Hi! Um, so, here's Chapter 2, and Chapter 3 will hopefully be coming out within a month or so, starting today. Sorry, I kinda started late, and the only reason the previous chapter came out so quickly was because I already had part of it done when I decided to post the first chapter.
This chapter is mostly about their day-to-day activities, but it takes place over like, a day or two. It also exposes some of Mako's feelings, which will get... interesting. ;) One more thing... there will be some MAJOR fluff coming up in a chapter or two, so prepare for some feeeeels!
ANNOUNCEMENT: IF THIS CHAPTER GETS 10 REVIEWS, I WILL ADD AN EXTRA 1,000 WORDS TO THE NEXT CHAPTER. (I have about 3,000 right now, so the word count will probably average out to be about 4,000 from now on.)
Warnings: None, I don't think. Don't worry, I will add some soon, and I've got some very... interesting ideas that I have been dying to write.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Legend of Korra or its characters. Duh. All rights go to Bryke.
I did, however, name the three cosplayers found in the episode "And the Winner Is...". And NO, I do not know their real names. But I suppose that they will be added to the plot.
Happy reading!
"Korra. Korra, wake up. You too, Tahno." Korra's eyes fluttered open. Korra had slept surprisingly well, considering that she was in a hospital room. Several blurred figures came to life as she rubbed her eyes and yawned. Tenzin, Pema, Jinora, Ikki, Meelo (who jumped around and shoved questions nonstop. Pema and Tenzin tried to calm them down with no luck), Tahno's teammates (who were currently sulking in the corner), Bolin, Asami, and, yes, even Mako were all there. They had even managed to smuggle Pabu in who was wrapped around Bolin's shoulders.
"Come here, buddy." Korra cooed, extending her arm so Pabu could climb up it. "Hey guys. How's it going? I don't understand why you all came, I mean, after all, it's not me who's hurt, it's Tahno." Mako shifted nervously on his feet and looked at the chair in the corner of the room. It was obvious that he was trying to distract himself.
"We thought we should all come. After all, you weren't at practice, so we missed you." Bolin chimed in, tussling Korra's hair. Korra laughed and tried to push him away.
"Ugh! Practice! I can't believe I forgot!" Korra slapped her palm to her forehead. She had always anticipated practice, coming even on the days she was sick, in crave of throwing a perfect shot. She couldn't stand to miss a practice. "I'm so sorry, Bo. I'll make it up to you guys." Korra said, making a point not to look at Mako. Tahno played with Korra's hair, while Pabu, who was perched on Korra's shoulder, licked her ear. She slapped Tahno's hand, grinning spiritedly.
"May I?" Tahno asked Bolin, gesturing to Pabu.
"Sure, but be careful. He gives out a nasty nibble," Bolin warned sarcastically.
"Thanks. And by the way, you really are an amazing earthbender. Where'd you learn?" Tahno asked while scratching Pabu under the chin.
"Badgermoles, like Chief Beifong, and her mom, Chief Toph." Bolin replied casually, as Korra got a sudden flashback of Toph laughing.
Tahno raised an eyebrow. "Cool. I've always wanted to see one of those. The Badgermoles, not the chiefs." Tahno pulled Korra close. Tenzin eyed him and massaged his temple.
"I just wanted to check up on you and make sure you weren't doing anything… questionable." Tenzin said, whispering to Pema. She rolled her eyes at him and said something inaudible back to him.
"Oh." Korra cleared her throat, sliding out of the bed. Tenzin crossed his arms and sighed, obviously regretting his decision to let Korra stay. "Mako, can I talk to you?" Korra requested through gritted teeth. Mako nodded, and Korra led him out into the hall in her socks. While she was turning away, she saw Tahno out of the corner of her eye. She grinned at the thought of him, laughing while his teammates ambled over to him. He smiled and laughed, and looked almost as happy as he was when he was with Korra. The truth was that she never really had met Tahno's friends. Most of the time they just exchanged glances, barely acknowledging each other. Korra got a sinking feeling. She was leaving safety behind, because whatever Mako did to Tahno, he could do to her.
Korra glared at him, arms folded.
There were a few moments of silence as Korra observed him. Mako looked normal; there was no trace of the monster that she had seen in the arena. There was no deadly look in his eyes, no clenched teeth, no balled-up fists, no roar of fury. He looked the same as he did the night before the Championships. But there was something that was still off about him. Korra couldn't put her finger on it.
"I don't even know what to think of you right now, Mako. You almost killed him. Do you know how much he means to me?! What if someone tried to murder Asami?!" Korra fought back the tears hiding underneath her eyelids.
"Look, Korra, I don't know what happened out there. I was out of control. I just-"
"You just nothing. You can't just say 'Whoops, I tried to execute your boyfriend, it was an accident, sorry,' like it was nothing!" Korra threw her hands up, trying not to go into the Avatar State. "You irritate- no, infuriate me so much, sometimes!"
