Here is the twenty-third chapter in Book 3. Sorry for not meeting my promise, no excuses other than New Years. I will try to do my best to get as many chapters out over the next week or so but I am not promising or guaranteeing anything regarding my upload schedule. No questions to answer here so sit back and enjoy the 23rd full chapter in the third installment of Avatar: The Tale of Harry. Book 3: Unity.
Disclaimer: As always I own nothing related to these two great works of fiction.
Chapter 23
It had been a month since the shit show that was the penultimate debate and the day after the equally bad last debate of the presidential election. The actual election would not take place for another few weeks, the week before the end of the second semester of the Elemental Academy. If neither candidate got an outright majority of the vote, a second round runoff would take place between the first and second vote getters two weeks later. The last time this had happened had been Fudge's election.
The current polls had Ron leading with just under 50% so the last few weeks would be key to push him over 50% and avoid the run off. While Ron knew that he would easily win the runoff, he did not want to deal with it.
That was because Ron was fed up with the election. Had it not been for assholes like Tru-Da and Dudley or corrupt politicians like Ro and Theo, he wouldn't have run but he had a duty to the people of the United Republic and the world to prevent any of them from being the next President. That was why he was running and that was why he had to win.
It was shame he was the only viable candidate who could beat Tru-Da at this point. At the moment, though, Ron had a something much more important to deal with and something that reminded him about why he joined the RCPD in the first place, to take down evil and remove it from the world.
Ron had developed a taste for it during the Second Purity War and knew that this was his purpose in life. Sometimes taking down evil meant running for President of the United Republic, that was just how it was.
Right now Ron was in his study at his house waiting for Johannes to come by. He had invited the older waterbender around for a drink and to discuss the strategy for the final few weeks of the election as the man had become an advisor.
That had been the premise to get Johannes to visit, though they both knew it was a lie. They had been stalking around each other for months, Ron was certain of that, and he was fed up with it. It was time to bring this shit to a head and rattle Johannes.
Ron knew he couldn't come out and directly accuse the man publicly as he had no evidence to support such an accusation against a man of Johannes's status but he could make vague threats and accusations based on the profile in private. That was the best Ron could do right now but it was a start.
In addition, Ron had to make sure to not have any recording devises on him. As the Chief of Police and a presidential candidate, anyone not on the approved, very short, list had to submit to a full cavity search to visit him at home so he knew that Johannes would not have any recording devices on him.
He wished Luna was here with him but this was something he could only do alone and he would make sure it was done right. She had her own role to play in this and Ron wasn't about to prevent his wife from having her fun.
Ron had everything planned out for what would happen, along with a few contingencies just in case. He wasn't expecting Johannes to just confess and surrender, the man was too clever for that, but he could apply enough pressure to force the careful waterbender to fuck up. He wasn't Pyrites after all, Johannes had not made it his life's work to be a professional spy and as such Ron's training as an interrogator would aid him in this meeting.
If worst came to worst and Johannes attacked, Ron could use that to take the man down. He knew that Johannes was a skilled fighter in both bending and nonbending fighting styles but in the end the older man would need to be world class and in shape to defeat Ron in his own home. If all went according to plan, soon Ron would be able to rattle the man he believed to be the Water Enlightened to the point that Johannes would slip up and reveal himself, if Ron was lucky.
There was a knock on his study door and Ron approached it to open it. Standing on the other side was Johannes Jonker. The tall, broad waterbender was wearing a casual, informal, Water Tribe getup that Ron himself would wear in his free time, though he had kept the braids in. Due to Ron's position, Johannes had had to check his weapons and water skin in with Ron's guards outside his house so if it came to it the fight would be hand to hand.
"Prince Ron a pleasure to see you again after that clusterfuck of a debate." Johannes said with a smile as he and Ron gripped forearms in the traditional Southern Water Tribe style. "I hope you are doing well in the wake of it."
"As well as I can be after that shit show." Ron said with a smile of his own as he released his grip on Johannes's forearm and led the older man into his study. "Being attacked from all 4 sides was tough but I held my own and that may do well with the pollsters. This was their last chance so they let me have it. They are cornered animals at this point which makes them dangerous."
