Just Like the Good Old Days

Redbayly: *Quietly sobbing in the corner*

Toph: What's her deal?

Sokka: Hmm? Oh, Red's upset because someone bullied her into deleting one of her fanfics.

Toph: What? It's not one of ours, is it?

Sokka: No, it was her Harry Potter fic. You know, the first multi-chapter one she's ever written.

Toph: You mean "He's Not Dead Yet"?

Redbayly: WHHHHHYYYY!

Sokka: Yep. Some person apparently hated it so much that they decided to do anything they could to put an end to her fic, even threatening to report her for copyright infringement because she used song lyrics.

Toph: Why that son of a…

Sokka: Yeah, Red's pretty broken up about it. It was her first ever bashing-fic, too. I don't even like Red that much, but I hate people who go out of their way to hurt others just because they can.

Toph: Even if it's fanfiction?

Sokka: Even if it's fanfiction.

Aang: Well, at least on the plus side this means Red will have more free time to focus on this story.

Toph: True, but the loss of her single most popular fic has really done damage to her self-esteem.

Sokka: That fic had more than a thousand reviews, follows, and favorites. It truly is a sad day for fanfiction. An aspiring fanfiction writer was bullied and threatened for writing a fic that wasn't even supposed to be taken seriously.

Aang: I'm gonna go give her a hug; that always cheers her up. *Walks over to Redbayly and hugs her*

Redbayly: *Breaks out into a fit of hysterical crying* Why do people have to be so mean?!

Aang: I know, Red. It's gonna be okay. You can just go over your story, change what you don't like about it, take out anything that violates the stupid fanfiction rules (that over half the fandom doesn't follow anyway), and you'll be back in the game. Just believe in yourself and you can accomplish anything.

Redbayly: *Sniffles* Says Mister Kung-Fu Action Jesus who beat the Fire Lord when he was only twelve.

Aang: *Gives her a warm smile* You are a good writer, Red. Don't let anyone tell you any different. After all, who spent days brainstorming headcanon Southern Water Tribe traditions?

Redbayly: I did.

Aang: Who originated the back-story that Korra's mom is Sokka's daughter?

Redbayly: I did.

Aang: Who's…um, who's…who's a freckle-faced, red-headed Amorra-shipper?!

Redbayly: I AM!

Aang: Who's ready?

Redbayly: I'm ready!

Aang: Who's ready?!

Redbayly: I'M READY!

Aang: Now, get out there and fanfic!

Redbayly: Booyah! Do the disclaimer!

Aang, Sokka, and Toph: Redbayly does not own Legend of Korra. But, she's gonna keep trying!

Against All Odds

Noatak's POV:

It has been three days since we were forced to flee. Three days since I had to leave my brother behind for the second time. Since we escaped into the underground, we discovered what could only be described as a secret society underneath Republic City; Benders and Non-Benders alike coexisting and helping to support each other. All of them opposed the Equalist movement and were more than willing to provide us with food and shelter while we wait for the United Forces to arrive.

I hadn't spoken much with anyone lately. They all clearly sensed how I was feeling about leaving Tarrlok behind and most likely wanted to give me some space. The thought that I could abandon my brother again kept gnawing at my conscience. I should've gone back. I should've gone down fighting beside him. I guess the truth of all this is that Tarrlok is the strong one after all and I am the weakling for running away when things get bad.

I was gearing up to go out on a reconnaissance mission when I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Noak," came the soft sound of Korra's voice, "I'm worried about him, too. But, please, talk to us. I know you're probably thinking that you should've gone back to help him, but we both know it only would have meant both of you would get captured."

I turned to look at her. I could see concern and determination in her eyes.

"We will get Tarro back," she continued. "I promise." She gave my shoulder a light squeeze before turning her attention to the matter at hand. "Come on, we have to get going; that intel isn't going to collect itself."

I gave a half-hearted smile before pulling on the chi-blocker mask and following her up the ladder.

