"City Hall has announced yesterday morning that it will form a task force to take down Amon and his equalist supporters of the anti-bending revolution. The task force, headed by Councilman Tarrlok working with the police, will begin operations soon. More news soon to come. In other news -" the nasally voice poured out from the speaker grill in the break room, before being abruptly cut off along with a click sound.
Looking up from my newspaper, I saw Asami standing by the radio, her arms folded and brows knitted. I hadn't seen this look before, but even I could tell she was annoyed to say the least.
"My car. Where is it Jay?" Asami asked, continue staring at me. Oh so that was what she meant.
"Oh about that. I noticed cracks forming along the driveshaft support, so I sent it to the workshop for them to replace it. Didn't I left you a note on your desk?" I wondered, folding my newspaper and setting aside. Standing up from my chair, I was now slightly taller than Asami.
"I didn't see any note. Also, you could have at least ask me first right? I have to make an important run to the factory, and now I don't have a car," Asami grumbled. Catching me still looking at her, Asami pointed at me and said, "And you're coming too."
Soon, we were making our way towards the factory. In a satomobile. My satomobile. Asami figured out that it was a good idea to give me a car so I could run around the city attending to different business. Was it more convenient than public transport? Yes. Did it mean I have more work than last time? Yes to that too. However, unlike Asami's latest model car, mine wasn't as new. I had to attend an urgent meeting once and was given an old production satomobile, and somehow that stuck and became my daily ride.
"I totally forgot that you are still using this old junk. It was meant to be temporary," Asami said, poking at the peeling fabric of the dashboard. I shrugged and replied, "Well, it does the job. And no one asked for it back or offered me another car for that matter."
"If only I had my car, it would be so much better," Asami grumbled, sinking back into her seat. Independent as she was, running a department within her father's company, Asami was like a little girl when it came to her innovations and satomobiles.
"Maybe you're right, if there were no cracks on your driveshaft. If only someone had not decided to mount the most powerful engine Future Industries have onto a normal drivetrain," I sarcastically said, and was given a solid elbow by Asami. Unfortunately, Asami's elbow also hit my hand, causing me to momentarily lose grip on the steering wheels and swerve a little.
"Asami! That was dangerous!" I admonished, and was about to continue when suddenly a figure ran in front of me. A trolley bus was parked by the side of the road, in front of a traffic light, and it blocked my view of that person who suddenly dashed out. I immediately slammed by brakes, sending me and Asami jerking forward. Thankfully, I had the seatbelts i designed installed, preventing us from flying through the windshield.
"Sorry!" the person shouted, waving at us before dashing across the street and boarding the trolley bus on the opposite side of the street. For some reason, he looked familiar, with his red scarf trailing in the wind as he ran.
"Isn't that Mako?" Asami asked, watching the trolley bus pull away from the station. Oh, so that was why he looked familiar. I almost knocked down the captain of the team we were sponsoring. "You almost knocked down our team captain," Asami stated, as if hearing my thoughts.
"Next time, you drive," I muttered under my breath. She heard every single word of it, and retorted, "There's no way I'm driving this junk."
"The junk that you gave me."
"Still junk nonetheless," I replied. "What about the scooter i designed for you?"
"Oh that? My dad says that the factory right now is undergoing some upgrading, so all the production is dedicated to satomobiles and the police contract. So I guess that will have to wait a little longer?" Asami sighed, ruffling her hair. "And that is why we are going to the factory now."
The factor located at the outskirts of Republic City, which meant a rather long drive since there wasn't any highways or interstates leading to that part. Maybe that was something I could change. Future Industries Expressway. It had a nice ring to the name.
Soon, we reached the factories at the outskirts of Republic City. During the drive there, the scenery began to change. Gone were the densely packed skyscrapers, and in their place were large warehouses, factories and undeveloped land. Future Industries Factory soon came into view, a large, imposing factory that bore the logo on the front. It reminded me of those large superstores common back in my world. In the front of the factory, there parked dozens of satotrucks, while workers were busy moving crates and machinery.
