Title: Questionable Loyality
Pairing: Korra & Asami.
Rated: M
Disclaimer: I do not own Legend of Korra and its characters. All rights belong to their respectable owners Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino.
Authors Note: We are just 3 more chapters away until its all over. It took me a good while to get this one out (2 months I know sorry guys) due to real life circumstances as well as writers block (really really bad writers block). I didn't think it would over take me the way it did but I am determined to give this story a proper ending. You all have been troopers through out this whole process and I just wanted to thank you for all the Reviews, PM's, Favs, Follows and all kinds of support. It is always and forever will be appreciated. Thank you guys so much.
Warning: Angst (minor I think.)
PS: Korrasami AU Drabbles still up for votes. Special Delivery is still in the lead with Republic Enemies coming in second. I still have more AU's in mind aside from the Drabbles posted. Once I finish this one. I might do another little mini story (5 or 10 chapters at the most) in the mean time just to get the idea out of my head but we'll see. I wanted to put Korrasami in any and all kinds of universes and scenarios but so little time and patience to do it. Anyway, for now I hope you enjoy this chapter.
After reconciling, Korra and Asami left the apartment complex following Mako to his apartment. They needed a well planned strategy in order to take down the Red Lotus. With Asami on board they had more than enough information to do that.
Asami parked her car behind Mako's to a building just a block away from the precinct. "This is where you live?" Asami questioned as she got out of her car. Korra walked up beside her stopping in front of the building
Mako got out of the car and gave off a confused expression to the random question. "Yeah," he replied before jogging up the stairs and going inside.
"Talk about dedication..." Asami commented under her breath.
Korra followed both of them inside. "No wonder you get to work earlier than me," she said with a smirk.
"Ha ha.." Mako said as he opened the front door. "Joke all you want but I like to be on time unlike you," he said to his partner as he took off his satchel.
Both girls entered the apartment with Asami closing the door behind them. Korra looked around at the small yet livable room they were now standing in. She had never actually stepped foot inside of his apartment before. "This place is so tiny I'm surprise you have breathing space."
Mako rolled his eyes at Korra's comment. "I like where I live okay," he said walking toward the couch. "Can we just focus on the task at hand?" He asked as he took a seat.
"Sure but first I'm gonna open up these curtains. Its like brooding city in here," Korra said as she opened them up a bit to shed some decent light in the room.
Pulling his satchel close to him, Mako took out the case files to review them over again. "I brought you both here so we could have a safe place to come up with a plan," he said opening up the folder spreading out a copy of the Red Lotus criminal record.
Asami took a seat next to Mako and glancing over at the files he placed on the table. "Well I feel very safe," she said sarcastically looking over at him. "I'm shocked you don't live above the police station."
"He would if he could," Korra mumbled as she sat next to Asami.
Mako huffed out of annoyance but continued on. "Look going to your place is an automatic hell no," he said referring to Asami. He sat back a bit and looked over at Korra. "And I'm pretty damn sure the Red Lotus knows where you live by now. So buckle down and focus."
"The lone ranger is right," Asami said picking up Zaheer's rap sheet. "Lets get this over with." Tossing the sheet back down on the table, Asami looked over at Mako then back at Korra before sitting back on the couch to get a better view of both of them. "So what was the original plan?" she asked folding her arms over her chest.
Korra sat up and turned to face Asami. "Well I was suppose to infiltrate the gang to obtain specific information that led to Zaheer's escape from prison..." she started off to explain. Wanting to carefully word it, Korra took a deep breath before continuing, "the only way to do that without suspicion was though you," she said with a gulp before clearing her throat. "Sorry."
Asami arched a puzzled brow at Korra before nodding. "Alright. Well if you still want in.. I know a way how," she said with a determined tone. Sitting up, Asami spread out each members files, "its just gonna take a little finesse," she said with a glare.
"How do we do that?" Korra asked following Asami's line of sight.
With a smirk, Asami pointed at Ming-Hua's picture. "By taking her out," she said tapping it with her finger.
"Why her?" Mako asked wondering what made her stand out more than the rest.
Asami stretched her arms out lacing her fingers together cracking them. "Because her greatest weapon can and will be her down fall," she said staring at Ming-Hua's metal arms.
Mako was taken back by the angle Asami was taking but understood why. "Even so its no way we're getting with in ten feet of her without being noticed," he pointed out since he had been staking them out a few times since the case started.
"Yeah but I know someone who can," Asami mention looking over at Mako. "You probably won't approve."
Squinting his eyes a bit, Mako drew up a confused look until he realized who she meant. "No. We are not getting my brother involved," he said putting his foot down on the suggestion.
Asami shown a small yet visible smirk that came off smug as ever. "He's already involved remember?" she countered with a bit of an attitude. Clearing it up, she sighed and rubbed the side of her temple lightly. "I don't know anyone else I can trust to pull this off. Your brother is capable of doing this if given the chance," she assured with a more supporting tone.
Korra shook her head in disagreement. "I'm not sure about this. Yeah Bolin is a trustworthy guy but this is a little to much for him to handle. Like you said it takes finesse to pull this off," she said repeating Asami's words back to her.
"I know that's where Opal comes in," Asami quickly said. Taking out her phone, Asami began to pull up a picture from the internet. "This crappy little motel is where Ming-Hua will be. Its where she always goes the day before a big job," she explained showing more pictures of the grounds around the area on Republic City maps.
Both Mako and Korra looked at her phone confused. "Why does she go there?" He asked as he took his laptop out of his satchel to type in the place himself.
Asami rolled her eyes with a sigh as Mako brought up the motel on his laptop. "Because its where her and Ghazan go to hook up."
"I knew there was something going on between those two!" Korra shouted abruptly getting both their attention. "I mean.. continue please," she said more calming gesturing back to the laptop.
Shaking her head with a smirk, Asami took the laptop from Mako and pointed to one of the rooms on the second level. "This is the room they'll be in," she said typing something else into the search. She brought up a quickly blue print of the grounds. "All he has to do is be here," she said pointing in the bedroom. "When she is here," while pointing again to the bathroom.
Mako began to tap his foot impatiently on the floor. "I don't like it. What if she catches him. Hell how is he even going to be in her room without Ghazan walking in and seeing him there?" he asked with more doubt in his voice than intended.
"Look," Asami said getting Mako's attention very quickly. "I've had 16 years to know the enemy. I know their routine. I know what their capable of more than anyone in this room. So if you can come up with a better plan be my guest. But if you want Korra in this is the way to do it," she said gesturing to the motel on the screen.
Mako was frustrated but the lines in his brows began to thin out. "Fine. What does Bolin have to do?"
Asami opened up another tab to show a model arm similar to the one Ghazan made for Ming-Hua. "He'll need to cut off the pressure sensors."
"What would that do?" Korra asked curiously.
Looking over at Korra, Asami gestured to the screen with the nod of her head. "It would stop mobility in her hands. She won't be able to pick up a thing let alone make a bomb," she replied as a small animation was shown upon the screen.
"How do you know that will even work?" Mako questioned with a scowl.
"Because I have the schematics to it," Asami mention placing the laptop on to the table. "Ghazan has shown me once or twice how to work it. Plus.. when I've made some prototypes in the past that's still in my garage," she said in the most nonchalant manner.
