The Last Day
(Korra)
Republic City Hall
Korra, still coming to grips with what she’d done, blankly looked ahead. Drowning out the questions reporters were throwing at her and ignoring the increasing number of photos being taken of her by the second. She could picture the headlines now; OUR NEW AVATAR, KORRA! Along with her face plastered on every nook and cranny of that newspaper. There'd be posters, announcements, people would be craning for pictures and autographs or to even catch a mere glimpse of her. She'd be known around the world. From now on every move was watched, tracked, televised. She'd face countless enemies and opposers, she'd encounter obstacles, all in the name of guiding the world toward a better path. This was it.
She let all her senses numb. She didn’t move. She didn’t blink. She couldn’t feel. All she could do was think. Her mind racing endlessly. Korra willed herself to think even further about what she’d done - What had she done? I’d exposed myself to the world, she thought, I had to, I had to save Asami – there was no way I’d let her die, ever. She means everything to me. I'd save her no matter what. I wouldn't let her or any of my friends get injured or kidnapped or worse. I had to save Tenzin too, not to mention Raiko.
Tenzin, sensing Korra's uneasiness from afar, walked up to her side. Gently placing an arm around her, he steered her away from the reporters and onlookers, getting her away back to air temple island where he could see to her there. She was numb and didn’t protest to being guided away back to the safety of the isolated island. At one point she looked up, past the cameras and guests and crowd who were all trying to catch a glimpse of her, to spot Asami, Mako and Bolin staring at her too. Their mouths and eyes still very much wide open in shock. She could see a pang of hurt in their eyes from having kept such a big, important part of who she was hidden from all of them for as long as they’d known her. Focusing just on Asami, and seeing that she was physically alright, she mouthed the words “I’m sorry” to her, hoping she of all people would understand, before letting Tenzin sneak her away back to the island.
(Later on, back at Air Temple Island)
“It’s going to be alright Korra.” Tenzin said towards his younger pupil, who still carried a blank expression on her face. “What have I done Tenzin? The world now knows who I am, who I really am, what… what if I’m not ready for the world? Like you said, I’m still yet to master my air bending how can I be expected to save the world if I haven’t yet mastered air?!—“
Her thoughts were cut short by Tenzin who put a caring hand on her shoulder, followed by the kids who all gave her a hug. “Korra I know things might be a little scary now, and I know what I said earlier today, but I’ve come to realise I was wrong. It is my fault for you believing you might not be ready for the world. You saved my family, President Raiko, your friends and even me. You’re already shaping up to be a great Avatar. I am not the one to tell you whether you’re ready or not, that is something you must know and decide for yourself. But I am your mentor and as your mentor I highly suggest we complete the final stages of your training at the Northern Air Temple, to help better your connection with your spiritual self.” He said.
She didn't even think about it before she said, “okay, I’ll go to the temple. But what about the world Tenzin? It knows who I am now, I can’t just turn my back on it can I?” She looked towards him. Jinora, Ikki and Meelo let go of Korra. Meelo, enthusiastic as ever told her that while she was gone, he would protect and watch over Republic City and it’s people.
“Ooh! We’ll help!” said Ikki excitedly, “Nuh, uh Ikki. The world doesn’t need you, the world needs Meelo! This is a boys only mission, just for Poki and me!” said Meelo triumphantly. Hands raised on his hips, glaring out towards the city, picturing a statue of him erected in Republic City Park and Air Temple Island overlooking the city and it's people. Korra watched as Ikki grew increasingly irritated at Meelo's self obsession, but before Ikki could unleash a flurry of quick spitted words and hiss at him in great contempt, Tenzin took hold of the conversation, “kids, why don’t you get some sleep. It’s late and it’s been a long evening.” Looking up at their dad, they could hardly protest as the prospect of bed and sleep soon took hold, and they gladly slouched off to bed.
