Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

*Republic city, Asami’s apartment*

“I am only loyal to Commander Guan.”

“Don’t touch me!”

“Don’t pretend you care about me….”

“You are my enemy!”

Asami jolted awake in bed in a cold sweat. After getting her breathing under control she thought back through what she thought was a nightmare, but had seemed too real. Almost like she was reliving a memory. A memory most likely from when she was brainwashed by Commander Guan.

That whole time was upsetting for Asami. Not only did she lose entire days of her life that she cannot remember or get back, but she knew that she had said or done something to Korra during that time that hurt her. Based on lack of injuries to Korra, Asami had to assume it had been something she had said to cause the mix of hurt and sadness in her eyes Asami had momentarily seen when she first asked and had seen several times since. But if that memory – more like nightmare – was true, she now had a good idea what it was.

Even though Korra had said she wanted to put it behind them, Asami could not help but feel guilty about it. It would be very easy for herself to move on from it as she had no recollection about that time, but she knew Korra had lived through it and therefore might not easily forget even if she didn’t hold it against her. Asami just had to know for sure what all happened. She had to know what all she had said and done, especially to Korra to cause the hurt and sadness in her beautiful blue eyes. She decided to try asking Korra again next time she saw her and see if she would finally tell her herself. If not, she would see about making a little visit to talk to Bataar Jr. in Zaofu.

And Kuvira, she thought before sighing and laying back down. She still hadn’t forgiven the former Uniter for killing her father, but she couldn’t deny how much help she had been with capturing Commander Guan and reversing the brainwashing he had done. Maybe she would be willing to help with this also, but maybe as more of a last resort. She couldn’t risk though having Korra find out incase it would lead to a fight about it. She didn’t want to risk causing anymore hurt then she had already done.

*Air Temple Island*

In the morning she got on the first ferry over to Air Temple Island so she could talk to Korra. She stifled a yawn as she thought back over everything that had happened. Asami had barely slept after laying back down so she had just laid there and planned out in her head how to best approach the subject with Korra.

Asami took a deep breath and slowly let it out, feeling her anxiety building more and more the closer she got to the island. She tried to keep it under control so as not to cause any alarm to Korra when she saw her. Once the ferry pulled into the dock she got off and went straight for Korra’s room knowing full well it was most likely where she would be since she still hated being up early. As she walked through the temple, she passed the dining hall and glanced in, not at all surprised to see Tenzin, Pema, and the kids all eating breakfast minus Korra. Tenzin happened to look up and see her, raising a hand in greeting.

“Good morning Asami. What brings you here this morning?” he asked.

The rest of the family looked over at her and voiced their greetings as well.

Asami smiled and gave a small bow of her head. “Good morning everyone. Sorry to disturb you, but I’m here to see Korra about something.”

Tenzin smiled before pointing down the hall. “She’s still in bed sleeping I’m sure. Maybe one of these mornings she’ll actually wake at a decent hour,“ then he got thoughtful for a second, “although I have been saying and wishing that for a few years now and it still hasn’t happened.”

Ikki rolled her eyes before looking back to Asami. “Why are you here this early to see Korra? Didn’t you just hang out almost all day with her yesterday?” she asked.

Pema sighed while shaking her head. “Ikki that’s not exactly a nice way to ask you know. Plus, it doesn’t matter why she wants to see Korra since they’re dating each other. You don’t see your father or me complaining about how often Jinora is with Kai.”

Jinora blushes at that. "How did I get dragged into this?," she asks slightly indignantly before ducking her head and resuming eating while her siblings laughed about it.

“Moms got a point Jinora. You and Kai spend more time together then Korra and Asami do, which honestly is only possible because of the fact they aren’t living together yet, while you and Kai all but are since you’re on the same island at least,” Ikki said.

“Yeah exactly, what Ikki said,” agreed Meelo before he turned back to Asami. “Speaking of that, when are you the two of you finally going to do it and live together? Weren’t you practically dating the entire time before the incident with Zaheer, so you shouldn’t have to wait as long?”

Both Pema and Tenzin looked at Meelo in shock, with Pema the first to speak with slight annoyance in her voice. “Meelo that’s not how things like that work. They have to slowly build towards that at their own pace. Once both of them are ready then they will. You can’t just rush into things like that,” then she added quieter and under her breath, “no matter how great they are together or how long everyone’s been waiting for it.” Tenzin heard that last part and started choking on his tea.

Asami had been smiling and lightly laughing at the whole family exchange, and quickly changed to worry as she looked at Tenzin. “Are you okay Tenzin? What happened?”

Tenzin coughed a couple times and waved off her concern. “Nothing, just went down the way is all. Happens every now and then.”

Asami nodded and waited for him to stop coughing before looking to the rest of the family. “Alright well I’m going to go see about waking Korra up. See you all later.” She waved before turning back down the hall and walking again towards Korra’s room. She could already picture how she would find her girlfriend sleeping as it rarely ever changed when she slept alone. The covers would be mostly kicked off, with one leg hanging halfway off the bed, one arm flung over her eyes, and the other arm either hanging off the bed or laid across her stomach. AKA her most effective alarm at waking herself up as she would feel her stomach growling both internally and through her arm. Asami had noticed she mostly ended up with her arm like that on her stomach if she had had a late night snack before bed or snuck out at some point in the night for one.

Asami reached Korra’s room and slowly opened the door enough to step in and then close it again. When she turned around, she was surprised to find Korra actually sleeping in a way Asami would call normal. She was laying on her side with her back to the door facing the window. Asami frowned as she quietly walked around to the other side of the room. She was curious as to why Korra was sleeping like this when she never did alone. As soon as she had walked far enough to see, she smiled softly and her eyes got a little teary.

Korra was snuggling the stuffed owl bear Asami had won for her at the festival in Harmony Park. Asami had also now picked up the familiar scent of perfume she usually wore and looked over, seeing a bottle of it on the table by the dresser. She wiped her eyes and then slowly made her way to the side of the bed, kneeling in front of Korra, then slowly leaning in to press a kiss to her cheek.

Korra sighed happily but didn’t open her eyes as she kissed the stuffed owl on its head causing Asami to laugh which finally woke Korra up.

Korra blinked her eyes a couple times before smiling at Asami. “Hey babe! What are you doing here?”

Asami smiled back before leaning in again to give Korra a proper kiss. “I had some free time this morning so I decided to come and see you,” she hesitated before continuing, “and to ask you a question.”

Korra sat up, fully awake and looking at Asami with a mix of concern and confusion. “Okay. What’s on your mind?”

Asami took a deep breath and quickly gathered her thoughts while she sat on the bed before speaking. “I had a series of quick short dreams last night. Well, more like nightmares really. Very realistic ones in fact which is what makes them even scarier,” she added with a humorless chuckle at the end.

Korra frowned in even more confusion now. “Ooooookay. I’m kinda having a hard time seeing a question here,” she said with a slight laugh.

Asami hesitated before looking Korra in her eyes, her beautiful blue eyes, and pushing ahead. “I think they were from when I was brainwashed by Commander Guan.”

Korra’s eyes widened, but also for a split second that she would’ve missed had she not been looking right into her eyes, Asami again had seen the mixed looked of hurt and sadness pass. She sighed before telling Korra in full detail how each one had played out in her mind, with her obviously seeing everything from her own point of view in them. After she had finished, she sat and waited to see what Korra would say or possibly do next as she had remained silent through the whole telling. Her face - in particular her eyes – had taken on a neutral look as she had told her everything. The stuffed toy was laying on the bed forgotten.

After what seemed like hours – but was really only several seconds – Korra sighed before looking down at her hands. “What’s your question Asami?”

“Similar to the question I had asked you back in Zaofu. What all did I say and do while I was brainwashed?”

Korra sighed again, this one sounding almost defeated before looking up at Asami. “I told you, it doesn’t matter. I just want to put the whole thing behind us and move on. Please.”

Asami looks at Korra, seeing the plea in her face as well as hearing it before shaking her head. “I’m sorry, but I can’t. It wouldn’t be fair to you to do that.”

Korra now got an annoyed look on her face as she stood up. “And whys that? I more then willing to put it behind us so how would it be unfair to me?”

Asami stood up in an attempt to calm things down. “Because I can’t remember any of it! So if I do what you say and move on I’ll most likely be easily able to do it. But then you’ll still have the memories of everything that happened during it.”

Korra threw her hands up in the air. “And what’s the problem with that?” she yelled.

“Because you’ll still have the hurt flashing through your eyes!” Asami yelled back causing Korra to flinch and once again for the mixed look to cross her eyes causing Asami to sigh and gesture with her hand before continuing in a softer tone, “Just like it did now. I saw it the first time when I asked in Zaofu and I’ve seen it a few times since whenever I sometimes go to say something. I even think I noticed it once when I put the glove on for one of our sparring sessions before you asked me to spar without it. I didn’t think anything of it when you asked, just thought you wanted a more physical sparring session. But now I know the real reason why I think.” She looked at Korra sadly before quietly adding, “I even noticed you flinch whenever I sometimes reach for you hand, like you're afraid I might slap your hand away or something.”

