Korra already didn't like this task force. The people were...whatever, kind of generic. they were obviously only loyal to Tarrlok, rather than the cause of taking down the Equalists, but whatever. So long as they helped. Tarrlok himself ruled with an iron fist, which while annoying, was bearable. After all, he was a good leader; he knew what he was doing and helped execute the plans he came up with.

Still, the actual plans themselves were...shady. They wore all black, to hide themselves in the nighttime city, but Korra didn't see the point. They were on the side of the law, right? Couldn't they just barge in and arrest them, dressed normally? As well, the plan wasn't even to arrest them; Tarrlok wanted to rough them up first, show them what it means to cross the law.

To do this, they drove around in two trucks with tanks in the back, filled with water; this was an all-waterbender group, as Tarrlok was quick to point out. Korra, despite her reservations, played along.

They'd hit a few locations already, to no avail. This time, however, the Equalists weren't being very subtle. They were in a basement in an apartment building, but there were small windows to the ground floor i.e. outside, where Tarrlok and Korra could see them training new chi blockers. Just to spit Tarrlok, Korra wanted to argue against attacking them; being a chi blocker wasn't a crime in and of itself, after all.

But alas, there were men in Equalist garb, meaning that it was inevitable. Tarrlok gave the some silent motions, and they went to work. With their waterbending, they could flush them all out literally, and then arrest them before they have the chance to fight back. With the element of surprise, there was nothing that could go wrong, and so that's exactly what they did.

In a coordinated motion, the waterbenders pulled a huge amount of water and, on Tarrlok's signal, thy let it loose through the windows. Korra heard their cries before they were caught under the wave, all too clearly.

The next few moments passed by in a blur. Normally, during a combat, Korra felt her head clear away clutter, almost like she only saw clearly when she was fighting. But here, she got no such clarity, and in fact the chaos of the actual assault made things worse. Still, it was over quickly.

When all was said and done, within thirty minutes, the task force had cameras and reporters flashing and crying out for a statement, as Korra, Tarrlok, and the task force posed for the headline in front of the captured Equalists. Tarrlok held an especially proud posture. Again, a blur later and the task force was let go for the night, with Korra being the last to leave, alongside Tarrlok.

He smiled amiably enough, though his confidence, borderline arrogance, persisted in his tone. "Ah, I would call tonight a success. It turns out that you were just what my men needed to get into gear."

"You mean you had this force before?"

"A man doesn't gather fifteen waterbending masters in two days, Korra," he chuckled. In that casem, she assumed he meant in their training.

"Wll, I'm glad I could be of help, councilman."

"As am I. I was a bit worried about you, Avatar Korra, being so young and inexperienced, but you passed with flying colors in my book. Ah, the things we'll be able to accomplish! I can rest easy knowing you're on our side."

Korra nodded. She opened her mouth to speak, but closed it just as quickly.

"You look like you have something that you want to say?"

"It's just...I don't...this doesn't feel right to me. This kind of blatant attacking is just going to divide the population even more, right? Shouldn't we try to appease the Equalists and assimilate them?" Korra was surprised at herself, not only for the big adult words she used, but for the strength of her argument. Unfortunately, Tarrlok was an expert, and crush them into bits within mere moments.

"I understand your concern, Avatar Korra. But I assure you that this was a last resort. These Equalists kidnapped your friend, didn't they? What was his offense?" Korra didn't have an answer for that. "We have tried to reach out to them, but they've refused our counsel. They brought this on themselves.," another silence from the Avatar. Tarrlok smiled. "Perhaps this will lighten your mood; I'm currently working on special legislation that puts an emphasis on reforming criminals rather than simply detaining them. With any luck, those allied with the Equalists will be back to normal in no time. And with more luck still, you might be able to go back to your normal life; i can tell this is going to be a large toll on you. Are you sure you can continue?"

"I…" Korra hesitated. Truthfully, she didn't want to continue. All it took was to see the shards of glass in the Equalists' faces to discourage her from this method of attack. She was all for equality between benders and nonbender, and she was all for stopping these cultists who'd pervert those ideas into petty terrorism. "Then why don't you just say so?" she found herself asking in her head. If she really did feel that way, then there wasn't any reason not to continue with Tarrlok. She nodded. "I'll be fine," she bowed her head. "but thank you for your concern."

"Yes well, an exhausted Avatar can't very well save the world, now can she? But if you insist, then I'll be glad to keep you on. Tomorrow night, then?"

"Of course ," he turned to leave at her acknowledgement. "And Tarrlok…" he turned back. "Thanks for explaining things. It makes me hate you a bit less."

