It was a quiet night with a full moon. Korra was at that moment sleeping peacefully in her bed with the windows open, letting in a night breeze.
Suddenly, a mysterious figure was running out of the room, alerting the Avatar who quickly awoke just as an Equalist soldier leapt through the window, followed by two more soldiers who came through the door, breaking it in the process.
Korra jumped up to throw a horizontal fire wave at them, but they dodged it. She then proceeded to throw a couple of fireballs from her fists, but failed to hit any of them.
One of the equals tried to hit her with an axe kick, but she blocked it with her arm before throwing more fireballs at him which he dodged. Unfortunately, while she was focused on one soldier, another approached her from behind and hit her repeatedly in the back, forcing her to let out a groan as she knelt on the ground.
It was then when, looking up, she saw Amon standing in front of her.
"After I take your bending away, you will be nothing." said Amon bringing his hand menacingly close to the Avatar's face who's eyes were wide with sheer terror.
"AH!" cried Korra quickly waking up.
She took quick, deep breaths to calm herself as she looked to her side to see Naga licking her hand before resting her head in her lap.
"It's… it's all right, Naga." said Korra petting the polar bear dog. "I just had a bad dream." said Korra resting her head and arms on her.
The next morning, a Republic City council meeting was being held to discuss the main issue of the moment.
"There is a madman running around our beloved city, threatening to tear it apart. We need to create a task force whose sole mission is to find Amon and bring him to justice." said Tarrlok, one of the council members.
"Absolutely not. A move that aggressive would only further divide benders and non-benders." said Tenzin.
"Tarrlok, I'm inclined to agree with your proposal, but who would even head up such a task force?" asked a Fire Nation woman member of the council before Tarrlok stood up.
"It would be my honor and privilege to accept such a duty." said Tarrlok bowing respectfully.
"This is just another one of your ploys to gain more power, isn't it?" asked Tenzin banging the table a little hard, as he didn't trust the waterbender councilman.
"All I'm trying to do is help. Think back, forty-two years ago, Republic City was threatened by another dangerous man. Yakone. Your father wasn't afraid to deal with him head-on." said Tarrlok mentioning a deed done by the previous Avatar.
"This… is a completely different situation… and how dare you compare yourself to Avatar Aang!" asked Tenzin rising from his seat and pointing at the councilman, feeling offended.
"Amon is not going to stop with the bending triads. Eventually, he will come for all us benders. Our friends, our families. Vote for this task force and I will stop Amon before it's too late. All in favor?" asked Tarrlok raising his hand.
Soon after, the other three council members raised their hands and Tarrlok banged a gavel against a platform to signal the end of the vote as he gave Tenzin a smile of victory while he scowled at him.
That same night, on Air Temple Island, Korra was outside teaching the gang combat moves from various elemental benders while a radio station was playing.
Suddenly, the music played static before a voice familiar to them could be heard.
"Good evening, my fellow Equalists. This is your leader, Amon. As you have heard, the Republic Council has voted to make me public enemy number one, proving once again that the bending oppressors of this city will stop at nothing to quash our revolution. But we cannot be stopped. Our numbers grow stronger by the day. You no longer have to live in fear. The time has come for benders to experience fear." said Amon over the radio before it went static again.
"I don't like this at all. No, no, no." said Ducky.
"I wouldn't worry. Like he said, he has just been declared the city's greatest enemy, so surely the cops will end up finding him sooner or later." said Cera confidently.
"But finding human in such big city sounds very difficult." said Petrie.
"Not to mention there are more and more of them and it will be harder if there are more and more of them." said Ruby.
"Korra, are you okay?" asked Littlefoot realizing that Korra had been staring at the radio with a panicked expression as beads of sweat ran down her face.
The longneck's question was enough to snap her out of her stupor and wipe the sweat off quickly.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine. It's nothing." said Korra lying.
"You're sure. why were you just a moment ago like when Spike is in front of a mean sharptooth?" asked Chomper as the spiketail nodded.
"Is it that you're afraid of Amon?" asked Littlefoot.
"No. I'm not." replied Korra quickly and with a frown. "It's too late now. Let's go to bed." said Korra leaving quickly.
"I wonder what's wrong with her." said Cera.
"I don't know, but I'm worried about her." said Littlefoot worried about his friend.
The next morning, Mako was strolling through the streets of the city.
Looking ahead and in the distance, he saw several people getting on a streetcar, which must have been his transportation, because he started running quickly towards it. Meanwhile, a girl on a motorcycle was racing by and suddenly, Mako stepped out onto the road in the middle of the motorcycle's path. The driver was so surprised that she tried to brake, but failed to do so and ended up crashing into the firebender, knocking him to the ground.
The girl parked the motorcycle before quickly running towards him as he sat on the ground.
"Oh, no! I'm so sorry. I didn't see you." the girl said getting next to Mako and taking off her helmet.
"How could you not see me?" asked Mako rubbing his head in pain. "I mean I was ju-juu..." began Mako angrily before gawking and blushing as he had become spellbound by the girl's beauty. "Uh, I was... I- I… wow. *cough* I was... *cough*" said Mako unable to find words as the girl crouched down to his level, causing him to blush a little.
"Are you okay? Did I hurt you?" the girl asked as she helped him up, much to his embarrassment. "Ugh, I'm such an idiot."
"Don't worry, I'm fine." said Mako to reassure her before brushing the dirt away from his clothes. "My brother hits me harder than that every day in practice."