"Ah Asami, you came. And I see you brought Jay as well," Hiroshi greeted us at the front, just as the staff he was speaking to walked off with a large file under his arm. I parked the car, got out and held the door out for Asami, who stepped out of the vehicle while still looking around. Workers were busy moving crates, as well as even machinery out of the factory and into the satotrucks.
"What's going on here? Why are we removing machinery?" I asked.
"Oh, I'm just trying to streamline our production. I'll be sending these machinery to a new factory to get production started first," Hiroshi replied, before signing yet another document presented to him by more staff members. Eventually, he was free enough to entertain Asami and I. This factory was undergoing upgrading, and Hiroshi wanted our opinion to streamline production.
Entering the huge building, the first thing that caught my eye was the assembly line. Hiroshi had done a great job, with neat assembly lines cutting across the factory, not unlike Ford's own assembly line back in my world. Long rails moved the satomobile chassis around, while workers attached various parts of the satomobile. It was all a smooth operation, maximising efficiency. No wonder the satomobile could be the dominant mode of transportation. Eventually, we got down to business, mainly talking to the various factory floor managers, supervisors and even some of the workers.
"Asami, I'll get going first. I'm going to meet some of my friends for tea. You and Jay remember to turn up tonight!" Hiroshi called out to us as his own satomobile, much more elegant than the models that were being churned out inside, pulled at the front porch driven by his own chauffeur. With that, the car sped off, leaving a trail of dust in its wake.
"Tonight? What's happening tonight?"
"Oh no, I forgot to tell you about it! Hiroshi and I are invited to Councilman Tarrlok's gala tonight, and I have indicated your name as a guest I'm bringing along. I'm so sorry, I was so caught up in my work I forgot to tell you about it. Please tell me you're free tonight," Asami had a sudden look of realisation on her face after a few moments of thinking.
"As a matter of fact, I am free tonight. You're lucky I don't have many friends."
Councilman Tarrlok's Gala was an extravagant affair. The elites from the entire city were all gathered in the ballroom, which was decorated with tapestry, fine art, and countless life-sized ice sculptures. Granted, they had water benders which meant that ice sculptures here weren't as expensive or uncommon as back home, but nonetheless the details and sheer size of the sculptures stilled wowed me. Interestingly, one of the ice sculptures looked oddly familiar, and I was about to take a closer look when Asami dragged me away.
"Asami, Jay, glad you could make it here today," Hiroshi beamed as he turned around to greet us, as did the rest of his friends - all equally old and wealthy looking men. "A pleasure to meet you and your friend, Miss Sato," one of the men spoke as he did a fire nation bow.
"Pleased to meet you too," Asami said as both of us returned the bow.
"Mr Kazu here is from the Fire Nation, and his company is the largest textile company in the country. He is the one who makes garments worn by most of the military there," Hiroshi introduced. The man smiled slightly as he did a slight bow, before all of them returned to their conversation as before.
"Great, a bunch of rich elites talking is Tarrlok's idea of a party," I muttered under my breath as I took a glass from one of the waiters. Asami looked up from the invitation card that she was reading, and showed it to me as she started speaking, "Actually, I think this gala is thrown in the honour of…"
She was interrupted when the crowd suddenly started clapping, they parted near the entrance. A few figures had just entered the ballroom, and judging by the crowd's reaction, they must be the guests of honour. To my surprise, I saw Korra in the centre of them. So that's why some of the ice sculptures looked so common - they were of Korra. This gala is thrown in honour of our dear Avatar. I would confidently say we are friends now, especially since I would meet her almost everyday when I headed over to hang out at the arena. Mako, Bolin and Korra were the closest friends besides Asami. Tarrlok soon went to greet her and the crowd returned to normal again.
