#this could be about korra or izumi take your pick | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

orangepanic · 3 years

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I saw this “100 OTP questions” by @the-moon-dust-writings and figured I'd procrastinate:

1. Who loves flower crowns more?

Neither of them really, but Asami might make Iroh wear one just to laugh at him.

2. Who is the one who likes to cuddle?

Iroh. Asami likes it, too, but he usually initiates.

3. Who has awful taste in music?

Honestly, both of them. Asami likes terrible dance music and Iroh likes obscure combinations of horns and bells and stuff from different cultures.

4. Who is the meme lover?

Asami thinks they’re funny. Iroh doesn’t quite understand.

5. How did their second date go?

Iroh tried to take Asami somewhere very fancy, but the wait was too long. They ended up making out in a shadowy doorway down the street and missing their reservation entirely. Iroh was mortified, but Asami dragged him around the corner to a low-key noodle shop that has since become their favorite restaurant.

6. How many children do they want/have?

Asami thinks about three. Iroh, as many as Asami will agree to.

7. Who hides the weapons?

Iroh hides weapons for Asami around the house so she’ll always have something on hand. In a drawer in the kitchen, on her nightstand, etc. He knows she can take care of herself… and he stashes weapons for her anyway. Asami rolls her eyes but secretly thinks it’s sweet.

8. Who is the better dancer?

Asami. She likes dancing, and learned formal dancing in school. Iroh can’t dance at all, having skipped out on all his lessons as a child after bribing his instructor. He thought dancing is boring, but likes dancing with Asami and lets her lead.

9. Do/Did they have a theme wedding?

No. They quite deliberately have a very normal wedding, including cutting out a lot of the more stuffy Fire Nation customs because Iroh doesn’t want Asami to feel out of place not having any family present.

10. What do their parents think of them dating?

Hiroshi Sato is livid, and actually tried to have Iroh assassinated from prison. His little girl, marry a firebender? A prince of the firebenders? Iroh’s parents are more accepting. Izumi initially thinks Asami is too young and gives Iroh a hard time about how quickly he got serious, but quickly comes around when it’s clear Asami is very mature for her age. Within a year Iroh’s parents are both hounding him on when he’ll make it official.

11. Are they a super sappy couple?

They are that couple everybody hates.

12. How did they get together?

They meet during the Equalist revolution, but don’t get together until long after. Iroh has a crush on Asami almost immediately, but spends forever sitting on it thinking it wasn’t the right time and trying to be friends until one day he just kind of slips up and kisses her. She kisses him back. It turns out Asami liked him, too, but she isn’t great at reading people and had no idea he was interested.

13. Who asked the other to get married?

Iroh just kind of blurts it out one day.

14. Who stays up too late and makes stupid jokes?

Asami is the night owl. Iroh makes the bad jokes.

15. Who is the nerd?

Oh my god, both of them. Asami is more of the classic nerd. Iroh is more of a dork.

16. Who knows the most obscure facts?

Iroh.

17. Who makes the other a flower crown?

Two questions about flower crowns out of 100?? Changing this to who is more dominant in bed. Asami.

18. Who likes to read?

Iroh. They both do, but he’s much more into it.

19. Who bothers the other person while the other person reads?

Asami. She has the shorter attention span.

20. Who tutors the other?

They both would in different subjects. Asami is better at math, physics, etc. Iroh is better at philosophy and languages.

21. Do they have similar taste in movies?

No. Asami likes gory slasher films and lots of action. Iroh scoffs and thinks they’re dumb. Asami, in turn, thinks his period dramas can be kind of boring, and refuses to count documentaries as movies. But there’s a healthy overlap in things like Vikings and Game of Thrones.

22. How do their personalities complement each other?

Asami helps Iroh lighten up a bit, drawing him out of his shell, and gives him an anchor and a sense of home. She’s more social than he is, and a lot of her friends eventually become his. But she’s also quiet enough and serious enough that she doesn’t tire him out and can feed his need for downtime. Iroh, in turn, loves seldom but deeply, and gives Asami the kind of fierce, unconditional love and stability she needs. He’s also genuinely interested in her projects, is smart enough to follow most of it, and is one of the only people who can occasionally beat her in Pai Sho. They have a lot of fun together just being nerds.

23. How do they tell everyone that they are going to be having a kid/adopting a child soon?

They don’t have to tell anybody. It’s all over Iroh’s face like a big neon sign.

24. Who has better fashion sense?

Asami, but not by much. She’s more up to date with trends, while Iroh’s style is clean and classic.

25. Who will punch someone out if they are rude to their partner?

Hoo boy, both of them. Do not go there.

26. What songs do they sing together in the vehicle?

Neither of them sing in the satomobile. Iroh has a decent voice, but he’s a bit private about it. Asami mostly hums.

27. What other couple would your otp get along with?

Iroh quickly becomes BFFs with Bolin. Asami and Opal aren’t quite as close, but they like each other’s company and have fun as a foursome. They also get along quite well with Pema and Tenzin.

28. Who likes to prank the other?

Iroh tries more often. Asami’s pranks are more successful.

29. Who is the one who loves to take pictures?

Iroh, though generally Korra is the picture taker in the group.

30. How would they react if they found out they were soul mates?

Iroh raises an eyebrow. “Hmm.” Asami only shrugs. They both already knew that.

31. Where would they live?

They like Republic City and decide to stay downtown, first in an apartment and eventually a larger townhouse.

32. What type of dragon would they own, if they could have one?

Whichever one Iroh made friends with. Asami is a bit wary of animals and would need him to convince her it was safe.

33. If they were both vampires, what type of vampires would they be?

The kind that live in a beautiful house with perfect collections that took hundreds of years to make. Iroh has first editions of everything in a giant library, arranged in a complex system only he understands. He’s working on his 14th language. Asami has invented artificial blood and doesn’t miss sunburns. Occasionally she’ll throw one of those big fancy vampire balls just so they can both get dressed up. They’re pretty happy.

34. What would they dress up as, for Halloween?

They once went as Lady Tienhai and the last king of Mo Ce because picking something obscure and historical was the only way to get Iroh into a costume.

35. Can they name each other’s favourite food?

Kind of. They are both really into food, so picking a favorite is hard. But if the question is can they order for one another, absolutely.

36. Do they have pet names for one another?

Asami sometimes calls Iroh “General Hotstuff” when she’s teasing. Iroh sometimes calls Asami “sex pretzel” when he’s 1000% sure they are alone.

37. How do they cheer each other up?

Asami is more of a gift giver. She’ll show up with Iroh’s favorite take-out or make him something in her workshop—anything to make him feel special and valued. Iroh is all about quality time, and will swing by Asami’s office to haul her out on surprise dates. He also gives great hugs.

38. Do they show a lot of PDA?

No. Iroh is very uncomfortable with PDA, especially when he’s in uniform. Asami follows his lead.

39. How old were they when they got together?

Asami was 19-20, Iroh 24-25.

40. Who is the one that would bring the puppy home?

Iroh, 100%. He’s such a sucker.

41. Can they do yoga couple’s poses?

Yes, though Asami is the only one who really tries.

42. What is their song?

They don’t really have one.

43. What does their room look like?

Asami moved in with Iroh, so it’s very basic. White walls, perfectly made bed, a neatly organized desk in the far corner by the window. He’s a total minimalist, having spent most of his adult life on a ship. Asami added a very fluffy comforter in *gasp* a color and lots of pillows.

44. Who would be the one to kill zombies while the other keeps them grounded?

They’d take turns, and at some point Asami would turn it into a contest.

45. Who makes the other breakfast in bed?

Iroh. Asami is a terrible cook.

46. Who loves kids more?

Iroh.

47. Do either of them have a crazy ex?

Not crazy, but Iroh and his ex are not on good terms. He doesn’t like to talk about it.

48. What are their favourite colours?

Asami, purple. Iroh, black. He gets annoyed when people get him so much red stuff.

49. Who likes to cook?

Iroh. He fired Asami from the kitchen, something they are both grateful for.

50. Who is the forgetful one?

Asami.

51. Does either of them know how to fight?

Have you met these people?

52. What do they do for Valentines Day?

Iroh would probably plan something elaborate for them to go out. Asami would plan something sexy for when they got home.

53. Who swears more?

Asami, at least out loud. Iroh mostly swears under his breath.

54. Who has the better comebacks?

Asami. It’s not even close.

55. Who would start a fight with another parent at a bake sale?

Probably Asami, unless it was about the kids. If anyone comes for Iroh’s kids, they’d better hide.

56. Who reads buzzfeed?

Asami.

57. Who is the hopeless romantic?

Iroh, hands down.

58. Do either of them know how to do a handstand?

Asami can manage it.

59. Who can rap better?

Asami, though Iroh is the only one who actually listens to rap.

60. Do either of them want to go sky diving?

Asami would love to. Iroh laughs. “Been there.”

61. What do they usually text about?

Some version of “I miss you” or random pictures of stuff. They generally only text when Iroh is away as they’re both busy during the day.

62. Who is the dramatic one?

Asami has a shorter fuse. Iroh is more ridiculous when he loses his shit.

63. Is either one confrontational?

Not really.

64. What is their favourite cuddle position?

Asami will lay on top of Iroh on the couch like a sandwich. It’s the only position she seems to be able to nap in.

65. Who are their favourite musical artist(s)?”

See above about terrible taste in music.

66. What are their parenting styles?

Iroh covers a lot of the basics. He sets a schedule, makes lunches, tells bedtime stories, is more likely to help with the homework. Asami is the one who gets them around and does most of the interacting with teachers, other parents, etc. They share things fairly equally.

67. Who would be the more laid back one?

Iroh.

68. Who listens to more vulgar music?

Asami.

69. Do either of them have secrets even the other doesn’t know?

Yes. Asami can be secretive about some of her projects, both out of an abundance of caution but also because she likes a big reveal. Iroh keeps some past relationship stuff close, and will occasionally read a steamy romance novel for “tips.”

70. Who is their go to couple for a double date?

Bolin and Opal

71. Do they tip the waiter/waitress on their date?

Iroh tips very well.

72. How do they work out a fight?

Asami yells. Iroh yells back. One of them storms off. The other one waits about half an hour then goes to find them, usually with an offering of food. There are hugs. Somebody cries. Then they finally talk it out before falling asleep together.

73. Who brings home an illegal pet?

Asami. She is less likely to have a pet, but if she does, it’s going to be a weird one.

74. What side of the bed do each of them sleep on?

Iroh is on the side by the window because he likes to get up with the sun.

75. What is their favorite photo of them two together?

There’s a photo Korra took at the beach where Iroh has Asami thrown over his shoulder right before dunking her in the water. This is the picture he takes with him when he’s deployed.

76. Who takes longer in the bathroom?

Asami.

77. Who has more songs on their ipod?

Iroh. If you can call them songs.

78. What movie did they first see together?

Iroh took her to Last Days of the Sun Warriors. She fell asleep. He said the book was better.

79. What do they like to see each other in?

Asami thinks Iroh’s butt looks great in jeans. Iroh got Asami a red silk robe from the Fire Nation and likes to see it fall off.

80. Who makes jokes during inappropriate times?

Iroh.

81. At what age do they discuss the possibility of children?

Mid-20s, though they don’t have them until a little later.

82. What do they love about each other the most?

Iroh likes that Asami is tough and smart and a problem-solver. Asami likes that Iroh is kind and brave and has a strong moral compass.

83. Who is the one that sees the big picture, while the other focus’s on the small details?

They are both big picture people, which is sometimes a problem. Of the two, Asami is probably better at details, but she’s also forgetful.

84. What would they write on their partner’s social media’s for their anniversary?

Asami would probably put up a picture of them and say something brief but sweet. Iroh doesn’t really understand social media and would just paste a heart-eyes emoji.

85. Who is bad at math?

Iroh. He’s not bad, per se, but Asami is very, very good.

86. Who googles everything?

Asami.

87. Who does stuff on impulse?

Both of them in different ways. Asami is generally more flexible. Iroh usually has a plan but makes big decisions completely off the cuff.

88. How do they comfort each other when they are helpless to do anything about the situation?

Lots of physical touch. Iroh will kind of just wrap himself around her in one giant, whole body hug. Asami will spend some time cursing out whomever is causing the issue, then let him lay his head in her lap and give Iroh a good head scratch or massage.

89. What is an inside joke they have?

There was one time they had sex in Asami’s office at Future Industries, so occasionally she’ll drop things like, “feel like coming by the office?” with a suggestive eyebrow waggle. Iroh is, predictably, very embarrassed. Also interested.

90. Who makes the other smile with almost no effort at all?

Asami: *exists* Iroh: *smiles*

91. What is their favourite holiday?

New Years is a big deal in the Fire Nation. Iroh loves his family and likes going home, and Asami has grown to love it almost as much.

92. Who is the one that is calm and collected while the other is angry and destructive?

They take turns. Both of them can have quite a temper when pushed too hard.

93. What is their favourite board game to play?

They’re both big Pai Sho fans, but can get into any kind of strategy game. Nobody really likes to play them though, they're too good.

94. Who accidentally sets something on fire?

Asami. Iroh hasn’t had a fire accident since he was four.

95. Who has the car ready while the other is robbing the store?

Asami. She’d rob the store, too, but no way is she letting Iroh drive.

96. What artist/group did they go to for their first concert?

Iroh booked a private box at the Republic City Opera, thinking that was an impressive thing he should do on a date. It turns out neither of them like opera, and by the end they were both making fun of it.

97. Who sleep talks?

Asami. Iroh thinks it’s funny.

98. Who is the more social one?

Asami, by a long shot.

99. What are their karaoke songs?

Neither of them would really sing karaoke, but Iroh cannot hold his liquor like at all so if he ever got really plastered Asami might be able to drag him up there. By which point he’d be too far gone to have an opinion on the song and would sing just about anything.

100. Who would get up on stage and make a fool of themselves just to make the other laugh?

Asami.

#irosami #this is all canon now #kidding

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storytellingfandom · 4 years

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Calculators and Key Changes

Summary: Kazami blew into Republic City High like a hurricane. The students loved her, she changed how the arts program was run and rose it out of the ashes. She got along with most all of the staff, that is, except for one.

Lin would give her props for saving the arts program, but that’s as far as it went. The failed opera singer was obviously looking for what she’d see as an “easy” gig to get her back in the papers and then abandon her students. And she wasn’t going to offer praise for a one trick pony.

But when things shift, when there’s an understanding, can their students push the two titans of the school together to find their own happiness?

A/N: This is a completely self indulgent high school AU. I tried to write it in second person POV, but it didn’t flow well so it is third person with it being Lin x OC. Many props go to @kuvirasbrat for helping me get this shaped though <3

Wordcount: 21,685

Homecoming season at Republic City High meant many things. Mostly, it meant spirit days where both students and teachers made fools of themselves attempting to meet the day’s theme. Today was easy enough, it was a “Going to the Beach!” motif. Kazami dug around in her closet until she finally found the floppy hat that she’d been gifted one year. Putting it on her head, she checked her outfit in the mirror. She’d chosen a bright blue tank top that highlighted her eyes, the straps of swimsuit could be seen just enough. Over it, she wore her black, floral, kimono style cardigan over it to cover herself. Itw as one of her favorites that fell a bit long on her form. Her dark skinny jeans were on point for those trips and she finally slipped into her old sandals to finish it off. Making sure she had her large sunglasses as well, her high ponytail made the hat uncomfortable but it could be fixed at school. She was already running late.

Running out to her car, she’d have to skip the coffee this morning, but Lin had been surprising her with a coffee on her desk lately. She really needed to remember to thank her properly for that, maybe with some homemade scones.

Thanks to a dicey streetlight call, really it was yellow and why would you have them there if not to get people through, she made it on time. Opening the choir room door, she moved to throw her purse in the desk drawer again and smiled when she saw not only the coffee but a croissant sitting on her desk as well.

“Lin Beifong you are a mind reader.” Kazami murmured as she sat back with both the coffee and the pastry. Tossing the hat on the desk for now, she enjoyed the quiet that had enveloped her.

Finishing the croissant, she got up and opened her classroom doors to let in her students. Parking her sunglasses on the top of her head, she smiled and complimented her students as they filed in with their own beach gear. Bolin of course outdid them all with his old time full body swimsuit and inflatable rubber duck.

Sipping the coffee a little bit more, hoping for the caffeine to kick in, she walked over to the piano. “Alright, shall we--”

“Ms. Ikeda, isn’t that Ms. Beifong’s handwriting on your cup?” Asami asked, taking her normal spot next to the piano.

“I don’t know Miss Sato, perhaps you’d like to take it down to her and see for yourself?” Kazami raised a brow, fingers pressing into the keys. “And while you’re at it, perhaps you can pass along Korra’s sweatshirt to her.”

Asami blushed but immediately backed down from the teasing question. Smirking at the student, the older woman threw a hand up and started into their warm ups.

******

Lin wasn’t the most fond of homecoming, or spirit week. The themes were ridiculous and she was not one to enjoy making a fool of herself. Today’s wasn’t so bad though, she supposed. Slipping into the school, she wore a pair of jeans she had cuffed to her ankles and belted to better fit her waist. Tucked into those pants was a dark green tank top covered by an open, white cotton button down shirt that she had rolled to her elbows. Donning a pair of sneakers, she made quick strides to her classroom to see if the surprise coffee would be there again.

Flicking the lights on, she smiled when indeed, it was. Grabbing the cup, she smiled when she saw the little message on the cup.

See you for lunch duty! Enjoy!

Grabbing the cup, she sipped it and hummed at the taste of her coffee. Grabbing the graded tests from her bag, she sat in her chair and took some time with her coffee. She ought to find out what Kazami’s coffee order is and surprise her with some. She was sure Kya knew it, the two had gone for coffee with Izumi. Or maybe one of the kids would know. Asami would tell her without too much guff.

Reaching for her pen, other things that needed to be graded sat on her desk calling to her. Starting in on those she contemplated the choir director. The woman seemed to be genuine in all of her interactions, she ought to look up a video of her performing one of these days. The more she talked to her, the more curious she had become.

At first, interactions stuck to the lunch room. Cordial comments slowly became banter. Banter became conversations and observations of students. From there it began to move out of the lunch room. It began with little moments of poking their heads in during each other’s office hours, walking each other out at the end of the day, and coordinating to stand around at things together. They bonded over a shared love of enjoyment of obscure books that made them think, and trashy romance novels that made them laugh, old time movies, the fact that neither could stand Raiko as principal but weren’t about to leave their students to him, and the fact that coffee was the superior drink only next to a good aged red wine.

Humming to herself, she looked up when a knock sounded through her office and she saw Mako standing there. “Hey kid, come on in.”

“Hi chief, I was wondering if I could get you to explain this again. I’m not getting it.” Mako said, stepping into the room and set his bag down.

“Sure, You have your book?” Lin asked, reaching for her glasses. The homework could wait a little longer. “Alright, show me where you’re getting lost.”

********

When Lin strode into the cafeteria, she smirked when she saw Kazami, this time wearing her hat, and her large sunglasses on her face.

“Now that’s a look.” Lin commented, chuckling slightly at the indignant look Kazami threw back at her.

“I will have you know I am a peak fashion icon amongst the other teachers. Besides, you need one of these hats worse than I do.” Kazami pointed out, reaching up to pull the sunglasses off for now.

There they were, there were those damn eyes that seemed to lure her in. “If you say so. At least we don’t have kids coming in just their swimsuits.”

“You must not have had Bolin in your class yet.”

“...please don’t tell me…”

“Oh yes, complete with an inflated rubber duck. The good news is that it’s an older suit so he’s covered.”

“Spirits give me strength.”

Kazami lost it then, laughing at the horrified look on Lin’s face. A hand reached out to rest on Lin’s toned armed and the grey haired woman smiled at the other.

“Glad you find it so hilarious.” Lin rolled her eyes, crossing her arms.

“The look on your face is priceless! Oh, I wish I’d had my camera.” Kazami wiped the corner of her eyes from the tears that had formed. “Your outfit is great though, I meant to tell you. The green does great things for your eyes.”

Lin felt a blush cross her cheeks, and murmured a quiet thanks to the other as they kept one eye on their students. “Speaking of this homecoming crap, are you going to the big game tonight?”

“I don’t know, are you?” Kazami asked, looking over at her. “They’re not really my thing normally but if you’re going and want some company I’d show up.”

“You don’t have to, a couple of the kids in my class asked me to go tonight. I can go on my own though.” Lin shrugged, she’d done it often enough. But a part of her really hoped that she’d go.

“No, I’d like to go. I can support the band students, a couple of them are in my choir classes as well, and besides, someone has to make sure you don’t get too grumpy.” Kazami teased, nudging her. Digging her granola bar out of her pocket, she handed half to Lin with a small smile.

Returning the gesture, Lin took the granola bar offered to her and bit into it. It’d become their tradition. One would bring a bar to eat and they’d split it. Hers tended to be nut and fruit based with either chocolate or peanut butter drizzled on it. Lin’s tended to be more protein based, but found herself leaning towards ones that were a little sweeter as they started to share more lunch duties together.