Turning to Korra, “you should get some rest too, it’s been a big day. We’ll leave for the temple in two days time after the White Lotus prepares us for the journey,” she put her head down, closing her eyes, still in disbelief in regards to the events that unfolded this evening, “you’re not turning you’re back on the world Korra, nor are you shying away from you’re responsibilities. You’ll be back, sooner than you think, I just think that right now the number one priority is to deepen your connection with your spiritual self and complete your training.” There was a strong amount of reassurance held in his voice. Korra closed her eyes for a second. Surprised to feel an odd sense of relief that her pain in the ass mentor had provided. She smiled. He may be a pain in the ass, she thought, but he's kept me grounded. She felt a large amount of tension lift off her shoulders at that realisation. And in that brief moment of release she forgot again. Determined to delay her troubling thoughts she let the thought of sleep invade her mind and rather than fight it, she let it take hold. Desperate to move past what had happened and start a new day. She recalled her previous thoughts; ones where she thought she would be more excited to finally let the world know who she was and the power she possessed, but in just one night she’d nearly lost her friends, her mentor as well as the President of Republic City. It scared her how quickly and how close it all could’ve been taken from her. And if this was only just the beginning, she couldn't help but wonder what it would be like at the end.
She sighed, “thank you for everything Tenzin, I know I’ll be back soon, I have to be and I believe that when I am I’ll be ready. You’re right, this is what I need to do.” And with that she headed back to the girls dormitory, the White Lotus guards had doubled in their patrol numbers already at the request of her father Tonraq.
She opened the door and slumped onto her bed in one big heap, but not before heading to Ikki’s room to place her dress on the chair in her room, remembering the victory she’d gained over the young air bender. Smiling, she proceeded to let her mind empty and drift off to sleep. Her last waking thought was Asami. How she looked that evening, her eyes, her smile, her enviously perfect hair, their conversation and how she nearly lost her. She wished more than anything to speak to her friends, but she knew tomorrow would be a fresh day and that what she needed more than anything else right now, was sleep.
(Asami)
The Sato Mansion
A day had passed since discovering Korra was the Avatar. Mako and Bolin had already seen her, but Asami, who’s father wanted to ensure she was completely fine and not a hair out of line, saw to it she was taken care of and examined by nearly every doctor in the city, meaning she wasn’t able to see Korra with the others yesterday. Though if anything, she found herself extremely happy and terrifyingly nervous, that she'd have Korra all to herself today. Asami woke and resumed her morning routine; hoisting herself out of bed, a yawn escaped her as she strolled toward the bedroom window, outstretched arms roughly pushing the window open, welcoming the cool crisp air crossing over her pale cheeks, admiring the sun kissed city that lay before her, covered in an untouched and preserved musky morning haze. Creeping into the bathroom she splashed some water on her face, before turning the shower on letting steam fill the room. Asami stared at her reflection in the mirror, her green eyes gazing over ever minor imperfection, every blemish until finally she ran her hands over her body to where she’d been stabbed the other night, to where Korra had healed her. There was no mark. No scar. No sign of struggle or pain. It had vanished completely. She didn’t even know the Avatar was capable of healing to that extent. Asami knew water benders could use water to heal, but Korra didn’t have any water, or use any form or traditional bending. She healed the wound herself some other way. Still reeling slightly from the frustration of unanswered questions, kept secrets and pent up feelings Asami buried the rest of her thoughts, gladly jumping into the shower to wash away these pressing thoughts for a moment in the hopes to find clarity amongst the madness that'd occurred in the last 48 hours. After she’d showered and dressed, she grabbed her keys and drove out towards the docks, the sun had barely risen over the horizon as she gladly leapt aboard the ferry to Air Temple Island.
(Korra)
Air Temple Island
“Asami!” the arrival of the first ferry to Air Temple Island was carrying her best friend, her best friend who she’d lied to for 5 years, she thought. She quickly snapped out of it and ran towards Asami. Normally Korra would run in for a hug, but given the circumstances of the previous night, she wasn’t too sure just how to behave.