"But I am sorry, Korra! I didn't think it would go this far! I underestimated my own strength, I wasn't thinking clearly!" Mako said desperately. He gazed at her, trying to see if she believed him.
Korra scowled at the floor and mumbled, "I hate you."
Mako stared, broken for a moment, but then he could feel the anger building up in him. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. Why didn't she just believe him?! He had told her that he was sorry, various times, too! No. He instructed himself. There is no way you are going to explode on Korra. Korra rubbed the back of her neck. "Why? I mean… I just don't get it, Mako. You're a nice guy. But you can't just do this." Korra looked down. Her voice was starting to waver. She had no intention of making herself look weak, so she swallowed and resumed. "I didn't even know you out there. It was like you were… possessed. You were like… a monster. Like me in the Avatar State. And he did nothing to you."
"You're wrong. He did do something to me." Mako's voice was low. He glowered at her behind his eyelashes. He was… scary.
"What, Mako? What exactly did he do to you that was so horrible that you almost killed him?!" Korra yelled, tears forming in her eyes out of pure rage.
Now Mako stared right into Korra's eyes. His eyes were a fiery shade of gold. Korra felt her breath catch in her throat. "He took my girl away from me." And then he kissed Korra, even if it was just for a minute, he loved every moment of it. He missed these days, when Korra loved him. But after they kissed in the Southern Water Tribe, he had told her that it was a mistake, that he didn't know what he was thinking at the time. That was the only mistake he had made. They never told Asami, which only made things more awkward between the two of them. Mako was stirred by Korra slapping him.
"Never again, Mako. You were the one that broke up with me. And you're not going to get me back after how much you've hurt me." Korra began to walk inside when she turned around and said, "Now you're threatening to hurt Tahno's best friends; and you still expect me to love you?" Korra chuckled a bit and shook her head. "Don't ever, ever lay a finger on me or Tahno ever again."
"I'm sorry, Korra. Could you please forgive me?" He pleaded.
Korra thought for a moment. She should forgive him, she knew that. She knew that deep down, she would die of guilt if she didn't. But another part of her knew that if she didn't forgive him, she would break Mako's heart. Like he did to her. Part of her was vengeful and full of hatred rather than pity for him.
But the other part of her didn't want him to feel the pain that she had felt.
"I can forgive Mako. But I will not forget." She paused. "And I never was your girl Mako." She turned, slamming the door in his face.
Korra stalked into the hospital room. It turned out that everybody had left to give Tahno some rest. "What happened out there? You seem pretty pissed off." Korra started to cry. "Oh, Korra. Come here. Tell me what's wrong." He held out his hand, and Korra took it graciously.
"Tahno… Mako kissed me." Korra climbed beside him, putting her arm around him. "I slapped him and yelled at him. He still doesn't know how to take a hint." Tahno frowned at the wall. His hand tensed up at his side. "I'm sorry, Tahno. I hate him, and considering how much he's hurt you and I both, I would never love him."
"I know, Korra. I'm not mad at you. I'm just outraged that he would even touch you. I wouldn't want him to hurt you. I also don't like that he has a girlfriend of his own and he's still cheating on her." Tahno shook his head and yawned. "I love you, Korra. I know you can take care of yourself." He kissed her cheek and gazed at her lovingly. Korra smiled and blushed, as she had been doing lately. She loved how he treated her… like a girl. Not just someone who could beat the crap out of him (even though she was that, too). He combed her hair with his fingers as she rested on his chest. Suddenly his head popped up. "I'm sick of this boring old hospital room. We should go somewhere. You choose, Korra."
"Okay… how about we go to…" Korra tapped her chin thoughtfully while Tahno laughed softly. He had stopped wearing eyeliner lately, had stopped paying as much attention to his hair. Yes, it was still in its regular style, but he had stopped caring if it was messed up. He was loose, slightly careless. It suited him. "We should go to Narook's, just like we were planning to."
"I can't believe I didn't think of that. You are not only an Avatar, Korra, but you're a genius, as well."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, Tahno. I love you, too. But I think we should get going. I'm pretty sure that our favorite table for two is going to be taken if we don't." Korra groaned.
They ordered their regular at Narook's. The food was amazing, but they spent most of their time talking and doubling over with laughter. They joked about the fat referee, and also about the man in the corner of the restaurant by himself, picking his nose. What they didn't notice was Mako and Bolin walking past the window. Mako's face went red and he looked away. His stomach hurt, but it wasn't the throw-up feeling that he usually got; it was an aching, empty feeling. That could have been him. In the meantime, Bolin was banging on the glass and sticking his tongue out at them. Mako could hear Korra laughing inside as she crossed her eyes. He felt a faint smile come to his face, but cleared it immediately. "Come on, Bo. We need to get home."
"Aw. But Pabu wants noodles." Bolin complained. He held Pabu up and made his arms look like they were patting his stomach. "'Come on, Mako! I'm hungry!'" He said in a high pitched voice, to make it sound like it was Pabu who was begging instead of him.
