Author's Note: This is going to be a bit longer than usual, bear with me now. First off, sorry for the long wait. It's been a bit of a crazy time for me. There were finals, then moving back home, then starting back up with my full time job, plus seeing friends and all that jazz. But I swear that I have been working on this every chance I get because HOLY BALLS EPISODE 7! I can't WAIT to start writing about that episode!
So I am in the position where I have a ton of motivation to write, but not enough time. Which is frustrating, but I guess it's better than the other way around. I'm going to try my very very hardest to update weekly, but if I don't, know that I haven't abandoned this story, I'm just really busy.
I had originally planned to get further than I did in this chapter, but it was starting to get pretty long by the time I got to the point I ended at. So I decided to end it there and give you guys an update. I only mention this because I know it might feel like things are progressing rather slowly, and... well, they are, but I rather enjoy slower stories, so I hope you guys don't mind.
Finally, if you have any gripes, complaints, questions, suggestions, or speculation you want to share with me, please feel free to leave a review or send me a PM! I love answering questions and I try to respond to all of my reviews that contain any of the aforementioned items. And suggestions and speculation are fun because they help me decide where I'm going with the story. So please, don't be a stranger!
Now that all that is taken care of, on to the chapter!
Edit: Now with a new and improved beginning! Many thanks to Gide Thomas for the suggestions!
"So I'll see you tomorrow then?" Korra asked hopefully.
"I'll be by the docks at noon," Asami promised in response.
They were standing together out front of Kuang's cuisine saying their goodbyes for the evening. The dinner had been fantastic, and the dessert was even better – it turned out that Asami also had a fondness for Leechi and so she had ordered them a pair of delicious tarts. They had talked for two hours after that over tea: about Pro-Bending, about what it was like to grow up in Republic city, about Avatar training and life in the South Pole. Asami's childhood had been so different from Korra's, and the Avatar found it fascinating – like how she used to sneak out at night to go watch Pro Bending matches and races, and how she had spent a summer traveling with her father to visit the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom capitals, as well as the Northern Water Tribe. Korra would never have expected her to be so adventurous.
Asami was equally fascinated by Korra's stories. She seemed really interested in Korra's training – she was particularly intrigued by the stylistic differences between the three types of bending that Korra knew, and asked a lot of questions about that. She also laughed long and hard when Korra told her about the time she had hidden from the White Lotus Guards for an entire day and stirred the whole Compound into a panic.
It was so easy to talk to the other girl – she was intelligent, engaging, and charming. And even though Korra would get inexplicably nervous whenever Asami held her gaze with those brilliant green eyes, the Avatar really enjoyed her night out with the young socialite.
She wanted to convey that to Asami before they parted ways. It seemed important that Korra let the other girl know how much she appreciated their evening together. But when Asami turned to leave, the words seemed to stick in her throat. Korra reached out and grabbed the girl's arm, and Aasmi turned back to look at her questioningly.
"I wanted… I wanted to thank you for dinner," Korra stammered out, blushing slightly and hoping it wasn't noticeable. "I had a really great time, and I'm looking forward to seeing you again tomorrow."
Asami smiled softly and laid her hand over Korra's. "I had a great time too. Goodnight Korra. Have a safe walk home."
"Goodnight Asami," Korra replied, and the young woman waved and left to catch her ride home.
It was probably too soon to tell, but Korra had a feeling that she and Asami were going to be friends. She grinned to herself and began her walk home. She couldn't stop thinking about the dinner the entire way back, especially about the mystery that was Asami's last name. She had refused to tell the Avatar about the significance of 'Sato' for the rest of the night, leaving Korra to speculate and wonder. And now Korra had no idea where the socialite was going to take her tomorrow. The mystery was growing, but the bender couldn't wait to unravel it. Although the temperature had dropped as night settled in, leaving the air slightly chilled, Korra didn't even notice the cold, wrapped up as she was in her thoughts of Asami.
The city became quieter the further she got from the wealthy districts. By the time she made it to the ferry docks, the streets were all but deserted. And that's where Korra stopped, jolted out of her thoughts. The ferry, which she had taken off the Island in order to preserve her dress, was back at the Air Temple side of the bay. That was a little strange, but it was possible that Tenzin had a visitor – though it was close to midnight, and the airbending Master didn't usually have guests this late.