Asami felt her eyes tear up before asking, barely above a whisper, "Am I right?"

Korra had taken to looking at the floor while Asami talked, her hands tightly clenched at her sides. At Asami’s question though, she finally relaxed her hands and sighed before giving a slight nod.

Chapter Text

*Air Temple Island Plaza*

Asami paced around the Plaza while she waited. After Korra’s nod she hadn’t said anything, so Asami had told her to meet her here once she was changed and ready to talk. She also thought this would give them both some time to think and clear their heads. She knows hers needed cleared some after Korra finally confirmed her worry that something horrible had happened. Even though she had highly suspected it, seeing Korra’s nod had left her with a mix of emotions she wasn’t expecting - some of them she wasn’t proud of feeling at the moment - and most of it being guilt.

The biggest ones she was feeling were anger at Commander Guan for brainwashing her in the first place and causing all this. A mix of sadness and guilt about hurting Korra like she apparently did during it while also feeling some anger and guilt over getting captured so easily on her own airship. And the one she’s ashamed of feeling is annoyance at Korra for not wanting to tell her any of it in the first place and just wanting to try and put it behind them. But that feeling was immediately followed by even more guilt as she knows Korra would have to have a valid reason for not wanting to tell her.

At least, Asami hopes she has a valid reason and not just a stubborn one.

“Hey.”

Asami jumped, startled out of her thoughts as she turned, finding Korra standing there looking nervous as she had her arms crossed and rubbing them. Asami gave her a small, soft smile. “Sorry, I didn’t hear you walk over. I was a little distracted with my thoughts.”

Korra gave a small smile back before taking a deep breath and letting it out. “I’m sorry for not telling you everything after you were freed from brainwashing. Part of me knows I should’ve but another part was trying to keep you safe.”

Asami frowned. “Keep me safe from what Korra?”

Instead of answering right away, Korra walked over and looked out over the water. After several seconds she turned back and Asami saw she had started crying some so she took a couple steps towards Korra to try and comfort her when Korra raised her hand to stop her. “Please, don’t come closer. If you come too close, I may not be able to say what needs said.”

Asami nodded, but had an uneasy feeling in her stomach. “Okay Korra, I won’t come any closer right now. But were, or are you, trying to keep me safe from?”

Korra hesitated again before taking another calming breath. “From yourself Asami.”

At Asami’s look of confusion Korra continued. “I knew that if I told you everything that you had said and did that you would somehow find a way to blame yourself for it all even though it isn’t your fault at all. And then you would spend too much, time, effort, and most likely money into trying to fix whatever damage you think you had caused. I had hoped not telling you anything would prevent all that so you wouldn’t drive yourself crazy with it.” Then she added softly, “and I know you’re still processing and trying to come to terms with your father getting killed, especially when you guys were starting to make amends for everything. I didn’t want to put any extra stress or worry on top of that for you.”

Asami was stunned as she processed everything. Korra’s reason for not telling her was even better and more valid than anything Asami had managed to think of. It’s true she was still trying to process her father’s untimely death while still managing Future Industries, as well as her side projects, the rebuilding of Republic City, and her duties with Team Avatar. Although Zhu Li becoming president had significantly made doing all that so much easier as she wasn’t as objective to things as Raiko had been.

Asami walked up to stand next to Korra, looking out at the water. She could feel Korra’s eyes on her as she did, so after a few seconds she turned away from the water and back to Korra. She noticed right away the worried look in Korra’s eyes, which was a relief to Asami. She had almost been expecting to turn and find that dreadful hurt look again. If she had, she might not have been able to keep staring back.

Asami reach over and gently took one of Korra’s hands into her own, giving it a soft squeeze and giving Korra a soft smile before speaking. “Thank you for telling me your reason. I know how I can be and I can see why you did it. But please, like I have told you before, I don’t need you to constantly protect me. Even from myself.”

Korra nodded, her eyes starting to shine. “I know you don’t need me to protect you. You’re more than capable of doing it yourself. I just worry about you. You got so much on your shoulders already, I didn’t want to risk adding this onto it.”

Asami raised a finger as Korra finished talking. “And that’s another thing. I know you probably don’t realize you’re doing it, but please stop making decisions for me based on what you think would be better or easier for me. I’d prefer if you would actually talk to me and let us make a decision like that together.”

Korra nodded again before using her free hand to wipe her eyes. “I know I should’ve, I just let my fear and worry for you overtake my emotions and I’m sorry for that.”

“No, don’t apologize for your feelings. I don’t ever want you to apologize for them, just for when you don’t talk to me about these things. We’re a couple, a team. Communication is the most important thing. Alright?”

Korra smiled as she gave a small laugh. “Yeah, you’re right. As always.”

Asami smiled back. “I know I am. Now, can you please finally tell me everything that happened after Guan brainwashed me and the brothers?”

“Yeah, I can do that.” Korra turned to look out over the water, then started to tell her everything, from their brief fight that led to Asami getting captured, to everything Asami had said during the fight, the air ride back to Zaofu, and while Korra sat in the room that had been assigned as Asami’s holding room. While Korra talked, Asami just stood and listened, holding Korra’s hand and staring at her eyes as she did. Almost the whole time telling the tale, Korra’s eyes had that hurt look in them. Asami almost wanted to look anywhere else, but didn’t want to risk Korra noticing and stopping her tale, cause then she might not want to finish. But by the end of the tale, she was most certainly wishing she had never asked at all and had just let it all go.

Korra finished speaking, and turned to look at Asami, and immediately almost wishing she hadn’t. Asami’s face had a look of shock and horror on it. She quickly stepped closer and took Asami’s other hand in hers.

“Asami? What’s wrong?” she asked worriedly.

Asami seemed to snap out of it and looked wide eyed at Korra. And to Korra’s growing worry, Asami started to cry.

Korra stepped over and put her hands on Asami’s shoulders. “Hey, hey. What’s going on?”

Asami calmed down enough to speak. “How? How can you even look at me after that? After everything I said to you.”

“Because like I told you, I knew it wasn’t you and was just the brainwashing. That’s how.”

“But, then why is it when I’m talking or doing certain things you get a hurt look in your eyes? If you know it wasn’t me saying those things, why am I still hurting you?” Asami’s voice had steadily gone up in volume till she shouted that final part, once again seeing the hurt look in Korra’s eyes.

That damn look that I caused her, she thought to herself as she turned back toward the water and pulled a handkerchief out to wipe her eyes. “I’m sorry for yelling. I just hate that I’m the one who caused you this hurt. No matter what you say about it not being me.” She turned back to look at Korra. “It was still my body, my face, and my voice that said and did those things. So yes, I am at fault to a degree. I’m at fault for getting captured in the first place. Had I been more observant and more careful it wouldn’t have happened.”

Korra quickly spoke up. “No! You don’t get to claim the blame for that. It’s my fault you were captured when I left you guys alone at the airship. Had I not been focused on getting Toph to run against Guan I might’ve known he’d come after you guys. But I thought he’d be too occupied with the election to try anything.”

Asami shook her head. “No Korra, you were right to go find Toph. At the time with the information we had, it was the best plan to stop Guan without risking more trouble. But if I had listened to Kuvira and let her out of the platinum suit we put her in we might have escaped capture. But I was too blinded by my own anger and hatred for her killing my father to think clearly.”

Korra knew about that. Kuvira had told her all about it on the airship back to Zaofu after Suyin had come and pick them up during one of the times Korra had taken a break from all the verbal abuse brainwashed Asami had thrown at her. She knew it wasn’t really Asami saying them, but she was right. Hearing those words with her voice coming out of her mouth had definitely been too much at times to deal with.

Korra now took a second before speaking again. “You were right in your anger toward her, I’m not going to deny that. But blaming yourself for not trusting her won’t change things. Especially what she was about to do that first led to her getting put in the suit to begin with. We all thought she was too dangerous to let loose at the time, even me. So please, don’t put the guilt on yourself for failing to trust her. I almost set her on fire when she first told me what happened because I didn’t trust her.”

Asami turned back to look at Korra. “She didn’t exactly make trusting her easy, did she?” she asked with a laugh.

Korra laughed in turn. “No, she definitely didn’t.” Korra put her hand on Asami’s cheek and gently pulled her in for a soft kiss. Pulling back she asked softly, “So what now?”

Asami sighed as she rested her forehead against Korra’s. “I think I need to go and think it all through. I still don’t think it’s right for us to just try and move on, leave this behind us. It wouldn’t be fair, especially not to you.”

Korra nodded as she pulled Asami in for a hug. “I understand wanting to think and process this. I’m sorry for not telling you all of it before. Maybe it wouldn’t have been so bad if I had.”

Asami returned the hug. “Don’t go blaming yourself. I understand why you didn’t. Just don’t make a habit of making decisions without me in the future, especially if they involve me in some way.” She pulled back and put her arms on Korra’s shoulders. “I’m going into work. I’ll see you later okay?”

