Korra scrambled to find the gift.
"Oh Crap! I'm going to be late! I'm going to be late. Where is it?" She admonished herself for not thinking of this sooner. Korra had spent most of the day swimming in self-pity and loathing.
It wasn't until her squire Kai awkwardly reminded her of the evening's event that she realized she needed to get ready. She barked orders for Naga to be prepared. Korra tried on several outfits before deciding on her Navy blue chest plate with silver trim outline. Her armor covering an Aqua blue garment underneath.
Once the Alpha was satisfied with what she was wearing she grabbed the small gift and hid it away in her garment. She took one last look in the mirror, making minor adjustments to her armor.
Korra took in a deep breath, YOU can do this.. she thought. Korra had never doubted herself in all her life. She never once feared failing anything. Korra: THEE Avatar, THEE Alpha of Alphas, considered the most powerful being in all the lands trembled.
She puffed up her chest, made a fist and pounded the armor covering her heart. "I WILL DO THIS! " She said firmly. Just don't fuck up, she thought. For once, she realized just how human she was.
Korra shook her head, proudly walked out and mounted Naga.
"Come Naga, Let's go redeem myself."
There was a knock on the door. Asami took one final look in the mirror and answered the door anticipating Pema's return. Only to be surprised to see a Knight in shining armor standing in front of her. Standing proudly, lascivious eyes feeding in the sensuous Omega who stood before her.
The Alpha smiled, bowed, took Asami's hand and kissed it, "My Lady Sato. I have come to escort you to your ball. I must say you look ravishing in that beautiful dress…"
Asami paused and smiled. "Well.. Great Uniter, I am flattered… ummm."
Kuvira cleared her throat, "If I do recall.. you requested not to be escorted. However, after meeting you. Well I could not get you out of my mind. Excuse me… if I'm being too forward, Lady Sato. But I must say you are the most beautiful Omega I have ever laid eyes upon. And far be it from me to let such a beauty show up to her own party, alone."
Asami paused and looked at the robust Alpha lingering before her. Her thoughts bouncing back to Korra. Korra, whom she hoped would show up since the vixen left the Alpha's compound.
She hasn't even bothered to send word if she is coming. Asami thought.
Kuvira held out her arm, "Are you ready my lady?"
Reluctantly Asami slipped her arms into Kuviras, took a deep breath and smiled. "Yes, Thank you." As they walked down the hall together, Kuvira placed her hand atop the elegant noblewoman hand.
"Far be it from me to pry… frankly, whom ever is responsible for that frown on your elegant face… well an Omega such as yourself deserves all the happiness an Alpha such as myself can bathe you in."
"You are too kind," Asami managed to smile back at the emerald eyed Alpha. Asami's eyes drifted to the trimmings that aligned the halls towards the ball room. Her thoughts drifting to a certain Alpha with oceans of blue. I must speak with Korra….
Asami took in the tasteful music, mouthwatering smells of the food and the sounds of people talking and laughing. Her heart began racing. She hadn't heard the sound of laughter echoing in ages. She felt a hard knot in her chest and it almost overwhelmed her. She looked at the Alpha next to her and how she wished it was Korra that she shared this moment with. But a part of her was happy it was not Korra, she would have given into the moment and burst into tears. Instead, she maintained her composure.
"Ahh, the guest of honor has arrived," Tenzin smiled.
"Kuvira, I am honored that you have arrived on this special day." Tenzin addressed the Emerald Alpha. "Thank you for escorting Lady Asami to this special occasion."
"The honor is mine," Kuvira smiled down at Asami.
"Well, let's get the festivities started," Tenzin turned to Asami, " Please Lady Sato, wait here and once I announce you please step forward onto the balcony."
Asami nodded, her nervousness slowly crawling up her skin.
Kuvira took her hand and squeezed it. "Would you like me to escort you out when he announces you?"
