SoleAccord

A Symphony of Elements

I tried to hit you up on Skype about exactly how Bolin held her but you were like "Nah I'm afk sorry." and I was like WELL TIME TO BE A LITTLE VAGUE ABOUT IT TOO THEN!

The Masami portion stretched, but Mako's gotta be REEEEAL careful about how he pays some compliments to her. Asami's got a gun to his head.

A Symphony of Elements

Actions spoke louder than words; Korra should have known that out of everyone in this household. Whatever blinded her to Bolin’s kindness had thankfully not caused him to drift away, instead he stayed close in spite of it. He was stronger than she had ever noticed before, and behind his boyish jokes and charm was this air of maturity she completely overlooked. Had Bolin always been this intuitive a person? His anger at himself was, in the Avatar’s eyes, misplaced. All he tried to do was be a good person, and that was dropped in favor of his brother? The mistakes she’s made as a human being were reaching the ceiling of this place, yet in her moistened eyes she read Bolin closely. He wasn’t going to quit on her, he was still going to be here. The best way for him to help her now was doing what he was doing already, and that left Korra to pick up the pieces and put everything back together with everyone. Asami, Mako, Tenzin and Bolin. She still had work to do, and much to accomplish with all of them.

After a moments silence he continued, but she was stuck on one part of his expressed feelings. His feelings aside, the very feelings she hadn’t been worried about when she kissed Mako, could still be there for her? Korra didn’t acknowledge it at all before but it was very possible that within his heart the earth bender had never lost hope in her as someone closer than this. Asami learned today what Bolin would have put together himself now: Korra did not understand a thing about real affection. The back and forth between the brothers wasn’t something she wished to repeat and at some point it was going to be buried. Not tonight, not yet. Korra’s lips quivered slightly as Bolin brought his arms around her, sparking a shudder of warmth flushing over her body. Concentrating hard, the Avatar worked to figure out how this felt from Bolin in another point of view. He was everything she wanted in a friend, but what was it that Mako had in the past that Bolin didn’t always have? Was there really a correct answer to it all?

Attention was returned to what was going on in the present, rather than internal debates on her feelings in the past and how they impacted her future. Her arms came around him, and like before she had brought her forehead against his shoulder and just took him in. She felt secure in his embrace, safe from the harshness of reality and just tucked away under a warm blanket. The mystery that was her affections, and the true nature of where Bolin wanted to be standing with her could all wait. Now there were another pair of friends waiting to be joined, so for tonight Korra could hopefully bury her questions and anxiety knowing Bolin wasn’t going anywhere. She deeply hoped that went the same for Mako and Asami. Without her friends, what was she? In the closing moment of this hug she had already known the answer: Alone. “Thanks, Bolin.” The Avatar would mutter, pulling her arms away closely followed by her head. “You won’t regret this, I promise. Why don’t we get some of that ice cream, head to the pool and just …have a nice time with them?”

Korra smiled, as did Bolin.

That sounded good.

~-~

In the meantime, the fire bender of the group was enjoying his swim in good company. Asami had left out individual suits for Bolin and Korra if they chose to get involved, Mako already more than aware of Bolin’s enthusiasm for this life. Growing up struggling and with only each other, having a pool to jump into when you pleased was a privilege they weren’t used to. Asami was fortunate to never experience that struggle and, minus a few key differences of opinion they shared with her father, was fortunate to be so well taken care of. With Mako and Bolin getting to enjoy a good swim in a pool that wasn’t after a defeat in the pro-bending arena was something rare growing up, he was always trying to make sure they were fed and had somewhere to stay sheltered during bad storms and harsh weather conditions of all kinds. For Asami, it was Tuesday. It was a life of comfort and dedication to helping others, a life he wanted to share with her if she’d allow him that honor. A breaststroke here and there had left Asami ready for some of that ice cream, and Mako had to stifle a bit of laughter at her reaction. “That bad?” he imagined so, based on how ready she was to swim it off. Turning to the bowl and drawing his own spoon he would have a taste of it himself. A spine-tingling shiver went down his spine, the flavor working wonders after that amazing meal. Fortunately for him, he was able to handle it a bit better than Asami. It would spare him embarrassment for finding it funny, only to suffer the same sharp pain she had felt.

