Chapter 16: The Voice in the Night Part 1
Kado sighed with exhaustion as he walked out of the council room, he could see that Tarrlok was walking towards him with his fake smile. Tenzin was standing next to Kado and noticed the look of exhaustion on his face. It was obvious that Tarrlok intended to talk to Kado again about convincing Korra to join his task force. Seeing the look of exhaustion on Kado's face, Tenzin spoke in a low enough tone that only he could hear him.
"Remember Kado, act polite. Tarrlok might be self-serving but he's still a council man and from your sister tribe" stated Tenzin, wanting to remind Kado that his actions reflected on the entire southern water tribe.
"I know that doesn't change the fact this guy is really annoying" responded Kado in a low tone just before Tarrlok stopped in front of them.
"Tenzin and Kado, I hope you are both doing well" stated Tarrlok, giving them a fake smile that told Kado and Tenzin he really didn't care about how they were doing.
"I was surprised to hear that you have a girlfriend now Kado, I thought the ladies' man of republic city would have remained a bachelor for life" stated Tarrlok, attempting to make polite conversation before he went into his big ask. Tarrlok was referring to the story in the newspaper this morning, apparently a member of the press snapped a photo of Kado and Asami kissing outside the restaurant last night.
"What can I say, Asami is a special girl" responded Kado, trying his best to put on a smile despite the fact he really didn't want to have any sort of conversation with Tarrlok.
"I'm sure you wanted to talk about more than just Kado's dating life, what do you want Tarrlok" asked Tenzin, choosing to be direct to get this conversation over with quicker. Kado flashed Tenzin a grateful glance, he knew being direct was going against Tenzin's natural instincts as an air bending master. Despite the direct question, Tarrlok didn't look put off at all and started with his big ask.
"You're right Tenzin, I wanted to talk about more than just my fellow tribesmen's dating life" responded Tarrlok before he turned his full attention towards Kado.
"I wanted to talk with you Kado about the possibility of Korra joining my task force. I believe with the avatar's help, we can bring Amon to justice" stated Tarrlok with a smile while Kado let out a tired sigh.
"If bringing Amon to justice quickly was your only concern than you would have supported my motion to the council to use the miliary instead of your own vanity project" responded Kado in a tired tone since this wasn't the first time Tarrlok as talked to him about getting Korra to join his task force. Tarrlok has bombarded Korra with gifts trying to convince her to join while also trying to convince Kado to his line of thinking.
"Besides, even if I agreed with the task force and the idea that Korra should be a member, it wouldn't change a thing for you" stated Kado while Tarrlok gave him a curious look.
"Oh really? Why is that" asked Tarrlok in a curious tone.
"Korra already gave you her answer. I don't know what kind of power you think I have over Korra but she certainly wouldn't listen to me if she already made up her mind. I might be her older brother but Korra has never once listened to me once she's made up her mind about something" responded Kado, hoping that this would finally get Tarrlok off his back.
"I see, it seems like Korra is a strong willed individual" responded Tarrlok with a smile, clearly he wasn't giving up.
"You have no idea" responded Kado, thinking about how Korra didn't take no for an answer when she was trying to seduce him. In the end Kado was tempted and started an incestuous relationship with Korra, his little sister was perhaps the most stubborn person Kado knew.
"If that is all Tarrlok, I have somewhere else I need to be. I'm meeting with my new girlfriend" stated Kado as he began to walk past Tarrlok. Tarrlok didn't say another word, but it was clear he wasn't going to give up, somehow he would convince the avatar to join his task force. Walking out of the council building, Kado saw that Tenzin was walking beside him.
"I meant to ask, how is Korra's air bending training going" asked Kado in a curious tone. Korra didn't like to share her training with Kado since it still wasn't going super well, talking to Tenzin was the only way Kado could get a clear picture.
"Despite the breakthrough she made during her pro bending match, Korra has yet to produce a single puff of air" responded Tenzin while Kado continued to listen.
