Book 5: Humanity

by Freedom0153

Korra wanted peace after defeating Kuvira. Then life happened. During her Spirit World vacation, an unlikely gift from an old friend caused a great rift between many spirits and humans. Even conflict with the Earth Empire wasn't over, Kuvira's surrender opening a vacuum. To restore balance, Korra needs any allies she can get, finding her growing love for Asami giving Korra peace.

56. Chapter 56: A Model Citizen: Part 1

Chapter 56: A Model Citizen: Part 1

Seeing the mental image fade - that of her consoling a version of herself that had chosen too much sushi and cake over the infinitely worse option, suicide, pretty sure the skin and bones version of herself she had run off with love would have chosen death over fat - Ursa came back to awareness gradually. After seeing what she had already overcome, she felt good, ready to face anything - as though someone was giving her a good hug, proud of her…

She swore she was still embracing something - or someone. Realizing her vision hadn't been entirely just her imagination after a plump-sounding voice said, "I'll never understand… that side of you either. I'm just glad you… feel ready to go on," Ursa found she was doing exactly what she had been in her mind's eye - except with one difference. She was being hugged back as she deeply hugged a slightly taller and much heavier version of herself in a familiar endless black expanse - feeling like she had made some sort of major breakthrough. Still embracing what she had decided to call "Food Drunk Ursa" tightly, she chuckled lightly when her nice doppler said, in a voice plump but still older-sounding than herself, "Food Drunk's certainly …a lot nicer than 'Camelephant' - and… in a way, more accurate. Wow - I certainly hadn't… expected that, the hug… or the other part," laughing and continuing before Ursa could even ask, "You'll find out who… that more friendly… voice was if you need to. My master." Seeing her apparent light half, though she was anything but physically light, Ursa felt a strong pity, her light half looking vaguely displeased when Ursa said, "I can console 'you', sympathize with the Food Drunk … maybe I should go looking for Karpok." Ursa nodded when it said, "That, I can only… recommend should you happen… to cross paths," sighing a little when it finished, returning the hug, "You'll still have to watch… your own weight. You seemed a bit too… interested in food as future help… compared to drawing… to me," unsure how it could peg her so well, breaking the hug, grumbling when it said before she could even think it, "We both… know why. Drawing requires a… lot more effort than eating."

Realizing she had left off at eleven years old, the following year spent "mopping up" through willpower and hard work, both on her internal depression and weight. Thinking about her new name for the much larger Ursa - Food Drunk Ursa - she smiled slightly, remembering that at some point in that year she had no longer felt the need to "self-medicate". With minimal prompting from her parents, she had put down the bottle… of milk, not booze, that is. Sighing, knowing the world events that came next that had impacted her so much, these having been only four years ago, Ursa said loudly, "That brings us to Hiroshi and Amon, the Equalists, doesn't it." Ursa glared at her light half when it said, laughing, jiggling, "Nape of the neck… Amon would have had… a hard time taking… this Food Drunk Ursa's bending," shrugging with outsized arms, asking, "Oh, come on. What - can't I make a joke?" Ursa just rolled her eyes, saying, "Yes - but not that kind…." adding with irritation, "Can't you shift already?"

Not receiving a reply at first, her light half simply shrugged, Ursa half wondering if it stayed in that body just to test her self-sympathy, part of its jiggling reminding her all too much of her real own body, saying, "I am still as I am… for the reason… you just thought," finishing, panting, "Though…perhaps I should… if I need to give you… any assistance. And I did not appreciate… how annoying this body was… until now. I cannot even finish… a sentence without… pausing." Ursa laughed heartily when her light half said, fist in the air, "The 'weight' rules… shouldn't apply to me!... Not in here!" having thought similar things before herself while awake.

Having wished her choice of medication didn't have any side effects like weight gain, just as her father had at one wished he could drink without blackouts, according to her mother.

Now Ursa found herself in the odd position of reminding something that was supposed to be her better half about what she needed to see, saying, "Hey - Amon, the Equalists, what he called our 'concerned citizens coalition' so derogatorily?" Her light half nodded, saying simply, "Yes - you remember… more now," continuing as it gradually shifted, reaching Ursa's "mom" weight by the end, saying, "Or rather, appreciate more… of your past now. With your poor attitude earlier, and the unreality… of nothing mattering inside you, you could not see your past fully. Haze clouding your vision - what you saw of your inner yin yang sphere earlier would have been much worse with thinking, believing nothing mattered inside you. 'Nihilism'. Now, with my help - and, most important of all, your attitude shift - I hope you can see what I can in you after this. What your family sees in you - 'me'. The light half… one that doesn't surrender or give up fighting."

Her light half warping, as though space and time itself were temporarily distorted, the past began to take Ursa again - not afraid, already knowing the outcome.

Her last thoughts before the shift completed were simple - but important all the same. After seeing her early life, Ursa was now looking forward to seeing the past with new eyes and appreciation - seeing one of the things she had done that came close to "mattering", despite hoping she'd wake up and not care about external validation anymore... Something in her gut was telling her she'd need everything she could to make sure that the void monster that thirsted for validation from the outside and not within stayed as "dead" as possible in the real world once she woke up - one of the biggest reasons for the strange exercise.

Having woken up relatively early in the morning, Ursa had been in the modest shared room in her family's apartment for quite some time, simply sitting around, her father having received no orders for quite some time - the power structure of the United Republic shaken to its core by recent events. The time by now almost noon, no one in the room had cared what the clock proclaimed it was time for earlier, aside from the fact they would be eating soon. They had been up, talking - wondering what the day would bring. Idly thinking, in no rush to get anywhere - not after school had been cancelled indefinitely after the Equalist attack on the Pro-Bending Arena, someplace she had relatively rarely been - to observe and learn from the benders, not really having any interest in what team won, lost. Thinking again, she laughed, saying, "Well… until recently," continuing, "Avatar Korra, the Future Industries Fire Ferrets… only team I care about." Explaining her thoughts to her mom, dad and Nana after quizzical looks, her father nodded, saying, "I had thought it… odd for you to be following Pro-Bending so closely. Until the arrival of the Avatar, you seemed to share Councilman Tenzin's disdain for it - though not for the same reasons…" Ursa had told them her reasons for her interest in the Future Industries Fire Ferrets - but didn't dare say one reason for her interest, in no mood for a lecture from Nana.

The Avatar might have been a bit foolish, but Ursa definitely admired one thing about her aside from her firebending prowess - her body. She may have just recently come through and seemingly beaten a depression Ursa hoped would never visit again, even grudgingly recalled her primary crutch that got her through the ordeal - stuffing herself with food, much of it cooked by her mother, as much for daughter as herself - Ursa still wished her body was different, to escape the mean-hearted comments people gave her…

Remembering the sham that had been the finale, how the pathetic White Falls Wolfbats had been stripped of their bending, Ursa grimaced, saying to her mother, "The people who cheated her, Avatar Korra, sorry - the White Falls Wolfbats - bet at least one of them was a former schoolyard bully," finishing with a sneer, "Gone on to 'greater things'." Her mother laughed, Nana smiling, saying, "It's good to have you back, Ursa - just think. Two years ago, you were struggling to live - now, you're making jokes every day." Ursa nodded, smiling slightly, returning to her own thoughts - an odd unease permeating the room, one she had felt since waking up. Thinking of Tahno and feeling tempted to spit, Ursa thought of Amon. The man, the mystery that had stripped the dirty fighting waterbender and the entire team of their bending - overkill, even if Tahno and his whole team were slime, having stolen the whole final match from Avatar Korra with coin, given Shiro Shinobi's commentary on the match. Amon. The man who Ursa was sure was behind this dread - somehow.

Tahno the thief - even if he paid for it. In a way, much like Amon stole bending from people… Ursa was glad to have heeded the warnings and not gone to the final match.

Ursa had heard all sorts of nasty rumors, news reports about the Equalist Revolution - finding herself agreeing with many of their points on injustices in the city, inequalities, even, despite being a bender herself. In fact, her whole family did - even her father, Hideki, a stalwart military man, having literally just finished talking about their mostly unanimous view of the Equalists - and Republic City itself. Zealots or not… their home needed to change. She'd seen Republic City's schools - defended plenty of nonbenders who were being oppressed by people that, to them, had superpowers - comparatively the Avatar to the scrawny nonbenders she so often… covertly defended. Her best friend, Lee-Lee - a nonbender technophile, like a younger version of that traitorous dog Hiroshi Sato - siding with a man Ursa was pretty sure would destroy Republic City if not stopped. Ursa shook her head, saying, "Siding with Amon - to avenge a wife twelve years dead, his own daughter Asami Sato having already turned against him… I wonder what Yasuko Sato would think of him now. Probably want to cry, slap him, and talk with him, in that order…"

Her mother and father both nodded, her mother Panik saying, "I… know what it's like, to be hurt by others - kids at my own school having singled me out for my figure as well, though nowhere near as badly as you've had. Even though at times I looked much like you did…" Ursa simply rolled her eyes, saying, "Whatever - the difference is probably in the looks. You look like a waterbender - as do I, even though I'm a firebender! At least your other features aren't… contradictory like mine are," earning a small glare from both her father and Nana, saying, "Sorry - continue, mom. Just not about the…" Her mother laughed, saying, "What? The cooking? I know you hate it when I point this out, but I am a professional cook, sample my own work, even at work - you can see it on me, as I said. Unlike you, I don't mind my body." Ursa groaned, "You're smaller than I am!" her mother saying as a single tear appeared on her face, "I've tried to show you photos of me before, over the years - refused every time, usually with a terse, 'Cook healthier and tastier!' Just like you were two years ago, I'm just doing my best. Speaking of doing your best - you haven't touched your books since school 'let out', not even your favorite subjects. You even seemed a bit happy when school was cancelled…"

Not sure of her mother's point, Ursa asked, "Why you bringing that up again, exactly? Especially the cooking job you have?" nodding with a frown when her mother said, "I've heard Amon lost his family to benders, know Hiroshi Sato lost his wife as well, then 'lost' his daughter to benders - though from what I know, Asami Sato sided with them because she saw how filled with hate her father had become. Bending's not the problem - hate is. On the other thing. You know I use my bending to help cook, just like your Nana taught me to, the reason my boss loves my work so much - using waterbending to help cook. Such an innocent thing that man 'Amon' wants to take away, just because the political system isn't right - if that's even his real name."

Looking out the window, Ursa returned to her own thoughts. Amon might take the city's bending - the whole world's bending. Then what? She had learned in class that Republic City itself depended on electricity generated by firebenders just like herself for power. Take away their bending, the city's infamous lights would go dark forever without the only known alternatives being burned that had been planned to be phased out before the Equalist crisis - dirty coal, gasoline that should have gone towards making sure the city's many Satomobiles kept running, diverted. It was almost like Amon was a complete outsider! Maybe her mother was right - Ursa didn't know of any mother of father who would name their son "Amon." He had no idea how Republic City really worked - there was plenty of hatreds, inequalities and injustices that would never go away, even if bending magically vanished from the world overnight. Ursa had done her best to help alleviate other's pain - being a target herself, due to her weight and contradictory appearance, hoping that half would stop when people in school got more mature. Good luck with that…

Inequalities that came to mind that wouldn't go away with bending's extinction easily came to mind - the physically strong versus the physically weak, the politically powerful versus the un-enfranchised - even the "enfranchised" such as her mother and father having little power compared to the Councilmen and Women - those who were moneyed like Hiroshi Sato himself versus those who had come from nothing, nearly had nothing - like Mako and Bolin, who had also lost their parents to a firebender…

Ursa might have kept thinking for ages, having nothing else to do, school canceled, Republic City in crisis. Suddenly, her heart jumped, hearing a gradually building tinny voice yell, "All units - military and police - mobilize and organize! We're under a massive orchestrated attack - Equalists, hitting the city's outskirts by ground from the north! Wait… are those… airships? Uhoh - something's about to hit the fan, and it's not air. It's sh-" By now everyone in the room staring at the precious military-grade radio her father had convinced his superior officer to let him have - his to have for a week's wages and courtmartial should he ever mis-use it - Ursa cursed when it remained silent, surprised Nana hadn't reprimanded her for speaking harshly. Hearing her father's own curses, Ursa laughed weakly when Nana said, "You heard what the man on the radio said before getting cut off. Cursing's completely appropriate in this case, I'm afraid."

Her father trying to re-establish contact, he grumbled in frustration, Ursa's mother saying as he fiddled with its dials, "Forget lunch - there's stuff in the fridge. Feed yourselves - I'm grabbing something, then… I'm going to go talk to the neighbors. Tell them what might be headed our way," Ursa laughing after she finished, "See if I can get even our dainty earthbender neighbor Jingqiao to help defend ourselves, if need be." Her mother picking up her water skein and leaving after grabbing something from the fridge, Ursa yelled, "Good luck with that!" swearing she heard a laugh after her mother disappeared.

A short time after, Ursa having busied herself with getting food in the meantime, bringing things for her father and Nana as well, Ursa heard her father proclaim, "Yes - I've done it! Let's see what they have to say," listening intently, not touching her leftovers. At first, nothing, then the radio let out a much weaker sound than it had before, Ursa's eyes widening to hear the woman ask, urgency audible in her voice, "I'll say it again. Anyone who can hear me, please respond! Every Councilman except Tenzin's been captured. I can't contact any of our garrison stations." Her father quickly said, "Hideki, Non-Commisioned Officer reporting in," getting a quick response, "I remember you. That radio. Glad I gave it to you now. Same model I'm using… its own powerful transmitter. NCO Hideki - all our self defense crumpled after catastrophic communications loss, the result of infiltration with the help of some VERY court-martialed nonbender Privates, and it looks like they're going for the police next!" Her father's commander continued, saying in the same stoic yet friendly voice after a pause, "No contact - police headquarters' power just went offline, and - no! I can hear them coming…NCO Hideki, I'm officially transferring my authority to you. Aside from the Avatar, you're the only one who comes to mind that will resist without friendly encouragement." After a short pause, hissing coming through the radio that wasn't static, her father's commander continued, "CRAP! The hissing… I think they've found me… GACK!" Hearing the woman begin to cough harder with horror, she only managed to gasp out, "Use 'your' rank… Organize… civilians! Only… way... good luck, Hideki," before stopping. Ursa wincing after a final cough, Ursa said at the same time as her father, "Damn choking gas!"

Ursa recoiled in disgust when she heard a cool voice say over the radio after an electric shock and a pause, "Wherever you are, bender scum - we're coming for you. That was the last of the ranking military in Republic City… or so we thought until now, overhearing your little conversation. I look forward to meeting you, Non-Commissioned Officer Hideki," Ursa too stunned to curse the man when he continued, "Hideki. Sounds Fire Nation… and a firebender disfigured me for life, just like our glorious leader Amon. I look forward to repaying the favor. But, Commander Raionhato… I may do something else with her, as long as she's ou-" Ursa laughed weakly to hear the man scream, a series of strikes having interrupted him before he could finish, a female Equalist yelling over the radio after another shock, "Amon stands for Equality in all things - you'll regret that later, when I report you! Pig! Everyone else - help me with Commander Raionhato!" Ursa sighed when the woman added, unable to see her own hatred was just like the potential rapists', "Wh - you tyrants still listening in? Whatever - keep doing it! The more you listen, bender scum, the less time you have! Enjoy every minute of still having your undeserved power. Knowing my glorious leader Amon is - "

Ursa's eyes widened when her father said, switching off the radio, "Enough of that garbage. At least I know now, and she'll be okay… I hope. That was my commanding officer, the whole city's commanding officer, Commander Raionhato, overseer of the city's garrison. If Republic City's garrison's been neutralized… I'm afraid it may be up to the civilians to defend Republic City as best they can. Just as my Commander asked. Your mother's little errand may have just become very important…"

By now hearing distant screams and what Ursa was pretty sure were explosions, she said, "Airships… the bombs! Dad - let's go try and hit them, right now!" her father smiling slightly, saying, "While I do appreciate your enthusiasm… if we're going to do anything, we'll have to think," Ursa frowning slightly when he added, "Do some… social networking, I guess you could call it." Sighing in frustration, such things not her cup of tea or milk, Ursa nodded when Nana said, standing up, "Ursa, sweetie - I now you don't like some of our neighbors, either for what they've said to you, or just don't like them… but almost everyone in this part of town, every family - they're a lot like us. Middle-class benders - and middle-class nonbenders who, from what your mother's told me, hold no love for the Equalists," adding with a smile, "People do talk over food, you know - and your mother hears in that restaurant where she works." Taking a deep breath, walking pretty quickly for a 71-year old woman, Nana said, "I'm going to go see what my daughter's managed to do," reprimanding Ursa's father's stare by saying, "I may be seven decades old, but any Equalist tries anything funny with me, they'll be sorry. Besides - not like there's any in this apartment complex," her father and herself laughing weakly when Nana quipped, "Unless Lee-Lee's an Equalist too, don't think there are any moles in the area."

