Well...Hi guys... I know it has been 5 months...I'm HORRIBLY sorry! School has consumed me, and as usual it sucks... I have been working on this chapter off and on for several months now and it feels so good to finally finish it at...2:00 in the morning... I really hope none of you have lost interest cause that was my last intention. I really have been focusing on school more than anything and since I'm on break, I finally found time to finish up this chapter. I HAVE MISSED WRITING SO MUCH! But I have missed MY READERS MORE! I am going to try to update more frequently now that AP is getting easier and all that jazz. I haven't abandoned this story and nor will I EVER leave my readers of Cerulean hanging with a unfinished story. I really hope this was somewhat worth the wait. I am VERY OH SO VEEERRRYYYYYYYYYYYYY sorry for my long absence... I love you all so much and I am so happy to have finished this tonight.
Just so we are clear here, I had to squeeze some VERY important events into this chapter that I had planned to put in future chapters. I did this because I didn't want to have a short boring chapter and you guys won't have to wait any longer for what happenes this chapter. So hold onto your seat cause you're going to be SHOCKED! :DD
Another thing, I would like to thank JournalistInRed for being my awesome beta reader! You're awesome Lexi and I love youu! And also I would like to thank Brittana4ever for sticking with me and giving me several ideas for this story! You rock girl.
So thank you SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much for your waiting! I really appreciate the kind reviews and messages. They make my day and already having a little over 200 reviews(201) makes me so very blessed and happy! So keep those reviews coming! They motivate me more than you will ever know! :D
So I won't keep you waiting any longer.
Chapter 9 is waiting for you...Don't be shy...Go ahead and read. :)
Disclaimer: All rights belong to Bryke and company. The plot belongs to SoulLikeABird and you may not use it without my written permission.
UPDTED/EDITED: JULY 20TH, 2013: THE ENDING HAS CHANGED. PLEASE RE READ IT.
Being one of the most powerful beings to walk earth, fear isn't something she anticipates or even typically experiences. Being afraid was not part of her persona. She is strong like a wall of thick bricks, and has this smoldering fire inside that fuels all her confidence and energy. But fires won't burn forever― the biggest of flames can be snuffed out. The strongest of walls will eventually rot, and by merely kicking it, it will crumble.
But fear has become part of her routine. A few weeks ago you could have asked the Avatar: have you ever been afraid? She would have laughed and casually answered no. But if you asked her now, she wouldn't answer you because she is tangled in an intricate web of fear and shock.
Stand tall with shoulders square and chin held high. The pose is uncomfortable but shows that you are not to be messed with. Keep your eyes blank and your voice 't look to weakness-that is not an alternative, nor will it ever be.
That you used to be her mantra. But now weakness and vulnerability is the only thing she feels and her posture crumbles, her fingers fidget at her sides and her heart is like her own personal thunderstorm inside her chest. Her pink lips quiver and her hot brown skin cools. She debates running out the door of the apartment and never stopping till she is back at the island.
She doesn't think straight. There he is on the screen of the small box T.V. You can't see his face
for it is hidden beneath a mask made of painted clay. She can only see the black pupils shadowed by thin slits. His clothes are dark, something to match his objectives. The only thing that gives his outfit color is a
patch of red with an unrecognizable symbol sewn to the right sleeve of his jacket.
But she pays no attention to his clothes; no she is caught up in the dark of his eyes.
He is looking back,
He knows she is watching and he knows everything he is about to hear will sink into her brain like a poison and will keep her insomnia fresh. A sense of safety will be snatched away by a malevolent initiative.
He once again opens his mouth to speak.
"I come to your marvelous city with a task. You may have heard about your almighty Avatar Korra and her unfortunate demise by my order. How distressing. You all must feel feeble, vulnerable― well you have every reason to. I have left your city alone long enough and now it is time for bending to come closer from ceasing to exist." His low frightening voice explains.
Korra doesn't realize she has been holding her breath until she hears Mako and Bolin gasp from behind her.
"Oh no…" Mako chokes out through the shock coursing through him.
"Mako…Who is that?" Bolin asks in a choked whisper noticing the distressing look on his brother's features. He has never seen Amon before. But Mako has. Mako debates what he can tell Bolin without igniting a panic.
Mako doesn't answer but instead continues to listen to the growing threat on the cheap screen rounded with colorless static.
The camera pans closer to Amon's face, and Korra takes a step back in discomfort. "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." Amon almost growls with a fiery passion embracing his voice and words. "I've been forced to hide behind a mask ever since."
That's why you wear a mask. Korra thinks as her breath grows shallow and raspy from her quickly drying throat. She can't imagine the burns that contort and forever welt the flesh of his skin. A fresh round of goose bumps trails up her skin.
"Like I have informed, the Avatar has recently met an adverse demise by my order." He explains smiling beneath his mask. Korra's legs feel like jelly and her stomach slams up into her throat as she detects the sickly sweet satisfaction dripping from his voice.
