Chapter 6: And the Winner Is…


Here's chapter 6, the midway point in Book 1. It's taken awhile to get this far but now that it's the summer the chapters should come out more frequently. I hope you guys enjoy!


The morning began typically. Korra threw open the door to Ichigo's room and dragged him out of bed.

"Come on, we're late!"

"I'll come in my own time!"

"Ugh, fine but don't be too long."

She left. Ichigo groaned and stared at himself in the mirror. There were bags under his eyes and his hair was dishevelled. He sighed deeply.

"I hate my life."


Korra, Mako and Bolin fired a round of bending at three pictures of Tahno hanging on a line. Now all three had holes in them.

Korra cheered then looked at the clock. "Where's that slowpoke Ichigo?"

Bolin pouted. "He's been acting really weird lately. I think he might be having girl problems of his own."

Mako laughed. "Come on, Bolin. Do you think there'd be any girl who could put up with him?"

Korra considered this. "I wonder if he had a girlfriend in his old life."

"Ahem." All three teens cringed as they looked to see Ichigo standing at the doorway with his arms crossed.

"Oh, hey, Ichigo. We weren't just talking about you, right guys?" Korra fumbled.

Ichigo stared at her blankly then held the bridge of his nose.

"And Korra's classic excuse system strikes again. Yay."

"Hey! I was trying to be sensitive!"

He sighed. "Don't try that, Korra. Sensitive just doesn't work with someone like you."

"It doesn't work with you either! She said indignantly, her voice beginning to rise in volume. "All you do is sit around and comment on the stupid things that other people do! You're no use to anyone!"

"Then why the hell do you force me to come to all your stupid matches?!"

Ichigo turned around and stormed off angrily. Korra looked regretfully at his back. Bolin tried to run after him but Mako stopped him.

"Don't do it, Bo. He just needs to unwind."

Korra crossed her arms. "I know he has a bit of a temper but he just exploded! That's not really like him."

"Well we know he has a lot of stuff going on with his memories and stuff," Mako reasoned, "Who knows how that's affecting his head. He could have some real issues that we don't know about."

"That doesn't give him an excuse to blow up like that!"

"Maybe not but I'm trying to give him the benefit of the doubt here."

"He probably just needs some time to cool off," Bolin said. "He'll be back soon and it'll all be fine."

Korra and Mako nodded their heads in agreement and they went back to practicing. After another few successful rounds, Korra stopped and wiped her face with a towel.

"You know I've got a good feeling about tonight. I don't care if we are the underdogs; we can take these pompous Wolf Bats."

Mako nodded. "It's going to be our toughest match ever but I think you're right."

Bolin slung his arm around his brother and tried to imitate the commentator.

"Introducing your new champs, the fantastic Fire Ferrets!"

The radio hissed and the chilling voice of Amon appeared.

"Good morning, citizens of Republic City. This is Amon."

Korra gasped and the others listened intently, their moment of joy gone.

"I hope you all enjoyed last night's pro-bending match, because it will be the last. It's time for the people of this city to stop worshipping bending athletes as if they were heroes. I am calling on the Council to shut down the bending arena and cancel the finals. Or else there will be severe consequences."

The radio hissed again and Amon was gone.

"That guy's got some nerve." Bolin said angrily.

"You think the Council will give in?" Mako asked Korra.

"I'm not waiting to find out. We need to get to City Hall. Come on, Ichigo."

Korra looked sadly at the door as she remembered that Ichigo wasn't there.

"Do you wanna wait for him, Korra?" Bolin asked gently.

She shook her head. "No. There's no time. If we don't get there now, some wuss like Tenzin will shut down the arena. Let's go."


Ichigo growled as he mashed his foot into the gang member's face.

"This was not a wise time to try and mug me, idiot. I'm in a bad mood." He said threateningly.

"I'm sorry! Please let me go!" The man whimpered miserably.

Ichigo sighed impatiently. "Fine. Just get out of here."

He let go of the man then kicked him in the butt to get him moving. Ichigo scowled with disgust at nothing in particular. "Stupid Korra." He muttered.

In truth, Ichigo wasn't angry with Korra. He was angry with himself.

"It's been several months already. Why haven't my memories returned?"

He looked up at the sky. The blue expanse of space above him had always given him comfort but now it seemed to reject him with contempt.

Then suddenly the voice that he had heard in his head several times before returned out of nowhere.

"I can't take it anymore! Get your ass in gear and get your memories back!"

Ichigo yelled back, "You think that I haven't been trying!"

"Try harder! When you get all depressed and emo like this it rains in here. I hate the rain. So make it stop, King."

"You haven't told me how, you asshole!"

But the voice was gone. Ichigo roared and smashed his fist against a wall. To his surprise, blue energy came from his hand and blasted through the wall. He looked at his palm with apprehension.