Giving her son-in-law one last look, Nana said, "I'm sure you two will come up with something smart in time - let me and Panik handle the social side," her father Hideki nodding, saying, "Of course." Ursa reaching for a map of Republic City and its surrounding area that her father had brought out earlier, she tried to think like Amon, Hiroshi Sato - where they might have hidden their airship fleet, trying her best to ignore the explosions and… screaming.

Pretending Amon was her past depression, the only way to cure him to concentrate and focus, her finger wandered into the mountains surrounding Republic City - realizing the Sato Mansion was situated in some pretty nice terrain for a villain's lair, close to the mountains. Remembering the secret factory there her father had told her about, Ursa cried a little silently, her father exclaiming, "Wh - near the mountains! The perfect place for a mansion… and a secret base of operations. I had thought of it before, but… your finger over the Sato Mansion just sealed it for me," as Ursa realized the mansion's location may not have been an accident, forgetting Yasuko Sato had died long after its construction.

Shaking off her melancholy, she looked to where she knew they lived - smiling slightly when she realized that living on the Yue Bay side of outer downtown, closer to Air Temple Island than the Sato estate, they may have had some time to make preparations and get organized after all.

Ursa pointed this out, interrupted mid-way by a bomb explosion - the screaming and sound of the burst itself sounding all too close. Her father thinking like she did, Hideki snatched up the map as Ursa made sure to shake off her winter coat - one she wore more for obscuring her outsized body than to block out the cold, liking both heat and cold equally - listening as her father said, "That's awfully close - we're going to have to think on our feet," obeying his command when he said, "Ursa - grab drawing supplies. I'll try to get anything else we may need," picking up his radio as he said, "I don' know what we can do by ourselves, this apartment block - but if we can get every bender in the city fighting, we can at least make the Equalists stop and think if their madman's vision of no bending is worth ruining our shared home over."

Part of Ursa not liking the idea of tearing her home apart, even to retain her bending, she remembered similar previous feelings, saying as she recalled her depression, the temptation to surrender, "The least we can do is try - I didn't roll over two years ago," her father saying at the same time she did, "And I'm not rolling over now."

Going out into the hall, Ursa saw her father talking to one of their neighbors, Jingqiao - Ursa remembering she didn't care for much other than her pet cat Fluffykins, fine tea, and working. Given that the place where her neighbor worked was shut down due to the crisis, Ursa could see why the woman looked sad, feeling like she had come in in the middle of a conversation. Nana was talking to her, Ursa's own mother not in sight, Nana saying, "Jingqiao, this is the last thing I have to say - then I'll leave you alone. Let you decide what you want to do. One of my earliest memories was seeing the forest Ozai burned down in the western part of our nation before it was even a nation. I saw it all when I was moving with my family - Wulong forest hadn't recovered fully even after two years. Seeing the skeletal remains of the un-salvaged airship he had wanted to use to burn the place my family was going, the whole continent to ash. From what I've heard, Avatar Aang was scared at times too - just like you are right now. Amon might not have Sozin's Comet, but he still has airships - bombs that will kill people as dead as a bad bender. I say Amon's no worse. I'm willing to fight, despite being old, and big - you telling me you're going to sit this out, Jingqiao? Sit in your apartment and pet your cat?"

The dainty woman shook her head violently, saying with a terrified look, "No - I, just… I'm scared!" A lot more people nodding, Ursa smiled when her father said, "Only a fool wouldn't be scared. Being brave isn't about not being scared - it's about doing and fighting anyways." Jingqiao nodded, saying, "I'll try," her father saying loudly, "Good - let's keep moving, though!"

The next five to ten minutes passed in a blur, explosions and screams coming closer all the while. Ursa just thought and occasionally gave her father ideas in the shared apartment hall, then the ground floor when the "party" moved. Her mother tried getting people to be willing to do something, everyone moving down who was willing to the main lobby after a few minutes, her father helping when he wasn't looking at their apartment's location on a map, trying to figure out the most obvious routes for Equalists pushing through from the north and north-east to the sea. Some people left, having gotten "orders" to do various things - prepare ice and water for battle using the snow covering the city, earthbenders and the few metalbenders in the building cooperating with technically inclined nonbenders to make rudimentary equipment and protection. Along with something she and her father had come up with together, they were to make one of Ursa's ideas - Pro-Bending disks with metal edges, tossable by both earthbenders and metalbenders - still having an impactful edge, regardless of who propelled it. Her other idea had not gone over so hotly - using the fuel from people's cars to obstruct the attacker's view when advantageous, extinguished by water and firebending whenever they needed to see. She had to admit that she liked the idea she had come up with her father better instead - modifying people's personal vehicles with ice or earth instead so they'd have their own "heavy equipment" - insulated against any electrical attack, earth and the solid form of water not conducting electricity well.

Bringing up her failed idea again, mocking it slightly, she was surprised when a boy about her age spoke up, saying, "I don't think it's dumb," what looked like his waterbending mother saying, "I work as a mechanic - or rather, worked for Future Industries, until Hiroshi Sato turned. I've have had plenty experience with engine fire - fuel fire. When I was young like my son Chang here, too much experience… whatever, not for now. I've heard about the Equalist's knockout gas - if there's a wall of burning flames and smoke around us from fuel on the ground, they'll have to toss the gas dispensers over it. We don't have any airbenders - but I doubt air from the outside can come in with hot air coming up from the burning fuel." Smiling slightly, the woman finished, "I 'brought my work home with me' - along with a few of my co-workers, we managed to snag a few industrial-strength fans from one of Future Industries' Satomobile stores during the chaos after Hiroshi Sato's little trap and stored them in the garage. Maybe the gas won't be a problem after all… the fans just need power."

Hearing the explosions get closer and closer, Ursa listened as her father said, holding up the plans they had come up with as a community, benders and nonbenders alike, "Lightning for the fans, the fuel screen if they decide to use gas, like they did on my superior Commander Raionhato… we'll give it a try. Get the fans out of there - you, your husband Huanghato and your son Chang, Saghani. Everyone else… Come on - we can't wait any longer. Let's see what we can do," getting nervous laughter when he finished, "I know Cabbage Corp had been implicated as being Equalist sympathizers… Even if it ended up not being true as far as we know, let's hope Cabbage Corp used their 'fine' workmanship on at least some of those airships - we need anything we can get. Let's go."

Bursting out onto the street from the lobby, looking at the motley assortment, hearing a distant humming, seeing the smoke from many fires in the distance, Ursa took in her surroundings, looking for anything useful while she waited on a young earthbender who seemed familiar to make an emplacement in the street, one designed by a non-bender much like Lee-Lee, the man having even donated his car for the "civilian cavalry". Ursa began idly playing with a snowball, savoring the cold she could never produce as a firebender, "This is the real Republic City - not the one Amon wants. The one Avatar Aang wanted…" accidentally adding out loud, "Though, I bet Aang would rather a masked madman had not started bombing his and Lord Zuko's city…"

The earthbender laughed slightly, saying after he finished fashioning the decidedly not Pro-Bending discs Ursa had come up with a metalbender's help, "Haven't seen you before today, in the lounge with my mom. What's your name, again?" adding as he got a little too close for Ursa's comfort, "Nice clothes - they look Water Tribe, just like my mom. Who made it?"

Realizing after a second he wanted an answer, Ursa said, blushing slightly, "Name's Ursa - and my mom made this. She's also Water Tribe - a waterbender, unlike me. The clothes… Only reason I'm wearing it and not a coat is - is - I don't like the cold. Believe it or not, I'm a firebender." Ursa groaned slightly when the earthbender laughed, saying, "I hear Chief Lin's - or, former Chief Lin's - mom Toph Beifong could tell when people were lying. I saw you playing with a snowball pretty enthusiastically for someone who doesn't like the cold while I was working - don't need truthsense to tell you're lying. Not sure what you're lying for, though - it looks good on you. Name's Chang, by the way."

Ursa wasn't sure - she could have sworn this boy was… hitting on her, remembering now he had been asked to go help his mother and father with some heavy-duty fans and chosen to come help set up defenses instead, possibly in pursuit of… her, of all people, merely saying as she breathed in and out, "It's a long story - my life story, one I don't feel like telling right before facing that," pointing at an approaching Equalist airship at the end.

Chang for now looking at the airship, an unknown nonbender neighbor approaching their emplacement, Ursa tried carrying through the technique she had been attempting over the past few days - generating flame from the mouth. Chang by now looking back at her, something in his eyes Ursa hadn't seen before from a boy, Ursa felt a strange urge - use a technique she had heard the original Fire Nation royalty Iroh had to produce flame, drawing on his "ocean of chi" in the stomach. Smiling slightly, she followed through, drawing on her own ocean without shame - managing to produce a respectable amount of fire from her mouth for a second or two, trying again when Chang smiled.

About to exhale again, this time really drawing on her ocean of chi, now remembering from Iroh's teachings her stomach was important for lightning re-direction, her flame ended up a small weak surprised puff after hearing someone yell, "We've got incoming - airships at twelve o'clock!" After a slight pause, Ursa by now scrambling to get to her place in the defenses, at the front where she could hit the maximum amount with her lightning and firebending, shielded by an earthen wall, Ursa heard one of her nonbender neighbors yell, "What the - hey! I've looked at plenty of Republic City airships speeding around before, through a spyglass just like this one - do the front few look like they're headed towards Air Temple Island to anyone else?"

Ursa looked up - feeling a pit in her stomach when she saw the woman was right, Ursa saying, "Wh - oh no! They're going to capture Councilman Tenzin's family!" yelling, "Try and knock one down!" - vaguely wondering why she hadn't heard her father's voice by now.

Taking a deep breath, drawing from her ocean of chi and big lungs, drawing strength from her breath, Ursa pushed one hand forward, aiming the large red and yellow fireball she had created towards the easiest target - the huge Equalist insignia on the front of the airship. Not entirely surprised when it had no effect, she felt proud to see a few of her discs make contact with the airship's engines - cursing when they engines withstood the assault, yelling, "The engines… Damn - Future Industries must have made these things! Barely made a dent in them… It's no Cabbage Corp piece of junk!"

The airship and a few of the ones behind it accelerating nonetheless and the first passing over them, Ursa was baffled when no bombs dropped on them. Seeing some other airship in the far distance that were moving slower, an explosion rocking the snow-covered street beneath one as she looked, she said, starting to wonder, no, need to know where her father was, "There's different types! The one that just passed us overhead are faster than the ones with bombs," Chang saying before she could, "People weigh less than bombs… they must be carrying people, to capture Tenzin's family - just like you said, Ursa! We gotta stop them!"

The remaining two transport airships turning around and heading north to carry out some unseen task, Ursa looked again to what was coming. Seeing a slower airship on its way, this one with more "brothers and sisters" behind it, as Ursa figured Amon might have put it, Ursa said nothing - merely preparing to try and zap the approaching airship's engines, hoping to overload or ignite them.

This airship wasn't for Air Temple Island - it was likely for her apartment complex and all the ones surrounding it.

From an unexpected direction, source blocked by her own apartment building, Ursa saw an earthen disc with a shiny edge heading straight for the lead airship's gondola, followed by the large kind of fireball she knew her father capable of producing when he charged his attacks, yelling without thinking, "Dad!"

Not receiving an answer, Ursa quickly followed the fireball's trajectory back, seeing a bolt of lightning erupt from the same obstructed location she figured her dad must have been, thinking, "He must have gotten another apartment complex to go along with our plan," wondering how her father had done it so relatively quickly - realizing she hadn't seen her mother around either…

The electrical strike hitting home, the airship stopped momentarily, as though the pilots were fazed - not having expected any resistance…

Hearing Chang's voice yell, "Ursa, duck!" she quickly did so - gazing in disbelief as a massive chunk of earth flew over her head, hitting the closest airship dead center on the Equalist symbol - actually denting it, the airship now looking substantially worse for the wear, as though an internal system had been severely knocked off balance. Turning around with wide eyes, she listened as a large man patted Chang on the shoulder, saying, "I'm Huanhato. This is my son, Chang - tell me again, what is your name?" Ursa managed to stammer, "Ur-Ursa." Ursa blushed when the mountain of a man said, assuming a bending stance, Ursa noticing he had "contradictory" features much like herself, yellow firebender's eyes and sharp facial features that reminded her a lot of her own father not screaming earthbender to her, "Ursa. Nice name - Zuko's mother. I can see you looking at my eyes - got a little Fire Nation blood in me myself. Your parents must have good taste," saying as he punched again, rock flying around Ursa in an arc, "Zuko… let's make sure this city doesn't fall." Ursa nodded, turning around.

Seeing the front of the Equalist airship was now more dented, hearing someone yell, "The transport ships from earlier - they're headed back this way!" Ursa could see Chang's father had a direct approach, saying delicately as she spotted a possible weakness, "The engines are strong, sturdy - just like what you've done to the front, I think they'd need multiple hits to go down. The little pipes leading to the engines… not so much."

Pretty sure the massive things worked off of gasoline or more refined versions of petrol just like a Republic City Police airship, Ursa pointed at the pipe, saying, "If you can open a hole in that pipe, I might be able to cripple the whole thing - burn up and combust the fuel going through the lines," not entirely sure where this side of her was coming from. From zapping bullies… to exploding an airship full of people, even if they were Equalists…?

Hearing a distant feminine voice scream, "MY BABY!" Ursa found herself pushing aside any such qualms, doing something her father had taught her not to do - let rage and anger serve as fuel for her bending, saying before collecting herself, "That woman's baby… Killers! Not Equalizers - KILLERS! Hit the fuel lines with the disks!"

A few earthen discs with metal edges zipping up to the lead ship's fuel lines right after, Ursa concentrated her anger, thinking of a baby hurt by an Equalist bomb, unleashing a billow of flame at each fuel line in turn - swearing she saw a small amount of blue at the core of each continuous blast, knowing that her own fireblasts were not the only ones to strike the ship. Ursa was hardly able to believe her ears when she heard a voice she recognized as that of her meek, mild-mannered earthbending neighbor Jingqiao say, "I can't metalbend - not yet! You hurt or kill my baby Fluffykins - we'll see what happens!"

The airship now crippled by fire, a large explosion erupting from its side louder than any bomb the Equalists had dropped, the gondola shattered after another large explosion that reminded Ursa of burning petrol bloomed like a sick flower - many smaller explosions quickly following, the airship a complete wreck.

It had been carrying bombs after all.

Hearing some cheering, the citizen militia apparently amazed just as Ursa was by what they had managed to do, Ursa not really knowing what to think of her actions yet, Ursa heard a man saying, "See? Bombs! For a part of town that's got nonbenders in it too! Amon doesn't really care about us nonbenders - he just wants POWER!" Another round of cheering followed - sounding louder than it had before.