“Yeah definitely. Wanna come back here for dinner with Tenzin and the rest of the family?”

“Sounds perfect.” She gave Korra another kiss before walking in the direction of the dock, turning back as she reached the stairs. “I love you Korra.”

Korra shot Asami her trademarked grin. “I love you too Asami.”

Chapter Text

*Future Industries, Republic City*

Asami walked into Future Industries in a better mood since first getting up. Her talk with Korra had helped some as she now at least knew what all had happened during her brainwashing, now she just needed to come up with a solution to fixing things. She already had the idea that if she could fully and properly remember everything herself it would help, but she didn’t really know how to go about doing that. She was thinking about making a trip to Zaofu so she could talk to Bataar Jr and get his opinion on the matter, especially since he used the machine that reversed the effects.

She also already had a backup plan thought up if he didn’t have any possible answers for her. Doctor Sheng, the one who built the original device that brainwashed Asami and the rest in the first place. She might even be able to tell her more than Bataar Jr, but Asami was pretty sure she wouldn’t be very talkative after her capture.

Especially not after I personally shocked her out cold with my glove, Asami thought to herself.

She walked into her office and had just sat down to start going through the reports from the various building sites when the phone started ringing.

She picked it up as she pulled the reports closer. “This is Asami,” she answered.

“Hey Asami! It’s me Bolin!”

Asami cringed at his energetic shouting, wondering not for the first time how anyone could have that much energy all the time. Reminds me of how Meelo is, she thought to herself before answering. “Hey! How are you doing? Still working with President Moon or did you move onto something else?”

Bolin laughed loudly on the other end, causing Asami to pull the phone away a bit from her ear. “Yeah, I’m still working for President Moon. Still taking my time recovering after all that fun we had stopping Commander Guan and the remainder of the Earth Empire you know.”

The mention of Commander Guan brought Asami thoughts right back to her brainwashing. Of course she remembered that Mako and Bolin – along with Wu and numerous other people – had been brainwashed, but she wasn’t sure if anyone else was having the same issues with it that she was. But her thoughts were interrupted by Bolin’s voice asking her a question she didn’t fully hear.

“I’m sorry Bolin could you please repeat that. I didn’t fully hear you. My mind was sort of wondering there for a moment.”

“Oh yeah, no problem. President Moon just asked me to call and ask if you were free this afternoon to come and see her. She says she has a favor to ask and would prefer doing it in person.”

Asami quickly looked at her schedule for the day before answering. “Yeah, I can meet her. I’ll stop in before I head out to see check on some of our rebuilding projects.”

“Awesome! I will put it in her schedule and let her know. See you later Asami!”

“See you later Bolin.” Asami hesitated before asking, “Actually Bolin, I have a quick question for you if you got a moment.”

“Um yeah, I got a spare moment I think. What’s on your mind?”

Asami took a moment to get her thoughts in order before speaking. “Do you remember anything that happened while you were brainwashed? Like either something you said or did?”

Bolin was silent for a moment before speaking again, sounding a little confused. “No, I don’t believe I do. That time is all a blank. I remember being tied into the chair and that doctor lady giving some commands, then next thing I know is what felt almost like waking up and Kuvira standing there doing the same thing.”

Asami sighed before thinking of her dream this morning. “What about dreams? Any dreams where it seemed very real?”

“What do you mean Asami by dreams that seemed very real? Doesn’t make much sense to me.”

“You know, dreams so real it’s almost like they actually happened. Like reliving memories inside your own head sort of thing.” She hoped she had explained it properly enough for him to understand it.

He didn’t say anything for several seconds, apparently thinking back through to try and remember. When he finally did speak again, Asami could just picture in her mind Bolin’s face scrunching up to concentrate, then widening into a big smile as he finally realizes what he needed to.

“Oh, I think I know what you mean. Like your mind just replaying events that have happened in your life without you realizing at first.” He said sounding almost proud of himself.

Asami couldn’t help but smile at his excitement. “Yes exactly. Have you had any dreams or maybe random flashes in your mind of events that you don’t remember living through?” she asked somewhat hopeful that she wasn’t the only one who had experienced it.

But Bolins next words dashed that hope. “Nope, sorry. Can’t say I have. And I don’t think Mako has either. At least, he hasn’t said anything to me anyway about anything like that. You’d probably have to ask him yourself next time you see him.”

Asami sighed. “I’ll most definitely ask him when I do. Thanks anyway Bolin.”

“Yeah, anytime Asami. If you don’t mind me asking, why were you asking about that? Is everything alright?”

Of course, leave it to Bolin to figure out something was wrong. It’s one thing she loved about him, he was oblivious as hell most of the time, but he could tell almost instantly when something was bothering someone or someone was just feeling down. But right now, she hadn’t wanted him to pick up on it as she wasn’t sure she was ready to tell anyone else about the dream or even her talk with Korra. She wanted to check first to see if she was the only one it had happened to or if more people who were brainwashed were being affected.

“No, everything’s fine. Just somewhat tired today is all.”

“I’m not surprised. You got more on your plate then anyone else in Republic City if not the entire world. You really should take another vacation or something. You’ve more than earned it.”

“Thanks. But I don’t think realistically I could take off again anytime soon unless its either Avatar or Future Industries related. Got too much to do to take a personal vacation, no matter how much I may need it.”

She heard Bolin sigh before he spoke again. “Alright, I guess you got a bit of a point. But you still need to try and not work so much. Mako has already said he’s seen your office light on more than once late at night the last couple weeks when he’s been doing night patrols. You can at least cut back on your hours a little.”

“Funny, Korra was telling me the same thing the other day. Her argument though was if I can find time to go on dates with her, I can find time to not work and just relax. Once either the rebuild or building is finished I’ll have more time to get everything else done during the day.”

“Yeah, sure you will. You’ve been on the go so long I don’t think you quite know how to relax anymore. Even on the airship you’re constantly doing something instead of just sitting and resting.”

Asami rolled her eyes before looking at the clock. “As much as I’m enjoying this chat Bolin, I need to go. I have a meeting with the board soon and then I have to go through these reports before I leave to come over for that meeting with Zhu Li.”

“Oh crap, yeah I have to go too. I didn’t realize the time. See you later Asami!” then click as he hung up the phone.

Asami returned to phone to its holder then stared at it, contemplating calling Mako to ask him now instead of waiting. But not knowing what his current schedule was kept her from trying. He could be either at home, the station, patrol, or doing something somewhere in the city.

So instead, she turned back to the reports, trying to distract her mind long enough to get things done she needed to. Unfortunately, that was easier said then done as her mind kept drifting back to the brainwashing and everything tied to it. Finally, she slammed her hand down on the report in front of her out of frustration.

“Damn it,’’ she said in anger before putting her head in her hands and taking a few deep breaths to think while calming herself. “Need to plan. That should hopefully help.”

She grabbed a notepad from her drawer and a pen off her desk, then started by writing down everything that she knew happened in connection with her brainwashing. Then she started laying out her plan for getting more information on it as well as the rough layout of a plan to hopefully fix things. After several minutes of writing, she leaned back and picked up the notepad, reading everything she had written before setting it down with a content sigh.

That’s a good start for now at least, she thought to herself, I can work on the fix plan more later on.

She turned back to the reports and was quite pleased when she was finally able to focus on them enough to get through all of them in time for her meeting with the board.

*Outside Future Industries, Republic City*

Asami walked out of Future Industries and towards her Satomobile. She was finally out of the board meeting and now needed to get to City Hall for her meeting with President Moon. As she was walking down the sidewalk however, she glanced across the street and saw Mako walk out of the coffee shop with another officer. While she needed to get to City Hall, she also wanted to ask Mako if he was having any weird dreams as well.

“Hey Mako!” she yelled over before quickly looking and then running across the street to him. He looked over at her yell and got a smile on his face seeing her, giving her a one-armed hug as he held his coffee, as she came up to him.

“Hey Asami” he said before looking at the other officer quick. “I’ll meet you at the car in a minute.” The other officer nodded before turning and walking away as Mako turned back to Asami. “How you doing? We haven’t really had a chance to talk much since getting back from the Earth Kingdom.”

“Yeah, I know we haven’t. But I’m doing good. A little tired from everything going on but that’s to be expected. How have you been?”

Mako nodded. “I’ve been good. Busy of course with the Triads all making plays again, so was feeling a little burned out there for a bit. But Lin made me take a few days off to recover so that helped allot. I didn’t want to at first but she was adamant that I’d be forced to one way or another, so I willingly took it.”

That causes Asami to laugh as she can just picture a few of the ways Lin could force Mako to take time off. “I’m sure that was probably best for your health you know.”

“Yeah, you’re most likely right. Especially cause with her it’s hard to tell what she may have done if I kept refusing.”

