Chapter Four

¥ The Voice In The Night ¥

•

'SOMEBODY COME AND SAVE ME FROM THIS.'

•

I do not own Legend Of Korra or The Last Airbender, all credit goes to the people who made the two happen. I only own Kanna and the things I happen to make up along the way. Most of the script comes from the person who created it. Descriptions come from the show I've watched and the things I've read.

•

Kanna Kya

•

Kanna's breath becomes short and shallow in her sleep. Her body rolls around all over the bed as her hands find themselves clenching the bed sheets. She can see her father and mother smiling down at her, with love and happiness in their eyes. She gasps as she's sucked into the multiple memories she wishes to forget forever.

"Close your eyes, Kanna. It'll be easier to say goodbye." Suki told her seven year old daughter.

"But I don't wanna say goodbye!" Kanna whines, crossing her arms over her chest with a pouty face. Sokka chuckles and bends down to place a kiss on her head.

"I know you don't want to say goodbye, baby girl, neither do I. But mommy has to leave for a while." Sokka explains. Tears pour out of Kanna's eyes. She sniffs and wipes away her tears with the sleeve of her dress.

"Why do you have to leave?" Kanna sobs as she rushes forward to hug her mother around her legs. Suki calmly strokes Kanna's hair.

"Sometimes, we have to leave even when we don't want to in order to protect people we care about. You'll understand when you're older." Suki informs Kanna. "I want you to know that I love you very much." She kisses the top of Kanna's head, a single tear sliding down her face.

"I love you too." Kanna whimpers as her mother begins to walk away. She goes to run after when Sokka wraps his arms around Kanna, holding her back. "GOODBYE MOMMY!"

"Goodbye Kanna!"

•••

"Auntie, why do I have to do this?" Four year old Kanna asks her aunt, Katara. "I don't understand why all of you are pushing me so hard to master water bending at this age. It takes decades to master an element."

"That is true, my dear, but you are a special girl. We know you can master water bending before the age of seven. How do we know? Because we believe in you." Katara answers.

"Tenzin is twelve years old and gets to play with Kya and Bumi. Why didn't he have to master air bending?" Kanna nastily states.

"Your situations are different." Katara replies. "Aang is getting old. The next avatar will be born soon. You will be their protecter."

"Why?" Kanna questions.

"It's your destiny."

"Why?"

"Because the avatar needs someone to help them."

"Why?"

"The avatar may be powerful, but they can't be trusted with taking care of themselves."

"Why?"

"Kanna!"

"Why?"

"Ugh!"

•••

"This is a boomerang. Can you say boomerang for me?" Sokka hands over his must trusted boomerang to his three year old daughter. Kanna stares at the boomerang in her hands with wide eyes. She smiles and giggles.

"Boomwang." She says.

"Boomerang."

"Boomewang."

"Boomerang."

"Boomewang!" Sokka chuckles and leans back to watch his daughter play with his boomerang.

"We'll work on pronouncing your r's later." He says. "Right now, I'm going to teach you how to fight with a boomerang."

"Are you really teaching our daughter that?" Sokka jumps and spins around to see Suki staring at him in amusement from the doorway. He scratches the back of his head sheepishly.

"She'll be fine." He says. Suki laughs and sits beside Sokka. She rests her head against his chest. Kanna throws the boomerang and watches it in awe. That's until it comes flying back and nails her in the face. Kanna bawls her eyes out, screeching at the top of her lungs.

"Teach her how to throw a boomerang, he said. She'll be fine, he said." Suki yells as Sokka tries to calm their daughter down.

"I don't see you helping me so until you help me, you have no room to comment on my mistakes!"

"This so your mess, not mine! You deal with it yourself!"

"We're married. That automatically makes my messes yours!"

"I have acknowledged that decision, but because I deem it stupid, I'm going to ignore it."

•••

Kanna screams while being chased by her three cousins. Kya tackle Kanna to the ground, Bumi begins to tickle Kanna and Tenzin stands nearby to watch.

"ST-STOP!" Kanna begs.

"Say the magic words." Bumi orders.

"B-BUMI AND KY-KYA ARE THE BEST A-AND TENZIN IS A B-BORE!" Kanna shouts. Kya releases her and Buni stops tickling her. Tenzin crosses his arms, a little offended.

"Hey." Tenzin says.

"Why don't we have last names?" Kanna suddenly asks as the four cousins walk back to the house. "We have first names, but no last names."

"Do you want a last name?" Kya questions. Kanna nods. Kya ruffles her hair. "Your last name is now Kya."

"Why can't it be Bumi? Kanna Bumi sounds better than Kanna Kya." Bumi suggests while winking playfully.