Korra understood and took a deep breath trying to grasp the plan at hand. "Alright so Bolin goes in and cuts the pressure sensors and once Ming-Hua is out of the picture. I'm in?" she asked hoping that was all to it.
Asami shrugged her shoulders slightly before speaking up. "Sort of. They don't trust anyone," she said with a sigh. "That's why we're not gonna give them a choice," she said picking up Ming-Hua's wrap sheet handing it to Korra. "You will be the only candidate they can think of to do this job on such short notice."
Reading over Ming-Hua's specialties, Korra seemed slightly worried. "I'm all for blowing shit up but.. I don't know how to make bombs," she said hoping she won't be a dead give away once this all starts.
"If anything, Ming-Hua will already have plenty lined up for you to use. All you have to do is place them where they need to be. If not, I'll make them for you," Asami assured without missing a beat.
Mako stood up catching both girls attention. "Whoa whoa whoa. We can't cross the line." Mako interjected. "Yes we need Korra there but-"
Asami held her hand up to cut him off. "Things need to be authentic if you want her in it. No bullshit," she bluntly stated. "You've been skating this far detective and gotten no where. You could have arrested all of them by now but didn't for whatever reason your superiors shoved down your throats," she said to prove her point. Stopping herself from saying something brutal, Asami chose her words careful. "So... decide right now how far you both are willing to go," she said turning her attention to Korra. Seeing the worried look in Korra's eyes made Asami take her hand to comfort her. "And If you can't. I understand."
Korra knew by the determination in Asami's eyes that she was going to go through it with or without them. "I'll do whatever it takes to bring them to justice," she said squeezing Asami's hand lightly.
A smile appeared on Asami's lips, with her leaning in placing a kiss on Korra's cheek. "Thank you," she whispered.
"I'm in too," Mako said drawing their attention again. "As long as we take the proper precautions to secure the safety of innocent bystanders," he said feeling a bit of anxiety of the dangers that could arise.
Korra looked at Asami before turning to Mako with a nod. "Sure that's.. doable. Right?" she question with uncertainty as she looked back at Asami. She wasn't sure exactly what they would be doing but knew how dangerous it could get.
Asami lightly licked her lips tilting her head to the right. "Right," she said agreeing with Korra before continuing. "But first things first," she said releasing Korra's hand as she stood up.
Korra stood up herself a bit confused. "What's that?"
"Keeping my little brother safe," she said fixing the collar of her jacket as she walked toward the door.
Korra quickly rose to her feet, "I'm coming with you," she said walking in Asami's direction.
Mako began to pack all his things back into his satchel. "Good idea. While you two do that. I'll bring the Captain up to speed make sure she knows that you're on our side," he said placing the strap over his head and onto his shoulder. He walked up to Asami and held his hand out to her.
Asami looked at his hand for a moment before taking it in her own grip. Shaking his hand, Asami looked him in the eye with a small smile. "Thanks," she uttered gently with gratitude.
"You're welcome," he said brightly flashing his own smile. Letting go, he opened the door for both of them to head out before him.
Once they were downstairs, Asami was sitting in her car watching Korra and Mako. Both were talking in front of her car about regrouping at some point to expand their game plan. Seeing them bumping fists, Asami felt a bit tense when Korra walked back to the passenger side of her car.
Korra opened up the passenger side door getting inside. "So you have a place in mind to take Kai?" she asked as she closed the door.
"Only one. Pema's," Asami replied as she started up her car. "She told me her and the kids are visiting their Aunt over in Little Water Tribe. All I have to do is drop him off," she said receiving another text on her phone. Hearing her alert, Asami looked at that screen on her phone seeing the address. She began to text back telling Pema thanks and they'll be there in 20.
Korra could tell Asami was unease about the situation by the way her brows had a minor scold in them. "He's gonna be alright," she said placing her hand on Asami's knee.
Glancing down at Korra's hand, Asami placed hers on top lacing her fingers in between Korra's. "Yeah... he will," she said looking back at Korra. A brief and small smile appeared on Asami's lips before it dropped until a mild content one. She released Korra's hand and began to pull on to the street and down the road heading back to her own place.
In a ten minute span, Asami arrived back at her house parking in front of it. She got out of the car and stepped up on to the side walk. Korra followed right behind her leading up to the steps of the house.
Once Asami opened up the front door, she saw Opal coming down the stairs. "Hey I just checked on Kai. He seems alright aside from being grumpy," she said only to hear someone closing the front door. Looking in that direction, Opal's eyes grew of shock when she saw Korra. "Korra!" she shouted giving her a hug.
Korra was a bit startled but accepted the hug patting Opal lightly on her back. "Hey Opal."
Pulling back, Opal held Korra by her shoulders, "its so good to see you," she said brightly. "So you two patch things up?" she asked looking from Korra to Asami.
"Yeah we did," Asami said glancing over at Korra before turning her attention to Opal. "Um... something's come up," she said pulling Opal to the side. "I gotta take Kai some where safe in case things go south. I don't want him to be a target."
Opal's expression dropped quickly, "what's going on?" she asked worried about his condition and safety.
Asami gazed dropped from Opal's to the floor, "hard to say right now," she answered. "So I'm gonna need you to gather everyone at the spot in an hour," she said looking Opal in the eye. "I'll explain then okay. Don't worry. I got a plan," Asami said with a smile on her face. She wanted to sway Opal's concern.
"Okay," Opal said with a small smile of her own. She trusted Asami. Always have. Despite recent events nothing was gonna change that.
Asami pulled Opal into a tight hug of her own. "Thank you for everything," she said into Opal's ear.
Opal pulled back releasing Asami from their embrace. "You're welcome," she said with her smile fading with worry again. "I'll see you guys in an hour," she said as she gathered her things and left the house.
Asami stood there for a few seconds before snapping out of her thoughts. She knew how dangerous this all could turn out. If not planned carefully. "I'm gonna go get him ready," she said to Korra.
As Asami walked passed her, Korra took her hand to stop her. "You got this," she said with a positive smile.
Asami squeezed her hand and pulled her in the same direction she was walking. "With you I do," she said smiling back.
They both walked up the stairs and stopped by Kai's room. Asami knocked on his door and waited for an answer.
"I'm fine O. I don't need anything," he said thinking it was Opal.
"Its me," Asami said opening up the door.
Kai was sitting up in his bed when he saw his sister coming into his room. "What do you want?"
Asami sighed and walked up to his bed side. "I deserve that.." she said not taking it to heart. "I owe you an apologize. I've been stubborn and stupid," she said taking his hand. She leaned close to him and looked him dead in his eyes. "But I made a promise to you and I'm gonna keep it."
Kai was confused at the tone is his sisters voice but perked up when he saw Korra walking in the room. "Korra!" he shouted nearly wanting to jump out of his bed.
"Easy there Evel Knievel," Korra said walking up to the other side of his bed. "You're looking good."
Kai had a few stitches on his forehead from the car accident. "Thanks. Glad to see you're still around," he said brightly.
Korra chuckled lightly at his remark. "Me too," she said glancing at Asami out of the corner of her eye.
