Maintaining the Balance: Ch. 34 (Patreon)

After changing into her traditional Water Tribe outfit, a sleeveless, form-fitting blue shirt, baggy blue pants, fur-lined boots, dark-blue vambraces, blue belt, and a waistcloth, Korra emerged from the changing room with an awkward smile. However, upon seeing Kahn, Mako, and Bolin silently observing each other, she quickly forgot her personal concerns, asking, "What's going on? Why does it feel like a funeral out here...?"

Adding insult to Mako's mental injuries, Kahn unhesitantly replied, "Akua got tired of our new friend's white knighting and ended up storming off on her own. Asami got upset in turn and went to the backroom to vent."

"I wasn't white knighting! I just...you wouldn't understand...!"

Raising her brows, Korra gave Mako a curious look before looking up at Kahn and asking, "What's white-knighting...?"

"Mmm...it's when a guy willfully puts himself into a position to protect a woman's honor even when it's completely unnecessary. Our little friend here is significantly weaker than Akua, yet he tried to speak for her in a misguided attempt to try and deter me."

"What...?"

Turning to give Mako a second glance, Korra asked, "Why would you do something like that? Kahn is in a relationship with me. Even if you like that Akua girl, he isn't going to try and steal her away from you. Picking a fight with him is like burning your face on a stove just to get attention..."

Despite his attempts to suppress it, a faint red hue spread across Mako's face as his body tensed. He didn't even take into consideration that Kahn was already in a relationship with Korra. He just saw Akua behaving flirtily with him and immediately took offense...

Speaking in defense of his big brother, Bolin raised his hands in a highly practiced placating gesture as he said, "Hey, come on now, it's just a bit of a misunderstanding, that's all. I know, why don't we all start over and introduce ourselves? My name's Bolin, though my friends call me Bo. I'm an Earthbender, and it's my dream to become the greatest Pro Bender in the Republic!"

Though it had little to do with his skill as an Earthbender, Bolin seized the opportunity to flex his fairly sizeable muscles. He knew he probably didn't stand a chance, but he couldn't help wanting to show off in front of Korra. When she initially emerged from the changing room in nothing but a form-fitting, dark-blue swimsuit, he had basically fallen in love at first sight.

Fortunately for Bolin, Korra found his friendly personality and antics pretty amusing. A natural smile developed across her face as she answered, "My name's Korra. I don't know if it qualifies as a nickname, but everyone calls me the Avatar."

Returning an even more enthusiastic smile, Bolin exclaimed, "I knew my ears weren't playing tricks on me! You really are the Avatar, aren't you!?"

Though Bolin had more heroes and idols than he could count, the Avatar or, in this case, Korra was near the top of the list when it came to people he wanted to meet. The only person he would like to meet even more was the Hero of Earthbenders the whole world over, the legendary 'Dragon of the East', Ragna Rokr.

Reacting like a fangirl that had just encountered their idol in the streets, Bolin performed an excited jig before rushing over to ask, "Can I shake your hand? It would be a great honor." with his head lowered and hands extended.

Instead of immediately responding to Bolin, Korra gave Kahn a curious glance, asking, "You're not going to try and stop him?"

Shrugging his shoulders, Kahn's expression remained neutral as he said, "This one doesn't have any malicious intentions towards you. That guy at the Pro-Bending Arena, Butakha, wouldn't hesitate to take advantage of you if you lowered your guard. This Bolin fellow...he's a good guy."

Hearing Kahn refer to him as a 'good guy,' Bolin's expression cramped as a  pang of guilt spread through him. He had just been thinking about how amazing it would be if he were Korra's boyfriend, completely disregarding the fact her actual boyfriend was present. In his opinion, he was currently the furthest thing from a good person.

Before Bolin could even think to apologize, Korra reached out to shake his hand, a friendly smile on her face as she playfully replied, "It's pretty rare for Kahn to speak highly of others. You must be a pretty amazing guy. It's nice to meet you, Bolin."

Staring at the hand Korra had just shaken, Bolin released a low yet high-pitched sound in place of a scream. Then, with tears beginning to form in the corners of his eyes, he declared, "I'll never wash this hand again...!"

Chuckling dryly in response to Bolin's remark, Korra combed back a few stray hairs as she said, "Please wash your hand. Hygiene is important for good health."

"A goddess..."

With tears streaming down his face, Bolin looked like he was moments away from falling to his knees and worshipping Korra. Fortunately, just as his brother was about to grab him by the back of his collar, Akua entered the store, asking, "What's taking so long? I've been waiting for like twenty minutes."

Hearing the voice of his own goddess, Mako's body tensed as he whipped around and answered, "Akua...we're waiting for Korra to check out and for Asami to get back. She went-"

"I'm here."

Having been waiting for Akua's return, Asami stepped out from the back room wearing freshly applied makeup. She hadn't actually shed any tears, but the moisture in her eyes had caused her mascara to run a bit.

Seeing the state Asami was in, an awkwardly apologetic smile developed across Akua's as she approached the much taller girl, embraced her, and whispered something private into her ear. Whatever it was, it dramatically improved Asami's mood as an alluring smile immediately returned to her face...

