Several weeks had passed since Yuujung and the children had last seen Bolin. Bae and Shen were especially disappointed that their big brother hasn't come back to play with them. Yuujung explained was he was probably busy with his pro-bending and hadn't been able to find time to come back. This only caused the children to ask to listen to the bending matches in the evening, so they could try to get news of Bolin and the Fire Ferrets. The young mistress was reluctant to grant their pleas; the violence that pro-bending inspired wasn't something she wanted the orphans to look forward to.
The anti-bending protestors seemed to have gathered steam over the month, holding rallies in the park: gathering, preaching, denouncing the way of the benders and twisting the suppression they held over the normal citizens of Republic City. It was disgusting the way they had went on. But it was like any other movement in history, it was the need to control and rule others that fueled the machine. The similarities between these protests and the One Hundred Year War were a surprising and disturbing parallel. But- it had yet to become physical.
Then, the Revelation happened. It was chaotic on the streets of Republic city. The papers were filled with stories about how Amon, the leader of the Equalists, could take away the ability to bend. Some protestors had even gone as far to create flyers, which were distributed about the city saying that Amon was the savior and bringer of the new world. The fear of this new unknown menace had caused more panic and unrest. Many of the paranoid benders had since left the city, taking with them what they could. Others had revolted and started fires to the buildings that they thought harbored anti-bending supporters.
Yuujung scratched the bug bite on her arm urgently, jostling Hau who in return giggled uncontrollably. It was a bright Tuesday morning and Yuujung was escorting the children to school. For the past week, she had kept the children home out of fear and uncertainty, until the insurgences had died away or had been handled by the Metalbending police. The younger of the children found it delightful to be home all day but Tai and Shen knew there was more to their 'holiday'. Today was their second day back to school.
They walked in pairs in front of the twenty-two year old, holding hands as she had instructed them to. Most people didn't seem to notice them; or if they did, they didn't care. But there were the select onlookers who knew Yuujung, and knew the children she shepherded. Some of them that thought she wasn't looking would spit at their feet when they passed by. But no words were exchanged. It was small blessings like this the orphanage mistress was thankful for.
As they approached the school, Tai slowed and became apprehensive. It was uncommon; he was a confident boy, though disrespectful at times. Within view of the gate, Shen, Bae and Sato ran to join their friends in the front yard, but Tai lingered. Yuujung watched him fidget, the young waterbender kicking the stones at his feet with contempt. Unable to see the cause of his behaviors, Yuujung steered him away from the prying eyes and ears to talk with the nine year old. "Tai. What's going on?"
Blue eyes searched hazel, words trying to form in the back of his mind. "I don't want to be here." He whispered sullenly. He was now wringing his shirt in his hands, "The school isn't the same anymore since the Revelation. They-" he paused in uncertainty, words temporarily lost. Yuujung placed a loving hand on his shoulder, urging him to continue his story. Tai swallowed again, "They've separated us."
Yuujung blinked unsure of Tai's meaning. "Separated?" She questioned slowly, imploring the waterbending orphan to continue. Separated the classes into the age groups was the most likely case. The current one room classroom setup was not as efficient as it once had been with parents were more likely to send their children to school. Not too many years before they would rather than send them to work or keep them at home. It was a welcome change, seeing the population educated.
"They've separated us into classes of… benders and non-benders." He breathed, eyes fixed on the teachers who were now gathering their pupils. The orphans were being moved from their non-bending friends towards a separate entrance. Yuujung did not welcome the sight. Something snapped as she took Tai's hand and marched heatedly towards the school building.
One of the teachers caught view of Yuujung and went to meet her, eyeing the pupil she was dragging along in concern. "Is there something I can help you with Miss-?" She asked gaging the woman's reaction.
"Who's in charge around here?" She snarled, eyes glowering. Yuujung watched as the teacher swallowed nervously, unaware what was going on. "I am the guardian to a portion of your pupils here. I want to… No. Need to talk to your supervisor about a situation that has been brought to my attention this morning. I would like to your name as well." Yuujung's presence was rather demanding and menacing to the teacher.