A sliver of unease spiked through her, piercing the warm bubble of good-feeling that had surrounded her since she left Kuang's. Her mind conjured up visions of Chi Blockers spilling out of the ferry to overwhelm Tenzin and his family, swarming through the Temple and melting into the shadows to lay in wait for her. She pushed the thoughts away. There is a perfectly logical explanation for this Korra chided herself, annoyed at how easily her nightmares affected her. Tenzin was an important person, as Asami had reminded her earlier. There could be any number of harmless reasons that someone would need to visit him at this hour. And Korra would never know which one it was unless she stopped being so paranoid and got to the Island.
Taking a deep breath – silently apologizing to Pema for the dress – Korra leapt forward and arched into a dive. She sliced cleanly into the bay with the ease of long practice, already braced against the sudden and punishing chill. Then, with a few powerful kicks, she was speeding through the dark waters.
The Avatar made short work of the swim and was soon propelling herself onto the dock with a surge of water. She landed square on top of a folding table that several of the ferry operators were using to play cards, which promptly collapsed under her weight and dumped Korra into two of the ferrymen, knocking the three of them into a tangled heap.
"Oops – ow! – sorry about that," she apologized sheepishly from the top of the pile. After a significant amount of grumbling and dirty looks, Korra managed to disentangle herself and help the two hapless ferrymen to their feet. She made a hasty retreat and began the long jog up to the temple.
See? The same old ferrymen playing their same old card games, she reasoned as she ran. There's no way Equalists invaded the Island. You are seriously losing it Korra.
She had just reached the main door to Tenzin's house when she heard the airbending Master's voice coming from inside. "…been here for the past 3 hours. I'm going to have to insist that you take your leave now Tarrlok. I will be sure to tell Korra that you stopped by." Tenzin sounded as though he was trying not to lose his patience but failing miserably. Korra was all too familiar with that tone, and she paused outside the door out of curiosity.
"I'm sure you will Tenzin," another man, probably Tarrlok, replied smoothly. "Although I must say, I'm surprised that she isn't back yet. I didn't realize you were in the habit of allowing the Avatar to run around the city at all hours of the night with a madman on the loose." Who is this guy? Korra wondered. She really didn't like the way he was talking about her. Or the tone he was taking with Tenzin, for that matter.
"Nobody asked you to wait for her," Tenzin pointed out stiffly. "You took that upon yourself, if I recall correctly. Whatever you have to say must be very important."
"Oh exceedingly. And I would have loved to take care of this business today but, seeing as the Avatar isn't here right now, I'll just have to return tomorrow." His voice sounded like it was getting closer. Korra suddenly looked around for an escape route, realizing that she was going to be caught eavesdropping and sure that Tenzin would disapprove.
"Perhaps if you just told me what you wanted, I could save you the trouble." Tenzin offered tightly, his voice sounding as though it was now just on the other side of the door. Korra quickly and silently ran back down the steps and a few paces out past the house, then turned and began casually walking forward again just as the door slid open.
"I wouldn't dream of… Ah! There she is now! What perfect timing." Tarrlok exclaimed, his voice changing instantly from the vaguely insulting tone he had been using with Tenzin to one dripping with sincerity and enthusiasm. Tarrlok was a younger-looking man with long brown hair and grey robes. He stepped around Tenzin and walked down the steps to stand in front of Korra, a look of surprised delight plastered onto his face.
"Umm… hello?" Korra greeted him awkwardly, looking past him to Tenzin, who was scowling darkly.
"The famous Avatar Korra! It is truly an honor," Tarrlok said almost reverently, bowing slightly. "I am Councilman Tarrlok, representative from the Northern Water Tribe."
"Nice to meet you," Korra returned carefully, bowing just low enough to be polite and not an inch more.
"So, I've been reading all about your adventures in the papers! Infiltrating Amon's rally – now that took some real initiative," his voice was honey-sweet and just as smooth… and if Korra hadn't heard his exchange with Tenzin mere moments before, she may have actually bought it.
"My friend was in trouble. I was just doing what I had to," Korra replied simply, hoping he would get to the point so that she could find out what he wanted.
"Yes well, I am of the opinion that that's just the kind of decisive action that the city needs right now. And who better to lead the charge against Amon and his Equalists than our very own Avatar? As you may have heard, I am assembling a task force. I will strike at the heart of the Revolution and I want you to join me!"