The airship crashing into a street, fires extinguished by whips of water after it landed, Ursa noticed the other ships had stopped seemingly from shock - hardly able to believe her eyes when a few terrified Equalists in what must have been insanely high quality flame-proof pilot suits exit the craft, one saying with his hands up, "How did you…? The fuel lines! Ingenious… We surrender! Just - please - don't kill us, like you almost did! These new suit things aren't electricity proof!" adding, "Maybe after Amon beats you I can be a Future Industries spokesperson - 'Hiroshi Sato's fireproof and explosionproof suit saved my life!'" Hearing faint laughter from near where the airship had landed - near where her father was, Ursa realized with a sinking feeling in her stomach - the Equalist pilots were encased in ice partially, Ursa laughing to see one resist, yelling from his icy hold, "What - no! I don't surrender - you idiot, Jang! Wuss. Death to bending tyrants!"

Blissfully unaware one of his bombs might have taken something more than someone's bending - their life, Ursa feeling relieved they had all lived nonetheless, and that any other crew they managed to down would be fine as well.

The only thing dead would be their Equalist airships.

Hearing the sound of motors and something else mechanical in the far distance, hoping that her father had convinced the other civilians to let their Satomobiles become "equipment", Ursa turned her attention to the approaching airship, turning around yet again when she heard a familiar whistle behind her. Turning around, she smiled to see her father jetting in the skies above, wishing she could learn to do the same as he yelled, "They're fixing up their own stuff - our neighboring complex even had a few heavy moving vans! See how the mechatanks stand up to a ramming attack… I'm going to see what else I can do - the hey? Did I just see Asami Sato's ride, over…? Whatever - the Avatar's obviously busy. And we should be busy too!"

Her father vanishing from fight, Ursa felt a degree of hope - they might be able to turn things around, especially if Avatar Korra came to help after helping Tenzin's family!

Distant sound of mechanized transport sounding closer, that hope quickly vanished, Ursa knowing that while she might be able to bend, she couldn't fight physically at all… beyond simply throwing a punch, or using her body's bulk as a weapon. Pointing at the nearest airship, she yelled, "Again!" anyways - figuring that every Equalist airship they could down before getting captured, unless a miracle happened, that was one less airship for her father's commander's boss to mop up later, when word got out about the attack.

Hearing the whizzing of disks again, then again, Ursa knew it was her turn, forgetting all about her earlier channeling of rage as she struck, noticing her bending got the job done anyways. Fuel lines now alight, Ursa waited for the explosion - cursing when she saw small sprinklers on the ship's sides activate, yelling as she pointed at one, "Again - there, the sprinklers! We know the pilots are protected - but the people in the buildings aren't! ATTACK!"

Sprinkler systems foiled after another round of discs, Ursa hearing the sounds of the Equalist ground war machines much clearer now, she tried channeling her rage again, seeing the same odd blue core flare up inside her strikes when she heard a familiar voice say over loudspeakers from in the back, "What - NO! I saw everything, after… my only daughter helping the Avatar save your precious Councilman Tenzin. Avatar Korra… three kinds of impurity in one. My airships… those pilot suits were untested! They could have died… Forget capturing these lowlife benders - KILL THEM ALL!"

Ursa had heard Amon's voice before, never having imagined she would be glad to hear it, explosions in the second down ship's fuel supply and bomb bay drowning him out at first, Amon repeating, "Hiroshi, no. After we win here, squash these little resistors handily… there will be nothing in Republic City but nonbenders, or bender cowards on the run away from our city, to be caught once we sweep the globe, cleansing all impurities," the second airship by now crashed to the ground, smoldering until some water whips touched it, the whips nabbing the pilots after quelling the inferno.

Ursa's eyes widened to see other airships approaching their position - these moving faster than the bomb-laden ones, knowing what was likely inside them.

Unprotected Equalist footsoldiers, readying to disembark their troops onto the ground after landing nearby.

She didn't want to set these ship's fuel lines alight - Ursa may have struck before without knowing, but these ships posed a threat to no one but herself and the people around her, merely incapacitated by Equalist stunsticks and not blown to bits by bombs.

Hearing a loud "KRRWHOOOSH" sound, hearing someone yell after, "They're coming down the cables!" Ursa broke free of her thinking - realizing people hadn't done anything without her speaking, barely having time to think as she saw Equalist troops begins to descend on a large cable that was now moored in the street very close by, yelling, "HEY - Firebenders, zap the metal cable - but not enough to kill them!"

Doing so herself, surprised at how quickly she could generate lightning when it mattered, swearing she saw a bolt from the air hit the other airship's cable and Equalists riding it like some sort of weaponized trapeze line, Ursa smiled when she saw every single Equalist who had disembarked was now lying on the ground, twitching like the bullies they were. They weren't stealing her "lunch money" - bending - without a fight. Nevertheless, she was glad to see that they were starting to struggle some, clearly alive - equally glad to see water envelop them and create icy prisons, these Equalists now just as out of the fight as the surrendered bomber pilots.

Another set of quick lightning bolts reaching out from above her and striking at barely visible targets inside the two transport airships, Ursa heard a welcome voice yell from behind her, "Good work, daughter. I don't think anyone in those airships died," her father continuing after the two airship's cables were finally severed by some metalbenders, cable saved for their own use, "Looks like there's a few still conscious onboard. The rest of them - too close to risk bringing down even the bombers. Though, if the bombs start falling again - I don't care. At… at the other apartment complex, I saw a son cradling his father in his hands - both nonbenders, the father hit by a piece of one of YOUR bombs, Hiroshi Sato, before we chased off the airships YOU designed. Now let's hit their fuel lines so they can't retreat, or at least delay them until the Avatar comes - just with those disks, no firebending! I don't want to kill anyone - just make life as difficult for the Equalists as possible!"

After another round of disks, the front two airship's fuel lines leaking profusely, Ursa heard Hiroshi Sato's voice again as the airships behind the two out front retreated backwards slightly, Ursa able to see the expression on Hiroshi Sato's face just by his tone as he said, "Yes - make life as difficult for nonbenders as possible! That's what Tarrlok did with his crazy curfew and throwing people in jail - you're no different!" Her father laughed bitterly, saying, "The Avatar's friends - including your daughter - got caught up in that dragnet as well simply because they had a problem with Tarrlok's tyrannical behavior - as do I. You're blinded by hatred - didn't respond to what I said about your 'glorious Revolution' killing someone's parent, just like a firebender like me did to your wife twelve years ago!" By this point Hiroshi Sato was nothing more than a ball of rage, Amon silencing him.

Wondering just how good the Equalists' airship's speaker system was, Ursa thought of something. After another round of metal-edged disks tried to hit the lead bomber airship from afar, cheering to see gasoline pouring from one of the airship's fuel lines, glad that no one threw a fireball at it after, Ursa ended up listening instead, the normally cool Amon saying hotly, "HIROSHI! Calm down! Forget this stupid banter! You'll have plenty of time to talk to these bending wretches and traitors after we capture them - by foot! People do awful things when under pressure - I'm pulling back the airships for now until the ground… situation is resolved. I do not want any of the transports' fuel exploding like those bombers did. The ships that were downed completely will take a long time to repair - and we can't have even more of our fleet being leaky, like the ships that just got hit. Repairs take time. We can't have them severing the fuel supply pipelines constantly - we need our fleet intact, not wasted on a conflict as minor as this one."

Ursa grinned with a borderline predatory expression, yelling something that would have gotten her thrown in jail by Tarrlok, going out on a limb even as is: "Amon - maybe that damage to your precious airship would have been fixed by now by one of these metalbenders in front of you - had you decided the system in Republic City was the problem, not bending. With like-minded benders and nonbenders working together - maybe the Avatar herself, knowing what little love she had for Tarrlok and his antics with the protestors especially - we could have changed Republic City without any damage or loss of life. Address all the inequalities together - not just those between benders and nonbenders…" Having expected to hear a quick rebuttal from Amon, possibly booing from behind her, Ursa was surprised to hear someone in makeshift metalbender armor beside her speak up, saying, "I'm with the kid - I was 'lucky', getting earthbending where almost everyone else in my family didn't. Something from my grandfather, apparently. My family was a part of that protest - and I would have helped Equalists not obsessed with bending being the problem take down Tarrlok in a heartbeat. Just like the Avatar wanted to with a big rock, from what I heard - only stopped when she was told she'd never see her friends again if she followed through." After a pause the man added, "The only Councilman and city official I like aside from Lin Beifong is Tenzin - the rest are ostrich-horses with their heads in the sand, oblivious, dumb and timid - unlike a real one - or corrupt like Councilman Tarrlok was, until his… welcome disappearance recently."

Hearing some agreement from an unexpected place, Ursa turned to see some of the Equalist prisoners were adding their own sentiments, Ursa laughing hysterically at the hypocrisy of Hiroshi Sato saying, "WH- first my daughter, then - this. This is most dangerous! We need to either get rid of them before anyone else hears of these… these vile, naïve sentiments, or lock them all up so… this doesn't spread!" after one complained about the gap between the rich and poor - stressing that it would never go away, even with bending's extinction. The Equalist had singled out Hiroshi Sato himself and his duplicitous sponsoring of the cash-strapped Fire Ferrets for his own interests, not out of any real sympathy for a "street rat" like Mako - despite having once been poor shoe-shiner himself according to Future Industries propaganda before a much more kind-hearted soul gave the future industrial magnate a huge loan.

Sounding most displeased, Amon said with scorn that was perfectly clear through the tinny speakers, "Radio contact is down in the city - and the only ones who know of this are these civilians, and the few former brothers and sisters who listened to their prattle. While I am averse to killing, I am not averse to imprisonment," finishing, "It is a good thing we have taken control of the Republic City Police headquarters - there will be a lot of temporary prisoners to house there. Do not worry - you will not be locked up forever, unlike what the corrupt Councilman Tarrlok threatened to do. Once you have all been cleansed of impurity, you will be free to wander Republic City as you wish - your unfair advantages over nonbenders a torturous, distant memory, living out the rest of your days as nothing more than a miserable spirit."

Hearing some gasps around her, Amon added, laughing deeply, "HAH! Where's your insolence now, that I have described your fate to you in more detail. It is just like I told Avatar Korra, that pathetic excuse for an Avatar, from what my spies tell me her whole identity wrapped around bending. 'I will destroy you'. YES - there are fates worse than death. I did not mean that in the physical sense - I meant it in something much, much more hurtful - vengeance, for my lost family. Taking away your bending. Destroying who you are." Amon seemingly done, Ursa was horrified to hear Hiroshi Sato add, "For the rest of you - nonbenders and fallen brothers and sisters alike - I now see there is no chance to save you! Surrender without a fight - prison for the rest of your lives. Keep fighting… perhaps Amon will strip you of something other than bending."

Ursa felt a horrible pit in her stomach, not sure if she was glad or terrified when Amon said, "No - I will not. Just like any benders who remain defiant after cleansing of their impurity, any nonbenders will be broken in other ways once the Equalist government has established itself - I will settle for nothing less than complete Equality, and will not let anything stand in my way," wondering just what kind of power the spirits had given Amon.

To break another's mind - something her depression had failed to do, something she had caught fleeting glimpses of within her had failed to do…

Ursa heard her father's voice saying, "You can't break people! And I'll defend my family with my life. I heard that earlier, Hiroshi - 'KILL THEM ALL'. And what you just said now - 'stripping' those nonbenders who are beyond hope of 'redemption' in your eyes of their lives. 'I now see there is no chance to save you!' You disgrace. A firebender killed your wife - and you're only hurting yourself if you return the favor with technology, or keep helping that madman Amon. In fact, you've already broken one family just as yours was broken - son, cradling father in his arms… the weeping… I'll never forget it. Weeping that's the same whether you're a bender or not."

Receiving no initial response except for laughter, Amon deigning to stop, saying, "You talked of the tyranny of the establishment, young girl - you may see some of the problems I do. But you do not see that BENDING ITSELF allows the propagation of those inequalities, one man having received an unearned gift from the Universe - using it to repress another as benders have done throughout known history, nonbenders helpless without technology." Her father now visible, holding his family heirloom sword made by Master Piandao aloft, he asked, "Look at this. A work of a deceased member of the old Order of the White Lotus - one not led astray by coming out of hiding. The sword - not even an electric shock stick, motorcycle, or mechatank. Along with a boomerang, this was all one of the world's great heroes had, going up against bending - but more importantly, technology. The Fire Nation airships sent to scorch the Earth Kingdom… a feat impossible without ships like your own. What of the legendary nonbenders Sokka and Suki helping the legendary bender Toph bring down the airship fleet with cunning and physical skill first and foremost? They did most of the work - brainwork! I wouldn't call that helpless!"

Ursa noticed that some of the Equalist prisoners from earlier were no longer struggling, many looking deep in thought, not even responding to their leader's speech, Amon replying, "I am well aware of my history, firebender. I even know how Sokka came to own his special sword - feeling USELESS compared to the rest of the then 'Team Avatar', insignificant because he could not bend anything. Yes - the Hundred Year's War. Firebenders… A war started with bending, to eliminate one kind of bending from the world forever and conquer the rest, to establish a tyranny over the entire world. The next time Sozin's Comet comes, there will be nothing to abuse - firebending as extinct as airbending will be, the whole world, Equalized! The benders will be the ones feeling inferior - the true history of the world taught in schools, former benders and their descendants forced to see what they ignore blindly. Bending itself eventually just a legend!"

The sounds of the still-loyal Equalists' ground forces by now un-ignorable, curious to see the foot soldiers were running to catch up, as if they had paused to listen to their leader speak, Ursa yelled, "Dad - it's useless talking to him! Ground, incoming! The ships were easy - their ground forces, not so much!"

Her father touching down beside her, Ursa whined, "Well, not for me, anyways - stupid body!" Part of her glad to not hear anything out of Chang other than, "I'll help you," Ursa listened as her father spoke loudly, Ursa smiling slightly when she realized he was taunting and giving orders at the same time, "Amon, Hiroshi - not everyone on the street corners today is a bender. Which should help the earth and metalbenders defend us against close combat. There are plenty of nonbenders in Republic City who think you are wrong - even benders like my family and I who think you are partially right, as my daughter has already mentioned, seeing Republic City full of inequalities just as you do - just not solely between benders and nonbenders. Only between the powerful and the weak. Physically strong and agile to the front, physically… impaired to the back please - but have a few of the strong at the back to guard against flanking. My own daughter regularly defends nonbenders against bending bullies - once, even knocking out someone twice her age to defend her nonbender friend Lee-Lee, even the metalbender cops having had trouble."

Her father sounded ready to continue, but stopped when Hiroshi's voice said over the loudspeaker, "Any nonbender who assists a bender against our righteous cause is just as bad as a bender themselves - just like my daughter, Asami Sato. Whoever this Lee-Lee is, if he is a friend of benders - no different," Amon's voice continuing, "We do not discriminate in that way. If I could give the nonbenders among you bending only to take it away to punish you for being traitors or resisting after our Revolution has succeeded, I would - but the power granted to me by the spirits to balance the world only goes so far." Equalist ground forces finally coming into view, Ursa had already shifted her position to in the middle while Hiroshi and Amon babbled, deciding after they stopped to migrate towards the edge when she found herself surrounded by old but spunky benders like Nana.

