Chapter 1: Republic City
The first few rays of sunlight crept into the bedroom through the window. Once the rays of sunlight shined on his face, Kado resultantly opened his eyes. Opening his eyes, Kado was aware of the sleeping woman next to him. Looking at the sleeping woman, Kado smiled as he recalled the fun he had with her last night. If Kado was being honest with himself he didn't remember the woman's name, she was just meant to be a one night stand, so it didn't matter he didn't know her name. While Kado would have liked to start the day with lewd fun since he had a beautiful companion in his bed, he unfortunately had responsibilities that couldn't be ignored. Sitting up in bed, Kado stretched his tired arms while the woman stirred awake.
"Sorry to wake you but I have an early council meeting" stated Kado with a friendly smile while the woman rubbed her tired eyes as she sat up. Kado had to use a large amount of will power to look the woman in the eyes instead of her naked breasts. While Kado didn't remember the woman's name, he knew from her eyes that the woman was fire nation. The woman know fully awake reached towards Kado and ran her delicate hands across his muscular chest.
"Do you have to go to the meeting" asked the woman in a teasing tone while she moved a hand south, towards Kado's quickly growing erection. Kado groaned at the feeling of a soft hand wrapping around his hard cock, he once again had to call upon his willpower to resist temptation.
"Ahh unfortunately yes I do" responded Kado as he stood up from bed, it would be easier to resist temptation if he didn't have a sexy woman fondling his erect cock. The woman pouted at these words while she admired Kado's naked body since he was standing up. Bronze skin rippled under the muscles that covered Kado's body, being a young and fine looking example of the water tribe genetics helped with the ladies.
"Tenzin would talk my ear off about responsibilities if I'm late for another council meeting" stated Kado in a tired tone while he moved to tie his long hair into a warrior's wolf tail. Once his hair was properly tied, Kado turned his attention back towards the woman in his bed.
"Last night was fun but I need to go soon. Do you need money for a taxi" asked Kado as he opened a bedside table and pulled out a few paper bills. The woman smiled at Kado as she stood out of bed, Kado's eyes took a moment to roam across her sexy and naked body.
"I'm fine, I have plenty of money since my mom is a council member" responded the woman, Kado nodding his head as he remembered the woman he spent the night with was the Fire Nation's councilor's daughter.
"That's right, I remember that now" responded Kado with a friendly smile as he moved to put on his clothes. Kado put on clothes that were typical of his heritage, he didn't bother with the stuffy formal clothes that the other water tribe council member wore.
"Listen I think we should keep this a secret between us, it might cause trouble in the council if your mother found out" stated Kado with an awkward smile. Kado had earned a reputation as a shameless ladies man since he moved to republic city, it was one of the things that Tenzin was constantly on his case about. If Tenzin learned that he slept with a council woman's daughter then Kado feared he would go as far to tell his mother. Kado was a fearless water tribe warrior, but he still feared his old water bending teacher.
"That's a relief, I was thinking the same thing" responded the woman with a relived smile.
"My mom would ground me forever if she found out I slept with a council member" stated the woman, Kado was relived he averted a potential political crisis between the Fire Nation and the Southern Water tribe. Once the woman was dressed, she gave Kado a playful look.
"Perhaps we can do this again sometime. I now know what they say about Water Tribe men is true" stated the woman in a playful tone, glancing towards Kado's clothed groin.
"Maybe we will, until then take care" responded Kado before he escorted the woman out of his penthouse apartment. Being the council member of the Southern Water tribe would be reason enough for Kado to have enough money to afford a penthouse apartment in Republic City but that wasn't the only reason. Kado was also the first born of the Southern Water tribe chief, he had gotten the position as council member because his father didn't trust anyone else to represent the tribe's interest. Now left alone in his apartment, Kado prepped a quick breakfast before he stepped out of his home. Soon Kado was walking through the council building, he was heading towards the meeting room.
"Thank the spirits you are on time for once" stated Tenzin as Kado walked towards him.