"What?" Tenzin barked out.
"Really?" Korra asked, interested despite herself.
"I need someone who will help me attack Amon directly, someone who is fearless in the face of danger, and that someone is you." Tarrlok finished grandly, one arm spread wide, the other on Korra's shoulder.
"Join your task force?" Korra repeated, looking away. Fearless in the face of danger? I'm not even fearless in the face of my own bedroom. "I can't," she answered heavily. She glanced up and saw Tarrlok draw back in surprise, a flash of irritation crossing his face before it was quickly concealed. Tenzin also looked shocked, though he made no effort to conceal the worry that creased his brows.
"I… must admit I'm… rather surprised. I thought you'd jump at the chance to help me lead the charge against Amon." Tarrlok was clearly thrown off balance and scrambling to regain his composure. His frustration was evident in his voice.
"I… came to Republic City to finish my… Avatar training with Tenzin," Korra explained slowly, fishing for a believable excuse. "Right now I just need to focus on that."
"Which is why this opportunity is perfect!" Tarrlok came back instantly. "You would get on the job experience while performing your Avatar duty for the city!" He sounded so reasonable. If she had arrived just a minute later, she probably would have taken him at face value. But he had a point, and Korra was struggling for another excuse to fend him off with when Tenzin came to her rescue.
"Korra gave you her answer. It's time for you to go," the airbending Master ordered steadily, a touch of steel in his voice.
Korra thought that Tarrlok would snap at him, but instead he just smiled a small, oily smile and acquiesced. "Very well," he agreed graciously, "But I'm not giving up on you just yet. You'll be hearing from me soon," he promised. To Korra, it sounded vaguely like a threat. "It has been a pleasure Avatar Korra." He bowed slightly to her, then swept past her and began the walk back towards the docks.
Korra watched him go until he walked out of sight then turned back to Tenzin. "What was that about?" She asked him.
Tenzin sighed. "Tarrlok is on the Council with me. I don't want to bias you in any way, you should be free to come to your own conclusions, but let's just say that he and I don't agree often. And… you should be careful around him," the Master warned.
Korra scoffed. "Consider me biased then. I heard the two of you talking before you opened the door. He sounds like a real jerk."
"Eavesdropping is impolite, Korra," Tenzin reprimanded automatically. He paused, "But in this case, I think it served you well. I don't think that Tarrlok's task force is the right way to go about things. I'll admit, I thought you would accept his offer. I'm glad that seeing Tarrlok's… other side helped you come to your decision." He looked at her searchingly. "That is why you rejected his offer, right?"
"Of course," Korra waved it off, moving forward quickly so that she didn't have to meet Tenzin's eye. "I'll see you in the morning Tenzin, I'm exhausted!" Korra dodged past him and called back over her shoulder, "Also, I'm supposed to meet Asami again tomorrow. I'll be back in time for airbender training in the afternoon!" And with that she escaped down the hallway to her room before Tenzin could question her further.
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The next day dawned bright and clear. Korra slept right through morning meditation, but roused herself in time for airbending practice with Tenzin. The solemn Master didn't comment on her earlier absence, and the morning session was conducted as usual. When it was over, Korra still had some time before she had to leave to meet Asami, so she took Naga for a run around the Island. She was feeling a bit guilty for not spending more time with her animal guide and best friend.
The run was finished with time to spare, so when Naga flopped down on the steps of Tenzin's house, Korra flopped down with her and began scratching the polar bear dog's ears. Naga sighed in contentment, her long tail thumping against the smooth wood of the veranda. After a minute, she rolled over, propping her forelegs into the air and hanging her head down over the two steps leading to the ground.
Korra wrapped her arms around Naga's belly and leaned in and to press her face into the polar bear dog's luxuriant fur. She closed her eyes and inhaled, letting the familiar, musky scent soothe her, taking comfort from her companion. Her upper body rose and fell with Naga's breathing. She turned her head to press her ear against Naga's chest so that she could hear her slow, steady heartbeat and the deep rush of air each time she inhaled and exhaled. The two of them stayed like that for a long moment before Korra reluctantly pulled back and began rubbing Naga's belly. And that was how Bolin found them when he came strolling up a few minutes later.