"True, very true." Johannes agreed before sitting down in one of the two leather chairs Ron kept in front of the fireplace in his study. "Well I thank you for the invite to your lovely home and the chance to talk one on one with the most famous Southern waterbender since Avatar Korra about his impending election to the presidency of the United Republic. One does not earn the title of the Red Wolf of the Southern Waters easily."
"Well there's still a month to go and a lot can change in a month." Ron said taking the other seat and watching as Johannes looked around Ron's personal study, ignoring Johannes's attempt at flattery by using Ron's earned title. "Remember, President Wilhelmina was not in the lead until the week before her first election and then she swept into office so anything can happen."
The study was a small intimate affair, especially when compared to Harry's. Two walls were filled with bookcases containing many books and scrolls on a variety of current and past topics that Ron enjoyed to read in his free time, as well as keepsakes, mementos, trophies and photos of Ron's life. Included amongst them were his photo from the RCPD academy and his formal picture when he was elevated to Chief of Police.
His large wooden desk, a gift from the Chief Tobias of the Foggy Swamp Tribe for his wedding, sat in the center of the office, with a comfortable chair behind it and a large window looking out to their backyard behind it. That was where he kept his family pictures so that he could always see them while he worked.
On the window sill was a bar of fine alcoholic beverages and glasses that Ron used for guests and himself when he needed a stiff drink. It was kept well stocked at all times so that Ron could enjoy them when he had the time.
Above the fireplace in the last wall of the room was the stuffed head of a Southern snow leopard caribou that Ron had killed years ago with its hide in front of the fireplace and ceremonial weapons made from its bones surrounding the mounted head. This was the only room in the entire house that Luna allowed him to display his hunting trophies, or decorate at all, and he did so with enthusiasm.
"A fine study you have here." Johannes said after a moment of looking around and returning his attention to Ron. "I am impressed with your library and trophy collection. It is a nice taste of home. My apartment here is a little spartan as I do not live here that often but rest assured both my winter retreat and Harbor City mansion have all of my trophies proudly displayed."
"Yes I do like to bring a bit of home back with me." Ron agreed. "I have lived in the United Republic for so long that it is nice to have a taste of home. My dad, back when he was Chief, allowed me an area of the Palace for my trophies so that is where most of them are but I couldn't leave this majestic creature there, I had to take him here. He was such a fine specimen and a worthy adversary, he deserved this honor."
"I couldn't agree more." Johannes said with a nod. "There are always those animals that truly challenge you and when you do take them down they deserve to be honored for their skill and how they tested you."
"So what is the status of the campaign?" Ron asked getting them back on topic. "I could use an update as I have been busy with my current job today."
"That you easily won the debate." Johannes said as the small talk ended and they got down to business. "The combined attack and being able to handle it helped a lot, but so did your straight talking and sensible middle road policies. The silent plurality are solidly on your side, it is the fringes of that that we need to focus on."
"I was that would be the case." Ron said. "It was to be expected and it made them look like arrogant bullies, not that they needed any help in that department anyway. However there is still plenty to do."
"Yes there always is more to do." Johannes agreed. "I have a few ideas on what to do in the coming month leading up to your election."
"Now now let's not jinx it. "Ron said with a wry smile. "I will not celebrate until all the votes are counted and any lawsuits dismissed. So what are your ideas?"
"Well I was talking with your campaign manager and he suggested at least 3 town halls in different areas on the city with different groups." Johannes said as he once again pulled out a notebook with his notes on it. "To show how you appeal to different groups that are on the fence and are willing to listen to their concerns and work with them to find solutions. This will be set up with one a week, along with a few other smaller events in those areas."
"Makes sense." Ron said with a nod. "We know that I won't appeal to the Equalist and Purist crowds so there's no point working with them, they're minds are made up and they will never vote for the man that sent their leaders either to prison or the morgue."
"True and the feminist crowd won't support you because they feel that only Ro can be president because of her vagina and will not vote for a man." Johannes added. "At least the radicals who can't be reasoned with won't support you, though you may be able to poach a few of the moderate feminists who aren't viper bat shit insane. You know the type, the ones who still believe in the original definition of feminism and will fight for male inequality as well as female."
