Well, here it is, guys. The finale of Book 1. Honestly, writing this story has been such a journey for me. I wrote this all the way back in the summer of 2014. And now, 4 years later, I'm finally posting the final chapter. It's been a long process of rewriting and editing but the core story I wrote 4 years ago is still the same. It's been so awesome to read all of your reviews and hear all of your opinions. Your support has been incredible and I'm really thankful for it. With all that said, this is easily my favourite chapter in Book 1 and it is, in my opinion, the best one. I really hope you guys enjoy this chapter, it's been a long time coming.


Chapter 12: Endgame


At first, there was darkness. A bitter, cold darkness, engulfing all things within its boundaries. The darkness was everything. He began to accept that. No matter where you are, you always succumb to the darkness.

He embraced it, became one with it. But he never loved it. And the darkness did not love him. Days passed. Weeks. Months. Possibly even years. Yet the darkness did not yield. It only grew. Its hunger was insatiable. Its lust, unfathomable.

He could not understand the darkness. It seemed so unfair. And yet, it existed. There were times when he thought he heard voices. Whispers in the dark. But no matter how far he strayed, he could never reach them.

They seemed to be loud, ringing in his ears. But they were also quiet, a small and still voice that struggled to break through the cloud of louder ones. Then, everything changed.

All it took was one word, piercing sharply through the haze, cutting through his mind like a sword. It was said with so much clarity, so much emotion that he could not ignore it.

"Ichigo."

The voice rippled and sometimes seemed like two people were speaking at once. But he reached out for it, and from outside the darkness, outside this endless void, a light shone.

He swam towards it, having to force aside the voices that would keep him down. From the light came ribbons. Long ribbons, of pure white. He cycled through them, seeming to search for something.

Then he found it. Lonely, and shunned by the others, this ribbon was like a beacon, calling out to him. It was also very different from the others. For one thing, it was crimson.

He took hold of it and was pulled slowly towards the light. But it began to fade. His way of escape was now so small that only a tiny bug could have fit through it. He began to advance frantically, desperate to break through.

He heard the ribbon talking to him, encouraging him. Then he was through. The brightness blinded his eyes and chased away all the dark. He opened his eyes and a crazy white face that looked strangely familiar grinned at him showing all of its white teeth.

"Yo." It said. "Did ya miss me, King?"


Naga panted as she dashed through the snow with Bolin, Asami and Iroh on her back. A plane flew overhead and joined two others, heading for Republic City.

They stopped on a high cliff, overlooking an airfield. There was a large building that the planes came out of and four runways for them to take off from.

Iroh smiled. "I think we found our secret airfield." He turned to Bolin. "Bolin, once we get down there, I need you to tear up those runways. We can't let those aircraft take off."

Bolin saluted. "Aye, aye, Captain. I mean General. General."

Naga and Pabu whined. "All right, you guys wait here until we come back, okay?" Bolin said. Naga laid down in obedience.

The three of them traversed down the cliff and reached the side of the airfield. There were fence posts surrounding the entire complex.

"Why would there be fence posts but no fence?" Asami wondered.

They strode through two of them and electricity coursed through their bodies. They screamed and fell to the ground, all unconscious.


Back at the Arena, airships circled over it and mecha-tanks guarded the entrance. Inside, there was a stage set up and a huge banner of Amon adorned the wall behind it.

The stands were packed with non-benders, all clamouring for a better view. Korra and Mako, still dressed in their chi-blocker disguises stood on a high platform, above and to the right of the stage. They nodded to each other.

Spotlights fell on the stage and Amon rose up from beneath it and the crowd cheered and applauded. He spread his arms.

"Thank you all for joining me on this historic occasion. When I was a boy, a firebender struck down my entire family and left me scarred. That tragic event began my quest to equalize the world."

"That's a lie, Amon." The crowd gasped and pointed as Korra and Mako took off their chi-blocker masks. Korra smirked at Amon. "Or should I call you Noatak?"

From inside the mask, Amon's eyes narrowed. The Lieutenant went to his side.

"You want her taken out?"

"No. Everyone calm down." He held up a hand and the crowd quietened. "We have nothing to fear from the Avatar. Let's hear what she has to say."

Korra took a deep breath. "Amon has been lying to you. The Spirits didn't give him the power to take people's bending away. He uses bloodbending to do it. Amon is a Waterbender!"

The crowd began exclaiming.

"What is this nonsense?" The Lieutenant asked.

"You're desperate, Avatar. Making up stories about me is a pathetic last resort." Amon said scornfully.

"Your family wasn't killed by a firebender. His father was Yakone. And his brother is Councilman Tarrlok."

Amon chuckled. "Hmm. An amusing tale. But I will show you the truth."

He pulled back his hood and took off his mask. His face was horribly disfigured. A huge scar covered nearly all of it. The crowd gasped in horror.

He pointed to his scar. "This is what a firebender did to me."

Korra was surprised. "What?"

The crowd started yelling. "The Avatar is lying!"

"I'm telling you- he's a waterbender!" Korra insisted but they paid her no heed. She looked at Mako. "They don't believe me. It didn't work."

He raised his fists. "We said what we had to. Now let's get out of here."

They started moving towards the door as chi-blockers surrounded them

Amon had put his mask back on. "I wouldn't leave yet, Avatar. You'll miss the main event."

