin her path of peacefulness. I'm sure this note won't cause anything major anyway.
Hopefully.
xxxxxx
The light snow flakes flurry down on me as I stroll around the temple in the peaceful evening atmosphere. Since I had nothing better to do, I decided to take a little walk to calm my nerves. Everything about winter nights relaxes me—the chilling wind caressing my face, the sound of my boots crunching the snow below me, the beautiful scenery of the white powder piling on top of everything. It all reminds me of being back home when it was just Korra, our parents and I eating sea prunes by the fire. Don't get me wrong, I love my new life in Republic City, but when I lived in the tribe I never had to worry about things as much.
The frighting note hasn't left me alone. It's like I can never got my mind off of it no matter what's occurring. I could be goofing around with the kids and still have a unnerving gut feeling that something's going to suddenly jump out and snatch me up. Every night I lay awake, unable to fall asleep until it's basically three o'clock in the morning because I am just so focused on that damn letter. I despise being so stressed out about this and I really wish I could tell someone... but I never do. Worrying everyone will just be useless.
You wanna know what would help distract me from these horrible feelings? Bolin actually making an effort to speak to me. I've hardly had a real conversation with him since the gala because he always goes to talk with Mako or Korra; most frequently the latter. That's why I usually deny the invitations to observe pro-bending practices because I don't find joy in trying to get Bolin to notice me but constantly failing.
Yeah. Yet another thing to add to the list of Satori's issues. I'm starting to feel like the spirits are trying to torture me. But then again I'm known for being overly dramatic.
"So how's it going with that tall, dreamy, fire bender boy? You've been spending a lot of time together lately."
I stop in my tracks and glance around when I hear Jinora's voice. My eyes land on her, Ikki, and Korra filling up the flying lemur fruit containers that hang on a tree. I smirk in amusement when Korra blushes exceedingly at the topic of Mako. I make my way over to them.
"Yeah!" Ikki adds excitedly. "Tell us all about the magical romance."
"Talking about Korra's crush on Mako?" I ask once I approach. Ikki and Jinora in look over at me in surprise, obviously not expecting me, but nod with giddy smiles on their faces before staring up at Korra expectantly.
"What? Listen to you guys. I'm not interested in Mako or any romantic stuff," Korra terribly lies, sending me a pointed glare as she laughs nervously. "Besides he's all into the prissy, beautiful, elegant, rich girl... B-But let's just pretend for a second that I am interested in him. What would I do?"
"Yeah. Pretend," I say with a snort, rolling my eyes at her fail attempt at trying to be convincing about not being into Mako. I hold my hand up in front of my chest when, once again, Korra glowers at me.
"Oh! I just read a historical saga where the heroin fell in love with the enemy general's son who's supposed to marry the princess. You should do what she did!" Jinora suggests.
"Tell me!" Korra demands hopefully.
"She road a dragon into battle and burned down the entire country. Then she jumped into a volcano. It was so romantic!"
Korra's elated facial expression falls. "Uh..."
"No, no, no!" Ikki interjects, shaking her head disapprovingly at her older sister. "The best way to win a boys heart is brew a love potion of rainbows and sunsets that makes true lovers sprout wings and fly to a magical castle in the sky where they get married and eat clouds with spoons and use stars as ice cubes in the moonlight punch! Forever and ever and ever!" She then proceeds to cheerfully soar two feet from the ground and gracefully landing on her feet with a dreamy look on her face.
"The volcano is starting to make more sense to me now..." Korra murmurs, frowning.
I stare at the two girls like they grew to heads. "I don't think you two really understand relationships," I tell them before grinning teasingly at Korra. "Maybe you should ask Meelo!"
She rolls her eyes at me and we both perk up in surprise when we hear a soft giggle from behind us. We all turn to face an amused seeming Pema.
"Oh. Hey, Pema," Korra greets, clearly embarrassed that she got caught asking little girls about relationship advice. "Uh, how long were you standing there?"
"Long enough," she replies knowingly. "But trust me, I know what you're going through. Years ago I was in the exact same situation with Tenzin."
"Daddy was in love with somebody else before you?" Ikki questions with a high-pitch gasp.
"That's right."
Suddenly very intrigued, along with Korra, I ask hurriedly, "So what did you do?"
"Well, for the longest time I did nothing—I was so shy and scared of rejection. But watching my soul mate spend his life with the wrong woman became too painful. So I hung my chin out there and confessed my love to Tenzin," she explains, smiling to herself as if she's remembering the moment right then and there and she retells it. "And the rest is history."
