Posted October 28, 2017

"You'll Be Back"

Then he heard Xan's voice, Xan's parting words: "Tell your friends, whoever they are, to be sensible. If they can't be sensible, tell them to be prudent. I'm not a tyrant, but I can't afford to be merciful. Whatever it is necessary to do, I shall do."

He looked at Theo, who thought for one extraordinary moment that he saw in Xan's eyes a plea for understanding. Then he repeated: "Tell them, Theo. I shall do what needs to be done."

~ PD James, The Children of Men

Returning to full consciousness in the physical plane is a strange experience. Korra opens her eyes to see the gazebo wall, and beyond that the sun paints the sky and ocean beautiful shades of orange and pink. "Wow."

A young, high voice screams behind her: "HEY EVERYBODY! KORRA'S AWAKE!" Korra is so startled she almost springs into a defensive stance, but when she turns she sees Ikki coming over. The little airbender plops down in front of her and assaults her with questions: "Were you in the Spirit World? Did you see Grandpa Aang? Did he tell you what to do?"

Korra stands and stretches her arms and legs, stiff after so many hours of disuse. "Yes, yes, and no. I told him you said hi, and he says hi back."

Ikki looks overjoyed, and leaps up to hug Korra. "Thank you!"

Looking out beyond the gazebo, Korra judges by the sun's position that it is late in the afternoon. "Did I miss lunch?"

"Yes, but it's almost dinnertime now. Look, Daddy's coming!"

A couple White Lotus sentries stand where the path leads up to the gazebo, and Tenzin comes up to join them, carrying a book under his arm. After finally meeting Aang, seeing him in person rather than seeing through his eyes, Korra can now see the resemblance between the father and son: both are tall, strong, resolute, gentle. "Korra! Were you able to make contact?"

Korra cannot stop herself from smiling. "Yes. I met your dad, and he showed me so much." Tenzin's face lights up in joy, which Korra is sorry to deflate. "But he wouldn't tell me what to do. He basically said I have to figure that out myself."

"I see."

"Did anything happen while I was … out?"

"More White Lotus members arrived, including their leader. He'll be joining us for dinner. And … I have something to show you." Tenzin holds the book out for her to see. The cover has a painting of two airbenders, which at first Korra thinks is Tenzin and Meelo, but she realizes is actually an adult Aang and a young Tenzin. "I asked Jinora to find this, in case you weren't able to make contact. My father made it for me when I was very young. It was his way of teaching me about different elements, cultures, and his experiences."

"Wow." Korra accepts the book delicately, as though handling a precious treasure.

"I don't know if it will help as much as talking to him, or seeing his memories," Tenzin admits. "But it often encouraged me when I missed him. Please feel free to study it. We bookmarked some pages that you might like to see."

"Thank you," Korra says sincerely. She glanes at the guards, and then back at the gazebo. "Is it okay if I stay out here for a while?" She does not feel ready to tell her friends and hosts about her adventure so soon after its end.

"Certainly." Tenzin takes Ikki by the hand and guides her back to the temple complex.

Korra sits up on the ledge of the gazebo's railing, half facing the ocean and half facing the island. She turns to the first bookmarked page, and finds a long letter from Aang to Tenzin. The tone is sentimental and rather personal, which makes Korra feel almost as if she is intruding on Tenzin's private business, but since Aang was—is—her past life, she supposes it is also her business.

Through hard work, love, and friendship, you can accomplish anything. Maybe even save the world. That sounds idealistic in its optimism, but then again, he was speaking from experience.

The most important thing you can learn is who you are, but you can't truly know yourself until you understand where you came from. I think the time has come to give you a sense of your history―our history―because it is an important one. Korra now has a better understanding of who Aang was, but she is still in the process of learning who she is, or can be, or should be. That is not something that can be discovered in a day.

For a while she flips through the pages and reads the ones that catch her interest. She chuckles at how many topics are familiar to her now: the rivalry with Zuko, the search for teachers, the fight with the Fire Lord.