"Yes I know that type, they are on board but the radicals are too far gone to try." Ron said with a sigh. "Shame that they have been so misled by misinformation but alas such is the nature of politics these days. No point in dealing with a group that will heckle me off stage just because I have a penis. We also can't forget about the isolationists who want extreme immigration reform, they will vote for Tru-Da regardless of anything I say."
"Yes but fortunately those who believe in these extremes are few and far between." Johannes said. "They are just so loud and obnoxious that they seem more popular than they actually are. They make up about 20% of the electorate across all four candidates. It's why extremists like Hermione and Voldemort had to resort to violence to secure their power positions and then brainwash and beat the population into submission."
"True." Ron said with a smile at what Johannes had just said. He was always quick to denounce Hermione and the Enlightened for the evil that they are, a little too quick at times. "So where is my campaign manager sending me to for these town hall meetings?"
"One will be held with the wealthy voters in the upper end of the city." Johannes said as he flipped to the notes he had made on the town halls. "Both benders and nonbenders alike. These are fiscal voters who are leaning towards Tru-Da or Theo for that reason but can be persuaded due to your economic policy and we will prep you for. I believe your brothers are assisting with this as they live in that area and are hosting at least one fundraiser during the week you will courting the rich."
"Makes sense that I go there." Ron said with a nod. "Money is always keep in both elections and the economy and the rich have an important role to play that is often scorned. The right balance is needed to keep them around but not let them exploit the system because they are key to keeping us afloat. Where am I going after that?"
"After that you will go to the factories and the working class, poor, area and address a crowd that is predominately nonbenders but you will also get a chance to talk to the benders there as well." Johannes said. "This will show that you care about all classes and not just the rich. Remember, these are people who are leaning towards Dudley and Tru-Da for their stances on manufacturing and other working class, blue collar jobs that they feel the elites have neglected in recent years."
"They have to a certain point." Ron conceded. "It is why they are so vocal and important in this election. Shacklebolt tried but there was only so much he could do given his cabinet's bickering as of late."
"Yes, these are people who don't want to lose their jobs and have been in the United Republic for years but are seeing migrant work take their jobs and are pissed." Johannes said and Ron detected a note of irritation at the concern that these voters had, one of the many small slips the man made. "Fortunately you are the Chief of Police and not an elite in their eyes because you work a classic job, even if you are a member of Team Avatar and a Southern Prince. In addition, you will do a few shifts in factories to show that you care about their work."
"I am the right person to bridge their concerns and will do what I can to earn their votes." Ron said. "And I will listen to them and work with them to try and promote job growth from within and ensure that they are doing well. Where is the last week taking me?"
"Lastly you will address a group of younger, mostly middle class, students and recent graduates who work in artisan and other skill or office fields." Johannes said. "These are the most liberal of the group and are overwhelmingly Ro supporters. I expect they will be the hardest to sway and we will encounter problems with far left, Enlightened sympathizers and supporters who will try to violently shut down the events and your right to free speech."
"Ah I remember those fuckers." Ron said with fake nostalgia. "I encountered them at the Academy and later in the Fire Utopia. I will defend their right to free speech despite the fact that they call me a bigot, racist, sexist, homophobic and what not when they are the real bigots. I will ensure that there is protection at those events."
"Very true." Johannes agreed, though Ron could tell that it was a strain on the man to agree with him. "Some of them even espouse the Enlightened philosophy and see themselves in the vein of their heroes like Leach and Myrtle, though they are quick to denounce Hermione the Cruel as a false Enlightened who warped their philosophy. To them true Enlightenism, as they call it, has not been tried and it will work this time."
"Yes I know the type." Ron said shaking his head. "They will try to erase the actions from the philosophy. They will not support me but I can use the events to bring them into the open and persuade those on the fence to vote for me once they see how extreme these people are."
"A good plan." Johannes said with a curt nod. "They also call any bender who opposes them a Purist despite the fact that true Purists are few and far between, though more than most think, and historically more have died because of the Enlightened than because of the Purists."
"Don't forget that the Enlightened under Hermione were responsible for more deaths in 5 years than in the 26 years Voldemort was an active threat to the world, though most of that occurred during the 2 Purity Wars." Ron said sourly. "But alas they seem to be indoctrinated by college professors who seem to idolize the Enlightened."