"Kanna Tenzin sounds horrible, so I'm not even going to suggest to use my name." Tenzin says causing laughter to erupt throughout the group.

"I like Kanna Kya the best." Kanna says. Kya throws her hands up in the air in victory and whoops before pointing at Bumi.

"I WIN!" Kya shouts. Bumi sticks his nose in the air and crosses his arms with his eyes closed.

"Kanna Bumi still sounds better in my head." Bumi states.

•••

Kanna gasps for breath as she's unthawed from the iceberg. She stares at the face of Katara. "You look extremely old now. How long was I in there for?"

"I lost count after twenty years." Korra responds truthfully.

"Wow thanks for caring so much about me." Kanna sarcastically states while stepping out of the iceberg. She goes to speak when someone rushes towards the duo.

"A gang tried taking Avatar Korra! Sokka was thee to protect her, but he's badly injured." The dude informs them in between pants. Kanna's eyes widen in horror. She takes off running towards the water tribe and towards the medical tents.

"Dad! Dada! I'm home!" She yells barging into the medical tent to see her father laying in a bed. She bounces up to him with a smile. She holds his hand. "Dad-" She freezes when she notices his eyes are glazed over, his chest isn't moving and his skin is cold as ice. She slowly blinks away the tears in her eyes. "I didn't get to say goodbye." She chokes out.

•••

"Protecter Kanna, this is Avatar Korra." A White Lotus pushes the eight year old closer to the seven year old. The girls stare at each other before Kanna decides to drench Korra with water.

"My father died because of you!" Kanna screams, forming whips in her hands. Katara quickly runs over and jumps in front of Korra. "I refuse to protect her!"

"You don't have a choice in that matter. You already took the oath." Katara says calmly. Kanna growls before running away.

"She really doesn't like me." Korra states.

•••

"She's beginning to wake up, sir." Kanna hears as she slowly blinks her eyes open. She glances up to see masked men staring down at her. That's when she remembers that she's been captured by Amon. She struggles, feeling the straps around her body keeping her trapped to the bed.

"Leave us." Amon orders. The sound of the cell door opens as the masked people leave. The door closes finally. Amon and Kanna have a staring contest with one another.

"Are you going to tell me why you have me here? Because I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I'm too young for you." Kanna jokes. Amon stays silent. "Not one to joke, huh? I understand that."

"I have a proposition for you." Amon says.

"No." Kanna answers.

"You didn't even hear-" Amon gets cut off.

"I don't need to hear it. Does it involve betraying Korra?" He nods. "No. I took an oath to protect that girl until my dying breath and I will honor that oath."

•••

Korra wakes up with a frightful scream, beads of sweat running down her face and gasping for air. She looks at Naga, who licks her right hand to comfort her before resting her head on Korra's lap.

"It's ... it's all right, Naga. I just had a bad dream." Korra rests her head in her arms on top of Naga's head, petting her. Lee comes trotting up onto the bed. Korra's bottom lip quivers as she pulls the fox in a tight hug. The nightmare replays in Korra's head.

The image of Kanna's corpse is stuck in Korra's head.

•••

"There is a madman running around our beloved city, threatening to tear it apart. We need to create a task force whose sole mission is to find Amon and bring him to justice." Tarrlok shouts at the council meeting. Everyone sits in a U shape desk.

"Absolutely not. A move that aggressive would only further divide benders and nonbenders." Tenzin snarls.

"Tarrlok, I'm inclined to agree with your proposal, but who would even head up such a task force?" The fire nation councilwoman asks.

"It would be my honor and privilege to accept such a duty." Tarrlok stands up and bows.

"This is just another one of your ploys to gain more power, isn't it?" Tenzin accusingly states while pounding the table lightly with his fists.

"All I'm trying to do is help. Think back, forty-two years ago, Republic City was threatened by another dangerous man. Yakone. Your father wasn't afraid to deal with him head-on." Tarrlok says and points at Tenzin.

"This.. is a completely different situation ...and how dare you compare yourself to Avatar Aang!" Tenzin shots out of his seat to point at Tarrlok angrily.

"Amon is not going to stop with the bending triads. Eventually, he will come for all us benders. Our friends, our families. He's already got Protecter Kanna!" Tenzin winces. "Vote for this task force and I will stop Amon before it's too late. All in favor?" Tarrlok stares at each person. Tarrlok raises his hand and the Fire Nation representative raises her hand as well. After a brief glance at each other, the Southern Water Tribe and Earth Kingdom representatives also raise their hands. With that, Tarrlok slams a gavel down on a platform to close the meeting and smiles mischievously at Tenzin while Tenzin glares at him.