He pressed a button and a rectangle hole appeared in the floor of the stage. Through it, a platform was raised. There were four poles with Tenzin and his three oldest children chained and gagged to them.

"No. They got away. We saw them get away!" Korra said in shock.


He looked around. From what he could tell, he was in a modern city. There were many, many buildings all around him and there was a vast pool of water encompassing the entire city beneath them.

The only problem was that the entire world was sideways. He was sitting on the side of a building, except that was the right way up. The white-faced guy was standing a few paces to his right.

"Where am I?" He asked.

The white guy sneered. "You really are messed up in the head, aren't ya? You're in your inner world, King, and there's only one reason for you to be here."

He frowned. "What is it then?"

The white guy smiled cockily. "You're ready to learn my name."

He got to his feet, a little dizzy due to the strange surroundings. "Learn your name? I don't even know mine."

"Yeah, that's probably a side-effect from being almost dead. Anyway, here's the spiel: Your name is Kurosaki Ichigo. You're an annoying idiot who only cares about protecting his friends and saving everybody. In short, you're a freaking loser. Now, here."

The white guy touched his forehead. Memories came flooding back. He remembered Republic City, his friends: Korra, Asami, Mako, and the rest. There were also glimpses of other people. But they seemed far off and distant, like there was a barrier between him and them. He knew their names but could not quite recall specific memories.

Ichigo glared at the other man, who he now recognized as his lookalike who talked in his head and appeared in mirrors.

"I asked you a question. Where am I?"

The other him smiled. "I like your attitude. As I said, you're in your inner world. You're here to learn my name."

Ichigo scoffed. "Why would I want to know your name?"

"To protect your friends of course. Don't you remember how you got here?"

Ichigo rubbed his forehead. "Yeah. There was a missile. I was protecting Korra and that emo-looking General. It hit me."

The other him nodded. "Yeah. It hit you all right. Probably would've killed you if I hadn't stepped in."

Ichigo looked at him in confusion. "You saved me?"

"Don't look so surprised. I may hate you, but I can't let you die on me either. We are one."

"We are one? What does that mean?"

"It means just what it says. We are one and the same. Zanpakuto and Soul Reaper."

Ichigo remembered Amon and the Equalists. He ran forward and grabbed the other him's white robe.

"You have to send me back! I have to protect Korra!"

"Take your hand off of me." He said fiercely.

Strangely, Ichigo obeyed. The other him sighed. "So, even now, after all that's happened, you still want to protect your friends?"

Ichigo nodded. "Of course I do."

"Fine. As stupid as it sounds, I can't have you going into battle without some, uh, extra assistance."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that it's time to recover your powers, King. Your real powers."

The other him drew out a sword out of nowhere. It was massive, with a slightly curved blade and long white handle. The blade was two colours: black and white. "This is your zanpakuto. It is also me. We're going to train with this."

He tossed Ichigo the sword and he caught it awkwardly. "Train?"

"Yeah. That's your weapon. And- why am I explaining this to you?! I sound like the old man."

The old man? Ichigo thought.

The other him continued anyway. "Whatever. Seeing as how stupid you are, I guess I'll have to baby feed you. Basically, King, you're rusty. And to get yourself un-rusty, you need to train. When you're back at top level, I'll help you regain your Soul Reaper powers."

Ichigo raised the heavy blade with some difficulty. "Sounds good to me."

The other him grinned and produced his own sword. It was identical to the one he gave Ichigo, except it's colours were switched.

"Let's go, King."


Asami stirred from her unconscious state and looked around. The three of them were in a prison cell. Bolin and Iroh were tied together. Asami's own hands were tied as well. She groaned then heard her father's voice.

"Asami." She got to her knees and looked up at him through the bars. "Asami, I know I have hurt you. And I am sorry. But I believe you will one day come to your senses and we can be a family again."

"Are you insane?" Asami retorted. "How can we be a family after everything you've done? Mom would hate you for what you've become."

"How dare you?!" Hiroshi yelled. "I am avenging her death!"

"Ichigo died because of you! A non-bender!"

"And what was he to you, Asami?"

"He was my friend! He was there for me when I needed help! He was… he was…"

Hiroshi studied her face. "You foolish girl. You loved him, didn't you?"

Asami stared at the floor. Hiroshi continued. "He could never have made you happy. But I can. Join me, Asami. Help me realize Amon's great vision."

Slowly she looked up. With steely eyes, she faced him and summoned her courage.

"Go to hell," she said coldly.

Hiroshi scowled. "You will regret that."

By now, Iroh and Bolin were awake as well. A chi-blocker came up behind Hiroshi.

"The aircraft are ready for take-off, sir."

"Good. Annihilate the fleet."

Iroh gasped and Hiroshi smiled. "That's right, General. I intercepted your message to Commander Bumi. I know exactly where they're hiding."

Iroh gritted his teeth as Hiroshi walked off.

"How are we gonna get out of here?" Asami asked.

Iroh had an idea. "I don't suppose you know how to metalbend?"

"That is a negative, sir." Bolin replied.

Suddenly, the doors to the jail room were smashed open and Naga came bounding through. "Naga, over here." Bolin called.