"Morning to you too Tenzin" responded Kado with an amused smile. Even before Kado moved to Republic City from the south he knew Tenzin. Since his younger sister was the avatar, Kado's family was close to Katara's family. One benefit of having the avatar as his sister meant that Kado had access to the world's best water bender as a teacher.
"Yes, sorry. Morning Kado, I hope you slept well" responded Tenzin while Kado smiled in amusement. From what Kado knew about air bender philosophy, Tenzin was wound way too tight to be associated with the element of freedom.
"I slept well enough when I was actually sleeping that is" responded Kado with an amused smile.
"I'm not even going to ask. Honesty you should cease your habit of sleeping around, it's brining scandal to the council" responded Tenzin in a tired tone while Kado shrugged his shoulders.
"It's not hurting anyone. I get my work done and I always make sure my home's interest are represented in the council. It doesn't matter if I find time to have a bit of fun" responded Kado.
"Besides, the ladies never have any complaints" stated Kado with an amused smile.
"You mean besides the ones that have to be escorted out in tears" responded Tenzin, referring to the many women that fell for Kado and were turned down. While Kado was known as a ladies man, he never found any woman that interested him enough to be in a relationship with. This sometimes led to some women catching feelings and Kado had to reject them.
"It's not my fault I'm a back bender like your uncle was" responded Kado in a joking tone, Tenzin once again letting out a tired sigh.
"I hope your sister has more wisdom than you do" responded Tenzin with a tired sigh, thinking that the reincarnation of his father would be wiser than Kado with his habit of sleeping with any pretty girl.
"Trust me, I'm the levelheaded one. You'll see what I mean when you start training Korra in Air bending" responded Kado in an amused tone, thinking that Korra was going to drive Tenzin crazy with her personality.
"Speaking of which, that should be happening soon right? I just got a message from the white lotus that Korra passed her final fire bending test, she's mastered water, earth and fire now" stated Kado while Tenzin nodded his head.
"Yes I received the same message a few days ago" responded Tenzin while he began to walk towards the council meeting room alongside Kado.
"So you'll be heading to the south then" asked Kado in a curious tone.
"Yes, I expect to make the trip tomorrow. You'll welcome to join" responded Tenzin, Kado smiling at these words.
"That would be appreciated. It will be nice to visit home and sky bison is much quicker than taking a boat all the way to the south. Although getting back will be tricky since I couldn't stay for months or longer like you will have to" responded Kado, knowing that it would take Korra a long time to master air bending. While Korra was a natural when it came to the other elements, she hadn't performed a single act of air bending yet. With what Kado knew about air bender philosophy, he knew Korra was going to struggle with it.
"I won't be staying more than one night, I can't be away from Republic City for that long" responded Tenzin while he continued to walk towards the council meeting room with Kado.
"I know what you mean, the anti bender sentiment in the city is getting worse. Those crazies that call themselves the equalist aren't helping things either" responded Kado, whishing he had a concrete solution to ease the tensions between benders and non benders in the city. Kado knew he was blessed with being a water bender, but he never once thought himself above non benders. Back home Kado had plenty of friends that were non benders, some of the best hunters and warriors he knew were non benders.
"It's for that reason I must remain in Republic City for now" responded Tenzin, Kado nodding his head in understanding.
"I get it but Korra is going to be upset" responded Kado, already picturing the tantrum that Korra would throw since he knew she was looking forward to learning air bending.
"I was hoping you could be the one to break that news to her" responded Tenzin, Kado chuckling in amusement at these words.
"Classic air bender tactic, evading confrontation" responded Kado in amusement.
"You can forget that. You're the one that's going have to explain things to Korra, I'm not going anywhere near that" responded Kado, Tenzin sighing at these words.
"I suppose it's for the best if I explain things to her" responded Tenzin, not looking forward to that conversation with Korra.
"At least you get to see your mother again. I'm looking forward to seeing master Katara again" responded Kado, remembering all the time Kado spent learning water bending from the world renown master herself.