One page spread almost makes Korra laugh: it contains several wanted posters, depicting Aang, Iroh, Zuko, a Fire Nation deserter, and a thief known only as the Blue Spirit. Korra remembers Amon telling her he drew some of his inspiration for his persona from the legend of the Blue Spirit. She wonders if Aang ever crossed paths with him.

Above the posters is an explanation written in Aang's hand. My friends and I always believed that we were fighting for what was right. However, as you can see from these wanted posters, sometimes other people didn't agree with us, and so they ostracized us. I think history has borne out that we did the right thing, but you should remember that every story has at least two sides, and not everyone always agreed that we were the good guys. Time teaches you to be wiser and make better choices, and we had much to learn.

Even as she learns more about the Four Nations and the four elements and bending styles, Korra knows what she must do, and what she is putting off. She already heard the truth from Asami yesterday, and from Tenzin today. She just wanted affirmation from her past life before making a solid decision.

Korra remembers what Aang said about restoring his honor. She needs to do that, too. She can try to make up for what she did, and what Amon is still doing. She can fight her adoptive father, just as Zuko fought against his biological father. It will not be easy, but she can do it. Knowing of Aang's success makes her hopeful for her own.

She stops her perusal when the dinner bell sounds. She closes the book and carries it carefully to the dining room. There, she finds Tenzin, Pema, and Lin engaged in conversation with a gray-haired man in a White Lotus uniform, but without the headdress that the sentries wear. Tenzin gestures for Korra to come over. "Korra, this is Monad, the leader of the White Lotus. He brought more sentries and is willing to teach you waterbending."

"Oh." Korra looks at him and bows, holding the book against her stomach. "Thank you for coming," she says, feeling inadequate.

Monad bows in return. "I promised your predecessor I would. We had planned to train you in a facility in your home tribe, but that may be subject to discernment."

Before they can discuss this, Korra's friends come in with Meelo and Jinora at their heels. The table is even more crowded than last night, and every person's attention is focused on Korra. She tries to deflect it to the meal. "Can we eat, before I tell you? I'm starving."

Tenzin gives the blessing, and they solve the problem of crowdedness by lifting their bowls and plates off the table as they eat.

"So, what was it like seeing Aang?" Jinora asks eagerly.

"He was amazing. First we just talked for a while, then he showed me more of his memories. I saw his friends and teachers and bunch of people they met. He seemed to think we wouldn't have much time, so he tried to show me as much as he could. I found out we have more in common than I thought." Korra pauses to take a few bites of food and think about how to summarize her experience. It would take hours to recount each memory, but she tries to remember the ones that resonated with her the most. "Aang was apprehensive about firebending, until he learned about the dragons and the first firebenders. And he and Katara met some waterbenders from the Southern Water Tribe who didn't want to learn how to bend because they didn't believe it was safe for them, even when the war was over." She looks at Tenzin. "I think I understand what you were trying to tell me earlier, about bending being an extension of yourself. And that means taking it away is like cutting off their arm or leg—or a sensory organ, something they use to see the world around them." She does not mention Asami's analogy involving reproductive anatomy, but the girls exchange an understanding look.

Tenzin seems pleased. "So, do you feel ready to begin your training?"

"I think so. But I need to set things right with the Equalists, too. So if it's okay with you, and the police, and the White Lotus, and whoever … I want to stay here and help make peace between benders and non-benders."

Tenzin beams, hope and pride evident in his smile. "I know Aang would approve," he says. "You now have an opportunity that he missed, to prevent a conflict from becoming an all-out war."

Korra frowns. "The war has already begun, Tenzin." Has he not accepted that? Have the others not realized it?

"Underground, yes, but we can prevent it from escalating. Violence becomes inevitable when people believe it is inevitable. I can't believe that a peaceful resolution is impossible. Perhaps if you spoke with Amon, you could broker some agreement—"

"I already tried that. When I was under house arrest, I asked Amon to negotiate with the Council. He wouldn't consider it. He's fixated on his vision of equality … and I think he gets a thrill from the glory of being a leader. He wants to be the people's hero. I don't think I can change his mind on that …" She pauses, an idea entering her head, based on something Tarrlok said earlier. "… but I might be able to convince the Equalists to reconsider whether he's really a hero."

