Chapter XII: Prelude to the Siege; Necessary Conversations
Heart to Heart: A Women's Conversation
The Approach
Asami found Korra on one of Air Temple Island's quieter terraces, practicing water bending forms in the fading evening light. The Avatar's movements were fluid and graceful, lacking the aggressive intensity that usually characterized her training. She seemed almost meditative, peaceful in a way that Asami had rarely seen.
"Korra?" Asami called out softly, not wanting to startle her.
Korra turned, the water she'd been bending settling back into its basin. "Asami. Hey." She smiled, but it was tentative, clearly sensing that this wasn't a casual visit.
"Do you have a minute? I was hoping we could talk."
"Of course," Korra said immediately, gesturing to a nearby bench. "Is everything okay? I mean, beyond the obvious city-under-siege situation."
Asami settled onto the bench, her posture betraying the nervousness she felt despite her attempt to appear composed. "It's about Mako. And you. And... us, I suppose."
Korra's expression shifted to understanding mixed with concern. "Asami, I need you to know that Mako and I—"
"I know," Asami interrupted gently. "He told me. That you're just friends, that the kiss was a mistake, that he doesn't have feelings for you beyond friendship." She looked down at her hands. "But I saw how he acted when you were missing. The desperation, the fear, the way he wouldn't leave your side when we found you. And I just... I needed to hear it from you too."
An Unexpected Audience
Before Korra could respond, a voice called out from the terrace entrance. "Oh, are we having a feelings talk? Because I am here for this!"
Both young women turned to see Aiko approaching, her wolf tail swishing with interest. Behind her came Winter, Scarlett, and Jinjer, all looking curious about what they'd stumbled upon.
"We weren't eavesdropping," Winter said quickly, though her slight smile suggested otherwise. "We were just... passing by."
"And heard everything," Scarlett added with characteristic bluntness. "So we might as well join in properly rather than lurk in doorways."
Asami looked slightly panicked at the sudden expansion of their private conversation, but Korra laughed. "Come on then. If we're doing this, we might as well do it properly."
The five women settled around the terrace—some on benches, others simply sitting on the stone floor in a casual circle that felt more like a sleepover than a serious discussion.
"So," Aiko said, her wolf ears perked forward with interest, "Asami's worried that Korra's going to steal Mako. Did I get that right?"
"Aiko!" Winter admonished, though she was smiling.
"What? I'm just clarifying the situation," Aiko replied innocently.
Korra's Confession
Korra took a deep breath, her cheeks already starting to flush. "Asami, I promise you—absolutely promise—that I am not interested in Mako romantically. At all. That kiss was... it was confusing and complicated and honestly kind of a mess, but it wasn't what I wanted."
"Then why did you kiss him?" Asami asked, her voice soft but needing to understand.
"Because I was confused about my feelings in general," Korra admitted. "I'd just started realizing how I felt about someone else, and it was scary and overwhelming, and I think part of me was trying to prove I could have normal, straightforward feelings for someone uncomplicated like Mako."
"Someone else," Scarlett repeated, her red tail lashing with amusement. "You mean Tohra."
Korra's blush deepened. "Yes. I mean Tohra."
"Oh, this is getting good," Aiko said, leaning forward eagerly. "Tell us everything. When did you know? How did it happen? Has he said he loves you? Have you—"
"Aiko, you're basically interrogating her," Jinjer said, though she looked equally interested in the answers.
"I'm efficiently gathering information," Aiko protested.
Despite her embarrassment, Korra found herself laughing. "Okay, fine. You want the whole story?"
"Yes!" came the unanimous response, even from Winter, who was usually more reserved.
The Full Story
Korra settled back against the bench, her expression growing softer as she thought about Tohra. "I think I started falling for him that first day we really talked. Not the day we met—that was just... physical awareness that he was attractive. But the first time we sat down and actually had a conversation about what it meant to be the Avatar, about power and responsibility and fear."
"He understood," Winter said quietly. It wasn't a question.