After a loud screeching, Amon proclaimed, apparently broadcasting to other Equalists, "Most unfortunate news - given the lack of radio contact, my other subordinate, the Lieutenant, has failed me on Air Temple Island, defeated by an ousted police chief and Councilman Tenzin's children. Even young benders can be a threat - but no more, after their powers have been stripped. Do not fear, my Equalist brothers and sisters - we will catch them in time. Airbending will shortly enough be what it should have been over 100 years ago - extinct, though the former benders themselves will live on. Alive - remembering with melancholy or anger the days they could use their powers for trivial things or to oppress others. After our victory, there will be no 'Before Genocide' or 'After Genocide' - the only date the world will use is 'After Bending'!" Amon pausing as though he had received raucous applause, Ursa began laughing hysterically to see the foolish Equalists had actually stopped advancing on their position, where they were when Amon had begun speaking, apparently to listen to their deranged leader's ramblings as her own apartment neighbors worked to strengthen their position. She even swore she saw a mechatank clapping, to the best of its ability…

Amon continued, unaware of the idiocy of his other subordinates, Ursa half suspecting he lived for the adoration and power anyways, "The Universe has already been kind to me once, allowing me contact with the spirits who bestowed upon me my gift to Equalize. It has been kind to us again, delivering other… guests on a silver platter to me for tonight's celebration, after the Lieutenant failed to catch the Tenzin family." Now done with his speech, Amon said, "Your little mixed 'concerned citizens coalition' resistance led by a firebending military officer ends - now. Equalist brothers and sisters, attack!" Ursa was puzzled when he continued, the Equalist ground forces closing in, "I must admit… I am impressed. The fuel lines, some of the captured appearing to mull over what they said… Hiroshi - order salvage teams to scuttle and hide the two downed airships, at the designated site, and keep them intact if possible. Order repair teams to get on fixing the compromised mechatanks from Tenzin's escape earlier, as well as patching up the fuel lines on the two 'transport' airships they didn't blow up. They may be needed to do what the Lieutenant failed to do, if we encounter resistance like this elsewhere. Hopefully, this is just… errata, something that won't pop up again." Ursa laughed as she heard Hiroshi's voice say over the loudspeaker, "Uh - no disrespect, Amon, but… the transmitter?" continuing after a loud, "Huh?" from Amon, Hiroshi pointing out the obvious, saying, "You left it on. I'm just glad you didn't say where the airships are going."

Preparing to meet the Equalists, Ursa laughed, joining those around her, thoroughly having enjoyed hearing the comedy of errors involving the Equalist's supposedly infallible leader, swearing she heard close "masked" laughter as well.

Equalists on foot, in mechatanks, packed into unmarked vans and riding motorcycles now closing, Ursa found herself savoring the curses and embarrassed mutterings of Amon immensely, thinking after the feed finally cut off, "If he can screw up like that… maybe Avatar Korra will get to us in time after all. Or maybe, just maybe…"

Looking away from the impending attack for a moment, Ursa's eyes widened - seeing her mother and another woman carrying a gravely injured man, a teenage boy following closely. Apparently, her father recognized the man, saying as he jetted over, ignoring the oncoming army, "I don't know your name - but the wailing… I'd know that anywhere. Your father. Is… is he all right?" The teenage boy nodded, saying with a wavering voice, "I don't know - these waterbenders can only do so much. You saw where the fragment went in - my dad's stomach…"

Knowing any wound to the stomach was bad news, Ursa wanted to see if she could help any - cauterize a surgical tool, maybe. Hearing the rapid approach of motorcycles, Ursa nodded grimly after her Nana said from behind, "Get him somewhere out of the way - let me see what I can do! Panik - help Ursa and Hideki after we switch off! I'm more suited to healing that fighting," feeling slightly chilled when she heard a voice from afar say, "Ursa - so that's your name, then. Insolent child, such strong words - you remind me of my daughter!"

Turning to see the source of Hiroshi Sato's voice, Ursa's eyes widened to see that what was apparently Amon's personal airship had landed in the distance behind the almost-in range Equalist forces, Ursa not entirely sure if she saw Hiroshi Sato entering a mechatank or not.

Re-focusing on the fight, Ursa took a deep breath, drawing from her ocean of chi and letting herself be the conduit for the electrical charge she had generated when the time was right, knocking one of the closest Equalists off his motorcycle, cursing slightly to see the advancing motorcyclists began to zig and zag. Seeing the snow they were coming closer on, Ursa yelled automatically, "Turn that snow to ice - and quick! Try and trap them in water after they slide - have an idea! Turn the fans on if they use gas!" hearing Chang say from beside her, "Fans need power, electricity - Amon cut it off!"

An expanse of ice forming in front of the entrenchments, the Equalist motorcycles began to skid - slightly. Seeing chains around their tires, Ursa realized Amon must have planned for everything. The chains not looking shiny like platinum to her, she was about to yell something, surprised to see the bikes lift off the ground when they got closer still, metalbenders having apparently thought of what she wanted them to do by themselves.

Seeing the motorcycle riders holding on with two hands, others by one alone and fishing around in their bikes, Ursa yelled, before zapping one herself, "Link them all together with water - anyone who can make lightning, lightly hit the water! I don't want anyone dying still!"

Job quickly accomplished, this wave of motorcyclists at the very least out of it and not about to throw choking gas bombs, Ursa shifted her focus. After Ursa targeted an approaching van's tires, letting loose a large fireball and successfully ruining the tire, the van skidded out of control and smashed into a nearby shop, hearing a bit of a heartfelt exchange after. She heard someone who sounded like they were wearing a mask crying, Ursa's gut sinking even as the defense seemed to be going well after more Equalists were knocked out of the fight with the combination of lightning and water links, a woman saying, "My estranged brother - dead. His son… devastated. Wh… what have I done. I joined the Equalists to help nonbenders, like… like my brother who just died from one of Hiroshi's bombs," hearing Nana crying as the woman said, "Forget them - I'm going to try and help any way I can. I never signed up for death… and you guys are doing everything you can to not kill. Better job than Amon managed… The gas containers - metal. Ty and get as many metalbenders as you can on them as soon as they pop up. The mechatanks - if you hit the engines with water, you should - HURK!"

Quickly telling a firebender near her how to generate lightning, hoping they got the concept, glad to hear the sounds of zapping afterwards that wasn't close in, Ursa turned to see what had happened to the full-blown "traitor" -feeling an immense anger rise within her to see the Equalist defector in a mechatank's claws, still wrapped in ice from before, growling to hear Hiroshi Sato's voice yell, "Telling the enemy the secrets of my equipment, are you? The same thing the Avatar did to my mechatanks at the Republic City Police station, nevertheless… I'm just glad my daughter didn't know anything about these mechatanks." Hiroshi Sato continued, after shaking the Equalist around a little, breaking the ice and knocking her out, claw closing before he said, "There - no more secrets from your mouth. Amon - what should I do with her?"

Remembering something the woman had said about the engines, the Equalist's body limp with unconsciousness, Ursa yelled, "Waterbender, someone - try clogging up that mechatank's exhaust!" frowning after Hiroshi Sato dropped the former Equalist, dodging the incoming water like he was piloting a racing Satomobile and not a clunky mechatank, even managing to shoot an electrified bola to keep the turncoat silent. Hiroshi Sato rapidly advancing towards her position, Ursa unsure which part to hit with what - exhaust or cockpit, fireball or lightning - Hiroshi Sato said, now audible even through the mechatank, "YOU! You were the one who led to the downing of those two ships - which could have killed everyone on board, the suits - untested! Ursa… you're going to - ack! Little earthbending street rat and your father - I'll get you too! Personal delivery for Amon!"

Hiroshi's mechatank having swerved off course after someone turned the pavement beneath the mechatank he was piloting, now reversing course from having been turned around, Ursa heard Chang say, "I guess you are blind, huh? Rotten rich - not that it matters, but this is a relatively nice part of town - though I guess middle class would seem street rat to someone as rich as yourself. The only street rat I see around here is you!"

Seeing Hiroshi Sato come at them with a vengeance again, Ursa asked Chang tersely, "Just what do you think you're doing? You're just making him madder!" Chang smiling coolly as he said, "That's the idea - I remember what you did earlier. All that talking, how mad he got… Maybe he'll make a mistake."

When Hiroshi Sato got close, Chang and his father tried the same trick again, Ursa joining their cursing when it didn't work, Hiroshi Sato laughing, "The same trick - again? Not today! And I know which one of you I'm targeting first," saying as he brought another grapple to bear directly on Ursa, taking some metal-edged disks to his mechasuit as he talked, " 'Little' mouthy girl - I am sure Amon would love to see you and your father up close and personal," saying after stopping for a moment, "I did not expect someone so chubby to be so spunky. Fat, insulation - I half wonder if electricity will work on you, firebender scum!"

Ursa had been petrified - not out of fear, but from what little she could see of Hiroshi Sato's eyes through the green glass cockpit. They did not have life in them - instead of the endless void which had once occupied her own two years ago, something far worse gleamed in them.

Hatred.

Not realizing the cable had shot out until it made contact with her, Ursa felt the electricity just fine, feeling electricity throughout her being instead of just her brain as she had fighting depression, fading…

Feeling something well up within her, Ursa attempted a technique her father had only mentioned before, trying to get the electrical current to pool in her ocean of chi - and follow a new path, outwards- to incapacitate the mechatank in front of her…

Ursa was baffled when she managed to re-direct the electricity yet hit nothing, feeling a tug as the claw tightened, Hiroshi Sato saying, "Again - not twice in one day! When I was watching my daughter Asami Sato fight with those other benders, Mako did the exact same thing - I know all you firebending tricks. Now, prepare to meet Amo - ooof! What in the name of Equality is that thing? Wait - a moving van, powered by firebenders? Is that the best you have?"

Seeing that one of the large vans her father had mentioned had rammed Hiroshi Sato's mechatank, someone unknown having severed the mechatank's connection with her, Ursa stepped back - ready to fight again. Immediately beginning to perform a charged attack aimed at Hiroshi Sato's mechatank's engines fueled by the lingering but strong rage she felt, to have heard that someone's father died at Equalist hands, Ursa saw her blast once again had a blue core, wondering if it meant anything. As her attack struck home, she noticed she wasn't the only one to attack, a few bolts of lightning and fireballs coming from holes in the roof of the van as firebenders inside hit Hiroshi Sato's mechatank.

Hearing some sort of alarm blare, the earth and metal reinforced truck battering ram backing up for another go at the mechatank, Hiroshi Sato retreated slightly, saying apparently over a radio, "Amon - get me another one of these things! That chubby brat and her fire friends managed to overheat this one's engine - ruined!" Ursa laughed to hear the annoyed response, Amon saying, "Perhaps if you had not charged in like the lone hero and waited for the other mechatank pilots to join you this would have not happened," no longer laughing when Amon's voice finished, "Though, you did provide a wonderful distraction. They should be closing in a few seconds. See you soon, bender scum."

Remembering her earlier crazy idea to dump fuel and light it on fire, Ursa thought of something else as Hiroshi Sato retreated backwards, glad to see another two friendly vans join them, apparently with earthbenders and waterbenders inside, saying, "Hey - the bombs. I bet something could hit one of the mechatanks and explode, without killing the pilot - anyone know how to make a quick bomb?"

Other mechatanks by now very close, Ursa hoping the big funny disks on some of them weren't magnets, given their own vehicles were magnetic and the enemy's likely were not, Ursa heard her father's voice again, sounding down but determined as he said, "I'm afraid not - but that doesn't mean we can't stop these things. Unless…"

Her father inexplicably jetted off, Ursa noticing that for this attack the mechatanks were supported by Equalists on foot, saying after she saw a few small objects incoming, "TURN ON THE FANS! Everybody else - make sure those gas balls don't reach us!"

Ursa heard the roar of fan blades behind her - confused when she saw her father jetting back towards them at first, smiling when he said, "She feels sorry - wants to atone. She was actually one of the bomber pilots. She told us the basic mix they use for explosives - just so happens it's easy, uses household items and common ingredients." The woman trying to speak, she struggled out, "Name not important - just stop more death is. Trust you to not kill - not sure about Amon…"

The list ending up simple indeed, Ursa wondering if it was that way to arouse less suspicion, a few people ran off as the fighting continued, the Equalists managing to easily subdue any civilian they could. That is, when they got their hands and kali sticks on them or got lucky with the heavier equipment like a motorcycle raid or mechatank assault, cooperative bending moves managing to keep most of the Equalist forces at bay - for now.

But Ursa could feel herself tiring - see it in the others too, even her father and Chang's dad…

After having helped knock out one mechatank with other firebenders assisting to short-circuit its electronics, Ursa made ready to try and keep the hail of gas capsules at bay. She had also been on the lookout for the odd attempt at penetrating the three-van mobile bender armored vehicles with what did turn out to be magnetic weapons, protecting the vans by attacking any mechatank that tried to stop for long enough to use their disks with a barrage of bending. Later in the fight, their own nonbenders had created some more improvised heavy equipment of their own, managing to fashion something Ursa and her father had joked about - a device fueled by gasoline that would spew flame like a firebender, except hotter, the substance sticking and burning. A few of the mechatanks were ruined by the weapon, earthbenders spinning the enemy vehicle around for the nonbenders to open fire with their own contribution.

By now beginning to pant from exhaustion, her brain not working properly, at first Ursa felt embarrassed, panting making her realize she had yet another reason to hate her fat body - embarrassment fading just as her stamina did, and that of those around her with some exceptions, hoping they would have some way to incapacitate some of the mechasuits permanently of their own.

A minute later, Ursa could tell that even if the fight hadn't left everyone, the wind certainly had - barely reacting when a few medium-sized objects zipped down from above, incapacitating a few of the mechatanks completely after exploding. Though their cockpit glass had been shattered and engines ruined, the pilots crawled out, lying on the pavement - apparently as exhausted as everyone on her side was. Seeing one appeared to have serious wounds, Ursa was surprised when an unseen earthbender moved the man closer, hearing her Nana say, "Um… hello. Didn't mean to hurt you… Would you like some assistance?" Ursa smiling slightly when the man said, "Yes… maybe water… leave alone for… healers."

The fighting beginning to wrap up quickly as more civilians lost their wind, by now Ursa only sending out the odd half-hearted lightning bolt she was so exhausted, Ursa noticed that Hiroshi Sato was back in a mechatank.

Eventually joined by Amon, standing confidently by the mechatank's side, Hiroshi Sato appeared to be simply watching as the last of the resistance faded, the only two people still fighting by now her father and Chang's father Huanhato, Ursa half wondering if Chang's father was a Pro-Bender - she knew where her father's stamina came from, being in the military…

Ursa felt like re-joining the fight when she heard Amon sneer, "Amusing," Hiroshi Sato saying, "Hah - look at you now, Ursa. I heard you tired out before everyone else. Not surprising in the least," the mechatank appearing to laugh weakly as Hiroshi laughed when Chang said deflatedly, "Calling her fat… me a street rat… Wonder if you… treat your own daughter like that on anything."

The last thing Ursa heard after trying to zap this lost, hateful man's mechatank again was, "No - she is just lost, unlike you, Ursa. Firebender - the same kind that took my wife Yasuko Sato from me 12 years ago, avenging her death my number one motivator behind joining Amon's Equalist Revolution." Something in her gut told her this was a lie as she coughed on gas dropped by a laughing, taunting Equalist - telling her that any man that duplicitous and mean after the loss of his wife would probably not have made the best father, in multiple ways, wondering if he disapproved of Asami Sato for any reasons other than turning on him recently…

Feeling herself rise from her body, at first Ursa panicked, thinking, "What - no! Did I just die?" beginning to laugh heartily after she heard an older version of her voice speak, remembering this was the past as it intoned, No, you did not just die. You lived, brave and strong as a bear - your animal namesake. You have seen the positive effects on others of your actions - I know you were expecting to see the next thing as you getting your bending stripped; I think seeing this from another persp- Ursa interrupted, half wondering if she'd be put into Amon's twisted world view shortly, slumping her shoulders when her light half intoned, WH- again? NO, I am NOT going to put you in Amon's perspective! That would be like plopping you in Unavaatu's place for Harmonic convergence. You aren't very trusting - thought I'd swell you to half a ton for accepting three cookies and a glass of milk earlier, now this… whatever. Just watch - like a mover, but in color!