"Wait, I recognize you. You're Mako, right? You play for the Fire Ferrets." said the girl.
"Yeah, that's me." said Mako.
"I am so embarrassed." said the girl before extending her hand. "My name is Asami." said the girl introducing herself as Mako shook her hand. "Let me make this up to you somehow. Uh, how about I treat you to dinner? Tomorrow night, eight o' clock, Kwong's Cuisine." said Asami before leaving.
"Uh, Kwong's? I don't have any clothes nice enough for a place that classy." said Mako.
"I'll take care of that." said Asami putting on her helmet. "All you need to do is show up." said Asami before putting on her glasses. "So… it's a date?"
"Uh, yeah, I guess so. I'll see you tomorrow night." said Mako.
After that, Asami started her motorcycle and set off, though on the way she gave the firebender a small smile.
As soon as she was out of sight, a goofy grin formed on Mako's face as floating hearts appeared around him.
Later in the evening, on Air Temple Island, Tenzin's family, Korra, and the gang had gathered for dinner.
"We are grateful for this delicious food, for happiness, for compassion, and..." began Tenzin reciting a prayer when suddenly...
"I'm not interrupting, am I?" asked Tarrlok at the entrance to the dining room, interrupting and at the same time surprising the airbender.
"This is my home, Tarrlok. We're about to eat dinner." said Tenzin as the waterbender councilman entered.
"Good, because I am absolutely famished." said Tarrlok as Tenzin eyed him suspiciously. "Airbenders never turn away a hungry guest, am I right?" asked Tarrlok as Tenzin sighed in defeat.
"I suppose." said Tenzin sitting down at the table.
Pema stood with her arms crossed and scowling at him. Tenzin, realizing that, could only answer her with a shrug.
Tarrlok walked over until he was next to Korra and the gang.
"Ah, you must be the famous Avatar Korra. It is truly an honor." began Tarrlok bowing in respect. "And I suppose these must be the creatures that always accompany you. Tell me, is it true that you can talk?"
"Yep, yep, yep. We can talk like humans do." said Ducky.
"Wow. That's certainly something never seen before." said Tarrlok slightly surprised.
"Excuse me, but who are you?" asked Littlefoot.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Councilman Tarrlok, representative from the Northern Water Tribe." said Tarrlok.
"Oh, so you are a council member like Tenzin, who is a council member like you?" asked Ruby.
"Yes, I am." said Tarrlok.
"Nice to meet you." said Korra getting up to bow in respect before the two sat down.
Shortly after, Ikki bowed to him, eyeing him suspiciously.
"Why do you have three ponytails?" asked Ikki before sniffing him a bit. "And how come you smell like a lady? You're weird." said Ikki.
"Well aren't you ... precocious?" began Tarrlok trying to get the girl to like him before focusing on the Avatar and the gang. "So, I've been reading all about your adventures in the papers. Infiltrating Amon's rally, now that took some real initiative."
"Oh, thanks." said Korra.
"Yeah, I think you're the only grown-up who's happy about what we've done." said Cera.
"Republic City is much better off now that you've arrived." said Tarrlok.
"Enough with the flattery, Tarrlok. What do you want from Korra?" asked Tenzin assuming the waterbender councilman wasn't entirely interested in the gang.
"Patience, Tenzin. I'm getting to that." said Tarrlok receiving a scowl from the airbender. "As you may have heard, I am assembling a task force that will strike at the heart of the revolution and I want you to join me."
"Really?" asked Korra a little surprised.
"What?!" asked Tenzin very surprised.
"What?" asked the gang in surprise.
"I need someone who will help me attack Amon directly, someone who is fearless in the face of danger. And that someone is you." said Tarrlok.
"Join your task force? I can't." said Korra leaving the waterbender councilman and the airbender in shock.
"I must admit, I'm rather surprised. I thought you'd jump at the chance to help me lead the charge against Amon." said Tarrlok.
"Me, too." said Tenzin.
"Isn't the Avatar supposed to protect the world?" asked Littlefoot.
"And it is, but I came to Republic City to finish my Avatar training with Tenzin. Right now, I just need to focus on that and other things." said Korra.
"It true. She must..." began Petrie before Cera knocked him off the table with her tail.
The reason for that was that after discovering their bending abilities, they decided to keep it a secret from the public for the time being, except for trusted people like Tenzin's family, Mako and Bolin.
"Which is why this opportunity is perfect. You would get on the job experience while performing your Avatar duty for the city." said Tarrlok trying to convince the Avatar.
"Korra gave you her answer. It's time for you to go." said Tenzin.
"Very well. But..." began Tarrlok as he stood up. "I'm not giving up on you just yet. You'll be hearing from me soon. It has been a pleasure, Avatar Korra and company." said Tarrlok bowing slightly in respect before leaving.
"Bye-bye, ponytail man!" said Ikki to the annoyance of the waterbender councilman and grace of the threehorn.
"Haha. Nice one, Ikki." said Cera bumping her paw against the young airbender's hand.
The next day, in the evening, Mako was at the doors of Kwong's Cuisine, very nervous, as he thought he didn't come dressed enough for a place like that, but it was too late to back out now, so he went in.
"Ah, welcome to Kwong's Cuisine, Master Mako." said a waiter bowing respectfully to him.
"Uh, 'Master'?" asked Mako confused by the treatment he was receiving.