"And if she were here, she would tell you that bending brings balance to the world. But, she is no longer with us, Her opinion no longer matters" Korra's fist ball up tightly and her teeth lock down together. She refrains from lashing out at the T.V.
"The only thing bending has brought to the world, is suffering. It has been the cause of every war in every era. But that is about to change. I know you have been wondering, "How do I posses such a singular power? " You are about to get your answer." Korra shudders. "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." Korra feels her nails slice into the soft skin of her palm. Her eyes burn with approaching tears and the fire inside of her explodes with a booming fury. But she keeps her expression as blank as she can manage. "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." He booms his dark voice erupting from the speakers.
"Mako?" Bolin asks but Mako keeps his wide molten eyes on the screen. His heavy legs are numb, his feet are planted into the hard wood, and his mouth hangs in a gape. He is stunned, disturbed and frightened.
He has heard countless stories of Amon and of his powers. He only knew it was a matter of time before he shifted his attention to the glittering city of the Republic. Now he is left to wonder what he can do to keep his brother and himself safe. They are famous in the world of Pro-bending, They are made easy targets and the whole city knows they are benders. Soon enough Amon will know too.
He is rendered speechless and has no answer for Bolin who is standing behind him just as shaken.
"Don't dwell on the statistic that you are safe. I will be seeing you soon. Good night." Amon says smoothly.
The screen cuts to static and back to the cartoon program Bolin was watching. Sweat leaks from her pores and coats her skin as her body unnoticeably shakes. It takes all the remainder of her strength to tear her eyes away from the screen. She doesn't look back at Mako or Bolin. Instead she says "I have to go." And forces her legs to move and bolts for the stairs.
She can hear Mako calling out for Yuke but she is already skipping down the steps leading down from the apartment.
He had felt his heart stop as his smooth classical cut to static and a frightening profound voice cut through the white noise like a sharp blade. He had gone numb as he heeded Amon's warning. He didn't believe it at first, but the pieces of the puzzle put themselves together and Tenzin's jaw had dropped. He immediately called up the teenager and when it went straight to voicemail, his panic had risen.
When Korra flung open the door to Tenzin's study, most of his worries vanished but Korra's horror was still just as visible as his.
She is dripping cold water from the clothes that fix to her body. Her short hair is slicked back and matted to itself―the chocolate waves slowly tangling. She's breathing hard and her blue eyes are glittering with a palpable anxiety. She leans her hands on her knees and rasps.
She begins to babble and her wheezing breath makes it hard for Tenzin to understand her. But he knows what has her twisted up in horror.
"Amon…" She chokes through her heavy breathing. "He's here…" She sputters. "…in the city…!" Korra gasps as water rivers down her face.
Tenzin guesses she swam from the mainland. He swallows the lump in his throat. "I know."
He notices that her hands are shaking as she stomps up to his desk. "What do we do?!" She demands sputtering.
Tenzin looks down at his folded hands in front of him. "We stay calm." He says flatly hiding the fear that is threatening to spill out.
Korra scoffs. "Calm? You want me to stay calm when the man who tried to murder me is in the city poised and ready to take away peoples bending?" Korra strains. "That's a little much to ask of me at the moment." She adds a little quieter.
Calm…? Monks are unrealistic. "So while we're busy remaining 'calm' how is Amon going to be stopped?" Korra asks lowly with her eyes in fine slots.
Tenzin adverts his eyes to a small framed picture poised on his desk next to a vase of fresh chrysanthemums and a stack of paperwork. Two daughters with eyes adorned in long eyelashes and traditional robes. A son who looks restless with his toothy grin and hairless head. A wife with soft eyes who clutches Tenzin's hand.
Soon a storm will be rolling end and it's inevitable that some will not make it out. There are sinister plans for Republic City and there are thousands of civilians in danger―including his own family and the girl who isn't ready to take on the world.
He hates the raw thought of his children being stripped of their bending― the kids who are supposed to repopulate the airbending world. No matter how hard it may get, he knows that his family and the Avatar will come first.
Tenzin sighs and tears his eyes away from the picture of his family and back to Korra who is still dripping water all over his velvet rug. He inhales. "Korra, Amon isn't going to discard any time to attack city. It isn't an anonymous reason what brought him here."
It doesn't take long for Korra to process what Tenzin says, but it eventually hits her. Her eyes broaden. "How?" She quivers.
" I haven't a clue Korra. But I don't think it is a coincidence Amon would just present himself
In Republic City out of all the places he could have gone." Tenzin says. "It is not safe here anymore. I believe it would be wise to move you to a safer more secluded area."
Korra's hands slam down on his desk before Tenzin has time to blink. "No!" She barks. "I am not running away anymore, especially when this city is going to need me! I need to learn air bending and it's your job to finish teaching me! I'm the Avatar! Not some prissy princess that needs to be hidden away at the first sign of danger! I'm not going anywhere!" Korra seethes with her teeth pulled back in a snarl.
Tenzin stares wide eyed into Korra's flaming blue irises. He sighs slowly. "Korra be reasonable-"
"No! You don't get to tell me to be reasonable when you yourself are making irrational decisions! If you send me away, who is going to protect the city, Tenzin?!" Korra demands her voice doused in slick anger.