Just as I turned around, one of the waiters accidentally bumped into me and spilled a bit of sauce onto my coat. "I am so sorry, sir. Would you like me to get you a new coat sir?" the waiter immediately apologised. I simply waved him off, before telling Asami, "Hey i need to go to the washroom, mind watching my drink?"
"A left, a right, then the first door on the left," I muttered to myself, trying to remember what the waiter had told me. Just as I neared the toilet, I heard murmuring voices. Turning a corner, I saw a large group of people standing around. They were carrying cameras and notepads, and if I were to guess, they are reporters. I was about to go when a voice called out to the group, "Sorry to keep you all waiting. Please follow me into a waiting room, Tarrlok would speak with you later." Tarrlok was holding a press conference in the middle of a gala? Strange. Anyways I soon remembered the sauce on my coat, and I quickly headed back to the toilet.
When I returned, I saw Asami and Hiroshi talking to Mako and Bolin. I vaguely remembering Asami telling me that she was bringing along Mako and Bolin, and honestly it wasn't surprising to have up and coming probenders, basically celebrities in this world, at an event such as this. Walking up to them, I could see Mako and Bolin really dressed up for this event, with their usual coats replaced by formal ones, and also the first time I saw Bolin wearing shoes.
"Good evening," I made my presence known, and received an acknowledgement nod from Mako. From Bolin though, he was about to bear hug me before being stopped by his brother.
"So glad to see you, Jay! I still can't thank you enough for sponsoring us," Bolin excitedly said, as he had done the last time we met.
"Firstly, I did not sponsor you. Asami's dad did. I only suggested it. And secondly, I think you've have already thanked me enough with the swift defeats of your opponents," I wrly said, and to my surprise I saw a smile appear across Mako's face. So that guy could smile after all. I spotted Hiroshi walking towards us. He probably wanted to check on his investments too, having sponsored the Fire Ferrets, which were slowly being called Future Industries Fire Ferrets or Future Ferrets for short by the fans and public. Before he could reach us, however, he was called by Tarrlok, who was accompanied by none other than the Avatar.
"Korra, it is my honour to introduce you formally to Hiroshi Sato, leading industrialist of Republic City, but you should already know him since he sponsored your team," the councilman said as he brought Korra to meet Hiroshi. Korra bowed and gave a simple greeting, in contrast to Tarrlok's short speech, "Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you Avatar. We are all expecting great things from you," Hiroshi returned the greeting. Upon hearing that great things were expected from her, Korra looked away awkwardly. Hiroshi appeared not to have noticed, and instead gestured to us as he added, "I'm sure you have met my daughter Asami and her friend Jay."
"Hi Korra," Asami greeted, and Korra's face instantly went black for a split second, although to be fair she hid it pretty well. "It's lovely to meet you again, Mako has been telling me about you."
"Really, because he hasn't mentioned you at all," Korra immediately shot back. I flinched slightly.
"Korra, nice to meet you again," I stepped forward, slightly in front of Asami as I extended my hand towards Korra who shook it. 'Firm grip,' I noted to myself. Seeing that the atmosphere has been defused, I added, "It is certainly an honour to meet you."
"Yea I guess," Korra said, before Tarrlok pulled her away to meet more people. Turning back, I noticed that Hiroshi had wandered off, while Bolin was dragging Mako to the food section, leaving behind Asami, who gave me a weird look.
"What? It was to defuse the atmosphere. As much as I would like to see the Avatar bend, I don't want to die either," I shrugged and said, earning a small chuckle from Asami.
The rest of the night went on smoothly. Small talk with other businessmen and politicians, all fully decked out in formal wear complete with pocket squares and gold pocket watches. It was weird seeing something so vintage in real life. Granted I had gotten used to the hybrid fashion and technology of the world here, but pocket watches were a rare sight to me.