Asami inhaled deeply, closing her eyes. She looked up at the Emerald Alpha and smiled, "Thank you… but no, This is something I must do myself." She looked down and slid her hands down her dress.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for arriving on this special day to celebrate this momentous occasion. Years ago, the evil dragon known as Vaatu ravaged the Sato Realm. Sadly, MANY lives were lost. But out of the ashes we have come to find out that his lovely daughter, Lady Asami Sato has survived …" The crowd roars.
"Lady Sato has come out of this strong and resolute in rebuilding her lands to fill with people (crowd cheers)! I – Tenzin offer my stanchion and blessings in her endeavors. Let us celebrated and give Lady Sato our full support! Without further adieu I present to you LADY ..ASAMI.. SATO!"
OK, Sato you got this… Asami steps on to the balcony waiving her hands. The noblewoman is slightly taken aback with sounds and energy of the guests all cheering.
Asami looks at mass of people within the ballroom. Amazed at how many arrived on short notice. Her jade eyes scanned the mixture of individuals and oh how she missed people. She waved and smiled almost forgetting the sorrow, pain and loss she felt all those years alone. Without realizing it, her eyes scanned for a particular individual amongst the ocean of people in the crowd.
Asami held her hands in front of her, gesturing she wanted to speak. The crowd quieted.
Asami's composure remained stable and her voice gentle but firm, "Thank you, Thank you all for arriving. I am honored to be here, in front of all you prodigious people. Despite losing the people in my lands and those I have held close to my heart, I am here. I am here to show that when you think you have lost everything… You can come back, stronger and even more determined than ever. That hope does exist. Hope can exist in many shapes and forms. Hope arrived for me and saved me. Hope is stronger than any Dragon, Ogremole or what other creatures slither in darkness. I will rebuild and I will see people once again in the lands my father and mother loved so much. Thank you!"
The crowd cheered. Asami looked down at the sea of people hoping to fill her lands once again with families. Her eyes flittering through the crowd and settling on a set of eyes all too familiar. She smiled. The smile was returned.
Asami finally began to relax.
Korra arrived just when Tenzin was announcing Asami. She admonished herself for being late. She intended to arrive before the ball in hopes of talking to Asami and escorting her to the gala. Instead Korra watched and looked up at Asami from the crowd. The Alpha focused on the words the Omega spoke.
After the speech, Korra took in Asami. She never seen her all dressed up and she was a sight to see. Korra's lips went dry at the sight of the lavish Omega in her red dress and the jewelry laying on her silky pale body. Her nub twitched and her heart raced when she saw Asami singling her out and smiling. Her speech on hope was rekindled. Korra's mind drifted on Asami's speech and took it all in.
She was talking about me… ME! Korra's skin shimmered in goosebumps and she had a fleeting moment of pure happiness. I MUST speak with her!
Korra was just about to walk up the stairs but froze when she observed a tall woman in green armor walk up to Asami's side and offer her arm.
Asami looked down at Korra, her smile faded. She looked at the Alpha next to her and politely took her arm.
Korra felt her heart slam into the ground. Her nose flared, one of her lips rose and a growl that grew deep within her slowly emitted. Korra took in slow deep breaths as her pupils constricted on the site she held before her.
With that Korra turned her back and stomped away.
Korra made several attempts to make contact with Asami. However, the line of people who wanted to greet Asami was a bit overwhelming. Korra could easily use her status as the Avatar and as Asami's savior to cut in line but as much as Korra wanted to speak to Asami, it was a much too of a personal conversation to have interrupted on a regular basis. So Korra decided to wait. Making eye contact with Asami every now and then.
Korra was at the desserts. Nibbling of a few tasty treats to kill time until she felt she could pull Asami aside to speak with her. Watching her like a messengerhawk, she dismissed everyone around her. No one but those who knew her approached her. She was known to be cold and callous to people who even tried to meet the Avatar.
"She is very beautiful… isn't she." A calm voice came from Korra's side.