Regaining the characteristically confident look she only presented around close friends, Akua directed her gaze to Kahn and Korra, asking, "What do the two of you want to do? After thinking for a bit, I realized it wouldn't be very cool of me to crash your date. If you want, we can meet up tomorrow or a few days from now. I have a few prior commitments, but I can always make time for my estranged, transdimensional baby brother and his cutie-pie of a girlfriend."

Looking to Kahn for his opinion, Korra was unsurprised when the former said, "It's up to you. Regardless of what you choose, I'll accompany you till the end."

After rolling her eyes and bumping Kahn with her shoulder, Korra turned to meet Akua's icy blue gaze as she said, "We'll go with you. There are a few questions I want to ask. They might be able to wait till later, but I've never been known for my patience."

Nodding her head in approval, Akua said, "Good answer. Now that the two of you have arrived in Republic City, things are bound to hit the fan sooner or later. Planning and preparing contingencies in advance will let us avoid a lot of troubles down the line."

Waving down the Manager of the clothing store, Akua directed, "Add one of everything in my friend's size and have it shipped to Air Temple Island. I'll cover the cost and tip."

Offering a polite bow, the female Manager calmly replied, "Certainly, Lady Regina." before immediately setting off to prepare the order. This caused Korra to panic, but before she could convince Akua that her actions were unnecessary, the mischievous, silvery-white-haired vixen beat her to the punch, stating, "Consider it a gift for my baby brother. The whole point of you coming shopping was to pick out clothes for him, right? Now you have an entire ensemble to show off. Besides, you're the Avatar. I can't think of a more suitable candidate to represent my 'Cool Blue' brand."

Punctuating her words with a wink, Akua left no room for Korra to protest as she immediately took charge of the group, saying, "Well, let's head out. We'll pick up Naga, head to my studio, and discuss things there."

Without waiting for a response, Akua, closely followed by Asami, Mako, and Bolin, made her way to exit the store. This left Korra with her mouth agape, a thoroughly befuddled expression on her face as she turned to Kahn and said, "Your 'sister' is even more overbearing than me. Also, how does she know about Naga...?"

Extending his hand for Korra to grab, Kahn began shepherding her to the store's exit as he explained, "Akua has abilities similar to mine. Unlike me, however, she was born into this world. As for her role...she was given the position of Strategist. Her intuition and ability to process information are second only to Yao Yoko, the Avatar of Air and Perpetuity. I imagine she has spent the last decade or so planning for our arrival..."

Raising her brows in surprise, Korra was about to ask more questions, but Kahn had already led her out of the store. She didn't know what, if any, of the things Kahn was talking about were a secret. Thus, at least for the time being, she did her best to suppress her growing curiosity. After all, they would have plenty of alone time together once they returned to the island...

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Though her mother had tried to get her into painting, Akua had managed to convince her that fashion was the wave of the future. It might not have the timeless appeal of a masterpiece, but the companies that dictated the era's trends were bound to be more profitable than any standalone artist.

To support her daughter's growing dream, Akua's mother had gifted her an expensive, three-story art studio that overlooked the scenic Republic City Park. Akua's father had initially opposed the idea of her living alone and starting an independent enterprise, but he quickly changed his tune once her companies began earning nearly as much as his more profitable subsidiaries. He didn't like how his daughter had changed from a proper young lady to a trendy fashion icon, but she was still all he talked about when entertaining guests and associates.

What Akua's father didn't know was that her studio was more than just a simple 'playhouse' for a teen seeking independence. At the very least, she wasn't seeking personal freedom or an escape from her family...

"Welcome to the public face of the Resistance. Make yourselves at home."

Though it resembled the art and fashion studio it purported to be, Akua's home away from home was also the cover for her secret identities as the White Demon and the leader of a Resistance comprised of tweens, teens, and young adults. As for what they were resisting? It changed depending on Akua's mood.

Not expecting to be led to an underground storehouse occupied by teens practicing Chi Blocking and various forms of Bending, Korra's expression revealed her inner conflict as she asked, "What is this place? It looks like you're building an army..."

"Everything in due time, kitten..."

Before answering Korra's questions, Akua directed Mako and Bolin to help spread the word of the Avatar's arrival. With the exception of a boy named Mishang, they were the oldest among the children she had recruited over the past ten years. She had even assigned them the ranks of Captain and Lieutenant, so the older children listened to them without question.

While Mako and Bolin were busy carrying out her orders, Akua guided Asami, Kahn, and Korra to a large chamber resembling a war room. There was a map of Republic City spread across a large stone table, but, while it was easily the most outstanding feature in the room, the eyes of everyone who entered were invariably drawn to the hundreds of images lining every single wall. 

Preempting the question at the very tip of Korra's tongue, Akua casually explained, "These are the photos of every major criminal, crime lord, and corrupt politician within Republic City. We also have a dossier of known Equalist sympathizers, but that's a wholly separate matter. For now, why don't the two of you take a seat? Even if I give you the short of it, we're going to be here a few hours."

Setting the example, Akua took her usual seat at the head of the table. Asami quickly sat next to her, but not before staring listlessly at the rather large photo of her father...

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