"Bolin..."
"Okay, okay, fine, Mr. McGrump." Bolin sadly stepped away from the window.
When they were finally gone, Korra quietly exploded to Tahno. "I can't believe he came again. Can't he just leave me alone?! Ugh!" The bowl of noodles that Korra was holding suddenly became scorched. The store cashier glared at her. "Sorry." Korra smiled apologetically.
"Perhaps it was just a coincidence, Korra. They were probably just going back to Air Temple Island, and didn't mean to walk past. And by the looks of Mako's face, he was most likely wishing he didn't come here." Tahno reassured her.
"Yeah… That's probably it… So, about Asami, Tahno… Do you think I should talk to her? I mean, I don't want her to be left in the dark." Korra fiddled with her chopsticks. The intricate designs on the table astounded her, considering that they were in a cheap restaurant on a street corner.
Tahno thought for a moment before answering. This was the great thing about Tahno; he gave fantastic advice, and he always knew what to do, but Korra had to admit it was kind of girly sometimes. "Yes… but don't full out tell her; take her out on a shopping trip, or something. That way you can comfort her and have a good time afterwards."
"Tahno, oh my gosh! Thank you so much! I'll take her out to ride on Naga this afternoon! She's staying at Air Temple Island, so I can just go there while you're at a healing session!" Korra smiled and lead Tahno out, throwing some yuans on the table. "Sorry for the bowl! Thanks!" Korra called as she yelled out the door.
"I'll see you later, pretty boy." Korra said once they had reached the hospital. Tahno's bedside was already swarming with healers. Korra leaned over some of them and pecked Tahno on the forehead while Tahno planted a kiss her on the cheek.
"Good luck, Korra!" Tahno yelled after her. He shook his head and smiled. "That's my girl."
"Hey, Korra. Where's Tahno?" Asami asked at ATI. She stood up from the steps in front of the huge building. She was dressed in her usual outfit, but she had her hair pulled back in a high ponytail. It looked good on her. Then again, everything looked good on Asami Sato.
Korra looked down at her boots that she had gotten from her parents at the South Pole. They sent a new pair every year. "At the hospital." She mumbled.
"Look, I'm really sorry about Tahno. Mako has been… mad lately. I don't know how to explain it, it's like he's angry at everything, even me." Korra froze up, filled with sorrow and pity for Asami. With everything she had been through, Mako treats her like this? "But boys will be boys, right?" Asami added, giving a feeble laugh. Korra knew she was upset about it, no matter how well she attempted to hide it.
"I'm sorry, Asami. You deserve better." Korra said, focusing on the yellowing grass. Tenzin had forgotten to water the grass again. No wonder, he had everything else on his mind, considering the fact that they still hadn't found Amon/Noatak or Tarrlok. "Oh, I know what we can do today!" Korra grabbed Asami's wrist, dragging her to the boat.
"Korra! Slow down! Where are we going?!"Asami tried (and failed) to run as rapidly as Korra. "I think it's been awhile since I've had a girl's day out..."
Korra sighed as steam filled the tiny room that Asami and she were in. They had both had quite a day at the spa. They had started out with a mud bath and facials. According to Asami, the slimy green stuff that they had had on their faces for half an hour was avocado, imported straight from Ba Sing Sei. (Korra ended up licking it all off of her face, including the foreign cucumbers on her eyes while Asami giggled uncontrollably.) Then they had moved on to the back-breaking massages. Once finished with that, (because the workers were rubbing too vigorously, Korra practically crushed the table she was positioned on and threatened the staff, so Asami gently suggested moving on), they were hurried to a humid room and swaddled in towels.
"Have you ever been to a spa before, Korra?" Asami asked as she tilted her head back, inhaling the steam that surrounded them gleefully. She seemed to be used to this, as any typical rich, gorgeous, perfect girl would be. Be nice, Korra reminded herself. Asami had been through enough already.
"Never," Korra replied, sighing deeply. "But I definitely get why you like it." She closed her eyes and stretched. "How many times have you been to the spa, Asami?"
"I used to visit every month before my father-" Asami began to say, but Korra interrupted her, as a gloomy expression was slowly creeping up her face.
"It's okay, Asami. Don't worry about him." Korra placed a hand on her shoulder and hugged her. The strange thing was that even though they had only known each other for a few months, Korra felt like they had been best friends for their entire lives.
"You act like you've never hugged anyone before, Korra." Asami said as Korra embraced her.
"Oh." Korra drew away, and smoothed the towel that she was draped in. "Sorry. I've hugged people before; it's just that I've never had a friend before. You know, that's not Mako and Bolin. I mean, I'm sure everybody at Air Temple Island is my friend, but you know what I mean."
