Chapter Text
“Korra, look up.”
Big blue eyes followed the direction of Tonraq’s pointer finger, as Korra’s mouth slowly fell open in a silent gasp of awe.
“That’s the family of Future Industries. They make stuff for the citizens of Republic City,” Tonraq grinned as he hoisted Korra onto his shoulders.
Young Korra squinted at the beady figures at on the second floor of the palace. “They’re small.”
“Hahaha, no Korra, they're just really far away,” Tonraq grinned. “See the guy standing next to them? He protects them, and he’s the best air bender in the kingdom.”
“Woahhhh,” Korra looked at the figure just hiding in the shadows. “I wanna be the best water bender in the kingdom then!”
“You’ll get there, sweetheart. You’ll get there.”
————
It was a yearly affair.
Benders all over the world presented themselves for selection by the family of Future Industries, with the promises of a stable life and riches. It had been a yearly affair for Korra and her father, who came down to watch the matches. It was like pro-bending, but on a one-to-one level, and where different elements could be pitted against one another.
Korra’s fingers twitched as one of her competitors from the Fire Nation was sent flying. She could definitely do much better than what was currently being advertised.
“Stop fidgeting,” Korra heard her father’s voice in her head, scolding her. “I know you're itching to get out there but please behave!”
“Pfft,” Korra huffed, blowing her fringe out of the way. This year’s event was slightly different.
She had just turned eighteen - the eligible age to participate in the tournament and be selected.
In all honesty, if it had been a few years ago, Korra wouldn't have been tempted by the idea of riches. Her main motivation was to prove her worth, to see where she stood amongst the finest warriors of the four nations. But things had changed, and so had Korra’s goals, and her goal now was to win. Title aside, she needed the money even more.
And looking at the pool of participants this year, she was confident she would be the last man - or woman - standing.
Ever since she was young, bending came naturally to her. By the age of eight, she was training with boys three, four years older than her, and she could hold her ground. At the age of seventeen, she had risen through the ranks, and was one of the strongest benders the southern water tribe had seen. The combination of strength, wit and agility made her an opponent to be feared.
Korra grinned as she looked through the door to the ring. She was the next one up, and it was to her advantage that her opponent knew little about her - living in the Southern Water Tribe meant that news to and fro the capital was few and far between. They rarely communicated, the frozen tundra making any form of mail impossible, and the harsh winds constantly interrupted the radio wave frequencies broadcasted by Republic City.
“Please welcome the next competitors to the ring!”
Korra stood up and fixed her headgear on.
Showtime.
Her opponent opposite her was a tall, physically well-built man from the Earth Kingdom. Korra couldn't stop a smirk escaping her features. If she was right, this man was the quintessential ‘all brawn and no brain’ type. There were too many men like him, which also meant that Korra had enough experience dealing with fighters who fought with his style.
She lowered her stance.
The moment the bell went off, the man slammed his foot to the ground, bringing up a discus and immediately sending it Korra’s way. Blue eyes narrowed.
Patience.
She closed her eyes.
Breathe.
She took a deep breath.
Now!
She jumped to the side, startling the man who, just a few milliseconds ago, clearly thought his attack was going to hit. With water propulsion, she shot straight in his direction and easily heeled him in the back of the knee, causing his left leg to buckle under his weight.
Growling, the man quickly collected himself while Korra jumped back, trying to create some space between them. Understanding his mistake, the Earth Kingdom fighter approached Korra more cautiously, but that only made the Water Tribe girl grin.
This time, Korra made the first move.
She ran in a zigzag motion towards her opponent. Just as he was in striking distance, she slid in between his legs while his discus made contact with air. Quick to her feet, she gave him a kick in the back, hard enough to cause him to stumble forward. That was just enough time for Korra to take out his legs from underneath him.
The bigger they are, the harder they fall.
Sensing her chance, Korra pressurised the water underneath her and tossed her adversary into the moat beneath, grinning as he landed in the water with a huge splash.
“Huh, chump.”
One down, five more to go.
——
“Yea, and I took the wind out of him with a hit to the solar plexus!”
“Great to know you're having a good time,” Tonraq’s voice came over the phone. “I’m so proud of you. How many more rounds?”