"But you cannot stay here," Monad argues. "The city is far too dangerous! Avatar Aang tasked us with keeping you safe while you mastered the four elements."

"I get that," Korra insists, "but I can't just stay on the sidelines and watch other people clean up my mess. I may not be ready to fight now, but I'll help any way I can. I feel like I should at least try, before leaving."

"And what about your family in the south?" Monad asks. "They're waiting to hear from you."

"I'll reach out to them, but, as Chief Beifong has pointed out, going to visit them now could lead the Equalists to them."

"We can protect them, and you—"

"I'd rather help make sure the Equalists don't expand beyond the United Republic. Keeping the conflict contained is the best way I can think of to keep my family safe." Now Korra turns to her friends. "And speaking of keeping people I care about safe … now that you know my plans, I need to ask about yours. What do you guys want to do?" She does not want them to leave, but it may be the best thing for them—especially for the boys, since all benders are in danger, or soon will be.

"Well," Bolin begins, "we realize it's kind of our fault that you had to run away …"

"But it's my fault you were ever in danger."

"Well, then it's our fault you weren't able to leave when you wanted."

Mako intervenes. "I don't think it matters whose fault any of this was. All that matters now is what we do going forward." He meets Korra's eyes and says, "If you're staying to help, then so am I."

"And I," Asami echoes.

"Count me in," Bolin agrees.

Each response makes Korra's heart swell with joy, but she is still cautious. "You guys have already gotten hurt because of me. I don't want that to happen again."

"You can't expect us to sit around and wait for you to quell the rebellion," Asami says. "Besides, I'm involved in this too. I need to undo what my father's doing, and pick up the pieces of his company when all this is over."

"We talked through our options while you were meditating," Mako tells Korra. "We decided—unanimously—to stay as long as you need us or want us. We know you have a lot on your plate, so if we'd only distract you, we'll go. But if you want us around—if there's any way we can help—we'll stay. It's up to you."

Korra remembers what Aang said about letting Sokka and Katara put aside their own goals to help him achieve his. Instead of arguing, she presses, as though to make absolutely certain, "You'd really stay? For me?"

Asami smiles. "What are friends for?"

"Plus, how often do you get a chance to help the Avatar?" Bolin asks, gesturing to her excitedly.

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

"We can be a team!" Bolin can hardly contain his excitement. "The new Team Avatar!"

Team Avatar. That name raises something in Korra's consciousness—not a memory, more like a thousand memories—a feeling of friendship, solidarity, and empowerment. She has not felt it before in this lifetime, but she recognizes it all the same.

Korra does not want to cry in front of the adults, but it is difficult to fight the stinging in her eyes and the tightness in her throat. After all the trouble she has caused these people, they still care about her enough to stay, regardless of the risk involved. "Thank you," she says. "That really … you … I don't even know what to say."

It is impossible to say who starts the group hug; it just happens. Korra holds on to the boys, and feels Asami at her back. "I love you guys."

"We love you too, Korra," Bolin says, his voice choked with emotion.

Watching this display of loyalty and affection, the adults recognize Korra, not as an elusive Equalist or the all-powerful Avatar, but as a girl, still vulnerable, emotional, and in need of company and comfort. They see how full of love she is—she loves her friends, and they love her. They want to love her, too, but it may be too early to hope for that. They must be her guardians while Amon searches for her, and her teachers as she masters her power.

Korra cannot remember the last time she felt so happy and confident. Her fear is not gone, but she can compartmentalize it alongside other thoughts and feelings. She and her friends are safe, free, and together; and now she can finally master her abilities and work towards peace and justice. Before yesterday, she tried to stop herself from hoping that she would see her friends in the future or have them be a part of her life. Now she can look forward to being with them.

When the four teenagers finally let go of each other, Korra turns to the adults. "Tenzin? Do you think the Council will be willing to talk to me again?"

"I think they can be persuaded."