“Do you want to meet at the school tonight?” Lin asked, finishing a bite of the granola bar.

“Actually, do you want to meet somewhere? We could grab pizza then head over.” Kazami offered, moving to toss the wrapper for the bar in the trash. “Besides, trying to find anyone at those games is impossible.”

Lin blinked and felt her heart rate pick up. It wasn’t a date. Was it? No, surely she wouldn’t just drop it that simply if it was. Would she? Shit, now she was taking too long to reply.

“Sure, that sounds great.”

“Great! I’ll shoot you an email this afternoon with my number. I definitely want to go home and change into something a bit warmer to sit out in the evening air in.” Kazami beamed at Lin.

“Here, I have my phone with me.” Lin answered, digging into her pocket for it. Handing it over, she let Kazami put her number in and watched as she called herself.

“There, that’s perfect.” Hearing the bell sound, Kazami smiled at Lin. Reaching up, she took her hat and put it on Lin’s head and chuckled at the look. “I’ll text you the place. Enjoy the hat.”

*********

“Did you see that?!” Bolin asked, practically bouncing in his seat.

“Ikeda definitely gave her number to Beifong!” Korra grinned as the group stood to head to class.

“I wonder if they’re going on a date tonight.”

“I doubt it, Beifong promised to be at the game tonight.”

“It’s the weekend, idiot. They could still go out.”

“Oh my-- she gave her the hat!”

“Everything is going according to plan.”

“We’ll have to plan our next moves carefully though.”

“This ship will sail before the end of the year.”

*********

Spirits, what had she been thinking? Kazami sighed and rubbed her face. They were just going to pizza as colleagues, newly found friends. Right? Sure, Lin was attractive, there was no denying that. You’d be stupid not to acknowledge it. She also had a wicked sense of humor when you dug around for it. And apparently a sweet side. But it wasn’t a date. Was it?

Well, fuck.

“Just keep it casual.” Kazami muttered to herself.

Keeping the same dark wash skinny jeans, she pulled on one of the black t-shirts she had in her closet with the gold “Republic City High Choir” printed on it in a not completely terrible cursive font. On the back of it she had “Director” printed. Most of the other kids with this one had their section. It was a whole thing last year. Throwing a dark cardigan over it, she slipped into ankle boots before finally releasing her hair from it’s high ponytail. Running fingers through it, she enjoyed the soft waves that she managed to tease out of it and shook it out. Grabbing a blanket from one of the hall closets, the weather had said it was going to be one of the colder nights tonight, she headed out to her car.

Lin waited outside of the pizza shot, leaning against the old brick easily. She’d kept the jeans and sneakers on, and she also kept the green tank top, but had pulled on a warmer sweater over it. Seeing Kazami’s car pull up behind hers, she smiled and pushed away from the building before walking to her car to open the door for her.

“Why thank you, my good lady.” Kazami smiled and stepped out of the car.

“I haven’t seen that one.” Lin said, pointing at her shirt.

“They were for a trip we took last year.” Kazami answered, leading the way over to the building.

********

Eating pizza, Kazami learned that Lin preferred her pizza spicy if possible and was a meat eater. She also would pair it with a lighter beer, that was unexpected, but fascinated Kazami. She preferred a pizza slice covered in vegetables, and if that wasn’t available, just a simple cheesy slice would always do the trick as well. Following Lin’s example with the beer, the two grabbed a table and dug into their food. Kazami insisted on buying dinner since it was her idea in the first place.

The topics remained light, after all, they’d be heading out soon for the game. Questions about lessons, when the next concert was and if Kazami needed some help with setting up the choir shell, how the math team was going and were they thinking about cooperating with the new engineering team that met up after school.

Finishing their dinner, they stood from the table and walked back to their cars.

“Why don’t you ride with me over? We can come back for your car once the game is over.” Lin offered when Kazami had headed for her own vehicle.

“That’s not a bad idea, let me just grab the blanket I threw in here for tonight.” Kazami agreed, pulling the door of her car open to grab it.

Hurrying over to Lin again, she climbed into the car and settled in it. She wasn’t surprised at all with how clean the inside of Lin’s car was. Everything was pristine. Enjoying the subtle eucalyptus and lavender smell she’d picked for it, Kazami settled and held the blanket close to herself.

“So do you go to this game every year?” Kazami asked, looking over at her.

“Almost. Usually have a student or two that asks me to go and support them.” Lin shrugged, easily easing them into traffic.

The radio played something quietly, a soft jazz if Kazami was picking it up right. Enjoying the easy quiet between them, she hummed along with the different instruments until they pulled into the parking lot.

********

Kazami had no idea what was going on while watching the game. All she knew was that she was cheering when Lin did, leaning over when she tried to explain things. She ended up with the band around half time, chuckling and speaking with the band director, hugging her kids that were also in choir.

The green eyed woman watched Kazami and felt herself smiling. The woman had no idea what was going on with the game but supported the students all the same. She made sure to see her students who played in the band, in her element and talking about the music that would be played for the halftime production. But she also made sure to get back to Lin before being gone too long.

“How’re they holding up?” Lin asked looking over at her.

“They’re great! The show is going to be great, I’ve seen them rehearse a couple of times.” Kazami answered, plopping down in her spot.

“I was going to go down to see my students, they’ve got the longer half time with the whole court thing. You mind if I go down there?” Lin asked, pulling her jacket closer to herself.

“Not at all, I think I’ll get us some tea actually. I’ve got a stash back in my classroom, and some honey. You want some?” Kazami asked, offering Lin a smile.

“That would be great, if you have jasmine I’d take some of that.” Lin answered, moving to stand.

“I do, and I’ll meet you back here.” Kazami answered , leaving her blanket to save their spots.

Tucked away in her classroom, she hummed to herself, filling her kettle and turned it on. Digging around in her cupboards, she managed to come up with two mugs. Dropping tea bags into them, she waited until the water boiled before pouring it in. Squeezing some honey in, she grabbed both of them before making her way back to the stadium.

Kazami made it back to their spot first and huddled on the bench. Smiling, she watched Lin talk with a couple of the kids before wrapping the blanket around herself. Setting Lin’s tea down, she brought hers up, holding it between both hands and took in the warm chai smells before taking her first sip.

When Lin returned to the bleachers, she took the tea herself and held it with a relieved sound. “Spirits it’s getting cold out.”

“There’s a reason I brought this along.” Kazami pointed out, watching Lin a moment before offering her one end of the blanket. “Come on, it’s warmer under here.”

Lin hesitated a moment before scooting closer and took the other side of the blanket. Their sides pressed together, it really was warmer. Her heart thudded gently as Azami’s light floral perfume hit her nose.

“You trust me?” Lin asked suddenly, looking over at Azami.

“Well that question worries me, but yes.” Azami answered, a confused look crossing her features.

“Come on.” Lin said, standing and reached to help her up.

********

Leading her through old staircases and up the older side of the building, Lin finally pushed a door open and led Kazami out onto the roof. The sun was going down, deep reds and pinks streaked across the golden sky as dark purples began to poke through as well.

“Lin...this spot is incredible.” Kazami said, turning to look at her.

“I used to come out here with Aang, back when I was their age.” Lin answered, coming to join her. Sitting down, Lin let her legs dangle off the edge, a hand reaching up to help Kazami down to sit next to her.

“I always forget you knew and grew up with that family.” Kazami said, settling next to Lin and offered her the blanket again.

They sat in companionable silence for some time, drinking their team and watching as the sky began to transition from the warm day into what appeared to be a cool night. Watching the kids, Kazami fell into the trap that sitting on a roof seemed to hold for people. She began to confess.

“I never wanted any of this you know.” Kazami murmured, staring out at the sky.

Lin frowned and turned to the other woman. “What?”

“I never wanted to be an opera singer. I enjoyed music, and singing, but I never wanted to spend my life doing that.” Kazami murmured, setting her mug aside, she pulled the blanket closer and sighed softly. “My mother wanted to go into it, but she didn’t have the voice for it. My grandmother sang and it was just...expected. When she found out I could sing...I was forced into lessons when I was five. I wasn’t allowed to go out often because I had lessons.”

“You were just a kid though.”

“And my mother didn’t care.” Kazami answered, a shrug coming from her. “I didn’t have siblings, and my father locked himself in his study. When I wanted to go outside and play, or attend things like prom instead of a recital, I was guilt tripped. How could I not accept this, after all the effort she put into this. By the time I was old enough to realize it, I was trapped. I was signed up with a company. Hiding who I was because opera singers have doting husbands. They let their male counterparts woo them and their managers walk on them.”

A hand reached over for Kazami’s slender one. Lin squeezed her fingers between her own. “What did you want?”

Smiling, she leaned into Lin and sighed gently. “I wanted to own a bookshop. I would fill it with trinkets and maps from all over after I traveled. A safe space for all, with a little bakery.”

“I can see you in that, exactly like that.” Lin murmured, moving to lean her head against Kazami’s. “Why’d you go into teaching? Why not open your shop?”

“Being in the professional world...I saw so many kids like me. Trapped in a world of music that they didn’t want. That didn’t want them as they were. I wanted to give them that safe space. To be themselves, to love music, to give them the option to go into it long term, or just have a place where they could sing and have a break from other classes. As much as I wanted that shop I wanted to also help those kids.” Kazami answered, closing her eyes as she enjoyed the warmth and the comfort the other woman offered. “I didn’t want kids to break down like I did. To fall so deep into their own darkness to the point that they hated their craft.”

Lin had heard about the breakdown. About how Kazami had simply stopped in the middle of a production, walked off the stage, and closed the door on the auditorium. Her mother had publicly announced Kazami was dead to her. Disowned and written out when Kazami confirmed she was gay. She’d heard her talking to kids about the depression she’d suffered where she hadn’t been able to get out of bed. How confused she’d been about her own identity away from music. Who was she if she wasn’t an opera singer? And yet, here Lin sat with a woman who bent over backwards for her students and her friends. Who tried to do so much for everyone and be there for anyone that needed her.

And Lin understood so much of that story.

“You know who my mother is. Everyone does. She was a single mom raising us and I get that she was busy. My sister and I both understood it. The only difference is that nothing I did was ever enough. I was valedictorian, I was captain of our sports team, I went straight into college.” Lin murmured and sighed, shaking her head. “Suyin was the one that skipped school. Did anything that she could to get attention.”

“Well, good to know some things haven’t changed.” Azami said, before she could realize it. Suyin had started at the school around the same time she had. Needless to say, while she tried to be polite, she really wasn’t too fond of Suyin. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…”

“No, you’re definitely right.” Lin said, a bitter chuckle escaped from her. “I was dropping something off at school and caught Suyin trying to skip class and smoke spirits knows what. Tried to go after her and catch her but she threw a branch or some piece of metal she’d been holding, I didn’t pay too much attention to it, but it happened so fast and it sliced into my face. Mom took me to the hospital, nothing was written into Su’s file, she was sent to the grandparents who spoiled her. Mom quit at the end of the year. Neither one ever mentioned the event. I haven’t spoken properly to them since.”

She waited for Kazami to turn to her, to tell her that she should make things right with her family. That she should just forgive them at this point. But she didn’t. Instead, Kazami squeezed her hands and interlaced their fingers together. Instead of a pitying look, she offered her one of understanding and acceptance.

“Well, you’re not on your own anymore.”

The statement hung in the air, whether she meant it as friends, or something more, neither of them knew, but in that moment, as the game ended and they stayed up on the roof to continue to bear their souls to one another. Laughing quietly, huddling together, as the thread of the universe began to tie their fates together in a neat bow.

#lin beifong #lin beifong x oc #lin beifong/oc #legend of korra fanfic #lok fanfiction #lin beifong fanfiction #calculators and key changes

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writinginstardust · 5 years

Text

Accidentally In Love

Pairing: Mako x reader

Request: anonymous asked “ Do you write for Lok/Atla?Maybe can you write an imagine where the reader is the daughter of Iroh (Izumi's son) and she meets Mako and they fall in love? ”

Warnings: nothing really

A/N: It’s two for one on Mako fic today 😂 I rewatched LOK much sooner than I’d originally thought, like I honestly thought I wouldn’t get to this for another couple of months but for once I suprised myself in a good way. hope you like it, it got a little longer than i’d expected it to.

Word Count: 3002

My life could be summed up pretty well as a long series of accidents. Some good, some bad, some neither one nor the other, all changing my life in inexplicable ways with consequences I'd never intended. I was born an accident for starters, the product of two 18-year-olds scared they might never see each other again when one left with the United Forces on a particularly dangerous assignment. 9 months later, there I was.

I discovered I was a waterbender when I was five and accidentally knocked a candle over, managing to set the kitchen on fire. The water came to me in my moment of panic and I doused it without a second thought. Then I accidentally flooded the kitchen when I couldn't stop it and got myself sent to the southern water tribe to be trained.

It was there I met Korra although I was never supposed to. She'd slipped away and gone exploring and so had I. We bumped into each other and quickly became friends in the way kids do which somehow led to us being trained together. It also led to the rather unfortunate almost-drowning as we both pushed ourselves further than we were able to when we were 8.

Republic City became my home again not long after that.

There was no more life-changing accidents for a few years until I got my first boyfriend when I was 12. That didn't end well. Turns out I accidentally dated the son of one of the most elusive crime lords in the city and found out enough to help Chief Beifong take them down.

And the accidents didn't stop coming.

I got knocked over by Asami and her father chasing a dog across the road. That got me a new best friend. I almost got myself expelled from school by turning the gym into an ice rink and getting half the student body to cut class. That got me a ton of new friends, many of whom turned out to be bad influences. Thanks to them I got caught fighting in the street and only avoided punishment by Beifong at my dad's intervention. That's what landed me under constant supervision training in the United Forces and what finally let me redeem myself by saving everyone on my warship during an attack.

At 16 I became an officer, serving under my own father - the great General Iroh - and it's as odd as you'd imagine. I might have asked for a different assignment were it not considered such a great honour, especially for someone as young as I was at the time. It meant I got to spend more time with my dad at least, even if he was shouting orders much of the time. That wasn't something I'd had the luxury of growing up.

A few months ago I'd helped Korra and her friends defeat Amon and the equalists and met Mako. That changed everything for me yet again. I'd gone with him and Korra when the team split up and accidentally developed a bit of a crush as we worked together. So obviously I had to stay in Republic City after all that.

Beifong hired me without question when I asked and I ended up working alongside Mako. A lot. It should be no surprise that my next accident was a big one. I fell in love.

Who knows if he felt the same though.

We were grabbing dinner after a long day at work, both of us too tired to actually talk as we ate. I was watching him intently though. I did that a lot.

It was one of those rare occasions when he wasn't frowning even a little. He was like that when he was tired enough. The harsh angles of his face softened and the seemingly constant worry in his eyes eased. It was my favourite time to be with him.

He was more honest in those moments, more willing to open up about himself and his feelings. He was more willing to do that generally as of late actually. I wondered what new information I'd glean tonight.

"Hellooo," he dragged the word out, "You listening, (Y/N)?" Crap. I wasn't. I didn't even realise he'd started talking.

"Hmm?" I made sure to pay attention to what he was saying this time.

"I said, Beifong is letting me have the evening off for the Future Industries relaunch party in a few days-"

"Wait, there's a party ?"

"More like a gala but yeah, I thought you knew. Asami sent an invite." He frowned. I wish he wouldn't.

"I forgot to send her my new address."

He shook his head fondly and a small smile slipped onto his face. "Of course you did."

"Hey! I'm not normally that forgetful." He levelled me with a disbelieving look. "Okay fine, maybe I am. So what about the party?"

"Are you working Friday night?" I shook my head. "Good. Because I was going to ask…" He looked nervous and, dare I say it, a bit flustered. "Would you like to go...to the party...with me?"

It took a minute to compute that, it was the last thing I'd expected to hear. I watched as the hopeful smile that he'd been wearing slowly slid from his face as he mistook my silence.

"I'd love to," I finally blurted out.

"Really?"

"Yeah. It'll be fun." Our waiter came over and we quickly paid the bill and stood to leave.

"So, I'll come pick you up at 7?"

"Sounds great."

"I'll see you Friday then."

"See you Friday." I couldn't wait. He hugged me goodbye quickly and we went our separate ways home. It wasn't until I was getting changed for bed that I realised I hadn't asked one incredibly vital question. I hadn't asked if it was a date.

I radioed Asami in a panic the next morning and she dropped everything to come over and see me.

"So what did he say exactly?" She asked as I set a tray of tea down on the coffee table.

"He just asked if I wanted to go with him."

"Did he seem nervous?"

"A little I guess."

"Well then my guess is date."

"But he didn't do anything else to suggest it was. And maybe he was just worried I'd think he was asking me on a date and not as a friend."

"This is Mako so you might have a point there." She stirred her tea thoughtfully for a minute before looking up at me suddenly. I could practically see the lightbulb above her head.

"Okay so we don't know if it's a date but you want it to be, right?" I nodded and took a sip of my drink. "Well, in that case we need to go shopping."

I looked at her quizzically. "Shopping? I have clothes from the last party."

"Yes shopping. If we get you the right outfit we could easily turn 'friends hanging out' into an actual date. And if it's already a date, a great outfit can't hurt."

"You really think a good outfit can do that?"

"I know a good outfit can do that."

"Okay. Let's go shopping then."

"Bolin, I need your help." I didn't bother knocking and walked straight into my brother's apartment.

"Mako! It's great to see you bro! You gotta learn to knock first though."

"You should stop leaving your door unlocked and then maybe I would."

"Solid point. What can I do for you?"

"I have a date with (Y/N)."

"Well finally! You've been going on about her for months."

"I haven't- you're right, I have a bit." I flopped onto his couch and he took a seat beside me.

"Nice to see you admit it. So you've got a date, what's the problem?"

"I'm not sure she knows it's a date." He frowned.

"What do you mean? How could she not know it's a date?" I explained quickly and Bolin had his head in his hands by the time I was finished. "And you say you're the ladies man of this family."

"This is different. (Y/N) is different."

"Not a good enough excuse but we can salvage this."

"Okay, how?"

"First I'll say, from what you've told me she may well think it's a date." I breathed a sigh of relief. I hadn't completely messed up. "But we don't know that for sure so you've got to be observant. Look for signs of attraction, flirt a little, see how she reacts, you know the drill."

"That wasn't as helpful as i'm sure you thought it was."

"Wasn't meant to be."

"What?" I sat up and glared at him.

"You're an idiot. (Y/N) likes you, has for ages."

"How do you know?" He rolled his eyes with an exasperated sigh.

"Aside from it being obvious every time she looks at you? I'm her friend, I know things."

"She's better friends with me than you."

"That hurts bro."

"Bo-"

"Fine! Asami told me. But I knew anyway!"

"I've got to go." I stood abruptly and Bolin shot me a confused look as he got up too.

"What? Why?"

"Need to go shopping." I glanced at my watch quickly and cursed. "Actually I need to go to work. I'll see you later Bo."

"Bye!" He called out but I was already out the door. I'd be late if I didn't hurry and Beifong would probably make me work on Friday if I was. At least the conversation was worth it. At least now I knew she liked me.

Friday. 6:50. I was trying not to be sick. Nerves were getting the better of me. Honestly I'd feel so much better if I just knew what this was. Although, if it was a date for sure, I'd probably be hunched over the toilet by now so maybe this was just a little bit better.

I finished applying my makeup the way Asami had taught me and fixed my hair a little before sliding on my new dress. A dress I never could have afforded myself. Asami insisted though.

There was a knock at my door and I startled as I looked at the time. It was seven and the last 10 minutes had somehow gone in a snap. I rushed to find my shoes, yelling to Mako to come in as I did. The door clicked shut and he yelled out a greeting as I finally located the shoes under my bed.

"Sorry, I'll be out in just a minute," I called back and hastened to finish getting ready. I checked how I looked once more, tucking back a stray hair, and took a deep breath before stepping out into the living room. I could do this. It might not even be a date, I reminded myself again.

"Hey, (Y/-" he cut himself off and I was instantly worried. Well as worried as I could feel past the block in my brain that was screaming over how good he looked.

"Hey Mako," I smiled self-consciously and fiddled with my dress. He recovered himself at the sound of my voice and stood from my couch.

"Hey, (Y/N)." I bit back a grin.

"You already said that."

"Oh, right...uh, you ready to go?" I nodded and we left my apartment, walking down the stairs in an only slightly awkward silence.

"Woah! Nice wheels. Where'd you get that?" I was shocked when I saw the car he led me to. It was way too fancy to afford on our salary.

"Asami let me borrow it. Insisted I did actually. She said we should show up in style."

"She's not wrong. Let's go then." The drive was short and thankfully less awkward than the walk down. Whatever weird tension had been in my apartment - probably my fault - had dissipated and we chatted like we usually did.

We arrived at the party slightly late and the venue was already packed. A valet took the car keys from Mako and he offered me his hand as we walked up the steps together. A few photographers took pictures and the nerves from earlier started coming back. People knew who we were. People were going to talk, the papers speculate. What were they going to assume about us? And more importantly, would they be right?

