Amon was standing in his office with his Lieutenant and Hiroshi Sato. He was looking at the map of the city, while the other men sat by the table. "What is our next course of action, Amon?" Lieutenant asked.
"We will strike tonight at the pro bending finals. We will show all these benders that the Equalists are not to be trifled with," said Amon, still looking a the city map.
"Understood," said the Lieutenant.
"What about my daughter? Asami developed a relationship with the Avatar. My daughter is smart; I believe it's her hormones talking. Still, we need to find a way for her to join our cause," said Hiroshi.
"She will," said Amon, turning away from the map, and looking at Hiroshi. "Asami Sato is a smart and powerful young woman; her intelligence and skills would be greatly valuable."
"Amon, do you want me to do stuff to cause Miss Sato to despair, so that she would run in her father's hands? I can arrange stuff so that the police or Taskforce would find stuff that would lead them to believe she is an Equalist," said the Lieutenant.
"Perhaps. But for now, we need to strike tonight. Tonight, we show the city that we mean business. As for Asami, I have an idea how to drive them apart. The Avatar is a hotheaded girl; she is powerful, yes, but she is also very hormonal. I will play behind the scenes so that your daughter will realize that the Avatar is not a nice person. I will drive them apart. We will make Miss Sato despair, but all in due time. No one will be on her side; Asami will see that both the Avatar, and the city hate her. She will have no choice but to join us," said Amon.
"Very well. I will tell our fellow equalists to prepare for tonight's big event," said Hiroshi.
Meanwhile, Korra was practicing pro bending moves with Mako and Bolin, while Asami watched her three friends get ready for the finals. "This will be our toughest match, yet," said Mako.
"Yea, but bro, we got this. We are a strong team, and cheating or no cheating, we will defeat the Wolf Bats," said Bolin.
"We will kick their ass," said Korra, smiling. She put her two fists against one another.
"Yeah, and when we win, we will go to party! I already anticipate to spend some time with a few fans; I think even Mako will enjoy the victory. I am sure there are girls who like brooding fire bender types. And Korra, I will make sure to give you and Asami some privacy," said Bolin.
"Privacy?" Korra asked, raising her eyebrow. "What do you mean? Asami and I will probably spar, although Tenzin might give me babysitting duties again. I heard that Ikki and Meelo have been restless lately, often escaping their rooms at night, and Tenzin and Pema searched for them. Apparently the kids like to play hide and seek at night."
"Oh, I thought you and Asami would be doing some lady loving thing," said Bolin smirking. Korra's face turned red.
"Lady loving? Bolin?"
"Bo, you had to make our teammate uncomfortable," said Mako, shaking his head.
"What? But Mako, I have seen how they kissed at the gala! It's true love," said Bolin, smiling.
Korra and Asami looked at one another. "Well, actually –" Asami saw that Korra also wanted to speak. "Go ahead."
"Asami and I aren't together, together. We are good friends," said Korra, smiling. How much she wished they were actually together, but they weren't. Asami didn't see her that way.
"Good friends. Hmm, I saw you two smooching earlier. I am officially confused," said Bolin. "I never seen good friends kiss that much. And I think I've seen some tongue –"
"Bo, don't embarrass them," said Mako.
Korra laughed. "Oh, it's okay. Asami and I, we are just acting," said Korra.
"Yup. We are pretending to be girlfriends so that my dad stops bothering me. He lately was suggesting for me to get together with someone to secure a business deal for a Future Industries; I refused, of course. Korra helped me, and now dad isn't bothering me anymore," said Asami. "Korra is my hero, she saved me from my dad asking if I wanted to date someone. I remember dad asked if I wanted to date Opal or Bataar, and also Prince Wu. They might be nice people, but I just don't want to deal with all this right now."
"Oh, so does this mean that both of you are available? Korra, yeah, how about we spend some time eating at Narook's tonight after we win! I am a giant cuddle bug," said Bolin. Mako facepalmed.
"Ha-ha," said Korra, laughing nervously.
