Next morning, when Asami woke up, she yawned. Asami slowly opened her eyes, adjusting them to the morning light. She noticed that their sleeping position has changed during the night. She remembered falling asleep on Korra's left arm; at the moment, Asami was laying behind Korra. Their legs were still intertwined. Asami's arm was laying on Korra's stomach.
"This feels so nice," thought Asami. "Korra is so … strong. I can feel her muscles. But, it's Korra. She treats me as Asami, just Asami. Korra is so nice. I should've asked her directly to go on a date, but I feel … Korra has so much on her plate at the moment, I cannot burden her with my feelings. She is the Avatar; Korra is my Korra, but she has so much responsibility. She must be worried about her failure to air bend. No, I cannot possibly tell her how I feel. Besides, she cannot feel the same. She just can't. I am Asami, plain Asami, and she is so strong."
Asami smiled. She tried to roll to her side of the bed, trying to get up. At the very least Asami tried to roll away from Korra. She was worried she would make Korra uncomfortable due to the way they were currently sleeping. As she moved, she felt Korra's arm hold her own.
"Don't go, I feel warm," said Korra. Apparently, the Avatar wasn't fully awake; her eyes were closed, and she wasn't moving, but strangely, Korra didn't want to let go of Asami's hand. This puzzled Asami. She guessed that even the Avatar, the master of Fire Bending, felt cold sometimes, and needed some body heat. Asami lay in bed in bliss.
Korra and Asami heard a knock on their door. "Miss Sato, Miss Korra, we will have breakfast in half an hour," said the butler from the other side of the door. Asami then heard him walking away.
"Asami, hi. The night has been so nice," said Korra, rolling to her side. Since the two women were still holding hands, they ended up facing one another; their faces were inches apart.
"Let's get dressed, my father will not be happy if we are late. Although, if we are late, it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission with him anyway. Yeah. Still, we should get up," said Asami.
"Asami, I've been thinking. We are staying at your parent's house, right?" Korra asked.
"Well, yeah," said Asami.
"And your father will be present there. I know we did practice a bit, but we might be a bit rusty. We do have thirty minutes to get dressed and go to eat breakfast. So, I was thinking, let's spend like ten or fifteen minutes practice kissing, so that we can do a few pretend kisses during breakfast," said Korra.
Asami's heart began beating faster.
"Korra wants for me to kiss her," thought Asami. "No, hold yourself, Asami. Korra is just repeating the words I told her before. She cannot possibly mean she likes me. No, no way. Oh, how I want to just kiss her, and make her scream my name –"
"Asami? We don't have much time. So, are we kissing, I mean practice kissing before breakfast?" Korra asked with a puzzled expression on her face.
"Yes, I would like that," said Asami, smiling.
"Great! Since you were on top before, let me climb on top of you. I promise, I won't squash you," said Korra. Asami laughed. She so wanted to use her hands to touch all the muscles on Korra's body.
"Alright. I will just lay here, so … come here, and kiss me. And do it like you mean it. Do it, Korra!" Asami said. She was half teasing, although Asami fantasized of what she asked for to actually happen.
"Alright," said Korra. She climbed on top of Asami, put her legs around Asami's body, brought her face towards Asami's lips and kissed her.
"Korra is a good kisser, too bad she doesn't really mean it. Amazing, her acting skills are impressive," thought Asami. Her mind stopped working as Korra was aggressively kissing her mouth. Asami moaned.
Ten minutes later, Korra still lay on top of Asami. Korra's head was laying on Asami's left arm. "This was good! We will for sure fool Hiroshi once more," said Korra, smiling. She then climbed off Asami and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Too bad I don't want us to practice. I don't want us to pretend, Korra. No. I just want us to be us," thought Asami. "But you are just helping me out. You are Korra, a very gentle soul, wanting to help everyone in need. And Korra must be thinking that I need her help. I do like her passion, but Korra is probably thinking that us kissing is making Hiroshi stop bothering me; she probably doesn't even consider that I actually like her. After all, I did call her "very hot" and yet she just told me she is a fire bender. Hmm, although she seems to like the kisses,"
"Earth to Asami," said Korra, looking at Asami.
"But Korra might just be thinking she is helping," thought Asami. "She might be acting as if she is enjoying … yes, this must be it. She is trying to help me fool my dad, and it's her way to do a good deed. Although, she might not be acting. Hmm, I need more data, yes, I need to get more information for a hypothesis of Korra not actually liking me. Yes, yes, but it must wait, I am very hungry,"
"Asami?" Korra asked.
