Chapter 21: Explanations

I sat up in bed, surprised to see orange light from the sunrise pouring into my room. I dragged my weary body upwards, feeling the pain in my leg.

I need pain medication...

I raised my eyebrow at myself... wondering.

Or I could heal it...

I looked sideways to see a bowl of water, most likely left for washing by Pema, bless her. I hobbled over, hesitantly reaching my hands out. I bended the water upwards, encasing my hands and placing them over my leg.

I heard the light ringing of healing waters, my hands and leg encased by the glowing blue. I sighed as it instantly began to cool the burning pain. I stood after healing, knowing that I would need multiple sessions, but grateful for being able to walk half-normally. I dressed, pulling on grey pants and a blue wrapping shirt that flowed past my waist. Slipping on my boots and usual arm coverings, I stepped towards the door.

"Thank you for understanding, Yue," I whispered into the air as I left my room. I limped towards the family dining room while pulling my hair back into a simple ponytail. Before opening the door to where I could feel the entire family, I breathed deeply, whispering, "Spirits give me strength."

I slid it open hesitantly, peering through the crack of the door.

"KANNI!" Ikki screamed, hurtling the table and plowing into me. Her small arms wrapped around my waist as she yammered on. "Daddy told us you were okay but he wouldn't let us go see you! Where have you been? Did you see Amon? Did they hurt you? Did you have to fight chi blockers?"

"Let me ask a question!" Meelo pushed Ikki away before jumping into my embrace, his arms circling my neck. He peered up at me, his face incredibly close to my own. "Did you break out? Was it awesome and filled with explosions?"

I shook off the shock and laughed. "Of course, Meelo. I wouldn't have it any other way." I chuckled as I pried him off my neck and placed him back to the ground. Jinora stood before me, her face relieved.

"It's good to have you back," She whispered as she embraced me warmly.

I smiled, returning the hug. "It's good to be back."

"Kanni, we were worried sick!" Pema cried, enveloping me in a pregnant bear-hug. I chuckled at the awkwardness as I reassured her that I was fine. "You must be famished! Here, sit. Eat!" She tugged me over to the table, practically pushing me down into my usual seat.

I looked at Korra, giving her a nod. She sucked at the inside of her cheek, looking back to her food. I saw Tenzin frown from the corner of my eye. Instead of pursuing a response from her, I turned to the food, digging in.

As the meal dragged on, filled with questions from the kids that I didn't answer, I grew curious.

"Why haven't you asked me anything, Tenzin?" I looked sideways at the airbender.

He pursed his lips. "I was going to wait to tell you. We are going to hold a council meeting. We want to hear your story. You'll only have to tell it once, then. Korra will be there, and Pema. Your friends, as well."

I nodded. Friends. That resonated in my mind as I focused on what he said next.

"That is, if you're up to it. I'm sure it won't be easy to talk about and if you're not ready-"

"Tenzin," I cut him off, a small smile gracing my lips. "It's fine. That makes it easier. When is the meeting?"

Tenzin looked down, seeming ashamed. "It is supposed to be tonight."

I nodded, making my face seem unfazed. "Very well. Let me know when we are leaving. Now if I may?" I nodded towards the door to indicate me leaving. "I want to wash up before I appear before everyone."

Tenzin nodded, obviously shocked by my easy compliance and calm demeanor. Of course, the calm was just a ruse. On the inside, I was a panicked mess. What was I to tell them? I was confused enough as it was. Sure, I had made a decision in my dream, but that was to fight alongside Korra, and bring peace. But will ratting out the Equalists bring that? Or will it just invoke war?

I thought on this as I hobbled towards the washroom. The acolytes left new clothes for me, as well as soaps and a towel. I smiled, grateful for a real bath. Sure, I had taken some at the Equalist hideout, but none were as soothing as the wafting incense used on Air Temple Island.

I breathed in the scent of blossoms and jasmine, reveling in the peace of the moment. I leaned back in the water, letting myself meditate in the quiet.

"We made an agreement last night," Yue's voice slipped over the calm water quietly. I didn't bother to open my eyes, since I knew she wouldn't be revealing herself during the day. I nodded mutely, breathing deeply to maintain a connection with her. "I will honor it. I will be here to guide you as much as I can, but ultimately the decisions will be yours. When you are finally ready, I will lend you my power." I tensed at this, remembering that night ten years ago. "Only when you are ready. This will be determined by you. We will fight together. But I swear that you will have control."

