Chapter 7: The Aftermath


Wow, look at me go, two chapters in two days. Think I can keep it up? Lol probably not. The chapters will come more often though. I hope you guys enjoy this one!


The next morning, Ichigo sat up in bed. Korra was gone. He stretched his sore muscles and winced as his head throbbed. Korra had asked if she could heal him but he'd refused. Ichigo wanted to test out the strange regeneration technique that had healed his hand.

He touched the scar now. It was smaller. Then he looked down at all the bandages wrapped around his chest. He wouldn't admit it, but he was almost certain that Amon may have fractured a few of his bones in their fight. Perhaps it would have been easier just to have Korra heal him than go through all the work to put bandages on but Ichigo was determined to figure out exactly what his powers were and how they worked.

Ichigo rolled his shoulders and stepped out of bed. The night before, Tenzin had questioned Ichigo thoroughly about what he had seen while infiltrating Amon's hideout in the sewers. He led them there but it was cleared out. There was no trace of the Equalists ever being there. Ichigo's memories were all jumbled up anyway. He kept thinking that he was somewhere else. Somewhere called Karakura Town.

He tried to suppress his old memories for the time being. Ichigo reasoned that defeating Amon was more important than recovering who he was. It was a hard decision and one he hoped he wouldn't regret. His door opened quietly and Korra stepped through, already dressed.

"I'm going to the arena to pick up Mako and Bolin. Wanna come with?"

He nodded. "Sure, Korra. I'll be right there."

Soon after, the two of them were riding Naga to the arena. They ducked under the police tapeline and went inside. Mako and Bolin were taking out all their stuff. Mako placed a shirt inside a box.

"I still can't believe they're shutting this place down." He said.

"Yeah," Bolin sighed, "We had some good memories here, didn't we?"

Korra dashed up from the staircase. Ichigo followed at a much slower pace.

She grinned wide. "Guys, great news. You don't have to go back on the streets. I talked with Tenzin and made all the arrangements. You can come live on Air Temple Island with us."

Ichigo nodded. "Just don't make too much noise."

"Oh," Mako looked disappointed, "We'd love to but…"

"Asami already invited us to live in her dad's giant mansion!" Bolin was obviously excited. Korra's eyes widened slightly then went back to normal. Bolin grabbed his brother. "From here on out, it's gonna be the lap of luxury for us."

Inside the room there was a bunk with two beds. Asami now poked her head out from the top bunk. "Oh hey, Korra. What's up, Ichigo?"

Korra's face twisted in an angry scowl. Ichigo raised his eyebrows and smiled, answering Asami, "Hey, Prissy."

By now, Asami had accepted the little nickname that Ichigo had given her. She climbed down a ladder from the top bunk and stood next to them.

"I was hoping you'd pop by," she said.

"We were just leaving," Korra said. "Come on, Ichigo." She turned to Mako and Bolin. "So, I guess I'll see you guys around… sometime."

"Why not tomorrow?" Asami suggested. "I'd love to have you come visit the estate."

"I don't know." Korra said reluctantly. "I have some Avatar stuff I need to do."

Ichigo snickered. Yeah, right.

"Well, maybe Ichigo could come then." Asami pressed.

He shrugged. "Sure, why not."

Korra looked at him like he was abandoning her.

Bolin lifted Pabu in front of his face and spoke in a high-pitched voice, "Come on, Korra! We all deserve a little rest and relaxation after all this craziness. We could swim in Asami's pool. It'll be fun!"

Korra chuckled. "All right, Pabu."

"Great," Asami smiled, "We'll see you two tomorrow."

Korra waved and Ichigo nodded.


Ichigo and Korra arrived back on the Island. Korra sighed and sat down on the dock, with her feet in the water. Ichigo looked at her then moved to sit next to her.

"You know, it's probably for the best, Korra."

"What do you mean, Ichigo?"

"I mean that it's for the best that they'll be staying at Asami's. They'll be safe and comfortable there."

"Yeah, but…"

"Korra." He took her chin gently and moved it so she was looking at him. "Let it go. You'll see them tomorrow. And who knows, maybe they'll hate it there and decide to move here."

She nodded silently.


The police truck smashed through the warehouse door. Metalbenders crashed through the windows. Large crates were all around. On tables, posters of Amon could be seen.

The officers opened the crates and found Equalist weapons there.

"Looks like our intel was good." Lin said.

"There's enough evidence here to bury Cabbage Corp forever." An officer agreed.

Later at the Cabbage Corp headquarters, officers were leading away the owner of the company.

"This is an outrage," he protested. "I'm innocent!"

Reporters began crowding Lin.

"Is it true that Cabbage Corp is conspiring with the Equalists?" One reporter asked.

"The evidence points in that direction," Lin replied, "But the investigation is ongoing. For the time being, we have frozen Mr. Gan-Lan's assets and are closing Cabbage Corp."

"No!" The owner cried, "Not my Cabbage Corp!"