As the three of them awe over her enchanting love story, a tiny smile spreads across my lips as an idea pops into my mind. I need to tell Bolin how I feel. My crush has already grown into, not love, but something that truly means a lot to me. Seeing him hardly pay attention to me has defiantly gotten to the point that it pains me—especially when he gets flirty with Korra instead of me. Frankly, I'm afraid if I wait any longer some other girl will snatch him before I even have the chance; I can't let that happen.
Then it's decided. Tomorrow night at the pro-bending tournament I'm going to confess my feelings to Bolin.
But as I stalk to my room with Korra by my side, I feel a tug at my heart, almost as a way of hinting to me that something bad is gonna happen. I ignore it.
xxxxxx
"Woo! Go Fire Ferrets!" I cheer supportively along with the boisterous crowd when yet another of Mako's blasts hit an opponent straight on.
It's one of the first match's that decide who will have a spot in the championship tournament and, unsurprisingly, the Fire Ferrets are winning by far; they were practically ahead before they even started. I've had a proud smile on my face the entire time. Although, It's kinda difficult to enjoy the match when I have insane fans screeching and hollering in my ears like overly-excited maniacs but I deal with it for my team—okay, it's not literally my team but I still like to consider to be a part of it.
The avid, upbeat announcers' voice booms through the arena. "And all three rounds go to the Fire Ferrets, who win their opening match in the tournament!"
I chuckle as they jump up and down in joy before squeezing each other in a group hug. While the teams are taken up to their break rooms, I rise from my seat and begin to make my way to the stairs so I can go and celebrate with them—along with going through with my plan to tell Bolin how I feel. But when I'm just outside of the entrance, I pick up a conversation between Korra and Bolin I really wish I wouldn't have heard.
"So Korra, I was thinking that you and me, we could get some dinner together. Sorta a date situation," Bolin's confident voice suggests. My happy grin instantly disappears and switches into a lip-trembling frown.
"Oh... That's really sweet but I don't think so," Korra rejects, her own tone noticeably saddened. "I don't feel very date worthy."
"Are you kidding me? You're the smartest, funniest, toughest, buffest, talentedest, most incredibleist girl in the world!"
"You really feel that way about me?" she asks after she giggles in flattery.
"I felt that way since the moment I saw you," Bolin admits sincerely. "Trust me, I know we're going to have so much fun with each other."
Despaired tears flow down my cheeks and I cover my mouth when an uncontrolled sob escapes my lips. Pain stabs through my heart and it feels as if it inflates and floats down to the pit of my stomach but leaves an aching hole in my chest where it used to be. The hand that's placed over my mouth along with the one that is wrapped around my stomach starts to shake slightly. I don't think the emotional hurting can get any worse until I hear Korra's—my sister's—unfathomable response.
"Ya know what? I could use some fun. Okay, sure!"
"Yes! Who's the luckiest guy in the world? Right here! Bolin!" he cheers elatedly while walking out of the room with his arm swung around her and strolling the opposite way I'm standing.
They didn't even notice me.
Once they're out of sight, I choke on another sob as my vision is blurred with tears. I lean against the wall, my shoulders shaking pathetically and my face buried into my hands. After a few moments, I peek up when someone places a hand on my shoulder—Mako, who has a genuine look of sympathy etched on his face. He blatantly feels really bad for me... but I don't want him to. Right now, I just seem like the pitiful reject who just got her heart broken while her sister got the guy. I don't need him looking down on more than everyone already does.
"Satori, I'm so-" he begins but I hastily cut him off.
"Don't," I manage to force out, my voice cracking sorrowfully. "Please."
His frown just deepens and when I catch a glimpse of Asami coming to join us, I rush away, not wanting her to see me in this awful state. My legs pump rapidly until I burst through the doors of the arena and the freezing cold air pinches my skin. It doesn't bother me though since the mental and emotional pain is far worse. The tears down quit as I await a ferry to take me back to the island.
Why does this crap always have to happen to me?
xxxxxx
With my covers draped over me, I'm curled up in my bed, the specific spot on my pillow that my head is rested on soaked with tears. I'm not crying anymore though—my eyes got too swollen and puffy to produce anymore for the night. Anyway I'm pretty sure if I continued to somberly weep like I've been doing for the past two hours Tenzin or Pema might come and investigate.
I seriously just can't believe it. I went to the pro-bending match expecting to come out of there with my true feelings off my chest and Bolin willingly by my side with his around me. But instead, Korra was the one who ended up spending the night with an incredible boy who's head over heels for her while I get to wallow in my own self pity in my bedroom. I was prepared to spill every single confession about how I crushed on him the moment we first met and haven't stopped fawning over him ever since. My hopes were up terribly high which is probably why hearing that conversation between Bolin and Korra struck me so hard. Overhearing it brought on heartbreak—just like when Hao confessed his feelings to Korra and admitted he was just using me. That was an awful time but I got over it fairly quickly; although, this time, I believe it'll be a lot more difficult.