I nodded, muttering gratefully, "Thank you."

I felt her presence fading from my mind. "But be warned, Tikanni. With you taking full control, fates will be entirely in your hands. If something goes wrong, if you make a mistake, there will be no one to blame but you."

I swallowed past the lump forming in my throat.

"Do you understand?"

I nodded, "Yes."

I felt her diminishing form smile. "I believe in you. This has always been your destiny. You are finally ready, Tikanni. Know that I am proud, as is your family."

I smiled as I felt her disappear entirely. I slid my eyes open, dragging myself out of my trance and the tub. Wrapping myself in the soft towel, I padded to the window, opening it to feel the chilled breeze rolling across the bay. I wrung out my hair, tossing it over my shoulder as I walked lightly towards the bench my clothes sat on.

Taking a seat, I bended some bathwater up to my leg, finishing another healing session. When I was finished, I flipped my damp hair off my neck again as I dressed myself. I elected to keep my boots off, so I held them in my hand as I walked down the hallways. I returned to my room, looking at myself in the mirror. I frowned upon seeing my tired and worried eyes. Still, even though I looked like a mess, I was nowhere near where a prisoner of three weeks would be.

Would they be suspicious? I shook my head, tightening the dark blue wrappings around my torso. The shirt I was wearing was exactly like what I had worn originally, just decorated more with intricate silver embroidery. I tugged on the sleeves, thankful that it was cool enough to wear long sleeves now. I assumed that Tenzin would fill in the council about my bending. Besides, the public would knew eventually anyways, right?

I tugged on my boots over my black pants after bending the water out of my hair. As I slipped back out of my room, I swept my hair into a simple bun, making sure it was smooth. I stepped out into the morning mid-morning air, breathing in the sweet scent of the autumn. I suppose I hadn't truly realized how near winter it had gotten.

Though only a month had passed in my captivity, it felt like I had missed so much.

"Are you ready to go, Kanni?" I glanced up to see Tenzin, cloaked in his familiar red. I nodded, gratefully accepting the gray coat that Pema handed to me. Tenzin helped me onto Oogi's saddle, where Korra sat already, her coat draped around her shoulders. Pema followed after me, settling heavily into her place. I sat beside her, finding comfort in her presence. I cut a glance to Korra as Tenzin climbed aboard. She avoided my gaze like a disease, obviously still miffed about my lying to her.

"Give her time, dear." Pema's hand rested on my own warmly. "She'll come around."

I nodded politely to the pregnant woman, more out of making her feel better than myself. I snuggled into the soft gray fabric that enveloped my torso.

"Who is watching the kids while you're gone?" I prodded, trying to get some conversation to fill the empty air. Pema caught on easily.

"The acolytes will watch them. You should have seen Meelo the other day, Kanni. He was off doing..." I turned my head, looking out over the bay as I half listened. I was sure she knew that I wasn't really listening, but that I merely needed some soothing noise in the back of my mind.

Oogi descended to the top of the council building, police officers bowing their heads in welcome. I slipped off the saddle after Korra, turning to help Pema as Tenzin nodded for the officers to lead us in. I stayed close to Pema, her warm hand on my wrist a gentle calm in the storm of my raging emotions.

When we stepped through the massive double doors into the meeting chamber, I was hit with a wall of panic. My chest tightened, my heart speeding. I could tell that Korra and Tenzin were tense as well by the stiffness of their shoulders. I looked forward to see the council already convened, along with Chief Beifong. I swallowed at the look Councilman Tarrlok was shooting at me.

"Tenzin, now that you're here, we may begin," A councilwoman spoke. Her eyes cut to me with distrust and unease. I cringed.

"We need to wait," Korra interrupted.

"And why is that, Avatar?" The Chief's voice was laced with venom, and I knew immediately that the two were at odds. I quirked my eyebrow curiously.

Korra's frown mirrored that of Beifong. "Mako and Bolin aren't here yet."

"They have no need to be here," Tarrlok scoffed.