Later, the waiter helped the firebender by dressing him and combing his hair so that he looked very elegant for dinner, much to his delight.
Mako put on the scarf and the waiter looked at it funny. He reached out his hand to take it, but Mako grabbed it before he touched it.
"The scarf stays." said Mako very seriously.
"As you wish, sir." said the waiter accepting the request as he bowed before gesturing for him to follow. "This way please."
Later, Mako found himself at a table with Asami, who was sporting an elegant dress.
"I am such a big pro-bending fan. I caught all of your matches this season." said Asami.
"All of them? Wow. Honestly, There were a few I wish you hadn't seen." said Mako.
"Oh, don't be ridiculous, you're amazing. I can't wait to see you play in the tournament." said Asami.
"Yeah, well, ah, maybe next year." said Mako with a lowered look.
"What do you mean? You made it in." said Asami confused by what he said earlier.
"It just isn't in the cards for us right now." said Mako.
Asami sensed something was wrong and put her hand on his to comfort him.
"Tell me. What's the problem?" asked Asami with concern.
"*Sigh* We don't have the cash to ante up for the championship pot. So, it looks like we're out of the running." said Mako.
"That's not fair." said Asami feeling sorry for him.
Just then, a waiter approached them with two trays of covered food.
"Pardon me, Ms. Sato. Your main course." the waiter said leaving the trays on the table and taking off their lids before walking away, but Mako was surprised by what he had said earlier.
"Ms. Sato? You wouldn't happen to be related to Hiroshi Sato, creator of the Satomobile?" asked Mako.
"Yeah. He's my dad." said Asami, much to the firebender's surprise.
"Get out of town!" said Mako unable to believe it.
"I'm serious. You want to meet him?" asked Asami.
"Haha. Meet the most successful captain of industry in all of Republic City? Yeah, I'll take you up on that." said Mako.
The next day, in the middle of the sunset, Korra was with the gang and Naga resting for a bit as Bolin approached them with his hands behind his back and Pabu over his shoulder.
"Hello, fellow teammate!" said Bolin catching her attention.
"Hey, Bolin." said Korra.
"Missed you at practice this week." said Bolin.
"Yeah, sorry about that. I've been a little busy." said Korra.
"Yep, yep, yep. She's been training us to be stronger." said Ducky.
"Hopefully that doesn't bother you too much." said Chomper.
"No, no. Take it easy. So how are you doing?" asked Bolin.
"We've improved quite a bit since we last trained so we're better since we trained last time." said Ruby.
"About the practice, we can go tomorrow." said Littlefoot.
"Nah, that's all right. We're probably out of the tournament anyways." said Bolin.
"Unless money falls from the sky." said Cera.
"That would be miracle." said Petrie.
"Anyway, the reason I came by was to give you this." said Bolin approaching them, revealing that in his hands was a rose and a bag full of cupcakes. "Ta-Da."
"Wow, thanks." said Korra accepting the presents. "What's this for?"
"Uh, oh I can't remember now. Oh yeah, now I remember. You saved me from Amon!" said Bolin.
"It's what we would do for a good friend. Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky as Spike nodded.
"Yeah, it was no big deal." said Korra.
"No big deal, are you serious? I was totally freaking out when he was coming at me with his creepy mask all, 'I will take away your bending forever.' I mean that is.. scary stuff; I still can't sleep well." said Bolin.
"Amon very scary." said Petrie.
"Honestly, if that will happen to me, I wouldn't be able to sleep well either." said Chomper.
Those words only made Korra a little more nervous, which Littlefoot noticed and before he could ask about it.
"Delivery for Avatar Korra." said the messenger as he approached carrying a large basket full of flowers and other goodies which he set down next to Korra. "Tarrlok sends his compliments and urges you to reconsider his offer."
"Tell him I haven't changed my mind." said Korra.
"Mhmm." said the messenger bowing before walking away.
"Who's this Tarrlok guy? Is he bothering you? Huh, 'cause I could have a word with him." said Bolin tapping his palm with his fist.
"Heh, no it's not like that." said Korra.
"Tarrlok is a council member like Tenzin." said Littlefoot.
"He offered Korra to join a task force, but she said 'no'." said Cera.
"And from the looks of it. He's still trying to convince her." said Chomper as he watched Spike eat the flowers from the basket.
"Oh, good. Good, that sounds better. I like that better." said Bolin calming down a bit after hearing that.
The next day, at the city's satomobile factory, Asami was making good on her offer to introduce Mako to her father, Hiroshi Sato, director, and founder of Future Industries.
"What do you think of my little operation here?" asked Hiroshi.
"It's very impressive, Mr. Sato." said Mako.
"Please, call me Hiroshi. So, I understand you're dirt poor." said Hiroshi.
"Uh, well..." started Mako not knowing what to say about that.
"Young man, it is nothing to be ashamed of. I too came from humble beginnings. Why, when I was your age, I was a mere shoe-shiner, and all I had to my name was an idea; the Satomobile." said Hiroshi showing one of the many satomobiles around the place. "Now, I was fortunate enough to meet someone who believed in me and my work ethic. He gave me the money I needed to get my idea off the ground and I built the entire Future Industries empire from that one selfless loan."
"Dad, stop bragging. Just tell Mako the good news." said Asami, causing her father to burst out laughing a little.
"What good news?" asked Mako.
