Korra and her friends were practicing pro bending techniques. The Pro Bending championship would arrive soon, and they wanted to be the best team of the season.
"I think you guys have a very good chance of winning this," said Asami. "We practiced a lot, and you work well in sync. I am just worried about the defending champions."
"Asami, we can beat anyone," said Korra. She smiled. Korra was glad she was learning new techniques that people used in pro bending. While she herself would use those skills to bend earth or fire during the matches, Korra was glad to learn new techniques. They might prove useful.
"If our opponents play fair, sure. I am just concerned with the Wolf bats, they seem … I watched a few of their matches in the past, their team, especially their leader Tahno seem to use illegal moves, or if not illegal moves, then they come very close to breaking the rules without breaking them. They play rough, and I am just worried," said Asami.
"It will be fine. We are the Fire Ferrets. No, you know what? We are the team Avatar," said Korra, approaching her three friends, and putting them in a giant hug, easily lifting them off the ground. "We will defeat those losers,"
"Imagine if Mako could use his lightning there," said Bolin.
"Bo, it's against the rules," said Mako, shaking his head.
"Yeah, but I can dream! You are a great fire bender, and you know how to bend lightning," said Bolin. "Hmm, you know lightning, I need to know a special technique as well. I just … I never could metal bend. Earth bending is so easy, it's like you are fighting and throwing punches, but Metal Bending. I dunno, I just think it's too rigid. I remember trying to Metal Bend once but I just couldn't. Maybe I am too easy going for it. Speaking of Metal Bending, Korra, have you learned how to Metal Bend?"
"That's a good question, Bolin. No, I don't know how to do it. It never really occurred to learn it; back when I lived at the South Pole at the compound, I did what my teachers told me, practiced my forms. Now that I am thinking of it, as the Avatar, I should learn Metal Bending," said Korra.
"Korra, can you try Metal Bending? I mean, you know how to Earth Bend," said Asami.
"You are right. I might be a terrible Air Bender, but maybe I should try to Metal Bend. Okay Bolin, show me what you know," said Korra, taking a combat stance, putting her right foot forward.
Bolin brought a metal bucket with water. He poured water on the floor. "Bolin, look at the mess you made," said Mako.
"Mako, relax, Korra can clean this water later. I just needed something made of metal. Anyway, here is a metal object. Okay, so Korra. While I never could bend actual metal, I learned some rudimentary basics. You need to feel the rock particles in the meta, and then you bend them. My teachers told me that bending metal requires discipline; unfortunately –"
"It's okay Bolin," said Korra. "Okay, can you show me the movement I am supposed to use?"
"Sure. Okay, take this stance, concentrate, and them move your hands this way. I just cannot actually bend it," said Bolin. He attempted to bend but the bucket stood still on the floor.
"Let's do this. I am the Avatar, and you are a stupid metal bucket, and you've got to deal with it," said Korra. She saw that Asami chuckled. Korra moved her hands.
"It's okay Korra, Metal Bending is a very difficult … why is the bucket now in the air changing shape?" Bolin asked. The four young adults saw how the metal object was hovering in the air.
"You mean like this? Oh nice, this seems easy enough," said Korra. "Watch this, I think I got the hang of this,"
Korra moved her hands. At first, the bucket became a cylinder, and then a large hat. Korra continued moving her hands, trying to imagine ways to change the object into. The bucket turned into a small satomobile. Granted, it was very poorly made, with its doors and exterior having rough edges; still, the metal was moving in the air.
"Korra, you are a natural," said Asami.
"Well, Earth Bending, and I guess Metal Bending is the total opposite of Air Bending. Oh, wait, I have an idea," said Korra, moving her hands once more. The bucket changed into a turtle-duck. Unlike the satomobile, the turtle-duck was now much more detailed. Korra grinned, lowered the turtle-duck, changed it back into a bucket, and bent water from the floor back into the bucket. "Yes, I am Metal Bender now!"
"I think we are good for now. I am going to get a snack," said Mako, leaving the gym. Bolin ran after his brother.
"I am also hungry. Asami, let's go back to Air Temple Island. That is, if you don't mind eating vegetarian food," said Korra.
"Sure, I will eat anywhere you pick. I like your company," said Asami, waving her hair.
"And I like your company too," thought Korra. "Stupid sexy Asami, I like you, a lot. I don't know, I feel strange. If you were anyone else, I would just tell you how I felt but this … I just can't tell you. I know you don't feel the same way. And no matter how I like you and want us to be together because I know that we are perfect for each other, you just don't like me that way. It's okay, I am the Avatar, I will deal with this. You are my best friend, and our friendship is the most important thing for me."