I tripped on the last step, falling into Mako's arms as he moved to catch me automatically. His face was too close to mine and I struggled to breathe. Heat flared in my cheeks as I scrambled to get my footing back and pull out of his embrace. He shot me a concerned look but I just shrugged it off with a small smile and continued inside, tugging him along with me. I almost wished I hadn't when we entered and people turned to look.

The first hour was a bit off a mess. I mixed up people's names, spilled a few drinks, almost knocked over a table full of cakes, and tripped over just about everything. Eventually we ended up talking to Bolin and Asami. I excused myself to the bathroom with a pointed look to Asami. She got the hint and came with me.

"Are you okay?" She asked as the door shut behind us.

"Not even a little bit. I'm freaking out and I keep messing things up and I'm so nervous I think I might be sick and I still don't know if this is a date and if it is I'm on my way to making it the worst date ever and I know this is ridiculous because it's just Mako and he's one of my best friends so this shouldn't be awkward but I love him and he looks so good tonight and it's making me want to kiss him but I can't because I still don't know if he likes me too but I really want him to and I just think I'm going to ruin everything somehow-" the words kept tumbling out in a jumbled mess as I slowly got more hysterical and Asami finally had to cut me off.

"Breathe. Just breathe." She held my shoulders and took deep breaths herself for me to follow. I felt myself beginning to calm down. "Just keep breathing. You're fine, okay? You're not messing anything up. I've been watching you two since you got here and Mako definitely likes you too."

"How do you know?" I asked in a small voice

"It's obvious to everyone here. Honestly, if you could see the way he looks at you, you'd understand."

"You're sure?"

"Yes. Now go out there and get him."

"Okay."

"Am I messing this up?" I asked Bolin when the girls disappeared off to the bathroom. "(Y/N) seems so uncomfortable. Are you sure she actually likes me."

"I'm sure bro. If anything this proves it."

"How?"

"She's nervous, Mako. She likes you and you know that but I don't think she knows that you like her."

"Oh. Oh."

"Now you get it. She's hoping it's a date but she's not sure and she obviously doesn't want to mess anything up which is making her nervous and awkward."

"How in the world could you know that?"

"I'm very smart and observant." I gave him a pointed look. "Fine! Asami told me again. You know it hurts you don't think I could figure it out myself."

"You'll live." I patted him on the shoulder and he rolled his eyes before glancing behind me.

"Watch out, they're coming back."

"Well, it was good to catch up with you guys. I'll see you a bit later but I've got more guests to talk to now. Bolin?" He looked over at Asami. "You mind coming with me?"

"Of course."

"Enjoy the party you two." Asami hugged me then. "Good luck," she whispered in my ear before letting go and heading off with Bolin. I watched them leave, still slightly nervous to face Mako again. He cleared his throat and I turned my head.

"Would you like to dance?" Breathe, I told myself, you can do this.

"Sure." I took his hand and he led me to the middle of the room. The song playing was slow, thankfully since I wasn't a great dancer. I knew the steps and where to put my hands at least. His hand settled on my waist and electricity raced through me. I swallowed hard to control my nerves, trying not to get distracted by the warmth that spread from every point of contact as we started to dance. I was lost in him for a while and the silence went on. Finally it was broken.

"(Y/N)-"

"Mako-" we both spoke at the same time and I grinned at how ridiculous this all was.

"You go first," he said.

"Okay. I need to ask, I can't stand not knowing anymore, is this a date?"

"Yes."

"Okay." Okay? Why was that all I said?

"Are you alright with it being a date?" He looked a little worried. Unsurprising since all I said was okay. I wanted to smack myself for being such an idiot.

"Yes."

"Okay." A few seconds passed in silence again.

"So...does that mean you like me the way I like you?" I asked finally.

"That depends. Can I kiss you?"

"Please." And he did.

His lips were soft against mine, softer than I'd imagined actually, and the kiss was unhurried. He pulled me closer and I leaned into his body, letting his familiar warmth and comfort permeate my skin. It didn't last long but we stayed close when our lips parted.

"So is that a yes?" I whispered.

"I think it's a yes." He smiled and pulled me into another kiss. It occurred to me that people were watching and we'd probably have to suffer through the ordeal of it being in the papers but I found I didn't care all that much. Getting to finally kiss the guy I'd fallen in love with was more than worth it.

Tag Lists: (send an ask if you want to be added!)

Everything: @wonderfilledness

#mako #mako x reader #mako imagine #mako fanfic #mako x you #avatar #avatar fanfic #avatar imagine #lok fanfic #lok imagine #lok #reader insert

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99nzheorphanedacc · 5 years

Text

Trolling Su

Rating: K+ Words: 2455 Description: Korra keeps her promise to Baatar and Izumi teaches Suyin a much needed lesson.

For Lin and Tenzin, the airship ride to the Fire Nation was unbearably awkward. It felt like they were parents having to bail their child out of prison. Korra had sneaked into the Fire Nation with Baatar Jr. in tow. It was all because of a promise she made to keep the two separated if Baatar failed to talk Kuvira out of surrendering to Republic City during the Invasion of the United Republic only a few days prior. In a last effort to save her son from being tried for aiding the Great Uniter in her war crimes, the Matriarch of Zaofu even sponsored the Avatar’s plans and sponsored hers and her son’s passage in the cargo hold of some merchant vessel in an attempt to have the voyage go unseen by border control in the United Republic and Fire Nation Islands.

When Lin and Tenzin landed, they found Lin’s younger sister waiting for their arrival on the runway of the Royal Airfield, positively quaking while waiting for ‘an audience with her Lordship, Izumi’.

“Spirits, I miss the days when she was like a sister and we could just waltz in and –” Suyin grumbled, furious that no one allowed her to see her eldest son yet.

“Cry about how your sister beat you in sparring again?” Izumi asked, appearing behind them in all of her grey-hair and crimson-robed glory, accompanied by Tenzin’s two older siblings of all people.

“Zumi!” Lin exclaimed, rushing to hug the Fire.

“Bumi?” Tenzin asked, eyeing his older brother with surprise. “Kya?”

“We were on the islands just visiting when we got the report!” Kya explained, hugging her little brother first and then his ex-girlfriend.

“What report?” Tenzin asked.

“The report that Izumi had my son arrested?” Suyin asked pointedly.

“Spirits! No!” Izumi exclaimed. “The one that announced they’d been seen, the Avatar and the Great Uniter’s Fiancée, without visas or explanations for their presence on our pumice.”

“It was supposed to be Baatar’s punishment for his involvement in Kuvira’s Regime!”

“How is sending him on a vacation in my country a punishment?” Izumi asked, accepting a drink from a passing palace servant as they walked into the Red Keep.

“The punishment isn’t sending him on vacation! It is keeping him from Kuvira during the trials!” Suyin explained carefully.

“So he can get away un-accused without any sort of sentencing for building that spirit mecha?” Izumi asked Suyin.

“Well—” Suyin stammered. “Kuvira coerced him to—brainwashed him—”

“—You know, I was going to let them go, at first, as long as they didn’t disturb the peace we have worked so hard to achieve.” The Fire Lord explained, entering a private parlour of the palace. “But after Kya gave me a few drinks, apparently I gave the order to have them detained for illegal trespassing.”

“Why?” Suyin asked. “He’s my son!”

“I know, and I regretted it for a few minutes, but then stopped once you started talking,” Izumi finished, kicking her feet up onto a coffee table as she sat on a love seat with Kya.

“Bu—” Suyin stammered. “Zumi you can’t be serious!”

Izumi simply smirked as she took a sip of her drink and folded one arm under her other elbow.

“Oh, you’re cruel,” Lin exclaimed, laughing as she noticed the wicked grin just beyond the rim of the cup that Izumi made no attempt to hide.

“What have you done?!” Suyin yelled, stomping her foot, shaking the room. “Release my son at once! Lin you can’t let her do this! He’s a Beifong!”

“The Beifong name might mean something in Zaofu, and maybe Republic City on some days, but Suyi, this is the Fire Nation,” Lin apologized to her little sister.

“You guys are such—UGH!” Suyin yelled, pacing the room in her fury, only a few moments away from collapsing the entire palace with her bending.

“Do you have back up?” Bumi whispered in Izumi’s ear, standing behind the love seat with his hand’s on her shoulders, mildly concerned for their safety.

“Always. I’m the Fire Lord,” Izumi replied.

“You guys are so mean!” Tenzin yelled at Lin, Izumi, and his siblings. “Come on, Suyin. I’ll help you find Junior and Korra. They don’t deserve this treatment.”

The other four watched the Air Nomad lead the enraged earthbending matriarch from the room with mild amusement.

“Was all this a ruse to spin up my little sister for your entertainment?” Lin asked curiously once they had gone.

“Only partially. I do believe Baatar needs to face some sort of judgement for creating the weapon that enabled that power-hungry- child to invade my Father and Avatar Aang’s masterpiece and destroy its capital city—but those crimes were not committed in my country, so—” Izumi sighed and ser her cup down. “I could not be the one to do the judging… But he needed to be sentenced to something and then Kya reminded me that after the 100 year war, the Fire Nation lost all previous visa agreements with other countries. If we can’t cross their borders without reason and permission, they can’t cross ours. While it is not justice for the mecha, it’s something.” Izumi said, taking another sip of water.

“I didn’t know you knew how to intimidate,” Suyin exclaimed, impressed that her older sister’s nerd of an ex-boyfriend managed to get the location of the Avatar and the Great Uniter’s Ex-Fiance out of him without taking off fingers as Suyin had suggested.

“I may not have been the greatest Councilman, but I picked up some things,” Tenzin replied, walking quickly down an underground of the Capital City’s highest security prison. “KORRA!!! JUNIOR!!!”

“Oh shut up! I can’t stand the echo, allow me,” Suyin said closing her eyes and stomping a single, heavy foot down to feel the vibrations of the earth to search for her son and the Avatar’s signature heartbeats. “This way!”

Tenzin followed suit. By the time he caught up with the matriarch of Zaofu, she had torn off the iron door to the cell and run in only to be punted back into the opposite wall by the inmates of that cell.

“That prophet was right about an escape opportunity on the fourth moon of the seventh year of—”

“You’re not escaping if you weren’t meant to escape,” Suyin said, grimly lifting a hand as the other rubbed her head, bending a spear of earth from the floor of the prison cell into the ceiling, pinning them to the roof of the prison hall by their shackles.

“That doesn’t look anything like Korra or Junior,” Tenzin commented, resting as Suyin found her feet again.

“They’re the same weights as Korra and Junior,” Suyin replied, standing up.

“I thought Seismic Sense identified people by their heartbeats!”

“Yeah, mine was never as acute as Mom and Lin’s, so I had to make do with weights and densities,”

“Do I they know that?

“They’re the same weights as Korra and Junior,” Suyin replied, standing up and dusting herself off as the guards came to collect the ‘escaped’ criminals.

“My Lord, Masters Tenzin and Suyin have discovered at which prison your guests were being held,” a palace servant wearing Earth Kingdom clothing announced while Lin, Izumi, Bumi, and Kya were enjoying a large plate of lychee, longan, and rambutans.

“Good,” Fire Lord Izumi replied, discarding a rambutan skin in one of the large tins beside the plate of fresh fruit.

“Were being held?” Lin asked curiously. “Where are they now?”

Izumi raised a hand and the palace servant in Earth Kingdom clothes earthbent open a secret door revealing the two in chains in a chamber just off the parlour.

“Lin?!” Korra yelled.

The Palace guard threw a flat metal strip over the Avatar’s mouth. “You were told to be silent!” the guard yelled.

“Tadashi, that isn’t necessary. Unbind them please, I’m sure Lin has many questions for them… and they should eat,” Izumi instructed, sitting back on the lounger with a handful of longan.

Tadashi and Korra both exchanged rather menacing glares as the earthbender unlocked the platinum cuffs and hung them on hooks on his belt.

“Korra, you let yourself get captured by the Fire Lord?” Lin asked incredulously.

“My Father would be so proud of me!” Izumi whispered to Kya and Bumi with a smirk as the other’s snickered.

“Okay—first of all, she didn’t capture me! Her cronies did—”

“And who trained them?” Izumi asked.

“Her lordship was the one to discover your hiding place and coordinate the attack—” Tadashi added as Baatar sat down on an empty couch and reached for some fruit.

“You didn’t think to use the Avatar State to escape?” Lin inquired.

“I thought you and Tenzin didn’t want me to use it except for when my life was in actual danger!”

“You didn’t know Izumi’s guards! They could have been Red Lotus insurgents or something.”

“For your information, we’re confident we’ve scourged them from our soil, but—” Izumi tried to chime in.

“Izumi revealed herself pretty immediately so—” Korra exclaimed.

“You were afraid of her?” Lin asked, raising a brow and turning to her friend.

“She explained that she knew what we were doing and how she thought Baatar still deserved some sort of sentencing and—”

“In short, the Avatar knew she wasn’t in mortal danger and therefore didn’t need to initiate the Avatar State. Anyways, this isn’t about Korra, Lin. It is about making sure Baatar knows he overstepped his bounds in the Earth Kingdom and United Republic and that Suyin knows she can do nothing to hide it,” Izumi explained. “Not from us, at least.”

“Like how my mother covered up her involvement with the Terra Triad,” Lin realized, looking up at the ceiling in relief.

“Exactly!” Izumi raised a rambutan to her friend.

Lin let out a sigh of relief and picked up her cup of tea.

“So when are we supposed to expect Su and Tenz to come back raging?” Lin asked.

“A few days. My agents report her sub-par seismic sense abilities mistook two legitimate inmates for Korra and Baatar…”

“She also thought that Zhu Li was Kuvira the night she tried to assassinate the Great Uniter,” Baatar whispered bitterly.

Lin clicked her tongue and shook her head. “I guess that’s what she gets for being cocky and not practicing.”

Izumi shrugged.

“I wonder what skills you missed. Toph mentioned neither of you ever really grasped the finer points of metalbending,” Korra chimed in, trying to make conversation as they waited for further updates on Su and Tenzin’s wild goose chase.

“She WHAT?” Lin shrieked as Izumi, Bumi, and Kya burst into equally raucious fits of laughter.

“I can’t believe we still haven’t found them!” Tenzin sighed in defeat as he and Suyin walked down another alley on another island following another lead that lead to nothing.

“Wait!” Suyin said. “Is it just me or do you get the sense that we’re being followed?”

They both stopped walking to listen. There was no breeze under the cover of the high walls that surrounded them on all sides. It was the perfect place for an ambush, they realized as a dozen men in long, hooded black coats appeared on the roofs of the flanking buildings.

One drew a knife. Suyin stepped in front of Tenzin and raised metal stips off of her necklace preparing for a fight. She fired first as he threw his knife . He missed intentionally and out of the handle, fluttered a rolled up piece of parchment.

Just come back, Suyi was written on it in Izumi’s hand.

“Not until I have my son back!” Suyin yelled, crushing the paper in her hand, tossing it up, and shredding it with a swipe of several metal strips bent into blades of a knife.

One of the cloaked men threw another dagger. “And what makes you think he has been held in one place?”

“Fuck the Fire Lord!” Suyin groaned turning up to the sky.

“What was it?” Tenzin asked.

“Zumi,” Suyin growled.

“She’s had him the whole time?”

“Yes,” Suyin confirmed.

They both waltzed straight into a meeting Izumi was having with her war generals in the throne room.

All of the generals stood upon the intrusion ready to defend their Lord to the death only to find the matriarch of Zaofu and the Air Nation’s only grand master.

“Session dismissed. We will recommence tomorrow,” Izumi snapped, standing with her hands folded in front of her, eyes narrowed and mouth pressed into a tight frown.

The Generals all saluted and filed out.

“WHERE ARE THEY?” Suyin demanded.

“The pool in the guest quarter,” Izumi answered immediately

Suyin ran with Tenzin at her heel.

When they arrived at the pool, they found Korra screaming as she slid down a water slide that lifted at the end, launching the Avatar into the air.

“WATERBENDING BOMB!” Korra yelled as she came crashing into the pool shooting a column of water into the air.

“Kya! Heads up!” Baatar yelled, passing the ball to the older waterbender as Bumi and Lin opposed them in a game of water polo on the opposite side of the pool.

“My Son!” Suyin yelled, running towards the water’s edge.

“Mother?” Baatar gasped, spinning in the water.

Lin intercepted the ball and caught it, holding onto it, eagerly waiting for her little sister’s reaction.

Suyin stood, dumbfounded.

“I see you’ve been—treated well,” Tenzin uttered, displaying an equal expression of confusion.

“His paperwork,” Izumi said appearing out of a secret passage way, handing Suyin a stapled stack of papers.

Charges: Illegally crossing International borders without Visa and Resisting Detainment Penalties: - 500,000 Yuan fee to be paid to the Department of Border Control of the Fire Nation - 500,000 Yuan fee to be paid to the National Border Protection of the United Republic - 5 years probation (details outlined on page 6 of Release Documentation)

“He has already paid the fees, and knows the consequences of not reporting to the United Republic Probationary Offices here, in the Earth Kingdom, Water Tribes, and URN. Don’t try to pay off the probation officers, or any other government officials in any country to buy his freedom. No more crimes will go unpunished, my dearest little Suyi.” Izumi said firmly.

Suyin’s hands shook as she read the front page bearing her son’s name and the words “Yuyiao Provincial Police Department, Fire Nation” and fell to her knees.

Baatar moved towards his mother by the pool edge, but Lin stopped him.

“Don’t,” Lin whispered. “She needs to learn just like you.”

“Only justice can bring peace,” Korra whispered, quoting one of her previous incarnations.

---------------------------------------------------

A/N

I was rereading some old one shots and remembered just how neglected the Gaang’s children are in the fandom and needed an excuse for them all to get together again, so.... HERE IT IS! :D

Also, Tadashi is one of my original characters that regularly appears as an earthbending member of Fire Lord Izumi’s personal guard in a lot of my other stuff that is posted... somewhere.

#fanfiction #oneshot #korra #baatar jr #suyin #suyin beifong #lin beifong #tenzin #kya #bumi #fire lord izumi #longan #rambutan #lychee #Fire Nation #Earth Kingdom #kuvira is mentioned but briefly

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jaxsteamblog · 6 years

Text

Who dies first?

For weeks, Katara had felt the weakening of his heart. They didn’t discuss it, since Zuko knew the lines of her face so well and had known before even she had realized it. They were both so old, they had even begun to recognize the age of their children. This reality was, of course, inevitable.

Izumi was no longer Fire Lord. Iroh II had ascended the throne years ago and Takara was the Crown Prince, going on adventures with his cousin Yi.

And so many had already died.

While Zuko went to rest one afternoon, Katara sat in the sitting room of the palace. Azula’s son Dante - Katara’s great-grandson - served her coffee in small, delicate cups. She tried to remember how things were before, when her own children brought her tea. They did not have electric lights back then, or air conditioning or television sets. The electric cars didn’t run so fast and not everything had come with a screen. Katara could go in the kitchen now, where very few servants - no, employees - worked, and she could press a hand to a cool screen. It would read her hand print and serve her favorite dessert without any words spoken.

It was convenient, sure, but she missed talking to people.

“Mother.” Katara roused, noting that she had drifted in her thoughts.

“Kya.” Katara said with a desperate warmth. She loved her children so much, and she panicked at seeing their age. Izumi bent down and kissed Katara’s cheek.

“Hello grandmother.” Dante said and lightly hugged Izumi’s thin frame.

“Go and check on the dragons boy. I’ve been waiting for Kyrek to hatch for days now.” Izumi said brusquely and waved Dante away. Dante, ever the long suffering teen, rolled his eyes but darted away. Izumi huffed and sat down, still holding onto the head of her cane.

“He looks so much like his father.” Katara remarked and Izumi made a noise.

“Unfortunate really. But at least Azula settled on the Firebender in the end.” She said.

“There’s nothing wrong with other Benders Kya.” Katara said.

“Other Benders are not the descendants of Avatar Roku and heirs to the Fire Nation throne.” Izumi quipped. Katara laughed but shook her head, drinking some of her coffee.

They settled into a silence that was only achieved in age. They were both just breathing in the same moment and that was enough.

“Will father wake up today?” Izumi asked suddenly and Katara sighed as she set down her cup.

“I think so. But I don’t know when he won’t.” She said. Izumi, ever stoic, nodded.

“You can go, you know. We’ll all be fine.” She said and Katara patted her daughter’s lap.

“I know. But your father and I.” Katara stopped and looked around the room. She didn’t even recognize the palace anymore.

“You’re named after my mother.” Katara said.

“I know.”

“But you’re nothing like her.” Katara added and Izumi laughed.

“I know mother.” She replied. “And Azula is nothing like her namesake, nor Iroh his.”

“So what if we don’t come back?” Katara posited.

“What do you mean?” Izumi asked.

“I always thought that one day I would come back, and your father and I would have more time. But perhaps only the Avatar comes back, and the rest of us simply fade away.” Katara said. “We love you children, but your father and I just want another day together.”