"Well, my daughter passionately told me all about your hard-earned success in the Pro-bending Arena. And about your team's current financial stumbling block." said Hiroshi standing beside Mako with his hand on his shoulder. "Now, I'd hate to see you lose your chance at winning the championship just because you're short a few yuans. That's why I'm going to sponsor the Fire Ferrets in the tournament."
"Are you serious?" asked Mako in shock at the news.
"He's serious. My dad's going to cover your ante for the championship pot." said Asami.
"Tha-that is good news." said Mako very happy with the news.
"There's just one catch. You all have to wear the Future Industries logo on your uniforms." said Hiroshi.
"I'll tattoo it on my chest if you want, sir." said Mako, to laughter from father and daughter. "Thank you both so much." said Mako shaking hands with both of them. "I promise the Fire Ferrets will make the most of this opportunity."
Meanwhile, on the island, Tenzin was approaching a fancy satomobile with a gift bow in which Ikki was in the driver's seat making starting noises.
"Out of the way Daddy, we're driving here! Beeeeeeep beebeebeeeeep!" said Ikki as her father shook his head in disappointment, since he knew who the gift was from, who it was for, and why.
"Beep-beep." said Meelo who was in the passenger seat.
Tenzin drove off and turned to Korra who was training along with the gang on some sort of octagonal platform.
"I see Tarrlok's gifts are getting more and more extravagant." said Tenzin.
"You can say that again. The one before that was a stay at the fanciest hotel in town." said Littlefoot.
"He even tried to sweet talk us too by giving us a few exotic plants." said Cera.
"Which were delicious, but it wasn't necessary to give them to us. No, no, no." said Ducky as Spike licked his lips while shaking his head.
"Yeah, that guy doesn't know how to take 'no' for an answer." said Korra.
"Korra, are you… doing all right?" asked Tenzin.
"Yeah, I'm fine." said Korra stopping her training.
Tenzin sat down on the stairs and offered the Avatar and the gang to sit next to him.
"Why don't you take a break?" asked Tenzin as Korra and the others sat nearby. "I'm glad you turned down Tarrlok, but I just want to make sure your decision was for the right reason."
"I'm just really focused on my airbending and helping the kids become better benders right now is all." said Korra.
"You said that the first time Tarrlok made you the offer and just like the first time he made you the offer, you don't sound like you totally mean it." said Ruby.
"You know, it's okay to be scared. The whole city is frightened by what's been going on. The important thing is to talk about our fears, because if we don't, they can throw us out of balance." said Tenzin.
Unfortunately, Korra looked away, unable to admit her fears.
Tenzin rose from his seat.
"I'm always here for you, if you want to talk." said Tenzin before walking away.
"You can count on us too, Korra." said Littlefoot.
"We are your friends and you can tell us your fears whenever you want." said Chomper.
"Me always scared, but me also have friends to tell fears and make me feel better." said Petrie.
"Well I am not afraid of anything." said Cera standing proud.
"Don't lie, Cera. We saw you scared many times. Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky as Spike nodded.
"Yeah, like that time I told that scary story, you were scared when I told that scary story." said Ruby.
"Okay, that's okay. I get scared sometimes too." said Cera, eliciting a small laugh from the other members of the gang.
Despite the words of her dinosaur friends, Korra still wasn't able to say she's scared or even accept it.
Later, Korra was outside with the gang, debating what to do about what she was feeling when suddenly...
"Avatar Korra! I have something for you." said the messenger entering the scene.
Korra had had enough of Tarrlok's gifts and decided to make the point.
"It doesn't matter how many gifts Tarrlok sends, I am not joining his task force." said Korra as she used earthbending to create underneath the messenger a platform that she spun and then kicked him away from her.
"But please, he doesn't know when to stop giving things away that very stubborn one?" asked Cera.
"It's not a gift, it's an invitation." said the messenger.
"An invitation? What for?" asked Littlefoot, curious, as were the others.
"Tarrlok is throwing a gala in your honor. All of Republic City's movers and shakers will be there. The councilman humbly requests your attendance." said the messenger as Korra read the invitation.
"What's a movers?" asked Cera.
"I think I heard Korra say it is a term given to a very important and rich person like Tenzin and Tarrlok who are very important and rich people." said Ruby.
"What are you going to do, Korra?" asked Littlefoot.
"What a remedy. I'll have to go. Maybe then I can get him to leave me alone." said Korra.
"Can we go to human party?" asked Petrie.
"I don't know. Can they?" asked Korra to the messenger.
"Oh, of course. Tarrlok has told me to inform you that you may bring your friends if you wish. Of course, he expects good behavior." said the messenger.
"We know how to behave well, don't we, Spike?" asked Ducky getting a burp from her brother who chuckled at that, as did Korra.
"I guess we'll give it a try." said Chomper.
Later in the evening, we found ourselves in a building where the gala party was being held, on the sides of the front door of which were posters with a picture of Korra.
Korra, Tenzin, and his family, who were dressed in gala costumes, entered the building along with the gang next to the Avatar and soon after, began to receive applause from those present.
"I can't believe this is all for me." said Korra in amazement.
"Why don't they do this often with us when we do something amazing?" asked Cera.
"Maybe because we dinosaurs don't usually throw parties like this. No, no, no." said Ducky.
"I'm not sure what Tarrlok's plotting, but keep your guard up. It's not like him to throw a party just for the fun of it." said Tenzin suspicious of the waterbender councilman's actions.
