Aftermath Chapter 2

Tarrlok got to work. "We already know who started the fire, now we need to solve the 'how' and 'why'." Walking quickly out the door towards his Satomobile, Tarrlok held Korra's hand. He hadn't intended to be quite so forceful, but it's not like they had time to lose. Every second that passed brought the possibility of evidence being destroyed or lost. "Why?" Korra huffed. "Isn't it obvious? The Equalists want to destroy us. They'd do anything to achieve it." she frowned lightly, holding his hand tightly as they headed towards the Satomobile. "Any idea where the investigation should start?" she asked.

"Come on Korra, the Equalists started a fire in an area that I don't consider to have any tactical advantage. I don't think their intent was just to ruin your party. No, I'm positive they had another motive in mind. I'll head over to the police headquarters to see if they've gathered any intelligence already, and I'll meet up with you near the area of the fire. I'll find you." Korra swallowed, her grip around his hand tightening. "N-no." she argued. "If we separate we can easily be ambushed. We have to work together." she spoke.

With an annoyed sigh Tarrlok relented. "Fine. But, if you slow me down then I won't hesitate to leave you behind. Lets hurry." Korra took shotgun in Tarrlok's Satomobile, hitting the gas, they sped off towards the station. Tarrlok hit several of the turns a little too hard causing Korra to lose her balance and hit the side of the seat a few too many times. She seemed dazed when he slammed on the brakes at the station.

Korra caught her forehead. "I feel sick..." she mumbled, but forced herself out of the car. She didn't intend to be left behind. Not only because she was worried about herself, but odly, she had a feeling he'd be in trouble without her. Despite his earlier warning, Tarrlok waited a second before heading up the stairs. As Korra started up the stairs next to him she tripped, Tarrlok barely managed to catch her fall. "Watch where you're going and get a hold of yourself."

The Councilman's crazy driving had made Korra lose contact with the environment at some point, causing her to almost fall. Her eyes widened as she awaited her head to crash on the floor but she was more than thankful he had caught her. "It's your driving's fault..." she mumbled, grabbing his arm, just in case. "But thanks for not letting me fall." "Next time I might get a kick out of the entertainment value" he smirked. Korra frowned and nudged his side with her elbow.
They ran up the remaining stairs and Tarrlok opened the door for himself and it almost closed by the time Korra manage through. "Lin!" Tarrlok was quick to grab her attention. She came over with her usual frown. "Have you found any evidence about the fire?" Tarrlok was eager and she spoke calmly. "All we know is that the Equalists started the fire. We are still creating a tally of all the injured from the area. There is a possibility that someone may have been kidnapped. Now let me do my job." With a huff, she disappeared through a "Do Not Enter" door that lead to the Intelligence Quarters.

Korra gave him a frown. "You almost killed me with that door." she mumbled, annoyed. "So, no information yet..." the Avatar sighed. "Shall we just let them investigate it. Beifong won't be happy if we mess around with 'her job'." she rolled her eyes.

"Since when do I care what anybody else wants? I usually do my own investigation." Headed out the door and down the stairs, Tarrlok jumped back in his car and waited just long enough for Korra to get in. With a condescending glance Tarrlok didn't give her time to talk, "You're in no position to join this investigation so I'll drop you off at the dock and I'll continue on my own."

In a childish yet convincing way, Korra folded her arms and frowned again. "No. I'm coming with you." she insisted, her blue eyes narrowing. "I'm the Avatar and it's my job to restore balance to the world. Besides," she smirked teasingly. "You might need me to watch your back again."

"Too bad." Tarrlok made it to the dock in record time. With a steely glance, Tarrlok pushed Korra to understand his reasoning, "Restore balance to your brain by going back to air temple island and get some sleep."

"I don't need any sleep!"Korra snapped, fighting with his arms and finally managing to climb into the Satomobile again. "I'm coming, whether you like it or not." she declared in a manner, hard to disagree with. Tarrlok stopped fighting and continued driving.

Another set of her impudence and Tarrlok was ready to call Tenzin to pick up his resident child. He hadn't thought she'd be such an annoyance. If she'd just accepted his leadership than she might have uncovered enough information by the time he'd contacted Beifong. Tarrlok stopped the car near the center of where the fire had been. He hadn't expected so much devastation. Even with their quick assistance there were about ten buildings completely burned to the ground and a dozen more damaged possibly beyond repair. Troubled, Tarrlok frowned as he mentally calculated that the damages would be well into the tens of thousands of yuans to repair or rebuild.

Korra looked around the damaged part of the city, remaining silent. She wasn't sure if there was anything they could do, but she'd help any way she could since she felt utterly disappointed with herself. For so long she was unable to help, but she determined to start doing it from now on. She turned to the councilman, who was silent as well and looked to be deeply in thought. "What's on your mind?" she asked quietly.

Pain, rage, and helplessness filled Tarrlok. He wasn't sure how to respond to Korra's prodding. "Tomorrow... we-e.. we'll deal with this tomorrow." The Avatar placed a hand on the Councilman's shoulder. "It's going to be okay..." she mumbled, giving him an assuring smile. Tarrlok found himself comforted by the gesture, but it only loosened the frown. Somehow he was still unsure who were the intended victims. How many benders and non-benders had the Equalists harmed? They haven't waged a war against benders, they've waged a war against everyone in Republic City. "They will pay." he growled. "I'll see you later." Without waiting for her response Tarrlok dashed off towards the ocean. He needed to cleanse himself by communing with water.

Korra sighed and followed him. "Tell me what's on your mind." she insisted. "Master Katara says you let the pain or guilt go by trusting it to someone." she explained, walking beside him. "I promise I'll keep it a secret." she smiled, her eyes shining under the full moon.

Although Tarrlok softened under her gaze, he wished to be alone. For a second, Tarrlok imagined that he could make a cocoon of water to distract the young Avatar and ditch her in the city. It wasn't beyond him to create such an illusion, but the thought of leaving her alone wasn't a pleasing idea. He stopped his mad dash towards the ocean.

"You can't keep yourself braced forever." she argued. "Just tell me what's on your mind." Her hand travelled down from his shoulder to his arm and finally taking his hand and holding it, in an attempt to make him loosen up a bit. Tarrlok and Korra sat down on a nearby bench. He hadn't intended to bear his soul to her, but they were hear now. "Korra..." his mouth trembled... "I can't bear to see the devastation. Even though we acted as quickly as we could, I'm sure some died and I blame the Equilists... and myself... There must be a better way to deal with these situations..."

Korra listened to him carefully, her eyes glittering deep inside her, she knew similar guilt. "If anyone is to blame, it's me." she mumbled quickly. "I'm the Avatar! I'm supposed to help people! But I don't!" she burst out. "I don't do anything!"

He longed to comfort her, and for the first time stroked her shoulder. "It's alright. They'll find justice eventually." For a minute it was as if all problems drifted away as Tarrlok drifted into her dazzling, deep blue eyes. Such innocence she possessed, somehow he knew that it wouldn't be long before that purity was gone. She smiled lightly as she and Tarrlok locked gazes with one another. Korra just then noticed he had pretty eyes just like hers. She scooted a little closer, when Oogi's grunt drew her attention. Her face fell as she saw the Airbender. With a tense face, Tenzin greeted them. "Tarrlok, she should have been at Air Temple Island hours ago!" Korra felt belittled for being chided like a common child. "Come on Tenzin. It's to early for bed." she argued.