"My mother always said you were her best student, not counting avatars" responded Tenzin, Kado smiled with pride.
"I worked hard at it. I can't have my little sister overshadowing me completely. Korra might be able to bend all four elements, but I will make sure that my water bending is second to none" responded Kado, proud of the results of his hard work. Under the instruction of Katarra, Kado had become one of the best water benders in the world.
"I just hope Korra will have that same drive once I start instructing her in air bending" responded Tenzin.
"Korra is certainly motivated to learn the physical aspect of bending. You might struggle with teaching her the spiritual stuff" responded Kado with an amused smile. Water bending wasn't as spiritual as air bending, but it still had some spiritual components. Kado could remember times back in the south when Korra would pay no mind to the meaning of the spirit festivals.
"I'm sure Korra will listen to my instructions" responded Tenzin, thinking that the reincarnation of his father would be a mature and model student.
"If you say so" responded Kado, already picturing Korra driving Tenzin crazy.
"When should I meet you tomorrow then" asked Kado in a curious tone.
"The trip will take all day even on a sky bison. We will leave before sunrise, meet my family at air temple island before then" responded Tenzin, Kado nodding his head in understanding.
"Sounds good to me" responded Kado, thinking he would have to pack some snacks if the trip was going to take an entire day. Luckily Kado would be able to keep his snacks to himself if he packed seal jerky, that was the benefit of traveling with people who were vegetarians.
"You're still going to present your idea to the council today, right" asked Kado in a curious tone, Tenzin nodding his head before he responded.
` "Yes, I believe it will help alleviate the tensions that the non benders are feeling" responded Tenzin.
"I take it I can still count on your support" asked Tenzin, Kado smiling at the air bending master.
"I'm hurt you have to ask" responded Kado with a friendly smile. Out of everyone on the Republic City council, Kado trusted Tenzin's wisdom the most. The other council members were mostly self-serving, Tarrlok being the worst. It didn't matter that Tarrlok was the representative from Kado's sister tribe, he almost never saw eye to eye with him. Most of the time Kado would vote in accordance with whatever Tenzin supported.
"Your plan is good. It doesn't solve the problem outright but it's a start" stated Kado.
"Let's just hope we can get one more vote" responded Tenzin, Kado nodding his head in agreement. Kado and Tenzin were now standing in front of the council meeting room, Tarrlok was waiting for them.
"Tenzin it's a pleasure to see you again" stated Tarrlok with a grin that was obviously fake.
"Tarrlok" responded Tenzin in a steady tone, knowing to not trust the self-serving politician that much. Tarrlok ignored Tenzin's tone, instead turning his attention towards Kado.
"And of course it's nice to meet with my brother tribesmen from the south" stated Tarrlok with the same fake smile.
"I hope all is well Tarrlok" responded Kado. While Kado hardly cared about Tarrlok, he knew he had to act civil around the representative from the north. Kado represented the interest of his tribe on the council, it wouldn't benefit the south if he antagonized the representative from his sister tribe.
"Things are going well, I'm just curious what your proposal to the council is all about Tenzin" responded Tarrlok, once again turning his attention towards Tenzin.
"You'll find out soon enough Tarrlok" responded Tenzin, knowing that giving Tarrlok too much information could be a mistake.
"I suppose I will, although I imagine Kado already knows about your proposal. It's a shame you trust Tenzin over your fellow tribesmen" responded Tarrlok, flashing Kado a fake smile.
"It's not a matter of trust. Of course I value the input of my brothers from the north, it's just Tenzin has the wisdom of a master" responded Kado, making sure to be polite with his response. In truth, Kado didn't trust Tarrlok at all, but he knew he had to play nice or risk poor relations with the Northen Water Tribe.
"Of course I understand. The son of the late Avatar Aang is a source of wisdom for us all" responded Tarrlok.
"I just hope in the future you can rely on my wisdom as well since it would lead to better relations between our tribes" stated Tarrlok, his thinly veiled threat clear to Kado and Tenzin. Unable to help himself, Kado smirked at Tarrlok as he responded.