Luckily Asami read her expressions like a book and embraced her instead, pulling her in for a bear hug that seemed to last minutes. Both girls had their eyes shut, not wanting the embrace to end. Glad that they'd found even a small moment of serenity amongst all the madness they'd encountered. For a moment, Korra forgot that she was the Avatar, forgot that the world knew who she was, that she'd lied to her friends about her identity. She forgot nearly everything that occurred at the banquet. Content to finally be in Asami's arms. When they pulled away from each other, Korra suddenly remembered Asami’s wound – “Oh my gosh, Asami, your wound are you okay?” she enquired, worry quickly growing on her face. “I’m fine Korra, thanks to you and your Avatar healing or whatever you did, my wound completely healed in seconds.” She said.
“Yeah, about that, Asami I’m so sorry that I never told you or Mako or Bolin about my identity as the Avatar. I wanted to, you have no idea how badly I wanted to and tried to many times over the years… But I couldn’t. I just hope you can forgive me.” Korra looked down, after years of keeping this secret pent up, she’d finally released it and despite the weight lifting off her shoulders a bit, she knew it wouldn’t be fully gone until Asami had forgiven her.
“Korra, there’s no need to apologise. You’re the Avatar. That’s not exactly something you can easily tell your friends and then just let it slide. I understand why you couldn’t say anything. Despite all of the power the Avatar possesses, it’s never a safe journey for them in helping restore balance to the world. You were just trying to protect yourself, and us. I know that. I guess some part of me wishes you would’ve told me at least, I honestly thought we were closer than that... But boy,” she said trying to lighten up the conversation after noticing the guilt that spread across Korra’s face at the last part of her sentence, “we sure do have a lot to catch up on about you being the Avatar and all. Thankfully we have plenty of time to do just that!” said Asami cheerfully. She looked at Korra, who still had her head bowed, not meeting her gaze.
“Maybe not as much time as you think…” Korra said, her voice low. Barely audible. “I don’t understand, what do you mean?” Asami asked “I’m leaving tomorrow for the Northern Air Temple, to complete my air bending training and strengthen my spiritual connection, as well as my connection to my past lives.” Korra said, her eyes still not meeting Asami’s. “You’re leaving tomorrow?” She asked again, bewildered. “Yeah, you’re the last person I have left to see and say goodbye to before I go.” Korras eyes now looked into Asami’s, she could see Asami was upset but was fighting the sadness from reaching her face. “W-what time do you go?” she asked. “Early in the morning, Tenzin wants us to be there as soon as possible before the city can catch on to my leaving.” She said. “But, but you’re coming back… Right?” worry wavered in her voice, at the thought of never seeing her closest friend again. “of course, of course I’ll be back.” Korra reached down, giving Asami’s hand a gentle squeeze, “I’ll be back Asami, sooner than you think.”
Several moments passed before Korra realized she was still holding Asami’s hand, eager to get to the fun stuff, Korra chipped up “so! It’s my last day Asami Sato and I have chosen to spend it with you, what do you want to do today?!”
Asami blushed slightly before coming up with a fun filled day of full course meals at Harook’s (Korra’s favourite joint), catching the last of the Pro Bending matches, final sight seeing and exploring of Republic City, one last driving lesson and at Asami’s request a brief escape just outside of Republic City where she could see Korra display her bending. Korra thought it was a bit odd to begin with, then again even Asami was surprised when she found herself asking, but when asked why, she forced Korra’s memory back to the times they spoke about the Avatar and the Avatar’s ability to bend all four elements and just what it’d not look but feel like. Asami who’d always admired Korra’s bending of just the element of water grew heavily intrigued now in her being able to bend 3 more elements. Korra couldn’t lie, she loved the idea of showing off, and grinned, excited for the day ahead.