Izumi was stunned into silence and Katara picked up her coffee again.

“Grandfather is in the spirit world.” Izumi said.

“Zuko has never been able to do that. I could go there, I think, but not your father.” Katara said. “And I won’t go there without him.”

“Mother, I.” Izumi cut herself off and sighed. “I know I am not a warm person.” Katara didn’t respond, but busied herself with her coffee.

“Kya made so many decisions over her short life that were hard. But she met every difficulty with a spine of steel. You’ve been pushed over out of a desire to make people happy, but Kya made every choice that made life better for herself and her family. I think I am more like her than anyone wants to admit.” Izumi finished.

“Well-” Katara started, sounding affronted.

“If either you or father had any ounce of devious ambition, you would have married much earlier than you did.” Izumi interjected and Katara grunted her acceptance.

“Azula is vainglorious and insecure, and Iroh is about fame and family. By the time we get to the next Zuko, he’ll probably be moody and overly righteous. You’re not even dead yet and Takara is full of confidence and sass.” Izumi continued.

“So you think we come back?” Katara asked.

“Don’t be absurd. This just proves that personality is inherited and neither of you will ever really be gone in the first place.” Izumi retorted and Katara chuckled.

“But it will never be Zuko and me again.” She said wistfully. Izumi turned a little in her seat and the two women actually looked at each other.

“Mama, if I know anything, it’s that you and Papa will be together forever.” She said and Katara’s eyes started to water.

“I love you Kya.” Katara murmured.

“I love you mama.” Izumi said.

Over the past week, they had seen everyone. Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, even Korra had stopped by. Perhaps the universe was telling them it was time, and they had all had a sweet farewell with promises to see each other again. So as Katara left the sitting room, she kissed her daughter and told her she would be down later for dinner.

Katara walked down the hall and nodded to the strangers she passed. The government was being handled more and more by the congress and so there were never any ministers hanging around the palace. Servants were long gone and the palace staff changed almost every season. Everyone carried passes with embedded chips, verifying identities and allowing privileged access. People talking to earpieces had to halt suddenly, bowing in respect as they finally caught sight of the old Fire Lady. The respect she garnered was less about her power - which was nonexistent - and more about her status as a relic.

She missed Iroh; she missed Rin, and Sokka.

Katara staggered in the hall and braced herself against the wall. A guard stepped out of the shadows, speaking urgently into an earpiece while coming to her.

“Are you alright ma’am?” They asked, gently holding her elbow. Katara looked at them and was almost shocked to see a bare face and not an iron mask. She felt their spirit, and was more shocked to know that they were an Airbender.

How had things changed so much?

“I’m fine. But would you escort me to my room?” She asked. The guard smiled and nodded.

“Code Blue resolved. Escorting Painted Lady to her room.” They said into their earpiece and then offered their arm. When the guards started to integrate technology into their protocol, Lu Ten had suggested the code name and Katara had found it amusing. Now it seemed like a sad satire, as she tried to imagine herself back in the paint and dress.

Katara made it to her room without another incident and she closed the door firmly behind her. Zuko was still asleep on their bed and she slowly moved toward it. Their bed had been lowered years ago and Katara easily slid herself up and onto the mattress. As she did, Zuko shifted and rolled over, opening his eyes.

“Hello my love.” He whispered as Katara laid down facing him.

“Did I wake you?” She asked.

“Yes, but you’re always worth the waking.” He said. Katara smiled and leaned in to kiss him.

“Izumi says we can go now.” She said when they parted and Zuko put a hand to her cheek.

“Well, now that we have her permission...” He quipped and Katara laughed.

“I think we’ll be okay Zuko.” She said. “I think everything will be okay.”

“I know we will.” He replied and they kissed again. “As long as we’re together.”

“Mmm. You’re warm.”

“All the better for napping.”

“A nap does sound good.”

“Come here.”

“I love you Zuko.”

“I love you Katara.”

The siblings had not been in the same place at the same time in a very, very long time. Izumi had gotten into a fight with the Fire Sages when they attempted to cremate both bodies and Iroh had only managed to pull her off after she had hit the head sage with her cane a good number of times.

Then Lu Ten and Izumi had fought over what to actually do. The Water Tribes - all four of them - buried their dead, either at sea or under cairns. As the former Fire Lady however, Katara was given the right to be cremated. Lu Ten wanted to take her to the South Pole, while Izumi demanded that their parents be cremated together.

Kozin and Riza stood back, watching as their older siblings started throwing things at each other.

“Mom can’t come back unless she goes to Sedna!” Lu Ten shouted.

“Their bodies have to stay together!” Izumi shouted back. “I can’t split them up!” Izumi collapsed, sobbing, and Lu Ten rushed to her, cradling her as she wept.

“Mama and Papa have to stay together!” Izumi cried. Everyone was quiet, awkwardly trying not to look at each other while Izumi’s wails filled the room. Finally Undine, Riza’s daughter, stood from her seat and cleared her throat.

“Okay so, I have kind of a gross idea.” She said.

Izumi looked hollow as they all sat on the jet flying to the South Pole. The box in her lap could have been filled with helium for how tightly she was holding onto it.

The funeral at the Fire Nation had been massive. Kiyi’s descendants had shown up and stood with the family during the cremation. Korra, Lu Ten, Kozin, Iroh, and Azula did the actual ceremony, keeping the Fire Sages confined to the dais for the rest of the rite.

The nation entered a month of mourning and the flags in Republic City were lowered to half mast. Black drapes were put over the windows of the Fire Nation and Water Tribe embassies and the South Pole museum was open to the public with free admission for the month. Hira’a set a large bonfire and fireworks went screaming into the night sky almost every day.

Before all of that, however, the family had another rite to attend. Undine had flown back to the South Pole immediately after the cremation and started prepping. When the rest of the family landed in Haida, it was packed with people.

All of the high ranking people from the Swamp Tribe and the Island Tribe had made it, and the Chief of the North had brought a long a dozen other families. It was a tense political time, since Undine’s daughter was a Firebender and ineligible for the chiefdom, and the North Pole had been suffering a low birth rate for decades. Power had been shifting to the Swamp Tribe since the fracturing of the Earth Kingdom and no one had ever wanted to say anything publicly.

Now, with the Matriarch of the United Tribes dead, all of the leaders recognized it was the time to address things.

Izumi didn’t care about any of it. She had rejected this part of her life a long time ago. But the Water Tribe would never let go of her.

Lu Ten held onto her as they stepped down out of the jet and the gathered crowd started to cheer. The prodigal daughter had returned, and she had come to honor the Great Mother herself.

It was ambiguous if they meant Sedna or Katara in that moment.

The large family of Zuko and Katara were given a clear path to the sleighs. The electric motors were silent and Izumi wondered when they had stopped using polar bear dogs to pull them. She was getting far too old for all of these improvements.

It took five sleighs to seat all of the family. They were massive vehicles but they slid over the ice and snow with ease. The blades hovered under the sleighs themselves, using magnets to disperse the weight so there was no fear of cracking even the summer ice. Still, Izumi clutched the box like it was liable to fly away.

It took two hours for everyone to situate themselves at the coast. Korra, Izumi, Riza, and Undine took over for this portion. Korra, Riza, and Undine brought up a pillar of freezing ocean water. The water shifted as they pulled it up and a dragon formed. The crowd gasped in awe, but as Izumi saw the shocked faces of the Benders, she knew this had not been planned. Izumi’s eyes narrowed as she eyed the dragon.

She remembered all too well the last time they had met.

“Aivilayoq.” Izumi muttered darkly, but the water dragon didn’t respond. Without another word, Izumi walked forward and held out the box in her hands. The dragon lowered its jaw and Izumi placed the box inside the swirling maw.

“This is for Sedna.” Izumi said loudly. “My parents are being returned to her.”

The water dragon snapped its jaws shut and swirled over itself, diving back into the ocean.

It had been a gross idea, and Izumi didn’t want it discussed. While her parents’ hearts had been burned together, their bladders had been surgically removed beforehand and dried. The Polar Tribes believed the bladders held the spirit and that they must be returned to Sedna in order for the spirit to return.

Now, as was the macabre custom, there was a large festival. Everyone got stinking drunk at the feast and stories were told about the great heroes, including their children.

As Izumi looked around the room, she was startled to see how right she had been when she had spoken to her mother. Sokka’s face was reflected in fragments among various people. Toph’s laugh was heard from the throat of an over eager Metalbender. Iroh had Zuko’s angular features while Undine had Katara’s round face. Seven people in the hall were Firebenders because of Zuko. A Kyoshi Warrior was part of the royal family. The Avatar herself looked more like Izumi’s grandmother than Izumi did as her namesake.

Katara and Zuko would indeed live forever.

#jax writes #steam canon #we all knew it was going to be sad #zutara #why yes this is the only time in her life we see izumi cry

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lokgifsandmusings · 7 years

Note

Hey! Real admirer of your LOK fics and considering their complexity and presumable amounts of research you put into them (unless you, like, formally study this?) I was wondering if you had any tips on fic research. My limited knowledge on stuff like a CEO's everyday life or how government works tends to overwhelm me every time I try to crack down on an ambitious story. Anyway thanks and always grateful for your intense Asami analyses!

Oh man, thank you so much for that, since I’m usually convinced the amount of detail I put into mundane things is a turn-off. Why am I talking about Varrick Industries International’s profitability over more Korrasami?

My formal studies are in matsci engineering and environmental policy, so I have to research everything that’s not explicitly about stress-strain curves and agricultural subsidies. And okay, in fairness, I have included that in areas here and there. I also do have a slight leg-up on some business things since I’ve worked as a consultant for both private and higher education organizations of varying sizes. I currently work at a mid-sized family-owned corporation, which is one of those places where like, the Chairman is also the CEO and the President is the COO (very very common).

All this said, I’m still figuring it out, and my second draft of Seeking Sato (whenever that is) is going to include a major overhaul to how I explain her corporate governance, and the direction it takes. I think the first and best advice I can give is: get the story on the paper, as long as you have broad-stroke ideas for details. Research can come later.

For instance, I’m atrocious with military details, and also infinitely bored by them. So…I mostly didn’t include them. The victory-party army I had accompany Suyin and Korra in “Half the Pieces” was hilariously not fleshed out, more relying on broader ideas such as “Izumi doesn’t want her troops in the area at all” and “disbanding it this quickly is pretty damn idealistic and myopic.” I could have gotten into it, but then I wouldn’t have wanted to write it. Which, your readers will be able to tell.

Secondly, researching the nitty-gritty should never come at the cost of narrative or be to show off what you learned; it should first and foremost be to give you an understanding if you have to think something through, and then maybe enhance what you’re telling from there. I read a lot more about air-cooled engines than ended up in “Tribunals,” but I really just needed Asami’s brain getting stuck in a bread and butter engineering problem, to show that she’s got a little tunnel vision going (also it’s what she does under stress) instead of looking at the true problems.

Third, you’re talking about very big, very general systems. Specify it. Base Raiko’s cabinet off of the Canadian government ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Pick a company and research their history; if it fits, you can use those components. My knee-jerk for Future Industries is always to look at Ford Motors, and then just tweak what doesn’t work, or what’s better for the story.

Also specify what you’re trying to gain insight into. The public sector is wide-reaching, so when you say “government”, what is it you’re trying to wrap your arms around? You can think of research as working through systems within systems; starting smaller can help you write faster, though looking more big-picture can give you better overall knowledge.

Outline that ambitious story of yours. Where are the sticking points, and what don’t you know to get you to the finish line? Most importantly, what are the character arcs, and how do the systems they interact with shape it? I’m only now figuring out exactly what I want to do with Future Industry’s corporate governance in my “Seeking Sato”, and it’s something that’s born out of Asami’s arc and mental state. The gaps I have in knowledge are gaps I found as I was bullet-pointing revisions chapter-by-chapter. Your characters might take you somewhere surprising, but a good roadmap does wonders, especially if there’s heavy research required.

Finally…write what you know. Layer details into the areas where you have a greater comfort. I don’t know much about running a Lockheed Ford, but I do know about certificates of insurance for property leasing, because I’ve had to sit in on those meetings (same chapter as the air-cooled engine). I think you’d be surprised how much of your experience might be applicable, even if it has to be altered ever so slightly.

#asks #anonymous #fic

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azulalavellan · 7 years

Text

For Want of a New Beginning

Summary: A year after the War, Iroh has returned to Ba Sing Se to re-open the Jasmin Dragon. Late one evening he receives some unexpected visitors.

Pairings: read to find out :P

warnings: a character disappearance is mentioned but other than that not really anything else honestly

cross posted to: http://archiveofourown.org/works/12516836

Shadows fell over Ba Sing Se in peace. After enduring three sieges over the course of the Hundred Years War, the damage was extensive but after the past year much was repaired, and life had gone back to normal. Most of the rest of the world was recovering as well. Zuko was crowned Fire Lord and his bride, Katara, had given birth to Crown Princess Izumi. Aang was travelling with his partner Toph Beiphong attempting to heal the hurts of the war. Suki and Ty Lee were guarding the Fire Lord with the rest of the Kyoshi Warriors. For most the peace was a victory. For Aang and his friends it was bitter sweet. When Zuko and Katara lead the raid on Boiling Rock, Sokka, who was in a fire nation prison, was sentenced to death by the former Fire Lord. After the war’s end no record could be found of his fate. Princess Azula went missing within a week after Ozai ordered Sokka’s execution. After Fire Lord Zuko could not find any new information, he issued a 200,000 ban reward on Azula to bring her in for questioning regarding Sokka’s disappearance. Although Aang and his companions did their best to work through their sorrow and move on, Katara continued on with the hope that one day, Sokka would return.

A few months after Zuko’s Coronation, Iroh moved from Royal Caldera City to Ba Sing Se, hired Smellerbee and Longshot, and re-opened the Jasmin Dragon. For him, this was his dream, being at peace with his own tea shop once again. At this time of night most of his patrons had left, going back home to sleep, to work, or to other businesses open past sunset. Due to the late hour, he had sent Smellerbee home to Longshot, finished up with a few customers and was preparing to close when the soft ring of his bell came. Looking up, Iroh saw a man and woman who must be in a relationship as the woman was holding his left hand with their fingers interlaced the way couples do. Both were hooded and wrapped in travel stained, warn grey and brown cloaks that were probably Earth Kingdom green when they were new. The man carried himself like a soldier, walking with confidence but not too fast that his companion couldn’t keep up. Everything about his face but lower half was obscured in the shadow of his hood; he had a brown beard along his jawline and chin and had the complexion of a water tribesman. His companion’s face was also shadowed by her hood, but she was entirely different, having full lips and a pale complexion with locks of strawberry blond hair peeking out. Though she carried herself with a straight back and the confidence that the soldier had, Iroh could see her nervousness in the way she gripped his forearm with her right hand and the way she looked around the room. Iroh approached to couple and directed them to a small table.

“It’s a wonderful evening, is it not? Might a suggest a blend of chamomile?”

The woman nodded, not at Iroh but at her companion, who had removed his hood revealing a full head of brown hair pulled back in a loose ponytail and familiar deep blue eyes that reminded Iroh very much of the Fire Lady.

“Are you Iroh, General of the Fire Nation?” the man asked.

“Former General, but yes, Mr….”

“Tianlon,” the man replied, then gestured at the woman. “This is my wife.”

Iroh looked at the woman, who had also taken off her hood to reveal her long strawberry blond hair and a set of piercing amber eyes laced with hope yet also fear. He instantly recognized those eyes and wondered as they were not eyes that he would have ever guessed would contain fear.

“We came to you for help.” The woman said as she looked at her husband as if for courage. Her unforgettable voice confirmed Iroh’s conclusion. He raised his eyebrows at the couple.

“We need shelter, and well,” The man said with a wave of his hand. “We are willing to work for it. We need jobs too.”

“Why not go to your family in the Fire Nation?” Iroh asked the woman. “Im sure…”

The woman shook her head rather violently before forlornly staring at her hands in her lap.

“Circumstances prevent us from going to our family.” The man replied, passing Iroh a Pai Sho tile. “We were told we could trust you to help us.”

“That is not surprising,” Iroh nodded as he picked up the white lotus tile, passing it between his fingers. “I might be able to, Mr. and Mrs. Tianlon. But first let me close my shop.”

Iroh got up to lock the front door, shut the windows, and preceded to brew some Jasmin tea knowing it was the woman’s favorite. He returned with three cups and the steaming pot and poured for the couple.

“Please drink.” He said before sipping his own tea. The man sipped but the woman stared at the tea in front of her before taking a tentative sip herself. Her face lit up before contorting with worry and shock.

“How did you know?”

“I would never forget what my niece’s favorite tea is.” Iroh replied with a grin. “If I may ask, Mr. Tianlon, what is your first name?”

“I guess there isn’t any point in hiding anymore.” Azula replied with a sigh. “My husband’s name is Sokka.”

“Well.” Iroh said as he kept his surprise at that revelation hidden. “Azula, Sokka, tell me your tale, start from the beginning.”

I dont own Avatar or its characters. but i do love the series. <3

This will be part of a much larger multipart fanfic that will start with Day of the Black Sun and end during Legend of Korra. obviously a major redemption ark is coming :P

based on and inspired by Living life and Life Collapses, by whitetigerwolfe, two of my all time favorite A:TLA fics (links to these works in the notes of Book 1: Turmoil). Go find whitetigerwolfe on Fanfiction.net; they have some awesome stuff! <3

if you have feedback i would love to hear it :) <3

#avatar the last airbender #uncle iroh #princess azula #sokka #fire lord zuko #katara #smellerbee #longshot #avatar aang #toph beifong

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guileheroine · 7 years

Text

sundown

korra and asami hang out romantically at yet another wedding 🍷 / ao3

Fire Lord Izumi’s second son didn’t want to marry in the Fire Nation capital, but right by the sea, in the hometown of his now-bride. The midsummer celebration, though tempered by its more modest location, is still an event of imperial proportions, naturally incorporating the presence of any Avatars and company that happen to be near town. The admittedly large part of Asami that still loves the fairytale charm of a beach wedding is more than happy to tag along.

By the time the fifteenth song is floating across the lantern-, streamer- and flower-festooned courtyard from the ensemble upon the dais, Asami is leant quiet over the bar, quite far from the dancefloor. She folds her arms onto the warm wood, and head onto her arms, lulled by the music, clinking cinnabar nails against her drink.

The twanging, romantic strain could be familiar; she imagines it’s reaching and rousing some buried part of her, a bloodline back, something more Fire Nation than she could reasonably, in reality, profess any insight or claim over. With her in a novel kind of way is the knowledge that from this very port town hailed the first of the colonists that were her ancestors. How interesting to be back, kind of. She lets her feet sway more than tap to the melody and watches.

On the bar’s other side, the long, lavish buffet continues to be methodically replenished. Smoke wilts towards her from the open grill, carrying back the aroma of the fried crab that Asami has probably had too much of. Her eyes follow the wisps of smoke over the short, winding stairway, carved rough as if by the wind’s own hand in the granite coastline, up to the band’s dais. Even at this hour, the hue of the sky seems to reflect the wedding colours - a swath of red-gold buffeted by ocean air; and the musicians thrum as one entity, with no less energy than they had begun the party with. Asami watches the sea breeze swirl in the violinist’s hair; drawn by her calm, composed beauty, the focus in her face. The Fire Nation could be cool.

A way below the band loiter the remaining dancers, with considerably less zeal than they had had ten songs ago, but drink-warm smiles all around. Like Asami a minute before, the guests are steadily peeling off; and for this song, it’s mostly those in pairs that stay on the floor, moving perhaps slower than the pace of the tune would dictate. Asami knows she’s far from the only one feeling tired, though the fizz of excitement that never quite leaves an event like this still permeates the fragrant air. She takes another warming sip as she looks over at none other than the fresh-faced, freshly-married Prince Eito, though he practically disappears when her eyes settle on the person in his arms.

Korra all but tiptoes up at her much taller dance partner, the light of good conversation in her eyes, somewhat lightlike herself in her cornsilk-coloured dress, though, really, she almost always appeared that way. The sight is almost dreamlike, softened by incense haze. Asami keeps her gaze as the song finishes and the conversation comes to a close, warm from the drink and the view. She watches Korra take her leave and scan immediately around, waiting until her eyes find Asami's own across the court, light up (Asami smiles), and she begins to stride over.

“Danced out?” Asami says when Korra enters earshot. Korra grins back and hops onto the stool next to Asami’s, though not before bending the earth under it to push it closer to her.

“Not even close,” she says, leaning forward to sniff at Asami’s drink. “What is this?”

“Authentic fire whiskey,” Asami replies, nudging the glass towards her before gesturing back at the dancefloor. “So how come you’re not still up there?”

Korra’s mouth curves against the glass as she takes a sip. “Because,” she swallows, “Prince Eito was just telling me about all his research with the Imperial Engineering Society and I thought it might interest you. I mean, as far as I knew, he was just a patron!”

“Oh, really?” Asami lifts her head from the bar, brow rising in curiosity. “I thought so, too. That’s kind of awesome. And new!” She laughs. “That one of these royals is a scientist and not just headed straight for the armed forces.”

