Chapter Text
“Sacura!” Korra shouted, the woman ahead of her didn’t answer, didn’t look back. Only drove her feet further into the earth. Using her native element to transport herself faster. The dirt coming loose from the ground pelted at her skin, lodging in her throat and successfully choking her but she couldn’t stop. Not now when she was so close. She would stop Sacura, she would unite the Earth Kingdom once and for all. Adrenaline rushed through every vein, every aching muscle silenced itself in her favor. It’s pain to be heard later.
Bending the earth from under her to her will, it crumbled and rose at her every order. Fighting against villains like Sacura always made her feel as though her body was a live wire, the thought of finally setting aside this chapter of her life resided brought her a sense of fondness. Not just for the relinquishment of even just a few responsibilities, but for the people affected by sudden changes all throughout.
From the corner of her eye she could see Lin, and a couple of cops. Asami was close behind in a mecha suit. All these people, friends, family, complete strangers who’d banded together to help her; they would also be freed from that burden. Her burden. Sacura’s troops were little and spread thin. Every advantage was in their hands. Still, Sacura drove herself at a higher speed towards an abandoned town’s square. Completely and utterly determined.
“It’s over! You’re outnumbered, surrender yourself!”
“Never.” she growled, her dark hair swung from it’s ponytail. She ran through one of the alleyways. Out of sight. Sacura was notorious for her surprise attacks meaning that if they didn’t find her soon, their advantage could be squandered.
Houses, big and small were lined up. Uneven in comparison to the next, the connecting blocks curving where they met. The windows of each building boarded up and broken. Many of the buildings had no doors.
“Everyone, separate!” Bolin shouted, “We have to find her.”, he signaled for Asami and Korra to follow him. The rest of the officers and other officials went their own separate ways. Starting their searches throughout the variety of different entrances that lead to different areas within the abandoned village.
Asami slipped out of the suit and ran to be by her wife and friends' side. Korra, Asami, and Bolin snuck down the small alleyway, cautious as to not make any noise or sudden movements. After the all clear, they filed behind a building. From a distance Korra could just barely spot the outline of Sacura leaning against the edge of a building. Peeking over and spying on a couple of Metalbender cops. Whom were completely oblivious to the dangers around the corner. The three edged their way to that building until they were close enough to intervene if need be, but not so much that it would give away their safe location.
With a single sudden stomp of her foot the earth above them rose, sending a few cops flying through the air. Korra sprang into action, whipping past Asami and Bolin. “Korra.” Asami sighed through gritted teeth. So quick to action, Asami knew she could handle it. Still, she would always hold the worry in her heart about what could happen.
Blasts of fire left her hands. Sacura’s sweat lined face glimmered against the rays of oranges, reds, and yellows. Every pump was filled with rage, despite the beauty of her creation. The scent of burnt hair invaded her nostrils as embers rested in the wisps of baby hair that couldn’t be confined to Sacura’s updo. For a split second her calm demeanor turned to pure rage as she caught a glance of the thin streams of smoke billowing away from her.
From what Korra could gather, Sacura, who was an Earthbender. Originating from the Earth Kingdom and of Fire Nation heritage. Highly immersed in both cultures as a child. Her actions were likely seen as an act of disrespect. An intolerable one at that, Sacura ran towards her. Gripping her throat tightly. She struggled against the hold then rammed her knees upwards using a gust of Airbending to flip them over. Sacura landed hard on her back. Korra let out a sharp gasp, lungs greedily demanding the air she’d been denied.
Sacura turned to throwing a small rock straight into Korra’s face, stunning her for a moment as she recovered. Bolin came out of nowhere, blocking another large rock from smashing into her. Reverting the object back into her direction. Building gave way to Sacura’s body. Crashing through the dainty oak architecture and windows. They ran towards the damage. Asami adjusted the settings of her glove letting it remain at bay. Korra and Bolin with their element of choice.
“Find her!” she shouted at Lin and Su who had just narrowly caught up with them. “We need back up over here!” They shouted in unison, pointing over to a row of buildings in the distance. Another town. Smoke rising from a few of the rooftops.
Due to the environment of the town— at least from what she could observe from the distance— it looked to be in good shape. The structures of the buildings were recent. Similar to that of Zaofu and Republic City in certain respects, although miniscule in comparison. more than likely, the city was populated. Meaning people were in trouble.
“You won’t need to.” Sacura said. “I think it’s time to settle this. Right here, right now. Tell your little friends to back down. Unless you’re scared of a real fight?”
She was challenging her. Korra knew it was an ultimatum of odds. One fight would determine the survival of peace in the Earth Kingdom. Something she’d fought for a decade to achieve and maintain.
“Never.” Korra growled. “Go help the others.” she whispered to Bolin and Asami.