“Any number of things,” she quickly looked at her watch and cursed under her breath. “Sorry to leave already but I have a meeting with President Moon and don’t want to be late. But I did run across here for a reason, and unfortunately it wasn’t really to catch up.”

Mako nodded as he took a drink of his coffee. “I kind of figured that when you ran across. Your face had a look on it like you had a problem that needed an answer to it.”

Asami blushed a little and huffed. “Didn’t think I was that easy to read.”

“You are at times. Mostly when trying to figure out problems or when you’re worried about someone.”

“Good to know its not all the time. But anyway, I just have a question for you. Since having the effects of the brainwashing reversed, have you had anything weird happen? Mainly have you had any dreams or random moments pop in your mind that seemed so real it was almost like you had lived it?”

Mako frowns at the question before seeming to actually think on it. After several seconds he shakes his head. “Can’t say that I have. All my dreams like that are usually fights of ours against Amon or the Red Lotus. Why do you ask?”

Asami nodded only slightly disappointed, having known secretly after talking to Bolin it was a long shot someone else might be experiencing the same things. “No real reason honestly. I just had a weird dream this morning that seemed odd is all.” She knows it’s a half lie, but she still didn’t feel comfortable telling anyone else about it other then Korra. And she wanted to talk to her more about it before anyone else knew. “I need to get going. Talk to you later Mako. Maybe we should try and get the Krew together one night for dinner so we can all catch up properly.”

Mako didn’t look that convinced but nodded anyway, giving her another smile. “Sounds like a good plan to me. Just let me know when and where and I’ll make it work.”

“Will do,” she turned and headed back across the street, her mind once again flooding with thoughts and ideas. This time though it was trying to figure out why she seemed to be the only one effected and no one else.

Just more questions and problems than answers with each person I talk to. Talk about a real nightmare.

Chapter Text

*City Hall, Republic City*

Asami stood up as Zhu Li walked in. Asami had been led right into the President’s office as soon as she had walked in. She had been informed by the person who led her in that both the President and Bolin were still in a meeting, but they had been ordered to let Asami in to wait for them. That had been a little over a half hour ago, plenty of time for her thoughts to wander, and wander they did, right back to the damn brainwashing.

But now those thoughts thankfully retreated for the moment as Asami shook Zhu Li’s hand before then getting engulfed in a big hug by Bolin.

“Asami! It’s so great to see you!” he exclaimed in excitement.

She returned the hug as she replied slightly out of breath, “It’s great seeing you too Bolin. But could you maybe let me go now please. It’s a little hard to breath with you squeezing me so tight.”

Bolin quickly released her, looking a little contrite as he moved his hands to behind his back, no doubt to keep himself from hugging her again. “Sorry. I was just so excited from seeing you again. We haven’t had a chance to really hangout and catch up.”

“I know Bolin. I did run into Mako on my way here. I suggested maybe trying to get the Krew together for dinner. He said to let him know and he’d make it work.”

“That’d be great! Everyone will then have a chance to catch up and everything! I should be able to make just about any evening work.”

Zhu Li clears her throat causing both to jump a little. “Sorry, don’t want to interrupt, but I do need to speak to Asami about a rather important matter.”

Bolin started nervously rubbing his neck as he looked to the ground. “Oh yeah. I had forgotten about that. I’ll go grab some refreshments while you two talk.” He then made a near quick exit out of the office, leaving Asami feeling confused and now slightly worried about this meeting.

“How about we sit for this?” Zhu Li asked before sitting down in the chair while Asami sat back on the couch. “I know we both have busy schedules so I’ll just get right to the point,” she took a deep breath before continuing, “Republic City’s treasury is stretched very thin right now. We owe too much to too many people. Which means unfortunately you and Future Industries won’t be getting paid the amount you should for all the work you’ve done and are doing. At least not for a while anyway.”

Asami sat in stunned silence before sighing. “How soon do you think it would be till you get caught up? We’ve already gotten allot of the work done. And I don’t want to stop the work, but if I can’t pay my workers, I’m not going to have a choice.”

Zhu Li sighed before taking her glasses off and pulling a cloth out to clean them. “I honestly don’t know. It could be months, could be a year or longer. We can pay a small amount right now and hopefully every month but I can’t even promise you that Asami.” She put her glasses back on and looked over. “I wanted to tell you myself in person rather than risk you hearing it from someone else, and hopefully give you enough of a heads up about it to start making plans.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it. I’ll have to see what our reserves for this type of situation look like. I kind of almost drained all of them when I first had to take over since we weren’t making allot of money at the time. Hopefully they’ve filled back up enough in the time since, otherwise I may have to start laying workers and other employees off sooner than later.”

“I really am sorry Asami. My hands are tied unfortunately. I’m hoping that if we can pay some of the others off first, we’ll be able to start paying you the proper amount again. But somehow, it seems like every time we get one person paid off another one pops up out of the wood works. Seems like Raiko made deals with just about every major company in the city and some from the nations.”

“Doesn’t surprise me. He made allot of deals and promises but rarely kept them. That’s why when we started updating the City Station and the infrastructure to accommodate the spirit vines, I made sure he signed in during a press conference with lots of people to see. That way he couldn’t try and back out of the deal or anything.”

Zhu Li laughed at that. “I don’t blame you. He was definitely a sneaky and manipulative sort. He hasn’t gotten any better since getting voted out either. He now runs a radio show with his wife. It’s become quite popular and is causing quite a stir already.”

Asami sighed. “I heard about it. I tried listening to it once and gave up after a couple minutes. He kept trying to blame the cities problems on either you or Chief Beifong.”

“Yeah, he’s been doing that since losing the election. Been a bit sour about the whole thing honestly.” Zhu Li looked at the clock. “Damn it. Sorry, but I got to go. Have another meeting in a couple minutes with another CEO to give them the bad news as well. This one thankfully is only a phone call.”

Asami frowned as she stood up. “Am I the only one you’re planning on telling this news in person?”

Zhu Li stood up and nodded. “Yes. After everything that’s happened and everything you’ve done, I figured I owed you that instead of telling you over the phone or else I would’ve done it earlier.”

Asami smiled and shook her hand. “Thank you then. I guess I should head back to the office and see how things are looking for us. I’ll call and let you know if we have to stop any of the projects going on or not.”

Zhu Li led her to the door. “You’re welcome. And I’m hoping you won’t, but will understand if you have to.”

Asami walked into the hall and saw Bolin leaning against the opposite wall. He looked up upon hearing the door open and pushed off to come over. “I’m sorry Asami. I didn’t know what the meeting would be about when I called or else I would’ve given you a heads up. But she didn’t tell me till after I got off with you.”

Asami smiled and put her hand on his shoulder. “It’s alright Bolin. I think Zhu Li didn’t tell you at the time for just that reason. She wanted to break the news to me herself.”

“I know, that’s what she told me after we hung up. Also, that telling me and then ordering me not to tell you would’ve made me a nervous wreck and she wanted me as normal as possible to not risk worrying you about it all morning.”

“She’s right. I would’ve worried about this meeting if I thought something was up. Bad enough I’m worrying now about what she told me.” She pulled Bolin into a quick hug. “But you may want to get in there before she has to go to the next meeting without you.”

Bolin nodded before pulling away. “You’ll be alright, won’t you?”

Asami nodded to reassure him, even though she wasn’t entirely sure herself. “Yeah, I’ll be fine. Just have to figure things out is all.”

He gave her one of his goofy smiles. “Alright then. I’ll see you later Asami!”

He quickly went into the office leaving Asami alone in the hallway. She turned and headed outside and to her car, already working her mind through all her available options and not liking many of them. It was starting to look like she had a long afternoon and possibly evening ahead of her.

Chapter Text

*The ferry, Yue Bay*

Asami was finally on the ferry heading back across to Air Temple Island. She finally had to call it a night as the evening wasn’t looking like it was gonna give a solution to her problem. She also didn’t wanna miss having dinner with Korra and the airbenders. She had radioed over to let Pema know she might be running a little late with something urgent that had come up, and Pema had told her she would delay dinner by an hour so Asami could eat with them. Asami had tried telling her she didn’t need to do that but Pema wasn’t having it, saying Asami had done a lot for them so the least they could do was make sure she ate properly.

Blushing and stammering some, Asami had thanked her and hung up. She hadn’t had anything close to a mother figure since her’s had tragically died, and Pema was the closest she had to one since. She still wasn’t fully use to how motherly Pema could be, and not just towards Asami but the brothers as well.

She now watched as Air Temple Island grew closer and closer. It was easily the one place anymore that felt more like home to her than anywhere else, including her apartment. But, she wasn’t sure if that was because of the place itself or because of a certain Avatar who currently held her full heart.

Asami sighed as thoughts surfaced again from their earlier conversation. She still needed to come up with a solution to that on top of the new problem she had, and she wasn’t really sure which she should prioritize right now. If she tried to find a solution to her and Korra’s problem she risked ignoring Future Industries too much that it could get out of hand before a proper solution is found. But if she tried to fix the Future Industries financial problem she risked ignoring her relationship with Korra and possibly making things worse then they were. She frustratingly punched the railing on the ferry. “Too many problems and not enough solutions,” she said to herself. She then calmed herself down as the ferry docked.