"Maintaining good relations between our tribes is a top priority for me. I hope my uncle is in good health" responded Kado with a smirk. Kado could see the twinge of anger from Tarrlok at his words as he reminded him he could easily circumnavigate Tarrlok and speak directly with the chief of the Northen Water Tribe given his relation.
"Chief Unalaq is doing well, I will tell him you asked about him the next time we speak" responded Tarrlok, clearly bothered by Kado reminding him he can be circumnutated.
"I look forward to hearing about your proposal Tenzin" stated Tarrlok before he walked away from Kado and Tenzin, heading into the council meeting room. Once again left alone with Kado, Tenzin turned his attention towards him.
"That was played well but I advise you from pushing him any further" stated Tenzin while Kado smirked at these words.
"Thanks, and I will keep that in mind. That guy just really bugs me. He keeps saying how we are brother tribesmen, but I can't stand him, always looking to line his own pockets" responded Kado.
"Honestly if it wasn't for you being on the council, I would have resigned already" stated Kado in a tired tone since Tenzin was the only council member other than himself that wasn't self-serving.
"I appreciate the complaint and if there was anyone else to fill my position I would have considered the same thing" responded Tenzin, Kado nodding his head in understanding.
Kado had a lot of respect for Tenzin for many reasons. One of the biggest reasons Kado respected Tenzin was the fact Tenzin was responsible for carrying an entire culture on his shoulders. The genocide of the air nomads was one of if not the biggest crimes committed by the fire nation during the one hundred year war. In Kado's opinion the only crime that came close to the calamity of the genocide was the raids against the south. It took years for the south to rebuild after the war, so many southern water benders were taken from their home. At least Kado's tribe was able to rebuild, it would take the air nomads serval generations to repair the damage done from the reign of Sozin.
"Look on the bright side. In eight or so years Jinora should be able to take over as council member" responded Kado in a joking tone.
"Yes, I just have to wait it out until then" responded Tenzin in a tired tone. Wanting to cheer up the air bending master, Kado responded to his tired words.
"Speaking of which, Jinora should be due for her tattoos in a few years. I don't know nearly as much about air bending as you do but from one master to another I can tell that Jinora is nearly there" responded Kado with a friendly smile, seeing the pride spread across Tenzin's face.
"Yes, in a few years Jinora will receive her tattoos. Jinora still has a long way to go but I am proud of her progress. I can only imagine the pride my father would feel if he were still alive to see the new generation of air benders" responded Tenzin with a proud look.
"Avatar Aang left his culture in good hands Tenzin" responded Kado with a friendly smile.
"Your father would also be proud of the work you've done for my sister. I'm grateful for the work you and the white lotus have done for Korra" stated Kado, thinking he could never repay Tenzin and the white lotus for saving Korra.
A few years ago, Kado was told about the kidnapping attempt from a radical group called the red lotus. Korra was almost taken away and it was only thanks to Tenzin and the white lotus that the kidnapping attempt failed. During the kidnapping attempt, the chief before Kado's father was killed while protecting Korra. Chief Sokka will always remain one of Kado's heroes for his sacrifice.
"I would do anything for the avatar and by extension your family. You have been a good ally on the council" responded Tenzin in a grateful tone before he turned his attention towards the meeting room door that was closed.
"Enough talking though, we shouldn't keep the council waiting any longer" stated Tenzin, Kado nodding his head in agreement.
"I just hope this meeting doesn't last too long" responded Kado since these meetings could go on for hours. A few hours later after discussing various boring topics that Kado could hardly care too much about, it was time for Tenzin to present his proposal to the council.
"Alright Tenzin, let's here what you have to say" stated Tarrlok while Tenzin stood up and prepared to address the council. Tenzin took a moment to gather himself, Kado giving him a supporting look.
"As you all know, the growing tensions between benders and non benders has been causing strain on everyday life in Republic City" stated Tenzin, so far it seemed the rest of the council was agreeing with what he said.
