Responses to the previous chapter's reviews:

Meowometer: Wouldn't have expected them to wash up in the Spirit World!

Both of them getting lost is a scenario displayed in many Amorra fanfictions, but never have they landed on shore under this circumstances. I really can't say what's going to happen next, because you're pretty smart - you use story lines that have already been told multiple times and transform them into something we - or at least, I - haven't read before.

Keep up the good writing!

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Thank you for your compliment :) It's nice to hear you like the plot of the story so far. I was hesitant to do something that has already being done so many times, there had to be something new! and this was the outcome. There's a lot more you'll find out in the coming chapters, but thank you for your review, people like you encourage me to keep writing! :)

Dawn's Edge: Awesome chapter! One question, though. If they are in the Spirit World, how can Korra bend?

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Thanks! Korra can bend because they are in spirit limbo, not totally the spirit world, but not the human world either.

KaliAnn: I think Amon is not as aware of the Avatar's limits as he should be. I like the spirit of limbo.

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Haha, we'll just have to see, It's great to hear you like the spirit limbo.

I would also like to thank everyone who has read up to this chapter so far.


Chapter Nine- Cooperation and Memories

The blazing sun shone high above the sandy shores in the deep blue sky. It's fiery, saffron beams filtered through the clouds and splayed across the calm sea and over the empty lands. Apart from the faint cries of the birds and gentle sway of the sea's currents, the entire site was hushed and silent. The place held an ominous depth of the unknown in it.

Korra held a hand up to her face, shielding it from the sun's sweltering rays of heat. Her feet hurt with every step she took now and her mouth felt parched and dry from the lack of water. She had been staring at nothing but grey sand for what had felt like hours while walking along the shore. She had not uttered a single word the whole time, or even spared a glance behind her. Maybe it was the heat mingled with her thirst and, just recently, growing hunger, but Korra was debating to whether to just bury herself under the sand or jump into the waters. At least it would take her somewhere else, well, the sea anyway. Her mood was turning sour by every passing moment.

No sign of anything resembling a portal so far. And that was the thing. She had absolutely no idea what this portal looked like, and moreover, did not know where it was. This mindless walking was becoming some pointless exercise instead. Never mind that this little 'trip' felt more of an adventure now. It felt like the spirits were playing a cruel joke on her, forcing her to trek along with him.

If she listened closely, she could hear the soft movement of sand behind her, suggesting he was still right there behind her, a couple of meters away. She had thought about running away as far as possible quite a few times now. But he continued to follow her, silent as tiger shark hunting its prey. Korra thought he would have become tired or bored of following her lead by now. It was obvious she was going nowhere; he just doesn't give up, does he?

She clenched her hands into fists again. He knew very well that she didn't know where the portal was. He knew she had very little experience with all this spiritual stuff. Then why was he ordering her to find it instead?! She was absolutely furious with him. The urge to just throw him into the deep pits of the sea or bend another boulder at him was becoming strong. If she could airbend, she would even blast some air at him and send him flying across the other side, just like she had watched Ikki and Meelo do to Tenzin when they practiced with him.

But Korra remained cautious. She hadn't even tried to catch fish from the sea to cook and eat. His looming threat still remained in her head. He could take away her bending anytime he wanted. It would be done quickly and without warning, just like he had done to that criminal during his rally. She shuddered at the memory. It was best she keep her distance for that reason and not let her guard down. She would never know when he would strike, probably when she was in a vulnerable position to begin with. But she would be out of this place soon anyway, the portal could not be too far by now...


It was sometime during her plans to come up with ways to get rid of Amon, each more creative than the last, that she noticed the change in environment around her. There were more large rocks across the plane, along with shrubs and other plants. However the biggest change was the trees. They grew in numbers as she went past. The atmosphere had changed too, with a rich, distinct scent of pine and damp bark permeating the air. The beach had all but disappeared now as she got closer to the edge of a lush forest, the snowy tops of a mountainous terrain showing in the distance. She entered through the forest, feeling an immediate sense of calm from its cool canopy layer. Insects hummed and chirped around the foliage, with small birds twittering around their nests high up in the treetops.

Korra felt the pangs of hunger in her stomach. She wrapped her arms around her middle, trying not to think of the mouth-watering taste of succulent water tribe food. This was bad. She had to eat something right now or else she would faint from the hunger. The dense forest had to have some food. But first, she had to get to the bottom of this whole portal business. She could very well ask a few questions by now. Korra stopped in her tracks and leaned down against a sturdy tree, resting her head to the side. There was a slight breeze in the air, providing relief from the heat before.

Amon stood in the middle of the path in front of her, his boots in her line of vision. He had not expressed even the slightest signs of exertion. And here she was, tired and hungry. How would she be able to defend herself and fight against him if he tried something?

"What are you playing at?" Korra asked him. Even though she had taken deep breaths to steady herself, her voice still faltered a little.

"I would be asking you the same question, Avatar."

"I don't know anything about this portal or where it is." Her voice came out small. What was wrong with her? She was finding it difficult to even talk to him now. She had to stay strong about confronting him! "Look, I don't want to lead, you can do it instead."

Korra stood up, placing her hand against the tree trunk. "And besides, I think you know where it is. Don't mess around with me like this..." Her voice trailed off as she felt her hands shaking. I'm just tired, she tried to convince herself.

"Very well," he replied, his tone nonchalant.

His short, clipped responses were riling her up again.

"Why are you talking to me like this? If you find me that unbearable, be on your own way!" said Korra, finally finding her voice again. It was a lot easier to deal with anger than fear. "You haven't been of any help this whole time." She began to walk away "I'll find the way out of here on my own."

"You asked me If I could lead, did you not?"

"Yes I did. But that doesn't matter anymore, we're parting ways from here anyway."