•••

Korra practices airbending stances at the Air Temple. The radio plays light and happy music. The music becomes static and soon after, Amon's voice is heard.

"Good evening, my fellow Equalists. This is your leader, Amon." Korra stops bending and slowly turns to look at the radio with fear on her face. "As you have heard, the Republic Council has voted to make me public enemy number one, proving once again that the bending oppressors of this city will stop at nothing to quash our revolution. But we cannot be stopped. Our numbers grow stronger by the day. You no longer have to live in fear. The time has come for benders to experience fear."

•••

Kanna watches Amon talk into the microphone that will sound from all radios around the city. She sighs, curling up into a ball.

"Why haven't you taken my bending away?" Kanna inquires.

"The time isn't right." Amon replies. "I want Korra to watch as your bending is taken away." He turns to face her. "You can always change your mind and join my cause."

"Never." Kanna growls.

•••

Mako is walking in a more industrialized part of Republic City. He throws one end of his scarf over his shoulder and looks up in the direction of a trolley which is being boarded. He runs toward the trolley, crossing the street without looking. A motorcycle comes flying down the street. The rider, a girl with black hair and green eyes sees Mako and tries to stop her motorcycle. It doesn't work and she go flying into Mako.

"Oh, no! I'm so sorry. I didn't see you." The girl rushes over to Mako and takes her helmet off. Mako props himself up into a sitting position and rubs the back of his head.

"How could you not see me? I mean I was ju-juu..." He glances at Asami, while she is throwing her hair back. "Uh, I was ... I- I ... wow. I was...." He clears his throat with a blush creeping onto his face. Kanna suddenly flashes across his mind and he shakes his head. The blush disappears.

"Are you okay? Did I hurt you? Ugh, I'm such an idiot." She helps Mako up.

"Don't worry, I'm fine. My brother hits me harder than that every day in practice." Mako brushes his clothes off.

"Wait, I recognize you. You're Mako, right? You play for the Fire Ferrets." The girl states.

"Yeah, that's me." Mako says.

"I am so embarrassed. My name is Asami. Let me make this up to you somehow. Uh, how about I treat you to dinner? Tomorrow night, eight o' clock, Kwong's Cuisine." Asami informs him while walking back over to her motorcycle.

"Uh, Kwong's? I don't have any clothes nice enough for a place that classy." Mako tells her. She puts her googles and helmet back on.

"I'll take care of that. All you need to do is show up. So ... it's a date?" She asks.

"Uh, yeah, I guess so. I'll see you tomorrow night." Mako replies. Asami gets back on her motorcycle and drives away taking one brief glance behind her. Mako watches her ride away. He finds her extremely pretty, but for some reason Kanna keeps popping up in his kind. Mako shakes his head again and sighs. "Kanna, I'm sorry." He mumbles, the guilt wearing down his heart.

•••

"I AM GOING TO FUCKING DESTROY YOU!" Kanna's scream can be heard throughout the entire Equalists hideout. She struggles against the straps as an Equalist nears her with a knife.

"We will torture you until you agree to join me." Amon tells her. She spits right on his mask.

"You'll have to kill me." She breathes out.

"That can't be arranged." Amon waves his hand and the knife is wedged deep within Kanna's thigh with a scream piercing the air.

•••

Tenzin's family and Korra are about to eat dinner. Before eating, they bow their heads as Tenzin starts a prayer.

"We are grateful for this delicious food, for happiness, for compassion, and ..." Tenzin begins to get cut off.

"I'm not interrupting, am I?" Tarrlok announces while bowing.

"This is my home, Tarrlok. We're about to eat dinner." Tenzin stands up and faces Tarrlok.

"Good, because I am absolutely famished." Tenzin narrows his eyes while glaring at Tarrlok. "Airbenders never turn away a hungry guest, am I right?"

"I suppose." Tenzin sits back down and glances at his wife, Pema, who scowls at him. He raises his hands, palms facing forward while shrugging. He gives her a helpless look. Tarrlok walks over to Korra and bows.

"Ah, you must be the famous Avatar Korra. It is truly an honor. I am Councilman Tarrlok, representative from the Northern Water Tribe." Tarrlok says.

"Nice to meet you." Korra returns the bow and the two sit down.

"Why do you have three ponytails? And how come you smell like a lady? You're weird." Ikki asks.

"Well aren't you ... precocious?" Tarrlok directs his attention to Korra, although Ikki continues glaring at him. "So, I've been reading all about your adventures in the papers. Infiltrating Amon's rally, now that took some real initiative."