"Sorry, I was just thinking about a scientific project I plan to do soon. I spaced out. Okay, I am getting out of bed," said Asami. Korra went to pick up her clothes; Asami saw Korra's back muscles, and thought how nice it would be to bite Korra, or have Korra go down on her. Asami shook her head, she needed to focus and not be thirsty about how she felt about Korra. And while she did feel hot and bothered, Asami knew deep down that she liked Korra for being such an amazing and caring person, and her muscled physique was a nice bonus.
The two women got dressed; they soon arrived at the dining hall. Hiroshi was already sitting at the end of a large table. Mako and Bolin were sitting on the side. Asami saw that Bolin was making funny noises; he was holding Pabu.
"I hope you slept well, considering that the evil Equalists attacked yesterday and the Fire Ferrets lost the championship," said Hiroshi.
"The night was tranquil, thank you, Mister Sato," said Korra. Asami sat on the other side of the table, with Korra sitting to her right.
The butler brought several dishes; Asami was glad that they were eating some Southern Water Tribe cuisine. This food would remind Korra of home, making her happy, and if Korra was happy, Asami was happy. Asami felt that no matter what Korra would ask of her, she would do anything that Korra asked, if it would mean that Korra would be happy.
"Avatar Korra, I know that you do good deeds in the city, but I wanted to thank you for helping me get in touch with Varrick. I haven't met the man yet, but we exchanged some letters; he was eager to work with Future Industries to expand his own business, and it would provide an opportunity for my family to establish business relations with the Southern Water Tribe," said Hiroshi.
"Oh, you don't have to thank me. I am the Avatar, it's my duty to help people. I've seen Varrick once or twice; my father did business with him on several occasions. Varrick always wanted to find business partners in the Republic City," said Korra. "So I contacted him, letting Varrick know he should contact Future Industries about a business proposal."
Asami looked at Korra. She remembered that Korra mentioned to her dad that she was technically a princess, and she could talk to Varrick about some business dealings. Asami was smart, she remembered how she told Korra about her dad wanting to get her together with someone to establish new business relations with others, like with Zaofu or Ba Sing Se, and here Korra did yet another thing to help get her father off her back. Korra was selfless, and noble Korra, yes, Asami knew that Korra was just too good of a friend for her.
"Regardless of your actual intentions, I still wanted to thank you, Avatar Korra, for providing me with such a business opportunity. In fact, once I settle a deal with Varrick, we can all go to the Southern Water Tribe to celebrate. I can meet your parents; you and Asami can help me open the new factory during the opening ceremony," said Hiroshi.
Korra smiled. "I am glad I helped," said Korra, bowing.
Asami knew, she knew that Korra didn't like her in the way Asami liked Korra; yet Korra agreed to pretend to be her girlfriend to help fool Hiroshi. And Korra then also contacted this Varrick to further help her. Asami knew that her dad would be very happy at expanding his business. Asami shook her head. Korra, selfless and noble Korra, no, Korra was too good for her. Korra could never like Asami that way. She was just so noble and good and compassionate, a strong bender; Korra was the Avatar, and Asami was just Asami, plain old Asami. But Asami still hoped that Korra would notice her someday. Yes, Korra was the Avatar, and this would result for many men and women lining up to date her, but for Asami … it didn't matter. She would always care for Korra, Avatar or not. Korra was a good person, and she would support and be there for Korra, even if she didn't have any bending.
"Yes, it would be good to open a new factory in the Southern Water Tribe. Hmm, maybe after these Equalists are defeated, we can also make a tour of the Earth Kingdom, and see if we can work together on future projects with Zaofu in particular," said Hiroshi.
Asami saw that Korra whispered her something. Asami turned her head. "Asami, pst, Asami, lean to me, I want to kiss you," whispered Korra. Asami briefly radiated with joy; Korra was about to kiss her. Asami then remembered that Korra didn't really want to kiss her, no, Korra was being her selfless good friend helping her. Korra probably sensed a mention of Zaofu and wanted to make sure that her dad wouldn't try to get Asami with either Opal or Bataar Jr, hence she was wanting to kiss Asami now.
