I'm typing this at the dinner table. Slowed down the typing progress, but that's okay. As an update, I realized that I have some pretty good ideas for one-shots stuck in my brain. But maybe I could combine them all together to make it a trilogy? How about...the together trilogy? No? Ah, I'm terrible at names, anyway.

-Fuschiaphoenix

It felt like hours, but they made it to the South Pole. It was a hectic journey, but these teens learned that it was the destination, not the journey. For anyone who said it otherwise would be proved wrong. They were greeted by White Lotus Sentries even before they stepped off the speedboat. not at all surprising to Korra-it seemed that these Sentries were around when she didn't need them for protection.

The airbender and Council kids hugged them, asking abundant questions they were too tired to even listen to. The airbending master captured Korra in an embrace, "Are you kids alright? What took you guys so long?"

But his current student waved him off, "We'll tell you everything at dinner, Tenzin."

Bolin whined, "Aww, but why? Everytime we talk about something at the dinner table, the awkward topics are brought up. We don't want another Makorra argument, right?"

Pema stepped out from beside Tenzin and was giggling, "Makorra argument now is it?"

But Korra let out a sigh as her waterbending master walked in at the right second. "Master Katara, thank goodness you're here."

"I should be saying the same to you, Korra. I can see from the looks on your faces that you have been through much on your journey."

She switched the conversation's subject anyway. "So...where are my parents?"

Her master understood that her student was trying to avoid the subject for a matter of time, "In the village. Oh! Nevermind. Guess they knew you were coming."

It turned out that her parents turned up to welcome their only daughter back. Senna was pleased to see her, "Korra! Goodness, are you okay? No burns, scars, headaches?"

She groaned in annoyance. Her mother was definitely proving to be the overprotective type. "I'm fine, mom. Nothing bad happened," She lied.

Tonraq knew, though. "Oh, really? Because we've heard much more than that, Korra."

Asami's friend instincts told her to speak up, "Now why don't we settle this at dinner?"

The Avatar dramatically let out a breath she hadn't realized she was keeping. "Thanks, Asami. You're always there when I need it."

But she wasn't cognizant of the firebender who hadn't spoken much since their arrival. The group stalked back to the compound, the sun setting as nightfall approached. Howl operated the gates to open re-welcoming the Avatar. Her trio of friends gasped as they saw how impressively massive it was inside. They saw several watchtowers and pavilions, numerous training grounds, animal shelters and humble housings located inside. There was even more than that. But they didn't have time to explore everything.

"Welcome to my former prison," mused Korra.

Bolin was amazed, "Korra, this place is awesome! I still don't understand why you wanted to leave in such a hurry."

"Bolin. Imagine living here for more than half of your life. Being watched and babied by White Lotus Sentries? Not so much fun."

Katara ushered them into another part of the compound which was her home. It was traditionally decorated with furs that hung on the walls, and wooden furniture that gave the housing a more comfy feeling. But as soon as the guests started dinner, the awkward feeling returned. Bolin and Asami sat next to each other while Korra and Mako were on either side. Separated by two people, Korra didn't find it necessary to talk to her boyfriend right now about their little disagreement.

Tonraq, Senna, Tenzin, and Katara sat on the other side of the table, Tonraq across from his daughter. (Is this confusing? lol.)

The Avatar loved eating her traditional food, but she had a pit in her stomach telling her something unpleasant was going to happen.

Korra's POV:

Oh, spirits. Guess I my thoughts were proved right when my dad laid out a pile of newspapers in front of me. Not ordinary newspapers, though. Guess whose face was on the cover of headline? Mine. But of course my father didn't look pleased at all. "Korra, explain this."

I glanced at Asami who was clearing her throat and scratching her head awkwardly. Bolin scooped seaweed noodles into his mouth, reminding me of the first time we met Tahno. As for Mako..what was up with him? He didn't talk, and he wasn't even eating. Could he be anymore detached?

My dad's finger traveled to the first paper which read, 'Avatar Korra arrives in Republic City-saves shopkeeper from Triple Threats but resists Police when put under arrest.'

And Lin just had to to walk in, but everyone was still focusing on me, "Well what did you want me to do? Just stand there while watching those thugs smash up the shop?"

My father just laid out another headline. 'Avatar Korra joins task force but challenges Amon to a duel! Sources say that she was lead straight into a trap-ambushed on Aang Memorial Island the same night'

Ugh. Tarrlok must've told the 'sources' just to spread word that I was stupid enough to challenge Amon alone. Sad thing-was that it was true. "No comment," I mumbled.

The last article he grasped firmly before letting me see. 'Avatar Korra kidnapped by Councilman Tarrlok! She was rescued by her friends and revealed him to be a bloodbender! Unfortunately the Avatar was almost left in a coma due to brain damage...'

That's the last thing I wanted to see. I couldn't stand this. But my dad's anger would just fuel if I didn't answer him. My pleading look was first sent to Tenzin, who only nodded his head towards my parents. What guidance. But leaving one other option, "Dad, Mom, can I talk to you guys somewhere else?"

My feet dragged me over to my room where I sat on my bed. My parents followed, shutting the door behind them. Just before the door shut, Asami and Bolin had faces that said, 'It'll be fine,'

I stared at my dad straight in the eye, "Look, I was just trying to do what was best for everyone! I may have snuck out and broke some rules, but everything ended up okay!"

My mom scooted over beside me and brushed my hair with her fingers gently, "Korra, all we wanted was for you to be careful. We never knew it would come to this," she referred to the headlines. "And imagine how worried and devastated we were when you were missing. Imagine us not being able to do anything while you were getting hurt? It's a horrid feeling."

"And that's how I feel about being in Republic City!" I pointed out.

Dad and Mom looked to each other, as if making silent decisions without letting me in on it.

