It was another day in quiet Republic City. We found ourselves at the pro-bending arena, where Korra, Mako, Bolin and the gang were in the gym. The three humans were having a little pro-bending training while the gang trained their bending powers.
"Hey, why do we have to get up so early to train?" asked Chomper.
"Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky before letting out a yawn. "Some of us are still tired."
"We're the rookies, so we get the worst time slot in the gym." said Bolin as he passed a training ball to his brother.
"And you, Korra, are the rookiest of us all. We gotta get you up to speed if we wanna survive in the tournament. Deal with it." said Mako throwing the ball hard at the Avatar.
"You deal with it!" said Korra throwing the ball so hard at him that it sent him flying backwards with a groan.
"Hahaha. What a beating. Hahaha." said Cera laughing at the firebender's predicament.
"I still can't believe you are benders." said Bolin.
"We didn't believe it either, but it's true." said Littlefoot.
It turns out that as soon as they met with the two brothers, Korra told them the great news that they had become benders. Bolin was confused while Mako denied that it was possible, so it took a little demonstration to prove it, something that left the two brothers shocked, though for Bolin it was a positive shock.
"There are my little hard-working street urchins." they all turned their gaze to the entrance of the gym to see a man in a smart suit approaching them. " It's an honor to finally meet you, Avatar, and of course, your little friends."
"And you are…?" asked Korra with slight suspicion.
"Butakha. I run this whole pro-bending shebang." said Butakha.
"So you're the one in charge of all this?" asked Ruby.
"That's right." said Butakha before reaching into his jacket to pull out a wad of bills. "Here's your winnings from the last match." said Butakha handing the wad to Mako who had what was clearly a fake smile on his face. He was about to put away the money received when... "Ah, ah, ah, not so fast. First, you owe me for the Avatar's new gear, gym, and equipment rentals from last month, rent on your apartment, and a personal loan for groceries." said Butakha as he was taking money from the wad until he took it all in full.
Mako was shocked to see that the huge wad of bills had turned into nothing and looked at his brother with a frown because of the last thing he mentioned.
"What? I'm a growing boy! You understand me, right, Spike?" said Bolin rubbing his belly and looking at the spiketail who nodded in agreement.
"Oh, and one more small item of business: The Fire Ferrets need to ante up thirty thousand yuans for the championship pot." said Butakha.
"Thirty thousand yuans?! That a lot of money!" said Petrie very surprised, as was Bolin.
"Sorry, kids." began Butakha putting his hand on Mako's shoulder. "You got 'til the end of the week to come up with the dough, or else, you're out of the tournament." said Butakha with his arms crossed before walking away.
"You wouldn't happen to have a secret Avatar bank account overflowing with gold, would you?" asked Bolin to Korra who reached into her pockets and pulled them out to show that they were completely empty.
"I got nothing. I've never really needed money. I've always had people taking care of me." said Korra.
"And we've never needed money because...well, we don't need it." said Littlefoot.
"Then I wouldn't say you have nothing." said Mako frustrated as he picked up the training ball.
"Sorry, I didn't mean..." started Korra apologizing to Bolin.
"No, it's all right. It's just ever since we lost our parents, we've been on our own." said Bolin.
Both Korra and the gang were shocked to hear that.
"I'm so sorry. We didn't know." said Korra.
"Oh, poor, poor little Bolin." said Ducky hugging the earthbender's leg with Spike rubbing his head against him to comfort him, which cheered him up a bit.
"So, anyway, how are we gonna come up with the money?" asked Mako.
"Oh, oh, I got it! I got it!" began Bolin squatting down and holding up Pabu, his pet fire ferret, for all to see. "I've been training Pabu to do circus tricks. Now people would pay good money to see that!"
"Come on, Bolin. We need serious ideas." said Mako very seriously.
"I was serious." said Bolin feeling disappointed.
"Don't worry about it. I'll figure something out. I always do." said Mako walking away.
Bolin stood up to look at his brother before forming a face of determination.
"Don't feel bad, Bolin. I like your idea. Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky.
"Thanks, Ducky." said Bolin before something went through his head. "Hey, how about you help me too? I'm sure people would pay a lot more to watch a couple of dinosaurs bending the elements."
"Oh, yep, yep, yep. If it's to help a friend, I'd be happy to. What do you say, Spike?" asked Ducky getting a nod from her brother.
"I'm in too. The more the better." said Chomper.
"Are you sure you will be okay?" asked Korra with concern.
"Relax, Korra, they'll be with me every step of the way. Besides, it can't do any harm to put on a show in the middle of the street, can it?" asked Bolin.
"I guess you're right." said Littlefoot.
Later, at the city's central station, at the foot of a statue of Fire Lord Zuko, stood Bolin, Ducky, Pabu, Ducky, Spike, and Chomper on a carpet, with a small bar placed over two glasses, all wearing circus costumes and Bolin wearing a fake mustache.
"Come one, come all. See Pabu the fantastic fire ferret as he crosses the Ladder of Peril, *Gasp in mock amazement* upside down!" said Bolin as Pabu was licking himself.
"Pabu, you have to do it now." whispered Ducky to the fire ferret.
At the swimmer's warning, Pabu began to walk across the catwalk face down, much to the earthbender's delight.
"Big finish, buddy. Stick the landing." said Bolin as Pabu leapt somersaulting through the air to land on his front paw. "Ta-da! And now, as the last number, see my amazing helpers, the dinosaurs who will assemble a unique tower in the world!"
"That's our cue, guys!" said Chomper.
Spike sat on the ground, striking the same pose he did during his earthbending training. Chomper stood on his front paws and then Ducky stood on one leg on a sharptooth's hand, thus forming a tower of dinosaurs.
"Ta-da!" exclaimed Bolin just as someone walked past him and tossed a couple of coins into the pot. "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen!"
"Yep, yep, yep. You have been very kind." said Ducky.
"Please don't forget to come forward and leave the money in the jar." said Chomper as Bolin took the jar to check the money received.
"Okay, that's fine, that's fine. Two yuans down, 29,998 to go." said Bolin dejectedly.
"That's all right. Having two coins is better than nothing." said Chomper.
"I'm sure we'll make it. Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky.
"Thanks for your words of encouragement, guys, but I wish there was a faster way to get money." said Bolin.