"The intelligentsia has always been skewed to the left while business to the right." Johannes said. "All the known Enlightened came from their ranks in some way or another so it is natural that college professors would skew in that direction. The philosophical and theoretical concepts of them really appeals to those egg heads I guess."
"Yes well it is an area I plan to create an independent commission to investigate to determine educational value." Ron said, noting that Johannes had not mentioned the Water Enlightened in his point, the only Enlightened that Ron believed wasn't in academia. "This will apply to all course but some of these weird and odd social justice courses will likely fail the test. If there is no value then I will cut funding to any college or school that has them. There is no point in funding a program with limited educational value. They also seem woefully uninformed at best and willfully ignorant at worst of the other side of the debate."
"It is a problem that this polarized race has exacerbated." Johannes said with a sigh that Ron knew was fake. "Shacklebolt may go down as the greatest President in history but he has been a little lax on this in recent years due to the decades of peace we have enjoyed and hasn't done enough to prevent polarization in the United Republic over those years. I lived in the Southern Water Tribe during all this and even I realized it was about to come to a head. It needs to be nipped in the bud before something serious happens."
"That is true, this has been festering beneath the surface for years in the wake of Team Avatar's victories and now, after all this peace, shit is starting to float to the surface." Ron agreed with a genuine sigh. "This is one of the biggest reasons why I am running, to end this polarization on both sides of the aisle and restore faith, balance and common sense to the political arena."
"Well none of this wouldn't have been possible if you had not been the hero and steady man that you are." Johannes pointed out.
"Thank you for your wise counsel in this matter, it is always valued." Ron said to Johannes as he stood up and walked over to his bar. It was time to begin the confrontation as Johannes had given Ron the opening that he needed and Ron was going to take that opening. "May I offer you a drink? I have a great selection of the best liquors from around the world and it is a shame to waste them."
"Does a polar bear dog shit on the tundra." Johannes said with a laugh that Ron joined in as it was a good joke. "I'll take a whiskey if you have a good one."
"Just the thing." Ron said as he froze some water from a bottle he kept by the bar into ice cubes before he began to add some of the better whiskey to the two glasses. "I get the best shit from Celt, a benefit of aiding the Green Brigade, who are mostly expats from Celt, in the Fire Nation Civil War."
"They do make the best whiskey." Johannes said from his seat. "I always keep a bottle or two of their good stuff for special occasions."
"Still there is one thing that is holding me back from running away with this election." Ron said his back to Johannes as he drew the conversation back to where he wanted it to be. "One great black mark on my record that without it I would have already won this thing months ago."
"Ah yes, your hunt for Cresswell." Johannes said with a knowing tone. "That fucker is still on the loose unfortunately. No one can't find him and yet you get the blame even though he has the skills to hide anywhere in the world and is outside your jurisdiction right now."
"Yes he is isn't he." Ron said trying not to smile or give anything away. How would Johannes know that Cresswell is outside of Ron's jurisdiction when Ron himself couldn't confirm that that. "How do you know he is outside my jurisdiction?"
"Did I say that?" Johannes said with a slight pause and tremble that told Ron that Johannes knew he had just slipped up and was now covering for it. "My mistake, slip of the tongue after a long day. It happens more and more as I age. I was just guessing that a man wanted by every nation in the world and who has the all-powerful Avatar hot on his trail would be a fool to brazenly saunter into the United Republic when the whole world is looking for him."
"Yes it would take balls for Cresswell to wander into the United Republic at this point." Ron said with a smile that Johannes couldn't see. "Or any Enlightened for that matter. Balls of steel in my opinion. In my time I have only met one man or woman with balls that big, well his were probably bigger than that, Pyrites."
"There is only one other Enlightened left other than Cresswell." Johannes pointed out, his composure returning. "The unknown Water Enlightened."
"Yes he has been an elusive fucker for decades." Ron said still not turning around. "Ever since the revelation of the Enlightened in fact. He is the only one who has never been identified. Naturally I have a few leads and over the years I have updated my profile to narrow them down to only 4 or 5 waterbenders in the world."