"He understood in a way no one else had," Korra confirmed. "Tenzin tries, and he's amazing, but he's never had to deal with the kind of power that's both a gift and a potential curse. Mako and Bolin are incredible, but they're normal benders. They don't have to worry about losing control and hurting everyone around them."
"But Tohra does," Scarlett observed. "The Legendary Super Saiyan transformation—it's basically the same fear you have about the Avatar State."
"Exactly," Korra said. "We both carry this massive power that could destroy everything if we lose control. And instead of either of us trying to convince the other it's fine or not a big deal, we just... got it. We understood each other's fear and didn't judge it."
"When did it become more than understanding?" Asami asked, her earlier tension beginning to ease as she heard the genuine emotion in Korra's voice.
"The duel on Avatar Aang Memorial Island," Korra said, her voice growing more emotional. "I was being reckless, using the Avatar State in ways I shouldn't, trying to prove something. And Tohra could have just overpowered me, could have put me in my place. But instead, he matched my energy, pushed me to my limits safely, and then afterward, he told me I was magnificent even when I was being an idiot."
"That's when you knew," Winter said with a knowing smile.
"That's when I knew," Korra confirmed. "But I was too scared to admit it. I thought being the Avatar meant I couldn't have that kind of relationship. That loving someone would make me vulnerable or distract me from my duties."
"And now?" Jinjer asked gently.
Korra's hand unconsciously went to the pendant at her throat. "Now I know that loving him makes me stronger. His power responds to mine, and mine to his. When we're together, when we're connected, I can access the Avatar State in ways I never could before. It's like he's become part of my spiritual balance."
The Embarrassing Details
"Okay, but we need specifics," Aiko said, her tail swishing excitedly. "Has he told you he loves you? Have you guys—"
"Aiko!" Winter interrupted, though she was trying not to laugh.
"What? These are important details!" Aiko protested.
Korra buried her face in her hands. "Yes, he's told me he loves me. Yes, I've told him I love him. And that's all the detail you're getting about our relationship!"
"Aw, come on," Aiko whined. "Not even a little bit about—"
"Aiko, she's blushing so hard she might spontaneously combust," Scarlett pointed out with amusement. "Maybe ease up on the interrogation."
"Fine," Aiko sighed dramatically. "But for the record, you two are adorable together. The way his whole demeanor changes when you're around, how his power stabilizes in your presence—it's actually really beautiful from an energy signature perspective."
"It is beautiful," Winter agreed more seriously. "I've never seen a Legendary Super Saiyan's power influenced by love before. Usually, it's pure rage and destruction. What you two have is... unique. Special."
Understanding Dawns
Asami had been quiet during this exchange, processing everything she was hearing. Finally, she spoke. "So when Mako was desperate to find you, when he wouldn't leave your side..."
"He was being a good friend," Korra said firmly. "A really good friend who was scared for someone he cares about. But that's all it was, Asami. His heart isn't torn between us. It's with you—if you still want it after all this confusion."
"I saw the way you and Tohra look at each other," Asami admitted. "When we found you in the mountains, the way you reached for him first, how he held you like you were the most precious thing in the world. I should have realized then that whatever Mako felt for you couldn't compete with that."
"Compete?" Korra shook her head. "It's not about competing. What Tohra and I have is... it's cosmic. It's this thing that transcends normal relationships because our powers are literally connected. But that doesn't make what you and Mako could have any less real or valuable."
"She's right," Jinjer said. "Different kinds of love for different kinds of people. Eleryc and I have our own connection because of our shared past incarnation—it's complicated and weird and sometimes uncomfortable. But it's not better or worse than other relationships. Just different."
"And age-appropriate," Aiko added pointedly. "Unlike certain eight-year-olds who shall remain nameless but are absolutely too young for me no matter how sweet they are."
That broke the tension completely, and everyone laughed.
The Plan
"So," Scarlett said once the laughter died down, "now that we've established that Korra is deeply, adorably, embarrassingly in love with my brother-in-arms, and that Mako is available and interested in Asami, what are we going to do about it?"
"Do about it?" Asami asked.