“I’ve got another two more rounds over the next two days,” Korra replied, her smile fell slightly. “How’s mom?”
“Senna’s feeling better, I think Katara’s new meds helped,” her father replied. “But we all heard what Katara mentioned previously - she needs the help of the better medical advances Republic City has to offer. Once she’s fit enough we’ll make the journey. Sorry my little otter penguin, but I don’t think I’ll be able to be with you this year.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Korra gripped the receiver harder, glad to hear that her mother was doing better. “I’ll make you proud, just keep the radio on.”
“I will, despite all the cackling and buzzing,” Tonraq chuckled. “Let’s hope the winds are quieter the next few days.”
“I hope so too. Love you, dad.”
“Love you too, Korra.”
———
“Did I really need to come for this?” Asami questioned as she took her seat.
“Of course, especially since you will need a personal bodyguard soon,” Hiroshi Sato replied.
Asami sighed as she looked on. These tournaments held little interest to her. If she had a choice, she would be back at her workshop, tinkering around with some semiconductors and wires, working on one of the many projects she had chosen to take up. Puffing her cheeks, she resigned herself to her fate. Her father had been nice enough to excuse her for the past few tournaments, she could be nice to him for today.
The atmosphere was already getting hyped up well before the last two competitors had even entered the ring. Asami crinkled her nose. It was noisy, definitely not where she would choose to be on a Sunday evening.
A hush settled over the crowd as the lights dimmed. Two single spotlights shone down on the arena.
“From the Fire Nation, please welcome, Iroh!”
The crowd cheered as a young man with a strong chin stepped forth, jet black hair gelled neatly to the side.
“From the Southern Water Tribe, please welcome, Korra!”
Asami raised her eyebrows as a girl who could be no older than twenty stepped forth. Despite the height and size difference, Korra looked like she could hold her own. Under the light, the definitions of her muscles stood out, and it clearly belied her age and gender. She carried herself with confidence - that was clear from the way she met the challenge of Iroh’s stare.
“Heard some great things about her,” Hiroshi whispered into her ear. “Quick as lightning, and packs a punch.”
Asami let those words linger in her ear as the bell rang.
———
Iroh.
Korra bit her bottom lip. She had seen this man fight a few times before. This was going to be tricky.
They circled each other for a moment before Iroh decided to pounce.
For his size, this guy was quick, and Korra barely had time to move as his fist swung right across her face. She hissed as she leapt back, creating as much space as she could. Red splotches landed on the ground right in front of her, and Korra knew that Iroh had succeeded in splitting the skin above her right eye.
Not the way she wanted to start.
“And Iroh draws first blood!”
Korra squeezed her right eye shut, the blood clearly disrupting her vision. The gravity of the situation set in when she realised that Iron’s punch had managed to dislodge her headgear and cut her. If she was going to win this, she needed to give her hundred and ten percent.
The crowd began mocking her in the background and she stood back up.
No way was she gonna lose this fight.
Before she knew it, Iroh had closed the gap, throwing a fireball in her direction. This time, Korra evaded in time. She gritted her teeth. With blood dripping over her right eye, it effectively rendered her blind on the right side. She had to adapt.
Flow like the water.
She extinguished all the fireballs Iroh was sending her way, trying to be more spatially aware of the area around her. If she couldn't see, she needed to rely on other senses to compensate. She felt the vibrations through the ground as Iroh moved, the movement of the air as he swung, and Korra instantly felt her senses recalibrate.
The next time Iroh tried to deliver another fireball, Korra ducked under his arm. Instead of moving away, she summoned a water tendril and grabbed his arm before delivering a water jet to his midriff. Knowing that this was likely not enough to stop the firebender, she gave a quick jab to his shoulder, aiming straight for his brachial plexus before jumping back as quick as she could, her heart pounding in her ears. Her eye hurt, and her muscles were beginning to scream in exhaustion, but the pure adrenaline running through her veins dulled the ache.
As she saw Iron’s arm hang limply by his side and the scowl on his face, she knew she had disabled his right arm. That certainly opened up the floor for her.
Ice in my veins.