"Oh, thanks. I think you're the first authority figure in the city who's happy I'm here." Korra says surprised. She then scowls. "I wasn't alone though. I had two friends helping me and I lost one of them."

"Republic City is much better off now that you've arrived." Tarrlok says. "Yes, Protecter Kanna, am I right? It such a sad thing for her to be captured, hopefully she still has her bending."

"Enough, Tarrlok. What do you want from Korra?" Tenzin asks with a protective tone to his voice.

"Patience, Tenzin. I'm getting to that. As you may have heard, I am assembling a task force that will strike at the heart of the revolution and I want you to join me." Tarrlok ignores the glares Tenzin is giving him.

"Really?" Korra inquire in surprise.

"What?!" Tenzin exclaims, also surprised.

"I need someone who will help me attack Amon directly, someone who is fearless in the face of danger. And that someone is you." Tarrlok gestures to her. "I would've asked Protecter Kanna too, but seeing that she isn't here, well I can't. If you help me, we can get her back."

"Join your task force? I can't." Korra casually takes a sip of her drink, remembering Kanna's words from when Kanna was scolding Korra about helping people.

"You can't trust people, Korra. They can be using you to get something they want. If I'm not with you, do not help them. Wait until I'm by your side and we can tackle the problem together. That way if anything goes down, I can protect you." Kanna said to Korra. "And above all, never trust councilmen. They're manipulative, evil, power obsessed and selfish. Besides Tenzin and that's because Tenzin is Tenzin."

"I must admit, I'm rather surprised. I thought you'd jump at the chance to help me lead the charge against Amon." Tarrlok says.

"Me, too." Tenzin mumbles to Pema.

"I came to Republic City to finish my Avatar training with Tenzin. Right now, I just need to focus on that. After I finish, I'll take on Amon and get Kanna back because she would want me to finish my training first. Besides she's a big girl. She can take care of herself right now." Korra states.

"Which is why this opportunity is perfect. You would get on the job experience while performing your Avatar duty for the city." Tarrlok tries to persuade.

"Korra gave you her answer. It's time for you to go." Tenzin speaks up.

"Very well. But, I'm not giving up on you just yet. You'll be hearing from me soon. It has been a pleasure, Avatar Korra." Tarrlok stands up and bows.

"Bye-bye, ponytail man!" Ikki waves her hand goodbye. Councilman Tarrlok scowls at Ikki's farewell and grunts in distaste as he walks out. She turns to see Jinora staring down at her. "What?"

"You take after Kanna." Jinora mumbles quietly.

•••

Mako is at Kwong's Cuisine, staring in awe. He clutches his scarf and checks his sleeves. He sighs at his results and walks in.

"Ah, welcome to Kwong's Cuisine, Master Mako." The server bows.

"Uh, 'Master'?" Mako questions to himself. In a back room, the server walks in and unfolds a shirt from a box. He dresses it on Mako. The server pulls up Mako's pants, ties his shoes, styles his hair, and gives him a formal-looking jacket to wear. He grabs his red scarf from the table behind him and puts it around his neck. The server glances at it and starts to pull it off, when Mako prevents him by catching the server's wrist.

"The scarf stays." Mako orders.

"As you wish, sir.This way please." The server leads Mako to the restaurant area.

"I am such a big pro-bending fan. I caught all of your matches this season." Adams gushes.

"All of them? Wow. Honestly, I wish there were a few you hadn't seen." Mako chuckles.

"Oh, don't be ridiculous, you're amazing. I can't wait to see you play in the tournament." Asami smiles.

"Yeah, well, ah, maybe next year." Mako says.

"What do you mean? You made it in." Asami asks.

"It just isn't in the cards for us right now." Mako explains.

"Tell me. What's the problem?" Asami places her hand over too Mako's.

"We don't have the cash to ante up for the championship pot. So, it looks like we're out of the running." Mako replies.

"That's not fair." Asami whines. The server carries two silver colored plates with dome lids to the table.

"Pardon me, Ms. Sato. Your main course." The server lifts the lids off and Mako's eyes widen.

"Ms. Sato? You wouldn't happen to be related to Hiroshi Sato, creator of the Satomobile?" Mako inquires.

"Yeah. He's my dad." Asami answers.

"Get out of town!" Mako exclaims.

"Im serious. You want to meet him?" Asami takes a sip of her drink.

"Meet the most successful captain of industry in all of Republic City? Yeah, I'll take you up on that." Mako says.

•••

Bolin is walking on Air Temple Island, singing a light tune with Pabu on his shoulder. He sees Korra.

"Hello, fellow teammate!" Bolin cheerfully says.

"Hey, Bolin." Korra greets.