Coming back beside him again, Asami took another attempt at the frozen treat, leaving Mako to watch her from the corner of his eye. Alone in a pool with Asami Sato, love of his life, and there was nothing appropriate to say. It didn’t take a genius to know that both of them were wondering what was up with Korra and Bolin, but it was between them. Asami still had her reservations regarding Korra, Mako was reminded every time he was close to her that he had unfinished business with her. All he could hope to do before that time came was help cement his affection for Asami and show her it was real; he’d never be able to take back that kiss, but what was one kiss compared to the dozen he wanted to give to the real woman for him? Asami had proposed that the shopping trip be done tomorrow, throwing in a quick mention about the investors she had to meet with in the morning. That left time for Bolin and himself to continue their training. In the back of his mind he wondered what Korra would be doing for the day, but it was only platonic. What he looked forward to most was comparing apples and oranges with the girl right beside him. “Sounds like a plan. I’ll throw in a mention to the Chief about Future Industries helping find a vaccine in case things get out of control.” Mako smiled warmly at her, having faith in her abilities as a new leader and face for the company. “Whoever these investors are, they’re making a great choice. If there’s anything I can do to help, let me know, okay?”

As if on cue Mako had heard the familiarity of Bolin’s laughter, as well as Korra’s. The pair had entered, carrying the bowls that were left out for them and looking pretty happy as opposed to the tense gloom of just earlier. Mako wanted to ask but held his tongue, simply glad that they were looking pretty content in spite of themselves. Knowing Bolin he probably just told her a good joke or two, and things were better than ever now. “Well, look who decided to show up!”

“Sorry about earlier guys, it’s okay now though, everything’s going to be fine. I just needed a little help.” Korra lightly nudged Bolin before taking a good look at the suits that were laid out. She didn’t swim much in the southern water tribe for obvious reasons, and the garment that Asami laid out might have been something that she identified with. By no means was it a bad suit, but Korra just didn’t know if she could expose that much of herself in front of people, especially considering the internal issue they weren’t willing to get at yet. Clearing her throat and setting the bowl down beside her article of clothing, Korra took it in hand and examined it thoroughly. “Asami …do you think maybe in the future I could take you up on that offer to shop? This is nice, but I don’t think it would look as good on me as it does you.” Korra asked, embarrassment quite plain on her face. As the earlier talk would indicate for the heiress of the industrial empire, dressing up and looking good weren’t really her thing. Water tribe girls were a lot more reserved in their appearance. This level of skin was often reserved for someone special, but she wanted to have fun with them too. It was an exact copy of Asami’s and it did look amazing, the doubts in her mind weren’t clearing up any faster. Could she really pull this off? At this rate there was no hope of getting her in a dress.

“Well, Korra.” Mako was treading lightly. The idea of Korra in a bathing suit was appealing to anyone sane, and if he wasn’t very careful it might put him backwards with Asami. He wanted to reassure her that no one here would think less of her. “If it makes you uncomfortable, you don’t have to do it. I think you and Asami spending more time together is great.” Mako would look back at Asami, knowing that the attention paid to Korra might draw some level of concern even if it may only be minor. There was power in words, the power in his words were for encouragement, not flattery. If things were going to get better, Asami and Korra should start trying to reconnect as friends.

“Y-yeah, I think we could do that.” Korra was on the fence; trying something new was part of growing up, and she was by no means a little kid. This may have seemed petty to anyone else and she understood why, things were just different where she grew up. Spending time with Asami, someone who could help her experience the joys of being a normal girl, might be what she needed. At the very same time, she didn’t want to just soak her feet. “Bolin, do you think I could pull this off?” she was holding it very far from herself, as though she had never held something like it before. Amusing as it might have been, Korra waved her hand in dismissal. Knowing Bolin, he might have given her the same answer as Mako, and that would have been good enough for her. “You know what? I’m going to do it. Be right back.”

