AUTHOR'S NOTES: As we approach the transitional phase where we move a few months forward to the events of season 2,these next few chapters get to show a thing or two about Tarrlok and Kwan, as well as Korra, her relationship with both of them, as well as Lightning Bolt Zolt, who takes part in a rather formidable Triad war sometime during the course of this book. There's a lot to say about Korra's character, and she's come so far in such a short time. This is the Korra that the first two seasons of the show needed.
Happy Reading!

BOOK THREE: WATER

CHAPTER NINETY-EIGHT: NEW GROWTH

Tarrlok and Kwan's date went swimmingly, although unsurprisingly, both of them spent a bulk of the time talking about Korra and the different ways she had touched or influenced their lives.

"...and I simply find it so bizarre that she's somehow wormed her way into so many different facets of my life," Tarrlok explained over several bowls of noodles and a couple drinks, "although at the same time, it's the bed I made, so I suppose I have to sleep in it."

"That really makes two of us." Kwan shook her head, chuckling. "My sister and I had to live with her for over a year and a half. Imagine being in that close of proximity to her, All. The. Time."

"I want to reply to that, but I feel it'd be inappropriate." Tarrlok grimaced.

"Nah, go ahead," Kwan shrugged a shoulder. "Let's hear it."

"I can see why your sister went insane," Tarrlok grunted, a twinge of red appearing on his brown face, "...I apologize for that one."

"Hey, the Red Lotus would have loved you for that kind of humour." Kwan quipped. She seemed slightly touchy about it, but managed to brush it aside a moment later, "honestly, I think they're the ones primarily to blame for Korra's sharp wit."

"It wouldn't surprise me," Tarrlok muttered, "When we first butted heads I expected her to have all the makings of every other stupid, haughty teenagers I've crossed paths with. She acts much older than she is, and bears the intellect to back it up."

The conversation continued in this manner for quite a while, with most of Tarrlok and Kwan's socializing actually being more about Korra than about each other. Despite this, both of them seemed to have a pretty solid understanding of one another by the time the night was through because both of them realized they thought very similar.

"It certainly took me longer to want to turn my life around," Tarrlok sighed as they paid and took their leave, "but that desire to repent… to make things right however I can—especially after the Avatar decided to personally give me another chance… it just seems like what I have to do."

"And I admire that," Kwan smiled as she drove them home, "the fact that Korra went from hating you to caring about you enough to want to give you a 2nd chance speaks volumes about your character too, y'know. If nothing else, it definitely earned the interest of one of the infamous Red Lotus Sisters."

"Well," Tarrlok smirked, "Would the Red Lotus Sister mind going out again next weekend?"

"A 2nd date?" Kwan put a hand to her chest, "goodness, I'd say I was being courted."

"You are," Tarrlok replied with a confident smirk, "If you'll allow it—and with a dress like that, I sincerely hope you will."

It was a forward request and compliment, but it was also calculated. Kwan was a blunt and snarky enough woman that she seemed unlikely to take offense at the advances, and Tarrlok had been right on that account.

"It's a date then," she beamed, "I'll be at your place around the same time then and you can decide where we're going. Whether or not Korra finds out about our relationship determines who gets to pay."

"Right then," Tarrlok actually chuckled as they arrived back at his apartment, "until then, Kwan."

"Until then," she parked the car and followed him inside. There was no reason to leave quite so soon, especially since it was a Sunday Night and she kept her shop closed on several Mondays anyways—usually to recuperate from whatever wild adventures happened over the weekend when Korra had time to herself.

All in all, the night went swimmingly, but it only took half a day for Korra to catch wind of the relationship. Having a much more amicable relationship with Kwan than Tarrlok, she was the first one Korra went to in order to talk about it.

Kwan had no idea what exactly Korra was doing banging on her door before noon, but the thrilled look on the Avatar's face meant she knew something was up—and Kwan had a very shrewd idea what it was, even in her groggy, still-in-her-nightclothes state.