The waterbender didn't seem offended at that; in fact, he chuckled. He saluted her farewell, and took his leave. Korra returned to Air Temple Island alone.

xxxXXXxxx

That was the way the next few days played out. In the morning, Korra would go to the arena and practice her pro bending with Mako and Bolin, and then she would returned to Air Temple Island for training. Come nightfall, she would report to Tarrlok and they would take out one or more Equalist centers, whether they were gathering supplies or training chi blockers.

The methods of how they actually arrested them had softened upon Korra's suggestion, but she still thought it was a bit too...forceful, and that's coming from her. But even though she felt that, she tolerated it because she knew she was doing good. And in fact, she found herself becoming increasingly advocating toward attacking a larger target.

These small operations were one thing, but they could be easily replaced by the Equalists. Take down some huge, key point, and then suddenly they'd be on the defensive, which is right where Tarrlok, and Korra, wanted them. Alas, Tarrlok disagreed.

"It's an idea worth considering, and I have. For any suspected places of the scale you're suggesting, we haven't found enough reason for suspicion for Chief Beifong to give us a warrant. And even if she had, we don't have the manpower to pull off something that big without a lot of preparation. If it's going to happen, it will take more time."

Korra was also beginning to like Tarrlok more and more. Beneath the snide and arrogant veneer there was a man who truly cared about Republic City. He was eloquent, quick-thinking, and a natural leader. His personality was all kinds of awful, but then Korra wasn't trying to become his friend. So long as they could work together, she could be satisfied with the partnership.

With all of that said, however, the councilman's guess that the triple duty would take a toll on her was quickly becoming reality.

She trudged into morning practice with a few big yawns and twenty minutes late; a new record from fifteen minutes the day before. "You came!" Bolin grinned as she and Kuvira entered.

The watcher herself seemed refreshed, somehow. Korra didn't know what she did, but she seemed much more pleasant lately, or perhaps more patient would be the right word. Thankfully, Kuvira knew when she was getting testy, and usually withdrew herself from the situation before it escalated (the notable exception being her outburst to Mako on the night of the revelation). The times where she had to were becoming more and more infrequent, which was a good thing.

Korra tried offering a smile at the younger bending brother. "Good morning," she yawned again as soon as she opened her mouth.

"Hey, Korra," Mako walked up and kissed her. "I was wondering if we could talk?"

"Here?" Korra didn't realize the rudeness of that question, especially with how loudly she said it.

"Sure, why not?" Mako shrugged. "It's just that I found this awesome shopping district and I was thinking...you know, maybe we should head there after practice?"

Korra wanted so badly to agree, but something didn't feel right about it. She had enough on her plate as it was. "...Sorry, Mako, I'm...really tired…"

"Yeah, you look it," he nodded. Korra didn't particularly like how casual he took the obvious rejection. "What? Is something wrong?"

"...Four days and no dates and we're already at a roadblock...I'm a terrible girlfriend…" Korra's shoulders dropped. Mako offered a consoling hug.

"Hey, it's fine. You've got more important things to worry about; it's cool with me. I just...wish there was more I could do to help, you know?" Korra nodded, closing her eyes, almost able to fall asleep with her head on his chest. "And besides, getting Mr. Sato to sponsor us for the tournament is probably worth, like, at least six dates at a minimum. It's no big deal."

"Mm...thanks…"

The two stood there for a moment; Korra nearly feel asleep, so she wasn't exactly sure about how long. She figured Bolin was making some kind of gagging gesture, and she would bet that Kuvira was just staring at them with her usual judgemental (but not actually) look. She always looked like she was judging someone, but if she was, she never indicated it otherwise.

"Tell you what," Mako gently lifted her off of him. "Fire Ferrets, practice is cancelled for today."

"What?" Bolin seemed disappointed. "But the tournament starts in two days."

"And it's going to go horribly if our waterbender passes out in the middle of the match. Besides, we need some rest too, don't you think?" Mako shrugged.

Bolin lowered his eyes. "You're just skipping out to go on that date, aren't you?"

"Careful, he's learning," Mako grabbed Korra's hand. "Want to come with? It'll be relaxing, I promise."

Korra smiled; she could probably handle either practice or a date. It was doing both that would've been impossible. As it was, she didn't know how she was going to get through meditation later that day. This would be good for her. With that thought in her head, Korra accepted the hand and let herself be led away into the city.

The date itself was probably below average, by Mako's standards. Korra tried her best to be fun and spunky, as she normally was, but Spirits she was just so tired. She found herself spacing out a lot, not through any fault of Mako's. He caught on quickly, and gently prodded her into things, rather than forcing them or expecting her to jump at something. In the end, they went to the shop where Mako bought her a cute penguin bracelet and then they went to the park.