Korra didn't turn her head to acknowledge who spoke to her, she just merely took a glance with her eyes. She emitted a low growl when she saw the Emerald Knight that offered her arm to Asami on the balcony earlier.
"Thank you…for rescuing her." The Emerald knight continued.
Korra turned to the green eyed Alpha. Eyes constricted.
"I… suggest .. you … BACK OFF." Korra growled.
Kuvira smirked looking Korra up and down. Her smug smile getting on Korra's nerves.
"I have heard about the mighty Avatar." Kuvira stated. "I must say your reputation proceeds you."
Korra simply nodded, eyes still focused.
Kuvira looked up at Asami and looked back at Korra put her hand on her shoulder, "If I may? A word alone with you Avatar Korra."
They stepped aside. Kuvira turned and stood firmly in front of Korra, her hands never leaving the Avatar's shoulder. Her cold green eyes never faltering.
"Tell me is she mated? I have been looking for a mate… and Lady Sato would make an excellent mother for the children I plan to sire someday… I must say, When I met her and escorted her to Lord Tenzins palace I was very much…. Impressed."
Korra shrugged her shoulders away growling, "I have mated with her." She said, almost as a warning.
Kuvira laughed. "I'm well aware of this…I can smell your stench all over her…. What I meant to ask is if she has imprinted?" Her green eyes peered up at Korra's blues. She huffed, "As I said earlier, Avatar Korra, I have heard about you and your reputation. Not just as a warrior.
The words burned in Korra's ears, her animalistic rage was growing deep inside her. She wouldn't let the Earth Kingdom scavenger get to her, not in front of all these people.
Korra snarled and sternly asked, "Is that a challenge?"
Kuvira's smug face stared right back at the angry Alpha, "You and I both know I could take care of her." Kuvira let out a small laugh, "Did you honestly think you would make a half decent mate for Lady Sato? Hmmpphh, Well I must thank you. IF it wasn't for you …well being.. you. I may have never had met her..""
Korra stepped up closer, "You know Nothing of me. IF you're going to challenge me, then do so! If NOT I suggest you step down."
Kuvira puffed up her chest, looked at Asami and back at Korra. "Perhaps, although I don't care much for the Avatar's hand me downs. Though …when we spoke earlier as I escorted her here to the palace, She simply expressed that you did not seem to type to simply roll over and surrender your…Freedom."
Korra almost attacked at the very instant, if it hadn't been for Tenzin's interruption. "Ahh I see two of the best warriors in ALL the land are getting to know one another."
"Indeed you're majesty…indeed. Now, if I may I have other people I must attend to." With that Kuvira turned and walked away.
Tenzin looked at Korra, "She is waiting to speak with you. Her eyes keep drifting your way. Why don't you speak with her?"
Korra groaned. "I messed up." Korra turned and walked away drowning in guilt. Her eyes catching Kuvira boasting in a small crowd of her acts of valor from rouge barbarians ravaging the lands.
She's right. What kind of mate would I be? She looked at Asami. I love her…This I know. Korra's fears and doubts came at her from all sides. She made her way through the crowd and out to the balcony. She leaned over the edge and looked up at the clear heavens above.
"AAUUGGGHH!" She screamed and began a frenzy of fire bending. The people on the balcony scampered inside for they knew the temper of the Avatar. They chose to remain unscathed rather than watch the Alpha in a display of indignation.
Korra punched balls of fire into the air until she fell onto her knees. The flames died. Korra still slowly punching the air.
Korra felt a hand rest on her shoulder.
"Not now, Tenzin… not now. Please, just leave me be." She achingly huffed.
"I can't leave you alone… As much as my heart wants to… I can't." soft gentle words spoke.
Korra looked up, her eyes rimming with tears that slid down her cheek. "A-Asami?" Korra was lost for words.
"A word?" Asami asked walking to the edge of the balcony gesturing for Korra to follow.
Korra rose and stood next to her.
Asami stared up at the sky. "I-I'm sorry for leaving you like that… I – I over reacted." She paused, "Not very lady like… is it."