"Why would anybody not want to be your friend, Korra? You're funny, and tough, and smart, and kind, and loyal... I could go on forever." Korra smiled. Her insides felt all warm, and she had a tingling sensation in her stomach. Korra felt... girly.
Korra and Asami giggled as they walked down the street, arm in arm. She had had the best day ever. But Korra knew that every good thing had to come to an end. She had to tell Asami sometime.
Tell her, an unknown voice commanded.
Korra took a seat down at the restaurant, across from Asami.
Tell her.
The waiter arrived.
Tell her.
When he glanced at Korra, she said 'no'. She wasn't hungry.
Tell her.
Korra played with the hem of her shirt, procrastinating.
Tell her.
She was going to tell her.
"Asami?" Korra piped up. Korra peeked up, forcing herself to make eye contact with Asami. Asami looked up, thinking that it was probably just a witty comment that Korra had to share.
"Yeah? What's up?" She asked, concerned when Korra hesitated. Asami tried to make Korra look at her, but Korra couldn't bring herself to do it. "Korra?"
Korra hesitated a moment more, and then said, "There's something I have to tell you..." Korra took a deep breath. Her throat tightened. She wiped her palms on her pants, and she massaged her temple. Ugh. This is what Tenzin does when he's nervous. I must be spending too much time with him.
"Korra, are you okay?" Asami asked, taking Korra's hand. She placed a hand on Korra's forehead. "You don't look so good. Should I call Tenzin? I mean, there's a telephone in the restaurant. Korra?" Asami made Korra to look at her. She's too nice.
TELL HER! The voice screamed in her skull. Her head throbbed with fresh pain once again.
"Asami…" Korra began. Her throat closed again, and she urged a gulp of air down it. "Asami, Mako is cheating on you."
Asami stared, blank-eyed, for a moment. "What? I-I don't understand. No he's not, he… he can't be… what are you talking about? Korra… what?"
Oh no, Korra groaned. I have to tell her about the kiss.
"Asami… Mako kissed me today." Korra studied her fingernails very carefully. They had done an amazing job at the spa- Korra's nails were now perfect ovals, shiny and smooth, like pebbles, and blue like the ocean. Asami had tried to convince her to choose a different color, but this one just popped out at her. "Don't worry, I still love Tahno, so I slapped Mako, if it makes you feel any better." Spirits, that came out wrong.
Korra felt a pit in her stomach. Asami had now lost everything- her parents, her home, her boyfriend. Korra had to be strong for her. She looked up again to see Asami with her face in her hands. Her shoulders were shaking, and she was sobbing- hard. Korra sat down next to Asami, and hugged her. Asami wrapped her arms around Korra, and they both cried and cried and cried.
Korra looked out at the ocean as the Ferry taking her and Asami back to ATI crossed Yue Bay. The water was beckoning to her. She treasured the feeling of confidence it gave her, like it was her family. Korra breathed salty ocean air in deeply, closing her eyes and exhaling slowly. Asami was beside her, eyes still red and puffy. She had stated that she would find Mako and inform him that it was over ASAP.
"Well aren't you girly, Miss Korra." Tahno teased as Korra entered the hospital room. She plopped down on the chair in the corner and kicked off her boots. Tahno had an IV in his arm, which was being progressively freed of burn marks with every visit of the healers. "You know, if you need help putting eyeliner on, you could ask me to do it."
"You sure you didn't get damage to your head, too? Because I'm not sure that's what you call a comeback, Mr. Prodigy. A comeback would have to insult me, not you." Honestly, what boy wearseyeliner? Tahno grumbled about having to look good for the reporters and whatnot. Korra rolled her eyes.
"So how ya' doing? Feeling any better?" Korra examined.
"Pretty good. I think that one nurse has a thing for me. I gave her a fake number." They chuckled, imagining the look on her face when she found out that she was a calling a farmer in the Fire Nation, rather than a Probender in Republic City. "So how did it go with Asami?" Tahno asked, putting on his serious face.
"Not so good. I mean, she wasn't mad at me or anything, I think she was just really, really… hurt. I mean, the only family she has left is now on the opposite side, so that has to be devastating. The thing that got me is that she said Mako was being a jerk to her, also."
"Wait, hold up. You're telling me Mako's treating her badly as well? He's got some serious issues." Tahno shook his head in disbelief, then scooted over and patted the spot next to him. Korra rested beside him and toyed with the strings on Tahno's hospital robe. Tahno picked up her back ponytail and- to Korra's surprise- sniffed it.
"Um… Can I help you?" Korra giggled nervously. Tahno inhaled even deeper, stuffing his face in her hair. Korra protested and pushed him away, fighting laughter.
"You're hair…" Tahno said, just about sticking it up his nose. "… It smells amazing!" Tahno hugged her to him and tussled her hair, 'accidentally' unwrapping the hair ties. Korra squealed and spit in his face.