(Asami)
A clearing on the mountain top overlooking Republic City
It had been a pretty amazing day with Korra. It always was. The fact that Korra was leaving tomorrow, had nearly escaped her mind, too enraptured with the day’s events. But now that the sun was beginning to set she knew her time with Korra was coming to an end. She sat closely behind her, wrapping her arms around her waist, whilst they rode on Naga past the outer skirts of Republic City and up the mountain to a clearing big enough for Korra to demonstrate her bending for Asami without drawing attention. They hoped off Naga and briefly glanced around making sure nobody was near, she’d hate to be chased by any “fans” or press on her final day, as they’d already experienced more than once today; men and women throwing themselves at Korra, children staring wide eyed in a starstruck frenzy, pictures, autographs, anything.
“Okay, Avatar Korra, show me how you control all four elements.” Said Asami gleefully. She grew jittery and increasingly excited as she watched her friend display the true depth of all her years of training. Years Korra had spent hard training and practicing without her even knowing. Asami could see Korra’s calloused hands now, her muscles bulging out from under her caramel kissed skin – not just on her arms, but on her back, her forearms, even her torso refused to go unnoticed. It was magnificent. She was magnificent.
In a series of quick moves, Korra simultaneously bent all four elements at once spurting out of her from the front, back and sides of her, just as Avatar Roku had done and been known to do. Avatar Roku, one of Korra’s past lives. She still couldn’t shake the idea that all this time the Avatar had been right under her nose, that Korra would one day belong to that long list of “past lives” and would one day help spiritually guide the new Avatar.
“Incredible.” Asami said as she looked toward her friend in wonder. The fire danced in the sky, reflecting against Asami’s emerald green eyes. She could feel the earth tremble beneath her feet, as Korra willed it up in a pounding direction, springing out of the ground. Despite them being on a mountain, there was no wind. Yet Korra caused a tornado of it to rush past her, blowing Asami’s hair right out of her face. Asami could even feel the moisture in the air from the water being hoisted out of Korra’s water pack, and felt a shudder when she turned it to ice. All this. All of this Korra was capable of doing with relative ease. Even though the display was over, Asami’s mind still burned with the images of it all happening right before her. She looked back to Korra who was now walking over to her, a smirk on her face.
“What?” Asami said, looking back at her. “Oh nothing, you just look a little entranced.” Korra said bemusingly. “I am. You’re… You’re incredible Korra. Well you already were, but, I still can’t believe you’re the Avatar.” The older girl said, walking with Korra over to the edge of the clearing so they could watch the sun set on Republic City from atop the mountain.
They stood at the edge in silence, hair blowing out of their faces as they looked down upon the city and the setting laid out before them. The sun had nearly set. The city set in beneath a beautiful mixture of orange, pink and purple which strained across the sky above. They studied the scene more closely. They could see Future Industries Tower, where Asami's father would be working tirelessly on the new Satomobile modules, his body bent over blueprints and arrangements for many more hours. They could see the arena where Mako and Bolin lived. Asami pictured the two brothers fighting over dinner portions, knowing very well that Mako would let Bolin have the most of the seaweed noodles. They could make out Air Temple Island, where Tenzin was most likely memorising map routes, training schedules and meditation sessions - even though he'd have everything written down anyway. Asami heard Korra chuckle slightly, and turned her attention towards her as she uttered the words, "I'm going to miss this place." Then the realisation of Korra leaving and the uncertainty of when she'd return, hit Asami hard. She fought to keep the tears away but wanted so badly for Korra to know how much this was going to affect her. She opened her mouth several times, but the words never came out. Korra, sensing this in Asami, felt she knew what she was trying to say, and moved her hand to hold hers. Her rugged and calloused hands felt soft and smooth against the pale of Asami's skin, as her fingers ever so gently skimmed down Asami's forearm, along her wrist, fitting snuggly into her palm as their fingers locked and intertwined with one another's. Asami, feeling the sudden flush of skin on skin contact, peeked down towards their clasped hands. "I know. I'm going to miss you too 'Sami." Korra said finally, causing Asami to look up to find Korra warmly smiling at her. A tear escaped Asami's eye as she shifted closer to rest her head on Korra's shoulder, who welcomed the embrace. Words didn't need to be spoken, as they stood wrapped in each others warmth, whilst the sun set and the bright, vibrant colours quickly faded as street lights, shop lights, apartment lights and head lights lit the city up completely, illuminating the dark sky above. All the while Asami had been gazing deeply into Korra's sapphire blue eyes. She’d never seen eyes as blue as hers. She smiled to herself, remembering that it was never hard to spot Korra in crowds. Her caramel coloured skin was always the first to give her away as water tribe, along with her wolf tails, but it was Korra’s eyes that made her different from everyone else. Well, Asami thought, that and her boisterous nature. Asami began to look down at Korra’s lips, and began leaning in, but upon seeing that Korra had been completely distracted watching the setting die down only to be revived by the bustling city lights, she began to second guess herself, before finally her lips were shied away from their destination when her haze and lust was interrupted by a sudden thought that had invaded Korra's mind;
“I just remembered, back at the party, when we were talking before, you know… you were saying you were scared about things changing, but that you had to know. What did you mean by that? I can tell it’s been on your mind for a while. What was it about? Did you want to talk about it?” Korra asked, still looking into Asami’s eyes but a look of concern for her friend had filled the expression on her face.