Asami leaned to Korra, and they briefly kissed. Asami put her hands around Korra's neck. She opened her mouth, and played with Korra's tongue. Asami felt happy, even knowing that Korra didn't really like her. Even still, just kissing Korra made her happy.
"Aww, you two are so sweet. I want to find a girl with whom I would have love like the two of you have, a real love," said Bolin, making silly faces. "Look Pabu, it's real love"
Asami noticed that Mako shook his head. "I have to do work. I will see you later. I will think about the new factory at the Southern Water Tribe, and everything we need to have there," said Hiroshi, standing up, and walking away.
The group finished their meal. "Korra, I think we need to talk to Chief Beifong. I don't like her, but I feel we need to share some notes on what happened yesterday, especially since we directly fought with those Equalists," said Asami.
"Yeah, let's do this. Team Avatar, let's go, and work on this detective case," said Korra. She stood up, and lead Asami, Mako, and Bolin outside. Asami climbed in the driver seat. Korra sat on the front passenger seat, while the brothers sat in the back. Asami drove the car to the police station.
The Team Avatar have arrived to the police station. Lin was talking to her officers. Asami also saw Tahno, who sat on a bench, apparently being there to provide his account of what happened during the finals. Tenzin was talking to Tarrlok.
"Hey Chief Beifong. Tenzin," said Korra.
"Avatar. I appreciate you four coming here. I could use your testimony on what have happened yesterday. I also wanted to talk about those Equalists," said Lin, approaching the group. They briefly talked about their experiences that night.
Mako went to look at some of the evidence the police has gathered. Bolin went to talk to some Metal Benders, wanting to see if any of them could show him how to Metal Bend. This left Asami and Korra talking with Lin.
"The Equalists are growing bolder. They humiliated my men; their tech easily takes down my officers," said Lin.
"I thought about the electric gloves and how they easily penetrate the metal armor. I think I have a solution, but I would need some materials," said Asami.
"Electric gloves, I wonder if lightning redirection would be useful against those," said Korra.
"Perhaps. Unfortunately, I cannot produce lightning," said Asami. "Hmm, if I got a hold on one of those gloves, I could test it on Mako."
Korra laughed. "Hello, I am Mister Brooding Detective, I am here to report to get shocked with electricity," said Korra. She and Asami laughed.
"If you kids done joking around, I can show you the materials we use for our metal bending uniforms," said Lin. Asami and Korra nodded. Lin lead them to the office. Asami remembered being in the police station recently; back then, Chief Beifong arrested the two of them for helping poor non benders fight the triads. Now, Asami and Korra were there to help fight the evil non bender equalists. Asami was amused at the irony.
The three of them arrived at the office. Asami looked around and spotted some materials she needed. "Here we go. I think I can use this. How much of this metal do you have?" Asami asked.
"Not much. We would need to stock up on this. I can probably make one uniform using this. Why do you need this metal in particular, Miss Sato?" Lin asked.
"I was thinking to design some uniform that is impervious to electrical attacks. This metal in particular should do the trick. Are you sure you don't have more?" Asami asked.
Lin shook her head. "At the moment, I only have this," said Lin.
"Alright. Korra, come here. I need to measure you, so we have an armor for you to protect against these Equalist gloves," said Asami.
"No. Asami, I appreciate the offer, but since the amount is so low, someone else should use this for their uniform," said Korra.
"Selfless Korra, she is just too good for me," thought Asami. "There is only one other person who could really benefit from this metal. I cannot believe I am going to do this."
"I can order this specific metal; it should arrive in larger quantity, but it might take several weeks," said Lin.
Asami took a deep breath. "Chief Beifong, I know we got off the wrong foot, but I … you are the Chief of the Metal Bending police force, I want you to use this modified suit," said Asami. Korra smiled.
"The Equalists will not know what hit them," said Korra.
Lin sighed. "Alright girls, I will use this new uniform," said Lin. "I know the dimensions of my current uniform."
Lin touched the metal laying before her, and moved her arms. The metal turned into a metal suit that strongly resembled her current uniform. Unlike the uniform she wore, this new suit was more silvery in color. Lin briefly sat on her knees, before standing up.
"I am sorry, I haven't anticipated it being this heavy," said Asami.
"I will be fine. I bend metal, I can carry this suit on my body well; maybe I will be a tad slower. So how would this protect me against the Equalists?" Lin asked.