Mako shrugged at Bolin, but was quietly relishing in how embarrassing it might be for Korra to do this in front of them. Bolin followed after her to get changed himself, leaving the already swimming pair to themselves. “You don’t mind hanging out with her more, right?” he mumbled. They had met earlier today and he had feared the worst, but they both seemed to be in perfectly good spirits. Mako believed it a great idea, but it was Asami’s decision to help out if she chose. Eating more of the ice cream they shared together, it had taken two short minutes before Bolin had come out, and soon afterwards Korra had reappeared. She was noticeably discomforted with how much skin of hers was showing, but Mako would be a liar if he said that she didn’t look stunning. Her exotic skin went very well with the already dark suit, showing off her toned legs and arms very well. Korra had always looked beautiful, very much like Asami, and the redness of her face had made that image even stronger. The most notable quality of the new Korra was that the accessories holding her hair together were gone, letting her dark brown hair fall down her shoulders. Mako broke his gaze off of Korra and looked to Asami, deciding it best that Bolin and Asami pay the credit where it’s due. He reached down and gave her hand a quick squeeze; these eyes were on her, now and forever.

“So …how do I look?” Korra asked sheepishly, eying Asami, Mako and Bolin respectively. She was out of her element, funny because she was meant to master all elements but still.

Solace In Night: A Kingdom Hearts RP

And completed, back to doing what I hate.

Waiting.

Solace In Night: A Kingdom Hearts RP

By the time the elevator had opened, Rika had let out a low whistle, eyes automatically locked onto the guard Shizuka had recently dealt with. Stepping out and looking ahead, Shizuka was engaged in opening a really crude door that seemed to contradict how ‘advanced’ this Empire was supposed to be. In a very casual manner she had stood over the fallen guard and looked to his communication device, strapped instead to his chest rather than the ear. She had vanished from thin air, but the device she eyed had raised itself as if manipulated by some poltergeist-related force, and was tossed to the ground before being crushed with much enthusiasm. With Rika reappearing just after the device was destroyed, she made her way after Shizuka, who was busy staring at some strange object in the middle of that room. The heat was ridiculous and nearly enough to make her fan herself, but what drew her attention other than the unnecessary amount of pipes and wires that came to one source was the fact Shizuka had fallen backwards out of surprise. Scooting away fearfully, Rika approached the glass tube herself and peered over it, left hand loosely on her hip. “What are you so spooked about?” she asked, moments later being met with the she same sight Shizuka did. “…Oh. You know I knew the Empire were scumbags but using a young woman to power this piece of shit complex? At least make it look nice.”

Rika’s approach to the situation was informal but in truth she was disgusted by the discovery. No trace of fear was evident on her face, only concentration in these gross temperatures. The core of these places were actual living beings, quite the opposite of advanced computer intelligences and power sources. There was a monitor and a thin little holographic keyboard right beside it, obvious tools to release the captive or probably help monitor some nonsense about power levels. Placing her right hand to it, she noted how hot it was, running it from top to bottom. The first instinct was letting the girl out, but she was part of a team now, and the situation wasn’t so dire that she didn’t make a call without them. “I see what’s going on here.” Rika began, looking back at Shizuka before turning around and sitting herself on the tube. “Let’s give ‘em a call.”

Retrieving her badge from within her jacket and unzipping the entire thing while she was busy, the blonde had begun to reach out to Ace until Rika had remembered something: Ace was very mediocre at making decisions. “Nope.” Quickly canceling it before it had the opportunity to trigger, Rika had not gone to the pretty boy, but instead the young Chinese girl Lin. She’d be blunt; that dick who buttered her up only to set Shizuka on her, and Ace for not stopping this from happening, still pissed her off a little. Shizuka was a sweet little dork but she hated decisions she got no say on, and because of that she’d make them regret the decision they made until a time came where she believed them even. “Come on sweetheart…” she mumbled, waiting.