"Oh, please," Aiko said. "You think we're going to let you two keep dancing around each other awkwardly? Especially now that everyone's feelings are clear?"
"We're going to help," Winter said with determination. "We're going to create the perfect opportunity for you to talk to Mako—really talk, without interruptions or misunderstandings."
"How?" Asami asked, though she was starting to smile.
"Leave that to us," Scarlett said with a grin that was slightly predatory. "We've got Saiyans, Time Patrollers, and the Avatar on our side. Creating a romantic moment is way easier than fighting cosmic threats."
"Plus," Jinjer added, "we could all use something positive to focus on. Republic City is under siege, we're hiding in drainage pipes, and cosmic villains are plotting against us. A little romance and relationship repair would be good for morale."
"Agreed," Korra said enthusiastically. "Asami, you and Mako deserve a chance to figure things out without all this confusion hanging over you. And I promise—completely, totally promise—that I will make it absolutely clear to him that we're just friends if that's what you need."
"I don't think you need to," Asami said slowly. "I think I just needed to hear all of this. To understand that what I saw as him having feelings for you was really just him caring about a friend, while what he feels for me is... different. Deeper, maybe."
"Definitely deeper," Aiko confirmed. "I can smell emotional bonds, remember? Wolf hybrid benefits. And Mako's emotional signature around you is completely different from around Korra. With her, it's friendly and protective. With you, it's... complicated. Intense. The kind of thing that needs to be sorted out through actual conversation."
Sisterhood
As the conversation wound down, the five women sat in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the stars begin to emerge over the harbor.
"Thank you," Asami said finally. "For this. For helping me understand. I didn't expect to have a heart-to-heart with the Avatar and a bunch of alien warriors tonight, but... I needed it."
"We're not just alien warriors," Scarlett said with mock offense. "We're alien warriors who care about relationships and emotions!"
"And who apparently moonlight as matchmakers," Winter added dryly.
"Hey, someone's got to make sure the younger generation doesn't mess up their love lives," Aiko said sagely, despite being only sixteen herself.
"Says the girl who has an eight-year-old admirer," Jinjer teased.
"That's different! That's a sweet kid with a crush that I'm handling responsibly by promising to revisit when he's older!" Aiko protested.
Korra stood up, stretching. "Well, alien matchmakers or not, I appreciate this. Asami, you're important to me. Not just as Mako's girlfriend, but as a friend in your own right. I don't want this confusion to ruin that."
"It won't," Asami assured her, standing as well and impulsively pulling Korra into a hug. "Thank you for being honest. And for being... well, for being you. Even if you are completely smitten with a legendary alien warrior."
"I am completely smitten with a legendary alien warrior," Korra admitted with a laugh, returning the hug. "How is that my life now?"
"Could be worse," Scarlett said. "You could be falling for Cooler instead. That would be awkward."
"Ew," came the unanimous response from all five women.
"Right?" Scarlett said. "Exactly my point. Tohra's actually a good guy—well, Saiyan—despite the whole 'potential to destroy planets' thing. You could have done a lot worse."
"That's... a very low bar," Korra said, though she was smiling.
"But an accurate one," Winter replied. "Now, let's figure out Operation: Get Asami and Mako Back Together. I'm thinking we need to create a situation where they're forced to work together, in close quarters, with enough danger to raise adrenaline but not enough to actually be life-threatening."
"That's oddly specific," Asami observed.
"I've been observing human courtship rituals," Winter said primly. "They often involve shared danger and subsequent emotional vulnerability. It's quite fascinating."
"You're all ridiculous," Asami said, but she was laughing now. "But also kind of amazing. Okay, I'm in. Tell me what I need to do."
As the women began plotting their matchmaking scheme, the mood on the terrace had shifted completely from the tension that had brought them together. They'd gone from potential romantic rivals and anxious friends to a united front of determined women ready to fix relationship problems and support each other.
And somewhere in the temple, Mako sneezed, having the distinct feeling that he was being talked about but having no idea that five powerful women were currently plotting to manipulate him into a romantic situation.