The polar-bear dog stopped at their cell. She rose up on her hind legs and broke through the bars with her tremendous strength.

Bolin grinned. "Who needs a metalbender? We got Nagaaaaaa! Yeah!"

The three of them dashed out of the building and onto the airfield. Several planes were already taking off. Iroh dashed towards them.

"I'm going after those airplanes." He called.

Naga grabbed Bolin in her mouth and threw him onto her back. Asami saw some mecha-tanks and jumped into one. She fiddled with the controls, flipped a few switches and turned a few gas valves. The tank rumbled to a start and she pulled on a seatbelt.

"Huh, what do you know? Just like a Future Industries forklift."

Iroh ran full pelt after a plane and blasted himself off the ground with fire and landed on the wing. The plane was already rising into the air and he threw the pilot out. Then he took the controls and struggled to remain level as he headed after the other aircraft.


Amon pointed to the captured Airbenders. "Tonight, I rid the world of Airbending forever." The crowd cheered.

"Let them go, Amon. It's me you want." Korra yelled.

Amon seemed to smirk. "On the contrary, I wanted Kurosaki Ichigo but he died. Like a sacrificial lamb. What a fool. All the same, you're welcome to come down here and try to stop me."

"You have no right to say his name!" Korra moved to comply but Mako pulled her back.

"He's trying to bait you, Korra."

"I don't care!"

When Amon saw she wasn't coming, he began walking to the Airbenders.

"The Avatar needs to be reminded of the power I possess."

Mako fired a shot of lightning at him and Amon barely rolled away in time. The two of them leaped onto the stage and started taking down chi-blockers left and right. Korra ran to Tenzin as Mako covered them.

She pulled down his gag and started to burn through the chains.

"Where are Pema and the baby?"

"In prison." He replied.

"Beifong?"

"I don't know. Where's Ichigo?"

"He's gone."

"What do you mean, gone?"

Korra tried not to cry. "He sacrificed himself for us. We'll talk about it later."

He nodded and she broke through the chains. Tenzin ran to Mako's side and together, they managed to knock Amon off the stage.

Korra had by now finished freeing the children. "Follow me, kids."

They opened a door and went into a hallway. Korra gestured to Tenzin.

"Get them out of here. We'll create a diversion."

Tenzin nodded. "Let's go get your mother and the baby."

"Prison break!" Meelo yelled. The family ran off. Korra and Mako faced the door and prepared themselves. It was smashed open and a furious looking Amon strode out of it.


"What a disappointment. I really expected more from you, King."

He looked down at Ichigo's bloody body. They had been fighting for what seemed like hours and Ichigo had slowly begun to remember his skill. But it hadn't been enough for the other him and soon, Ichigo was forced to fight for his life. Then he had suffered a strong slash across his chest and now he lay on his face.

Ichigo attempted to rise to his feet but the other him kicked him in the back.

"Stay down, King. You're too pathetic to fight any longer. If this is the level of strength you expect to beat Amon at, you're in for a rough time, King."

Ichigo cursed. "Shut up. Let me stand."

The other Ichigo took his foot off of him and began to walk away.

"What a waste of my time. Even the old man was funner than you. Geez, what the hell was I thinking? You're nothing but a shadow of your former self. You couldn't even protect a fly."

Ichigo staggered to a standing position. "I said shut up!" He grabbed his sword and charged but with one swipe the other him knocked the zanpakuto out of his hand.

"I can't believe I ever thought you could do this. This time, I was the fool. Hell, even that Orihime chick could beat you now."

Ichigo glared at him but said nothing.


Amon ran at them with ferocious speed. Korra quickly sent a blast of fire his way while she and Mako went the opposite direction from Tenzin. They dashed through a door and into a room. Quickly, they found separate hiding places and huddled in place.

The fire was no trouble for Amon and he punched right through it. Then he ran into the same room. Korra was hiding under a table where there was a green sheet that obscured her. His footsteps seemed to echo in her ears. From behind the sheet, she saw Amon's feet. He walked alongside the table then stopped.

Sweat trickled down her face. Then he went on. Suddenly she was pulled out from under the table by an invisible hand. She rose into the air, controlled by Amon's outstretched arm.

Mako came from his hiding place and started blasting fire at him.

"Let her go!"

Amon dodged all his attacks and stretched out his arm. Now he had both of them under his control. He mashed them into the ground and went to Korra, bringing her to her knees.

He grabbed her neck.

"No! Korra!" Mako yelled.

Amon placed his thumb on her forehead. Then it was finished. She slumped forward onto her face. Korra's bending was gone.

"I told you I would destroy you." Amon said.


Meanwhile, Iroh was still chasing the planes as they flew in the direction of Bumi's fleet. He blasted lightning at them and took out two planes. The others veered around to face him.

One plane fired a tripping wire into Iroh's main propeller. He saw this and jumped out of the plane, yelling as he fell. There were two planes below him and he used fire to basically fly in their direction. He was still falling but it was a controlled fall.

Iroh landed on the back plane and took down the other with a fireball then he knocked the pilot out of his plane, taking control once again. Suddenly, a bomb was dropped on his back propeller.

He looked up and saw the last plane above him, preparing to drop more bombs. Iroh sent a blast of fire into the bomb racket above him and the plane exploded.