She really liked Bolin, but not in that way. He was a good friend. And after she clarified about wanting to be Bolin's friend but not girlfriend, she would have fun at Narook's. But Korra wasn't bothered that Bolin tried to hit on her; Korra was more concerned that they were discussing her and Asami's, well whatever they had. Korra knew that they were pretending, but she felt … she desperately wanted Asami to like her. Korra briefly contemplated to make Asami jealous by suggesting that she would sleep with Bolin or Mako, or maybe both, to see if Asami really liked her, but decided against that. No, she would find another way to see if Asami liked her.
"Okay, so, the finals are approaching. Let's do some last minute preparations," said Asami. "Korra, take an offensive stand. Bolin, Mako –"
Suddenly, they heard Amon speaking on the radio. He was making various threats to the benders of the Republic City. "Shut down and cancel the finals, or face severe consequences," said Amon, ending his speech on the radio.
"Guys, I think we need to speak at the Council. They cannot shut the arena down," said Korra. She really wanted to win the championship, and Amon's threat … no, Korra wouldn't allow the Council to shut the arena down. No, Korra would somehow persuade the Council to keep the arena open, and their team will win the championship.
"I agree. Pro Bending is an important aspect of our culture, and we have to make sure the match happens; we win, we lose, it doesn't matter. But the match itself has to happen," said Mako.
"I parked my satomobile outside, let's go," said Asami.
The four young adults exited the building, and travelled to the City Council building. Once they arrived, Korra approached the doors and opened them. She saw Tenzin, Tarrlok, and the three other representatives sit at the table, discussing something, probably Amon's threat.
"Korra, you shouldn't be here," said Tenzin. "Let us handle it. We have to close the arena."
"Tenzin, I am the Avatar, and the pro bending player. I have a right to be heard. Look you cannot just cancel this, pro bending is important," said Korra.
"Yes, pro bending is important, it's an event when the benders and the non benders get together and watch the match in harmony," said Mako.
"And the non benders get to see the benders beat each other up for the happiness of the entire population of the Republic City," said Bolin. "Please, it's a very important game."
"I understand it's a game, but the matters of the security are more important. I agree with Tenzin for once, which is why we will close the arena," said Tarrlok.
Korra saw that Lin has arrived in the council room. "I cannot believe that I am saying this, but I agree with the Avatar. Look at all of you, I get Tenzin, but the rest? Don't be weak. We are stronger than Amon. And if it helps, I will take personal responsibility for making sure the arena is secure," said Lin.
Korra saw that the five council members talked between one another. "Lin, we must prevent this conflict between the benders and non benders from escalating into outright war," said Tenzin.
"Tenzin, while I agree, I think that Chief's record speaks for itself. In light of these circumstances, I trust for Chief Beifong to protect the arena from any attacks. As such, I will vote to have the arena remain open," said Tarrlok. Korra saw four votes to keep the arena open; Tenzin still disagreed. She also saw that Asami was glaring at Tarrlok.
"Yes," said Mako. "Korra, Bolin and I will see you later at the tournament."
Mako and Bolin left. "Thanks, Chief," said Korra, but Lin simply walked away. Korra saw that Tenzin approached them.
"Korra, I am still concerned. You need to stay vigilant. I believe we are still playing into Amon's hands, somehow, and I am worried," said Tenzin. "I don't want this conflict to escalate into a war."
"It would have been easier if certain members of the council didn't treat the non benders like dirt," said Asami, looking at Tenzin.
"Miss Sato –"
"Councilman Tenzin, you know that Councilman Tarrlok hates non benders. He passed so many laws that restrict non benders' rights. I am lucky to live in an expensive mansion; most of these laws don't affect me. But I know, Tarrlok is making it very difficult. He is oppressing many non benders, and together with the fact that the Metal Benders could do a better job at protecting non benders, it's no wonder that so many non benders joined Amon. They don't have anywhere else to go," said Asami.
"I suppose there is some truth in your words," said Tenzin. "I try my best to protect the rights of non benders, but Tarrlok, he has his way with the council. He uses his words effectively to pass laws that slowly make it harder and harder for the non benders to live in the city."
"There must be something we can do! Argh, I feel useless. I am the Avatar, but I cannot Air Bend. I am also helpless in here. The city is clearly not balanced, yet I have to somehow save it," said Korra.