"The authorities!" Tenzin answers incensed. "You are not prepared to take down Amon's army, especially when you have the tendencies to run into dangerous situations without relying on your mind, but on negligent actions!" Tenzin shouts back. That tiny vain in his neck bulges out profusely.
Korra's eyes widen but in a split second they are back into tiny slits. "Why can't you lose the pride and admit you are wrong? Sending me away is more dangerous than letting Amon willingly take over the city, and you know that!" Korra challenges leaning forward, perching her hands on her hips.
"Enough Korra! I have enough to consider and debate without you breathing down my neck and causing strife! Leave me be!"
"Fine, but this argument isn't over!" Korra seethes jabbing her finger in his direction. Then standing up straight, Korra lets her hands flow gracefully and the water drenching her clothes, skin, and hair lifts and floats in a bubble of aqua at her eye level. Giving one last sarcastic smirk Korra drops her hands and with it drops the water onto Tenzin's affluent velvet rug. Tenzin angrily cries her name as she pivots on the heel of her sneaker and struts out the door, slamming it behind her.
How dare he think he can just cast me away! I'm not failing the people who need me, not again. I will do something about this man. But first I need to figure out who may have told Amon my location…. And I have think I know who…
It spread like a plague. All around campus, all of the conversations around her are of the broadcast. Others take it rather seriously and others find it humorous and as a joke. She keeps her bearings and bites her tongue to prevent any outburst she has lying just on the inside of her lips.
She readjusts the strap of her backpack higher on her shoulder and takes a calming breath as she rounds the corner, confidently trying to mind no attention to the talk of Amon all around her. But still her nostrils flare and the blood streaming through her veins is boiling with her temperamental mood and the fire threatening to burn at her fists was getting difficult to tame.
Korra reaches the large metal door and pushes it open easily then peeks out making sure no one saw her before clicking it shut behind her. She quickly treks up the wrought iron staircase and kicks open the door at the top with a force and anger. The door is nearly unhinged.
"Mr. Tao Ran!" Korra growls as her icy lie on the figure dressed in a white dress shirt and slacks bent over a pot of fire lilies. Mr. Tao Ran snaps up from his position and smiles at Korra charmingly, but the gesture is lost when he sees her enraged expression. "Good Morning Avatar Korra, what seems to be bothering you this fine morning?" He asks cocking up an eyebrow.
Korra doesn't waste a second and sprints up to Mr. Tao Ran and easily lifts him by the collar of his shirt without struggle and throws him against the wall as if the 189 pound man weighs nothing but a pound.
She lets her control down and holds him off his feet with fist aflame just inches from his face. The frightened man can feel the scorching heat and his facial hair start of slowly singe. "You told Amon of my location!" She barks vulgarly with venom lacing her voice roughly. "Why?!" She shouts rising him a little higher.
Mr. Tao Ran confused, shakes his head. "What are you babbling about Korra?" Mr. Tao Ran asks appalled by her accusation.
Korra pulls him from the wall and them slams him against it harder. The air in Mr. Tao Ran is violently knocked from his lungs. "Don't call me that! Not here! I know it was you! You are the only one who knows and thanks to you, I'm number one on his hit list!" Korra cries exasperated with tears pricking at her eyes. She holds her burning fist a little closer to the flesh of his skin.
"You have to believe me Avatar. I would not deceive your trust. Betraying you is betraying Senna and Tonraq. If anything, I am to look after you. I wouldn't dare do anything to hurt you child." He pleas, drawing his face back from the searing flames. But his clarification isn't convincing enough for Korra.
Korra presses him tighter to the wall and her eyes tighten further. "I don't believe you―I can't believe you… You're the only one who knows… I haven't told anyone else. You have no evidence to convince me otherwise!" Korra seethes shaking the doubt that he is the informer from her mind. Her fist inches closer to his face. "You have one last chance to tell me the truth or I swear to the spirits, I will melt the flesh from your face! If you knew what was good for you, speak up!" Korra thunders pulling her lips back against her teeth.
Mr. Tao Ran stays silent, and Korra looks at the deep blue irises that resemble her own. Then a realization slams into her like a train. She drinks in his hauntingly familiar features and she gasps as memories rock her head. After several seconds Korra pulls her fist away and it extinguishes. Taking a deep breath she lets her hand drop from his shirt and her straining biceps relax. "You're my uncle." Korra chokes out then swallows hard and waits for his response.
Mr. Tao Ran splits his lips in a smile and proceeds to dust his shirt and knees off. "Your memory isn't the best isn't it?" He answers sarcastically.
In a split of a second, her wide eyes are narrow and Mr. Tao Ran once again finds himself slammed against the wall by Korra. But this time there is no flame threatening the delicate skin of his face. Korra leans in close to Mr. Tao Ran. "Make no mistake, I still don't believe you." She hisses.