His plane was spiralling out of control. They were nearing Aang's memorial statue now. Iroh jumped out and caught hold of the flag. His plane crashed into the Equalist mask and it fell off, revealing Aang's regal face again.

Iroh smiled. "Thanks for looking out for me, Aang."


Back at the airfield, Bolin was in the process of smashing up the runways with earth. Three mecha-tanks came at him, shooting cables. Naga leaped up and caught all the cables in her mouth, proceeding to pull all the tanks to the ground.

"Whoa! Thanks, Naga!" Bolin cried.

Asami was inside the building, using her mecha-tank to crush all the planes still inside.

"Asami!"

She turned to see her father sitting in his own tank. "What do you think you're doing? You are aiding the very people who took your mother away!"

"You don't feel love for Mom anymore!" Asami yelled back. "You're too full of hatred. I'm never going to join you. I'm choosing my own destiny."

"You ungrateful, insolent child!"

He thrust forward his tank and Asami did the same. She shot two cables but he dodged them and knocked her into a wall. Hiroshi then charged at her fallen tank and smashed through the cockpit glass.

She screamed as it bit into her skin.

"I now see there is no chance to save you!" He yelled, spittle spurting from his mouth.

Suddenly a rock crashed into his tank and sent him flying. Bolin came riding in on Naga, throwing rock after rock.

"Mr. Sato, you are a horrible father!"

Asami got the tank to its feet and ripped off the other tank's arm, throwing it in a judo move at the same time. Hiroshi grunted as his tank hit the floor. Asami tore open his cockpit and prepared to finish it.

He looked at her with pleading eyes. Her gaze softened and she hesitated. Hiroshi grinned and fired a cable then leapt out of his tank and began to run away. Tears appeared in Asami's eyes.

"You really are a horrible father."

She shot out an electric spinning disc and Hiroshi Sato fell to the ground, defeated by his own daughter. Asami jumped out of her tank and walked past her father out to the airfield. There was a smell of smoke in the air but the sun was high and the temperature was warm.

Asami took a deep breath and looked off into the distance as Bolin secured Hiroshi. A small, wistful smile crossed her face. Thanks, Ichigo, she thought. You are the reason I was able to confront my father like that. Thank you for everything. I'll miss you.


Amon looked at his two fallen opponents with scorn.

"Finally, you are powerless," he said.

Korra tried to get up and fight but she was too weak. Mako was still held in Amon's bloodbending grip.

The Lieutenant appeared behind them. "Amon! Everything the Avatar said is true, isn't it? I just saw you bloodbend her."

Amon turned to look at him. The Lieutenant ripped off his mask, revealing a somewhat handsome face with sad eyes. He crushed the mask with his boot.

Then he glowered at Amon. "You traitor! I dedicated my life to you!"

He drew out his electric sticks and charged. Then he was caught by bloodbending and screamed. Amon smiled.

"You served me well, Lieutenant."

Then he threw him into a wall. Amon next went to Mako, raising him to his knees. Mako managed to point the first two fingers of his right hand at Amon. Then as Amon came closer, he unleashed a torrent of lightning, causing Amon to cry out in pain and blasting him back into the far wall.

Mako lifted Korra into his arms and ran out of the room. She stirred.

"Mako, my bending."

"Everything will be all right! We just need to get out of here."

Then the by now familiar sensation of having his blood controlled gripped Mako and he dropped Korra to the floor. He was smashed into the walls and ceiling then Amon slammed him into the ground.

"I'm impressed," Amon said. "No one has ever gotten the better of me like that. It's almost a shame to take the bending of one so talented. Almost."

Korra saw Mako in the kneeling position and gasped.

"No!"

She punched out her hand and a sudden, powerful blast of air knocked Amon back.

He shook his head, completely shocked. "Impossible."

Korra looked at her hand in surprise. "I- I can airbend? I can airbend!"

With that, she began attacking Amon, throwing him all over the place until he fell against the far wall where a window looked out over the bay. He stretched out a hand and she stopped.

Korra struggled valiantly. "No, you don't!" She actually managed to resist the bloodbending; sending one more shot of air at Amon and knocking him through the window.

He fell towards the bay, his mask slipping off as he did so. The people outside ran to the railing and looked at the splash marks.

"Did you see what happened?"

"Who was that?"

His mask surfaced and the crowd gasped.

"Could that be…"

They looked up at the broken window and saw Korra.

"You bending tyrant!"

"Evil Avatar!"

"What did you do to our leader?"

Under the water, the scar on Amon's face began to peel away as if it was made of paint. His eyes opened and he shot out of the sea, riding on a cyclone of water. He saw all the people looking and pointing at him and cursed bitterly.

"He's waterbending!"

"He is a bender!"

"The scar is fake!"

"The Avatar was telling the truth."

Noatak saw Korra and glowered at her.

"It's over, Amon!" She called. "Your revolution is crushed."

Noatak looked at the people all yelling at him and began chuckling. Soon he was full tilt laughing.

"My Revolution may be crushed, Avatar, but I can still kill you! You may have unlocked your airbending, but I am the most powerful bender of all time! I will destroy you!"

Suddenly, a blue light blasted through the water behind him, thrusting through the waves and beaming into the sky.