"Electricity shouldn't be able to penetrate this armor. This metal is nonconductive," said Asami. She now thought how to incorporate this into Korra's outfit. Perhaps a thinner outer layer that was just thick enough to stop any electrical attacks from touching Korra's skin … yes, Asami would need to find some of this metal at home, and tinker with it. She would protect Korra.
The three women returned to the lobby. Asami saw Bolin rush to them. "Korra, I still cannot Metal Bend! I want to but I cannot," said Bolin.
"Kid, Metal Bending requires discipline. You need to pay attention to the traces of earth inside the metal and bend it," said Lin.
"Yeah, but I cannot feel any of it," said Bolin, looking on the ground. "I always wanted to Metal Bend,"
"Sorry kid, but not every Earth Bender can learn how to bend metal. Most people can't. It's alright. Now if you excuse me, I need to speak to my officers," said Lin, leaving them.
Asami noticed that Tarrlok approached them.
"Avatar Korra, please reconsider working for me. I want what's best for the city," said Tarrlok. "If we worked together, we would stop the Equalists."
"Still not interested. Sorry, but my Team Avatar will resolve this conflict on our own," said Korra.
"Very well. I hope you reconsider." said Tarrlok. Asami saw that Tenzin called Korra, who went to talk to her Air Bending teacher.
"I think I will try to see if any other Metal Bender could explain to me how to Metal Bend," said Bolin, walking away from Asami and Tarrlok.
"Miss Sato, now that we are alone, I wanted to let you know that I will destroy you. You might be a good non bender, but you corrupted the Avatar. She would have been working for me, but your interference made her choose otherwise," said Tarrlok.
"Leave Korra alone. And stop oppressing the non benders," said Asami.
"Miss Sato, mark my words, sooner or later, you will pay consequences of interfering with my plans. Avatar Korra must follow me. I would be a perfect mentor for her. She doesn't need to interact with some lowly non bender," said Tarrlok. "I will be watching you, you useless non bender."
Tarrlok walked away. A tear escaped Asami's eye. She knew that Tarrlok oppressed non benders, and that he wasn't a good person, yet his words … perhaps Asami was a useless non bender, especially compared to Korra, her friend Korra. Korra needed to be happy, yes. Perhaps, Asami needed to tell Korra to stop pretending to be her girlfriend. She would figure out how to deal with her father; especially with the Equalists becoming such a menace, her father would likely stop bothering her about getting together with someone. Yes, despite Asami wanting to be with Korra, badly, she knew that Korra just didn't see her the same way, and she would need to make her beloved happy, even if the person Korra would choose wouldn't be her. Yet Asami hoped, she wouldn't lose hope that Korra liked her.
Asami walked outside; she wanted to breathe some fresh air. She looked back; Lin, Tenzin, and Tarrlok were talking about something. Bolin was laughing with some Metal Benders, but apparently he was still unable to bend metal. Asami didn't notice Korra or Mako.
Asami looked around and saw her friends talking. She couldn't hear them well; Asami reasoned that they were sharing information. Korra probably mentioned about Asami's idea of nonconductive metal uniforms. Asami smiled, she had good friends.
Asami then noticed that Korra and Mako suddenly leaned closer and kissed. Their lips fused for a minute, before separating. Strangely, they looked at each other with partial confusion. Asami's heart hurt, yes. Several tears escaped her eyes. But Asami knew that Korra and her weren't in a relationship. Both of them knew that. And now, apparently, Mako and Korra both liked each other. They didn't have an excuse of pretending, yes. Korra now began relationship with Mako. Asami felt sad, but she knew it was Korra's choice. And she would support Korra's decision regardless if Asami herself was happy; Korra's happiness took precedence. If Korra actually liked Mako and not her, then she would bury her feelings and be happy for Korra. Regardless, she would be there for Korra; Asami would still be Korra's best friend.
Asami walked back to the police station. She talked to a few officers about her new idea of metal bending uniforms that would protect them against electricity. Half an hour later, they returned to the Sato Mansion.
The four young adults returned to the estate; Asami suggested they use the swimming pool. Korra hesitated at first, but agreed. They all changed to swimsuits and entered the pool.
Asami dove in the water, swimming comfortably. She glanced at Korra. "I find swimming here relaxing, especially after returning from patrols. The water is just right," said Asami.
"Yeah," said Korra. She carefully climbed in the pool and stood on the floor tiles. "The water is warm."