"Did I do that?"

He hit another wall but all he got was a heavily bruised and cut right hand. Blood seeped from his wounds. Ichigo cursed and tried to stem the flow of blood. Then suddenly his skin began to close over the cuts.

Ichigo gasped with amazement and soon his hand was perfectly fine.

"Just what am I?"


The trip to City Hall went quickly. All three Ferrets piled onto Naga and arrived without a hitch.

They went up to the big double doors and Korra threw them open. Tenzin looked as if he was expecting them. He rose to his feet.

"Korra, you can't be here right now. This is a closed meeting."

"As the Avatar and a pro-bending player I have a right to be heard." She kept walking towards the Council with Bolin and Mako following close behind her. "You can't cancel the finals."

Tenzin tried to be reasonable. "I know winning the championship means a lot to you but as far as I'm concerned, we need to shut the arena down."

Korra grimaced. "What about the rest of you? Tarrlok, there's no way you're backing down from Amon, right?"

"Actually," Tarrlok also stood, "Tenzin and I agree for once."

"The Council is unanimous," Tenzin said with finality, "We're closing the arena."

"No!"

"You can't!" Mako and Bolin cried.

"I don't understand." Korra said to Tarrlok. "I thought you of all people would take a stand against Amon!"

"While I am still committed to bringing that lunatic to justice," Tarrlok replied, "I will not put innocent lives at stake just so you and your friends can play a game."

Mako stepped forward. "Pro-bending might only be a game for you, but think about what it means to this city. Right now the arena is the only place where benders and non-benders gather together in peace to watch benders…"

"Beat each other up! In peace." Bolin continued. "It's an inspiration to everyone."

"I appreciate your naïve idealism, but you're ignoring the reality of the situation."

"The reality is if you close the arena, you let Amon win." Korra insisted.

"I'm sorry," Tarrlok didn't sound sorry at all, "But our decision has been made. This meeting is adjourned."

He lifted his gavel to signal the end. Then suddenly a metal cord came out of nowhere and smashed it in his hand.

Everyone looked back to see Lin Beifong.

"I can't believe I'm saying this," she started, "but I agree with the Avatar."

"You do?" Tarrlok was rubbing his wrist.

"Yeah, you do?" Korra was equally surprised.

"I expected this cut-and-run response from Tenzin. But the rest of you? Come on, show a little more backbone. It's time the benders of this city displayed some strength and unity against these Equalists."

"We have to prevent the conflict between benders and non-benders from escalating into all-out war! The Council is not changing its position, Lin." Tenzin persisted.

Tarrlok held up his hand. "Now just a minute, Tenzin. Let us hear what our esteemed Chief of Police has to say."

"Hmm." Tenzin crossed his arms.

"If you keep the arena open," Lin ventured, "my metalbenders and I will provide extra security during the championship match. There's no better force to deal with the chi-blockers. Our armour is impervious to their attacks."

Tarrlok smiled. "Are you saying that you will personally take responsibility for the safety of the spectators in the arena?"

"I guarantee it."

"It is hard to argue with Chief Beifong's track record. If she is confident that she can protect the arena, then she has my support. I am changing my vote. Who else is with me?"

All the other members except Tenzin raised their hands. "The arena stays open. Good luck in the finals."

All three Ferrets cheered. "And good luck to you, Chief Beifong."

Tenzin shook his head and walked over to Lin.

"A word please, Lin."

She followed him out the door. They stopped in an empty hallway. She crossed her arms. "Tarrlok's playing you, Lin. And I don't want to see you get hurt."

"I know what I'm doing and the risks that come with it." She said defiantly.

"In that case, I'm going to be by your side during the match."

"You don't need to babysit me."

Tenzin rolled his eyes. "It's for Korra. I want to make sure she's safe."

Lin scoffed. "Do what you want. It's not like I've been able to stop you before."

She walked past him in a huff. Korra came up to them.

"Excuse me, Chief Beifong? I wanted to thank you for your help. It really means a lot."

Beifong ignored her and kept walking. Korra pouted. "What is her deal? Even when she's on my side, she's against me."

"I've known Lin since we were children. She's always been… challenging."

"What did Aang do to make her hate the Avatar so much?"

"My father and Lin got along famously. I'm afraid her issues are with me."

Korra gasped. "Wait a second. It all makes sense now! You and Beifong, Beifong and you, you two were a couple!"

"What?" Tenzin looked as if he had been caught stealing from the cookie jar. "Where'd you get that idea?"

"Hah! Your wife."

"Criminy. I'll have to have a word with her."

"So, Pema stole you from Beifong, huh? I'm surprised our esteemed Chief of Police didn't throw her in jail."