Just then, a familiar red satomobile pulled up in front of them. The driver's window rolled down so they could see him.
"Hey, Bolin. Is that you?" asked the driver.
"Oh, hey there, Shady Shin." said Bolin waving at him.
"You know him?" asked Ducky.
"Let's just say he's an old acquaintance." said Bolin without much excitement to see him.
Bolin's 'old acquaintance' got out of the satomobile to approach them.
"Heard you're a big time pro-bending player now. Not bad." said Shady Shin.
"Uh, thanks." said Bolin.
"So listen. I got an offer for ya. Lightning Bolt Zolt is lookin' to hire some extra muscle." said Shady Shin.
"Uh, I don't know, Shin. Mako told me to stay away from the Triple Threats." said Bolin.
"Wait, you're from the Triple Threats?" asked Chomper remembering the guys Korra fought on their arrival in the city.
"Wow, I see our reputation even reaches the talking creatures." said Shady Shin before focusing on Bolin. "Listen, your brother ain't the boss of you. It's just a little security work. Nothin' crooked." Shady Shin said before tossing a wad of bills into the pot, causing Bolin to gasp in utter shock. "You game?"
"Of course!" said Bolin standing up and removing his mustache step.
"Wait, Bolin, don't do it. Those guys are really, really, really mean." said Ducky remembering what they were told about the Triads.
"I know, but you heard him. It's just a security thing. It's nothing weird or bad." said Bolin trying to convince them.
"I know, but..." began Chomper.
"Look, little friends, if Bolin wants to do it, you should support him, or don't you want to help him?" asked Shady Shin with a smile.
From that alone, the three dinosaurs could see there was a catch to that offer, but he was right, if Bolin wanted to do that security job, they couldn't do much to convince him otherwise.
"I'll be fine, I promise you, and if things get complicated, I'll leave. Is that okay with you?" asked Bolin.
"I guess so." said Chomper.
"Hey, you know how to get back to the island, right?" asked Bolin, not wanting them to get in trouble.
"Yeah." said Ducky disappointed that she didn't stop her friend.
Spike also nodded at the question.
"Good. Be careful. I'll see you tonight. And take care of Pabu until I return." said Bolin leaving Pabu with them and getting into the satomobile along with Shady Shin before the vehicle drove off far away from the area.
"*Sigh* He's going to get himself in very, very, very big trouble." said Ducky.
Meanwhile, Mako was in some sort of factory, shooting lightning from his fingers at some sort of battery along with other benders shooting lightning. Soon after, the finishing siren sounded and Mako took off his protective helmet and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Later, near nightfall, Mako had returned to the loft where he and his brother lived.
"Bolin, I'm back! Picked up your favorite dumplings!" said Mako lifting a bag in the air. Due to exhaustion, Mako sat down on the sofa with a little groan. "Hey, I found some work down at the power plant. Made some decent money." said Mako as he ate one of the dumpling. "Bolin?" asked Mako calling for his brother but received no answer. "You here, bro?"
Mako began to wonder where his brother was and that's when he turned to look out the window that gave a view of Air Temple Island.
"Huh, I bet the little lovebird is making a house call." said Mako getting up to go check on it.
Meanwhile, on Air Temple Island, Jinora and Ikki were making circling motions before launching a stream of air to move the gates at high speed, with Korra and the rest of the gang on the other side.
Korra launched herself towards the gates and unlike the previous times, she was managing to pass between them while making spiraling motions.
"Good. Light on your feet!" said Jinora advising her.
Finally, Korra reached the other side, where Jinora, Ikki and the others were waiting for her.
Korra stood resting her hands on her knees as she panted a little from the exertion.
"You did well, Korra." said Littlefoot.
"If you keep it up, you'll airbend, especially if you keep it up." said Ruby.
It was then, when everyone, except Korra, noticed someone coming from behind.
"Hey, it Mako." said Petrie.
"Ooh, he's cute. Korra, is that the handsome firebender boy that drives you crazy?" asked Jinora with an amused smile.
Korra was confused by that until she turned her head to see Mako approaching, but the next comment made a horrified expression form on her face.
"Does he drive you crazy in a bad way, or does he drive you crazy like you like him?" asked Ikki mockingly.
In the next instant, Korra, with a stomp, erected a mound of earth that threw the two sisters away.
"Why did she do that?" asked Littlefoot in confusion.
"I think it might be teenage stuff." said Ruby.
"How do you know that?" asked Cera.
"I heard Tenzin comment on it a couple of times." replied Ruby.
"Well, teenage stuff very weird." said Petrie.
Korra quickly turned around to greet the firebender.
"Ahem. Oh. Hey, Mako." began Korra a little nervously as the two sisters landed softly behind, watching the scene with little chuckles between their teeth.
"You seen Bolin?" asked Mako.
"Nice to see you, too. And no. We haven't seen him since practice." said Korra.
"We haven't seen Ducky, Spike or Chomper either." said Littlefoot.
"Did something happen to him?" asked Cera.
"I don't know. Bolin has a knack for getting into stupid situations. Not to mention he's got a couple of kids with him now. *Sigh* See you later." said Mako about to leave.
"Wait. We could, uh ... help you look for him." said Korra.
"If we all look for them together, maybe we'll find them sooner." said Littlefoot.
"Well, it'll be easy because I found them first, so it'll be easy." said Ruby.
"What?" asked the others in confusion.
Ruby pointed to the side to which they all turned their gaze to see Ducky, Spike, Chomper and Pabu running quickly towards them.
"Guys!" said Korra before running towards them with the others. "Are you okay?" asked Korra with concern.
"Yeah, we're fine. Just a little tired." said Chomper.
"We've been running all the way here and it's been very tiring. Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky with Spike collapsing on the ground in exhaustion.
"Where's Bolin? Wasn't he with you?" asked Mako.
"That's the thing. We think Bolin might be in trouble." said Chomper.
"What?! What exactly happened?!" asked Mako demanding answers.
"We were on the subject of getting money when we were approached by a weird guy who belonged to Triple Threats." said Ducky.
"Triple Threats? Isn't that the group that Korra beat up days ago?" asked Cera.
"Urgh. I told him to stay away from them." said Mako.
"Tell us. What else happened?" asked Korra.
"Bolin wanted to refuse, but then that guy, whose name was... Shady Shin, told him it was a security job and offered him a lot of money." said Chomper.
