Hey, guys! Seriously at this rate I think I might be able to upload the whole of Book 1 by the end of next week. I have been in such a writing mood over the past few weeks, I'm really loving this. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy chapter 9!


Chapter 9: Out Of The Past


In his unconscious state, Ichigo saw three men. The first was very large, wearing white and black robes. His hair was black and long and his face was chiselled and hard. The man had a black eye patch covering his right eye and a scar ran from the top of his forehead to his jaw.

The second was tall but not as big as the first. He was leaner for one thing but he wore the same robes. His hair too was black and long. Four metallic objects adorned the top of his head, keeping his hair in place.

The third man didn't really look like a man. His height was definitely an issue. Ichigo doubted that he came up to the other's shoulders. But he made up for it with fierce eyes and epic white hair. As usual he also was dressed in the white and black robes.

They all bore swords and looked like warriors. Their faces rang bells in Ichigo's mind. He studied them closely.

"Kenpachi, Byakuya and Toshiro!"

Kenpachi looked as if he was noticing Ichigo for the first time.

"Oh, who are you again?"

"It's me! It's Ichigo!"

Byakuya shook his head. "Your name brings no memories to my mind."

Ichigo looked at them in confusion. "But, you guys are my friends. We've fought together. Don't you remember?"

Toshiro scowled. "We tend not to remember weaklings."

"Don't waste our time. Without your Soul Reaper powers, you are nothing." Kenpachi growled.

Their images began to fade. Ichigo couldn't say anything. He was too shocked to speak. The vision ended and Ichigo woke up. He looked around. Metal walls surrounded him and a door with bars prevented his escape.

"Am I in a jail cell?" His memories of the past few hours returned. He rubbed his sore head. A welt had formed where the rock had hit him.

"You're finally awake."

Ichigo looked up at the voice and saw Asami sitting in the corner opposite him.

"Prissy? How long have we been here?"

"A few hours." She replied.

Ichigo stood to his feet and stretched. "Well, could be worse."

She started at that. "Could be worse? How could this get any worse?"

He put his hand to his chin. "Maybe if Amon took Korra's bending away. That'd be pretty bad."

Asami rolled her eyes. "Thanks, Mr. Optimistic."

"Hey, I'm just saying that this isn't worst-case scenario. We can still get out of here."

"Right." She said sarcastically. "What's the plan?"

Ichigo sat crossed-legged and began to meditate. "We wait."

"Wait? Wait for what?"

"For help. Or for one of us to figure something out, I don't know."

She sighed. "Well, you have powers, don't you? Can't you just break us out?"

"If I break us out then the entire police force will be chasing us because they all work for Tarrlok. Korra said that Tenzin would handle it anyway. We'll be fine."

Asami crossed her arms. "You're being surprisingly thoughtful about this. That isn't like you."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, usually you're really impulsive. I would've thought you would've broken us out of here by now. You attacked the police yesterday and were prepared to fight all of them off by yourself. It just isn't like you to sit here and wait."

"Okay, fair point. But I can be thoughtful too. I'm not stupid or anything."

"Yeah, I never called you stupid. You're just…"

"Just what?"

She sighed again. "I don't know- you're like Korra in a lot of ways. You throw yourself into things without thinking first. You're brash and daring and you don't care what people think of you."

"What are you trying to say?" Ichigo asked quizzically.

"I guess I admire those things about you. I care way too much about what people think of me. People always thought I was just Daddy's little girl. And now he's a criminal. People will just think I'm a hateful Equalist as well."

"Maybe," Ichigo acknowledged. "Maybe they will. But that shouldn't matter to you. It doesn't matter what people think about you. All that matters is what you think about yourself. You're not your father. You're you. And if you care so much about what people think then show them who you are. Prove to them you're different through your actions."

Asami hesitated. "You're right. I'm gonna do that. Thanks, Ichigo."

He nodded. "Anytime."

Asami smiled slightly. "You know, you're really good to talk to privately. You don't really say much in groups but when you're alone you kinda open up."