"I don't know what this is about, but I must ask you to lower your voice," the teacher stuttered back, looking for support from one of her coworkers, "There's no need to start a scene."
"There isn't a scene to be start if you answer my inquiries. What I want is simple. I am only looking to rectify a situation that I do not agree with and find may be violating the rights of my wards." She dug into the satchel she carried, shifting Hau to her opposite hip and pulled out her business card. "I am Cheong Yuujung, formerly with the City's Legal Department but currently consul to said Department."
The teacher eyed her suspiciously, judging the orphanage holder's appearance. "It's been a rough month." Yuujung added, knowing the origin of the look of scrutiny.
The teacher huffed, "That's well enough and all, but this child," she indicated Tai, "needs to be getting to class, lest he be punished for being tardy." Tightlipped, Yuujung nodded to Tai who entered the building giving her a beseeching look. "I am Desna, if you must really know."
Desna ascended the stairs, motioning for Yuujung to follow. "You'll want to speak with the Superintendent. He just happens to be in the building today." They passed classes quietly as a bell chimed again.
As they continued through the hall, Hau became impatient. She started pushing against Yuujung's shoulder, trying to free herself from the young adult's grasp. Yuujung struggled with Hau, holding her against her shoulder with one hand as the other dug for a distraction in the brown leather satchel. Finding the rag doll she had packed, Yuujung handed it to the young firebender, whose attention was immediately engaged.
They came to a stop at the end of the hall where Desna knocked on a closed office door. "Superintendent Huang, you have a Miss Cheong here to see you." The woman announced, giving Yuujung another look over.
"Send them in," replied a man's voice from the other side of the door. Desna opened the door and Yuujung entered.
The office was larger than Yuujung expected. Bookshelves and filing cabinets lined the walls on either side of Yuujung; a separate seating area sat in the middle of the room and beyond that sat a beautifully crafted mahogany desk with a man occupying the seat. He was a portly man with graying hair that looked as though it preferred his chin rather than the top of his head. He stood to greet Yuujung, eyes roving her in thought. "Good morning Miss Cheong, I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting before."
"No, we have not." Yuujung countered quickly, "I have not come here to exchange pleasantries with you today, Mister Huang." Yuujung heard the door click behind her. Obviously Desna didn't want the conversation to echo down the halls to every classroom within hearing distance. "I've come to discuss your new policy."
"And what policy would that be," the man drawled, resuming his seat behind the desk. He started to look through his papers again.
"The policy that you are forcing onto your students, the segregation of bender and non-benders!" Yuujung growled, slamming her fist on the desk. She was aggravated from the nonchalant attitude that the superintendent used. It also ate at her that she wasn't controlling her temper the way she should be. Her mother had always said that she was hot-headed when she was upset.
"Ah. So you're one of those people." He sneered at her. Hau started to whimper in Yuujung's arms, burying her face into Yuujung's top. The superintendent stood from his chair, crossing his arms around his back, "Bender or bender-lover living in a world consumed in lies and suppression. Undoubtedly, it must stem from being raised and manipulated by your bending mother. Poor soul." He passed to his window and stared into the yard where two segregated classes started their physical education. "This is only the beginning."
"What do you mean 'this is only the beginning'?" Yuujung scowled, glaring at the man's back. "What right do you have to separate children from their friends? To show such blatant inequality?"
"You said it yourself! The inequality between a non-bender and bender! Benders take advantage of non-benders all the time! Why would I put my poor students into the way of those that cannot control themselves? To have them taken advantage of? It has always been the strong suppressing the weak. Because of reoccurring conflicts, I have finally taken action and separated the two. Isn't it better to remove the stimuli before it ignites a reaction?" Huang reasoned, solemnly standing at the window still.
"What you're doing may be protecting the students in the short term, but what of when they are out of school? Their interactions here in school are ones of children and instilling prejudice at a young age is just creating a future problem for all parties involved and uninvolved." She was seething now at what she felt was the greatest stupidity she had ever encountered. It was people like him that were causing more problems in the city than preventing. She was starting to get a really bad feeling about where this was going.