"Missed you at practice this week." Bolin shyly states.

"Yeah, sorry about that." Korra apologizes.

"Nah, that's all right. We're probably out of the tournament anyways unless some money miraculously drops out of the sky by tomorrow. Anyways, the reason I came by was to give you this." Bolin holds out a cupcake and a rose. Pabu climbs off his shoulder. "Ta-da!"

"Wow, thanks." She takes Bolin's gifts. "What's this for?"

"Uh, oh I can't remember now. Oh yeah, now I remember. You saved me from Amon!" Bolin cheers.

"Oh, that?It was no big deal." She mumbles.

"No big deal, are you serious? I was totally freaking out when he was coming at me with his creepy mask all, 'I will take away your bending forever.'" He acts like a zombie trying to comically replicate Amon while Korra looks at him with a worried expression. "I mean that is.. scary stuff. I still can't sleep well. Especially after Kanna..." He trails off seeing the look on Korra's face.

The look of utter heart break.

"Mhmm." Korra hums and rubs Naga's chest. Lee comes trotting over and rubs himself against Bolin's legs.

"Delivery for Avatar Korra." A council page arrives with a large basket of items surrounded by flowers and sets them next to Korra. "Tarrlok sends his compliments and urges you to reconsider his offer."

"Tell him I haven't changed my mind." Korra says.

"Mhmm..." Council page hums.

"Who's this Tarrlok guy? Is he bothering you? Huh, 'cause I could have a word with him." Bolin punches fist into his other hand.

"Heh, no it's not like that. He's just some old guy who works with Tenzin on the council." Korra says in slight amusement.

"Oh, good. Good, that sounds better. I like that better." Bolin smiles and scratches the back of his head sheepishly.

•••

Kanna stares up at the white ceiling, mumbling incoherent words under her breath. She glances down to see the bruises and cuts littering her skin. She groans in pain. The cell door opens and Amon walks in.

"Korra is going to destroy you. You will lose." Kanna snarls.

"Do you really think Korra cares about you?" Amon asks, showing Kanna pictures of Korra smiling and laughing. "She's not even worried a tad bit about you. She refused help from councilman Tarrlok to search and rescue you. Those boys you seem fond of are doing completely fine without you too." Amon shows a picture or Hasook making out with another girl, Mako on a date with another girl and Bolin giving Korra gifts. "You're not special, Kanna. And you've been replaced already. They don't care about you. They don't love you. They don't want or need you." Kanna struggles against the straps once again. "Join me and we can get revenge on all of them for how they treated you." She stop struggling and relaxes, staring at his masked face for a moment.

"I've come to a decision."

•••

The factory contains several rows of Satomobiles in an assembly line. Hiroshi Sato and his daughter, Asami Sato, stand side by side, while Mako stands in front of them.

"What do you think of my little operation here?" Hiroshi asks, gesturing to his factory and workers.

"It's very impressive, Mr. Sato." Mako replies respectively.

"Please, call me Hiroshi. So, I understand you're dirt poor." Hiroshi laughs.

"Uh, well ..." Mako trails off.

"Young man, it is nothing to be ashamed of. I too came from humble beginnings. Why, when I was your age, I was a mere shoe-shiner, and all I had to my name was an idea; the Satomobile. Now, I was fortunate enough to meet someone who believed in me and my work ethic. He gave me the money I needed to get my idea off the ground and I built the entire Future Industries empire from that one selfless loan." Hiroshi explains.

"Dad, stop bragging. Just tell Mako the good news." Asami says excitingly.

"What good news?" Mako questions curiously.

"Well, my daughter passionately told me all about your hard earned success in the Pro-bending Arena. And about your team's current financial stumbling block. Now, I'd hate to see you lose your chance at winning the championship just because you're short a few yuans. That's why I'm going to sponsor the Fire Ferrets in the tournament." Hiroshi places a hand on Mako's shoulder.

"Are you serious?" Mako asks.

"He's serious. My dad's going to cover your ante for the championship pot." Asami smiles.

"Tha-that is good news." Mako says.

"There's just one catch. You all have to wear the Future Industries logo on your uniforms." Hiroshi informs Mako.

"I'll tattoo it on my chest if you want, sir." Mako points to his chest and smiles while both Hiroshi and Asami chuckle. "Thank you both so much. I promise the Fire Ferrets will make the most of this opportunity." He shakes the Sato's hands.

•••

Tenzin walks past a luxurious Satomobile wrapped in a ribbon with Ikki and Meelo playing inside. Tenzin shakes his head at the gift. Ikki is making car noises.

"Out of the way Daddy, we're driving here! Beeeeeeep beebeebeeeeep!" Ikki yells.

