The North Star
A/N: Alright just to make it clear this story really follows along the events in the actual series. But in a more Amorra friendly way. Thanks for all the views on chapter 1 guys, I hope you're enjoying!
*All characters belong to Bryke*
Chapter 2: Party of the Year
"No, it was that creepy mustache guy again." Korra heard Mako whispering to someone as she opened her eyes. "Korra! How are you feeling?" Mako shouted from across the room and darted towards her.
"Ouch! Not so loud. That creepy mustache guy gave me a head ache with his electrified sticks of doom." Korra said holding one hand to her ear and the other out towards Mako to shush him.
"Oh…sorry." Mako said scratching the back of his neck as he sat down on the bed next to her.
"Are you OK Korra?" Tenzin then spoke in from the doorway.
"Yeah, a little flustered. Where Is Bolin?" Korra sat up looking around the room confused. "What happened after I was knocked out? How did we get back to Air Temple Isla-"
"Calm down Korra, Bo is fine. He is playing with Naga and Meelo outside." Mako cut in putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Korra do you know what this letter means?" Tenzin said stepping into the room with a red envelope in hand. He handed it to her and she gazed down at it.
"I've never seen it before." She said slipping her fingers inside to retrieve the note. She folded it open and grew pale as she read the words.
" How is Tonraq, Avatar? "
"Who wrote this? Was this Amon!" Korra shouted out crushing the note between her fingers. Mako flinched away from her scream.
"Hey I thought you said no yelling." Mako nervously reminded her. "We think it was Amon. Did Mustache guy say anything to you before he knocked you out?"
"Korra who is Tonraq?" Tenzin said gazing down at her thoughtfully.
"Tonraq is my fathers' name, Tenzin. And yes he said Amon wanted to welcome me to the city. That I should stay out of their way." She sighed and flung her feet off the bed beginning to pace around the room. "Why would Amon or any equalist mention my father?" Korra said making her way to the window to look for Naga. "They wouldn't hurt him! Would they?" Korra spun on the spot to stare at Tenzin.
"No I don't think so. That would take a lot of effort to gather him and bring him back here to Amon…Just to be safe I'll send word to the Southern water tribe." Tenzin spoke gliding out of the room with a look of confusion clearly printed on his face. Mako stood up and made his way over to Korra who was staring out the window.
"Korra…I'm sure your father is fine." Mako wrapped his arm around her and looked out the window with her. Korra suddenly blushed at the contact and nervously darted away to her dresser.
"I hope so…If you don't mind I'm going to change now." She stuttered opening the doors to her wardrobe. Mako then smiled and walked out of the room closing the door behind him. He leaned up against the door and cursed himself for wanting to go back inside. He violently started to blush at the thought and was shaken back to reality with the sight of two advancing figures down the hall.
"Mako, Korra has a quest will you excuse us?" Tenzin said as he approached her door with the tall proud looking man tailing behind him. He wore a smirk on his face as he glanced at Mako. The council man Tarrlok.
"Certainly Tenzin." Mako said glaring back at Tarrlok. Mako darted around the corner and braced himself against the wall. He knew Tarrlok was up to no good. The only time Tarrlok's name ever appeared in the paper was when something bad was happening.
Korra changed into her comfortable water tribe garb and was about to call for Mako to come back in when she heard Tenzin's voice on the other side of the door.
"Korra, Council Men Tarrlok has come to visit. Will you join us?" Tenzin's voice sounded strained. Korra opened the door and was greeted with a grim faced Tenzin. Behind him stood the council man. He was tall and dark haired with the same skin color as her. He must have been from the water tribes.
"Ah Korra it is a pleasure to finally meet you." Tarrlok bowed taking her hand and gently kissing her knuckles. "If you would be so kind…I would like to talk with you." He spoke offering her his arm. Korra took it glancing at Tenzin, who now followed as they walked out towards the gardens.
"I'm sure you've heard Korra, I'm in charge of the city's' new task force to take down Amon." Tarrlok spoke as they walked through the garden to a table.
"Yes, I've heard. Congratulations." Korra said sitting down next to Tenzin across from Tarrlok.
"I would like, love actually if you would join me. Together we can fight the equalist and stop Amon. With you by my side the city will know they are safe." Tarrlok Smiled expressing his words as he talked with many movements in his hands and arms. Korra bit her lip and glanced away nervously. She didn't want to admit she was scared of Amon and hunting him down didn't exactly sound like her cup of tea. Quickly she had to think of a reason to deny his request.
"No…thanks." Was all she could think of. Tarrlok shot Tenzin a look and then focused back on Korra.
"You would be fulfilling your duty as the avatar to this city. Surely taking down Amon and his underground army of followers must be your top priority." Tarrlok stated with question in his voice.
"I'm sorry, Tarrlok, but right now air bending is my top priority. I still have much to learn." She hoped that would be enough for him to leave her alone. Tarrlok frowned but quickly recovered.
"Well there you go Tarrlok, you'll have to find someone else." Tenzin said proudly.
"Yes indeed. Well Avatar Korra I hope we can part as friends. I will not give up on you just yet. Maybe once your bending has advanced some you will reconsider." He said standing up and reaching his hand out to shake hers. "I understand your birthday is tomorrow?" He spoke again with a smile. Tenzin suddenly tensed beside her.
"Yes, that's right." Korra spoke now confused.
"I beg you'll allow me to throw you a party for such a prestigious event, consider it also a welcoming gift from me." He said grasping her hand.
"Uh-um a party?" Korra asked confused.
"That's hardly necessary Tarrlok." Tenzin practically growled.
"I've already invited the most esteemed citizens of Republic City, surely you wouldn't deny me this pleasure after denying my task force request?" He smiled still grasping her hand.