For the second time this night, I bumped into another person. This time, it wasn't a waiter, but rather a reporter who quickly apologised and moved off. Shaking my head, I looked around and soon noticed that there were a lot more reporters amongst the crowd than before. I was about to continue listening to whatever Asami was saying, when suddenly all the reporters flocked to the grand staircase, where Tarrlok and Korra were descending. Curious, the crowd gathered behind the reporters, who were now snapping pictures of Tarrlok and Korra as they stood on the steps, effectively trapped. It was no wonder reporters love ambushing people as they descended down the stairs.
"Avatar Korra, you witness Amon take away people's bending firsthand. How much of a threat does he pose to the innocent citizens of Republic City?" one of the reporters asked.
"I.. I think Amon poses a real problem," Korra initially shaky response could be heard.
"Then why have you refuse to join Tarrlok's task force? As the Avatar, shouldn't you be going after Amon?"
"Well...I…"
"Why are you backing away from this fight?"
"What? No I've never backed away from anything in my life -"
"You promised to serve the city. Are you going back on that promise now?"
"Do you think that probending is more important than Amon?"
"How do you think Avatar Aang would have handled this?"
"Are you afraid of Amon?"
"I AM NOT AFRAID OF ANYBODY!" Korra's reply came out in a shout that effectively silenced the reporters. "If the city needs me, then I'll join Tarrlok's task force and fight Amon!" Korra declared. Before anyone could say anything else, Tarrlok quickly butted in and announced, "There you have it folks! Tomorrow's headlines."
"What is going on? What just happened?" Asami asked me. "Tarrlok outplayed Korra," I quipped, still craning my neck to see the reporters flocking around Korra to snap their cameras.
"What do you mean?" Bolin asked naively. I shook my head.
"You see, reporters are a very powerful tool to be used. In large group, they can be particularly intimidating. Imagine being caught unprepared by a flock of people flashing lights and bombarding you with questions, knowing that everything you say can and probably will be used against you. Unless you are really experienced, most of the time they can intimidate you to impulsively make decisions," I explained, while Asami, Mako and Bolin listened intently.
"Dammit Tarrlok, to think that you would resort to such underhand methods," I heard a voice muttered beside me, and turned to see the tall and lanky airbending councilman. His brows were knitted in annoyance, and if my guess was right he didn't want to Korra to join the task force.
"Underhand, but entirely legal and very effective," I said to Tenzin, who looked at me and said, "At least you know that more than Korra." With that, he shook his head and walked off, with Jinora, Ikki and Meelo in tow. Just as she passed me, Ikki waved and said, "Bye Korra's boyfriend!"
"Korra's boyfriend?" Asami asked while chuckling, as I quickly rushed to defend myself. To my relief, Mako added, "She called me that too. Maybe she just calls every guy seen with Korra that?"
"Well she never called me that before," Bolin sadly added, but no one really took any notice.
Before long, Tarrlok was up on the steps to make his final speech. Surprisingly, or rather unsurprisingly to me, Korra was absent, probably getting chewed out by Tenzin. I didn't really pay much attention to his speech, something about task force, bringing Amon down and serving the city. Same for Bolin, who was still busy eating as much food as he could get his hands on. "What? I'm a big growing boy," was his standard reply whenever I stared at him. Watching as the reporters filled out of the ballroom, I soon realised that they were the same people who I saw outside the toilet earlier that night. Tarrlok must have invited them in order to persuade her to join his task force, something that Korra mention when I went over during one of their probending training sessions. Once again, underhand, dirty but legal and most importantly, effective.
"Asami, I'll be making a move first. I guess I'm too old for all these parties and nightlife. Don't stay out too late," Hirsohi informed Asami, before heading out to his awaiting satomobile. Heading back to the ballroom after seeing her father off, Asami went back to where Jay and Mako stood. Bolin was seated at the side on what seemed to be his fifth plate of buttered shrimp.
"-and that's all for tonight. Please feel free to enjoy yourselves," Tarrlok announced, finishing his speech to a small applause. The jazz band started playing, as the elites continued to do what they did best - socialize. As she was walking towards Jay, Asami spotted Chief Lin clad in her uniform as she also headed towards Jay.