"If it's a security job it doesn't seem so bad, because it's a security job." said Ruby.
"When it comes to Shady Shin and Triple Threats, it's not just a security issue." said Mako.
"You know anything else?" asked Petrie.
"No. They left before we could stop them." said Ducky.
"Well, you should have tried harder!" said Mako scolding them.
"Hey, don't talk to them like that. They're not to blame." said Korra defending her friends.
"I know. I'm sorry. I got carried away." said Mako apologetically.
"What are we going to do?" asked Littlefoot.
"The obvious thing. We'll go look for him." said Mako.
"Good idea and we could take Naga with us." said Korra.
"That's a good idea. With her sense of smell and mine, we'll find Bolin quickly." said Chomper.
"Who is Naga?" asked Mako confused.
"My best friend, beside Littlefoot and his group. And a great tracker." said Korra.
A short time later, Korra and Mako were on Naga's back as she and the gang walked through the city.
"Your best friend is a… polar bear dog. Considering you're friends with a bunch of talking dinosaurs from another world, that makes perfect sense." said Mako.
"I'll take that as a compliment, city boy." said Korra.
They continued walking until they reached the central station.
"This is where we last saw Bolin. Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky.
"Are you sure?" asked Mako as he and Korra got off Naga.
"Yes, he got into a car, and they went in that direction." said Chomper.
"What do you think will be going on?" asked Korra.
"Pss. Hey, you in the tattered scarf." they all turned to the side to see a boy leaning on the statue with his arms crossed. "I couldn't help but overhear that you're in trouble and maybe I have the solution."
"What do you know?" asked Mako as he and the others approached the boy.
"Perhaps. My memory's a little… 'foggy'. Maybe you can help 'clear it up'." said the boy holding out his hand.
Understanding what he was saying, Mako handed him a bill, much to the surprise of the Avatar and the gang.
"Is your memory working well now?" asked Mako.
The boy looked to either side suspiciously before leaning in a little closer, covering one side of his mouth with his hand and whispering.
"I heard that the Triple Threats, the Red Monsoons, the Agni Kais, all the triads are muscling up for something real big. Now that's all you're getting outta me!" the boy said before walking off with some other kids that were around.
"Me not knowing were so many triads." said Petrie.
"It seems like triads is the same as packs for humans." said Ruby.
"Yeah, only those packs are really bad." said Cera.
"What did he mean by that?" asked Littlefoot to Mako.
"Sounds like there's a turf war brewing. And Bolin's about to get caught right in the middle of it." said Mako causing the gang to let out a gasp of horror.
Moments later, everyone (with Korra and Mako riding on Naga) began running through the city.
"So where're we headed?" asked Korra leading Naga in the directions given by the firebender.
"The Triple Threat Triad's headquarters." said Mako.
"I hope Bolin is there and well." said Chomper.
"So do I." said Mako.
"I don't get it, why would Bolin go into a job of theirs?" asked Korra curiously.
"What kind of silly person would work with guys as bad as them?" asked Cera.
"No time for explanations. We gotta hurry." said Mako.
Finally, after a long way traveled, they arrived at their destination.
"Something's not right." said Mako.
"What's wrong?" asked Littlefoot.
"There're usually thugs posted out front. We better be cautious." said Mako walking to the entrance cautiously.
While Mako acted like a spy, Korra and the gang casually approached the entrance before the Avatar burst through the door with a kick.
"Now that's a way to get in." said Ruby as they all entered the place, only to find the tables overturned and lying around.
"What happened here?" asked Ducky.
"It like there been sharpteeth fighting." said Petrie.
"Sharpteeth, I don't think so, but there's clearly been some fighting here." said Korra looking around the place.
"Bolin? You in here?" asked Mako hoping to get an answer from his brother.
Suddenly, they all heard the sound of a vehicle starting up.
They quickly jumped out the back door, only to find several motorists and a truck starting up.
The back doors of the truck were open, allowing everyone to see Bolin bound and gagged groaning for help before another guy in uniform closed the doors.
"Bolin!" shouted Mako as he and the others ran to chase them, but two of the bikers threw some cans that expelled a green smoke that stopped them long enough for them to escape.
"We can't let them get away!" shouted Littlefoot as everyone coughed a little from the smoke.
"Naga, come!" shouted Korra calling to her animal guide.
Naga, with Korra and Mako on her, and the gang burst out of the smoke and began to chase at full speed after the bikers behind the truck.
Mako threw a fireball at one of the bikers but stepped aside to dodge it. A second biker dodged another fireball. Korra tried to stop him by using earthbending to raise a mound of earth that threw the previous biker into the air, but he managed to land straight and continue on his way.
The chase brought them to a square where two bikers broke away from the others. One of them threw a bowling ball that got tangled in Naga's legs, causing her to stumble and throw her passengers who fell to the ground with a groan.
The two bikers did a few somersaults in the air before positioning themselves in front of the firebender and the Avatar. The gang decided to stay by Naga's side to watch the fight.
One biker charged towards Korra who launched a fireball but dodged it by jumping over her as he continued on his way. The biker tries to hit her, but Korra blocks the blow with her arm before throwing a jet of fire at him, but he dodged it by ducking before hitting Korra's arm.
Korra tried to throw fire at him once more, but the biker raised his arm, sending her attack shooting upwards. Korra somersaulted in the air to hit him with a fire axe kick, but the biker dodged it. She tried to hit him with a fire kick, but the biker blocked it with his own leg that tangled with Korra's.
It was then, when he began to repeatedly hit Korra's right side, causing Korra's right arm to become unusable as she groaned in pain. Despite having one arm less, Korra threw a fireball at him with her other arm, but the biker dodged it. She then tried to throw another fireball at him from a low kick, but the biker jumped to dodge it.
Korra jumped up and threw a more powerful fireball at him, but the biker dodged it again. The two charged at each other until Korra stopped and threw a fireball at him, but the biker dodged it again. She then tried again but had the same result.
Meanwhile, Mako, who had ended up with his right arm disabled, tried to hit him with a fireball, but the biker dodged it while getting behind him.
Then, the two bikers hit both of them on the left side repeatedly. In the case of the Avatar they went so far as to hit her in the leg, causing her to stagger. And then both bikers hit them, sending them backwards, knocking them downside by side.