Asami looked away, she contemplated telling Korra her feelings, how she’s felt today about it being such an a good day and sealing the day as an amazing one should she finally get the kiss she'd been waiting so long for, but Asami knew she couldn't be selfish. Not with Korra. She knew she couldn't tell her friend not to go, but to stay with her instead. She knew she couldn't tell Korra how it felt like she wouldn't be whole without her. She knew she couldn't tell her how she felt, because whilst it would make Asami more than happy to have Korra around, Korra's responsibilities were now bigger than ever. She had an obligation to the world, and those who inhabited it. So she regrettably bit her tongue.
“Oh, it's nothing we can’t talk about when you get back. Besides, the not knowing for you if anything will bring you back to me sooner.” Asami said. Korra laughed, the girl knew her too well. “You’re right, it will probably be on my mind among other things... But that’s not if Tenzin doesn’t occupy it with his planning of the trip right down to the tee.” Korra said and ruptured Asami into series of laughs. “Oh gosh, you two are going to have the most amazing time.” She said sarcastically. “Ha, ha, ha laugh it up Sato,” lightly punching Asami's shoulder, “but we better get back.”
Asami had lost track of time, before she knew it, she and Korra were racing through the bushes on Naga, speeding back to the wharf.
(Korra)
Republic City Harbour
“So I guess this is goodbye for now huh” she said, hopping off Naga as the polar bear dog excitedly bounded off towards the platform and onto the ferry. The White Lotus guards were standing idly close by, preparing in case any more citizens came at any second eager to catch a glimpse at the Avatar. “Yeah, I guess it is…” Asami replied back, she stood close to Korra who could practically feel the air she was breathing. Hot, heavy breaths heaving against her skin. She didn’t know why, but it was intoxicating. She’d had such an amazing last day, glad she spent it solely with Asami. It made her painfully aware just how much she was going to miss her.
Asami, who Korra could see under the street lights, was beginning to develop tears in her eyes. They slipped from her emerald green eyes, and gently slid down her cheeks. But before they left her face, Korra caught them, moulding them into one, turning it into ice. She took hold of Asami's open palm and placed it inside, wrapping her fingers around it and kept her hands over Asami's as she said, “I bet I’ll be back before this even melts” laughing in an attempt to cheer up her friend. Asami giggled and pulled Korra in to a warm embrace. Korra’s hands left Asami's to wrap around Asami’s waist, pulling her closer until they were completely pressed together, whilst the taller girl snaked her arms around her neck, snuggling her face into Korra's neck.
Korra could once again feel Asami's breath tickling her skin. However in all the years she'd known her, they'd never been this close. Korra found herself fixated on how close they stood together, how Asami felt pressed against her, her warmth radiating into Korra and how merely the air that escaped Asami was giving Korra the most wildest sensations she'd ever experienced. A small smile stretched across her face, upon noticing minutes had passed with Asami never letting an inch of space come between them.
