Hello new or even old readers! This was my first fanfic ever and I had a blast writing it. I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Newest A/N Edit: It was recently brought to my attention that I didn't put proper trigger warnings on here. I must express my deepest apologies. As mentioned, it was my first fic. I hadn't even been a part of a fandom or ship before. I didn't understand what trigger warnings were or that I should use them. I truly hope I haven't hurt anyone by my carelessness.

Trigger Warning: there is a rape scene in chapter 4. The rape is also discussed later in the story at different times. It also carries over into the sequel "The Thaw" which has been labeled with proper trigger warnings.

"She's gone." Tenzin's voice remained calm and even as he told the brothers the heartbreaking news.

Mako froze. He was sure he hadn't heard the airbender correctly. Korra gone? How was that possible?

Just a few hours earlier he had awoken here in the metal cell. Only the night before, Tarrlok had taken him, his brother, and Asami away in the police satomoblie.

The last words Korra had spoken to him were, "Don't worry. I'll call Tenzin. He'll get you out." They echoed inside his mind like an omen.

Mako closed his eyes. All he could see were her eyes. They had been full of pain, anger and fear.

"What do you mean 'she's gone'?" Bolin's voice pulled Mako back to the present.

His brother was hiding his pain with anger. Mako knew how hurt he was. He and his brother could always tell what the other was really feeling.

"She wasn't in her room or on the island when I went to check on her. We're trying to figure out what happened. Right now our best guess is she left the island of her own free will since there is no sign of a struggle. But she told no one where she was going or when or if she would be back. She took Naga with her. We have officers patrolling Republic City. We haven't found any signs of her yet." Tenzin spoke in that calm voice he had mastered over the years. He held his hands up as if trying to calm the earthbender.

Mako slammed a fist full of fire into the closest metal wall.

"That's not good enough!" He yelled. "You need to get us out of here right now. We need to be looking for her!" He grasped the bars separating him from the airbender.

"I'm trying all that I can. Tarrlok was attacked by Equalists last night and did not show up to the council meeting this morning." Tenzin closed his eyes and took a deep breath as if he were trying to refrain from losing his temper.

Mako narrowed his eyes at the news. "Do you not think those are connected?" His voice was low but full of fiery anger.

Tenzin took another deep breath. "I have not ruled out the possibility that these two events are related. And it is possible the same Equalists are involved with Korra's disappearance."

"It's possible?" Bolin yelled. The earthbender didn't even attempt to hide his anger. "It's possible?" He yelled again. "Of course it's possible!"

"What if there weren't any Equalists?" Mako asked, mostly to himself but his voice was just loud enough that they both heard him. All three grew quiet.

"What do you mean, Mako?" Tenzin asked in a low voice.

"What if Korra was the one that attacked Tarrlok? They've been at each other's throats for days now." Mako's wide eyes locked onto Tenzin.

"You are not suggesting what I think you are." Tenzin's voice was a warning. "Tarrlok is a member of the council. No matter how much tension was between the two, he wouldn't possibly- I mean to say, Korra wouldn't have attacked him. She's smarter than that."

"She wouldn't?" Bolin questioned him.

"Think about it," Mako began, "Tarrlok tried to arrest innocent non-benders last night but instead he arrested us." Mako gestured to himself and his brother. "Korra was the only one that was able to stand in his way."

"That is enough." Tenzin interrupted. "I don't want to hear either one of you speak of this again. Not here." He added the last part in a lowered voice.

…

His dark eyes narrowed. He was crouched in the shadows, listening to the pathetic "task force" as they walked in the alley below him, completely unaware they were being watched.

"Tarrlok took her last night. He wouldn't say where or how he got her in the first placed. He just told us to make sure no one picks up the trail." One man said to another. His voice was just a bit too loud for the apparent "secret mission."

"What happened to her polar bear dog?" The other asked, his volume just as loud.

There was a hint of alcohol in the air. The source of the smell continued to walk casually, obvious to their surrounding.

"We haven't found it yet. But when we do-" The voices trailed off as the men turned a corner.

Amon stood up and laid a hand on the Avatar's polar bear dog. He had found her frantically searching the streets in the night. At first she had tried to fight him but he had won her over with food and soothing words.

Amon had always been good with animals. Growing up on the streets had left much to be desired when it came to human relationships. But he'd discovered that having a faithful pet could be just as if not more rewarding than a friendship.

Naga nudged him and he gently patted her on the head.

"Perhaps we should pay a visit to your owner." Amon whispered into her furry ear.

…

Korra woke suddenly, sore and confused.

Blackness surrounded her. She had no way of knowing where she was. She looked above her and saw only darkness. It was so dark, she couldn't even make out her hands which were chained above her. She couldn't see any ground beneath her feet, or if there were even a ground at all.

"Glad to see you're still alive, Avatar Korra." Tarrlok's voice came from behind her. He was close, too close.

Korra froze, suddenly very aware his presence. She felt his breath on the back of her neck. It caused the hair to stand on end.

"Tarrlok!" She yelled his name. Anger disguising fear. "Let me go!"

He chuckled. "I think I'll keep you here for awhile." Korra could hear the smug smirk in his voice. "At least long enough for me to secure my power over Republic City. What hope will they have when they discover the Avatar has abandoned them, ran away out of fear of Amon and his Equalists?" Tarrlok laughed again.

"You can't do this. I won't let you." Korra tried to turn her head to glare at him.

"I don't think you are in any position to be making any threats at me." Tarrlok pulled at the chains holding Korra up.

She cried out in pain as the metal dug into her skin. Tarrlok wrapped his arm around Korra's waist from as he closed his hand around her neck. Korra struggled to breathe.

"I will gain power. I will control Republic City. And then you will watch all the ones you love perish while you remain powerless to do anything."

Korra's eyes widen. Her heart pounded in her chest, loud enough that Tarrlok must have heard. But she refused to cry in front of this man. Stubbornness and pride wouldn't allow it.

There has to be a way out! I need to get out of here.

The thought repeated in her mind like a chant, matching the fast beats of her heart. Dealing with Amon and his Equalists was bad enough, Korra silently groaned as she added another name to the list of people wrecking the balance of Republic City.

Korra was so focused on her internal battle with herself, she didn't hear Tarrlok's next words.

"When I speak, you listen!" He growled into her ear.

Korra flinched away from his hot breath on her skin.

"Republic City is mine!" Tarrlok's voice bounced off the walls and rang in her ear.

Before she could bother with a response, Tarrlok struck Korra in the ribs, quickly followed by a blow to her gut.

Korra hissed in pain. She didn't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing he hurt her. But just how long that would last, Korra had no idea. If what Tarrlok aid was true, she'd be stuck down here for awhile.

"Get some sleep, Avatar." Tarrlok's voice faded as if he were walking away. "We have much to do tomorrow."

Tarrlok stayed hidden in the shadows watching the young Avatar. He hated her. He wanted to kill her but not without first breaking her in every way possible. He waited, wanting to see her in tears, hopeless. But she did not cry, much to his dissatisfaction. But he had plans for her. He would break her.