Deciding to do so, she found herself following Amon and Hiroshi Sato back to their airship like a ghost haunting them for their sins, listening with interest and watching as Hiroshi Sato appeared to have a temper tantrum, raging, "Wh - it's a good thing they were a bunch of out of shape civilian weaklings, Amon! And you just strolled out there while that fat brat's father was still fighting, his sword and all - I know you love theatrics, but we can't afford to lose the leader of the Revolution!" Amon simply turned around, engaging the airship's power as he spoke, saying coolly, "You forget that I once faced a similar man on even terms, Lightning Bolt Zolt, and handily stripped his bending," Hiroshi Sato looking absolutely livid when Amon said, "I already know your opinion of 'that fat brat'. But, those earthen disks with metal edges, the emplacements, the reinforced vans, that flamethrower with sticky fire, the tactics used against us… that 'fat' girl's family interests me deeply, especially given she said that were I willing to overlook bending - which I am not, it must be cleansed - we may have had benders alongside us today. She even said if we had ignored the true source of inequality, bending, that she, her family, and other benders in the city might have joined our Equalist Revolution - to topple the current government. You keep calling that rebellious firebender fat, chubby - I would have you remember two things. The Equalists, as I was reminded by an outraged female sister earlier upon hearing her male brother intending to rape a knocked out Commander Raionhato, stand for Equality in all things - including personal image and relation between the genders. I have not announced this yet, and will not until we have cleansed the world of bending, but between the rich and poor, the sexually normal and 'abnormal' as well." Hiroshi Sato actually interrupted Amon, saying, "Wh-" immediately silencing himself when Amon said, "Your leader is speaking to you - do not speak until I have finished. Your expression half makes me wonder if you have wronged Equality yourself, or value your riches too highly- but no matter. Now - look at yourself. To be as blunt as you were with her, you are not exactly skinny yourself. If you are to be a long-term partner of the Revolution, you cannot be a hypocrite. Got it?"

As Hiroshi Sato nodded, saying, "Yes, Amon," Ursa was laughing hysterically, stopping when her light half intoned, I imagine if it were that Amon could have stripped the world of bending and then his own, he would have done so. Even you agreed and still agree with much of what he had to say. More watching, less laughing. Ursa obeyed, not entirely sure why her light half was being so defensive of Amon, the scene pausing again as it intoned, I apologize - I know things you do not. Here - this "may" be relevant, scene continuing after temporarily shifting to a most bizarre image.

That of Tarrlok and Noatak - Amon's real name - holding hands and walking off, out of some awful looking landscape away from some foreboding cloud, then of two crying babies. Ursa realized that the "Amon" in her earlier dream had been telling the truth - apparently, he and his brother had moved on to better things recently, both free from what had appeared to be the Fog of Lost Souls. Someone else now…

Shifting back to this recording she had never seen, Ursa watched and listened in interest as Amon said, pointing to a map of Republic City, "I will want to personally talk to all those involved before more officially dealing with them. Some of them sounded willing to work with us if they retained their bending - perhaps, in time, they will be interested in working with us even without, once our Revolution spreads out to hit its next target, a place of great inequality. The Earth Kingdom, and that tyrant Earth Queen Hou-Ting that rules that nation. The Dai Li are synonymous with repression." Pointing to Air Temple Island, Amon continued, "But first things first. That… unexpected hiccup cost us a lot of time - I did not want to send any further airships to Air Temple Island with them in the way, unsure of if there were other similar groups along other routes." Picking up a receiver, listening to someone speak, Amon said in a normal voice, "Thank you, brother. Send as many transport airships as you can to Air Temple Island, two in the first wave, more only should we fail in our first attempt to capture the Tenzin family," Amon sounded relieved, saying, "Good - the people tossing makeshift bombs from the upper reaches of the apartment have been neutralized, and everyone taken prisoner - for some reason including a cat? No matter - when we capture the Tenzin family and the Avatar's friends, the… unusual feline prisoner will be joined by the airbison the Tenzin family calls Oogi, the fireferret 'Pabu' owned by 'street rat' brothers Mako and Bolin, and the polarbear dog the Avatar calls Naga. How sad… calling your pet 'no' - literally. The brothers… that reminds me - no calling people street rats, Hiroshi Sato; call them bender scum or traitors instead. The other relevant news - no other apartments other than the three involved have resisted. Though other places in the city heard about it - nothing but rumor at the moment. If that had spread, or the Avatar had caught wind of it, we would have had a big problem on our hands, Avatar Korra running to Tenzin's aid and away from the resistance or not. The bad news - reports indicate the time we spent here putting down this concerned citizens coalition and direct threat to our airship fleet allowed the Tenzin family, Lin Beifong and even the Avatar's friends time to re-group on Air Temple Island. The Lieutenant is likely in their custody now, or hiding somewhere."

Hiroshi Sato looked ready to speak, Ursa half wondering if it was about the same-sex marriage issue, remembering Asami Sato's personal story, Amon cut him off, saying as he piloted the airship, accelerating towards where Ursa had been then, "I've had it with your complaining. Not. Another. Word. About. Asami. Sato. Working. With. THEM. Even though the bitterness you feel is much like my own, it was fine - until now. Until what you said earlier - far worse than calling Mako a street rat in the privacy of your mansion's basement. You lack self-awareness - and we have an image to maintain. One you were not helping to maintain with your actions earlier. 'Kill them all' - what are you, nuts? Not only is that bad public relations, it's a waste. As I said earlier, in time, after our victory, those who were even slightly on board will come into the fold - including your daughter. She did lose her mother to benders as I did, after all - make sure you don't lose her to you. She has a fine mind - we will need all the brainpower we can get to both tear down the Earth Queen's regime and eradicate bending without alienating the people. The Earth Kingdom is stubborn, resilient - Firelord Ozai had trouble keeping it under control, even after Ba Sing Se's walls fell from within. As I hope they will again - to explosives smuggled in by brothers and sisters from Republic City, detonated by the repressed nonbender masses of the Lower Ring. Perhaps, with the right moves, coaxing from possible new nonbender allies, help from even the earthbenders of the lower ring themselves… Just like here, everything will require goodwill and some delicate maneuvering - convincing even the benders of the Lower Ring the Equalists are doing them a massive favor. True Equality after thousands of years of repression, in exchange for the small price of their loyalty and losing their bending, just like their Dai Li oppressors will… Now, we have some prisoners to collect - including some of our own, who I will deal with - not you. Even including the traitorous sister who spilled 'your' secrets - our secrets, I will remind you. Now - once we touch down, I will handle the prisoners. You handle recovering all the equipment you can with your technical expertise…"

Seeing Hiroshi Sato's expression, Ursa was half wondering if she'd see Amon bloodbend him, surprised when he didn't after Hiroshi Sato said, "Very well - but I have something to say before I do. What you said - pretending you can tell me how to parent, censuring me for calling Mako a firebending street rat when he was dating my daughter - more concerned with the 'street rat' part than 'firebender'! Asami Sato… I must have let her have far too much freedom and pampering before - turning traitor, knocking me out with my own glove. No more lax discipline, once she's back in my house. She is my daughter - I will parent her how I see fit! It will take a lot, to undo what the Avatar and my lenience has done - but I will do it. I will save her - my way!"

The scene suddenly changing position, Ursa was able to see Amon's mask up close, though he could obviously not see her spectral self, Ursa began crying when she looked at the only part of his face visible - Amon's eyes.

He was crying lightly without making a sound, likely remembering his own father saying similarly harsh things to him and Tarrlok. Ursa remembered from what had been released that Amon had protected his younger brother from a then non-bender Yakone's wrath - running away shortly after.

Ursa heard Amon speak, saying under his breath with sadness, "Brother. There are other inequalities my successors will need to address," getting no reaction from Hiroshi Sato, appearing lost in his own world, thinking… After a brief pause, she heard Amon's voice again, getting the impression she was hearing his inner thoughts somehow as he "said", "Misguided brother, Tarrlok - I am reminded more and more of father when I listen to Hiroshi Sato. I fear he may have tried to shape Asami Sato somehow - just as father tried to shape us. Other inequalities… I 'said' it myself just now under my breath - that firebender girl was right. There are many inequalities other than bending in the world… ones I fear no one can right fully. But I will not give up the dream…"

Ursa saw the scene advance rapidly, thinking about the implications as she found herself drawn in the direction of the Pro-Bending Arena, where she had had her bending stripped by Amon later on the same fateful day at night in front of thousands, thinking, "So… I had thought our little resistance was pointless and a failure - but it turns out it bought Avatar Korra the time she needed to get to Air Temple Island, then hide from Amon? And, even if he never admitted it openly… I did make an impression on Amon?" Hearing no response initially, Ursa continued, "The resistance - something about a rumor," trying to remember anything she could about the de-bending, finding herself looking at figures other than her own once more, her light half intoning, With the right conditions, even the "smallest" pebble hitting the sea can create waves. Amon himself was once such a "pebble" - his true power did not come from bloodbending or taking bending away, but came from influence over people's hearts and minds with words…

Once again, Amon and Hiroshi Sato - except now the Lieutenant was with them, looking happy as he said, five people dragged into the background, "We already had Lin, thanks to her ultimately pointless sacrifice. But now we have the Tenzin family as well - all the adult benders, anyways. Pema and her assumed airbender baby son Rohan have eluded capture. We are currently trying to catch them - better safe than sorry. One airbender was all it took the last time - and I will try to make sure it doesn't happen this time." Amon nodded, saying, "Good work and thinking, Lieutenant," walking over to the bound family and Lin, Ursa finding herself following automatically.

Amon finally spoke, saying to Lin, "I offered you a deal - your bending for the Avatar's location. One you refused… You are already powerless - unable to bend the metal in your own jail cells. How appropriate… I will deal with you shortly, see you off to another transport to sit in your own cells - I won't be having you say anything at tonight's rally that might inspire more harassment." Ursa could hear Lin scream through her gag, "Whurr- mmonsterr! Tell muh - whut hurassmunt?!" Amon simply laughed, saying, "Nothing you need to hear anything else about," continuing after a masked Equalist took her away, Lin still kicking and resisting despite being without bending, "Hmmm…"

Simply looking at the Tenzin family for a while, Amon said, to Ursa's great surprise, "We finally have the last airbenders - and I have not re-planned tonight's rally accordingly. At least, not since capturing the 'Concerned Citizens Coalition' that caused us so much grief earlier - and hearing that rumors have spread. People saying they cost me the Avatar…" The Tenzin family staying silent, though Ursa was pretty sure Meelo had blown a muffled raspberry, Amon continued, "You are just four people who can make the wind blow around you - you cannot make the wind blow half a city away. Rumors, however… rumors and plots blow without input," turning to the Lieutenant and Hiroshi Sato, saying, "Which is why the changed plan is going through. Now get them out of my sight - I believe the small one is attempting to fartbend me like he did one of our brothers on Air Temple Island. At least he cannot move now... Goodbye, Meelo."

Tenzin family gone, Amon spoke again, the Lieutenant looking ashen and confused, Amon explaining, "I do have one major change to tonight's event - and tomorrow's. I want as much Equalist security for tonight's event in the Arena as they had for their silly Pro-Bending Finals - because some benders will be present under close guard, from all over Republic City. Let them take back the word to their corner of the city that civilians tried to resist - and failed. Let them take the message that we are ceaseless, untiring, indefatigable - and do not care about sympathy from benders for our cause. Just as the Concerned Citizens Coalition will have their bending stripped, many many people in one night - so too will the rest of Republic City. Thrown into jail for crimes against Equality should they resist after - as I suspect some members of that bothersome band might. If the resistance or harassment is lethal in intent, so the response will be as well - I will not have embers of resistance undermine the very foundation of our Revolution in Republic City!"

Both the Lieutenant and Hiroshi Sato nodding vigorously by now, Hiroshi Sato asked, "What you said at the end - what of my daughter?" Ursa was surprised when Amon told the truth partially, saying with venom in his voice, "Nothing changes, Hiroshi Sato. NOTHING. From what I know of Asami Sato, seen her fighting, she's a lot like the Tenzin family - nothing she does is with lethal intent. Avatar Korra is hotheaded, different - your daughter wouldn't kill you if you tried to kill her. I have told you all about my tragic past - how I got the scars on my face, losing my family. What I have never told you is that in a way I was glad to have my father taken from me. When I was young, he went down a dark road, taking one of my siblings along with me for the ride. At first, all I felt was pain when I went to the funeral - but eventually, I found a slight degree of peace. Not from no longer mourning my family - only from not mourning my father. What I do is to avenge my brothers and sisters and mother - not my father. I would advise you think about your relationship with your daughter - not become my father. As one who has suffered familial hurt, but has no children of my own, I can still speak on such things," finishing by pointing his finger at Hiroshi Sato, saying, "Now do not bring it up again!"

Wondering what this had to do with her, Ursa heard her light half intone, You can learn from anyone - remember the quest for validation? The endless hunger? It can be for adoration, feeling the hero - Amon's case, with a bit of power hunger mixed in. The power his father wanted him to use to avenge him. It can be for power - Kuvira's case, mixed with some good intentions and seeking of attention. The attention her real parents never gave her. It can also be for food - your case, should you ever succumb to the call, for reasons I'd rather not know or witness come into being. Your biggest void on the ashen doppler was on the stomach for a reason - but just as you tried to fill an emotional hole with food, so do people try to fill it with other inappropriate things.

Ultimately, the only thing that fills it is love. Let us continue.

The scene resumed, Hiroshi Sato looking a little defiant at first, changing to a more submissive posture when the Lieutenant said, "I do not understand what your problem is fully. I won't say anything - I have no experience with family aside from losing it to benders, becoming an orphan, so anything I say will likely be off-key. I simply know the family I adopted - the Equalists and our shared Revolution - wouldn't kill a family member, or turn away anyone who has strayed, but wants back, as your daughter may at some point." The Lieutenant bowed, saying simply as Hiroshi Sato looked lost in thought again, "That is all from me - now I will carry out your orders, Amon."

Amon bowed politely, saying, "Thank you for your correct and pertinent wisdom, Lieutenant," continuing after the Lieutenant left, Hiroshi Sato still silent, "Your Equalist brother just shared something personal with you, and you said nothing - just letting him walk off. I've heard accusations leveled at me that all I want is power - which is not true. I want Equality - something which involves acknowledging another's attempt to help you. I won't say anything further of the subject, other than ask you this simple question: what do you want?" Hiroshi Sato took a deep breath, saying, "For my daughter to be beside me as I carry out and realize my life's work. To avenge her mother," Amon sighing, "I should have never mentioned it to you!" in a mix of disgust and frustration when Hiroshi Sato finished, "And to embrace the path I have tried to steer her on in other, 'personal' ways."

The scene around Ursa shifted rapidly, finding herself looking at the rally that took place that night at the point where everyone in the "Concerned Citizens Coalition" except her family had been stripped of their bending. Finding herself drawn to a random member of the audience, Ursa looked to the stage - noticing that Hiroshi Sato was conspicuously absent from sight. Ursa was thinking about how she had never noticed it before as she heard the random person say, "What in the name of… he stripped all those people! The whole back side's worth! Wow. Oo-kay, yeah, my bending and my whole neighborhood's bending is toast. No more bugging Equalists for me," Ursa thinking derogatorily of the person as a coward.

Until tonight, in many ways, others could have called you an "emotional coward" - and rightfully so, as it relates to yourself and your own self-worth. I figured you'd have that reaction to him, practically surrendering his bending - and I want you to have that reaction to yourself every time you think you aren't worth fighting for!