It was, perhaps, one of the more dangerous positions a man could find himself in—even more so than facing down Equalist chi-blockers or cosmic threats.
But it was also exactly what he and Asami needed.
Later that night...
Tohra found Korra returning from the terrace, her expression a mixture of amusement and embarrassment.
"You look like you've had an interesting evening," he observed, pulling her into his arms naturally.
"I had a heart-to-heart with Asami about you," Korra admitted. "And then Winter, Scarlett, Jinjer, and Aiko all joined in, and it turned into this whole thing where I had to explain my feelings for you to essentially an audience."
"Embarrassing?" Tohra guessed.
"So embarrassing," Korra confirmed, burying her face in his chest. "Aiko wanted explicit details. Winter analyzed our relationship from an energy signature perspective. Scarlett made jokes about how I could have fallen for worse people—like Cooler."
Tohra laughed, the sound rumbling through his chest. "That would have been awkward."
"Right?" Korra pulled back to look up at him. "But the important thing is that Asami understands now. That I'm not a threat to her relationship with Mako, that I'm completely, totally—"
"Smitten with me?" Tohra supplied with a grin.
"Head over heels in love with you," Korra corrected. "And apparently it's obvious to everyone who can sense energy signatures. Aiko says we have some kind of bond that shows up spiritually."
"We do," Tohra confirmed, touching the pendant at her throat. "I can feel you, Korra. Even when we're apart. Your emotions, your spiritual state, sometimes even your thoughts if we're strongly connected in that moment."
"Is that a Saiyan thing or a us thing?"
"An us thing," Tohra said softly. "I've never heard of a Saiyan forming this kind of bond with anyone. It's unique. Special."
Korra stretched up to kiss him gently. "Good. I like being unique and special with you."
As they stood together under the stars, the chaos of Republic City's siege seemed distant. They had challenges ahead—Amon's revolution, Cooler's plots, cosmic entities judging humanity's worth. But in this moment, they had each other, and a group of friends who supported them.
And somehow, that felt like enough to face whatever came next.
The Price of Hesitation
Operation Reconciliation
The next morning, the women put their plan into motion with the efficiency of a military operation—which made sense, considering several of them had actual military training across multiple timelines.
"Okay," Scarlett said, reviewing their strategy one more time. "Bolin, Tohra, and Tenzin are going to scout the northern district for Equalist activity. That gets the most likely interrupters out of the way."
"I've convinced Meelo that teaching him advanced wolf-hybrid tracking techniques requires at least three hours of my undivided attention," Aiko added with a grin. "He's so excited he won't think to bother anyone else."
"And I've arranged for supplies to need organizing in the temple's storage room," Jinjer continued. "It's isolated, relatively soundproof, and has only one entrance. Perfect for a conversation that needs privacy."
"You're all terrifyingly good at this," Asami observed, though she was smiling. "Should I be worried?"
"Only if you mess this up after we've put in all this effort," Korra teased. "But seriously, you've got this. Just be honest with him. Tell him what you told us—that you understand now, that you were worried about his feelings for me, but that you're ready to work through it."
Winter had been quiet during most of this planning, her silver hair catching the morning light as she stood slightly apart from the group. Korra noticed but attributed it to Winter's usual reserve—the Kai-Saiyan hybrid was often more contemplative than the others.
"Right," Asami said, taking a deep breath. "Operation Reconciliation is a go. I just hope Mako doesn't realize he's being set up."
"Men rarely do," Scarlett said with the wisdom of someone who'd observed countless timelines. "They're too focused on the immediate situation to notice the manipulation happening around them."
"That's... actually kind of manipulative when you put it that way," Asami said uncertainly.
"It's facilitation, not manipulation," Jinjer corrected. "You two need to talk. We're just making sure you have the opportunity without interruptions. What you do with that opportunity is entirely up to you."
The Setup
An hour later, Mako found himself being volunteered by Bolin to help organize supplies in the storage room—a task that seemed oddly specific and unnecessary given the current siege situation, but Bolin had been insistent.
