It happened exactly as predicted an unprecedented tidal wave hit the Southern Water Tribe. Fortunately, they had nailed the exact spot where the waves would strike, which meant efforts could be focused where they were most needed. Asami's defenses were a godsend even though they'd been designed and built in a rush, against the clock, they served their purpose perfectly.
More than half the disaster's force that hit the tribe was held back by Sato's invention, which inevitably saved many lives and minimized losses. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough. Korra was on the front lines battling the calamity, and everything was going well until a larger, stronger wave than the others crashed through part of the barrier, already battered by previous ones. Tonraq's daughter wasn't directly in front of the tidal wave when it happened, but she threw herself right into the convergence of turbulent waters coming from the sea to save a group of soldiers who were about to be hit. Korra also knew that if that flow wasn't diverted, it could reach very delicate areas of the Tribe if those were destroyed because of it, all the residents there would face dire consequences.
Being the Avatar, Korra managed to handle the situation as best she could, deflecting the overwhelming torrent in a way only she could however, she ended up being swept out to sea by the wave. No one could do anything about it, nor would they be able to anytime soon. Even though the greatest danger had been avoided, it was far from the only one. The contingent of soldiers assigned to combat the threat, seeing the gravity of the situation, became even more urgent in their methods and approaches, yet it still wouldn't be enough to help Korra. It was agonizing, and the only thing they could do for her was hope she would come out of that disaster alive.
It took hours for the situation to calm down to acceptable levels, and only then could search teams go out looking for the Avatar. Tonraq, Senna, and Asami were desperate, they all knew how serious the situation was and had seen it all happen, so the possibility that Korra's heroic act had cost too much was very real, and with every second that passed without news of her, it felt more tangible. The three wanted to help with the search, but they were so distraught they were advised not to after all, their emotions could hinder the process, and that would just be unnecessary added torment for already tortured souls. What the three felt was quite similar, though complex a mix of guilt, anger, sadness, fear, and helplessness.
Time passed, and still no sign of the Avatar. The longer it took, the worse the odds became. After what felt like an eternity, they finally got news about the young woman's whereabouts fortunately, it came. One of the search teams managed to locate her in a cove somewhat distant from where she was last seen; the ocean currents really had carried her far away. However, the relief brought by the team's report quickly faded even though she was found alive, Korra was badly injured and her vital signs were weak. They had to be very careful bringing her back any slip-up could worsen the young woman's already delicate condition.
The situation, already bad enough, took an even darker turn when Asami was prevented from seeing her as soon as she arrived. The Avatar had to undergo procedures by the Tribe's specialists to improve her condition. It was so complex that the assigned team was large, and its key members were the elite among waterbending healers despite their competence and incredible ability to restore people, even that wasn't enough: Korra was still between worlds. At least they had managed to reduce the severity of her wounds, even if that didn't guarantee she would pull through, it was a great help toward that end.
Only after everything possible had been done was Asami allowed into the room where her girlfriend was. Some were surprised by Sato's insistence on being with Korra, but no one made a fuss after all, it was public knowledge they were friends and that the Future Industries heiress was part of the current Avatar's team, the only one present on this occasion, so it made sense. The young woman's parents didn't oppose Asami staying there on the contrary, they were together, sharing the same feeling, like a family, so no one felt they had the right to object.
Korra lay in bed, unconscious, her arms covered in bandages still somewhat stained with blood. Even though it wasn't fully visible because of her clothes, you could still tell her torso was also covered in dressings for what were likely serious, deep wounds. Her face had scrapes and some bruises, and part of her head was bandaged, including one eye. The rest of her body was covered by a sheet, but even without seeing what was under the covers, Asami was sure it was just as bad as what was visible.
When she entered, Senna was already inside, sitting by the head of the bed, and saw her daughter-in-law's green eyes fill with shock at the sight. After the initial fright, thick tears began streaming down the young woman's pale cheeks she brought her hands to her face in disbelief and sorrow. Quickly, Senna stood up and went to support her daughter-in-law the last thing they needed right now was more despair. Korra's mother's face was also swollen from crying after all, she'd had the same reaction as Asami when she first saw her daughter after the incident but she wouldn't let Sato go through that without support, like she had been forced to as the first to see her; she would offer all possible comfort to not further unsettle the already troubled young woman's mind.
