AUTHOR'S NOTES: Korra meets the Avatar before Yangchen in this chapter, and I'm sorry-not-sorry, but his name is Jafar. I also decided to give "The Lieutenant" a name as well because we haven't seen the last of him (but no, he's not a "future Amon" or anything). Asami's character arc also continues, and so we get to see just how badly her relationship with her father has spiralled lately. All this and more in Chapter 99.
Happy Reading!

BOOK THREE: WATER

CHAPTER NINETY-NINE: IN SEARCH OF VALIDATION

While Korra's life had no doubt been intertwined with the politics of Republic City for some time now, Asami was busy trying to pick up what she could of her now-faltering company, given that it suddenly had a rather horrible reputation considering all the aid it had offered to the Equalists while under Hiroshi Sato's management. She knew she had promised Korra not to keep secrets, but in her mind, this wasn't a secret. She was angry and she was stressed; she had told Korra about these conditions several times over the last couple of weeks, and so it technically wasn't a secret, other than that these emotions were worsening rather than subsiding.

Deciding to take a leaf out of Korra's book and try to get to the source of the problem, she paid Hiroshi a visit in prison. She did not expect it to go well at all, but felt like it was a necessary evil, for her own sake more than anything.

Asami was given clearance, and found her father with his back to the bars, almost as if he was brooding—or if he had known that she was coming even before the guards had informed him moments before his daughter's arrival. As such, he only turned around slowly after he heard the footsteps stop, where he shot her the most stoic expression Asami had ever seen on his face.

"Is this what you wanted, dad?" Asami didn't exactly start the meeting off on a pleasant foot, but she felt rather justified, "our family's gone, your company is falling apart, and you're behind bars—all because you wouldn't let go of that burning hatred of benders that started out justified before you let it spiral out of control!"

"So you've decided to take out your anger and frustration on me, the same way I tried to do to you on the airfield," Hiroshi turned right back around, "Vent as long as you need to, child. Your anger is just as justified as mine."

"I'm angry that an evil man was able to help warp you into a man and a father that I barely recognize!" Asami snapped, "I'm furious that my own father fell for those lies and then refused to see any form of reason."

"I'm furious that a wicked child was able to twist you into a woman and daughter that I barely recognize!" Hiroshi retorted, "I'm enraged that my own daughter fell for her trickery and then refused to see any form of reason!"

"You seriously still hate Korra that much," The disgust in Asami's voice was almost tangible. "After everything she's done for this city and this world."

"The woman that tore my family apart?" Hiroshi corrected her, "the woman who helped ravage my company, mislead my daughter, and do everything in her power to destroy the very movement that could have helped put people like us on par with those tyrannical benders? Why yes, I do still abhor that woman, thank you."

"Did you not get the memo that your Dear Leader Amon was a fraud? Asami clutched the bars of the cell fervently, "He was a bloodbending lunatic who used his bending to torment people. The leader of your group was a hypocrite, dad!"

"If anything, that only reinforces the point of the Equalist organization," Hiroshi still refused to turn around to look at Asami, "and while the head of the movement was a liar and a fraud, there were dozens of others below him, including his Lieutenant Huzi, that would have gladly helped lead the movement in the right direction had the Avatar and the city not deemed them all criminals!"

Huzi… so that was the name of Amon's (formerly) trusted Lieutenant. Asami was surprised she had not heard it sooner.

Hiroshi was certainly a businessman and he seemed apt at reading people, his daughter foremost among them. Asami remained furiously silent for several moments before Hiroshi took it as a cue to continue.

"I imagine you came here looking for validation. I suppose you imagined that everything would be as it was before, once the Equalist revolution had been quelled. I regret to inform you that you are wrong. You're welcome to take as much anger out on me as your misguided heart desires, Miss Sato, but you must understand that your ideals will receive no support from me. I am sorry that it has come to this, and for our family and company's sake, I hope you can lead Future Industries to prosperity as opposed to letting it succumb to its competitors."

"You've left it in quite a mess," Asami growled, "But I will do what I can. You clearly don't want me here though, and so I'll take my leave."

"As it were," Hiroshi hummed, "Until next time."

"You won't need to worry about that for a long time," Asami snarled, and Hiroshi heard the angry footfalls of his daughter as she stomped off.

Times like this made Asami glad that Korra was not a morning person because she was very tense and angry well past noon when the sawmill at the end of the house where Korra's room was finally went quiet. The noise didn't bother her anymore, and in a way it was Asami's way of knowing if Korra was awake or asleep. From a distance, it made for fairly soothing ambience, mostly due to Asami having associated that noise with Korra, which always brought happy thoughts to her mind.

By the time Korra reached the kitchen, where Asami was skimming a magazine, there was a pot of coffee ready for her, which Korra pretty much beelined for instinctively. After Korra gave her systems a few moments to get fully running again, she looked at Asami and noticed something off about her right away.

"No more secrets, babe." she mumbled, still slightly groggy, but with a firmness to her voice. "What happened, and how can I help?"

"You can tell from there?" Asami raised an eyebrow.