"Nice to see you here kid. Great job on the police order. You're real efficient, unlike some of my lieutenants," Chief Lin congratulated as she shook Jay's hand, who replied, "It's part of my job."
"You too Asami. You really live up to your name as a Sato," Chief Lin addressed Asami as direct as ever she gave her a firm handshake, which Asami returned with an equally firm handshake. "Now if you don't mind, I have to head back to the station," Chief Lin said before walking out the ballroom.
"Where did you go?"
"Oh I went to see my dad off. He left early," Asami explained.
"You mean you can leave anytime?" Jay asked, surprised.
"Well, I guess so."
"Great, cause I have no liking for formal events such as this," Jay said, reaching for his coat that hung on the coat rack. However, a waiter quickly got it for him, and helped Jay wear his coat, despite his protests.
"Jay, would you mind accompanying me to the balcony. I would like some fresh air," Asami faked. Jay arched an eyebrow, before adjusting his coat and grabbing his drink. Asami led the way, heading towards one of the large doors that opened up to the balcony overlooking City Hall. Soon, Jay and Asami were out there, overlooking the empty roads that led to City Hall, the very same roads that would be bustling the next morning.
"Now that the police contract is done, we should have some free time. What are you planning next?" Jay wondered as he placed his drink precariously on the edge of the balcony.
"Oh come on, do you talk about anything besides work?" Asami chuckled, before adding, "But maybe I would try doing something fun."
"Well, what else is there to talk besides work?" Jay asked, finishing his drink before placing it back on the edge of the balcony. One slight bump of the elbow, and the glass would be sent flying down a good five storeys.
Jay made a valid point. Work was all they ever talked about. Certainly, they had other common interests and hobbies, but it so happened that those exact interests and hobbies were part of their job, and as such everything common between them was work related. Still, they were more than just colleagues. For the past few months, Jay had been the closest person to Asami, even more so than her father who was constantly busy at work. Jay was one of the few who understood her passion for innovations, something that wasn't associated with girls, and probably the only one both willing and able to join her.
Smart, mysterious, sometimes appearing cold but deep caring deep down inside, and rather good looking, it didn't come as a surprise that Asami started developing feelings for Jay. In fact, Asami realised her attraction to this interesting character during the pro bending match some time back. Needless to say, she tried dropping hints, but Jay remained oblivious. Intentional or not, only Jay knew. But Asami was determined to change that. Now was her chance.
"Jay, can I ask you something?" Asami asked. Jay immediately noticed the difference, as shown by his cocked eyebrow and his quizzical look, but nonetheless nodded.
"How do you know if you like someone?" Asami continued. She didn't really need to know the answer, but that was the first thing she thought of to continue the conversation. She did consider telling Jay upfront, but decided against it at the last moment.
"Mako or Bolin?" Jay immediately replied with his own question. Asami was taken aback, but nonetheless said, "Answer my question first."
"Well, I'm not an expert on this. Since it is rather emotional and feelings-based you can't really create a checklist and it differs between people. But for me it would be wanting to spend time with that person and if said person is a friend, then maybe to take the friendship to another level I guess?" Jay subconsciously rubbed his chin as he put all his effort into answering that question. Who could blame him? Feelings are so complicated.
"How would you confess then?" Asami asked again.
"There are many ways to do it I guess, so it depends on what suits you. Maybe try dropping hints first, casually mentioning in normal conversations or something. But in the end you would still have to utter the three dreaded words - I like you. There's really no escaping from it," Jay spoke. He thought about the last part. There was actually an escape of sorts - over text. Alas, this world did not have text, so any confession would risk an awkward silence following it, be it face to face or over the phone. "So, your turn. Mako or Bolin? It has to be one of them right, considering that you have no other friends."