Asami had lost her mother at a very young age and only vaguely remembered the hugs she'd received before her death yet she recalled the sensation very precisely after the embrace Senna gave her, without even being asked. It was an urgent hug between two broken souls seeking support in each other at the same time, it was a gentle, warm place to be. Asami felt the comfort of maternal arms meant for her, which made everything more bearable, however bad it was.
– Senna... I'm sorry... – she said in tears. – I should've designed something bigger... stronger... Maybe then this wouldn't have happened...
– There's nothing to be sorry for, dear. You can rest easy.
– If Korra dies, it'll be my fault...
– Of course not! Asami, you helped. If it weren't for you, the losses would've been greater. Korra also had her injuries minimized thanks to the help you and everyone in the Tribe provided. No one is to blame in this situation it's just a very sad accident...
– I know she's the Avatar and situations like this follow her, but I can't get used to it, you know? Seeing the person I love always in imminent danger, even though she's the strongest and most capable person in the world for it...
– I understand your fear well. And I've lived with that feeling longer than you have. It's amazing to be Korra's mother, but being the Avatar's mother isn't as glamorous as it seems seeing your daughter surrounded by so many problems and dangers is complicated, and you never get used to it. But if there's one thing I've learned all these years, it's that Korra can handle it no matter how bad the situation, she finds a way, even if at first it seems like it won't work out, like she won't make it... my girl always surprises us and pulls through.
– Weren't you ever afraid she wouldn't make it?
– Every time, I'm afraid, even though she's never let me down. Every time, I fear the possibility that she might not escape is too great and she won't make it... Fortunately, Korra has always proven my fears wrong, and I believe it'll be the same this time.
– Has anything this bad ever happened to her before?
– Yes. After the fight with Zaheer. But thanks to you, Toph, Tenzin, and everyone who helped her during that dark period, she managed to recover well.
– But this time she can't count on outside help... – Asami voiced her fear. – If I could do something for her like I did after the fight with Zaheer, it would be so much simpler...
– Absolutely, dear. We all wanted to help and we would if we could it's just that this time we can't. It's a fight Korra needs to face alone, and all we can do is hope for her.
– So it's even worse than the time you mentioned.
– Yes, it's a battle where her body is quite debilitated and there's no possibility of help from others. However, she's stronger and more prepared than ever for something like this.
– And will that preparation be enough?
– We hope so. Like I said, Korra has never disappointed in that regard. – Senna said this to calm Asami and also to try to convince herself. Even though she downplayed the situation to protect her daughter-in-law's emotional and psychological state, she knew how serious it was. All they needed was a word of comfort, even if not entirely imbued with truth. – I know you feel like you're in a lonely situation, but I want you to know you're not alone, you have Korra and us; you're part of the family now.
– Thank you... You have no idea how much that means to me... – She tightened the hug as tears still rolled. – Thank you so much... from the bottom of my heart...
It had been a while since Asami had felt like she belonged to a family, and receiving a declaration like that, coming right from the heart of her beloved's family, was a big deal. Especially because she'd expected a different reaction from them. It was everything she wanted and needed after losing her loved ones in such tragic ways. Senna knew that that's why she welcomed her with open arms, like a true mother. In fact, Senna had always wanted another daughter besides Korra, but she wasn't blessed with a second pregnancy, no matter how hard she tried now her wish had come true, after so many years, through unconventional paths and unpredictable situations she finally had the second child she'd always wanted in the form of Asami: the daughter her daughter gave her.
– I'm the one who should thank you, my dear. – She paused and reinforced it. – I'm the one who should thank you.
It had been almost a week, and Korra remained the same unconscious and motionless in bed. Even though she was becoming more stable with each passing day, everyone grew more anxious for her return and worried about any lasting effects from the incident. Yes, there was a real possibility she'd wake up with some negative physical, mental, or psychological consequence, and that troubled Asami, Senna, and Tonraq.
Even though it was taking her so long to wake up, Korra was never left alone—her parents and her girlfriend took turns staying with her in the room, always ready to report if anything happened to the Avatar, good or bad though it hadn't been necessary so far, as there had been no change in her condition since she was placed there.
Now it was Asami's turn to keep her beloved company. It was a bittersweet feeling to be in her girlfriend's presence but get no response to the things she said, to not have her hands held back when she intertwined her fingers with the other's... She was with the person she loved most in the world, which was good yet it wasn't reciprocated. For how long? That's what she wondered.
– Come back to us, Korra... Come back to me...