While they wait for Tenzin to contact the Council members, the new Team Avatar brainstorms and writes down ideas for how each of them can help in the war effort. Asami heartily agrees to help Korra teach non-bending self-defense.

Mako even has an idea regarding the Council and the police. "Tarrlok's cracking down hard on the Equalists and anyone associated with them. That's part of why you were scared to go to the police, right?"

"Yeah. That was part of it. But I was more scared of what Amon would do."

"There might be others who feel the same way. So even if they have second thoughts about Equalism, they're afraid to do anything that would put themselves in danger. But if the city offers to protect anyone who comes forward with information, they might be confident enough to do that."

Korra's mouth breaks into a grin. "Mako, you're a genius!"

Mako's cheeks turn red. It takes Korra a moment to register that he is blushing, and another to realize that she made him blush. Of all the powers she has discovered in herself, that may be the most unexpected.

The boys agree to help with Korra's training—though they do not think themselves qualified to teach, they can be her sparring partners. Bolin offers to have Toza bring some earth disks over from the Arena, so they can practice earthbending on the island.

While on the topic of mastering the elements, Korra glances at the only other firebender in the room. "Hey, Mako? There's something I wanted to ask you, about firebending. Last night, you used lightning against those guys."

Mako regards her, looking thoughtful but wary. "That takes peace of mind. Given everything that's going on, I don't think you're quite ready for that."

"But when I am?" Korra wheedles. "Will you teach me?"

He smiles indulgently. "Sure."

Korra smiles. If she must learn to bend fire as well as the other elements, there is no one she would rather learn from than this levelheaded friend.

Tenzin comes back into the room and says, "The Council is assembling at City Hall. I think we ought to meet them there, since meeting here twice in one day might raise suspicions about your whereabouts."

Korra nods, and takes the list with her. "I'll see you guys later."

Tenzin and Korra fly Oogi across the bay to City Hall. Korra remembers going inside once or twice, pretending to be a tourist. The first time was educational. The second time was for scout training. Tenzin leads her to the Council Room, the large hall where Yakone's trial took place. Korra has to remind herself that she is neither on trial nor prosecuting anyone.

The Council members sit at a table shaped like an arc. Korra expects to have to stand before the semicircle, but Tenzin pulls a chair up beside his own and gestures for her to sit with them, like an equal. Tarrlok scowls at this, but no one argues against the arrangement.

"Thank you all for meeting on such short notice," Tenzin begins. "Korra wanted another chance to speak with all of us." He looks to her, signaling that the floor is hers.

Korra remembers how Zuko approached Aang and his friends, with humility. So she starts by apologizing. "I'm sorry for the way I acted earlier. I've been really frustrated with myself as well as my situation. Earlier today, I spent some time meditating and learning about Avatar Aang, trying to figure out what he would have done in my situation. Most of the memories he showed me had to do with making up for mistakes. He was gone for a hundred years and let a war start. I've been shut up for seventeen years … which isn't as long, but I actually helped start a war, so I think our mistakes were about equal." She takes a breath, forcing herself to stop rambling. "Anyway … I've made a decision. I want to stay in the city and help end this war and set things right for both sides."

"Both sides," Tarrlok echoes. "Sounds like you still have some Equalist sympathies."

"I sympathize with the non-benders of the city," Korra clarifies, "not the Equalists as a group. You can't lump them together. That's what Amon does with benders. So, if you'll let me, I'll stay in Republic City and help you stop the Equalists … and bring Amon to justice. But once we do that, my next goal will be to help set up reforms to give non-benders equal rights."

Rei, Yugen, and Rasaka nod in acceptance. Tarrlok's expression hovers between neutrality and animosity, the ghost of a scowl on his face.

Tarrlok asks pointedly, "How will you go about helping us end the war, if you do not plan to negotiate or join my task force?"

"Well, first off, I think I should let the people know whose side I'm on now, and why I switched sides. I can tell them the truth about Amon, explain why I'm cooperating with the city, and appeal to the Equalists to reconsider their goals. I don't know if it'll change Amon's mind, but it might make some of his followers rethink whether they want to fight for him."