Finding herself whisked to the central repurposed Pro-Bending Arena platform, able to watch something she had never seen in reality, chained below the Arena's deck along with the rest of her family, she watched Amon revel in the crowd, Amon proclaiming, "And now, brothers and sisters, the final event for tonight. You have seen how many of those who resisted our glorious Revolution in the streets earlier today cried at the thought of losing their bending - that which defined them. They have no identity now, except as former benders - wishing in vain for something back which has been Equalized away forever." Amon paused for unexpected clapping, seeming to subsist on the applause, the crowd only clapping harder, apparently thinking their leader loved the praise on a personal level. Watching, Ursa thought, "Wow - my light half was right about him sucking in adoration," unsure if her blue spectral self was blushing when her light half intoned, Yes, I was - and I suppose I'd rather you let your "little" medal sit in a drawer than parade it around like a showgirl…

Amon by now speaking again, he continued, "I am not one for standup comedy - but I have something to tell you that will likely have you in stitches from laughter anyways, and the bender 'emissaries' present in the audience booing loudly. The final family to lose their bending tonight thinks that our cause, on the whole, is a righteous one. That our city, as it is, is riddled with inequalities - the daughter and someone who already lost their bending insinuating that they'd be alongside Equalist brothers and sisters on the streets, if we ignored BENDING! Even though the father is a military man! They insist that they see the problems in Republic City and even the world at large - but don't see bending as the problem." Ursa swearing she heard a rimshot, she saw an audience member in the stands with a set of drums with Equalist insignias, Ursa found herself laughing at the absurdity of the whole thing, wondering if others had laughed for the same reason.

Amon receiving laughter already, he continued, "During transport when they were bound, the old one insisted over and over her bending wasn't her identity. That I was taking away something that could be used to help people, not repress them - comparing it to knives not being bad, but the wielder of the knife being at fault! Hilarious, I know. I would love to have Avatar Korra in the ring tonight, see what her reaction to losing herself would be, but let's see how 'Nuniq' takes it instead."

Seeing her bound and gagged grandmother rise up into the center of the ring, Ursa felt anger rise within her, turning into pure fury when she heard a familiar voice say from the ramparts, "Huh - she's even bigger than her granddaughter. How did these people trouble us, again?" Turning and seeing Hiroshi Sato in a skybox with two dour-looking Equalists at his side, Ursa not sure if they were there for security or censoring, Ursa laughed when one elbowed him in the ribs, hearing the Equalist say, "Hey! Stick to the script! And you're not exactly svelte either!" despite the distance. Hearing other scattered weight-related insults, Ursa was baffled when Amon paused, not having remembered this part, perhaps due to her own issues, Amon saying, "Brothers and sisters - we must show the world we are better than these bender tyrants. And the Equalist Revolution stands for Equality in many things - hate her or boo her because she is a bender, not her size. She's the same kind of bender the Avatar and former Councilman Tarrlok are! A WATERBENDER! Like Tahno the cheater was until recently!"

Loud booing erupting at all three people's names, Amon took Nana's bending, slipping off the gag and asking a woozy Nana, "How's it feel? To lose who you are?" Nana took a deep breath, managing to compose herself enough to say, "No different," before passing out, Amon taking out a small white cube. He placed it under her nose, saying, "I hadn't expected you to pass out so easily, for all your talk earlier. Some 'assistance' - smelling salts." Nana simply looked at him once she was back up, saying, "I said what I wanted to already. Who I am has not changed without my bending," laying back down and saying, "Now, if you're done bullying this old woman, I'm going to take a nap," Nana appearing to be out cold now - the smelling salts only having helped a little.

Ursa swearing she saw Amon's shoulder's slump for a second, guessing he hadn't been planning on being called a bully, he straightened back up, saying, "A former waterbender, calling me a bully! That's hilarious - I'm sure you all remember what a waterbender like her did when people protested Councilman Tarrlok's curfew! He even threw the friends of the Avatar in prison when they stood up for nonbenders! How's that for a horrible Councilman who needed to go? That was before we even knew he was the worst kind of bender of all - a bloodbender!"

By now her mother was coming up onto the platform, Nana shuffled off to join the other new nonbenders, Amon said over applause, "Thankfully, Nuniq's daughter Panik, who will be joining me shortly, didn't have quite as much to say - though she did protest that she wanted to keep her bending so she could still cook at the restaurant where she works! She didn't care at all when one of our brothers reminded her that aside from what the Equalists have given him, he hadn't had food worthy of the name in years."

Ursa felt oddly detached from the scene, seeing things she had never seen before, her mother yelling through the gag even before Amon could get to her, "I shaid I did care! Bunch of theatricahl bull! Even got rimshotsh!" Amon shook his head with false reluctance, Ursa realizing he really was a master theatrician, vaguely wishing he hadn't died but had come to the side of good like Kuvira did so he might have given some speeches about the current world situation. The past Amon said with a slight flair, "Yes - I do remember now. You might have cared - but did you ever care enough to give poor people like him food before the Revolution? Surely, you don't mean to tell me the section of town you live in with the other former benders and nonbender traitors has no hungry people? Surely, you cannot say with a straight face you've never seen a truly poor person." Ursa knew the answer to that was no - her mother was a relative homebody, and there weren't many homeless people where they lived.

Ignoring the exchange, noticing it rewound slightly and then paused, Ursa said bitterly, "Well… until recently," continuing, "All those people's homes… replaced by habitat for spirits, less and less spirits there each day as Raava and Long Yumao aligned ones vanish to fight with each other or others simply disappear… No expanding into the crater, expand outward instead - so ridiculous, even with the Spirit Civil War. President Raiko didn't lose his office, and Air Temple Island was fine after the explosion - who gave Tenzin and President Raiko the right to say what happens to people's homes - or rather, what's left of them?"

Looking all around her, at the banners and flags, the Equalist security detail, Ursa began to cry, saying, "Wait a minute… the unilateral decision on Kuvira - even if I think it's the right one, given I know what darkness is like, how she surrendered originally, a simple gut feeling - and before that, all of Raiko's political moves, meddling… nothing's changed. Still leaders acting like only they matter. They might be elected - but we didn't achieve Equality. Maybe Amon should have won…"

Nothing in the scene except for Amon moving, Ursa felt like she had eaten a really bad VarriCake that had picked up some industrial chemicals on it and chased it down with a pitcher of spoiled milk, swearing Amon was looking at her - taking his mask off…

Feeling some sort of peace come over her, having worried Koh had found his mark, whatever reason the spirit wanted her for, she listened in disbelief as she heard human speech say from Amon's location, "Bending isn't the problem - hate is." Ursa reminded herself she technically was in a surreal dream world when "Amon" continued, having taken off his mask and used waterbending to wipe off his fake scar, "What the..? Why am I here as Noatak? What… You - I remember you. Ursa - the defiant twelve-year old. The one who said she'd fight at my side… if only I gave up 'cleansing' the world of bending, unknown to you at the time with bending. I have as little clue as to why I'm here as you do, given your blue… thing's expression. Something about someone thinking about recent events, wishing I had won... drew me here somehow. 'Important' people still acting like the little guy doesn't matter - I remember what I did to the Lieutenant shortly before being uncovered. Do you?" Ursa nodded, Noatak continuing, "Well, the old Amon didn't either really. Tossing him aside like a used piece of tissue paper… Ah, great - one of my rallies. The one where you lost your bending, at that... Hope I don't do this crap in the next life. Anyways - I didn't get a whole ton from the Avatar earlier, don't even know how much earlier, but I do remember something pretty clearly. She and Asami were trying to clear their chakras for emotional benefit, and… Asami's mother Yasuko was there. The same woman Hiroshi Sato was so devastated over losing… She said something I think applies here: 'Just as darkness and hurt can never be truly eradicated, light and love never fade, unless you let them.' Injustice and inequality are much the same - they can never be truly eradicated, but will swell if you do nothing against them. If good men do nothing. I did what I thought I needed to do to fight inequality - and, I guess, you were doing the same, with your little resistance. I know I… sort of ran over you back then, took your bending - but don't stop 'the resistance' now."

Seeming like she really was listening to Noatak, what Yasuko had said seeming very familiar somehow, Ursa tried talking, asking as Noatak and his clear face began to shimmer slightly, "I was just thinking to myself how four years later, even if there's democracy… certain things aren't right. I don't know if you heard anything about the new United Earth Republic, but… even though it's not even started up yet, I think I like their system better. More checks on the head person's power. There's nobody as bad as Councilman Tarrlok running around - but leaders are still making unilateral decisions. Even Tenzin, and everyone at that partially secret Ember Island Conference… What would you have me do?" Noatak simply smiled, saying as the shimmering got worse, Amon's mask intermittently covering pat of his face, "I remember your unique world view better now - and it sounds to me like the system's still a problem, just not as big as in my day. Do whatever you'd do," managing to get out a simple, "Don't let your love and light for Republic City fade," before vanishing, immediately replaced by the masked version of himself.

Ursa laughed slightly to see the "new" Amon look at her briefly in disbelief, Ursa heard an odd stilted voice say, "Past recall restarted at last point viewed without soul interaction," everything now back in place - the masked Amon no longer staring at her like he could see her. Resuming from where it had been before, Ursa watched as her mother cried, "I… I could have donated, but I didn't. No, I haven't - I'm such a failure," Ursa's eyes widening, saying as Amon took her mother's bending, "So I guess I didn't get everything bad inside from my dad after all." Her mother looked very very weak after getting her bending stripped, still managing to speak over top of Amon, saying strongly before she passed out, "Haven't seen Future Industries donating either…"

Ursa heard a fair amount of cheers from the audience and no booing at all, a few chanting, "Yeah! Share the wealth! Share the wealth!" Amon said quickly, "After we have secured Republic City and the rest of the United Republic, we will begin turning it into a utopia - Satomobiles, food, and decent housing for EVERYONE! As this somewhat correct bender suggested, Future Industries will begin working on its donations and philanthropy - though the former waterbender Panik did not remember that Hiroshi Sato has already done such service to Republic City before in making Satomobiles available to the common man." Ursa found her gaze swiveled temporarily to Hiroshi Sato, laughing slightly when he said, after a slight poke in the ribs, "YES! I pledge myself to our leader's new program," earning another elbow in the ribs when he added, "Though, not right away, unfortunately - we still have enemies to deal with, and the Revolution to spread worldwide," the man who had done the last elbowing looking as though he had just gotten an earful through an unseen microphone.

Amon moved on to his next target, saying as Ursa's mother joined Nana's side and her father came into view, "I am afraid Hiroshi Sato is right. There are still those that oppose us - and we must defend ourselves! Once the Equalist Revolution has swept the globe, we will be reversing all military buildup necessary to see the dream of worldwide Equality and the extinction of bending become a reality. I am afraid we cannot do that just yet, however - militaries across the world still stand, the United Republic Army the only ones in open conflict with us - yet. We will bring the fight to the other nations and other military men like this man here, Hideki, a… Non-Commissioned Officer in the United Republic Army - not the Equalist army, even though he's said he thinks thing aren't right in OUR city - an Equalist city! Not the United Republic's anymore - or should I say, United Bender Republic!" Receiving a mix of laughter and applause after another rimshot from the "audience member" and his Equalist-insignia adorned drums, Amon continued, "It looks like this one wants to talk. Well, too bad - the protestors caught in Councilman Tarrlok's dragnet wanted to talk, express their opinion - but were silenced, just because they were nonbenders! Tarrlok seeing us all as children, he probably thought they were 'out past their bedtimes' - and took their electrical power away, trying to punish brothers and sisters like the wannabe bad dad he is - or rather, was!"

Hearing some boos intermixed with the laughter after another rimshot, a voice yelled out, "What's a dirty firebender got to say that we can't hear? Bring it on!" Amon again acted as though it were all a part of a play, saying, "Very well. I have talked of this family's bizarre world view - perhaps 'NCO Hideki' would be so kind as to explain. Let him see, by power of righteousness and numbers, that he's wrong - thinking bending has any place in the world!" With a dramatical flair, the gag on her father came off - Amon seeming vaguely surprised when he spoke instead of breathing fire at him, Ursa's father saying, "I do not see why you are taking people's bending away who do not deserve it - there's more bullies than just ones with bending, you know!"

Amon acted like her father had stepped right into a trap, asking, "You hear that, folks? He thinks the Equalists are BULLIES!" Ursa was pretty sure if it weren't for Amon's mask she could have seen the color drain from his face when her father said, "Not quite. You put those words into your own mouth - I was talking about kids who get beat up by fists, people robbed at knifepoint or with a sword. You've got so many wonderful technologies - but how are you going to keep order and those kinds of bullies in check without metalbender cops? You'd have to give every single nonbender policeman two or three time the equipment cost of a metalbender cop. All your special equipment must cost a lot! Talking about utopia - money doesn't grow on trees, and neither do resources! Or power - take away the firebenders, no free power! We'll be as primitive as my homeland was over seven decades ago as far as energy goes!"

Amon not appearing to know what to say at first, Hiroshi Sato butted in, boasting through his microphone, "I am very assured we can get along just fine without you benders - especially firebenders! Disfiguring flames, uncontrolled fatal electricity you people call 'lightning generation' - all very non-peaceful things. The way of the past is benders - the way of the future is technology!" Hiroshi Sato realizing he had the audience's attention, not Amon, he continued, "While excavating the area beneath my home over the years to make room for my secret base of operations and production facility for much of the Equalist's equipment, we found many curious deposits of metal. Some showed great promise for better… airships in the future, others seemingly giving off energy merely by existing. Equalist scientists and myself are currently examining these various other 'elements' - something like platinum, not water - and hope to replace power from extinct firebending with science, using brains over brawn or undeserved elemental 'talent'."

Hiroshi Sato receiving raucous applause, he sat back down, both guards beside him shrugging, Ursa able to hear one say, "If that doesn't get him out of whatever he's in right now, I'm not sure what will." Amon seemed to ruminate over what Hiroshi Sato had said, finally saying, "Yes, brothers and sisters - everything he has said is true. The benders here, any spies from the other nations - go scurry off and tell your bending neighbors or masters that the Equalist have moved beyond the four elements - and into the true elements. Things of science, not shrouded in superstition and the chi we have perfected the art of blocking!"

By this point her father looked bored, saying, "Were you going to let me say anything or not?" Amon laughed, simply saying, "Yes - however much you can get out after having your bending taken! You're still going to pay for resisting me earlier today - and you've served your purpose." Promptly taking Hideki's bending, Ursa laughed deeply when she heard her father's only response was a deeply personal slur against Amon, the Equalist's leader shrugging, saying, "Did you hear that? So much for being polite! Now, to the last…"

Seeing herself rise from below as her father joined the rest of the family, Ursa listened as Amon greeted her past self, saying more personally after ungagging her, "Hello, Ursa - I've heard just like the rest of your family, you sympathize with our cause, with only the caveat that you don't like me taking away dangerous things from people - their bending. Bending: something easily abused, and the world better off with it not existing. I've also heard something about a nonbender friend of yours. Gotten that those troublesome earthen disks with metal edges on them, targeting that weak point which I will not mention… all your ideas, partial or in full. You've also said I'm a fool for taking away the city's supposedly vital firebending for power. Why don't you be loyal to your newly nonbender family and your bender friend and your city - work for me, and convince others like yourself to cooperate, unlike your father."

The past Ursa doing something Ursa remembered very well, saying, "Never!" and spitting at Amon's mask, Amon wiped it off, saying, "I gave a different offer to Lin - this is your last chance. If you refuse, you won't even get to do your little talk. Now tell me - answer well, and you may get to keep your bending, so long as you agree to follow me. Why do you not want to work for me and Republic City's betterment once the Equalists win, where is Lee-Lee - and why did you not blow up my airship? You could have, very easily - had it been Avatar Korra, I would likely be dead, given her aggressive streak."