"Hey," Asami said nudging his knee with her fist gently to get his attention. "You still packed?"
Kai raised a brow at her question, "Yeah. Are you letting me go to Skoochy's house?" he asked smirking uncontrollably at the thought.
Asami shook her head no. "No you're gonna be spending a few days with Pema and the kids," she said seeing that confused look consume his expression once more.
"Why?" he asked genuinely puzzled.
Asami knew she couldn't explain in depth the situation they were all in. Reason why she was tripping up on exactly what to say until she felt a hand on her shoulder. Glancing up, Asami could see Korra smiling and gesturing for her to continue. Nodding, Asami looked to Kai and took his hand. "Remember a few years ago. We had that little hick up with the police?" she asked trying to jog his memory.
Kai thought on it for a minute only to nod his head. "Yeah I remember."
Korra looked just as confused as Kai was a minute ago. Wondering what the story was behind that hick up she mention.
"Well.. its something similar to that," she said remembering herself. The police was once again raiding their house. This time, P'li had managed to give Asami word 15 minutes before they could arrive. She had to get him out of there before things took an ugly turn. "When everything is settled. I'll come back to get you okay?"
Kai looked her in the eye for a few second before giving her a nod. "Okay," he said feeling her pulling him into a hug. "To... tight."
Asami released him after he started to cry out. "Sorry," she said knowing how hard her grip could be. Standing up, Asami began to walk to the door. "Ten minutes packed and ready. We'll be downstairs," she said as Korra followed her out.
"Okay," he said getting out of bed to start packing.
Coming down the stairs, Asami walked over to the couch and began to fold the blanket she was sleeping under the night before. Korra walked around the other side of the couch seeing the way the pillows were propped. "Couldn't sleep huh?" she asked curiously taking a seat.
"Not in the slightest," Asami replied sitting down next to Korra. Taking a breath, Asami looked over to Korra with her bottom lip slightly poked out. "Its just hard to take in. Questioning everything you've ever known. Everyone you've called family your whole life," she said thinking on certain things she shared with each of them. Made her sick. "How do you get passed something like that?" she asked as if Korra had the answer. She shook her head as she glanced around the room. "All this," she said twirling her index finger in the air. "Means nothing and you know what the worst part of all this is? Kai's belief in them," she said looking behind her to see if he was coming down stairs. She could hear his footsteps still in his room. "Telling him who they really are? How they really are? I don't know if he could stomach it," she said looking back at Korra more worried than before.
Korra understood where Asami was coming from. It was a lot to take in. She saw that first hand. She wasn't sure how Kai would react but hoped for the best. "You gotta give him some credit. He's a very bright kid. He's gonna find out sooner or later. Its better coming from you when he does," she pointed out hoping that would give her a new perspective on the subject. Leaning back against the pillows, Korra felt something hard against her ribs. "Ah what is that?" she asked as she sat up moving the pillows back.
Chuckling, Korra covered her mouth at what she saw. "What?" Asami asked wondering what was so funny.
"Oh nothing," Korra answered pulling the plush polar bear dog from its hiding place. Asami reached for it only for Korra to pull it back. "Ah. ah. ah. First tell me what this little guy's doing down here?" she asked as she held the stuffed animal in her hands.
Asami reach for it again this time pulling it away from Korra's grasp. "She," Asami corrected. "Is down here because I couldn't sleep," she said taking her eyes off Korra and on to the plus toy dog. Petting its head lightly as if it were real.
Korra chuckled again. "Really?"
"Yes really," Asami said a bit defensive. Her expression soften a bit to show she was only kidding. She tugged at Korra's shirt slightly and said, "but its nothing like the real thing," before placing her head on Korra's shoulder.
Korra placed her arm around Asami's shoulders to comfort her. "We can have that again," she whispered.
Asami closed her eyes not answering. She knew how badly all this could turn out. Right now, she just wanted to get Korra's scent back into her nose. "I hope so.." she mumbled as Kai loud foot steps could be heard coming down the stairs.
Both girls looked behind the couch seeing Kai placing his book bag on his shoulders. Asami stood up and walked up to her brother. "Got everything?" she questioned hearing him say yep. "Essentials?" she asked knowing it could slip his mind.
"Yes," he stressed in his reply.
Asami ruffled his hair lightly with a smile. "Good. Lets go."
Pulling up in front of Kya's apartment building, Asami shut off the engine and looked behind Korra's seat at Kai. "Ready?" she asked with a nauseous feeling hitting her stomach.
"Ready," he replied taking off his seat belt.
They all got out of the car and headed inside of the building. Asami walked up to the 4th floor and up to Kya's apartment number. Stopping, she turned around to face her brother. Asami kneeled down to his level with a positive look on her face. "You know I always got you no matter what," she said placing her hand on his shoulder.
Kai knew by the way she was talking that something serious was going down. "I know. You're coming back right?" he asked fearful of the answer he might receive.
"Always," she said pressing the palm of her hand against his cheek. Looking behind her for a moment, Asami eyed the door before setting hers back on Kai. "Try not to give them a hard time," she said nudging her head towards the door. Sharing a brief chuckle with her brother, Asami sighed and became serious again. "I love you. Please don't ever forget that," she asked pulling him into a hug.
Kai wrapped his arms around Asami's back holding on to her as tight as he could. "I won't.." he said with his voice slightly cracked. Asami could hear him sniffling in her ear as his chin rested upon her shoulder. "I love you too."
Korra watched the embrace as they pulled away minutes later.
Asami stood up again with a sadden smile before turning around and knocking on the door. She could hear the kids running around inside the apartment as a voice called out that they were coming.
A few seconds later, Pema opened up the door. "Hey!" she said greeting Asami with a hug.
"Hey," Asami greeted back with a small hug. Once Pema pulled back, Asami took a set back and placed her hand on Kai's back. "Thanks for taking him. I know this is so last minute. But I promise. I will-" she started to say before Pema cut her off.
Pema held her hand up waving Asami words off as if it were a fly. "Its perfectly fine. We love having Kai over. The kids are in the back wrestling with their Uncle Bumi while Kya and I are making dinner. Would you like to say hi?" Pema asked as she was drying her hands with a dish towel still in her hands.
Asami looked to Korra for a brief second seeing her shrug. "Actually," Asami said looking back at Pema. "We're in a bit of a rush. Maybe next time," she said with a smile.
"Sure," Pema said holding her stomach as Rohan began to kick. She began to push the door open more to head back inside. "You coming Kai?" she asked rubbing her belly gently.
Kai looked at Pema and back at his sister. He wasn't sure if he should go or not. "Yeah... in a sec," he said as Pema nodded heading back inside. She left the front door cracked for him. He stood there looking at his sister before turning his attention to Korra. "Thank you for what you did for me," he said wanting to formally thank her for saving his life.
Korra nodded her head acknowledging his words. "You're welcome."
"I never met anyone my sisters ever dated. What you did for me. For my friend. Makes you family," he said extending his hand to her. Surprised, Korra took his hand and shook it briefly only to feel him pull her into a hug. He patted her back lightly with a smile. "Take care of her for me," he whispered in her ear.