"I'm sure that frustrates Korra, she's never liked it when she doesn't immediately get the hang of something" responded Kado in a somewhat amused tone, remembering the times growing up that Korra got frustrated that he got the hang of a water bending move before she did.
"Yes and that frustration is only preventing Korra from reaching her full potential. I keep trying to tell her to be patient, but she doesn't listen" responded Tenzin while Kado laughed at these words.
"I'm sorry but Korra and the word patient don't belong in the same sentence" responded Kado in an amused tone while Tenzin let out a tired sigh.
"That's not all, I suspect that something is throwing Korra out of balance" responded Tenzin while Kado's expression turned serious as he nodded his head in agreement.
"So you noticed it also" responded Kado in a serious tone.
"It's obvious that the thought of Amon and what he can do to benders is weighing heavily on Korra" responded Tenzin, Kado nodding his head in agreement.
"Yah it is. Korra has never really been afraid of anything in her life, so this is a new feeling for her. You're right that this is definitely throwing her out of balance, but she has yet to talk to me about her fear" responded Kado, wishing that Korra would just open up with him about her fear.
"We just need to give Korra space, hopefully she will talk about her fears once she is ready" responded Tenzin while Kado nodded his head in agreement.
"Hopefully but knowing Korra that could take a while. Korra's pride could prevent her from opening up about her fears" responded Kado in a tired tone, trying to think of a way he could help his little sister with her fear of Amon. Shortly after Kado said these words, he said goodbye to Tenzin with the promise he would stop by air temple island later today to assist with Korra's training. Walking away from Tenzin, Kado smiled as he made his way towards Future Industries. Making his way towards Future Industries, Kado soon met his girlfriend.
"There you are" stated Asami with a smile spread across her face as she ran towards Kado. Making her way towards Kado, Asami took the time to hug Kado before she kissed him. Asami felt a pleasant warmth spread through her as she kissed Kado. Smiling into the kiss, Kado placed his hands on Asami's hips and pulled her closer to him. After kissing Asami for another few moments, Kado leaned back from her while still holding her close.
"Sorry if I made you wait long. The council meeting ran later than I thought it would" responded Kado with a smile.
"I didn't wait long, I'm just glad to see you. I missed you" responded Asami with a slight blush covering her face. Asami knew it was silly to miss Kado since they had only been apart for a few hours but she couldn't help it.
"I missed you too Asami" responded Kado with a smile before he leaned towards Asami. Leaning towards Asami, Kado pressed his lips onto hers. Asami wrapped her arms around Kado as she eagerly returned his kiss. The kiss between them became more heated as the seconds passed by and would have continued to escalate if it wasn't for the sound of someone clearing their throat. At the sound of someone clearing their throat, Asami leaned back from Kado and turned her attention to the source of the sound. Turning her attention to the source of the sound, Asami quickly stepped back from Kado.
"Dad! I ahh didn't see you there" stated Asami with a strong blush covering her face. Asami really wanted her father to approve of Kado and she didn't think this was the best first impression.
"Dad, this is Kado. He's my boyfriend" stated Asami, hoping that there was still a chance that her father would approve of Kado. Kado stepped towards Hiroshi, extending his hand towards him.
"Mr. Sato, it's an honor to meet you" stated Kado, hoping that for once a father of the woman he sees would approve of him. Asami was different from all the other women he slept around with in the past, Kado actually wanted his relationship with Asami to be successful and go the distance. Hiroshi was silent for a moment before his neutral expression turned into a smile and he shook Kado's hand.
"Please, the honor is all mine councilman" responded Hiroshi in a friendly tone, Asami breathed a sigh of relief as her father shook Kado's hand.
"I was quite surprised that Asami told me she has a boyfriend now and that her boyfriend is the representative of the southern water tribe on the council" stated Hiroshi while Kado took his hand away from him.
"I can imagine it was a surprise sir, but it couldn't have been more of a surprise then when I found out the woman I was on a date with was the daughter of the most famous industrialist in the city.
