Just Like the Good Old Days
Redbayly: Thank you, everyone, for your kind reviews, they really cheered me up. I also took note of how many people wanted me to keep Mako and Asami together and I must admit that they vastly outnumber the Iroh+Asami people like me. Oh well, I won't compromise the story just for the sake of something so trivial.
Sokka: In retrospect, the Irosami ship only works in the minds of crack-ship fangirls.
Redbayly: Then what do you call this story?
Sokka: The delusional ravings of a sleep-deprived college girl.
Redbayly: I hate you so much right now.
Sokka: I love you, too, Red. I love you, too.
Redbayly: *Sighs* Just…just do the disclaimer.
Sokka: Redbayly does not own Legend of Korra; which, when you consider the way the show is going so far, is probably not such a good thing as she has way more ideas for the new season than the current writers have come up with. Seriously, I've been reading her notes, and some of the things she's thought up are pretty interesting.
Redbayly: Really? I thought you hate everything I do.
Sokka: Well, you know me; I just don't like people on general principle. I think I really like some of the plot-devices you thought up involving new spirits and demons.
Redbayly: Huh, I wouldn't have pegged you for the spiritual type, Sokka.
Sokka: I'm not, I just think your reinterpretation of Southern Water Tribe beliefs and traditions has merit. Oh, and about the Southern Water Tribe traditions and rituals and stuff that you came up with…
Redbayly: Yeah?
Sokka: Not that I think it's bad, but why do you plan on having scenes where the male Water Tribe guys take off their shirts for certain religious ceremonies?
Redbayly: Fanservice.
Sokka: ? You…you really have some issues, don't you?
Mission Improbable
Noatak's POV:
General Iroh was exactly the type of person that could get respect from practically anyone he met. Despite the fact that he was only in his mid-twenties, he was already in charge of an enormous military division. Despite the fact that he was Fire Nation royalty, he was a very down-to-earth sort of person who was very easy to get along with, especially as his prime interest lay in preserving peace and protecting the innocent.
So why did I dislike him so much?
As soon as we had been granted access to his ship, General Iroh had come down to greet us. Or, rather, come to greet Korra. He had given her a respectful bow, said "It is an honor to finally meet you, Avatar Korra", and then kissed the top of her hand. I noticed, with a slight hint of annoyance, that Korra was blushing at the courteous greeting.
After the rest of us had been introduced, we followed the general into a meeting room to discuss the plan to reclaim Republic City from the Equalists. I knew full well that the United Forces would be powerless against the airplanes that Sato had invented, but I had to relay the information as carefully as I could as it would be very suspicious that I knew so much about something I was only supposed to have heard about it in passing.
"…We'll send out a scouting party in this direction to see if we can find this secret weapon," General Iroh said. "In the meantime, I will send out a message for reinforcements from Commander Bumi."
"Be careful how you send that message, General," I said calmly. "The Equalists are good at tapping into radio-waves and may intercept it."
"Duly noted. It was mentioned that communications might be compromised, so Commander Bumi and I developed a secret codebook for just such a circumstance."
Well, that certainly hadn't happened last time. The Equalists would certainly be in for a surprise.
After the general had sent out the dispatch and the scouting party, he returned to the meeting room.
"Well, while we wait for the reports to arrive, would anyone care for some tea?" he said.
Tarrlok's POV:
I knew time was running out; the guards kept talking about some sort of rally that would take place tomorrow afternoon, which I took to mean as being the "removal" of Airbending from the world.
There has to be a way out of here. There just has to be.
My thought process was interrupted by the guards finally deciding to give us food. I noticed, with some surprise, that the eating utensils included a fork, odd as most people still prefer chopsticks.
Wait a second.
It might seem odd to think of using a fork as a means of escape, but, as Master Katara once said, the people of the Water Tribe are known for their resourcefulness and ability to adapt to situations.
I probably am quite lucky that the guards are not very attentive to what the people in the cells do; they appear to be of the inclination that because we're locked up or deprived of Bending we can't escape. Kind of hypocritical of them, if you think about it. But, as it turned out, even an eating utensil can prove useful as I discretely used it to unbolt the screws around the frame of the bars. It's also quite lucky for me that they were, in fact, regular screws and not bolts; that would have been a problem.
