AUTHOR'S NOTES: And here is the big one hundred! The story has a ways to go, but I'm impressed that I've made it this far. This is kind of a transiational chapter which covers the 6-8 month timeskip between "Season 1" and "Season 2" of the story, and so after this chapter, we start covering more of the content that appeared in the episodes of season 2. There's still going to be a lot of differences given that the writing of book 2 was fairly low-quality, but there will also remain a lot of similarities.
Happy Reading!
BOOK THREE: WATER
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED: THE WEDDING
Korra did not know the exact day of the Harmonic Convergence, but she did spend several more days talking to some of the past lives she had already met before, as well as meeting a new one that she had heard about several times, but had never actually met: a small, black-haired Fire Nation girl with glazed over eyes: Avatar Sanaki, the one who had lost her bending and relearned it, in reverse-order, no less. Naturally, Korra bombarded her with questions about how she had relearned the Avatar Cycle of elements in reverse after having lost them completely, and about upholding balance and many other things.
"Sometimes you just need to close your eyes," Sanaki had advised, "meaningless coming from a woman who never saw during her lifetime, perhaps… but closing your eyes to the outside world can help you look inward. With no outside world to see, my vision was always directed inward, which allowed me to evaluate and solve my problems as they arose."
"So what was with learning the elements in reverse order?" Korra expected some lengthy epic recounting of some thrilling and high-stakes event, and the disappointed pout that came with Sanaki's answer summed up Korra's reaction perfectly.
"Personal choice," Sanaki chuckled, "Not everything is symbolic. Still and all, I was revered as a spiritual icon, despite some of my own issues. You don't need to be entirely mentally stable to access the spiritual side of your power, Korra—it just increases the risks."
"So are you saying that I can still be spiritual despite my own mental struggles?" Korra had always wondered about this, often searching for validation that she was still a capable Avatar despite her trauma, and so hearing it from a past life who may have had similar experiences was refreshing for her.
"Of course," Sanaki giggled. "You're broken but strong. The Avatar has been through the wringer dozens of times and will no doubt go through the wringer dozens more. Don't let them get to you; you're just as strong as any of us."
"I… will keep that in mind." Korra pouted again. "Thank you for your counsel, Avatar Sanaki."
"A pleasure." The little firebender stared forward with her glazed, featureless eyes; before dissipating in a wisp of smoke. Korra returned to the physical world with a new piece of knowledge that she was determined to use.
And use it she did. A lot of things transpired over the next 8 months, many of which involved Korra directly. A man named Raiko was elected as the first President of the United Republic of Nations, and helped make sweeping changes that helped lift up nonbenders without tearing down benders.
The Fire Ferrets ended their career for the time being after an impressive season, where they came 2nd only to The Prison Breakers, who were reformed after Kuro got back in contact with Kwan. Neither one had trouble recruiting Korra again, and they wound up rocking the Republic City Probending scene by going undefeated in their next season. Korra was even more successful in her Avatar Gauntlet's 2nd season, going 1,244-37, up from 1,228-53 last season. Shortly after the Probending seasons ended, a lot of sweeping changes happened to and around Korra. She had not noticed an increase in spiritual activity in the physical world, but any time she paid the spirit world a visit things were fairly sketchy. She mentally took note of this, but as long as the spirit world and the physical world were separate, she saw little reason to act, much less preemptively. As such, the status quo remained.
One of the other skills Korra picked up during this time was the knowledge and ability and drive a motorcycle, with help from both Asami and Kwan. She wasn't entirely the safest driver, but those lessons on focus and concentration she had received from Zaheer all those years ago helped even now—and Korra later treated herself to buying a motorcycle of her own. She paid generously for it, because of course Korra would buy from Future Industries any time she was able to. Despite the generous payment she made, it hardly scratched her funds, which had ballooned phenomenally after her 2nd probending season with both the Prison Breakers and the Avatar Gauntlet. All in all, Korra considered this one of the better decisions she had made this year.
6 months after her whole ordeal with Amon however—and only 5 months after Tarrlok and Kwan had started dating, Korra received an unusual letter in the mail.
"WHAT!?" she bellowed from shock, "NO FREAKING WAY!"
Asami rushed into the room to make sure Korra was okay. While both of them were dealing with their own nightmares and demons that had not fully gone away, it did not stop them from trying their best and hardest to be at each other's sides for support.