"So glad you could make it, Avatar Korra." said Tarrlok approaching her. "If you'd excuse us, the city awaits its hero. Of course, you can have your friends come if you'd like."
"Sure. No problem." said Littlefoot accompanying Korra with the rest as they were guided by the waterbender councilman.
However, there was something that caught Ruby's attention.
"Hey, Tenzin. You said about keeping our guard up, but the one who should keep his guard up is you." said Ruby before following the others.
"What did she mean by...?" asked Tenzin confused by what the fast runner said before looking to the side and when he saw what was going on, an expression of pure horror formed on his face. "Meelo! No, that's not a toilet! Oh dear." said Tenzin before walking over to where his son was.
"Korra, it's my pleasure to introduce Republic City's most famous industrialist, Hiroshi Sato." said Tarrlok introducing the company director.
"Nice to meet you." said Korra receiving a slight bow from the company director.
"Wait, Sato? You're the one who creates the satomobiles?" asked Chomper excitedly.
"I see my fame precedes me." said Hiroshi before turning his attention to the Avatar. "We're all expecting great things from you."
"Right, greatness." said Korra lowering her gaze, dejected.
"Hey, Korra!" both the Avatar and the gang turned to the side to see Mako, Bolin and Asami, who was clutching the firebender's arm, causing Korra to scowl at her.
"This is my daughter, Asami." said Hiroshi.
"It's lovely to meet you." said Asami before looking down at the gang. "And you must be... Don't tell me. You are Littlefoot, Cera, Ducky, your brother Spike, Petrie, Chomper and Ruby." said Asami pointing to each one as she said the name.
"You know who are we?" asked Petrie.
"Mako told me a lot about you." said Asami before crouching down to their level. "And I must admit you are cuter than I imagined." said Asami petting Chomper's head, much to his delight while blushing slightly at it.
"Really? Because he hasn't mentioned you at all. How did you two meet?" asked Korra with her arms crossed.
"Asami crashed into him on her moped." said Bolin stepping to Korra's side before returning to his previous position.
"What? Are you okay?" asked Korra worriedly.
"I'm fine. More than fine. Mister Sato agreed to sponsor our team." said Mako.
"What does 'sponsor' mean?" asked Chomper.
"It means we're back in the tournament!" said Bolin reducing the explanation.
"Really? That's great, great, great!" said Ducky jumping for joy.
"That's fantastic." said Littlefoot.
"Yeah, terrific." said Korra without much encouragement and joy.
Just then, Korra passed by a person she didn't want to talk to.
"Chief Beifong!" said Tarrlok catching the attention of the police chief who approached them upon hearing the call. "I believe you and Avatar Korra and her friends have already met."
"Just because the city's throwing you this big to-do, don't think you're something special. You've done absolutely nothing to deserve this." said Lin before walking away with her hands behind her back.
"Oh, what's her problem?" asked Cera.
Although Korra was angry at the police chief's comment, deep down she knew it was true what she said and it put her off even more.
Later, Tarrlok took the Avatar and the gang to the top of some stairs where, at the bottom, there were several journalists who started taking pictures and asking questions as soon as they saw them.
Tenzin noticed this and began to worry about it.
Tarrlok, Korra and the gang went down a couple of steps before stopping.
"If you'd be so kind, they just have a couple of questions." said Tarrlok.
"But..." began Korra before Tarrlok pushed her a little so she was in front of all the reporters.
"Avatar Korra, you witnessed Amon take away people's bending firsthand. How serious a threat does he pose to the innocent citizens of Republic City?" asked a reporter.
Korra let out a small throat clearing sound before deciding to answer.
"I think he presents a real problem." said Korra, bringing a hidden smile to the waterbender councilman.
"Then why have you refused to join Tarrlok's task force? As the Avatar, shouldn't you be going after Amon?" asked another reporter.
"Well..." began Korra not knowing what to say before a camera flash forced her to close her eyes. "I..."
"Why are you backing away from this fight?" asked another reporter.
"What? No! I've never backed away from anything in my life!" said Korra annoyed by the question.
"You promised to serve this city, aren't you going back on that promise now?" asked another reporter.
"Do you think pro-bending is more important than fighting the revolution?" asked another reporter.
"How do you think Avatar Aang would have handled this?" asked another reporter.
All these questions were destroying the Avatar's patience and calm, to the point where she was holding back the urge to scream.
"Are you afraid of Amon?" asked another reporter asking the question that broke the camel's back.
"I am not afraid of anybody! If the city needs me then… I'll join Tarrlok's task force and help fight Amon." said Korra with firm resolve.
"There's your headline, folks." said Tarrlok stepping to the Avatar's side before more pictures and questions were asked.
The gang was surprised and worried about their friend's decision, Tenzin lowered his head with his eyes closed in sadness and Mako and Bolin looked at each other in surprise. Tarrlok had a smirk on his face as he leaned his arm on Korra was beginning to worry about the decision she had made.
Later in the evening, everyone had returned to Air Temple Island, where Korra decided to go to a secluded spot with the gang nearby, as she was still thinking about the decision she made at the gala.
"Why did you do that?" asked Littlefoot.
"I couldn't let those guys say those things about me. If they want me to do something so badly, I'll do it." said Korra.
"But you didn't want to join Tarrlok's task force before. No, no, no." said Ducky.
"Well, I do now if it means taking down Amon." said Korra.