It was mind-numbingly dull work, with occasional instances of my hand slipping and accidentally jabbing my escape device into my fingers, but at least I was making headway. Now all that's left is to figure out how I'm going to take down the guards when I do get free.
Korra's POV:
I was having another difficult time trying to sleep. Reports had come back from the scouting party that there was, indeed, an airfield and warehouse just outside of Republic City that was housing a new kind of aircraft. There would be a mission tomorrow to destroy the machines and, while that was all well and good, something kept niggling at the back of my mind. It was like there was someone trying to tell me something but I just couldn't quite hear them.
Maybe you're just not listening hard enough.
"Gah!"
You again? Oh great, maybe I am going crazy.
I'll ignore that, for now.
What do you want?
To help. I can tell that you have been feeling very conflicted lately.
Yeah. I just – I just don't know what to do. The mission tomorrow will make sure those aircraft are grounded and ensure the United Forces will be more capable of taking back the city. But, Amon's still out there. I feel like there's something horribly wrong that I don't know.
Do not be afraid, Korra. Trust that your friends will help you and don't give up. When I was young, I always tried to divert my problems elsewhere and never made an effort to confront them. Perhaps, if I had done more to speak out for what I believed, things would have been different. Now, it is your task to put things right. Remember, Korra, I am always with you.
Wait! Please, tell me who you are.
I could sense her leaving my thoughts. When she replied, it was barely a whisper.
You already know.
I gave a sigh. What on earth had made me think I was ready for this? Maybe it would have been better if I'd just stayed in that damn compound. No…no, I was right for leaving that place. I hated being a virtual prisoner there. Rather than help me, I think the White Lotus and that compound stunted my development as the Avatar. It stopped me gaining the necessary skills to survive in the real world. My lack of experience could quite possibly get me killed.
That's when things suddenly became real. I make one slip up that I don't know how to handle and it's possible that I won't live through it.
I barely registered when the door opened and Noak came in and sat down next to me.
"Still having trouble sleeping?" he asked.
I didn't reply, but gave an affirmative nod.
"So…tomorrow it ends." He paused. "I can't help but feel as though there's something we need to do."
"You felt it as well?" I said.
"Yeah. It's like there's something making me feel like we need to go back. That we have to take the fight to Amon, not just bring down his weapons."
"I…I think you're right. I'm tired of running away. But…at the same time, I don't know if I can trust that I'm making the right choice."
We both turned to face each other, our eyes meeting.
"Korra, do you remember what Chief Kaliska told us are the five marks of a warrior?"
"Logic, skill, strength, bravery, and…and instinct." I gave another short sigh. "You're right. I can't back down. I'll tell General Iroh in the morning that I'm going back to face Amon."
"You mean that we're going back."
"What?"
"You don't honestly think I'd let you go after Amon by yourself, do you?"
"But, it's dangerous."
"Like that will stop me. You're gonna have to do better than that to get rid of me, Korra."
I smiled and threw my arms around him. I would never ask him or any of my friends to put themselves in danger for my sake; but, just the fact that he would be there with me eased a great deal of the worry from my mind. I realized I'd been hugging him longer than I intended and drew back, trying desperately to hold back the warmth I felt rising in my face.
"Um, yes, well…" I fumbled with my words. "I guess we should be getting back to bed." The implication of that statement hit me and I blurted out a correction. "I-I mean to our own separate beds. I certainly didn't mean it like…"
Noak simply gave a small smirk and nodded. We stood up and I walked him over to the door. There was a brief and very awkward silence between us.
"Well, um, g-goodnight, Noak."
"Yeah. Goodnight…Korra."
As I was about to close the door, he spoke again.
"Korra."
"Yes?"
"I…I want to tell you something."
"What is it, Noak?"
He seemed to be struggling to find the words, if his rather uncomfortable expression was anything to go by.
"Korra, I…hope you sleep well."
"Oh, um, thanks, I guess."
As soon as I'd closed the door and began walking back to bed, I heard a slight 'clank' noise; like someone had just banged their head against the door.
Oh well, probably nothing.
Noatak's POV:
After I pulled myself upright after banging my head against the door, I turned down the hallway. Rather than return to my room, I decided to clear my head by going out on deck for some fresh air.