"Ah, you are anticipating that there will be problems. Come next year there won't be a problem. Amon will take care of that. I can promise that to you now. You had best rethink your stance on benders and non-benders girl." He turned with a look of scorn and watched Yuujung's face contort in indignation.
"I-I can see that this is going to go nowhere. And for that, I am very sad." She turned and walked to the door. "You do not need expect my wards tomorrow; I will be moving them to another school. I thank you for the years that you have been a partner in education for my mother's orphanage." She nodded curtly and left.
Hau patted Yuujung's face, wiping the hot tears of anger with her petite fingers. "No." She stated firmly to the twenty-two year old making Yuujung smile gently as they exited the school.
"You're right Hau." Yuujung sniffled, wiping the stray tears as they took to the street, "There's no use in crying over spilt milk." She pinched the young firebender's nose softly. "We've got a lot of work to do." Hau laughed in response and threw her rag doll to the ground.
The morning went by quickly as Yuujung returned the cleaned laundry to her neighbors. She collected her fee and thanked them for their continued patronage. After that she grabbed a quick lunch with a former coworker at Han's Noodle Shop. Hau threw a horrendous tantrum when she was not presented with food right away. Minimal damage was caused, but Yuujung offered money to pay for the damages anyways. While she was on her way to pick up the children, Hau fell asleep on her shoulder, her runny nose smearing snot onto Yuujung's threadbare tunic.
Yuujung was haggard by the time she got home, only to be surprised to greet Bolin and a new face. The children screamed in joy, running to greet Pabu. The loud racket startled Hau into awareness and she started her own screaming in response. Bolin's brother looked uncomfortable; whether it was because he was surrounded by strange children or because he came without prior notice, the twenty-two year old didn't know.
"Yuujung!" Bolin panted, having finally waded through the children, "Sorry that we didn't give you a heads up about coming, but we were in the neighborhood and well- here we are!" Mako avoided the children carefully, holding his scarf out of harm's way, "Yuujung, this-! Is my Brother Mako. Mako, Yuujung."
Mako bowed and Yuujung returned the gesture, "It's a pleasure to meet you." Yuujung smiled, "Are you going to be staying for dinner?" Hau whined to be let down, having spotted Pabu who was being chased by the children. Yuujung complied as she waited for the brothers' answer.
"Well, if you don't mind," Bolin started, only to have Mako elbow him in the stomach. Words were exchanged between the brothers, something that sounded vaguely like "stop thinking with your stomach!"
Yuujung hid a smile, "You are more than welcome to stay for dinner. We've become used to people dropping in recently. Which reminds me, Bolin did you talk to your brother about the bending thing?"
Bolin nodded, "See Mako? I told you. He didn't believe that you had asked." The younger brother seemed a little smug about proving Mako wrong. His firebending brother on the other hand seemed a little bit apprehensive.
"Are you sure about this though? You have heard of the Equalists right? With all that negative sentimentality, do you really want to put these kids in danger?" He had every right to be cautious, in times like these. And it hadn't escaped Yuujung's notice when Bolin shivered at the mention of the Equalists. Something had happened to them.
"I think these children need to learn how to bend out of necessity. Although I do not believe this is the best environment for them to learn." She indicated the yard of the orphanage in a long sweep of her arm. "It is quite dangerous for them to be orphans as it is without advertising it to the entire world." Her words wandered off as she watched the children playing once again. Their knowledge of bending could be a key in protecting them.
She shook her head abruptly, turning to the brothers. "Though, I don't think it would hurt if you showed them a move in a your bending forms. They have been rather anxious for you guys to come to visit, especially Shen. And I have to get some work done inside, so if you don't mind keeping the children busy for a little while..." She pleaded.
Bolin was eager to show his moves as he ran to tell the orphans the news. Mako, however, remained suspicious of Yuujung's motives, but followed his brother.
