The scandal of the murder of one of the leaders of the Water Tribes was impossible to cover up, although they didn't bother trying.
For Varrick's own safety, the trial was quick enough for him to be declared guilty before the arrival of the sister tribe's fleet—a detail that surprised Tonraq and left him with a huge mess on his hands.
What had his brother intended by bringing so many ships?
Varrick didn't even have time to bribe the judge!
But the problems didn't end there.
Somehow, Eska and Desna managed to reach Varrick one night, despite him being guarded for his transfer to a high-security prison.
They're still cleaning the cell, apparently; since Eska was a healer, she had the training needed to keep Varrick alive longer. Better not ask for details…
"Do you think it was a good idea to let the twins carry out 'justice'?" Kyoshi asked while helping Jin stay up to date with everything happening around them.
"Those two (or one of them) are going to inherit Unalaq's position," Jin said while drafting a special contract for Zhu Li as everyone reacted to the death of the man who wanted to free Vaatu and merge with him. "Having someone in that position owe me a huge favor will help with my ascension to the throne."
With this move, Eska and Desna would support the legitimization of his coronation, just like Korra's father would for helping. Under these circumstances, the Fire Nation would either support him or stay neutral for fear of causing another conflict.
As for the Earth Kingdom itself, Jin had plans.
Kyoshi leaned in to examine the papers Jin was preparing.
"I still can't believe Varrick didn't notice Zhu Li signing as his second on the documents he made her complete," she read from the pile beside him. "Overnight, she inherited all of Varrick's businesses and assets after his death."
Jin hadn't expected that outcome either.
He didn't think Varrick had failed to notice—in his opinion, Varrick himself had probably made Zhu Li sign that way, either because of his personality or for some ulterior motive.
"Does she still want to work for you?" Kyoshi turned her head toward the window. "She's earned enough to live however she wants—almost a tenth of what you used to have…"
Most people, in that situation, would simply choose to live free and carefree for the rest of their lives.
"She'll stay," Jin said. He could doubt many things, but between Kyoshi's information, his knowledge of Zhu Li's character, and their conversation, he was certain she would remain true to her word.
"You're very sure… and I see you unusually interested in her," Kyoshi floated over and lay beside Jin so she'd be at the same height. "Will she end up like me or Asami?" she asked, genuinely curious.
Jin stopped his inkbending.
"Maybe," he answered after a long moment, with a certain honesty. "I admit I'm interested in her."
"Even if it's just a first impression?" Kyoshi knew they had talked for maybe half an hour at most and hadn't known each other before.
"Call it a hunch." He resumed his work. "Maybe it'll work out, maybe not, but I'm not closing the possibility if things go well. In any case, you should worry about Asami scolding you."
Kyoshi nearly stopped floating at that comment.
"You knew? I thought I'd been discreet enough."
"You stared too intensely at every woman who got close to me," Jin said as he turned the page. "It wasn't hard to put the pieces together."
"Shouldn't you be the one worried?" she asked, exasperated by how calm he was.
"I've always been honest in my relationships," Jin said without a trace of nervousness. "I was with Honu, Xi, and June. I will be with you, Asami, and Zhu Li (if anything happens). That won't change. Ever."
Besides, Asami was aware of what could happen and decided to continue the relationship anyway. What he needed now was a pleasant way to arrange the initial meeting.
Kyoshi sighed at hearing him say that with such seriousness.
How could he look so handsome saying things like that?
"Jin."
"Mmm?"
"Come here~"
Jin chuckled softly and set Zhu Li's contract down on the table. Some fun to clear his head would do him good.
…
"What are you thinking about?" Kyoshi asked, far more relaxed and happy, watching Jin from the messy bed.
"Tonight is the moment of the Harmonic Convergence," Jin said—he had checked the dates.
Although Vaatu would now spend eternity wondering where Unalaq had gone and why he had stood him up at such a critical moment of his plan, Jin had prevented the birth of the Dark Avatar so he wouldn't lose Kyoshi…
"Oh, I know that look," Kyoshi said as she got up and hugged Jin. "What are you feeling guilty about?"
"I'm not feeling guilty."
Kyoshi kissed him—not like what had happened in the last three hours, just a tender, supportive kiss followed by a patient look as she held his hands.
"Maybe I feel a little guilty," Jin reluctantly admitted after Kyoshi's persuasion, then explained his "theory" about opening the spirit portal and the reappearance of the airbenders.
Naturally, opening both portals was out of the question, but… maybe opening one temporarily could "bring them back" without putting the world at risk or dragging half the Spirit World into the physical one?
"That after what the traitor did to us you still feel this way about his people…" Kyoshi shook her head, amused and exasperated.
"It's weird, isn't it?" Jin almost felt like hitting himself.
But then he remembered people like Pema and Jinora—their reaction upon learning more were appearing around the world.
"No," Kyoshi kissed him again. "It just means you're a better person than you think. Would you like us to try?"
"You mean opening and closing the Southern Tribe's portal?"
Kyoshi nodded. She was also curious whether they could bring an entire fallen nation back into the world.
"But only the Avatar can—" Jin stopped mid-sentence as Kyoshi flashed him a playful smile. "Oh."
Right. She was the Avatar too.
Well, if he could get Zaheer to do the dirty work for him, it would make his path to the throne much easier. As for the Red Lotus threat—maybe they were dangerous to many, but Jin could end any of the four with a single thought.
Besides, the reappearance of the airbenders would draw the attention of countless people…