Normally, Asami would use that as a reason to elbow Jay in the gut, or even come back with a witty response. But this time, Asami was unusually quiet. Jay was right, there was no escape from the dreaded three words. She briefly considered backing down and pretending nothing was going on. That, she reasoned, would give her more time to prepare herself mentally. But what good would it do? She would still have to say it - there were no escapes, if not now then later. Biting her lower lip and staring out the balcony, Asami muttered barely audibly, almost as if to herself, "I like you."
"That's right, the three dreaded words. An enemy since the beginning of time, destined to forever plague human kind," Jay dramatically said, still looking at the scenery, oblivious to the head lowered, lip biting Asami beside him.
"I like you, Jay."
"There's no escape from these three words. You can hide, but you can't r - wait what?" Jay suddenly stopped. This time, Asami said the three words addressed to him, rather than just muttering to herself as if in deep thought. Right in front of him was Asami, her emerald green eyes staring into his, making Jay feel slightly uncomfortable. This whole event was eerily similar to that with Rei so long ago, but now Jay felt it was almost yesterday.
"Look Asami, don't you think it's a little impulsive? Liking someone takes time," Jay slowly treaded, knowing one wrong move would make things worse.
"I… I realised that I liked you since that day in the pro bending arena. That day where you brought so many boxes of fire flakes," Asami hesitated before speaking. Jay's mind raced back to that day. It took some time, since they had gone to watch pro bending countless times, especially since it was the beginnings of competition season. But Jay soon recalled that day. Many boxes of fire flakes. Hiroshi Sato visiting then in their box seating. And of course, Asami looking at the pamphlet upside down pretending she wasn't staring at Jay.
"Was that why you were staring at me that day? And then pretending to be reading the pamphlet but accidentally holding it upside down?" Jay ventured, only to see Asami blush and look at her feet, before nodding. So Asami was indeed staring at him that day.
Clearing his throat, Jay spoke, "Look Asami, you're a great person, even better friend, and no doubt there would be guys falling for you left right centre, but - Wait there isn't?" Jay noticed Asami shaking her head just as he got to the part where she had man suitors.
"I didn't really know many boys since I was homeschooled, especially after I lost my mom. When I got older, my dad tried to introduce me to other guys, mostly the sons of his friends, but most of them turned away because of my less...feminine nature. Others were just intimidated by me being a Sato and my dad being the leading industrialist over here," Asami explained, staring out into the nightscape. Turning to Jay, she continued, "But you're different. You're one of the first guys that I met who didn't mind my personality or interests, or the fact that I was Hiroshi Sato's daughter. Who actually liked me for who I was." By now, tears were slowly beginning to well up in Asami's eyes.
I was surprised by Asami's reaction, to say the least. She would have made a great girlfriend, which what I concluded every time the thought of me and Asami being together in a relationship surfaced in my mind. Those moments, however, were only fleeting, lasting for a few seconds before being pushed aside by more important stuff. In addition, I was held back by the fact that I didn't originate from Republic City, from this nation or even this world. Or was I not? This question had been popping up in my mind on multiple occasions, although I willingly ignored it rather than address it. If presented the opportunity, will I go back? It has already been around half a year since I got here, and I have adapted and even assimilated into my new surroundings. I didn't have an extensive network of friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and Asami as my closest friend by a large margin. Back in my word, friends and families would have moved on from what I assume was my death. If I were to return, how would I explain myself? All these questions were unanswered, but there was one thing I knew. Get together with Asami, and that would be a reason not to return. Is that the right move? I don't know, but now there was an Asami in front of me desperately waiting for answers.
"Wow, I mean this is all really quite… surprising to say the least. Like who would have seen this coming, so out of the blue...especially given said someone is me," I started speaking, but soon realised that I was stalling, albeit really obviously and badly. "Look Asami, I can't give you an answer now, an answer that I truly mean. Could you give me some time to think this through?" I finally spoke, looking at Asami and awaiting her answer.