“Right,” Korra affirms, looking beyond Asami momentarily when she sees the bartender finish with another guest. She lifts her hand to Asami’s shoulder, yet another flare of warmth to Asami’s already-warm body, and calls, “I’ll have what she’s having,” with a smile, turning back once her own glass of fire whiskey is promptly served. “It’s the Izumi touch, isn’t it?”

Asami catches her eye and chuckles again. “Yeah, let’s call it what it is.”

“Well, I like her style,” Korra says with an affected air, pursing her fingers around her glass formally, after another swig. “I think it’s having a wonderful effect on the youth of this country.”

Asami nods as she listens. “And, you know, yesterday at the Society’s conference, they were talking so much about outreach, into schools and colleges. Even, like, sending these kids on programs to the United Republic." She rubs her chin. "You’d think the Fire Nation would be at least as leading-edge as us when it comes to technology, but their expertise is still mostly military-” Asami drains the rest of her drink, pensive. When Korra follows suit, Asami wrinkles her nose. “Korra, no,” she frowns, “you’re a lightweight.”

Korra only licks her lips and shrugs in return, eliciting a resigned giggle. “Anyway,” Asami continues, “it’ll be amazing to have Future Industries partner with them and maybe sponsor some of those scholarships. We’re going super global,” she smiles. She lays her head back onto her folded arms, closing her eyes. Korra smoothes a gentle palm over her hair. Somewhere far away, the music picks up again, a melody more fluid than the one before.

“Yeah,” Korra says softly, locking both arms around Asami’s waist for a moment. “Well. I don’t mind as long as you stay right here.”

In response, Asami nods almost imperceptibly and yawns. The action draws Korra’s arms back to her, along with her lips; she kisses her cheek and then murmurs into it. “Hey, you’re tired, aren’t you?”

Asami sits up again and blinks, the thick-scented air that molds around her face immediately replacing the feel of her arm. Korra moves with her rather than releasing her hold. “Mm, I guess I am,” Asami sighs. “I was up pretty late last night.”

“On the phone, I know,” Korra supplies. “I wanted to go to bed with you.”

Asami gives her an apologetic smile. “I just want to make sure I don’t fall behind on anything important back home.”

Korra indicates her understanding with a nod and the squeeze of her eyelids, then removes her arms to fold them over the bar, mirroring Asami. “I know you can’t afford to,” she says. “Besides, you’ve always been like that! I remember being out of the city with you for the first time - around the Earth Kingdom, when we were looking for airbenders after Harmonic Convergence, right - and you’d call your company every day that we had signal.”

“That wasn't the first time, Korra!” Asami laughs, shaking her head. “The South Pole, remember? Though at that point, my company really was all I could afford to think about…”

“Right, yeah!” Korra rolls her eyes at her own oversight, following with a small, flushed laugh. (Criminally cute, Asami thinks.)

She nudges Korra’s bare shoulder with her own. “You shouldn't have downed that fire whiskey.”

Korra more-than-nudges Asami back, and Asami laughs freely as she steadies herself with a hand on the edge of the counter, thrown not quite off balance.

Korra frowns. “See, that should have toppled you! Maybe you’re the one who needs to down a few more!”

“I will, just for you,” Asami responds readily, playful, her lean back into Korra making a seamless pendulum swing. She pushes against the space where Korra’s hair is tucked behind her ear, melting her girlfriend’s mock-indignancy immediately into the warmest of smiles. “What would you like me to have?” (Me meaning us, of course, because they both know that they both know Korra would partake of Asami’s choice.)

“The awamori,” Korra replies. “Straight. Well, on the rocks.”

Asami pulls herself back and raises her eyebrow. “Korra, I’ll have to carry you back inside.”

“I just want a bit,” Korra replies. “It’s for you! To wake you up,” she nods encouragingly, an earnest clasp on Asami’s forearm.

Asami concedes with a shrug, swiveling on her seat to fetch the bartender and obtain the agreed order.

“Anyway,” Korra continues when she returns her attention to her. “I was going to say that maybe I remembered you on that trip ‘cause… well, I started really noticing you, then. That was around the time.” She looks down at her own fingers splayed on the wood, wearing the edge of a smile, and even through the swirly smoke air it nicks Asami’s heart.

“And what did you think?” She probes, taking a sip of the drink, and willing herself not to smile (or blush, except she can’t really help involuntary physiological reactions. So says her practical mind, though her impractical heart does no less than its best to ignore it.)

“I thought it was very responsible of you to call your company and check in with Republic City every day,” Korra says cordially, meeting her eyes. “Very, uh, conscientious. And kind of sweet, that you got all worried when you couldn’t.”

Almost demurely, Asami offers her the drink in her hand in response. “Like you said, I have to be,” she answers, dismisses the courtesy. “The only reason you’re not the one doing that is that you’d have every inch of the map to check up on.” She rests her head on her palm, lethargy swimming into her muscles again. “And you do a hell of a job keeping the whole damn world anyway.”

“Oh, shh. I bet you say that to all the Avatars.” Korra pushes Asami’s glass back to her and simultaneously maneuvers herself forward, leaning her head down on Asami’s shoulder. “Alright, city girl,” she sighs, and never finishes the sentence, losing her trail of thought to the balmy breeze...

The music decelerates to the gentlest tune yet, rippling through the court; it mixes with the smoke and perfume and salt and buzz in the air to make a surprisingly pleasant cocktail. Asami imagines the action of slipping her hand around Korra’s waist, as she sinks deeper into the near-sleep where imagination is hard to distinguish from reality. Further and further, until her head nods with a jerk onto Korra’s against her, and that action causes Korra to look up again.

“Wanna leave?” She says, and yawns, her voice drawing Asami back into the real world.

“I thought you’d want another dance.” Asami catches the yawn.

They had danced together for a song or two when the sun had still been up, mingling and eating and drinking their way through the following few hours, but the truth was Asami was satisfied, because she had watched Korra dance for a while longer.

“I know.” Korra yawns cutely again - Asami remembers that she wanted to put her arm around her. “I know, I did, but I think you’re rubbing off on me.”

The wording makes her snicker, and before she can stop herself (unfiltered, unfazed), Asami says, “I can if you really want.” And all of a sudden the prospect of turning in sounds nicer than ever.

“Smooth,” Korra bites away her embarrassed smile. It becomes thin and teasing as she pushes her chin forward. “It’s a shame I was already going to let you take me out of here.” She takes Asami by both hands and pulls her off the stool. “Come on. My pretty, witty city girl.”

“You know I actually did want to take you out,” Asami says as she finds her feet, leaning back against the bar once standing. “Like around this town. To dinner.”

“Oh. Why not tomorrow!” Korra chirps at the suggestion, as they scan for the bride or groom to take their leave. “Lunch date. Or breakfast, brunch, whatever.” When Asami mms her agreement, Korra takes her arm, adding, “You spoil me, you know that?”

Asami rolls her eyes, before deciding to do one better. “Korra, spending quality time with you feels more like spoiling m-”

Korra anticipates the words before they’re done leaving her lips, cutting Asami off with a laugh and a “Shut up!”

“I’m serious!” Asami protests.

“Yeah?” Korra pulls her wrist, urging her into a walk.

“Yes.”

“Then let’s go already. Let’s go spend some quality time together.”

#korrasami #korrasami fanfiction #more old fic #legend of korra #**

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sxypigeon · 7 years

Text

Chapter 16: Trouble Brewing

Book 5 Absolution

A/N: The villain gets some back story, the old people plan, Jinora gets an eyeful, and Mako and Bolin do some policing.

Chapter 1 starts just after Kuvira’s surrender. Korrasami fluffiness with a plot if you’re into that sort of thing.

Chapter 1, 15

“Would you look at that - the boy can dance,” the furious trader quipped as he lunged for the thief again. “There’s nowhere to go, kid. Save us all the trouble and stop running around!”

Shit, they got me boxed in. I might be able to lose ‘em in the cantina. Faking left, the boy threw himself right, just out of reach of his pursuer. Kicking up a cloud of sand, he slipped into the crowded bar.

Laughter and hazy smoke masked his arrival as he stayed along the perimeter. The traders he’d provoked burst into the room and paused, scanning for him in the dim lighting. Staying low, he made his way to the back of the bar.

“Anyone seen a kid in wraps come through here?!” a trader shouted. The patrons paused for moment before ignoring the new arrivals. “Split up, someone cover the back exit.”

Crap, gotta move, the boy thought. He scurried through the drape covering the kitchen doorway and took off running, pushing aside the staff in his way. Almost there . . .

“Oi! You little shit - who’d you piss off today?” the angry butcher bellowed as he picked the boy up by the scruff of his shirt.

“No one! Hey, put me down!”

“You know, I’ve had enough of you - this is what, the seventh time I’ve caught you back here and now you’re assaulting my staff?” He made to grab the boy’s arm, but the thief slipped out of his shirt and took off running. “Where you gonna go, kid? There’s nowhere to hide!”

Jerk, we’ll see who’s laughing when his food shipment goes missing tomorrow, he vowed as he eyed the exit. Might still be able to make it out of here-

Lifted off his feet again, the thief found himself pinned to the wall next to him, just steps from the exit. “I didn’t do anything!” he yelled as he struggled against the metal cuffs pinning him by his upper arms.

“I sincerely doubt that,” the old man said as he emerged from his office. “Ghashiun, I think we both know what’s about to happen now.”

“Please let me go, Qin,” he pleaded. “I promise this is the last time-”

“Yes, it will be.” He marched the boy silently to the front of the bar.

“There’s the thief!” the trader yelled as the old man approached with the boy in his metallic grasp.

“What has he stolen?”

“Our strong box,” the man said as he took a step toward them.

Qin raised a hand. “He doesn’t have it on him. Ghashiun, where is the box?”

“I don’t know anything about a box,” he pleaded.

“Son, I am the only thing standing between you and a well earned beating. Where did you stash it?”

The thief struggled to get away until a patron spoke up, “Hey, is this what you’re after?”

“Yeah,” the trader said as he walked to the man’s table. “Give it here.”

“I do believe a finder’s fee is in order,” the patron said with a an attempt at a winning smile.

“Five gold pieces.”

“Twenty.”

“I think the man will be more than happy with ten,” the old man said sternly. The patron cowed under the man’s gaze and handed the box over. “Is everything accounted for?”

“Except for the ten gold pieces,” he said bitterly as he rejoined the old man and the boy.

“Where are you headed?”

“Ba Sing Se.”

“I have a proposition for you,” Qin said shaking the boy violently to still his fidgeting. “To make up for the loss of gold and the theft you were victim to, I recommend taking the boy with you.”

“No, no! Qin, you can’t do this!” the boy begged.

“I’m failing to see how that would be beneficial to me,” the trader said drily.

“I believe the Dai Li are always looking for young boys to buy.”

“Oh, no! I’m not a slaver, old man,” he said angrily. “I’ve heard enough stories about what happens to the ones they reject. I don’t want that on my conscience.”

“Whether the boy is rejected or not is up to young Ghashiun Jr. He is without a home or family and, after today, will be exiled from the oasis. Without a tribe, he will die of thirst in the desert he retreats to when he has nowhere else to go. Taking him to Ba Sing Se is the only thing that will save him.”

“You crazy old mother-”

“Fifty gold.”

“What?”

“Fifty gold to cover transportation and any expenses,” Qin said shortly.

The trader looked to his caravan. “Fine,” he said after receiving their approval.

“Good.” He turned to the terrified child cowering on his knees beside him. “Now listen to me, son. Are you listening?!”

“Y-yes, sir,” he whispered through tears.

“I am saving your life, boy. I will not watch you succumb to the same fate as your father. After he got himself exiled from the Hami tribe with you following after him, I did not enjoy watching him drink himself to death in my bar. I’ll be damned if I let you become little more than a thief and do the same. You will make something of yourself and you will leave this life behind you.” He handed the chains binding the boy to the trader. “The stories are true, Ghashiun. Don’t give the Dai Li a reason to reject you.”

“Sir, another message from the United Forces has arrived. How would you like to respond?”

The Emperor read the message quickly before tossing it into the fire he’d been staring into. “Tell them the United Earth Empire still has no intention of surrendering. We are a legitimate government and they have no right to ask us for entrance into our lands simply because the Great Uniter may or may not be hiding within our borders.”

“Yes, sir.” The messenger quickly exited and left the commander to his thoughts. Soon she will be the least of their worries. He paused and chuckled to himself. I do miss her audacity. I think she’d have approved of our current plans. Her infallible self assurance and stern, but caring demeanor had reminded him so much of the old man from Misty Palms Oasis. Old Qin reincarnated.

“Well that was received about as well as we expected,” Su said as she read over the Empire’s response to their request to pursue Kuvira.

“We had to try,” Tenzin said calmly.

Raiko folded his hands in front of his face as he stewed at his temporary desk. “I’m more worried about these reports of missing advisers. The former Grand Secretariat and several of his ministers have been missing for three days. I think it’s safe to assume the Empire had a hand in it.”

“It’s unfortunate, but I’m not sure why it matters - Wu made it pretty clear he no longer has ambitions to be king,” Su said with a frown as she stared out at the bay. “Without a clear leader to follow after Kuvira, there’s no point in asking the Empire to surrender.”

“I almost believed you for a moment,” Raiko chuckled bleakly, “if not for the bitter humor in your voice. I don’t think I need to remind you Izumi and I will not be able to assist you if you choose to try to take Zaofu by force.”

“Even if I am successful, the full might of the Empire will descend upon my home and result in my capture or worse.” She turned to face them. “Though I am loath to admit it, if we can’t recapture Kuvira, we’d be better off helping her.”

“In what way?” Tenzin asked hesitantly.

“Send in a team to liberate the labor camps, sabotage communications, disrupt their supply chain. She’s just one person - she can’t possibly do everything she told Baatar Jr. she’d do.”

“If she plans on doing any of it at all,” Lin pointed out from her spot near the door.

“I don’t trust her,” Su stated baldly, “but if Korra thinks she’ll keep her word, then I’m inclined to entertain the minute possibility that Kuvira may be out there right now planning a liberation.”

“You value the avatar’s opinion that much?” Raiko asked drily.

“She’s certainly no politician, but I would consider that an advantage. She is painfully honest - something neither of us are - and I don’t have to worry about her having an agenda.”

“But you do with me?”

“I know your agenda, Raiko,” Su laughed as she sat across from him at the desk. “Stabilizing Republic City and your upcoming reelection, but which is your priority, I’m not entirely sure.”

The president laughed humorlessly. “It’s good to know you think so highly of me.”

“Please, could we try to stay on topic?” Tenzin pleaded. “If we consider Su’s idea, we need to decide on targets and who will carry out the strike.”

“Baatar Jr. should be able to provide the targets, but I assume you’ll want Korra to lead the team,” Lin said to her sister.

“Who better? She can pick her team, but I’d assume it would include Bolin and Mako at least. Wing and Wei would be willing, perhaps Bumi and some of your more experienced airbenders, Tenzin?”

He stroked his beard thoughtfully. “I have a few in mind.”

“Wait, wait! Are we actually serious about this?” Raiko asked shortly. “What about Republic City? I can’t just let you take all of the best soldiers in the city. Spirits, if Izumi gets wind of this we’ll be without the Fire Nation Navy, too.”

“You’re missing the big picture,” Su said patiently. “If your assumption that the Empire is responsible for Gun and his ministers’ disappearances, how long do you think it will take for them to target you? I doubt the Empire with give up on taking the city just because Kuvira failed. It’s something Izumi refuses to realize, but we both know it’s only a matter of time.”

Raiko was silent for a moment. “If we liberate the labor camps, then what? We still don’t have a leader.”

“It’s obvious, isn’t it? We start a revolution,” Su said simply.

“The last revolution left the kingdom in a state of anarchy. What makes you so sure this time will be different?”

“Because people are angry.” The younger Beifong leaned across the desk toward the president. “People have been victimized worse by the Empire than they ever were by the kingdom. They want justice.”

“Not everyone, some are better off now than before.”

“Most aren’t.”

“We still won’t have a leader,” Tenzin pointed out to set them back on track.

“We’ll need to find someone in the labor camps, someone who knows first hand how cruel the Empire can be, someone who the people already trust.”

“In one camp maybe, but will other provinces follow?” Lin asked skeptically.

“I think it’s clear we won’t be able to plan every detail,” Su shot back.

“These are people’s lives we’re upending,” Tenzin said gravely. “We owe it to those people to have a plan.”

“Where is the avatar?” Raiko butted in. “If Su value’s her opinion so much, she should be here.”

Lin and Su both looked at Tenzin blankly. “Korra is in the spirit world,” he said simply.

“With Asami,” Su chuckled under her breath.

“Why are they not in the city!” Raiko fumed, missing Su’s implication. “I thought Miss Sato was designing the new roadway around downtown!”

“She has a team of her best engineers on it as well as my husband,” Su said with an eyeroll. “I don’t think I need to remind you that the woman watched her father die in front of her just over a week ago. I think it’s safe to say, she was in need of a break.”

“She never said anything-”

“Of course she didn’t! That woman is just as much of a workaholic as Lin! She’s the CEO of the biggest company in Republic City - she can’t allow herself to look weak for even a moment.”

“They planned to return in four days,” Lin said with a glare.

Raiko massaged his temples and sighed, “We need the avatar-”

“Her name is Korra,” Su said shortly.

“We need Korra back in the city immediately,” he said tensely. “And I suspect we’ll need Miss Sato as well, if not for rebuilding then for this mission.” All eyes fell on Tenzin.

“I’ll have Jinora contact her,” he said with a sigh.

Morning already? The avatar ran her fingers gently through the hair of the woman sleeping soundly on her chest. Maybe a few more minutes. Asami sighed in her sleep and held her tighter.

Last night had been . . . more intense than they had planned, but amazing nonetheless. The tree of time had seemed like a good place for Asami to visit to find closure for Hiroshi’s death, and it had been, but it had been so much more. They had spent hours there exploring not just Asami’s childhood, but Korra’s too.

So much adorableness. She placed a kiss on her head as she buried her face in her hair.

They’d left vulnerable, but content, closer than they’d been. So it was little surprise that once they’d climbed into the hammock Korra had set up for the night, hands began to roam and soft sighs filled the air. The restraint they’d been trying to hold onto since entering the Spirit World barely held. Just a few more days . . .

“Mmm,” Korra hummed as she felt Asami’s hand slip under the hem of her shirt. “Good morning, sweetie.”

Asami hovered over her and arched an eyebrow. “‘Sweetie?’ We’ve been over this - that’s mine,” she cooed with a lazy grin.

“I have to think of something else?” Warmth flooded her face as the engineer’s hand traveled higher. “Um, what about babe or maybe darling?”

“I think you can do better than that,” she whispered into Korra’s ear before kissing her way down her neck.

“I- Okay, yeah.” Words were getting harder to come by as Asami’s nimble fingers worked her breast. “How a-about love or . . . beautiful?”

“Getting better,” she said before meeting her lips. “What else do you have?”

“Ah-h,” Korra trailed off. The hand under her shirt wandered again. “You’re not making this e-easy on me, you know.”

“You can do it. Focus, Korra.”

The avatar laughed and bit back a moan. “Cuddlebug? Gorgeous?”

The engineer leaned in close enough to brush her lips against hers as she spoke, “So many choices, how will I-”

“Korra? I- Oh, sorry!”

The women froze and turned to see a transparent Jinora covering her eyes with an apologetic cring.

A flurry of movement caught the avatar off guard as Asami attempted to vault off of her, ending in a surprised yelp as the engineer fell to the ground in a heap. Korra peaked over the edge of the hammock and admired her sprawled girlfriend before becoming overwhelmed with laughter.

“Um, is it okay to look?”

“Sorry, sorry,” Korra managed between fits of giggles. “What’s happened?”

Jinora slowly lowered her hands as a very red faced Asami climbed to her feet and stood awkwardly by the hammock. “Raiko needs you back to start on a new mission.”

“What mission?” she asked as she sobered up.

“It’s need to know only and I don’t need to know I guess.”

“That doesn’t sound good,” Asami said frowning.

“Probably something borderline illegal or morally questionable. How much time do we have?”

“Raiko wants you back now, but Dad says it can probably wait until tomorrow - they’re still working on a plan.”

Korra exited the hammock a bit more gracefully than her friend and sighed. “Tell him we’ll be there tomorrow morning?” she said looking at Asami who nodded.

“I guess we should be thankful we had as long as we did,” Asami said after Jinora faded away.

“Probably,” the avatar said before pulling her into her arms, “but I’m still not going to like it.”

“No one said you had to.”

“You know what I did like? The way you hopped out of the hammock.”

Asami’s face glowed crimson. “I will remember this next time we spar.”

“I hope you do,” Korra whispered before stealing a kiss, “but for now, we need to get moving if we still want to meet up with Iroh for tea before we go.”

“Are you sure this is the spot?”

Jeong let out a quiet breath to dull her frustration, “Yes, Detective. They always come from the same direction and always walk by the same tents.”