Because Korra actually agreed to going out with Bolin.
With Hao, she immediately rejected him because of me like any good sister should. But she obviously didn't care today about how much I liked Bolin; she only thought about herself. It almost feels wrong to think that about her because she hardly ever does selfish acts but it's true. Bolin said some extremely flattering things about how wonderful she is and apparently I didn't matter to her anymore—all that mattered was her receiving all the attention like she always does.
How is this fair? Mako, even though he won't admit it to himself, clearly has feelings for Korra, too. Why must every guy fall for her? She's an overall phenomenal person, yes, but does that mean I have to constantly become insignificant to everyone we meet while she's awed over? It's infuriating! Being stuck in the shadows has always bothered me but I told myself it's worth being Korra's sister. Though now that she basically stabbed me in the back without giving me a thought, for the first time in my life, I am genuinely outraged at her and a part of me even wishes I wasn't her sister anymore.
Alright. I'm being pretty dramatic—per usual. But can I really be blamed?
One of the worst parts about this whole thing is that my self-esteem has been dropped even lower than before. Generally, I'm not a particularly confident person. All that times I've been second choice, unnoticed, brokenhearted, and felt completely useless has caused me to become shockingly insecure. I don't come off as self-conscious as I truly am because I do my best to hide it; it's essentially not one of my attributes that I enjoy expressing. Although all the times Bolin complimented me, I started to believe that I can succeed in being happy with myself. But now that he, along with Hao two years ago, has chosen my sister over me, I feel utterly worthless. I'll never be someones first. It'll always be Korra.
Honestly, Korra's betrayal devastated me the most because not only did she really hurt me but she hasn't even noticed it either. And now, as I lay depressingly in my bed, I can't expect to sob into her shoulder and have her to comfort me when she gets home.
That's why I feel so... alone.
I grimace when my door swings open and by the enthusiasm of the entrance I, sadly, know who it is.
"Hey, sissy," Korra greets gleefully, striding over so she can look at me. Her face falls worriedly when she takes in my tear stained cheeks, distressed facial expression, and how I don't respond to her. "Tor, what's the matter?"
I continue to stare at the wall. "Go away," I snap weakly.
"What?" she asks, taken aback.
"I said go away."
"Why do you want me to go away? Did I do something wrong?"
Her obliviousness setting me off, I shoot up from the bed to stand directly in front of her while harshly glaring at her. "Oh, you don't know what you did? Hm. How interesting. How about I refresh your memory? Think back to just a few hours ago after you won your pro-bending match. You and Bolin happened to have quite a lovely talk with each other, didn't you?" I hiss, sarcasm thick in my tone. "Ring a bell yet, sis?"
She seems very puzzled for a couple, short moments until all the confusion washes away into a look of realization and dreadful guilt. "Oh my gosh, Satori. I-I didn't even know you were listening—"
"So you were just going to go out with Bolin behind me back?" I shout furiously. "That's not any better!"
She shakes her head frantically, her deep, blue eyes coated in despair. "Satori, I honestly wasn't thinking straight. I had confessed my feelings to Mako and he said he didn't feel the same way so I just felt so down while Bolin was asking me out that his flattering comments just made me feel so much better! Geez, I feel horrible!"
"But you know you how much I like Bolin," I mutter, my bottom lip quivering. "Practically the same thing occurred with Hao and you rejected him then. Why not now with Bolin? I-I've never had such strong feelings for anyone before and you just went ahead and took him away from me..."
"Please, you have to hear me out—"
"I don't want to, Korra!" I cry, my voice cracking slightly. "Do you have any idea how many times I've been forgotten because of you? How many times I've been pushed into your shadow? You may not notice it, but being the Avatar's sister can be really difficult because I hardly ever get any attention—any appreciation. And I understand that that isn't necessarily your fault but you could have at least said no to Bolin. You don't even like him like that, so why would you say yes? Was it just to make you feel better about yourself?"
After the last question slips past my lips, she turns angry. "You know, you're not the only heartbroken one here! Mako doesn't like me back and I'm forced to watch him and Asami all over each other! I'm sorry Hao liked me instead of you and I'm sorry Bolin did. Could you cut me some slack here? It's not my fault that I became the Avatar and you didn't and it's not my fault that all your crushes are interested in me and not you!" Her eyes widen in regret when she realizes what she just yelled.
I gape incredulously at her before crossing my arms over my chest and diverting my eyes to the ground. "You don't understand, Korra. Not matter how foolish I sound, I was in love with Bolin and he and my sister went out together. I heard him basically say the you're the most terrific girl he's ever met along with you agreeing to go on a date with him. You got hurt, too—I get that. But not by your own sister."