"Something must be done, or we risk having further conflict" stated Tenzin.
"That much is obvious Tenzin, but what do you propose we do about it" asked Tarrlok in a condensing tone. True to the air bender way of thinking, Tenzin sidestepped the condensing tone and ignored the potential conflict.
"I propose the council starts a public works program for non benders" responded Tenzin, handing out scrolls that detailed his proposal.
"These public works would be funded by Republic City taxes and would employ non benders in various construction projects" stated Tenzin, Kado could see that the other council members had skeptical looks.
"You're proposing charity then" asked Tarrlok, he clearly didn't see the merit in Tenzin's plan. Just before Tenzin was about to respond, Kado raised his hand to draw attention to himself.
"If I may, I think this proposal has merit" responded Kado, hoping his vocal support would sway at least one other council member.
"One of the sources of tensions for non benders in the city is the level of unemployment that they face. This would help alleviate that burden and be a demonstration that the council represents their interest as well" stated Kado while Tarrlok didn't seem convinced at all.
"So your solution is to fund public works programs at a premium price then" asked Tarrlok, tossing the scroll in front of him aside as he continued to speak.
"These numbers are way too high to justify. The city's taxes would be better spent employment earth benders that could get the same work done at a fraction of the cost" stated Tarrlok, the other council members besides Kado and Tenzin nodded their heads in agreement.
"That logic is precisely the problem. Non benders can't compete against benders in the job market, something must be done to alleviate this problem, or it will only get worse" responded Tenzin, Kado nodding his head in agreement.
"I agree, we as a group must show that the interests of the non benders is considered. It's already a bad enough look that the council is comprised of entirely benders" responded Kado while Tarrlok shook his head in disagreement.
"I'm sorry but this isn't the solution. Funding public works at a premium price would only cause the non bender population to be dependent on taxpayer money" responded Tarrlok while the fire nation representative nodded her head in agreement.
"It's not the fault of the council or any bender in the city that non benders can't find a way to be competitive in the job market" responded the fire nation council woman.
"How exactly can non benders be competitive then when a portion of the population can do things they could only dream of? We as a council must step in, this problem won't simply fix itself" responded Kado, already seeing that the proposal wasn't going well.
"I understand this problem won't be fixed entirely this way, but it gives us much needed time to find a more permanent solution" responded Tenzin, grateful for Kado's voice of support.
"You have both made your points, let's take a vote then" responded Tarrlok while Tenzin sat back down. Tenzin and Kado shared a look, they could only hope at least one council member was swayed to their side.
"Regarding the public works proposal made by councilman Tenzin, all in favor please raise their hand" stated Tarrlok, Tenzin and Kado raising their hand.
"All of those opposed" asked Tarrlok, raising his hand along with the other two council members. Banging his gavel on the desk, Tarrlok smiled smugly at Tenzin and Kado.
"The motion fails" stated Tarrlok with a smug grin. Soon after this the meeting was concluded, Tenzin striding out of the room with a huff. Kado followed Tenzin; he was just as frustrated since the motion failed.
"Those fools are just making the problem worse" stated Tenzin in a frustrated tone, Kado nodding his head in agreement.
"The problem is Tarrlok, he has the other council members in his pocket" responded Kado, referring to the fact the other council members always voted with Tarrlok.
"If only we could sway just one of the other council members to our side" stated Kado, whishing there was a way to break Tarrlok's influence on the council.
"I just don't know what Tarrlok is thinking. I know he can be selfish but he's not this short sighted. He must know that this problem won't fix itself, the longer the council does nothing the bigger this problem becomes" responded Tenzin, Kado nodding his head in agreement.
"He must be planning to turn this problem into an advantage for himself, I just don't know how he's going to do it" responded Kado while he walked out of the council building along with Tenzin. Smiling at the sky bison that was waiting for Tenzin, Kado extended his hand towards Oogi.
"Nice to see you Oogi" stated Kado with a friendly smile, patting Oogi before he turned his attention back towards Tenzin.