"Oh she tried. Anyway, Pema didn't steal me…" His eyes took on a faraway look as he remembered. "Lin and I had been growing apart for some time. We both had different goals in life- Why am I even telling you this? It all happened a long time ago and we've moved past it."

"Hmm, apparently Beifong hasn't."

"What'd you-? Of course she has! Anyway, this is none of your business!"

He stalked off. Korra waved.

"See you around, Mr. Heartbreaker. Hah, wait till Ichigo hears about this."

Tenzin stopped as he saw her hesitate sadly.

"Korra, where is Ichigo?"

She wouldn't look at him. "I don't know. We had a fight I guess. I said some things and he said some things and he ran off."

Tenzin sighed. "You know that Ichigo is having a rough time right now, don't you Korra?"

She nodded. "Yeah. But he just gets on my nerves."

"That might be his way to distract himself from the situation he's in."

"What should I do, Tenzin? Should I give him space?"

"No. I don't think that Ichigo is the type of man who can handle things like this alone."

"But he's such a loner though, Tenzin."

"Maybe so. But I believe that Ichigo needs friends to help him. That might be the problem. You need to deepen your friendship with him."

"Deepen? You mean, you know…"

He shook his head. "Of course not! I don't mean like that. Just… maybe just talk to him. And perhaps he'll open up to you."

She took his words seriously. "Okay. I'll go find him."


Ichigo sat alone on the beach at Air Temple Island, his bare feet curling into the sand. He sat hunched over his bent knees, the chilly wind rustled his hair and his eyes stared dryly at the waves along the shore. He sighed and closed his eyes from the wind, grimacing with emotional pain. Pursing his lips, he crossed his arms along his bent knees and placed his forehead on them. His intake of breath shuddered and he sniffled. He could feel a single tear trying to escape from his eye and travel down his downturned cheek. He brushed it away hurriedly.

"What the hell is wrong with me?" he said aloud. "I am not crying over this." He cleared his throat and blew into the cold air, forcing his face to stay rigid. All of a sudden, he heard footsteps. He didn't bother to turn and see who it was.

Jinora sat down beside him and wrapped her Airbender cloak around her. Ichigo didn't look at her, still staring expressionless at the ocean.

"How on earth can you sit out here by the water, Ichigo?" She said. "It's freezing!"

Ichigo grunted his acknowledgement. She turned to look at him. "Are you okay? You've been kind of down recently. What's up?"

He shook his head. "Nothing really. Just been thinking a lot recently."

"Oh, I like thinking too. What do you think about?"

Ichigo glanced over at her. "I don't know. Stuff."

"Come on, Ichigo. I know you think about more than that. Tell me!"

He smiled slightly. "All right. I think a lot about my memories and my past life. Whether or not my friends are looking for me, if I'll ever get my life back, things like that. What do you think about?"

"Hmm I think about my learning and my training, whether I can become a great Airbender like my Dad and Grandpa Aang, also if there's meaning to my life, things like that."

Ichigo studied her with amusement. "How old are you again?"

"I'm 10," she said with pride.

"You're a pretty smart girl," Ichigo said.

She smiled brightly. "Thanks! You know, about your memories, maybe it's best to not think about them. Maybe what you should be focusing on is what's in front of you. Even though I think a lot about my future, I know that what's important is how I am in the present. If I can't do well in the present, then the future I dream about will never happen."

Ichigo looked at her with surprise. "How do-? Wh- what is there for me to focus on?"

Jinora looked sincerely into his eyes. "I don't know. I'm not you. But from what I can see, maybe the best thing you can do right now is help Korra become the best Avatar she can be."

"So, what? Am I just a sidekick to her? What about me? What about my story?"

"Maybe your story is connected to hers. From what I've heard you have a lot of power hidden away in you. Perhaps by helping others you will help yourself."

Ichigo thought back to earlier in the day to when he had punched through that wall. "How am I supposed to live my life in the present when who I am and what I am is stuck in the past? A past that I can't remember."

Jinora shrugged. "I can't answer that question. I'm 10, remember?"

Ichigo chuckled and shook his head. "You're right. I shouldn't ask you to answer that question. Thank you, Jinora, honestly. You've helped me a lot today."

She smiled. "You're welcome. Thanks for talking with me. My siblings never listen to me."

He smiled back. "You can always talk to me." He stood up and stretched his limbs.

"What are you gonna do now?" she asked.

"I'm going back to the city. I've got something that I want to do."

Ichigo walked purposefully down to the docks and hitched a ride on a boat heading to the city. Honestly, he didn't really know where he was going. He knew that he didn't want to go back to Korra and the others just yet. For now, he wanted to get closer to Amon, maybe infiltrate the Equalists. He figured that perhaps he could destroy them from the inside with his newfound powers.