As I stared out at the water which reflected the glimmering image of an half-full moon, I couldn't help but think how badly I had screwed up back there. If Tarrlok was here he'd probably be laughing his ass off at my sheer stupidity and ineptitude. Not five minutes standing there, I sensed someone approach; the fact that, when the person spoke, I recognized him as General Iroh did nothing to improve my mood.
"Lady trouble?" he inquired.
"How did you-?"
"Let's just say I'm a people person; and you couldn't be more obvious if you had 'In love with the Avatar' stamped on your forehead. Would you care for some words of advice?"
"That would be much appreciated."
"Words of love are difficult to express; they are like the clouds, always changing and shifting."
"And…how does that help me?"
He paused, giving a contemplative look.
"I'm not sure. My grandfather was the one who told me that saying and I've never had much luck figuring out his 'words of wisdom.' What I think it means, though, is that words can only get you so far in expressing your feelings; sometimes, you need to give a more tangible sign."
I gave him a sideways look.
"Still not seeing how this is helpful."
The general simply gave a smile and patted me on the shoulder.
"I'm sure you'll think of something."
"I hate you so much right now; you know that, right?"
All he did then was chuckle and walk away.
By the time morning came around I wasn't so sure I was ready for this mission. I knew I would have to face up to my past eventually, I just didn't think it would be this sudden. The others had wanted to come with us, but Korra and I both insisted that it would be tricky enough for us to go, let alone half a dozen people. The others all gave their best wishes to us as we prepared to set off; and, soon enough, we were stealthily Waterbending ourselves towards Air Temple Island. I knew well enough that we wouldn't actually wait there for Amon; but Korra had to find out the truth of my older self's identity before she confronts him, and the only other person who could tell her was being held prisoner on that island.
Korra's POV:
My heart was beating rapidly as we drew closer and closer to the island. This was it; we could end this, now. It was still early morning when we reached the rocky shore and slipped on the chi-blocker masks. We stealthily made our way up towards the main courtyard; I was worried by the surprising lack of Air Acolytes, this temple was their home and the Equalists had invaded it. I glanced up to see the airship hovering over the temple just as I saw a very familiar figure boarding it.
"There's Amon."
"We need to get into the temple," Noak said. "We can hide there until he gets back."
"Then we ambush him."
We cautiously walked towards the temple, trying to act as though we weren't out of place. I was suddenly terrified when I heard a voice speak out from behind us.
"What are you two doing here?"
We turned to see it was that Lieutenant guy.
"We were just transferred here," Noak answered smoothly.
"Well, you're getting transferred again. Amon wants extra security at the arena today."
The arena? What could be going on at the arena?
"Oh, of course, for the rally," Noak continued. "I suppose the orders came in after we left."
"Whose unit are you with?"
"Ching-Lan."
"Ah, that would explain it. Ching-Lan informed me that you all were having communication problems. Just make sure you both are at the rally."
"We will, sir," I replied. Inwardly I was thanking all the spirits that Noak was with me; it was a miracle that he could come up with an alibi like that so easily.
As the man walked away, we snuck off towards the secret entrance. It really is lucky that Avatar Aang thought having secret passageways was a good idea. We made it in through the secret door and up into the main building.
"Let's hide in the attic," I said.
I noticed Noak hesitate slightly before following me up the ladder. I pushed open the trapdoor to the attic before helping Noak up inside. I was startled when I realized his masked gaze was focused on something behind me.
"I believe we have company," he said.
I turned around and saw, to my astonishment, that it was someone I had never expected to see again since his capture back in the mountains.
"Tarrlok?" I said as we removed our masks.
"I don't suppose you're here to rescue me?" he said in a very hollow and defeated voice.
"We had no idea you were here. Are there other prisoners on the island?"
"No. I'm the only one."
"And what makes you so special?"
There was a momentary pause before he said something I believed was the most shocking thing I have ever heard.
"I am Amon's brother."
Tarrlok's POV:
I was getting very close to finishing dismantling my cell bars when I heard the sound of people approaching. I quickly stowed all the screws I had removed out of sight just as a group of chi-blockers entered and went straight for Tenzin and his family. I watched, anger rising, as the last Airbenders were bound and led out of the cell while a crying Pema held her newborn son close as if she would never let him go.
"Don't worry!" I called out after them. "Everything will be okay, I promise!"
As soon as the guards left I went straight back to work, removing the last of the screws that kept the metal frame attached to the wall. It was certainly fortuitous that only one guard remained behind; it would definitely make this escape attempt easier. No sooner had I knocked down the cell wall than the guard in question came hurtling towards me.
