Korra
I can't tell you how difficult it was sneaking out of the house this morning. Asami just didn't seem to want to leave for school today. I don't know why, she hasn't been to school for a while now.
I'm on my way to Eska's apartment but this kid who looks very familiar keeps staring at me on the subway. A woman who must be his Mother, is too engaged in her book to even take notice of her child's mental harassment with his eyes. The little boy gets up and heads over my way.
He's a cute little fellow, black hair blue eyes, he looks around seven or eight but I could be wrong.
"Hey want to see a magic trick?" he ask
"Um sure" I reply back unsure I should be talking to this child, without his guardian's consent.
"Alright, pick a card, any card "
I pull a card out of the deck and it's a Jack of Spades. Without telling him my card he orders me to keep it, which I do. The young magician shuffles his deck and holds the deck of cards out to me again.
"Now tell me your favorite color, then pick another card. Remember don't tell me what card you have."
"Haha Blue" I pull out a Queen
"You're doing great, now pick another card " I laugh again still not understanding the trick just quite yet.
This time I pull out a King out of the deck of cards.
He shuffles the cards again and I haven't even notice that we caught the attention of the people on the subway.
" Now I'm going to try and guess the three cards you picked"
The young magicians spins around and throws some poppers on to the ground. Which finally gets the attention of his Mother who rolls her eyes and turns her body away to finish her book.
"Did you have an eight?" he ask
I frown
"No" he looks disappointed
With the whole subway watching his performance, I can tell he's under a lot of pressure. He shuffles his deck again and pulls out another card.
"Did you have a five?"
I frown and shake my head to let him know, I didn't. I feel so bad, I don't want to kill this poor kid's dream. This subway performance was probably his big break.
The young magician sighs out of frustration
"I have one last try" he says under his breath while shuffling his cards for the final time.
" Did you have a three?" he ask
Everyone is waiting for me to response and I'm debating whether I should lie to spare this child's the embarrassment but I don't want to cheat him.
"Sorry, I don't have your number" I show him my cards and he smirks. He doesn't look disappointed at all, he looks almost happy he failed his magic trick.
"I know, that's because I didn't give you my number yet, Beautiful " the people on the subway all burst out in laughter and I'm confused.
"Meelo, will you stop harassing that sweet young lady" his Mother finally says closing her book. Meelo runs over to his Mother and she gives me an apologetic smile.
"He's a charmer" I reassure her
"Trust me, I know, his Father thinks its cute but he doesn't have to go through a subway with this little monster"
Something about this woman tells me I met her before. The subway stops and the woman and her son get up.
"It was very nice seeing you again" she says grabbing my hand and shaking it firmly
"Yeah you too um?" I reply back confused
They both exit the subway leaving me alone. Wait did she just say again? As I'm thinking about the whole interaction, I feel something in my hand.I open my left hand and see a balled up playing card. Is this another magic trick, I open the card up and see a phone number near the face of my Queen card.
Asami
The whole weekend has been crazy, I'm actually glad to be in school right now. I get out my car, and see Iroh get out his too. I put my bag over my shoulder and try to walk as quickly out of the parking lot as possible without drawing attention to myself. But it's too late, he already made eye contact with me.
"Asami wait" he calls out shutting his door and running after me.
"Leave me alone, Iroh"
"Please I want to apologize about Friday night. I should have never left you alone"
"But you did Iroh"
I'm truly done with him, I never really liked him. But I did see myself befriending him, now he kissed his chances of friendship goodbye.
"Let me make it up to you" he says while jumping over the hood of someone's car, blocking my path.
"No, Iroh I don't even want to see your face" he frowns
"Well, I want to see your face. I like you Asami, but I didn't like the Asami I saw that night."
"Then apparently you didn't really like me, because that was the real me. Not the honor student with the pretty face who plays hard to get!"
"I don't believe that one bit. I'm not just sorry I left you. I'm sorry I allowed you to drink as much as you did"
Are you kidding me? He's using my alcohol consumption to determine my character that makes zero sense!
"Asami, please just accept my apology"
I look around and the majority of students in the parking lot are watching us. Even though I do a great job at it, I don't want to draw attention to myself. My best bet is to accept his apology so I can get to class.
"Will you leave me alone, if I do?"