"It's important for morale!" his brother had declared. "We need to know where everything is in case of emergency! And you're really good at organizing things!"
None of those statements were particularly true, but Mako had learned that arguing with Bolin when he had that particular tone of voice was pointless.
He was halfway through sorting through crates of dried goods when the storage room door opened and Asami entered, looking just as surprised to see him as he was to see her.
"Mako? What are you doing here?"
"Organizing supplies, apparently," he said, then narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Let me guess—someone told you the storage room needed organizing too?"
"Jinjer said it was urgent," Asami admitted, then realization dawned on her face. "We've been set up."
"Completely set up," Mako agreed. He moved toward the door to open it, only to find it locked. "And now we're trapped in here."
From outside, barely audible, came Aiko's voice: "You're not trapped! You're just... encouraged to have a conversation! The door will unlock in an hour!"
"An hour?!" Mako called back.
"Or whenever you've worked through your relationship issues!" Scarlett's voice added. "Whichever comes first!"
Mako and Asami looked at each other, then at the locked door, then back at each other. Despite the awkwardness of the situation, Asami felt a laugh bubbling up.
"Your friends are ridiculous," she said.
"Your friends too, now," Mako replied, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. "I think this is what happens when you befriend alien warriors and the Avatar. They decide to meddle in your love life with military precision."
"Well," Asami said, settling onto one of the crates and gesturing for Mako to join her. "We might as well use this time productively. We do need to talk."
The Reconciliation
Mako sat down beside her, close but not touching, giving her space while showing he was willing to engage. "Asami, I'm sorry. For the confusion, for the kiss with Korra, for making you feel like my feelings were divided."
"I'm sorry too," Asami said quietly. "For doubting you, for not just asking you directly what you felt instead of letting my insecurities build up."
"You had every right to doubt me," Mako said honestly. "I was confused. When Korra first arrived, she was so... vibrant. Powerful. Different from anyone I'd ever met. And I think part of me was attracted to that energy."
Asami's heart clenched, but she forced herself to listen rather than react.
"But," Mako continued, taking her hand gently, "what I felt for Korra wasn't love. It was fascination. Admiration. The way you might feel about someone who represents something you want to be—confident, powerful, sure of themselves."
"And now?" Asami asked.
"Now I know what the difference is," Mako said, his amber eyes meeting her green ones directly. "What I feel for Korra is friendship. Deep, genuine friendship, the kind where I'd do anything to protect her because she's important to me. But what I feel for you..."
He paused, searching for the right words. "With you, it's not about what you represent or how you make me feel about myself. It's about who you are. Your brilliant mind, your courage, the way you've handled finding out your father was funding the Equalists. The way you adapted when your entire world fell apart and came out stronger."
Asami felt tears threatening. "Mako..."
"I'm not good with words," he said, squeezing her hand. "And I messed up by not being clear about my feelings earlier. But I want to try this—really try this—with you. If you're willing to give me another chance."
"I saw how you and Korra look at each other now," Asami said, needing to voice this last concern. "At Tohra. The way she lights up around him, the way he's so protective of her. And I realized that's not how you and she look at each other at all."
"No," Mako agreed. "What they have is... honestly kind of intimidating. Like watching two forces of nature recognize each other. But that's not what I want, Asami. I want something real, something built on trust and mutual support and..."
"Love?" Asami supplied softly.
"Yeah," Mako said, his voice equally soft. "Love. If we can get there. If you're willing to work through this with me."
Asami leaned her head on his shoulder, relief flooding through her. "I'm willing. And I'm sorry for making you feel like you had to choose or prove yourself. I should have trusted what we had."
"We both made mistakes," Mako said, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "But maybe we can learn from them. Be more honest with each other going forward."
"Deal," Asami agreed.
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Asami spoke again. "You know they're probably listening at the door, right?"
"Oh, absolutely," Mako replied. "Aiko's got enhanced hearing. She's definitely reporting back to the others."
"Think we should give them a show?" Asami asked with a mischievous smile.
"What did you have in mind?"