"Get off me, you weirdo!" Korra shrieked and spit on him yet again. They tackled each other and mussed each other's hair up. Then there was that one minute when Korra was tickling him. Tahno eventually lifted her off of him and almost ripped his IV eventually caught their breath and clutched their sides once again, hooting and chuckling in spite of themselves. They wiped the tears from their eyes and sighed, still chatting about being such oddities. "You're such a creep, Tahno!" Korra chortled, whacking him on the shoulder.
"Oh, and you're one to talk!" Tahno huffed, wiping some saliva off of his face. "It's gonna take me days to get your spit out of my hair." He shook his hair at her, flicking some spit on her at the same time.
She shoved him away, eyeing him and chuckling. She laid her head on his chest, closing her eyes. It was only for a second, she swore…
"Korra. Come on, little girl, wake up." Tahno poked her cheek repeatedly. Korra yawned and rubbed her eyes. What time was it?
"Huh?"
"Korra. Wake up, sleepyhead. You've been asleep forever. I was worried you wouldn't wake up." Korra looked around the hospital room, eyes still adjusting to the low amount of light.
"Why'd 'ya wake me up, Tahno? I'm still tired." She plunked her head back onto Tahno's chest.
"Tenzin called. He says you had better not be sleeping with me, or you'd have to go back to Air Temple Island." Tahno exhaled and set his head back on the pillow.
"What?! I'd rather go home!"
"And that's what I told him, said you were on your way."
Korra moaned. "M'kay. I'll come back tomorrow, bright and early. And then I'll sleep with you." She slipped out of bed and made an effort to untangle her hair. "Where're my ponytail holders, Tahno?" She grinned at him, hands on her hips.
"They're right there, on the table." Tahno replied. He put his hands behind his head and observed as she put her hair up. Her fingers moved quickly and accurately, coaxing her hair into her usual three-ponytail style in no time. She tugged her last ponytail into place and then twisted to stride out the door.
"Aren't you forgetting something, Uh-vatar?" Korra heard a half-playful, half-seductive voice call out behind her.
"Oh yes…" Korra purred, sauntering to his side. She leaned down, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him softly. "I'm sorry, your majesty." She mock-apologized, with shivers up her spine. As she marched out the door, she closed her eyes and giggled at herself. I'm such an idiot.
The streets were murky and damp. Korra clutched her fur jacket to her, shuddering. She had never realized how disturbingly dangerous Republic City was at night. Every shadow contained an unbreakable grip, every dark alley held a killer. Korra begged her over-active imagination to hush, and looked up at the full moon. Please protect me, Princess Yue, she prayed. Yue's light grew, to some extent, brighter. Korra soaked in the power that the beautiful Moon Spirit provided her, and she was reminded of the bravery it took for Princess Yue to hand over her life to save her people. Korra sucked in a deep breath, and aimed to be brave, too.
Now that she thought about it, the night wasn't so dreadful, after all. It gave her a little time to think. About everything. Mako, Asami, where Noatak and Tarrlok were at the moment (still unknown; the police believed that the situation was a murder-suicide.), Tahno… her mind drifted to the thoughts of the future… what would she do after Amon was defeated? Was he gone already? And if he was, what new kind of task would she be put to next? What if that was it? What if that was all she was needed for? And then what? I guess I could still continue Probending… she supposed. But even then, she would have a lot of free time. I'll get married. I have to, eventually. She winced at the concept. Korra couldn't imagine herself… getting married. At least, not with anyone else but Tahno at the moment… if they were both still alive at the end of this mess. And it wasn't like every relationship succeeded. The reality was, happy endings just don't exist in real life.
Korra was shaken from her thoughts by the roar of an engine. She retreated into the alleyway, hidden under a blanket of darkness. Her stomach did backflips while she strived to make her breathing inaudible. Please, Yue, please.
Korra eavesdropped as two individuals stepped into view. Based on their voices, they were both men, and they seemed to be talking about girls. Ugh. Typical men. Typical perverted men. They leaned against the side of the car, laughing occasionally, but still serious.
When Korra deemed it safe, she proceeded further into the shadows and exhaled. The two men's heads snapped in her direction. "We've found her, Lieutenant." Said a gruff voice. Lieutenant…? Holy Spirits. It couldn't be…
"Block her chi. Now." Ordered the man. Korra felt two pairs of hands hit all of her chi points in under four seconds. Korra fell to the ground, and everything went black. She passed out, but not before hearing,
"Yes, Amon, sir."
"Well, well, well. Who do we have here?" Korra woke to see Amon's mask, two inches from her face. She screamed and flinched away. The face that gave her nightmares was right there. And she was trapped. In a cell, a metal cell, that she couldn't bend. If only she could get into the Avatar State… Then she remembered what Avatar Roku had said to Aang: When you are in the Avatar State you are at your most powerful, but you are also at your most vulnerable. If she got into the Avatar State, he could kill her and there would be no more Avatars to bring balance to the world. Amon could rule the world. She would have to take this one for the team.