"Is everything okay, Korra?" she looked concerned.
"Oh!" Korra was a little startled, "it's great, love. Just… how in oblivion did they manage to do this without me ever catching wind of it?"
Asami examined the card that Korra had been reading, and she gasped as well.
It was an invitation to a wedding reception party, in honour of Tarrlok and Kwan, being held on Sunday, two days from the current time around 7 in the evening.
"They fucking got married right under my nose!" Korra pulled her hair in slight (but playful) frustration, "augh! I thought I was the one playing matchmaker for them for a while and…" she shook her head, laughing. "Magnificent bastards, them… spirits! I hope they're happy."
"Are you going to attend?" Asami raised her eyebrow.
"Not if you would rather not," Korra asserted, "I know you've still got a bit of bad blood with Kwan and Tarrlok, but I'd love if you went with me. I can wear my old suit that you like…" the Avatar briefly raised her eyebrows with a coy grin.
"Mmm," Asami chewed her lip for a moment, "that's tempting… I'll let you know how I feel on Sunday morning and we can go from there?"
"Of course, love," Korra tugged her hair, pulling Asami gently down to kiss her on the lips, "keep me updated. Any mood shifts you have; or any stress or concerns or whatever else… I want to know about them so I can help. I'll be just as honest with you in return."
"Somehow I never doubted that," Asami chuckled. "Most of my issues now are the ones that have plagued me for the last several months. I've been mostly able to put Hiroshi behind me for the time being, but… I suppose after all this time it still kind of hurts."
"Do you want my advice?" Korra looked her in the eyes, "or do you just need my ear?"
"I just needed your ear for a moment," Asami smiled, kissing her on the lips, "thank you, Korra."
=Later that week…=
Korra tried multiple times to contact Tarrlok and Kwan, but had no success. She wondered if they were purposely avoiding her, or if she just had bad timing. Even banging on Kwan's door at 2 AM Friday morning had not worked, and so clearly that "closed until Tuesday" sign on the front was being honest in a much more profound way than it normally was.
She wondered who all was invited. Mako and Bolin had received an invitation as well it seemed, as Bolin had indicated he was just as puzzled as Korra was during their Wednesday night at Narook's; but apart from them, Korra wondered just how many friends the two of them had—or didn't have. Korra and Bolin had another miniature outing the night before (which went swimmingly well), and after making sure Bolin got home safely, Korra did not feel like going home just yet. There were still other things on her mind.
Since she was out late and knew the Triads worked primarily at night, she hatched an idea. Normally she might have called for Naga, but her trusted companion didn't share Korra's bizarre nocturnal habits quite as prominently, and so instead she hopped on her trusty motorcycle and flew downtown past Central City Station to an unremarkable looking restaurant that she knew was the Triple Threat Triad headquarters—and in turn, Lightning Bolt Zolt's center of operation.
Even Zolt himself was a bit surprised to see Korra crack the secrets needed to get into the secret hideout, but he managed to slow clap for her.
"Avatar Korra," he looked up from the cards he was playing, setting them down as he rose to his feet, "Anyone else and they woulda been on tomorrow's menu. I take it you're not here for drinks and a round of cards though, yeah?"
"Perhaps another time," Korra did sit down, however, putting her hands together, her scarred one on top as if as a reminder of the things she had experienced. "What I need is a favour."
"And here I thought you weren't ever gonna cash in on our little deal and then try to proclaim moral superiority," Zolt quipped, "what's it today?"
"I need money," Korra explained as Zolt offered her a drink, which she actually took to help loosen up a little. "probably upwards of a hundred thousand."
"Did you drain through all your Probending winnings buying gifts for your girly?" one of Zolt's men couldn't help but quip. Zolt shot him a look that shut him up immediately.
"Good on you if you did," the mob boss shrugged, "It ain't our place to judge."
"No, I've got plenty of money," Korra explained, "but this is for an important couple of people."
"If you need someone paid off, we've got you covered," Zolt commented, "no one would know—the same way authorities are still trying to find out who donated 1,250,000 yuans to the Master Katara Primary School on the northeast part of town."
"That was you!?" Korra's eyes widened, before her expression narrowed in a suspicious pout.