Even I was surprised at how well I was able to dodge the attempted chi-blocking; of course, it probably helped that I had used a tactic that a good friend back in the Southern Water Tribe had taught me. The tactic largely involved me jumping on the attacker's back and twisting his helmet around so he couldn't see, but at least it worked. I would definitely have to thank Lomasi for teaching me that the next time I saw her.
Within a matter of minutes, the guard was lying unconscious and I swiped his keys. I first got Bei Fong out of her cell then rushed over to get Pema out. There were lots of other people trapped in the cells, but I knew we wouldn't have enough time to get everyone out just yet. What we had to do now was rescue Tenzin and the children.
I really couldn't wait for this day to be over.
Noatak's POV:
I tried to keep my expression neutral as the older Tarrlok recounted the memories of our childhood. It wasn't easy and I kept feeling my hands trembling. I hadn't known just how deep the pain of it all had truly affect Tarrlok, he hadn't even told me after we'd been given our new lives; I suppose it explains why he had been acting so childishly since we came to Republic City, treating the whole situation as if it was merely a game; my brother had regressed back into childhood. I wish it had been so easy for me; every day since we were taken in by Korra's family, I had had to strain to keep up the image of a child. I suppose it was only natural that there would be something Tarrlok could do better than me.
"That's one of the saddest stories I've ever heard," Korra spoke up at last.
"Avatar Korra, I am truly sorry for all that I did to you," Tarrlok said. "I thought I was better than my father, but his ghost still shaped me. I became a soldier of revenge, just like he wanted me to be. And so did my brother." I noticed that he was looking right at me as he said that. "The Revolution may be built on a lie, but I think Amon truly believes Bending is the source of all evil in the world."
"How did you figure out Amon is your brother?" Korra asked.
"When he took my Bending, the sensation was somehow familiar. I later recognized it as my brother's Bloodbending grip." I couldn't hold back a wince at that statement; I knew he noticed.
"So, he somehow uses Bloodbending to take people's Bending."
"I don't know how he does it, but, then again, I've never encountered a Bender as strong as Noatak."
"How in the world do we beat him?"
"We have to make sure his identity is revealed," I answered. "Once everyone sees that he lied to them, they will turn against him and the Equalists will stop attacking. For a while."
"For a while?"
"The Equalists may turn against Amon when they find out who he really is, but their aspirations will remain. The United Forces will be able to put down the violence for a certain amount of time, but there are still the problems that sparked the Equalist Movement that need to be addressed. Once we take down Amon, we will be able to buy ourselves some time until we can get the process started to bring the people's concerns to light. The main reason the Equalists even exist is because people in authority have abused their power and taken advantage of the less-fortunate."
"We can start right now," Korra agreed. "At the rally, if we can expose him as a Bender, we can take away the power Amon has over his supporters. Then, while the Equalists are scrambling for leadership and their weapons are being taken down by General Iroh and Commander Bumi, we can bring changes that will stunt any regrowth of the movement."
I felt a smile grace my lips; Korra was truly becoming a great Avatar.
She turned back to Tarrlok.
"Thank you for your help," she said in a sincere tone. He merely nodded. Korra then paused and turned to me. "We can't just leave him here."
"Go," Tarrlok insisted, "Amon can't know anyone spoke with me. Defeat him. Put an end to this sad story."
Korra began to walk back to the trapdoor. I didn't move, though; there was something I had to do first.
"Korra, could you wait for me downstairs? I just want a final word with Tarrlok."
She gave me a confused look before complying and going back down the ladder.
I turned back to look at Tarrlok; he was looking at me intently and I could just feel the question coming.
"Who are you, really?" he said.
I gave a short sigh.
"Who do you think I am?"
"You and your brother look like mirror-images of me and Noatak when we were younger. The only difference is that you two actually seem happy. I am wondering, though, where is that brother of yours? He usually doesn't leave yours or Avatar Korra's side."
"He was captured. He sacrificed himself to make sure we all got out alright."
"I'm sorry."
I didn't respond and he continued.
"Many theories have run through my mind about who you two really are. My most recent one is that you are both Noatak's children as I do not have any recollection of starting a family, as much as I wish I had."
I had to stifle a chuckle.