She wasn’t surprised to see a couple of people running towards the dock as she stepped off. In the lead - to no surprise- was Meelo followed by Ikki, both beaming with wide smiles.

“Asami!,” Meelo excitedly said as he launched himself up into the air and right over Asami's head. “Crap! Too much!,” he yelled before using a blast of air to keep himself from going into the water. 

Asami couldn't help but laugh as he landed on the dock while Ikki came up beside her and gave her a tight hug around her stomach. “Glad you could come to dinner tonight Asami! You left way too soon this morning,” Ikki said while giving Asami a slight pout. 

Asami was about to reply but caught Meelo instead when he launched himself at her again, almost knocking her over. “I think you're getting a little big for this Meelo. I'm not as strong as Korra is.”

Meelo jumped down, a look of confusion on his face. “What do you mean not as strong? According to her, you're the strongest person she knows, even more than she is.”

Asami blushed and smiled before getting out of Ikki's grasp and kneeling down. “I don't think she was talking about physical strength when she said that Meelo. She was most likely referring to mentally if I had to guess.”

“That would be my guess as well,” said a voice behind them. 

All three looked and saw Tenzin walking over. “Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt. But I came to fetch you all for dinner. Pema says it's ready.”

Both Meelo and Ikki yelled excitedly before taking off running, both with a little airbending boost. 

“No wind running through the temple!,” Tenzin shouted after them before sighing and turning back to Asami. “Glad you could make it for dinner.”

Asami smiled as she gave him a hug. “Wouldn't miss it. Sorry I couldn't stay for breakfast. Had to get into the office for a meeting.”

Tenzin pulled away before turning and leading her towards the temple. “We figured as much. Although the kids were disappointed that you left, as they always are.”

He paused for a moment before speaking again. “Korra didn't join us either, even after you had left. When I asked her about it later she said she wasn't hungry, which I of course found odd given her usually large appetite. So I hope I’m not overstepping when I ask if things are okay between the two of you.”

Asami took a moment to think before speaking, not sure how much to tell Tenzin right now before she had a chance to talk to Korra. “Everything is fine between us. At least, I think it is. We had a bit of a heated talk this morning about something that happened during that uprising in the Earth Kingdom.”

“I take it this has to do with you being put under mind control by Commander Guan along with the brothers?”

Asami’s head jerked up to look at him, finding a sympathetic expression on his face. “Korra ended up telling me about it the first week after you all returned. Of course, by then I had already been told everything in a letter that Suyin had sent. She wanted me to have the heads up so I could try and keep an eye on you all.”

“Why would we need to be kept an eye on?”

“Because both Baatar Jr and Kuvira aren’t fully sure if there would be any residual effects from the mind control. And I’m assuming based on your shocked expression that apparently there may be some, at least for you.”

Asami nodded and went to speak when Pema appeared in the doorway. “There you two are. Hurry up, dinner is getting cold and just about everyone else is waiting.”

“Of course, sorry dear. We’ll be right in,” Tenzin said while rubbing the back of his head. After Pema nodded and headed back inside he turned to Asami. “Come to my study after and we can talk more about this privately.”

She nodded in reply. “I will, but I think I’d like to try and talk to Korra first if that’s okay. I just wanna make sure things are still good between us.”

“Of course. I think that’s a terrific idea. Maybe you both could come together and talk so I can hear both of your thoughts and opinions of things that happened.”

Asami nodded and gave a small smile. “I think that’d be great. An outside perspective might help.”

“Glad to hear it and glad to help if I can.” With that he led Asami inside and to the dining hall.

The first thing Asami noticed when she entered was the same as this morning, no Korra in sight. She frowned before looking at Pema. “Where’s Korra?”

“I think she’s still outside meditating at the pavilion. I thought for sure she would’ve come in by now.”

“I’ll go get her and bring her in,” Asami said before heading outside and to the pavilion, immediately seeing Korra sitting and facing the ocean. Asami couldn’t see her face but knew she was meditating, most likely with the usual calm expression she had when she did. Asami slowly and quietly walked up over and kneeled next to her, knowing it’s best to be patient and wait then try to force them out of it.

After only about a minute Korra took a deep breath and relaxed her arms but kept her eyes closed. Asami jumped a little when Korra spoke, “how long have you been sitting there?”

“How did you know it was me?”

Korra opened her eyes and smiled as she turned to Asami. “Because I always know when you’re next to me, even if I can’t always see you. It’s like sixth sense kinda thing.”

Asami raised an eyebrow at Korra. “Oh really?”

Korra rubbed the back of her as she now looked bashful. “Okay, so maybe it’s more so because of the perfume you have on, but still.”

Asami laughed before leaning over and giving Korra a kiss, noting happily that Korra returned it. “Come on, let's go eat. I’m hungry and everyone else is waiting.”

“Yes please, I’m starving.” Korra jumped up to her feet and then helped Asami to hers. But instead of heading straight inside Korra looked hesitant before speaking, nervously rubbing her hands on her forearms. “Could we then maybe talk about this morning after dinner then? Mainly so I can give a proper apology and maybe an explanation for my actions.”

Asami went to take Korra’s hands in her’s, looking down as she did and catching the slight jerk Korra’s hands made as she tried. She sighed sadly at seeing it which must’ve made Korra realize what had just happened as she quickly grabbed Asami’s hands before she could lower them back down. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to do that. Not sure why I did.”

“I have an idea as to why, but it can wait until after dinner. So yes, we can talk after. And we’re both also going to see Tenzin and talk to him afterwards to get his opinion. That is, if you want to go talk to him. He already told me he knows about what happened from both you and Suyin. So now he wants my version as well as everything that has happened since.”

Korra sighed and nodded as her thumbs instinctively started rubbing the back of Asami’s hands. “Yeah, I think talking to him might be a good idea. Get his outside perspective and all like you said. And he’s the best option I can think of for this.”

“Agreed. But it can wait until after we eat. Like I said, I’m hungry and they’re all waiting for us.” Asami went to head inside, pulling on Korra as she did. But Korra stopped and gave her a small tug, getting her to turn back and look at her.

“We’re gonna be good right? This isn’t gonna lead to an end of things will it?” She asked with a look of worry and fear.

Asami pulled Korra in close and wrapped her arms around her, giving her as tight a hug as she could manage before pulling back enough to give her a promise-filled kiss followed by her answer.

“We’re good as long as we both want this to be. And I’ll be damned before I let this be the end of things.”

Chapter Text

*Air Temple Island, Tenzin’s Study *

Asami was nervously standing in Tenzin’s study with Korra next to her. Tenzin was busy helping put Rohan to bed before joining them. She wasn't looking forward to this conversation anymore, especially after what happened at dinner. She hoped none of the others had noticed, but was sure Tenzin had. 

They had all been eating and having fun, mainly trying not to laugh at Meelo's antics. She had just finished giving an update on the rebuild process when she felt someone take her hand that was resting in her lap. When she had looked down she realized Korra had reached over to take it. However, right as Asami had looked up to give Korra a smile, she was hit with a string of memories much like her nightmare that morning.

She had jerked her hand back and then lifted it to rub her eyes. When she had lowered her hand and looked over, Korra was looking at her with a mix of concern, sadness, and  - to Asami’s horror - pain. Asami was really hating seeing that and knowing she was the cause of it every time.

She had tried to say something then, but Korra had turned back to the others to join in on the conversations and jokes. Asami had fallen mostly silent then, only talking when someone addressed her as she pulled herself into her thoughts to think. Most of it was spent coming up and then discarding plans regarding what was going on in her head mentally. The only plan she had come up with all day that seemed the most likely to produce any answers was going back to Zaofu to see Bataar Jr and Kuvira.

She was also silently hoping this little incident didn’t change Korra’s thoughts on their relationship.

The walk to Tenzin's study after helping clean up had been tense and felt longer than it should. Korra hadn’t said anything to her since the incident and Asami had been too afraid to say anything first. But the silence was eating away at her and she couldn’t take it anymore. She took a deep breath to steady herself and turned to Korra, but when she turned Korra was already staring at her. She had that same look that she had during dinner. Oh how that damn look infuriated Asami knowing she was the one causing it.

But before Asami could say anything, Tenzin came strolling into the study. He noticed the tension between the two as he sat down. He had hoped to slowly bring up the main cause for this meeting to try and ease both women into it, especially Korra, but that didn’t seem to be the best option anymore.

He motioned for both to sit before he started. “Asami already knows why I wanted to talk to you both, and I’m assuming you know as well Korra?”

Korra nodded. “Yeah, to talk about what happened and what's been happening so you can maybe give an outside perspective.”