"Beep-beep." Meelo repeats. Tenzin walks on to where Korra is practicing airbending stances on a round platform with a Yin-Yang symbol.

"I see Tarrlok's gifts are getting more and more extravagant." Tenzin says.

"Yeah, that guy doesn't know how to take 'no' for an answer." Korra sighs.

"Korra, are you ... doing all right?" Tenzin asks.

"Besides being the reason why my best friend is gone, I'm fine." Tenzin takes a seat on the stairs leading to the training platform and points to the spot next to him.

"Why don't you take a break?" He suggests. Korra walks toward Tenzin and takes a seat. "I'm glad you turned down Tarrlok, but I just want to make sure your decision was for the right reason. Also, Kanna being gone isn't your fault."

"I'm just really focused on my airbending right now is all." Korra says, ignoring the mention of Kanna.

"Right, that's what you said. You know, it's okay to be scared. The whole city is frightened by what's been going on. The important thing is to talk about our fears, because if we don't, they can throw us out of balance." Korra looks away, impacted by Tenzin's words. Tenzin stands up. "I'm always here for you, if you want to talk." Tenzin walks away. Korra leans against the door to the house. A council page comes strolling towards her.

"Avatar Korra! I have something for you." Annoyed, Korra jumps down from the railing she was sitting on, and earthbends the page around 180 degrees, and sends him off by kicking him in the back.

"It doesn't matter how many gifts Tarrlok sends, I am no​t joining his task force." Korra growls. Ikki and Jinora are playing a game of Pai Sho. They look up from their game to see what is happening.

"This entire thing escalated quickly." Jinora hums. Ikki giggles and tilts her head to the side.

"It's not a gift, it's an invitation." The council page says.

"To what?" Korra sends an angry look to the page and grabs the papers out of his hands and starts reading them.

"Tarrlok is throwing a gala in your honor. All of Republic City's movers and shakers will be there. The councilman humbly requests your attendance." The page bows before leaving.

•••

Korra, Tenzin, Pema, Ikki, Jinora, and Meelo enter the City Hall building dressed in gala clothing. The kids run off. The other attendants start clapping as they notice Korra walking in. Pema starts wandering off and socializing with the people. Korra looks around stunned, standing next to Tenzin.

"I can't believe this is all for me." Korra says stunned.

"I'm not sure what Tarrlok's plotting, but keep your guard up. It's not like him to throw a party just for the fun of it." Tenzin informs Korra.

"So glad you could make it, Avatar Korra. If you'd excuse us, the city awaits its hero." Tarrlok walks away with Korra as Meelo runs away. Tenzin starts looking around and notices Meelo. His head turns blue in surprise and he gasps.

"Meelo! No, that's not a toilet! Oh dear." Tenzin walks towards Meelo in shame while covering his eyes.

"Korra, it's my pleasure to introduce Republic City's most famous industrialist, Hiroshi Sato." Tarrlok introduces Korra and Hiroshi.

"Nice to meet you." Korra greets.

"We're all expecting great things from you." Hiroshi bows.

"Right, greatness." Korra mumbles while looking down at her feet in sadness. Mako strolls towards Korra with Bolin next to him and Asami Sato holding his arm. Korra frowns and narrows her eyes when she sees this.

"Hey, Korra!" Mako calls out.

"This is my daughter, Asami." Hiroshi gestures to Asami.

"It's lovely to meet you. Mako's told me so much about you." Asami says.

"Really? Because he hasn't mentioned you at all. How did you two meet?" Korra harshly says.

"Asami crashed into him on her moped." Bolin answers Korra's question.

"What? Are you okay?" Korra inquiries in a concerned tone.

"I'm fine. More than fine. Mister Sato agreed to sponsor our team; we're back in the tournament!" Mako informs Korra.

"Hehe, isn't that great?" Bolin asks all excited like a puppy.

"Yeah, terrific." Korra dully says.

"Chief Beifong, I believe you and Avatar Korra have already met." Tarrlok says when he sees Lin Beifong walking by. Lin glares at Korra.

"Just because the city's throwing you this big to-do, don't think you're something special. You've done absolutely nothing to deserve this." Lin says before walking away. Korra glares at Lin as she leaves, though her look saddens as Lin Beifong walks away. Tarrlok leads Korra to stairs that have reporters and media buzzing around it. As soon as their sights land on Korra, they rush over to bombard her with questions.

"If you'd be so kind, they just have a couple of questions." Tarrlok says.

"But-" Korra is cut off when Tarrlok pushes her forward.