"You thought we were gone, didn't you, Avatar? Thought I gave up, or better yet, died?" Amon chuckled and shook his head as he paced the room. Even through the mask, Korra could tell he was smirking. It took all Korra had not to start crying with frustration. "Well I didn't." He threw his head back and laughed.
"And when I said I would save you for last, I was not lying. I am going to destroy you, eventually. Just not today, lucky for you." He glared at her, with his strange blue-gray eyes. They were… intimidating. Power-hungry. Korra expected nothing less from Amon. "But I got to thinking… If I couldn't destroy you physically right now, why can't I destroy you mentally?" Torture. He was going to torture her. She would end up worse than Azula. Korra closed her eyes and a tear rolled down her cheek.
Tahno woke up well-rested, and surprised that Korra hadn't arrived yet. Sometimes he snuck into her room at Air Temple Island and they sat up and talked. They would go swimming under the stars, prank the guards, and on bad nights, Tahno would comfort Korra as she told him about her nightmares. Some of them were rather horrific, and mostly involved losing people she loved (including Tahno), in alarming and painful ways. Others were about Amon returning, and then her subsequently failing to defeat him, leaving the world in his clutches. She rarely had ones about getting killed in the Avatar State, and abandoning the people of the world.
How selfless.
It was so like her. The strange this was that she was completely unconcerned about being slaughtered, but only about leaving the world to chaos.
Tahno was aroused from his thoughts by the telephone on his bed stand. He picked up the phone and said, "Hello?" He heard a voice he knew all too well.
"Good morning, Councilman Tenzin here. Is this Tahno?" Tenzin asked. This couldn't be good.
"Yes. Is something wrong?" Tahno probed. There was something that was a mixture of worry and anger in his voice. He had never actually heard Tenzin get mad before, except for maybe once or twice when he caught Tahno in Korra's room.
"Yes, actually, there is. Could I please speak to Korra?" He requested. Korra? But she was… No…
"Korra went back to Air Temple Island, sir. Please tell me she's there right now. Sir? Councilman Tenzin, please." He pleaded, his voice scratching as he battled tears. There was a long silence followed by a quick hang up. Tahno felt sick. Korra - Korra, the one who kicked the Triads' butts, his Korra – was missing. She was gone. Vanished. Disappeared. Someone who kidnapped her had to either be a bloodbender or…
Tahno threw on his clothes and dashed out the hospital door, unconcerned about the hospital staff chasing after him.
The torture Amon had planned for Korra was horrible. No, that didn't even begin to describe it. It was hell. Her personal hell.
She shivered that night as she thought about it, tears leaking out of her eyes. She had to watch Amon take people's bending away. While they begged for her to help them. And then they fell to the ground, in a crumpled heap.
And it was all her fault.
Every person who pleaded for her to help them, every limp body they dragged out, every potential Probender, healer, officer that got their bending taken away… it was all her fault.
Korra's own throat was sore from screaming. She was undoubtedly going to have nightmares tonight. It was funny, not too long ago she considered Amon as her worst nightmare. Now she realized that her it was really watching innocent people get hurt because of her. And there was nothing she could do about it.
She was tortured for seven hours, today; give or take the two minute break every two hours for the bathroom and eating and such. The food was horrible. She was given a stale piece of bread and some water, and no, she couldn't bend it. They blocked her chi every six hours, so there wouldn't be a single second she could bend. She tried, and tried, to get into the Avatar State. But with every sickening thump of someone falling to the floor after being equalized, there was no glowing. There was no knowledge from her past lives. Korra was only broken down more.
It was no wonder she woke up screaming.
"It's okay, it's okay. It was just a dream. You're fine. There's nothing to be worried about." She told herself. No, it's not. It's not okay. There's always something to be worried about. And it is definitely not 'just a dream'. You're being an idiot, Korra. Fantastic. She was already talking to herself.
"Are we okay, Avatar? Everything alright here?" Amon strolled past her cell. Korra scowled, trying to burn a hole in his mask. She hated him with all of her willpower.
"Can I ask you something, Amon?" Korra inquired. She smirked at the thought of what she was going to say next. This was going to damage him. She almost laughed, but that would give it away.
"Certainly, Avatar Korra. What would you like to know?" he said with artificial courtesy. He had no idea what was coming next.
"Where would my dear friend Tarrlok be? I'm sure you're familiar with him?" Korra said, satisfied with his reaction. He froze, unsure of what to do, and unprepared for that question. He was glad for the mask at the time.
It took a moment for him to respond, and a master recovery from the shock. "Dead. I'm sure you read the paper, Avatar." He snapped back acidly. So he does care about Tarrlok. She knew Tarrlok was not dead. If Amon escaped death, then he probably saved his brother, too. If he wasn't the monster Korra considered him to be.