Ichigo shrugged. "Yeah, I guess so." He went back to sitting cross-legged and closed his eyes.

"What are you doing?"

"Meditating."

"Meditating on what?"

"My past."

"Does meditating help your amnesia?"

"A little. I get visions sometimes. I see people that I knew."

"They must be looking for you, huh?"

"I don't know if they are or not."

"Why wouldn't they?"

He sighed sadly. "Maybe I'm not worth it to them."

"Ichigo, that's not true. They're definitely looking for you. Don't you want them to find you?"

"I don't know. I really don't know."

Asami sat back against the far wall. "They'll find you, Ichigo. One day you'll get your memories and old life back."

He didn't respond.


The door opened. Footsteps echoed around the small house. Two figures moved. Korra seemed to be floating but in truth, she was being held by her own blood.

Tarrlok came behind her, his hands outstretched. There was a metal box inside the basement. Tarrlok went there now and deposited Korra inside.

"What are you doing?"

He let go and she fell to the floor. Before she could move, Tarrlok slammed the door shut. Korra hit her fist against the wall. "Tarrlok! You can't keep me in here forever!"

Tarrlok didn't reply. He locked the door to the house and stepped into his car. As he drove back, the scenery revealed that the house was on a high snowy mountain range, far from Republic City.


That morning, Tenzin and Pema were asleep. Meelo was cuddled in between them. The telephone beside Tenzin started ringing. Meelo woke up and yawned. He crawled over to the phone, planting his foot on Tenzin's face in the meantime and answered the call.

"Who is this? It's 6:00 in the morning! This better be important."

Tenzin sighed and took the phone from his son.

"Councilman Tenzin here." He listened to the caller. "What?"


City Hall was a mess. Tenzin hurried inside to see a reporter taking pictures. There were Equalist gloves and masks around the room. A chi-blocker rope weapon was snagged around a column.

Tarrlok sat on some steps, being treated by a doctor. Chief Saikhan was there, taking notes. Tenzin strode up to them.

"What happened?" He demanded. "What was Korra doing at City Hall?"

Tarrlok waved away the healer. "As I told Chief Saikhan, Korra came to my office late last night. She was upset that I arrested her friends. She asked me to release them… and that's when the Equalists attacked."

He looked down in shame. "I tried to protect Korra. But we were outnumbered. Then, I was electrocuted. When I came to, the police had arrived. But Korra was gone. I'm so sorry." He turned to Saikhan. "Chief Saikhan, mobilize the entire police force. We have to find the Avatar."


A wounded Lin lay in bed at home. The radio on her bedside table hissed.

"We interrupt your regularly scheduled broadcast to bring you this special report."

Lin stirred and focused her attention on the radio.

"Late last night, Equalists attacked City Hall. They subdued Councilman Tarrlok and captured Avatar Korra. Details are still coming in but-"

Lin shut off the radio and winced as she got out of bed. She opened her closet to see her police uniform. Lin metalbent the suit onto her body. She glanced at the police symbol and ripped it off. Then she threw on a coat and headed out the door.


Ichigo was still breathing deeply in meditation. Asami stared at his face. His eyelids were closed and his posture was erect.

How can he just sit there without a care in the world?

She waved a hand in front of his face. No reaction. Asami attempted to slap him. Ichigo swayed as if drunk and avoided the attack. She looked at him in wonder. He's different from us. He's special. I really hope he regains his memories. I want to know where he came from. I've never heard of anyone like him in the world.

"Rukia…" His voice slurred. Asami leaned forward.

"What was that?" Ichigo said nothing more. His eyelids only fluttered slightly. What kind of mediation is this?

The prison cell door suddenly fell off its hinges.

Lin stood there. "Hope you got enough beauty rest. Come on. I'm busting you all out."

Asami jumped to her feet and grabbed Ichigo. He wouldn't wake up so she dragged him along behind her. His head kept hitting the floor. Lin glared back at them.

"Wake him up, will you?"