A big cheeky grin appear on his face "Yep, I sure will"
"Fine then, I accepts your apology now move out my way" he slide out of my way and I proceed heading into the building.
Korra
This place looks nothing like Republic City. Everything is so crowded and dirty, and the fact this is where the majority of benders of live upsets me.
Despite the living conditions, everyone I notice walking pass, seem genuinely happy. Especially the children who're playing a game of street rock. Which has been stopped due to the a man selling cabbages scorning a group of earth bending children for playing too close to his produce. As the cabbage keeper is yelling, I see a boy sneak pass the tempered cabbage man and steal three cabbages without drawing attention to himself nor paying.
As much as I would like to laugh at how slick this teen boy is. Stealing is stealing and I can't have him do such a dishonest act. I quietly follow the teen down the street. He hardly notices me walking behind him. I'm just going to politely, tell him to return the cabbages. If he doesn't feel comfortable, I will even offer to return it myself.
He takes a turn through an alley and so do I.
"Hey" I call out he turns around
"Yes?"
" I saw what you did back there, and that was pretty slick" he smirks
"But you're going to have to return it"
"What if I don't?" he replies
Spirits why did he have to turn all defiant all of a sudden, now I look like the bad guy. Which I'm not, because I didn't steal he did.
"I will have to turn you in" I reply back
He sets the cabbages on the ground and slowly raises his hands in the air. I start walking towards him to retrieve the stolen vegetables.
"Thanks for giving up so easily"
I'm just about to pick up one cabbage when my body is thrown into the air by a sudden gust of wind.
My body hits the ground and I can see him sprinting down the alley with the cabbages. Alright, that was uncalled for.
I launch myself into the air and grab a hold of the fire escape ladder and boast myself up on to the roof. I dust myself off then look over the neighborhood to find the criminal. I spot him and he's still running, his distance and speed is quite impressive.
I'm debating whether or not, I should go after him because, I have to be home before Asami does. Chasing some theft who stole three cabbages, will be hassle and time consuming.
I pull out the Eska's address from my back pocket. Apparently from the where I'm standing now. I'm two blocks away from my cousin's apartment. If I stay on the roof to avoid traffic, I can get there rather quickly.
I guess the cabbage thief lives another day.
Asami
My thoughts of Saturday night's dinner at the Beifongs' haunt me. The looked of pure disgust from was terrifying. All that hatred for some stupid debate?
I wouldn't say I personally hate benders. I just have some very strong opinions about them. Some, that aren't being addressed quick enough, but I wouldn't say I hate benders as in all.
My Father and Baatar share some of the same political views. Of course my Father's views are questionable in my opinion but I wonder how my Father really thinks of Baatar.
Sure they shared some laughs together, but so have I with people I wouldn't call my friends.
Peers, buddies, and acquaintances some may say we talk to these type of individuals to kill time or even form an alliance. I can see my Father and as acquaintances not friends. Which brings me to my point, If they aren't friends what purpose do that have with interacting with one another?
My chemistry teacher is writing something on the board, but I'm too lost in my thoughts to pay attention. It's almost as if all my questions are buried under my newly developed ones. I don't even have a check list, because I don't know whether my questions are fully answered yet. For example, does Suyin Beifong still plan to blackmail me?
From her performance the other night , I don't think I'm out of the woods quite yet. Maybe it was the alcohol that made Mrs. Beifong less tense after our debate. Or maybe she thinks I'm on her side. Which I'm not because if Suyin's helping Kuvira. I have to turn her in, the Mother of my friend or not her act is treason.
Then again, if I got her to believe I was on her side, it would make her defeat a lot easier. You had to see the look on her face, once I finished. She was very impressed, as she should be. I wasn't the top debater in all of Republic City for nothing. Like I said before, I can make anything I say believable.
Then it clicks to me, maybe that's….. no that's exactly what she wanted. I made myself look like a true supporter for benders and their rights. How could I be so foolish? That snake of a guidance counselor knew I wouldn't turn down a challenge and I so happily accepted it. I played into her trap!
"Hey Sato?" I'm too invested in my paranoid thoughts. That I didn't notice my new seating partner.
"Oh Hello Ginger" I whisper as our teacher continues explaining his lecture.
"You aren't avoiding me anymore" she replies back
"Pssh I wasn't avoiding you" I say as humbly as possible because truthfully I have. I turned my three minute walk to class into five minutes due to me going across the whole school to get to my classes.