"Well, yeah." Korra shrugged, "hang around someone long enough and you notice their quirks, yeah? I'd ask you to take your top off so I can enjoy the view, but there's something about the way you're holding your shoulders that makes me think you're tense. Any time you're that tense, something's up. Let's hear it."

"Are you okay though, Korra," Asami looked up as Korra slowly pulled herself to her feet, "You've seemed a bit distant over the last couple of weeks too. We're both busy and—hey!"

Korra had stepped behind Asami and with some firm, close movements, had pulled the industrialist out of her coat, tossing it onto the chair next to her.

"See, now I can tell pretty plainly," Korra quipped, also quietly admiring the white sleeveless top Asami wore underneath her coat. Asami grunted as she felt pressure against her knotted neck and shoulders, and knew that there was no deceiving Korra this time. "You're more tense than I am, and… no offense, but you don't exactly work out as much as me. This is worse than usual, babe… is this recent? What did you do?"

With a defeated sigh, Asami told Korra everything, which in turn made Korra sigh.

"I really turned you and your family's lives upside-down, didn't I?" She frowned, "ever since coming into your life I've just made a mess of things, sparked Future Industries to support the Equalist and now get blacklisted by every buyer in Republic City, I've driven a wedge between you and you father, and people go after you because they want to get to me. I hate that I've subjected you to that and I hate to think that it will only continue!"

"Korra, that's not how it went at all." Asami tugged Korra's hair, "firstly, I ran into you and I brought you into my life. Secondly, don't blame yourself for Hiroshi's hatred. You didn't kindle it or create it… you just revealed it. He hates you because you sort of represent benders in his mind, and he wanted a scapegoat. I love you, and I'm willing to take a few risks to be with the girl I love, even if it might sometimes jeopardize my safety. A comfort zone is a lovely place, Korra; but nothing ever grows there."

Korra sighed contently, putting her chin on the crook of Asami's right shoulder and running her hands up and down the length of Asami's bare arms. It didn't take much sweet talk to get Asami out of her trousers as well, and soon the two were seated in one of their favourite spots with Asami in Korra's lap, getting her hair played with.

"We both have issues, Korra." She hummed, tapping the toes of her shoes together gently as Korra played with her hair, "mine hurt, and I'm sure yours do too… but I'm glad I have you to help me through them… and I'm glad to be there to help you through yours."

"It's bizarre," Korra also ran her hands down Asami's arms, sides, and thighs, "thinking about how many things have messed us up, and yet here we are, happy together."

"The way things should be~..." Asami purred softly. "Although maybe we should pay Mako and Bolin a visit too so they don't think we've forgotten then? It's been an awfully long time given everything that's happened."

"That'd probably be for the best," Korra nodded in agreement. "I wouldn't want them worrying too much about me when there's other things happening."

And so they did. The Probending arena had been repaired and refurbished in the time between Amon's defeat and the present time, and so while Tenzin had assured them that they were welcome to stay at Air Temple Island as long as they needed, Mako in particular seemed insistent that they return to living off of their own yuan. Korra's over-generous monetary donations had certainly helped that case. Despite her own stress, Asami had also offered them a place at her estate, although even Bolin agreed with Mako that she and Korra needed their space after everything that had happened to them.

Their suite above Toza's gym had been upgraded since the last time Asami and Korra paid it a visit, and it seemed the brothers were a bit better off financially, thanks in part to Korra's philanthropy. She didn't bring it up, but it warmed her heart to see them put the money to good use, and warmed her heart even more to see both of their faces light up after they realized who had just come in.

"Korra! Asami!" Bolin spread his arms as he hugged them both in sequence, without shame, "I missed you guys! How's everything after… well, y'know…"

"Definitely could be a lot better," Asami sighed, but then smiled, "but I've got the best girlfriend in the world to help me through it… so it could also be a lot worse."

"How are you guys though?" Korra couldn't help but ask, "I know we haven't shown up as much as we probably should, but I hope you know we still care about you."

"We're doing pretty well all things considered," Mako spoke up, "I'll admit… your money helped. It's nice to be able to live off of our own yuan though, so you can keep the rest of your money."

"Don't listen to him;" Bolin whispered, "don't be afraid to slip us some more cash. It helps more than Mako likes admitting."

Korra smiled, subtly winking as she put a finger to her lips.

"By the way," Mako continued, "a guy named Kuro showed up a couple days ago, Korra. He said something about meeting him here any evening after 5 to talk about reforming your Probending team? Bo and I already talked to Hasook about getting back together and signing on for another season, and Bolin thinks we could take on the Prison Breakers."

"Oh, it's on then," Korra smirked. She had forgotten how much she had enjoyed Probending after everything that had happened.

"We were hoping you'd say that," Bolin grinned, "especially since Tahno and his goons were here practicing a couple weeks ago. I think he wants to run the Avatar Gauntlet again."

"Looks like I better practice," Korra cracked her knuckles. "You two wanna go two on one for a bit to get some go-time in?"

"I'm game," Mako nodded.