"They are friends of Kanni. They will want to know what happened as well," Tenzin stepped in, his voice firm.

Tarrlok laughed. "Then she can tell them later."

"Do you really think she wants to keep telling the story?" Tenzin was turning a bright red. I frowned, stepping forward so people looked to me.

"Excuse me? I'm right here, remember? Stop talking like I'm not." The council sat silently in shock at my steady voice. In all honesty, I was surprised by my own control too. "I'm not talking until they get here," I stated calmly.

Tarrlok opened his mouth to fight me, but Chief Beifong stepped in. "Very well. But only if they get here soon."

I nodded in understanding and gratitude, but we didn't have to wait long. The heavy door banged open, followed by a loud, "KANNI!"

I turned in time to see a flash of green and feel a wall of muscle slam into me, lifting me off the ground and twirling me around. I laughed, trying to hide the blush that bloomed on my face.

"I'm so glad you're alright!" Bolin set me down, letting my get my composure again. Mako walked forward, giving me a small smile and a pat to the shoulder.

"Kanni!" I looked over their shoulder's shocked to hear a light feminine voice. I felt Korra's heart speed, her temperature rising in frustrated anger. Asami... The raven-haired beauty pushed through the boys, enveloping me in a hug. I stiffened, not sure how to react. It wasn't like I knew her...so why was she acting this way? "We're so happy to see you home safe!"

I forced a smile, trying to compute what was occurring. "Wait...we?"

Asami nodded. "My father and I." She turned sideways, gesturing to the short man I knew was Mr. Sato. I gave him a polite nod.

He smiled widely, "Yes, Kanni. We are glad you're alright. How in the world did you escape?"

My eyes narrowed slightly before I quickly schooled my expression back into a neutral look. In that moment, I knew Hiroshi couldn't be trusted. The way his muscles coiled under his skin, the way his heart beat too fast for the few moments he was speaking, but his breath was overwhelmingly steady.

Liar...but what do you lie about?

"I believe... that is why we are here, Mr. Sato." Tarrlok spoke sweetly. I scowled at his tone. "I assume you will be staying to here it?"

Mr. Sato shrugged nonchalantly, but I felt his heart racing, his back muscles forcing themselves to relax. "I care about my daughter, and any friend of hers."

I detect lies, sir.

I looked when I felt Tenzin move, his arm outstretched gently towards me, gesturing me forward. I stepped past him, allowing myself to be led in front of the council. Tenzin gave me a look, checking on me. I nodded to him, letting him know I was alright.

"Please, sit, everyone," Tenzin called to the room. He ascended the stairs to take his place at the council table, followed by Korra and the rest of our friends, who stood beside the Chief.

I fidgeted slightly in my central spot, clearing my throat.

"Council," I spoke loudly, bowing to them. "I'm told that you wish to hear my story?"

Tarrlok rolled his eyes. "Why else would we want you here?"

I cut my gaze to him, miffed at his tone, but quickly composed myself again. I shrugged. "There isn't much to tell. I was captured and kept by the Equalists, but I escaped."

Tenzin frowned, "Kanni, why don't you start from the beginning? The night you were captured."

I nodded, grateful for his soft voice. "It was at the gala, as you know. I had gone outside to get some air-"

"And why did you need air?" Tarrlok spoke harshly.

I looked at him questioningly. "It was stuffy and hot? And I was getting tired of everyone staring at me," I responded with bite in my voice. "Anyway," I sighed turning back to the council and seeing Tenzin's amused face. "I was in the garden and Amon confronted me there. I was electrocuted. Knocked out."

"Why didn't you fight back? We are all well aware of your fighting ability. Chief Beifong and Tenzin informed us of your skill," Tarrlok shot at me again.

"You don't think I did? It's a little hard to block electricity." I crossed my arms defensively.

"Please, go on, Kanni," Tenzin's calm voice cut through the tension again.

I breathed deep through my nose before continuing. "I woke up in a cell," I said, shrugging.

"And?" Tenzin prodded gently, his frown telling me that he knew I was holding back.

How much do I say?

I shook my head, shrugging. "I- I managed to escape at one point, but I hurt my leg."

"How?" Chief Beifong cut in.