“You can’t be serious.” Bolin panted. “Go help the injured.” Korra replied. “I got this.”, she assured. Giving Asami a peck on the cheek, “Stay safe.” she whispered. With that Asami and Bolin hesitantly ran off to help the hordes of people hidden away in the square of that town. Metalbending cops, Zaofu guards, and more. All people who came to help fight against Sacura and all the last of the rebels still fighting against the ever growing democracy of the Earth Kingdom. They all joined in, leaving Korra alone, she could handle this. She had to.
“You can still stop while you’re ahead.” Korra panted. Wiping the trickle of red running down her forehead onto her pants leg. Her hands held up to her face. Fighting stance and ready for the worst.
“What makes you so sure you’ll win?” Sacura mused. “Democracy already has.” Korra replied. “You’re simply too naive to see it.”
Korra whipped a layer of sand off the ground. The materials of earth flaked into Sacura’s eyes. Giving her a moment's advantage, luckily Sacura dodged the water unleashed from her pouch at just the right moment. Avoiding an icy swindle of pain in her side from. Korra wasn’t necessarily playing to kill. But after all the damage, her rebellion caused, all the people she killed and hurt in attempts to gain power. It would be for a worthy reason. However, it became exceedingly clear that Sacura was on the same page— for very different reasons— Asami was right. She would have to be careful.
“Naive?” Sacura scoffed. Walking backwards as Korra moved closer “Well isn’t that rich? You think you can just take my land and destroy it.” Her accent was thick with disdain. ”You are the naive one, and this ends here.”
Sheaths of silver lining from her uniform unhinged itself. Speeding towards her body, Korra heard the blades slice through the air as one barely nicked the outer corner of her arm. It would have been easy to subdue her with a large rock, take her out . Lin’s voice echoed in her head like a drum. The pounding of her heart mimicked the aching in her limbs. It was the easy way, justice for those lost, honor to the Earth Kingdom. Korra had been certain in her decision to put an end to this.
Now, staring into jaded eyes. Face to face with Sacura, sweat drenching her hair, a result from the blasts of heat Korra had been sending her way from afar. This was the wrong choice. Death. It couldn’t solve anything. That, she was sure of. Years ago a decision like this would have been easy, doing away with a monster like Sacura wouldn’t have come with a second thought. Moments ago she was fully prepared to. Now, the gravity of it all dawned on her. Taking a life, even one like Sacura’s— that thought devastated her.
Korra wasn’t that person anymore, she hadn’t been for a long time. Many years were spent proving to Republic City that she truly had changed. That she wasn’t just a brash and headstrong little girl anymore. Still, fighting through the aches of her body, actively working against itself. Crying for rest and relaxation. Soon. Soon, she would be with Asami. They could plan a trip somewhere nice and have a small vacation.
Korra jumped into the air, pushing one foot out and knocking the Earthbender over with a blast of air. She crashed to the ground scrambling to get up. The earth trembled around her, Korra ran forward. Ignoring and dodging the divets created in a last attempt to trap her in place. Still too weak to make any real move, Sacura stilled. Clutching her chest and gasping before Korra bounded her to the earth. Held in a kneel, hands encrested in chains of dirt. Neck and shoulders straining due to her posture. Korra grabbed her by the chin. “Your reign is over. You’re going to pay for everything you’ve done.”
The sound of a mecha jogging towards them shouting, muffled by the distance, she assumed to be some kind of victory cry. Asami always loved cheering her on after a big win. Her mind wandered to where their next vacation could be. Ember Island. Kyoshi Island, perhaps. It was Asami’s turn to choose however. Two years ago Korra took them to a small island off the coast of the Fire Nation for a weekend getaway. That was their last real vacation, the rotation was a routine. Besides, she would go anywhere Asami wanted regardless of whose turn it was.
Sacura gulped, swallowing the dry bile resting in her throat. A smirk coloring her face as she spat on the Avatar in front of her, ripping the daydream away from her. Korra wiped her cheek. “Accept the fact you’ve lost.” She whispered.
Sacura simply bowed her head down, unwilling to speak any further. “Korra, look out!” She finally heard. A guttural scream, then warmth as she stumbled a few feet and collapsed to the ground. Her feet turned to mush, as her body gave out.
How did she get out? What’s going on?
She tried to get up, pain wrenched itself throughout her sides, as she caught wind of the problem. Steel blades piercing her skin. Deep cut, red seeping through the fabric of her tank top. Sacura stared at her intently, struggling against the confines of her new prison. A sick smile curled onto her lips. This was her plan all along. Korra peaked her head up to see Asami taking out one of the loyalists. Likely the one who put her in this position.
Something was wrong, very wrong. Her vision started to blur as she struggled off the floor. Asami ran towards her, crouching down on her knees and pulling Korra into her lap. “Hi, Asami.” Korra sighed. “Why are you crying?” She whispered, grabbing Asami’s hand. “Are you hurt?”, the CEO wanted to chastise Korra for asking such a silly question. Especially when she was the one writhing in pain.