At the police station, Korra and Ichigo were standing, waiting. Tahno, the leader of the Wolf Bats was sitting on a bench, looking dejected. His hair was wild and there were massive bags under his eyes.

"Hey, Korra," he said quietly.

"Tahno?"

He looked away and she sat beside him. Ichigo stood a few paces away to let them talk.

"Listen," Korra began, "I know we're not exactly best friends, but I'm sorry you lost your bending."

"I've been to the best healers in the city. Whatever Amon did to me, it's permanent." He looked determinedly at her. "You gotta get him for me."

She nodded. They looked up as Tenzin and Lin walked with Hiroshi Sato, Asami's father, back from a room.

"Mr. Sato," Lin was saying, "If you remember anything else about what you saw during Amon's attack, be sure to let us know."

"I'm happy to help anyway I can." Hiroshi replied. "I want these Equalists to pay for what they've done."

He nodded to Korra and walked off. Tenzin turned to Tahno.

"We're ready for you now."

Tahno got up then smiled at Korra. "See you around, Uh-vatar."

Ichigo left Korra inside the police station and walked outside. Hiroshi Sato was standing out there by himself, looking out on the street that ran past the police station. Remembering their awkward meeting at Tarrlok's gala for Korra, Ichigo kept his distance from Hiroshi and began to head away from him.

"You're Kurosaki Ichigo, right?" Hiroshi asked suddenly.

Ichigo slowly turned to Hiroshi. "Yes."

"You are a friend of the Avatar?"

"Yes."

Hiroshi smiled and extended his hand. "I understand that we had a… shall I say unfortunate meeting. Let us get reacquainted."

Ichigo accepted his handshake with trepidation. He didn't really know what to think of Hiroshi. He liked Asami, she was great but he knew next to nothing about her father.

"As you know," Hiroshi said, "My daughter is not a bender and neither am I. But she is still very good friends with the Avatar and the bending brothers. She's even dating one of them. You are also not a bender. I am curious as to what it's like to be friends with people so much more powerful than you are."

Ichigo shrugged. "Honestly it doesn't really seem to matter that much. Them being benders doesn't really affect who they are on a personal level. Yes, outwardly they are different from Asami and I but on the inside, we're all the same, even Korra."

"Hmm. That is good to hear. In this world that we live in, where benders are being segregated from non-benders it is good to see the most powerful bender of them all surrounding herself with both sets of people."

Ichigo nodded. "Yeah, I suppose that's a good thing."

Hiroshi smiled eagerly. "Oh it is. Thank you for speaking with me, Ichigo. I look forward to having many more conversations with you in the future."

"Uh… yeah. You're welcome," Ichigo replied awkwardly.

Hiroshi gave one last smile and then walked away, getting into a Sato-mobile and driving away down the street. Korra strode out of the police station and stood next to Ichigo.

"What was that all about?" she asked.

"Hmm? Nothing. We were just talking. You all done in there?"

She nodded. "Yeah. Let's go back to the Island."

The two of them got on Naga and rode towards the docks.

"You looking forward to go to Asami's tomorrow?" Ichigo asked.

Korra scoffed. "Hah! Spend time with that prissy girl? No way."

"Come on, Korra, she's not that bad."

"Oh don't tell me she's fooled you too. Just because she's pretty and perfect doesn't make her fun to be with or anything. Like I'm fun, right?"

"Sure you are."

"That didn't sound convincing," she said suspiciously.

"Korra…"

"I don't have to give you a ride you know. I could get Naga to throw you off and leave you to walk."

"I know. But hey you'll get to see Mako tomorrow, right?"

"Shut up! I'm not into him."

Ichigo laughed. "That's a lie."

"I will actually throw you off myself, Ichigo."

"Nah, you won't."

"Oh, yes I will!

"No, you won't."

"You're right," she grumbled. "I won't."

"I'm always right."

"Shut the hell up."

The two of them bickered incessantly until they reached the Island.


Next day, Korra and Ichigo arrived at Asami's mansion. It was gigantic and made of white stone.

Pabu squealed as he jumped into the pool. Bolin was next.

"Earthbending bomb!"

A butler led Ichigo and Korra to the pool. "Avatar Korra and Kurosaki Ichigo have arrived."

"Hey, Korra. Hey, Ichigo." Mako greeted them.

"Glad you two made it." Asami said, welcomingly.

Ichigo went to the pool edge. He remembered another mansion, another family name.

"Kuchiki." He said quietly.

Bolin surfaced from the pool. "Welcome to Paradise." He said affirmatively.

Korra sat down on a deck chair, still refusing to enjoy herself. Ichigo threw off his shirt and it hit the butler in the face. Then he reclined on another chair in the sun.

"Looks like you guys settled right in," Korra said.

Mako began to swim towards them. "Pretty much. Except someone forgot to ask her father if we could stay."

Asami smiled. "Yeah, but I smoothed it over with him. It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission."

"Wise words." Ichigo agreed. Bolin stepped out of the water.

"This is the greatest place in the world. Okay, watch this. Watch this."