Korra rubbed his back lightly. "I will," she replied as he let go.
After letting Korra go, Kai turned his attention back to his sister. "You're gonna tell me everything once you come back right?" he asked less concerned since Korra was in their corner.
"Everything," Asami responded causing Kai to smile widely. She knew he'd be alright by the way he was reacting. "Later Kiddo."
Kai gave his sister one last hug. "Later," he said before letting her go and walking inside of the apartment.
Asami waved as he looked back before closing the door. Seeing him wave back made her stomach turn knots from anxiety.
Korra took Asami's hand once the door shut. "Lets go."
Asami took a deep breath to process this feeling she was having. "Okay," she said looking back at Korra with a distraught expression.
Asami was driving to Suyin's house while Korra texted Mako. They all needed to discuss further details on the plan they came up with earlier. "He said he'll be there in five," Korra mention as she placed her phone back into her pocket.
"Alright," Asami said taking another right. She pulled up onto the driveway behind Opal's car. "Good they're all here," she said as Bolin came out handing Wei and Wing their drinks.
Getting out of the car, Asami walked past Opal's car and up to the twins. "Hey," she said as Korra got out of the car as well.
"Hey Sami. What's going on..." Wing began to say only to see Korra walking up out of the corner of his eye. "Korra?!" he said surprised that she was there. From the way Asami acted last time they mention her name he wasn't sure where they stood.
Korra held her hand up waving as she approached them. "Hey guys," she greeted before placing her hands back into her pockets.
Before Asami could get a word in, Mako pulled his car up next to Asami's. "Now everyone is here," she rephrased as Mako got out of his car and began to walk into the garage.
"Hey you're Bolin's brother right? That cop from the other night," Wei pointed out as Mako stood next to Asami.
Mako folded his arms with a nod. "Yes I am," he confirmed as his eyes narrowed slightly.
Wing took a seat next to his brother with a puzzled look on his face. "Again. Asami what's going on. Are we back in the race?" he asked hoping this is what this urgent meeting was for.
"Not exactly," she replied mentally preparing for their reactions to what she was about to say next. Clearing her throat, Asami continued to explain, "I'm dropping out," she said seeing the disbelief look on both of their faces.
Wing and Wei both looked at each other before turning their gaze back on to their leader. "This is a joke right?" Wei asked with a chuckle. "Its not a very good one if it is."
"The race is tomorrow. What do you mean you're dropping out?" Wing asked wanting more of an explanation.
Asami looked to Opal and nodded her head at the door. Opal understood and closed the door. She then pressed the button on the side of the wall to close the garage as well. It was big enough for all their cars to fit in.
Once the garage door closed, Asami pressed on the issue. "There is something more important I have to take care of first. And I can't do it without you guys," she said getting their attention by the tone of her voice. "You all know my family. Their reputation," she began to say to get her point across. She shook her head at the thought of it, "I was always ready to bare all their short comings as a misunderstanding for whatever 'cause' they claimed it was for. Never questioning their morals that came along with it," she said with a serious expression on her face. She sighed deeply as she continued to explain, "until now," she said gesturing with her index finger to the ground.
"What happened?" Opal asked worried as she was before.
Asami looked at Opal with an agitated look, "they're the reason my mother is dead," she said feeling the silence and awkwardness in the room soon as it left her mouth. The twins didn't speak a word. Bolin was holding back his tears as Opal looked as shocked as anyone. "They caused her accident and framed my father for it. Now he's rotting in a place they should be in," she said with anger brewing up to the surface. It showed on her face. Like a silent rage.
Sharing glances between each other, Opal stepped up and stood in front of Asami. "What do you need us to do?" she asked placing her hand on her shoulder.
Perking up a bit, Asami gratefully nodded. "Give us an opening."
After a half an hour of planning, Bolin still looked scared shitless.
Asami saw him sitting in the corner quietly as everyone was discussing their part in the plan. She took a seat beside him and looked around at everyone before laying eyes on him. "I know this is a lot to ask of you. To ask of anyone. I wouldn't even bother if I could do this myself but I can't..." she said with her eyes shifted down to the floor.
Bolin shook his head with a heavy sigh, "you don't have to ask..." he said setting his eyes on Asami. "When my father died and his shop was going out of business you helped me get it up and running again without batting an eye," he mention jogging her memory. "This is the least I can do for you."
"This isn't a tit for tat Bolin. This is life or death," Asami said trying to be clear on the risks involved. If he was caught it was no telling what they would do to him afterwards. Mako and Korra both had a point but it was they're only shot at taking out Ming-Hua. "I want you to be sure because you don't have to do this," she said wanting to know if he could do this.
Bolin saw the intense look in her eye and nodded in response. "I want too and I will," he said standing up holding his hand out to her.
Asami stood up at the same time he did and took his hand squeezing it. "Thank you," she said pulling him into a hug.
"We good?" Korra said as she approached both of them.
Asami and Bolin both nodded in response. "We're good," she responded placing her hand on Bolin's back. He smiled and walked to Opal to discuss their strategy.
Korra nodded herself before walking in front of everyone. "Alright everyone is clear on what they need to do," she said as if doing a roll call. "Twins," she pointed at the guys. "You will be the back up. Opal and Bolin will be taking Ming-Hua out at the motel while Mako will be placing a gps tracker on that tank the Red Lotus has locked up in the warehouse," she said looking over at Asami confused. "What are we gonna be doing?" she asked knowing it was something they could do before the big day.
"Prepping. Once this all starts its no going back," Asami said knowing what could happen if they slipped up. "You ready?"
Korra knew by Asami tone what she was thinking. She knew the risks and was going to put her all into this to make sure justice is served. "Ready," she replied as everyone started to get into their cars.
"Lets do it then," Asami said walking to her own car with Korra right behind.
After leaving Suyin's house, Mako drove to the warehouse the Red Lotus was held up at staking it out to call when Ghazan and Ming-Hua were on the move. The twins helped Bolin go over his part back at Opal's apartment. They had picked up Asami's prototype on the way there so Bolin could practice the way Asami demonstrated.
Korra was with Asami heading back to her apartment to pick up a few things. "Where are we going?" Korra asked noticing the wrong turn she was making.
Asami began to make a u-turn in the opposite direction, "there is something I gotta do first," she said keeping her eyes on the road.
"What's that?" Korra asked curiously.
With a quick glance, Asami meet Korra's eyes, "see my father," she said now driving in the direction of the prison.
An hour later, Korra and Asami arrived at the prison. The Senior Corrections Officer led Korra and Asami to the visiting area. They waited for ten minutes before Captain Tao came back into the room with Hiroshi.
Hiroshi noticed Korra from the back of her head as he walked into the room. "Detective... I have nothing more to say to you-" he started to say only to stop once both Korra and Asami turned around. A look of disbelief consumed his face at the sight of his daughter, "Asami?" he said with his voice breaking.
Asami stood up once she saw her father. "Dad," she said rushing to hug him.
Hiroshi held his daughter in a tight embrace with tears in his eyes. "I thought I'd never see you again," he said breathlessly. He felt her shift back seeing her beautiful green eyes that matched her mothers.
"I'm sorry... I should have visited. I should have came to see you," she said wiping the tears from her face.