“Oh Korra….” she sighed, voice cracking as she inspected the wound. “Hold on Okay? Everything’s gonna be okay. We’re going to get you healed up I promise.”
Asami looked around— everyone was busy— fighting off to the side. Far away, too far to call out for help. Trying to move Korra in these conditions would only make her current situation worse. Sacura said and did nothing. Her mission was accomplished. She smiled at the ground digging into her knees.
“I don’t feel good. Asami, I think- I think I might be.” Korra stuttered. “Don’t say it.” Asami snapped. “We’re gonna get you all healed up.” she repeated.
Asami tried to apply pressure to the wound, but she couldn’t do it correctly without either putting Korra in more pain. Or, removing the blades, which she knew was a death sentence. The heiress tried to camouflage the panic coursing throughout her entire being.
“Asami. There’s no healers.”
Korra adjusted herself, needing to comfort her wife in some small way. Asami’s lip quivered as Korra lifted herself up slightly. Instead she wheezed, blood spurted out of the wounds in her chest. “Stop moving!” Asami cried out. She bit her lip in realization of how demanding her tone was. Yelling at her wife wasn’t something she did. Ever. It slipped and regret was instant. “I’m Sorry. I’m Sorry.” she whimpered, almost too quiet for Korra to hear.
Suddenly it dawned on her that Korra was in pain. Likely a lot of it. That realization hurt more than any tragedy that had struck her before.
Korra lifted a shaky hand, cradling Asami’s neck and urging her downward into a kiss. Tender and light, reminding her of the amazing life she had with Asami. The beautiful memories she considered herself lucky to make in this lifetime.
She coughed, her throat dry and hoarse. Blood spattered out, small droplets stained Asami’s cream colored tank top. “No.” Asami cried. Voice strained. “I’m sorry. Asami, I love you. You need to know that. Please protect the next avatar. Make sure they don’t suffer the way I did.” Korra murmured.
“No, don't say that, we can get you back to the airship. You’re gonna be okay.”, Asami nodded. Brushing a section of her away from her lover's face while desperately trying to convince her. Knowing the desperation was blatant. The mutual understanding seeped in although neither one would let it be known.
“There’s no healer.” Korra grunted. ”There’s no way I’ll survive the trip.”
“I can’t even- even.”, Korra lost consciousness for a moment, her eyes fluttered and Asami watched as she fought against all the tiredness and aching within herself. ” I don’t want to leave you.” Korra finally gasped. A tear running down her face. “Oh Korra, don’t worry about me.” Asami tried a weak smile.
Korra was in pain . Asami didn’t understand, she never would. Not until inevitably her own time came. That didn’t change the fact that Korra was her partner, the one person she loved most in this world. If dying brought her peace. Asami promised herself she’d be there to comfort her.
Her thumb slid across her lover’s cheekbone. Korra melted into the simple touch, letting her wife dry her the dampness under her eyes. Asami couldn’t fathom the fact that she was watching the light leave her eyes. The eyes of a person once so bright, so loving, so caring. That vibrant shine was now fading to an empty blue. “It’s okay.” Asami croaked. “Korra, Its okay.” She whispered, wiping the tears from her face and kissing her forehead.
“I know you’re in pain. And no one here can help you. You can let go. I’ll be okay. I promise. I’ll make sure your legacy and the next avatar are remembered and loved as much as I love you.”
“I love you, Korra.” Asami managed to rasp out.
“I love you too.” Korra sighed weakly, her body relaxed. As if she’d been holding on, trying to stay strong for Asami. The weight she had lifted meant the world to her. Korra’s head rested against her belly. Asami ran her hand through Korra’s chestnut hair, just the way she knew helped her relax after a stressful day.
“I love you. I love you. I love you.” Asami repeated again and again until she couldn’t. She wanted Korra to leave as comfortable as possible. To not be in pain any longer.
Her throat closed the moment Korra’s labored sighs slowed. Something within her bursted when she felt Korra take that final sigh, the air leaving her lungs and never returning. Asami knew she had gotten peace that she longed for Korra to find. Her wife was no longer in pain. All that pain and longing and love was now hers to hold for the both of them.
All that she could possibly hope for was that Korra knew that in her final moments she was loved. No matter what, Asami loved her and supported her. Even when forced upon the most painful decision of her entire life.
Asami sobbed into the open air. No longer worried about keeping it together, Korra was gone and nothing else mattered. No amount of air could stop her chest from heaving. Begging for more, for anything to stop the pain radiating from all sides. Bolin ran up from behind. Excited to meet up with his friends after detaining the last of the loyalists.
“C’mon guys. Stop being so cuddly and get on the airship already. Asami? Korra?”
Asami looked up, tears drenching her face, blood streaked her shirt and pants. Then he caught wind of Korra limp in her arms. The Earthbender dropped to the ground beside them. Knelt beside his best friend until the rest of the group came looking for them.