Ichigo gripped his sword as blood ran down his entire body. He wondered how he was still alive, let alone standing. The other him glared at Ichigo.

"You don't know when to give up, do you?" He called.

Ichigo narrowed his eyes. "I will never give up. Not even if all Hueco Mundo broke loose and Soul Society came crashing down. I would still fight to protect those I love."

To his surprise, the other him smiled. "Good. I like that look in your eyes. It reminds me of the old you. Maybe there's some hope for ya after all, King. Now, come at me again. Show me your resolve!"

Ichigo yelled and charged and they clashed swords. They struggled against each other, neither giving ground. Ichigo glared at his opponent.

"I will protect my friends. And I will defeat you."

The other him smirked cockily. "Say that again, King. Say it again."

Ichigo yelled this time. "I will protect my friends and I will defeat you!"

"Say it again! Scream it!"

This time Ichigo yelled at the top of his lungs. "I WILL PROTECT MY FRIENDS AND I WILL DEFEAT YOU!"

A massive explosion rocked the entire inner world. All around them, buildings had been cleaved apart and destroyed. When all the smoke and dust cleared, Ichigo glimpsed the other him.

He was standing, grinning hugely and half of his face gone, cut in two by Ichigo's attack.

"Good." He lifted his sword. "I accept your resolve." With intense speed, the other Ichigo plunged his sword through Ichigo's body. But strangely, Ichigo didn't cry out. Instead he felt strength and power unlike he had ever known flow through his veins.

The other him smiled. "Now you are ready to know my name, King. My name… is Zangetsu."

A blue light shone out from within the inner world, peeling the layers away bit by bit until Ichigo glimpsed Republic City. He was propelled forwards and emerged out of the light.


Korra looked with astonishment at the giant blue cylinder of energy spiraling up into the clouds. She squinted, trying to see inside. A man stepped out.

He was dressed in black robes. A white cloth belt was at his waist and a red sash crossed his chest. On his neck, there were black and white bands kind of like guards and the same bands were on his chest and wrists, in the shape of an x.

In his right hand was a massive sword. The blade was as long as his entire body and it was coloured black and white. The handle was red and a small chain came from the pommel.

But his face was the most striking. His jaw line was hard yet soft at the same time. His brown eyes were serious yet looked happy. And his hair- it was unmistakable.

Korra nearly burst into tears on the spot. The familiar shock of orange, spiky hair brought forth so many fond memories to her mind. He still wore that annoying cocky smirk but it was different from the original. He looked more mature; more sure of himself and it was easy to see why.

"Yo. I'm back." Ichigo said.

Mako stared in wonder, grinning crazily. Korra began to cry and sank to her knees. Noatak turned around and smiled evilly.

"Kurosaki Ichigo. I was wondering when you'd turn up."

Ichigo cracked his neck muscles. "Sorry 'bout that. I got kinda held up."

"Is that so? They told me you died. Well, it appears that your hold up was productive. I've been waiting. Now, shall we begin?"

"Hang on just a second."

Ichigo used Shunpo to teleport right in front of Korra and Mako.

"Hey. Sorry I'm late."

A tear ran down Mako's face and he gripped Ichigo in a hug. "Dude."

Korra couldn't speak. Ichigo looked at her kindly. "Don't pull a Rukia on me, okay?"

"A Rukia?" She asked in confusion.

"Yeah. Whenever she'd see me after a long time Rukia would hit me. Please don't do that."

Korra hit him.

"You idiot! How dare you try and die for me?! Don't ever do that again!"

Ichigo rubbed his cheek. "Hmm. Seven out of ten. Rukia still hits harder."

Korra couldn't hit him again. She just hugged him. He hugged her back.

"I'm serious, Ichigo. Don't ever do that to me again."

He smiled. "You got it, Korra. I promise."

"Kurosaki Ichigo."

He turned around. Amon was still waiting on his water cyclone.

Ichigo stepped away from his friends. "Guys, let me handle this."

"Be careful, Ichigo. He's Tarrlok's brother. So he's a bloodbender too." Mako told him.

Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "Jeez, I'm dead for one day and look what happens. Anyway, don't worry. I can take him."

Noatak gathered a ball of water and blasted it at him. Ichigo cut through it and charged him. He swung and Noatak ducked while kicking him in the gut. Ichigo shunpoed behind him and slashed down with Zangetsu.

He dodged and sent bullets of ice at him. Ichigo flared his reiatsu and the bullets ricocheted off of it. Then he came forward, intending to end it there. Noatak caught him with bloodbending then flung him into a building.

He fell to the ground and Noatak followed him. Ichigo got to his feet but was forced to his knees by bloodbending.

Noatak laughed. "You will all bow before me. Grovel, Kurosaki Ichigo. Beg for your life."

Ichigo laughed without humour. "Like I said before, Amon, big talk."

Noatak glowered and thrust Ichigo through a wall then he threw him with bloodbending. Ichigo flipped in the air and slid to a stop. He raised his sword and flew down. Noatak gathered a wave of water and smashed it into Ichigo, then froze him in place.

Mako jumped down and burnt through the ice. Korra joined him and sent Noatak into the water with air. Ichigo rolled his shoulders.

"This guy's as tough as ever. Thanks for the save."

"No problem, Ichigo. We'll all beat him together." Mako replied.