Asami quickly dried whatever tears were forming, before giving a quick nod and saying, "Sure Jay, take as much time as you need." I smiled. At least she took it maturely just as I expected. Grabbing my coat, and now empty glass, I prepared to re-enter the ballroom when Asami grabbed my arm, before quickly retracting her hand and asking, "If you don't mind, could you...act normally? Like the way we were before just now?" I nodded, although deep down I knew that things are different now.
The next few days passed normally. I was surprised at how things went back to normal, with Asami continuing to make fun of me and vice versa. Given that our workload has eased up tremendously during this period, many of our days were spent at the Arena, watching our very own Fire Ferrets train for the upcoming competition after their rest period. Actually only two thirds, given that Korra has been a no show. After joining the task force, Korra's training session was now restricted to the time between late afternoon after her Avatar training, to early evening when she had to head off for her task force duties, given that most of their raids are at night.
"Korra a no show again?" I asked while carelessly tossing an apple about. Bolin was practising with his discs while Asami was reading the thick copy of pro bending rules and regulations for some reason.
"Looks like it," Mako said, folding and putting down his newspaper before heading off to practice. I picked it up, realising that the headline news was about Korra successfully raiding yet another equalist camp. I shook my head. This was all too familiar - powerful military strikes yet failing to win the hearts and minds of the people. Non-benders would only think that the Avatar is working with the city to oppress even more non-benders, and there was little doubt they would flock to join Amon's cause. The only reason to solve it was to cease the oppression, thus making Amon, and his questionable methods, now longer needed.
"Food's here," Mako announced, walking back with three bags of food, including mine and Asami's. Needless to day, Bolin was shocked that Asami ate anything other than Kwong's.
"I miss Korra," Bolin announced as he ate his noodles. I reached over and switched on the radio, and the first thing we all heard was Korra's voice.
"You want to know why? Because Amon is hiding in the shadows like a coward," Korra announced, to all our surprise. It seems that her fear of Amon is now gone. Continuing, this time in a louder and more defiant voice, Korra declared, "Amon, I challenge you to a duel! No task force, no chi blockers, just the two of us tonight at midnight on Avatar Aang Memorial Island. Let's cut to the chase and settle this thing, if you're man enough to face me."
All of us were stunned. Challenging Amon to a duel was the last thing that she, as a not-yet-fully-trained Avatar, should do. Even a fully trained Avatar, in my opinion, should be wary. From what I learnt over these few weeks, Amon was the master of operating in the shadows, with Equalist camps spread out all throughout the city. If he was to be taken seriously, then he was a real, legitimate threat to Republic City. "Aang Memorial Island at midnight. That's in an hour. I think we should try to talk Korra out of this," Bolin offered, and soon we were all in my car. Of course, I was driving.
I pulled up near the pier leading to Avatar Aang Memorial Island, and as expected there was a small crowd forming there. Tarrlok and some task force members were there, and of course, so was Korra. I quickly parked the car, before all four of us hopped out and went to find Korra.
"If you guys are here to try to talk me out of it, save your breath," Korra confidently walked up to us. The policeman who tried to stop us from entering the area, upon seeing that Korra knew us, walked off, leaving the four of us and Korra. Mako, Bolin and even Asami tried to talk Korra out of it, but to no avail. I realised early on that there was no way of talking Korra out of it. The only possible way to prevent her from going was locking her up, which was a dangerous move. Dangerous for our safety. As not fully realised an Avatar as she may be, nonetheless she still pack a heavy punch. Eventually, the rest of them gave up and Bolin went to find a tree to relieve himself. As Korra was about to walk off, I called out to her.
"Korra!" She turned around, annoyance due to everyone trying to talk her out of it written on her face. "I'm not going to talk you out of it. You have really strong willpower after all. But I just want to tell you it's going to be dangerous and we are worried for you. Please look out for yourself." Korra's look changed from annoyance to surprise, before looking at me, nodding and walking off towards the pier.