“That is correct,” Tenzin said, “Given that I wasn’t there my knowledge of it isn’t as extensive as others, but I may be able to help in some way.” He turned to Asami. “As I already told you earlier, I already know from Korra as well as Suyin what happened from their perspectives. I would now like to hear yours Asami. Start with after you were captured.”

“Unfortunately there isn’t much to tell. After they captured me, Bolin, Mako, and Kuvira they took us to their camp and immediately took us into a building where they stored their mind machine. At the time we thought they were just gonna try and get information out of us or maybe use us as hostages to keep Korra and others from doing anything. We were tied up and gagged, then had the apparatus for the machine attached to our heads. We were then left alone til they brought Kuvira in to show her. And that's when they turned it on.” Asami gave a slight shudder before continuing. “After the first couple moments of pain, I don’t remember anything until Zaofu after they brought me back.”

Tenzin nodded. “That’s about what I figured. I did some reading on Long Feng and the Dai Li. Mainly on their methods and any adverse effects people may have had afterwards. But there weren’t any reported in anything I had read aside from maybe a minor sense of disorientation and headaches if they had been under long.”

“According to Dr. Sheng, she took their methods and combined it with modern technology to make it more effective. She claimed that the Dai Li’s method was too unreliable as the person could easily and quickly return to themselves without any trouble at all. Her machine used magnetic waves to alter people’s brain more effectively. I’m assuming we weren’t the first one’s to have it used on them.”

“You weren’t at all. Most of his soldiers had it done on them first to keep them from surrendering or deserting. But you are the first and so far only one to display any kind of effects after coming out of it. At least to my knowledge. I haven’t heard from Suyin since her initial letter to me, but I’m thinking maybe we should contact her and see if anyone else is reporting side effects as well.”

Korra nodded. “I agree. I did go ahead and ask Opal if she had heard anything from her mother but she says she hasn’t. But she also said she hadn’t really thought to ask before since the only other instance of brainwashing in history that we know of was the Dai Li. And like you said, there were only minor issues there,” she looked over to Asami before continuing, “nothing very major.”

“But to my knowledge, or seemingly anyone’s knowledge, the Dai Li didn’t directly target and affect the brain,” Tenzin said, “They just recited what they wanted the person to believe until they finally did. But Dr. Sheng is correct, it wasn’t a long term fix as people were constantly needing ‘retrained’ to keep order.”

Tenzin now looked directly at Asami. “In my personal opinion, I think it would be beneficial for you to go to Zaofu to have Kuvira and Bataar Jr. take a look at you. I know your work here is important and keeps you busy, but I think it would be best to go sooner rather than later. Plus they may already have had to help take care of a few others who have had similar experiences since.”

Asami nodded in agreement. “That’s what I’m hoping for also, especially since they were the ones who got all us back to normal.”

Korra spoke up, “But how soon would you even be able to go with everything going on in Republic City?”

“Well, I could leave as soon as I need to. Zhu Li is much easier to get along with than Raiko ever was, so I won’t have to worry about her trying anything while I’m gone like he would. Plus, I was maybe thinking about talking to Suyin about something important in regards to Future Industries anyway.” She then told both of them about her meeting with Zhu Li earlier in the day.

Tenzin sighed. “I see. I had heard from Lin that while things were going good, some companies and their employees were getting a little rambunctious since they weren’t getting paid fully. Except for your company and employees. Despite doing the most work and most likely getting paid the least the way it sounds, you haven’t raised a fuss over it unlike the others.”

Asami shrugged with a small smile on her face. “That’s partially because we kept a reserve set aside for paying employees incase of emergencies like this. That way we didn’t have to worry about anyone leaving just because they hadn’t gotten paid. Now obviously we can’t do bonuses like we used to, so once we get more coming in I hope to give everyone a nice amount as a thank you.” Now she sighed and lowered her head. “But I just found out from my finance team that the reserve is starting to get low. We should have enough for another couple months, as long as nothing major goes wrong that we would have to pull from it.”

Korra hesitantly reached over and put her hand on Asami’s shoulder, Asami jerked a little in surprise, but Korra didn’t take her hand away. “Why didn’t you say anything sooner?”

Asami shrugged again and looked at Korra. “Because I only just found out today and I still haven’t managed to come up with any viable solution. I would try and get some funding from people in town, but I already did and got rejected. Almost all of them had given to one of the other big companies and didn’t have any to spare, or they just don’t wanna give to Future Industries. I’m pretty sure at least a couple refuse to because I’m a woman in a position of power they think a man should only be in, but that’s nothing new to deal with. But most also still hold a grudge over the image my father left with his previous association with the Equalists.”

“What about Suyin and Zaofu?,” Tenzin asked out of the blue, causing both Korra and Asami to jerk their heads to look at him.

“What do you mean?,” Korra asked.

“Quite simply, why not ask Suyin if either she or anyone in Zaofu would be willing to fund Future Industries. You already will be going there anyway, so this way you might be able to fix both of your problems in one trip. Worst thing she or anyone will tell you is no.”

Asami thought about it then both mentally and physically slapped herself on the head. “Of course! Why didn’t I think of that?”

Korra laughed a little before giving her shoulder a squeeze causing Asami to look at her. “Probably because you’re trying to think of solutions and handle everything yourself instead of asking for help. And you probably didn’t think one location would possibly hold the answers to both your problems.”

Asami gave Korra a small smile then slowly reached up to put her hand over top of Korra’s. She felt Korra flinch a little but she kept her hand there, a slight win for now. “You might be right about that. Thank you both for the help. I should probably go and radio Suyin to let her know I’m coming.”

Tenzin stood up. “I’ll take care of radioing Suyin. You go home and rest. You no doubt will have a long day or two ahead of you getting things lined up here for your absence. And you’re welcome for the help.”

Both Korra and Asami stood up, each giving a bow to Tenzin. “You’re right, I should head back. I’m not sure I’ll be over for breakfast, but I’ll definitely try to be for dinner again.”

Tenzin nodded then gave Asami a hug. “We look forward to it. I’ll go and radio Zaofu, see if I can get a hold of someone tonight. Goodnight both of you. Get some rest.” They both bid him goodnight as he walked out.

Once he left Korra turned to look at Asami. “Do you want me to go with you to Zaofu? I know this is probably gonna be more of a business trip, but with you also talking to Kuvira I figured you could use the emotional support.”

“Yeah that’d be great Korra, thank you.” They walked out to the dock in silence before Asami spoke again. “I’m sorry for what happened at dinner Korra.”

Korra sighed. “I’d been wanting to ask you since it happened, but was afraid to ask in front of everyone else.”

“I’m not entirely sure to be honest. I went to grab your hand and then I had a flash in my head. I lifted my hand to rub my head, then when I looked back your hand was gone. And when I looked up, you had that hurt look on your face again mixed with I’m assuming was worry.”

“You had slapped my hand away. And then when I glanced up right before you put your hand on your head, you had the same hated look you had when under Guan’s control.”

Asami frowned, thinking back to dinner. “I don’t recall slapping your hand or actually looking at you before putting my hand on my head.” Although thinking back now, she does recall things going black for a couple seconds after the flashback, but she had assumed she’d just closed her eyes.

“Yeah, you did.” She looked at Asami worriedly and sighed. “Guess you do have a valid reason to go see Kuvira and Bataar Jr. I’ll make sure Tenzin and everyone will be alright handling things without me while we’re gone.”

Asami nodded. “Thank you. Not sure how long we’ll be, but I’m gonna try and have things set up for two weeks just in case.”
“Alright, I’ll do the same.” Korra leaned over and kissed Asami. “I love you.”

Asami smiled as she returned the kiss. “I love you too.”

Chapter Text

*Future Industries Airship Traveling over the Earth Kingdom*

Asami was in the galley after breakfast going through a folder full of different design ideas some of the engineers had come up with and submitted for her review. She usually enjoyed doing this, either giving full approval or making notes to give back on what improvements needed made to make the product viable. But she couldn’t stay focused to enjoy it properly. The closer they got to Zaofu the more her mind became a mess of doubts, second guessing, and over thinking. Chief among them was if this was in fact a good idea, or if it was about to lead to disaster.

Her primary concern of course involved Korra. Mainly how would she take it if they found out there wasn’t anything that could be done and she would be stuck with how she was. Or if they did try something and it either made her act worse or - and this was a definite overthinking thought - outright killed her. She hated the thought of either option, but was more scared of Korra leaving if things didn’t improve in some way.

She did of course believe Korra when she said she wouldn’t leave her, but at the same time knew things couldn’t stay as they were if they didn’t improve. She didn’t want Korra feeling like she had to walk on eggshells around her to keep from triggering or setting her off in some way. She also didn’t wanna continue being unable to be touched, looked at, or held by Korra whenever she wanted. She really hated not knowing what was wrong with her mind, and wanted the problem figured out and quick.