Asami saw that Korra looked at her and smiled. "It can be hard to make the water temperature just right," said Asami. Suddenly she felt the water get much warmer. "Oof, it's getting hot in here,"
Asami noticed that Korra was the first to jump out of the water. She reasoned that Korra was used to colder climate; even a moderate water temperature increase for her would likely be a lot for Korra. Asami wondered what caused the temperature to rise. Perhaps it was fire bending, yes, so she had two suspects. Mako seemed confused, so it must have been Korra. But why would Korra heat up the water unintentionally. Asami then realized that Korra must have seen Mako shirtless; the boys were wearing only swimming trunks, while Korra and her wore two piece bikini. Korra must have been excited for seeing Mako shirtless, especially after their kiss, yes, that's what Asami has assumed. It all made sense.
Asami climbed out of the pool. "Perhaps we can do something else. How about I take you to drive?" Asami asked.
"Sure, I could use some action. Windy air from that the satomobiles will produce can be good," said Korra.
The group travelled to the race track, where Asami climbed in the front, with Korra sitting in the back. Asami raced another car, showing off her skills. Yes, Korra might have been in the relationship with Mako now, but Asami still wanted to be Korra's friends, even if she had to bury her own feelings to make Korra feel happier. She saw how the boys were waving at Korra.
When Asami finished driving, they returned to the mansion. "I want to take a shower, yes, can we take a shower? I love this place," said Bolin.
"Bolin, let's not abuse Asami's hospitality," said Korra.
"Oh, no problem. Yes, you can take a shower in there," said Asami.
Korra could never abuse her hospitality, Korra was special to her. Korra was not like all the people she dated. Yes, they were nice people, but she always felt that people wanted to use her in some way. Everyone knew, well everyone but Korra, of her status, and as such, people wanted to get close to her dad. And even if not her dad, people wanted to use her money. And while some of her dates did provide her nice nights of pleasure, physically at least, on an emotional level, Asami never connected with anyone to such an extent as Korra did. Korra didn't care about her last name, and Korra made her so happy. And the two liked their sparring, oh Asami loved it so, so much.
"Hmm, what if … we throw a shower party," said Bolin with excitement, even jumping in place.
"Bo, I don't think Asami would want to see all of us naked," said Mako. Asami noticed that Korra's face was red. Yup, Asami knew, Korra liked Mako.
"We can use my sauna? Korra and I used it before, four people can definitely fit in there," said Asami.
"That sounds nice. Yeah, let's do it. We can sit there in our swim wear, yeah, and no one has to get naked," said Korra.
Ten minutes later, the four of them sat in the sauna. Korra and Asami sat on the higher bench, while Mako and Bolin sat on the lower bench. "I must admit, I like this place. I can get used to staying here. I am sorry, I don't want to sound like a jerk, Asami. Bolin and I … we just grew up poor, and haven't enjoyed the luxuries of life," said Mako.
Asami chuckled. "It's okay. You three are my friends. Truthfully, I never quite did have good friends," said Asami. "I did go on dates, but people never connected with me emotionally. And I always wished to have a sibling."
"Gorgeous lady, I can be your sibling. Look at us! You have green eyes, I have green eyes. I have black hair, you have black hair. And we are both gorgeous looking. Yeah. Sorry Mako, but Asami and I, if people looked at us, they might mistake us for siblings! Yeah, I always wanted a sister," said Bolin.
Asami chuckled. Bolin was amusing, and very hopeful. Sometimes he could be too expressive, but he was very friendly. Asami would treasure that friendship with him.
"Well, I am glad that I have a new brother," said Asami. "I am also happy for you two,"
"Oh, Asami, I –"
"Asami, that felt really strange," said Mako.
"It's okay," said Asami.
"Asami, Mako and I kissed. It was nice and all, but I don't know. It felt strange. I briefly thought I wasn't in control of my body, but I mean, it would be very strange, right?" Korra said.
"I actually feel the same way. I like you Korra, but no offense, I don't think I see you that way. The kiss, it felt strange. We were talking, yes. We were discussing Asami's idea, yes. And then I don't know … I might have stumbled? I got much closer to you, and we just kissed. But it felt really strange," said Mako.
"I wasn't planning to kiss you either," said Korra.
"Look guys, it's okay. I am happy for you two to be together," said Asami. Yes, she was happy for Korra to be happy, even if it broke her heart.
"No, Asami, you must understand, I … we didn't want to kiss. I felt as if my body kissed Mako without my control. I never felt that way," said Korra.