Come on, run faster! Aiko urged herself. The Avatar is in trouble! The fourteen-year-old had witnessed the events of the previous night. Her hero- the one that she went to tournaments to watch, the one that she had dressed up like- had been kidnapped. Aiko ran towards the ferry that would take her to Air Temple Island, Avatar Korra's home. Councilman Tenzin would know what to do.
Aiko was a normal girl. She wasn't too tall, wasn't too short. Not too skinny, and not too fat. She had always been the quiet, reasonable girl in the corner, with her nose stuck in a book. She got good grades and was a good kid, but for the Avatar's sake, she had to break some rules. She was timid on the subject, but she could not let her hero down.
What would Korra do? She thought to herself. Well, for one, she would be on a polar bear-dog right now, not having to run. Aiko was good at gym, but was not a physical prodigy. Suddenly, she had an idea, and she ran to the nearest telephone booth. She fumbled with a Yuan, eventually shoving it in the little slot, and impatiently waited for him to pick up. Finally, a smooth voice answered, "Hello?"
"Katsu! It's Aiko! I need your help! Bring your mom's Satomobile and get Raiden! I'll explain when you get here!" She slammed the phone down briskly and let the next person in, who was muttering about 'crazy teenagers these days.' Aiko apologized quickly and stumbled along the sidewalk. Ugh, where are Katsu and Raiden?! She wondered irritably. They were her two other Avatar-obsessed best friends, the ones who had come with her to the Championship to watch the Fire Ferrets. Katsu dressed as Mako and Raiden dressed as Bolin (who was secretly her celebrity crush).
"Aiko! Get in!" Katsu called as he pulled up to the curb. Raiden was in back, smiling like always. "What's up, Aiko? What's wrong?" Katsu asked, alarmed. "You sounded pretty urgent on the phone."
"Okay, so last night, I was out walking, and I saw these two men by a car. One had his face covered by a hood, and the other was dressed in normal clothes, but then he pulled out this electric stick and electrocuted someone in an alley… and… and… the person fell to the ground and it was…"
"Who was it, Aiko?! Just spit it out!" Raiden yelled.
Aiko put her face in her hands and stammered, "It was Avatar Korra." The car swerved a little and then went straight. Katsu's knuckles were white with rage, and Raiden's jaw dropped open.
Katsu gritted his teeth and said, "Are you telling us that the Avatar was kidnapped, Aiko?" Aiko nodded ruefully and started to cry.
"I ran and tried to tell someone, but if they heard me, they would have caught me, too. And they have their electrocuting sticks, so I wouldn't have stood a chance. I couldn't sleep last night, it's been killing me." She wiped her nose on her sleeve and mumbled, "I hate myself."
Raiden placed a hand on her shoulder. "Aiko, you did the best you could do. It must take a lot of courage to tell someone, too, with the psycho things Amon has done in the past. And it's not your fault. I'm sure if we tell Councilman Tenzin, then they can find her. And besides, she's the Avatar, it's not like she can't handle herself. I mean, couldn't she just go all Avatar State, yip yip, and then whip those guys' butts?" Raiden asked, while trying to comfort Aiko.
"No, she can't." Aiko replied, giving him a matter-of-factly look.
"Of course she-"
"Dude. If they kill her in the Avatar State, then there's not going to be another Avatar, duh." Katsu rolled his eyes. Raiden gave a small 'ohhhhh' and then went silent. "Speaking of these people, who are they?"
"I didn't really get a good look at their face, I mean, they had masks-" Aiko stopped midsentence, putting the pieces together silently. Oh, Spirits. Don't let it be who I think it is.
"There's the ferry, up there! Stop, Katsu!" Aiko muttered lifelessly, trying to get his attention. She pointed at the boat that was anchored at the dock. "Let's get out. I've got some money with me." They slammed the doors shut once they had pulled into the parking space, and walked up to the captain.
"Three, please." Aiko thrust the money at him irritably. Well, there goes that notebook I was hoping to get. It didn't matter. This was a matter of life and death.
"Sorry, ma'am, but we don't move until the boat is full." The captain said. He was dressed in worn-out overalls, and he attempted to put an apologetic face, but it actually looked more like a grimace than an 'I'm sorry'.
"Excuse me?" Aiko asked, feeling the blood rush to her face.
"I said, we don't move until the boat is-"
"THIS IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH! IT'S CRUCIAL! THE AVATAR IS IN TROUBLE AND I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO KNOWS WHAT HAPPENED! THOSE OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVEN'T GOTTEN ON YET CAN WAIT FOR THE NEXT RIDE BECAUSE THIS. IS. IMPORTANT!" Aiko shrieked. The bystanders on the boat, the captain, and Aiko's friends went still and looked at her.
"R-right this way, m-ma'am." The captain stuttered.
"Thank you." Aiko said, chin up. She marched proudly on board, and then beckoned for Raiden and Katsu to follow her. "What're you two waiting for? Come on!" She straightened her glasses and looked off of the side of the boat.