*Sky over top Zaofu*

They were approaching Zaofu a few hours later. Asami hadn’t managed to get anything done regarding the designs and had spent most of her time in silent contemplation. Korra had eventually joined her when they were about an hour out from Zaofu. She had spent all morning meditating to help herself prepare for what answers they may find. Asami was afraid to ask what kind of answers she thought they may find, and so didn’t ask. Part of her wanted to so she could see where Korra’s head space might currently be in, but was too afraid. Afraid partly to hear the answer and partly because she was near fully convinced it would lead to an argument of some kind. She knew this thought was foolish of course, but that didn’t stop her from letting it take full control.

They were both standing by the window watching their approach to the city. Neither of them had said much to the other since Korra had joined her. Although in truth, neither of them had really talked much since leaving Republic City. Which was strange given they shared the same room, but they both had things to think about and sort through. And with no one else on board except for the crew thus being granted a rare peace and quiet, they both used it.

For Asami now however, the silence was becoming deafening. She was about to speak when Korra surprisingly beat her to it.

“How are you feeling Asami? You know, about doing this?,” Korra asked her without looking from the window.

Asami looked at her for a moment before answering. “Honestly? I’m completely worried and scared that we won’t find any answers or solutions.”

“To your company’s financial problem or to your mind's personality problem?,” Korra asked back without hesitating and still without looking over.

Asami winced both physically and mentally at the question. Korra must’ve seen it cause she gave a small sigh before finally looking at her with a look that was part guilty and part tired. “Sorry. Not the best words to use but it's kind of what I’ve been calling it lately.”

Asami shook her head. “Don’t apologize. It’s really not that bad a way to describe it in all honesty. It just, kicks the memories up some is all.” She gives Korra a small smile to hopefully assure her she meant it. Based on the one Korra gives back it worked.

“But to answer your question, I’m worried about both. I know logically it should solve at least one if not both problems. But given our history of things going sideways on us when it should all just be simple, I don’t wanna get my hopes fully up, and that’s causing some doubts to creep in.”

Korra hesitated a moment before reaching out and taking Asami’s hand. And while Asami loved holding Korra’s hand - it was one of her many favorite things to do with Korra after all - the hesitation she had shown before doing so hurt Asami. And not because of the hesitation itself as she knew Korra wasn’t always big on hand holding, wanting to keep her hands free for bending or to catch her if need be. No, what hurt was the reason for the hesitation. The no doubt fear of having her hand potentially swatted away or Asami jerking her hand back from her touch.

“It's okay and understandable for you to be worried. Honestly I would be even more worried myself if you weren't. You already had a lot going on before the bad news from Zhu Li and this,” points a finger in a little circle motion at Asami's head, “started happening.”

Asami scoffs, not annoyed, just in agreement. “That's an understatement. Between the rebuild of Republic City and my duties to Future Industries, I really could’ve done without all this,” does the circular motion around her own head.

“I’m sure Kuvira and Baatar Jr will have answers for you. Surely you can’t be the only person to have been affected like this given the amount of people Commander Guan and his cronies used.”

“But what if I am the only one who has been affected like this?,” Asami asked quietly, voicing the biggest fear and question she had been pondering since they had left Republic City. “What if somehow, someway, I am the only person acting like this? Both Mako and Bolin were done at the same time as I was, and both were under longer than me, but neither seems to be suffering any ill effects at all.”

Korra didn’t answer. In truth, mostly because she didn’t have one. It’s true that all three of them had been put under at the same time and the brothers hadn't been freed until a couple days after Asami had already been freed. In reality it didn’t make sense why Asami would be the only one affected, especially if no one else in the Earth Kingdom - some of whom had been under for weeks longer than Asami had been - weren’t affected.

Korra looked out and saw they were approaching to land, and decided that positive reassurance was probably her best bet right now. She just hoped she could pull off the confidence needed to make it effective.

She turned back to Asami, squeezing her hand gently to get her attention before speaking. “Like I said, I’m sure they’ll have answers already waiting for you. They’re two of the smartest people I know, after you of course.” She flashed her signature grin, getting the smile in return she had been hoping for.

“Thanks Korra. For coming along and for putting up with whatever the hell it is that’s been going on. I know it hasn’t been easy for you either no matter what you try to tell me. I see more than I let on, especially when it comes to you and the little things.”

“I know you do. That’s why you’re the smartest person I know, you manage to catch all the little things others miss or ignore. And if I’m being honest, while it definitely hasn’t been easy, I can say with pretty good certainty that we’ve been through worse than this before.” She paused before closing the gap between her and Asami, waiting to make sure the other woman was comfortable before continuing. When Asami just looked at her expectantly she continued, “And while things have been challenging lately with us, there will never be anywhere I’d rather be than by your side as long as you'll let me.”

Asami shed a tear before leaning in and kissing Korra. She felt Korra place a hand on her side and pull her closer. Asami’s free hand made as if to grab or strike it away before she mentally stopped it, hoping Korra wouldn’t notice. She noticed a hint of a twinge in her mind during this, and puzzled at it before feeling it fade away. She loosened her hand and set it on Korra’s cheek before gently breaking the kiss.

“We should go get ready to be received before we fully land.”

Korra nodded in agreement, giving one more quick kiss before smiling and going to grab their bags. Asami watched her leave before staring down at her hand, clenching and unclenching it. She didn’t expect anything to happen, just wanted to make sure she had control of it since it had tried going rogue for a moment. She wasn’t fully sure what intention had been, but pretty sure hitting Korra had been it. When nothing did happen she sighed and dropped her hand before returning to the table she had been using and packed up her papers. Her mind kept drifting though, and the last thing she thought before they announced they had landed was:
Where would I have hit her if I hadn't stopped it?

Chapter Text

*Zaofu City*

After landing and being greeted by Suyin herself along with Baatar Sr and their twin sons Wei and Wing, they had been led from the air ship port to Suyin’s office. They had spent the walk there catching up on everything that had been happening in Zaofu City and the surrounding Earth Kingdom area. The biggest change being the continuation and repurpose of the rail system that Kuvira had started building. It would be finished being built to Republic City as the main connection between them and Zaofu, with another line going to Ba Sing Se.

They now sat around her desk minus the twins who had left them at the entrance to the estate with a promise from Korra for some power disc later. Baatar poured tea for everyone before sitting himself, with Suyin starting things off.

“While I’m always more than happy to have you both visit, I do wish it wasn’t under such circumstances.”

Asami nodded. “As do I, especially these kind of circumstances.”

“Tenzin gave me a quick but not overly detailed explanation for both of the reasons you’re here. Let’s start with the business side of things as that seems like the one I can more easily help with,” she took a sip before continuing, “you’ll most likely need to speak with Kuvira and Baatar Jr about the other as that’s something they have more experience in.”

Korra speaks up, “we were also curious about Dr Sheng since it was her invention originally that was used and she seemed to know allot about brainwashing.”

Suyin waves the idea away, “we’ll discuss her when we get to that point. And I would rather not involve her if we could. She’s even more maniacal about the whole thing than even Guan had been.”

Korra scoffs, “a little hard to believe given how arrogant he had been.”

“I didn’t wanna believe it at first either, but apparently with all the success she had been having with her machine she’s become more convinced she can unify everyone together with minimal effort.”

“Yeah, at the cost of practically stripping away a person’s soul and leaving them as little more than a shell who obeys,” Korra replies with anger.

Baatar Sr nodded in agreement. “Which is precisely why we would prefer not involving her at this time. When we did try talking to her about it after Tenzins call, she immediately went into the benefits of what they were doing. Went as far as saying that had we left them alone Asami wouldn’t be dealing with this right now. To quote her at point, ‘She would still be peacefully obedient and free of her mind’.”

Asami sat stunned for a moment before placing her cup on the desk. “Peacefully obedient and free,” she repeated, “like that’s something anyone would willingly want for themselves.”

Suyin sighed, “I doubt anyone truly would once they were told the whole truth of it.” Then she clapped her hands, “but now, onto business like I mentioned wanting to do firstly before we got sidetracked.”

Asami took a deep breath and letting it out, immediately putting on her CEO face. “Of course. As Tenzin mentioned, I was unfortunately informed by President Zhu Li that Republic City doesn’t currently have the funds to pay Future Industries for all the work we’ve done and are contracted to do. And we don’t have enough in the company reserve to pay all the employee’s for even a full month. And that’s with me taking a significant cut myself to try and help stretch it out more.”

She straightened before continuing. “I was hoping either you or some of the residents of Zaofu City would be willing to invest or buy shares of Future Industries. An investment would be paid back with an agreed upon percentage while the shares would either be kept or bought back.”

Suyin nodded while looking to be in thought . “While those are definitely reasonable options, I must ask why you came here for that and not tried with the people in Republic City first?”

“Most of the people I would attempt to talk with fled when Kuvira attacked and not all have returned. Most won’t it seems till all the repairs and rebuilding is finished, and I can’t wait that long.” Asami took a sip of tea before continuing, partly for her throat and to also allow her to get her sudden frustration under control. “And based on prior attempts like this, the rest won’t without either majority control or a high return percentage. Or a “special partnership” as one suggested, damn pig.”