"You're…close, I suppose. Let's just say that my brother and I made mistakes in the past, and when we had given up hope of ever finding happiness or a second chance, well, the spirits had other ideas of what to do with us."
I saw him furrow his brow in thought before suddenly appearing to be hit with realization.
"You - you don't mean you're…that you and your brother are actually…Noatak and I?"
I genuinely laughed that time.
"Well done, blubber-brains, took you long enough."
"Noatak. I-it…it is you? How on earth…?"
"I suppose now is a bad time to discuss the existence of alternate universes, but let's just say that something happened that caused us to be sent back in time and returned to our younger bodies. I think whatever entity was behind it felt sorry for the misfortune we experienced as children and wanted to make it up to us; that, or it was karma's plan of making us see the error of our ways by allowing us to grow up with the Avatar and become her friends."
Tarrlok looked as though he was ready to cry, but I knew he wouldn't, he never allowed himself to cry in front of me.
"I was wrong about you, brother," I continued. "I am sorry for all the pain I have put you through."
"I don't even have to say I forgive you," Tarrlok said, "Because I saw that I already have. If I hadn't then that other me wouldn't be so happy to fight alongside you."
I bowed my head; I knew I had to leave now if there was any hope of ensuring Korra and I got to the rally in time.
"I have to go now. But, I promise, we will see each other again." I gave him a very serious look. "Don't give up on yourself, Tarrlok; you will find a way to redemption." As I made for the exit, I stopped one last time. "Oh, and if my older self shows up and asks you to leave with him, please don't contemplate blowing up your escape boat; it was bad enough the first time, but a second time just seems cliché."
I didn't have to see his face to know I had shocked him speechless.
Sneaking into the rally turned out to be easier than anticipated; in hindsight, I realize that my security really wasn't as good as I thought. If I hadn't already known that Korra had gotten in last time, I would have assured myself that the only reason she was able to this time was because I was with her. Everything was the same as it was before; the cheering of the crowds below and the brightness of the lights surrounding the stage triggered many unwanted memories of this day.
Before we walked out onto the balcony, I pulled Korra into the shadows for a moment and we briefly removed our chi-blocker masks.
"Korra, before we go out there and face Amon, there's something else I have to do," I said.
"Noak, what is it? You can tell me anything."
I had seriously considered telling her everything; my little revelation to Tarrlok certainly meant that I was capable of doing that. But I didn't.
"I don't know if I'm going to have another opportunity. This confrontation could turn really bad really fast and I don't want to go out there without making something very clear."
"Yes, Noak?"
"I…I…" I looked into her eyes; those deep, beautiful pools of aqua and I knew what I had to do. "Aw, screw it." I kissed her.
Korra's POV:
It took me a moment to register what exactly was happening. That was when a warm sensation spread throughout me and everything came rushing into the forefront of my mind. Noak was kissing me! It felt like nothing I had ever experienced. His lips were soft and gentle, yet passionate and almost demanding at the same time. Before I even knew what I was doing, I closed my eyes and kissed him back. My arms wrapped around his neck and I pulled myself closer.
I wasn't sure how long we were like that; a few minutes, maybe. When we did eventually pull apart, there was a sense of loss and all I wanted to do was kiss him again; but, at the same time, there was a surge of confidence that radiated through me and I knew we could get through this mission.
"Let's do this," I said before pulling my chi-blocker mask back on.
Together, Noak and I walked out onto that balcony and readied ourselves for whatever happened today. We exchanged a look through the goggles of our masks and nodded; we would be ready for anything.
Soon enough, Amon and his cronies appeared on the stage. I was going to take him down, and I would do whatever I could to make sure of it.
"Thank you all for joining me on this historic occasion," he said. "When I was a boy, a Firebender struck down my entire family and left me scarred. That tragic event began my quest to equalize the world."
It was time. This was the moment for me to act.
"That's a lie, Amon!" I shouted. I whipped off the chi-blocker mask and I noticed Noak do the same. "Or should I call you 'Noatak'?"
I know he was a good distance away, but I could feel his glare on me. The crowd erupted into shocked mutterings; I knew that they had no reason to believe me, it was certain that none of them did. All the same, I had to try.
"Everyone, calm down," Amon said. "We have nothing to fear from the Avatar. Let's hear what she has to say."
Not missing a beat, I continued.
