Maintaining the Balance: Ch. 35

"Though it's a bit of an oversimplification, the purpose of our group is to prevent criminals and opportunists from destroying the legacy of Avatar Aang and everyone who worked together to shape the United Republic. Those kids outside are all people who were failed by a system that favors the wealthy and affluent over the lives of the innocent. Now, they fight to ensure those who commit heinous crimes are brought to justice..."

Without pausing to consider Akua's words, Korra's expression formed into a resolute glower as she said, "They're just kids. You can't expect them to fight against hardened criminals. That's what-"

Interrupting before Korra could finish, Akua asked, "What are you doing to prevent people from being raped, robbed, murdered, and exploited right this instant...?"

"What?"

Taken aback by Akua's question, Korra's mouth hung open as the former went on to explain, "Any system that elevates individuals and prioritizes profit over the well-being of the masses is flawed. True justice comes in the form of a closed fist, not a slap on the wrists."

Shifting her gaze to Kahn, Akua's eyes narrowed as she asked, "What do you think, fire puppy? I'm curious to know what the Avatar of Fire and Absolution, the Enforcer of our Creator's will, thinks..."

"Kahn...?"

With Korra looking toward him with a concerned expression on her face, Kahn found himself unable to suppress an exasperated sigh. Then, after considering his response for several seconds, he answered, "I honestly don't care. I can't resist helping people, but I have no intention of going out of my way to try and fix things. I just want to protect Korra, travel the world, and create new dishes..."

Though Kahn's words initially earned him a gratified smile from Korra, her expression immediately cramped when he added, "However, if it were up to me, I would execute any and all who knowingly betray the trust of the people. The same fate would await anyone who opposes legislation that would objectively benefit the populace and anyone who cuts corners for the sake of profit...civilizations that fail to care for their home planet and the creatures who inhabit it do not deserve to flourish..."

A stark contrast to the taken aback Korra and Asami, Akua began laughing in response to Kahn's words. She would never say it aloud, but she shared his views. She once chanced upon a group of thugs having their way with a mother in front of her children. In the months that followed, the thought of freezing the entire world had crossed her mind more than once...

Wiping away a tear from her eye, a vicious smile developed across Akua's face as she looked to Korra and said, "You heard him, kitten. You're pretty much the only thing preventing Kahn from giving civilization a hard reset. Better keep him on a short leash."

"Right..."

Failing to grasp the nuance within Akua's words, Korra just gave a cursory response as she stared at Kahn's profile. She had no idea he had such an 'extreme' view of the world. She wasn't upset with him, but it was a pretty jarring revelation.

Realizing Korra wasn't really paying attention to her, Akua rolled her eyes, muttering, "Anyways..." before proceeding to explain, "I'm not sure if Kahn has told you, but each Avatar of Raava has an unmatched influence on the Flow of Fate that pulls each and every one of us towards our penultimate destination. Now that you have officially set out on your journey, it is only a matter of time before the forces that stand in opposition to you begin to take action. Thank you, kitten."

Accepting the folder that Asami had given her, Akua opened it up before sliding it towards Korra and appending, "In Republic City, there are three groups you need to worry about. First and foremost are the Equalists, an Anti-Bending organization that wishes to outlaw Bending. Their leader is an opportunistic retard who has convinced the sheep that Benders are the cause of all conflicts throughout history, completely blinding them to the fact he is weaponizing them in the same fucking way. In essence, he just wants to seize power and make it easier for him to maintain control by eliminating anyone that could realistically oppose him."

Seeing the photo of a masked within the folder, Korra's brows furrowed as she asked, "And people actually listen to this guy? This Amon? Don't they know Bending is essential to sustaining the balance of the world? Without it, humans wouldn't have been able to survive till now. Dark Spirits would have wiped us out thousands of years ago."

Placing her feet against the edge of the table, Akua began teetering back on her chair, eyes focused on the ceiling as she lazily replied, "The sheep don't care about history or things like the balance of the world. They just want to live their lives in peace. If you can convince them that something jeopardizes their livelihoods, normal people become monsters capable of committing even the most heinous atrocities without even batting an eye. Hell, some will even cheer..."

"Are you always this negative...?"

Though she could understand what Akua was trying to say, Korra couldn't help feeling the former had a rather extreme view of the world.

To Korra's surprise, Aku whispered, "Not always..." before leaning forward, sitting upright, and adding, "If I didn't believe things could get any better, I wouldn't be fighting this hard to fix them. I just want you to be prepared ahead of time. Many of the people you meet during your journey will have even more extreme beliefs than myself and Kahn. It might be difficult for you to believe right now, but you'll soon come to realize that the greatest villains often have the strongest desire to protect and help people. As the Avatar, you have the duty of keeping such individuals in line..."

Before Korra could think of a response, Akua promptly changed subjects, saying, "Anyways...since you're clearly not read for this, we'll shelve this matter until you accrue some more experience. For now, you can just think of my little band of freedom fighters as information brokers. We'll focus on gathering information and leave the heavy lifting to you and your little fire puppy. However, once shit hits the fan—and trust me, it will—don't forget that you're not the only person willing to fight for what's right..."

Rising to her feet, Akua was prepared to go and give her team the news when Korra stood up, saying, "Wait! We're not finished here...!"