I felt myself grinning. Why the hell am I smiling? This isn't funny right? Why does it feel like a funny memory? "I jumped through a window."

"You-" The Chief stuttered. "How high?"

"Three stories..." I shifted slightly, the light ache in my leg reminding me of the event.

"Lin, didn't one of the hideouts you raided have a broken window in what looked like an office?" Tenzin asked the Chief.

She nodded, looking to Tarrlok. "That was the one where someone tipped us off. He claimed that he met a girl with yellow hair, only to be beaten senseless by Amon, himself."

"Is this true, Kanni?" Tenzin asked me.

I wrung my hands. "Yes... The room I jumped out of was Amon's office. It was the only place I knew how to get to that I knew had a window. So, I fought him off- well..knocked him down- which gave me enough time to jump. But with my leg injured, he caught up to me. Not before your informer could try to drunkenly pick me up though," That sentence was said with venom, a bad taste entering my mouth from the memory. "Amon... well..." I looked sideways, unsure what to say. "He fought him off, but obviously went too far. Then I was recaptured and moved to a hidden bunker."

The room was silent for a moment.

"Do you know where they took you?" Tenzin asked urgently.

Yes. "No."

"How do you not know where you have been for three weeks?" Tarrlok asked me with scorn.

I glared at him. "I was blindfolded! All I know was that it was far away and well hidden. It was their base of command."

Stop lying, Kanni. What in all hell are you doing?

"Well what did it look like?" A councilman asked me. I pressed my lips into a thin line, feigning trying to remember. In reality, I was debating on how much to tell them. If I told too much, they would be discovered, and all the friends I had made would be thrown in jail or hurt. But still... these people are my friends too right?

I paused, noticing that a heart in the room had escalated significantly. I scanned the crowd, finally settling on Mr. Sato. I frowned.

"Kanni?" Tenzin urged gently.

"A moment. I'm trying to remember the details," I whispered as I closed my eyes. Liar. I reached out with my bending to Hiroshi Sato, feeling his blood pulse quicken as the silence dragged on.

"It was big..." I started vaguely, monitoring his heart. I felt a bead of sweat slip down the back of his neck. What are you hiding?

I cleared my throat, thinking of all the people I had befriended. Shaking my head, I finished, "And most of it was underground. Bland rock..."

Mr. Sato's heart was pounding, I could practically hear it.

"Did you ever get to see outside? Go above ground? Any details you can think of?" Chief Beifong was formal and to the point, but still kind.

Yes. I more or less know exactly where it is.

Still, I found myself shaking my head. "No...I'm sorry."

"It's alright, Kanni. How did you escape?" Tenzin reassured me.

How to explain that one... I can't say anything about seeing outside, since then they'll know 'm lying... "They were moving me again... I don't know why. But I managed to...to break the ropes they had on me, and I fought some off. They stopped the trucks and I fought more, stealing a bike. We were... at the outskirts of Republic City by then so I knew where I was... and rode off to get to Korra."

Mr. Sato's entire body changed. He was still tense, but his heart had slowed, and his head was cocked sideways, seeming...confused?

"How did you know about me challenging Amon?" Korra asked, finally speaking up.

I looked to her, my mind reeling. I looked down. "Um...Amon... told me."

"He what?!" Tarrlok was standing now.

"He told me," I responded calmly, shrugging. "I saw him regularly, since it was a base. I saw a lot of what was happening there."

"Weren't you locked away?" Mako asked now.

I spread my arms. "Do I look like I've been trapped in a dirty cell for almost a month?" I was met with silence. "After my injury, Amon allowed my to 'roam' under the supervision of the doctor that treated me."

"Why was he so kind to you? What puts you above anyone else?" Tarrlok's voice was getting on my nerves, but I pushed my irritation down.

"He was trying to recruit me to his revolution. I'm a pretty good fighter. Actually beat one of their best in a match."

"So...you're friends with the Equalists now? Playing with each other? Sparring? Did you gossip too?"

Yes. I scowled at him. "Why are you being so incriminating, Tarrlok? Do you think I'm an Equalist? Do you think that being locked in with Amon would suddenly change my mind about the whole 'steal people's bending' thing?"

