The Girl After

Chapter 35

Asami didn't let go of my hand for — I think — an hour after our conversation. Even as we reached  the dining hall (which had been converted into a courthouse), she didn't release my hand. I guess I wasn't complaining. I meant every word when I told Asami that I loved her. Had I meant for it to be said? No, of course not. But I don't suppose I regret it. We sat in the pews and waited. Waited for the trial to begin, for everyone to come pooling in to see if the Avatar would be deemed a traitor and punished duly. At the end of the hall sat Korra's parents at a table, while she and Mako and her uncle stood off to the side to watch. Mako's hand was on her shoulder, which sent a small spark of anger through me. Not jealousy, per say. It more of a feeling that I wanted to punch him in his face, right in his stupidly jagged eyebrows. He hurt Asami, and that wasn't okay with me.

As spectators came spilling into the building, Bolin found himself a seat beside is, sitting on the other side of Asami. He'd a very cocky look on his face, which made me very, very nervous. "We're good to go," he said. "I gave all the money to some guys over there. I told them to 'take care of it' and then I winked." He winked at us and gave a short laugh. "Pretty sure they got the message."

I groaned and palmed my forehead. "This is why I should've gone," I said in exasperation.

"It's okay," Asami said quietly. "Maybe he did well. Let's have faith that." She didn't sound like she believed herself. We looked forward as a gavel pounded. A soldier's voice sounded through the hall to gain attention and commence the trial. After announcing the judge's presiding, an intimidatingly serious-looking man entered the room. Judge Hotah sat in his chair at the center of the dais.

With wide eyes, Bolin said in surprise, "Man! I should've paid him!"

"No kidding!" I replied bitterly, topping it off with a sarcastic smile.

Bolin frowned. He looked at me as if he'd something to say. Whatever it was, it was left unspoken. He looked ahead and we watched as everything began. Unalaq stood before the judge and recounted his experiences. He described being asleep when he was attacked by rebels, only having the memory of being overpowered then rescued by his niece. The recollection and questioning last for what felt like ages. I could feel myself falling asleep from the boredom, then immediately woken up by Asami pinching my side. Then it was time for Korra, and I actually began to pay attention.

"According to Unalaq's testimony," Judge Hotah said, "you attended a meeting where Varrick tried to incite a civil war. Is that true?"

The Avatar hung her head low and replied, "Yes."

"And were these men present at that meeting?"

This made Korra visibly nervous. Stumbling over words, she said, "Well, yes, but—"

Hotah wasted no time. "And where did this meeting take place?"

A voice blurted out, breaking the eery silence of the onlookers. "Objection!" I looked to my left to see Bolin on his feet. Though, he quickly sat back down when scolded by the judge to be quiet. I dismissed it as typical Bo behavior.

But that was an awful idea.

When the judge asked Korra the same question a second time, she confessed that it was held in the home of her parents. And when asked about who had led said meeting, Bolin stood again. He said, "Your Honor, if I may..."

"Bolin," I hissed quietly, "what are you doing?" He ignored me, but the judge seemed almost interested in Bolin now.

"May what?" He asked.

Now, Bolin was hesitant. Like he hadn't thought this far ahead. Knowing Bo, he probably hadn't. "May I..." He put his hand over his heart as if to plead, "...declare a mistrial?"