Korra ran at Iroh. At the last second, she leapt high into the sky, her left leg attempted to deliver a jet of water aimed right at Iron’s head, trying to take advantage of the loss of function of his right arm.
Instead, Iroh let out a roar and fire escaped his lips.
That was only but a distraction.
At the last second, Korra saw how he lifted his left hand. A spark of lighting escaped from it.
Shit!
Korra barely had any time to process what had happened before her head hit the ground with a thud. Immediately, everything was spinning, and the smell of smoke filled her senses. Her muscles felt fried and she could barely move.
Black specks filled her vision.
I can't lose this. I can’t.
———
“She’s done for.”
“No way she could have kept up with a guy like him. He’s too good.”
“It’s already a miracle she made it this far.”
Asami perked her ears at those comments. She knew that the odds and the crowd were greatly in Iroh’s favour, but deep inside she was still rooting for the underdog to win. As much as she had not been interested in this match, there was just something about Korra that made her unable to take her eyes away.
“Ladies and gentlemen! She’s moving! This isn't over yet!”
Asami turned her head to the ring, just in time to see the southern water tribe girl push herself to her feet. Her eyes flashed brilliant white for a second before returning to their ocean blue. She looked around at the other spectators. Had anyone else seen that?
Apparently not.
Her stance had changed. Feet were closer together, back straighter, and most importantly, she didn't move when Iroh did.
He lunged at her with quickness unbefitting of a man of his stature and she gracefully leapt out of the way. Before, she was moving like water - flowing between her moves. Now, she was like a leaf - light and unpredictable. She shifted her feet in ways Asami had never seen before.
“No way. She’s moving like an Air Nomad.”
Asami peered to her left where Tenzin’s hand had stopped stroking his goatee midway, his eyes wide in shock.
“Tell me about it, her footwork looks just like yours.” The voice of Lin Beifong, head of the Future Industries Security Team echoed in agreement.
“Could she be the one…?” Asami heard Tenzin murmur to himself. She had no idea what Tenzin was talking about but she had no time to dwell on it - Korra was making her move.
Iroh was clearly exhausted from throwing attacks that failed to hit, his movement becoming sluggish. On the other hand, Korra looked as fresh as ever, and she was dodging Iroh’s fireball with practised ease. The tension was high - Asami could feel that any moment now, Korra was going to do something special that would decide the outcome of the match.
And she was right.
After dodging Iroh’s latest fireball, Korra flipped high into the air, her wrists joined together to aim a spray of pressurised water right into Iroh’s face. That knocked him back a good few meters, leaving him on the ground, a sputtering mess.
But Korra didn't stop there.
The moment she landed on the ground, Iroh was up in the air - she had conjured up a water jet right where he had been sitting moments ago. The unexpected toss and sudden feeling of being airborne had him shouting.
And at the next moment, Korra switched the water jet off.
Iroh was sent tumbling back to the ground, and with a final, well timed push of her arms, Korra sent him flying over the edge with another jet of pressurised water. The splash that followed as he met the body of water underneath the arena was loud and deafening, as the crowed stayed silent for a moment.
Before it erupted into rapturous applause and cheers.
Asami couldn't help but smile.
It felt great to have the underdog win for once.
———
“Korra?”
The Southern Water Tribe girl didn't look up as she removed the bandages on her hand. The bruising over her eye warranted some urgent healing before it became worse, and Korra really didn't like appearing weak and defenceless in front of others.
“Yea?” Korra replied gruffly, opening the water pouch and bending some of the water over her right eye. She tried to appear as unaffable as possible so she could take care of her injuries privately. “Kinda busy now, come back later.”
“You dare speak to the President like that?!”
At the chastise, Korra finally took a good look at whoever she had been speaking to.
The face of Hiroshi Sato and a beautiful woman came into sight.
“Relax Lieutenant, she probably couldn't see us very well,” Hiroshi Sato laughed as Korra stood up and gave a deep bow to Hiroshi Sato. “Nice to meet your acquaintance.”
“You fought amazing out there,” Hiroshi smiled at her. “Taking on a man twice your size? That’s already a feat in itself, not to mention you knocked him flat out of the arena right at the end.”
“Well, thanks.”