The first and only place he could think to go was where Amon had held his rally months ago. That was the night where he had first met Amon, and the night where his fear of him had manifested. The afternoon had turned to evening and it was beginning to get darker out. The chill of the wind had worsened as Ichigo approached the large warehouse.

He could see nothing; the building looked like it hadn't been used since the night of the rally. Peering around the corner, he crept into an alley beside the warehouse and began to move deeper into the city. There was a smell of garbage here and the alleys were old and twisted. This was a seedier part of town.

Ichigo slowly walked into a very tight space, his hand brushing along the wall as he went. He stopped. He had heard voices. He knelt down next to a large grate that led to the sewers. There was sound echoing from inside the grate. Gently, he tugged at the grate and it came loose rather easily. Ichigo dropped down into the sewers, landing lightly like a cat.

There was a dim light somewhere down the sewer hall. Ichigo tiptoed his way towards it. He could hear the voices clearly now. There were two people, both male. He was approaching a corner; the voices were just beyond it. Stealthily he sidled round the corner and beheld two chi-blockers.

Ichigo charged them instantly and tackled one to the ground. He smashed his head against the ground repeatedly until the other one slammed into him and knocked him off his partner. Ichigo rolled to his feet and raised his fist. The chi-blocker came at him with a flurry of punches, attempting to land those tell-tale attacks of a chi-blocker.

Ichigo withstood the first onslaught and battered the man with a powerful right cross that was propelled by blue energy, sending him reeling into a wall. Ichigo looked at his hand and grinned. Then he elbowed him in the back of the neck and brought his face crashing down onto his knee, breaking the man's nose. He cried out and rolled on the ground in pain. Ichigo kicked him hard in the head, knocking him out.

Suddenly the other chi-blocker came at Ichigo from behind and tried to choke him. Ichigo grunted and flung the man over his shoulder. Ichigo concentrated and the blue energy encircled his hands. It felt incredible. He blocked the oncoming strikes of the chi-blocker, parrying them easily. Then he spun round him and hit him flat-palmed into the wall, the blue energy enforcing his attack and knocking the wind out of his opponent.

The chi-blocker gagged as Ichigo wrapped his arms around his throat. He squeezed hard and soon the man fell unconscious. Ichigo took his uniform and tied up both men to a pole in the sewer, their mouths stuffed with cloth to keep them quiet when they woke.

Ichigo pulled on the uniform. It was a good fit. Then he moved confidently into the through the sewer until he reached a vast expanse of space. Equalists were everywhere loading crates into trucks and banners bearing Amon's masked face hung from the walls. Amon himself stood in the middle of the room watching the proceedings intently. Ichigo made his way towards Amon, keeping his gait casual until he was within earshot.

Amon glanced behind him as his Lieutenant with the droopy moustache approached him.

"I just got word," the Lieutenant said, "The Council defied your threat. They're keeping the arena open."

If the mask weren't there, you would have seen Amon smile. "Perfect. Everything is going according to plan." Ichigo narrowed his eyes with concentration as he listened.


That night, the arena looked like a fortress. Boats surrounded it on the water and several police airships flew overhead.

Inside, officers patrolled the stands checking for anything suspicious. They all announced their area to be clear.

Beifong was there directing the whole thing. Tenzin came up behind her.

"How is the security sweep going?" He asked.

"Fine." She replied curtly.

"They've checked underneath the stands?"

"Yes."

"And you have enough officers to cover all points of entry?"

"I have the skies, the bay and every nook and cranny in this place covered. Now leave me alone and let me do my job."

His voice quieted. "Lin, with so much on the line, it would be nice if we could help each other out, at least for one night."

Her eyes took on a remorseful look.

"Like old times?"

"Like old times." He agreed.

She smiled slightly. "Okay. I'll try to be less abrasive than usual."

"I would appreciate that."

The commentator began speaking to introduce the final match. "The anticipation is palpable as we are just moments away from the championship final. Will the Wolf Bat's ferocity help them repeat as champs? Or will the underdogs, the Fire Ferrets serve up a bowl of smack-down soup?"

In the room above the arena where they always sat, Korra looked sadly at the door. She had looked for the whole afternoon, but she had found no sign of Ichigo. Jinora had said she'd talked to him but then she'd skipped off with Ikki before Korra could ask where he'd gone.

Mako sat down next to her. "Do you know where he is?"

She shook her head.

He sighed. "I know he's mad but this is ridiculous. He should at least show up to cheer us on. Especially during the finals."

"Don't worry, you guys," Bolin said, "Ichigo will show. You just wait."

Bolin's assurance did nothing to stem Korra's feeling of regret. Bolin turned to Pabu.