"Are you saying it for the city or are you saying it for yourself?" asked Chomper.
"What?" asked Korra in confusion.
"Just admit it, Korra. You're afraid of Amon." said Cera.
"If you don't, what Tenzin said about how fear can throw you off balance will happen, just like Tenzin said." said Ruby.
"It not bad of being afraid." said Petrie.
Those words only enraged the Avatar more.
"I'M NOT AFRAID OF HIM!" shouted Korra. "You know what? It's your fault!"
"WHAT?!" asked the gang in shock.
"Why is it our fault?" asked Littlefoot.
"If I wasn't so distracted by your training, I would have taken care of Amon a lot sooner!" said Korra angrily.
"You train us to be strong enough to help you fight the Equalists!" said Littlefoot.
"I don't need your help! You're just wasting my time! All of you!" said Korra causing the gang to let out a gasp of horror at their friend's words. "I would be much better alone!"
"You want to be alone? Go ahead!" said Littlefoot angrily yet hurt.
"Okay!" shouted Korra before walking away from the gang.
"Let's go, guys." said Littlefoot leaving the opposite way of the Avatar with the rest of the gang.
Korra
Who needs friends to slow you down.
Wasting our time with too much talking?
Who needs friends to grumble and frown.
When we should just keep walking?
I'm just fine on my own.
I will be better off alone.
Littlefoot
Who needs friends who get you lost.
And don't wanna listen when you tell them.
That you know the best way to go.
And you're just trying to help them.
Might as well talk to this stone.
"Ow!" said Littlefoot as he hit a stone with his paw.
Littlefoot
I'm sure I'm better off alone.
Korra
And who needs friends.
Littlefoot
Who needs friends.
Korra
To boss me around?
Littlefoot
To boss me around?
Korra and Littlefoot
That's really hard to swallow.
Korra
Can't he see?
Littlefoot
Can't she see?
Korra
It's so clear to me.
Littlefoot
It's so clear to me.
Korra and Littlefoot
I should lead and he/she should follow!
My mistake I should have known.
I would be better off alone.
Korra
I'm sure I'm better off alone.
Littlefoot
We're so much better off alone.
Korra
I guess I'm better off...
Alone.
After the song, Korra began to realize what she had done by not admitting her fears and was beginning to regret it, but she no longer knew how to turn back.
The next morning, Korra, in uniform, had gone to a meeting with Tarrlok's task force, who was giving the members some information. Despite still thinking about what she told the gang the previous night, she had to put it aside to concentrate on the meeting.
"My fellow task force deputies, tonight we will execute a raid on an underground chi blocker training camp located in the Dragon Flats borough. According to my sources, there is a cellar underneath this bookstore, where Equalists train chi blocking in secret." said Tarrlok pointing to a spot on the map.
Later in the evening, near the destined spot, a truck was passing by, with Korra and the task force members hidden and waiting for the moment to act. When the truck stopped, Korra and the others got out of the truck and proceeded to carry out the mission, with Tarrlok among them.
Korra looked out a small window where she could see several people training to block the chi, but what caught her attention the most was a poster of Amon that reminded her of the nightmare she had that one time, causing her to let out a small gasp before focusing on the situation and looking at Tarrlok, who nodded his head.
Tarrlok made a couple of hand gestures, which caused a member of the task force to turn the compartment valve of a huge capsule the truck was carrying.
It turned out that the capsule was a container of water that the task force members, who were waterbenders, manipulated so that they each had a share of the contents.
Tarrlok was holding up his hand as a signal to stand by for the attack signal while Korra let out a small sigh of concentration.
Inside the training area, things were quiet until a large amount of water violently poured in through the windows. The water caught some of the locals before it completely froze, encasing those it caught in ice.
Soon after, the rest of the wall exploded and in came a couple of members of task force earthbender who threw some debris, managing to knock down a couple of people. One of them managed to dodge the debris, but the task force member used a large earth tile to push him into the wall.
Then Tarrlok and Korra entered with a large water drop at their side. Tarrlok hurled his water drop at one of the locals, covering his head with water before freezing his into ice.
A woman managed to escape as a man spun in the air before throwing a couple of cans that began to expel a green smoke, but Korra covered the cans with her droplet which she quickly froze into ice, preventing them from expelling more green smoke. Though that helped the man escape as well.
"I'm going after those two." said Korra chasing after the only people who had escaped.
Korra started running down a hallway in search of the escapees, but unfortunately, she didn't see a tripwire in the middle of the path and ended up tripping over it and rolling a bit on the floor.
Suddenly, out of the ceiling came an Equalist soldier, forcing Korra to roll to the side to dodge him before lifting her foot to send a rock smashing him in the chest. Another Equalist jumped behind her, who was sitting on the ground, with a bolas, but a drop of water hit him against the wall before freezing, encasing him in ice.
Korra glanced at the imprisoned soldier before turning her gaze to her rescuer.
"Nice timing. Thanks, Tarrlok." said Korra rising from the ground.
"We make a good team, Avatar." said Tarrlok.
"Yeah, we do." said Korra crossing her arms with a smile.
Later, a group of reporters began taking pictures of the task force (with Tarrlok and Korra posing) holding the prisoners in front of them. Then they took pictures as they led the prisoners to the police van.
The next day, in the gymnasium of the pro-bending arena, Mako was reading a newspaper that had a picture of Korra and the task force on the front page while Bolin was carrying two earth disks with his bending.