Hiroshi smiled and shook his head no. "I understand why you didn't. Its okay. Its okay," he repeated pulling her into another hug. After a few minutes, Hiroshi lead Asami to the table so they could talk. "So..." he said taking a seat in front of Korra. "You told her the truth?" he asked as Asami sat back down next to Korra.
"She had a right to know," Korra said without hesitation.
Asami took Korra's hand and held it tightly. "We're gonna prove your innocents and get you out of here," she said with the most determined look she ever had in her life.
Hiroshi looked to both girls confused. "How are you going to do that? There is no way Zaheer is going to confess. Who would believe me?" he asked knowing it was a little to late for all of that.
Korra sat up in her chair and looked Hiroshi in the eye. "We have proof and with your testimony we can put them all away for life," she said knowing they could prove exactly that. Once the Red Lotus' plan was exposed it would back up the information Hiroshi had given to Korra about the weapon he had made for them.
"I won't do it," Hiroshi replied.
Both Korra and Asami looked at each other in shock before settling their gaze back to Hiroshi. "Why not?" Asami asked dumbfounded.
Hiroshi had a sadden look in his eyes as he shook his head no. He reached across the table taking his daughters hand, "I won't put you in danger," he said with his bottom lip quivering. "I won't do it," he said slightly aggressive. He was on the verge of tears as he spoke, "I couldn't save your mother..." he said remembering flashes of her smile. He closed his eyes shut for a moment before reopening them to see his daughters, "but I can still save you," he said with his heart breaking all over again.
Asami understood and felt the grip her father had on her hand release as he pulled away. "Dad..." she said as he stood up and signaled the guard. "Dad please," she said standing up herself letting Korra's hand go. She stood in front of him with her hands out, "16 years. We lost all that time," she said as he stopped in his tracks. "We can get it back. I know we can..." she said with pleading eyes. She thought of something and dropped her hands to grab her phone out of her pockets. "Look," she said flipping through her photos to show a picture of her and her brother. "You have another child to think about besides me," she said handing him her phone.
He held it in his hands seeing a photo of Asami hugging a young boy with wild hair. "Who is this?" he asked pointing at the image with his opposite hand.
"My brother," she responded quickly. "He is all the family I have left besides you."
Hiroshi held the phone in his hand walking back to his seat. Asami followed sitting back down as her father stood in front of the chair. "He was adopted too?" he asked sitting back down. He held the phone up so both of them could see.
Asami nodded her head. "Yes he was and I'm sure he would love to meet you," she said taking her fathers hand again.
"He would," Korra added hoping he'd reconsider.
Hiroshi felt Asami's squeeze with one hand as he held the phone in the other seeing both Asami and Kai in the photo. "What's his name?" he asked coming around to the thought.
"Kai. He turned 14 earlier this month. Loves cars and has a crush on this girl he knows but has no clue what to do about it," Asami mention to give him something to strive for. She leaned over on the table and started to flip through the photos' to show him more. She saw the pictures of his birthday party recently and took a seat as her father began to flip through it himself. "He's a bright kid with a bright future and it could be even brighter if he had a father figure like I had in you. Not in someone like Zaheer," she said with Hiroshi looking up from the phone and at her. "Please Dad. Don't give up."
He wasn't sure and the look he gave both of them showed it. He wanted more than anything to keep his daughter safe and out of harms way. Testifying to what Zaheer had told him could get her killed or worse. Hiroshi had been sitting with this pain for so long, he wasn't sure if he had the strength to bare another day. "Okay. I won't give up," he said feeling the warmth in his heart at the sight of his daughter.
Asami stood up at the same time her father did embracing him into another hug. Korra stood up as well seeing it was getting late. She let her father go and laughed out of joy with tears in her eyes. "Give us some time and we'll have you out of here soon okay," she said with a bright smile on her face.
"Okay," Hiroshi replied with a smile. He looked over at Korra and extended his hand to her, "thank you detective," he said as she took his hand and shook it firmly. "Thank you so much for all that you have done," he said happy his daughter was alive and well and hope she stayed that way.
Korra released his hand with a nod. "You're welcome."
Hiroshi watched as his little girl was leaving the room. "Asami," he spoke seeing her turn around to face him. "Be careful."
"I will Dad," Asami answered before leaving with Korra.
Once they left prison, Captain Tao came into the Wardens chambers. "That detective came back again," he said as he stood in front of Saikhan desk.
Saikhan was to busy playing solitaire on his computer to even knowledge Tao. "What did he want this time?" he asked thinking it was Mako he was referring too.
"It was a she," Tao said placing the sign in sheet down with.
Glancing at it for a second, Saikhan raised his cup of coffee only to notice the name beside it. "Anyone else there?" he questioned not recognizing the name.
Tao shrugged not thinking much of it. "Another woman. Seemed like they haven't seen each other in a while by the way they were hugging," he said since he observed from the door way before leaving.
Saikhan took a sip of his drink before placing it back down. "Alright," he said dismissing Tao with a wave. After the Captain left, Saikhan made an urgent call. He waited for a few only for it to pick up after the second ring. "Hey its me. Remember when you told me to call if she ever showed up," he said bringing up the video of the visit on his computer screen. "Well I think Sato's daughter paid him a visit," he said sitting back in his chair viewing the tape.
It was late in the afternoon by the time Korra and Asami got back. The sun was already starting to set. Asami was parked across the street from the motel. They had a line of sight of the balcony to the room Ming-Hua and Ghazan would be staying at.
"How often do they come here?" Korra asked tossing an m&m into her mouth.
Asami shrugged as she finished reading over Opal's text. "More times then I'd like to know," she said as she texted Opal back before sitting her phone down on her upper thigh. "They should be here in a few minutes," she informed as she raised the storage compartment underneath the console.
Korra saw Asami taking out what looked like miniature binoculars. "What else do you do on you're spare time?" she joked feeling Asami tap her knee with the back of her hand.
"I'm not a peeping tom if that's where you're getting at," Asami said raising the binoculars to her eyes. She could see the balcony clearly. "I do a little recon every now and again for new inventory to store..." she said as she handed Korra the binoculars.
Korra took them raising them to her eyes to see. "Well its safe to say that they have at least 3 exits if caught," she said scoping out the scenery for alternatives to the worst conclusion.
Asami thought on it for a minute and said, "the stairs on both sides and the balcony?" she asked with Korra nodding to confirm. "Hmm I'd doubt either one of them would want to jump one story," she said knowing they wouldn't be capable unless it they had something to land on.
"I'd do it. Had.. done it. Once or twice," Korra corrected with a shrug.
Asami looked over at Korra with a look of disbelief and confusion. "That's like what 10 feet and you're like 5..2," she said guessing her height.
Korra put down the binoculars and gave Asami a look. "5'7'' thank you very much," she said a bit defensive.
Asami giggled at her tone. "What possessed you to do such a thing?" she asked waiting for Korra to explain.
"I was chasing a perp," Korra said seeing someone exiting the room right next to the one they were watching.