"Now I know there's a big crowd but don't worry. You're gonna do great. I believe in you."

Pabu chittered. The spotlights turned on and the greasy announcer rose through the arena floor on a platform. He had his hands raised to the air and the crowd cheered.

"Introducing the challengers, the Future Industries Fire Ferrets!"

They walked to the arena, waving. Mako glanced at the V.I.P section and saw Hiroshi and Asami. She blew a kiss to him and winked. He saluted with two fingers and did the same. Korra rolled her eyes.

They reached the arena. Bolin grinned and gestured to Pabu. The little ferret jumped off his shoulder and performed a little dance. Bolin bowed deeply. There was limited applause. Then the spotlights went dark.

"And their opponents, the three time reigning champions, the White Falls Wold Bats!"

The spotlights fell on the other side of the room. The Wolf Bats stood there, dressed in black robes with evil looking bat masks on their faces. They howled like wolves. Flames and fireworks appeared around the arena.

Bolin snorted and scratched Pabu's back. "They got nothing on us, buddy. Anybody can howl. Ooh! Heh, whatever."

Tahno threw off his cape and mask and his swept-over hair glistened with fresh hair gel.

Korra punched her fist to her palm. "I'm gonna knock Tahno's stupid hair off his stupid head." She imagined Ichigo giving her his cocky grin for motivation. It wasn't the same as the real thing. Now Korra realized how much just a little of his support could do for her. But she couldn't think about that now because the match was about to begin.

The bell dinged. Tahno instantly darted forward and attempted to sock Korra on the jaw with some dirty water boxing. She handsprung out of the way just in time.

Mako took several hard hits and was forced into the second zone. Bolin ricocheted a shot off the ropes and hit one of the Wolf Bats in the gut.

Tahno and Korra were duking it out, looking evenly matched. Then Tahno unleashed a wave of water onto Bolin, sending him into Zone 3 but it wasn't a foul.

"What's the big idea, ref? That was a hosing foul!" Mako yelled. But the referee waved play on. The Wolf Bats advanced into Fire Ferret territory.

The match restarted and one of the Wolf Bats bent the earth on the Ferret's side and knocked Mako into the third zone.

"Oh come on, ref!" Tenzin yelled. "There was some funny business in that last play!"

Lin smiled. "Wouldn't have guessed you knew the rules of pro-bending."

Tenzin grumbled. "I've been touching up. That Wolf Bat blatantly bent a disc outside of his zone."

Tahno sent a small shot of water, which Bolin jumped over. But Tahno froze the water and Bolin was knocked into the pool with some firebending.

The commentator was confused. "That was an illegal icing move there but once again there's no call. I don't know what match the refs are watching, folks, but it's certainly not this one."

Korra was caught on the arm and she slid back into Zone 3. All three Wolf Bats unleashed a torrent of bending. Mako jumped in front of her but they were both knocked over the edge.

"It's a knock out! The Wolf Bats win the championship for the fourth year in a- Hold a second, folks! Scratch that! The Ferrets are still alive!"

Korra was hanging on to the edge holding Mako with one arm. She strained then with a great burst of strength, she swung Mako back onto the platform.

He made an instant impact, sending Tahno flying back into his own zone. The pretty boy turned around and Mako winked at him. Tahno's face contorted with rage. The Ferrets had managed to survive and were in Round 2.

They had a team huddle.

"What's wrong with these refs?" Korra asked.

"They've been paid off. It's the only explanation. Someone wants us to lose." Mako replied.

Korra looked surreptitiously at their opponents.

"If the Wolfs Bats are gonna fight dirty, then I say we do the same."

"No, we can't!" Mako explained. "The refs have it out for us. If we're gonna win this thing, it has to be fair and square."

Korra scowled. "That's no fun. Ichigo would never do that."

"Ichigo's not here!"

She sighed. "Fine. We'll do it your way."

Round 2 began and Tahno froze Korra's foot then sent her back to the third zone. Bolin managed to knock back two Wolf Bats but they started shooting illegal headshots at Mako.

The bell dinged. "Round 2 will be decided with a tiebreaker."

The referee flipped the coin. "The Fire Ferrets win the coin toss. Which element do you choose?"

Korra smiled darkly. "I'm taking this one. Let's go! You and me, pretty boy."

Tahno grinned. "Thought you'd never ask."

The two waterbenders circled each other. Tahno beckoned to her.

"Come on, little girl. Give me your best shot."

Korra sent a little blast, which he dodged, and then she fired a powerful hit up to his jaw. Tahno's helmet flew off and he tumbled out of the ring, dazed.

The bell dinged. Korra grinned. "Hmm. Chump."

Lin smiled. "I can't believe your sweet-tempered father was reincarnated into that girl. She's tough as nails."