“That’s because you are a female CEO,” Suyin said with just a bit of an edge in her tone, but not directed at Asami. “If you were a male you wouldn’t be having nearly as much trouble as you are now, as much as I hate to say it out loud but that’s just how things are. Thankfully though, I should be able to help you get what you need to stay running till Republic City can catch up on payment.”

“Wait really?! Just like that?,” Asami asked, surprised at the quick offer. Even though her and Suyin had worked together in the past, she wouldn’t exactly call them friends. She had prepared to have to go more in depth before getting a promise of help, so she was both confused and surprised now.

“Of course,” Suyin said with a smile. “I know you’re both a smart CEO and a woman of your word, so it’s a no-brainer really.” Now she hesitated before continuing. “Plus, I may feel a little guilty about the death of your father and don’t want you to risk losing the one major thing you have left of him.”

“Why would you feel guilty for his death?,” Korra asked before Asami could even fully register the question.

“I know it was Kuvira that was responsible, but had I been involved, guided her better, maybe she wouldn’t have done what she did that led to it. So, consider this me repaying what I feel is a debt I owe.”

Asami finally spoke up. “I never blamed you for my father’s death. That was all Kuvira’s doing, of which I’m slowly working on my promise to try and forgive her, even though his loss is still fresh.”

Korra reached over, hesitating for moment before taking Asami’s hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. Asami gave a squeeze back, thankful for the support before continuing speaking. “I will of course still insist on giving you a return on investment.”

“Well,” Suyin started, “it might not just be me helping. I’m gonna get some of the other potential investors I know of together for a meeting and see if any are interested. But I’ll keep that in mind since I’ll still probably end up doing the majority. Do you have a rough idea of how much you’ll need to stay going for now?”

Asami pulled out a piece of paper from her briefcase. “This gives our estimated breakdown for wages, supplies, and all other expenses we expect to have for the next three months. Not sure exactly how long it’ll take for Republic City to resume paying us, but we figured we’d take it a couple months at a time right now til we get a more concrete timeline.”

Suying took the paper and read over it, giving a small whistle at the end. “That’s a fairly sizable number, but definitely doable. Don’t you think so dear?” She hands the paper over to Bataar Sr to read over, who nods upon reaching the end.

“Definitely very doable for us alone.” He hands it back to Asami. “We’ll still talk to the others. At least get an idea of who would be willing to help if you need to get more later to keep going.”

Asami was thrilled, this had definitely gone allot easier then even she had hoped for. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome Asami,” Suyin then stood up. “Now, lets go see about finding Kuvira and Bataar Jr so you can talk to them about your other problem. And hopefully it’s as simple of a fix as this one was.”

Everyone else stood and followed Suyin out to leave the office. Asami felt a little lighter with one problem handled for the most part. And she shared Suyin’s sentiment about this next part being as simple a fix.

It couldn’t possibly be any bigger of a problem right? She thought with some hope it wouldn’t be.

Time to find out.

Chapter Text

*Zaofu City*

Suyin was leading them down a hall to where Kuvira and Baatar Jr were apparently already waiting. Nothing had been said since leaving Suyin’s office so Korra took it as a perfect opportunity to ask Asami something that was bothering her.

“Why didn’t you tell me about the guy who tried to ‘proposition’ you for his help?,” she asked trying to keep the hurt out of her voice at just finding out about it.

Asami thought over her answer before speaking. “Honestly, there were a number of reasons why I didn’t. One of the main one’s being I didn’t wanna risk you doing something brash and reckless in an attempt to defend my honor.” She hesitated before continuing. “But the real main one is that it happened while you away down South trying to get better. And it just never really came up in conversation cause something like that hasn’t happened since then.”

Asami caught the flinch of guilt from Korra at the mention of her stay in the South. Even though Asami had assured Korra about her understanding the lack of communication during that time because of not being in the right headspace for it, Korra still felt guilty about it. They both tried to avoid bringing it up at all due to joint hurt both felt regarding it, but Asami didn’t want her thinking the incident with the man had been something recent. And she wasn’t real keen on lying about it or anything either. Their relationship was built far too much on trust, honesty, and loyalty to each other for that.

And let’s not forget the part of me inadvertently but consistently hurting her without meaning to, she said to herself in disdain.

She saw Korra open her mouth and cut her off. “You better not be about to apologize again for needing to take that time down there or the silence.” She turned to look at Korra. “There’s nothing you need to apologize for.”

Korra went to speak, but stopped when Suyin stopped in front of a door and knocked. It was opened a second later by Bataar Jr who ushered them all inside. Kuvira was sitting in a chair looking through some papers, unbothered by their entry. “Hello Avatar Korra and Ms Sato. I do wish one of these times we could meet under more pleasant circumstances.”

Korra snorted while taking a seat. “That honestly make two of us.”

Asami sat next to Korra, taking a quick interest in the papers in Kuvira’s hands along with the ones scattered all over the table. “What is all this?”

Kuvira set the papers down and rubbed her eyes. “They are all of Dr Sheng’s notes she kept on their machine. We managed to move her machine to here for studying along with these notes. I’ve been going through them since Tenzin’s call trying to find a clue or something that could help. But so far nothing!” She smacked the nearest pile in frustration. “She only used the blasted thing for brainwashing and nothing else it seems.”

Bataar Jr looked at her in worry, but sighed and turned towards Korra and Asami. “We were hoping to find something to keep us from going into this completely blind. We’ve even reached out to a couple other’s who might have worked with something similar, but no luck.”

“And Dr Sheng is no help at all,” Kuvira said with barely veiled disgust. “I went to talk to her this morning after not finding anything in her notes after a second going over.”

That made Asami’s stomach drop. “What do you mean no help? It was her invention. Surely she should know something?”

Kuvira’s laugh held no humor. “She claims it was only function was brainwashing. Nothing more, nothing less. As far as she knows, using it to unlock forgotten or misplaced memories isn’t something that’s doable.”

Asami hung her head in defeat. “So that’s it then? We have nothing to go off of and no means of knowing if it’s even possible?”

Kuvira stood and went to stand at a window, hands clasped behind her. “Unfortunately no. But,” she hesitated, looking to Bataar Jr before continuing, “we may have a somewhat loose plan figured out. It’s nothing concrete, and we don’t have any proof obviously that it’ll work. But it’s something at least.”

Asami lifted her head up and looked at Korra, but Korra wasn’t looking at her. Turning, she realized that Suyin had gone stiff by the door. “Kuvira,” she said in a low tone, “as much as I understand this most likely being a first time ever thing, don’t you think you should do more proper planning and research before you give them false hope of a half thought out plan?”

Kuvira visibly bristled some before turning around. “As much as I would prefer that, we’ve already exhausted all resources trying to. No one else in the world has ever done something like this before, most likely due to the heavy risks involved. And while messing with someone’s mind isn’t a trivial matter, there are risks involved with any approach we would take.”

“I get that, I really do. But don’t you think you should maybe try to find someone else to be a test subject for this plan other than Asami?”

“Why not me?,” Asami asked with slight annoyance.

Suyin looked at her as if the answer was obvious. “Because a mind as brilliant as your’s isn’t exactly a common thing you know. You’ve made so many advances in technology I’d say only Varrick is close to your equal.”

The comparison almost made Asami throw up in her mouth. While they were definitely close to friends now, a comparison like that still wasn’t to her liking. She decided to redirect to the issue at hand. “What’s your plan?”

“It’s simple to start with really,” Bataar Jr started, “We’re gonna start by trying to do the exact same plan we used to reverse the brainwashing. Use electromagnetic pulses with commands. See if we can’t just command your brain to unlock the memories. We were able to calibrate Dr Shengs machine using the settings we had from Kuvira. With any luck, it’ll work as we hope and we won’t need plan B.”

“What’s plan B exactly?,” Asami asked.

“Plan B,” Kuvira spoke up, “is increasing the pulses frequency and then power to see if that’ll work. And if not well, we haven’t really thought that far ahead yet. It’s gonna take us a couple days to get through the first two first.”

“And of course,” Bataar Jr spoke, “there are risks with these. The most important one being memory loss if not some other form of brain trauma or injury. The fact that you’re also the only effected like this is still astounding in all honesty.”

“Lucky me,” Asami said dryly. “So, when do you wanna start?”

Kuvira and Bataar Jr looked at each other than back to Asami and Korra. “How about tomorrow so you guys can get settled in tonight? The room where the machine is stored is right down the hall still.”

Asami would’ve preferred to go start now, but one look at Korra and the somewhat nervous look on her face made her swallow her objection to waiting. Seemed she would probably need to give her girlfriend some reassurance about this whole thing. “Yeah, tomorrow works. After breakfast?”

Kuvira nods. “That’ll work. Me and Bataar Jr will make sure the machine is all ready to go tonight.”

Asami nodded. Less than a day till she hopefully gets what she wanted, some answers and a path towards healing so her and Korra could officially and together, put it behind them.