"I got to where I am with hard work, although I'm sure you know the value of hard work. I've heard a lot about you" responded Hiroshi with a friendly smile. While Hiroshi's words sounded friendly enough, Kado got nervous. Hearing a lot about him could be bad Kado thought since he had the reputation of being a ladies man. Luckily it appeared that Kado's nervousness was for nothing.
"You worked hard to become the youngest member of the Republic City council, that is no small feat" stated Hiroshi while Kado smiled at him.
"Thanks but I'm really only a council member as a favor to my father" responded Kado.
"Don't undersell yourself, I'm sure your father choose you to represent the tribe because you were the best man for the job" responded Hiroshi with a friendly smile, Asami was watching the exchange with a smile.
"That's kind of you to say sir, I certainly try to represent my tribe's interest to the best of my abilities" responded Kado before he continued to speak.
"Although if I'm being honest, politics really doesn't suit me well. It's a lot of words when I prefer action" stated Kado while Hiroshi nodded his head in approval.
"I couldn't agree more. I'm a man of action as well" responded Hiroshi with a friendly smile.
"I've also heard you are quite the bender, perhaps the best water bender in the world" stated Hiroshi while Kado shook his head in disagreement.
"I'm a good water bender but I'm not the best. That title belongs to my water bending master, Master Katara" responded Kado with a smile.
"A man of action and humble, it seems like my daughter choose right" responded Hiroshi while Asami blushed at these words.
"It's definitely a relief to hear that from you sir, I was nervous that you wouldn't approve" responded Kado, glad that things with Hiroshi was going so well.
"As long as you treat Asami right, I have no reason to disapprove" responded Hiroshi with a hint of fatherly protection in his voice. Asami responded for Kado as she stood beside him and took his hand in her own.
"Don't worry dad, Kado has been nothing but the perfect boyfriend" responded Asami as she took hold of Kado's hand. Kado smiled at these words; he was grateful that things were going well with Asami's father so far.
"I now you might have your misgivings about me sir and are just being polite by not bringing them up. My reputation must make you worry as a father, and I understand that. You have your worries but I assure you sure on my honor as a proud water tribe warrior that I have no intentions of hurting Asami in any way" responded Kado, Asami blushing somewhat at his words.
"I'm glad to hear that, your words are reassuring" responded Hiroshi with a kind smile, hiding his true feelings for the water bender that his daughter was messing around with. For now, Hiroshi knew he had to play the role as the kind father. While it was killing him inside to outwardly approve of the water bender, Hiroshi knew this was for the good of the revolution.
"Enough talk about that though, it is my understanding that you are interested in taking a tour of my factory" stated Hiroshi while Kado nodded his head in agreement.
"Yes I am sir. I may not know how to drive myself, but I can definitely appreciate what you have here" responded Kado with an excited smile as Hiroshi started to lead them into the factory. Asami was still holding onto Kado's hand as she followed her father into the factory.
"You don't know how to drive" asked Asami in a curious tone while Kado nodded his head in confirmation.
"I never really had the need to drive. There's not a lot of cars in the south pole, the roads aren't necessarily great with the constant ice and snow" responded Kado while they continued to follow Hiroshi.
"Also I was always more interested in perfecting my water bending growing up and mastering all forms of southern combat" stated Kado.
"It sounds like you are a man of many talents, I can appreciate that. How are you on sailing" asked Hiroshi with a kind smile, Asami rolling her eyes in a playful manner.
"My father is trying to ask you if you're interested in fishing, it's one of his hobbies" responded Asami while Kado chuckled at these words.
"Sailing is an important part of my culture sir. No water tribe warrior worth his salt would ignore the call of the sea" responded Kado, fondly remembering all the fishing trips he went on with his father while he was growing up.
"If you ever want to go fishing you can count me in. I could even show you a few water tribe methods" stated Kado while Hiroshi stopped in the middle of the factory floor.
"Sounds good my boy, we will definitely have to set up a trip soon" responded Hiroshi with a smile before he gestured to the activity going on in the factory.