"Sure I'll be there." Korra said weakly darting her eyes between Tenzin and Tarrlok.
"Excellent! I shall see you both there!" Tarrlok spoke unclenching Korra's hand and walking away. Tenzin stared after him.
"What's that guy's angle?" Mako suddenly said behind them. They both jumped and stared him down. "What?" He said glancing between them.
"Am I missing something Tenzin? Mako is right. Something is odd about that dude." Korra said poking Tenzin. He raised an eyebrow at Mako and turned to Korra.
"He wants you to join that task force of his, and gave up all too easily. Just be on the lookout, he isn't done trying to convince you yet. Now follow me you have some air bending training to catch up on." Tenzin said turning away towards the house. Korra shrugged at Mako and went to follow Tenzin.
"Tarrlok is throwing a party for the Avatar's birthday sir." The Lieutenant spoke from behind the door. "Do you wish for us to stop by and wish her a happy birthday?" Amon could hear the excitement in his Lieutenants voice.
"No that won't be necessary, I have already made plans. Go get some sleep Lieutenant." Amon spoke waiting for the sound of retreating footsteps.
He sat down at his desk and opened the top compartment pulling out the day's news paper. He unfolded it and stared down at the avatar's picture. Spinning the chair around he gazed out the window for several moments before glancing back down at her picture. He led an army of well trained chi blockers and mastermind mechanics and here he was planning to play games with the avatar during her birthday party. He knew it was childish but still he was drawn to go.
Standing up he turned out the light on his desk and threw the paper back in its original place. He then stalked back towards the window and eased out unnoticed.
"Welcome Avatar Korra! And Master Tenzin! Tarrlok is thrilled you accepted his invitations, the quest are awaiting you." A door keeper bowed ushering them inside the great room. They were suddenly surrounded by applause and smiling faces. The room glowed with brilliance and magnificent décor. Korra was suddenly being spun around by her arm.
"Korra! I'm so pleased to see you, please follow me. I will introduce you to the city's finest." Tarrlok smiled pulling Korra away from Tenzin's frowning face. After what seemed like forever they appeared to be finished with introductions to the city's finest. Then she saw Mako's tall figure approaching she began to smile but her excitement was instantly wiped away when she saw his arm intertwined with another's'.
"Ah I've saved the best for last Korra. Please may I introduce Mr. Sato and his lovely daughter Miss. Asami Sato." Tarrlok gestured toward the approaching group which included Mako and Bolin.
"Mako." Korra scoffed looking at his arm around Asami.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Avatar Korra. And I'm glad I'll be able to not only support you against your fight with Amon but also in the ring!" Mr. Sato said leaving Korra with a confused look.
"Mr. Sato and Asami have decided to sponsor us Korra!" Mako said smiling down at the beautiful girl next to him. "We are back in the game!"
"Isn't that great?" Bolin said throwing his arms up in excitement.
"Yeah that's great" Korra sighed looking away. "If you'll just excuse me for a moment Tarrlok, I need to visit the ladies room."
"Its right up those stairs and to the right, second door down Korra." Tarrlok said moving to talk with Mr. Sato. Korra practically ran the distance. She had to get away from all the pointed stares and greetings. She disappeared around the hall way Tarrlok had directed her to. She leaned against the wall and took a deep breath relaxing slightly. Hearing approaching footsteps she moved forward down the hall and found a small balcony she could hide out on for a few moments. She quickly opened the doors and stepped out into the cool refreshing night air.
"Worst birthday ever." She huffed leaning against the railing and staring out into the sky. Everything seemed so quiet and at peace, the stars all shining in the sky over the artistically lit city was one of the most beautiful sights she had even seen. The air almost felt electric around her.
"I wonder, would Tonraq have thrown you a better party?" The voice crept out from the shadows revealing Amon's figure blocking her from the doors back inside. All the blood seemed to drain from her head and she felt faint at the surprise. She quickly gasped and went to attack but he was to quick. He japed a line up her back with his fore and middle finger which made her crash to her knees.
"What do you want Amon?" Korra panted out fear ripe in her eyes. He walked closer to her and lifted her up by her shoulders. For a moment he said nothing and she felt his eyes piercing hers through his mask.
"I simply wanted to wish you a pleasant birthday, Avatar. And to remind you that you are in my city now." He spoke harshly twisting her around so she was no longer facing him. She looked out towards the sky as he tightly gripped her and flinched when he spoke once more. "Don't try anything foolish girl, it was a wise choice not joining Tarrlok's task force."
"Why do you keep mentioning my farther? What are you planning Amon?" Korra hissed out struggling against his hands as much as she could.
"In time." He paused as if he would continue and she felt his grasp harden. The seconds ticked by like hours and the fear inside her was threatening to pour out at any second. A sharp breath escaped from under his mask and suddenly she was falling to her knees again. He had vanished.
"Korra!" Tarrlok yelled from down the stairs when she reappeared. He quickly ran up to meet her and before she could warn him of Amon's presence he started to speak again. "If you could just spare a few moments, they just have some questions." He said wrapping his arm around her and guiding her towards a bundle of reporters.
"Korra, why haven't you located Amon yet?"
"Why do you refuse to join Tarrlok's task force?"
"Isn't that part of your duty as the Avatar?"
"The city depends on you!"All the voices sounded like they were screaming at her at exactly the same time. Frustrated she screamed back.
"Enough! I agree to join Tarrlok's task force. Together we will find that monster and help bring peace back to Republic City!" She threw her hands up in frustration while glaring at Tarrlok who simply smiled and turned his face to the reporters.
"There's your Headline!"