Asami pulled back just enough to look at him properly, then kissed him—soft and sweet and full of promise. When they broke apart, both were smiling.
"Think that was sufficient proof of reconciliation?" Mako asked.
"I think it was a good start," Asami replied.
The door lock clicked open, and Aiko's cheerful voice called out: "Reconciliation confirmed! Mission accomplished! You're free to go, lovebirds!"
An Unexpected Complication
Outside the storage room, the women were celebrating their successful matchmaking when Korra noticed Winter standing apart from the group again, her silver hair seeming to shimmer with barely controlled energy that suggested emotional turbulence rather than combat readiness.
"Winter?" Korra approached her cautiously. "Everything okay?"
"Everything's fine," Winter said, her voice carefully neutral. "Asami and Mako worked things out. That's what we wanted."
"Winter..." Scarlett said, moving to join them with Aiko and Jinjer following. "We need to talk."
"About what?" Winter asked, though her defensive posture suggested she knew exactly what.
"About the fact that you've been way too invested in this whole Mako-Asami reconciliation," Aiko said gently, her wolf ears flattening with concern. "And not in a normal 'helping friends' kind of way."
Winter was silent for a long moment, her Kai heritage making it impossible for her to lie convincingly to people who could sense emotional energy. Finally, she sighed.
"I thought I was being subtle."
"You were," Korra assured her. "Too subtle. I didn't notice until just now, when Scarlett pointed it out."
"Pointed what out?" Winter asked, though her voice lacked conviction.
"That you have feelings for Mako," Jinjer said quietly. "And that you've been actively working to set him up with someone else despite those feelings."
The Confession
Winter moved away from the group, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. When she spoke, her voice was tight with controlled emotion.
"It's not... it's complicated."
"Love usually is," Scarlett said, her red tail swishing with sympathy. "Talk to us, Winter. We're your friends. Your family, really."
Winter turned to face them, and for the first time since they'd known her, the normally composed Kai-Saiyan hybrid looked vulnerable.
"I noticed Mako during the first week we arrived," she admitted. "He was so focused, so determined to take care of his brother and make something of himself despite their difficult past. There was this... intensity to him. This fire—literally and figuratively—that drew my attention."
"Did you ever tell him?" Korra asked gently.
"No," Winter said, her silver hair falling across her face as she looked down. "How could I? I'm a hybrid from another universe, carrying divine blood and Saiyan power. He's a human firebender trying to rebuild his life. We're from completely different worlds, different realities. It would never work."
"That didn't stop me and Tohra," Korra pointed out.
"You're the Avatar," Winter countered. "You bridge worlds by definition. And Tohra is the Legendary Super Saiyan—someone whose power matches yours. You were always meant to find each other."
She took a shaky breath. "But me? I'm just... I'm Winter. Tohra's sister, yes, but not legendary or world-bridging or anything special beyond my bloodline. And I watched Mako and Asami get together, watched them develop something real, and I thought—"
"You thought you'd missed your chance," Aiko finished softly.
"I thought I'd taken too long," Winter corrected. "I spent so much time telling myself it was impossible, that I couldn't pursue feelings for someone from this world, that by the time I realized my feelings weren't going away, he'd already found someone else."
Processing the Pain
The women gathered around Winter in a supportive circle, though they gave her space to process her emotions.
"Why did you help set them up, then?" Korra asked. "If you have feelings for him, why push him toward Asami?"
"Because he cares about her," Winter said simply. "Because what they have is real and good and uncomplicated by cosmic threats and universe-hopping. Because Asami is a genuinely good person who doesn't deserve to lose someone she loves because I couldn't sort out my feelings fast enough."
Her voice broke slightly on the last words, and Scarlett immediately moved to put an arm around her shoulders.
"That's very noble," Scarlett said. "And also kind of stupid."
"Scarlett!" Jinjer admonished.
"What? It is!" Scarlett defended. "Look, I get wanting to be selfless and supportive. But Winter, you can't just bury your feelings and pretend they don't exist. That's not healthy, and it's going to make things awkward for everyone."