"Amon has been lying to you! The spirits didn't give him the power to take people's Bending away! He uses Bloodbending to do it! Amon is a Waterbender!"
"You're desperate, Avatar," Amon responded to my accusation. "Making up stories about me is a pathetic last resort."
"Your family wasn't killed by a Firebender. His father was Yakone and his brother is Councilman Tarrlok!"
"An amusing tale." I could just hear the mockery in his voice and it only made me angrier.
"Don't you dare call her a liar!" I heard Noak shout.
"You don't believe me? Very well. I will show you the truth."
That was when he pushed back his hood and removed his mask. Right across his face was what looked like a horrendous burn; I was caught off guard for a moment, but I knew there had to be an explanation.
"This is what a Firebender did to me!" he shouted before replacing the mask back on his face.
"You still expect us to buy that?" Noak called out again and I noticed Amon turned to look directly at him. "I've seen people use stage makeup to create fake scars and burns in the past. How do we know this isn't a ruse?"
I was surprised when Amon didn't have a ready answer. That was when I noticed chi-blockers approaching us from our only route of escape. I tried to pull Noak away in order to get out of there; things weren't going well.
"I wouldn't leave yet, Avatar," Amon continued. "You'll miss the main event."
That's when I heard the sounds of one of those lifts they have underneath the stage. It began to rise slowly; then, when the platform had risen, I saw…a bunch of poles and empty shackles?
"Uh, your main event is what, exactly?" I said.
"What?!" He turned around, clearly surprised that the stage was void of, what I assumed, were supposed to be captives. "Lieutenant, where are the Airbenders?!"
My eyes widened in shock. He captured Tenzin and the others? No, that couldn't have been possible.
"I don't know, sir, they were right there!" the Lieutenant replied.
"I've had enough of this!" I declared, finally losing what little patience I had left. I leaned towards Noak and whispered: "Hang on." I felt him wrap his arms around my waist as I used Firebending to keep us supported while I ran along the wall to the stage. When we finally touched down, I began blasting fire at anyone in front of me.
Noak joined me in the fight, easily knocking down any chi-blockers who tried to take him out. I was vaguely aware of the crowds fleeing as I shot blast after blast of fire in Amon's direction. At the back of my mind was the worry that Amon had captured Tenzin and the others, but I reassured myself that they must have gotten away; I just hope Tarro and Bei Fong were as lucky.
Tarrlok's POV:
We ducked through another passageway only to meet another dead end. It was lucky that Bei Fong and I had gotten to the rescue in time; we'd arrived right as Amon was beginning his speech and took down the few guards that had been waiting below. Now, we were all desperately fleeing through the labyrinthine halls of the arena in search of an exit.
"Wait," I said, panting heavily from having to run. "Five minute break. Can't breathe."
"Come on, Tarro!" Ikki encouraged. "We have to get out or the bad man will catch us again and take our Bending."
"Bit late for me, isn't it?"
Once I finally got my breath back, I took the time to do a head-count and was terrified when I saw we were a person short.
"Where's Jinora?"
Noatak's POV:
Nothing could describe the anger I felt as I suddenly launched myself towards my older self while Korra continued to battle the chi-blockers. As I knocked him off stage and then pursued him into the back rooms to continue our fight, I could practically see that damned mask morphing in my father's face. I felt furious tears burning my eyes but did not allow them to fall. That was when I noticed something slip out of his sleeve; something blue. I immediately recognized it as the necklace I had made for Korra.
"You have something of mine," I said as I aimed a kick at him. I managed to send him sprawling back.
"You are an impressive fighter, boy," he said.
"I'm better with Waterbending."
"I'll bet. People like you glory in their so-called 'gift,' never realizing the evil that it brings."
I narrowed my eyes.
"It's people like you who are so full of self-loathing and hatred that you can't appreciate the good in your gift."
He stopped attacking for a moment and held up the necklace, as if taunting me.
"What exactly does the Avatar mean to you?"
Surprising even myself, I stopped.
"She is everything. She embodies all that I ever wanted from life and the beauty of everything I once considered bad. She helped me see that there is true good in every person and that I was actually worth something."