“I just came to congratulate you on the amazing tournament. I think you’ll make an amazing bodyguard for my daughter, Asami, here.”
Korra turned her attention to the beautiful lady standing behind Hiroshi Sato.
Asami gave her a curt nod while Korra gave her a deep bow as well. Korra couldn't help but notice how piercing her eyes were.
I never thought green could be so beautiful.
“I’ll give you and Asami some time alone, since you two will be working very closely in the future. Tomorrow is where we set the stage for what’s next to come, Korra.”
“Thank you, Sir,” Korra bowed as Hiroshi Sato and the Lieutenant retreated.
“Your eye’s ok?”
“The eye’s fine, just a cut,” Korra replied as she bent the water into a sphere in the palm of her hand.
“Why don't you get one of the medics on standby to tend to your wound instead?” Asami asked as she sat down next to Korra.
“I can handle it. It’s no big deal.”
“Stop being stubborn. You’re probably so exhausted you can't heal it properly. And if you don’t, it’s definitely gonna scar.”
“Look here,” Korra growled. “I’ve gotten all sorts of injuries over the years, and I know what I can and can't handle. Don’t mommy me.”
The shock on Asami’s face was evident as Korra stared back at the Sato heir. Clearly no one had talked back to her like this before. Internally, Korra gloated at Asami’s response. Nothing felt better than winding up a prissy girl covered in makeup.
“Suit yourself,” Asami huffed. Dusting herself off, she made her way out of the room, and a sense of guilt crept its way into Korra’s veins.
Korra looked into the mirror and hissed as she bent water over the wound that had split her lip open.
She had quietly crept back into the house once training was over, and she didn't want to disturb her parents with something she could deal with herself. This was normal, tending to herself, looking after herself…her mother had never been in the best of health and her father was too preoccupied looking after her to worry about Korra. Not that Korra minded, of course.
She could have considered making a visit to Katara’s, but given the time, it was better not to. And she didn't want Katara telling Tonraq and Senna of her injuries.
Hence, she chose to manage this herself. She could. She had done it before. She could do it again.
Korra touched her upper lip, reminding herself of the cut that had been there previously. She had managed to heal it pretty nicely - considering that healing wasn't actually her forte - and it left a very faint scar. It was flashbacks like this where she was reminded that she only had herself to rely on.
Well, not like someone rich and prissy would understand anyway.
———
“Father, I refuse to let this arrogant prick be my bodyguard!”
“Asami, she’s the best there was this year! I don't trust the rest with your safety. Besides, maybe she’s just tired after the fight and rubbed you the wrong way. Give her a chance. You saw what she can do.”
Asami shook her head. “You should have seen the way she-!”
“Enough!” Hiroshi Sato slammed his hand down on the table. “I will not have this debate with you anymore! Whatever happened to your mom cannot happen to you!”
Hiroshi Sato grabbed a chair and settled himself down on it, taking deep breaths in an attempt to calm himself down. Asami looked down. She knew this issue had been eating away at her dad for years. Hence why he kept her as much as possible within the confines of the Sato Estate.
“Just one year, Asami. Give her one year till we hold the next tournament. Okay? I’ll put her under Tenzin’s tutelage as well, maybe she could learn a thing or two from him.”
Asami nodded. Silence was probably the best answer she could offer right now.
Just as she started to make her way to the bedroom, Hiroshi called out after her.
“You want your freedom, Asami? It’s comes at a price.”
———
Korra woke up from her sleep. Barely any light entered into her right eye, and Korra knew straightaway that the bruising had been extensive despite her best efforts. Deep inside, when the Sato heiress had chided her, she knew that Asami had been right and right now, the proof was on her face.
Stop being stubborn!
Asami’s voice echoed in her head. Korra growled and shook her head, trying to shake off that voice. After Asami had left, she managed to drag her ass back to the stables to grab Naga, her polar bear dog turned pet. Naga had been her means of transportation from the south, but provided secondary moral support and a sense of familiarity, especially since Korra was on her own this time. She must have been a sight to behold, bloodied and bruised, riding on top of a polar bear dog. But Korra couldn't care less. She had just proved her worth, and that was cause for celebration.