The gang was aghast at how things were going for their friends. They had to do something, or it would be too late.
Korra and Mako looked up to see their opponents closing in on them as they swung their bolas ready to strike them, much to the horror of the firebender and the Avatar.
Before they could take another step, however, Cera and Spike delivered a joint stomp that raised a wall of earth just a step-in front of them, forcing them to leap back. Then, Petrie flew over the wall and threw a stream of wind at them that made them take a step back. Then, the two bikers had to jump to dodge a pair of fireballs and water whips coming from each side.
They looked ahead and, even though you couldn't see through the masks, they were surprised when they saw the gang in front of Korra and Mako (as Cera and Spike undid the wall to use its remains as throwing weapons) showing off their elemental powers.
"If you want to hurt them, you'll have to go through us first." said Littlefoot summoning a flame from the tip of his tail.
The two bikers looked at each other before they threw a pair of cans that expelled a green gas that served as a cover for them as they escaped on their bikes, leaving the square completely clear except for the humans, dinosaurs, and animals.
"That's it! Run away, you cowards!" said Cera.
After seeing that the enemy was gone, the gang quickly turned to help their friends along with Naga, who had managed to free herself from her bonds.
"Are you all right?" asked Littlefoot.
Before answering, Korra thrust her right fist forward to throw a fireball, but then, nothing happened, much to her surprise.
"Ugh, I can't bend." said Korra before trying again, but nothing happened again. "I can't bend!" said Korra panicking.
"How is that possible?" asked Chomper.
"Calm down, it'll wear off. Those guys were chi blockers." said Mako.
"Chi blockers?" asked Petrie.
"A technique that involves temporarily nullifying a bender's power to bend." explained Mako.
"That's horrible." said Ducky as Spike gulped in fear.
"I wonder who those guys were." said Ruby.
"Whoever they are, they didn't look so good if they've run away as soon as they saw us." said Cera.
"But Cera, they took down Korra and Mako and both very good benders." said Petrie.
"They are certainly very skilled. Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky.
"They're Amon's henchmen." said Mako.
"Amon? That anti-bending guy with a mask?" asked Korra.
"Yeah, he's the leader of the Equalists." said Mako.
"What do they want with the Triple Threats?" asked Korra.
"Whatever it is, can't be good." said Mako before putting his hand to his face as he sighed in frustration. "Urgh, can't believe Bolin got himself into this mess!" said Mako crossing his arms before Korra put her hand on his shoulder.
"Mako, we are going to save your brother." said Korra.
"We promise." said Littlefoot putting his paw on Mako's leg.
For many hours of the night, Korra and Mako, mounted on Naga, were running around looking for Bolin. The gang cooperated with the search by trying to locate the scent of the earthbender, but none of them found anything.
They had walked so far that both Naga and the gang were beginning to tire.
"Can we stop? We've been searching for all night and haven't found anything about where they have Bolin." said Cera.
"We've looked everywhere." said Littlefoot.
"Me feel very tired from all flying." said Petrie lying on top of Naga.
Spike was so exhausted that he fell limp to the ground, causing Ducky to fall off him to the ground.
"Even Spike is tired." said Ducky.
"We've gotta keep looking." said Mako.
"Yes, but where?" asked Chomper.
"Unless we know someone who can lead us to where Bolin is, we won't know where Bolin is unless we know someone who can lead us to where he is." said Ruby.
It was then that Korra came up with an idea.
"I have an idea. Can you hold on just a little longer?" asked Korra.
"We'll try." said Ducky as she helped Spike to get up.
Korra began to lead Naga and the gang all the way to the park, where the polar bear dog and Spike could drink water from the fountain while the others sat down to rest.
"Why did we come all this way?" asked Mako.
"The first day I got into town, I ran into an Equalist protester over there." said Korra pointing to an area of the park.
"That's right. We ran into him the first day too, but we didn't understand what he was saying." said Littlefoot.
"And you think they'll know where Bolin is?" asked Mako.
"It's our only lead right now." said Korra.
Later, they all found themselves under a tree, with Naga and most of the gang sleeping while Korra, Littlefoot and Mako were still awake.
Korra determined to break the awkward silence, decided to ask something that was on her mind.
"So, why is Bolin running around with the Triple Threat Triad, anyway?" asked Korra.
"From what Ducky and Chomper said, that Shady Shin and Bolin seemed to know each other." said Littlefoot.
"Well, we ... we used to do some work for them back in the day." confessed Mako.
"What?" asked Korra in shock. "Wha-Are you some kind of criminal?"
"No! You don't know what you're talking about. I just ran numbers for them and stuff. We were orphans out on the street; I did what I had to do to survive and protect my little brother." said Mako telling a little of his past.
"I'm sorry. It must have been really hard. Can I ask what happened to your parents?" said Korra.
"They were mugged, by a firebender. He cut them down right in front of me. I was eight." said Mako in a slightly cracked voice, as it wasn't an easy subject to tell.
Needless to say, both Korra and Littlefoot were shocked and saddened to hear that.
"Mako…" said Korra feeling sorry for the firebender.
"Bolin's the only family I have left. If anything happened to him…" began Mako sad at the memory of losing his family and at the possibility of losing his brother.
"I know how you feel." said Littlefoot getting the attention of the two humans. "I lost my mother a long time ago." said Littlefoot surprising the humans.
"What happened to her?" asked Mako.
"A sharptooth killed her while she protecting me. She died in front of me." said Littlefoot.
That left the two humans in shock, especially Korra, as she couldn't imagine that her friend had gone through something like that.
Korra put an arm around the longneck to pull him to her, trying to comfort him.
"I'm sorry." said Korra.
"It's okay. My mom may be gone, but I still have my dad, my brother, my grandparents..." said Littlefoot with a smile before turning his gaze to the other members of the gang. "My friends." said Littlefoot before turning his gaze to the Avatar and the firebender. "And now you too."
Korra was shocked by the longneck's words and smiled at him before the two shared a hug. Mako felt a little better at the dinosaur's words. He may not have his parents anymore, but he had Bolin and now he had Korra and the gang.
A peculiar bunch, but one he wouldn't trade for anything.
The next morning, everyone was sleeping peacefully, with Korra and Littlefoot sleeping together side by side.
" Equality now! Equality now!" shouted the protester causing everyone to wake up with a groan. "We want equality now!"