Asami followed Korra's line of sight with a small smile before it faded. "You caught em?" she asked as Opal parked her car up behind Asami's
Korra popped another m&m into her mouth before answering. "Yeah. Though I have to say it wasn't much of a challenge with my track and field background and all," she squinting her eyes to see. She thought she spotted a woman with similar build and mysterious dread like demeanor entering the motel. "I think that's her," Korra said pointing in that direction.
"Think that's who?" Bolin asked as he leaned down to Korra's side window.
Korra jumped with a small panicked yelp dropping the binoculars in her lap. "Geez don't do that," she said holding her hand to her chest. Her heart was racing from the scare he gave her.
"Sorry," he apologized not meaning to frighten her. "You think that's who..."
Asami saw Opal and Bolin getting into the back seat of her vehicle from the rear view. "Ming-Hua. She should be showing up right about now..." she said seeing a woman with her description walking up the stairs to the second floor heading to the room.
Korra picked up the binoculars again to get a better look. "Its her," she said seeing her metal hand turning the nob.
"Good," Asami said as she turned to look in the back seat. "I see you're dressed for the party?" she gestured to Opal who unzipped her jacket.
Opal was wearing her old uniform she never returned from a motel she worked at previously. "This thing was buried deep in my closet. Just so you know I had to fight off a daddy long legs to get this," she said semi complaining.
Asami chuckled slightly at Opal's comments, "it will be worth it trust me," she said before turning her attention to Bolin. "And you?" she asked getting his attention.
"Oh yeah. I'm ready," he said taking out the specialized cutters she had reversed for this delicate machinery.
"Great. Remember what I said before. They have never met you before. So it lowers the probability that they would even look your way. You're just another stranger to them," Asami said really wanting to get it through to Bolin.
He gulped feeling a wave of nerves hit him. "What if we get caught?"
"You won't get caught," Asami quickly assured. "Remember in and out," she simplified again.
Bolin nodded understanding completely. "In and out. Got it," he said opening up his side door and getting out.
Opal patted Asami on the shoulder twice before opening her side door herself to get out. Her and Bolin walked down the street before parting ways.
Korra put down the binoculars to pour more candy into her mouth. "He's got this," she said while crunching.
Asami had the binoculars into her grasp watching her friends move on with her plan. "Yep," she replied putting the binoculars down with a sigh. She looked over to Korra and squinted her eyes. "Hit me," she gestured to her mouth.
Taking a blue one out of the bag, Korra tossed it in the air before it landed into Asami's mouth.
Opal had managed to steal a cart while an housekeeper was in another room. She dragged it off until she got a few feet away from the room Asami gave to her. Bolin had stayed behind Opal leaning so close up against the wall.
Opal put her ear to the door hearing the shower going on. She took a deep breath before banging on the door. "House keeping!" she said loud enough to hear a response. It was muffled. "House keeping!" she repeated again not as loud to cause the other attendant to come out.
"I'm in the shower! Just do what you have to do and get out!" Ming Hua shouted from the bathroom. She couldn't come out this second to answer the stupid door reason why she left it cracked for Ghazan to come in.
Opal took that as a sign and gathered a few things before opening the door. She held her car near the balcony to cover up Bolin's entry. Both of them when inside hearing the water from the shower.
Bolin looked around the room and spotted Ming-Hua's arms on the bed. He opened up the compartment with a small screw driver like Asami's notes demonstrated. Opal kept a look out for Ming-Hua while Korra kept her eyes on the streets for Ghazan. Bolin cut the pressure sensors the same time the water from the shower cut off.
Panic drew on both of there faces before Opal tapped on his shoulder to hurry up. He closed it back up as he headed toward the door. Opal placed a mint on the pillow along with fresh towels next to the dresser before leaving the room.
Bolin walked to the stairs leading to the ground floor while Opal closed the door. She started to move the cart back to its original spot until she spotted a long haired man with tattoos on his arm pass her. He looked her way for a split second with their eyes meeting. He reached out to her causing her to nearly stop in her tracks. He took a mint off her cart, "don't mind if I do," he said unwrapping it before popping it into his mouth.
Opal continued to walk at a normal pace as her heart was racing a mile a minute. As she turned the corner, Ghazan had walked into the room closing the door behind him.
Bolin waited downstairs for Opal seeing her high tail it just as the other house keeper came back out of the vacant room. She ran down the stairs and slowly walked up to him. They both began to head in the same direction but on opposite sides of the street just in case Ghazan and Ming-Hua decided to look their way.
Asami and Korra watched as both there friends came back to their car. Opal walked up to the side of Asami's window, "I am never doing that again!" she declared feeling the same way Bolin did hours ago.
"That was insane!" Bolin exclaimed from Korra's window feeling a bit of a rush from it. "Its like we're super spys! What else do you have for us to do?" he said volunteering their services again.
Opal looked at him through Asami's side window horrified. "No. No super spys," she said completely spooked. "Please tell me that's all for today?" she asked looking at Asami with a frighten expression.
Asami was surprised at the switch the two made but didn't speak on it. "That was all I needed you two to do. Thank you," she said taking her friends hand.
"Oh thank the spirits," Opal said with a sigh of relief. "Not that I don't want to help but that guy was like inches from me."
Korra understood feeling the same way when she met them for the first time. "We got the rest from here," she said seeing the tension ease on Opal's face.
Opal squeezed Asami's hand before releasing it. "Good. You both be careful and if you need anything call us," she said raising her phone from her pocket.
"We will," Asami said as Opal waved before walking back to her car with Bolin.
Asami and Korra watched as the couple drove down the street and out of their sights. "Now all we need is an update from Mako and we're good to go," Korra said as Asami started the car again.
Mako had been watching the warehouse for a couple of hours now. Zaheer had left 30 minutes ago leaving P'li behind. He wasn't sure what she was doing in there but was going to find out. He was laying on the ground like he was a few days prior to this stake out. Rolling on his back, Mako reached into his pockets taking out his cell phone. He had to make sure it was off to not give himself away. He then took out the small gps tracker he had to place on the tank. It wouldn't be activated until all of the Red Lotus members were in the city. By that time the Captain would have a perimeter set up close by to stop the tank.
He took a minute to breath and gather his wits about him. Rolling back on to his belly, Mako took one last look to see P'li no where in sight. He pushed himself off the ground and began to sprint toward the ware house. He came up to a window peeking through it seeing no one. He creeped around to a spot the ground til he found a spot that would lead him inside.
Opening up a loose wooden panel against the wall, Mako crawled inside and hide behind a old assembly line for automobiles. He knew he had to be very quiet or his cover would be blown. He peaked through the metal bars beside the controls and saw P'li walking around. She stopped in her tracks turning her head sharply in his path making him duck. His heart was pounding so hard he could feel it without pressing his hand to his chest. He had his back up against the machine hiding behind the control panel.
P'li looked around feeling a presents but not seeing one. Squinting her eyes, she looked across the room before walking back to her original post. Mako heard her footsteps further away from where he was crouching. He figured the cost was clear. He took out the gps tracker and began to peak through the metal bars once more. He didn't see her any where in sight and decided to move.
