Alright, here's chapter 8. We're slowly reaching the end of Book 1 and I'm really looking forward to it. Hope you guys enjoy the chapter! Also someone asked this so just to clarify, this Ichigo is the one from at the end of the Bleach anime so right after the Fullbring Arc and before the Thousand Year Blood War Arc.


Chapter 8: When Extremes Meet


"Ichi-nii! Ichi-nii! Where are you, Ichi-nii?"

Ichigo heard her voice. "Yuzu! I'm right here!"

She didn't seem to hear him. "Come back to us, Ichi-nii!"

Ichigo saw her in his mind's eye. Her brown hair was done in pigtails. He tried to reach out to her.

"I'm coming, Yuzu! Please, look at me!"

But she didn't. Her image began to fade away.

"Yuzu! YUZU!"

Ichigo was still shouting as he woke up. He looked around, forgetting where he was. A single tear fell from his right eye.

I'm starting to remember them. Yuzu, Karin, even Dad. And Mom. Mom…

Korra burst into his room. "Ichigo, what's wrong?" Her fists were flaming with fire. Ichigo waved her off.

"It's nothing, Korra. Just a dream."

She lowered her hands and sat on his bedside.

"You've been having a lot of these kinds of dreams lately. Do you want to talk about it?"

He shook his head. "No. I'll figure them out on my own, but thanks."

Korra put her hand over his. "Ichigo, I'm here for you. You know that, right?"

Ichigo tried to smile. "Don't worry about me, Korra. Anyway, today is when Mako and the others are moving here right?"

She jumped to her feet. "Oh, yeah! That's right! I'm gonna see if they're here."

Korra ran off. Ichigo smiled at her back. Then he rose slowly to a standing position. He stretched and held out his hand in front of him. He summoned his reiatsu and the familiar tingling feel appeared through his hands.

Ichigo frowned and tried to expand its field. He relaxed and the reiatsu spread across his body. Wind began to swirl inside his room. Ichigo took a deep breath and the energy left. The wind died and he smiled.

I think I'm getting the hang of it.

Ichigo threw on some clothes and went to join Korra at the dock. Soon enough, a boat came into view, carrying their friends. The ship pulled alongside and docked quickly.

Korra, Ichigo and the airbender kids stood waving.

"You're finally here!" Ikki said. "Welcome to Air Temple Island: your new home."

Meelo nodded. "Yes. Welcome to my domain."

Ichigo chuckled and rubbed Meelo's freshly shaved head. The two of them had become firm friends. Even though Meelo was annoying, Ichigo liked him because he reminded him of Nel.

Bolin smiled at Meelo. "Well aren't you sweet, little monk child."

Pabu chittered and ran through Meelo's legs to rub noses with Naga.

"What's that fuzzy creature?" Meelo asked.

"That is a fire ferret." Jinora went into nerd mode, "An arboreal animal common to the bamboo forests of the central Earth Kingdom."

Ikki squealed. "He's cuuuuute!"

Pabu hissed and she began chasing him.

Mako smiled good-naturedly and turned to Korra and Ichigo. "Thanks for sending the Air Acolytes to help us with the move."

"Yes, they've been amazing." Asami agreed. "Such tireless workers."

Two Acolytes came off the boat carrying a massive pile of trunks and suitcases. Ichigo sweatdropped.

"I'm guessing those are all yours, Prissy?" He asked.

She nodded with a smile.

Korra looked dubiously at all the clothes. "Oh, I thought that you were only bringing a few things."

Mako laughed. "Trust me, it could have been worse."

"No problem. Everyone here wants you guys to feel welcome." Korra elbowed Ichigo for effect. "Right, Ichigo?"

"Uh, yeah, course!" He stuttered.

Korra led them all towards the house. Ichigo was giving Meelo a ride on his shoulders. He walked next to Asami. She looked at Meelo. The little Airbender was grinning creepily at her.

"You're pretty. Can I have some off your hair?"

Mako smirked. "Looks like I have some competition."

Ichigo laughed. "Better watch out, Mako. Meelo's a smooth talker when he wants to be. Right, kid?"

Meelo grinned again and winked.

When they got into the front courtyard, Ikki jumped in front of them.

"And now for the grand tour!"

She pointed to the left. "The flying bison sleep in those caves down there."

She pointed at one of the buildings. "And that's the Temple Grandpa Aang built."

She pointed to the right. "And that's the house where we grow the vegetables that we eat."

Ikki grinned wide at them. Bolin walked up to her.

"I have a couple questions. Is this an all-vegetarian island? Is that where you train airbending? Do we have to wear Air Acolyte clothes? Do we get our own flying bison? And final question: how many trees are on this island?"

Ikki considered his questions for a second. "Yes. Yes. No. No. 10,552."

Everyone sweatdropped. Mako tried to steer the conversation to more normal things.