Bolin straightened and said in a haughty tone, "Fetch me a towel, my good man."

"Yes, Master Bolin." The butler replied a little wearily.

"Master Bolin! Hah! I love this guy. Now pat me dry."

"As you wish."

The butler quickly brushed him off.

"Don't forget Master Pabu."

"Wouldn't dream of it, sir."

He rubbed Pabu as well and the ferret's fur stood up on all ends.

As the butler was walking off, Bolin jumped back into the pool. Tick marks appeared on the butler's head but he controlled himself. Ichigo felt sorry for him.

Korra was now sitting at the pool's edge. Asami swam up to her.

"So," Korra asked, "What'd you have planned for us today? Let me guess. Shopping… makeovers."

Mako grabbed Ichigo and tossed him into the pool, clothes and all. The three boys began trying to dunk each other.

Asami stepped out of the pool. "I have something a little more exciting in mind."

Next thing they knew, they were watching a race. There was a large track on the grounds and it was here that Hiroshi tested all his vehicles. The cars drove past the stands where the five of them were sitting. Korra was in awe.

"Pretty cool, huh?" Asami smiled.

"Way cooler than makeovers." Korra said in agreement.

"Ever been behind the wheel?"

"The only thing I know how to drive is a polar bear-dog."

Ichigo snorted. "Idiot."

"Hey!"

The two were about to fight but Asami intervened.

"Want me to take you for a spin?"

Korra grinned. "Let's do it!"

The two cars sat idling. Asami was in the driving seat with Korra behind her. The other car had a test driver and Ichigo was sitting begrudgingly behind him.

A man waved a flag and the race began. The tires squealed and the cars took off. But the test driver had no idea how much of back-seat driver Ichigo could be.

"You took that last corner way too wide, man! Focus on the road!"

They pulled ahead. Asami grinned and sped up. Now they were level, with Ichigo yelling at them and Korra making faces at him.

They went into another corner with Asami right on their back wheel. She took the car as close to the wall as possible, even scraping the tire against it.

They began to take the lead.

"They're gonna pass us!" Ichigo yelled. "Speed up!"

The driver obliged but Asami and Korra still won. Asami pulled into a pit stop lane and stopped the car. Korra leapt out of it.

"That was amazing!" She cried. "I didn't think we'd make it."

Asami pulled off her road helmet. "Well you can't be afraid to mess it up sometimes."

"I gotta admit, I had you pegged wrong. I thought you were kinda prissy. Uh, no offence."

Asami chuckled. "That's all right. People usually assume that I'm Daddy's helpless little girl but I can handle myself. I mean I've been in self-defence classes since I was little. My dad made sure I would always be able to protect myself."

"Smart guy."

Ichigo stormed up to them. "All right, Prissy, I'm gonna kick your -"

Korra looked at him strangely. "Ichigo, I think I'm the same height as you now."

"What?"

They stood back to back.

Asami nodded. "Yeah, she's right. You're exactly the same height."

Ichigo cursed. "It must be that dainty Airbender food. It's stunted my growth."

"Yeah but," Korra smirked, "Ichigo, I've been eating the exact same food as you."

"Shut up."

Korra grinned. "So who's the tallest of us five?"

Mako and Bolin came down and they measured heights. Bolin of course was the shortest.

He frowned. "I don't get it."

Ichigo patted his shoulder with mock sympathy. "You're the youngest, so you're the shortest. It's only natural."

Next they decided was Korra. Ichigo smiled thankfully. He fully expected himself to be the tallest. But it wasn't to be so.

"She's wearing heels!" He insisted. "And her hair is too high!"

Mako shook his head. "Sorry, Ichigo. Asami's taller. Which means that I'm the tallest!"

Ichigo cursed mentally. Then he tried to recover. "I'm probably the oldest though."

Mako smirked. "We'll see about that. Bolin's still seventeen. Korra's eighteen. And Asami and I are nineteen."

Ichigo cursed again. Mako leaned in. "What was that?"

"Nothing." Ichigo said icily.

Korra laughed. "He just doesn't want to tell you that he's eighteen too."

Mako burst out laughing. "So after all that, you still lose."

Ichigo punched him. Mako kicked him back. Soon they were rolling on the ground, throwing blows.

Asami sighed. But Korra booted Ichigo in the back. Then she joined the fight as well. Bolin hid behind Pabu.

Later that day, they arrived back at the mansion. Ichigo and Mako were filthy. Bolin ran through the door.

"Emergency! Emergency! Coming through. Beep! Beep!"

Bolin dashed off to the bathroom. Korra turned to Asami.

"Uh, is there another bathroom that I can use?" She asked.

Asami nodded. "We have a ladies powder room upstairs. First door on your right. You can freshen up in there."

Ichigo and Mako snickered and started making powder room jokes.

"Thanks." She walked off.

Mako guided Asami to a corner and Ichigo suddenly became very interested in his shoes. He found a loose pebble and began awkwardly booting it around the room. Glancing at what Mako and Asami were doing made him red. For some reason, he remembered that whenever anything remotely sexual happened, he got embarrassed. That damn Yoruichi.