"Nonsense, Korra. Yes, you are yet to unlock Air Bending, and you are confused how to approach this delicate situation, but you are Korra, you are my best friend, and you are smart woman, who will find a way. I believe in you," said Asami, approaching Korra, and hugging her briefly. They then broke the hug, but remained standing close by.
"You give me hope, Korra," said Tenzin. "I haven't realize it until just now, but I see hope for the city."
"There is hope?" Korra asked.
"Yes. My father, Avatar Aang struggled; he had a huge responsibility on his shoulders. But he had friends who helped him. And you have friends too; the four of you will deal with the problems, for that I have no doubt," said Tenzin.
"Thank you, Tenzin," said Korra, bowing to her teacher in respect.
"But I can see something else. I am amazed; we are living in this turbulent time. The Equalists are hating benders, Tarrlok is leading the charge to oppress the non benders; yet among all this chaos, I see hope," said Tenzin.
"Hope? Thank you for believing in me, but I clearly don't see any," said Korra.
"Korra, we will help you, I will help you deal with this situation. We will defeat the Equalists, and we will show that Tarrlok is wrong," said Asami, placing her hand around Korra's neck.
"Exactly, Miss Sato. While the conflict and the whole situation might suggest that the future is bleak, I have hope by observing your friendship. Korra, you are the Avatar, a master of three, soon all four elements. And your friend Miss Sato is a non bender who can is, like my Uncle Sokka would say, tough as nails. Your friendship is a friendship of a bender and a non bender, and you being friends … it gives me hope," said Tenzin.
"Thank you Tenzin. We will not disappoint," said Korra, approaching Tenzin, and hugging him.
"I am glad I could help. Well, I am off to speak with Lin, we need to make sure the arena is secured," said Tenzin.
"Councilman Tenzin, I … I will help. Yes, I should be watching the match, but I feel with all this Amon stuff, I should help. I will stand in the shadows and try to make sure that the Equalists aren't doing something we haven't anticipated," said Asami.
"I will let Lin know. Thank you for your help," said Tenzin, leaving the room.
Korra looked at Asami. "So, we have an intense match ahead of us. How about we dance? I could use a dance to relax," said Korra.
"I know dancing helps you with your fighting training, but my body, I feel stressed out a bit. How about we go to my house and spend some time in the sauna? I could do some hot yoga stretches," said Asami.
"I … um, yoga … stretches," said Korra incoherently. She imagined Asami wearing only bikini doing stretches in a room full of hot air. "Yeah, I think it will be okay. My muscles could use some hot air."
"Alright, let's go to my place. We still have many hours before the match," said Asami.
Korra regretted her life choices when she saw Asami wearing only a bikini standing in the sauna at the Sato Estate. They sat on the benches in the sauna; Asami decided to stretch. Korra's face turned red, but she tried not to show it. "Bad Korra, no, she doesn't like you in that way. Happy thoughts, don't think how stupid sexy Asami is. No Korra, bad Korra, she is just enjoying this opportunity to relax in this room full of hot air," thought Korra, still blushing, looking away from Asami.
Hours later, Korra, Mako, and Bolin got on the platform, ready to fight the Wolf Bats for the championship. Korra glanced to a side, trying to find Asami. She found her standing next to Tenzin and Lin. Korra noticed that Asami talked to them, but then apparently decided to head out somewhere else; Korra assumed that Asami was planning to be with her father, while also monitoring for any Equalist activity.
The match began. The Fire Ferrets almost lost their first match, but Korra managed to hold on to the arena's edge. With all her remaining strength, she threw Mako up in the air. He landed on the platform, and while they still lost the round, they stayed for the next round.
Korra and her two friends stood in a small circle. "What's wrong with these refs?" Korra asked.
"They've been paid off. It's the only explanation. Someone wants us to lose," said Mako.
"If they want to fight dirty, then we should also fight dirty," said Korra.
"No, Korra, we can't. Refs have it for us. We have to win it playing properly," said Mako.
Korra sighed. "Eh, that's no fun. Okay. Let's do this. Let's show them we can win without any dirty tricks," said Korra.