Still crouching, he walked as softly as he could around the corner of the machine. He peaked around one of the unfinished cars to see if she was in sight. He was only ten feet away from the tank. It was huge and similar to the drawing Hiroshi had given them. He stood there for a split second before checking through the back window of the car he was pressed up against. He couldn't see her anywhere in sight. He moved forward and hid behind another car similar to the unfinished one. He counted in his head giving himself 10 seconds each time before moving again.
P'li was sitting down at a workstation jotting some notes down into a book. She held the pen to her chin thinking before scribbling something else down. It was the only time she had to think. To get everything out before the big day. Everyone had their little quirks and this was hers. Ghazan and Ming-Hua's was physical relations. Zaheer's was to mediate on a spiritual level. Hers was mental by getting all her thoughts out on paper. She wasn't much of a talker so this helped her have more of a voice than she ever thought imaginable. It saved her life more ways than one.
Mako finished counting to ten and peaked up to see a clear view of P'li at a desk writing in a book. He wonder if she was jotting down her plans but wasn't sure by the peaceful look on her face. He could see a side profile by the way the desk was position. It was possible for her to spot him if she was pay attention. He took the chance to move close to the tank while she was busy. He tip toed closer and closer til his back pressed up against the tank. He got on to his belly and shuffled on the ground close to it. He took the bottom off the gps and reached underneath the tank to stick it on. They had an automatic switch to turn it on so it wouldn't interfere with Ghazan's makeshift electromagnetic pulse device.
Once it was secure, Mako turned to move only to get the sleeve of his hoody caught on the side of the tank. He started to panic knowing he had to calm his breathing. He heard a sigh from across the room and peaked underneath the machine to see P'li. Spotting her feet walking his way, Mako laid still on the ground as she got closer. She stopped in front of the tank not moving for a good five minutes. He tried to breath as lightly as possible as he lightly tugged at the side of his jacket. A few seconds later, P'li walked back to her the work station causing Mako to sit up and unzip his jacket. He gave it one good yank hearing a tear.
P'li heard a noise and walked back to the tank. Mako crawled on his hands and knees back toward the hole in the wall he came from. He was so close to reach it but heard her foot steps getting louder. He passed his shot at his exit and hide around the corner just as P'li stepped into his path way. She saw no one and decided to walk forward to inspect. She was standing behind the tank looking around the area.
Mako had found a loose pipe and chucked it as hard as he could in the opposite direction. P'li was about to look down on the floor when she heard another noise across the factory. She rushed toward the area. Mako took the opportunity to get the hell out of there. He removed the loose board and climbed back through making it to the outside. He placed it back how he found it before rushing back toward his car that was 20 feet over the ridge.
P'li stopped in front of a dusty old pipe that was on the floor. She bend down looking closely at it seeing smudged up finger prints. She knew someone was there and left given the distraction.
Getting in his car, Mako turned it on and stepped on the gas driving away. He sighed deeply thankful to get out of there alive.
It was already dark by the time Asami drove back to her house. Spotting Zaheer's truck in the drive way, Asami knew the only reason he was here was to get her on board with his plan. She never officially said yes the last time they spoke about it. She parked close to his car and shut off the engine.
Korra was about to get out of the car when she felt Asami's hand pull her forearm.
"Wait a minute..." she asked releasing Korra from her grip.
Asami stayed quiet after with her eyes locked on the steering wheel. "Asami?" Korra said concerned getting her attention.
Snapping out of it, Asami looked to Korra with a worried expression. "I don't really know how all this is gonna play out but..." she said drifting off again in thought. "I need you to know how sorry I am for what I did to you."
Korra waved it off with a small chuckle. "Its fine."
"No its not," Asami sternly said with a small visible frown between her brows. "I hurt you. I don't ever want to do that again." Her eyes shifted down taking Korra's hand in her own. She laced her fingers in between Korra's squeezing it lightly.
Korra leaned in closer to her, "I had already forgiven you," she said raising her hand underneath Asami's chin. Seeing those sadden emerald eyes looking back at her, Korra sighed. "You just have to forgive yourself."
Asami was holding back any tears that threaten to fall. "I don't think I can," she said lowly. She let go of Korra's hand and rubbed her forehead. She then dropped her hand back to her side and took Korra's wrist turning her hand palm side up. She placed her car keys into Korra's hand and closed them. "Go," she said looking back at Korra.
Korra felt Asami's keys in her hand and was generally confused by such a simple word. "What do you mean go?"
"Take my car and get out of here. Save your self," Asami said opening up her side door to get out.
Korra pulled her back inside almost as hard as Asami did to her before. "No. I'm not going anywhere. I told you I wasn't going to stop until I brought them to justice," she said wanting to get that through to Asami.
Asami closed her door back and gave Korra a tired look. "I don't know what's going to happen. All I know is that they are cold calculated killers. I don't.. I don't want you involved. Please Korra. Just leave..." she begged with a worried look in her eyes. She knew what would happen if anything backfired. She wasn't going to put Korra through that.
Korra took Asami's hand and placed her keys back into her palm. "No," she repeated softly. "I love you. I'm not gonna leave you. Ever," she said pressing her forehead to Asami's. She could smell her scent in her nose getting that captivating smell that left her enticed.
A single tear ran down Asami's cheek before she closed her eyes. "I love you too. So very much," she said opening her eyes again. She smiled and pressed her lips to Korra's. Closing her eyes again, Asami felt the side of her nose brush up against Korra's as their lips locked. She raised her hand up brushing her finger tips to the side of Korra's neck and up to the back of her hair. Korra held on to the back of Asami's headrest to hold steady as her other hand rested on to Asami's thigh.
Asami broke off the kiss licking her lips as her eyes looked down. She knew what would happen once they closed the Red Lotus. Despite Korra's words she knew what she had to do when the time came. "No matter what happens. You will always have a place in my heart that will never be replaced," she said as if it were the last time she would be able too. "Always."
Korra could feel the emotion behind Asami's words knowing that it was a possibility that they could die if they found out. "And you in mine," she said with a smile.
Asami pressed her hand to Korra's heart before pulling her by her collar back into one last kiss. She pulled again and nodded her head. "Let's go before I change my mind," she said playfully before getting out of the car. Her expression got serious once she closed her door. She fixed her jacket and stepped on to the curb.
Korra closed her side door once she got out and walked up to Asami.
Looking at Korra, Asami saw she was ready only to spot a shade of her lipstick printed on her lips. She giggled and took out a handkerchief that had the initials YS on it. "Wipe that off before we go inside," she said handing Korra the handkerchief with a wink.
Korra took it and realized what Asami meant when she pointed at her lips. "Oh yeah," she said wiping her mouth as Asami walked a head of her.
Opening the front door, Asami walked inside seeing Zaheer sitting in the lazy boy chair. She held the door open for Korra to come in. She closed the door behind her girlfriend and frowned up at the sight of him. "Finally decided to show face?" she asked taking a seat on the couch. She folded her arms in an unwelcoming manner pissed about a number of things but didn't make it as obvious.
Korra on the other hand was surprised by Asami's reaction and took a seat next to her with caution.
Zaheer kept his eyes sharply on Asami's before softening them up with a shrug. "I got your messages a little to late. How is he? Is he okay?" he asked genuinely concerned.
"Why do you care?" Asami spit back out of anger.