"So where are we going to be staying?"

Meelo was the one to answer. "You're a boy. Boys have to stay on the boy's side."

Jinora entered the conversation. "I'd be happy to show you to the men's dormitory."

"I'm a boy." Bolin said as they followed her.

"You sure?" Ichigo teased. Meelo jumped off Ichigo's shoulders and went to stand beside Asami. Korra noticed him.

"Meelo, why don't you go with the boys too?" She suggested.

He nodded and saluted Asami. "We shall meet again soon, beautiful woman."

Ichigo turned and smirked at Asami's flustered expression.

"Told ya, Prissy."

She rolled her eyes. Korra kicked Ichigo in the butt and he followed the other boys.

"Ikki and I will take you to your rooms this way." Korra said to Asami.

They entered a house. As they moved down the hallway, Ikki addressed Asami.

"Hey Asami, did you know that Korra likes Mako?"

Korra mentally screamed and in her mind, lightning flashed and volcanoes erupted.

Asami struggled to answer. "Oh, uh… no. I wasn't completely aware of that."

Korra quickly grabbed her arm and led her to her room. She opened the shoji doors and tried to smile as she showed Asami in. Ikki followed them but Korra slammed the door in her face.

"Hey!"

"Run along, Ikki!" Came the reply.

Ikki sighed deeply and a little remorsefully. Then her face darted up and she growled with indignant complaint at the closed door.

Korra sighed. "So, here's your room."

Asami looked around. There was a bed, of course with a lantern beside it. A closet was against the wall and there were portraits opposite it. A window looked out over the bay.

"I know this is a little rustic compared to what you're used to," Korra said.

Asami smiled. "I think it's really charming. And the best part about it: nothing here reminds me of my father. Thank you for your hospitality."

She was interrupted by some banging on the door.

"Ikki I swear, if you don't leave us alone, I'm gonna…"

Korra trailed off as Tenzin opened the door.

"Uh, Tenzin!" She fumbled. "Come right in."

"Good day, ladies. Asami, welcome to the Island."

Asami bowed slightly. "Thank you for having me."

Tenzin looked at Korra. "Lin's replacement Saikhan is going to be announced as Chief of Police later. I think we should all be there."

Korra nodded. "All right, I'll go get Ichigo."


Jinora led them into another house. Meelo grinned up at Mako and Bolin.

"Did you know that Ichigo drools in his sleep?"

"What? I don't drool! And how would you know, anyway?" Ichigo asked.

Meelo shrugged. "I have my ways…"

Bolin looked at him. "Ichigo, this kid is acting way too creepy for his age."

Mako shook his head. "Nah, he's only joking."

Ichigo sighed. "Whatever. I don't drool. Korra does but I don't."

Bolin saw an opening. "And how might you know that, may I ask?"

"Uh… I'm not going to answer that." Ichigo tried to recover.

Mako raised an eyebrow. They arrived at their room and Jinora opened the door.

"Okay, so there are two rooms. Which one do you want to live in?"

Bolin looked inside. "I'll take this one I guess." He walked in.

Mako went into the other one. As they got settled, Jinora crossed her arms and looked suspiciously up at Ichigo. He looked down at her and noticed her expression.

"What are you looking at?" He said.

She stroked her chin, signifying the depths of her thoughts. "Hmm…" She pondered aloud.

"What? What are you thinking?" Ichigo asked.

"If you know that Korra snores, that can only mean you two were sleeping in the same room. And considering your age and personality tendencies, I must come to a conclusion."

Ichigo eyed her warily. "Where are you going with this…? Remember you're ten, alright? Just remember that for a second."

Unbeknownst to them, Korra, looking for Ichigo, had entered the house and was about to turn the corner. She was well within earshot.

"If my suspicions are correct," Jinora continued, "then it would be safe to say that you know that Korra drools in her sleep… because you slept with her."

"What?! No, no, nope! I did not sleep with Korra! Definitely not!"

Korra came around the corner with a disgusted look on her face. "What the hell are you guys talking about?"

Ichigo pulled back quickly, his face bet red with embarrassment. "Korra! Oh God…."

Mako and Bolin had poked their heads out of their rooms with just pure confusion written all over their faces. Jinora snickered. Ichigo turned on her but Korra started laughing.

"Jinora, I love you! I've never seen Ichigo that embarrassed!" She punched Ichigo on the arm. "Come on, big guy, we're going out."

"What? Going where?"

"The police station."

"Again? What for?"

"Beifong's getting a replacement. His name's Saikhan. Tenzin wants us to be there."

"Ugh, fine."

Korra high-fived Jinora as she made her way out. Ichigo trudged after her, his face skewed with annoyance as he heard Mako and Bolin laughing in the background.


At the police station, there was a lot of bustle. Reporters and spectators crammed around the front of the building. Saikhan was making his speech.