That was all she could say. She'd been in that situation so long she'd run out of things to say to encourage her of course she had the creativity to come up with more motivational phrases, but she was exhausted. The whole ordeal had drained Asami mentally to the point she had no mind left to think of anything else. Besides, Sato didn't even know if it was effective everyone said motivational words could be picked up by the subconscious and help recovery, but the more she talked to her girlfriend, the less it seemed to work.
She sighed tiredly for the millionth time since all this began. She grabbed the chair in the corner and pulled it to the bedside. She sat there, as usual, and took both of Korra's hands they were still bandaged, like her arms. The touch wasn't returned, just like every other time. All Asami did was stare at her beloved's still injured, though less wounded, face. She then began to silently plead for the Avatar's return to normal conditions to anything that could intercede in that regard a kind of silent prayer. Without even realizing it, she ended up falling asleep during the "prayer," slumped over the other's body. She was truly exhausted.
Hours passed, and Asami remained in the same position, sleeping deeply. It was a shame, because she couldn't witness firsthand Korra's eyes slowly opening. The Avatar woke up but didn't remember how she'd ended up there, in that room. Her confused, jumbled memories didn't help her understand the circumstances, but slowly things seemed to become clearer. Gradually, the memories became more accessible, and understanding came, little by little. She felt some pain in various parts of her body, but her temples were the most unbearable. She tried to bring her hands to the spot to massage it and see if she could ease the discomfort a bit only then did she realize she was being held.
She looked toward her own arms and noticed Asami's presence there, lost in a deep sleep. She tried, with all delicacy, to free herself, but the movement, however calculated, ended up waking Sato.
It took seconds for Asami to understand what had happened, and when she did, the look of disbelief on her face was priceless Korra, in turn, offered a weak, apologetic smile for having woken the other. It didn't matter. The owner of Future Industries hardly cared about being pulled from her dreams, because reality had finally blessed her with the event she'd wanted so badly. Without weighing the consequences of her actions and precisely because of that, absolutely happy Asami threw herself toward her girlfriend, hugging her.
Korra groaned softly from the pain of her wounds being pressed. Instinctively, Sato pulled back, worried upon hearing her girlfriend's lament.
– Oh, spirits, Korra! I'm sorry! I just got so excited you're awake, love! You've been unconscious for so long!
– I can imagine, Asami... – She leaned back against the headboard with some difficulty but was quickly supported by the other, who placed pillows behind her beloved to make the position more comfortable. – It took me a while to understand what was happening, how I got here, but now I remember. And by the look on your face, the situation couldn't have been good.
– You almost scared everyone to death! Love, we were so worried... You suffered serious injuries, and even with the world's best team of healing masters, the prognosis wasn't good. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say you came very close to death this time. I was so worried... I barely slept properly in the almost week you were unconscious.
– Almost a week! – She was shocked. – All that time? – The green-eyed young woman nodded. – I swore it was just a short time a few hours, maybe a couple of days at most.
– Your perception is a bit altered, which is perfectly normal in your case. But, aside from the pain, are you feeling anything else?
– Hungry, so hungry!
– No wonder, after all that time you must be starving. But don't worry, I'll talk to the people here and get you something to eat. – She made a move to get up, but Korra gently held her wrist. – What is it?
– Look, love, I really want food, but there's something even more urgent bothering me.
– Tell me. – Asami straightened up in the chair to listen to what troubled her beloved. – I'm all ears.
– I felt fear, like never before. And that scared me.
– What do you mean, Korra?
– You know I'm a brave person who doesn't back down from a fight, no matter the consequences.
– Of course I know... That's caused a lot of trouble... – She recalled the circumstances Korra's recklessness had caused, problems that were complicated to deal with.
– Yeah, I know what you mean, but trust me when I say I have everything under control. The thing is, this time I didn't, even though I thought I did. I thought I could handle the situation with mastery, but I was caught off guard. – She sighed. – I did what was right and saved those people they definitely would've died if they'd been hit. The thing is, I almost died myself, and I was aware of it. If I hadn't entered the Avatar State at the right moment, we probably wouldn't be talking right now.
– Thank the spirits it all worked out! I can't imagine losing you... I know it's selfish of me, but I couldn't handle that...