“Do you think they have look-outs?” Bolin asked as the three of them walked casually on.

“If they’re smart they will.” Speak of the devil . . . Just a few tents ahead, a lean man emerged with an arm around a teenage boy.

“Piece of cake - a walk in the park - it’ll be done before you know-” The grin on the man’s face slipped a moment at the sight of Mako. “We’ll talk later. Get going.” He crossed his arms over his chest and laughed. “Ah man, here I thought seeing Mako in that get up was the funniest thing ever! Should have stuck with the Nuktuk get up, Bo!”

“Hey, my girlfriend thinks it’s sexy, so that’s all that matters to me,” Bolin said with confidence.

“I bet she’d prefer Nuktuk to Dudley-Do-Right - you should model both for her tonight,” he said with an eyebrow wiggle.

“Ping, stop giving him relationship advice - he’s doing fine on his own,” Mako said shortly. “What are you doing here?”

The twelve-toed mobster put a hand to his chest dramatically. “Why, I’m just a displaced refugee like everyone else here!”

“And I’m twenty-five story mech.”

“Hey, if that’s how you see yourself-”

“Cut the crap!” Mako interrupted. “I know the gangs are pushing for fresh recruits all over the camps. I want to know why.”

“And I want a date with the avatar - or your other ex, come to think of it - or both . . . together.” A dreamy look passed over his face. “I still can’t believe you screw up with both of them, though . . . hopefully after you screwed them?”

“Alright, Ping, that’s enough!” Boin said as he took a step toward the man.

“Easy, easy! I’m just having a little fun!” He gave Mako a short bow. “I’m sorry you’re shit with the ladies, Mako.”

“The recruits, Ping. Why do the Triple Threat need more manpower?” Mako asked humorlessly.

“What are you a broken record?” He finally noticed Jeong. “Mako, why didn’t you tell me you brought along your girlfriend? I’d have had a more civil tongue if I knew there was a lady in our presence.”

“I’m no one and not with him,” she said with faux-confidence.

Ping looked sympathetically at the detective. “Why don’t I set a brother up? I know this real classy dame that would be just up your alley-”

“This is the last time I’m asking nicely: Why do the gangs need more recruits?” he growled.

“You’re the big shot detective - you tell me.”

Mako narrowed his eyes. “There’s a fight coming. Turf borders are about to be redrawn now that downtown is uninhabitable.”

“Hey, there’s the street smart kid I love!” Ping fished out a pack of hand-rolled cigarettes and lit one. “We’re simple folk, just like the refugees. The city couldn’t give them what they needed so we stepped in. We’re just like you, except that we actually can help these people.”

“By getting these kids killed in a gang war?!” Jeong asked, appalled.

“Sweetie, nothing ventured, nothing gained . . . and these kids have a lot to gain if things go our way.” He checked his pocket watch and grinned. “It’s been great catching up and all, but I’ve got places to be. You all take care now.”

“Are you just going to let him go?!” she whispered to Mako as Ping walked away.

“I have nothing to arrest him for,” he admitted. “But he did confirm my worries. I need to radio the chief-”

“Don’t do it here,” she said quickly. “If I can listen in on police scanners I’m sure the gangs can too.”

“So time to head back to the island?” Bolin asked.

He looked to Jeong before shaking his head. “We can send word with another officer. I think we should stick around a while longer and see if we can figure out where the Triple Threat have set up base.”

“Yes, more important police work,” Bolin said in a voice reminiscent of Nuktuk.

I don’t know how much more of these two I can take, Jeong thought as she led them back to her family’s tent.

A/N: That seems like a good spot to end it. Fun fact: I wrote about eight pages of this chapter while writing chapter 2 or 3. I had to delete about half of it and add five pages, but it was still usable.

I wanted to give a sneak peak at what the Empire is planning, but I just couldn’t fit it into the story. Sigh, next chapter, I guess. Also, Korra and Asami finally get their alone time . . . so it might take me a while to get the next chapter up (planning on writing a teen version and a mature stand alone). Not that either will be SFW, but I don’t want to tack on a mature rating to this story.

Thanks for reading, liking, reviewing, and/or accidentally viewing.

SFW Chapter 17 (plot)

NSFW Chapter 17 (smut)

#korrasami #korra #asami #legend of korra #Book 5 Absolution #mako #bolin #Lin Beifong #suyin beifong #tenzin #president raiko

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heroineimages · 7 years

Text

Another Korra AU

So, in effort to make myself write more, I’ve been writing first scenes to various story ideas I’ve had, whether they’re short fantasy stories or Legend of Korra fan fictions, I’m just trying to make myself write as much as I can. Here’s a Korra AU I had a while back. It’s sort of a What if...? AU where Tenzin sends Korra home at the end of the very first episode after she runs away. As I don’t imagine Korra taking this lying down, I decided to explore where she might have gone instead of returning to the South Pole. The opening scene focuses on the discovery that the Avatar has run away.

“Ugh, what was my idiot brother thinking, sending Korra away like that?” Kya groused to her mother, tossing her hands in the air dramatically as they waited on the docks with Tonraq. “I don’t care how ‘dangerous’ Tenzin thinks Republic City is, Korra could do a lot of good there.” Up the docks, a dozen workmen secured the White Lotus ship to the pier.

“And keeping her cooped up in the White Lotus compound certainly won’t help her become a better Avatar,” Tonraq agreed as the Lotus ship lowered its ramp.

“I’m sure Tenzin had his reasons,” Katara shrugged. “I’m sure they were wrong reasons,” she added, “but no doubt they made perfect sense to his mind.”

Kya chuckled at her mother’s sass as Naga bounded down the ramp. Tongue dangling out and barking excitedly, she charged up to their group. Naga butted her head against Kya and licked the side of her face, then turned to lick Tonraq’s face five or six times.

Shaking her head, Kya bent a splash of water from her bottle to wash the polar bear dog slobber from her face. Tonraq, meanwhile, returned Naga’s affection with some aggressive ear-scratching. Casting the slobber over the dockside, Kya looked up at the ship, frowning as she noticed a distinct lack of Avatar. Four White Lotus agents gathered at the base of the ramp conferring in panicked tones.

“Where’s Korra?” Katara asked loudly, marching up to the agents.

“We, ah, don’t know,” one of the agents admitted. “She–she wasn’t in her cabin when we checked just now, to let her know we’d arrived,” the woman continued. “We’re still checking the rest of the ship.”

“Are you saying you lost my daughter?” Tonraq asked as he approached, his face and tone darkening as he crossed his arms.

All four Lotus agents seemed to shrink back as he said it.

“When was the last time any of you saw Korra?” Katara asked. Kya could tell from her mother’s tone that she suspected they hadn’t seen her in a while.

“She… locked herself in her cabin the minute she got aboard,” one of the agents explained. “We’re asking around, but as best we can tell, no one’s seen her or talked to her since.”

“So she could be anywhere in the Earth Kingdom by now,” Tonraq scowled deeper.

“Can’t be!” one of the Lotus members protested. “We’ve left her something to eat every mealtime, and we’ve found her plates empty when we’ve picked them back up. Even her breakfast plate this morning was empty. Someone’s been eating that food.”

“Where’s Naga been this whole time?” Tonraq asked.

“Um… guarding Korra’s door,” the first guard admitted, grimacing as she realized where this line of questioning was headed.

“And has anyone been bringing additional food for Naga?” Kya asked, shaking her head.

“No,” the woman sighed, looking defeated.

“So she could be anywhere in the Earth Kingdom by now,” Tonraq repeated.

“Or the Fire Nation,” Kya added. “Any Earth Kingdom port will have west-bound ships she might stow away on.”

“You four, while the others are searching the ship for clues, I want you to start contacting other White Lotus agents and tell them to keep an eye out for Korra,” Katara ordered. “If you find her quickly they might let you keep your jobs. You two,” she said, turning to Tonraq and Kya, “come with me, we’ll work on getting a search organized.”

“Yes, Master Katara,” one of the agents spoke up. “We’ll find her.”

Kya followed her mom and Tonraq down the docks, trying to keep from smirking. Naga loped along beside Tonraq, completely unconcerned about anything.

“That’s my girl,” Tonraq chuckled, dropping his angry act once they were out of the White Lotus’ hearing.

“Korra is nothing if not resourceful,” Katara agreed. “Even so, we should conduct a search of our own, if only to make sure she’s alright. I doubt Korra escaped to either Water Tribe, for example,” she continued, turning to Tonraq. “But you might start inquiring with some of your contacts in both tribes, just to be safe.”

“And to make the White Lotus think we’re actively looking for her,” Tonraq agreed. “Personally, I think this kind of freedom would be good for Korra.”

“So do I,” Kya nodded.

“I think I’ll check with the Fire Nation,” Katara said, considering. “If Korra is seeking to learn more about bending, it’s not unlikely she’d look for someone to teach her lightning bending. Plus,” she added, smiling nostalgically, “I haven’t seen Zuko in almost thirteen years, and Izumi in even longer. It will be good to socialize again.”

“Should we be concerned about Zaheer’s people?” Tonraq asked suddenly, as if remembering what had happened last time they saw Zuko.

“You’re right,” Kya grimaced, her stomach tightening. “What if Korra didn’t run away? What if Zaheer’s people…?”

The four of them stopped as Katara scowled, considering. “I’m inclined to think Naga would have warned everyone if Korra was in trouble,” she decided finally.

Naga barked happily at the sound of her name.

“No, you’re right,” Tonraq agreed, sighing with relief. “Naga would have taken the cabin door off if she sensed someone else in that room with Korra. I think we’re safe in that regard. And having the Lotus question Zaheer and the others about it might tip them off that the Avatar is on the loose.”

“So should I ask around the Earth Kingdom, then?” Kya asked as they continued back across the docks.

“Yes, dear,” Katara nodded, patting Kya’s shoulder. “Korra grew up with stories of Aang’s adventures, so you’d be best off to prioritize places where we went at the end of the Hundred-Year War. Kyoshi Island might be a good place to start, in fact.”

“That actually makes a lot of sense,” Tonraq laughed. “If Korra wants to fight, I can easily imagine her trying to train as a Kyoshi Warrior.”

“So long as I don’t have to track her into the swamp I’m fine with hunting around,” Kya frowned, sticking her tongue out. “For people who live on the water, swamp benders sure bathe infrequently.”

“Take Naga with you, Kya,” Tonraq suggested, patting Naga’s shoulder. “I think you’ve got the best odds of finding Korra, and I’m sure they’d both love you forever if you reunited them.”

“Sure,” Kya shrugged. “What’d ya say, girl?” she asked, scratching Naga’s muzzle with both hands. “C’mon, we’ll have a girls’ road trip, just the two of us! Ready to find Korra? Let’s go find Korra!”

Naga replied by barking excitedly and snarfing Kya’s face again.

“I can’t believe you didn’t see that coming,” Tonraq smirked unsympathetically. Kya just scowled and bent more water to clean her face off.

#my writing #my stories #fan fiction #The Legend of Korra #Avatar Korra #Tonraq #Kya #Katara #Korra AUs

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amnicholson · 7 years

Text

United Republic High: Chapter 15

Big thanks to @terraforever for letting me use her fan art for Asami’s Prom Dress. I provided a link to her deviantart page so you guys can see it.

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Asami let the warm water of the bath that Korra had drawn for her ease her muscles. Fuck she ached all over, from head to toe. She was lucky, and very thankfully, all she had to show for her ordeal were a few bruises, and some very sore muscles. Even Mako wasn’t hurt as badly as she’d first thought. Noted his nose would probably always be a little crooked from now on.

The water sloshed along the edge as she reached for the glass of wine Korra had poured her. She took a large drink of it before laying back against the headrest Korra had arranged. She closed her eyes and breathed in, trying to calm her mind, but those wheels wouldn’t slow. She heard the soft metallic click of the door knob as it turned. She cracked her eyelids open and saw Korra poke her head in, cell phone pressed tightly to her ear as she looked in on Asami.

“I’ll tell her mama. I love you too.” Korra smiled down at Asami as she took a step back to close the door, Asami’s upraised hand stopped her movements. “Bye mama.”

“Does she want to wrap me in bubble wrap as well?” Asami glanced up at Korra as she began pulling a wash cloth across her right arm.

“Pretty much.” Korra sat on the edge of the tub, her back to Asami. She rested her elbows on her knees as she leaned forward. “She might have mentioned a few things about locking us in the house while your father and my father use their ‘connections’ to ‘eliminate’ the problem.”

Asami let out a bark of laughter. “Ha! That sounds like your mom.” She squinted at Korra’s back. “I see where you get your fierceness.”

A lopsided grin formed on Korra’s face as she nodded. “I’m pretty protective of those I love.” She said it with an amused smile, but the look in her eyes was far from it. She turned to face Asami more directly, her voice taking on a somber tone as she spoke. “Asami, I don’t know what I’d do if something happened,” she was cut off as a sopping wet wash cloth hit her in the face. Korra sat unmoving as the wash cloth slid down her face to land with a soft plop in her lap. “Did you just…. really?”

“It was the only way to shut you up for right now.” Asami spoke softly. “Don’t say it. I don’t want you to say it.” Asami reached out, her wet hand tangling in the hem of Korra’s shirt.

Korra frowned before nodding her head. “Okay. I won’t say it.” She extracted the hand that clutched her shirt, and laced their fingers together. “I’ll just say, I’ve never loved someone as much as I do you, and I don’t think I’ll ever love anyone else the same.”

A tear slid down Asami’s cheek to fall and mix with the bath water. “Raava you’re such a sap.” She sniffed and smiled when a chuckle rang out from Korra. She tugged on Korra’s hand. “Get in here.”

Korra nodded and grinned as she stood to strip out of her clothes. Leaving them in a pile on the floor she slid in behind Asami. As soon as she was settled Asami leaned back against her, laying her head in the crook of Korra’s neck. Korra placed her hands on the sides of the tub and turned her head to press a kiss to Asami’s temple.

Asami smiled and pressed her head into Korra’s lips. “Will you hold me?”

“Of course love.” Korra wrapped her strong arms around Asami, laying her hands across her taut stomach. She hummed a quiet, soothing tune, feeling Asami relax against her. She knew exactly when Asami finally succumbed to the exhaustion she’d been fighting. Korra let her sleep. She held her, pressing the occasional kiss to Asami’s hair or cheek until the bathwater grew cool and their fingers and toes resembled prunes. Then gently she nudged Asami. “Come on love. Let’s get you to bed.”

Korra felt Asami stir, but she didn’t wake fully. She smiled as she listened to Asami mumble. Korra helped her scoot forward and she stood. Carefully, Korra helped Asami step out of the tub and she dried them both off, Asami swaying in place. Korra wrapped a dry, fluffy towel around Asami, and in one quick motion she scooped her up. Asami nestled into her warm chest, and was sound asleep again before Korra made the short trip to bed.

Korra laid Asami down in the middle of the bed and pressed a quick kiss to her temple before sliding in beside her. She pulled the covers up and over them both then wrapped an arm around Asami’s waist. In the soft glow of the bedside lamp Korra studied the woman next to her. The always silky and glossy locks of onyx that Asami tamed into waves fit for a movie star. The slight almond shaped eye lids that currently hid a shade of emerald that had become Korra’s favorite upon first seeing it. Korra studied and catalogued every detail of Asami’s face. Her soft lips that were as sweet as honey. Her cute little nose that Korra loved to kiss, almost always earning a giggle when she did so.

Korra reached up and smoothed her fingers through Asami’s hair and down her cheek. “I could have lost you today.” She whispered softly, her voice wavering with emotion. With Asami asleep she could finally speak her fears, and let her emotions go. A tear slid down her cheek as she pressed another kiss to Asami’s temple. “I could have lost you today.” She repeated herself, her voice breaking as more tears spilled forth.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you Sami.” She stroked Asami’s cheek with her thumb. “You’re my calm place. I have never been this at peace in my life.” She took Asami’s chin in hand and leaned forward, brushing her lips to her lover’s, softly and sweetly. “You’re my safe place, my harbor, my home.” She took a deep breath and smiled as she turned the bedside lamp off. She settled her arms around Asami and held her tightly, kissing her bare shoulder. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Asami whispered back, a slight smile on her lips as she opened her eyes.

“Were you playing opossum this whole time?” Korra asked, as she dried eyes.

Asami shook her head and rolled over on her side so she was nose to nose with Korra. “I woke up when you started talking and I didn’t want to interrupt.” She tilted her head forward and rested her forehead against Korra’s. “You’re my home too Korra.”

They laid wrapped in each other’s arms that night. Holding on tightly, relishing in the comfort the other brought. They fell asleep with foreheads pressed together and legs tangled, each thinking of home.

While they slept peacefully, warm in their bed, across town was a nefarious man. Adam Gustove flipped the collar up on his long jacket. He pulled his ball cap down low and flicked the butt of his cigarette into the street. He watched a red headed woman in a third floor apartment building pace back and forth. She threw her hands in the air mumbling to herself. He smirked as he drew another cigarette from the front pocket of his shirt.

The lighter flared to life as he strode across the road. He took a long drag as he pushed the call button to apartment 3B.

“Hello?” A shaky voice came over the speaker.

“I think we have a common goal.” Gustove said before releasing the button, putting the cigarette back between his lips.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The woman said after a moments hesitation.

Gustove pressed the button and chuckled. “Your attempt with the Sato bitch was, admirable, I must admit. You were close.”

“You must be mistaken. I don’t know what you’re talking about.” There was an audible quiver in the voice that Gustove picked up on.

“Just like you have no idea about her house being broken into?” He sneered as he let the button go. When there was no response he continued, “Or the sketches? The dog missing? The phone calls?” He released the button again and waited a count of five. “Cat got your tongue girlie?”

He heard the buzz of the door and the click of the lock. There was a certain swagger to his walk as he ascended the stairs.

:::::::::::

Korra rushed around the morning of prom, making breakfast, and checking that Mako, Izumi, Bolin, and Opal were all set for the dinner reservations with Hiroshi. She checked that she had her dry cleaning tag, and shot a quick text to the car service to confirm the pickup time. As she expertly flipped a pancake one handed she scrolled through and made sure that the tuxedo rental place had received her payments on both Marcus and Kai’s orders.

She smiled as she felt a pat to her backside as Asami walked past her, empty coffee mug in hand. “Good game tiger.”

Korra snorted as she set her phone aside. “Is that all I get for my star performance this morning? An ass pat and ‘good game tiger’?” She shook her head as she added to the stack of cooked pancakes.

Asami smirked as she turned around, the now filled mug raised to her lips. She took a deep breath of the heavenly concoction. “I mean there are other ways I could show my appreciation, but I don’t want to wear you out before tonight.” She blew on her coffee before taking a testing sip. “Can’t have you too tired for dancing tonight.”

Korra picked up both plates of pancakes and sat them on the breakfast bar. “Oh of course. I’d hate to disappoint my lady on the dance floor.” She turned and reached for Asami’s coffee mug, then sat it on the bar beside a plate. Then Korra placed her hands on Asami’s waist and pulled her close. “Want a preview of my dance moves for tonight?” She grinned as she started to sway side to side, taking tiny steps to turn them around the kitchen.

“I’m always up for a preview of your moves.”

“Okay, here goes.” Korra gave a big smile then jumped into the running man. Asami laughed at her as she shook her head. “Too much?” Korra asked as she stopped, hands on hips. “I mean if you can’t keep up just say so.”

“Oh I never said I couldn’t keep up. I got moves of my own.” Asami laughed as she backed away from Korra a few steps. “If anything, you can’t keep up with me.” Next Asami showed just how accomplished she was in dancing, by performing the sprinkler.

Both women fell into a fit of giggles as they continued showing off their dance moves. After a several minutes of dancing, giggling, and stealing kisses they managed to eat their now cold pancakes. They discussed the things each needed to do for the day to make sure Prom went off without a hitch. Including picking up their outfits.

Asami took a drink from her mug. “I can’t believe you won’t tell me what you’re wearing.” She said, waving her fork at Korra.

“It’s a surprise. You like surprises.” Korra countered with a mouth full of pancake and syrup.

“How will I know we’re going to match?” Asami asked raising an eyebrow in challenge.

Korra took a big drink of milk, wiped her mouth on her napkin, and turned to face Asami. “Babe, don’t fret. Whether you wear red or black, I’m going to match.”

Asami scrunched her nose in thought. “Who says I’m wearing red or black?”

“You always wear red or black. You know you look good in them, and they’re your favorite anyway.” Korra smiled and leaned forward kissing Asami on the nose. “I’ve got to go. See you tonight my love.”

Asami finished breakfast in silence, sharing a few bites with Naga. As she placed her dishes in the sink she pondered an age old question, red or black?

::::::::::::::

Asami rushed to the door as the doorbell dinged again. “Just a minute!” She called down the hall as she hopped along trying to buckle the strap on her high heeled shoe. She smiled in triumph as she got it in place just as she reached the door. “Hello.” Her smile turned to a look of confusion at the sight of Opal and Bolin on the doorstep. “I thought we were meeting at the restaurant?”