"I'll make sure I meet your family at Air Temple Island first thing tomorrow, until then take care" stated Kado, Tenzin using air bending to jump onto Oogi's saddle.
"If you're not doing anything for dinner, we'd love to have you" responded Tenzin with a friendly smile.
"Thanks for the invitation but I'm craving a meat based meal and I won't get that if I eat with you guys" responded Kado with a friendly smile.
"I'll see you tomorrow bright and early" stated Kado, waving goodbye to the air bending master before he took off into the sky on Oogi. Left alone, Kado started to walk aimlessly through the streets of Republic City. Kado walked aimlessly for a while until he stopped at one of his favorite places to eat, a local shop that served water tribe cuisine. With his status as a councilman, Kado was able to get a seat quickly despite not having a reservation. Soon Kado placed his order and was waiting patiently for his order to arrive.
"Councilman Kado, pleasure running into you" stated Tahno with a smug smile, he walked up to Kado after he noticed him. Kado had to put on a fake smile, he couldn't stand the smug pro bender.
"What are the chances that two master water benders chose to dine at the same place" asked Tahno, his fangirls squealing in delight at his smug behavior. Kado had to suppress a laugh at Tahno's words, he wouldn't consider him anywhere near a master water bender. Pro bending might be a popular sport in the city, but Kado never liked it. The sport of pro bending was an absolute joke, it wasn't real bending at all. Even the supposed pro bending champions were nothing more than novice benders that would lose in a real battle.
"Considering this place serves water tribe food, it's not that surprising" responded Kado in a polite tone, holding his tongue instead of pointing out that pro bending was in no way actual bending.
"That's true. I wonder though if we were to get into the ring together which of us would prove to be the better water bender" responded Tahno, his fangirls cheering him on as if the answer to his question was obvious.
"I'm no pro bender so I don't think it would be a fair match" responded Kado in a polite tone, he meant every word. Kado wasn't a pro bender, he didn't sully his technique and stuck to the actual and proper form of water bending. Since Kado wasn't a pro bender he was sure he could defeat Tahno with ease, he was an actual master.
"I couldn't agree more councilmen" responded Tahno, misinterpreting what Kado meant. Soon after Tahno said these words, the food that Kado ordered arrived.
"I'll leave you to your meal, but you should check out one of my matches in the future. This will be another championship year for my team" responded Tahno with a smug smile.
"My responsibilities keep me busy so I don't think I will be able to catch a match" responded Kado, thinking that he would do anything other than watch something that made a mockery of the true art of bending.
"Good luck though" stated Kado in a polite tone, hoping that Tahno would leave him alone so he could enjoy his meal before it got cold.
"Trust me I don't need luck" responded Tahno, his fangirls swooning over him before he walked away from Kado's table. Left alone, Kado sighed as he watched Tahno walk away.
"If you're a master water bender then I'm a fire bender" stated Kado under his breath, having zero respect for anyone that would pursue the mockery of bending that was pro bending. Deciding to focus on the food in front of him, Kado started to enjoy his meal. Soon Kado walked out of the restaurant with a full belly, a content smile spread across his face. While Kado would have liked to search for a pretty female companion to spend the night with, he knew it wouldn't be the smart thing to do.
"I suppose I should go back to the apartment and rest of the night" stated Kado to himself, thinking that he shouldn't stay out late since he had to meet Tenzin and his family before sunrise. Deciding to be responsible, Kado didn't look for a pretty girl to take home for the night. Soon Kado walked into his penthouse apartment and got ready for bed. After getting ready for bed, Kado laid down on his king sized mattress that was decorated with water tribe furs.
"It will be nice to see Korra again, although I'm not looking forward to dealing with her anger" stated Kado to himself, knowing that Korra was going to throw a fit once Tenzin told her he wasn't staying to teach her air bending. Despite not looking forward to seeing Korra's tantrum, Kado was looking forward to tomorrow. Closing his eyes, Kado soon drifted asleep while he looked forward to the next day.
End of Chapter 1