She scoots closer to me
"I know you're lying to me Sato, I can see it."
Our teacher turns around and Ginger and I are both silent. I think he knows we been socializing instead of paying attention to his lesson.
He puts his dry erase marker down and heads our way. Great, the last thing I need, is another trip to the principal's office.
"Ginger?" he ask which shocks me because I was talking too.
"Yes, Mr. Sozin?" she answers bubbly
"May I ask why you're sitting near my A+ student?" I give a smile out of nervousness and for the compliment.
Ginger brings her finger to her chin to think.
"I couldn't see the board, so I moved up here. Is that okay?"
He looks over at me not sure if he believes her explanation due to her ability to act so well.
"She can sit here. It's fine, I already grasped the concept of what you're teaching. I'm sure I can help Ginger understand if she has any questions" I explain
He looks satisfied with my answer
"Ms. Sato I trust your judgement. Ginger please keep the non- chemistry topic to a minimum. You may be a movie star now, but you still need to graduate"
"Yes Sir, Asami and I will talk about nothing but the chemistry we have together"
He leaves us and continues to teach
"Nice Hun, maybe I can't tell when you're lying after all " she whisper
I keep my eyes on the board in case he turns around again.
"I wasn't lying, I was just saving you from getting in trouble. So let's not draw any more attention to ourselves" I say lowly
"I like taking risks and drawing attention to myself now. Something about pushing the limits, really excites me"
"I bet" I reply sarcastically
"No, really ever since I met such a beautiful soul last Friday night. She been encouraging me to not take shit from anyone. Something about her personality, sets her apart from everyone else. She was so adventurist and carefree, and Spirits don't' get me started on her body. She had to be some type of weight lifting monster. I worked with actors and actresses who would work their asses off, to try and get a body like hers. Honestly, I would go to the gym every day, if she was there"
Is she thirsty much?
I don't have to picture Korra working out because I witnessed it with my own eyes myself. I mean, I'm not there in the room with her when she's working out like some weirdo. I just you know, casually check on her on my Father's security system when she's unexpectedly doing curl ups.
"I wonder if she's dating anyone. To be honest who wouldn't want to date a girl like her? She has the whole tough girl and protector thing going on. "
Duh she has to, she's the Avatar it's sort of a trait to have, which is protect and serve.
"Then again, she's also sweet and adorable, like when we were dancing?"
Ginger danced with Korra?
"She was so flustered and you could clearly tell she didn't want to show her awkwardness but she failed miserably and that's another reason why I liked her so much. I'm actually thinking about having my people track her down, is that too much?"
How can you judge someone from one simple and quick interaction, especially someone like Korra? Yes, Ginger's description of the Avatar was dead on, but who is she to judge?
I feel someone grip my arm
"Hey, I didn't mean to make you feel unwanted" Ginger says hurt
"No, it's fine talk about your new crush. I'm okay really" I reply back to Republic City's sweetheart
"No, It's not Asami, I still find you very much attractive and I will be here whenever you change your mind. But I can't just put myself on hold for you, until you accept my offer."
I find myself laughing which wasn't appropriate because Ginger is being genuine, but this is all too funny.
"Wait for me to accept your offer? I'm sorry, but how am I supposed to respect a relationship where you find a new crush every day, especially someone you know little about. If the girl at the party was your soul mate, wouldn't she have at least given you her name? Maybe she was awkward towards you, because she wasn't feeling the same way you felt? I respect you and Huan's relationship enough, for you to respect the fact that I don't want to have any part in it. I also doubt your mystery girl would want such part in it as well. She has far too much to worry about, just like me!"
Ginger stares at me and I can't believe I just went off on her like that. Especially her out of all people. I never witnessed her being nasty towards anyone, ever and here I am. Telling her how foolish she is for seeing the beauty in all people in her own personal way.
"Ginger I'm.." she cuts me off
"That was so hot Asami, the whole dominance thing. Never seen that side of you before."
"I'm sorry, I just been so frustrated lately. I guess, it all just built up over time"
I sigh
"There are other ways you can handle your frustration" she replies
"Yeah a punching bag, would help?" I tease to hide the embarrassment of my outburst. Actually, a punching bag would be quite beneficial, I should look into that.
" Boxing could help, or maybe you need something else?"