Second round began. After several illegal moves, the refs actually decided for a one on one duel to determine the second round. Korra was glad that the Fire Ferrets won the coin toss, so she picked water as the element. Korra quickly beat Tahno, winning the round for them.
"Guys, we can win this. Hold on to this round, and we win the championship," said Bolin.
"Yes. Get it together. Full on focus," said Mako.
"Ay-ay Captain," said Korra.
When match began, the Wolf Bats increased their attacks. The Wolf Bat earth bender broke his disc; Tahno bent water, surrounding the earth, and then sent the attack at the Fire Ferrets. Despite wide protest from many in the arena, the Wolf Bats knocked out the Fire Ferrets from the platform, sending the three of them in the water.
Suddenly, Korra noticed numerous electric charges go around where audience sat and observed the match. "Someone is lightning bending? No, not possible," thought Korra, as she noticed the Lieutenant jump onto the bottom part of the platform, and sent his sticks in the water. Korra and her teammates felt electric charges pass through their bodies. They screamed.
As the Equalists brought and tied Korra and the Fire Ferrets on the bottom part of the platform, Korra herd Tahno's cries of not wanting to lose bending. Korra heard that Amon began his speech.
"I believe I have your attention, the benders of the Republic City," said Amon, telling the audience how they celebrated the victory of Wolf Bats who cheated their way to the victory. He told that they were supposedly the best of the pro benders and yet it took Amon only several moments to remove their bending.
"Hurry up guys, I have to go," said Korra. She noticed that Pabu was swimming towards them. He soon arrived, and upon Bolin's encouragement began to chew on the ropes, trying to free them.
Korra heard how Amon told that the Equalists were hiding for years, but now they had numbers. Amon told about his goals to create the new Republic City, and how technology leveled a playing field between benders and non benders. As Amon finished his speech, Pabu finally finished chewing the rope. Korra jumped in the water, dove, and began moving in a circle, creating a tornado under water, to propel her upwards.
When Korra rose in the air, she noticed that Asami jumped from the stands into the water. While Korra wanted to go after Amon and his followers who were getting up in the air, escaping towards a large airship that was hovering in the air, Korra turned and propelled herself towards Asami.
They met, Asami put her arms and legs around Korra's stomach. Korra then began following, losing momentum; her spinning water stopped moving.
"Fire, use fire," said Asami. Korra realized what Asami wanted her to do. Fire appeared behind Korra's feet and arms, propelling them upwards into the air, much to the audience's shock.
"Is that Asami Sato? But isn't she a non bender?" one person in the audience asked. Korra ignored any comments. She rose in the air rapidly, while Asami was still clinging around Korra's stomach.
Once they ended up on the roof, Korra and Asami jumped on top of it. Several equalists landed on glass roof. Korra and Asami stood back to back, facing numerous Equalists.
"We will do this together," said Asami. Korra nodded. They split up. Korra and Asami quickly began knocking down numerous Equalists on the ground, but more and more Equalists were jumping down from the air ship. It seemed all the Equalists wanted to fight them, all but Amon.
Korra saw that ten Equalists jumped on Asami, and while she managed to instantly knock down three Equalists, two of them used their gloves; they touched Asami's body, electrocuting her.
"Asami!" Korra cried, as the Lieutenant began fighting her. Korra sent waves of fire and numerous fireballs, but the Lieutenant avoided all the attacks; he easily dodged.
Korra noticed that a group of Equalists grabbed Asami and put ropes around her. Korra disengaged from her fight with the Lieutenant and jumped towards Asami, sending numerous fire balls at them. Korra then punched several Equalists, sending them on the roof.
"Surrender, Avatar, and Amon will show you mercy," said the Lieutenant, as several Equalists jumped at Korra at the same time, and chi blocked her. "You are out of your bending, you cannot defeat all of us."
Asami stood up. "Korra doesn't have her bending but she has me," said Asami. She jumped, and within three seconds knocked down the Lieutenant on the ground. Asami gave her hand to Korra, and the two stood back to back once more.
"Together," said Korra. Asami nodded.
The Equalists attacked them. While Korra couldn't bend anymore, she remembered all her lessons with Asami. She also remembered that while she couldn't air bend, she did learn some air bending motions. So Korra began dodging all the incoming attacks.