"Heck yeah!" Bolin chanted in agreement. "Fire Ferrets represent!"

"You okay, Asami?" Korra asked not only for wondering if she was okay spectating but also due to her recent lingering condition.

"I…" Asami paused a moment, "actually, would it be alright if I went home? I probably should get a little more rest than I'm getting—and practice what I preach when lecturing my girlfriend about it." She gave a weak albeit playful smile, hoping Korra understood that her desire was not out of any dislike for probending practice.

"Absolutely," Korra nodded to Asami's slight surprise, "don't worry about me; I'll get a cab or something to take me home. Get some rest—I'll know if you didn't!"

"Can't pull a veil over your eyes, can I?" Asami chuckled, "I'll see you later tonight, love." She stole a kiss on Korra's cheek before heading out of the gym.

Korra pitted herself against the brothers and for a while she seemed back in her groove. However, soon Mako and Bolin got an edge over Korra, even without Hasook. The fact that it seemed so easy for them actually gave them a bit of suspicion. Normally Korra took hits without flinching or she would spring right back up after being struck, but after one of Bolin's earth disks struck her in the shoulder and knocked her cleanly off her feet, sending her spiralling through the air and skidding a moment later, he gave pause and raced to her side.

"Are you okay, Korra?" Bolin asked after he reached her. "You seem a little out of your game today. This is the 9th time you've gotten knocked over, and we don't even have Hasook here!"

"I'm fine," Korra shrugged, "just a few things on my mind is all."

"Asami would say something," Mako called her out, "Korra, be honest with yourself."

"Yeah, Korra, you gotta take care of yourself too, y'know? Get some rest, clear your mind and stuff. We can practice tomorrow or another day—we'll even invite Hasook next time."

Previously Korra might have argued and vehemently insisted that she was fine, but after all of her insistence for Asami—who was very reserved with her emotions—to be honest with her, she knew she had to practice what she preached.

"Alright, alright…" Korra conceded, raising her arms. "Next time though, get ready for a big damn ass whoopin'! The Avatar Gauntlet will go on!"

"That's the spirit," Mako smiled at her, "rest up, and be ready for next time."

And thus, that was what Korra sought to do. However, rather than return to Sato Estate so soon (for the sun was just barely setting) Korra took a cab to the outskirts of town about half a mile away, deciding to use the forests as a place to meditate for the time being. The Western Air Temple would have no doubt been preferable, but it was quite a journey and Korra wasn't willing to make that journey so soon—especially not without telling people such as Asami, Tenzin, the brothers, or Kwan.

She hoped to reach out to some of her past lives—preferably not any of the Interregnums that she was still not quite sure about supporting. Whether it was her spirit actually using this mental criteria, or if it was just chance, she found herself face to face with an Avatar she did not recognize: a very slender Fire Nation man with pointed features a fairly stern expression, as well as a thin mustache and a small beard.

"I don't recognize you," Korra admitted first off.

"I do not believe we've met," the man's voice was low and almost snakelike. "But you called me here, and so here I am. I am Avatar Jafar… you may be familiar with my successor, Yangchen."

"I am," Korra's face lit up, "she was the 2nd past life I ever connected to!"

"I suppose you want wisdom," Jafar mused aloud, "And so you call me here, hoping to glean tidbits of information from my life that could help you with yours."

"Well… yeah," Korra pouted, "is that so wrong?"

"Not at all," Jafar smirked, "Contrary to my sinister appearance and reputation, I hardly had malevolent intents in my day. I did have to exert my authority at one time or another, but I am certain you're familiar with that. What I can tell you—if this is what you wish to hear—is that you are approaching very tumultuous times. Harmonic Convergence will occur in your lifetime before your 19th birthday if astronomical calculations are correct, and that means that within the next few months as things begin to align, you may find your world plagued with spiritual activity that isn't always benevolent."

"So what happens then?" Korra pouted, "I don't want to start a war."

"Exert your authority," Jafar stroked his beard before pointing at Korra, "Part of the reason the mountains south of the Western Air Temple are so rocky was because that was where I repelled a spirit invasion. Some of those mountains are extinct volcanoes—they were not extinct in my day. Suffice to say, my endeavours were successful. Be sure yours are the same."

"And so what do I do about my own imbalance?" Korra looked concerned.

"Stay in touch…" Jafar cracked a smirk before fading away in a wisp of smoke. Korra was long used to past lives leaving her on cryptic notes like that, and this time she actually understood what Jafar was saying. Perhaps it would behoove her to visit the spirit world a little more often—especially if the words about the approaching Harmonic Convergence were true.

PAST LIVES DISCOVERED:

Jafar (Fire Nation, Male): The Avatar who preceded Yangchen. A talented man whose sinister appearance and authoritative gave him a slightly intimidating reputation, despite that most of the feats he accomplished in his lifetime were positive. The most notable of these feats was an invasion from the spirit world that occurred near the Western Air Temple, and he is partially responsible for some of the jagged landscape around the area today.

TOTAL PAST LIVES MET: 29