I look down at the placement of her hand under the table. Then look at the clock on the back wall. We have 30 minutes left until class is over.
Korra
I get to the house, ring the doorbell, and wait. Loud rock music is blasting from the apartment so I know someone's home.
The door opens and a cat runs out the door.
"Shit Pabu, don't you come back with no rats again"
a woman with black hair, burgundy lipstick and a skull hair tie stands in front of me. She's also holding an unlabeled bottle of what looks to be beer in one hand, from the looks of her eyes, alcohol doesn't seem like the only conspirator in the woman's appearance.
The woman looks me up and down
"Who are you?" she ask
"I'm Eska's cousin" she still doesn't let me in
"You look like her in a way, yet you don't wear make-up"
"Should I be ?" I ask confused wondering if I should be offended or not. She laughs and opens the door wider.
"You're funny, come on right in"
The moment I step inside smoke is everywhere. I just want to collect it all and send a spiral out the window, but I'm afraid the woman would fly away also.
I follow the woman and she opens the refrigerator
"Want a beer?" she ask
"No thanks, I don't drink, it's bad for your liver" she rolls her eyes
"Try being a bender, liquor gets me through the day" she replies while opening another bottle and chugging it down.
If Asami's rebellious side was a human, this woman would be it.
"Oh, where are my manners, I'm June"
"Korra" I reply back
Maybe I should have given her my fake name, It's too late now.
"That's a WaterTribe name, are you a bender?"
"Why are you?" I ask to play it safe
she laughs
"Yep"
I'm not one to stereotype but she doesn't look like any type of bender I know, due to her clothing. Everything she has on is black,beside her lipstick.
"What do you bend?" I ask curious
"Blood" she replies not fazed by the fact blood bending is banned and not something one should say they bend proudly.
"Don't worry, I won't blood bend you, I just practice it on full moons and my victims are rarely humans, just small animals"
"You shouldn't do it to anything or anyone, it's terrible. Taking away someone's control over their body. Is not just wrong, but sickening" I say in disgust
She gets up and grips the handles of my seat and looks me straight in the eyes.
"Those non-benders aren't giving me control over my body. So if anything, they're bending blood just like me"
I bite my tongue because I don't like the way she's trying to intimidate me. Especially when she's trying to force me to accept her opinion. She still hasn't gotten out of my face yet and my patience is running thin. Anyone who blood bends and think's it justified is no friend of mine.
"Can you give me some space" I ask calmly
She grips my wrist and I feel my blood start to tighten and she grins
"What if I don't'?"
With my own strength, I use the placement of her hand on my wrist to control her blood flow as well. She watches in horror as her veins start to turn a darker shade of blue.
"Back off!"
I lift up my feet and sent a gust of air to her stomach to create distance and her body hits the wall. I slowly get up and rub my arm up and down to regain feeling. I hate using blood bending but I had no choice.
She looks up at me in horror.
"You..you're..a water bender…and air...bender?" she stutters
The apartment door opens and Eska steps in with groceries
"Aww you two met already" she addresses ignoring the mess we just created and her roommate on the ground.
What did I get myself into?
Asami
Our lips clash together while my nearly bare back lands on the backseat car cushion. In my old state of mind, would I be doing this?
No, of course not, I wouldn't be skipping 3rd block to hook up with some girl in her car.
Not just any girl, but Ginger! Wait I need to stop seeing her as some special person who choose me. If anything I'm the one she wants.
It's not, I'm hooking up with Ginger the movie star. It's Ginger the movie star, hooking up with the one and only Asami Sato! Therefore, if anything I'm the one with the upper hand.I run my hand up the hem of her shirt thanks to my new form of confidence.
"I'm really loving this new Asami Sato, maybe I should get you jealous more often" she tease while her hand explore my back. The thought she thinks I'm doing all of this because of something she said, is appalling.
I pull away and she sits up confused about my sudden action. I can tell she's about to apology about her jealously statement but that wasn't the only reason why I pulled away.
"Asami, I'm so sorry. Sometimes I just get caught up in the moment and say things, foolish things and.."
I bring our lips back together and start unbuttoning her shirt. Why most everyone, feel the need to protect my feelings? Like I can't handle common emotions, like any other human! It makes me so angry.