Raising her brows, Akua casually replied, "Calm down, kitten. It's not like I'm kicking you out or cutting ties with you. We can chat all you like once I get back. I just don't want to keep my people waiting outside for a speech that clearly isn't happening. Why don't you and your little puppy dog make out or something? I shouldn't be more than a few minutes."

Without waiting for Korra's response, Akua, followed closely by Asami, left the room. In her wake, she left a bewildered Korra staring at the door with a slack-jawed expression on her face.

Freeing Korra from her stupor, Kahn asked, "You okay?" in what he hoped to be a concerned tone. Akua's words had given him a lot to think about, so his mind wasn't as focused on the present as usual.

Exhaling a sigh, Korra plopped down in her chair, hands holding her head as she slumped forward and complained, "That woman does everything at her own pace..."

As if realizing the irony of her words, Korra suddenly looked to Kahn, a worried expression on her face as she asked, "Oh gosh...is this how you feel when I drag you around and make you do whatever I want...?"

Though he wasn't fond of lying, Kahn unhesitantly replied, "Not really. It was troublesome when we were children, but I actually missed it once we were separated. If anything, your assertive nature makes things easier for me. I just have to go with the flow and enjoy the ride..."

Turning her eyes up at Kahn, Korra regained a bit of her usual smile as she observed, "You really are like a puppy..."

Rolling his eyes, Kahn contemplated referring to Korra as a kitten when the latter caught him by surprise, softly muttering, "You're wrong about one thing, though..."

Swallowing the knot the had formed in her throat, Korra leaned toward Kahn and sensually appended, "I might drag you around, but you're the one that's going to get taken for a ride..."

"..."

Amused by Kahn's faint yet visibly dumbfounded expression, a chuckle emanated from Korra's throat as she sat back in her chair and proposed, "Since our date got sidetracked, what do you think about going out later tonight? We can sneak out and go swimming at that secret lake. I'll bring one of my new swimsuits...or we can always go skinny dipping..."

Understanding it wasn't really an option, especially after their talk about her dragging him around, Kahn adopted a smoldering grin as he retorted, "Why not both...?"

Seemingly forgetting they were in the underground war room of a growing resistance group, Korra leaned toward Kahn, whispering, "Good answer..." before closing the remaining distance to his lips. At nearly the exact same moment, the door to the room suddenly opened, propelled by Akua's foot as she smugly bellowed, "Did ya miss me, you-"

Seeing Korra pull away from Kahn and sit ramrod straight, Akua's words got caught in her throat. When she recovered, an incredulous look marred her typically relaxed countenance as she asked, "You are for real? You do realize I was joking around when I suggested you make out, right? Man, if you're this brazen in someone else's base, you must be worse than a pair of lop-eared rabbits in private..."

Unaware that the duo were still virgins, Akua sauntered over to Kahn and Korra with a catty smile on her face. She was a little disappointed by the lack of a tent in Kahn's trousers, but that didn't prevent her from looking toward Korra and asking, "So? How is he? Dragons are known to be well-endowed sex fiends. He must have messed you up pretty bad during your first time, huh?"

With a blush reaching to the tips of her ears, Korra left Akua feeling taken aback by burying her face into her hands and whimpering, "Stop it...Kahn and I haven't done anything like that..."

Though she had initially intended to tease Korra for reacting like a bashful maiden, Akua's head practically snapped towards Kahn, disbelief coloring her expression as she questioned, "Are you fucking kidding me? Just how long have the two of you been dating?"

Derailing the tirade Akua had prepared, Kahn calmly answered, "Six days." in his characteristically impassive tone.

Blinking in surprise, Akua asked, "Six days? That's it...?" before looking to Korra for verification. When the latter eventually nodded her head, Akua's complexion actually paled as she muttered, "Don't tell me today was your first date..."

Seeing Korra nod a second time, Akua suddenly stood up, hand slapping her forehead as she exasperatedly groaned, "Fucking a...". Then, as if her behavior was somehow Kahn's fault, she flared up at him, asking, "What the fuck are you still doing in this dreary ass place!? Take your girlfriend out and have some fun, you stupid dragon!"

Dragging Kahn up by his collar, Akua was prepared to do the same with Korra when she suddenly noticed the choker around the latter's neck. She also wore a choker, but the one around Korra's neck carried much greater meaning.

"Holy shitballs..."

Pushing Kahn off to the side, Akua forced Korra to stand before gripping her shoulders and leaning in to get a closer look at her pendant. Once she had confirmed her suspicions, her face practically lit up as she looked up at Korra and asked, "This fucknugget proposed to you?"

"Uh..."

Dusting himself off after Akua sent him crashing into a wall, Kahn was the one who answered, "I did. Why, do you have a problem with that?"

Making a so-so gesture with her right hand, Akua answered, "Kind of, but not for the reasons you think. I actually had this whole scheme cooked up to have you play the part of my and Asami's fiance. Though I'd still like to talk about that, we'll shelve it for a few months. For now, we celebrate...!"

Without waiting for Kahn's and Korra's response, Akua departed the room, shouting, "Break out the good stuff and fire up the grill! We're throwing a party for my baby brother and his fiancee...!"

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