"You both didn't have control. A blood bender?" Asami asked.
"What? Nah, you must be joking Asami. They were talking in broad day light, and obviously there was no full moon," said Bolin. Asami agreed, she remembered about stories that her mother told her about Gaang, and how Hama taught Katara. And then Asami remembered another story.
"Yakone," said Asami.
"Yakone? Who is that?" Korra asked.
"Yeah, name doesn't ring a bell," said Bolin.
"Yakone … Asami, if that's true, it would be serious. Even Zolt was afraid of that man. But wouldn't Yakone be like over a hundred year old by now? And he escaped, I remember Shady Shin told a story about how Yakone escaped many years ago, but was never seen again. If he were somehow back, people would know. The police would get him," said Mako.
"What did Yakone do to be so scary?" Korra asked.
"Yakone, he could blood bend without a full moon. He even blood bend during the day," said Mako. "Thinking about this, a blood bender must have been behind our kiss. But why?"
"I am sure we will find out about it later. For now, we need to stop Amon and his Equalists," said Korra.
"And for right now, right now, you mean, we are going to enjoy this sauna. Ah, I like the hot air in here. Korra, throw some more water on those rocks," said Bolin. Korra laughed and bend the water in the room, sending it at the rocks. The room got much hotter. "Ah, much better,"
Asami felt a little better. Korra and Mako didn't really like one another. But she was now scared. There was a blood bender running around in the city, and they could be very dangerous. A thought occurred to her; maybe Korra just didn't want to tell Asami about her real feelings; maybe Korra didn't want to tell the truth, and instead made the story of being forced to kiss Mako. Or maybe she was just consumed. Self-doubts began to plague Asami's mind. She shook her head. It was possible that Korra misunderstood the situation, and that there was no blood bender present. But Korra would not lie to her. Surely, she was just mistaken, and confused, including about her interest in Mako. Yes, of course Korra would like someone else and not her. Asami, she was just plain Asami, a non bender.
"I am going to take a shower, be right back," said Asami, wanting to take a cold shower, after spending time in the sauna.
She saw that Korra stood up. "I need to use a bathroom, be right back," said Korra. Asami went to take a shower, and then returned to the sauna. Korra strangely wasn't back yet. Asami reasoned Korra had to do something; Asami lay on the bench and relaxed.
Several hours later, Asami, Mako, and Bolin were sitting on the sofa. Asami was reading a scientific journal, Mako was reading some book, and Bolin was playing with Pabu. Asami saw the doors open, and Korra walked in with Tenzin and Lin.
"What's going on, why are you all here?" Mako asked, standing up.
"Mako, I overheard Hiroshi on the phone," said Korra, looking at Asami. "Asami, I don't know how to tell you this, but I think your father might be involved with the equalists."
Asami's heart shattered into tiny pieces. The woman she had strong feelings for just accused her father of hating benders. Asami felt pain before; but she accepted that Korra just didn't like her. Despite being hurt, Asami was happy for Korra. But this? Korra was accusing her dad of being an Equalist. Asami felt her heart getting torn into pieces.
"What? I don't believe you," said Asami. There had to be an explanation to all this. Korra was her friend, her best friend. Korra would never hurt Asami, and Asami knew that Korra treated her well. Korra's accusations had to be mistaken, yes, Korra had to have misunderstood something. She would not hurt Asami. But the accusation still hurt.
Korra walked towards Hiroshi's office. Asami followed. She wanted to get to the bottom of this. "Mister Sato, we have a few more questions," said Lin.
"My father is innocent," said Asami, arriving in the room. "Just because we aren't benders doesn't mean we support those evil equalists."
"Ah, I see what happened. There must have been a misunderstanding. I can assure you, neither I nor my company has anything to do with those radicals," said Hiroshi.
"I overheard you on the phone, Mister Sato. You said that Cabbage Corp investigation gave you an opportunity to strike. Explain that to us," said Korra, putting her hand on the table.
"Look. Like I said, this is all just a misunderstanding. The Avatar has an overactive imagination. Look at it from my perspective. My number one competitor was knocked out of the game. I now have an opportunity to strike the market with my new line of satomobiles. It's just business, that's all," said Hiroshi.
"My father is right, the business expression might have confused Korra," thought Asami. She knew that Korra spent so many years at the compound, and she wasn't probably very knowledgeable with the business terminology that people in the Republic City used.