Mr. Tao Ran rolls his icy eyes. "You're wasting your breath dear, your interrogating the wrong man." He says bleakly growing bored of Korra's foolish accusations.
"Am I? I'm not trying to be too careful Mr. Tao Ran, I'm trying to find who sold my location. You may be family, but you could be bluffing." Korra strengthens her clasp on his suit. "Until I figure out who lead Amon here, you are the culprit." She spits before pulling her uncle off his dressed feet and crashing his body hard against the wall. Korra releases him. Mr. Tao Ran crumples to the floor out of breath and with a thrashing headache. Korra pitches him one last threatening scowl before spinning on the heel of her sneakers and sauntering to the door.
Mr. Tao Ran rubs the back of his head and watches his niece disappear behind the heavy metal door of the roof.
Lunch was to say the least awkward. But one firebender keeps his eyes pinned on Yuke who sits directly across from him. Mako can't shake that look on her face after the broadcast as she fled from his apartment with fear braided into her eyes. He can't get that look that veiled her features out of his mind. To see someone so strong willed and strong headed―a girl who faced two grown men and laughed about it, trembling before him is perplexing.
"School is a little emptier than usual." Asami sighs sipping at her bottle of water. Korra looks around and acknowledges the vaguely empty tables that normally you would find bustling pupils sitting in. The lunch lines are shorter and desks in the classrooms are vacant. But Korra doesn't fault people wanting to stay in the shelter of their home; she would be too if Tenzin wasn't so tenacious about Korra's education.
"Well can you blame them? That broadcast was scary." Bolin says running a hand through his sleeked brown hair. Korra's heart jolts at the mention of the broadcast. "I mean I would have stayed home too is this this sour rat-puss wasn't so prominent about school all the time." Bolin continues huffing, then jutting his thumb in Mako's direction. Mako glares at Bolin and crosses his arms over his chest.
"That was a big word Bolin. This is why school is moral." Mako breathes shaking his head. "It was just a threat and threats shouldn't be something you fear." Mako continues rolling his amber eyes.
Before she can stop herself, Korra shoots up from the bench and slams her fist down on the table with a strength that weakens the wood within it, but it doesn't break. The loud boom of the impact draws the attention of the couple hundred remaining students to her, but the eyes glued to her doesn't stop her built up temper. "It's not a threat Mako!" Korra loudly barks. The silence that hangs in the cafeteria brings Korra to the realization of the eyes burning at her. She narrows her eyes further. "What are you guys looking at?!" Korra growls at the students who quickly go back to their meaningless socialization and the quiet cafeteria grows lively. Asami, Bolin and Mako gape at Korra with eyes wide, but Korra ignores their gawks and grabs her backpack from the floor, slings it onto one shoulder and quickly leaves the cafeteria still knowing that the eyes of everyone are following her out.
She doesn't need to turn around to notice the presence that is following behind her, and she doesn't need to guess who it is either. Korra quickens her pace and takes a sharp turn at the hallways intersection. The presence following her breaks into a jog to catch up with her and turns the corner just in time to see Korra duck into another hallway, but as he turns the corner, he lets out a small yelp and digs the heels of his shoes into the slick tile to stop himself from crashing into Korra who is glaring up at him with eyes of cerulean stone and arms crossed over her chest, and a scowl pulling her pink lips down.
"Why are you following me, Mako?" Korra hisses. She taps her sneaker on the polished tile. The sound annoys Mako but he swallows and answers her question.
He clears his throat. "I need to talk to you." Mako says then realizes their chests are almost touching. A little too close for comfort. He takes a step back.
"About?" Korra inquires.
"I want to make sure you're ok." He explains with his tone dripping concern.
Korra raises an eyebrow. "What makes you think I'm not ok?" She asks shrugging her shoulders uncomfortably.
"Your outburst in the cafeteria. And yesterday, you just ran off." He sighs readjusting the strap to his messenger bag.
"That was nothing. I just needed to get back to the island right away… To inform Tenzin since he is a councilman and all…" She insists tucking a strand of brown hair behind her ear.
Mako scoffs. "That wasn't nothing, but that broadcast was nothing. It was probably a prank. You're a strong girl and something as foolish as that shouldn't scare you. You have better things to fear." Mako explains to Korra.
Though the compliment of her being strong flatters her, it isn't enough to keep Korra biting her lips and the letting the anger fueling inside her curl her fingers into fists. "It's not a prank Mako. Amon is real and he has terrorized more cities before us! He will take your bending, and he will take Bolin's just as easily! Why isn't that clear to you? You and Bolin, and the rest of the city is in danger and you're treating it as if it's some kind of sick joke!" Korra snaps reaching up onto her tippy toes to get in Mako's face. "And I thought you were supposed to be the voice of reason." She seethes taking a step back.
Mako narrows his molten eyes and takes a breath. "I am the voice of reason! I'm trying to reason with you that there's nothing to be afraid of. Why are you so afraid? Why are you convinced that this man can strip people of their bending? It can't be done! It's a joke, Yuke!" Mako contends.