She had tossed a few extra coins from her winnings over the counter for some ice which the innkeeper kindly delivered to her in a small bucket. As she bended the ice over her eye, she excitedly called her father to tell him about the final fight. It had been hard, but boy did it bring Korra so much joy. She couldn't remember what had happened between Iroh’s takedown and her getting back to her feet, but Korra blamed it on the concussion.
Tonraq had obviously already found out about the news by the time Korra called him, having heard the broadcast. The southern winds had been quiet, allowing the radio waves to travel without disruption. He had been as excited as she was, and Korra swore she heard him shed a tear.
“I’ll bring Senna once she’s fit for travelling okay? We’ll have a celebratory dinner, just the three of us.”
Stumbling to her feet, she took a look at the clock. She had another two hours till her meeting with Hiroshi Sato and Future Industries. There was no way she would be able to cover up the bruising, but after she had done a round of healing with water last night, she had stitched it up herself. That was the best she could do.
With that, she set about doing whatever she need to. Today was going to be the start of her new job.
———
“Korra, welcome.”
“Hello Mr Sato, Ms Asami,” Korra greeted the duo as she stepped in Sato estate. She had donned her usual attire - a blue top and her pelt skirt, her hair tied up at the back with her wolf tails hanging by the side of her face.
“The eye doesn't look so good, I would suggest you get that checked out,” Hiroshi Sato observed. Korra bit her lip, looking over to Asami and waiting for the green-eyed beauty to repeat whatever she had told her the day before to spite her.
It never came.
“Lin, please show our newest addition around later, and bring her to Kya for treatment please.”
“Yes sir,” The grey haired woman with a pair of scars extending to her right cheekbone responded. “I’m Lin Beifong, chief guard of the Sato Estate. I’ll be your immediate superior from now on.”
Korra had heard great things about this woman. Descending from the legendary Toph Beifong, Lin Beifong was strong and had a penchant for order and stability, the reason why she was in charge of defending the royal family at the moment. Rumours had it she singlehandedly bended an entire section of the estate, which was testament to her strength.
“Nice to meet you,” Korra bowed.
“Alright Korra, the reason why we need your services is for my daughter’s protection,” Hiroshi Sato gestured to the seat opposite him and slid a stack of documents over to Korra. “Asami is of age where she should be out meeting potential suitors, and I will need someone to accompany her wherever she goes.
“You’re expected to watch over her from the very moment she steps out of the estate. Back in here, you are free to do as you please, the training halls and equipment are all for you to use. If you need any help, you can approach Lin.”
Korra glanced up at Asami as her eyes briefly left the contract. She could tell Asami wasn't a fan of whatever was going on. Upon mention of Korra needing to follow her every step the moment she stepped out of the palace, Asami’s brows furrowed, but she made no move to protest whatever that was happening.
“We also take our guards’ spiritual health and mental health very seriously around here, which is why daily, you are required to spend at least an hour meditating with Tenzin, our spiritual master,” Hiroshi Sato nodded towards the bald man with an arrow on his forehead.
Korra’s tongue clicked inside her mouth. What a waste of time.
“This contract is valid for a year. Should there be any…issues after one year, you are free to leave or you may be dismissed.”
Korra nodded, somehow knowing that Asami was probably behind that clause. Grabbing the pen, she signed on the dotted line, guaranteeing the next year of her life to the Satos.
“Great,” Hiroshi Sato clapped his hands together. “Lin will now show you around. By evening you should be ready to start your duties.”
———
The estate was huge, and Lin needed more than an hour to show her everywhere. She had been pretty accommodating of Naga, and had given the polar bear dog a comfortable space out in the stables to sleep in. Afterwards she thrust her her uniform, a floorplan and a binder with Asami’s activities for the week, leaving her with a “You’ll find your way, you wouldn't be working here if you were stupid.”
Kya on the other hand, was the complete opposite of Lin.
“Don't mind her, she’s always cranky towards other people,” Kya laughed as she gently palpated the skin around Korra’s eye once she had done some healing around it. “I believe you’re a water bender?”
“You got that right,” Korra affirmed as she rolled her shoulders, satisfied by how snug the uniform fit, yet with the looseness that would allow her to move freely. She had decided to put on her skirt over the uniform, not wanting to lose touch with her water tribe origins, which was where Kya had likely gotten her hint from.