"It was an honour," He began, "Serving under Chief Beifong for so many years and I wish her a speedy recovery. It is with great humility that I take her place as the new Chief of Police."

Ichigo studied Saikhan. He was a heavyset man with receding brown hair. His face was tanned and hard. He seemed like a reasonable man and hopefully would turn out to be a decent leader. Ichigo, Korra and Tenzin were standing behind Saikhan on stage. Tarrlok and the other council members were also present.

"Republic City is facing a threat like none the world has ever seen. But there is one man who has been effective against Amon's revolution: Councilman Tarrlok."

Tarrlok smiled and nodded slightly. Ichigo narrowed his eyes.

What is that two-faced son of a Hollow planning?

Saikhan continued. "That is why for all matters regarding the Equalists, I will report directly to him."

Korra and Tenzin's eyes widened. Ichigo cursed under his breath. Damn, he's just another puppet.

"The police force will lend any and all available resources to the Councilman and his task force until we quell this insurgency."

Korra crossed her arms. "What is that weasel-snake Tarrlok up to now?" She whispered.

After the ceremony, all the people dissipated. Tarrlok was standing off to the side, shaking the hands of the other council members. Tenzin went up to him.

"Tarrlok, I don't know what you did to get Chief Saikhan into your pocket but I highly doubt it was legal."

Tarrlok chuckled with amusement. "Oh, Tenzin. Always the conspiracy theorist. Did you ever consider that Saikhan simply recognizes my talents and wants what is best for this city?"

Tenzin scoffed. Korra and Ichigo joined them. Tarrlok smiled in greeting.

"Well, Avatar Korra, long time no see."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "Still ignoring me, Tarrlok?"

The councilman didn't reply. He continued talking to Korra.

"Now that your little pro-bending distractions are over, I look forward to your return to my task force."

Korra scoffed too. "Hah! Forget it. There's no way I'm re-joining your little vanity project, Tarrlok."

"That is unfortunate to hear. But I'm sure you'll come to your senses, as you have in the past."

"Don't hold your breath, bub. You know, Tenzin's been right about you this whole time. You played me, you played Beifong, and now you're playing the new Chief too." Korra strode up to him and pointed at Tarrlok's face. "Well I've got news for you. You need me, but I don't need you. I'm the Avatar." She said confidently.

Tarrlok smiled slightly. "You're not, in fact, the Avatar. You are merely a half-baked Avatar in training. Which reminds me, how is your airbending going?"

Korra looked depressed. Tarrlok's smiled widened. "Made any significant progress with that?" She looked down. "I… didn't think so."

He turned away. "If you will not be part of my task force, then you had best stay out of my way."

Ichigo put his hand on Korra's shoulder. "Don't listen to him, Korra. You'll get it eventually."


Later on, the three of them were riding on Tenzin's bison Oogie. Korra was sitting with her head on her knees.

"I don't understand what's wrong with me." She said. "I've memorized nearly all the practice forms but I still can't produce a single measly puff of air! I'm a failure."

"No, you're not, Korra." Ichigo and Tenzin reassured her.

"You just need to work through this airbending block." Tenzin said.

"Amazing advice. I'll get right on that." Korra said sarcastically.

"I wasn't finished yet. You see, Aang not only had his bending teachers, but also his past lives to call upon for guidance. Have you ever made contact with your past lives?"

"No! Of course I haven't. Didn't you get the memo from the White Lotus? I'm a spiritual failure too."

Ichigo looked at her with concern. He knew all this but he didn't know how to help her.

"You may have made a connection without realizing it." Tenzin said. "Perhaps something you mistook as a dream?"

Korra looked thoughtful. "Maybe. I've had a few weird hallucinations. But I hardly really remember them."

Tenzin started at that. "Did you see any of the previous Avatars in these visions?"

Korra nodded. "I saw Aang. It seemed like he was in trouble. What do you think it means?"

"Hmm. I don't know. But I urge you to meditate on these visions. I believe Aang's spirit must be trying to tell you something."

He looked back at Ichigo. "Speaking of which, have you regained any of your memories, Ichigo?"

"Uh, yeah I have, actually. I keep seeing bits and pieces. Some of it goes away but other things stay. I remember my family. My father, Isshin. My sisters, Yuzu and Karin."

"What about your mother?" Korra asked.

Ichigo's face took on a pained look. "I can't remember her for some reason. I know that I had a mother, but that's it. I can't remember her face, or her name."

Tenzin pondered this. "Perhaps your original memories of her were unpleasant. So, your injured mind is taking advantage of this and sealing away your memories of her."

"Maybe. But what could be so unpleasant that I'd want to forget her?"

Tenzin didn't answer him. Korra tried to take the conversation away from his mother.

"Ichigo, I saw you fighting. You had some blue energy on your hands? Have you unlocked your powers?"