Asami helped. While she didn't jump away to fight Equalists on her own, Asami covered Korra's rear; protecting Korra from any Equalists who tried to hit Korra's back.
The fight continued. Korra and Asami simultaneously sent punches and kicks towards the large group of the Equalists that surrounded the two young women; as the time went by, more and more Equalists lay on top of the roof.
"I think we are winning," said Korra.
"Yeah," said Asami, as glass broke under her feet. "Korra!"
Asami began falling. Before Korra could do anything, Korra was also falling. As they were falling, Korra felt metal ropes fly towards both of them. Korra and Asami grabbed the ropes; Korra noticed that Lin managed to rescue the two of them. Lin sent another metal rope at an equalist flag, and then swung towards the middle of the arena, where they reunited with Tenzin, Mako, and Bolin.
"Stay safe, kids," said Lin, looking at the two women she just rescued. Korra nodded.
"This situation is very disturbing," said Tenzin. "Amon is growing bolder. The Republic City is at war,"
"Yes. Amon has these new devices that took down all my Metal Benders," said Lin.
"I saw several Equalists have some kind of gloves," said Asami. "I would be happy to get my hands on one of these gloves."
"Careful kid, someone might mistake you for an Equalist," said Lin. Korra noticed that Asami was thinking about something.
"Asami?" Korra asked.
"Korra, I think that Amon created some sort of gloves that produce electric current. I must admire the technology and concept, it is the perfect way to fight Metal Benders," said Asami. She noticed that Lin was glaring at her. "Sorry. But yeah, it's a perfect way to fight people who have metal armor. However, if we somehow isolate the metal armor, Metal Benders would be impervious to those attacks. I would need to design that first, though."
"It would be much appreciated, Miss Sato. While my men and women can withstand chi blocking attacks, these electric charges did incapacitate everyone," said Lin.
"Hmm, if the Equalists have these gloves, and they already have training, it is reasonable to assume that they have something else. I am not sure what exactly they are still hiding, but I have a feeling they have some sort of devices to fight. Amon just seems to be ahead of everyone all the time," said Asami.
"That's a good point. I will talk to my officers about how we can be better prepared for future Amon's attacks," said Lin. She used her metal bending cables, and swung away from the group.
"Korra, Asami, I was so worried," said Mako.
"Yeah. We have seen how you engaged with those Equalists. You two were badass," said Bolin. Korra smiled.
"Let's head out to Air Temple Island," said Tenzin.
"But I need to get back to check if my dad is okay," said Asami. "I know that Mako and Bolin have been staying in the attic, I was thinking, would you like to spend time at the estate?"
"Mako! We are going to live at the Sato Mansion! I heard great things about it," said Bolin.
"I would prefer if we all went to the Air Temple Island, but your suggestion sounds reasonable. Sato Estate should have sufficient security," said Tenzin. "Well, I hope to see you in the morning. Lin and I will be talking to various people about the attack."
Korra smiled. "We will be there," said Korra. Tenzin took his glider and left them.
"So, what are we going to do?" Mako asked.
"We are going to stay at my house. We have a pool, a race track, and plenty of things to occupy us when we won't patrol the city. But now, with the Equalists getting this bold, we need to be ready," said Asami.
"I will need to master Air Bending. Maybe not tonight, I agree, it would be nice to go relax at your house, Asami," said Korra. "And I could learn a few more tricks about pro bending and incorporate them into my fighting style. Not sure if you know any new tricks, Bolin. I could learn lightning bending from you, Mako,"
"Lightning is dangerous. I agree with you, we should rest. We had a difficult day, and we lost. We need to save our energies for when we will fight the Equalists next time," said Korra. Korra and her friends travelled to the Sato Mansion. Mako and Bolin found a nice room with two beds to stay. Korra then followed Asami to another room.
"Oh, this room is huge. Are you sure it's for me?" Korra asked. "Back in the Water Tribe or even at the Air Temple, twenty people can sleep in here."
"Well, it's all for you," said Asami. "I will be in the room next door."