"Of course," Zolt nodded with a matter-of-fact confidence to his expression, "but don't go tellin' people that. If the School Board knew they got Triad money that would just make them turn around and throw it right back at us, and put more police pressure on our backs. Just keep quiet, let them keep the money, and consider it a generous donation. We had to beat up several of the Agni Kais and the Terras to get it all, but I'm sure you're not going to lose any sleep over some organized crime groups getting whacked down a peg or two, are ya?"
"I suppose not," Korra pouted again, "how soon can you get the money for me? I need it before Sunday evening, ideally."
"24 hours from now," Zolt put his hands together, "I'll have a contact waiting at Avatar Korra Park under the statue of you they put up."
"Wait," Korra stammered, spewing her drink in almost comical surprise, "they named a park after me? When? Where? How?"
"Republic City Park," Zolt closed his eyes, smirking. "You and your efforts pretty much turned the city around from the Equalists, and apparently your little PR stunt with giving everyone their bending back really reminded the city how much you've done for 'em. I'm surprised you weren't there for it; it was all over the news. It was right after that Amon punk got whacked."
"I… I think I know where I was actually," Korra thought back to a brief period after she had killed Amon where she had basically shut herself in and cut herself off from the world for a while.
"Old Councilman Tenzin said you were indisposed or something," Zolt commented, "The press gobbled it up, and no one was the wiser. Seems the old man's got your back."
"Well, I suppose I should get out a bit more often," Korra shook her head. Had it really been that long since she had visited the park that she was unaware that they had not only renamed it, but had done so in her honour?
"Anyways," Zolt continued, "about 1-2AM, Saturday Morning; Avatar Korra Park, watch for a girl about your height but twice as scrawny. She'll direct you to where you need to go."
"Got it," Korra nodded, finishing up her drink. "Thank you for the help, Zolt."
"Thanks for giving me my bending back," Zolt smirked, "It's done wonders for the boys and I."
"I never took you much for someone to suck up to anyone," this time it was Korra shooting quips, but to her slight surprise, Zolt looked amused rather than offended.
"Bending is a make or break for a post like mine," Zolt clarified, "I'll leave it at that."
It was interesting, in Korra's eyes. She knew Lightning Bolt Zolt was a criminal kingpin, and yet it was somewhat invigorating to know that she had him in her pocket not unlike how Tarrlok had had the United Republic Council in his pocket back during their administration. She still suspected that Zolt was up to something that Korra was not getting wind of, but she didn't want to look a gift ostrich-horse in the mouth, nor did she want to spark his ire too greatly. If he got the impression she didn't trust him, Korra felt like he would give her reason not to trust him and do an even more vigilant job at hiding the evidence. No, this scheme worked out well when both of them played by their terms, and so she would simply remain vigilant at ensuring Zolt and his lackeys stayed in line.
For whatever shady or unethical things mob boss might have done behind the scenes though, he ran an honest business with Korra as she learned the following night as she headed to Avatar Korra Park. Right underneath a large statue of said Avatar, a slender woman matching Zolt's description was waiting for her. She seemed overdressed: wearing high heels, fancy bracelets, earrings, and a necklace; as well as a short, snug sleeveless dress that ended well above the knees. The hat she wore made her look more like someone Korra thought she knew, but more than that she wondered if this woman was cold in that outfit.
"Avatar," if she was someone Korra knew, she didn't seem to show it.
"Do I know you?" It was less that Korra didn't trust Zolt and more that she was still fairly suspicious after all of the previous betrayals she had suffered.
"Risha," the woman replied with confidence before reaching into her purse. "This is for you." She pulled out a fat wad of cash and handed it to Korra. She peeked down to count it, and it checked out. When she looked up, however, Risha was gone. Figuring this meant the conclusion of the transaction, Korra left the park and returned home.
Sunday morning rolled around, and Asami decided she wanted willing to attend the wedding after all—as evidenced by the rather fancy dress and shoes she strode out towards Korra in when she made this declaration.
"It'll be good for me, I think," she admitted, "you've forgiven both Tarrlok and Ikiza, and they wronged you much more directly than me. Perhaps it's time I did the same."
"I mean, if it's any consolation," Korra commented, "I'm peeling that dress off of you when we get home."
"I'll be disappointed if you don't." Asami riposted as she blew Korra a kiss. "Now come on; get dressed; I wanna see the Avatar all dolled up in her spiffy blue suit."