That was the first place she ran into the Equalists, with that one obnoxious protester. Now, though, it was peaceful and quiet; just what Korra needed right. Mako took them to a shady spot under the trees. It was almost entirely surrounded by bushes, shielding them from most of the passersby. There, after a few moments of conversation, Korra found her head resting on his shoulder, eyes closed. Soon, she was sound asleep.

xxxXXXxxx

Kuvira ignored the stares of the ogling men as she walked into the police station to give her weekly report. She was very good at it, even when they looked to want to approach her. They knew they had to be careful, for fear of Beifong's wrath.

Speaking of, the Chief walked out of her office right as Kuvira walked into the adjoining room. "Chief," Kuvira saluted her. the woman nodded, eyes tired from an already long day.

"What are you doing her? Where's the Avatar?"

"I came to give my weekly report," the watcher fug the necessary paper from her desk, avoiding the second question, as then the only excuse she'd have was that Korra was on a date. "Pardon my asking, but are these really necessary?"

"They never have been. They've been helpful," Beifong was particular about her words. "How are you liking this assignment? Better than the beat?"

"Just barely," Kuvira fought back a smile at her comment. "How is your work going?"

These kinds of back-and-forth questioning was common for the two women; in many ways they were cut from the same cloth. Beifong didn't know where Kuvira was from; she just knew that she'd had a rough past, and that she ran away from home. Hearing that, Beifong began being more conscientious of Kuvira. "I wonder why…" Kuvira thought, knowing the exact reason.

Beifong sighed at the watcher's question. "Not well, I'm afraid. Tarrlok has taken policing power from us with his little task force; that man needs to learn his place, if you ask me."

"Have you brought this up with him?"

"Of course I have, but far be it from him to bring it up to the others, who might actually agree with me," Beifong sighed. "I shouldn't be telling you this."

"It's fine. My lips are sealed."

"They'd better be, officer. Are you done with your report?"

"Just finished, actually."

"Good, come with me."

Turns out that the woman wanted to rant more, and she didn't have a pet to rant to when she went back to her apartment. Kuvira was the next best thing, when taking their strange relationship into consideration.

They sat in a bar, with Kuvira electing to skip the drinks this time. She'd had her fun. "That bastard…" Beifong downed her first glass of sake. "Who does he think he is?"

"A city councilman with authority over you," Kuvira swished around her glass of water. "...But isn't it good to have someone dedicated to taking down the Equalists?"

"Of course, but if he wanted that done he should've come to me."

"It sounds as if you've got a lot on your plate already. Maybe this is for the best; let him work the night shifts and-"

"And let me deal with the mountain of paperwork the next morning. Brilliant strategy," Beifong waved it off. "...I honestly don't know what the big deal is, with these Equalists. Yes, they committed crimes and they should be arrested, but the fervor that that man is going after them with is...unsettling."

Kuvira considered the statement. "...It almost seems like he's going after them for political reasons. As in that he doesn't like his position of power being questions, and wants to stifle anyone and everyone who disagrees with it."

"...That's a pessimistic view, kid."

"I'm a pessimistic person," Kuvira took a sip of water. "So...what do you actually think of the Equalists?"

"They're a bunch of whining children as far as I'm concerned," Beifong waved it off. "Acting as if the world is only hard for nonbenders...if I could tell that Amon one thing, it would be this; benders aren't better off. They don't make fewer mistakes in their lives and go through less hardships. They just go through different ones."

"..."

"People would say I'm pretty well off, wouldn't they?"

"They might use that fact to belittle your views, yes," Kuvira cut straight to answering the inevitable follow-up question.

"...My mother, Toph Beifong, was hardly even a mother. So busy with her work, so focused on the city, that she barely even looked at me. I guarantee that a non-bender has the same story, and let me tell you; being able to move rocks with my mind didn't help me get through that."

"I...went through something similar. I learned to move past it."

"Then I'd say you're already better off than me, kid," Beifong sighed. "Or maybe...you're running from it, like I am."

"..."

"...Leave. I've taken up enough of your time. And I want to enjoy my night off."

Kuvira obliged the woman's demand, and returned to Air Temple Island, thoughts drifting to her time at Zaofu. She'd been running alright; running just fast enough to keep ahead of the demons from her past.

xxxXXXxxx

Korra did her best to keep moving after her nap, which she profusely apologized for to Mako once she woke up. What kind of girlfriend naps on the first date? Spirits, but she was glad he was understanding. Well, if he wasn't she probably wouldn't be with him, but still.

She already would've been an hour late to meditation, so she decided to skip it. It wasn't as if she slacked off, though. She was in the outer courtyard, the one overlooking the bay, past the , she mimicked the motions that Tenzin had taught her, circling back and forth, facing down an invisible opponent. Sometimes, she imagined Amon in front of her, and she would always mess up when it happened. Something about him just...unsettled her. It was probably the mask he wore...or maybe it was that she knew what he looked like underneath. Either way, his emotions were locked away from sight, whether the mask was literal or not.