Asami propped him up against a wall. A sliver of drool fell from his mouth and she recoiled in disgust. Lin sighed and punched him in the face. This time Ichigo didn't reflexively dodge and the blow landed solidly.

"Hey! What was that for?"

Neither of the two women replied and Asami forced him to follow them.

Mako stood with his back to his brother. Bolin was relieving himself in a bucket.

"Are you done yet?" Mako asked in annoyance.

"Cover your ears. I can't go when you're listening."

Mako groaned and complied. Lin smashed down the door to their cell and Asami ran through, followed by Ichigo.

"Asami! Ichigo!" Mako cried.

Asami ran forward and kissed him.

Bolin shrieked. "A little privacy, please!"

"Are you all right?" Mako asked her.

"I'm fine." She replied. "It's so good to see you."

"I'm okay too, by the way." Ichigo said.

Lin butted in. "Hate to break up your lover's reunion but Korra's in trouble. Amon captured her."

"What?!" Ichigo slammed his fist against the wall and cursed bitterly.

Mako looked shocked. "No. No, she can't be gone."

"Come on. We have an Avatar to rescue." Lin said.

They all herded out the door. As Bolin passed her, Lin metalbent up his pants zipper. He whimpered in surprise.

"Your fly was down." She said unnecessarily.

"Thanks for catching that."


Back at the small house on the snowy mountain, Korra was still pounding on the walls of her prison.

"Somebody! Help! Please!"

She breathed hard because of the exertion and fell to the floor in defeat. In her mind, she heard Tenzin's voice.

I urge you to meditate on these visions. I believe Aang's spirit is trying to tell you something.

Korra took a deep breath and went into a meditating position. The visions didn't take long to come.

Aang was standing, looking into the distance, as if waiting for someone. He heard footsteps behind him and turned.

"What are you doing here, Aang? I told you, I have this under control."

Aang smiled good-naturedly at his friend Toph. She was the Chief of Police, but he believed that she might need his help.

"Under normal circumstances I wouldn't get involved," Aang replied, "But if what those victims said is true, we're not dealing with a normal criminal."

Toph gave in. "Fine. Follow me, Twinkle-Toes."

She walked off. Aang spread his hands in annoyance.

"Toph, I'm forty years old. You think you could stop with the nicknames?"

"Afraid not."

Aang muttered with irritation but resigned himself to following her. Inside a small bar, sat their target. He was a medium-sized man with greying hair and Water Tribe garb.

Aang, Toph and several of her officers strode purposely to him. "It's over. You're under arrest, Yakone." Toph declared.

The man in question smiled as if in thought. "What is Republic City coming too? Used to be, a man could enjoy his lunch in peace."

Toph sent a metal cable from her wrist gauntlet and it wrapped around Yakone's own wrist. Then she pulled him forward, knocking over a table as she did so. An officer quickly handcuffed him.

"What's the big idea?" He asked.

"We have dozens of witnesses, Yakone. We know what you are." Aang said.

"Take him away." Toph ordered.

"I've beaten every trumped-up charge you yahoos have brought against me. And I'll beat this one too." Yakone said with a smile.

Aang narrowed his eyes.

Korra came out of the vision. "Whoa." She smiled. "I finally connected with you, Aang. But what are you trying to tell me? A way out of this box would be nice."

She went back to meditating.


Tenzin was sitting at his desk, talking on the phone, when Ichigo, Mako, Asami, Lin and Bolin walked into the room.

"I have to go." He told the recipient. "Call me back the minute you hear anything."

Tenzin put down the phone. "Lin? What- what are you- you should be in the hospital." He pointed at the others. "And you four, you should be in prison."

Ichigo ignored his remarks. "Cut the crap, Tenzin. We're here to help you find Korra."

"Do you have any leads?" Mako asked a tad bit more nicely.

Tenzin came out from behind his desk. "I've been on the phone all morning. But nothing."

Ichigo had an idea. "We need Naga. She can track Korra, no problem."