A while later, Tenzin appeared all flustered, almost botching his glider landing. A mini argument with Korra later, she was off in her little boat, heading towards the memorial island. All that was left was to wait. A few airships soon arrived, but other than that nothing really happened for the next half an hour.
Eventually, midnight came and the lights around us started to die out, as most buildings turned off their lights, leaving just the streetlights. Asami left at my insistence, since she started yawning and dozing off, probably due to not sleeping well the previous night according to what she told me. A while later, there was still no sign of Korra, and it was decided to send an airship to go pick her up. There were no visible signs of fighting on the roof, where Korra had said she would be the entire time. If there were, we would have spotted the flames from her firebending, Korra's preferred mode of attack, from the shore, but there were no signs at all.
Bolin literally dragged me and Mako into the airship, while Tenzin flew away on his glider. At this point, none of us were too worried. Korra said she would stick around for another fifteen minutes or so before returning, so at this point she wasn't late yet. Mako and Bolin seemed to buy this, leaving me and Tenzin the only worried ones. Tenzin due to obvious reasons, while I was getting increasingly worried after some thinking. Amon was a showman. Literally this entire revolution was Amon's show. Not turning up to the challenge would make him look bad, hurting his reputation and making him look weak to the people and non-benders - fuel for the revolution. Being a showman, Amon would definitely turn up. Whether he would take her bending or not, that was a different question. Hopefully I was wrong and he wouldn't turn up, or have yet to turn up before we get to Korra.
Tenzin had already begun his search when the airship had landed. Bolin went off with Mako, while I followed a task force member. The two few members of the task force would also split up and search the docks for any signs of Korra's boat. Clutching the torchlight the task force member had given me, we walked around the first floor of the island, around the memorial building itself. The lights were all off, since the museum head, whose keys were needed to switch on the lights, could not be found in time.
"I'll check the pavillion, you check the doorway," the task force member instructed me before heading off to one of the many small pavilions that dotted the island. Around us, the waves were getting stronger and stronger, crashing non-stop at the rocks that jutted out surrounding the islands. As I walked past the entrance, in between the waves crashing against the rocks, I heard the soft sound of someone sobbing. Shining my torch into the doorway, I first saw a lamp smashed in the centre of the room, and a few pieces of string, but otherwise it was empty. Aiming my torch about, I suddenly saw Korra in one of the corners, lying sideways as she curled up into a ball, cradling her knees against her chest.
"Korra! Korra!" I called out as I ran towards her. Korra weakly looked up, and in a daze, she said, "Aang?"
"Korra! Are you alright?" I quickly helped her sit up, before doing a quick check for any injuries but Korra was still in a daze. She opened her palm a little, forming a small flame in the palm of her hand before closing it, muttering to herself, "I still have my bending."
"What happened? Are you alright?" I continued, and Korra unsteadily replied, "Ye...yeah. I'm okay." Suddenly, Korra started crying, and without warning, she lunged at me and hugged me, her tears soaking my shirt. It was a good few minutes before Korra finally said, in between her uneven breaths, "I was so terrified. I...I felt so helpless."
I was taken aback, but managed to regain control and softly pat Korra on the back, saying softly, "Shh… it's alright. You're safe."
Tenzin and the others soon rushed in, no doubt surprised to see Korra crying too.
"You were… right. I shouldn't have gone. I was so scared… I never felt like this before. I don't know what to do," Korra continued as she cried into my shirt, now warm and damp from her tears. Tenzin crouched beside me and Korra, placing a reassuring hand on Korra shoulder as he said, "Admitting your fears is the first and most difficult step in overcoming them."
Eventually, Korra stopped crying and thanked all of us for coming to rescue her. As we rode the airship back, the radio suddenly reported that it had spotted a small boat with a few figures, possibly Amon, speed into the fog when we just arrived. Amon had escaped, and this is definitely not the last we'll see of him.