Chapter Text
Asami's POV
I finally got home after a long day of work at the family business. Rumors about the Avatar’s arrival in the city were all anyone could talk about. What could the Avatar possibly want here? Walking past my father’s office, I noticed the door slightly ajar. I caught snippets of his conversation over the phone, and as soon as I realized the call had ended, I stepped inside without hesitation. I had only one question in mind.
“Is it true? The Avatar is in Republic City?” I asked worried as my father rose from behind his desk.
“Yes. There are multiple sources saying the same thing. There will probably be an official announcement in the morning,” he replied. His words hit me harder than I had anticipated. With the Avatar here, our plans might be at risk. “But don’t worry,” he continued, noticing the concern etched on my face. He approached me, planting a comforting kiss on my forehead. “We knew this day would come, and we’re prepared.”
He studied me for a moment, trying to reassure me with a gentle smile. Of course, it was inevitable the Avatar would come to our city eventually. But why so soon? I couldn’t stop myself from asking that over and over in my mind.
“Asami.” My father’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. He was already at the door. “Are you ready? We’re going to need you.”
The warmth in his expression was gone, replaced by a serious determination. Was I ready? Yes. I absolutely was. I made sure to say it clearly and firmly. When my family needs me, when our cause demands it, I’ll be there.
Korra's POV
“We thank the young Avatar for her inspiring words and look forward to working together to ensure the prosperity of our beloved city.”
I heard one of the councilwomen take the microphone after I had been politely pulled away by Tenzin. I’d never seen so many flashing lights before, it was hard to focus. And all of them were here for me. A crowd gathered just to hear what I had to say. I was eager to serve this city and its people. I won’t lie, I felt butterflies in my stomach as I spoke into the microphone. I mean, this was my first big speech as the Avatar. It felt like my journey had officially begun. Everything was so new and thrilling.
“How are you feeling?” Tenzin asked as he guided me away from the spotlight. I could still hear the clicks of cameras behind me. Would it be like this every time I left Air Temple Island?
“Happy,” I replied quickly. And just as quickly, Tenzin reminded me that I wasn’t here to pose for pictures, I was here to train and finally learn airbending.
“Sorry to interrupt, but could I have a word with the Avatar?” A man’s voice called out as he approached us. Once again, Tenzin was quicker, responding for the both of us, saying I was tired and needed to rest before continuing my training. Before I could say anything, he was already pulling me along, dragging me toward his sky bison.I glanced back and got a better look at the man. He was wearing Water Tribe attire, he was likely some sort of councilor or something. What could he have wanted with me? That was the first thing I asked Tenzin as we flew back to the island.
“Don’t concern yourself. He’s not important. Your focus should be on your training.” What a vague answer. But fine, he was right. I needed to focus on my training.
“When do we start sparring?” I asked, eager for action. I couldn’t wait to take down the White Lotus guards, just like I used to back home.
“No sparring for now. There are more important things to work on.” Tenzin responds. What could be more important than learning how to fight criminals? I knew I needed to master airbending, and it was why I was here, but there had to be more than just that, right? I wanted to do so much. I wanted to train, to fight, to help people like I did yesterday. I wanted to do what I was destined to.
I could practice airbending in between all of that. Focus, Korra, focus. You’re here to learn airbending, and that’s exactly what you’re going to do. I just hope it doesn’t take too long.
Asami's POV
“And that was the Avatar’s speech, hopefully the first of many...”
Oh, spirits, this was the third or fourth time this cursed speech had played on the radio. I couldn’t take it anymore. I stood up from my desk, cluttered with projects. I needed to fix some flaws in my newest “baby,” but instead of playing music, the radio wouldn’t stop talking about the Avatar.
“Asami, good afternoon, my dear. I hope I’m not disturbing you,” my father said as he entered my workshop, holding a newspaper. “Look at this, I picked it up on my way home.”
He handed me the paper, and, unsurprisingly, guess who was on the front page? That’s right, the Avatar. I don’t know why, but even knowing she was probably around my age, I had expected someone old and not some kid. And yet, there she was, so young and... kinda of pretty. Dad went on, saying we now had a face, an enemy’s face, instead of just an idea. He spoke about how young and impressionable she was and how the council vultures would soon sink their claws into her, molding her into the tyrant she was born to be. As he talked, I flipped through the newspaper pages, it felt like there was a photo of her on every single one.
“Have you received any word about our next move?” I asked, closing the paper and handing it back to him.
“Amon is planning a grand demonstration. He wants to show the people his power, and he’ll do it by striking at the triads. We can’t be present for obvious reasons, but I’ve made sure we’ll know everything that happens,” he said, excitement lighting up his face. It was impossible not to be swept up by it. It was a shame we couldn’t be there for such a significant moment in the cause. But my father assured me that our time to step out of the shadows would come, and I eagerly awaited that day. No more hiding.
***
“No more hiding.” I couldn’t stop thinking about those words that had simply sprung to mind earlier. We couldn’t reveal ourselves, but no one needed to know we were involved.
I got out of bed, quickly dressed, and sneaked out toward a fellow Equalist’s house. She was one of the few who knew about our involvement in the cause. She worked at the factory and had been my sparring partner for years.
It was late at night, and I hoped she would answer. I knocked a few times with no response. I glanced around nervously. No one could know I was here. Luckily, the street, lined with simple and uniform houses, was deserted. I knocked again, determined not to leave without speaking to her. Just as I was about to knock once more, she finally opened the door.
“Asami?!” she exclaimed, surprised, pulling me inside almost immediately. “What are you doing here?”
“Sorry, I had to talk to you. My father told me about Amon’s next move, the demonstration. Lena, I want to be part of it,” I said bluntly as she stared at me with a disapproving look.
“Are you crazy? And besides, how do you know I’m involved in this?” she asked.
“Aren’t you?”
“Fine, I am,” she admitted. I couldn’t help but smirk—of course Amon wouldn’t leave a fighter like Lena out of this.
“Sit down. I’ll make tea and explain everything” she said, pointing to the couch. Enough conspiring,it was time to act.