Tarrlok's POV:

I wasn't sure how long I had been unconscious; what I did know was that I certainly wasn't on Air Temple Island anymore. My vision was rather blurred, but I could see the outlines of jail bars a few feet in front of me. I realized I was lying down on some sort of cot. I sat up, gave a slight groan as sensation began to rush back into my head, and then the full impact of my situation hit me. I was a prisoner of the Equalists…again!

"Ugh, why must this happen to me?" I muttered.

"Awake at last?" came a cold voice.

I gave a startled yell of surprise as I recognized who it was. Amon. He was standing just outside the cell, watching me intently.

"Oh," I said with irritation, "it's you. What do you want? Come to torture a defenseless sixteen-year-old for information he doesn't have? Or were you just bored of running over puppy-kittens with your truck?"

Even though I couldn't see it, I know I was irking him.

"Your insolence will cost you dearly, boy," he said.

"Is that really the best you can do? Please. I've known otter-penguins to make better threats."

"I know you have information I want. Tell me where the Avatar is."

"Aww, is someone having a hard time trying to find the Avatar? The 'great Amon' is actually incapable of taking down a teenage girl?"

"Why you little-"

"Don't feel too bad; after all, Fire Lord Ozai got his butt kicked by a twelve-year-old, anti-violent child. Your inevitable downfall won't be anywhere near as humiliating as his."

If there's one thing I remember most about Noatak it's that I was always able to get under his skin. My brother and I may have been the best of friends, but I always did find it amusing to do something to get him angry. Normally, Noatak is completely unflappable; however, I always know just what to say to get on his nerves.

"If you still think that pathetic excuse for an Avatar stands any chance against me, you are more foolish than I suspected," he growled. "As we speak, the Equalists grow stronger. Your precious Avatar has abandoned you, run off like a coward; she has fled at the mere sight of my army."

"She'll never be gone," I said defensively. "She is more powerful than you can imagine, Amon. You are the fool if you think your plans will ever succeed. Remember, the Avatar is the good guy, and the good guy always wins in the end."

Before he had a chance to respond, there was the sudden sound of a door opening.

"Sir, we have the prisoners."

"Good, bring them in."

I walked over to the bars of my cell to see who was being brought in and I felt a pang run through me when I saw it was Tenzin and his family. From another cell nearby, I heard someone shout "NO!" It sounded like Bei Fong. It probably was. I doubted that she would be allowed to go free if I wasn't.

"I don't care what you do to me, but let my family go!" Tenzin said.

"I'm afraid not, Councilman," said Amon. "You and your children are the last Airbenders. Soon, I will eliminate Airbending from the world."

"I see, so you're basically finishing what the Fire Nation started a hundred and seventy years ago," I snapped.

"Tarro?" said Tenzin, realizing I was there. "What are you doing here? I told you and the others to escape."

Amon ignored his outburst and turned back to face me while Tenzin and his family were locked in a cell across from where I was.

"You might not appreciate what we are striving for, boy, but one day you will understand that Bending no longer has a place in this world," he said in a low voice.

"You clearly don't know what it feels like to lose your Bending," I replied. "It's like there is a large void inside of you that can't be filled. You go through with your plans for 'equality' and I assure you that you will be the most hated man in the world. If you aren't already."

I could see him narrow his eyes behind his mask. He didn't say anything else and simply turned and left.

Korra's POV:

"Can you believe Hiroshi?" I snapped once we were safely back underground. "'The Avatar's on the run.' I'm not running from anyone. Let's go back up there and knock some heads. They'll never know what hit 'em."

"Bad idea," Noak said. "As much 'fun' as beating up Equalists sounds, we are vastly outnumbered and such an act would only make things worse." He gave me a sympathetic look. "I know you hate sitting back and waiting, but we can't take any unnecessary risks. I overheard some of the chi-blockers talking about some sort of weapon that they're going to use against the United Forces fleet tomorrow."

"What? When did you hear that?"