"Avatar Korra, you witnessed Amon take away people's bending firsthand. How serious a threat does he pose to the innocent citizens of Republic City?"

"I think he presents a real problem." Korra answers.

"Then why have you refused to join Tarrlok's task force? As the Avatar, shouldn't you be going after Amon?"

"Well, I-" Korra gets cut off again.

"Why are you backing away from this fight?"

"What? No! I've never backed away from anything in my life!" Korra shouts.

"You promised to serve this city, aren't you going back on that promise now?"

"Do you think pro-bending is more important than fighting the revolution?"

"How do you think Avatar Aang would have handled this?" Korra is clearly starting to get confused, annoyed, and intimidated by this bombardment of questions.

"Are you afraid of Amon?"

"Do you not want to save Protecter Kanna?"

"I am not afraid of anybody! If the city needs me then I'll join Tarrlok's task force and help fight Amon and save Kanna." Korra yells.

"There's your headline, folks." Tarrlok says, throwing his arm around Korra with a bright smile on his face. Korra's face becomes a combination of pissed off and sad when she realizes that she's been tricked. Tenzin looks down in disappointment and being powerless. Bolin and Mako look at each other, confused.

•••

Korra is standing outside City Hall with the rest of the task force. She twiddles her thumbs, still looking sad.

"My fellow task force deputies, tonight we will execute a raid on an underground chi blocker training camp located in the Dragon Flats borough. According to my sources, there is a cellar underneath this bookstore, where Equalists train chi blocking in secret." Tarrlok points at a blueprint of a bookstore. The task force immediately loads into tanks and vehicles before rushing to the bookstore. Korra peers through an opening at the bottom of the wall and sees several men and woman training and learning chi blocking techniques. On the opposite wall lays a large poster with a portrait of Amon staring over the room. She stands up and looks at Tarrlok for the signal. Tarrlok nods and raises his hand to show his fingers outstretched. He closes them into a fist, shows his outstretched palm again, closes his hand into a fist again, and flashes two fingers this time.

A task force member unwinds the top of the water tank and bends the water out. Another member bends the water towards him and to another task force member and another until all the waterbenders have water at their disposal. Korra frowns, imagining Kanna being with her and scolding her for accepting to help Tarrlok.

Two members of the task force have their water ready for the signal to attack. Tarrlok holds his hand out behind him, where a waterbender is holding the water waiting for a signal.

Korra breathes in and out. Water floods the room and freezes, with the people inside yelping in surprise. The task force earthbenders break through the wall, causing several chi blockers and trainees to leap back. Three task force earthbenders attack the people by throwing bricks. One earthbender pushes up a block of earth and slams it into a person slamming them into a wall.

Tarrlok and Korra enter the room. Tarrlok throws someone against the wall using waterbending and freezes their head to the wall. A chi blocker throws two grenades that have green gas filtering out of them, while another opens the door and escapes. Korra freezes the two grenades in ice and the leaking smoke clears up.

"I'm going after those two." Korra says. Korra kicks open the door the two chi blockers left through and runs down the corridor. She trips over a wire and crashes to the ground. A chi blocker leaps out from a space in the ceiling and tries to grab Korra. Korra quickly gets up and kicks a large rock up from underneath the chi blocker, hitting him in the chest. She falls back from the left over momentum, but another chi blocker comes from behind her swinging a bola. Tarrlok blasts a stream of water at the chi blocker and freezes him to the wall.

"Nice timing. Thanks, Tarrlok." Korra thanks.

"We make a good team, Avatar." Tarrlok comments.

"Yeah, we do." Korra scowls.

A group of reporters with their flashing cameras, and the people who participated in the task force are standing over several captured chi blockers. Tarrlok is ushering a chi blocker into the back of a police truck with several task force members on the side.

•••

Toza is sweeping his gym, while Bolin makes two plates of earth hover above his hands using earthbending and Mako is reading the newspaper.

"No Korra for practice again?" Bolin asks sadly.

"Doesn't look like it." Mako replies with a grim expression. Bolin slumps and sighs, throwing the two plates of earth at the wall.

•••

Korra and Tarrlok stand on a podium in a room filled with reporters.

"Avatar Korra has bravely answered the call to action. With the two of us leading the charge, Republic City has nothing to fear from Amon and the Equalists." Tarrlok says.

"Question for the Avatar! Amon remains at large. Why have you failed to locate him?"

"You want to know why? Because Amon is hiding in the shadows like a coward. Amon, I challenge you to a duel! No task force, no chi blockers, just the two of us tonight at midnight on Avatar Aang Memorial Island. Let's cut to the chase and settle this thing, if you're man enough to face me." She places the microphone down and walks off stage, as the reporters buzz with questions asking for details and standing up to get attention.]