Korra shakes her head. " It is not a joke and Instead of worrying about my business, you should be worrying about Bolin and Asami." Korra bleakly states before twirling on her heels and proceeding down the hallway. She is a little more than annoyed when she hears him calling after her and when she feels him grab her arm she refrains from turning around and punching him in the nose. Instead she turns to face him and rips her arm from his warm hard grip. "You always have to have the last say don't you pretty boy?" She jeers exasperated with his tenacious attitude.
"No, I-" Mako starts, but Korra abruptly cuts him off.
"I don't want to hear it." Korra sighs rolling her icy eyes then turns to walk away.
"No," Mako reaches out and catches Korra's shoulder in his hand. Korra growls lowly. "I-I do believe the broadcast." Mako surprisingly admits in a whisper.
Korra cocks an eyebrow. "Then what's all this talk about "oh the broadcast isn't real!" and "it's just a prank Yuke!"." Korra imitates in a deep voice.
"I'm trying to keep the calm. I don't want Bolin more afraid then he needs to be." Mako breathes rubbing his temple and looking down at Korra. "He's my number one priority."
"Then why are you trying to persuade me too?" Korra asks calmly. Her fists uncurl.
Mako's heated eyes soften and a small smile is visible on his lips. "Cause you are my friend and I care about you too." As the words fall from his tongue, Korra argues that she imagined him saying them. But when the realization that she is living in reality, her cheeks burn from the sudden compassion Mako is showing her. The previous weeks they were at each other's throats and each and every conversation was a yelling match, and now he is asserting they have a friendship, and he cares for her.
Korra bites back a smile. "I care for you too, Mako, but I can take care of myself. I don't need you here to tell me it's going to be ok." Because it's not. Korra responds with her voice dripping with anxiety.
Mako takes a exhales. "But that won't stop me from telling you it's going to be ok, because it will be." Mako reassures. He lets his eyes linger in the deep cerulean behind silver spectacles a moment longer.
Korra stares up at Mako and his handsome face, drinking in the small pleasurable smile before it's gone. Something about Mako's positive attitude about the exceedingly destructive authenticity of the circumstances unfolding before the city burns a new robust fire in Korra. A fire she thought burned out when the first bullets were shot at her. The optimism Mako harbors for his friends and is family reassures Korra, and for that moment all she can think about is the amber hue of his eyes and the heartening burning touch on her shoulder. But when the school bell rings, Mako pulls his hand back and Korra slumps her gaze to her shoes. She takes a step back. "Thank you Mako." Korra smiles briefly before she turns and paces away.
Mako watches as Korra ducks into the swarm of people filing into the hallway, and when she is out of sight, he turns and makes his way to his succeeding class.
The last class rolls around for the students of Republic City High and the anxiousness for the days end is heavy in the atmosphere of the classrooms. Students tap their pencil, jot down any remaining notes, or text under the desk to pass the time while the teachers lecture and babble about things they will never remember. Meanwhile in room 1356, Yuke Shen is shaking her leg and tapping her dull pencil in the side of her desk with her eyes glued to the slow pacing hands of the clock. She sighs with tediousness.
"You know watching the clock will only make it go slower." Korra jumps and drops her pencil on the desk when she hears Mako whisper in her ear. His hot breath on her lobe sends goose bumps down the naked skin of her mocha arms.
She quickly regains her stature. "I know… I just want to get back to the island." She whispers perching her elbow on the table and resting her cheek on her fist.
"What do you mean "back to the island."? We have a project to complete, remember?" Mako prompts.
Korra sharply sighs. "I completely forgot… I'm tired Mako, can we do it tomorrow?"
"It's due tomorrow." Mako answers hushed.
"Well why don't you finish it and I go home and sleep ok?" Korra whispers with a smirk pulling her lips.
"Why don't I finish it and I write my name on it and not yours and you don't get any credit." Mako suggests deviously.
Knowing Mako would do just that, Korra lets her head fall to the desk with a soft bang. She groans. "Fine."
"I will call you later tonight if I can. Goodbye Mako." Asami says softly and sweetly and wraps her arms tightly around Mako who returns the encirclement. He buries his nose into Asami's soft raven curly locks and breathes in her lavender sent. He kisses the top of her head. "I'll be waiting." Mako answers tenderly and they pull back and their lips meet in a small chaste kiss before going their separate ways.
Even seeing it for the third time, it still hurts the same watching it from a longer distance. They look so right together, so in sync and faultless. Korra knows she can't compete with the picturesque beauty of Asami. Korra can't have that bond with Mako like Asami does even if the Spirits granted her such a wish. Korra pushes up her glasses and runs a hand through her chopped hair and walks with Bolin over to Mako who is still star struck by Asami. Korra doesn't breathe a word the whole walk back to the arena, and the silence dangling over Korra concerns Mako but he respects her space and lets her wallow. Meanwhile, Mako listens to Bolin babble about his day.