"When we split up, I managed to sneak into a group of chi-blockers. Several of them were talking about some kind of device. It's supposedly faster than an airship and capable of a great deal of destruction. We need to get a message out to General Iroh."

We quickly headed back to where the others were waiting; when we entered, I noticed Asami gave us a grin.

"Well, you two were certainly gone a while," she said in a sly tone.

"Uh, yes, reconnaissance is rather time-consuming," Noak replied.

"Whatever you say."

"Welcome back," came a cheery greeting from our friend Gommu, the hobo that Noak, Tarro, and I met on our first day in Republic City. "Hope you worked up an appetite, because dinner is served."

Gommu brought us over to where some sort of brown, soupy substance was brewing in an old pot. It looked pretty disgusting, but I accepted a bowl without complaint.

"Thanks for letting us hide out with you the past few days," I said.

"Honored to oblige. My associates and I heartily oppose Amon's so-called 'Equalist' policies. We got Benders and Non-Benders living together down here, but do ya see us fightin'? No siree. We've figured out how to harmoniously co-exist."

"You are a wise and noble hobo," Bolin said before taking a spoonful of the stew. "Mmm, this is the best-tasting street gruel I've ever had, seriously."

"I culled it from the finest dumpsters the city has to offer."

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Asami spit out her serving and hand it to Pabu. Hearing where the ingredients came from began to put me off eating it too.

"As long as it was cooked long enough to kill bacteria, it's perfectly fine," Noak whispered to me.

I was moderately reassured by what he said and just ate anyway. It wasn't so bad. There was a stray hair or two in it, but other than that it was edible. We began to slip into silence and it really unnerved me; usually, when I eat with friends, we share stories and laugh; I guess it was a testament to just how far things had slipped into depressing since the Equalist takeover.

"So," I said breaking the silence, "anyone know any good stories?"

"The only thing that would be appropriate now would be a horror story," said Mako somberly.

I gave him a glare. Really, would it kill him to be more optimistic? I honestly don't know what Asami sees in him.

"I meant something that could diffuse the tension in here," I retorted. "Noak, I know you're practically an encyclopedia of stories. You memorized every one we ever heard from Katara."

I could see him pausing to think for a moment. I know how much he loves storytelling and he's really good at it. After a minute, a small smile formed on his face.

"I know a story that is perfect for tonight; it's completely true, but it's not like what they tell you in the history books. About seventy years ago, the Southern Water Tribe was nothing but a pale shadow of what it once was and not even a fraction of what it would eventually become. There was only one tiny little village that had fallen into serious disrepair. All the warriors had left to go and fight against the Fire Nation army, leaving behind the women, children, and elderly. Among these villagers were the Chief's two children, Sokka and Katara. Sokka was a warrior-in-training and Katara was the last of the Southern Waterbenders.

"One day, Sokka and Katara were out fishing when they got pulled out by the current. An argument began between the two siblings; an argument that caused Katara to accidentally Waterbend. She was so angry that she inadvertently shattered a glacier behind her, causing a large, round iceberg to rise from beneath the waves. Inside that iceberg was a boy…"

We all sat, enraptured in his retelling of the return of Avatar Aang. How he managed to remember everything was incredible. He told the story as if he had lived it himself. By the time he finished, it was time for all of us to get to bed. I made my way over to Naga, but I watched Noak have a few quick words with Gommu; he was probably asking about a way to get in contact with General Iroh.

I leaned up against Naga, trying to close my eyes and get some rest, but it just wouldn't come to me.

Noatak's POV:

I knew that I would have to be very careful with how I gave out information. I warned Gommu that his transmitter might be tapped, as I secretly knew it was, but I had to get a warning to General Iroh before he got here. In hindsight, I probably should've done this earlier; I have really been off my game recently and I need to fix that.

"General Iroh," I dictated, "your fleet is in danger. Equalists possess weapons of mass-destruction. Have also set mines in the outlying bay of the city. Withdraw to safe location. Do not respond to this message and keep radio contact to a minimum. Mission jeopardized. Repeat, mission jeopardized. Stand by until all clear."