"I know," Winter said quietly. "I know it's going to be strange, being around them now. Seeing them together, happy, building something I convinced myself I couldn't have. But what else am I supposed to do? Tell Mako now, after he's just reconciled with Asami? Ruin what they're building because I was too slow to act?"
"No," Korra said firmly. "You don't do that. But you also don't torture yourself by pretending everything's fine."
"She's right," Aiko added, her wolf tail drooping with sympathy. "Winter, you're allowed to be sad about this. You're allowed to need space from them while you work through your feelings. You're allowed to grieve what might have been, even if you're the one who chose not to pursue it."
The Support System
Winter finally let herself sink to the ground, her usually perfect posture crumbling as the weight of her suppressed emotions caught up with her. The other women immediately joined her, creating a protective circle.
"I just feel so stupid," Winter said, her voice thick with unshed tears. "I'm hundreds of years old by some measurements, I carry divine blood, I've seen countless timelines and possibilities. And I couldn't figure out my own heart fast enough to act on it."
"Hearts don't follow logic or timelines," Jinjer said gently, her own complex emotional history with Eleryc making her uniquely qualified to understand. "Sometimes we realize things too late. Sometimes circumstances prevent us from acting. Sometimes the person we care about chooses someone else, and it's not anyone's fault—it's just how things worked out."
"Doesn't make it hurt less," Winter said.
"No," Scarlett agreed. "It doesn't. But you're not alone in this, Winter. We're here. We understand. And we're going to support you through this."
"Even though I helped set up the man I have feelings for with another woman?" Winter asked with a bitter laugh.
"Especially because of that," Korra said firmly. "Because that shows how much you care about his happiness over your own wants. That's not weakness, Winter. That's strength. Painful, difficult, self-sacrificing strength, but strength nonetheless."
"What do I do now?" Winter asked, and she sounded young despite her cosmic age. "How do I be around them without it being awkward? How do I watch them be happy together and not feel like I'm mourning something I never really had?"
"You take it one day at a time," Aiko said practically. "Some days will be harder than others. Sometimes you'll need space, and that's okay. We'll cover for you when you need distance."
"And you don't force yourself to be their cheerleader," Scarlett added. "You can be happy for them while also acknowledging that it hurts. Those emotions can coexist."
"Will it get easier?" Winter asked.
The women exchanged glances, none of them wanting to lie to her.
"Eventually," Jinjer said honestly. "Not quickly, and not in a straight line. You'll have good days and bad days. But yes, eventually, it will hurt less. Eventually, you'll be able to see them together without that pang in your chest. Eventually, you might even meet someone else who makes you forget why you were so focused on Mako in the first place."
"Or you might not," Scarlett said bluntly. "Some feelings don't go away. They just... change. Become less sharp. Easier to live with."
A Promise of Support
"I'm sorry," Winter said, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand. "This is ridiculous. Republic City is under siege, we're facing cosmic threats, and I'm crying over unrequited feelings like a teenager."
"Your feelings are valid no matter what else is happening," Korra said firmly. "War and cosmic threats don't make heartbreak hurt any less. And you're not being ridiculous—you're being human. Or as human as someone with Kai and Saiyan blood can be."
That got a weak laugh from Winter.
"Here's what we're going to do," Aiko said, her practical nature taking over. "First, we're going to acknowledge that this sucks. Like, really, genuinely sucks. No minimizing, no 'it could be worse,' just accepting that Winter is hurting and that's legitimate."
"Second," Jinjer continued, "we're going to make sure Winter has support. If being around Mako and Asami is too difficult right now, we arrange missions and tasks so she doesn't have to. If she needs to talk, we listen. If she needs distraction, we provide it."
"Third," Scarlett said, "we don't tell them. Not right now, at least. They're just working things out, and dumping this on them would only create guilt and awkwardness for everyone."
"I don't want them to know," Winter said quickly. "That would make it worse. Mako would feel guilty, Asami would feel uncomfortable, and I'd feel like I'd ruined something good because I couldn't get over myself fast enough."