Korra washed her hands and wiped them with a towel. Several assorted make up items were on the counter. She looked at them determinedly. There was a strange fluffy object with a handle that bewildered her mind.

She grasped the handle and looked at the fluffy thing. It was pinkish and had a lathering of powder on the top. Korra narrowed her eyes and practically slammed it into her face.

The powder went into the air and covered her in a weird cloud. She coughed and fanned it away. Korra opened the door and stepped out of the powder room. Then she heard Hiroshi's voice.

"No, no, I assure you. Everything is going as planned."

Korra frowned and followed the voice to a pair of large double-doors. She looked through the keyhole. Hiroshi was sitting at a desk, talking on the phone. Korra started listening intently.

Hiroshi continued. "Luckily, the Cabbage Corp investigation has bought us enough time. Trust me, by the end of the week; we'll be ready to strike." He put down the phone.

Korra's eyes widened and she dashed down the stairs. Bolin was being sprayed with something by the butler. Mako and Asami were still in their corner. Ichigo was tying and untying his shoelaces.

Korra grabbed him and forced him to his feet.

"Hey!"

She dragged him to the door.

Asami looked at them in confusion.

"You're leaving? But I thought-"

Korra tried to think of an excuse that wouldn't make her look stupid in front of Ichigo. Naturally, she failed.

"Uh, sorry, but I forgot, we're supposed to airsit, I mean babybend, I mean, we're supposed to babysit the Airbender kids!" She said in a rush.

"We are?" Ichigo asked incredulously.

Korra ignored him. "See you all later!"

She ran out the door, pulling Ichigo with her. He tried to speak but she put her hand over his mouth and he shut up. When they were outside the Sato grounds, she removed her hand.

Ichigo took a dramatic deep breath. "What are you doing, Korra? Since when do we have to babysit Tenzin's brats?"

She shook her head. "No, that was just an excuse."

He raised an eyebrow and she got the intended message. Korra sighed and continued walking. Ichigo fell into step beside her.

"So why did we leave?" He asked.

"We need to talk to Tenzin." She replied curtly. Her strides became longer and faster so Ichigo had to jog to keep up with her.

"Talk to him about what, Korra?"

"I'll explain when we see him."

She whistled and Naga came bounding up to them. Korra jumped on and Ichigo did the same. Soon they found Tenzin and Lin.

"So you think that Mr. Sato manufactured those gloves for the Equalists, then framed Cabbage Corp?" Tenzin asked.

Korra nodded. Lin put her hands on her lips.

"That's a bold accusation. But what proof do you have?"

Ichigo turned to Korra and nodded. "Yeah, Korra. What makes you think the old fart is an Equalist?"

She considered this. "Well, I don't exactly have proof. But I know what I heard. Sato's up to something."

Lin put her hand to her chin in thought.

"He does have the means. And he has a motive."

Ichigo frowned. "What? Some bender insulted his ugly cars? That's not much of a motive."

Tenzin shook his head. "No, his motive is much more serious than that."

"What is it?" Korra asked.

"Twelve years ago, the Agni Kai Triad robbed Sato's mansion. A Firebender killed Sato's wife during the break in."

All jokes ended as Ichigo looked at his feet. He understood what Sato had gone through.

"That's terrible." Korra said.

"It was tragic." Tenzin agreed. "It's possible that Sato has harboured anti-bending sentiment this whole time."

Lin narrowed her eyes. "Maybe we should look at Mr. Sato a little more closely."

Ichigo nodded. "We have to." He turned to Korra. "If you're going back to his house, then I'm coming with you."

She smiled faintly. "I was about to ask you to."


The next morning, the butler opened the doors of the Sato mansion and looked to see Lin and Tenzin, with Korra and Ichigo behind them. Mako and Asami stood on the stairs. Tenzin and Lin moved past them to question Hiroshi more.

Korra and Ichigo stayed behind. Mako looked at them with concern.

"What's going on? Why are they asking Hiroshi more questions?"

Korra looked reluctant to reply but Ichigo put his hand on her shoulder and nodded encouragingly.

She sighed. "I overheard him on the phone yesterday. Asami, I don't know how to tell you this; but I think your father might be involved with the Equalists."

"What?!" Asami was shocked. "I don't believe this!" She stalked off. Ichigo glared at her back. Rich people are so annoying. They think they're entitled to everything. Like Byakuya.

Mako was furious. "You spied on Hiroshi?! What's your problem?"

Ichigo grabbed his collar. "Maybe her problem is that crazy terrorists are running around this city and threatening innocent lives. And if Hiroshi Sato really is an Equalist, then he's going to pay for his crimes."

Mako scowled and slapped his hand away. "You two are traitors."

Ichigo wasn't done. "To what? The Equalists?"

Korra pulled him away.

"That's enough, Ichigo." She said firmly. "We don't know whether Hiroshi is an Equalist or not. We're just here to ask some questions. Nothing more."