Ursa listened, feeling as though she were really back then, saying at the same time her past self did, "I didn't blow up your airship because I don't want to kill anyone or cause collateral damage when the airships went down, the first two lucky - unless they were doing something that would kill others, just like your airships' bombs did today. You've got a higher body count than the benders you're oppressing with your sick ability to rip a part of them out forever, and technology. Technology that I won't help you with, ever - and neither would Lee-Lee. I've been teased plenty, seen plenty of other kids teased, did something about it with my bending when I could. I know a bully when I see one - and the Equalists have TWO bullies for leaders!"

Amon simply nodded, saying, "Very well - if that is the way it's going to be," saying before Ursa could speak again, hands at her temple and nape of the neck, "Your bending is gone, little girl. I am surprised neither you nor your father breathed fire at me while you could - and I did not expect your father to be as difficult as Lin to strip, let alone you as difficult as Lin as well - a twelve-year old girl. Talent beyond brains, perhaps, or a strong will? No matter - you still have bending; it is still an impurity to be cleansed." Ursa managed to get out, "The only impurity that matters… is in the heart," before collapsing, Amon saying triumphantly, "Did you hear that? 'The only impurity that matters is in the heart' - I believe what she said to be true, but for us - not the Avatar or the military likely heading for Republic City right now to crush our Revolution! Bullies called Commanders and General… We were or are the oppressed, the hungry ones, the weaklings on the schoolyard - and we will not be pushed around any longer! Let's see them defeat technology - and spirit! TO EQUALITY!"

After a short timeskip, the Arena was empty aside from Amon, Hiroshi Sato and the Lieutenant, the Lieutenant looking sullen as he said, "Reports from Republic City, Amon," Amon snatching them from him, sounding very displeased as he read, " 'Report for our leader Amon and the betterment of the Revolution. While most of the benders did as we expected, spreading the message that resistance is futile, a few did not - encouraging minor acts of sabotage, the two bomber airships that were downed now seeming beyond repair, not reaching their destinations without sustaining further damage.' This is unacceptable - until the situation is under control fully, we are not risking showing the Tenzin family. Not with misguided vigilantes who might barge the rally tomorrow - and we know this Arena's security isn't foolproof. I am sorry, Hiroshi Sato, but despite your high-quality impromptu performance tonight, your rally in the morning will not involve the extinction of airbending." Pausing for a moment, Amon looked at the Lieutenant, Hiroshi Sato no longer frowning quite so deeply when Amon said, the Lieutenant not looking pleased at all, "Lieutenant - Hiroshi Sato is not the only one with bad news for him. Until you get this under control, consider yourself as much in the doghouse as Hiroshi Sato was earlier until his performance at the rally - even if I had not planned on making our top secret technological works known to the world just yet." Yawning, Amon finished, "Now, I believe we all need some sleep. I am sure the situation can wait until morning to address - and tired people make bad decisions anyways. Others will try very hard to stop the Revolution. On that note, there will be no more allowing benders to talk before taking their bending, and most certainly no dueling - I gave Lightning Bolt Zolt the option, but I'm not dueling an airbender. They might knock my mask off with the first strike, even if I best them in the end. My face hurts without the mask - all these years later, the pain still lingers. Dismissed."

The scene in front of Ursa rapidly shifted, seeing the events that took place in the Arena over the next days unfold. The view cutting to a different spot suddenly after Ursa witnessed Amon's unmasking as a fraud, Ursa watched as the Lieutenant made his getaway - noticing he said, "The only impurity that matters is in the heart," a few times. He said it again, this time finishing after he slammed the door on an unmarked van, vanishing into Republic City along with other similar vans, "And I know a lot more benders with impurities there than anyone else. Corrupted by their power - our own former leader Amon, a charlatan - tossing me aside like garbage with his sick power after I devoted my life to him. 'You have served me well'… Amon, a bloodbender - bloodbender scum! He may be gone - good riddance - but the Revolution will rise again someday when the time is right!"

Ursa heard a low cheering - realizing this must have been the start of the Lieutenant's run from the law and eventual resurfacing recently, half wondering if his equipment was things she had helped wreck, repaired by hiding Equalists over the years…

That still left the mystery work on what had been found beneath the Sato mansion unaccounted for - wondering if it had been completely forgotten.

Finding herself staring at General Iroh II standing at attention, Ursa spotted herself at her father's side - her father looking very proud, and herself, blushing and nervous. Seeing the line of people stretched up and down the Republic City military docks, Ursa realized what this was - the recognition everyone involved in the "Concerned Citizens Coalition" had received, a vaguely familiar woman standing a short ways away from the past Ursa - paradoxically in partial Equalist uniform. Ursa recognized her as the woman who had told them about some of the Equalists' equipment weaknesses - the one whose brother had been killed by an Equalist bomb, the woman herself giving them the formula the Equalists used in their bombs, to try and knock out mechatanks without loss of life… Ursa wondered idly if the family ever healed - glad to see an image of the woman helping the fallen man's wife with her son.

Hearing an odd, "Ahem," she listened as a shaky-sounding male page said, "Following General Iroh II's order and by the authority temporarily vested in me, Councilman Tarrlok's former personal secretary and acting replacement, I bestow the rank of Officer on formerly Non-Commissioned Officer Hideki," adding after giving her smiling father the appropriate insignia, "Political elect. Are… are you sure I need to do this? I'm still all shaken up from Tarrlok, the Fire Nation finding his and his brother's bodies washed ashore recently - even if he was a jerk. Never mind the Equalists! Deep down, I'm still just a page - even with the title change! Why can't General Iroh II do this?" An unseen person sighed, saying, "We already refused the request by General Iroh II to have personalized medals made for some among you. We need everything and everyone we can get to get Republic City running smoothly before the elections. Protocol is protocol," General Iroh sneering slightly at the unseen person, saying, "You're not even in office yet, or elected - acting like you're President! I currently have more authority than you - you're just a politician… for now, and hopefully you stay that way. My word's more binding than yours for now, and I say forget protocol. People matter more than rules. If he wants to leave, he can go - the first true elections are relatively soon enough anyways, and he won't be asked to do something he doesn't want to anymore." The unseen voice sighed, saying, "Very well," General Iroh II saying as the page sighed in relief, "Though, my dad always did say those who were reluctant to take power were the best to wield it," saying after the page looked nervous, "But it's up to you, Temporary Councilman Supika. Go home if you want to - I can handle the rest from here." The former page sighed in relief, saying, "Go home - of course I want to! First time someone's called me my real name in a while!"

Temporary Councilman Supika - someone so temporary Ursa didn't even recall his name until General Iroh II said it - ran out of sight. She listened as General Iroh II gave the young, nervous Ursa her medal, the General saying, "In recognition of the ability, heart and intellect she showed defending Republic City two months ago when others had given up all hope, by the power and authority vested in me, I give Ursa, twelve year-old daughter of United Republic Army Officer Hideki, this new medal reserved for citizens who go above and beyond the call. Show that they have the same stuff that one of Republic City's founders did. I give you The Avatar Aang Medal of Mettle," Ursa laughing slightly when the unseen voice spoke again, General Iroh II interrupted, stopping cold as it protested, "Wh - hey! That's not a medal! Wait a minute - 'new medals'. I can even see it from over here, now that you've gotten it out! That thing's as big as the Kyoshi Medal of Freedom! Did you…? You did! I thought we made it very clear - "

General Iroh II simply turned around, rolling his eyes as he said, "Yes, you did, Raiko - and I ignored you. That's right - all of them. Including the Medal of Zuko's Honor for the Equalist who turned. Materials' cost taken out of my pocket, all made in the second biggest city in our United Republic - Yu Dao metalsmiths and artists performing the work free of charge. I certainly hope you don't end up getting elected a month from now, you pompous, rule-following idiot. Doesn't help you act like Republic City's the biggest deal around…" Ursa's eyes widened, unable to believe her ears, what she had just now recognized as Raiko's voice responding tersely, "The insults, extra medals… You can get away with it for now, you loose cannon - but mark my word. I'll have my eye on you, General Iroh II - and if Varrick keeps donating to my election fund, I'll be your Commander in Chief someday soon. Now hurry up and do your thing so Avatar Korra can have her turn sometime today! She's back from the South Pole, I've heard. Give or take a few weeks since her arrival - I haven't been following too closely. I've been too busy with the election trail, especially with just one month left." Raiko paused, saying with annoyance, "I don't like dealing with… opinionated individuals such as yourself anyways, General Iroh II, Avatar Korra striking me of the same mindset. Like she can do whatever she wants because she's the Avatar - you, because you're related to Lord Zuko." General Iroh II smiled slightly, saying, "I'd rather have a good Firelord like my grandfather as my leader than a pompous unqualified elected President any day," laughing before he said, "The way things are set up now, a President's only qualification is that he's popular." Raiko merely gave him a dirty look, simply saying, "Ozai. That's my one-word rebuttal - democracy is the way of the future, even if your grandfather and your mother turned out to be good leaders. Now get back to work!"

Finding herself sneering at Raiko, his recent behavior exemplary in comparison, Ursa watched as she accepted the Avatar Aang Medal of Mettle, blushing when the medal's chain was placed around her neck, her father and herself having watched the conversation before with visible horror. Ursa was smiling broadly but nervously when General Iroh II told her past self, "There's more to it than meets the eye. Turn it over - both you and your dad. Had something special on the back for you two, and for the Medal of Zuko's Honor recipient, Ryoshin. I wish Hiroshi Sato had been as cooperative in the aftermath of the failed revolution as she was… there's something inside both her medal and yours, Ursa - a special touch. While I hope no one will need to earn those two medals in the future, that special touch will be inside any future ones as well. There's a hinge at the top - it's a locket. Look at the back down near the bottom - you should see the unlocking latch there." Ursa having just now remembered the other name, the past paused, feeling bad as she said, "Names, names. I can never remember these things," hearing her light half intone, Some people remember names and faces - others remember facts and book learning. It takes all types - and I want you to look at the front and back of this medal later in the real world. The inside of your medal as well - so busy being down back then and "now" that that didn't even register…

Looking at the back of the medal, getting the impression she'd have to wait to see the front again until later, Ursa gasped, saying, "STUPID! I never apprec-" at first, correcting herself, "At the time, I was just a self-conscious twelve-year old, which certainly explains me not opening the medal and what should come next - and I look forward to thanking General Iroh II for his gesture when I can," taking in the detailed artistry of yin and yang, water and fire as one on the back of her medal as her light half intoned, Hey - you're doing my job for me! Which is a good thing.

The rest passing in a blur, a similar motif on the back of her father's Officer badge - which was very unofficial and just made Raiko all the more annoyed - time jumped to the end of the whole ceremony, capped off with a short memorial to the fallen father, Ryoshin crying more than anyone else.

Ursa watched the "unexpected" memorial crashers without surprise - remembering well what happened next, watching as Asami Sato asked the morose Ryoshin what had happened - recoiling in horror after being told the former Equalist's story, Asami Sato muttering, "I knew it! Dad lied - not visiting him in prison again. They did kill people…" after. Bolin said, shrugging and smiling weakly, "Hey - at least it turned out all right in the end." Asami Sato simply gave him a dirty look in reply, finally saying after a tense pause, "I remember how… ferocious my dad was, fighting me in the mechatank. You were there, Bolin - I don't know what would've happened without you coming in on Naga." Asami Sato pointed a finger at Bolin as Mako joined his brother's side, both brothers looking a bit cowed when she said tersely, "Don't ask me to understand him again either! Your parents never killed anybody - or tried to kill you!"

Ursa watched as she broke up the brewing conflict inadvertently, running between Asami Sato, Mako and Bolin to Avatar Korra, asking obliviously, "Wow - uh, Avatar Korra! Um - I don't have any paper on me. Can I get an autograph raincheck?" the Avatar smiling, saying, "Of course. Maybe even right now - I'm sure Asami has some paper on her. I've been busy… healing at the South Pole, and restoring people's bending - haven't gotten a chance to do something I want to just yet. I'd like to hear more about what happened that day. And what's that around your neck?" After Ursa said, "N-nothing" nervously, Avatar Korra looking confused, Asami Sato interjected, looking cross, "I'd like to hear the after too. I heard you got to see my dad and Amon up close - I'd like to know as much as possible about those two dirtbags. Maybe it will help me move on - talking to my dad's been a complete waste of time so far. What Ryoshin said about her brother dying, how… my dad shook her around like a rag doll for being a 'traitor'… pretty sure I'm not visiting him again."

Talking animatedly, more focused on what Ursa had to say than her medal, Avatar Korra ended up monopolizing Ursa, too busy getting a very brief and nervous version of events from Ursa's ill-at-ease twelve year old self for anyone else to talk to her. Asami Sato never ended up getting her account from Ursa, looking like she was trying to remain calm as Ursa's father Hideki explained what had happened in general detail - missing the bit where Ursa had her bending stripped, given he was out cold at the time.

After a while, based on her expression and tone of voice, it became apparent Avatar Korra wasn't going to get the whole story from Ursa in one day, saying, "If I'm not too busy, I'll try and come back for the rest later, after I restore more people's bending than just yours and everyone else on these docks. Take a better look at your medal. Okay?" The past Ursa nodded, saying nervously, "A-autograph?" Avatar Korra smiled slightly, saying, "Sure. Asami! Can I have some paper, please?" Ursa watched Avatar Korra sign a piece of paper provided by a slightly bitter Asami with her own bitterness, remembering what had happened - why she never got the personalized autograph…

Sure enough, here came the loudmouths - insisting whatever they were doing could wait until they had their bending back, Ursa not having remembered Avatar Korra to have looked quite so… guilty about the "distraction" from restoring people's bending.

Looking at Avatar Korra's expression closer, Ursa realized the Avatar had likely wanted to continue talking, listening - but couldn't, the burden of being the only one who could restore people's bending hemming her in, like an animal in a cage… the price of power and being expected to use it.

Ursa watched the last of the Concerned Citizens Coalition get their bending back - but she never got the autograph paper, even after resuming talking with Team Avatar… By now hearing a few people not involved with the Concerned Citizens Coalition begin to yell, one interrupted Ursa talking to Avatar Korra, saying, "Fatty - quit hogging the Avatar's time with your claptrap! You didn't stop Amon - she did! And you got your bending back! She's already done all the metalbender cops and White Lotus people - I need my bending back too!" Ursa watched with regret and sadness when her past self shut down, crying like a little child as she went back to her father's side - never getting the personalized autograph Avatar Korra had made for her, or finishing her own story.

The vision and those within it jumping around wildly like a Dark Spirit trying to shake off a fragment of a Raava-transformed spirit vine, Ursa felt sad, wondering if Avatar Korra would even remember her after four years - in the unlikely event she got to meet the Avatar, with the world being so hectic.

Seeing the vision rapidly approaching Harmonic Convergence, Ursa wondered where the autographed letter had gone. The vision shifting temporarily, Ursa did not feel bitter anymore after seeing its fate, only glad it helped someone - someone close to the Avatar, to put it mildly. Apparently, Asami Sato had held onto it just to keep it at first and forgotten about it when life intervened and neither Ursa nor Avatar Korra remembered to try and make contact with each other. While Korra was gone years later, recovering from the poison away from Republic City, in the vision Ursa saw Asami Sato tearfully re-discover the autographed letter at a time when Ursa's other idol was down. Though, Ursa noticed the vision did not show exactly in what way Asami Sato had been down…

Just like seeing Avatar Korra, that is something for another day. And now, the rest - relatively simple, aside from a very recent event in your life. The evacuee camp - and your effects on others there…

Relatively simple - her light half had made a massive understatement, Ursa finding herself merely watching a major world event unfold in front of her past self - no mention or recollection of the effects of her pondering the nature of evil after her brush with Amon on her, getting the feeling her second time of troubles would be glossed over as well.

