Companion for chapter 47 Through the Headlines (and by extension chapter 26 in snapshots)
When Asami woke up her eyes still felt heavy with sleep, but she sat up anyway. Korra wasalready up, sitting next to her.
"Morning,"
Asami rubbed her eyes, "Morning…is it still morning? We were up most of last night."
Korra nodded, "It's a bit after eleven, but still morning. How'd you sleep?"
"Not well." She admitted.
Korra reached out and took her hand. Asami squeezed gently.
"Have you heard anything?"
Korra shook her head, "I haven't left the room as yet. I didn't want you to wake up and be alone."
"Have you been awake long?"
Korra shook her head, "Twenty minutes."
Asami shifted, getting out of bed. Korra followed her. They headed to the dining hall. Pema was there.
"Korra, Asami, you're up already. We wereexpecting you to sleep longer."
"Couldn't really sleep." Asami said, "Did anything happen while we were sleeping?"
Pema shook her head, "Tenzin and Mako haven't come back since they left last night. But Tenzin called, Lin and Mako spoke to the press about what happened. Bolin and Opal brought you back, then Bolin left almost right away to see how he can help at your office."
"The two workers who were in the ICU?"
"I heard their lives aren't in danger anymore."
Asami let out a sigh and Korra grinned. Ikki walked into thekitchen then, breaking out into a grin when she saw them.
"You're up!" She ran to hug them both, "We were so worried when we heardwhat happened."
Opal and Jinora joined them in the dining hall.
"How are you doing?" Opal asked.
"Okay," Korra replied.
"I'm going to take a shower and head into the city."
"Oh no, no you don't," Pema stopped Asami by putting a hand on her shoulder.
"What?"
"You're not going anywhere until you've have a proper meal."
"I'll have things to take care of."
"And that will still be there after you've eaten," Pema pushed her down with a gentle, butfirm grip on her shoulder. "Now sit and I'll bring something for the both of you."
Asami blinked, a bit surprised at being told what to do. Korra smiled faintly, sitting next to her. Ikki, Jinora and Opal sat on the other side of the table.
Pema brought rice and vegetables for Korra and Asami.
"Thanks Pema."
"Thank you."
They both dug into their food, suddenly realizing how hungry they were.
"Whenyou're heading into the city, we'll come with you, okay?" Jinora said.
"Why does that sound more like a demand than a request?" Korra asked.
"Bolin made us promise to stay with you two," Ikki said.
"He's sweet, but you don't have to come," Asami said.
"We don't have to, but we want to," Opal said, "These guys were brave enough to attack a ship while it was in port. It's not too farfetched to think they'll try to hurt you."
"I doubt that. But we can handle ourselves."
"We know, but for our own peace of mind, left us come with you," Jinora said.
"Something tells me we're not going to be able to convince you otherwise."
"No," The three girls replied at once.
Half an hour later the five of them, plus Kai and Meelo headed to Future Industries' main warehouse. There was a small horde of reporters out front.
"We'll get rid of them for you," Meelo said hopping up. Asami put a hand on his shoulder.
"No it's fine. I'll talk to them."
She spoke to the reporters, answering any questions she could.
"Do you know why they did this?"
"I can only guess it's their way of saying they don't agree with mine and Korra's relationship." She glanced over her shoulder at Korra, who was standing just behind her, "I don't knowwhat they were hoping to achieve by this. If they expect Korra and I to break up, or something along those lines they're sorely mistaken," She took Korra's hand. After a few more questions they went inside and were promptly met by Chu.
"Ms. Sato, oh, thank the spirits you're finally here. The phone has been ringing off the hook. And Mr. Bolin has been trying to help, but he hasn't really been able to do much. Although, he did admittedly give a rousing speech to some despondent employees. He brought their spirits right backup. But then Ms. Zhu Li came as well, and she's been fielding calls all morning. She's brilliant."
"Zhu Li's here?" Korra asked.
"And Varrick."
"Guys, you're here," Bolin came running down the stairs. "And you got some of the reporters to leave! I was trying to do that for hours. I was trying to help around here, so you wouldn't have as much to do, but it turns out running a business is tough. I don't know how you doit. Varrick and Zhu Lisaved me when they showed up."
"I hope you don't mind us helping," Varrick appeared at the top of the steps, "When we heard about what happenedthis morning we came here to see if you were alright and found Bolin trying to sort everything out. Zhu Li took over. And a good thing she did too. No one, I mean no one can sort out a mess like Zhu Li can."
"Probably because she'd had so much practice sorting out your messes," Bolin said.
"Excatly," Varrick jumped down the stairs two a time, "Don't worry Asami we're here for you. No one is going to get away with blowing up your ship."
"Didn't you blow up one of her ships when you weretrying to take over her company?" Ikki asked, cocking a hand on her hip.
"Hey now," Varrick pouted at her, placing both his hands on his hips and bending over so he was face to face to her, "I only blew up my own stuff. No one seems to remember I only blew my stuff. I never blew up any at of Asami's stuff. I only stole from her. She got it all back! Plus I tried to take over Future Industries for monetary gain. Whoever did this are only doing it for hate. And that's a big no-no in my book!"
"Did he just defend the things he did during the civil war?" Jinora and Korra exchanged amused glances.
"That's Varrick for you."
"Varrick, Bolin, thanks for helping," Asami said placing a hand on Bolin's shoulder, and giving it a gentle squeeze. She turned to Chu, "Did we get a copy of the police report?"
"Of course Ms. Sato."
"I'd like to see it, as well as the estimate of the loss from last night. Also, I want to get a list of all the men and women injured last night, and the extent." She and Chu moved up the stairs, Asami calling out and Chu writing furiously.
"Wow, she looks like woman on a mission." Bolin said.
"You can't blame her," Jinora said, crossing her arms, "Future Industries is her baby in a way. She brought it back from nothing and it's only grown since. Now it's under threat again."
"I swear, when we find the persons who did this…" Korra clenched her fist.
"We're all with you in this," Bolin said, "The guys who did this are going to regret messing with Team Avatar."
"Kai, let's go scout the area," Meelo said.
"Scout? For what?"
"Suspicious activity."
"You really think they would try something in broad day light?"
"That's what I would do. No one would expect it." Varrick said, rubbing his chin.
"Yeah, but they aren't you."
"If something happens to Korra and Asami it will be on your head soldier!" Meelo yelled at him.
"Alright, alright. I'm coming."
They both ran outside and took off into the air, snapping the wings of their suits out.
"Did you eat?" Bolin asked, "I could run and grab some lunch for you guys,"
"Pema made sure we ate," Korra smiled, "But thanks anyway."
"If you need anything, just ask," Bolin gave her thumbs her, "Seriously, anything. No matter how big, or small."
"Isn't there a movie you're supposed to be shooting?" Korra asked Bolin and Varrick, "Not that I don't appreciate you being here for us."
"This is more important," Varrick said.
"We can shoot any time. We're not just going to abandon you."
"Meelo! I'm your father!"
They all turned when they heard Tenzin yelling.
"How do I know you're really my father?" Meelo said standing in front of Tenzin, Lin and Mako.
"Meelo, it's obviously them," Kai said shaking his head.
"It could be the attackers in disguise."
"Would the attacker know you sleep with a stuffed bear?"
"Okay, you can pass," Meelo jerked his thumb over hisshoulder, "Next. Tell me something only Lin would know,"
Lin leveled a hard glare at him. He gulped, "Okay, yeah you're Lin."
"I'm not going to do that," Mako said before Meelo could even ask.
"Where's Asami? We want to talk to both of you." Tenzin said
Korra stood a little straighter, "Did you learn something?"
He shook his head, "Let's go get Asami,"
They walked into her office. She was on the phone, with Zhu Li and Chu both going through a mountain of paperwork.
"…Something just came up, let me call you back," Asami said into the phone before hanging up, "What is it?"
"We think it would be best if you two go back to the island."
"What?"
"Why?"
" That's the safest place for now."
"You want us to hide?" Korra asked
"We want you to be safe. Air Temple Island is the safest place in the city for you two. We also don't think it's wise that you stay at the mansion for a while. At least until we can catch who did this."
"We don't need protection, or babysitters. You can't make us stay on the island. Sato estate is Asami's home. She should be able to stay in her home."
"Kid, are you really going to put yourself and Asami at risk, just so you can fool around?" Lin said.
"No, that's not why- We don't want these guys to think we're scared of them." Korra said.
"Is that why you put a target on your back?" Tenzin tossed a copy the Republic News on the desk. The front page had two pictures, one of the burning ship, the other of Korra standing in front of the hospital, "You basically welcomed them to come after you."
"They're not actually going to come after us," Korra said.
"How do you know this for sure?" Tenzin asked.
"They attacked the ship. If they were brave enough to come after us they would have done so already."
"We have no idea what they're capable of. You two are both too important to be out in the open. Raiko agrees with us that you should remain out of sight of while."
"Oh well if Raiko agree's…" Korra rolled her eyes.
"This isn't some joke Korra."
"I didn't say it was."
"Enough," Asami said sharply, "Tenzin, I appreciate you looking out for us, but as long as I have a company to run that's just what I'm going to do. I'm not going to stay on the island until you catch the people who did this."
"If youkeep coming here every day you're putting yourself at risk."
"It's not like it would be the first time. Unless you've forgotten we've been in countless situations were our life was at risk, and we're still here."
Tenzin threw up his hands, "I swear, she's becoming more like Korra. Lin, you say something to them."
The chief of police was smirking slightly, "I agree with them."
Korra and Asami grinned.
"Not you too. I though you wanted to make sure they're safe."
"They're Asami Sato and the Avatar, their pretty safe just being together. And I'm sure everyone else isn't going to be straying too far their sides until we're sure the sicko's who did this are behind bars," She glanced at everyone else in the room for a moment before turning to Asami and Korra again, "But I have to insist you allow me to set up a police presence around Future Industries' premises. We wouldn't want any more innocent people hurt."
Asami nodded, "I can agree to that."
Tenzin still didn't look satisfied. Lin sighed, "And would you at least consider spending the nights on the island, before he has an aneurysm."
Ikki and Jinora giggled.
"I suppose we can live with that."
"Happy?," Lin said, "That way you'll be around if something does happen, and so will Bolin and Mako."
"I have to be alright with it, don't I?" Tenzin said stiffly.
"Asami," Mako spoke up, "I'm afraid I have some bad news."
"What now?"
"Tadao, one of the men who was in the ICU, I got an update on his condition earlier,"
"What happened? I heard he was going to be okay."
"His condition did stabilize, yes. He's going to live. But apparently the fire caused nervedamage that the healers couldn't repair. He may not be able to walk again."
Asami's facehardened and her fists clenched.
"Can everyone give me a moment?"
They nodded and started filing out from the room.
"Do you want me to go too?" Korra asked.
Asami shook her head. She waited until everyone else left the room, then she spun around scattering the papers with a sweep of her hand. She gripped the edge of a desk, her knuckles turning white. She was shaking slightly.
"How could I have let this happen?"
"Hey, hey, hey," Korra turned her around gently, pulling her into her arms, "This isn't your fault."
"He can't walk Korra. He'll never walk again."
"You didn't do it."
"I caused it."
"No," Korra said firmly, "This isn't your fault. Unless you there lighting that fire this isn't your fault, and I can attest to the fact that you were doing other things when the ship was burning."
Asami laughed. It was short, slightly watery and under cut with pain. But it was a genuine laugh. She trailed off suddenly. She gripped the front of Korra's shirt, pulling her against her, resting her head against Korra's shoulder.
"It's happening again," She said a breath of a whisper, "I can't lose my company Korra, I can't."
"You're not going to."
"First my employees now this."
"Asami, look at me," Korra said gently.
She lifted her head, looking into her eyes. Korra cupped her face gently, leaning forward so their foreheads were brushing.
"You will not lose this company. I swear, even if I have to do the job of every person you employ, you will not lose this company. If I have to tear this city apart looking for the people who attacked your ship I will find then so they can't do this again."
Asami's lips twitched upwards slightly.
"Is that a smile?"
"You can't do every job by yourself."
"I'll get the airbabies to help me."
Asami did smile this time.
"You've been through worst. You've had everything taken from you and you came back from that. You brought back Future Industries from bankruptcy when no one would work with you. And you handled all that by yourself. This time your not alone.
"I know," Asami said with a soft sigh, leaning her head back against Korra's shoulder. Her shoulders relaxed, and her grip loosen. "I know...thank you."
Korra kissed her forehead softly. "We'll get through this. We will."
Nardragon~ until the next page.