When they did pull apart, it was slow. Korra could sense she wasn't the only one who didn't want to pull away. Asami’s cheek slightly brushed hers when they did and for a second Korra thought that Asami had leant further toward her. Korra’s heart skipped a little, slight tingles ruptured throughout her body, butterflies escaped in her stomach and goosebumps revealed themselves when the hairs on her body stood up, as her eyes fluttered shut, moving in to meet Asami. Before Korra could make out what might have been happening, she heard a sudden splash from behind her and quickly turned, unintentionally pulling herself away from Asami in the process, only to catch Naga excitedly biting at a passing school of fish from the ferry.
“I uh, I guess I’ll take that as my cue to go,” she said, ultimately stepping away from Asami, her arms snaking from her shoulders, down her arms, to meet Asami's hands which were still clutching the frozen form. "Sooner than you think" she said, as she walked away until her hand was no longer on Asami's. Korra jogged up the stairs to the platform and jumped onto the ferry, who’s engine had already been turned on and slowly moved away from the docks. She lifted her arm up to wave goodbye to Asami, smiling towards her friend who smiled sadly back.
(Asami)
Republic City Harbour
Several things ran through Asami's mind. The first, was how stupid she was. The second, was how she wasn't stupid. Her third thought, was telling the second to shut up because she was stupid for not kissing Korra. Her next onslaught of thoughts comprised of the realisation that Korra had leaned in. Korra was going to kiss her. Korra was going to kiss me... KORRA WAS GOING TO KISS ME. Her next thoughts came more rapidly than most, as she let her imagination shamelessly run wild. Before reality kicked in, as the ferry chugged further and further away. Even though Asami knew it wouldn't have been right, that Korra was leaving and she couldn’t stand in the way of her fulfilling her duties to the world as the Avatar, she couldn't help but imagine. She couldn't help but wonder. She was sick of fighting the urges. She was sick of hiding her feelings. She felt utterly disappointed that no matter how much she wished to express them, she couldn't. But she couldn’t fight herself from running up to the edge of the docks. “Korra!” she shouted, loud enough for her to hear. She was about to go inside the ferry, where the guards were eagerly beckoning her to go, before she turned back to face me, “Asami?” she yelled back. “Korra, I lo—“ I was once again interrupted as I looked past Korra to see that Naga had suddenly collapsed to the ground after violently barking at something on the ship.
(Korra)
Republic City Harbour
Naga’s barking followed by her sudden collapse, caught Korra completely off guard. She turned on her feet and after witnessing a White Lotus guard reveal stunners, Korra immediately jumped into a fighting stance. Years of training immediately put into effect as if it were second nature. Korra wasted no time in defending herself and trying to take down the imposters. She quickly bent a whirlpool of air towards the closest criminal, sending him spiralling overboard. Just as another charged at her, trying to get close range in order to limit Korra’s use of her bending, she rolled back and caused a huge swell of water onto the ferry deck and froze the man by his ankles before throwing him off the boat as well. But before she could turn around to fight anymore of the criminals, she herself felt her limbs forced to relax and go numb, a slight pang on her shoulder blades. Korra came to a halt. Confused and not able to understand why her body was operating against her will, she reached behind and pulled 3 stun darts out from her back. There must be some kind of toxin inside the darts that’s making me weak, she thought. Her senses slowly going numbing involuntarily, “Korra!” she could hear Asami scream, “Korra look out!” but it was too late, she was surrounded by White Lotus guards who were now peering off their disguises and uniforms to reveal criminals she’d never seen before. Who were they? What did they want? She tried bending, screaming, anything, but instead dropped to her knees uncontrollably, fighting to keep herself up and awake. She looked back towards the harbour and could still see Asami, only just. She was growing smaller and smaller, as the boat that held her sped further and further away. Blackness started creeping into her vision. Enclosing everything she could see around her before finally it went completely black and she fell to the ground in a collapsed heap.