She told him life would go on.
And, despite his deepest desires, it did.
Not in the sense that he got better, but in that life continued around him as he sat watching it from hollowed stares. So, yes, life went on. But he did not.
He doesn't know how long he stayed inside, afraid that Amon, although eventually defeated, would find him and discover new ways to haunt his dreams.
Nightmares he had to correct himself.
The words had become one in the same. He never dreamed except for when he had nightmares. So the first time he heard her knock on the door, he screamed. So used to the silence was he that the slightest sound (other than the hustle and bustle of the help) was alarming and frightening. Part of him was determined that it was Amon. That he was here to take something more precious than his bending. But he didn't know what.
As if treading on dangerous ground, his butler came into his room where he sat staring emotionless out at the city.
"Sir," the butler began quietly, cautiously, his voice slowly growing along with his confidence; "the young Avatar is here to see you."
Why?
That was his first question. Possibly one of the most complete and logical thoughts he had had in a long time.
"Okay."
He got up and headed down to where she was waiting for him. It was almost as if she had tattooed "Pity" on her forehead.
"What do you want?" Tahno asked, slightly agitated.
"To ask if you're okay," she answered firmly.
"I'm not. There's your answer. I don't need your pity, Oh-vuh-terr. You can leave."
"I'm not going to," Korra sad, stubbornly crossing her arms. "Not until you're okay."
"Well that's not going to happen." Tahno's eyes narrowed and his eyebrows furrowed. A slight snarl set on his lips. "Not unless you can somehow get me my bending back."
Korra's demeanor broke down into pleading. "I can't, but I canshow you that there are other things in your life. More important than bending."
"Name one!"
"Friends!"
"I don't have friends."
Korra seemed surprised. "What about those girls with you at the restaurant? Your teammates?"
"Spirits, Korra, how naïve can you be? They were my fans and my teammates. They liked me because of my power. I've got nothing. Not everything is puppy dogs and rainbows. Not everyone you see together are friends."
"I…"
"You what? Are you sorry? Do you want to help? Did you not know?" his voice grew in volume as he continued until he was screaming; "WAKE UP, AVATAR. THE WORLD IS DARK."
He watched as she shrank. Her shoulders slumped and her eyebrows pulled up sadly in the middle.
He wasn't even guilty. Not like he had been when he'd exploded on her at the arena. He didn't feel the need to comfort her. He needed her to know that what she was saying and doing was not helpful.
It hurt.
Everything hurt.
But at least he was feeling. He'd been empty for so long. Part of him—a very small part, admittedly—was glad that he was feeling. Even if it was pain.