"Hello fellow teammate!" He called out importantly. Pabu was draped over the earthbender's shoulder, completely unperturbed by the shouting.
Korra hid a smile. "Hey Bolin, what's up?" She stopped petting Naga and after a moment the polar bear dog groaned and rolled onto her side, choosing to remain disinterested in the people things going on next to her.
"Well!" Bolin stepped forward. "The first reason I came by was to give you this! Ta-daaa!" He brought his hands out from behind his back to reveal a flower and a cupcake in a clear bag. He leaned in and held them out to her, grinning boyishly.
"Wow thanks!" Korra took them and then realized she had no idea why Bolin was giving her presents. "What's this for?"
"Uhh…" Bolin trailed off in mock confusion, turning from her and rubbing at his chin thoughtfully, "Oh I can't remember now… oh! Yeah! Now I remember!" He whirled back around. "You saved me from Amon!" He exclaimed, throwing his arms out dramatically.
Korra's mood soured instantly. Amon… Why can't I just have one day where people don't bring him up? "Oh that?" She shrugged. "It was no big deal." She tried to sound nonchalant, but it just came out gloomy.
"No big deal – are you serious?" Bolin cried out. "I was totally freakin' out when he was coming at me with his creepy mask all 'I will take away your bending forever!' I mean that is… scary stuff. I still can't sleep well," he admitted.
Neither can I. Actually, Bolin's reenactment was hitting a little too close to home. Korra was seeing the Amon from her nightmares again (his hand was pressing closer and she was powerless to stop him) and all she could manage in response to the earthbender was a half-hearted, "Mmmhmm."
"Delivery for Avatar Korra!" A new voice called out, breaking into Korra's thoughts and pulling her back to reality. She and Bolin both looked towards the source of the voice: a short, reed-thin man in glasses and a bizarre uniform was struggling towards them under the weight of an enormous gift basket. He placed the basket next to Korra and then gave a small bow. "Tarrlok sends his compliments and urges you to reconsider his offer," he reported.
"Tell him I…" Korra bit back the aggressive reply she wanted to send along "… haven't changed my mind," she finished more diplomatically.
"Mmmhmm," the man acknowledged her and bowed again before taking his leave.
"Who's this Tarrlok guy?" Bolin asked suspiciously. "Is he bothering you?" He turned back towards Korra. "Huh? Cause I could have a word with him," the earthbender offered, driving his fist into his other hand threateningly.
Oh Bolin. Korra had to laugh at that. "No, it's not like that," she chuckled. "He's just… some old guy who works with Tenzin on the Council."
"Oh! Good." Bolin immediately dropped the tough act. "Good, that sounds better. I like that better."
Korra smiled. Bolin was already helping her back out of the funk she had fallen into. "So… You said there was another reason you came?"
"I did?" Bolin looked momentarily mystified. "Oh! Yeah! I guess I did kind of imply that. Right! I wanted to ask you, how did the sorry-I-ran-you-over dinner go?"
"Well, how about I take the ferry back with you and I'll tell you on the way? I'm actually about to go meet with Asami again right now."
"So… it went well?" Bolin guessed, offering a hand to Korra.
Korra allowed herself to be pulled to her feet and grinned. "Yeah, you could say that."
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"Wait did you say Sato?" Bolin exclaimed when Korra reached that part in the story. "As in-"
"Don't tell me!" Korra interrupted, holding up her hand to stop Bolin's big reveal. I guess I really am the only one who wouldn't recognize her by her last name, Korra thought ruefully. Bolin was looking at her strangely, mouth still hanging open. "I get the feeling that Asami wants to tell me herself," Korra explained. "If you tell me it'll ruin the surprise." Bolin closed his mouth and cocked his head to the side, considering that. On his shoulder, Pabu leaned forward and also cocked his head in the same direction. Korra smothered a laugh.
The two of them were at the prow of the ferry about halfway to the city side of the bay. The Avatar would have preferred to swim over, but she knew that Bolin – and certainly Pabu – would not have been fans of that idea. Still, it wasn't all bad. The skies were cloudless and the sun was high overhead. Its warmth contrasted sharply to the wind that blew in from the bay, carrying the heavy scent of water and leaving a fine film of moisture on her skin. All in all, it was a beautiful day to take the ferry. Besides, this gave her a chance to fill Bolin in on how her evening went.