"I think that's a fine idea," Yugen approves.

"But my encouragement won't be enough to make other Equalists switch sides. On the one hand, they'll be afraid of what you and the police punishing them for what they did. On other hand, they'll be afraid of Amon retaliating if they turn against him. So ... I think you should offer witness protection to any Equalists who turn themselves in."

"That is out of the question," Tarrlok says immediately. "Any Equalist could come forward and lead our forces into a trap."

Korra deflates, realizing that he has a point. But the other Council members look thoughtful. "Perhaps we can talk over that point after Avatar Korra makes her public statement," Rasaka considers. "Is there anything else?"

"Yes. I can show the police and task force how the chi-blockers fight, so they can figure out how to defend themselves."

"But you still won't join them?" Tarrlok presses.

"No. If fighting breaks out, I'll fight on your side, but I don't want to seek them out when there's a chance I could end up fighting someone I know personally." She also does not want to put herself in a position where she would have to follow Tarrlok's orders. "Plus, I'll have other things to do, like my Avatar training. And if it's safe, I'd like to meet some of the people who've been reaching out to me, like Aang's friends, and my family."

"Those are all reasonable goals," Rei says.

"I'm sure the Fire Nation's royal family will support you," Rasaka offers.

That is an encouraging thought. "Do I have your support?"

"Only if we have yours," Tarrlok posits.

Korra forces down her instinctual resistance. She has drawn clear lines, and most of the Council seems willing to meet her conditions. So she says, "I'll support the Council and help you maintain control of the city … so long as you don't abuse your power, or try to make me abuse mine. Is that fair?"

The five Council members exchange glances around the table. Finally they nod and murmur their assent.

"Good. I'm glad we have that understanding."

They stay a while longer to discuss the arrangements that must be made for each of Korra's plans. A Council page is sent off to contact local radio stations and arrange for her to make a public address. Tenzin and the White Lotus will plan out Korra's training regimen. He is not keen on the idea of Mako and Bolin teaching her, but he cannot convince her to exclude them.

When it is time to leave, each Council member either bows to Korra or shakes her hand. Tarrlok still looks at her as though he does not entirely trust her. Korra braces herself, telling herself to be the bigger person, and offers her hand to her least favorite politician. Tarrlok is surprised, but he grudgingly accepts her hand and shakes it.

The news of Avatar Korra's first public address spreads like a dragon's fire at noon on a summer solstice. As the timeslot for Shiro Shinobi's morning show approaches, Amon, the Lieutenant, Hiroshi Sato, and half a dozen top Equalist officers crowd into a meeting room to listen to the radio.

Amon is glad he has the mask to shield his facial expressions; he only has to be mindful of his body language. No one can see the bags under his eyes. Sleep has been almost impossible these past two nights, staying in his underground quarters where people come and go at odd hours. Even if it were peaceful, he would still be tense with anxiety for Korra, himself, and the revolution.

Everyone is wondering the same thing: what will the Avatar say? But Amon worries about specific things she could say. She has probably told her new bending mentors all about her childhood; revealing that part of his life—the sweetest, happiest part since his own childhood—would be a new blow. The world has no right to know their past, their feelings …

Shiro Shinobi makes the obligatory introduction, a longer one than he usually makes for people he interviews. He says little that they do not already know, merely summing up the better-known facts of Korra's life: her disappearance at a young age, her upbringing under Amon's care, her recent defection and arrest, and sightings of her with heiress Asami Sato and pro-benders Mako and Bolin. Finally, he says, "Here, now, is Avatar Korra."

There is a moment of silence before Korra speaks. Her voice sounds different over the airwaves, but it is definitely hers: Amon recognizes the tone and inflection. Until now, he had not realized how much he missed her voice; the two nights might as well have been two years.

"Hello. I'm Korra … your new Avatar." She pauses a moment, allowing listeners to digest this piece of information. "I know these past few days and weeks have been pretty confusing for a lot of you. I can relate, because they've been completely crazy for me." She pauses again, and switches from a conversational tone to a slower, explanatory tone. "I know there have been a lot of rumors and questions about who I am, where I've been, and what I've been doing all this time. I'm speaking now to give you those answers.