"Reminds me of someone else I knew at that age." Tenzin replied. "You two might get along if you would only give her a chance. Ichigo too, you know."

"Hmm."

The third and final round began. There was an explosive volley with the Ferrets showing a lot of heart. But the Wolf Bats were up to more trickery. Their earthbender crumbled a disc and Tahno wrapped it into three balls of water. Then he sent them at the Ferrets. With the rocks inside them, the Ferrets didn't stand a chance and they were all knocked into the water.

"Oh this has gone too far!" The commentator cried. "That water had rocks in it!"

"Knockout!"

"Oh, come on!" Tenzin was mad, "Those were illegal head shots. Open your eyes, ref!"

The commentator sighed. "Well, it's a controversial call but it seems that with a final round knockout, the Wolf Bats have won their fourth championship title."

Tahno took off his helmet. "I barely broke a sweat." He raised his fist. "Anybody else wanna scrap with the champs?"

At that moment, everything seemed to happen in slow motion. All around the arena, people began pulling on masks with the Equalist symbol on it. Then they unsheathed weapons they had hid under their clothes. Gloves that looked mechanical.

Tenzin saw a man behind Lin.

"Look out!" But it was too late. The man touched her with the gloves and electricity sparked from it and electrocuted her. A second later, Tenzin too was sent to the ground, immobile.

Guards began falling, electrocuted by the new Equalist weapon. Korra surfaced, panting for breath. She took off her helmet and Mako and Bolin did the same. They looked up at the stands and saw lightning appearing all over the place.

"What?"

The Lieutenant jumped down and placed his electric sticks in the water, shocking all three of them.

"Folks, there is some kind of electrical disturbance in the stands. Metalbender cops are dropping like bumble-flies. There appear to be masked people wielding strange devices on their hands."

The door opened and an Equalist stepped through.

"One of them is in the booth with me now, folks. He is levelling one of those glove devices at me now. And I believe he is about to electrocute me. I am currently wetting my pants."

There was a sizzle in the booth and the commentator's voice was gone.

The Wolf Bats looked around with fright. Then behind them, Amon and six chi-blockers rose up to the platform.

Tahno looked around and saw them. He backed away.

"What's going on here, ref?"

"I don't know." Came the reply.

Amon and his henchmen began advancing. Tahno tried to appear brave.

"All right. You want a piece of the Wolf Bats? Here it comes."

He lashed out at Amon. The Equalist leader easily dodged it. In seconds, all three Wolf Bats were on their knees.

Tahno was forced in front of Amon.

"Wait. Please don't do this. I'll give you the championship pot. I'll give you anything. Just please don't take my bending!"

Amon placed his hand on his face and it was over. The Equalists unfurled flags with their symbol on it all over the arena.

The lieutenant was dragging Korra to where he already had Mako and Bolin tied up. She groaned and drifted into a vison. It was the same vision that she had seen before. Korra saw Toph, the strange man from the first one and Aang in the Avatar State.

Then it was gone. The Lieutenant tied a long rope around the three of them, binding them to a pole.

Amon took the microphone.

"I believe I have your attention, benders of Republic City." He began, "So once again, the Wolf Bats are your pro-bending champions. It seems fitting that you celebrate three bullies who cheated their way to victory, because every day you threaten and abuse your fellow non-bending citizens, just like the Wolf Bats did to their opponents tonight."

The Wolf Bats in question hauled their bodies out of the water.

"Those men," Amon continued, "Were said to be the best in the bending world. And yet it only took a few moments for me to cure them of their impurity. Let this be a warning to all of you benders out there: if any of you stand in my way, you will meet the same fate."

The crowd gasped. "Now to my followers: for years, the Equalists have been forced to hide in the shadows. But now, we have the numbers and the strength to create a new Republic City."

Korra, Mako and Bolin were just regaining consciousness as Amon was speaking.

"How are we going to get out of here?" Mako asked.

A small chittering sound alerted them. Pabu was swimming towards them.

"Pabu!" Bolin grinned. "Listen up, buddy." He started clicking his teeth in a biting motion.

"Stop fooling around!" Mako said.

"I'm not! I'm trying to save us."

Pabu got the message and started chewing through the ropes. Korra listened to Amon as the ferret struggled to cut them free.

"For centuries, benders have possessed an unnatural advantage over ordinary people. But thankfully, modern technology has provided us with a way to even out the playing field. Now anyone can hold the power of a chi-blocker in their hand. My followers and I will not rest until the entire city achieves equality. And once that goal is achieved, we will equalize the rest of the world. The Revolution has begun!"

He raised his arm in triumph. An airship, bearing an Equalist flag came close to the arena roof. Cables shot down from it to the waiting Equalists below. Amon and his men stepped onto little platforms that appeared on the bottom of the cables.