Mako glowered at them then followed Asami.

Lin and Tenzin stood in front of Hiroshi. Lin began in her usual no-nonsense tone.

"Mr. Sato, we just have a few follow-up questions for you."

The double-doors of the office flew open and Asami came through them.

"My father is innocent," She said angrily. She strode purposefully up to them. "Just because we're not benders, doesn't mean we support those awful Equalists."

"Equalists? Is that what this is about?" Hiroshi asked with a hint of anger. "I can assure you, I have nothing to do with those radicals."

Mako, Korra and Ichigo stepped into the room.

"Yeah." Mako agreed. "You don't know what you're talking about, Korra."

She ignored him and pointed at Hiroshi.

"I overheard you on the phone. You said the Cabbage Corp investigation bought you time and that you were getting ready to strike. Explain that."

Hiroshi laughed and smiled. "This has all been a misunderstanding. Resulting from the young Avatar's overactive imagination. My number one competitor was knocked out of the game. It's providing me an opportunity to 'strike the market' with a new line of Sato-mobiles. It's just business. Nothing nefarious."

Ichigo went forward and slammed his fists on the desk. It caved in under his assault and broke into two pieces. Hiroshi cried out in shock and moved away. Asami stepped protectively in front of her father.

Ichigo's eyes flared dangerously. "People are being killed and all you care about is business?! You disgust me. It's sickening. You're nothing but a rich, selfish, fat son of a-"

Asami punched him in the face and he reeled back.

"How dare you speak to my father like that?!" She yelled. Ichigo was about to retaliate but Korra grabbed him and held him back.

"Ichigo, calm down!"

Tenzin looked apologetically at Hiroshi. "Forgive him, Mr. Sato. Ichigo is simply troubled."

Hiroshi jumped to his feet in rage. "That man could have killed me! Chief Beifong, I insist that you throw this man in prison at once!"

She shook her head. "No. This isn't about him. I suggest that you calm yourself, Mr. Sato."

Hiroshi regained control of himself. "Very well."

"In order to put all suspicions to rest, might we have a look into your factories and warehouses?" Tenzin asked.

Asami looked like she was about to say something but Hiroshi held up his hand.

"If you feel it's necessary, you're welcome to search all of Future Industries. But keep him under control." He glared at Ichigo. Ichigo scowled back but allowed Korra to lead him away.

Over the next few days, Lin and her police force searched every Future Industries building, warehouse and factory in the city. But they found nothing. Ichigo was being kept at Air Temple Island, under White Lotus guard. Tenzin was obviously displeased with his behaviour but agreed to call Ichigo if they found anything.


One night, Lin, Tenzin and Korra stood outside the last warehouse.

Korra wasn't happy. "I can't believe we didn't find anything."

Lin wasn't entirely satisfied either. "It appears that Sato is innocent."

Asami and Mako came up to them. They were still mad.

"Okay, you did your search. Now you can all leave." Asami said firmly.

Lin looked at her suspiciously. "Hmm."

Mako gestured to Korra and they moved away a few paces to talk.

"So, I hope you're convinced now." He said.

"No, I'm not." Korra said defiantly. "I don't care how cooperative Hiroshi is being. I know he's lying."

"Why are you doing this? Are you that jealous of me and Asami?"

Now Korra was madder than before. "What? Don't be ridiculous. That has nothing to do with it."

"If you don't drop this, consider our friendship over."

At first Korra looked sad then she shook her head. "I'm sorry. Hiroshi is not the man you think he is."

Mako scowled and went off with Asami. Both of them glared at Korra as they went. Korra sighed and walked sadly over to Naga as a man closed the warehouse doors.

The man looked at her and came up behind her. He slipped a note into her hand and disappeared into the crowd of workers.

Korra looked up with a start. But the only people there were workers. She frowned and looked at the note. Then she went to Lin and Tenzin.

"I think you guys should hear this. 'If you want to find the truth, meet me under the north end of the Silk Road Bridge at midnight'."

Tenzin nodded. "I'm going to get Ichigo. He should be there with us."

Korra shook her head. "No. I'll go get him."


Ichigo glared at his reflection in the mirror. He looked at his shirtless body. By now the wounds from Amon had healed fully. He held up his hand and the blue energy encircled it.

He looked at the mirror again and gasped. Behind him took himself. But it wasn't him. The other Ichigo was all white. He had white hair, white skin and even white clothing.

Ichigo looked behind him but nothing was there. Only the mirror showed the other him. The white figure grinned cockily.

"You wanna know what that blue energy is?" His voice was the same as the one in Ichigo's mind.

"Yeah. Tell me." Ichigo replied.

"It's called reiatsu. It's an internal energy that you use to fight and power your zanpakuto."

"My what?"

"Whoops. I might have said too much. Anyway, you've done good so far with your reiatsu. But you're gonna have to do a whole lot better if you want to beat Amon."

The image faded. Ichigo sighed. Then his room door opened and Korra stepped through. He didn't turn to face her.