"Yes. Tell us about your abilities." Tenzin agreed.

Ichigo looked at his hand. "Yeah I guess I have. The blue energy is called reiatsu. It seems to be a kind of internal energy coming from within me."

"Like chi!" Tenzin said.

Ichigo nodded. "Yeah, like chi."

"So are those the full extent of your powers?" Korra asked.

He pondered this. "I'm not sure. I can't put my finger on it but I think there might be more."

They were now nearing the Island. Tenzin addressed Ichigo.

"Well you can always let us know, when you regain more of your memories. We're your friends."

Ichigo smiled and nodded. "I will."

The voice in his head appeared. "Why didn't you tell them about me, King?"

Because I don't want to look like I'm crazy!

"Are you insulting me, King?"

Yes.


That night, Korra was sitting alone on a small outcropping facing Avatar Aang Memorial Island. Tears were running down her face.

She heard Mako's voice. "Korra? You out here?"

Korra quickly brushed away her tears as she heard rustling in the bushes. Pabu came from them and climbed up her body and started licking away her remaining tears.

"Korrraaaaaaaaa!" That was Bolin.

"Oh, where is she?" Ichigo was there too.

Asami voice sounded next. "Do you think she's hiding?"

"Of course not, Prissy. Korra would never hide from us."

Her four friends walked out of the bushes and saw her.

"There you are." Bolin said.

Ichigo noticed her posture. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." She replied.

Mako could tell that she wasn't fine. "Come on. What's wrong? You can tell us."

Korra sighed. "How am I supposed to save the city when I can't even learn airbending? I'm the worst Avatar ever! I just feel… alone."

"No, that's nonsense. You're amazing." Asami insisted.

Mako nodded. "Yeah and remember, Aang hadn't mastered all the elements when he faced the Fire Lord. He was just a little kid."

"And he wasn't alone. He had his friends to help him." Bolin said. "Look, the arena might be shut down, but we're still a team. The new Team Avatar!"

"We've got your back, Korra." Ichigo said. "And we can save the city, together."

They put their hands on top of each other's in the air. Korra smiled and rose to her feet. She placed her hand on top. Now there were five. Bolin grinned.

"We may not be as diverse as the first Team Avatar, but we've still got what it takes. We've got Fire, Earth, Water… glove and lasers!"

Ichigo rolled his eyes. "They're not lasers. It's called rei- Oh, whatever."

They laughed. Korra looked at each of her friends. All of them meant so much to her. She smiled. "Yeah! Let's do it!"

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Meelo landed on their combined hands, farted and raised his fist to the air.

"Yeah, let's do it! What are we doing?"

They all laughed. Ichigo ruffled his bald head.

"Good job at ruining the moment, kiddo."


Later on, the five of them were standing at the entrance to the Air Temple, looking across the bay at the distant lights of the city. Bolin's voice went an octave lower.

"Get ready, Republic City. You are about to be patrolled by Team Avatar."

Ichigo and Mako were standing with Bolin, all epic like. Korra led Naga up to him. Asami was there too, wearing the glove she had stolen from her father.

Mako smiled at her. "Asami, you always know how to accessorize your outfits."

Asami looked at the glove. "I figured one way to fight the Equalists is to use an Equalist weapon." Electricity flickered on the glove.

Bolin flexed his muscles while Mako ignited flames on his hands. A blue light appeared in Ichigo's eyes and he flared his reiatsu. Korra grinned at her friends.

"All right, let's ride."

"Naga, away!"

All five of them jumped on the polar bear-dog. Naga shuddered and Ichigo looked queasy.

"I've got a bad feeling about this."

Naga caved in and they all fell on top of one another.

Korra rubbed her head. "Okay, scratch that. Any other ideas?"

Asami smiled. "Hmm. I think I have the answer."

She led them to one of Future Industries smaller warehouses. They waited outside while she went in and opened the large doors. Bright lights beamed on and Asami came out, driving a sleek, black hot rod.

"You think this'll do?" She asked.

Ichigo grinned. "Sick."

Mako sat beside Asami in the front while Korra, Ichigo and Bolin piled into the back.

"I like the new Team Avatar style." Mako said.

Asami revved the engine and they took off down the streets of Republic City. Ichigo was squished between Bolin and Korra. He squirmed to find a more comfortable position.

"Bolin, you're fat."

Mako looked back at them. "That's what I always say."

Bolin muttered something about being a growing boy. They had a police dispatch scanner in the car. It hissed and they listened in.

"Unit 216, cancel that 10-58 at Harmony Tower. Come back to the station, over. "

"My dad had police scanners installed in all of his cars. I guess now I know why." Asami said sadly.

The scanner hissed again. "Calling all units, level four alert. Jailbreak at Headquarters. Officers down, electrocuted. Chi-blockers and Equalist convicts are still at large, armed and dangerous. Last seen, heading east."