I pull away one last time, so we can catch our breath and also to admire the print of her bra. The look of desire in her eyes, tells me she wants to have her way with me. But, not until I'm done with her. I bring her leg around my waist and look down at her.
"I don't get jealous" I say before bringing our lips backs together
I get to 4th block and I had to let my hair down since someone thought it would be a great idea to leave a little present on my neck, especially knowing I had English with Iroh that day.
"Welcome class, today we will be discussing propaganda. Before we start, can someone tell me what prop.." before my teacher could finish her question.
Mr. Sozin rushes to our room
"Turn to channel 3, there is something going on" my teacher turns to the channel and the class looks around confused.
"Is everything okay?" Bolin ask
"How is she supposed to know, she got the news the same time as we did!" Iroh replies annoyed
What's beating him? He was happy earlier, shouldn't he be gung ho, that I accepted his apology?
"Hey man,just trying to get some information no need to be rude" Bolin answers back
The classes shushes Bolin and Iroh's little debate when the news reporter comes on
"This just in, Kuvira has leaked a video addressed to our leader Amon. The Equalists have been trying to track Kuvira and her army down for years now. This woman has always been undercover and underground, when it comes to her addressing Republic City. But not today the video you're about watch is just shocking"
An image of Kuvira on a train appears. I never seen a recent picture of her before, and the fact this is a video makes this whole experience more exciting.
Korra
We're watching the news and Kuvira is on the screen. Apparently this is breaking news, she's on a train with some other guy working in the background. Eska turns the tv volume up so we can hear her speak.
"Hello people of Republic City. I'm Kuvira or some may call me the Great Uniter. It's very rare, that I'm seen in the public eye. As you may know, I'm wanted in many nations. I'm exposing myself and putting my life at risk today. So the people of not just Republic City but the Four Nations hear information about Amon. You see, he's not who you may think he is. In fact he's the opposite"
Her Fianceé Baatar whom I met, brings out a laptop
"Thank you Love, back to what I was saying. Amon is not a leader, he's a liar and he must be exposed. I have evidence that shows that the leader Amon is a.."
The television's screen is filled with static June gets up and hits the tv box a couple of times.
"Aww man, we're missing the best part!" she groans
Eska looks out the window
"I think everyone's tv went out, the people across from us have static too"
"It's because we're in this crappy neighborhood. We never had any good service anyway. Damn I thought it would be different since we were watching a local channel. I'm getting a beer, you want one?" June ask Eska
"Yeah, I'll take one, how many did you have today?" she ask her roommate
"Hmm I don't know maybe one" she replies lowly
Which is a lie!
June returns and sits back down in front of me. She stares at me while she takes a swig of her drink, she doesn't even care that I gave her a bruise on her cheek. June probably doesn't even feel it, due to the numbness the alcohol is giving her.
"You need to put some ice on your cheek" Eska suggest
June sips on the floor
"Nah, I'll play with my bruise later on. I'm looking forward to blood bending that little sucker" June winks
I still can't stand her, but if Eska can trusts her, I guess I have no choice.
"Are you sure you want to go to Amon's ball?" my Cousin ask like I'm about to undo my plan, because of some public service announcement.
"Yes, why wouldn't I carry it on?"
"Because, Amon is probably pissed that someone tried to attack his empire and reputation. Before it was simpler but now his security will be tight. Also his appearances will be cut short also" Eska replies
"Thanks to Kuvira, we won't just have a trickier plan, but even more rules that us benders have to deal with" June adds
"I can't just give up, two wake up calls are better than none. Everyone knows, Kuvira is after Amon, her threats aren't going to make Amon stop. He needs someone new and unstoppable to knock some sense into him. Enough is enough, people shouldn't have to live like this. Amon is not running a government, he's creating a system where chaos is bound to erupt. Kuvira is already adding flames to the fire. If her and Amon's army clashes. It won't just be a war, it might be the end of the Four Nations altogether. I refuse to allow that to happen, especially on my watch. I'm the Avatar and I will bring balance back into this world!"
Eska smiles
"You still have that hope thing, after all these years" she tease
"Well it was all I had , now I'm going to put some action behind all that hope. Can I count you all in?" I ask
Eska nods "You got it, Cuz"
I look over at June and she rolls her eyes
"I'm going to help, because you kicked my ass, and I respect that" she gets up and hand me her bottle.