Opal shrugged as she eyed Asami up and down. “Korra sent us a message. Mako and Izumi are on their way. You look hot.” Opal grinned and stepped around her to enter the house. “Has Korra seen you in this yet?” She waved her hand in Asami’s direction. “I like the flapper look.”

Asami gave a little twirl to show off her knee length, loose fitting dress. A red sash sat on her hips, a bright red stone holding the two ends together. Nestled between her breast was a matching stone, three strands of white beads hung down underneath it. A black choker with another red stone adorned her neck. The halter straps left her back bare, and her hair laid in perfect waves. To top it off she had a strand of white beads circling her head, a red feather and yet another red stone pulling it all together.

Bolin gave a low whistle as he stepped through the doorway. “Hey, want to be my date instead of Korra’s?”

“I don’t think so Bo.” Korra’s voice rang out from the doorway. She stood there, one hand in the pockets of her black slacks. She leaned casually against the doorjamb, her other hand resting on the handle of a gleaming cane. Her black dress shoes were polished to a shine. Her white button up shirt was pressed and fit just right. The red kerchief in her black vest pocket was the same shade as her tie. She grinned and took a step forward, reaching up she flicked the brim of her fedora with her index finger. “You look gorgeous.”

Asami stared, soaking in every ounce of the woman before her. “You clean up nicely.” She smiled as Korra stepped into her side, a warm hand coming to rest on the small of her back.

Bolin grinned and squealed in joy, “Awe! You guys are so cute! Aren’t they the cutest Opal?”

Opal fished her phone from her clutch and held it up. “Say cheese ya little cuties.”

Mako and Izumi arrived soon after Korra did, and the pictures continued. Asami delighted in the full prom experience she had missed out on as a teenager. She gladly wore the corsage Korra had purchased. She smiled in all the pictures, and enjoyed the silly antics of all her friends.

Mako looked at his watch and straightened his suit jacket. “We should probably head to the restaurant.”

Izumi smiled as she leaned into his side. “All he’s talked about all week is the Jasmine House.”

The others laughed as Mako frowned. “I’m excited okay!”

“Obviously dude.” Bolin grinned and elbowed his brother in the ribs.

They all shuffled for the door digging car keys from their pocket. “You guys don’t need those.” Korra said as they stepped outside. “I’ve taken care of our ride.” At that time there came a pair of honks from the road as two sleek black limos pulled up. “I figured we could arrive in style.”

“Sweet!” Opal yelled with enthusiasm as she rushed to the first limo.

“The first one is ours. You guys load up. I’ll be right back.” She took a step towards the road, Asami pulled gently on her hand.

“Where are you going?” Asami asked as she tugged Korra back to her side.

“To tell Marcus and Kai that their ride is here.” Korra grinned up at her.

Asami dipped her head and planted a kiss to Korra’s cheek. “I’m going with you then.”

Korra nodded her head and led the way across the road. She knocked on the door and they waited for it to open. She met the steely gaze of Francis.

“I was wondering if you would stop by.” The older woman crossed her arms and squinted at Korra. “I went to pick up the boys’ suits earlier and mysteriously they were already paid for.”

Korra grinned and rocked back on her heels. “You don’t say? That’s pretty cool Francis.”

“Mmhmm.” Francis softened as a smile tugged at her lips. “Well if you happen to know who did it, be sure to tell them how thankful I am. They didn’t have to, but it is greatly appreciated.”

“I’ll pass the message along.” Korra smiled at the kindly woman, then she looked at Asami and squeezed her hand. “We do have a surprise for the boys, and I hope it’s okay.” She moved to the side allowing Francis to see the limos sitting at the curb. “I didn’t want you to worry about the boys getting a ride, or walking, and this way they can pick their dates up.”

Francis looked at the women and then pulled them both into a hug. “Thank you both for everything you’ve done for my boys.” She gave them both a kiss on the cheek as she stepped back.

“I hope you know we care a lot about you and the boys.” Asami said as she dabbed at her eyes.

“Oh I know darling, and we all care for you both.” Francis squeezed her shoulder then stepped into the house to call up the stairs. “Marcus, Kai, you have visitors.”

There was a thunder of footsteps coming down the stairs. Both boys came to a halt at the door. Kai had his dress shirt half tucked into his pants and his tie was loose. Marcus’s hair was standing at odd angles and his bow tie was wadded in his fist. “Hey!” They both grinned and waved.

“Please tell me you guys are still getting ready?” Korra looked them both up and down with a critical eye.

“Uh, no. We’re good.” Kai said confidently as he pulled at the lapels of his jacket.

“I’d like help with this actually.” Marcus said as he held the bow tie out in his hand.

Francis shuffled down the hallway muttering to herself. Korra smiled when she caught the words, “dunder heads.”

Korra helped Marcus with his bow tie while Asami instructed Kai in tucking his shirt in. Francis appeared at the door with a comb, hair gel, and a hand towel. Korra nodded her thanks as she took the gel and comb from her. “What would you do without us?” She teased as she tamed Marcus’s wild hair and Asami straightened Kai’s tie.

“Probably go to prom looking like slobs.” Marcus added with a grin.

Korra snorted as she studied her work. She nodded in approval at how sharp both boys looked now. Asami gave each one a kiss on the cheek, leaving a red kiss mark, as they hugged her. “You both look handsome. The girls will be surprised.”

“Jinora said she’d pick us up later.” Kai said as he typed a text message to send.

“Well, how about you tell Jinora and Ikki that you guys will pick them up?” Korra smirked as she jerked her thumb towards the limo. Then laughed as both boys looked wide eyed between her and Asami.

Next they were both in motion. They launched themselves first at Francis, hugging her tightly around the neck, and kissing her soundly on the cheeks. “Bye grandma.” Both boys said as they next exchanged hugs again with Korra and Asami. “Thanks you guys.” Then they were off running towards the car.

The women stood on the porch and laughed as the limo pulled away. “You’ve made their night.” Francis said matter of factly as she stepped back into her house. “Now, you girls have fun tonight.” She waved as Asami and Korra walked arm and arm to climb into their own limo.

Dinner with Hiroshi went amazingly. He graciously insisted on paying for dinner, and gladly posed for prom pictures with his daughter. They talked and laughed throughout dinner, enjoying the start of their night. Hiroshi escorted them back to their limo when it was time for them to leave. He hugged Korra and Asami both as they slid into the backseat. “Have fun tonight.” He called as the limo pulled away.

They arrived at the front of the school to see a line of students waiting for the doors to open. They exited the limo to a round of whistles and cat calls from the students as they made their way to the front of the line. Asami and Korra followed behind the other couples, fingers laced together.

Lin and Kya opened the doors for them to enter as the three couples squeezed past the waiting students. “You kids look great.” Kya gushed as she looked them all up and down. “Decorations look great ladies. You two did a great job getting the kids involved this year.”

“I think it was the promise of free pizza the days we stayed late.” Korra confided as she looked around the lobby. Spying the photographer, she excused herself from the conversation.

Lin checked her watch before turning to the others as they chatted together. “Doors open in five minutes. Better get to the gym.”

“Oh and watch out for Kuvira. She’s in a horrible mood tonight.” Kya called after the group as they started making their way to the gym.

As they neared Korra they stopped to wait. Korra grinned as she shook hands with the photographer. She walked over to Asami and grabbed her hand. “Picture time.” Korra declared as she tugged Asami towards the backdrop.

“Korra we have enough pictures already!” Asami protested as she was posed according to the photographer’s instructions.

Korra stood behind her and placed her hands on Asami’s hips. “I know, but you’re getting the whole experience tonight.” She quickly kissed Asami’s shoulder before straightening and smiling for the camera.

“Awe! I want a copy of this.” Opal said as they rejoined the others. “Asami’s turned you into a regular old softy Korra.” She teased as her and Bolin walked in the lead down the hallway.

Korra rolled her eyes and looked at Asami. “I prefer to think of it as she’s smoothed out my rough edges.”

“Well put Korra.” Mako said as checked a couple classroom doors, making sure they were locked. He smiled wistfully as he glanced at Izumi. “We always change for people; some just bring out better changes than others.” He gave Izumi a chaste kiss on the lips.

“You’re very philosophical tonight Mako.” Bolin commented as he turned to regard the man. “Who are you and what have you done with my brother?”

The group chuckled as they entered the gym, then stopped to marvel at the decorations. Lights twinkled above them, balloons and confetti served as center pieces for the tables. The band was going through a last minute sound check. The group of friends gave each other one final smile before breaking apart to various parts of the gym.

Korra and Asami sat at a nearby table. Korra’s hand rested on Asami’s knee and both sipped from some plastic cups filled with fruit punch. Together they watched the students dance and mingle. They watched Opal and Bolin dance to a few songs, then chuckled at Mako trying to do one of the new dances with Izumi.

Korra’s foot tapped to the current song, she was ready to dance. She smiled when the band switched gears and played the first slow song of the night. She stood and offered her hand to Asami. “May I have this dance?”

Asami took the outreached hand and stood, letting Korra lead her to the center of the floor. Her arms went around Korra’s neck as Korra’s hands came to rest on her hips. They swayed and shuffled to the song, making slow circles around the dance floor. Neither paid any attention to the other couples on the dance floor, they only had eyes for each other.

Bolin and Opal twirled close by them. “Ladies, leave room for Jesus,” Opal winked as Bolin and her twirled away from them.

Asami’s cheeks colored slightly and she attempted to take a small step away from Korra, but Korra just held her in place and continued to dance. One slow song turned into another, Korra and Asami twirled around the floor. They passed students that they smiled and nodded to in greeting. They spied Jinora and Kai together and Korra spun them quickly in that direction. They swayed next to the young couple, chatting and laughing. Korra had to admit, maybe prom wasn’t so bad.

Half way through the night Kuvira made an appearance. She wore an emerald green dress, and scowl. She circled the dance floor, barking at students to separate, and ordering them to act accordingly. Korra shook her head as she watched.

“I don’t get it.” Opal said as she stepped next to Asami. “You’d think she could not be a total bitch for one night.”

“Kuvira? Not be a total bitch?” Korra mused with a half smirk. “Now that’s something I’d like to see.”

The group laughed at the comment, but it was short lived when the gaze of their Great Uniter fell upon them.

“Fuck.” Korra mumbled as Kuvira started making her way towards them.

Asami smiled when her phone rang. “Lucky me.” She pressed the phone to her ear and turned away from the speakers.

“Kuvira.” Korra mumbled as she waved in acknowledgment.

“If you’ll excuse me.” Asami said as she headed for the door.

Korra made to follow, but a steel grip on her arm stopped her.

“Surely she’s capable of taking a phone call without you Korra.” Kuvira said with a smile that looked more like a sneer. “Besides, I do believe your duty is here, watching the students.”

Korra ground her teeth as she shook Kuvira off and stepped to the other side of Opal. She rolled her sleeves up to her elbow, hooked her cane under her arm and jammed her hands in her pockets. With half an ear she listened to Opal talk to Kuvira about where she’d found her dress. After about five minutes of Opal dominating the conversation, Kuvira excused herself to the other side of the gym. Opal grinned triumphantly.

“Works every time.” Opal turned towards Korra. “You’re welcome.”

Korra looked confused. “What just happened?”

“I discovered that if Kuvira can’t be the center of attention, she leaves. So anytime she’s near, I find useless shit to talk about and I don’t shut up until she leaves.” Opal’s eyes sparkled mischievously.

Korra beamed and chuckled. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

Opal laughed and placed a hand on Korra’s shoulder. She leaned into her friend and shrugged her shoulders. “I forgot.”

“Oh sure!” Korra playfully shoved her friend away.

“Korra.” Mako’s tone had Opal and Korra’s laughter dying. He grabbed Korra’s wrist and gave her a tug to follow him. Korra shrugged her shoulders at Opal and followed him to the main hallway where Lin and an officer in uniform waited.

“What’s going on?” Korra asked as she flicked her hat up on her head and looked from one worried face to another.

“We just got an anonymous phone call. A man was seen sneaking onto school grounds. Our source says he has a gun.” Mako spoke with a stern and serious tone as he glanced at Lin then Korra.

“When and where?” Korra demanded as she pulled her phone from her pocket.

“Twenty minutes ago, west side, far back corner.” The officer supplied quickly.

“That’s near Asami’s classroom.” Korra’s eyes shot wide. “Fuck! She got a phone call. I’m betting that’s where she went to take it.” She took a step down the hallway and had an arm bar her way.

Lin’s voice was rough and full of authority. “Korra, you can’t go charging down there right now. We need a plan.”

“You want a plan?” Korra turned towards her friend. “You and Officer Dierks get the kids locked down while Mako and I do a sweep of the school. Keep the kids in there. Doors shut. Teachers guarding them. Keep them calm.” She stepped back, drew a deep breath, and looked to Mako.

“I was going to suggest that. My weapon is locked in the front office.”

“Mine’s in my office. Won’t do me any good between here and there.” Korra added.

“Ma’am.” Officer Dierks pulled his piece. “You can take mine, and I can use my back up piece.” He handed Korra his department issued 9mm and squatted down to remove a smaller pistol from his ankle holster.

“Let’s hope we don’t need these.” Korra said as she tossed her hat and cane in a corner before following Mako towards the office.

After retrieving Mako’s gun they worked their way down the hallways, checking each door. If it was locked, they went on, if the door opened, they went in and swept the room. After nearly an hour of checking the school Korra was growing agitated.

They had two hallways left to check when Mako’s radio crackled to life. “Korra, Mako, come in, over.” Lin’s voice sounded over the speaker.

“You’re a go for Mako, over.” Mako said into the handheld.

“We need to evacuate now. We just got a bomb threat, over.” Korra could hear the fear in Lin’s voice.

Korra watched the color drain from Mako’s face as he spun on his heel and together they sprinted for the gym. What had taken an hour to cover in a sweep they covered in a matter of seconds at top speed. They rounded the corner to see groups of students being led out by teachers.

“Can I get a status report?” Korra stopped next to Lin.

Kya nodded her head as she turned to address her and Mako. “We had just finished a roll call when the call came in. As soon as it came in we had the kids filing out with a teacher thrown in here and there.”

“Everyone accounted for?” Mako asked as they started to follow the last group of students out.

Kya shook her head as she scanned the list again. “No. We’re missing five students.” She read their names off the list. “Jinora, Kai, Marcus, Ikki, and Meelo.”

“Anyone know when they were last seen?” Korra asked as she started scanning the tops of the students’ heads.

“Excuse me.” A slim girl spoke up. “I saw Marcus and Meelo exit the gym with Tahno. A little later Tahno returned with a few of the basketball players, but not Marcus and Meelo.”

“The others must have gone looking for them.” Mako stopped at the intersection of the hallways and the other adults did too. “Kya and Lin, finishing getting the kids out. Korra we’re going to split up. Do a quick sweep of the half we haven’t checked and find the kids.”

“What about Asami?” Korra asked through gritted teeth.

“I can try calling her.” Kya offered as she dug her phone from the folds of her dress.

“You know the kids come first Korra.” Mako placed a hand on her arm.

Korra batted his arm away. “I’m the last person you need to talk to about duty.” She growled as she started down a hallway they hadn’t checked.

“Yes sweetie, I’ll tell Aunt Korra you said hi.” Asami grinned as she walked the hallway outside her classroom. She laughed as she listened to Rodrick on the other end. “Yes I’ll ask about you spending the weekend.” She heard him let out a cry of delight. “Rodrick, I have to go now. I love you.” She smiled fondly when she heard him reply in kind.

Asami slipped her phone back into her clutch and started back to the gym. Outside of the boy’s locker room she paused. Asami turned a small circle, listening. She heard voices coming from inside the locker room. Cautiously she pushed the door open and took a step inside.

“Hey, come on now bro. Wake up.”

Asami recognized Kai’s voice and sped up. “What’s going on in here? Kai?”

“Asami?” Jinora stepped from around a row of lockers. “Thank Raava. You have to help.” Jinora rushed forward and grabbed Asami’s hand, pulling her forward. “It’s Meelo and Marcus.”

Asami let Jinora drag her around the lockers. She stopped short when she saw the bloody mess before her. “Who did this to them?” She knelt beside Marcus first and checked the young boy.

Kai knelt between Meelo and Marcus, he clenched and unclenched his fists. “Tahno and his fucking friends.”

Asami glanced up to see Jinora hugging a crying Ikki. “Girls, get me some towels.” Asami looked over Marcus first, then Meelo. “I’m seeing maybe a broken nose for Meelo. Marcus has a split lip, and cheek.” She placed a hand on Kai’s shoulder to calm him. “Kai, they’re going to be okay.”

“Asami.” Jinora knelt beside her and placed a stack of towels between them. Ikki dropped down on the other side.

Asami drew a breath to calm her nerves. “Apply pressure to any open wounds. We need to stop the bleeding.” Remembering her phone, she dug it out and handed it to Kai. “Call Korra. Tell her where we are.”

Kai nodded in understanding and began to dial the number. Just then the lights went out. Everyone froze.

“Stay silent.” Asami ordered as she pushed her way to her feet. She edged around the lockers and peeked down the row.

“Oh Miss Sato!” A deep voice sang out.

Fear clutched at her heart. She knew that voice. She kicked her shoes off and padded her way back to the kids. She passed them and grabbed a pile of dirty towels from the laundry cart. “You have to hide.” She hissed out as she started covering Marcus and Meelo with the clothes.

“Come out come out wherever you are!” Gustove’s voice boomed from the far corner.

Asami felt her heart skip and her actions sped up. She grabbed more clothes, to cover the two unconscious teens, Jinora helping her. Kai helped Ikki climb into a locker. He stuffed her dress in around her and eased the door closed. With the two boys covered Asami pointed to two more lockers. “Hurry.” She whispered and waved for Jinora and Kai to get in.

Asami peeked around the corner again as Kai helped Jinora stuff her dress into the locker. She glanced back to see Kai ease Jinora’s locker shut, then Asami peered back down the aisle. A large shadow moved, and Gustove came into view.

“Found you bitch!”

Asami spun away from the aisle, gave Kai a shove into the locker he was wriggling into, and slammed the door. She made it a couple more steps before a large hand grabbed her by the hair. She screamed as pain radiated down her scalp, then again when she was flung into the lockers. She tasted something metallic, she’d bit her cheek, as she slowly climbed back to her feet.

“That’s right. Get up!” Gustove bellowed. He stood just outside of her reach.

Asami glared at him as she straightened her back, pulling herself to the full extent of her height. She spat a glob of blood and spit at his feet. “Is that all you got Gustove?”

He grinned wickedly as he reached behind him. “Oh no darling, I brought a little toy for you.” He pulled the pistol from the back of his waistband and leveled it at her head. “Can’t wait to put a bullet into that pretty little head of yours.”

Asami fought to stay calm. She fought to pull breath into her nose, and force it out her mouth. She fought to slow her hear rate. She had to get him out of here, away from the kids. “Wouldn’t that ruin all the fun for you?” She fought to keep her voice from shaking. She smiled at Gustove and took a small step to her right, towards the back door.

“Ha! I think it’ll be great fun to kill you.” Gustove followed her with the gun.

“No doubt you would.” She smiled again, then bit her lip. She took a step forward and again to the right. She pushed her bottom lip out into a pout, and trailed a hand between her breasts and down to her stomach. “Wouldn’t you have more fun doing something else though?”

Gustove’s eyes followed her hand. “I’m not in the mood for your games.”

Asami did her best to look hurt. “Are you saying you don’t want to play with me?” She fought the bile that rose in the back of her throat. Taking another step, she rolled her hips. “Come on now.” She spun a slow circle, letting it carry her further down the lockers, and closer to Gustove. “You can be as rough as you want.” She purred. She watched the slow smile spread across his face, and she readied her body for action.

Gustove tilted his head, the smile growing on his face. He nodded, “perhaps we should have some fun first, seeing as you’re so eager.” He took a step forward, and started to lower the gun.

Asami sprung at the opening. She brought her hands up and grabbed his wrist. Stepping into him she kicked his knee as hard as she could. Gustove yelled as a loud pop echoed through the locker room. They wrestled for the gun, Asami trying to pry it from his hands. She felt the jolt as the gun discharged. She slammed her elbow down on his wrist, as his other hand clawed at her scalp again. Asami gritted her teeth against the pain as she slammed her elbow down again.

Gustove jerked at the impact, pulling the trigger a second time. The bullet ripped through the lockers. His anger grew and he swung wildly with his free hand. He grinned when he felt the connection with Asami’s ribs.

Asami grunted and lost her grip on his wrist. Gustove knocked her away, sending her sliding across the floor. She hurried to her feet, and threw herself around the corner of the lockers. She heard the gun shot, and from the corner of her eyes she watched a spot explode in the brick wall.

“I’m going to find you.” Gustove growled as he took a labored step forward. “And when I do, I’m going to fuck you bloody, and let your little girlfriend watch.”