Asami quickly turned a corner. Ahead of them, they could see the Equalists.

"Chi-blockers! That's them!" Bolin cried.

There were several chi-blockers on motorcycles, surrounding a van full of escaped prisoners. Asami floored the gas and the hot rod raced after them. The van cut through several oncoming cars and Asami was forced to weave through them. A large truck appeared at the next intersection, blocking their way.

Asami didn't let up. "Korra! Bolin! Give me a ramp! Now!"

The two earthbenders nodded and made a ramp for the car. The hot rod flew off it and over the truck. They were now on the van's heels. Mako sent a bolt of lightning from his fingertips at the nearest biker.

Bolin took care of the next one. Ichigo saw the next biker. He stood to his feet and leaped off the car, teleported in the air and landed on the motorcycle. He threw off the rider and took control of the vehicle.

Two other bikes released smoke from the back from their exhausts. It obscured Team Avatar's vision and caused them to cough. Asami pulled on goggles and saw the Equalists turn a sharp corner.

"Help me out! We have to make this turn."

Korra made the ground sort of curl up on the far corner and Asami pulled into it. They managed to make the corner. Ichigo didn't see it in time so he flew off the corner ramp and onto the rooftops. He steadied the bike and continued following them.

Asami came up close behind the Equalists.

"They don't know we made the turn. Okay, get ready…"

She charged forward and knocked into the two bikes in front of them. The riders flipped into the air and landed on the car. Mako attacked one of them but the chi-blocker wrapped ropes around both of his wrists.

The second dodged a punch from Bolin and paralyzed his arm. Asami reached over and electrocuted him. The chi-blocker fell off the car and onto the road, unconscious.

Mako was pulled forward by the ropes but Korra pulled him back. Together, they unbalanced the Equalist and he fell right into the path of Asami's glove.

Meanwhile Ichigo was gaining on the van. He rode off the rooftops and jumped off his bike. He landed on top of the van and smashed through its roof with reiatsu. Then Asami came alongside them and Mako fired lightning into the engines. The van shook and crashed onto its side.

Team Avatar lined up all the captured, unconscious Equalists and stood proudly as the reporters took pictures. They heard police sirens and two police vans pulled up behind them. Tarrlok stepped out of one and stalked over to them.

"Avatar Korra, what do you think you're doing?" He demanded.

Korra smiled. "Oh, hey, Tarrlok. Nice of you to show up finally. Here, we captured the escaped convicts for you."

He scowled. "What you did was tear up the city and impede the real authorities in their pursuit of these criminals."

"Hmm, that's funny. I didn't see your little task force, or the cops this whole time. If it wasn't for Team Avatar, they would've gotten away."

Tarrlok's scowl deepened. "This is your last warning! Stay out of my way!"

He stormed off. Ichigo grinned and gave Korra a high-five.


After patrol, they all had dinner at Bolin's favourite noodle restaurant. He and Korra slurped their noodles vigorously. Mako and Asami shared a bowl. Ichigo simply ate quietly.

Mako wiped his mouth. "I think we did really good today."

Bolin pumped his fist. "Mmm hmm!" He said with his mouth full. "We totally rocked those Equalists!"

"And we got to show up Tarrlok while doing it." Korra finished.

"That's always a plus." Ichigo said.

Asami smiled. "I think that us five are gonna be the stuff of legend when we're older."

Bolin nodded. "Yeah, definitely. We might even exceed the old Team Avatar!"

Mako considered this. "I don't know. Aang and his friends certainly accomplished some impressive stuff. Right now, they're the legends."

"Yeah they all became important figures in Republic City, right?" Ichigo asked.

Korra ate more noodles. "Yeah. Aang of course was the Avatar so he was pretty much the city's protector. Toph became Chief of Police. Sokka was a founding member of the Council. Zuko of course helped create the city but he stayed as Fire Lord. And I have no idea what Katara did."

"Are any of them still alive other than Katara?" Asami asked.

"Well Aang and Sokka passed away. I'm not sure about Toph but I'm pretty sure that Zuko's still alive."

Mako's gaze took on a weird look. "I'd love to meet Zuko."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "What, are you a Zuko fanboy?"

He blushed. "Uh, no."

Bolin nodded. "Yeah, he is."

Mako punched him on the arm. "Shut up!"

Korra laughed. "All right, guys, we should probably head back to the Air Temple."

Bolin raised his drink. "Here's to friendship and awesomeness."

They all clinked their glasses together.


The next day, the Council was having a meeting. As usual, Tarrlok was attempting to sway the other members with (in his eyes) a riveting speech.

"Republic City stands as a beacon of freedom. But the Equalists are using that freedom to tear it down. The law I have proposed would make it illegal for anyone to be a member of the Equalists, or to even be associated with them. It also puts into effect a curfew, ensuring all non-benders are in their homes by nightfall."