Korra cranes her head back to glower at the hazy sky. The usual burning sun is blanketed by thick billows of dark grey clouds and the warm air kissed by a frosty wind. Normally the cold doesn't bother her, but the adjustment from the searing heat to the chilly wind has her teeth chattering and her skin present of goose bumps.
When they reach the Arena, Korra follows in behind and Bolin explains that he is going to go train and leaves Mako and Korra to themselves up in the small apartment. Korra shivers uncomfortably as she steps up into the apartment. She gazes over to the television set that just yesterday screened Amon's face. Korra shutters and lets the goose bumps arouse her skin.
Mako turns back to see Korra dazed with her eyes fixed on the turned off television. He snaps his fingers out at her. "Well don't just stand there. We need to finish this project." Mako articulates.
Korra snaps out of her trance and takes a seat at the dining table. Mako sits across from her and they jump right into work. Korra stays silent and whenever Mako tries to stir up a conversation, Korra answers broadly with one worded answers or indistinct nods or head shakes.
Finally taken enough of Korra's uncommunicative, wordless behavior, Mako interrogates her. "Are you feeling alright?" Mako asks folding his arms and leaning his chest against the table.
"Yes." She answers not caring to look up from her paper. She nudges up her glasses and exhales.
"You are unusually quiet." Mako says blatantly ticking his pencil upon the table.
"Usually you want think I'm too loud, now you're complaining 'cause I'm too quiet… There is no pleasing you is there?" Korra scoffs with a reel of her tired eyes.
Mako scrunches his face up. "Why are you so irritable all of a sudden? Are you mad at me or something?" He questions confused by Korra's attitude.
"No. I told you I'm just tired. Let's just get this thing finished so I can get back to the island." Korra mummers impassively under her breath―but audible enough for Mako to acknowledge.
Mako debates fighting the truth out of her, but decides to save his breath and respect her space and the physical pain Korra will inflict on him if he bothers her too much. "Ok."
Korra doesn't reply and stays quiet, focusing on her school work and nothing more. She tenses her muscles when a faint pitter patters against the windows. Korra turns in her seat and finds drops of water racing down the pane while new ones form. The rain starts light, but after several minutes the light drizzle grows substantial and vulgar and soon follows claps of thunder that sets Korra on edge. She goes rigid.
She has never once favored the sound of thunder and the vivid shocks of lightning that dance across the grey clouds. Just the rigorous sound of thunder makes the small hairs on her arms and neck rise and a shadowy anxiety warps around her.
But this time to Korra, the thunder sounds nothing like thunder. Instead she hears a bullet and an un-relatable fear grips her. She feels her stomach twist and squirm, and at that moment her throat runs dry of any nourishment. Sweat begins to coat her paled skin and the atmosphere around her changes with one blink. Her head pummels crudely in her skull, and then it's as if a white veil falls over her eyes. She is back in her room at the compound, and reaching out for her is Amon.
Mako hears her shrill scream first. Then he watches as her small body convulses and falls from the rickety chair where her body collides harshly against the dusty wood floor. Not giving a second thought, in a second he is kneeling down before her, reaching out for her. But she ducks back away from him and lets out another whimpered scream. He watches in shock as she her cerulean eyes glaze over and scoots across the floor looking at him as if he is a monster. He feels himself tremble as he consumes the horrifying look etched into her irises. Tears torrent profusely down her paled cheeks and her lips are pulled over her teeth in sheer terror. He looks at Mako as if he is a monster. "Yuke?" He asks softly and calmly. He advances Korra slowly trying to keep his emotions still and steady.
"No! Please, no!" She screeches straining her throat. Mako flinches back as his ears ring from her shriek.
Mako takes a deep breath and slowly reaches out, but Korra continues to lash out despite Mako's calm and collected voice trying to comfort her.
His voice is chilling and dark, like a smooth base. That mask, just inches from her face. "I found you Avatar."
Another crack of thunder rocks the clouds. Another gun shot.
"Your friend's loss was for nothing seeming your attempt to hide from me was futile." Amon says smoothly. Korra lets out a loud whimper. She scoots further back until her back is pressed against the far wall of her bedroom. Amon reaches out for Korra with his back gloves and he is directing at her head.
Finding no other preferences Korra inhales, jerks back her fist and pitches it forward, letting the flames pulse wildly from her white knuckles and towards Amon's mask.
Mako abruptly gasps as a stream of fire bullets for his face. He easily reflects the flame and extinguishes it. His jaw falls open and his heart misses several beats.
He can't fathom what just happened. Yuke Shen the Non-bender, from Ba Sing Se just firebended.
Korra releases another blast of flame, then another and another, but Amon keeps deflecting her sloppy assaults with ease. He keeps progressing toward her and then he lunges. Korra is slammed and pinned against the wall with her wrists constricted over her head.
"Yuke! Snap out of it!" Mako pleas immobilizing her arms above her head to keep her from bending. She continues to squirm and cry out with that terror sculpted to her features. "Yuke, you're ok. I'm not going to hurt you." Mako whispers softly. "You're safe." He watches as Korra goes limp and her cries halt. The terror that widens her eyes ceases and the horror contorting her face moderates. He releases her, takes a relieved breath and pulls her into his embrace.