He looked down to the floor before shifting his eyes across the room with a heavy sigh. "You tell me to give a shit and when I give a shit. You're mad because I give a shit? That's a bit of a conundrum isn't it?" he asked curiously as if she would give him an answer. He held up his hand before she could speak, "you can't have it both ways," he said knowing she was upset. He sat up a bit shifting in his seat to be more comfortable. "So where is he?"
Asami was quiet the whole time never changing her expression once. "Where's who?" she said in a smart alec tone of voice.
"My son," Zaheer said growing irritated. "Where is Kai?"
Unfolding her arms, Asami brushed off her jeans before leaning against the arm of the couch. "Some where safe."
Zaheer had a stern look upon his face that turned into a smile. He chuckled. It creeped Korra out. "Good," he said knowing she did it for a reason. As to what, he wasn't sure and didn't care that all to question it. He leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees as he laced his fingers together. "What we discussed previously is going to take effect soon," he began to explain.
Asami turned to Korra and gave her a look. "Could you give us a minute?" she asked to give them more privacy to discuss freely.
"Yeah sure, " Korra said with a nod before standing up to do so.
Zaheer held up his hand to stop her. "Actually," he said getting Korra's attention. "I'd like you to hear this too. If you don't mind," he said gesturing for her to sit back down. Korra sat back down next to Asami as Zaheer continued. "Everything I've done. I've done with purpose. Keeping one clear goal in mind and that is what's best for me," he said holding his hand to his chest. He held it over his heart for a second, "and what's best for me," he said before laying his hand out in Asami's direction. "Is what is best for my family," he said looking directly at Asami.
Her expression soften to as she listen to him speak. "You are my daughter and Kai is my son. What we are going to accomplish tomorrow will set a brighter future for us all. That includes you," he said looking at Korra. His eyes narrowed a bit at her before showing a wicked smile, "after what you did," he said knowing about Korra saving Kai. "That makes you one of us. Risking it all. For the ones you love. The ones you respect," he said looking back at Asami. He felt like a proud father. "I couldn't be any more enlighten which brings me to my point," he said standing up.
Zaheer walked around the living room and up to the mantel. He saw his kids pictures along with the rest of his crew. He turned around and looked at both girls with a serious expression. "I have a plan set in motion and the only way I can execute it properly is with your assistance. Both your assistance," he corrected to include Korra.
Korra and Asami looked at each other sharing a questionable glance before looking back at Zaheer in silence. "What do you need us to do?" Korra asked unsure of what he would say.
Zaheer had a devious grin appear on his face at Korra's question. "Let me show you. Follow me."
Zaheer lead the girls to the warehouse they we're shacked up in since he escaped from prison. Asami told Korra to turn their phones off completely to make sure Ghazan didn't hack it while they were there. It only took an hour through the secret tunnels Zaheer took that lead them toward their destination.
Korra knew Mako would be mad when he found out since it took him 3 hours each way depending on traffic. Zaheer parked out in front of the double doors and got out of the truck. He had to open it up to let their cars go inside.
Asami had one hand on the steering wheel and the other laced with Korra's hand. She wondered if they were driving into a trap. She knew Zaheer had a temper. If he knew that poker face of his wouldn't last as long as it did through his speech he gave them. She couldn't help but question it after learning the truth.
Korra felt Asami's grip in her hand. She looked over at her seeing the intense expression on her face. Looking down at their hands, Korra rubbed the back of Asami's with her thumb. It caught Asami's attention causing her to look at Korra and look down before smiling. "Its gonna be just fine..." Korra said with a smile.
Asami smiled back and raised Korra's hand to her lips giving it a kiss. "I'm sure it will be."
Zaheer opened up the doors and got back into his car. He drove it inside with Asami coming in behind him. Once he stopped she parked right behind him.
Korra and Asami got out of their car and followed Zaheer's path. They walked through the abandon warehouse toward the back. When Zaheer moved from Korra's view she saw Ghazan working on Ming-Hua's hand. She looked pissed as usual not looking his way as he worked on fixing the problem. P'li stood in front of the tank with her arms folded glaring at both Korra and Asami as they stopped a few feet away.
Zaheer had walked back to the front closing the doors. Ghazan had looked up seeing the girls with a frustrated look off his own. Zaheer stepped in front of Asami and held his hands out. "Here is where were we've been and that," he said pointing to the mecha tank behind P'li. "Is gonna take us where we need to go. The Future!" he shouted before backing up and away from the girls. "Our future! Evolved into something much greater than what we can anticipate and the only way it can do that is if we eliminate the person threatening our way of life," he said as if it was a mater of fact. He then held up his index finger with a chuckle, "correction.. when," he said with a killer look in his eye.
The serious expression on Zaheer's face brought back memories Asami had forgotten about. It was nearly deranged. She kept a straight face as did Korra. He walked off and picked up a sheet laying on the desk in the corner. He held it up and handed it to Asami. "Recognize it?"
Asami looked over the blueprints and saw it was the outline of the hotel she worked at. "Yeah. Its where I work," she said concerned at the causalities that could follow.
"Use to work. At least that's what it will be after you blow it up tomorrow," he said not phased by her expression.
Asami handed the blue prints over to Korra who looked it over. It was certain spots circled on the top and bottom floors near the elevators and stairwell. "Why would you blow it up?" she questioned folding her arms.
Zaheer looked behind him over at Ming-Hua who still had an attitude before setting his eyes back on to Asami's. "Because its giving our target only one way out. And its where we want him to go," he said pointing at the stairwell.
Hearing the word him, Korra knew it had to be Mayor Raiko. He was staying at the hotel for the weekend after campaigning before the big election Tuesday. "So what's that for," Korra asked nodding her head over at the mecha tank.
"Don't worry about that. Just focus on what you need to do," he said redirecting the conversation. Zaheer looked back at Asami to continue, "you will get Korra inside so she can place the bombs in their intended places," he said gesturing to the circled spots on the blue prints. "Once that's done you both get the hell out of there and wait in your vehicle for further instructions," he said leaving it as that. It would have been simple to just let Ming-Hua do it but since she wasn't able too. Korra would have too while Asami was the look out.
He took a step to the side and stood in front of Korra. "Once you are out of there. You wait in your car for five minutes then hit the trigger for the first bomb then 5 minutes for the second. 7 minutes for the third. Understand?" he asked giving simple directions.
Korra didn't like it and it slightly showed on her face by the frown that was on it with a hint of confusion. "I understand."
"Good. Well that's all you need to know. Any thing further, I'll contact you both before it begins," he said pleased with how well this was turning out.
Asami nodded folding up the blueprints and placing them into her jacket. "When does it start?"
Zaheer thought on it before answering. "5pm. Be ready for my signal as to when. See you both tomorrow," he said with a smug smile on his lips.
"See you tomorrow," Korra said as Asami started to walk back to the car. Following, Korra opened up the passenger side door before getting inside.
Zaheer walked up and opened the double doors to let them out. They backed their car up before driving forward and back on to the main road.
Watching as they drove away, Zaheer got a call on his phone. He unlocked it seeing the named that popped up. Answering it, he placed the phone to his ear hearing a voice say. "We have a problem."