"This is going too far, Tarrlok." Tenzin said. "You can't punish all non-benders for the actions of a few."

"That kind of cowardice," Tarrlok argued, "will cause our city to fall into Amon's hands. We must pass this law. All in favour?"

As usual, the other members other than Tenzin all raised their hands.


That night, Team Avatar were all standing around the car, waiting for something to do. Asami had bought a bag of dumplings so they were eating as they waited. Ichigo rolled his neck, causing it to crack. He looked up into the night sky and another memory assaulted his mind.

Ichigo cried out as the blade pierced his right shoulder. The man in front of him was dressed in black robes. He had dark red hair tied in a ponytail. He also wore goggles on his forehead. Tattoos ran down his neck and were even on his head.

"You're pathetic." He was saying. "A Soul Reaper who doesn't even know his sword's name is trash. It's the end of the line, Kurosaki Ichigo."

Ichigo gasped as he rose from the memory. Korra noticed.

"Something wrong, Ichigo?"

"What? N-no. Nothing. I'm fine." He lied.

Soul Reaper? My sword has a name? Since when do I even have a sword?

The sound of the police scanner interrupted his thoughts.

"All available units, please respond to the 56th block of Dragon Flats Borough. Equalists have taken to the streets. Consider them armed and dangerous. Proceed with caution."

All five teens quickly jumped into the car.

"I call front!" Bolin said.

Ichigo budged Korra. "No way I'm sitting in the middle again."

Mako smiled and gestured to Korra. "After you." He helped her into the car.

She smiled back. "What a gentleman. Thanks."

This action wasn't lost on Asami who glared into the mirror. Korra looked teasingly at Ichigo.

"Now why can't you be more like Mako?"

He put his hands behind his head and yawned. "Who'd want to be?"

Bolin laughed. "Not me. That's for sure."

Mako rolled his eyes and got into the car. Asami drove off. They came to a small hill overlooking Dragon Flats Borough. There wasn't a light on in sight.

"Why is the power out?" Korra asked.

Ichigo narrowed his eyes. "I don't like this." He muttered.

The car pulled into the designated spot on the 56th block. Several police vans and trucks surrounded the square. Team Avatar got out of the car and looked with apprehension.

In the middle of the square stood over a hundred people. They were fenced in by metal bars and a police line ran all around the protesting crowd. The people were yelling and hollering in anger at the police. But none of them had weapons. The five teens walked towards the crowd.

"Wait a second," Asami observed, "These people aren't armed or dangerous."

"Sure doesn't look that way." Korra agreed.

One police officer stood on top of a police truck with a loudspeaker in his hand. He addressed the crowd.

"All non-benders, return to your homes immediately."

"Yeah, as soon as you turn our power back on." Someone in the crowd said. The rest all cheered.

The officer continued. "Disperse or you will all be arrested."

A woman with a child yelled back at him. "You benders can't treat us this way."

"Damn right!" Ichigo shouted as he slammed into the officer on the truck and brought him to the ground. The crowd gasped then started cheering. Other officers quickly swooped in and tried to grab him but Korra stood in their way. A little girl pointed towards Korra.

"Mommy, look. It's the Avatar."

The people all crowded towards Korra.

"Please, help us. You're our Avatar too."

Korra looked at all the people and felt something in her heart: compassion. She stepped forward and pushed aside two officers.

"Everyone please stay calm." She said. "I'm gonna put a stop to this."

Ichigo got off the officer and followed Korra. Mako, Bolin and Asami did the same. Korra looked around and saw Tarrlok talking to Saikhan a few meters away from them. She stormed over to him.

"Tarrlok. You need to turn the power back on and leave these people alone."

He scowled at her. "Avatar Korra, you and your playmates have no business here."

Korra glared right back. "We're not going anywhere. You don't have the right to treat these innocent people like criminals."

"This is an Equalist rally. There is nothing innocent about it!"

Asami stepped forward too. "They're not Equalists. They're just normal people who want their rights back."

"They are the enemy!" Tarrlok shouted. "Round up all these Equalists!"

The officers moved forward and used the metal bars to push the people into tight groups. Then they bent the earth underneath their feet and lifted the groups into the air. Then they opened the doors to their trucks and started loading the groups inside.

Korra ran forward. "Stop!" She forced the groups down back to the ground and allowed them to escape. Ichigo ripped apart the bars so that the people didn't have to climb over them.

A young lady thanked him and kissed him on the cheek. He blushed then returned to his normal scowl. Tarrlok growled and looked around. Then he saw Asami. He smiled and used waterbending to grab her arm.

"Hey let me go!" She cried.

"You're under arrest!" He said.

"What?" Mako said incredulously. "You can't do that."