"What do you think" asked Hiroshi with a proud smile on his face. Despite the fact he had to put on an act for the water bender, Hiroshi was still proud of his company.
"It's amazing sir, it's no wonder your company is at the front of Republic City industry" responded Kado as he looked around the factory floor.
"Please call me Hiroshi. If you are dating my daughter there's no need to be formal" responded Hiroshi with a smile before he shifted the topic of the conversation.
"Asami told me about your sister. I understand that avatar Korra and her pro bending team is facing some money issues" stated Hiroshi while Kado nodded his head.
"Yes that's right si- I mean Hiroshi. Korra's team needs to come up with 30,000 yuan for the tournament and no one on the team has that sort of cash on hand. I would help out my sister if I could but I can't" responded Kado while Hiroshi nodded his head in understanding.
"It's not an issue of not having enough money to help out Korra, I have the money. A law prevents council members from supporting business and pro bending teams so my hands are tied" stated Kado.
"That must be frustrating, having the means to help out your sister but being unable to do so" responded Hiroshi while Kado nodded his head in agreement.
"Yes it is. Avatar or not, Korra is my sister and there isn't anything I wouldn't do for her" responded Kado.
"I understand completely. Ever since we lost Asami's mother, family remains the most important thing in my life. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for Asami" responded Hiroshi, his thoughts drifting to his work with the equalist. Hiroshi was determined to create a better would for his daughter, a world without the evil of bending.
"Dad stop beating around the bush and tell Kado the good news" stated Asami with a smile, giving Kado's hand an affectionate squeeze.
"Good news" asked Kado in a curious tone.
"My daughter passionately told me your efforts to be a good brother to avatar Korra. Asami told me you don't personally enjoy the sport of pro bending, is this true" asked Hiroshi in a curious tone while Kado nodded his head.
"That's correct. It may sound a bit silly since I'm a bender myself but I don't like the sport of pro bending. In my opinion it's not real bending, I'm more of a traditionalist when it comes to the art of bending" responded Kado, wondering where Hiroshi was going with this line of questioning.
"That response just makes you more admirable in my eyes. Despite not enjoying the sport of pro bending and not agreeing with it, you still tried to help out your sister who is on a pro bending team. I'd hate for Avatar Korra and her team to lose their chance at the championship just because they are short a few yuans. That's why I'm going to sponsor the fire ferrets in the tournament" responded Hiroshi while Kado smiled at these words.
"Are you serious? That's very kind of you" responded Kado in a surprised tone.
"He's serious Kado. My dad is going to cover the team's ante for the championship pot" responded Asami, happy to see the smile on Kado's face.
"That's great! Korra and her team will be trilled to hear the good news" responded Kado with a wide smile spread across his face.
"There's just one catch. The fire ferrets have to wear the Future Industries logo on their uniforms. Do you think that will be a problem" asked Hiroshi.
"I'm certain it won't be. I'll have to talk to Korra and the rest of her team, but I don't see that being a problem at all" responded Kado with a grateful smile, already picturing how thrilled Korra and the others will be once he tells them the good news.
"Thank you, this means a lot to me that Korra can get the help she needs" stated Kado, shaking Hiroshi's hand.
"Think nothing of it, I'm glad I can help" responded Hiroshi before he stepped back from Kado. Kado and Asami spent a bit more time with Hiroshi before they went their separate ways. Walking out of the factory, Asami smiled at Kado.
"Are you going to gala in Korra's honor tonight" asked Asami in a curious tone while Kado huffed a sound of annoyance.
"Yes I am" responded Kado in a tired tone. Seeing his reaction caused Asami to give him a curious look, Kado began to explain.
"The gala is being thrown by councilmen Tarrlok. Make no mistake, even though Tarrlok is water tribe, I can't stand him" stated Kado while Asami listened carefully to his explanation.
"He and I are completely different. I don't' like the politics of being a councilman and only do it to serve my homeland. Tarrlok seems to thrive from the political life of a councilman and clearly does it to serve himself instead of his tribe" stated Kado while Asami voiced a question.