Korra and Asami travelled to the Air Temple island where they joined Tenzin and his family at lunch. "Hey Korra," said the Air babies. Korra waved towards them. Korra sat at the table, with Asami sitting to her right. A few Air Acolytes arrived and brought some food to them.
"Tenzin, I made some progress today, well not with Air Bending, but," said Korra. She pointed her hand at the metal spoon that lay next to her Air Bending teacher and turned it into a fork.
"Korra is a Metal Bender! Careful dad, she is going to throw you in jail," said Meelo.
"That's nice, Korra, I just wish you practiced Air Bending more," said Tenzin. He sighed.
"Well, I would, but it feels useless. I don't think I would accomplish much in that training anyway, whereas I actually learned something new," said Korra. She now bent her own metal spoon and formed a sculpture of a small polar bear dog, which she gave to Asami.
A man in light blue clothes entered the dining room. "Tenzin, it's good to see my fellow Councilman," said Tarrlok.
"We are having lunch. What do you want, Tarrlok?" Tenzin asked.
"I wanted to talk about our meeting earlier, and I was hungry. I know Air Benders always welcome hungry guests, am I right?" Tarrlok asked.
"I suppose," said Tenzin.
"Splendid," said Tarrlok. He approached Korra, and sat to her left. Ikki was glaring at him. "You are the person I wanted to meet, Avatar Korra. I am Councilman Tarrlok, the representative from the Northern Water Tribe. I heard what you did earlier, infiltrating Amon's hideout, that took real initiative," said Tarrlok.
"Thanks. Asami and I observed the speech, and then ended up speaking to Amon directly," said Korra.
"I know. Councilman Tenzin told me earlier today on what you told him. I am very impressed. I came here because I am assembling a Taskforce to stop Amon. I want you to join me. You can help me lead the Taskforce against Amon, and together we will capture this madman," said Tarrlok. Korra noticed that Asami glared at Tarrlok. "Is something wrong Miss Sato?"
"You made so many terrible decisions. I cannot believe how much you despise non benders," said Asami.
"Young Miss Sato, you have to realize, I take security very seriously. There have been many reports of Equalists, and we had to take certain precautions," said Tarrlok.
"You just want to imprison non benders. Just so you know, not all non benders are Equalists. We just want people to respect us and treat us well. My father and I helped so many benders and non benders by providing them with jobs and improving the city, while some of your policies lead to large portions of non benders to live in poor living conditions," said Asami.
"Some, sure. But you got to realize, Miss Sato, we need to be extra careful when dealing with non benders. Like, I understand that you mean well, but a random non bender? I don't know them, and I will be cautious; they might be an Equalist sympathizer," said Tarrlok.
"Councilman Tarrlok, you have to treat everyone as innocents before you have proof otherwise," said Asami. "Just because some people are non benders doesn't make them by default suspicious."
"I agree with you, Miss Sato. I told Councilman Tarrlok that many times, but he refused to listen," said Tenzin.
"And Councilman, you also need to take into consideration that while Amon is evil and terrible and wants to do bad things, some things he says do make sense. He does have a point of some people in the position of authority treating non benders as second class citizens," said Asami.
"That's a bold statement, Miss Sato. I know you are a good person, but if I didn't know better, your statement could be interpreted as you supporting those evil Equalists," said Tarrlok.
"Just leave her alone, will you?" Tenzin said angrily.
"Asami is not evil," said Korra, placing a hand around Asami's back.
"I didn't say that, Avatar Korra. I know that your friend is a good person. Her company helped fund many city's projects. Asami Sato herself raised a lot of money for numerous charities. All I am saying is that it can be dangerous out there. People might assume that non benders could be Equalist sympathizers. But I know none of you are, which is great news for the city! Which is why it would make perfect sense for you to join me, Avatar Korra. You have a good sense of right and wrong, and you can help guide my Taskforce, especially when advising whether certain groups of non benders are good or equalist sympathizers," said Tarrlok. "So, what do you think?"
"I … I can't. I am sorry. I came here to the Republic City to learn Air Bending, and Tenzin is teaching me," said Korra. "I am sorry, I must refuse."
Tarrlok tried to persuade Korra bit more, but was unable to. He left. Korra noticed that both Tarrlok and Tenzin were confused at her refusal, but Korra knew, she has seen Amon take multiple people's bending away. The first time was traumatic, and the second time, while she and Asami didn't really fight, Amon seemed very threatening and Korra was afraid. She wouldn't admit it though, no, Korra was strong, Korra was the Avatar, but she just couldn't. Korra took her cup of tea, and drank it.