"Actually, I can. She's a non-bender out past curfew and her father is a known Equalist conspirator."

"Let her go!" Mako growled.

Tarrlok smiled as if he was expecting this. "Arrest him and his brother! And arrest him too for assaulting an officer!" He pointed to Ichigo.

The officers shot cables that wrapped around Mako and Bolin. Ichigo saw them attempting to capture him too. He yelled and flared his reiatsu. The ground shook. The officers around him stumbled and fell.

"You're not taking me alive," Ichigo threatened.

Tarrlok grimaced. Korra wasn't sure whether she should stop Ichigo or not. Ichigo stepped towards Tarrlok, his hands flowing with reiatsu. Then one of the task force members smashed a rock onto the back of his head. Ichigo cried out and fell to the ground, unconscious. Taskforce members instantly grabbed hold of him.

"Tarrlok!" Korra roared. She lifted two giant pieces of earth and held them above her head. ready to smash him if needed.

Tarrlok locked eyes with her. "Unless you want to join your friends in prison, I suggest you put those down and go back to the Air Temple."

"Korra, listen to him!" Mako said. "It's not worth it."

She put down the rocks. The officers piled Bolin and Mako into the truck. They forced Asami into it too. Then others dragged Ichigo's limp body and threw him into the truck.

Mako managed to catch him before he hit his head on the floor.

"We'll be alright!" Bolin said.

"Don't worry, I'll get Tenzin." Korra called. "He can get you out."

The doors on the trucks closed. Tarrlok crossed his arms in triumph.

"So sad to see your little 'Team Avatar' broken up. You had a good run."

"This isn't over, Tarrlok." Korra snarled.

He smiled sadistically. "Oh, I believe it is. Take them away."

The trucks drove off. Inside, Mako tried to wake up Ichigo. But he was also thinking about what he'd seen Ichigo do.

What was that blue energy? And why was the ground shaking? Who is this guy?

After all they'd been through together, Mako felt that he could trust Ichigo. But he also was very wary of him. Mako sensed that Ichigo meant no harm to Korra or anybody else. But he had a feeling that if necessary, Ichigo would not hesitate to take a life.


Tenzin walked up the steps of the police station. On the outside, he appeared calm. But on the inside, he was seething with rage against Tarrlok. He went inside and saw Korra attempting to talk to an officer. The policeman was paying her no heed and soon walked away.

"Hey! Ugh!" Korra yelled.

Tenzin came up behind her. "I came as fast as I could. Are Ichigo and your friends alright?"

Korra grimaced. "I don't know. These knuckleheads won't tell me anything."

"I'll take care of this."

Tenzin looked to see Saikhan walking past. Saikhan saw them as well and quickened his pace.

"Saikhan? A word please." Tenzin said.

"Councilman Tenzin," he replied icily, "I'm pretty swamped at the moment. Can this wait?"

"No, it cannot. Four of Avatar Korra's friends were wrongly arrested tonight. I'd like you to release them immediately."

"They're not going anywhere. They were interfering with police business."

"Your so-called police business was rounding up innocent people and claiming they were Equalists. They should be released too!" Korra said.

"All Equalist suspects are being detained indefinitely. They'll be released if and when the task force deems they are no longer a threat."

"Those people are entitled to due process under the law." Tenzin persisted.

"You'll have to take that up with Councilman Tarrlok."

"Oh I plan too… at the council meeting first thing in the morning."

Korra leaned forward and pointed in Saikhan's face.

"You're officially the worst Chief of Police ever!"

Tenzin pulled Korra back. "Calm down, Korra. I'll get this sorted out. We just need to be patient."

They turned and began to walk away. Then Tenzin flipped around suddenly. "But you really are the worst! Ever!"


Ichigo woke up, his head was groggy and his vision was blurred. He could tell that they were in a truck because of the sound and the movement. He felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey, you alright?" That was Mako's voice, Ichigo thought. Or was it Renji's? Wait. Who's Ren-? Ugh! I have all these names jumbled up in my head but they keep slipping my mind!

"Ichigo! Are you alright?" Bolin. Kinda sounds like Keigo. Who the hell is Keigo? I got no fricking clue. Yup, forgot his name already.

He felt a light slap on his face. "Ichigo! Wake up!"

Ichigo's eyes opened fully and his vision cleared. The person in front of him was Asami. He blinked twice. She was really close. He had never noticed how green her eyes were. She was saying something.

"Ichigo, you need to wake up!"

"What?" Ichigo muttered incoherently. "I'm fine."

He shook his head to clear it and glimpsed their surroundings. They were still on the inside of the truck. Mako and Bolin were sitting on either side of him, hands bound. Looked like Asami was the only one of them without her hands tied. The truck stank of metal.

Ichigo struggled against his restraints. "We gotta get out of here," he said.