"I was born in the Southern Water Tribe. When I was four years old, and just starting to learn about my bending powers, I was kidnapped by the man who calls himself Amon. He adopted me and raised me as his daughter. I grew up in Republic City, and I consider it my home. Amon convinced me that I was an ordinary non-bender. When I was old enough, Amon told me he was the leader of the Equalists and gave me the opportunity to join them. I agreed, because I believed what he said about making things better for non-benders. I was trained in chi-blocking and espionage, and I did small jobs like handing out fliers. When I was seventeen I started field work as an undercover agent.

"I found out the truth about my identity and my so-called adoption only a few weeks ago. I found some information about my family and figured out why Amon took me, and prevented me from mastering the elements. He did it to prevent me from becoming a threat to his revolution. But I was more angry that he took me from my real parents. I don't believe anything could justify hurting innocent people.

"I grew up believing that our choices are what define our families. You choose who to love, who to respect, who to tolerate, who to accept as a part of your life. Amon may have chosen me, but I never chose him. And now I choose my real family: the parents who took care of me, the friends who have stood by me, and Avatar Aang's friends and family who hoped I would return.

"I know the question most people are asking is, whose side am I on now? I've been wondering the same thing for weeks, and I've finally come to a decision. I won't ignore the Equalists' valid points, but I will end their method of facilitating change. From now on, to protect the innocent benders of the city, I'll work alongside the government and the police. But non-benders shouldn't worry. I'm your Avatar too, and I'll do everything I can to advocate for your rights. I look forward to serving you."

When Shiro Shinobi speaks, his voice sounds almost choked. "Thank you, Avatar. I don't think I've ever gotten this emotional in an interview. There's only one question I can think to ask you. If you could talk to Amon now, what would you say?"

There is a long, pregnant moment of silence. Finally Korra answers simply, "Nothing. I have nothing left to say to him."

"Well, please let me be the first to thank you for your courage and honesty in sharing your story."

"Thanks, Shiro. And thank you, Republic City."

The radio program switches to commercials. The Lieutenant turns the volume down. He and Hiroshi look at Amon, one expectant, the other apprehensive. Amon breaks the silence, since he knows they are waiting for him to do so. "She's a better public speaker than I realized."

"Do you think she means any of it?" the Lieutenant asks.

"That's quite possible. It's her professed confidence in the city that I doubt the most. However … if she hopes to find a peaceful resolution, we may be able to arrange some kind of deal."

"What do you want to do now?" Hiroshi asks.

"I suppose I had better prepare a counter-statement."

The Lieutenant stands and begins to turn toward the door, but then he faces Amon once more. "Sir, may I speak freely?"

Amon eyes him coolly through his mask's eye-holes. "Granted."

"Something's been on my mind. If you and the Avatar are so close … are you sure you can be objective in this situation?"

"You think she's my weakness? It's quite the other way around. She's stubborn and strong-willed, but she cares about me, and our brothers and sisters. She will not want to do us deliberate harm."

"That's if you know her as well as you think you do."

"I know her better than anyone else alive."

"She could say the same of you," the Lieutenant points out.

"Do you think I have not considered that? Why do you think I came here?" Amon jerks his hooded head toward the bags he left in the corner of the room, containing all the worldly possessions he took from his apartment.

The Lieutenant glowers at him, but does not retort.

Hiroshi clears his throat and posits a curious question. "I wondered if I might ask you about Ko—the Avatar's origins."

"What of them?"

"Were her parents benders?"

"Yes. Both waterbenders." Amon has a hunch why this matters to Hiroshi: his hatred of nonbenders conflicts with his sympathy for parents of a daughter like his own. "Once the press has decided on their 'official' version of the story, I will address our followers about the matter, and explain the reasons for my actions." Amon looks to the Lieutenant once more. "Two more items of business: we will halt our intake of new recruits, and require all our current members to renew their oath of loyalty and secrecy. We must be more careful than ever about whom we trust."