Tenzin approached; she heard his footsteps just as he got to the few stairs to the courtyard. The Avatar tried not to look at him; she knew that he was expecting her and that she willingly chose not to show up. Truthfully, she didn't want to deal with his reprimanding. To her surprise, it didn't come. Instead he only prodded a bit.

"I didn't see you at meditation today," his tone was reserved, nonjudgmental. "Did something come up?"

"...No, I just...I would've fallen asleep if I went," Korra changed directions, continuing her practice. Even then, and even after her nap, her eyes drooped.

"Korra...I understand you've set yourself up with a full plate. Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine, why?"

"You just seem...off, is all."

Korra stopped her exercise, standing up straight. She took a deep breath. "I just have a lot on my mind right now. I'll get better."

"I've no doubt, but perhaps it would be easier if you talked about it," Tenzin sat on the steps, gesturing for Korra to sit beside him. She obliged. "Tell me, if you want. I'm always here to listen."

"..." she turned away, embarrassed. The airbending master then tried a different approach.

"How is your probending coming along? Any good matches recently?"

"Just preparing for the tournament…"

"I see. Hm," Tenzin stroked his beard. "You know, when my father first began teaching me airbending, and the full weight of what it entails finally dawned on me, I started working myself half to death. I swear, I hardly slept at all for about four months straight in studying scrolls and practicing forms and meditating, day in and day out. Finally, it got to a point where I just...couldn't do it anymore. I collapsed during a demonstration that my father arranged for our family; I had to be nursed back to health for three days, during which time my father went out on a dangerous mission. One that I could've helped with, had I been able," Tenzin sighed. "The point is...you said that you wanted to be treated like a human being, not just as a legend or some such. Well, no matter the importance of your destiny, you need to treat yourself like you're human too."

"But I'm the Avatar! The city needs me."

"I couldn't agree more, but on the other hand, I fear that if you keep this up then you'll fail them when they need you the most."

"If you really thought that, you'd postpone my airbending training until after I've dealt with the Equalists," she said it a bit more forcefully than she was intending, shocking the older man. She turned away again, this time out of shame. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean-"

"It's quite alright," he held up a hand, stopping her. "You must understand, I do wish you the best, but-"

"But I remind you that you're dad is dead," Korra said that part unflinchingly. She was all too aware of the implications of her existence, all too painfully aware. There wasn't a day gone by that she didn't think of Tenzin's or Katara's wounded faces upon seeing her. Of course, both were so quick to cover it up, but Korra was also quick to pick up on things. The only people she knew before coming to Republic City that didn't have that look were her parents. Spirits, but she missed them sometimes; they only got to see each other every now and then due to her father's leadership of the Southern Water Tribe. She wished she could take a vacation to see them...maybe after the whole Equalist thing blew by…

"...That's right," Tenzin grew quiet.

"...I get it. You don't need to pretend to like me."

"I'm not pretending, Korra."

"..."

The airbender stood. "Yes, you do remind me that my father is no longer with us. But what I've come to realize is that you're more than that. You're a blank slate, ready to be molded into something incredible, and more than that; you are my father's hopes and dreams, and I'd sooner perish myself than allow them to waste away."

"..."

"You remain doubtful," he knelt down to face her as she nodded. "Every journey has an end, Korra. None of us can change that. I just...I hope yours ends well; that's all I can do. But you have the power to make it so," he put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Please, consider who you are, where you belong, and where you need to be. I leave the rest to you, and I'm always here if you want to talk. Okay?"

She nodded, though half-heartedly. It wasn't as if his words weren't moving. It was probably her exhaustion mixed with stress that kept her in a despondent state. Still, Tenzin accepted the response, and left her with a lot to think about.


Author's Note:

Hey guys!

So, part of me wanted to get the entirety of the 'Voice in the Night' episode into this chapter, but I ultimately decided against it. The main reason is that I've found myself frequently trying to cram in as many events into one chapter as possible, when I could've split them up and allowed for better flow (this is mostly in my book, not here). So, I wanted to slow down a bit and get a nice character-focused chapter that doesn't revolve around Kuvira and doesn't have any major developments plot-wise. I know I accomplished this with three conversations, but they're just how I'm comfortable with conveying it.

In any case, next time with be the rest of the "Voice in the Night", and it will hopefully be out by the end of the week...or not. Sorry, I've been playing the hell out of Sekiro and my writing driver has malfunctioned because of it. The only downloadable replacement is for my own book as well, so...thing smight be slow-going for a while.

But whatever, blah blah I'm a review whore blah blah please inflate my ego more blah blah. Sayonara!