– Love, I completely understand what you mean, because I feel the same way. It took me so long to find happiness in love, and now that I have, I don't plan on giving it up easily. – A blush appeared on Asami's face in response to the offhand yet meaningful declaration. Sato felt extremely happy and flattered by what she heard from her girlfriend. – Seriously, before falling in love with you, I even thought I was cursed when it came to romance and affection. Fortunately, you showed me that wasn't the case.
– I'm so glad to hear that... – The blush deepened, but even though embarrassed, she gave a happy, genuine smile.
– I know that when I die, another Avatar will emerge to take my place. I think that's why before I didn't care so much about the risks. But now... now it's different... I have you! We know our time is limited, and that's exactly why it's so precious. I don't want to waste a single second I could spend by your side. – She reached out a hand and gently touched the other's face. The dark-haired young woman accepted the touch and leaned into it. – Asami... when I realized how big the risk I took was and that maybe that was my last moment in the world, I felt indescribable agony. Not even after the fight with Zaheer had I felt like this. I mean, after facing him, all I felt was sadness and desolation i didn't even fear death; on the contrary, back then, I thought it would be good if I had died.
– Don't say that, Korra!
– It's the truth! Everything was so hard, and I didn't have the physical or mental strength to endure it all. I only made it thanks to you and the others. I'm so grateful, really.
– Don't mention it...
– Getting back to the point this time I felt real fear. Unlike every other time, I didn't feel the detachment from life that always accompanied me in those situations. There was something at stake bigger than my own life, and I couldn't lose that. I think that's why I fought with all my strength to get out of there, to survive. In other contexts, I don't think I would've given my all like I did now, precisely because of the comfort of the Avatar Cycle. But knowing I wouldn't see you again and imagining how you'd be if I really had gone... that's what made me stay.
– Why are you telling me this now?
– Because you deserve to know. And because this is a very strange situation for me, I need to share it with someone so I don't lose my mind!
– I was also afraid you wouldn't make it, love. But I never lost hope. Your parents helped me a lot they were also worried about you and this whole situation. We went through this together that's what made it all more bearable.
– Thank goodness. I couldn't stand being in your position. – She paused. – Promise me you'll never give me scares like the ones I give you from time to time.
– Hey! That's not fair!
– It's really not. Just... promise me, please... – The anguish in her voice was noticeable. – I couldn't bear to see you in my place, not even for a second.
– And how can I promise something I don't know how to keep, Korra?
– Figure it out, Asami! Just promise me...
– Alright. – She sighed. – I promise. Happy now?
– Now I am.
– I'll get your parents and get you something to eat. – She stood up.
– I thought you'd be happier to see me after all this time... – She pouted and turned her face away like a spoiled, offended child. The industrialist just laughed in response. – Don't even want to stay here with me...
– Of course I was incredibly happy to see you, love. The thing is, I have to be much more restrained than I'd like because of your condition. – She pressed very lightly on one of Korra's bandages. Immediately, Korra made a face. – See? No need to be fussy when I saw you awake, I felt the greatest relief of my life and was absolutely overjoyed to see you well. Unfortunately, your condition still requires special care, and I can't do everything I'd like... – A mischievous smile spread across her face. – ...Especially because I'm sure this bed couldn't handle it, and then we'd have a serious problem explaining the situation if it happened.
– It wouldn't be so bad... But you're right, I'm still not a hundred percent. Damn it!
– Love, you've already made amazing progress. Don't beat yourself up. We're all absolutely proud of everything you've done so far it's not something just anyone could do.
– Yeah, but I'm still here, aren't I? – And she pointed around the room.
– Yes, and thank goodness you are. I prefer you here than... – Her tone lowered and grew somber. – At your funeral... – The calm tone quickly returned as soon as Asami realized the possibility from the previous sentence no longer existed. – All in due time, Korra. Patience is a virtue.
– The most boring one. The worst!
– But still a virtue. It'll be well rewarded soon, if you're a little more patient.
– Are you going to reward me? If so, I want it!
– I can do that, yes. – Korra's face lit up. – Now I'll let everyone know what's going on it's time they knew the Avatar is back and well. – She leaned toward her beloved and placed a quick kiss on her lips. – I'll be right back.
– Okay. – She watched Asami move away. – And I'll collect everything you promised me! – She said louder, because her girlfriend was already heading out the door, and if she didn't raise her voice, she wouldn't be heard.
Sato turned, nodded, and left. She was content and relieved. At least a positive turn in the midst of so much chaos lately. Now she needed to share the good news, especially with her in-laws after all, the prayers they'd made had been answered.