Asami spied a tennis racket laying on a nearby bench. She grabbed it and pressed her back to the lockers. She held her breath and listened to the awkward step, drag, that Gustove was doing. As soon as he stumbled around the corner Asami swung with all her might. She smashed the hard fiberglass side of the racket across his face. She watched him fall back against the wall.

Gustove roared as he shoved himself away from it. “I’ll kill you!”

Asami smiled at him. “You’ll have to catch me first, bitch.” Then she sprinted for the door.

Korra heard a loud pop, her brain registering it as a gunshot. She sprinted from the room she was in and paused at the intersection of the hallway. She listened. Her heart pounded as her mind was flooded with thoughts of Asami, and the kids. At the sound of the second shot she spun towards it. She moved quickly. Her gun raised in front of her. She checked the hallway mirrors before rounding the corners.

She froze at the next intersection. Growling in frustration she scanned down each option. She jumped at the sound of her phone buzzing. She fished it from her pocket to see it light up with a text from Asami.

Mrcs dad boy lckr rm

Her feet were already moving down the west hallway as the third shot rang out.

Asami forced herself to move slow. She had to keep Gustove following her. She could hear his labored steps behind her. “Can’t you go any faster you filthy bastard.” She threw over her shoulder. Then screamed when the bricks in front of her exploded.

“Almost had you on that one bitch.” Gustove laughed as he raised the gun again.

Asami threw herself into her classroom as another shot rang out. She rolled to her feet and scrambled behind her desk. She eased the top drawer open and felt around. Her fist closed around her scissors and she felt a new hope grow in her chest.

Korra slammed through the front doors of the locker room. She was met with an eerie half-darkness. The only light coming from the opened back door in the far corner, and a glowing exit sign. Her eyes adjusted quickly as she started forward.

“Korra?” She heard a voice ask.

“Who’s there?” She barked.

“It’s Ikki. We’re over here!” A figured stepped out from around the corner.

Korra froze. “Ikki. What’s the word?”

“Korra, please. Jinora’s been shot!” Ikki cried, her face scrunched up as tears ran down her face.

Korra clenched her jaw. “Ikki. You have to tell me. Remember, we went over this.” Korra waited, she waited to hear the word that met they weren’t being forced into anything.

“Bird.” Meelo croaked from somewhere beside Ikki.

Korra shoved the gun into her waist band and strode forward. She pulled Ikki into her arms and looked around. Meelo was sitting with his back to the lockers. Marcus was kneeling next to Kai, both boys pressed blood soaked towels to Jinora’s side. “What happened?”

“Gustove. He shot at Asami. The bullet went through the locker Jinora was hiding in.” Kai looked up at her, his eyes pleading.

“Move.” Korra released Ikki and knelt next to Jinora’s body. She pulled at the rip in her once white dress and looked at her side. Korra smiled. “It’s a graze. Still hurts like hell, but better than a hole.” Korra glanced round and spied the discarded heels. “Where’s Asami?”

“She got Gustove to chase her.” Marcus told her, he winced as his lip began bleeding again. “She lured him away Korra.”

“That’s my girl.” Korra pushed herself up and grabbed the laundry cart. “I’ve got to get you guys out of here. Help me load Jinora.” Korra and Kai carefully lifted Jinora and sat her in the cart. “Meelo, you’re next.”

The boy stood and swayed on his feet. Korra helped him settle in behind his sister. She handed him towels to press to her side. “Marcus.” Korra waved a hand towards the cart. Marcus took a step towards the cart when a shot sounded again. “Hurry.” Korra urged, and she moved to help him.

“Korra, we’re okay, go after her.” Kai helped Marcus sit next to Meelo and Jinora.

Korra fought a war inside. She longed to go after Asami, but she had to get the kids out first. “I have to get you to safety first.” She moved behind the cart. “Ikki the door.”

Ikki didn’t move. She stared at her hands, at her sister’s blood that covered them.

“Fuck.” Korra hissed as another shot sounded. She threw Ikki over her shoulder and deposited her in the laundry cart. She took her place behind it again and started pushing. “Help me!” She growled at Kai. Together they got the cart to lurch forward. “Marcus?” She huffed out.

“Yes?” Marcus turned his head to look up at her.

“Use Asami’s phone. Call Mako and put him on speaker.” Korra pushed harder, gaining a little speed once the cart was in the open hallway.

“Asami?” Mako’s voice sounded over the phone.

“It’s Korra. I have the kids. We’re headed to the doors on the south side of the gym. Jinora has a bullet graze. Ikki is in shock, and Marcus and Meelo have had the shit beat out of them.” She was running now. Kai breathing heavily next to her as they pushed the cart.

“Meet you there.” Was all Mako said before he hung up, another shot rang from behind them.

Asami dashed for the door to the garage. Just as Gustove’s shadow darkened the classroom door she pushed inside, parts of the wall rained down on her from another shot. She kept her feet under her and ran for the back. A shelf crashed down behind her. Asami threw herself behind the old generator in the corner. She sucked air in through her nose, desperate to calm her breathing. She jumped as a shelf of tools crashed to the floor. She strained her ears, listening, trying to hear past the sound of blood rushing through her veins.

Gustove shuffled his feet across the concrete, making as little noise as possible. He shoved another shelf to the ground, and smiled when movement ahead of him caught his eye. As he passed a shelf he grabbed a hammer. Drawing closer to an old rusted generator he hefted the hammer over his head. He circled to the right of the generator, and threw the hammer to the left.

Asami jumped as something smashed into the garage door on her left. She turned her body towards it, and shuffled a step back. Her eyes scanned the ill lit area. She heard a noise behind her. She barely processed the words, “got’cha,” before she was spinning. She swung out with the scissors just as pain exploded in her head, and then the concrete floor reared up to meet her.

Korra and Kai slid the cart around the final corner. Mako raced towards them with Kya, Opal, and Bolin in tow. “Where’s Asami?” Opal asked as she scanned the faces in the laundry cart.

“She lured Gustove away from the kids.” Korra panted out. “I��m going back for her.” She let go of the cart and turned to head back the way she’d come.

“No you’re not!” Mako boomed and stepped in front of her. “Korra I’m ordering you to stop.”

“Oh no.” Bolin squeaked.

Korra’s eyes shot wide. “You’re ordering me? You better think about this Mako.”

Mako squared his shoulders and raised his chin. “Yes, and if you,”

Korra struck out, her fist catching him full in the face, and stopping his speech. Bolin stepped around her, caught his brother, and hoisted him over his shoulder. “I saw that one coming.”

Korra gave Bolin a sympathetic look. “I never took orders from him well.” Then she pulled the gun from her waistband and sprinted back the way she’d come.

#UnitedRepublicHigh #korrasami #legend of korra #alternate universe #legend of korra au #lok #korra #asami sato #tlok

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lokgifsandmusings · 7 years

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Definitive Ranking of Book 4 Episodes, #3/13

3. 4x10 Operation Beifong

Toph’s mothering skills wow everyone. Zhu Li is the world’s worst saboteur. All the tropes get busted. The spirits give no shits about anything.

Okay. If you’ve been following these definitive rankings, you know that I have one main issue with Book 4: while Kuvira worked very well as a foil for Korra, and a way to externalize Korra’s *internal* struggle, Kuvira in her own right is a little less successful, since everything is framed as being about the Beifongs for her, and that thread gets effectively drop-kicked.

For that reason, I objectively know that “Operation Beifong” is an issue with the whole of Book 4 considered. It’s essentially the culmination of the Kuvira/Suyin tension (which I’d argue is far more important and central than her relationship to Baatar), and the rationale for why she didn’t get her ass kicked by Toph at the end of the episode was more or less, “the script said not to.” I mean “leave it to the kids.”

See, it had to be reserved in its climax because Kuvira’s downfall had to be saved for Korra. Which is fine; protagonists should be considered first and foremost when writing antagonists. But it also meant that the high-high-high emotional and personal stakes of this episode for the characters were always set to fizzle. In fact, the only tension that paid-off here was Lin working through her fractured relationship with her mother, and even that just ended on the note of Toph saying “maybe if you don’t hate me it’s fine.” Sadly for our unsung hero, that’s the happiest resolution she’s ever going to get.

Oh wait, Bopal forgave each other too. And you can make the argument that this was the climax of Bolin’s maturation arc: we saw him rise to the occasion in 4x07 and take charge in a way he hadn’t before, but his decision to save Zhu Li at great self-risk fully demonstrated his moral fiber. I personally think that he already exhibited these traits, he’s just a bit easily led (giving people apples = helping them...just don’t look to the right or left or ask the deeper questions), but fine.

I guess my real frustration is for Suyin and Kuvira’s characters here, who you could easily view as the primary “actors” of this episode’s A-plot, especially given the number of scenes throughout the season we were given to set up this tension. Suyin gets practically no resolution of any sort from this episode, or frankly this season. She escapes imprisonment, sure, but what it boils down to is that she fights Kuvira and quasi-loses, then flees, only for her moments in the finale to be focused on forgiving Baatar and destroying the spirit gun. Sure, she played her part in taking down Mega Maid and was the one who led Kuvira off with that super-memorable-and-not-at-all-just-a-never-replaced-placeholder line, but I fundamentally don’t understand why so much emphasis was placed on her and her point-of-view in this conflict. And it’s one thing if it’s Suyin telling Korra a backstory to set-up the final conversation, sure. It’s just....consider how many scenes we have to explain away that have *nothing* to do with Korra’s arc, including the entirety of this episode.

I guess it kind of reminds me of the Winterhell plotline in GoT Season 5, where it’s an uphill battle to argue that Sansa was the protagonist because Ramsay had 5 or 6 scenes dedicated to his fraught relationship to his dad. In this case, it’s not that Korra ever stopped feeling like the protagonist. It’s just that if we’re going to have so many non-Korra (and frankly non-Krew) characters cannibalizing our screen-time, can we at least give them a complete story?

I know I’ve talked about how it’s a problem before given Kuvira’s arc, but yeah, it’s a problem for Suyin too. It’s honestly a problem for the entire Beifong clan, since other than Suyin and Baatar’s weird “we’ll get through it” scene, the strife that had consumed their family wasn’t really given any kind of space tp land. They’ll get through it. Nifty.

In my brain, I know that this is a shortcoming of Book 4. It’s one of the primary reasons I feel this season needed a draft #2 (I suspect Bryke would have preferred a longer time-line and a heads up about resources as well). And yet... I love this episode. I LOVE this episode.

No you don’t understand: every minute, every aspect of this episode, I love.

Well, I feel rather tepid about the B-plot actually, so let’s knock that off first. It’s just the planning for an inevitable Kuvira invasion in Republic City. Varrick introduces Asami’s hummingbird suit and I have to assume does all the talking because of the voice actors involved (you *use* John Michael Higgins when you have him, and I’m wondering if Gabriel was limited to a set number of episodes). I liked the instantly photoshoppable blueprints that were held up, but remember thinking how ridiculous this biomimicry was given how completely energy inefficient hummingbirds are. I try to at least make sense of it as a suitable countermeasure to Kuvira’s spirit cannon in my newest fic, though.

(x)

Wu suggests evacuating the entire city in case Kuvira attacks. I guess in fairness they didn’t know the two-week timeline of the planned invasion, so it’d seem feasible to be able to craft that strategy, but you’d think fortifying the borders (with the help of Izumi’s troops, like she promised) would have taken priority. Personally I’d be doing everything I could to keep the fight out of my country’s population center. But it was a simplistic idea to show that Wu was actually concerning himself with the safety of others, and that Mako is an easy-to-impress boyfriend.

Finally, Korra decides she’s going to enlist the help of the spirits to defend the city, and they tell her to fuck right off because even though Kuvira is using vines to her own ends, helping the other side would be just as bad, or something. In other words, the spirits continue to be butts, and the entire thing went a little like this:

At the time this aired, I actually thought this was going to set-up a moment like the trees arriving at Helm’s Deep, but no. The spirits really didn’t want to be involved. Sucks to be human.

Like, all of this was fine. I can nitpick military decisions and engineering details, but it was fine.

It just was heavily overshadowed by the most wonderful, complicated familial dynamics.

The shining star was Lin and Toph, as it should have been. For Lin to be in a place where she’s risking her job (again) to save Suyin and is going to these extreme lengths given where they had started a few years before is nothing but touching, especially given how Suyin is more or less living the idyllic life (her rich-ass mom bought her a city to run, she’s got a loving husband and a bunch of kids, etc.) and Lin is still, ya know...

But her relationship with Toph...just murder me.

Every dang conversation they have with each other is more painful than the last. It’s made so clear how much Lin truly loves and respects Toph, and is just desperate for her approval in some ways, but there’s been so much hurt in how Toph brushed off her feelings over the years and is unwilling to actually state her own (you know you’re an INTP when...), that Lin can’t help but be closed off and sardonic. Then you’ve got Bolin picking at the baby daddy wound, Toph just randomly volunteering the information, and...

Toph: Lin, I can feel your enraged breathing from here. Just say what you have to say and let's get it over with.

Lin: Just get it over with? Yeah, let's not linger on the fact that I grew up without a dad. No need to get all touchy-feely about it. Just one of those things, right?

I have to imagine this was Toph’s general approach to parenting, and gods, Mindy Sterling SELLS the hell out of how deeply Lin feels things but how unable she truly is to express herself. As a brief side-note, I do have to imagine that Lin the detective *did* figure out who her dad was, since she doesn’t react to that information itself, but more to why the fuck Toph is willing to talk to Bolin of all people when it was kept from her previously.

Toph: Hey, I forgave you for all your garbage a long time ago and Su and I worked things out. You're the only one who wants to hold on to this family drama nonsense for the rest of your life.

Lin: Forgave me for what?! And not knowing my dad is nonsense to you? It was pretty important to me. And until now, you would never even discuss it.

Seriously, forgive her for what? Toph, again, just wants to avoid and evade the whole “feelings” piece of this. But keeping in mind that it’s been like TWO DECADES since they’ve talked, for Lin to be able to spit this all out and call her mom out on her dismissiveness is huge. HUGE.

Lin: You know, after Su and I patched things up, I thought, "maybe I should try to reach out to mom." But now that we're together again, I remember why we stopped talking. You make me furious and you don't even know why. And when I tell you, you don't care. Once we save Su, you and I are finished.

Toph: If that's your decision and it makes you happy, then fine.

Treat yourself and listen to the voice acting, because the way Philece Sampler does this little inhale and the break in her voice when she says Toph’s line is tragic, simply tragic.

Toph. Just tell your daughter you fucking love her and you care. You obviously care; you’ve been creeping on her in the swamp for years. And Lin just putting it all these raw emotions out there.

I know I’m gushing, but this is so fractured and so beautiful and if they could just flippin’ COMMUNICATE we can *see* how they care about each other underneath. It’s not a witchy-Repunzelesque mother situation or anything about escaping toxicity, but more a mother and daughter with a Shakespearean flaw that prevents them from having a happy relationship, at great personal cost.

And yeah, somehow Lin finds it in herself to apologize for snapping, and Toph just ends on the whole “if you don’t fully hate me, I’ll take it” note. In one episode we watched 20 years of hurt acted out, and it never felt forced or even a little dumbed down for the Y7 audience as like, Asami saying that she “should” try to forgive the dude that wanted to murder her sort of did (frankly that Hiroshi dialogue was all a little wonky if I really want to nitpick).

The second most important relationship in this episode was, of course, Suyin vs. Kuvira. What’s interesting is that the decision to engage with Kuvira instead of sneak away wasn’t made until after Bolin and Opal decided to go after Zhu Li, so it was a little passive on Suyin’s part, but once that fight started, nothing else mattered. Not a single word was uttered and yet you could *feel* how charged and fraught it was. Which yeah, maybe it’s reading a little too much into subtext, but there is something THERE, damnit.

However, the way Suyin’s entire family operated was just delightful. I love that Huan and Baatar Sr. were never expected to fight, and never shamed for it, and Suyin’s shrug to Lin when Baatar Sr. clung to the side of their cage in terror was just perfect. Yeah, they don’t conform to traditional gender roles, and it goes with no more comment than that shrug. Then Wing's “We can’t let Opal be the coolest!” was hilarious, and just felt...real. The Beifongs feel real, and I think that’s one of the things I appreciate the most about them. Dysfunctional, led by a hypocrite, fractured at the moment, but real. Though full disclosure: I’ve been known to call them “aspirational” in the past, if that’s any indication on why such dynamics appeal to me.

It’s worth noting that Baatar Jr. cleared the lowest possible bar possible in not wanting to murder his sister with his cannon. But fuck Zhu Li; she doesn’t even get a re-education camp. I don’t get Baatar Jr. apology (and I *especially* don’t get Kuvira apology), though given where he ends up (regretting his actions) we could have stood to see just a bit more of his reaction to the ensuing fight between his ENTIRE FAMILY INCLUDING HIS GRANDMA and his fiancé.

I should say the Zhu Li saboteur thread didn’t work super well, mostly because you’d think such a cold, heartless war machine could have thought up a better way to actually make the thing malfunction. Or just not have kept the missing pin on her body. Maybe she want to the Galen Erso School of Engineering Sabotage. But the reveal that she was purposely messing things up (and Bolin’s happy face) was lovely. Her devotion to Varrick is certainly not free of problems, but knowing she wasn’t on-board with fascism and actually jumped at the opportunity to undermine the campaign in a big way? I’ll take it, happily.

I’ll also ignore the possible implication that she only did it to save Varrick from more of Kuvira’s wrath, knowing how he’d operate on his own. Anti-fascist Zhu Li is the only Zhu Li. That’s the 2017 hero we need.

That finally leaves us with the Bopal plotline. I cannot believe the amount of hate that Opal got as this season was airing, but I have to think that on rewatches, especially in this cultural context, her point-of-view seemed a lot more reasonable, as well as her frustrations with Bolin. Yeah, her anger towards Kuvira at the very, very start of the season could be framed as a bit OTT and likely the result of loyalty to her mother (who wasn’t exactly the model of reason then), but after that... like, no! We *know* she’s seen prison camps, we *know* she’s learned about dissenters being dragged off, and when her entire family was captured (and to her own admission quite possibly being tortured or already having been murdered), her boyfriend came back and said he was responsible for it (oh Bolin and your logorrhea), but just wanted to pick up exactly where they were right away. And this was after he outright ignored her in Zaofu when she clearly lay out what was happening. Who the hell wouldn’t be pissed?

Frankly, Bolin should have been suggesting how they could save her family, so when she suggested that he should come with her to fix things, it’s...reasonable, even if high-risk. It would demonstrate that at the end of the day, he does have her back. I really have a hard time finding a fault in that.

I do think her line “he’s been in the polar bear doghouse long enough” was overly reductive. We can tell that the moment he was willing to get himself killed to save Zhu Li is the moment that Opal forgave him. Because it showed that his heart is always in the right place. He just sometimes needs a little coaching, and doesn’t do nuance well. If the people *he’s* seeing are happy, it’s difficult for him to think the campaign is doing something bad.

So really, I have zero problems with it. They were two young adults growing apart in a long-distance relationship, and the fact that this mission placed them decidedly on the same side and Bolin took initiative with it...yeah, it works. Their long-term is uh, well, let’s just hope they don’t find themselves in morally ambiguous situations too much.

Also I don’t want to sound like Opal is the font of wisdom and truth either. She can be bad-tempered, impatient, she can let her emotions guide her (though it never pushes into the hysterical woman trope), she can be biting and bitter and cutting when she wants; she’s a fully realized and fully fallible character. I just don’t happen to think she mistreated Bolin in any way during Book 4’s run.

The Bopal take-away, too, is important: women can assert their frustrations and that doesn’t mean their relationships will blow up. Too often we see narratives where women must stuff it, where their emotional needs are always always on a back-burner to the men that they’re with. It’s frustrating and I’ve had enough of it (I’m in a mood thanks to Supergirl lately), so this is dang refreshing. Bust ALL the tropes, Opal.

Frankly, bust ALL the tropes, Beifongs. That’s truly what makes this episode amazing. The central fight is between two women, one of whom is middle-aged and has children, while her husband and elder son (that isn’t Baatar Jr.) are guarded by her mother. There is a mother/daughter “reconciliation” that still ends with them both shoving their feelings down as far as they can go, though they at least achieved a less hostile relationship. There was the Bopal resolution, there was Zhu Li, not Varrick, taking on the role of the saboteur, and there wasn’t instantly a neat redemption for Jr. because he had one moment of human decency.

Yes, this episode was a little contrived in its existence, and it gave us a bit of a false resolution. But it was packed, exciting, and utterly transgressive, while also delivering a wallop of feels.

#13: 4x08 “Remembrances”

#12: 4x11 “Kuvira’s Gambit”

#11: 4x09 “Beyond the Wilds”

#10: 4x07 “Reunion”

#9: 4x06 The “Battle of Zaofu”

#8. 4x12 “Day of Colossus”

#7 4x01 “After All These Years”

#6 4x03 “The Coronation”

#5 4x04 “The Calling”

#4 4x05 “Enemy at the Gates”

Book 2 ranking/essays found here

#lok meta #operation beifong #korra 4x10 #suyin beifong #lin beifong #book 4 ranking

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