"Well, at least I win the bet," she muttered under her breath, "what's got you all giddy, kid? Did you and Sato get wild last night?"

"I, erm," Korra stammered, shaking her head, "no, my excitement is actually about you! You and Tarrlok! I really can't believe it!"

"Well, thanks for the congratulations," Kwan smacked her lips, rubbing her eyes as well. She and Tarrlok and stayed up fairly late the night before, and she was not about to disclose what they did or spoke about. "Why are you up so early though? I thought the morning was evil."

"It is," Korra laughed, "but I've got to help get the Probending Arena organized for the next season. Avatar Gauntlet is also kicking back up if you want to come watch. Maybe take your date there one of these nights?" She flashed a mischievous smirk at Kwan.

"You insufferable little shit," Kwan grunted, "you're playing matchmaker!"

"Damn right I am," Korra didn't even try to hide it, which shocked Kwan. "He deserved another chance, and you deserved another chance. I'm glad you're hitting it off."

"Who even told you?" Kwan tilted her head, "you running a spy ring or something, kid?"

"Someone at Narook's," Korra answered, "I don't really want to give names, but they seemed intrigued about it as well. Besides… you and I both know you're a terrible liar." Korra smirked as she crossed her arms. Kwan felt a tinge of guilt as she noticed Korra's right hand, which was still red all these months after the incident she had received the scar from.

"Is it bad that I'm being courted by the man whose actions led to you getting that scar?" Kwan frowned, wondering how Korra would take the news—or worse, how Asami would. "Or y'know… how Sato is gonna take it."

"It's not the only scar I have," Korra pulled the high collar of her shirt aside to reveal the burn on the left side of her neck, "and I've got this one," she pointed to her right cheek, "and the one on my arm," she pulled one of her armbands back, "and this knife wound on my stomach," Korra was about to lift her shirt but Kwan stopped her.

"Fuck, kid… I get your point," the lavabender slapped her forehead, "but I mean, I remember how you acted after all that, and… it wasn't pretty."

"Well, the only thing left for me to do about it is get back up and show my enemies that they have no power over me." Korra shrugged, restoring her attire to normal, "Tarrlok's not even my enemy anymore, but he knew he had no power over me after I rescued him from Air Temple Island."

"What about Sato," Kwan repeated, "Tarrlok told me the story about how she went ballistic on him after she learned what he did to you."

"Asami is going through a really hard time right now," Korra frowned, "I've kind of had to turn around and be the one to help her, although I'll admit—killing Amon really kind of messed me up too. I… things are rocky, Kwan. I hate to think about it, and I hate to think about everything that's transpired over the last few weeks because there's just so much to take in. the debacle with Asami, the whole thing with Amon… I read some of Nakkoa's journal even, and man, I chose a bad time to peek into her mind. Just…" Korra sighed, kicking a chair to sit down on as she slumped against the counter. "Be frank with me, Kwan. How messed up am I?"

"Way to put me on the spot," Kwan grunted, "kid, look… you're in a really bad place if you're using me as your moral compass."

"Isn't that what Nakkoa did?" Korra looked up.

"Nakkoa was also a literal psychopath who tortured you and tried to kill you," Kwan interrupted her, "and she would have likely succeeded if you weren't so damn hard to kill. But no, I'll be frank with you, Avatar—you're not at all whole. You've been battered and broken and while you've been able to pick up a lot of the pieces, some were not so recoverable, and it's left you damaged. But see, what a lot of people don't realize is that damaged things are often still operable. It's why people come to me with their Satomobiles instead of just junking them and buying new ones. Damaged as you might be, Avatar Korra, you are still remarkably functional. More than that though, you're so wholesome and full of love and you're really just…" this time it was Kwan who stammered and took a deep breath, before she put her arms around Korra and pulled her into a remarkably firm embrace.