"Korra, you're allowed to help plan and strategize, but that's it. Let Tenzin and the United Forces handle everything else. This isn't the kind of task a teenage girl can handle, sweetie. Understand?"

I reluctantly nodded.

"Promise me." my dad warned.

"I pinky swear," I rolled my eyes as our fingers intertwined, confirming it. I felt like they were treating me as they would to a little kid. Pretty dumb, but what would I get from being their only daughter? The door creaked open and shut again. I slammed my face into my pillow, feeling unused adrenaline coursing through me, making me want to...I don't know, punch something. I flipped over so that I was laying on my back. Maybe I could come up with some excuse? But what? I couldn't create one anyway, they already knew everything, so there's no use coming up with any kind of lie.

The breeze from my window tickled against my ear. Like it wasn't cold enough already. I lazily swung my legs over to the side of my bed to stand up and shut the window panel. Then something stopped me. A pause first. Were those..whispers? I craned my neck to try and listen. Turning my head to the side when my ear perked up.

"Naga..." It said.

I almost slapped myself. This was just like before. I was tired. It's all in my head. Only believing it would make it true.

"Naga...is dead."

"Shit," I slammed the panels shut, covering my ears with my palms. "She's alive and well, Korra. And that's it. Nothing else," I reassured myself.

It was a peaceful silence until there was soft whining. The whining transitioned to anxious barks and howls. The noise was cut off with the unmistakable sound of a slice.

"The polar bear dog is dead," the voice repeated as a breeze brushed past her face.

Except this time Korra identified the voice creating the articulation. It was none other than Amon's words. So how could these voices be sent along with a draft if she had already sealed the windows shut? She proceeded to anxiously open the window once more to check for any sign of him. Korra officially confirmed her self insane. She had to discuss this with Tenzin. Before it got any worse. Korra flung the door open, her friends and masters lounging in the living room. Tenzin was the first to notice her presence, face contorted into concern.

Korra hadn't paid any attention to anyone else in the room-or the fact that she had tears streaming freely down her cheeks. The student and airbending master sat together on the other side of the room, their backs leaning against the wall casually. "Tenzin, I think I'm losing sanity," She stated.

"VIRGINITY!" Bolin fist pumped. And obviously not hearing her correctly.

All Asami did was shake her head. She was playing Pai Sho with the earthbender, conceitedness overcoming him.

The waterbender wiped the silent tears and led Tenzin into the kitchen. The master nodded, understanding. His student had been through much during her journey the past couple months. "You can tell me anything, Korra. But only if you want to."

"I've been seeing this freakish dark shadow when I was in the woods. It just shrieked so loudly that it scared the crap out of me. I've also been hearing this voice that's been telling me these...lies."

"What kind of lies?"

"Naga is dead," she spat out the three words. It felt like drinking poison even by saying it. She was staring blankly at the wall.

"But do you believe this?" He asked.

She shook her head, "I don't want to. It just seemed all too real. I don't know what to believe anymore."

Before Tenzin could say anything supportive, the discouraged Avatar locked herself back in her room. This frustrated him. Korra wasn't one to listen much. Most importantly about her personal issues. Wasn't Mako supposed to be comforting her right now? Right. He already heard about the little 'Makorra' argument, and knew from spread gossip that infamous Makorra arguments lasted long-even though most of it could just be normal propaganda. So for now he would just have to let Korra sort things out until tomorrow.

Mingyu walked alongside Tahno, being led by the Lieutenant to accomplish their current task. Mingyu eyed Tahno suspiciously when he said, "Sexy catsuit,"

Blowing the hair out of her face, "It's uncomfortable, but thanks anyway," She retorted.

Her father turned around, "Are you two seriously flirting when I'm right here?" He ignored their surprised expressions as he tossed two weapons towards them. The three stopped outside of the Council members' cells.

"Just stand guard. And I don't want any funny business, alright?"

His daughter was bored of this, "Okay dad, you can go now!"

The heavy platinum door slammed.

"Somebody's got daddy issues..."

"Can you just shut up, Tahno?!"

"You just can't take a joke, can you?" he asked.

"Look, I've had a really bad day, and I don't need some pretty boy waltzing around and making this one task harder!"

Tahno seemed to be caught up in that last statement, "Pretty boy, huh?"

Her jaw clenched.

"Calm down, Hazel! It's just that you remind me of somebody. You know what I mean?" he defended.

"Did you just call me hazel?"

"What, would you like me to call you something much more offensive instead of just your beautiful eye color?"

Mingyu didn't know why, but she blushed. "Whatever. But who were you talking about, anyway?"

His trademark smirk was visible, "I'm sure you've met Korra."

But Mingyu didn't return a smile, "She hates me, you know."

"And why is that?" He seemed to be enjoying this.

"I actually tried to help her, but guess what she did? She left me stranded on an island!"

The former waterbender was expecting this sort of reaction, his face solid, "But from what I heard, you helped with the whole submarine situation," he grinned again at his last reference.

She ignored it, "I know, but people can change their minds. And that exception goes to anyone."

"Even me?" he pointed his finger towards his chest.

"Probably not," She said as she tested to see if her glove was working. A rare and satisfied smile emerged on her lips when electricity crackled through the glove. Much more powerful than the previous one she had owned.

The boy didn't miss his opportunity to tease, "Be careful with that, Hazel."

"No need to worry about me, Pretty boy."

Her fist clenched tighter as she approached the three cells. But she realized that there were supposed to be five cells occupied. 'Oh, that's right,' she thought. 'No one's captured Tenzin or Tarrlok yet,'

The three prisoners hadn't spoken at all since their capture. They were all too worried about their kids that could be anywhere by now.

Chapter 22 won't be so long of a wait. I love you guys for reading! :)