Chapter 6

A Meeting

Korra was feeling really good. A week after that article in the newspaper, and no one had mentioned a thing. Not only that, Korra was also making amazing strides with her airbending. She could now manage the air maze almost perfectly and had even begun to participate in air scooter races with the kids.

She would secretly admit that as far as her skills went, that airbending was probably her least favorite. It didn't have the flare of fire, or the strength of earth. And it didn't excite her like water, but there was something to be said about having all four. Something that made her feel like a complete avatar, though she still struggled with the spiritual aspect of being one.

Ever since returning to the past, she had failed to have any further connection with Aang or his memories, and her meditation had proven to be far from productive. It was actually the only down side, as every time she attempted to meditate, the icy cliff would appear in her minds eye.

Tenzin was confounded by her unease with meditation, and would often ask her to describe what she was feeling. Korra couldn't bring herself to actually talk about it, but she would mention that it made her anxious.

But besides that, she was still feeling really good. The equalist were still in the shadows and her training was proceeding well. Though there were still tensions within republic city, she couldn't help but think that everything was looking up.

"Avatar Korra," a shaky voice called breaking her from her train of thought.

Turning slightly Korra recognized the frail assistant at once. Despite the cowardly demeanor the man never seemed to shy away from his tasks, and it really seemed like those tasks were many. It was honestly impressive how much this one nondescript man managed to do for councilman Tarrlok. While also always at his side, just waiting for the next task.

"Yes?" Korra asked.

"Your presence is being requested by the council," the man informed her.

Korra wasn't exactly sure what they would want, but she was hardly surprised that they would ask for the Avatar. She was slightly surprised that they would send an escort for her. She could easily find her own way to the council house, but a ride to the mainland and car was waiting for her, and she accepted it grudgingly.

By the time she arrived, the council was in recess, and she was told that they would be back in session in about a half hour.

Frustrated that she had been pulled to the building only to be told to wait, she decided to find out what exactly was going on. Tarrlok's assistant had tried to encourage her to stay, but Korra wasn't about to sit around for a half hour.

Her first thought was to visit Tenzin , but as she approached his office she was told that he was currently in a meeting discussing things with the chief of police.

A part of her did consider barging in anyway, but as she remembered officer Beifong, she decided against the intrusion. She had made a terrible impression on the woman the first time around, and it had taken forever to earn her trust. Perhaps this time, she could make a better impression and avoid all that.

Her second thought was Tarrlok. Unfortunately, his office was on the other end of the building.

As she approached his office a receptionist looked up briefly at her.

"Is Tarrlok in?" Korra demanded.

The receptionist gave her a dirty look, as he glanced Korra up and down.

"The honorable councilman is busy," the receptionist did not hide his disdain.

Korra was not going to be stopped by that however, "Like, how busy?" Korra asked him.

Her attitude was clearly annoying the man, who's jaw clenched just slightly. " Very busy!" he spat.

"Is he in a meeting or something?" Korra asked.

"Yes, now if you would like to leave a message for him, perhaps I can be of assistance," the man told her flatly.

Korra lent back for a second, as there really wasn't anything she wanted to say. She was there for a council meeting, and she would soon discover the reason she was brought to the building anyway. Of course, she could always complain about the wait, but that would hardly do anything. Though the council would not be in recess, except for the length of time it took to get to the building to begin with.

Tell him that his Chauffeur drives like a turtle-snail and I could have made it here faster on foot," Korra told the man.

Her words must have been at least a little surprising because the man seemed to shift from aggressive to pensive. "And whom should I say this was from.

"I really think he'll know," Korra replied smugly.

"Right? You wouldn't happen to be Miss Korra would you?" the man finally asked.

"Yeah, I would," she shrugged.

"I'm so sorry for the inconvenience, the councilman should be available," he told her as he stood to lead her to the large double doors which led to the representatives office.

"So, he wasn't busy," Korra muttered as she was led in.

"Sir, you have a visitor," the man seemed far more uncertain when he addressed the councilman.

Tarrlok looked up from what seemed an absolute mountain of paperwork, only to put his pen aside and stand.

"Korra," he greeted. He made a dismissive motion with his hand, and the receptionist backed out of the room, and closed the doors. "What do I owe the pleasure?" he asked as he sat back behind his desk.

His waterfall fountain rushed behind him, completely capturing her attention. Korra had to admit it was stunning in it's beauty, something that she hadn't quite had time to appreciate the last time. Add to the fact that it was also a source of the man's power, and she could understand why he had chosen the decor.

"I was curious about why I was dragged here," she decided to start her eyes moving back to his.

"That would be Tenzin's doing," he told her. "He thinks we should announce your arrival to republic city."

"Really? That doesn't sound like the Tenzin I know," Korra frowned.

"He thinks that it's better than some of the rumors that have been going around," Tarrlok left that punctuated with a significant look.