•••

Mako and Asami are riding inside a carriage around a park.

"I know it sounds weird to say this, but I'm really glad I hit you with my moped." Asami says.

"Uh, me too." Mako chuckles.

"I forgot to ask. Why didn't you accept the new silk scarf I bought for you last week? You didn't like it?" Asami questions.

"No, it was really nice, but this scarf was my father's. And it's all I have left of him. I just feel like it keeps me safe." Mako tells her.

"I'm so sorry. I lost my mother when I was very young." He grabs her hand. Mako and Asami stare at each other warmly, and she cuddles into Mako's side putting her hand on his chest. Mako reaches up to hold her hand there.

"I feel so safe with you." She squeezes his hand.

•••

Tenzin is riding on his glider and lands on the dock where Korra, Tarrlok, and several others are.

"Korra, this is madness." Tenzin says. "What would Kanna say?"

"Don't try to stop me, don't follow me and don't bring Kanna up. I have to face Amon alone." Korra says.

"This is all your doing!" Tenzin shouts at Tarrlok.

"I tried to talk her out of it too, but she's made up her mind." Tarrlok shrugs. Korra guides the boat out from the docks to Avatar Aang Memorial Island using waterbending.

"We'll be watching the island closely. If anything goes wrong, I have a fleet of police airships ready to swoop down." Tarrlok says.

Korra is standing on top of the memorial building near the Avatar Statue. Korra gets into a battle stance. As the clock sounds midnight, Korra startles. Korra sighs in relief as soon as she realized it was just the clock that startled her. Korra takes a deep breath to recover her focus and stares at the skyline as the lights start to dim she sits down, tired and exhausted from waiting in fear.

"Guess you're a no-show, Amon. Who's scared now?" Korra begins to walk away after stretching. As Korra walks past the base of the statue, a bola is thrown at her feet and Korra is dragged into the base of the statue. As soon as she reaches the center, she finds herself surrounded by a circle of twenty-one chi blockers. She quickly spins and bends fire around her in an attempt to defend herself, but she is quickly overwhelmed as two whips entangle her hands from both sides, preventing her to move away, she uses her legs to kick some fire and earth around, but she is ultimately hit in the back by several punches from multiple chi blockers.

Korra lies down on the ground with several chi blockers behind her. Two Equalists take her by the arms and force her to sit on her knees. She looks up and notices Amon entering the area with a female Equalist by his side.

"I received your invitation, young Avatar." Amon says. Amon reaches out his hand in order to touch her face. Korra turns her face away. Amon bends his wrist so his hand is now with his palm facing upward as he grabs Korra by her chin and forces her to look at him. Korra looks at him full of fear.

"Our showdown, while inevitable, is premature. Although it would be the simplest thing for me to take away your bending right now, I won't. You'd only become a martyr. Benders of every nation would rally behind your untimely demise, but I assure you, I have a plan. And I'm saving you for last, then you'll get your duel, and I will destroy you. Before I do that, say hello to Kanna." The Equalist beside Amon takes her mask off, staring cold at Korra.

"Kanna?" Korra breaths out in confusion, relief and betrayal. Korra faints as Amon jabs Korra on her shoulder. Korra regains consciousness, as she sees a shady figure in an airbender's tunic running toward her.

"Aang?" Korra asks weakly, confused.

"Korra! Korra, are you all right? What happened? Was Amon here?" Tenzin sits Korra up.

"Yeah, he ambushed me." Korra replies.

"Did he...did he take your bending away?" Tenzin asks. In response, Korra creates a flame in the palm of her right hand before closing her palm.

"No, I'm okay." Korra answers.

"Ah, thank goodness." Tenzin says in relief. Korra suddenly starts crying and embraces Tenzin and continues crying on his chest. Tenzin comforts Korra by putting his arms around her.

"I was so terrified, I felt so helpless." Korra sobs.

"It's all right, the nightmare is over." Tenzin comforts.

"You....you were right. I've been scared this whole time. I've never felt like this before and Tenzin, I don't know what to do!" She croaks out.

"Admitting your fears is the first and most difficult step in overcoming them." Tenzin gently tells her.

"There's something you need to know." Korra wipes away her tears and sniffs.

"What?" Tenzin asks.

"Kanna was here tonight." Korra says.

"She was?!" Tenzin yells in surprise. A smile comes to his face. "Is she okay? Where is she now?" He begins to look around in hopes of seeing his cousin. Korra slowly places a hand on his shoulder. Tenzin's smile drops when he sees the look on Korra's face.

"Kanna is an Equalist now."

•••