“Then I trust you can carry out basic healing?”
“Yes. Katara taught me.”
“Ah, my mother. Great teacher, I agree.”
“What?!” Korra’s jaw dropped. Looking at Kya again, she was beginning to see the similarities between her and Katara. The soft eyes, the gentle smile, the movement of their hands…it was suddenly clear that Kya was Katara’s daughter.
“Yea, she is,” Kya chuckled. “Taught me everything I know about healing, one of the best healers in the world still, at her age.”
“Why did you choose to come here? Not stay with her down south?”
“I like the hustle and bustle of the city, and this job gives me a lot of purpose,” Kya smiled as she finished up on Korra’s eye. “We’ll probably need another two sessions on top of your basic healing given the depth of the cut and bruising. Fantastic job on the stitching by the way. You did it yourself?”
“Had to do it out of necessity,” Korra shrugged. “Like I said, Katara taught me the basics.”
“Cool,” Kya smiled. “Anyways, don't hold it against Lin if she comes off as abrasive - she’s not the best at conveying her feelings.
“Alright.”
“If there’s nothing else, you’re done for today. Come see me tomorrow and we’ll see where your eye is at.”
———
Korra felt a nice tingling over her eye as she made her way to Asami’s room - a clear indication that Kya’s healing was working. Night had already fallen over the estate and Korra looked at Asami’s schedule. It was relatively empty, she was just expected to meet up with Asami to discuss their arrangements.
“Ms Asami?” Korra asked as she knocked on the door. “It’s me, Korra.”
No response.
Korra sighed.
“Look, I know we haven't gotten off to the best of starts, but I am serious about this job and if you don't mind, I’d like to iron some stuff out with you.”
Silence.
“Ms Asami?”
Korra’s eyes narrowed. Gripping the doorknob, she gave it a small turn and it was unlocked.
She stepped into Asami’s room. Apart from how luxurious it looked, there wasn't a single soul in sight.
Btzz.
Korra paused and stilled her breathing.
The sound came again. Followed by the smell of something burning.
She made her way quietly to the left side of the room and placed her ear to it. The origins of the sound were confirmed the moment Korra heard it loud and clear. Together with a ‘Shit, I'm missing a piece.’
Was Asami in there? She quickly dug out the map that Lin had given her. There was nothing on the blueprint that indicated that there was an adjacent room.
And yet, Korra was certain that Asami was behind that very wall.
Placing her hands on the wall, Korra began to walk along it, trying to find any gap or hinge indicative of a door. The wallpaper and bookshelves that lined the walls made it difficult to discern if there were any gaps present. Korra closed her eyes and felt the sensations in her fingers more acutely. Nearing the next corner, she stopped. There was a small breeze flowing right out of the interface between the bookshelf and the wall. Gently, she pushed the area.
And the door opened.
Korra’s heart pounded as she stepped inside. What in the world was this hidden part of the mansion not reflected in the blueprints? Her questions were answered as she was greeted by a scenes of a mechanic’s workshop - soldering machines, cutters, screwdrivers…you name it, it was probably there.
And right in the centre of it, was Asami. Face shield on, cutting through a piece of metal.
Korra paused. Clearly Asami was so deeply engrossed in her work that she had failed to notice the guard’s presence. Korra slowly took in the sight before her - Asami, sweat dripping down her neck, grease stains over her mechanic’s overalls…she was clearly hard at work, and doing something that was more common amongst men than women.
So much for prissy.
“What in the world-!”
Korra backed away as Asami finally noticed her and stormed over, clearly upset at the intrusion. “What the hell are you doing here!”
“I was looking for you and-”
“Were you not taught to knock? How the hell did you get in?!”
“I knocked! There was no response!” Korra protested. “I came in to check on you and I couldn't find you and I was worried-”
“Within the confines of the estate, I can take care of myself. Don’t mommy me,” Asami hissed, repeating the words Korra had told her yesterday. “Get out.”
“You know what, maybe I will,” Korra huffed as she turned around to leave.
It was day one, and the gap between the two was already starting to look more like a chasm.