"No Korra for practice again?" asked Bolin.
"Doesn't look like it." said Mako before Bolin threw the discs in frustration.
On Air Temple Island was the gang having a private training session of their own, but still, they kept worrying about the Avatar and the conversation they had earlier.
"*Sigh* I miss her." said Littlefoot sad that he couldn't be with his friend.
"I miss her too. Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky as Spike let out a sad moan.
"Well, I don't. If she wants to join that stupid task force, that's up to her." said Cera before lifting a rock with a stomp and tossing it with a swish of her paw.
"Maybe this is for the best, since as Avatar, she must protect the city. So, as Avatar who must protect the city, this is for the best." said Ruby as she manipulated some water.
"But she alone." said Petrie as he blew little breezes of air.
"I just hope she doesn't do anything crazy." said Chomper as he threw a couple of fireballs into the air.
"Me too, Chomper. Me too." said Littlefoot looking at the city from a distance.
Despite what Korra had said, he could sense that wasn't what she meant and that she probably felt sad about it. He wished he could be by her side and support her at that moment, as he felt there were things she didn't want to say or admit.
Meanwhile, in one room, Tarrlok stood behind a podium in front of a crowd of journalists, with Korra at his side.
"Avatar Korra has bravely answered the call to action. With the two of us leading the charge, Republic City has nothing to fear from Amon and the Equalists." said Tarrlok before the reporters raised their hands for questions.
"Question for the Avatar! Amon remains at large. Why have you failed to locate him?" asked a female reporter.
"You want to know why?" asked Korra approaching the podium as Tarrlok stepped aside. "Because Amon is hiding in the shadows like a coward." said Korra before grabbing a microphone and holding it up to her face. "Amon, I challenge you to a duel! No task force, no chi blockers, just the two of us tonight at midnight on Avatar Aang Memorial Island. Let's cut to the chase and settle this thing, if you're man enough to face me." Korra said before putting down the microphone and walking quickly away.
That speech was overheard by the gang standing near a radio and needless to say they were horrified by what their friend had done.
"Does this sound crazy to you?" asked Cera to Chomper and Littlefoot.
That night, in the city park, Mako and Asami were taking a ride inside a car, with the engineer hugging the firebender's arm.
"I know it sounds weird to say this, but I'm really glad I hit you with my moped." said Asami, making the firebender chuckle a little.
"Uh, me too." said Mako.
"I forgot to ask. Why didn't you accept the new silk scarf I bought for you last week? You didn't like it?" asked Asami pointing to the firebender's scarf.
"No, it was really nice, but this scarf was my father's. And it's all I have left of him. I just feel like… Like it keeps me safe." said Mako.
"I'm so sorry. I lost my mother when I was very young." said Asami with her head down and a sad look on her face. Mako took her hand and they both shared a smile before Asami leaned against him. "I feel so safe with you." said Asami with a smile as they continued to enjoy the walk.
Meanwhile, close to midnight, Korra was on a boat, preparing to set sail for the island where she would have her meeting with Amon. Of course, there were people trying to stop her.
"Korra, this is madness." said Tenzin.
"Don't try to stop me and don't follow me. I have to face Amon alone." said Korra without backing down from her decision.
"But you can't do it!" said Littlefoot.
"It's too dangerous!" said Ducky.
"As the humans say, you're going into the lion's den!" said Cera.
"This is all your doing!" said Tenzin to the waterbender councilman.
"I tried to talk her out of it too, but she's made up her mind." said Tarrlok.
After preparations, Korra used waterbending to steer the boat quickly towards the island.
"We'll be watching the island closely. If anything goes wrong, I have a fleet of police airships ready to swoop down." said Tarrlok hoping to reassure Tenzin, but that didn't do it for the gang who looked at each other, making a decision together.
"Let's go with her, guys." said Littlefoot getting into another boat along with the others.
"What? Wait, kids!" said Tenzin trying to stop the gang, but Chomper cut the rope with his teeth before Ducky and Ruby used waterbending to steer the boat as fast as possible to the island.
Soon after, Korra was on the roof of the building on the island where the statue of Avatar Aang was located. Suddenly, she heard a noise that caused her to turn around quickly with a check pose, but she calmed down when she saw that it was the gang, which annoyed her a little.
"What are you doing here?" asked Korra with a frown.
"We've come to help you." said Littlefoot.
"This is my fight! I don't need you for anything!" said Korra.
"If you want us to leave, you'll have to make us. We're not going to let you." said Littlefoot.
Suddenly, the chimes of midnight sounded, scaring Korra and the gang so much that they screamed. Knowing it was time for the duel, Korra took a deep breath to prepare herself.
"Do what you want, but don't interfere." said Korra waiting patiently for her opponent.
However, the hours passed and Korra was beginning to grow impatient, as Amon hadn't appeared at any point. Korra and Spike even yawned from exhaustion and boredom.
"Ha. Looks like Amon is more of a coward than we thought." said Cera.
"We better get going now." said Littlefoot.
"I agree." said Korra getting up from the ground and leaving with the gang.
Suddenly, as they were passing near an entrance, a boleadora wrapped around the Avatar's legs, making her fall and before anyone could say anything, they dragged Korra inside the building.
"Korra!" shouted Littlefoot before he and the others followed her with the intention of helping her.