"Why are you here, Korra?"

"I found a lead. And I think you should be there with me."

"Are you angry at me, Korra?"

She nodded slightly. "A little. You've basically ruined our friendship with Mako and Asami."

He scoffed. "Friendship is overrated."

Ichigo felt a pang in his heart. He didn't know why he had said that. It went against everything he believed in.

"You don't mean that, Ichigo. I know you don't."

He sighed again. "I don't know, Korra. Sometimes I feel that I'm doing things that I wouldn't have done in my old life." Ichigo turned to face her. "I feel that I'm losing the things that make me, me."

Korra looked at him with concern. She'd never seen this side to Ichigo before. He looked sad and lonely. Vulnerable. Korra didn't know what to do. She was usually the one being comforted and encouraged by him. Not the other way around. She thought about hugging him then mentally shook her head. Right now, Ichigo needed something to focus on, other than his own problems.

"Someone gave me a note. It said that if I meet him tonight, he'll tell me the truth."

He looked up at that. "How do you know it's not a trap?"

"I don't. I'll just have to see for myself. Will you come with me?"

Ichigo looked uncertain then he flashed her a smaller version of his trademark cocky grin.

"Always."


That night, the four of them walked on the silent bridge. An airship flew slowly overhead. Tenzin and Lin were wearing their normal outfits. Korra had decided to wear a Water Tribe coat. Ichigo opted for his usual black everything.

A man's voice caused their heads to turn. "Psst. Over here."

He stepped out into the light, dressed in a hat and trench coat. They walked over to him.

"Listen," he said, "I joined the Equalists because I believed in what Amon said. I thought he could make life better for us non-benders. But I didn't sign up for this- this war."

Lin went into her business mode. "What do you have on Hiroshi Sato?"

"He manufactured those gloves for the Equalists."

Ichigo felt a hint of regret. He had hoped that Hiroshi wasn't guilty. He had seemed like a nice man.

"I knew it." Korra said.

The man pulled up his collar. "And there are rumours he's working on something even bigger; some new kind of weapon."

Tenzin frowned. "We searched all of Future Industries and found nothing."

"That's because he has a secret factory."

"Where?" Ichigo asked.

"It's right underneath the Sato Mansion."

Korra, Lin and Tenzin all gasped. Ichigo was more concerned about whether Asami knew about this factory.

Soon after, they all boarded a police airship and headed to the estate. Ichigo and Korra were sitting against a wall while Tenzin and Lin stood looking out a window.

"Raiding the Sato Mansion is a risky move with Tarrlok breathing down your neck." Tenzin said. "If we're wrong…"

"I know. I can kiss my job goodbye." Lin replied. "But protecting Republic City is all I care about. We can't let Amon get his hands on this new weapon."

Ichigo noticed Korra fidgeting.

"You all right?" He asked.

She shook her head. "No. I'm worried about what we'll find. And how Asami will react."

Ichigo sighed. "Korra, I know you don't want to admit it; but Asami is a prime Equalist suspect as well. If she knows about this factory, she'll go straight to prison."

Korra nodded reluctantly. "I know. I just don't want to have to fight Mako to get in."

He took her hand. "Hey, it's going to be just fine. Remember, we're saving many lives by doing this. It may not seem like we're doing the right thing by suspecting our friends, but this needs to be done."

She looked at him sadly. "You're right, Ichigo. Let's do this."

They nodded to one another then looked up as the mansion came into view.

Mako, Bolin and Asami were all sitting together in the living room, listening to music and eating snacks. Suddenly, the doors to the room were kicked open and metalbender cops moved in.

Bolin screamed and dropped his snacks. Asami put down the book she had been reading and stood up in anger.

"What are you doing here?"

Lin and Tenzin came into the room followed by Korra and Ichigo.

"We have reason to believe there's a factory hidden beneath this mansion." Lin explained.

"I think I would have noticed if there were a factory underneath my house." Asami held a hurt expression. "The lies you people come up with just to persecute my father."

Mako jumped to his feet. He pointed at Ichigo. "You have no right to be here! Get out before I make you."

He was probably expecting Ichigo to take the bait and get mad but Ichigo remained calm.

"I have every right to help out a friend and possibly save many lives."

Mako scowled. "Hiroshi is not guilty."

He looked like he was about to attack but Asami pulled him back.

"Don't do it, Mako. Soon, these idiots will see that my father is more innocent than they are."

"Where is your father?" Tenzin asked.

"In his workshop; behind the house."

Officers circled the workshop. They broke down the door and moved in. There were shelves full of tools and desks with blueprints and assorted papers laid out on them. A typical workshop. Except, it was completely deserted.

"Dad?" Asami sounded worried. "Hello?"

One of the officers came up to them. "Chief, the estate's been secured. No one has left the workshop since we arrived."

Lin narrowed her eyes. "Perhaps we just couldn't see him leaving."