Yuujung entered the orphanage to not only start on dinner, but to brainstorm possibilities of where to continue the children's education. The next closest school was clear across the district. And on top of that, it was inside another gang's territory. There weren't many options after that, unless she considered getting registered with the city to educate the children herself. It wasn't exactly uncommon for families to homeschool their children; her own mother had considered it for her at one point, after she had been sent home for fighting. She didn't know the process or even if she met the requirements for her to become certified. She would have to look into it soon though only as a last ditch effort.
She made a list of the things she would have to take care of while cooking. She had to consider the fact that the children might have to come to City Hall with her when she went to inquire about the alternative options for education. It didn't seem very efficient to take the entire family with her, but she was left little choice, unless she asked one of the neighbors to watch them, but even then that was pushing it.
She sighed in antipathy, chewing on her fingers. Maybe she could ask Bolin and Mako to watch the children. She glanced to her mother's shrine. I wish you were here. You would know what to do at times like this. A stray tear caused by frustration was quickly wiped away. She couldn't just keep crying, she told herself. She would have to be strong, for herself and for the children.
Her inner reverie was interrupted by a knock on the door. The twenty-two year old's eyebrow quirked; the children wouldn't knock to enter their own home. Yuujung quickly wiped her fingers on her pants as she answered the door. She instantly recognized the man who waited on the threshold. He ran messages for the United City Council, but she didn't know his name.
"Good evening, Miss Cheong." He knew her name though. A sealed envelope was quickly presented to the hazel eyed woman, "You are expected to meet with the United Republic Council two mornings from now at ten after eleven. It is mandatory that you attend, lest you be charged at fault. Please direct any questions you may have to Councilman Tarrlock. Good evening." The man was gone before Yuujung could summon even a word in response. What was going on?
She opened the letter gingerly, nerves in a tangle that she could not fathom to unravel in her current state. Her breath hitched and her lungs became tight as she read the letter to herself.
Dear Cheong Yuujung,
You are being summoned in regards to the Orphans' Fund which your mother was assigned use and support of. It has been brought to our attention that you are not registered with the city to receive these funds and we must delegate the future use of the program and discuss your intentions concerning the Orphanage. It is imperative that you meet at the designated time below with all arguments ready for the council to consider.
Thursday, June 14th ASC 170 11:10 am
Thank you for your cooperation,
Councilman Tarrlock
Yuujung crumpled the letter in her hand but quickly regretted her decision. She went to the table and tried to smooth it flat. Her mother had not mentioned to her that the grant wasn't something that was readily available to the facility. She had thought that as long as the requirements were met it, would simply be distributed. The shock of it was nearly beyond her, accompanied by the vague thought of having given all of her savings and dreams up in order to save her mother's pride and joy only to have it wretched away from her. It was pure irony.
She laughed, full of nerves. Truly, she could not be filled with any more rage or despair if it were possible. The door banged open and the children poured in, the pro-bending brothers following in behind. Shen made a beeline for Yuujung, his eyes sparking with ecstasy. Yuujung smiled despite her inner anguish.
"Yuujung! Big brother Bolin is amazing! He's super-fast and strong and so cool!" Shen threw a punch, demonstrating what he had seen, "I want to be just like him!" He was gone again, beaming up at his hero, who didn't seem to mind basking in the attention the young earthbender was showing him. Mako seemed to be less comfortable than his younger brother, but more adjusted to his current environment than before.
As she served dinner, Yuujung tried to think of the best way to approach the brothers about possibly supervising her wards. She had formulated that it would be in her best interests to visit with Tarrlock before the council meeting, but she didn't dare bring the entire group on a social call. She didn't have long to wait before the opportunity was presented to her. Shen pulled Bolin over excitedly after dinner had finished and the other children were preoccupied.
"Tell her!" Shen whined, looking up at Bolin with begging eyes. Yuujung pulled away from doing the dishes, wiping her hands on a dish towel as she waited for the green-eyed earthbender to speak.