Tarrlok returned my look. "I just think everything about you is suspicious. Like Amon, you pop up out of nowhere and prove yourself to have incredible power. You're mysterious, secrets about you being revealed left and right. First the hair, then the fighting, and now you're a bender? I recall you consistently stating that you weren't!"

Mr. Sato's heart stuttered, as well as Mako, Bolin, and Asami, at the fact that I could bend. "You- You're a bender?" Bolin asked.

I nodded absentmindedly. Tarrlok is right, in all honesty. I have lies up to my ears, and a lot of them have surfaced in a little over a month. What's to say that the rest won't follow? I'll never be trusted. I shouldn't be trusted.

"Yes, Kanni is a waterbender," Tenzin answered for me, silencing Bolin.

"Why didn't you bend? Why didn't you fight like you could have all those times that you had the chance?" Tarrlok was in front of me now, his tall form towering over me.

I looked up at him with defiance. "Because I don't believe in using my bending to oppress people."

"Only to save Korra, then?" He grinned, thinking he had me cornered.

"I never used my bending because all the times that I couldn't handle it without my bending, there was no one in danger but myself." I saw Tenzin smile gently over Tarrlok's shoulder. "Is that a good enough answer for you?"

Tarrlok frowned, obviously still untrusting, but I didn't really blame him, as much as I wanted to.

As he returned to his seat, calmer now, Beifong spoke up. "Is there anything you can tell us, Kanni? Anything that can help?"

Where their base is. Weapons they use. How they train. Approximately how many there are. Oh yeah, let's not forget how I know what Amons' face looks like, and his scars are fake.

"They have rigorous training..." Okay... that's not a lie. "And their numbers are growing by the day." Good. Keep going with the truth. I like this. "And... Amon has something big planned. I don't know exactly what it is... but we need to be ready. He'll be making a move soon, especially since the challenge." I looked sideways at Korra, seeing her bite her lip nervously.

The council nodded, all of them standing in conclusion.

"We must continue the task force, Councilman," The Earth Kingdom representative stated to Tarrlok, who nodded in agreement.

I frowned, knowing no good would come of more benders oppressing people. Still... it wasn't my decision.

Are you sure it is wise to keep this vital information from them? I nearly jumped at the sound of Yue's voice in my mind. Still, I responded silently. Not really... but I just don't feel right telling them. They are your friends, Kanni. I have friends at that compound, too. I don't want to have to choose between them.

"The council must discuss... Pema, would you take the kids back to the island?" Tenzin asked. His wife nodded, leading Korra and I out. We were followed by the Satos, as well as Mako and Bolin.

"Do you guys want to tag along with us?" Korra asked the brothers. They both nodded when Pema said it was alright.

"Asami and I better head home. Lots of work to do today," Mr. Sato reached out to shake my hand. "I'm so glad you're alright, Kanni." When my hand met his, I was overwhelmed with the tension in his body. Something was bothering him, making him a nervous wreck. What could that be?

I nodded to him politely though, wishing him well as the two left. I followed Pema and my friends back to Oogi, climbing onto the saddle. I frowned as I saw Bolin scooting closer to Korra, but her eyes were only on Mako.

Stop it, Kanni. The last thing you want is to develop more attachments. You're stuck enough as it is. Still, my chest tightened at the display. I didn't want to care, but I did. Still, there was such confusion in my mind. Why is it that I keep thinking back to those moments with Amon? Those human moments...where he would take off the mask and be man rather than a symbol. Still...one specific moment bounced in my brain at all times.

"And what about you, oh powerful revolutionary leader? What is your favorite color?"

"I think gold."

His intense gaze...

"Because of...wealth?"

His fingers playing with my yellow hair gently...

"No...this kind of gold."

"It's unlike anything I have ever seen. It's beautiful."

Author's Note:

YAY UPDATE!

Sorry for the wait, everyone! College takes up a bunch of time, and i actually wrote this chapter about four times. I kept being unhappy with it, so I would delete and start over.

It wasn't working with me. So instead, I just blew off my homework and finally pumped out a chapter I'm very much happy with!

I know not a lot happened for such a long chapter, but stuff is getting rolling again soon. The next chapter has some cool bending, and then I'll be jumping into an actual episode plot again!

I hope you all like it, and more will be coming soon!

-Pheonixash