"Man, freak much?" Raiden muttered to Katsu. Katsu punched him in the shoulder, but nodded in agreement as well.
"What was that, Aiko? I've never seen you like that before." Katsu whispered to her. His eyes were still wide with shock.
Aiko shrugged, opened her mouth, and then tried to steady herself as the boat started moving. She gripped the railing and pulled herself back onto both feet. "I guess I just like my Avatars."
"Apparently." Raiden grumbled, and leaned against the railing. Aiko's brown hair fluttered in the wind. Maybe she wasn't so unlike Korra after all.
"We're here!" Raiden shouted, jumping in rejoice. "Oh man, I've always wanted to see this place!" He hopped off of the ferry and started studying the pattern on the sidewalk. The captain flinched as Aiko stepped off, as if she was going to strike him. For the first time in her life, she was happy someone felt that way. She felt… daring. Almost fearless.
"We're here on business, Raiden. Let's go find Councilman Tenzin." Katsu pulled Raiden off the ground. Raiden flailed his arms and eventually gave up. He sighed.
"I know. But I've never been here before, and I've always-"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Let's go find Councilman Tenzin." Aiko said before running off. She looked around, hoping that someone in an airbending uniform would show up.
They wandered around for a bit, asking people where they could find the airbenders, but all they received were a number of shrugs and several appalled gazes.
"Hold it, hold it, hold it… Is that… Bolin?!" Raiden said, dropping his jaw open yet again. There was a series of chaotic 'Where's exchanged, when Raiden finally pointed across the yard at a black haired boy in green. It was Bolin. Aiko couldn't believe her luck.
"Excuse me! Mr.… um… Bolin?" Aiko called. He turned around, puzzled.
"Hey, um, do I know you?" He asked. "I really need to go, you see, my friend-"
"I know. I was there, and I saw what happened." Aiko held out her hand, and Bolin shook it cautiously. "My name is Aiko, and I think I can help." Aiko explained, suddenly serious.
Bolin's eyes widened. "Come with me. I know someone you can tell." He seized her arm and led her to the temple. Raiden and Katsu sprinted in pursuit of them.
"Are you sure about them, Bolin? It might be a trap." Councilman Tenzin asked. He crossed his arms and sat back in the chair. Observing at them suspiciously, he gestured Chief Lin over and whispered something to her. She nodded and hissed back. Aiko, Katsu, and Raiden were all sitting cross-legged across from Councilman Tenzin.
"Yes, Tenzin. I'm positive." He glanced over at Aiko, and then held his gaze longer. "Wait, I recognize you…" He said, and tapped his chin. Then he pointed at her and said, "Aren't you that girl from the Championship, the one that always dressed up like Korra?" He enquired excitedly.
Aiko blushed and grinned. "The one and only! And this is Katsu and Raiden. They were there, too. Raiden was, well, you, and Katsu was Mako." Aiko motioned to them as she introduced them, blushing and grinning as they chattered.
"That is SO cool! I didn't even know they have costumes of me!" Bolin exclaimed. They went on rambling about Probending and costumes until Councilman Tenzin cleared his throat.
"Sorry to interrupt you little sports session, guys, but we still have an Avatar missing." Chief Lin interjected. The conversation was suppressed immediately. She looked to Aiko. "Can you tell us what you saw…" she glanced at the papers in her hand. "Aiko?"
Aiko nodded and took a deep breath. "So, I was walking back from Narook's.
"At approximately what time?"
"10:30-11:00."
"Okay… continue." Chief Lin permitted, jotting some messy words onto the notepad in her hand.
Aiko fidgeted with her hair and spoke. "Well… I heard a car go by, and I watched it from a distance, behind an alley."
"And where were you?"
"I don't know! I decided to take a shortcut on my way home, through one of the shady neighborhoods! I was just focusing on not getting robbed!" Aiko cried. She tucked her hair behind her ear and blushed. "I was a couple blocks away from Mang's Fortune Telling. I wanted to know whether I should eat a mango or a papaya."
"Uh huh. Continue." Chief Lin uttered, scribbling on her notepad again.
"So these two men came out of the car. They were just chatting and making small talk." Chief Lin opened her mouth to question Aiko. "And no. I didn't get a good look at their faces. Because their faces were covered with hoods. And one of them was wearing a mask." Aiko stared at them gravely. "I know who did it." Everyone drew in a sharp breath, muttering quietly to each other.
"You couldn't possibly be telling us that-"
"Yeah, I am. I'm saying, he's back. Amon is back."
Hope you liked it, guys. This is a hard thing to build off of, so give me some time to think about what should happen next. If you have any ideas or suggestions, (if I use yours, I will give credit), PM me or leave the ideas in the comments. And maybe I will incorporate some Korrlok or Amorra friendship, and ONLY friendship in the next chapter. Also there will be some rivalries between Tahno and other males who want Korra... ;)
REVIEW OR KORRA SUFFERS *evil laugh*
Thanks!
~C~