"Are you sure he's still alive?" Johannes asked. Ron couldn't help but smirk as this was the first time Johannes had tried to claim that the Water Enlightened might be dead and not just unknown. "For all we know he could have passed away in one of the Water Tribes after giving up the evil cause of the Enlightened following Hermione's defeat at the hands of the Avatar. Remember that Myrtle had died by the time you reached their headquarters so for all we know he too could have died and taken his identity with him to the grave."
"It is a possibility but I don't think so." Ron said still at the bar though now he was looking out of the window to stall having to turn around. "All the evidence I have managed to gather on him, the scant intel that there is on the Water Enlightened, points to him being around Cresswell's age so he wouldn't have passed naturally because as a waterbender he has access to more healers than anyone else. No I am certain that he is alive."
"Ron, you and I are waterbenders and skilled ones at that." Johannes said calmly but not as calmly as Ron was used to. "We both know that there are some conditions and issues that a healer cannot heal. He could have died from one of those."
"That is a good point and one I haven't considered." Ron lied. It was something he had considered but recent events had caused Ron to dismiss that theory. "Hermione was certain that he was supposed to be the secret Enlightened. He was the money man, the unsuspected one, the last line of their philosophy should the Fire Utopia fall and herself, Myrtle, Leach and Cresswell be killed or captured. Of course Hermione inadvertently saved them when she kicked them out a year before we arrived in the Fire Utopia. No, the Water Enlightened is alive and in Republic City, I can feel it in my gut and I have learned to listen to my gut."
"You mentioned a profile." Johannes said and Ron heard the man shift slightly in his chair as if trying to find a better position. It was likely in case Johannes needed to run or attack. "What does that entail? I am not aware of it."
"Oh just the usual little pieces the all the intelligence agencies and authorities have been able to piece together." Ron said idly. "It isn't public knowledge but it isn't classified either. We know that he's male, from one of the three Water Tribe and a skilled bender born to nonbenders. We also know that he is a wealthy, highly intelligent man who is currently between 60 and 70 years of age and has never once shown to be part of what is now called the regressive left that the Enlightened dominate."
"The Enlightened are known to espouse their views as loudly as possible, how could a man who has those views not do so." Johannes pointed out. "Surely someone who fits the profile has slipped up regarding his view."
"No, the Water Enlightened has shown great control in this regard." Ron said. "An impressive achievement as has hidden in plain sight for over 40 years and never once shown anything more left wing than being a classical, moderate liberal. Does that match anyone you may know Johannes? Any help would be needed. We need to catch this asshole to finally end the threat that the Enlightened pose."
"I can honestly say that I do not know of any waterbender in any of the Water Tribes who would fit that specific description." Johannes said his voice only a little faulty. "But then again I am just a simple ship designer and builder and a hunter on the side who is a former military grunt. I am not like you, your highness, I'm not a detective or investigator. I defer to the experts on that."
"True you are not." Ron said as he prepared to lay down his cards and see how Johannes would react. "So I take it that it would shock you to learn that there are only 5 waterbenders still alive today that fit the profile, give or take a few details, and that you are one of those 5. In fact, of the 5 you fit the profile like a glove, better than any of the others on the list. You are also the only one of those 5 men who is currently in the United Republic, arriving right after the investigation into and hunt for Cresswell began in earnest and only a few weeks after the raid on the Enlightened Island."
"That is a shocking coincidence Prince Ron." Johannes said with false calm, Ron could tell that he had the man rattled though he didn't know how rattled Johannes was. "But are you sure you aren't just being paranoid because of the stress of the election and the failure to find either Cresswell or that bitch who killed Pyrites. That could be affecting your judgement."
"Oh yeah Delphini wasn't it." Ron said with a smirk, it was clear that he had really rattled Johannes. "I forgot about that mad cunt. She's not really a high priority for me. She killed a Fire Nation citizen in the Fire Nation so she's really their problem not mine. Completely outside my jurisdiction. Though her bloodbending does make her an international threat that Harry will have to deal with once the election is over. But I digress. Perhaps you are right and I am just being paranoid but in my line of work there is no such thing coincidences."