Korra did exactly that, even if it was a couple of hours until the event itself. This proved to be fortunate, because Asami started to get frisky with Korra and it escalated to the point that they both basically had to redo their hair and iron their clothes when all was said and done.
"Think Kwan will notice my hair being a little messy?" Korra quipped, since she had not spent nearly as much time as Asami had in straightening her hair after their little 'fling'.
"Probably, but I don't imagine either of them will care at all on their special day," Asami retorted, "come on; let's get going so they don't think we're not going to show."
"Right, right," Korra stole a kiss as they headed to the garage. It was not uncommon for Korra and Asami to remain silent even when they were alone together, although while Asami was fixed on the road in front of her, Korra was deep in thought. Tarrlok and Kwan couldn't have had too many friends, especially the former. The ex-Councilman had only been pardoned due to how much of his time and money went towards reparation efforts, and because of some strings Korra herself pulled. Other than that, his brother and parents were dead, most of the city disliked him, and even his "voluntary" resignation had not swayed the crowds much. Kwan was in a similar boat. Her sister was dead, most of her old friends were in high-security prisons, and she was struggling just to stay on the right side of the law. Other than some of Korra's old friends, she wasn't entirely sure who might actually be there.
They were silent the whole way until Asami pulled up to the venue in question: a small, humble facility, but for how decorated it was it was clear that one or both of them had put lots of effort into making it look special. Only a few other vehicles were present in the lot, one of which was Kwan's familiar old truck.
"Well look who decided to get married without even telling their best friend?" Korra cooed as she strode in and found an immaculately dressed Tarrlok and Kwan practically waiting for them. "I thought the bond that we had was special!"
"Kid, if I had told you beforehand the entire United Republic would have known and been invited within half a day." Kwan riposted. "Still, um… thanks for coming."
"Truly, you honour us with your presence, Korra." Tarrlok spoke, "And truly, I owe you more than I will ever be able to repay, and that… irks me. Don't think I am unaware of the strings you pulled to keep me out of prison after that whole fiasco with my abuse of power."
"I'm the Avatar," Korra shrugged, "helping people is what I do. Don't stress it—enjoy your own party Councilman… well, just Tarrlok, I suppose. That still takes a bit of getting used to."
"A lot of things take getting used to," Tarrlok replied, "still and all, while it may not be much, I hope you enjoy yourself this evening, Avatar Korra."
And she did. Tenzin and his family actually showed up as well, with Korra overhearing a brief exchange between Tarrlok and Tenzin, with a low-key appreciation from the latter praising Tarrlok for trying to turn his life around properly. Also present was Korra and Kwan's new Probending teammate Kuro, who both congratulated Kwan for the wedding, and congratulated both her and Korra for their rather amazing winning streak last season. Mako and Bolin also showed their faces, and even Kuvira and General Iroh appeared at one point or another. Commander Bumi showed up as well, clarifying that he had in fact moved to Air Temple Island to live with Tenzin. Korra wondered who between Kwan and Tarrlok had invited them, and yet here they were. A few others Korra did not recognize were also around; possibly people from Kwan's inner circle or information ring; or perhaps old acquaintances of hers or Tarrloks. One of the women looked a lot like that Risha woman Korra had met at the park as Lightning Bolt Zolt's accomplice, but Korra did not get a chance to actually meet and converse with her.
All in all, however, the party was a success, and Korra was happy for both Tarrlok and Kwan. On the way home, Korra noticed even Asami seemed to be in a happier mood, and asked why.
"It's been a while since I've talked with Tenzin," she smiled as she drove, "and he seemed to know exactly the kinds of things to say to help reassure me—almost like a certain beautiful woman I know who promised to help me out of this dress when we got home…"
"Gah, you're too much when you flatter me, love," Korra stifled a giggle, "but I'll keep my word when we get home. The night is young, after all."
While Asami and Korra left what they did that night to the imagination of any who may have known, it was clear that things were looking up for them both in one way or another… at least for the moment. So much had changed in the last few years alone, and yet some of the biggest changes in centuries… still had yet to come.
PAST LIVES DISCOVERED:
Sanaki (Fire Nation, Female): A young Fire Nation national who became famous for her loss of bending, which she relearned in reverse order for personal reasons. More impressive than that was that this Avatar was completely blind, and utilized a myraid of bending tricks to make up for this disability, to the point where it hardly seemed a disability at all.
TOTAL PAST LIVES MET: 30