Earth

Fire

Air

Water

Only the Avatar can master all four elements.

But when the connection is severed, can she still bring balance to the world?

反射

The Legend of Korra

Book 1.5: Reflections

Prologue

The newsreel: a recent invention, and one that many people were excited about. Only the richest of Republic City could afford to attend the theatre, where it was starting to be shown regularly. A true wonder of modern world, the newsreel was a source of news, current affairs and entertainment.

However, the current story being shown was not one to be made light of.

In the darkened theatre, a grainy picture of City Hall was being projected onto the screen. The damage from bombs which had been set off all over the city, in a systematic Equalist attack, had long since been repaired, although the structure still looked battle-worn.

A young and eager-looking woman stood in the foreground, obviously excited at the prospect of reporting on such a forefront issue.

"This is Maya Shintei, reporting from City Hall where, earlier today, the Provisional Government convened to discuss ongoing political and civil unrest throughout Republic City. Tensions are still high between benders and non-benders following the Equalist Revolution, when notorious terrorist leader Noatak, aka 'Amon', nearly succeeded in gaining total control of the city."

Panning shots showed angry protests and anti-bending rallies occurring all over the city, some even escalating into full-scale riots.

"Republic City police are working closely with the United Forces military to keep the streets under control. However, the triads have grown in their influence, ruling over the slums with an iron fist. A shortage of metalbending police officers, courtesy of the Equalists' 'de-bending' regime, has resulted in an all-out war being fought for control of the capital city."

The film switched to a grainy view of a tall and bald-headed man exiting the building, dressed in red and yellow airbender robes, and with a long, pointed beard and a light blue arrow tattooed over his head. He was immediately accosted on the front steps by a crowd of reporters and bulky flash-bulb cameras.

"Minister Tenzin! Has the Provisional Government reached a decision on what to do about the riots and anti-bender movements?"

"Excuse me, Minister! What is being done to root out remaining Equalist cells within the city?"

"Minister! What do you have to say about the resurgence in triad activity, due to the power vacuum left by the dissolution of the United Republic Council, and Amon's crippling of the police force?"

"Republic City is indeed experiencing a time of crisis." The man in question spoke with a clear, commanding voice. "However, a strategy has been devised for dealing with both the Equalists and the triads. Collaboration between Police Chief Saikhan and General Iroh of the United Forces has been productive and efficient."

"Despite social upheaval, the Provisional Government states its commitment to maintaining control," Maya said solemnly, the view cutting back to her. "Although the Equalists lost many of their supporters, when their leader was revealed to be a waterbender, there is still a strong anti-bender sentiment within the community. However, former Councilman Oma, Earth Kingdom representative of the disbanded United Republic Council, has made a distinct effort to quell tensions."

The visual feed then changed to an elderly man – dressed in a traditional green, white and yellow-trimmed Earth Kingdom robe – presiding at a podium outside of City Hall.

"I, like many other benders, have experienced the terrifying feeling of having my bending abilities stripped from me, at the hands of Noatak. However, although my earthbending is gone, I feel anything but helpless, and my resolve is as strong as ever to preside over and uphold peace throughout the United Republic of Nations. As such, I am announcing my return to office, and my loyalty to the Provisional Government."

There was a rumble from the reporters gathered in front of him, which he silenced with a raised hand.

"I can understand the feelings of discontent among non-benders in our community. But let me make one thing clear: you are all still a part of this country. Whether you are a bender or not has no bearing on your place in society. Contrary to the lies spouted by the Equalists, there is no such thing as 'waterbenders', 'earthbenders', 'firebenders', 'airbenders' or 'non-benders'. We are all citizens of the United Republic of Nations. I serve as living testament to the fact that non-benders hold positions of power, and are not victims of oppression."

The newsreel cut back to Maya for the wrap-up.

"Times are uncertain, but the Provisional Government is adamant on keeping Republic City as a beacon of peace."

The implications of failure to do so – civil war throughout the country – was left unsaid.

"On a final note, Avatar Korra has been keeping out of the public eye, making no announcements or appearances in over a month. It has been speculated that she is no longer even in Republic City. She was last sighted at the Arena, when she blasted the Equalists' leader out of a high window, with what appeared to be airbending."

She paused for effect, allowing this statement to sink in.

"So where is the Avatar now?"

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

I'm obsessed with Legend of Korra. I watched the entirety of Book 1 in a single day, and was like, "Only 12 episodes? I want more!" I guess writing this story is just my way of getting a Korra fix until Book 2 comes out.

I normally never write AU – I like to stick to canon as much as possible. But I feel that there was a lot of wasted potential when Korra (SPOILERS) gets her bending abilities back at the end of Book 1. I would have loved to see how she would handle being an airbender, with all of her other powers stripped. Plus I find the Equalist storyline very engaging.

Reviews are greatly appreciated, so please take the time leave one and let me know what you think. This is my first foray into the Avatar universe. Hopefully I can do it justice.