Bolin twiddled his thumbs, "Well, you see, I was talking with the kids outside and they told me about how they had never seen a pro-bending arena before. And you see, me and Mako actually live in the facility, so I could… you know, give the kids a tour of the place. Show them how a real bender works too. No social stigma waiting to bite you back in the big arena." He smiled, hoping that his argument was effective.
Yuujung's lips became tight. Her mother had considered the same little treat for the children years back, but the fact that it cost so much money for a tour didn't seem economical then, and even less now with all the debt that had been accumulated. "We don't have that kind of money," she sighed, "or else I would love for them to go."
Shen's face fell faster than his dreams that were crushed, tears already brimming at his eyes from the rejection. He sniffed deeply and looked away trying to hide how upset he was. Bolin quickly came to his rescue, "No. No. No. I know the guy that runs the facility, I mean he's our sponsor, landlord… person. And uh- There wouldn't be a charge."
Yuujung mulled over it for a moment. The arena was clear across the city and it would take a while for the kids to walk there and back again. Enough time for her to talk to Tarrlock. "It could work. I do have some things to take care of tomorrow, so I don't think I could come along, but I mean, if you don't mind watching four kids…" She trailed off.
"It wouldn't be a problem at all." Bolin promised, ruffling the now smiling Shen's hair. "They're good kids. And I know I can handle anything they throw it me. Literally and metaphorically."
Yuujung grinned at Bolin's confidence in working with children. Maybe it's an earthbender's thing, being able to handle children so well, the woman mused thinking of her mother. "I know the children are going to love it, but they get hungry pretty quickly. I could pack a picnic for you. It wouldn't be much, but it would probably tide them over from breakfast to supper. Is your brother going to be okay with this though?" Mako was carrying Hau, bouncing her nervously on his knee. Hau was screaming in delight, her little hands grasping at the air.
"He'll be fine. He's going to be at work. He'll probably say that he doesn't care as long as they don't destroy or break anything." The seventeen year old stated. "So, we're doing this tomorrow right?" Yuujung nodded in conformation. Shen gave a whoop as he ran to tell the others the news.
Bolin and Yuujung worked out a time and place for them to meet in the morning before Yuujung sent the children to bed. Mako had relaxed by the end of the visit as he handed Hau off to her guardian. Hau whined, reaching back for Mako greedily, "Ko! Ma! Koooooooo!" Yuujung laughed at the face Mako made when Hau screamed his name. The boys departed soon afterwards.
The next morning was a bit of a blur, the children bustling up and down the stairs, rushing through breakfast and then waiting impatiently for the meeting time to come around. Yuujung took it all in stride the best she could. Because she was meeting with the councilman, she made the first effort at bettering her appearance in two months. Her hair was carefully braided and coiled at the base of her neck and light make-up adorned her face, the most present where she had filled in her eyebrow. Her clothes were clean and fresh pressed, her shoes polished and glistening in the sunlight.
Yuujung breathed deeply seeing herself, a small glimmer of pride and relief in her eyes. It seemed so long ago that this was an everyday occurrence. She didn't look like a beggar. She looked respectable. Presentable. Competent. Her tanned fingers ran over the glass a she reminisced days when her dreams were being pursued. And for a short moment, she hated her mother. If she hadn't died, this would have still been her reality. She bit her lip, shaking the thought from her mind. I can't be selfish.
She took one last glance in the mirror before heading downstairs, where the children all waited patiently by the door. Shen was the first to notice her. "Yuujung! You're not dressing up for Bolin are you?" he squealed in surprise, seeing his crush dressed up.
Yuujung laughed, knowing the boy's affinity towards her, "Of course not Shen. I have a meeting today with a very important member of the United Republic Council." She smoothed Sato's black hair behind her ears, and took in the children's appearance. Bae and Tai held the basket between them, each holding a handle while Shen held onto Hau's hand.
Yuujung picked up the youngest of the children with ease, "Does anyone need to use the bathroom before we leave? I don't know when you'll get another chance." Bae gave a nervous look as he let go of the basket. None of the other children moved while Bae used the bathroom. It was immediately following his return that they started off.