"You're just so comforting to BE around…" she nestled herself in the crook of Korra's neck for a moment before retracting and composing herself, "Whatever damage has been done to you, you're still so warm and compassionate and loving… to be loved, Korra; to have someone care about you. This probably sounds like the most ridiculous thing you've ever heard, but, I… I never knew what that was like until meeting you… and until getting to know Tarrlok. And now that I've experienced it I don't ever want to lose it."

"When you find the one, Kwan," Korra began, "you'll know. You just will… trust me on that. But regardless of any of that, you're still my friend, Kwan—and I want you to know that you can come to me any time you have a problem or even if you just want to talk. Just… please knock. Asami's been horribly stressed lately, and breaking in is only making it worse."

"Right, right," Kwan toed the ground sheepishly, "I…" she paused again, her emerald green eyes looking deeply into Korra's blue ones, "it still amazes me just how much you've done and sacrificed for me, and how much you continue to selflessly do for me. Honestly, if there is anything I can ever do for you, just let me know."

"When I think about it," Korra shook her head, "I think I just need a break and a rest. So much has happened recently, and to be honest it's overwhelming."

"Well if anyone deserves a break it's you." Kwan slapped Korra's back, "rest up, kid. Spend some time with your girlfriend, see if you both can relax and unwind a bit and you'll know when to find me if you ever need anything."

"Will do," Korra smiled as she headed out. "...and thanks Kwan. Thanks for everything. Thank you for being my first real friend."

"No, Korra," Kwan smiled. "Thank you."

For Korra, the next few days were somewhat uneventful, except for a large package Korra received in the mail from an unknown "sponsor". It was a remarkable amount of money, and while it had no return address, Korra knew full well that this was the work of Lightning Bolt Zolt when she read the note attached with the case.

"I don't cheat my business partners, especially not when they're my betters."
~LBZ

Korra didn't have any particular use in mind for the money, but she took it without hesitation. She contemplated what to do with it, before considering that it might be wise to pay Mako and Bolin another visit. She didn't intend to tell them what had just transpired, but the Avatar definitely had more wealth than she ever knew what she would do with, and that was even without counting all of Sato's holdings.

On the other hand, Tarrlok's money had nearly all gone to reparations and other damages done to people or to the city. Korra had been entitled to a rather hefty sum due to her own involvement and the damage Tarrlok had done to her (most notably, the medical attention she had needed after escaping, as well as the scar on her hand), but much to Tarrlok's quiet fury and ire, Korra had, perhaps unsurprisingly, declined any sort of compensation.

"Second time's the charm huh?" Korra muttered to herself as she stared at the money. Kwan was also not exactly living in the lap of luxury what with the small flat she lived in above her shop. If the two really did go through with their growing relationship and took it as far as getting married, perhaps Korra could offer it to them as a wedding present. No one would question where Korra got the money given how much of it she so often had, but given that this was money from a mobster, she couldn't help but wonder if this would get her in trouble. Not exactly one to wait around and find out, she went straight to the source.

"Of course it's clean!" Zolt half-laughed when Korra had asked. "If I gave the Avatar dirty money she would lead the cops right back to us. No, this is Triple Threat money that your pal Zolt decided to share with you after he built his own gang. I may not act it according to most people's standards, but I respect you, kid. I don't just let anyone in on my spoils, and honesty…" Zolt paused, pulling Korra aside, "I hated every minute of existing without my bending. The last thing I'd want to do was give you a reason to take it back away. As much as it might hurt a bit of my ego to say this… you've got me wrapped around your pinky. You say jump, I'll ask how high. You need money I ask how much. You need someone removed, we ask who and how soon. My only stipulation is you let me and my boys keep our bending and do what we want within your limits."

"I'm holding you to that," Korra warned, "thanks for being honest with me and clearing that up."

"Like I said in the letter," Zolt assured her, "I'm honest with my business partners—especially when they're my betters—and so far, you're the only one that's managed to rise above me like that. Consider it a compliment."

"I still think there's something suspicious going on that I'm not aware of," Korra pouted.