"I didn't even realize he knew anything," Korra said honestly. Tenzin had not brought up the tabloid gossip at all, and hadn't even hinted at the fact that he may of heard something of the matter. Was he perhaps trying to protect her from the news?

"I tried to convince the council that it wasn't a good idea, but Tenzin is a little more respected in matters that involve the Avatar," Tarrlok continued. "As a last ditch effort I suggested that we get your opinion on the matter."

"And if I come out, the equalist will grow emboldened," Korra concluded softly.

"Tenzin doesn't realize the threat the equalist pose, he thinks I'm manipulating the situation, and by extension he doesn't understand why you should stay hidden," Tarrlok agreed.

"I'll talk to him," she said after a moment. "Though I will have to come out eventually, I am the Avatar," she told him.

"I'm aware of that, we just need more time to hamper their movement," Tarrlok said.

"Speaking of that, I had an idea," Korra decided to suggest. Though she had an inkling that the councilman wouldn't care for it.

"Well go on," he waved for her to continue.

"I think we should improve non-bender representation in the government, perhaps give them a seat at the council," Korra almost flinched at the irate look that came over Tarrlok's face.

"Absolutely not! Are you trying to let the equalist win!" Tarrlok demanded his fist coming down on his desk. The sound only being muffled by the amount of papers that dampened it.

"I'm not saying put an equalist on the council," Korra pushed back. "What I'm saying is that the lack of representation is one of the main reason's the equalist have been able to gain so much sympathy," she tried to explain.

"So giving them what they want, is your answer?" Tarrlok demanded.

"No! Starving them of their main talking point is," Korra growled.

Despite his obvious agitation Tarrlok seemed to mull over her words for a minute. Clearly trying to find some fault in her reasoning.

Korra realized that he might be open to it, if perhaps she could just meet him on some common ground. "If this doesn't work, I would be open to a more aggressive approach," Korra finally said.

She knew that this was something that Tarrlok would want to hear, though she hoped that it wouldn't come to that. If it did than she would have to be incredibly careful that Tarrlok didn't play right into Amon's hands again.

"The council needs an odd number to avoid hung decisions," Tarrlok finally said.

"Then put two non-benders on the council," Korra told him. Seeing him glare at her, Korra had a feeling that Tarrlok was probably worried about losing his power, but she had thought about that as well.

"You know, even if the non-benders and Tenzin disagreed with you, you would still have the majority," she reminded him. "And who's to say the non-benders couldn't be won by your persuasive arguments," Korra hoped she wasn't flattering him too much. She felt a bit dirty, like she was conspiring, but she did truly believe that this would help against the rising tension in the city.

She must have said something right, because Tarrlok seemed to be nodding along with her suggestion.

"And if this doesn't stop the equalist?" he questioned.

Korra knew this was coming, and she really hoped it wouldn't come to that. "Than I'll support the task force, we'll lead it together," she told him. She really wasn't willing to follow blindly, but if they were both in charge of it, perhaps things could be different.

Tarrlok nodded, "alright we'll try things your way Avatar."

Standing up, the man moved to where she was standing, "you know this really was all I ever wanted," he told her softly.

The council chambers

Tenzin found himself back at the decision table, just waiting on the last member to arrive. Tarrlok was usually first to the table, but apparently he was being delayed.

Tenzin could only hope that the council would see reason and accept his proposal.

If the city were aware that the Avatar was here, perhaps it would quell the unrest, and bring hope to those who needed it. Perhaps the mere presence of the Avatar was all they needed.

It would also dispel those ridiculous rumors that had somehow made there way around. Tenzin hadn't a clue how anyone could think any of that were true, and most frustratingly Tarrlok almost seemed to enjoy the speculation.

Had the man no shame?

Not only that but he didn't even deny the rumors, which of course spurred more. If Tenzin didn't know better than he would have thought that Tarrlok was the one responsible for the outlandish gossip. But that didn't make a lot of sense, as there was very little to gain, and almost everything to lose.

His very position on the council could be at stake, so why would he not want to dismantle this scandal.

It was as these thoughts plagued his mind that he heard the door to the chamber open. And in came the devil himself guiding none other than Korra up to the council table.

And of course Korra would agree with Tarrlok.

He had obviously made an effort to get to her first, probably spun all sorts of reasons she should agree with him.

No, that wasn't what was bothering Tenzin. It was the hand on the girls back, as Tarrlok directed her on where to stand.

Just moments before Tenzin had been wondering what Tarrlok stood to gain from mere rumors. Now he was beginning to suspect that his fellow councilman wasn't playing for mere rumors.

Would a man like him make such an attempt?

Tenzin could feel his eyes narrow. Of course he would.

He needed to keep Korra away from this man, for her own good.

Okay there we go

Hope that was okay. I will say that when I first started writing this, the idea was fairly different, but the story took a turn naturally and I just decided to explore that.

I also originally wrote the secretary as female, but after thinking about it I kind of like the idea that Tarrlok's secretary is male. We saw male healers in legend of Korra so why not expand on that you know.

Until next time.