Bolin was waiting for them patiently at the halfway point, dressed in his usual grey ensemble, Pabu lounging carefully on his shoulder. Pleasantries were quickly exchanged before they split off into separate groups, Yuujung and Hau went one way while Bolin with the rest of the children. The children waved one last time at Yuujung before following happily behind their earthbending friend.
"Alright, it's just you and me Hau." The walk to City Hall was quiet between the two of them, Yuujung switching Hau from hip to hip every so often when one side became tired. How the hazel-eyed woman wished she owned a stroller. Another thing she added to the long list of things she would eventually buy if things went her way this week. It wasn't long before she arrived at her destination.
She paused at the bottom of the stairs of City Hall and looked up in wonder. No matter how many times she had seen the building, it always took her breath away. It was like her home away from home. Hopefully one day, she would be able to return here to work. She exhaled as she climbed the stairway of the beautiful white and gold building.
Inside, the City Hall was buzzing with activity: Assistants rushing from offices, papers flying, secretaries directing traffic and visitors. The smell of paper and ink filled her nose. She definitely missed this. Yuujung continued towards the left wing of the building where the council often held their sessions. If they were in a meeting, the doors would be closed.
As she came into view of the Council room, she sighed in relief; they weren't in session. Hopefully Tarrlock wasn't out to lunch yet. The schedule of the United Republic Council was often sporadic which made meeting with a representative difficult.
All of the council members had their own personal office in the building, though some were rarely used, like Councilman Tenzin's. If he wasn't in, she would still have a good portion of the afternoon to try and track him down. As she approached the offices she could hear voices rising in anger. "-If you think that I will allow you to involve Korra in your plot, you are sorely misguided Tarrlock. She needs to finish her training as an airbender and even after that I don't-"
"Tenzin," a smooth deep voice called, "whether or not the Avatar chooses to join my task force is not your decision but her's. I would hate for these things to escalate out of control."
"Don't do anything stupid that we're all going to regret Tarrlock. She's just a girl." There was a swishing sound and Councilman Tenzin came around the corner, clothes flying as he marched away from the offices. Yuujung moved to the side as he passed by, detecting anger visible on his face. She gulped. What she had heard would be kept to herself.
By the time she had reached his office, Tarrlock was already engrossed in conversation with his assistant, whispering quietly to him. Yuujung stood by the office doorway awkwardly, not wanting to interrupt the conversation, but wanting to be noticed. She shifted her weight from foot to the other. Hau had managed to fall asleep during the walk, exhausted from her busy morning.
Several minutes passed without Yuujung being noticed before she cleared her throat to get their attention. Immediately the duo backed away from each other, looking at the young woman in suspicion. "I-uh," she cleared her throat again, "don't have an appointment with you Councilman, but I do have a couple of questions regarding the Orphans' Fund."
Understanding lit the Northern Water Tribe representative's eyes, "Ah, yes. Miss Cheong, do come in. I was hoping that you would stop by." He gestured for Yuujung to enter. A couple more words were said to his assistant, who promptly left closing the office doors behind him. "It's a pleasure to finally be able to meet you. I heard a lot about your mother from my predecessor. Such a strong woman, I am sorry for your loss."
Tarrlock had taken over the position of Councilman nearly ten years before and was the youngest member. But despite his youth, he often garnered the most support from the benders and non-benders of the city. A large part of it was his straight cut way of talking and getting his point across. She mused to herself that a small part of it most likely had to do with the fact he was quite handsome. Yuujung was not attracted to him nearly as much, but would admit he was charming.
He held her free hand and gave it a gentle kiss that tickled Yuujung. "Thank you for your kind words, Councilman." Yuujung replied, readjusting Hau's weight on her shoulder. The young firebender rubbed her face against Yuujung's shoulder, but miraculously remained asleep.
"You can place her on the couch. You and she will be more comfortable for this conversation I think." His hand swept towards the leather seating situated in front of the desk. It was an excellent idea as Yuujung could feel her shoulder already cramping. Gently, she lowered the sleeping firebender, smoothing the little bit of hair she possessed. Hau sprawled comfortably.