"Okay so what does this have to do with the gala? Why would Tarrlok throw a gala in Korra's honor" asked Asami in a curious tone.
"Tarrlok wants Korra to join his anti-equalist task force. Korra has denied his requests, I suspect that this gala is just another attempt to get Korra to join his vanity project" responded Kado while Asami nodded her head in understanding.
"So what are you going to do" asked Asami in a curious tone.
"As a fellow councilman and the older brother of the person the gala is for, I have to be there. I suspect that Korra will be expected to show up as well and Tarrlok will certainly try something. I'll be there and hopefully I can lend my help to Korra if she needs it" responded Kado, dreading having to go to the gala since it would require him to play the political game that he detested.
"Well if it means anything, I'll be there" responded Asami with a warm smile. Kado smiled back at Asami, stopping to turn towards her.
"That would be really nice Asami. I really hate these sorts of events, they're not my thing at all. Knowing I have my lovely and beautiful girlfriend there is a big relief" responded Kado before he leaned towards Asami to kiss her. Asami smiled into the kiss, gladly returning it. After a few moments, Kado leaned back from Asami.
"I wish I could stay with you longer but I promised Korra I would help her with her training. I'll see you later tonight" stated Kado, taking another moment to kiss Asami goodbye.
"I'm looking forward to seeing you tonight, I love you" responded Asami with a slight blush covering her face.
"I love you too Aasmi" responded Kado before he kissed Asami one last time before he stepped away from her. Soon Kado was at Air Temple island, he was searching for his little sister.
"Kado are you looking for Korra" asked Ikki in her usual excited tone. Kado turned towards the source of Ikki's voice and was surprised to see the young air bender sitting in a brand new Sato mobile, it must have been the latest gift from Tarrlok trying to convince Korra to join his task force.
"I am, do you know where she is" asked Kado with a friendly smile. After Ikki told Kado where to find Korra, Kado walked towards his new destination. On the way there he ran into Tenzin.
"How is she" asked Kado in a curious tone, still concerned about Korra's fears she was keeping bottled up.
"I've tried to get Korra to open up about her fears but she remains quiet on the issue. I fear this is throwing her out of balance" responded Tenzin while Kado nodded his head in understanding.
"Korra has always been the type of person to try and face everything on her own. The expectations of being the avatar certainly doesn't help with this flaw. Let me talk to her, I'm closer to Korra than you are" responded Kado, thinking that Tenzin had no idea just how close he was to Korra.
"Very well, I'll be nearby should you need me" responded Tenzin as he began to walk away. Before Tenzin could get too far away, Kado called out to him.
"Hey Tenzin" shouted Kado, Tenzin stopping and turning to face him.
"Thanks, you and your family have done a lot for mine" stated Kado while Tenzin smiled at him.
"There's no need for thanks. It is my honor to assist the avatar, and it has been a pleasure working alongside you" responded Tenzin. After Tenzin said these words, he walked away from Kado. Soon Kado found Korra circling around a training area, he could tell that her fears were still bothering her from the look on her face.
"How goes the air bending training" asked Kado as he sat down. Korra dropped her air bending stance, letting out a huff of annoyance as she turned towards Kado.
"I still haven't produced a single puff of air" responded Korra in a frustrated tone as she sat down next to Kado.
"I wouldn't get too frustrated about it Korra, sometimes these things take time" responded Kado, knowing that Korra's lack of air bending was the thing that was truly bothering her.
"Can I tell you something" asked Kado, hoping that his approach would help Korra out with coming to terms with her fears.
"Sure, you can tell me anything. You know that" responded Korra, curious what Kado wanted to talk to her about.
"I know I might be putting on a brave face with this whole Amon thing but truth is I'm scared" responded Kado as he turned his attention towards the bay. Looking towards the water of the bay, Kado felt a certain comfort that only someone that was raised in the south pole could get.
"Really? You're scared" asked Korra in a surprised tone since Kado hadn't shown any outward signs of fear.