Lin and Tenzin moaned as they regained consciousness. Suddenly, the arena exploded sending pieces of glass and shrapnel everywhere. Pabu finally finished chewing through the ropes.

Korra jumped up and created an ice floor on the water for Mako and Bolin to walk across to safety.

"I'm going after Amon!"

"Be careful!" Mako called.

Korra leapt into the water then she used it to fling her into the air after the cables. Unfortunately it didn't take her far enough and she began to plummet back to the arena.

Then a metal cable wrapped itself around her. Korra looked to see it was Lin who caught her. The Chief of Police swung Korra up and through the roof.

The Avatar managed to knock the Lieutenant and several chi-blockers down but she missed Amon. As she fell back to the roof of the arena, he seemed to be smiling at her as he continued to the airship. Korra growled and launched a ball of fire at him but he dodged just in time.

Korra land on the roof and cursed then looked round in shock. All around the arena there was carnage. All the police boats and airships had been taken out. There was fire everywhere.

Back up in the airship, Amon strode towards the cockpit.

"Amon!"

The Equalist leader turned to see a chi-blocker slam into him full force. He grunted as they flew back. Amon quickly grabbed the man by the head and ripped off his mask, throwing him off at the same time.

Ichigo grinned at him.

"Wassup?"

Amon grimaced. "Oh, it's you."

"You sound disappointed."

"I am."

Ichigo flipped him off.

"You know, you suck, Amon."

He sighed. "Kurosaki Ichigo, I told you to regain your powers then fight me. I still hold by that."

Ichigo smirked. "Well it just so happens that I learn best while I'm in combat."


Meanwhile, Lin got to the roof. Looking up at Amon's airship, she fired a cable at it to catch hold but the Lieutenant hit her several times with his electric sticks and brought her down.

He and his chi-blockers converged on her fallen form. Then Korra got them from behind and the Lieutenant flipped away. He and Korra engaged in a fierce battle.

Lin took out two chi-blockers and once again aimed for the airship. She could hear signs of a struggle inside. She attached a cable to it and started climbing.

The Lieutenant was good; Korra had no doubt about that. But he relied on his weapons too much. She was fighting with only her firebending and it seemed to be working. She knocked one stick from his hand and sent him rolling backwards in pain.

Then she knocked him completely off the arena roof. The glass of the roof began to crack under her feet and she stumbled.


Once again, Ichigo was finding himself completely outclassed. After overhearing Amon's plan for the evening, he had snuck aboard Amon's personal airship and stowed away in the cargo hold. Once there he had spent hours trying to figure out how he had produced the blue energy on his hands. Through meditation, he found that he only needed to concentrate his power on his hands to make it appear and enhance his attacks.

But it didn't seem to make a difference. Amon was a master of martial arts. He continually fended Ichigo off, landing devastating hits that felt harder than steel. His very blood seemed to be in pain. But Ichigo would not give up. He kept coming in for more.

His breath came in ragged gasps and blood poured from a heavy wound on his head, covering one eye. He couldn't keep this up for much longer.

They were still fighting in the bottom of the ship. The big hole that Amon had come through was still open. Through it, Ichigo could see the battle below. Then Korra fell through the roof as the glass shattered beneath her. Beifong went after her but she would be too late.

Amon seemed to smirk at him.

"What are you going to do now, Kurosaki?"

Ichigo cursed and flung himself after Korra, with Amon's fading laughter in his ears. He shot past Beifong but even he wouldn't be in time.

He cried out in desperation and suddenly, he teleported. His image just flickered and he appeared farther down. Ichigo crashed into Korra and they tumbled into the stands.

He looked at his body in amazement.

"Ichigo?"

Korra punched him. Hard.

"Ow! What was that for?"

She looked at him remorsefully. "I'm sorry, Ichigo. I'm sorry for what I said. You're not useless. In fact, you're pretty incredible."

"Then why'd you hit me?!"

"To make a point!"

Their foreheads slammed together.

"You didn't have to punch me in the face to make your point!"

"I did that to get through your thick skull!"

"I dare you to say that again, you brat."

"You heard me the first time!"

He didn't reply. Korra looked into his eyes and saw them full of fake anger. He looked into hers and saw the same. They started laughing and soon they were on the floor.

Lin landed beside them and they snapped to attention.

She rolled her eyes. "You alright, you two?"

Ichigo scowled like she had ruined the moment. "We're fine, no thanks to you."

"Don't mention it."

They looked up at the fleeing airship.

"Well we lost this one." Lin said sadly.

Mako and Bolin threw their arms around Korra.

"I'm so glad you're okay."

"Me too!"

Ichigo looked away but Bolin grabbed him and pulled him into the group hug. He sighed with annoyance but smiled nonetheless.