"That was said afterwards. I think it's fair to say you co-operate on my terms now, Avatar." He said, sauntering towards her.

Korra glared back at him, unable to say anything. He had her right where he wanted. Weak, vulnerable, defenseless. He knew she wouldn't try to fight or attack him again. She began to back into the tree as he got closer.

"Your title doesn't merit your abilities, or lack thereof. You've proven to be quite useless so far." He stopped right in front of her. "Do you understand your responsibilities even now, Avatar?"

"Stop..." Korra turned away from him, her vision blurring over with unshed tears. His words stung her. She felt like her head was going to burst from all this mental pressure. He was probably just messing with her again, trying to make her feel bad for everything that had happened. It didn't matter what he said! She was just trapped in a hopeless situation with her enemy; his opinion shouldn't have any say over her. She wasn't going to let him torment her with guilt; she had gotten enough of that already. Korra wiped the back of her hand across her eyes.

Amon began to walk forward again at a leisured pace. Korra dawdled behind him, until he motioned for her to his side. She had to stay strong. She could not let him get to her. And she just really wished to escape from this place now. Their trek continued deep into the forest, the foliage becoming denser. Twigs snapped under her feet with every passing step, the air becoming damper than before. It was a very different environment from what she was used to in the South Pole.

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She had to step around carefully as the course became more prominent with rocks. A stream of water appeared along their path, running through the rocks. It seemed to have come down from the mountains and looked quite clean. Without any hesitation, Korra knelt down and cupped the water into her hands. She bought the cool liquid to her lips, feeling it soothe her dry and aching throat. She continued to drink the water and splashed some on her face and neck and felt thankful for its refreshing properties.

Korra glanced around the site, checking for any type of edible food. Her eyes landed on a couple of moon peaches hanging from a bush. They looked ripe enough. She got up and crossed over to the other side of the stream, and sat down near the bush. Plucking one of the fruits off, she took a bite out of it. It was delicious. She continued to eat the sweet goodness, savouring its taste in her mouth. Korra reached up to pluck another one off, until she remembered she wasn't alone. She had a habit of getting lost in her food.

Amon was still standing on the other side of the stream, his posture cool and composed. He had not attempted to drink the water, or given any hint to eat something. Should she ask him? He can manage on his own. They had gone a whole day without any food; surely he'd also be hungry by now. Whatever, that was his problem.

Korra shifted her gaze away from him, biting into her second helping of moon peach. She was relaxed, and did not feel as threatened by him, mask and all. He had not attempted to do or say anything, and let her keep her distance. He might not be some faceless dark spirit beneath the mask, maybe. But then she remembered his words, and retracted her statement. Besides, anyone else in his place would behave the same way; after all, they were forced to be together in an extreme situation from which they both wanted to escape from. Korra yawned and stretched her arms out when she noticed he was standing behind her. When had he crossed over? She heard no sound at all.

"Turn around."

What? Oh, right. Korra faced her back towards him, finishing off her moon peach. Well, they were alone; he didn't have to wear the mask anymore. Or he might just be very conscious about the scars, they must be really bad. Though that didn't matter to her, she would not say anything mean or hurtful about it.

"And don't look."

"Sure." Korra replied.

A little while later, they were back on the path again. No words or comments were exchanged once again, just the natural sounds of the forest ringing through the air.

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Twinkling stars began to appear in the sky as the sun sunk low over the horizon. The sky was painted in colours of deep orange and indigo, with the slight breeze carrying the scent of earth and wood smoke. The treetops swayed from the light wind as the distant hoot of an owlcat was heard.

Amon approached a small clearing in the middle. It was surrounded by towering trees, shielding it from the rest of the forest. The ground was uneven and covered in loose leaf debris, but it would provide enough cover and safety from the rest of the forest for the night.

"We rest here," he said, setting himself down, his back against the broad tree.

Korra ambled towards the other side of the clearing, away from him as far as possible. He had denied her request to start a fire. Lying on the ground, she tried to ignore the rustling of leaves under her. She tossed and turned on the ground, trying to find a comfortable position. Finally, she settled for her side, facing the base of the tree and using her arm as a pillow. She couldn't sleep. There were too many distractions in the forest, from the creaking sounds of the tree branches and chirping of the cricketflies. She huffed, feeling a hanging moss vine tickle her cheek.

She let her thoughts wander. This whole situation was bizarre. Being stuck with her enemy, traveling through a strange, unfamiliar forest, eating moon peaches in quiet company. She lazily traced the patterns of the tree bark with her finger as the moonlight streamed into the clearing. How long before they find the portal? She couldn't fathom spending another day with him. What if they don't find it at all and they were stuck here forever, forced to be in each others company for an eternity? She would be on her own way before that happened. She looked up at the night sky. Dark clouds were moving in, occasionally passing over the moon.

Korra chewed her bottom lip, watching the gentle sway of the branches overhead. She thought about other things, like the time she first learned how to go penguin sledging, the White Lotus guards scolding her for destroying the training ground with the earth bending discs, or hearing Katara's adventures with her previous incarnation, around a bowl of sea prunes, her mother trying to give her a bath, frantically chasing her around the hut...

She felt her chest constrict with the sudden out pour of emotions. A lone tear escaped her eye. She missed everyone so much. She missed Naga's warm comfort, her mother's kind smile, Tenzin and the airbender kids, her mentors, and even Riya. Her heart ached for their company and the reassurance they gave that they would always be with her. The hot tears were pouring more freely down her face. She never thought she would miss the presence of someone so much. But here in this unknown place with only someone from her worst nightmares for company, she felt the loneliness tenfold.

Korra felt the tears continuously stream down her face into the night, shivering from the cold as she wrapped her arms around herself to generate warmth. It was a while before the exhaustion finally overtook her and she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.