"What if they want to muster out?"

"They are free to leave, but not free to betray us. We have their contact information, correct? Their addresses?"

"Yes, sir."

"If they express a desire to leave, kindly remind them of that fact."

Korra feels as though the interview has gone as well as she could have hoped from her end. She did not make any major blunders. Thanks to their pre-show conversation, Shiro Shinobi did not interject any nosy questions. But now she must face people's reactions. After saying goodbye to Shiro, she braces herself and opens the door to exit the broadcasting booth.

She stops short when she sees Tenzin, Monad, and Yugen applauding her. Even Lin Beifong claps grudgingly.

"Well done, Korra," Tenzin compliments.

"Really? Thanks."

They came early to avoid seeing reporters, but many have gathered in the hours since then. When the group steps outside, they find dozens of reporters waiting with notebooks and cameras. Korra feels more self-conscious now, seeing these strangers capturing her image, than she did moments ago when she broadcasted her voice from a small room.

"So it begins," Lin mutters ominously.

The journalists shout questions addressed to Chief Beifong, Councilman Tenzin, and most of all to Avatar Korra. Part of her wants to shout at them, Don't call me that. That identity is what started this nightmare, what made Amon take her from her home and family. But she supposes she must own that title from now on, if she is going to try to make some use of it.

When they return to the island, her friends, Tenzin's family, and the Air Acolytes congratulate her. Toza is there too, helping Bolin and the White Lotus set up training areas for her to practice different types of bending. More White Lotus sentries have arrived, which means less police and task force officers have to hang around.

On her way down the path, Korra finds a surprising sight: Skoochy is sitting on the ground with Jinora, passing rocks back and forth in the air between them, apparently experimenting with their respective bending abilities. "Skoochy?"

He looks up, smiles in his cocky way, and waves. "Hey. So, you're the Avatar?"

"Yeah." Korra sits down with them. "I didn't expect to see you again."

"Things've been crazy at the arena, ever since the break-in. Toza found me poking around, and when I said I was looking for Bolin, he brought me here. We brought the earth disks he asked for."

"Great! Thanks." Korra tilts her head as she looks at him. "I don't suppose you'd want to show me what you know, would you? Because I'm going to need teachers and sparring partners."

"Does that mean I have to stay on the Island?"

"No … but you could, if you want to. It'd probably be safer than staying where you were before, right?"

Skoochy does not answer, but when Jinora airbends the largest rock to him, he takes control of it and bends it toward Korra. She catches it reflexively in her hand, as though it were a ball. "Show me what you got," Skoochy challenges.

Korra smiles and opens her palm, bending the rock up into the air. She switches control of it from one hand to the other, as though juggling. She passes it to Jinora, and the three of them bend it back and forth. It's as simple and pleasant as rolling a ball around. After a while Korra has to leave and talk to Asami and the adults about their plans for a self-defense class.

The rest of the day goes by peacefully. Monad shows Korra scrolls with diagrams of bending forms, and she begins practicing them without the elements involved. The Council page and other messengers come and go, calling for Tenzin and Korra to consult them about where and when to hold the self-defense lessons and bending lessons.

In the evening, the White Lotus sentries turn on Tenzin's radio to listen to the music hour, a program Korra has always enjoyed. The teenagers join them, Bolin and Korra playing with Pabu while Mako and Asami read the newspaper.

Suddenly, the music stops, and a voice Korra knows well, both from the radio and from hearing him in person, fills the air. "Good evening, Republic City. This is Amon."

The open air suddenly feels like ice. Everyone is caught off guard, and most of them look to Korra. "What—is he—"

"He's done this before," Korra informs them tonelessly.

Monad looks to her and says, "You don't have to listen—"

"Yes, I do." With that, everyone falls silent, listening.

"I know what you have heard in the past several days, about me and about the Avatar. You have heard accusations that I kidnapped the Avatar. I am speaking now to tell you, that accusation is true."