~-~

Lin’s attack was avoided purely by chance, something she found great displeasure in witnessing. Any indication of defiance against Ryoko was turned into pure horror once Minoru had, in Lin’s eyes impossible, been unable to avoid the attack when he would have had the better chance between Ryoko and himself. The factors in her head ran off and she didn’t mean for them to, but she prided herself on control when it came to fighting. The boy collapsed in flames after a scream that caused Lin’s heart to stop, unable to do little more than process the fact she may have just severely injured the wrong person. Responding to Ryoko didn’t matter any longer; Lin found herself growing a little weak and queasy. Before an emotional overload of denial and pain hit her, the man had been dispersed of flames and shot right back up, apparently unharmed. He was healthy enough to shout out a chant against Ryoko, and this was just after a blade of light had torn past her and towards Ryoko. The girl looked over her shoulder, finding that man Coriander there. Upon closer investigation, it seems he had killed another man to get here, and looked entirely too proud after doing so. The true horror was what he said afterwards: Coriander was of the Empire once, and by that announcement was not only a liar, but also relished in violence like Cerden obviously did. Lin knew that Ace hadn’t known of this fact because he had refused Cerden because of his affiliation, and that was ignoring his lack of concern for the lives of others. That made Coriander no friend of hers, and likely not Ace or Shizuka’s once they knew.

Sidestepping out of the way, Lin was in a corner of the room, keeping her eye on both Coriander and Ryoko. She was essentially stuck in a room with a woman who’d want to torture her, and a man who had been lying to his comrades the entire time. To her, there was little to no difference. Her back was not going to be kept to any of them; whatever happiness she should’ve felt at that strange man being okay was completely overwritten by this new discovery. Ace hadn’t come, which means he was either still watching upstairs or was on the way. A vibration to her left thigh had alerted her to an incoming message, and retrieving it with a careful eye on the two in the room with her, she had opened the channel as she was taught. She hardly grasped the concept of talking from such a long distance, but Shizuka was helpful in showing her how to do it before they left. If only the people back in China could know things like this existed, but in her heart Lin enjoyed the traditional way of communication over this breakthrough in human convenience. “He-hello?” she whispered.

“Yo, Lin, it’s me. What’s going on?” Rika chimed in quite casually.

Lin was still looking between Ryoko and Coriander, staff in her right hand and idle, but the fire in her still heating up. “A man was in trouble and I went to help, but that’s not important right now. Coriander is – was with the Empire.”

Rika looked to Shizuka with mock surprise on her face, eyes gradually widening and mouth parting as if this was some huge revelation. Coriander was with the Empire? Oh no! “…Wait who’s that again?” Rika’s face readjusted to normal, as if the conversation had not been taking place neck deep in an enemy’s fortress.

“Coriander …the… the other one with us.”

“Oh, that guy? …OH, THAT GUY!?” Rika snapped, standing up and looking suddenly miffed. To think that the very guy who set her up out of a trust issue was in fact the guy who was with the Empire before, rather than her. The irony was not escaping her; she looked to Shizuka, wondering if she knew about this, but the look on her face told her a different story. Well, that pretty much confirmed that no one had known about this little detail right there. Ace wouldn’t have had any reason to keep this from them, so that effectively made Coriander the one who needed someone following him. “Hold on a minute, I’m calling Ace.” She warned Lin, dialing Ace back up again.