"Drink" she say sternly
"No, I told you, I don't drink!" I say trying to return it
"I'm not helping unless you take a sip. It can be our truce"
She waves the bottle in my face and I take it. Iroh told me, I have to start trusting people so I guess this is the only way.
I take a small sip and it tastes terrible I push the bottle back into her.
"What is that made out of?" I ask in disgust while wiping my mouth
"It's my secret recipe, that's how I make my money, I sell homemade moonshine. I call it Cactus Juice, I put real cactus juice in it too" she says proudly
Apparently it's not that great nor strong enough, if she keeps going back to get another bottle. If anything it's a rip off.
I can't believe I wasted my first time drinking an alcoholic beverage on that.
I push open the basement door and fall on to my bed and start laughing uncontrollable. I hold my hand up to try and stop the walls from spinning. It's like a fun house, maybe that's why I find everything so funny.
I hear the front door open and I sit up, yay Asami's home. I must greet her, that's what great roommates do. I'm such a terrible roommate, I always have fun and never invite her with me. I will no longer be so selfish. I head up the stairs and head into the kitchen
"Hey Asami" I yell which startles her, making her hold her hair to her neck.
"Korra, you scarred me" I pull her into a hug
"I missed you so much, come downstairs. I have to show you something" I grab her hand and drag her down the stairs.
"Welcome to my funhouse. Isn't it beautiful?" I ask
She just stares at me confused
"Korra, are you okay?" I tilt my head to the side, not understanding what she means.
"Of course, I'm okay, I'm in a funhouse" I sit down on the ground and look at the roof and start tilting my head back.
"Now I'm on a roller coaster, are you afraid of height?" I ask her
Asami
Something is wrong with Korra, I never seen her like this before. It's almost like she's drunk but no alcohol on this planet can make a person act the way she's acting.
On top of her behavior, I'm also wondering what Kuvira had to say about Amon. The tv cut off and went to static the moment Baatar Jr. brought her laptop over to her . A part of me believes, Amon and his Equalists cut the video off before Kuvira could finish, then again that's just a theory.
"Asami go on this roller coaster with me" Korra begs
"No, there is no roller coaster, why are you acting so weird?
She looks up at me with those ocean blue eyes and my heart just softens. She really thinks she's at a carnival, I forgot she never been to one before.
Maybe this pretend carnival thing, is her way of coping with the loss of her childhood. I take a seat beside her and pretend to put on my seat belt.
"Are you ready?" she ask
I nod
"Here we go, put your hands in the air, we're about to drop"
We throw our hands in the air. I can't believe I'm doing this, but she has done so much for me it's the least I could do. I mean we all do weird things sometimes. Apparently the ride is over because Korra starts smoothing down her hair. So I undo my pretend seatbelt
"Aww Asami?"
"What?" I ask
She touches my neck "I think the roller coaster gave you a bruise" I laugh nervously
"Haha yeah I really hate roller coasters" how did she see my bruise? I thought my hair had it well covered. If Korra saw it, then I bet everyone in my class saw it too, I'm going to kill Ginger.
Korra turns to me with a concerned expression on her face.
"I'm so sorry, I made you go on that ride" she looks likes she's about to cry.
I smile to let her know it's truly okay.
"It's fine, Korra, anything for you" I tease because in reality I wouldn't set foot on a roller coaster for anyone but since everything is pretend. I can pretend to take risks.
"Do they really have kissing booths at carnivals?" she ask which is unexpected
As a kid, I thought kissing booths were so gross. Why would strangers pay to kiss other stranger, it's unsanitary. Yet today, I can see why people did it, something about the thrill of doing something unexpected.
"Yes, they do but I never been to one before" I answer
The child at heart, looks at me in shock.
"Are you serious?"
"Yep, it's quite a bummer, too bad this carnival doesn't have one " I tease again
Korra moves her body so we're facing each other.
"We can always make one" she replies back which surprises me
"What?" I ask thinking she's kidding but apparently she wasn't because as soon as I feel her lip on mines, I was no longer at a carnival. But at a lake watching the annual Summer fireworks.
The effects of Cactus juice can be very harming, please drink responsibly. Ahhhh, they kissed leave me your thoughts on the matter, or thoughts in general.
Hope some of you remember June, the bounty hunter Zuko payed for to help track Aang's spirit world body.