Korra later went to her room and sat on her bed. She heard a knock, and saw that Asami was standing in the doorway. "Asami –"
"Korra, you don't have to be afraid," said Asami. She sat on the bed, put her hand on Korra's hand, and looked Korra in the eyes.
"I know but … Asami, he took bending away. All those people. And Amon seemed so smart. I … I am afraid. But I am the Avatar, I must be strong. Spirits, you must think I am a pathetic Avatar," said Korra.
"No," said Asami, smiling. "You are Korra, you are the strongest person I know. Amon scarred, you, I can see that. But being afraid is being human. You are a powerful human, and my best friend."
Korra smiled. "Thank you Asami," said Korra.
"Korra, you don't have to fight Amon alone. I will be by your side. Wherever we end up at, I will follow you anywhere. You are my best friend. Besides, I am a decent fighter myself," said Asami. "I am sure I can defeat some Equalists."
Korra laughed. "You are a badass. You are so strong. I know you are not a bender, but I think you can take any bender on your own," said Asami.
"Well," said Asami, grinning. "I think if a certain Avatar unleashed all her power, I wouldn't stand a chance."
The two women laughed. "Thank you for being supportive," said Korra.
"Of course. You are my best friend. You don't have to be afraid. We will defeat the Equalists, you and I. I am sure my dad's company can provide you with some resources, but even without them, you and I, we make it a great team. We can defeat Amon, and we will. And don't forget, Mako and Bolin will help us. We are the new Team Avatar. From the stories I read about Avatar Aang, he didn't fight Firelord Ozai on his own. No, he had friends, and together they saved the world. You have friends too, Korra. You have me," said Asami.
"You are so sweet. You know I never had a girlfriend before, well except for Naga," said Korra. Asami smiled. Korra then thought how she wished that Asami was an actual girlfriend and not a friend who was a girl.
"How about we spar? I can see that our sparring improves your Air Bending lessons. And you are also a better fighter," said Asami. Korra nodded, and the two stood up, walking outside to spar.
Next morning, after an Air Bending practice, where she now managed to dodge, despite not being able to bend, she approached Asami, who has been patiently waiting for Korra to finish her training session, so that the two of them could fight crime in the city. As they were about to leave, a woman who worked for Councilman Tarrlok approached Korra.
"Avatar Korra, I have a message from Councilman Tarrlok," said the woman.
"Tell him I am not interested in joining his Taskforce," said Korra.
"I came here for a different reason, Avatar Korra. I brought an invitation to a gala in your name," said the woman, giving the invitation ticket to Korra. "All important people of the city will be there."
The woman left.
"A gala. Councilman Tarrlok is trying hard to have you join his Taskforce," said Asami. "He does want to help the city, but I don't like him."
"Yeah, I don't like him either. I will fight Amon, but I will do so on my own terms. And I will not join any stupid Taskforce," said Korra.
"Understandable. Hmm, how about we visit my dad? I know he helped finance the Fire Ferrets in the championship, but what if … we can ask him to help us fight Amon. My father normally stays out of politics, but you are the Avatar, the most amazing person in the world. You are trying to fight evil Equalists. Dad surely will help us somehow," said Asami.
"Let's do this," said Korra, smiling. "I spoke with Hiroshi once, but he was nice. Let's see how he can help us fight the Equalists,"
Korra and Asami arrived at the Future Industries factory, where Hiroshi was talking to a few people regarding one of the latest versions of a satomobile. "Dad, can we speak with you for a second?" Asami asked, approaching her father.
"Sure," said Hiroshi, telling his workers he will be back soon. Korra, Asami, and Hiroshi went to his office. "How can I help you, Avatar Korra?"
"Dad, Korra and I, I know that you don't really pay attention to what's happening in the city, but Korra … I want to help Korra fight those Equalists. I was thinking, can we provide Korra with some gadgets perhaps, or something, to fight Equalists?" Asami asked.
"Of course. I am not sure right now, but I will think of something. I will help you, Avatar Korra, in stopping those terrible Equalists. They are a menace. I heard the news; this Amon, he took bending away from those benders. Yes, they were Triads members, but still. Can you imagine losing your bending? It's terrible. This Amon needs to be stopped at any cost," said Hiroshi. "I will see what I can do to help you. Perhaps a better training area, some supplies … I need to think, but I will think of something."
"Thank you, dad. I know that while we are non benders, and some people like Councilman Tarrlok think of us as bad people, we are good and we will do what we can to stop Amon," said Asami.