She is snapped back into reality when she hears his soft voice like silk trickle into her ear. "You're safe." Mako's voice echoes and the room melts away and along with it goes Amon who dissolves into the kind handsome face of Mako. She releases a relieved choke and clings onto him, hiding her face into the soft material of the red scarf pooled around his neck and shoulders. A feeling of safety drapes over Korra even when another clap of thunder screams through the sky. "Mako…"She whispers dreadfully feeble.
He holds her close, encasing her tightly in his arms rocking her shaking body back and forth. He himself is trembling from what he just experienced, and he easily pieces the remaining parts together. His suspicions are confirmed.
All at once the realization of what just happened slams into her. Korra stiffens then her heart slows several paces. I just firebended at Mako. Her mind states as she recalls throwing the flames from her fists. She pushes back from Mako and stumbles to her feet― despite the splitting headache rocking her head. She whisks her tears away with the back of her hand. The horror contorts her face once again. Mako stands up as well and faces Korra. His emotions showing Korra exactly how shocked he is.
Korra stays silent―her fingers tremble.
After several moments of silence Mako speaks. "You firebended." He chokes out.
This time there is no denying it. Smart move Korra. "I can explain." Korra strangles out in an almost hushed whisper.
"No. You don't need to explain. I know exactly what's going on." Mako says, his tone vacant of any emotion.
Korra's heats hammers. No…No….No…Oh spirits… This isn't good at all. "Y-you do?" She stutters after several moments of silence. She fears his reply.
Yes." Mako says plainly. "Y-your name isn't Yuke Shen," Mako stumbles over his words and takes a stride towards Korra. "you're not from Ba Sing Se," Another stride, and Korra takes a step back. "And you're not a nonbender, are you Avatar Korra?" Mako asks blatantly, sentiment kept from his voice. He takes another step and traps Korra between his body and his arm that he perches up against the wall.
She felt like fainting, or better yet dying. Her head was light and throbbing and she feels nauseous. She feels like at any moment she could throw up and kill over, and all her problems would be solved. But it will never work that way. Mako knows, and there is no reversing it, there is no swiftly lying. He has her all figured out and the charade she has been putting up shatters and sits crumpled and beaten at her feet. She dares look up at those eyes of melted gold knowing her will just be starting down at blue ones of a liar. Suddenly a small voice, very weak, but very true rings at the back of her head. Just tell him the truth.
Korra inhales a bitter intake of breath and looks up. She gasps at how close they are. His body bent over hers, trapping her against the wall. She can feel his warm breath on her face and hear his rampant heartbeat in his chest. "How did you find out?" Korra murmurs.
Mako takes a step back, freeing Korra from the wall. "It wasn't too hard to figure out. The earthbending, the time the Avatar disappeared and Yuke showed up, the resemblances, and the firebending. Not all of them could be coincidences." Mako explains suddenly looking annoyed and angry.
Korra drops her gaze at her feet. He's right. She knew she wasn't fooling Mako with the lie about earthbending to save herself from being Avatar road kill. She did earthbend, she did firebend, she isn't from Ba Sing Se and her name is not Yuke Shen.
"So why?"
"Why, what?" Korra answers keeping her eyes fixed on her sneakers.
"Why are you here in the city and how come you're hiding behind a fake name?"
Korra lifts her head and chuckles. "Haven't you read the papers or watched the news? Someone tried to assassinate me!" Korra hisses taking a stride forward.
"The news is telling me the Avatar was assassinated." He replied his voice holding no amusement.
"It's easy to tell the press a lie, and even easier to publish it." Korra snorts then rolls her eyes.
"Apparently." Mako huffs shaking his head. "But why would you let the world believe the Avatar is dead?"
Korra huffs and narrows her blue eyes. "Why should I answer any of your questions? Why should I trust you?" Korra hisses folding her arms over her chest. He could be the one who told Amon. He could be his little spy. Don't trust anytbody.
Mako flinches a bit but regains his cool posture. "Because I'm your friend."
His soft voice melts Korra like goo right into the palms of his hand. He has stayed somewhat loyal, and their friendship had been made clear back in the school hallway earlier that day at lunch. "Fine," She exhales. "I had no choice in the matter. Of course I was against the idea of faking my own death, but…"Korra trails off and ehales a heavy breath of air. "After the assassination attempt happened, I was immediately transported here." She explains remembering that fateful night. She quivers.
"But out of all the places you could have gone, why did you come here?" Mako gestures to Korra who just shrugs.
"Master Tenzin. He is teaching me Airbending." But so far that isn't working out very well is it? Korra frowns. "You're taking this very lightly. I would expect a hot head like you to be angry or at the most confused."
Mako chuckles sarcastically. "Oh believe me, I'm plenty confused. Angry, yes ―shocked, yes." Mako runs a hand through his hair and sighs, collapsing onto the chair behind him. "You lied to me. You lied to Asami, and you lied to Bolin!" Mako fumes.