"Then they won't know," Korra promised. "But Winter, you can't keep pretending everything's fine around us. We're your friends. We can handle knowing you're hurting."
Winter looked around at the four women who had formed a protective circle around her—the Avatar she'd watched grow into her power, the Time Patroller hybrid who understood being caught between worlds, the reformed reincarnation who knew about complicated feelings, and the fierce warrior who masked compassion beneath blunt words.
"Thank you," she said quietly. "For not judging me. For not telling me to just get over it or that I should have acted sooner or any of the other things I've been telling myself."
"We're family," Aiko said simply. "And family doesn't judge. Family supports. Even when the situation is messy and complicated and there's no easy solution."
"Especially then," Korra agreed.
Moving Forward
Later, when Mako and Asami emerged from the storage room hand-in-hand and clearly reconciled, Winter managed to smile at them with genuine warmth despite the ache in her chest.
"I'm glad you two worked things out," she said, and meant it—even though part of her wished the outcome had been different.
"Thanks to all of you," Asami said, not noticing the slight strain in Winter's voice that the other women immediately picked up on. "Your matchmaking skills are impressive."
"We aim to please," Scarlett said quickly, moving to stand subtly between Winter and the happy couple. "Now, hate to break up the romantic moment, but we should probably discuss tomorrow's patrol schedules. The Equalists have been quiet, which usually means they're planning something."
As the group moved on to tactical discussions, Korra stayed close to Winter, her hand finding the Kai-Saiyan's in a gesture of silent support. Winter squeezed back gratefully.
It would get easier, she told herself. Eventually. One day at a time, one moment at a time, she would work through this. She would watch Mako and Asami be happy together, and she would be genuinely pleased for them without the sharp edge of loss cutting through her.
But not today. Today, she just had to get through it with the help of friends who understood that sometimes love meant letting go of something you never really had in the first place.
And that was enough. For now, it had to be enough.
That night...
Korra found Winter on one of the temple's highest terraces, looking out over the occupied city with an expression of profound melancholy.
"Can't sleep?" Korra asked, settling beside her.
"Too much on my mind," Winter admitted.
They sat in companionable silence for a while before Korra spoke again. "For what it's worth, I think Mako would have been lucky to have you. You're brilliant and powerful and kind, and any man with sense would see that."
"But he didn't," Winter said without bitterness. "Because I never gave him the chance to. I convinced myself it was impossible before ever trying to find out if it was possible."
"Do you regret that?"
Winter considered the question carefully. "I regret the timing. I regret not being braver sooner. But I don't regret prioritizing his happiness over my wants. Some loves aren't meant to be acted on. Some feelings exist to teach us something about ourselves rather than to be fulfilled."
"That's very wise," Korra observed.
"That's very sad," Winter corrected with a small smile. "But I'll survive it. We Kai-Saiyan hybrids are good at surviving things, even if they hurt."
"You're also good at eventually thriving," Korra reminded her. "This pain won't last forever, Winter. And when it passes, you'll be ready for whatever—or whoever—comes next."
"Maybe," Winter said. "Or maybe I just focus on the mission, on protecting your world, on being the best version of myself I can be. That's enough purpose for anyone."
"It's enough purpose," Korra agreed. "But it's not enough happiness. Promise me you'll stay open to possibilities. That you won't let this experience close off your heart."
Winter looked at her friend—the Avatar who had found her own epic love despite all odds—and managed a genuine smile.
"I promise," she said. "No guarantees on timing, but I promise to stay open. Even if it hurts."
"Especially if it hurts," Korra said. "Because that's how you know you're really living and not just surviving."
They sat together under the stars, two powerful women dealing with very different kinds of love, united by friendship and the understanding that sometimes the bravest thing you could do was let yourself feel your feelings, even the painful ones.
And somewhere in the city below, Mako and Asami were working through their own relationship, completely unaware of the sacrifice one silver-haired warrior had made to give them that chance.
It was, Winter thought, the right choice.
But spirits, did it hurt.
To be continued in Chapter 13: Counterattack, the Final Battle, & The Clash of Titans