A sudden crash behind him drew my older self's attention away, allowing me a chance to strike again and to grab back the necklace, which I hastily stowed inside my pocket. Looking through the rubble to see what drew his attention I saw that it was Korra. He seemed to have forgotten about me and began to pursue her instead. I knew nothing good could come of that and followed swiftly after. I managed to get close enough and gain enough speed so that I was able to vault over my older self, kicking him in the chest and sending him to the ground again in the process.
"Korra!" I called out as I caught up with her.
We both noticed Amon begin to rise again and Korra responded by sending a blast of fire towards him. Korra then grabbed my hand and dragged me towards a storage room. That's when I remembered what happened last time I was in here; I had taken her Bending in this room.
No, not again. I won't let him do it!
I tried to warn Korra that he would be able to sense us, but she didn't give me the chance as she made me duck under a covered table with her to hide. I could feel her hand grasping mine firmly, clearly showing how frightened she was. I knew he would find us, but I would not let him take her without a fight.
The ominous tap, tap, tap of his footsteps reverberated throughout the room. Any second now he would do it; that's when something in me snapped. I released Korra's hand and shot from my hiding place. He seemed to be genuinely caught by surprise; I knew I would never have expected such a direct attack from someone seemingly trying to hide. I found myself grappling, hand-to-hand, with him.
"You'll never be free of your past, Noatak," I said to him. "It will never go away."
"Don't call me by that name, boy," he snapped. "You have no idea the power I possess."
"You haven't escaped Yakone's legacy at all. If anything, you've become just as cruel."
"Be quiet!"
"No. I refuse to let you win, because I am a better man than you. I may have run away in the past, but I won't be a coward ever again; unlike you, who continue to lie and commit crimes in a pathetic excuse for 'penance.'"
That's when I suddenly felt it; he was Bloodbending me. Now I know why Tarrlok wanted nothing to do with this; it was horrible, it felt like everything inside of me was being pulled up by invisible strings. I felt sick.
"I warned you not to trifle with me, boy," he said. He then waved his hand and Korra was yanked out of her hiding place.
"No!" I shouted as I heard her scream. Not again! Mustering my strength, I forced myself down; I suppose being out of practice for so long has hindered me a good deal. Nevertheless, it was worth it to see the shock and fear in what I could see of his eyes.
"Impossible."
"I warned you not to touch her," I growled.
He made another attempt to Bloodbend me, but I fought it off; this time with more ease. I could see Korra's face out of the corner of my eye; she looked both awed and somewhat afraid. I knew my older self was becoming worried; someone who was able to throw off his Bloodbending must be unreal.
"I am more powerful than you," I continued. "Your Bloodbending is useless on me."
He stopped, he still hadn't released Korra.
"Perhaps," he said. "But can you say the same of the Avatar?"
Before I could do anything to stop him, he pressed his thumb to her forehead and she dropped to the ground.
No! It wasn't supposed to happen this time!
"I told you I would destroy you," he said to Korra.
"Now I'll return the favor!" I shouted as I began to attack again.
I was punching towards any place I could, trying to hit him in a chi-point that would incapacitate him. He knew every move I made and I knew his. That's when help arrived. I honestly hadn't expected the Lieutenant to make an appearance like in the old timeline, but that thought was dispelled when the man in question suddenly slammed into my older self and knocked him back.
"Lieutenant?" my older self said. "Explain yourself."
"I saw you Bloodbending them," he replied. "Everything the Avatar said was true, isn't it?"
He pulled off his helmet and smashed it on the ground.
"You traitor! I dedicated my life to you!"
Just like last time, the Lieutenant moved to attack only for my older self to stop him with Bloodbending.
"No you don't," I said as I began to strike again. "You coward!"
He sprung an attack at me and we both fell out of another door to the room and into another long hallway. We were exchanging blows left and right when I noticed something that caused me to falter with worry; Jinora had just run into the hallway, and my older self noticed.
Korra's POV:
There was huge pit inside me, like everything had just been ripped out. I wanted to scream, to cry, to do something, but I didn't think I had the strength anymore. Everything that just happened was like a huge blur that was slowly coming in to focus. I steadily regained myself and got to my feet. I saw that Lieutenant guy still lying on the ground and, in a moment of compassion, checked to see if he was injured; he had attacked Amon and that meant we were on the same side.
"Are you alright?" I asked.
"I'm fine," he answered with a barely audible voice, "help your friend."
Friend? Noak!