"Who yells so much in morning?" asked Petrie groaning from exhaustion.
They all turned their gaze to the front to see the protester on a table in front of a poster of Amon.
"That's the guy." said Korra pointing at him.
"Non-benders of Republic City! Amon calls you to action! Take back your city! It's time for the…" the protester began before seeing Korra, Mako and the gang walking towards him. "It's you again! You cannot silence me, Avatar!"
But then, Korra slapped the megaphone away from him causing it to shatter as it hit the ground.
"Shut your yapper and listen up. My friend got kidnapped by some chi blockers. Where'd they take him?" asked Korra.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." said the protester crossing his arms and looking away.
"Oh, I think you do." said Cera before stomping her front paws on the floor, causing a mound of dirt to rise up under the table, tossing it into the air and scattering the papers on it.
"I think you went a little overboard, Cera." said Littlefoot.
"He deserved it." said Cera.
The protester, despite being shocked that a dinosaur could earthbend, set about picking up the pamphlets littering the floor.
Mako picked up one of the ones that were falling around and read it.
"'Witness the Revelation tonight, nine o' clock'." said Mako reading the contents of the pamphlet. "What's this 'Revelation'?" asked Mako to the protester.
"Nothing that concerns the likes of you two!" said the protester before Korra grabbed him by the collar of his clothes and lifted him up a little.
"You better believe it concerns us.." said Korra.
"Answer us." said Chomper wanting answers.
"No one knows what the Revelation is! And I have no idea what happened to your friend. But if he's a bender, then my bet is he's getting what's coming to him." said the protester.
"Where's it happening?" asked Mako when suddenly, a whistle blew.
They turned their heads to the side to see a policeman half a distance away from them.
"Hey! What's going on over there?" asked the policeman from a distance.
"The Avatar's oppressing us. Help!" shouted the protester.
"Let's scram." said Korra throwing the protester before she and the others fled the scene, though Ducky, Chomper and Ruby made sure to grab a couple of pamphlets from the ones on the ground.
Later, Korra, Mako and the gang stood at a streetcar stop, scanning the pamphlets for anything that would tell them where the revelation was being held, but found nothing.
"Why didn't the Equalists put a location on these?" asked Korra.
"Maybe they don't want just anyone to go to their Revelation, whatever that Revelation is that they don't want just anyone to go to." said Ruby.
"Great. We're back at the beginning." said Cera.
"But we can't give up. Bolin could be in danger." said Ducky as Spike nodded.
"I bet the information is hidden on here somehow." said Mako.
"Why you believe that?" asked Petrie.
"Look at the backs. There's four different images." said Mako looking at the backs of four pamphlets.
"Why would they do something like that?" asked Chomper.
"Maybe those drawings are connected somehow." said Littlefoot.
"So, it's a puzzle?" asked Korra with a smile as she realized how they were going to figure out the location.
"Yeah, of a map!" said Mako putting the four pamphlets together to form a small map that he compared to a map of the city nearby. He compared it to some parts of the city until he found the perfect match. "Bingo."
"That must be where it's being held." said Littlefoot.
After a long time, they finally had a clear clue where Bolin was.
Later that night, Korra, Mako and the gang arrived at some sort of abandoned factory to which several people were heading.
"This is the place." said Mako.
"You stay back, kids." said Korra.
"Not at all." said Littlefoot.
"We didn't come all this way to sit around and do nothing. No, no, no." said Ducky.
"Didn't you see the beating we got the night before?" asked Korra.
"This time we are going into the enemy's lair, where, surely, there will be many like the ones we faced that time." said Mako.
"I don't want you to get hurt." said Korra with concern.
"We know that, but Bolin is our friend too." said Chomper.
"And we won't stay back knowing he's in danger, so we won't stay back." said Ruby.
"Me scared of Equalists, but me willing to go helping Bolin." said Petrie.
"And if you know us well enough, you'll know we'll go even if you tell us otherwise." said Cera.
"We won't leave our friend behind." said Littlefoot with determination.
Korra had to admit that they were right. She had been told that, despite their families' warnings, they went into danger for certain noble causes, and this was one of those causes, but this time they weren't going to face sharpteeth or predators, but very skilled people who could block chi or who knew what else.
She didn't want her new friends to come to harm, but if she left them there, they would find a way in on their own and she wouldn't be with them to help them in case of danger. In the end, she made a decision.
"*Sigh* All right. You may come, but at no time will you be separated from us and don't do anything unless we tell you to. Understood?" asked Korra accepting the situation.
"Fine with me." said Littlefoot.
"All right, but now we have the problem of how to sneak a bunch of dinosaurs into a gathering of humans." said Mako.
"If only we had some sort of disguise." said Ruby.
As she said that, an idea formed in Cera's mind.
"I think I've got it." said Cera.
"I don't know if this convinces me." said Korra wearing a cap and Mako's scarf, while the firebender had a cap as well and the gang was behind both of them.
It turns out that Cera's plan was for the gang to split into two groups to form two towers. Spike had Littlefoot on top who in turn had Cera on top who had Petrie. Ruby had Chomper on top who had Ducky.
The two towers put on a jacket to hide them and a big hat to keep their heads hidden.
That way, they had gotten a couple of disguises to look as human as possible. Though the two humans still had their doubts about whether those disguises were going to be effective.
"It will work. We just shouldn't draw attention to ourselves." said Cera.
"It's a little hard when you can't see with this on." said Ruby having little difficulty walking as she peered through the holes in the jacket.
"Can you hold on, Spike?" asked Ducky to her brother who let out a groan as a sign that he was okay despite having two dinosaurs on him.
"Shh. Shut up." said Littlefoot just as they approached the door where the people were coming in who had a guard next to them checking the pamphlets like tickets.
On the way in, Korra clung to Mako's arm.
"What are you doing?" asked Mako.
"We'll attract less attention this way." said Korra.
"As if we attract enough of it already." commented Mako glancing at the costumed dinosaurs behind.
"This is a private event. No one gets in without an invitation." said the guard at the door with his arms crossed.
"Uh... invitation?" asked Korra surprised that that was needed to get in.
"Pss." the two humans turned their heads slightly to see Chomper's hand peeking slightly out of a hole in his jacket with several pamphlets. "Try these."
Mako took the pamphlets and showed them to the guard.
"You mean this?" asked Mako.
The guard took the pamphlets to check them before turning his gaze to the costumed dinosaurs.
"Do they come with you?" asked the guard.
"Yes, they do." said Korra.
"Yep..." began Ducky before clearing her throat a little. "Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky in a very low voice to avoid suspicion.
"We've come to the meeting." said Littlefoot in a deep voice.
The guard looked at them suspiciously for a while, making everyone nervous, but then...
"The Revelation is upon us, my brother and sister." said the guard stepping aside to let them pass with a smile.
Once they were far enough away from the door, they let out a deep sigh of relief.
"I thought we'd be spotted." said Korra.
"Me too." said Petrie peeking out a little under his hat.
"Heh. I knew my plan would work." said Cera.
"Let's not let our guard down yet." said Mako before they all walked a little further until they reached a balcony where they saw lots and lots of people in front of a stage.
"Wow. So many people." said Ruby.
"I knew a lot of people hated benders, but I've never seen so many in one place. Keep your eyes out for Bolin." said Mako before the group walked down from the balcony until they were in the middle of the crowd.
Suddenly, the spotlights came on, fairly illuminating the stage.
"Please welcome your hero, your savior… Amon!" shouted the announcer as a compartment opened in the middle of the stage through which ascended a platform upon which stood several Equalist soldiers, the lieutenant and the masked man leading the Equalists, Amon.
The audience erupted in cheers at his arrival as Amon approached the microphone.
"My quest for equality began many years ago. When I was a boy, my family and I lived on a small farm. We weren't rich, and none of us were benders. This made us very easy targets for the firebender who extorted my father. One day, my father confronted this man, but when he did, that firebender took my family from me. Then, he took my face. I've been forced to hide behind a mask ever since." said Amon recounting his life.
Korra, Mako and the gang were shocked by the masked man's story, even beginning to feel sorry for him.
"As you know, the Avatar has recently arrived in Republic City." said Amon, causing the audience to boo at the mention of the Avatar.
"And if she were here, she would tell you that bending brings balance to the world. But, she is wrong. The only thing bending has brought to the world, is suffering. It has been the cause of every war in every era." said Amon as Korra gritted her teeth in anger at the masked one's words.
"But that is about to change." said Amon catching Korra's attention. "I know you have been wondering, 'What is the Revelation?'. You are about to get your answer."
Korra, Mako and the gang looked at each other briefly, a little nervous about what that revelation would be.
"Since the beginning of time, the spirits have acted as guardians of our world, and they have spoken to me. They say the Avatar has failed humanity." said Amon angrily to Korra. "That is why the spirits have chosen me to usher in a new era of balance. They have granted me a power that will make Equality a reality. The power to take a person's bending away. Permanently."
Hearing that, Korra's eyes widened in utter surprise.
"That's impossible." said Korra.
"Why do you say that?" asked Littlefoot.
"Only Avatar Aang has ever had the power to take away a bender's power of bending." said Korra.
"Then that person can't possibly have that power. No, no, no." said Ducky.
"That guy is crazy." said Cera.
"You said it." said Mako.
"Now, for a demonstration. Please welcome, Lightning Bolt Zolt. Leader of the Triple Threat Triad, and one of the most notorious criminals in Republic City." said Amon as some Equalist soldiers pushed the aforementioned, who was tied up, to stand next to Amon, receiving much booing in the process.
"Why do they call him Lightning Bolt Zolt?" asked Ruby.
"Because he has the rare ability to throw lightning." explained Mako.
"Humans able to throw lightning?" asked Petrie remembering what lightning was to dinosaurs.
"Only the most skilled firebenders have that ability. Myself included." said Mako.
"Wow." said Chomper thinking that, if firebenders could throw lightning, then he and Littlefoot could do it too.
"Ah, boo yourself!" shouted Zolt as more soldiers brought in Shady Shin, a couple of men and Bolin who was completely terrified by the situation he was in.
"There's Bolin." said Korra ready to go save him, but Mako stopped her by grabbing her shoulder.
"Wait, we can't fight them all. We need to be smart about this." said Mako.
"So what can we do then?" asked Littlefoot.
"Zolt has amassed a fortune by extorting and abusing non-benders. But his reign of terror is about to come to an end. Now, in the interest of fairness." began Amon backing up a bit as the lieutenant untied Zolt who rubbed his wrists. "I will give Zolt the chance to fight to keep his bending." said Amon as the lieutenant sent Zolt with a shove to the other side of the stage.
"You're gonna regret doing that, pal." said Zolt with a cocky grin before throwing a fireball that Amon dodged, then threw another one, but he dodged that one too.
Zolt threw another fireball, but Amon dodged it as he charged towards him and dodged his fireballs. Switching strategies, Zolt decided to throw a lightning at him, but Amon easily dodged it before stepping in front of Zolt, grabbing his wrist and pushing it aside, causing the lightning to go in another direction.
Even though Zolt continued to throw his lightning, Amon made him turn around, causing the lightning to hit part of the spot. He then grabbed him by the back of the neck with his left hand, causing him to groan slightly and then placed his right hand on Zolt's head, with his thumb on his forehead and two fingers on one side.
Suddenly, the lightning began to dwindle into a flare that eventually died out soon after.
After that, Amon released Zolt who fell to the ground with a groan as Amon put his hands behind his back. Zolt started to get up with a groan of effort before looking at the masked man.
He tried to throw a fireball at him, but nothing happened, and he ended up falling to the ground again.
Zolt got to his hands and knees as he groaned a little from the effort.
"Wha… what did you do to me?" asked Zolt in fright.
"Your firebending is gone. Forever." said Amon to the astonishment of the audience.
While the audience was in awe, Korra was completely terrified. She couldn't believe what she had just seen. Someone who wasn't the Avatar had just snatched the power of bend from a bender.
"The era of bending is over. A new era of Equality has begun!" said Amon raising his fist, causing the audience to raise their fists as they cheered.
One of the men who were bound began to tremble in fear as the Equalist soldiers untied Shady Shin and pushed him towards what would be his doom.
"He's going to take Bolin's bending away from him." said Chomper.
"We have to do something." said Ducky very worried about her friend.
"Have you come up with anything yet?" asked Cera to Mako.
"I think so." said Mako before turning his head to the side of the factory. "See those machines? They're powered by water and steam. If you create some cover, I can grab Bolin without anyone seeing. Then, we duck out of here."
"Ducky, Chomper, Ruby, you go help him. We'll go with Korra." said Littlefoot getting a nod from the others.
"Works for me. Good luck." Korra said.
"You too." said Mako.
"Let's go, guys." said Korra as the first tower of dinosaurs, still in their costume, followed the Avatar to where the machines Mako mentioned were.
The Avatar and the dinosaurs came to a hallway where there was a machine with two valves. Korra turned one of the valves hard, but because of how sturdy it was, she could only turn it a little, though that caused a jet of steam to shoot out of the pipe.
"It's not enough." said Korra easily turning the other valve, which was much smaller.
"Hurry up. Before someone comes." said Littlefoot.
"Hey, you!" Korra and the dinosaurs turned to the side to see the gate guard walking toward them.
Meanwhile, Mako was moving through the crowd with the other dinosaurs close behind. They reached the front row just as Amon was snatching bending from Shady Shin.
Bolin let out a gasp as they took the last one before him, so he would be next.
Back in the hallway, Korra and the dinosaurs had the guard in front of them.
"Is there a problem, my brother?" asked Korra keeping cover.
"What are you doing back here?" asked the guard.
"Uh... we... looking for bathroom?" asked Petrie without putting on a serious voice as Korra smiled nervously.
That didn't convince the guard who reached his hand back to grab a wrench, which everyone noticed.
"Well, no more disguises." said Cera before jumping down from her post on the tower to hit the guard on the face with her head, knocking him to the ground.
The guard quickly got up and tried to hit them with his wrench, but Korra dodged the attacks easily while the dinosaurs used their small size to avoid them.
Petrie flew over his head and began to sting him before flying away to avoid a key punch.
Returning to the central area, Mako and the others were patiently waiting for the moment to act.
"Come on…" said Mako getting impatient, as Amon was snatching bending from another bender.
"Don't worry, I know they'll get it." said Ruby.
Korra dodged another attack that hit one of the pipes, bending it in the process due to the force put into the attack.
Korra removed her scarf and after dodging another key strike, wrapped it around his hand. With her strength, she pulled the guard until she threw him against the valve machine, breaking several pipes that expelled a lot of steam and knocking the guard down.
"That should be enough." said Littlefoot.
"Yes. Thank you for your help." said Korra to the unconscious guard.
Just then, they were untying Bolin, preparing him for his turn while he was terrified. They lifted him up and pushed him until he was behind Amon, who had finished off the previous bender to turn around and see the earthbender.
"Uh, hello, Amon, sir. I think there's been a big misunderstanding." said Bolin before Amon started walking towards him.
Back in the hallway, Korra manipulated the steam to throw it at the machine, causing an explosion that created a smokescreen as people began to scream.
Bolin was shocked as the steam covered everything. Amon took advantage of the steam to back up and disappear into it. Bolin was grabbed from behind by an Equalist, but Mako grabbed him and threw him away from him and his brother.
"Bolin, you all right?" asked Mako.
"Yes! Mako! I love you!" said Bolin opening his arms to hug his brother, but then, Ducky, Chomper and Ruby pushed him back.
"Let's save the reunions for when we get out of here." said Chomper.
The two brothers and the three dinosaurs went out a door leading to the outside.
"Ducky? Chomper? Ruby? You came too?" asked Bolin surprised to see the gang.
"No time for explanations! We have to go!" said Ducky as they went down some stairs.
However, the lieutenant came out soon after and discovered the boys fleeing down the stairs. By the time Mako looked up to see him, the lieutenant pulled out two sticks which he slammed against the staircase, releasing an electric shock that coursed through the staircase and them, making them scream in pain before falling to the ground.
With a leap, the lieutenant jumped down to hit Bolin with his electrified sticks, but Bolin managed to get out of the way in time and get up, as did Mako and the dinosaurs.
First, Mako threw a fireball at him, which the lieutenant dodged before running at him and trying to hit them with his electrified sticks, but Mako dodged them. However, the lieutenant ran one stick through his legs, making him airborne before hitting him with the other stick in the stomach, sending him to the ground.
Bolin proceeded to throw a couple of cubes of earth at him, but the lieutenant dodged all of the thrown objects as he charged toward him. Nervously, Bolin erected a wall of earth to protect himself, but the lieutenant, with a couple of somersaults, went over the wall and landed behind Bolin.
Just as he turned around, the lieutenant began to hit him with his electrified sticks before touching him with the tip, sending him an electric shock that made him scream in pain until he ended up unconscious.
Suddenly, Ducky stood over the lieutenant's head and began to hit him with her feet, as she couldn't use waterbending if there was no water nearby.
"Leave them alone, you bad human!" shouted Ducky before being grabbed by the lieutenant and thrown towards Ruby who caught her in time, but the lieutenant ran towards them and hit them with his electrified stick, making them scream in pain before falling unconscious.
Before the lieutenant could do anything else, he screamed in pain as he felt something stinging his leg and looked down to see Chomper biting his leg with much force. The lieutenant ended up hitting him with an electrified stick which made him scream in pain as he released the lieutenant's leg and fell unconscious.
However, the lieutenant almost lost his balance and fell to his knees because of the bite's strength and the pain it caused, as he had never felt a bite so strong like that one.
It was then, when Mako came out from the side of Bolin's wall and tried to hit the lieutenant with a flying fire kick, but he dodged it. He then threw a horizontal fire wave at him, which he dodged as the attack knocked down the wall.
The lieutenant charged toward him to hit him. Mako dodged a couple of attacks before trying to throw a fireball at him, but the lieutenant dodged it before hitting him in the chest with his electrified stick, pushing him backwards before hitting him with the tip of his two sticks, sending him an electric shock that made him scream in pain before falling unconscious.
"You benders need to understand, there's no place in the world for you anymore." the lieutenant said before a stone wall rose up beside him and struck him, sending him crashing into a wall that knocked him over.
"I wouldn't count us out just yet." said Korra who had arrived in time with the rest of the gang before letting out a hiss. "Naga!"
At her friend's call, Naga came running to the scene just as Mako, Bolin, Ducky, Chomper and Ruby were waking up, but also as equal soldiers appeared on the scene.
Quickly, Korra and Mako climbed on top of Naga as she and the gang ran away from the scene at full speed. Bolin let out a panicked yelp when he saw Naga run up to him and grab him by the shirt with her mouth, causing him to bounce off as the polar bear dog ran away.
"Hah… Oh… Yah… Stop… I want… to be… on… your back… please!" said Bolin as he bounced.
"The Avatar. That's her!" said the lieutenant as the soldiers chased after them.
"Let her go." said Amon making his subordinates stop. "She's the perfect messenger to tell the city of my power."
After leaving Mako and Bolin in a safe place, Korra and the gang set out to return to the island to let Tenzin know what they had discovered.
While they were on the boat, Korra brought up a very important topic.
"Are you okay?" asked Korra to those who fought with the lieutenant.
"I'm fine, but that guy was really strong." said Ducky.
"Yeah. He alone could take down Mako and Bolin easily." said Chomper.
"Not to mention those weird sticks that released sparks. I still feel twitches from that." said Ruby.
"I told you it would be dangerous! If I hadn't gotten there sooner, who knows what he could have done to you!" said Korra scolding them like a mother.
"But we wanted to help Mako and Bolin." said Chomper.
"We couldn't let that guy hurt them anymore. No, no, no." said Ducky.
Korra was about to say something else when...
"They're right." said Littlefoot catching the Avatar's attention. "This won't be the last time we face the Equalists. I'm sure we'll run into them again."
"If you do, you will get hurt badly. You might even die!" said Korra with great concern.
"That's why we need your help." said Littlefoot.
"What?" asked Korra.
"It true. You good teacher and fighter." said Petrie.
"If you teach us, we'll be good enough to take on those Equalists." said Cera as Spike nodded in agreement.
"No. I don't want you to get involved in this issue. This isn't your world." said Korra.
"It may not be our world, but it is the world you and the others live in, and I don't plan to let Amon destroy it all. That's why we want to get stronger so we can fight by your side." said Littlefoot.
Korra looked at them all to see them with a resolute and determined face, something she had never seen but in herself when she decided to go to Republic City. She didn't want them to get into a war they didn't belong in, but she didn't want them to get hurt either.
Besides, if she trained them, they would be strong enough to be able to defend themselves against them if necessary.
"All right. I'll help you to get stronger, but I'm warning you that training won't be as straight forward and simple as last time." said Korra.
The gang looked at each other and shared a joint nod.
"We understand." said Littlefoot.
Later, on Air Temple Island, Tenzin was in a hallway with a couple of White Lotus guards. They were about to talk about something when they saw Korra and the gang arrive on the scene.
"Thank goodness. I was just about to send out a search party. Are you all right?" asked Tenzin with concern approaching them, but the answer he got from them was a shake of the head. "What happened? Did you find your friend?"
"Yes, but… We were at an Equalist rally." said Korra.
"And that's where we met Amon." said Littlefoot.
"What?" asked Tenzin surprised by that.
"He can take people's bending away. For good." said Korra.
"That's… that's impossible. Only the Avatar has ever possessed that ability." said Tenzin unable to believe his ears.
"Well now it's him and the Avatar." said Cera.
"We have seen how he did it with our own eyes. Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky as Spike nodded.
"I believe you. I don't know how Amon has achieved this power, but this means the revolution is more dangerous than ever. No bender is safe." said Tenzin as they all looked around the city, wondering what would happen next.
Meanwhile, in an abandoned warehouse, there were three Equalist soldiers talking to each other.
"Ha. Did you see the faces of those benders when their powers of bending were taken away?" asked the first Equalist.
"Oh, what I wouldn't give to have had a camera at the time and keep that image as a souvenir." said the second Equalist.
"In case you've forgotten, we didn't sign up to to watch benders suffer, we signed up to bring equality to the world so that no one else has to suffer." said the third equalist.
"Exactly." the three Equalists looked up quickly to see Amon on a catwalk on the upper level.
"Master Amon. We are sorry we let those two benders slip away from us in your absence." said the third Equalist.
"No matter. With the Avatar divulging what I have done, the city will go into chaos and benders will lose trust in non-benders." said Amon.
"Uh, sir. Wouldn't that cause conflict between the two sides?" asked the first Equalist.
"Precisely." said Amon to the confusion of the three equalists.
At that moment, Amon jumped down as the three Equalists jumped to the side, but in the process they dropped a can that expelled green smoke.
Amon
I know that your powers of retention are
as wet as a serpent's backside.
But thick as you are, pay attention!
My words are a matter of pride.
It's clear from your vacant expressions,
the lights are not all on upstairs.
But we're talking benders and lessons,
even you can't be caught unawares.
So prepare for the chance of a lifetime,
be prepared for sensational news.
A shining new era is tiptoeing nearer.
"And where do we feature?" asked the first equalist.
Amon
Just listen to teacher.
I know it sounds sordid,
but you'll be rewarded when at last,
I am given my dues
and injustice deliciously squared.
Be prepared!
"Yeah, we're prepared." said the second equalizer.
"We'll all be prepared, for what?" asked the second equalist.
"For the end of bending." said Amon.
"Something wrong with that?" asked the first Equalist foolishly.
"No comrade, we're gonna destroy it and the Avatar too." said Amon.
"Good idea. Who needs them?" said the third Equalist.
"No way, no way, nananananana!" said the three equalist soldiers.
"And for that you will need me." said Amon.
"Can you say it again?" asked the second Equalist.
"I will be your leader. Stay with me and you'll never be defeated again!" said Amon.
"Yeah, sure, long live Amon!" said the first equalist.
"Long Live Amon! Long Live Equalists!" said more equalists who suddenly appeared.
Equalists
It's great that we'll soon be connected
with a chief who'll be all-time adored.
Amon
Of course, quid pro quo,
you're expected to take certain duties on board.
The future is littered with prizes,
and though I'm the main addressee.
The point that I must emphasize is,
you won't get a strike without me!
So prepare for the coup of the century,
be prepared for the murkiest scam.
Meticulous planning,
tenacity spanning,
decades of denial is simply
why we'll be people undisputed,
respected,
saluted
and seen for the mighty we are.
Yes, my dream and ambitions are bared.
Be prepared!
Equalists:
Yes, his dream and ambitions are bared.
Amon and equalists
Be prepared!
After the song, Amon and his subordinates shared a mischievous laugh, as their plans were just beginning to form.