I know we need the United Forces' help, but I refuse to have so many lives on my conscience. If that fleet gets into the harbor, there will be untold damage and death. If I can save even half the lives that were lost, I will do whatever I can.

Once the message was sent, I returned to the others. I noticed that Korra was still awake and made my way over to her. I took a seat by her side and put a comforting arm around her; I began to feel heat rising in my face when she leaned into my side and rested her head on my shoulder.

"Can't sleep?" I said.

"No. I have this awful pit in my stomach," she replied.

"I sent the warning to General Iroh. We can't risk having all those men and women getting hurt. If they come in right now, it will be a suicide mission. Tomorrow, we'll pack up and go meet with the general in person."

"Really? You know how to get there?"

"I have a basic idea of where they are and we can get ourselves there easily. We'll leave before sunrise."

"It's so crazy; a few months ago we were in the South Pole and I was preparing for my Firebending test, and now we're in the middle of an all-out war and Tarro's a prisoner and likely had his Bending taken away. It's just…it's so…"

"Scary," I finished. I held her a little tighter. "It's going to be alright. We've been through so much lately. But I believe in you, Korra. You've come so far from being a goofy little girl who wanted nothing more than to ride otter-penguins all day; now, you're this amazing, brave, selfless, and beautiful young woman who wants nothing more than to help the world and live up to the high expectations people have for her. I know you're still learning; you still have a long way to go before you are a complete Avatar, but I know you can do it. You've done it more than a thousand times already."

I could tell she was drifting off to sleep. Her heartbeat had slowed and her breathing had become very soft. I rested my head on top of hers as I slowly felt myself fade out of consciousness.

Tarrlok's POV:

After Amon had left, there had been a long, awkward silence. Even the Airbender children were quiet for a change. This was a disaster.

"Tarro," Tenzin said at last, "are you alright?"

"Oh, just great," I replied a little more harshly than I intended. "Just had my Bending taken away, making me feel like a part of who I am was just ripped out of me; but other than that I'm just peachy."

"Don't give up, Tarro," I heard Ikki call out. "Korra's still out there. And so are Noak, and Asami, and Mako, and Bolin. They'll come save us!"

"Victory!" Meelo shouted excitedly.

"You Benders keep it down!" shouted one of the guards.

"You keep it down, mean man!" Ikki shouted.

"Fight! Fight! Fight!" Meelo chanted.

The guard was clearly getting annoyed.

"Ugh, I can't deal with this," he said. "Lien, take over, I'm going on my break."

"You're not off for fifteen minutes," the guard named 'Lien' responded.

"Oh, what's the harm? Their chi is blocked, it's not like they can cause any trouble."

The first guard walked off, leaving Lien behind to oversee all of us.

"I am so sorry you both got hurt in all this," Tenzin said to both me and Bei Fong, who was in the cell right next to mine.

"It's not your fault, Tenzin," Bei Fong answered. "How exactly did they capture you?"

"It appears they had anticipated our attempt to flee and ambushed us with some kind of new aircraft. They were faster than anything I've ever seen. They kept charging at us and nearly knocked us down. I had no choice but to land or we would have gotten killed. Unfortunately, there was another ambush waiting on the land."

"I am so sorry."

"You don't have anything to be sorry about," said Pema, speaking up at last. "You did everything you could to save us. Thank you."

"Hero lady!" Meelo shouted.

I know I couldn't see her, but I would've bet a whole stack of yuans that Bei Fong was smiling.

Heartfelt, emotional moment aside, I needed to figure out how I was going to get us out of here. I certainly had no intention of allowing anything to happen to either Tenzin or his family, I owed them too much. I also couldn't just sit back and wait for the others to come in and save us. Master Katara always said that sometimes you have to take fate into your own hands. And that was just what I was going to do.