Yuujung turned to face the councilman, to find him standing closely behind her. She jumped back in surprise, but caught herself before she fell into the couch. Tarrlock had moved to assist her as well, griping her wrist gently. "Careful." He chuckled, releasing her.
"Thank you." She was nervous and it showed on her face. All of her plans rode on this meeting going well but she didn't know where to start. She had calculated her words and mulled deeply over them since the night before, but when push came to shove her tongue was tied in a knot and her premeditated words became jumbled.
The councilman could see the younger woman's discomfort. He backed away, giving her a little bit of air. And waited. He was a patient man. "You have questions you said?"
"Uh… Yes. I mean no. I don't even know what I mean." She exhaled clearing her mind, "What I mean to say is that I do have questions, but I'm more interested in discussing the… situation that I am in. I hope we can find a solution that is beneficial to my cause."
"Indeed," the man's blue eyes swept Yuujung's body, "I do believe that my precursor may have had a similar deal with your mother. Do you know anything about that?" Their eyes met and Yuujung's stomach dropped, knowing what he referred to.
"Councilman Tarrlock, I do not consider the situation as the same-" Yuujung started but was interrupted.
"Isn't it though? You need something that you can't achieve on your own, and I am a generous man, at a price." He walked to his desk, uncorking the decanter and poured himself a glass. He swished the liquid briefly before taking a sip. He raised his glass towards Yuujung in an offering motion. The twenty-two year old shook her head.
"Why would I not have the support of the council in continuing my mother's orphanage," Yuujung asked, trying to ignore the statement the waterbending man had just offered. She was not her mother and she didn't want to live under the influence of someone that was as fickle as Tarrlock. There were other council members she could go to.
"Do not think that I am naïve." Tarrlock growled, "I know all about the debt your mother incurred over the past decade and that you paid for her stupidity. And I know about your actions yesterday." Yuujung opened her mouth to protest," No, I'm not finished speaking yet. I also know that you pulled the children from their school yesterday, and no matter the reason, you just proving yourself to be an inept and very dangerous guardian."
"You don't understand, they are separating the children-"
"I am aware of what they are doing." Tarrlock replied calmly, "All of us on the council are. And while it is noble of you to try and remove your young benders from a situation such as that, you are also not keeping with your mother's contract. You are not caring for the children in the best interest of anyone but yourself. And even then you are simply a thrall to your mother's delusions. Let us both be honest in saying that this is not your life calling."
"That may be the case," Yuujung faltered, feeling personally attacked, "but that isn't going to stop me from continuing to pursue my mother's cause. You're not the only councilmember. I can always speak to someone else." She verbalized miserably, trying to flip the circumstance back onto the tall waterbender. She was met by his contemptuous laugh.
"The other council members are too easily manipulated; look at how the grant was created in the first place: a nobody with a dream and a convincingly clever child who knew how to appeal to the senses of a good willed Avatar. A touching manipulation of the system. Do you really think that you can get their support with all of the reckless acts you have committed since inheriting your mother's position? They won't even give you a second look." He slinked over to the young woman, placing his hands onto her shoulders. "And that's why I am offering you my support."
Yuujung in turn shrugged off his hands, glowering without restraint. Her feelings were in a jumbled mess and she was no longer in a pleasant mood. On the surface she struggled to remain in her calm façade, but her eyes told the truth. She was irate, on the edge of irrational. Red fury was overriding any logic that was left.
Before another word could be exchanged, a knock reverberated from the door as Tarrlock's aid poked his head in. "Sorry to interrupt, but sir, the next council hearing is about to begin."
"My apologies Miss Cheong," Tarrlock quipped as he bowed in amusement, "but I must be going now. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow morning." He had efficiently trapped his prey and only had to wait for her to give in.
I really love reviews, hint hint. Thanks again to my three reviewees: Shaybo27, TheWonderfulShoe and Noxen. Your words made me smile when I read them.