"Satori—"
"Get out."
"But—"
"Please..." I beg hoarsely, tears threatening to spill.
She sighs shakily and reluctantly obliges by trudging toward the door. She's just about to leave until she stops and glimpses over her shoulder at me. "I'm sorry, Tori," she whispers in distress before heading down the hall.
I sluggishly make my way over to the door to shut it. A sob escapes my throat as I slide down it and cover my face in my hands so my pitiful cries are muffled.
xxxxxx
It's the pro-bending semi final tonight—besides the championship tournament, this is the most important match of season. Since all of this drama happened, I didn't plan on attending it. But after sitting outside on the steps of the temple and watching the elegantly lit up arena from afar while listening to the faint chants and cheers, I began feel guilty. Here I am, moping around like I have been for the past two days, never leaving the temple, when three of the most important people in my life need my support. Yeah, Korra and Bolin did hurt me and I'm still not completely over it... but I tonight is so special to all of them that I feel terrible for not being there. It's selfish, honestly, and I want to be there for them tonight no matter the circumstances.
So that's why I am currently traveling toward the arena on a ferry. I'm incredibly anxious about not only being in the presence of Bolin again but also not knowing what to anticipate about the match. I have no clue what's happened between the team since I heard Bolin ask Korra out so I'm prepared to expect anything.
Once I dismount the ferry and it ventures away, I'm left standing alone in the dark—well, it would be pitch dark if the blindingly lit arena weren't only a few feet away from me. I start toward the arena until I unexpectedly hear obnoxious motorcycle engines. Panicked, I whirl around to find four chi-blockers on motorcycles riding straight toward me. Terror overwhelms me and I bolt forward, but I am quickly surrounded by the chi-blockers. All four of them hop of their bikes, swinging electric ropes around threateningly.
"L-Leave me alone!" I scream fearfully, close to hysteria. "Please! I-I didn't d-do anything!"
"Who said you did anything?" one of them reply tauntingly.
Before I can react, one of the ropes is being thrown around me and I'm collapsing to the ground, electrocuted to unconsciousness.
Bolin's P.O.V
The pain decreases immensely as Korra bends the water around my injured shoulder. "Bolin," she begins, her tone saddened. "I'm sorry I hurt your feelings. I didn't mean to let things get so out of hand."
"Ah, I'll be alright," I assure her, a soft grin spreading across my face. "But we had fun together, didn't we?"
"I had a great time, honestly! You are one of a kind, Bolin," she says sincerely, the corners of her lips rising upwards as she resits the compliment I told her when we went on our date.
I chuckle. "Please, go on. I enjoy praise."
"Hey, Korra." We both look over when Asami calls her name from where she is standing with Mako. "Where's Satori? Shouldn't she be here tonight?"
"Yeah. I'm surprised she wasn't here to cheer us on like she normally is," I add, suddenly realizing she hasn't been around the past couple of days either. "As a matter of fact, I haven't seen her recently. Where's she been?"
Korra's happy expression vanishes and she stares down at her twiddling thumbs, shame blatantly painted in her eyes. I glance over to see Mako frowning, too, and I become irritated that I don't know what's going on. I'm about to demand any answer but I am interrupted when a random woman comes rushing into our room.
"Avatar Korra!" she cries. "Your sister! The Equalists are taking her!"
Alarm races through me just as Korra jumps up from the bench panicky. "What?" she shouts in horror. "W-Where? Where are they?"
"Outside of the arena!"
All four of shove past her, bolt down the stairs, and toward the exit. We burst through the door to see four Equalist motorcycles starting up with chi-blockers perched on each one. The unfathomable anger that courses through me when I see Satori swung over one of their shoulders and unconsciousness is shocking. Who do these bastards think they are?
"Satori!" Korra hollers. "No!" She sprints forward, sending all sorts of blasts of fire and earth at them, and Mako and I hastily join her.
"Let her go!" I shout in utter outrage but yet it's desperate at the same time.
They dodge all our attacks and, to my complete anguish, they get away. Korra pointlessly continues to frantically fire shots where they escaped while shouting out in despaired outrage. Mako just stands there, dejected, and Asami comes over to try and calm him and Korra down. But all I am able to do is fall to my knees and bring my hands to my face.
It's then that I realize who the true person I'm in love with is. Not Korra. Not any insane fan girl.
Satori—I'm unconditionally in love with Satori.
And now she's gone.
Review for bummers? I'm writing a lot of those lately. I promise I'm not depressed—I'm just simply making this happen because it starts an important thing for Satori. And I just simply like writing sad stuff haha.