"I'm afraid her polar bear-dog is missing as well." Tenzin replied sadly.

"So where do we start?" Bolin asked.

"My guess is that the Equalists have her underground. Possibly in the maze of tunnels beneath the city." Lin said.

"Underground. Just like my father's secret factory." Asami muttered.

"Yeah. That does make sense." Bolin agreed. "When those chi-blockers had me in their truck, it sounded like we drove into a tunnel."

"Yeah, true," Ichigo said. "I followed two chi-blockers into the sewers and caught Amon planning to attack the Pro-bending Arena during the finals. They disappeared from that place but if there's a maze of tunnels they could've easily relocated."

"I know where to start looking. Come on!" Mako said.

The four teens ran out the door. Lin turned to Tenzin.

"Wherever Amon is keeping Korra, my officers are probably there too."

Tenzin nodded. "Let's bring them all home, Lin."

They took a ride on Tenzin's sky bison, Oogie. Soon, they had arrived at the location Mako indicated. They were in the same square where Mako and Korra had fought two chi-blockers several months before on the day of Amon's rally.

Mako pointed down a street. "The truck that had Bolin took off down this alley."

They dashed after him. After running a little, they reached a crossroads.

"Which way?" Asami asked.

Bolin put his hand to his chin. "Hmm. This way kind of smells familiar."

Lin planted a bare foot down on the ground and pointed to the right.

"There's a tunnel nearby." She declared.

Ichigo bolted in the direction she showed. There was a small incline that seemed to lead to the sewers. There were tire marks leading up to a grated steel door.

"There! Korra has to be in there."

Lin nodded and metalbent the door. It was very dark inside so Ichigo flared his reiatsu on his hands and Mako made a little fire from his own palm. They ended up facing several tunnels leading in different directions.

Mako pointed to one. "Let's try this one first."

"And what if Korra's not down there?" Asami asked.

"Then we keep searching till we find her." Mako replied firmly.

He and Ichigo moved ahead. Asami looked at the ground a little remorsefully. She and Bolin followed in the back.

"Hey, is Mako all right?" Asami asked him. "He seems really worried about Korra."

"Yeah, we all are. He and Ichigo especially."

"I know but… he's your brother. Do you think Mako likes Korra as more than just a friend?"

Bolin chuckled nervously. "Uh, what? No! No, that's just gossip. Where'd you hear that? Crazy talk is coming out of your mouth right now."

She narrowed her eyes. "What do you know, Bolin? Come on, spill it."

"Nothing. I mean, there was this one time during the tournament where Mako and Korra kissed but-"

"They kissed?" Asami asked, shocked.

Bolin nodded. "Yeah, I was upset too. But I'm over it. I don't think it meant anything."

"I doubt that."

They had fallen pretty far from the group so they quickened their pace. Suddenly, they all heard motorcycles approaching from behind them.

"Hide!" Lin yelled.

They all huddled out of sight against the dark walls. The bikes soon came around the corner. One of the riders flipped a switch and an entrance appeared in the wall. They drove into it and the entrance closed, looking like a normal wall again,

Lin went up to the wall in question and felt with her hand along its surface. She found a latch and opened it with metalbending. Then she opened the whole door. They went inside. Further in, there were trams travelling to and fro down different tunnels.

"That must be where they're keeping Korra." Tenzin said.

"We need to get down that tunnel." Ichigo agreed.

The six of them boarded a tram and it started moving down the tunnel When they arrived at the end of the line, they took out two guards and Lin checked out the prison with her bare foot again.

"My officers are inside."

"What about Korra?" Mako asked.

"Yeah, where is she?" Ichigo demanded.

"I don't see her yet." Lin replied.

They began moving through the cells, seeing if there was anyone inside. They turned a corner and saw two guards. Tenzin blasted them against the wall with air.

Mako and Ichigo ran up to them and shoved them up against the wall.

"Avatar Korra. Where is she?"

"Answer us!"

Lin sensed something and opened one of the prison doors. Inside were all her officers. She looked with sorrow at their dejected faces.

"I'm too late. That monster already took your bending, didn't he?"

They all nodded sadly. She looked at the ground. "I'm so sorry. Come on, let's get you out of here."

Mako held fire under the Equalist's face. "We're going to ask one more time."

"Where. Is. Korra." Ichigo finished, enunciating each word.

The chi-blocker coughed. "We don't have the Avatar. And the Equalists didn't attack City Hall. Tarrlok's lying!"

"What?" Mako cried.

"I scanned the entire prison." Lin said. "Korra's not here."

"Why would Tarrlok make up a story about Korra being attacked?" Mako asked.

"Because he has Korra." Both Ichigo and Tenzin said at the same time.

An alarm started blaring. They ran back the way they came. Bolin and Asami were waiting by the tram.

"Let's go, people!" Bolin yelled.

Everyone piled into it. They set off but another tram full of chi-blockers was close behind them. Bolin bent the walls of the tunnel behind them to create a barrier. The tram slammed into it.

"Try to chi-block that, fools!"

Lin looked ahead of them and saw the Lieutenant waiting with several mecha-tanks and lots of chi-blockers.

"We've got more company." She declared.

She bent a metal track to form a ramp in front of them. The tram moved up it and she opened the ceiling to reveal welcoming sunlight. They were safe on the surface. Ichigo jumped out of the tram.

"We have to get to City Hall!" he declared. "That's where Tarrlok will be."

"Where's Oogie?" Mako demanded. "We gotta go now!"

"Just a minute," Tenzin cautioned. "Tarrlok doesn't know we're onto him. We don't have to rush into things. Let's gather ourselves and walk."

Ichigo grumbled and started walking quickly but Tenzin called him back. "Ichigo! Can I have a word with you please?" Ichigo begrudgingly pulled back while Mako and Bolin forged ahead. Asami walked by herself at the end of the group.

"What is it, Tenzin?" Ichigo asked.

"I just want to caution you. Don't be too impulsive. I know that you've engaged Amon multiple times, but until your powers are fully returned, whatever they are, you should hold off from fighting. You could get hurt, or worse, even killed."

"Tenzin, if there is an enemy in front of me who is hurting my friends then hell yes I'm gonna fight them. I don't give a damn who they are or how powerful they are. And you can't stop me."

Tenzin sighed. "Fine. Just be careful. I don't want you to do something that you'll regret."

Ichigo nodded. "Yeah, I get it. I don't want to either." Tenzin nodded back and walked forward up to Lin and they began talking. Ichigo noticed Asami by herself and drifted back to her. "Hey," he said.

"Hey," she replied.

"Why are you back here by yourself?"

"Hmm? Oh, I'm just thinking. That's all."

"Thinking about what?"

"Umm… thinking about Mako. And our relationship."

"Oh. Everything alright between you two?"

"I don't know. I don't really want to talk about it right now. I just want to think things through."

"Okay. I'm always here if you want to talk," Ichigo said gently.

She gave him a small smile. "Thanks. Oh, I was wondering, do you know that you talk aloud when you meditate?"

"Huh? I what?"

"You say stuff when you meditate. Like when we were in the jail cell. You talked. What kind of meditation is it?"

He shook his head. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"I think you do. Are you hiding something?"

"No."

She paused. "Ichigo."

"What?"

"Who's Rukia?"

Ichigo stopped walking. He looked at her with confusion and slight hostility.

"How do you know that name?"

"You said it. In the jail cell."

His eyes widened. "I… I don't remember. I don't remember seeing her at all."

"Who is she? Is she your girlfriend?"

"No. I don't think so. From what I remember I think she was just a friend. A really good friend. I'm not hiding anything, Asami. If it seems like I'm hiding something it's because I don't remember it. I wouldn't hide anything or lie to you."

"I believe you," she said. "I'm just concerned. That's all."

He nodded. "Yeah. I get that. It's okay. I'm okay. You don't have to worry about me."

"Don't I, though? You're my friend. I should worry about you."

"Yeah, but I don't want you to. You already have enough on your plate."

They had now fallen far behind the rest of the group. "We should catch up," Ichigo said.

"Yeah," Asami replied.


Now, Korra entered her vision again.

City Hall was filled to the brim as the court case of Yakone commenced.

"Yakone has ruled Republic City's underworld empire for years." A woman was saying. "He has always managed to stay out of the law's reach. Until now."

Yakone was standing in the accused podium. Aang was sitting right behind him and Toph was with her security officers. Sokka was there too; he was one of the Council members.

The lady continued. "You will hear testimonies from dozens of his victims and they will tell you that Yakone has maintained his grip on the underworld by using an ability that has been illegal for decades: Bloodbending."

Sokka's eyes widened in shock. Yakone's defendant rose to his feet and began to speak.

"The persecution's entire case is built upon the make-believe notion that my client is able to bloodbend at will, at any time, on any day. I remind the council that bloodbending is an incredibly rare skill and it can only be performed during a full moon. Yet, the witnesses will claim that my client used bloodbending at every other time, except during a full moon. It would be a mockery of justice to convict a man of a crime that is literally impossible to commit."

With both cases brought forth, the council went into another room to discuss the verdict. When they returned, one of them announced that Councilman Sokka would be the one to deliver it.

Sokka stood up and took a deep breath. "In my years, I have encountered people born with rare and unique bending abilities. I once bested a man with my trusty boomerang who was able to firebend with his mind. Why, even metalbending was considered impossible for all of history. Until our esteemed Chief of Police, Toph Beifong, single-handedly developed the skill. The overwhelming amount of testimony and evidence has convinced this council that Yakone is one of these unique benders. And he exploited this ability to commit these heinous crimes. We find Yakone guilty of all charges and sentence him to life in prison." He slammed down the gavel to seal the case.

Yakone's defendant grumbled and threw aside his speech. Yakone himself rose to his feet. He smiled evilly and his eyes widened crazily. Suddenly Sokka and the other council members screamed and were forced to their knees by some strange force.

Toph fired a cable at Yakone but then she too was restricted of movement. Yakone laughed sadistically and looked back at Aang. The Avatar was struggling to reach him but even he couldn't move.


At City Hall, Ichigo, Tenzin, Mako and the others strode into the still destroyed main room. The other council members along with Chief Saikhan were waiting. Tenzin approached them.

"Thank you all for meeting us on such short notice."

Lin glared at Saikhan. "Chief."

"Lin." He replied curtly.

Tarrlok ran urgently up behind them. "Have you news on Avatar Korra?"

Ichigo scowled. "We do. You kidnapped her yourself, you sick scum!"

Tarrlok recoiled. "I am shocked you would accuse me of such an evil act. I already explained. Equalists attacked and took her."

"But there were no chi-blockers here last night. You planted the evidence, didn't you?" Tenzin accused.

"That is a ridiculous accusation."

"It's true!"

Everyone looked up at the new voice. Tarrlok's secretary was cowering behind a column. "He took her! I was here when Avatar Korra arrived last night but Councilman Tarrlok ordered me to leave. I was on my way out when I saw Tarrlok bring her down to the garage."

"That is nonsense!" Tarrlok yelled. "Everyone knows you're nothing but a squeaky-voiced liar!"

"Why did you wait until now to fess up?" Lin asked.

"And how could Tarrlok beat Korra? She's the Avatar." Ichigo added.

The secretary looked down. "I was terrified to tell because- because Tarrlok is a bloodbender! He bloodbent Avatar Korra!"

Everyone gasped. Ichigo looked confused. "What's bloodbending?"

"It's an illegal form of waterbending. But you should only be able to use it during a full moon." Mako answered him.

Tenzin narrowed his eyes. "Don't make this any worse for yourself, Tarrlok. Tell us where you have Korra."

He and Lin got into fighting stances.

"Screw that! I'm kicking his ass right now! Tarrlok!"

Ichigo charged forward with reiatsu on his fists. Then he stopped in mid-air. "What the-"

Lin and Tenzin attacked but they too were made immobile. Tarrlok forced everyone to their knees. He concentrated and closed his fists. They all collapsed onto the ground, utterly defeated. Tarrlok ran out the door.


A while later, Tenzin still lay on the ground, moaning. Lin slapped his face.

"Wake up!"

Mako was helping Asami. Bolin stretched.

"Oh, man. I had this awful dream where Korra was taken by this evil bloodbender. So weird."

Asami rolled her eyes. "Bolin, that really happened. He knocked us out."

"Are you serious?! Where is he? Is he here right now?"

Saikhan scowled. "Tarrlok is long gone. I'll alert the whole force."

Lin looked at the clock. "We've only been out a little while. We can still pick up Tarrlok's trail."

"It could lead us to Korra." Tenzin agreed. "Let's go."

Mako looked around. "Wait. Where's Ichigo?"


Ichigo had woken up faster than the others and had seen Tarrlok jump into a Sato-mobile and drive away. Quickly, he had grabbed a vehicle of his own and started following. Keeping his distance, he followed Tarrlok out of the city and into the mountains beyond.

It was quite snowy and he could see that it only got worse the higher he went. For fear of being seen by Tarrlok, he ditched the car and began trudging up the mountain on foot, keeping in sight of the road. Along the way, he saw a large truck drive past on the road. He narrowed his eyes. This wasn't looking good. He had to find Korra soon.


Sweat was pouring down Korra's face as she returned to the vision.

Aang struggled with all his might. But he couldn't move. Yakone looked at Toph and forced her to open his shackles. He rubbed his wrists and forced everyone to black out. Then he lifted Aang off his feet with bloodbending.

"Yakone. You won't get away with this." Aang said.

Yakone cackled. "Republic City is mine, Avatar. I'll be back one day to claim it."

With that, he threw Aang into a wall and ran out the door. He grabbed a free animal-pulled cart and took the reins.

Aang's Airbender robes ruffled and his eyes turned a pure white. All around him, chairs and tables were blown back by his power. He smashed out the door, riding on a giant ball made of air.

He used it to guide him up to the rooftops where he soon caught up with Yakone. Then he unleashed a torrent of air, snapping the ropes that tied the animal to the cart.

The cart went flying and fell onto its side. Aang circled round it, still on his air ball. Then Yakone threw open the door and forced Aang to the ground.

"This time I'm going to put you to sleep for good!"

He began crushing Aang, influencing his blood so that it forced his bones to crack. Aang screamed with pain then narrowed his eyes. His airbender tattoos and his eyes turned white and Yakone's bloodbending was neutralized.

Buildings around them began to crumble just from being near to Aang. He encased Yakone in a prison of earth and placed his thumb on Yakone's forehead.

"I'm taking your bending away, for good."

Yakone yelled in defiance. Then it was finished. Yakone slumped forward.

Aang sighed. "It's over."

Korra woke up. She wiped the sweat from her face. "Aang, this whole time, you were trying to warn me about Tarrlok."

Suddenly, she heard something. It was something in the back of her mind, she couldn't make it out. She began meditating again. The sound was clearer now. It was a voice. It was saying something.

"Ichigo… I'll find you. I promise."

Korra woke up again. What was that, she thought. Was that real? Someone's looking for Ichigo. I have to tell him! But first I need to escape.

The door to the house opened and Korra looked up at the sound. She recognized Tarrlok's voice.

"My life is a disaster now. Thanks to you." He growled.

"So your little bloodbending secret's out?"

He grunted with anger. Korra continued. "And I know how you bloodbent me without a full moon. You're Yakone's son."

Tarrlok looked down a little sadly. "I was his son. But in order to win Republic City, I had to become someone else. My father failed because he tried to rule the city from its rotten underbelly. My plan was perfect. I was to be the city's saviour. But you- you ruined everything!"

"Tarrlok, the jig is up and you have nowhere to go."

"Oh, no. No, I'll escape and start a new life. And you're coming as my hostage." He began moving up the stairs. Korra pounded on the metal walls of her box.

"You'll never get away with this!"

Tarrlok ignored her and reached the top of the stairs. His eyes widened in shock. There stood Amon, with the Lieutenant and three chi-blockers.

"Amon!" Tarrlok cried.

Korra gasped as she heard him. Amon glowered cockily at Tarrlok through his mask.

"It is time for you to be equalized."

The Lieutenant and chi-blockers took fighting stances.

Tarrlok chuckled. "You fool. You've never faced bending like mine before."

He instantly brought Amon's soldiers to the ground. But the Equalist leader stayed standing. In fact, he began advancing towards Tarrlok.

"Huh?" Tarrlok concentrated and it looked as if Amon would fall. Then he straightened and continued walking. Tarrlok was shocked. "What- what are you?"

"I am the solution." Amon replied coldly.

He quickly grabbed Tarrlok's arm and forced it behind his back. Then he placed his fingers on his forehead and Tarrlok screamed as his bending was taken. The chi-blockers slowly rose to their feet. Amon hefted Tarrlok onto his soldier.

"I'll take care of him. You four go retrieve the Avatar. Do not underestimate her. Electrocute the box to knock her out before you open it."

Korra heard everything. She narrowed her eyes in thought. Then she looked at the wristband on her right arm.

The Lieutenant placed his sticks on the box. "It's payback time." Then he ignited his weapons.

Korra screamed but in truth, she was hanging from the bars at the top of the box by her wristband. They opened the door to see her lying on the floor. Then she blasted fire at them and jumped out the door. She dodged a cable and smashed the ground, creating a shockwave that made a crater and knocked the chi-blockers off their feet.

She burst out the front door to see Amon loading Tarrlok into the back of a truck. Korra gasped and sent several bullets of ice at him. Amon dodged them all and advanced. He was almost on her when something slammed into him.

"Amon!" Ichigo yelled. They locked arms and strained against each other. "Run, Korra! Run!"

She turned around and dashed down the hill. Ichigo looked Amon straight in the eye. "Expecting me?" He asked.

"In a way." Amon replied. "It seems you have improved since we last met. But you are still not on my level."

Ichigo scowled. "Big talk."

He flared his reiatsu and knocked Amon back in the truck. Then he bolted after Korra. She was sliding down the snowy mountain, weaving through all the rocks and trees. Then she tripped on a root and slammed into a tree, knocking her senseless.

Ichigo ran up to her. His body was freezing and in pain from struggling against Amon. He would never admit it, but Ichigo doubted he would have lasted another minute. He looked at Korra and lifted her into his arms.

Then he began struggling down the mountain, going slowly for fear of dropping her. But after a while, he could go no further. There was a storm raging around them and he collapsed on the ground. He shielded Korra from the falling snow, praying that someone would find them.

Soon after, he heard a bark and lifted his head to see Naga running towards them. He smiled.

"Good girl."

Ichigo just managed to haul himself and Korra onto the polar bear-dog. Then Naga hurried down the mountain and back to Republic City.


Tenzin was flying Oogie over the city with the others sitting behind him when they heard Naga's howl.

"That's Naga!" Mako cried. Tenzin veered the bison around and landed beside the exhausted animal.

"Korra! Ichigo!" Tenzin ran up to them. "Oh thank goodness."

"Where's Tarrlok? How did you get away?" Lin asked. Mako pushed them aside.

"Give her some space!" He took Korra gently and carried her to Oogie while Bolin and Asami helped Ichigo.

"I was so worried." Mako said. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. Thanks to Ichigo." She nuzzled into him. "I'm glad you're here."

He smiled and placed her on Oogie's saddle.

"You're safe now."


And that's the end of the chapter. Hope you all enjoyed, tell me what you thought. Three more chapters to go! Thanks as always for reading, I'll see you guys next time.