"What are you trying to say?" Johannes asked, his voice getting a hard edge to it. "Are you accusing me of being one of the last two Enlightened? Do you think that elusive Water Enlightened? Come on my Prince, you know me. I am your countryman and always will be. I have always supported your family and denounced the Enlightened at every turn. Hermione wanted to buy my ship designs during her reign of evil and I didn't sell to her. Ron, you are just frustrated and looking for answers and are jumping at the first similarity you see, which unfortunately happens to be me, one of your loyal allies."
"Yes, loyalty is something I hold sacred." Ron said as he swirled some whiskey in the glass he had poured for Johannes but still hadn't given him. "But before a few months ago we had met maybe a half dozen times at most and always at large gatherings, never one on one. Then you suddenly show up during the winter months when you are famous for being reclusive during that time and right after Cresswell escaped capture. Also don't think I haven't noticed that you are never on stone, earth or metal when conversing with Harry so he can't truth see your words. It is all suspicious."
"The election is too important for me to be reclusive this year, you know that." Johannes said adamantly. "And there are many businessmen and politicians who refuse to allow for a truth seer to read them, it is key to our success. It is also why the debates cannot be on stone, metal or earth."
"Still, it is all very convenient." Ron said as he heard Johannes begin to rise, likely to strike him from behind. "I wouldn't do that if I was you. You attack me and you reveal yourself to me when I have no evidence to back up my theories, hence why you aren't under arrest. Besides we both know that I can best you in combat and I would take you down alive. Also I would look up now if I was you."
Johannes paused. It was clear that Ron knew the truth and he needed to silence him. That was why Johannes had been about to lunge at Ron and use the water in the alcohol as a weapon to kill the elitist pureblood asshole and then pin the whole attack on Theo and the Purists. Of course he would wound himself in the process to throw off any suspicion that he was guilty. Then Tru-Da would win and the Enlightened could use his bigotry to foster a civil war in the United Republic and take power there.
However, Ron had known that Johannes was about to attack him. With a little hesitation, Johannes looked up to see Ron's heavy and unique meteorite hammer hovering above his head, high enough to possibly kill him if it dropped, which it would if he attacked Ron, and low enough to not successfully avoid. As Johannes sat back down the hammer slowly followed him back always staying over his head like an ominous thought.
In his gut Johannes had known that this meeting was coming when Ron invited him here, that Ron would find a way to accuse him despite the lack of evidence against him and he had still been out maneuvered and almost set up to die at Ron's hand once he revealed his true nature. He had to grudgingly admit that Ron was truly as good a tactician as he was reported to be. The Chief of Police had him by the balls right now and Johannes would have to be calm to get out of this intact.
"Impressive." Johannes said as he leaned back in his chair and tried to regain his calm. "I was just going to get up to get that promised drink. How long has that hammer been there?"
"Ever since you arrived." Ron said as he turned around and walked back to his chair, handing Johannes his drink as he sat down. "I'm surprised that someone who may be a member of the Enlightened would not have the forethought to look for his enemy's iconic weapon while in that enemy's personal study. That's either a bold as fuck move or a stupid as fuck one. I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt and say it was bold."
"Seeing as I am not your enemy it would have been rude to check for such a weapon." Johannes said as he took a sip of the whiskey and sighed. "This really is good stuff."
"It is." Ron agreed as he sat down and looked at Johannes.
"I know you are the Chief of Police and may have this place wired to record and that your word alone carries a lot of weight." Johannes said seriously as he looked Ron in the eye. "So there is no chance that I will admit to any of the lies that you have tangentially associated with me and I will chalk this up to your paranoia and the fact that I do fit that profile pretty well and not hold it against you."
"Yes my paranoia is getting up there after all the stress of the election." Ron admitted though he was just playing Johannes's game and the other man knew it. "This has been my biggest black mark in the election so naturally it is eating me up a little."
"That is understandable." Johannes said with mock sympathy. "However I would warn you, Prince Ron, to be careful. We all know that the Enlightened are a group to not be fucked with. Regardless of how the world sees their views, the Enlightened are still some of the smartest people in the world and they will have a plan for those who they believe have done them and therefore the world wrong. Mark my words Ron, there's something coming and the Avatar won't be able to survive it when it happens. If I were you, I would think wisely about your next course of action regarding the Enlightened."