"Yes. Speaking of Councilman Tarrlok, I heard about the upcoming gala. I know that the biggest movers and shakers and all the VIPs of the city will attend; it will be nice to have small talk with some people not named Councilman Tarrlok, but this might provide an opportunity, yes, I know," said Hiroshi, looking at his daughter. "Asami, I know that you like to be my little grease monkey, working on various projects, but I was thinking, maybe it's time for you to ask someone special out? I know you like both men and women, how about perhaps Opal or Bataar Jr Beifong? They are nice people, and if you got together with one of them, I could get a contract with Zaofu. Or perhaps Prince Wu? He is a young prince, granted a bit silly."
"Dad, I am okay," said Asami. "You don't need to arrange me with anyone."
"I know, sweaty, I know, but I am your old dad, I am worried. I just wish there was someone in your life, and it would be nice if that someone would also help Future Industries," said Hiroshi.
Korra sensed that Asami was tense. "I see that Hiroshi means well, but he is making my Asami uncomfortable. Oh, I know how to help Asami," thought Korra.
"Dad –"
"Mister Sato, I am so sorry I didn't tell you, but Asami and I, we are actually girl friends," said Korra, smiling. "And while normally I don't like to brag about it, technically, I am the Princess of the Southern Water Tribe. If you want, I can talk to my dad about some contract he could make with Future Industries. I also heard about some weird but successful businessman Varrick, I could help you contact him for some business proposal."
"Girlfriend," said Hiroshi.
"Yeah dad, sorry we didn't tell you. Isn't it wonderful? Korra and I are best friends, and we love each other so much," said Asami, looking at Korra, winking.
"Apologies, I just assumed that my daughter was single. You are a good person, Avatar Korra, please treat my daughter well," said Hiroshi. "Well, I need to return to my work. I will see how I can help you to fight these terrible Equalists."
Korra bowed respectfully; Korra and Asami then walked away towards Naga, who was taking a nap. Once they were on the street, Asami hugged Korra.
"Korra, thank you. You are brilliant! I know my dad won't ever actually arrange me to meet anyone, but he would be bothering me in trying to get a date. You saved me, you are such a good friend," said Asami.
Korra smiled. "A friend. Yup, that's what I am to Asami, a friend. Spirits, I am the Avatar, soon to be the master of all the elements, and yet, the one person I like, despite being so close, is so far away," thought Korra.
"Hmm, my father is very perceptive," said Asami.
"Well, he is a smart man, he did create the Future Industries," said Korra.
"I know, I know. But my dad is not just technologically smart. He is also very perceptive. Yeah, now that I am thinking about it, we would need to fool my dad. Oof, it will be hard," said Asami.
"Fool your dad? What do you mean, Asami?" Korra asked.
"Well, I don't think he will believe me, us, about well you being my girlfriend the next time he sees us. He talked to us, yes, but we talked during work hours. He will expect us to actually show public shows of affection in places like tonight's gala, and well … if we have like chaste kisses, he will know right away," said Asami.
"Spirits, I am so sorry I dragged you into this," said Korra.
"No, no, it's okay. You did help me. Dad will stop asking me to go on a date with someone. At least that is helpful. But, we need to make sure to actually fool him," said Asami. Korra lifted an eyebrow. "We need to do some practice kissing."
Korra laughed "Ha-ha, you are funny, Asami," said Korra. She noticed that Asami wasn't smiling. "Oh, you are serious,"
"Yes. We will eventually find people we actually want to date, but for now, we need to practice our public displays of affections so that we can pretend to be a couple. Yes. Let's go to your room at the Air Temple Island, so that we get to work," said Asami.
Korra and Asami climbed on Naga, travelling to the Air Temple Island.
"Oh no, I was wrong. This, this is worse, way, way worse. Spirits, now I will be actually kissing Asami, and we will be practicing," thought Korra. "I will be kissing the girl I really like. We are meant for each other. But, these kisses, they won't be real. I will be kissing Asami, but just for practice, so that Hiroshi would stop bothering her. I can do that, I can sacrifice my own happiness to make Asami happy."
Korra and Asami arrived in Korra's room at the temple. They sat on the bed. "Okay, so how are we going to practice?" Korra asked. "We have quite a long time until the gala in the evening."
"Okay, sit on the bed, Korra. I will sit on your lap," said Asami. Korra nodded. Korra sat on the bed, waiting to see what Asami was planning to do.
Asami approached Korra, and sat on her lap, putting both her legs in different directions. Korra felt her heart began beating harder and faster as Asami leaned towards her; their faces were now mere inches apart. Both Korra and Asami blushed.