"Ok, I get that," Bolin finally conceded. "But still… Wow." He shook his head. "So then what happened?" He asked eagerly, switching right back to pumping her for details of the dinner.
"Well, then she asked to take me somewhere today, and I agreed, and then we ate. The food was great by the way!"
"Psh, of course it was. This is Kuang's Cuisine we're talking about here. Fancy with a capital 'F'! For… food, I guess." He scratched his head. "You know what I'm saying!"
"Yeah," Korra laughed, "I understand. So then we had dessert and then tea and then we just… talked. For the next two hours."
"That's a lot of talking," Bolin observed. "Sooooo… when will I get to meet this new friend of yours?"
My friend… Korra leaned over the rail of the ferry and looked out towards the city, shielding her eyes against the sun. "How about in five minutes?" She offered. "Asami is waiting for me right over there." She pointed towards the shore where the socialite was just visible seated on her moped on the street above the docks. My friend is waiting for me. She smiled. Perhaps it was too early to be calling Asami a friend, and she should really set Bolin straight on that point but… it felt good.
Soon enough, the ferrymen were maneuvering their vessel up alongside the dock and tying it into place. A runway was lowered, and Korra and Bolin took their leave, thanking the ferry operators before they disembarked. Luckily it was a different crew than the one from last night, or else they might have given Korra some grief for ruining their game with her unexpected arrival.
Once they were on land, Asami spotted them instantly and waved. Korra waved back, a strange, giddy excitement overtaking her. She unconsciously started walking faster, forcing Bolin to hustle to keep up with her.
"I remember you said that she's good looking. She's good looking right?" Bolin inquired, peering forward to try to get a better look at Asami. When Korra didn't answer, he turned to find her glaring at him. "What?" He asked innocently. "Bolin is a man in high demand! You may not know this, but I can have quite the effect on the ladies. I just want to be prepared!" He ran his hands through his hair, making sure none of it was out of place.
"I'm introducing you, not setting you two up on a date," Korra growled, annoyed – again – by what Bolin was suggesting. Besides, she already has plans for today.
"Aww c'mon Korra, I'm just being funny," Bolin nudged her playfully. "Mostly," he added under his breath. She chose to ignore that.
"Hey Asami!" the Avatar called out when they drew closer.
"Hey Korra," the socialite answered, smiling. "And hey to you too Bolin." She turned her attention to the earthbender.
Bolin's jaw dropped and he leaned towards Korra. "She recognized me," He stage-whispered, amazed.
Asami chucked. "Well, I am a big Fire Ferret fan." She held out her hand. "It's nice to meet you officially though. I'm Asami…"
"Sato," Bolin finished for her, gripping her hand and shaking it nonchalantly. "Yeah that's right," he bragged, "I'm in on this whole 'recognize the other person' thing too. And this is Pabu!" Bolin pointed to the fire ferret on his shoulder. But Asami didn't see; she was looking at Korra, and the Avatar saw the barest hint of a frown touching the socialite's features.
"No don't worry!" Korra jumped in quickly. "I made sure he didn't tell me anything about you. Or… well, about your last name. I didn't think you'd… want someone else to tell me…" She trailed off, feeling somewhat stupid.
"Oh! No yeah, she totally shut me up," Bolin picked up where Korra left off, understanding instantly. "I was gonna tell her all about you but she was like 'No Bolin, Asami wants to be all mysterious, don't tell me her secrets!'" Bolin's imitation of Korra sounded just like his imitation of Amon. Korra elbowed him and he fell silent, and they both stood there, waiting for Asami's reaction.
The socialite looked back and forth between them for another second then burst out laughing. "That's… good… to know," she managed between peals of laughter. She slowly regained her composure. "But you're going to find out today anyway," she informed them once she had calmed down. Still, she looked pleased that Korra had made the effort. "Speaking of, are you ready to go?" She asked, holding out a second helmet.
"Definitely!" The Avatar took it and turned to Bolin. "I'll see you later?"
"Sure, you know where to find me," he agreed amiably. "It was nice meeting you," he said to Asami, inclining his head. "Say goodbye Pabu!" The fire ferret chittered something that might have been a goodbye. With a final wave, Bolin strolled off in the direction of the Bending Arena.