"Ichigo, don't struggle!" Asami said hurriedly. "Or else they'll-"

Whack! The last thing Ichigo saw before going unconscious again was a taskforce member throwing Asami against the wall of the truck and Mako and Bolin yelling their protestations. Then everything went black.


Late that night, Korra lay on her bed, still awake. She glared at the wall.

Why am I so useless?! I have to do something.

Korra hit her fist against her bed and got to her feet. She opened her window and looked out at Republic City. Then she went to Naga.

"Wake up, Naga. Let's go."

Korra rode quickly to City Hall. She dismounted. "Wait for me here, girl."

Naga leaned into her and moaned softly. "Don't worry I'll be all right," Korra reassured her.

Inside, Tarrlok and his secretary were still there, filling out some forms. Korra threw open a window and the incoming wind scattered all the papers. "You and I need to talk." She said.

Tarrlok seemed calm. "Are any of the other Council members here?" He asked his secretary.

"I believe they've all gone home for the night." She answered.

"Then you should do the same."

"Are you sure, sir?"

"Leave us."

The secretary bowed and left. When she had gone, Tarrlok directed his attention to Korra. "You obviously have something on your mind," he said. "Spit it out."

"Don't you see? You're doing exactly what Amon says is wrong with benders. You're using your power to oppress and intimidate people."

"And you don't?" He asked coldly.

Korra was a little taken aback. "Of- of course not!"

"Isn't that what you came here to do? Intimidate me into releasing your friends?"

Korra gritted her teeth. Tarrlok continued. "See, that's what I admire about you, Korra: your willingness to go to extremes in order to get what you want. It is a quality we both share."

"You and I are nothing alike!" Korra shouted.

"Look, I'll make you a deal. You fall in line and do what I say and I'll release your friends."

"That's why you arrested them? To get to me?"

"I need your answer." Tarrlok said darkly.

Korra closed her eyes for a second then opened them again. "No. You might be able to manipulate Chief Saikhan into following you, but it won't work on me."

Tarrlok rose to his feet and turned his back to her. "You will regret that decision."

"You need to be stopped! You're just as bad as Amon!"

Tarrlok's eyes widened with anger. "I have tried to work with you, Korra, but you've made it impossible."

In the room where they stood, there was a continuous wall of falling water located behind Tarrlok's desk. He now took water from it and lashed out at Korra.

She dodged just in time and earthbent the ground, knocking Tarrlok off his feet. Then she followed it up with a large blast of fire. Tarrlok made a shield of water to protect himself and he outlasted the fire.

He smiled and started sending bullets of ice at Korra. She handspringed back and flipped in the air, doing her best to avoid getting hit. She hit the wall behind her and started punching the ice bullets out of the air.

But it was no use. The bullets were coming way too fast and soon she was bleeding from many wounds along her arms and legs. Korra raised a wall of earth to protect herself.

Then she grunted and forced the wall behind Tarrlok to knock him through another wall and out of the room. He was now right above the main council room. Tarrlok fell over a railing and caught himself just in time.

Korra followed him, breathing hard. "Still think I'm a half-baked Avatar?"

She crushed the railing and he fell to the ground, rolling back into a chair. Korra jumped off the higher level and smashed into the ground, generating a shock wave and creating a small crater.

"What are you gonna do now?" She mocked. "You're all out of water, pal."

He crawled away from her in fear. She ignited flames on her hands and charged forward to finish it.

Then suddenly she stopped mid-strike. The fire was extinguished. Tarrlok rose to his feet, his hands controlling her movements. She cried out from the pain as he forced her to her knees.

"You're in my way, Avatar. And you need to be removed." All reason had left Tarrlok's voice; replaced by pure hatred. Korra looked at her controlled limbs.

"You're- you're a bloodbender?"

"Very observant." He confirmed.

"But it's not a full moon. How- how are you doing this?"

Tarrlok scowled menacingly. "There are a lot of things you don't know about me."

He moved his arm in a throwing motion and Korra went flying into a column, knocking her unconscious.

She saw the same visions again. In them, Korra saw the same strange man controlling everyone around him. Sokka was immobilized. Toph was struggling. Aang was reaching out his hand in vain, even he couldn't move on his own.

The vision faded. Korra's eyes opened partially to see Tarrlok. She looked around. Ropes bound her and she was inside a car.

"Where are you taking me?"

"Somewhere no one will find you. Say goodbye to Republic City, Avatar Korra. You'll never see it again."

He slammed the doors shut. Korra shouted and fire came from her mouth but did nothing. Tarrlok punched the door in anger and went to the driver's seat.

"You can't do this! Let me out!" Korra yelled furiously.

Tarrlok paid her no heed and started the engine. He drove her out of Republic City and to the snowy mountains beyond.


And that's the end of the chapter! Tell me your thoughts and as always thanks for reading! I'll see you guys soon with chapter 9.