"Look, you can check all my factories and warehouses, if you feel necessary. I can assure you, I have nothing to hide," said Hiroshi.
Korra looked at Asami, and then looked away.
"Mister Sato, thank you for your cooperation," said Tenzin.
Lin organized an inspection of all factories and shops that belonged to Future Industries. Hiroshi spent the remaining of the day helping show to others that his containers and inventory didn't have anything related to the Equalists. After numerous hours of investigation, Lin didn't find anything.
"It would appear that Hiroshi is innocent," said Lin.
"Well, yeah. Now you did your search, can you all just leave my family alone?" Asami asked. She was upset. This search annoyed her; yet the search itself didn't bother her as much as Korra being the one who instigated it in the first place. Asami knew, she had to believe that Korra did this without malice and was just confused, but this whole accusation still hurt Asami.
Asami returned with her father to the estate. While Mako and Bolin decided to use the swimming pool once more, Hiroshi and Asami went to talk in his office. "Asami, are you alright?" Hiroshi asked.
"I don't know, dad. The Equalists are … they hurt people. But, the city is corrupt. Tarrlok makes it hard for people like you and me live in the city. He even threatened me for saving Korra from joining his Taskforce," said Asami
Hiroshi used his fist to hit the table. "How dare he! I will my own words with Councilman Tarrlok," said Hiroshi.
"It's alright dad. I know that the Equalists are evil, but Tarrlok and his Taskforce … the Triads. And even the Metal Benders, they could do a better job at protecting the people, especially non benders," said Asami.
"I am sorry to hear about that, Asami. But you have Korra, right? She helps you. She is such a great girlfriend for you," said Hiroshi. Asami smiled. She was happier now. Asami knew her dad would be supportive.
Asami left her father's office, and went to read a journal. She saw that Mako and Bolin were now fully dressed and resting on the couches in the living room. Asami sat on the armchair, and began reading.
An hour later, she saw that Korra returned with several Metal Benders. "What are you all doing here?" Asami asked.
"We have reason to believe that there is a factory hidden under the mansion," said Lin. "We got a tip, I have to investigate this."
Asami felt anger. "I think I would have noticed if there was a factory underneath my house. The lies you people come up with just to persecute my father," said Asami. A tear escaped her eye. She didn't like Chief Beifong and Councilman Tenzin wanting to investigate her so much; they were harassing her family at this point. But Korra … no, Asami refused to believe that Korra wanted to hurt her. Yes, Korra might have felt that there was something off, and maybe someone from Cabbage Corp did indeed somehow establish a base underneath her house. Korra was also close to Tenzin, and he or Chief Beifong might have dragged her to this search.
"Miss Sato, can we speak to your father?" Lin asked.
"Dad should be in his workshop behind the house. I saw his pass by twenty minutes ago," said Asami. She led everyone to the workshop, opening the door. "Dad? Hello?"
Lin and her Metal Benders inspected the workshop but didn't find anything. "No one left this place," said Lin. "Hmm,"
Lin put her foot on the ground, and apparently used some metal bending technique. If Asami wasn't so mad, she would ask how Lin did that.
"There is a tunnel, running deep into the mountain," said Lin. She lifted her arms, and bend a portion of the metal floor; she lifted a metal panel off the floor, revealing a hidden tunnel.
"Asami, do you think your father knows about this tunnel?" Bolin asked Asami.
Asami was surprised. Something wasn't adding up. She has been to this workshop numerous times; she fondly remembers how her parents and her used to play hide and seek when she was six. And yet, she has never seen this tunnel.
"Alright kids, my men, and Tenzin will investigate. Stay here," said Lin, leading her officers and Tenzin to the train cart that drove them deep into the tunnel. They all soon disappeared from their view.
"I don't understand. I have been here many times," said Asami.
"We have to investigate," said Korra.
"Yes. We will follow them, but Asami, please stay safe here," said Mako.
"Excuse me? I want to know what happened to my father! The Equalists must have captured him somehow," said Asami.
"She is right," said Korra.
"I am?" Asami asked in confusion. She was beginning to lose hope that Korra cared for her; yet, it was hard. Her heart beat faster, hearing that Korra agreed with her.
"Yes. We need to make sure no one spots us. Let's go, and stay close. Team Avatar is on a mission!" Korra jumped in the air, and almost fell in the hole in the floor. Asami extended her hand; Korra grabbed Asami's hand, before putting her two feet solidly on the ground. She smiled.