Lin awkwardly listened to some weird dialing tone as the deadlock continued. That strange man was back on his feet as though nothing had happened, and beyond the pair she could see someone was tied against the wall looking very weak and beaten. In her haste to save one man, she had been completely unaware of the presence of another who looked much worse off. Hoping that the man she hustled here to save before and Coriander would provide a better distraction than herself, the young girl ran to the other end of the room, keeping her eyes on Ryoko and Coriander, scowling at the former and expressing full disappointment in the latter. Once she had reached the man against the wall, she had carefully set down her staff and brought her hand to the shackle of his left arm and closed her fist around the chain. Rapidly generating heat to that first, she was hoping to weaken it enough to crush in one strike.

Ace had picked up, but before Lin could respond, Rika was ahead of her.

“Oh, hey Ace, how are you? We’re fine, everything’s fine down here. Say, did you know that that pretty boy was with the Empire before? So while you were busy doubting me, you had one of them right under your nose this entire time. Tell him how you know, Lin.” Rika had said quickly and firmly, making the situation very awkward for Lin to place herself in. Blinking a couple times and hoping this wasn’t going to get out of hand, she spoke into the badge.

“He …he ran in here and said ‘Let’s see how much you’ve changed since I left, Ryoko’ and—“

“You hear that Ace? So meanwhile Shizuka’s down here and of course she’s adorable in her own silly way, but you got that smug asshole up there with you. Remember when he told me that trust was hard these days? You remember that right?”

“I remember!” Lin chimed in with a little enthusiasm, surprising herself.

“Thank you Lin. See? Lin remembers, do YOU remember Ace? You didn’t trust the right one and now look at where we are. I’m down here finding out the core is actually a young woman and I call Lin to find that out. So the next time you give me shit, just remember that your so-called best pal She-man up there was with the enemy before--” Rika paused. “…Shizuka says hi Lin.”

Lin blinked and yanked the shackle that she was superheating, but wasn’t physically strong enough to do it with ease. She needed someone here to help, unless the man could do it himself. “Um …hi Shizuka.”

“She misses you.”

“I …miss her too.”

“Don’t worry you’ll see her in like …I don’t know, five, ten minutes? Depends on how bad things are gonna get when we let this girl out. For the record Ace, I hate you way more than I did before. Talk to you guys soon.” With a click, the three-way call had ended, leaving Lin stunned at the discovery Rika didn’t seem to be too surprised about. A woman was the core of this place? Pocketing her badge again, she placed her now free hand on the other chain that bound his right arm and heated it as well. Placing her left foot against the wall beside him, she tried to pry it off, but only succeeded in straining herself. It was no good, she didn’t have the physical strength to do this, and the chains weren’t hot enough yet to allow her the chance to do so. They were starting to glow red, indicating a point of weakness she created. Either this man could do it on his own, or she needed someone physically strong or good with a blade to slice through them.

“ACE!” Lin cried out in a panic. “I NEED YOU!” the facility was large, but if Ace was nearby then she hoped he would hear her plea and come running. He was good with a blade, and could free this man. If what Rika feared was true, then this facility might start acting weird without the core. People powering factories? It drew many questions, yet those answers would need to wait. Drawing confidence that maybe, just maybe, that strange man would cover her, Lin still tugged against the chains with the hopes of freeing the stranger.

~-~

“God, the nerve of those assholes. Shizuka, how can you stand that guy?” Rika shrugged her shoulders and rolled her eyes, placing the badge within her jacket’s inner pockets once again. Wandering over to the monitor and still very flustered with that little bit of news, she grit her teeth and grumbled to herself over the stupidity of the situation. Come back with the disc, have someone tag along with you. Be a former soldier of the Empire, you’re fine. The lack of investigation into the members of this group was laughable, and while she knew Ace wasn’t technically the real leader, she wondered what that man was doing sitting on his ass with all this going on. He was old, sure, but being a leader hardly recognized age. Either you were cut out for managing resources and lives, or you weren’t. After a very short period of searching, she found what she was looking for: Emergency shutdown procedure.

“When she gets out of here I’m thinking she’s going to be royally pissed, so get ready for anything.” Rika muttered to Shizuka, before entering the key and waiting to see what would come from her action.