She moved to the centre of the room. The metal on the bottom of her foot contracted and she slammed her now bare foot onto the ground. Vibrations came from her foot and appeared in her mind's eye.

"There's a tunnel beneath the workshop running deep into the mountainside." she said.

"What?" Asami was still playing the stupid rich girl. "There's no tunnel."

Lin concentrated and bent the metal on the floor. It came up to reveal a staircase leading underground. Asami looked shocked.

Bolin whispered in her ear. "Do you think your dad knows about this tunnel?"

She sounded like a scared little girl. "I don't understand. There must be an explanation."

"Maybe you don't know everything about your father. I'm sorry." Korra said.

Ichigo didn't have the heart to say anything.

"Officers, into the tunnel." Lin ordered. "Be cautious."

The cops nodded and moved down the staircase. Asami, Mako and Bolin went to follow but Lin shook her head. "You three stay up here. Officer Song, keep an eye on them."

Song obeyed. Lin went into the tunnel followed by Tenzin, Korra and Ichigo. Ichigo tapped Korra's shoulder.

"Uh, is it really all right for me to come down?"

Tenzin overheard him and nodded. "You are part of this investigation, Ichigo. Watch our backs."

There was a transport waiting at the bottom of the staircase. They all boarded and it began moving down at a slant. After travelling for a minute or so, it stopped at the first level.

The officers quickly secured the location and they moved deeper into the factory. In the distance, they could see a large open area. They approached slowly and stepped out into the light.

Korra gasped. Giant posters of Amon hung from the ceiling. The room was very large. On either side, there were strange machines just sitting there. Ichigo studied them closely. They looked quite familiar. They were crude but they reminded him of something. They kinda look like mechas. Not that I remember what that actually is. God, I hate my amnesia sometimes. More like all the time.

"Not your average backyard workshop." Lin said as an understatement. Korra gestured to the machines.

"And I'm guessing those are the new weapons."

Tenzin looked around but there was no one in sight.

"Hiroshi was lying all right, but where is he?" He asked.

Suddenly a giant metal wall shot up from the floor behind them, sealing the exit. The lights went out.

Up above, Mako and the others heard the sound.

"What was that?" asked Bolin.

"We need to get down there and see what's going on." Mako said.

"Absolutely not." Officer Song was adamant. "You're staying put until the chief comes back."

Mako and Bolin exchanged a glace. Mako spread his hands.

"All right, we'll stay put. But can we wait outside or something? It's so dusty in this workshop."

"No! We're waiting right here."

"Okay. But don't blame me if I start snee…" Mako held his nose dramatically and started making fake sneezing noises.

"What's your problem, bub?"

Song stepped forward. Mako smiled and sneezed. But fire came from his mouth and Song recoiled and fell over. Bolin ran at him and slammed him into the ground, knocking him senseless.

They tied him up and gagged him.

"Sorry, pal." Mako said, "We know you were just doing your job."

Bolin couldn't help but taunt him. "Yeah, just stay put until the chief comes back. That's sounds very familiar, doesn't it? Why? Because you said it."

The three of them went to the staircase. Mako stopped and turned to Asami.

"Asami, you should stay here. We'll check it out."

"I have to find out the truth about my father." She insisted.

"I understand. That's why I'm going down- to find out for you. Please."

She looked away. "All right. Be careful."

Mako followed Bolin down the stairs and they stepped onto the transport.

Meanwhile, Lin ran at the metal wall and tried to bend it. Nothing happened. They heard Hiroshi's voice over a speaker.

"I'm afraid you won't be able to metalbend that wall, Chief Beifong. It's solid platinum."

The machines on either side of the room turned on and fierce green lights forced them to shield their eyes. Hiroshi was inside one of them. The machines surrounded them. Ichigo gritted his teeth and prepared to fight.

"My mecha-tanks are platinum as well." Hiroshi continued. "Not even your renowned mother could bend a metal so pure."

In typical fashion, Korra started yelling at him.

"Hiroshi, I knew that you were a no-good, lying Equalist. Come out here and-"

"And do what, young Avatar? Face the wrath of your bending? No. I think I'll fight from inside here where my odds are a little more… equal."

Ichigo realized something. "That source on the bridge was a set up. You lured us down here, you little-"

"Guilty as charged."

The tanks backed them up against a wall. Hiroshi grinned and thrust forward. A cable shot out from his tank's hand and nearly hit them. Korra and Ichigo jumped out of the way.

One of the tanks smashed the ground where a group of officers were standing. The cops rolled and fired their cables at the tank, trying to bring it down.

Lin dodged an attack and leapt up. Two blades came from her wrists and she slammed into a tank. She started stabbing at the head of the body. The pilot inside kept avoiding her attacks but he accidently backed the tank into a wall.

Hiroshi grimaced and advanced on Korra. She sent several blasts of fire at him but they did no good. Tenzin came to her defence and forced the tank back with a few shots of air.

Ichigo ignited his reiatsu on his hands and charged at one of the tanks. It sent several cables at him. He attempted to dodge and the same thing as before happened. He teleported closer to the tank and smashed right through it with reiatsu. Holy, that's cool. I actually need to master that power.