Tenzin stood beside Lin and put his hand on her shoulder.

"I can't believe Amon did this." She said angrily. "I played right into his hand."

"He played us all. Republic City is at war."


Late that night, Ichigo returned to the Island. He stood outside and held out his hand. So, I have blue energy on my hands that makes me stronger and I can teleport too? My powers are unlike anything I've seen in this world. I'm just glad I was able to use them to help. Amon is damn strong though. There's something about him. Something different.

He glanced up and saw Jinora coming towards him.

"Hey Ichigo," she said.

"You should be in bed, it's late."

"I know. But I couldn't sleep and I saw you out here. How are you doing?"

"Good," he said with a small smile, "Thanks to you. You really helped me out."

She smiled back. "I'm glad."

Ichigo put his hand on her shoulder. "You're pretty wise for a kid. You're gonna be a great Airbender someday."

She beamed. "Thanks, Ichigo. That means a lot."

Ichigo nodded. "You're welcome, kid. Now go to bed, it's been a long day."

Jinora yawned and went back to her room. Ichigo soon followed and opened the door to his room. It was dark inside and he felt along the wall for the light. He turned it on and nearly jumped out of his skin. Korra was sprawled along his bed, fast asleep.

He walked over and tapped her shoulder. She didn't wake up. He scowled with annoyance and slapped her lightly on the face. Suddenly she grabbed him and pulled him into the bed. He cried out and shoved her away. Then she woke up.

"Eww!" She screamed and kicked him solidly in the gut, launching him off the bed and onto the floor. "What the hell are you doing in my bed?!"

Ichigo sat up and groaned. "That's my bed, you idiot. What the hell are you doing in my room?"

She paused. "Your room? Oh yeah I came in here wanting to talk to you but you weren't here so I guess I fell asleep."

"Of course you did." Ichigo sighed with tiredness and crawled over to the wall to lean against it. "Well? What did you want to talk about?"

"I wanted to talk about you. After our argument this morning, I looked for you all day and I got really worried. And now I find that you infiltrated Amon's organization and snuck aboard his ship to fight him? Ichigo I'm scared for you. How can I protect you if you're always off doing your own thing?"

"Why do you think you need to protect me?" Ichigo said indignantly.

"Because I'm the Avatar. You're my friend and you're gonna be put in danger. That's why I need you to stick near to me like Mako and Bolin so that I can protect you."

"Korra, you don't need to protect me. Honestly, I'm fine. I am capable of so much that I still don't know about. I can beat Amon one day. I can beat him so that you don't have to risk having your bending taken away."

Korra shook her head. "No, Ichigo. That's my job, my responsibility. Ichigo, I can't let you put yourself in danger for my sake without me there." She got off the bed and sat down against the wall beside him. "I care for you too much to let you do that. I care for Mako and Bolin too much for them to do that."

"Then what are we here for, Korra? Are we just your support system? Your little Team Avatar? Korra, I am here to help you but you don't control me. No one controls me."

"No! Of course not, Ichigo. I don't mean it like that I- I really don't know what I mean." She looked down. "I just don't know if I'm ready to face someone like Amon. I don't know if I'm ready to take the responsibility of the Avatar. I don't know if I can handle it alone. I'm not Aang and I'm scared that I won't live up to him."

"Then share it with me." Ichigo put his hand over hers. "Share your responsibility. Share your pain. I am here for you, okay? I have my own issues that I have to deal with but I will help you. You're not alone."

She looked at him with gratefulness. "I'm here for you too, Ichigo. You can tell me anything."

He smiled. Then he winced and groaned with pain.

"What is it, Ichigo?"

"I'm just sore from my fight with Amon. He might've fractured something."

"Let me get some water I can heal you!"

"No, it's fine. I want to test out my healing powers."

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"I have no idea. I think I can heal or something. My hand regenerated after I punched a wall." He slumped over onto his side. "Ow."

Korra rolled her eyes. "Oh my, let me heal you."

"No."

She sighed. "Fine. I'll help you get into bed."

She pulled him gently to his feet, he stumbled and she hefted him into her arms and carried him to the bed.

"Honestly, Korra I'm fine."

"Ichigo, you pretty much saved my life today when you caught me; you might as well let me carry you to bed when you're injured."

Ichigo grunted. "Fine. You can leave now."

She crossed her arms. "You really are rude, aren't you?"

"Get out of my room."

"Nah. I'm gonna sleep on the floor as you "heal"," she said mockingly. She laid down. "Good night, Ichigo."

"Good night."


And yeah I guess you could call that the mid-season finale. Anyways that's the end of the chapter. I sure hope you guys enjoyed it. Hopefully I'll be back soon with another chapter. See you next time!