"Yes I'm scared. Amon can take a person's bending away permanently. Being a water bender is a big part of my personal identity. It's how I connect with our people's rich culture and being the best water bender possible has been a goal of mine ever since you were discovered to be the avatar" responded Kado while Korra listened with interest. Korra was of the opinion that having fear made someone weak and she thought Kado as one of the strongest people she knew. Knowing that one of the strongest people she knew was afraid was shocking to Korra.
"Wait, why did being the best water bender possible become important to you once the world leaned I was the avatar" asked Korra in a curious tone while Kado chuckled at these words.
"It's a simple explanation if you think about it. I'm the older brother, I'm supposed to be the strong one. It's kind of hard to be considered the strong one in the family when your little sister turns out to be the avatar" responded Kado with a friendly smile before he continued with his explanation.
"Make no mistake Korra, I've never once resented you for being the avatar. I just knew that if my little sister was the avatar then I would have to work very hard to make my own name for myself" stated Kado while Korra nodded her head in understanding.
"I suppose that's true, I never thought about how me being the avatar could affect how others see you" responded Korra, feeling somewhat guilty since this sort of thing never crossed her mind.
"No need to feel guilty about it Korra, it's not your fault how others see or treat me. I knew that if I didn't work hard then I would only be seen as the avatar's brother instead as my own person" responded Kado with a kind smile.
"I figured that I could make a name for myself if I became one of the world's best water benders so that's what I worked towards. You know how hard I worked at mastering water bending. While you worked to master the other elements, I trained day and night to perfect every stance and kata that Master Katara showed me" stated Kado with a smile while he recalled the countless hours he spent mastering the art of water bending.
"To think all of that could be ripped away from me, it's terrifying. I don't know who I would be if my bending was suddenly taken from me" stated Kado, knowing that he was speaking aloud Korra's hidden fears. Korra was silent as she processed Kado's words, she was debating if she should reveal her own weakness and failure as the avatar by speaking aloud her own fears.
"Even though I'm afraid, I'm not letting myself fall out of balance" stated Kado while Korra continued to listen to him.
"I'm not being thrown out of balance because I'm not holding this fear to myself. I'm talking about it with you and Tenzin. It's important that talking about what makes one afraid to others. Talking to others about one's fears allows us to better confront them and make peace with them" stated Kado, hoping that Korra was taking to heart his advice.
"Even past avatar's knew about this. You've heard the stories about avatar Aang from master Katara just like I've had. Do you remember how avatar Aang felt just before the day of black sun" asked Kado while Korra nodded her head.
"Yah I do" responded Korra, recalling the story that Katara told her about that day.
"Avatar Aang was terrified of facing the fire lord, he was scared of letting down all of the people that were depending on him. For a few days avatar Aang let these fears throw him out of balance because he refused to talk to his friends about it. Once he talked about his fears, Aang was able to make peace and find inner balance again" stated Kado, Korra nodding her head in understanding. Kado was silent for a moment, waiting to see if Korra would speak up about her obvious fears concerning Amon. Once it became obvious to Kado that Korra wasn't going to speak up about her own fears, Kado stood up and started to stretch.
"The point I'm trying to make is speaking about my fear is already making me feel better, thanks for listening Korra" stated Kado while Korra also stood up.
"No problem" responded Korra in a somewhat defeated tone, thinking she was still weak for being afraid about Amon. Seeing that Korra was bothered by her fears, Kado decided to take her mind off things for the moment.
"Enough talking, let me see if your water bending is still sharp" responded Kado as he fell into a water bending stance. Korra temporarily forgot about her fears as she embraced the challenge issued by her big brother.
"You're on" responded Korra with a smile as she dropped into a water bending stance. Kado knew he would have to somehow get through to Korra and have her open up about her fears eventually but for now he was happy to let Korra know he was ready to listen whenever she wanted to speak up. The threat that Amon posed was serious and Kado knew that Korra would have to confront her fears, Kado would be ready to help Korra whenever she asked for it.
End of Chapter 16