The officers were struggling to hold their ground. They were attempting to hold one of the tanks in place with their cables but their efforts were useless because they didn't have the brute strength to hold on. The tanks sent arcs of electricity travelling down the cables and electrocuted all the officers.

Lin gasped and tried to help but a cable grabbed her from behind and sent her flying into a wall. She was down.

Tenzin and Korra were working together, trying to drive Hiroshi back. He growled and fired a cable at her. Korra flipped back but got caught by another cable and was slammed into a metal pipe.

Now Tenzin and Ichigo were the only ones left. They both converged on Hiroshi. Tenzin took the brunt of the cables while Ichigo advanced. But Hiroshi had another trick.

He fired a small spinning disc. Ropes came out of it and wrapped around Tenzin and Ichigo. Then electricity coursed through them and they fell to the ground, smoking.

Hiroshi smiled and stepped out of his mecha-tank. He looked scornfully at all the unconscious bodies. Amon's Lieutenant joined him.

"Well," Hiroshi said, "I'd say that that was a nearly flawless test run. We only lost one tank. Load everyone into the transports and deliver them to Amon."

The Equalists started with the officers. They tied them up and threw them into vans.

Bolin and Mako peered out from behind a pipe.

"Oh no." Bolin said.

"Korra and Ichigo were right. We gotta do something. Quick!" Mako said.

The two brothers ran to their friend's bodies when the guards weren't looking. Mako lifted Korra and Ichigo onto his back. Bolin did the same with Tenzin and Lin.

"Not so fast, boys."

Hiroshi and the Lieutenant were blocking their way. Bolin raised Tenzin's limp hand.

"Hello, Mr. Sato. Wow, what a really swell, scary factory you have here under your giant mansion."

Mako glowered at Hiroshi. "Sponsoring our team, supporting the Avatar, it was all just a big cover."

"Yes and the most difficult part was watching my daughter traipse around with a firebending street rat like you!"

The two Equalists advanced. Hiroshi had two electric gloves on his hands and the Lieutenant had his normal electric sticks.

"Dad, stop!"

They all turned with surprise to see Asami standing there with tears in her eyes. "Why?" She asked.

Hiroshi looked down. "Sweetie, I wanted to keep you out of this for as long as I could. But now that you know the truth, please forgive me."

Korra and Ichigo started to regain consciousness.

"These people," Hiroshi continued, "These benders." He said the word with contempt. "They took away your mother- the love of my life. They've ruined the world! But with Amon we can fix it and build a perfect world together."

Asami looked shocked. "We can help people like us everywhere." Hiroshi insisted. He took off one of his gloves and held it out to Asami. "Join me, Asami."

Asami began walking towards him. She took the glove with trembling fingers and put it on.

"No." Mako said sadly. Ichigo looked on with dread.

Asami looked at her father. "I love you, Dad."

Then she pressed the glove to his chest and electrocuted him. The Lieutenant charged forward with his sticks. She kicked one out of his hand and used the glove on him too.

Mako, Korra and Ichigo looked with shock. The tanks heard the commotion and turned to attack them.

"Let's get out of here!" Ichigo cried. Bolin made a hole in the ground and they all jumped into it just in time.


On the airship flying back, Asami stared at her former home with sadness.

Lin was lying down. Her wounds were severe. Tenzin stood protectively over her.

"My metalbenders are on their way to Amon." She said. "And it's all my fault. Tarrlok's right. I've failed as Chief. First thing in the morning, I'm handing in my resignation."

"No! You can't give up like this." Tenzin cried.

Lin struggled to a seated position. "I'm not giving up. I'm going to find my officers and take Amon down. But I'm going to do it my way. Outside the law."

Mako came up to where Korra and Ichigo were standing.

"I'm sorry I didn't believe in you guys." He said quietly. "But Asami's dad being an Equalist is not an easy thing to believe, even now."

"I know." Korra said. "I'm sorry this whole thing happened."

Ichigo was glaring out the window. "The Equalists are going to pay for what they've done. I'll kill them all." He muttered darkly.

Korra and Mako looked at him with concern but they didn't say anything.

"So does your offer to live at the Air Temple still stand?" Mako asked.

"Of course it does." Korra said with a smile. "And Asami's welcome too."

Mako face was full of relief. "Thank you so much. Both of you."

Korra put her hand on his shoulder. Ichigo said nothing.

"After everything's she's been through," Korra said softly, "She's going to need you, Mako."

He nodded and went to comfort Asami. She burst into tears at the sight of him and hugged him tightly. Korra looked at the couple sadly. Ichigo took a dep breath. He turned to look at Korra.

"I'm gonna get stronger, Korra. I will protect you and everyone else."

"That's not your job," she replied tenderly. "That's not your job."

He looked at her with steely eyes. "It is now."


And that's the end! I hope you guys all enjoyed it, tell me your thoughts! Thanks for reading and I'll see you all next time!