"Harry will do just fine, he always has and always will, he is the Avatar after all." Ron said with a smirk as he and Johannes downed their glasses before Ron yawned. "But yes perhaps you are right, I shouldn't have vented my frustrations at Cresswell and the Water Enlightened onto you after you came here with the updates on the town halls over the next few weeks. I have been very stressed and tired as of late and was looking for a win on this front but as you said I have no evidence and you are a wealthy and well connected member of society and I would need convincing proof to accuse you. Please accept my sincere apology and I will see you at the next strategy meeting for the upcoming town hall series and anything else y'all have planned for the final month of the election."
"I accept your apology." Johannes said standing and putting his glass down on a small side table that each chair had. "I understand the strain you are under. Let's win this thing and then you can focus on Cresswell and the Water Enlightened as soon as you are President. I look forward to seeing you soon and enjoying the last month of this shit show of an election."
"As do I." Ron said with a straight face as he too rose.
Johannes held out his are and they grasped forearms before the older waterbender nodded and let go. Ron however didn't and pulled Johannes in in what looked like a hug so that they were chest to chest in his study.
"I know that you are the Water Enlightened but I can't prove it so we have to keep this front up." Ron whispered into Johannes's ear. "But once the election is over I will find that proof and then you are going down for your many crimes, as well Cresswell."
"Bring it bitch." Johannes whispered back, his façade finally breaking and the Enlightened in him coming out for a brief moment. "I am not afraid of you, I look forward to the challenge. You have no idea what is coming."
They broke apart, grasped forearms again before letting go at the same time. Johannes nodded respectfully to Ron, a little smirk on his lips, and left the office at a leisurely pace. Ron knew he couldn't have gained permission to record that and didn't want to anyway. He needed to get into Johannes's head and force him to make a mistake that they could use to nail him and he felt he had done that.
As soon as Ron heard the front door close there was a sliding sound behind him and Luna emerged from a secret alcove that was hidden behind one of the bookshelves. She approached her husband and put her arms around him from behind. Ron turned, pulled her into him and kissed his wife deeply.
"You hear all that?" Ron asked once they broke the kiss and Luna leaned her head against his chest, her hand absentmindedly going to his crotch.
"Other than that last exchange I did." Luna said quietly. "He's rattled and it shows. He even threatened Harry in his last statement."
"Oh he pretty much confirmed his status as the Water Enlightened at the end and he definitely threatened Harry." Ron moaned as Luna's caress of his groin began to siphon blood from his brain. "I'm in his head and he will make a mistake. Once he does, we can finally take him down."
"Good." Luna said as she began to kiss down his chest until she was on her knees in front of his crotch. "But now it's my turn to have one of your heads in me, and I need it in all my holes. Seeing you being so forceful and powerful got me so fucking horny, I need your cock in my mouth right now."
Ron just smiled as Luna pulled down his pants before she began to slowly, tantalizingly, remove his boxers. He loved her so much and as his member sprang free and instantly was swallowed by Luna's skilled mouth all of his worries and stress fled from his mind as he began to moan to the pleasure his wife was giving him. He needed these breaks from the stress of the election but as Luna took all of him down her throat the election became a distant concern.
He was in Johannes's head now and he was sure the man would soon fuck up and then he had him. First though he had to pleasure his wife as he placed his hands on Luna's head and began to fuck her waiting mouth roughly, the way she liked it, completely lost in a world of pleasure and love.
At last we see a member of Team Avatar confront Johannes, at least as much as Ron can given the evidence or lack thereof. This was why this chapter was so important as it is the first true meeting between a member of Team Avatar and a primary antagonist in their antagonist role (the other chapters with Johannes he is still acting normal so they don't count) that didn't end in violence and the defeat of said antagonist. This is also important as it sets up Johannes as Ron's antagonist in Book 3 and that will be important later. There is only one more chapter in this arc before the story switches to the other major arc in Book 3 that will lead into the final confrontation of Book 3. That is all for this post chapter note, as always please like, favorite, follow, review, this story and any questions asked in reviews or PMs will be answered at the start of the next chapter. Until next time.
Stringdog