"I'm sorry, but our decision has been made. This meeting is adjourned."

Chief Beifong shoved the door to the council room open, and sent a metal cable soaring towards Tarrlok. I thought she was attacking the sleazy councilman; however, the cable severed the gavel head and caused everyone's eyes to fall upon us. Chief Beifong sneered slightly at the council members- my heart clenched as I realised they had already replaced my father- as she coiled the metal cable. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with the Avatar," she announced.

"You do?" Tarrlok mused.

"Yeah, you do?" Avatar Korra asked incredulously.

"I expected this kind of cut-and-run response from Tenzin. But the rest of you? Come on, show a little more backbone. It's time the benders of this city displayed some strength and unity against the Equalists," Chief Beifong urged.

"We must prevent the conflict between benders and non-benders from escalating into all-out war! The council is not changing its position, Lin," Tenzin argued.

"Now just a moment, Tenzin," Tarrlok said smoothly, "Let us hear what our esteemed Chief of Police has in mind."

Chief Beifong was quiet for a moment before she suggested, "If you keep the arena open, my metalbenders and I will provide extra security during the championship match. There's no better force to deal with chi-blockers- our armour is impervious to their attacks."

"Are you saying that you will personally take responsibility for the safety of the spectators in the arena?" Tarrlok challenged lightly. The combination of his carefully crafted question, and the smug expression in his eyes, caused suspicion to take place within me.

"I guarantee it."

"It is hard to argue with Chief Beifong's track record," Tarrlok agreed sarcastically, "If she is confidant her elite officers can protect the arena, then she has my support. I am changing my vote." At that, Tarrlok raised his hand. "Who else is with me?" The man already seemed to know that answer- the other three council members raised their hands in compliance. "The arena stays open. Good luck in the finals," Tarrlok said to the Avatar.

"All right!" a boy my age exclaimed.

My head reeled as a cacophony of memories of that night came flooding back. That boy was at "The Revelation," too. I began to hyperventilate as I struggled to keep myself together.

"A word please, Lin," Tenzin murmured.

Chief Beifong sighed in obvious irritation, and motioned for me to follow her out into the corridor- oblivious to my distress.

"Tarrlok's playing you and I don't want to see you get hurt," Tenzin explained, and I silently thanked him for voicing my suspicions.

"I know what I'm doing- and the risks that come with it," Chief Beifong seethed.

"In that case, I am going to be by your side during the match."

"You don't need to babysit me," Chief Beifong growled, and glared up at Tenzin.

"It's for Korra- I want to make sure she's safe," Tenzin explained, casting the woman before him a strange look.

Chief Beifong threw her hands up in annoyed defeat and huffed, "Do what you want! It's not like I've ever been able to stop you before. Come along, Kailyn, we're leaving."

"Excuse me, Chief Beifong, I wanted to thank you for your help," Avatar Korra said, but the esteemed Chief of Police kept walking towards the exit of City Hall.

"Wait here," Chief Beifong instructed me, and then ducked into one of the many offices.

I rubbed at my pulsating temples as I leaned against the wall.

"Ah, Kailyn, just who I was hoping to catch!" Tarrlok called out faintly in greeting as he came out of the council's chamber.

My father did not approve of the methods Tarrlok went about things...particularly conflict. That dislike had rubbed off on me- my eyes narrowed in annoyance on Tarrlok's over-preened person.

"I merely wanted to give you my condolences for your late father- I am sure you are quite heartbroken," Tarrlok spoke in false dulcet tones, "Particularly when you had to witness the execution-"

I had begun to tremble at his words, and bowed my head in poor attempt to mask my tears from the man. Who was he to say such cruel things to me?

"Hey! What are you doing?!"

Both Tarrlok's and my heads jerked to see the source of th exclamation. It was that pro-bending earthbender...the one that kneeled beside my father. "What did you say to her?" he demanded, glaring at Tarrlok in blatant disapproval.

Tarrlok's jaw clenched as though he wanted to argue with him, but must have decided against it. "Nothing," he drawled, "Good day, Kailyn."

"Wish I had the minimal courtesy to say the same," I spat.

"You okay?"

"I'm fine," I replied curtly.

"Tarrlok is one mean dude," he mused, "He caused my friend Korra a lot of trouble a while back." With an amusing show of gracelessness, he turned about to face me. "So, my name's Bolin..."

"I know. My name is Kailyn Hsiao-"

"Kailyn, what did Tarrlok want?"

"To express his condolences-"

"-Now I remember you!" Bolin interjected, "You were tied up at Amon's feet at the rally!"

Chief Beifong shoved Bolin aside as she wrapped her arm around my shoulders; she guided me out of the City Hall and into her Satomobile. "You okay, kid?"

I nodded faintly and hid beneath my thick curtain of hair. "Can you drop me off at the ferry?" I asked softly.

"Sure." Chief Beifong glanced at me briefly, but said nothing more. She weaved through the thick, chaotic midday traffic as we made our way to the docks. She pulled up at the front of the docks; she handed me a couple yuans to cover the fare, and she caught me by the arm to gain my attention. "Should I contact your mother?" she asked.

I jerked out of her gasp, and quickly got out of the car. "That won't be necessary," I answered coldly as I slammed the door shut. Chief Beifong tore off- no doubt back to the police station- which made her tires burn out.