Korra's mouth drops open. Her friends are similarly shocked and bemused, but Monad listens with a hard, contemplative look.

"You may think this a harsh and unnecessary measure to take, but I believed—and continue to believe—that she would be in a better position to direct the world toward balance if she grew up knowing the plight of non-benders and was given the opportunity able to help them. You may think that I have failed in this respect. You have every reason to think so. But I have not lost faith in her. I believe that she has been misguided and placed her trust in the wrong people."

The four teenagers exchange glances, both incredulous and disgusted. Does Amon even recognize the irony of what he is saying?

"I now speak to Avatar Korra. I know you enjoy the evening music hour, so I'm confident you can hear this." His voice becomes even more chilling with this familiarity. Asami presses a hand to her mouth, while Mako's face hardens with anger, and Bolin looks at Korra with a pale expression. "I urge you to tread carefully. Think about who you are working with. Can you trust them? Do you know what their true intentions are? You may find that they are no better than you believe me and our Equalist brothers and sisters to be. You may even find that they are worse. And if you do, I will be willing to forgive your waywardness and welcome you back to the fold. But so long as you stand against us, and make yourself an enemy of our revolution, we will have no choice but to treat you as such."

There is silence, so long that they wonder if Amon has finished. Then he speaks again, his voice heavier than before: "Your defection has disappointed me … more than I can say. But I am hopeful that when this is over, we may be able to reconcile our differences. After all … to use your phrasing … you are my Avatar too."

There is a moment of dead air, and then the jazz music resumes, jarring the ominous atmosphere.

Korra trembles, her fists clenched at her sides, her anger and fear both renewed. Asami puts a hand on her shoulder. "You okay?"

"No." Korra pulls away from him and stalks out of the room, away from their questioning, concerned yes.

"Where are you going?" Mako asks.

"Out. I need to punch something."

Bolin follows her with more questions. "Like … a person? An object? A part of the landscape?"

"Yeah, I'll go with that." Korra stops at the first tree with a fairly thick trunk. She pulls back her fist and punches the bark; then she spins on one leg and kicks the same spot. Bolin watches, and Mako and Asami come to stand with him, as Korra repeats these motions, channeling her anger into the strength of each blow. Before long she forms a dent, and then the trunk starts to splinter.

"Korra, stop," Asami intervenes. "We'll get some real punching bags, okay? Don't take it out on the Island's vegetation."

Korra huffs, and is tempted to throw in one more punch for good measure, but she does not want to cause any more damage. If she is going to be a bender and an Avatar, she must control her emotions.

The four of them sit on the stone steps leading up to the temple complex. They pretend to look out at the sea and the city and the starry sky, but their minds are still on the same thing.

"Do you think he meant it?" Mako ventures.

"I don't know," Korra answers. "He might have, and that's what scares me. But I lost track of the line between real and pretend with him weeks ago."

"I love you. Don't doubt that."

"Even if that's true, you love your revolution more."

"I hate that he's talking about me like I'm a traitor. Yeah, I left, but I'm trying to find a balanced compromise. That's something Amon wouldn't even consider! He wants all or nothing. I just want people on both sides to be free and safe."

"And you're taking steps to do exactly that," Asami reminds her, touching her shoulder.

Mako nods. "You're the Avatar—everyone's Avatar—but he doesn't seem to get what that means for you. If he can't accept that this is your way of bringing peace and justice—the stuff he says he wants—that's his problem, not yours."

"You're right. I shouldn't let him get to me like that. I just hate that he's still trying to manipulate me, even now that we're separated." She cannot let him influence her emotions anymore, whether or not he is sincere. Korra stands up, and after a moment she turns around the face her friends. "I know what I'm going to say to him, the next time I see him. I'll say the first words I ever spoke to him."

"What was that?"

Korra cocks her head and puts a hand on her hip, an image of her childhood pride and defiance. "'I'm the Avatar. You gotta deal with it.'"

Author's Notes:

Disclaimer: The content of Aang's book is taken directly from the ATLA book Legacy, text by Michael Teitelbaum.

Music: "You'll Be Back" from Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda