The wind was harsh and unforgiving. Out in the middle of the sea, no sailor was safe. This was a small ship from the Northern Water tribe, and it wasn't built to handle this weather. Its crew grew finicky and worried; they weren't too sure what was going on.
Out in the sea winds began to thrash on the sea, it seemed like a hurricane was brewing. In the eye of the hurricane was something glowing, it seemed to be malevolent.
Bells on the ship began to ring, it signified an emergency. The crew shouted for the captain, he would make the decision on what to do in this time of need.
"Men! The only way we'll be able to get out of this storm is if we go to its eye and move with it. That's our only hope, to attack it head on!"
Many of the ship's crew was either very old or very young, neither of them wanted to risk their lives. They weren't exactly happy about going into a hurricane either, there was some resistance but in the end, they had no choice.
Once they got closer to the eye of the storm they saw the glow from whatever was in there.
"It's a spirit!"
"We're doomed!"
"Pull back! Turn this ship around!"
But they could not. The giant water spirit, with its great tentacles reached for the small ship. While some men were already crushed by the tentacles, others were doomed to drown in the sea that they loved.
"Tonraq!" A messenger came in Tonraq's home, "the Northern Water tribe's ship disappeared, by the looks of its trail, it went into a hurricane."
"Did anyone make it out alive?" He said concerned.
"No sir…" The messenger replied somberly.
"Did you all send people to check the wreckage?"
"Yes… But there was something unusual, some people's bodies seemed torn and crushed."
"Like something had done this to them?"
"Yes sir. We do not know what to make of it."
"Go send word to town hall. I'm going to have a meeting. This isn't the first time mysterious accidents such as these have happened."
And with that, the messenger left.
Korra and Asami had overhead this conversation from a few rooms down. They were playing Pi Shou.
Korra grew worried, it was written all over her face. She played a poorly thought out move in the game.
Asami caught on quickly, and began to reassure her. "Korra, I'm sure there was nothing you'd be able to do." Asami moved her game piece.
Korra couldn't reply, and she couldn't really think about the game either, her mind was somewhere else. It's the spirits I know it. I can't protect them, I can't protect myself. This entire time I've been trying to heal, the spirit world has been out of whack. How am I supposed to be a good avatar if I can't even be the bridge between worlds?
"Asami, I'm not sure if it's safe for you to be here anymore."
"What are you talking about Korra? I'm here to protect you, and now you're saying I can't protect myself?"
"No Asami, I'm not saying that. What I'm saying is… It isn't safe here anymore. I wouldn't want you to risk getting hurt more. I know it's the spirits. I've refrained from telling my dad because the last thing I need is for him to try and push me to an early and untimely recovery."
"I understand but, I'm not weak. I'm going to stay whether it's safe or not."
This response showed how dedicated she was… It also worried Korra. She couldn't watch her friend be taken away from her. However, she also couldn't push her away.
With that, she let out a sigh. "Well Asami, I know you're tough as nails, so I guess there's no point in trying to convince you."
Asami's watch went off; it showed that it was noon.
"Korra we better get going. We have to get you to your therapy session with Katara."
They went off together on Naga. Although Korra was the injured one, she would end up being the one in the front. Asami didn't mind, Korra was warm because of her self-heating qualities, it helped keep Asami warm too.
When they reached Katara's house she greeted them. "You two are practically inseparable since you've come."
Both of the girls blushed and didn't know how to reply.
"Korra, come here, I want to try something new that might help you." This was something Korra had never thought would've come out of Katara's mouth.
"Sit here." Katara got out a jug filled with water from the corner of the room. "This water has very spiritual qualities; I received it from the Northern Water tribe. Essentially what it does is trigger spiritual reactions. The water is from a underground sanctuary that held two water spirits that kept balance for thousands of years."
"So, we're trying to get me into the avatar state?"
"No, we're trying to get you to meditate. You've healed mostly in your physical aspects, but now, you need to be able to fulfill your purpose as Avatar, to be the bridge between worlds. In order to do that, you have to be able to at least go into the spirit world through meditation."
Asami sat in the back watching in awe. Unlike the glowing healing water from before, this water shined like the purest of gold. If there was any way for Korra to go into the spirit world, it would be like this.
"Korra, I'll need you to focus on something that keeps you calm. I can feel you tensed up."
"I don't know what you mean? Like an item?"
"Yes, something like that or- Asami, please come here."
This was unexpected; for once Asami would be the one playing a role in Korra's therapy and spiritual journey.
"Asami, I'll need you to sit in front of Korra and face her while I trigger her spiritual energy.
"But… why?" Asami was still very surprised.
Katara smiled softly, "because, you two always are in sync, there would be no one better for Korra to stay calm with than her best friend, right?"
This made Asami's heart leap, she didn't know how to take it, but she was so happy she was able to help now.
Sweat began to pour down from Korra's head, she was struggling immensely. I can't get it. I can't meditate. I lost it. It's hopeless. Katara felt these negative vibes and needed Asami to help Korra.
"Asami, please try to calm down Korra with your words. Be honest and kind with her."
Asami gulped, she didn't know exactly what she should say.
"Korra… I know things have been incredibly hard for you recently, but we have to suffer in order to grow. You're not alone, you'll never be alone, I'm here for you, and I'll always protect you. You are my closest friend, and I'm here to support you, the same way you've supported me over the years." Asami put her hand on Korra's knee. "You can do this, I know you can."
I feel lighter. I can hear a voice, it is so sweet. It's giving me this sensation, as if I'm being held. I'm in between worlds, I can feel it. I just need to let go. What is this tingling feeling inside… It's like… pure energy. I'm almost there I ca-
Then a force pushed both Katara and Asami aside. Korra's body fell back. Asami rushed to Katara to help her up, and then she went to Korra. Korra's hair was all over her face, and it was likely she got a bump from hitting the floor too hard. Asami's hand pushed Korra's dark brown hair out of her face, she pulled her on her lap and held her close.
"Korra! Are you okay? What happened?"
Korra let out a groan. "I almost got it. Thank you."
"I was so worried about you. I'm glad I could help, but maybe we should take this slower."
Korra was exhausted; Asami and Korra decided that she should go home. Neither of them really realized it but, it was already very late and dark out. Asami carried Korra's almost limp body onto Naga and they headed off.
When they reached their rooms, Asami didn't want to leave Korra alone in her room. She decided it would be best if they both slept next to each other, in case Korra would have an episode and sporadically go into the spirit world.
Asami laid her down in her bed, (there was more than enough room, it was a queen sized bed) and started to change.
Asami got her pink night gown out and began to take her layers of clothes off.
Everything was hazy, Korra wasn't sure what happened or what was going on. She blacked out and the only thing she felt was pulling, bumps, and whispers from the people around her. Her eyelids were heavy, but she could manage to open them. When she did, there was a woman with dark hair and pale skin in front of her. She seemed to be pulling something off of her. Then all that was on her was cloth to cover her private area. Her back looked so smooth to the touch, and she looked like a fully grown woman. Korra couldn't keep her eyes off of her, and somehow she looked very familiar.
Then the woman went towards Korra, to reach for something, it seemed to be a silky outfit. Korra was able to open her eyes more and finally saw who it was.
"Asami…?"
"Korra!" Asami was surprised and embarrassed to see that Korra saw her undressing in front of her. All she had on was panties and her breasts were wide in the open.
Korra got red when she noticed this and didn't know what to do so she pulled the covers up. Asami didn't know what to do so she immediately grabbed her night gown and rushed to put it on.
Almost out of nowhere, Korra felt a sharp pain in her head, and let out a small yell.
"Korra! I'm here, please don't hurt yourself, and calm down please."
Korra had barely any control over her body. There was a burning sensation in her head. Her mind was trying to reach the spirit world; it was if she was trying to be pulled into it.
Asami's only reaction was to hold Korra close again, it worked before, and it had to work again. Then, Korra stopped grunting at the pain and her face eased up. She began to open her eyes once more. She saw Asami, her hair was draped over her shoulders and her face looked worried.
Korra lifted her hand to reach Asami's face. Asami let out a small laugh.
"I'm supposed to be the one reassuring you."
Korra attempted to lift herself.
"What do you need?"
Korra said groggily, "I feel uncomfortable."
"It must be your clothes. Here, I'll go to your room and get your pajamas for you. Try to change okay?" Korra nodded.