Ichigo nodded. "Yeah. Let's do this."

Noatak rose out of the sea on another cyclone and Ichigo grabbed Mako, flinging him up into the air. Mako fired several shots at Noatak but was hit by a tendril of water and thrown to the ground.

Korra broke through his water cyclone with air. Noatak sent snakes of water at her and she weaved through them, spinning and switching directions, just as Tenzin had taught her.

Then Ichigo charged forward and swung, managing to cut Noatak across the chest. He cried out and blasted them both back. Then Mako kicked him back into the sea.

Ichigo supported himself on his sword and got to his feet, helping Korra do the same. Mako winced as he struggled over to them.

"You alright?" Ichigo asked.

Mako nodded. "I'm fine. Just took a hit to my leg. I can still fight."

Just then, Noatak surfaced and began to walk on the water towards them.

"Oh man, this just gets better and better." Korra said sarcastically.

Noatak lifted his arms and with a great cry he gripped nearly the entire bay of water and lifted it above this head.

Ichigo cursed. "If he drops that on the city, millions of people are going to die." He turned to his friends. "I hate to do this, but it's the only way. Guys, can you hold off Amon for a little while? I have an attack that just might finish this. But I need time to gather enough reiatsu. I still haven't mastered these powers of mine."

They nodded. "Yeah, we can do that."

"Thanks." He stepped back and started to power up. Korra and Mako limped forward to face Noatak.

He laughed crazily. "You're nothing! Not even you, the Avatar, can fully fathom my power! I am a king! I am a god!"

Korra gritted her teeth. "He's gone insane with power."

Mako cursed. "But he's right. What can we do against that?"

She looked him in the eye and took his hand. "We can try."

He nodded. As if they had worked together for years, the two benders linked arms and put their other two hands side by side, facing Noatak. They yelled in defiance and attacked.

Air and fire came from their respective hands and combined in mid-air, hurtling towards Noatak. He made a shield of water and the attack slammed into it. They were at a standstill. Korra and Mako grunted with the effort. Even Noatak was struggling.

Finally, their attack broke through and slammed into Noatak, launching him backwards into the air. He cried out with intense pain and for a moment, all seemed to be happening in slow motion.

Ichigo rose into the air and raised his sword above him. The winds swirled around him and his reiatsu was like a visible aura, covering his body. He recounted the words Urahara had once said to him and repeated them now.

"If I dodge something, I won't let it cut me. If I protect someone, I won't let them die. If I attack something, I'll go for the kill!"

Ichigo swung his sword straight down.

"GETSUGA TENSHOU!"

A massive crescent shaped attack of pure blue reiatsu sprung from his sword and streaked across the sky towards Noatak. He saw the danger and raised up the entire bay to protect himself.

But Ichigo's attack could not be stopped. Noatak screamed in agony as the Getsuga ripped through his body. The wind died down and the wave crashed back into the ocean.

Noatak's body seemed to be hovering. Then his left shoulder split from his neck. It fell towards the water, carrying his left arm and side with it. Then Noatak also fell, now only possessing three limbs. The Getsuga Tenshou had barely missed his head.

Ichigo let out a long breath and fell towards the ground, utterly spent. Korra and Mako ran forward and managed to catch him but his weight sent them all tumbling onto the hard ground. They looked at each other and laughed joyously. The day was won. Amon had been defeated.

Under the waves, Noatak was still conscious. He felt a longing for something as he saw his enemies laugh and hug each other. He needed his brother back.

Noatak used the water to propel himself through the water to Air Temple Island. Using pure strength of will, he hauled himself onto the shore and began to crawl to the Temple.

He went inside and somehow managed to climb up the ladder. He got into the attic and inched himself over to his brother.

Tarrlok widened his eyes. "Noatak. I see that the Avatar got her wish."

Noatak looked dejectedly at Tarrlok. "It's over, brother. I am sorry for what I had to do to you."

Tarrlok sighed. "Our father set us on this path. Fate caused us to collide. I should have left with you when we were boys."

Noatak reached up and undid the latch to the door. "Leave with me now. Even though I am no longer whole, we have a second chance. We can start over together. Please, you're all I have left in the world."


Ichigo, Korra and Mako sat on the ground next to the bay, basking in the sun and recounting what had happened since Ichigo's death. Slowly, people began to peek out from their hiding places. Some had witnessed the fight, others hadn't. Very few were present to see the magnitude of Ichigo's attack. They did not understand it.

Suddenly, they heard panting. They turned and saw Naga riding in with Asami and Bolin on her back. The three of them stood up. Naga slid to a stop and Asami and Bolin beheld Ichigo.

"Ichigooo!" Bolin jumped off of Naga and embraced him, lifting him off the ground in one of his trademark bear hugs. Ichigo laughed.

"It's good to see you, Bolin."

"What happened to you, man? We thought you were dead!"

"It's a long story, I'll explain later." Bolin nodded and went to greet his brother and Korra.

Asami was still on Naga. She stared at Ichigo. Ichigo stared back. He offered her a welcoming smile and walked forward slightly.

"Hey, Asami."

Her hand went to her mouth and a single tear fell from her right eye. Ichigo came up to Naga and held out his hand. Asami slowly took it and Ichigo gently helped her off of Naga. Asami looked in wonder and disbelief at him. Then with a cry of joy and pain she embraced him and he embraced her back.