Korra spoke. "You had your reasons."
Asami turned into Korra's chest. "I – I saw you … an- and even though I know you didn't do anything… I thought I lost all hope of you ever imprinting with me." Asami softly fisted Korra's chest plate. "You were nothing but honest with me about how you were and WHY. I did think my love for you would change all that… that- that if I loved you enough for the both of us it would lead to us being together."
"Asami…please," Korra slide her hands up Asami's arm. "I – I do want to be with you." Asami looked up into Korra's hypnotic blue eyes.
Korra maintained eye contact. "I – I thought I lost you. I thought I chased you away.. by being me. That me, being who I was destined to be, would tear you apart if I was lost in a battle that I'm obligated to fight..whatever it maybe."
Korra placed a finger under Asami's chin and lifted her eyes to meet hers. "Now… Now I realized my destiny is not just to bring balance. But to love… and please…. Don't take this the wrong way… but not just you. But all the people around us. Loving you means loving everything near and dear to your heart. And if bringing back people and laughter to your home …well now I have something else to fight for. For you, Princess ….that is worth dying for."
Asami was at a loss for words, "Wha.. what are you saying."
Korra pulled out a box. "Asami this was given to me by my mentor. She said to use it one day and use it wisely. I – I almost threw it away thinking I'd never use it."
Asami reached for the lid of the box and paused. She looked at Korra who only nodded.
Asami opened the box and her heart dropped. She looked at Korra and back at the gift. She reached in and pulled out a light blue water tribe betrothal necklace.
Korra smiled her signature smile. "Lady Sato, Would you take this broken, damaged, tarnished Alpha to be your mate?"
Asami's green eyes beamed, "Y-you'll give up your duty… your freedom to … to… "
Korra nodded still holding the box, rubbing her hands behind her head blushing, "Please, Lady Sato ….be the Avatar's Lover and help guide me home whenever I'm lost."
Asami jumped into Korra's arms, "YES! YeSss…yes ..yesss, as many stars in the skys…YES!"
With that Asami began an onslaught of kisses all over Korra's face.
The two lovers danced in the middle of the ballroom. Not giving a care at all the eyes staring at them. For all they knew, there were only two people on the dance floor.
If they only knew a pair of emerald eyes was staring darts at them. Disgusted that the Omega was in the arms of a mating whore. The Alpha in Kuvira was rearing its ugly head. She thought highly of herself and pictured a gem like Asami at her side. Not to mention being "Mated" with her would bring her riches and more lands. Kuvira brewed and watched. Planning an opportunity to make her move and be presented as a better mate than Korra.
The pair finished their dance. Korra spinning Asami, bowing and kissing her hand. People chattered at how much the Avatar was smiling and glowing.
"Come! Lets go let Tenzin know!" Korra grabbed her princess and walked her up the balcony to where Tenzin was.
"Your Majesty, a word?" Korra smiled holding Asami's hand.
"I see you two have made up." Tenzin smiled.
Korra cleared her throat. "Tenzin, … when your mother left this world... she …umm passed something down to me. I – I never thought I'd use it and well… I'm not one to let her down."
Korra pulled out the betrothal necklace, "I have asked Asami to be my mate. With your blessings … "
Tenzin grabbed Korra and hugged her tightly, not caring for regal demeanor he maintains. "Yes! You have my blessings!"
"Ladies and Gentleman, PLEASE quiet down," Tenzin announced from the top of the balcony. The crowd quieted as Avatar Korra escorted Lady Sato to King Tenzin's side.
"It has come to my attention that this is NOT just a celebration of the return of Lady Sato but an engagement party! (crowd cheers) The mighty and brave Avatar has asked Lady Sato to be her mate and Lady Sato has gladly exce…"
"NO!" Called a voice from the crowd.
The crowd gasped and parted from around the Emerald Knight.
"The Avatar would not be a suitable mate for Lady Sato…. I CHALLENGE the Avatar for her hand!" Kuvira called out.