When Asami returned she saw that the only thing Korra managed to accomplish was getting one of her arms out.
"Here, let me help." Asami sat next to her friend. She proceeded to take her jacket off; it also looked hand-made, like the one Senna gave to Asami. Then Asami took off Korra's shoes, for a moment there she worried that her feet might have smelled bad, thankfully they didn't. Then she took off Korra's pants, the only thing Korra could manage to do was to lift her leg, barely. Korra's legs were soft, although, they weren't shaved, Asami didn't mind though; it wasn't as if they were hairy like men's legs. Then Korra's shirt had to come off. When they reached that point, Korra got mildly bashful, even if she knew she needed help.
Lastly, Asami had to take off Korra's bra, she knew it was uncomfortable to sleep with one on, she wasn't about to put her friend through that. Asami's face grew a bit hot, but she knew she had to stay calm. She got her arms around Korra and found the hook. Then she pulled the straps one after the other. Asami turned immediately to throw her clothes into the hamper. But when she turned back she was almost breathless. Korra's body was beautiful.
She had scars running throughout her body, and Asami didn't realize it, but her hand was reaching towards one that was right on the bottom part of her breast.
"Asami…?" Korra said, almost hesitantly.
"I- I'm sorry!" Asami didn't know what to say, but she snapped out of it.
Korra grabbed her hand, although Asami was taller, Korra had the larger hand. "Its fine Asami, I really don't mind." But on the inside, Korra's heart was thumping, she didn't know what was going on, but at the same time she didn't want to stop.
Asami's hands began to trace Korra's body; she was following a road of bruises and scars. She was never frightened, even if some of them looked very bad. Asami wanted to know the story behind every one of them. She didn't notice it, but her eyes began to water, and so did Korra's.
"Korra… I don't want you to get hurt anymore. I don't know what I'm feeling either. For the first time in my life, I don't know what to do."
"Asami I can't see you like this and not do anything. You haven't been talking to me like you should. You're my best friend and we can always open up to each other." Korra said this reassuringly and reached over to Asami's face to wipe away one of her tears.
There was a warm feeling between them. Both of them were so vulnerable and yet they were each very strong for each other.
"Korra, can you hold me?" Asami said this in the softest tone. This made Korra's heart jump, and for once she didn't know what she was feeling either.
"Always." Korra didn't hesitate; she held her friend and reached to pull a cover over the both of them.
They were laid down. Asami's head was laid in the crook of Korra's neck. Korra intertwined her legs with Asami's. They were both warm in the cold South Pole. They were at peace. The night grew later. Korra's voice broke the silence.
"Asami I know you've been off balance recently. I think I have too. I think I know why now."
Asami looked up with curiosity; maybe this was the answer that she had been waiting for.
"Asami, you're the one person I've opened up this much too. I mean, look at us, I'm naked in front of you, and yet I'm comfortable, which is a lot to say… I'm babbling; let me get my words together." Korra's face looked frustrated.
"What I'm saying is, I'm so vulnerable right now, anyone would be scared, but I'm not. With you, I feel at peace, and I want to stay like that, and if that means being by your side then that's what I'll do."
"But what does all of this mean? What are we doing?"
"I don't know. I never felt this way before, that's one of the things I do know. I think… I think we need to give this time."
"But, Korra… What is this?"
There was silence, neither of them knew. Over the course of a few weeks there had been moments where the both of them were bashful and close with each other. Neither of them had a normal relationship before and they weren't exactly social butterflies.
Asami let out a small yawn. Korra let out a loud one.
Asami looked up, almost innocently, and said, "So… do you want to sleep here."
"Yea, I'm physically exhausted and I don't feel like moving to the next room over." Actually I really don't want to leave you like this.
Korra decided to embrace Asami and stuck her cute little avatar head on Asami's shoulder.
From the window above them there were stars shimmering and clothed in the southern lights. Like Asami and Korra, the stars were at peace, and the world was still.
Things are starting to heat up, and hopefully you all have caught on the the tons of symbolism I've put into here. Recently I've been studying Korra and Asami's speech pattern (I hope I've gotten it down). Now I'm anticipating the arrival of the LoK comics! Thank you for the support!