I rushed out of the room as fast as I could, stumbling as I was still fairly disoriented. I gasped at what I saw; Amon had one hand locked around Noak's throat and was keeping him pressed to the wall, and then I saw who else was there. Jinora must have gotten lost during the escape and had stumbled into the hallway accidentally; Amon had her in a Bloodbending grip and was about to take away her Bending.
No, I can't let that happen. I won't!
Thousands of pleas for help echoed inside my head before they seemed to reach to some unknown being that heard them and responded. A powerful surge of energy coursed through my body as I felt the urge to punch my fist towards my adversary.
"NO!"
The energy shot out of my fist and impacted with Amon, sending him hurtling backwards. That's when I realized…
"I can Airbend? I can Airbend!"
Knowing I now had the advantage, I threw everything I had towards him. For one instant, he managed to regain his stance long enough to attempt Bloodbending me again.
"No…you…don't!"
With a kick, I send one final blast of air at him, strong enough to send him straight out of the window at the end of the hallway. There was a piercing crash as glass shattered and Amon fell.
I stumbled over towards the window just as Amon hit the water below. Noak moved to stand beside me with Jinora clinging to him as if for dear life. The eldest of the Airbender children then turned, her eyes filled with tears of relief, and threw her arms around me.
"Thank you, Korra," she said.
From the surrounding street, I heard the angry shouts from the Equalists about me "killing their leader" and how I was an "evil Avatar." Then, the surface of the water suddenly ruptured as a figure emerged on a pillar of water. It was Amon. He looked first at me, then his gaze turned to Noak and I thought I saw something in his expression falter. It almost looked like regret mingled with anger and confusion. Did that man feel any remorse? Anything to mean that he felt sorry for all the strife he had caused?
I didn't have enough time to find out as he propelled himself away as he saw his "faithful followers" turn on him. I never felt so relieved when Noak wrapped his arms around me and whispered: "It's over."
Redbayly: Now, it is finished.
Sokka: Well, this chapter, at least.
Redbayly: Heh, yeah. Hey, Sokka, what did you think of the newest episode of Legend of Korra? I was kinda impressed by Avatar Wan's story.
Sokka: But not enough to keep him as the first Avatar in your fic?
Redbayly: Pfft, hell no. I've had my headcanon Avatar for nearly three years now and I am not giving her up. To say the least of my plan for how the Avatar was created.
Sokka: Yeah, I think I like your idea better. Because, when you think about it, the Avatar Wan backstory kinda doesn't add up with the whole Airbenders learning Airbending from sky-bison, Firebenders learning Firebending from dragons, Earthbenders learning Earthbending from badger-moles, and Waterbenders learning Waterbending by copying the moon's ability to push and pull the water.
Redbayly: Hey, I just noticed something. Every form of Bending was learned from an animal except for Waterbending. But, yeah, you make a good point, Sokka. As much as I can appreciate Wan's story, I just don't care for it enough to consider it canon. However! I am planning to include Wan as a character in my headcanon backstory for the Avatar, even if he won't be the Avatar himself.
Aang: *Suddenly walks in on conversation* I'm just happy at the plans you're making for Asami. Everyone knows that Bryke have been really screwing with her life. I'm very proud of you for what you're going to do for her, Red.
Redbayly: Thanks, Aang. I really felt that Asami was being cheated by the writers and knew I had to devise something to make up for it. Really, the new season is kinda letting me down.
[And now a random Sokka moment]
Sokka: Hey, Red, wanna hear a joke?
Redbayly: I know I'm gonna regret this, but whatever.
Sokka: So, two Firebenders walk in a bar…
Redbayly: No.
Sokka: What? You don't let Firebenders in your bar? You racist.
Redbayly: What I'm saying, Sokka, is that I don't want racist jokes in my fic.
Sokka: Oh, then can I kill the Firebenders?
Redbayly: No!
Sokka: I'm just kidding. I wouldn't kill the Firebenders. No, I would toss plans for world domination in front of them and watch them fight to the death.
Redbayly: Sokka…
Sokka: I did the same thing with two Airbender monks, only I used a small boy.
Redbayly: Sokka, I'm warning you.
Sokka: And the winner had to fight Michael Jackson.
Redbayly: Sokka, seriously, stop. You can't tell jokes like that.
Sokka: Why not?
Redbayly: Because it offends people.
Sokka: Pssh, I'm canonically dead, what do I care?