I've never written a fanfic before, but I just couldn't hold this story off any longer, and so I decided to write one (because I enjoy the avatar universe and its characters too much). First attempt at this stuff, but hope you all enjoy, I'll try to keep the updates quick. Happy reading guys.

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Chapter One-

The last vestiges of the sun's rays disappeared behind the mountainside as the chilly, frosty air intensified. Surrounded by the isolated tundra, was the Southern Water Tribe compound, also the place where Korra had experienced most of her childhood. The fading sunlight reflected against the compound's thick walls of ice as preparations were being made for the evening's dinner in the shelter. The Order of White Lotus guards stood at the watchtowers, surveying the landscape and surrounding areas, as was their duty in protection of the avatar.

"Just for one month, no longer than that," explained Tenzin for what seemed like the tenth time since his arrival at the South Pole two days ago. The girl had continuously expressed her disapproval on the whole matter, although the reason itself was understandable enough.

"Tenzin, I know how important this task is, but do I really have to start it as soon as we arrive in Republic City?" Korra sighed as she removed Naga's saddle. Almost her whole life had revolved around the compound, and apart from the occasional trips to the North Pole, she had not travelled to any other place outside the South Pole. Korra hugged her polar bear dog where she nestled into the pen, and then began to walk towards the shelter with Tenzin.

"Only a month and I assure you can experience and enjoy all the city has to offer. And practice your airbending," said Tenzin. He truly did understand the excitement she felt when told she would be allowed to temporarily reside in Republic City, though it quickly diminished when the plan was described. However, it was deemed necessary considering the present state of the city, which he let her know.

They entered the shelter and ate dinner with Pema and the airbender children, with Korra relishing the food in her usual gusto as the children joked and laughed with her. Despite how she felt about the whole ordeal, nothing took away her appetite when it came to enjoying food, especially her favourite cuisines. After helping clear away the dishes, Korra bid everyone goodnight and retired to her room. Yue's light filtered into the room as Korra's mind was on the matter, the task, the plan, whatever else it was called. Turning over in her bed, she thought if taking part in it was worth it, it meant she eventually would have an extended leave in the city, to do as she wished. And there was so much she wanted to do! Explore the area as was part of her nature, visit different sites, and meet new people. But most of all attend the pro-bending competitions. She had only ever read about the sport in books, and it interested her very much from a young age.

Korra placed her hands behind her head and stared out towards the ceiling. Disguise herself as an equalist. All in the name of preventing conflict, namely a revolution. What was everyone thinking? But in the current light of the events taking place in the city, it was decided she would have to partake in the task. Already attempts had being made by other recruits thought best fit for the task, but they backfired due to either being deceived or having their identity revealed. And thus, the mission lay in the avatar's hands for the time being until new personnel's could get in touch. The plan seemed straightforward: take part in a rally being held in two days' time, join the new recruits, train and practice with the other members, but mostly keep to self and try not to attempt or encourage conversation, all the while reporting information to Tenzin and Chief Lin Beifong. Just for a month, Korra reminded herself.

According to Tenzin (and all the other important people involved), even just a month's worth of information would allow time and the necessary strategies to counter a revolution. The city's fate rested on the select few people, including avatar Korra, and if she wanted to restore the state of the city to its former glory days, taking part in this act would contribute quite a lot towards the future. But it did mean no airbending, and considering the absence she felt of her spiritual side, it would take more time to learn. Soon enough, after all this is over. Closing her eyes as the thoughts continued to wander through her mind, Korra fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Her departure from the South Pole at morning the next day was filled with farewells to her mentors and family members and even the guards. It was especially not easy for Korra to say goodbye to her best friend. "I'll miss you so much Naga, and don't worry, I will be back soon," said Korra, close to tears. Her parents were in tears themselves, as the three shared a tight embrace. She gave her last hug and farewell to master Katara, also a very close companion of hers "Stay safe, I place my faith in you," said master Katara warmly. Soon, she was seated on Oogi alongside Pema, the children and Tenzin as the sky bison took off.

Korra reclined back against the saddle, her mind still somewhat groggy from waking up so early in the morning, but it was long a trip ahead. It was the personal decision of Tenzin himself to accompany the avatar from her home place. He explained it was considered risky at the moment to go by other modes of transport, where she would most likely be asked questions upon her arrival. Korra's identity was to remain hidden during the course of her stay in the equalist's headquarters, and was to be given an alias. She had being debriefed of the current events in Republic city during the past couple of days, as extensive research had being administered by Chief Beifong for several months. Many claims and investigations were made in regards to who the equalists were and their objectives. In a nutshell, there were plans being made for an uprising against the benders by non-bender equalists, for a possible war.

The signs were becoming more evident, with violent outbursts occurring throughout the city every other day. All this confidential work was clarified to Korra, who also had to read up on various booklets and pamphlets handed to her, much to her distaste. While flicking through a booklet, she came across a poster of a hooded man wearing a strange mask adorned with a bright red circle on the forehead, and an upturned smile and holes for eyes cut out. Korra could not look at it for long, and turned the page. She knew who it was, but something unnerved her about the picture, and it was not characteristic for Korra to feel fear towards something. It was one of the traits admired by her mentors, her ability to show fearlessness in the face of danger, hence all the more reasons to partake in this mission.

Several hours later and they had finally arrived to Republic City. Korra had fallen asleep, though was promptly awoken by the children's cheers and laughter. Korra stared out towards the city as the bison prepared to land on Air Temple Island. This place looks amazing. She stared in awe at the tall, brightly lit, sky-high buildings, fast moving vehicles and the general hustle and bustle of the city from where she was. As the bison landed on the island, she was promptly taken to a lodging near-by. No one knew of her arrival apart from a few guards on the island, who were to keep watch over her for the night. Not even the air acolytes were informed, who resided in a building on the other side of the island. The less people knew, the safer it was. After Korra finished her dinner and was getting ready for bed, she was greeted by Chief Beifong.

"I do apologise for all this, but I know you understand by now the position we're in. Until we can get in touch with other recruits, you are the only person in the best position to not be recognised. Or deceive us, as happened during recent events, unfortunately," said Chief Beifong as she stood across from Korra.

"I've come to terms with it, but yeah I will try my best," nodded Korra. She wanted to prove herself as a capable individual to the older woman.

"I'm sure you know by now what you're up against, but I do want you to know, if you feel anything has gone amiss, or make a slip up around someone, immediately leave the place following the instructions stated in the book," stated Chief Beifong. Although truth-be-told, Korra had yet to come face to face with what she was actually dealing with, and she would have to find that out for herself tomorrow evening.

"Sure will, Chief, you have my word," said Korra as she packed a small bag of essential items.

"Just Lin would do. Now, I must leave, my long absence will be noticed. But good luck Korra, and remember if anything goes amiss, or you find yourself in danger of revealing your identity, do not hesitate to leave. You don't deserve to be put in such a position, but it's become a necessity for now" said Lin. And with those parting words, she left. Korra briefly thought if she could ask Lin to give her some metal bending lessons after her mission was complete, it seemed very cool.

Korra went to bed, and mentally prepared herself for the intensive day tomorrow. A rally was to be held in the evening, and she was to attend It. The next step was to be recruited as an equalist in training. Busy day, thought Korra as she drifted off into a dreamless sleep, but little did she know it would be the last time she would experience a night without dreams.

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I know it's slow right now, but things will pick up in the following chapters.