Working together, that was nice. If the circumstances were different, Asami would be excited to work with Team Avatar on a case. But, she was trying to find the truth; a thought occurred to her, and Asami felt scarred. No, she refused to consider it, there must have been another explanation, she must have been missing something.
When the four of them finally arrived to the bottom, they climbed off and walked towards a large room, where Asami saw many people lying on the ground. Instantly, two ropes flew at them, tying Mako and Bolin, and electrocuting them. Asami saw a large metallic structure that resembled a humanoid. A man who piloted it sent some cable at Korra, and then sent electricity, briefly stunning her.
Asami helped Korra up, she then threw the cable off Korra, helping Korra stand. The man piloting the large mecha-tank climbed outside. "No," thought Asami in horror.
"Asami," said Hiroshi.
"Dad," said Asami. Her father was an Equalist. There was no denying it. And Korra, her sweet Korra tried to warn her.
Korra finally managed to stand up; she helped untie Mako and Bolin. "Hiroshi, it was all a cover up, you made it seem that you cared about all four of us," said Mako.
"Well, yes of course. I funded the Fire Ferrets, let you all stay at my house. But the worst thing, the most difficult part was watching my daughter kiss the ultimate enemy, the ultimate oppressor. Asami, how could you, Korra is the Avatar, she isn't just a bender, but the bender," said Hiroshi.
"Dad, stop this nonsense. Why, why are you doing this?" Asami asked.
"Sweaty, I wanted to keep you out of this for as long as I could. But now, you know the truth. Please forgive me. These people, these benders, they took your mother away, the love of my life. They've ruined the world. But with Amon, we can fix all this. We can build the perfect world together. We can help people like us," said Hiroshi.
"Dad, benders aren't evil. How can you say these things?" Asami asked.
"Asami, you told me yourself. Councilman Tarrlok has threatened you. Chief Beifong hates you and the Metal Benders even if they were nice, they don't do enough to protect the non benders. And the Triads are worst," said Hiroshi.
"You are right, there are a lot of people who don't treat the non benders well," said Asami. She didn't want to admit, but Amon did have a point, even if she despised the man.
"See? Amon just wants to bring equality. He wants to cure the city from bending. He might do some questionable things, but he is much better than the alternative. The Triads and Tarrlok's Taskforce, they oppress non-benders," said Hiroshi, removing his electric glove from his right hand, and extending his hand forward. "Join me Asami."
Asami felt conflicted. Her father was right, a lot of benders oppressed non benders. Tarrlok basically controlled the Council and even threatened her personally. The Agni Kai Triad killed her mother, and she spent several years fighting all the Triads in the city. The Equalists on the other hand wanted to remove bending and hurt benders emotionally. Maybe the Equalists were a lesser of the two evils, Asami thought. She took a step forward. Asami looked at Korra, who barely stood on her feet.
"No," said Korra weakly.
Asami knew what she had to do. Her father tried to paint this conflict in such a way that Asami only had two choices, work with oppressive benders, or work with the Equalists. But, Asami knew that she could take another option. Asami was a good person, and she would do the right thing, even if it would hurt her.
Asami slowly walked towards her father, and took the glove off his hand. Tears escaped her eyes. "It's okay, Asami. Amon will take care of us," said Hiroshi.
"I love you, dad," said Asami, as she put the glove on, turned it on, and electrocuted her father. Hiroshi screamed, and fell on the ground. The Lieutenant jumped at her, but within three seconds Asami took him down.
Asami ran towards Korra, Mako, and Bolin. They noticed Lin and Tenzin lying nearby. While there were more officers in the area, Team Avatar only could help a few people. So they helped carry Tenzin and Lin away. Asami noticed that more Equalists began to show up in the factory. The four young adults carried Tenzin and Lin to the cart, and travelled back to the surface.
Later, Team Avatar, Lin, and Tenzin stood in the police airship that was flying away from the Sato Mansion. Asami stood by the window, looking down. She couldn't believe how her life has changed. Her father, he betrayed her. Asami was holding the rail. While she had a lot of energy, she felt weak.
Korra approached Asami. "Korra is too good for me," thought Asami, as she turned around, and hugged Korra. She felt how Korra's hands hugged her back; Asami was strong, but just for this moment, she needed someone to hold her.