Asami took one step away from Korra, who lightly grabbed Asami's hand. "Stay. I … Amon scarred me. Yes, I feel I can fight him, but I am worried. And yes, I know that your house has many guards, but I … can you stay? I would feel more relaxed sleeping here, in this huge room, knowing someone has my back," said Korra.
"Of course. I will sleep here. Nobody will hurt my Avatar. But Korra, you are filthy. You better take a shower and change into something clean, I won't allow a sweaty pro bender sleep in my this bed," said Asami, smirking.
"Sweaty pro bender, huh? I will show you sweaty," said Korra. She jumped at Asami, but lost balance, falling on the floor, landing on top of Asami.
"Korra, now I am sweaty. And I don't want to leave you out of my sight this late," said Asami. Korra noticed that their faces were inches away from one another.
"Well, Miss sweaty, you can take shower first, and then I will. Yeah, we can take turns. And don't worry, nobody will kidnap me while you wash," said Korra. Asami nodded.
"Alright, I will wash first. See you soon," said Asami, opening the bathroom door, and entering inside. Korra heard water. She imagined Asami there; her friend had to be not wearing anything.
"Bad Korra," thought Korra. "Asami is a friend. She sees you only as a friend. She shown great hospitality. I cannot think of Asami like that, she doesn't like me like that. She thinks of me as a friend."
Twenty or thirty minutes later, honestly, Korra lost track of how long Asami was showering, the door opened, and Asami was wearing dark red bra and panties. A towel covered her shoulders. "I am good, it's your time to shower, sweaty Avatar," said Asami.
Korra briefly couldn't move. Asami, her friend Asami, was only wearing bra and panties. Korra bit her lip, she imagined what she wanted to do at that moment, but she didn't want to act on her impulses. Her heart sped up. "I will be going, yeah, wait for me, it's my time to wash," said Korra."
She entered the bathroom, and looked around. She saw a three by seven feet bathtub that probably rose several feet above the ground. Next to the bathtub she saw a shower head. While Asami took a while to clean herself, Korra washed for five minutes. When she exited the bathroom, like Asami, Korra wore her bra and panties, although she also wore a bathrobe.
"I am done, I am done," said Korra, approaching the bed. "Okay, so where can I get extra bed sheets? I can put them in that corner to sleep in."
"Korra, don't be ridiculous. You are sleeping in this bed. With me," said Asami. Korra was unable to speak for a few moments. Surely, Asami wasn't meaning what she said. But Asami was already sitting in the bed, waiting for Korra to climb in. "It's okay, I won't bite, unless you want me to?"
"Ha-ha, very funny, Asami," said Korra. She approached the bed and sat on an edge; she sat on the opposite side of where Asami was sitting.
"It's okay. We are friends. You are my best friend. We are sleeping in this bed; it will allow us to help keep each other warm. It will be easier for us to detect if anyone tried to attack us at night," said Asami. Korra nodded. She climbed in the middle of the bed, and lay on her back. She felt warmth when Asami also lay next to her; Asami then pulled bedsheets, covering the two of them.
"If someone attacks, they will have to deal with both of us," said Korra, sliding up, sitting in the bed, with her back pointing to the wall behind them. Asami lay next to her.
"Korra, you are so hot," said Asami.
"Yeah, I am a fire bender, remember? I can regulate my own body heat and temperature," said Korra. She felt strange when Asami grabbed her left arm, and put her head on it.
"Protect me, Avatar," said Asami.
Korra felt their legs touch. Korra didn't want to move; she felt at peace. Korra felt slightly frustrated. Yes, she lay in bed with Asami, with the woman she had a crush on, and their bodies touched; they wore very little clothing. And yet, despite all this physical contact, Korra felt being so far away from her friend. Friend. Korra reminded her of what the two of them were to one another. Friends. Korra desperately wanted to get into a relationship with Asami, but she knew that she couldn't act on her feelings. That surprised her; Korra always said and did what she wanted, but for the first time in her life, she just couldn't. Asami and her shared something special, and Korra was unwilling to ruin their friendship, their deep bond, in the case Asami actually didn't feel the same way Korra felt about her friend. Korra knew that she would always support Asami, and would do anything to keep her friend safe, not that Asami needed protection. Korra felt that Asami fell asleep.