"Okay, bring your lips towards me, Korra," said Asami. Their lips met briefly, before separating. "That was fine, but Korra, you need to be more aggressive. I know that you are a strong willed Avatar, who likes to use fire bending to fight bad guys. Well, pretend I am a bad guy. Be more aggressive. Oh, and use tongue. Yes, couples use tongue."
Korra's face turned red. Their mouths met again. Korra began using her tongue, wrestling with Asami. "I think we are improving," said Korra, when they paused their kiss briefly.
"Yeah, but Korra. We need to fool my dad. He is perceptive. Lay on bed, I will lay on top of you. Let's practice these kisses some more," said Asami. Korra nodded and did as she was told. Korra put her back on the bed, and lay. Asami climbed on top of her, putting her legs on both sides of Korra's torso. The two women resumed their kisses.
Sky began to darken. Korra lay on her stomach, looking out of the window, and Asami lay on her back. "That was good, we had a good practice. We will for sure fool my dad now," said Asami.
They sat on the bed and opened the wardrobe; Korra was glad that Asami brought a few of her dressed to her room a few days before. Both women stood up, and took off their clothes, leaving only underwear on. They then changed into formal attire; Korra wore a traditional Southern Water Tribe dark blue dress, while Asami worse a red gown.
"Alright, I think we are good. Let's go," said Korra, leading Asami outside. They journeyed to the gala.
When they arrived, Korra saw many influential people. "Avatar Korra, it's nice to meet you again," said Tarrlok, approaching the women. Korra held Asami's hand; their fingers intertwined. Tarrlok introduced Korra to a bunch of people in the city.
"If you excuse me, I need to speak with Asami," said Korra. Tarrlok nodded.
"Korra, what are you doing?" Asami whispered.
"I saw your dad. Come, put your hands around my neck," whispered Korra. Asami nodded, and put her hands around Korra. She then leaned closer, the two kissed.
"Asami, oh, hello Avatar Korra. I am sorry for interruption," said Hiroshi, as Korra and Asami broke their kiss.
"Hello again, Mister Sato," said Korra. She saw that Lin approached them.
"Just because the city is throwing you this party, doesn't mean you are someone special," said Lin.
"Hey, don't be rude to her," said Asami. Lin looked at Asami.
"Avatar Korra hasn't done absolutely nothing to deserve this. And you, Miss Sato, better behave," said Lin. She then walked away.
"It appears our esteemed Chief of Police is being somewhat grumpy today. I am sorry about this, Avatar," said Hiroshi.
"No, you don't need to apologize. You are an authority figure who actually wants to help me fight these Equalists, unlike Chief Beifong, who just hates me. Oh well," said Korra.
"You honor me," said Hiroshi. "I am but a simple man, who just wants to help the Avatar save this city. Speaking of saving, I think Councilman Tarrlok is calling you, Avatar Korra,"
Korra walked towards Tarrlok, Asami followed. As they walked, Korra spotted Mako and Bolin, talking to one another. "Korra, can you imagine? Councilman Tarrlok invited us to this gala! It has good food," said Bolin.
"Yeah, I need to speak with him," said Korra. Mako looked at Bolin, and then looked at Korra. Bolin nodded, and the two brothers joined Asami in following Korra.
Korra meanwhile approached Tarrlok. She took a few steps away from her friends and walked on the small stair case where Tarrlok was standing. "Korra, can you answer some of the questions? The press is eager to hear what Avatar has to say," said Tarrlok. Korra nodded.
People began asking question about Amon, about why Korra refused to join the Taskforce. Someone asked if Korra was afraid. "No, I am not afraid of Amon. I am not afraid of anybody," said Korra.
"Then why are you backing away from the fight?" A reporter asked.
"I –"
"She isn't," said Asami, approaching Korra and Tarrlok. "Avatar Korra is a strong woman who will defeat Amon. But she will defeat it on her own terms,"
"Yeah, that's right. If the city needs me, I will fight Amon. But, like Asami said, I will do it my own way. My predecessor, Avatar Aang stopped Firelord Ozai from destroying the world. He didn't do it alone. Avatar Aang didn't join any Taskforce. No, he did it with his friends. I am proud to announce that I will fight Amon with the help of my friends. We are the new Team Avatar, and Amon better watch out,"
Korra saw shocked expression on Tarrlok's face. She waved her hand to Mako and Bolin, who also approached her. "Avatar Korra –"
"Asami, Mako, Bolin, and I, we are the new Team Avatar, and we will stop the Equalists and their leader Amon. And if you don't like it, you have to deal with it," said Korra. That night, the four of them ate dinner at Narook's looking at a fresh newspaper with a photo of the New Team Avatar. Someone even called it "Krew."