"It wouldn't be the first time you've sniffed out crime," Zolt riposted, "if you don't believe me, feel free to put those detective skills to use again." He spoke with such confidence that Korra couldn't really argue it further. She did keep a closer eye on the newspapers over the next few days to see if word of any major heists or crime sprees had happened, but if they had, either the press hadn't caught wind of them, or Lightning Bolt Zolt and the Triple Threat Triads were just that good at covering up their tracks. On the other hand, Zolt's wording also intrigued Korra. He made it sound like rather than reassuming his throne in the Triple Threat Triads, that he had started his own operation and seized certain Triple Threat assets. She would have to look into that at some point for sure, because Triad politics were dangerous to leave unattended.

While there weren't any more Triad activities that Korra caught wind of, Tarrlok managed to surprise Korra about a week later, when he and Tenzin called for a public service announcement from what was left of the United Republic Council. The three other members that Tarrlok had formerly had wrapped around his finger had been disposed of by Amon and the Equalists, which only left him and Tenzin. The emergency state of the city over the last several weeks had prevented them from being replaced.

"It would take too long to explain," Tarrlok explained to Tenzin, "but I can promise you right now that this is a proposition that you will almost definitely support."

"Really now?" Tenzin raised an eyebrow, "I recall you saying the same thing many times about many of your earlier propositions—and even that Avatar Korra would appreciate them. I don't imagine I need to remind you how well that went."

"Not at all," Tarrlok grunted, "but if you suspect foul play, keep the police on hand. I want them there anyways for my announcement. The city is technically still in our hands, and I'll just say that I want to change that."

Tenzin was understandably suspicious, but he made the appropriate preparations true to Tarrlok's advice, and naturally, Korra was among the many people invited to the event.

In true politician fashion, it was a flashy and publicized event jam-packed with reporters, police, and other politically or socially important people, all led under the Avatar's watchful eye. Korra's appearance was very uncharacteristic compared to her usual appearance and behaviour. The deep blue gown and done-up hair weren't quite so unusual compared the strikingly stern and stoic expression she maintained unwaveringly throughout the entire event. She stood near Tenzin and Lin, behind Tarrlok and to the side, her eyes distant and unfocused.

"As many of you know," Tarrlok spoke to the media with the same confidence he had had before Korra had turned his life upside-down, "the Equalist insurrection disposed of three of our beloved council members. While the movement itself was destructive, it also had at least a few valid points." Not even this statement made Korra waver.

"Benders such as myself have had too much power running this city for so long," he continued, "and they were right about the council having corruption within its ranks. I have confessed to those crimes and have given nearly everything I own as reparations. Truly, I believe only Councilman Tenzin remained free from this corruption, but that is beside the point. I called for this assembly to bring forth a proposition."

This was where Tenzin held his breath for a moment, and even Korra twitched slightly, even if she did not change her emotionless expression.

"I propose that the United Republic Council be disbanded," Tarrlok announced as people in the crowds gasped, "And in its place a presidential republic be established, with democratically elected leaders chosen by the people to run this nation, city, districts, and so on, and so forth. Councilman Tenzin… what say you to this proposition?"

Tenzin stepped forward to offer his announcement. "Aye," he announced, "I second this motion, incidentally. The United Republic Council failed this city when it needed us most. As such I second Councilman Tarrlok's motion for us to rescind our power and establish the new presidential republic in its place."

"Then the vote is unanimous," Tarrlok smirked. "And with the help of the Avatar, the Chief of Police and her forces, and the fine citizens of this beautiful city, we will build an even greater United Republic to stand for years to come."

Even in disgrace, Tarrlok still had charisma, and while her expression remained unchanged, Korra could not help but admire it. It was not that she was upset about anything regarding this event she was a part of; rather, there was simply so much on her mind at the moment that she dissociated from it all, if just for a moment. And yet, despite everything weighing her mind down, she couldn't help but smile slightly after the ceremony had ended, pleased not only to see progress, but to see that some of her own efforts had produced results.