Korra's POV:

The sun wasn't even up when we snuck out towards the bay. The cold, salty air whipped at our faces, reminding me of back home in the south. It's moments like this that I really miss my family; not just my parents, but everyone. We were always a very tight-knit bunch, my mom's family at least; my dad and his brother always argue whenever the latter comes to visit. Thinking of my family is rather painful now; I keep wondering what will happen if I fail, if I don't return home. In my mind, I can see my mother crying in my father's arms while someone tells them their only daughter is gone forever. It's a dark thought, I know, but it's the image that keeps playing in my mind.

"You ready?" I heard Noak ask me.

I gave a brief nod before helping him make an ice-raft to carry all of us out into the water.

"Stay vigilant," he warned me. "There are mines in the water."

"How do you know?" Mako asked.

"I can sense them. If you were a Waterbender and as attuned to your element as I am, you would be just as capable of detecting things like that."

Carefully, we propelled the craft out further on the water. Occasionally, we had to make more cloud cover when the fog started to thin. We skated past Air Temple Island; I could see several Equalists airships around it and bright lights, clearly there was something going on.

"Don't look," Noak said quietly.

I couldn't help it. I looked. There was a long line of people, I could see their hands were bound and they were being kept in check by Equalist guards. That's when it hit me. They were lined up to get their Bending removed! I could feel tears stinging my eyes at the thought of all those men and women who were about to lose their Bending forever.

"Kangee's talons," I muttered. "They're…"

"I told you not to look," Noak said in a hollow voice.

I didn't realize I had begun to shake until someone set a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see it was Asami, she also looked saddened but she was giving me a kind expression all the same.

"Don't worry, Korra," she said. "We will put a stop to this."

Everything suddenly came rushing through and before I knew it I was quietly sobbing in the older girl's arms. I don't know what it was that made me break; usually I'm so good at hiding my feelings. Asami's hug reminded me of my mom's, it made me feel safe, reassured. After having gotten to know Asami better since she had moved to Air Temple Island, I realized that she really was a good person and I was lucky to have her as a friend. Rather than find this awkward, she patiently let me cry into her jacket until I was finally able to get a hold of myself again.

"I-I'm sorry, I…" I fumbled.

"It's alright, Korra," she said softly. "We all need to let it go sometimes. What you're feeling is only natural. It doesn't make you weak to cry, just human."

"Thanks, Asami. I know you probably have more reason to be upset than I do."

I know she understood what I was implying because she continued.

"It breaks my heart to see my father siding with the Equalists," she said. "He claims he's doing it to avenge my mother, but I think he's just ended up becoming as evil as the men who took her away from us in the first place. As much as it hurts me to fight against someone I care about, I know I made the right choice." She gave me a small smile. "What is happening now is no one's fault but Amon's; so don't even think of blaming yourself for this."

Comforted by her words, I was able to return to helping Noak pilot us out of the bay. We sailed further and further along the water.

"Are you sure we're heading in the right direction?" Mako asked as the sun steadily began to rise.

"Fairly certain," Noak replied. He then pulled out a map and unrolled it. "I sent a message for them to withdraw for the time-being, and the only safe place they could reach is a small inlet a few more leagues out."

We pressed on for another hour before, suddenly, several large figures loomed out of the fog. We found the fleet.

Redbayly: Booyah! Who's awesome?!

Aang: You're awesome!

Sokka: Can I go home now?

Redbayly: Oh, Sokka, you're so delightfully cynical.

Sokka: Yes, I am. Now stop hugging me.

Redbayly: Hey, folks, hope you liked my newest chapter. I really need some help here. Should Mako and Asami stay together? Because, if they break up, I plan on having Asami get together with General Iroh. Also, please, please, please leave reviews! And I don't just mean the fawning praise or the "I like this story, please continue"; I mean genuine reviews about what you like about it, what might need improvement, and what I should consider doing with it in the future.

Toph: And now it's time for brownies.

Everyone: Yay!