"I thought you were dead!" She blubbered.

"Shh," Ichigo said in a comforting tone. "It's okay. I'm here now. I'm here now."


The following morning, everyone was reunited on Air Temple Island. Ichigo had recounted what happened to him, leaving out some details but no one asked him to elaborate. They figured that coming back from the dead was not a process he would want to remember.

They told the story of the final fight and how Ichigo had killed Amon. But Korra's bending could not be saved.

Lin put her hands on Korra's shoulders. "I can't believe Amon got you too."

"Hey, at least you unlocked your airbending!" Bolin attempted to make light of the moment.

"Bro, not the time." Mako told him

"Right, right. I'll just stand over here, quietly, in silence."

Ichigo took Korra's hand. "I should have gotten there sooner. Maybe I could have saved your bending from Amon."

She shook her head and smiled weakly. "You did enough, Ichigo. No one can expect any more than that. Anyway, what happened to your sword and robes?"

Ichigo looked down at himself. He was back in his normal clothes. "I guess it reversed. But don't worry. I can still feel my power. When the time is right, it'll come back."

They stood there. Naga. Meelo. Ikki. Jinora. Pema and Rohan. Tenzin. Korra. Ichigo. Bolin and Pabu. Mako. Lin. And Asami. Ichigo looked at each of his new friends. His memories were still gone. Yes, many of them had returned but one half of his life was still incomplete. But he accepted that. He wouldn't trade anything for this moment.

Commander Bumi's ship came from the ocean and approached the Island.

"You saved Republic City." Tenzin said proudly.

"But I still lost my bending." Korra replied sadly. Tenzin put a hand on her shoulder.

Ikki waved at the ship. "Yay! Uncle Bumi's here!"

The man in question was standing on the ship figurehead, dressed in a military uniform. His hair was brown and jutted out in all areas. He threw his arms up in the air and screamed like a madman.

"Waaaaaahoo!"

Tenzin sighed. "Great. Now I have to entertain my brother."


Clouds were heavy above the little speedboat. Noatak was propped up in the front, steering the boat. Tarrlok was sitting at the back.

Noatak smiled as he looked out over the rising sun. "The two of us together again. There's nothing we can't do."

"Yes, Noatak." Tarrlok replied with a little reluctance.

"Noatak' Heh. I had almost forgotten the sound of my own name."

Tarrlok glanced at a shelf on the boat where there were several Equalist gloves. He pulled one on and unscrewed the lid to the gas tank.

"It will be just like the good old days." He said with finality.

A single tear streamed from Noatak's face.

Tarrlok ignited the glove.


A few days later, Korra, Ichigo and the others returned to the South Pole. Ichigo enjoyed being back again. But he knew the reason they were really here.

They all sat in a room. Pema and the girls were playing with Rohan quietly. Tenzin sat with a sleeping Meelo in his arms.

Ichigo, Mako, Asami and Bolin sat restlessly on a couch. Korra's parents and Lin were there also.

The door to the adjoining room opened and Katara's elderly face peeked through. She shut the door behind her and everyone rose to their feet.

"I've tried everything in my power. But I cannot restore Korra's bending." She said sadly.

"But you're the best healer in the world. You have to keep trying." Lin insisted.

"I'm sorry, there's nothing else I can do. Korra can still airbend, but her connection to the other elements has been severed."

Korra stepped out of the room and looked at all her friends and family.

"It's going to be all right, Korra." Tenzin said.

She shook her head. "No. It's not." Korra grabbed her jacket and walked out of the room. Ichigo said nothing. Korra's mother started crying and Ichigo went to stare out a window.

Mako ran after Korra. "Korra, wait!"

She stopped. "Go away."

Mako reached her side. "I will. But I just want you to know: I'm here for you."

"No. I mean go away. Back to Republic City. Get on with your life."

Mako looked at her incredulously. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm not the Avatar anymore. You don't need to do me any favours."

She started walking away but Mako grabbed her arm. "I don't care if you're the Avatar or not. Listen, when Tarrlok took you, I was losing my mind at the thought of never seeing you again. I realized…" He took her face in his hands. "I love you, Korra."

She began tearing up and she pulled away. "I- I can't."

She ran to Naga and Mako yelled after her. "Korra!"

Korra rode Naga out the gate. Tenzin came up behind Mako.

"We need to be patient with her." Tenzin said. "It will take time for her to accept what has happened."


Ichigo walked out of the house and sat down in the snow. Asami saw him there and went up to him.

"Hey, Ichigo."

"Hey."

She struggled for the right words. "I, I just wanted to thank you for the advice you gave me. It really helped me face my father. So, thank you."

"It's no problem." He replied.

She looked at the ground and blushed ever so slightly. "So, do you want to um, I don't know. I mean- I know this is a hard time but would you- Would you be interested in spending more time together?"

He raised an eyebrow. "I think that's the first time I've ever heard you stutter."

She blushed harder. "Well, um, I…"

Ichigo got to his feet. "Asami, I have a life out there somewhere. Other friends. Possibly a girlfriend. I don't know. That's all in the past. But spending more time with you… would be great. Yeah."

Her face lit up with hope. "So, that's a yes?"