Solace In Night: A Kingdom Hearts RP

It's been four hours since PA's post, I'm working on my own post now and if he's not done by the time I am, just gonna post.

A Symphony of Elements

I agree. Hmm, I think Katara approved of whomever made Tenzin happy, and that was both, but for obvious reasons probably wanted Lin and Tenzin to be together first. That being said, she loves her grandchildren, she loves her son, and she loves who makes him happy. Lin and Tenzin were unhappy with at least several factors leading to their split, but I really doubt Katara held it against her or him. They're friends, not enemies, and it was good enough for her. And yes, yes, of course it will be mostly for fun. If she wants the hardcore training to condition her, then she knows to come back, they'll work her.

I have another rp I need to post in later, but I'm going to get to this one too tomorrow at least once, we'll see how my energy levels are <3 fun times ahead.

A Symphony of Elements

Oh, fine~

Lin could ask him to go out for dinner later in the week and share a drink, reminisce together and look to the future. Tenzin wakes up a new man and will escape pity however he can. Your post was fine and I really enjoyed Bolin's approach, the hug at the end was a very nice touch and I think Korra's just gonna fall into that like a little baby. Yeah the Xan twins are going to give her an intro, but I imagine after a certain point she asked that she let Mako train her, they would oblige, since she knows who to call for more training if it won't work. It's all to cement their relationship.

A Symphony of Elements

It's inevitable, there was never another man in her life to fill the voice. Reminds me of a Disney song from Hercules. "Nuh-uh, no way, I won't say I'm in love." xD

Hahahaha, that's cute, I think he'd blush at the new title and be happy to call her his Apprentice Asami, or something sweet like that. They can spar and Asami's so gifted with martial arts and self defense anyway she might be able to teach him something. Maybe cue a funny little trip up for Mako and pinning him, followed by a very adorable surrender. Mako and Asami were supporting characters for a situation that turned very Borra centered, so don't worry about it. We'll pay them some respects in the pool, in the morning, and then of course once Asami and him get back home and she reveals her new gifts. Not excluding Tenzin and Lin's portion of course~ And he'll even walk her home for the night :'D.

A Symphony of Elements

All it takes is a little time and the right motivation, then magic comes~ I'll have Tenzin take note that she's viewing something, but isn't aware it's a picture of him. Perhaps it isn't just him, but both of them from a long time ago together? Just to sweeten it and all. It's all up to you and how you think Lin would cope with her separation. Mako will swear he's seeing her smile more around the station though xP Love is in the air!~

Yeah, it's something I look forward to, having them strengthen more than ever before. He'll swear he'd love her the same even without her bending though, but no doubt there's going to be that moment of intense desire once he sees her do it! I don't think he'll be able to believe it possible, and the IRONY of it all would astound him. We should let her savor that for a while before the water bending shows itself, and that's when things might get a little heavy in the drama department.

A Symphony of Elements

Yeah we can do the morning too, a bit of breakfast, saying some goodbyes for a while, Mako and Bolin meeting at the station later anyway for training, etc. I can also do Tenzin waking up prepared to take the day ahead like a BAWS, walking into that station with some fire to him, coffee and cinnamon rolls. Exuding an aura of confidence and energy that may even catch Lin off guard, and I'm definitely thinking he'll take her by the hand and spin her sometime in the future xP

Well the worry is mostly because he wants everyone to be whole again. Asami's slowly starting to warm up to him, but Korra and Bolin haven't even seemed to address their feelings. Mako believes Bolin is still in love with Korra and hopes that no matter the final outcome, they can still all be together. It's not that he's babying her, Bolin's done more for her than Mako could even begin, we're going to ignore the Season 1 episodes of sudden ass kissing >.> That works! So we can do Lin and Tenzin in the middle of their off-the-books work, and with Mako and Asami returning from the store and tending to the groceries she can show him her ability. :D