Korra's head snaps up with hardened eyes. "Of course I lied to you guys! What did you expect?" Korra jumps to her feet. "Oh hey guys! I'm Korra the Avatar! You know the one that was shot and killed a few weeks ago? Yeah that's the one!" Korra acts out loudly and sarcastically while throwing her arms around in wild gestures. She stomps over to Mako who is still sitting in his chair. "This secret is my lifeline and I can't trust anybody―Let alone you!"
This time Mako doesn't flinch at Korra's response because he knows that if he were in the Avatar's shoes he would not openly tell that kind of secret. Mako also knows Korra is right―that the name Yuke Shen and her specks that now lay broken on the floor is what is protecting Korra… From Amon.
Mako swallows sharply. "I would never tell your secret." Mako promises sincerely, but Korra scoffs.
"I can't believe that…" Korra hisses.
"Well you're going to have to because now I do know your secret-" Mako rises to his feet and approaches Korra who has nothing of it and crudely seizes Mako by his scarf and slams him up against the far walls. Mako's weight colliding with the wall cracks the stucco. All the air stored in Mako's lungs rips from his mouth as he stares agape into the cold eyes of the Avatar.
"And if you dare utter a word of my identity―I don't care if you accidently say it in your sleep―if I find out that you told anybody, I won't hesitate to hurt you!"
Mako cringes at Korra's warning. Mako wasn't usually one to feel threatened by anyone, but being held off his feet by the Avatar who is properly angry is frightening. Mako swallows a shallow dry breath and grabs Korra's arm to lift the pressure from his neck. "I won't tell anybody." He chokes.
Korra leans up into Mako's face dangerously close. "Not even Bolin" She seethes.
Mako glowers at the thought of having to keep such a big secret from his little brother. "…Boiln… He-" Mako is roughly cut off when Korra wrenches him from the wall and smashes him back with more force.
"No!" Korra barks with her eyes in narrow slits. "The less people who know the better."
Now it was Mako's turn to narrow his eyes. "He's my brother―you can't ask me to lie to my brother."
"Well I am asking you." Korra releases Mako's scarf and lowers her head. Mako lands easily on the ball of his feet and straightens out his scarf. Korra sighs desolately. "Please…" She breathes in an inaudible whisper. Korra gazes up at Mako through her lashes which are wet with the tears gathering in her eyes. "Just keep this between you and me."
Mako doesn't answer Korra but instead lets his eyes fall to the floor― it was much more comfortable than making eye contact with the avatar.
"Mako… You need to promise me right now. This secret depends on my safety―my life… So please, promise me…" Korra pleas.
Mako drinks in her desperate expression. He debates arguing back with the Avatar, but instead he sits and thinks of his options. Say he does share the fact the Yuke Shen is Avatar Korra; what if it slips through Bolin's lips to the wrong person? He hates the thought. Mako draws his eyes up to look at Korra who is shaking prominently. "I promise."
And in the distance Korra can hear thunder roar in the sky once more, but taking a deep breath, she imagines it to be something more kind then a gunshot. Swallowing sharply Korra drags her gaze from Mako to the window where the expansive colorless sky is flashing white with seldom strikes of lighting.
"Thank you Mako."
DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN...
Ok...Please don't kill me... I know a lot happened this chapter. BTW: I am not responsible for any tailbones that may have been broken if you fell from your chair or bed... Nor am I responsible for any of your feels(no jk...I AM responsible for those)
Lets recap shall we? So Mr. Tao Ran is Korra's uncle (who guessed that? NO ONE!) and despite his protests, she thinks he is the one that sold her location to Amon (Do you think so? If not, who did? Or is Amon just there to equalize and still has no idea of the Avatars location?). Mako is trying to protect Bolin by convincing him that Amon is just a joke and that pisses Korra off... Uhhh... The thunder set off a panic attack for Korra and she imagines Mako as Amon and...FIREBENDS at the poor boy. *le gasp* But Mako has had his suspisions about Korra since a few chapters ago when he did research on his laptop (whoever guessed that, I give you props). So Mako now knows Yuke Shen and he story is a lie, and to his shock Yuke is indeed the Avatar like he guessed a few chapters ago and yupp...That happened... I'M SORRY! It had to happen sooner or later.
So Yes I changed the chapters ending cause it just wasn't working for me and I thought this ending sounds much smoother.
So who loved LOVE the Makorra moments I threw in there? I got the chills just typing it... Well I hope you guys enjoyed. It may be a while before I update again, but I will try my best.
I want to thank the ones who have stuck with me through all this time. I appreciate you all and I am so glad I could get this posted now! It was fun writing and I know it's kind of rushed, but it will all come together soon! Leave me a review telling me what you thought of the chapter!
Well I love you all and I hope to see you all very soon, but if not later. Have a FLAWLESS day and keep the faith in me ok? I love writing for you guys but sometimes the times aren't right. Until next time. 3
OH AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hope 2013 is a safe and happy year for you all! What are your resolutions?
~Megan~