He smirked. "What, did you want me to say no?"

Asami smiled wide.


Korra rode out to a small cliff, overlooking the cold Southern Ocean. She dismounted and walked to the edge of a cliff. Tears welled in her eyes and one of them fell down the cliffside and hit the ground. She began to cry freely and sat down, hugging herself to her knees. A shadow passed over and she saw Airbender robes out of the corner of her eye.

"Not now, Tenzin. I just want to be left alone."

The voice that answered however, wasn't Tenzin's.

"But you called me here."

She turned around and saw him: the boy in the iceberg.

"Aang."

He smiled at her. "You have finally connected with your spiritual self."

"How?" Korra asked as she rose to her feet.

"When we hit our lowest point," Aang replied, "We are open to the greatest change."

Behind him appeared apparitions of all the past Avatars. Row upon row of them, stretching out as far as Korra could see. Aang stepped forward and placed his thumb on her forehead.

His eyes turned white then he stepped back. The visions faded into mist. Korra's eyes were closed and when she opened them, they were white and glowing like Aang's.

The ground cracked under her feet and she rose up on a cyclone of air. Korra held out her hands and air blasted away, followed by fire, then earth. The ocean itself responded to her commands and rose into the air.

She went out of the Avatar State and was lowered to the ground. She turned around as she realized someone was behind her. Mako stood there, his face lit in a gentle smile.

Korra smiled back and they ran to embrace each other. Korra looked Mako in the eye.

"I love you too."

Then they kissed, a real kiss not like the one they'd shared all those months ago outside the Arena. This one was heartfelt.


Ichigo stood outside the house by himself. Katara appeared, holding something in her hands. She approached him and he turned to face her.

She smiled and began. "When you first arrived, we told you that you came in nothing but some ripped up old clothes, bearing no other possessions. That was not the truth. You also had this."

Katara handed the object to him. It was wooden and fit into the palm of his hand. It was shaped as a pentagon. A strange skull-like symbol was engraved in the middle of it. Ichigo's memory triggered the answer.

"My Substitute Soul Reaper Combat Pass. I remember this."

Katara smiled. "I had a feeling you would. Use it well. I sense it will help uncover more of your past."

Ichigo nodded. "Thank you, Katara."


Later that day, everyone stood at a small temple on the shore. It was surrounded by large rocks and was overlaid with gold. Korra stood on it and Lin moved up the stairs to her side.

She knelt and Korra placed her thumb on Lin's forehead. Her eyes glowed white, signalling she was going into the Avatar State. Tenzin's eyes widened in amazement.

When she was done, Lin got to her feet and held out her hands. The rocks around the temple rose into the air. Her bending had been restored.

Bolin's jaw hit the ground. Lin looked with wonder at her saviour.

"Thank you."

Korra bowed respectfully and Tenzin went up to her.

"I am so proud of you, Avatar Korra."


Ichigo and Korra walked together outside, looking at the night sky.

"Looks like the stars aren't showing up tonight." Ichigo said.

Korra sighed. "Guess not."

He looked into her eyes. "You know, Korra. You're pretty incredible. You've even got the super emo Mako chasing after you."

She glared at him. "Is that the only reason why I'm incredible?"

He shook his head and smiled. "No. Just one of many."

Korra raised an eyebrow. "I've been right all along."

"About what?"

"You're creepy when you smile."

Tick marks appeared on his head. "Say that again, you little-"

Korra patted him on the head. "That's much more like it, Strawberry."

But Ichigo didn't get mad this time. "My name actually has another meaning."

"Oh, yeah? What is it?"

"One who protects."

Korra smiled genuinely. "Your parents couldn't have chosen better."

Suddenly Ichigo felt something stir inside of him. He walked a few paces way from Korra. "What's wrong, Ichigo?"

"Korra, can you leave me alone for a few minutes?"

She looked with slight concern at him. "Uh, sure, Ichigo." She went back into the house. Ichigo strode outside the village and neared the sea.

"Heh, not bad for an amateur. I'm surprised you actually sensed that."

Ichigo turned at the voice and saw Zangetsu standing a few paces away from him.

"Zangetsu. Why'd you call me out here?"

"To warn you." He replied cryptically.

"Warn me of what?"

Zangetsu shook his head. "Something is coming. I can sense it. It's still a ways off, but still, be wary, King."

Ichigo looked at him with apprehension. "Wary of what exactly?"

"I can't say. For now, just enjoy the peace that you have won. It might not last much longer. Oh and by the way, you remember your combat pass, right?"

"Yeah."

"You remember what it does?"

Ichigo nodded and Zangetsu smirked. "Don't ever lose it, King. I'll kill you if ya do."

Zangetsu disappeared and left Ichigo in a fit of rage. When he had calmed down, he went back inside the house and saw all his friends talking and laughing together. Ichigo smiled slightly and finally, for the first time since he was discovered in the ice, Ichigo felt like he belonged.


End of Book 1.


Wow, that's the end. I really hope you guys enjoyed that final chapter, please tell me your thoughts I love to hear from you. Now then, regarding Book 2. It's coming but I'm probably going to take a little break because I've been going really hard on this story. Although I may post a little prologue soon of Book 2, but we'll see. Anyways guys, thank you as always for reading and I'll see you all next time!