Korra was dragged until she was plunged into darkness, but freed herself from the rope emitting fire from her feet as she spun around and landed on her feet, only to find herself completely surrounded by Equalist soldiers. The gang stopped when they realized the situation.
Korra launched a flare to illuminate the scene, but boleadoras wrapped around her wrists before those in charge tugged on them to keep her restrained. The gang tried to move forward to help her, but a boleadoras wrapped around them, leaving them unable to move.
Several Equalist soldiers lunged at her from in front, but Korra pushed them back by launching a fireball from her foot before a pair of soldiers hit her repeatedly in the back, knocking her down.
A spotlight shone on Korra as a pair of Equalist soldiers grabbed her arms to lift her up a bit. When Korra opened her eyes, she was stunned, as was the gang when Amon stood in front of her.
"I received your invitation, young Avatar." said Amon.
Korra froze in fear as Amon extended his hand towards her face.
The gang was horrified as they imagined this guy snatching their friend's powers, they had to do something and fast, but they couldn't because of the ropes that had their legs tied together.
Korra ducked her head, expecting the worst, but suddenly, Amon stopped his hand and grabbed the Avatar's chin to force her to look at him.
The gang was relieved that she wasn't going to lose her power, but they still couldn't stand still. Fortunately, they hadn't tied up Littlefoot's tail, which gave him an idea. With his firebending, he created a very small flame in it that he was using to cut the ropes, but he had to do it quietly so as not to draw attention to himself.
"Our showdown, while inevitable, is premature. Although it would be the simplest thing for me to take away your bending right now, I won't. You'd only become a martyr." said Amon before releasing Korra's chin. "Benders of every nation would rally behind your untimely demise, but I assure you, I have a plan. And I'm saving you for last, then you'll get your duel, and I will destroy you."
Suddenly, Amon noticed something out of the corner of his eye and he stepped back quickly to dodge a fireball. All eyes turned to the source to see the gang released, with Littlefoot glaring at the masked man in great anger.
"Get away from her!" shouted Littlefoot before he and Chomper launched fireballs that forced the Equalist soldiers holding Korra to the side.
Cera and Spike delivered loud stomps that caused mounds of dirt to erupt from the ground and hit several soldiers. Then Ducky and Ruby, who had a canteen with them, created a pair of water whips with which they struck a couple of soldiers. Next, Petrie flew upward before launching a gust of wind that hit another pair of soldiers.
The gang quickly stood around Korra protectively as Amon looked at them all in restrained shock.
"I didn't believe it when they told me, but now I see it's true. I'm very curious about you bending creatures, but unfortunately, we'll have to leave it for another day." said Amon before retreating back into the shadows, as did the soldiers.
"Hold it right there!" said Littlefoot before launching a fireball at the area where he went, only to find that no one was there.
"Yikes. They got away." said Cera.
"That doesn't matter now." said Chomper looking at Korra who had been knocked unconscious.
What they didn't know was that during that time, Korra was having some sort of flashback where Sokka, Toph, Aang, a mystery man came out and then she saw Aang throwing himself into a fight against someone.
After that, Korra started to open her eyes. At first, she could only see blurry, but then her vision cleared and she saw the gang looking at her with concern.
"Korra, are you okay?!" asked Littlefoot as the Avatar sat up with a groan.
"Yes, I am. What happened?" asked Korra.
"Amon had you at him mercy, but we broke free and made him back off." said Petrie.
"That was all thanks to the training you gave us, because we were able to protect you thanks to you giving us that training." said Ruby.
At that moment, Korra burst into tears as she rushed to hug the longneck who returned the hug to comfort her.
"I was so terrified, I felt so helpless." said Korra shedding tears as she cried.
"Calm down. The bad human is gone." said Chomper trying to comfort her.
"Why? Why did you help me? After all I said to you." Korra said.
"Oh, come on. Did you really think that by dropping four things on us we weren't going to help you?" asked Cera.
"We're your friends and we'll stand by you through thick and thin. Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky as Spike nodded.
"But you were right. I've been scared this whole time. I've never felt like this before and… I don't know what to do!" said Korra pulling away from the hug.
"I don't know what you have to do too, but whatever happens, we'll be by your side every step of the way. Remember. You aren't alone in this. We're with you too." said Littlefoot.
Littlefoot
No one has to be alone
in this world we live in.
You don't need to feel
there's no one by your side.
Everything you see
is a gift you're given.
Anywhere is home
and no one has to be
alone.
Ducky
There is so much that surrounds us.
There are friends we've yet to find.
Ruby
There are dreams to be discovered
and dreams to leave behind.
Chomper
All the wonders up above us
and splendours down below.
The gang
There is so much more to everything
then we can ever know.
Petrie
You don't have to be afraid
of being lost and lonely.
Cera
Everything you need
is right before your eyes.
Ruby
Each bright and shining day
is waiting for you only.
Chomper
Make this world your own
The gang
and you'll never be alone.
Littlefoot
Remember.
No one has to be
alone.
Korra was still shedding tears, but this time they were tears of happiness for having such good and faithful friends like them. Both she and the gang joined in a single group hug.
"I am so sorry from what I told you before. You are right. I'll never feel lonely again." said Korra.
What they didn't know was that Tenzin was hiding in the doorway, contemplating the moment with a smile, as he could see that the gang were certainly helping Korra more than he could imagine.
That same night, Korra had no more nightmares, as she was sleeping with a smile on her face with the gang around her in her bed.