As the battle between Unalaq's fusion with Vaatu and then just Korra's massive astral projection reached its climax, Jinora appeared out of nowhere and illuminated the light within the massive Dark Avatar's form - Raava. Ursa's light half intoned, Jinora was all of eleven - and even so, just like you did one year prior, she risked a lot - not knowing if her help would be of any use or not, or if Raava even still existed, as the view shifted to that of Jinora's loved ones watching over her body - Ursa smiling to see how elated they were when Jinora woke up.

The happiness they showed appeared no different than that her own family had shown when Ursa "woke up" from chasing snakes and shadows in the following two years, during her quest to try and perfectly distinguish the light and dark within herself.

The view shifted to something Ursa had never seen before, her light half intoning, There is a reason those parts of you chasing smoke will be glossed over - you have already learned the lesson you needed to from those struggles. That light can never fully illuminate the darkness - and that darkness can never fully extinguish light, Raava and Vaatu having fought as you see here for eons before Wan separated them. Ursa watched Raava and Vaatu in locked combat with each other with fascination, swearing she spotted Avatar Wan himself.

The last thing she saw of the vision an arc of fire separating Raava from Vaatu, her perspective changed once again, seeing herself greeting her baby sister Buniq into the world, her light half intoning, Hatred has great difficulty rising from the ashes - once exposed, people are on guard. Love, on the other hand, has an easy time rising from the ashes - your sister Buniq, an indirect product of your first major face off with evil versus Amon. I know your parents have told you the story, deciding after a close brush with death that they wanted another life and light in their family. And you listened well to that story, helping Buniq every step along the way - even when dark days visited again. Let us continue - you can see Buniq when you wake up. Warmwings… likely not.

Still reluctant to leave her baby sister in any way, her perspective changed yet again, seeing herself with Warmwings for the first time, not experiencing her own feelings of frustration, anger, and… endless hunger to exterminate the darkness within as she watched. Instead, she felt the spirit's concern for her, noticing it felt very "human-y" even back then, hearing her light half intone, This is the past - and the future. The future Warmwings is currently fighting for right now - that man and spirits may live together in peace and harmony, Avatar Wan's answer to the issue completely different than that of Avatar Korra's ten thousand years later. A decision shaped by ten thousand year's worth of progress - and even the opinions of her mad uncle…

Image shifting again, Ursa loathe to stop feeling what Warmwings had back then, it was replaced by a relatively happier image, watching a "family" meeting soon after Harmonic Convergence. Aside from continuing her foolish quest to purify herself, Ursa had other thoughts on her mind at the time - the Red Lotus. Their family had been odd in many ways during that time - one of the first to embrace spirit's presence, Warmwings more a family member than "spirit pet" by the time Avatar Korra was hunting the Red Lotus. Ursa listened as her father reacted to what he had read in the paper of what little was then known about the Red Lotus, saying, "Perhaps that organization of madmen has some points - opposing today's White Lotus. Avatar Korra would have turned out a more balanced individual, had the Order of the White Lotus not changed their ways after the Hundred Year's War - a mentor like Iroh or Piandao unconcerned with the opinion of the other nations would have been far than keeping her under watch inside a compound…"

Seeing the whole family agree, the vision shifted again - this time to the whole family crowded around the radio, listening in as the announcement of the Earth Queen's death was made public. Ursa's mother gave Nana a slightly dirty look when Nana said, "I've heard the rumors about the Earth Kingdom - how it's even worse than it was at the end of the Hundred Year's War, the taxes… good riddance. I just hope the people behave themselves better after their little… celebration, and that her successor - if any - is less cruel." Ursa's mother admitted, reservations audible in her voice, "I… guess you do have a point, and given my husband and Ursa's nodding, they think so too. I just hope they know when to stop - and that Zaheer just leaves the good leaders - even including Raiko, I guess - and Avatar Korra alone. All she's been doing is trying to help rebuild a nation…"

After another timeskip, Ursa watched as they reacted to the news from the radio as though someone had killed Nana, her father saying in horror, "After all these years, defeating the misguided Equalists, her power-hungry uncle and Vaatu… to think we came this close to losing Avatar Korra. I hope she heals as well as you did three years ago, Ursa - and that you stop chasing smoke!" Ursa not able to remember if she had blushed from embarrassment from the compliment or the censuring from her father, after another timeskip, Ursa was much happier to watch her past, listening in as she nuzzled Warmwings happily, saying, "I feel so much better now - stopping that stupid quest. From what I've heard, Avatar Korra is recovering slowly and steadily - and that Kuvira person is slowly restoring order to the Earth Kingdom." Her father nodded, smiling slightly as he said, "I've heard the rumors about her - but I hope they aren't true. If they are… you said it yourself a while back. Maybe some people need a dictator to keep them in line. The Fire Nation got Firelord Izumi after many years lost in the wilderness before the reign of her father - and the people of the Earth Kingdom have gotten the questionable Kuvira for their wild behavior. People get what they deserve, in the end - though I'm not sure what we did to deserve President Raiko, or the people who elected him."

The whole family laughing, Ursa saw in hindsight the laughter "should have been" bitter, knowing the coming storm. She witnessed another fragment in time, her father putting on his uniform and grabbing his sword as he said, "I just got a message from General Iroh II - apparently, following Kuvira's crushing of the Kyoshi Medal of Freedom at Prince Wu's very failed coronation yesterday, he's going to lobby Raiko to be as aggressive as possible - and prepare. I'm going to go and help out as much as I can. Ursa - keep practicing with your new, bigger sword and shield with Lee-Lee." Halfway out the door, her father's shoulders slumped when Ursa said, "Aside from having fun with Lee-Lee… what's the point? This new Earth Empire is full of metalbenders - they'd likely just turn my own weapons against me," her father Hideki replying curtly, "You know as well as I do the training is to keep you fit for bending as well," adding after both daughter and wife put their hands on hereditarily wide hips, "Sorry - I shouldn't have chosen the words I did. Not fit - trained and conditioned, as you are and have been for quite some time. You have enough trouble with how you look as is - but I am very proud of you for keeping up your training. Reminding yourself every time you don't want to how you tired out against the Equalists four years ago…" After a pause, her mother still giving her father a slight glare, Hideki said, "Honey… I didn't think. And you, Ursa. It's just… you saying such things worries me, Ursa. When you think like that, you invite the darkness and depression you know you've struggled with back into your heart. I may have finally gotten the Dark Spirit of depression away from me - but I have to work at it every day. Worry less about the weight of your body - worry more about the weight you carry around in your mind and heart."

The scene shifting again, Ursa realizing she hadn't truly listened to what her father had said until just now, she saw herself at the evacuee camp, listening as her light half intoned, You were right earlier, to question how effective changes in this inner dream world will be. If you continue old mental habits, such as the ones your father just pointed out, no amount of spirit energy and assistance will help. Just as waking up and having another large "snack" would set you back, so would waking up and not putting in the effort to keep the changes you've worked for. I want you to listen to your internal thoughts, to pay close attention to what you are about to experience next - your final revisiting of the past.

Feeling the world around her become more and more reality than vision as Ursa's spectral form approached her body, her light half intoned, Make good use of this opportunity… Feeling time and space distort again, yesterday seeming like tomorrow, right now seeming like 100 million years in the past, Ursa finally assumed her body - and "old" disposition.

Knowing full well what would likely greet her once she was finished - the unreality of not mattering… in "physical" form.

Idly wandering around the evacuee camp, her own family having listened and gotten out of town during the original evacuation urged by formerly Prince Wu, having had previous experience with being in the middle of a warzone, Ursa didn't really have much to do, aside from help Nana keep an eye on her sister Buniq, who was currently playing with other children. Ursa had stood and fought against Amon. But what she had heard about spirit weaponry unofficially from her father before the battle, Ursa had no desire to go up against it in an urban environment, Kuvira's technology leaps and bounds ahead of anything the Equalists had used.

As requested, they had kept their baggage minimal - all Ursa had brought from home was her now totally useless sword and shield, sighing, "My dad had warned me about what his commander General Iroh II said the weapon could do, even told me about the eye-witness testimony from people who had seen it fired… but I didn't expect the Colossus. At least I could have flanked a train weapon, stuck my blade in its controls… guess my sword and shield really are just sentimental now."

Her mother came over, re-assuring her, "No - I'm sure it will be fine. Kuvira surrendered - nobody's going to use those weapons again. Though I wish the Avatar and others had listened to one of President Raiko's only good ideas - meet technology with technology. But that doesn't matter now. We're just lucky our apartment didn't get caught in the blast. Now come on - I finally got my cooking stuff my manager let me… borrow packed again, so we should be ready to go back home now. My stuff's likely the only part of my workplace left…"

Ursa had a bad feeling in her gut about such things, her intuition telling her the Earth Empire wasn't done yet, Ursa nodded her head when her mother said, "I know what you're worrying about - the Earth Empire living on. We've already lived through something like this before - Amon. The Equalists fizzled out almost entirely after Amon's defeat, completely once they found Noatak's body and Tarrlok's washed up on the shore of the Fire Nation four years ago… They've got Kuvira alive and captive; from what I've heard from your father, they have Baatar Jr. as well. I'm sure everything is going to be just fine - now let's go."

Her mother did not mention the bizarre behavior Warmwings had displayed recently, the normally joyful dragonfly bunny spirit having seemed sick ever since late last night, coming down with some sort of odd spirit disease - not "speaking" a word about it to Ursa. The spirit had faint red lines that would grow bigger any time Warmwings was near some other spirits or people being mean, and shrink when the spirit was near her family - Buniq especially.

Relaying her thoughts to her mother as they finished taking down the military tent they had all stayed in, one of the perks of having a father in the military, her mother frowned deeply, saying, "I noticed too - and I have no idea what it means." Still frowning, her mother looked around as though making sure someone wasn't nearby, Ursa's eyes widening when her mother admitted, "I didn't want to worry you, but if you're already thinking about it… you should know. If you say 'Avatar Korra' or 'Raava' around your female spirit friend… the lines grow, for some reason."

Ursa by now very worried, she finished packing everything up, saying, "Hopefully we can help her when we get back home," adding after looking around, "Haven't seen her for a while - at least Buniq's doing fine," Nana finally speaking, saying, "Maybe you shouldn't have put the cooking stuff away, Panik - never tried feeding Warmwings any food. Food might not be love… but it is lovely, and can help when you're - "

Nana never got to finish her thought, Ursa hearing someone yell loudly after a squealing of tires, "What - NO! COME BACK HERE! Forget all the expensive stuff… You rotten bastards just stole some of my only son's things!"

Turning to the sound's source, Ursa saw a van speeding away from an older couple, appearing heavily laden - headed towards some unknown destination. Grabbing her shield and sword by reflex, Ursa found a clear spot to try and launch herself from, yelling, "Get away - firebender taking off!" after putting her sword into its scabbard and her shield on her back, knowing she'd need all four flamejets to take off - and catch this van.

Successfully launching, blushing slightly to hear someone say, "Whoa - never seen a dark-skinned firebender before," grumbling when another added, "Or someone that big take off!" Intent on her target, Ursa paid no heed when the person added, "She must be pretty good then - impressive," thinking instead, "Should have skipped more meals in the evacuee camp, trained more!"

Whoever these thieves were, they weren't very good, Ursa handily managing to catch up, some part of her remembering Hiroshi Sato had maneuvered his mechatank with more grace four years ago. Trying something she had never done before, she ceased using her hands to propel herself - shooting a series of small flaming shots at the van's hood, hoping to force them to stop.

All she managed to accomplish was making the drivers panicked, hearing one say through an opened window, "What, you don't want us to eat?" Ursa took a deep breath, trying a last resort, concentrating intensely as she tried to generate lightning while in the air…

Shocked and amazed when she managed to send out a bolt from the air, though not entirely pleased with its size, she overshot the van when it stopped, hearing someone say, "Stop! Don't hurt the van anymore - it's all we've got!" Looking at them, Ursa noticed they did not look good, the woman saying, covering her forehead, "Don't kill us either! Please - take anything you want!"

Feeling vaguely horrified, but still suspicious, Ursa landed, unsheathing and using her sword to puncture the front two tires, saying as she moved to the second one, "If you're crooks, thieves - you don't need a van. If you're just hungry like I think you are… My family will pay for new tires. Maybe even cook for you." The woman sneered slightly, asking, "Wh- hah! Cook for us? What would someone like you care about us?" Ursa replying with a frown, "The same reason I chased you in the first place. All I heard was some woman yelling about losing some of her only son's things to you two - caring only about that and not the valuables inside your van."

The man began crying, the woman saying as Ursa saw some other, similarly rough looking people approach from the distance, swearing something looked… off about her forehead, "What - not even the money?" This earned her a quick jab to the ribs from the man, the man saying, "Did you not hear what she just said? Let's let these people take back what they want - just as long as we get some food, I don't care if we end up in jail later…"

Hearing the gunning of a motor behind her, one that faded over time, Ursa turned around, seeing a Republic City Police vehicle approaching, someone yelling through a loudspeaker, "Thieves, put your hands behind your head, and drop any weapons you have! This may be an evacuee camp, but we're still enforcing the law!"

Ursa was horrified when the woman placed her hands behind her head, laughed, "Can't drop this 'weapon'!" and took a deep breath, stepping out away from the vehicle, what must have been her husband yelling, "We're no thieves - just hungry. But she's not going to jail - we've got a baby, and other kids too. My wife's got a special talent. Getting out and arresting us, taking us away from our family… I don't think you want to do that, officers." Ursa saw some police officers exit the vehicle anyways, one having an odd gleam in his eye.

Hearing a curious "crac-ack" sound followed by a loud boom, the husband continued after his wife exhaled, Ursa had hardly been able to believe her eyes when the police vehicle exploded in a way she had only heard of, one of the police officers yelling as he got out his cable and bent up a small rock, "SHE'S A COMBUSTIONBENDER! Aim for the third eye - you're going in lockup, hungry or not!"

Ursa had once defended Republic City Police officers from an out of control bully, feeling extremely oddly when she found the roles reversed in a way, saying, "Hey, you! Don't! All they want is some food, as far as I know all the woman wants back is her son's keepsakes - forget the law, go for what's right!" The woman nodded weakly, saying, "I've never used my ability for anything but self-defense - not even to steal with. I didn't blow up that woman's tent to get at her stuff to pawn off, after all. I used my brain. I know what it's like to lose someone, and don't want to kill. I guess I'll even go to jail - just as long as my family gets taken care of. But if my kids go hungry, possibly die…"

All but one of the police officers relaxed, their apparent leader saying, "That is all very well - but you are still in possession of a very dangerous ability. And I cannot take a thief's word that they will be good in future, so… hey! Stand back at attention, men, and woman - we're still arresting her! Can't have someone with a mind that can explode things just wandering around - you remember P'li, right? I'll give you a little of what is 'lost' if you go along… the White Lotus might even be interested in her. Learn the secrets of combustionbending… possibly teach the Avatar."

The woman taking another deep breath, Ursa felt forced to make a decision - ending up knocking out the corrupt officer instead, saying quickly and with a slightly quaky voice after the woman combustionbended a hill instead, "J-just because she's got that a-ability doesn't make her bad! W-what, are you going to ask the A-avatar to take her bending away, like A-amon might have? F-forcing her to work for the White Lotus - j-just like P'li was going to be for someone else before Zaheer rescued her?! Way to propagate resentment!" All the police officers shook their heads, one saying, "Point taken. The morals, all the paperwork… We'll forget this happened," the stunned one groaning, "NO. So… embarrassing. Getting… you… for… this… fatty…"

One of the other officers kicked the downed one to get his attention, saying, "Do that, I'll tell Chief Lin Beifong you wanted to try and bribe us into arresting people who were willing to surrender - with stolen goods, nonetheless. And we've got a somewhat impartial witness this time. How's that sound?" When no response came other than a weak shaking of the head, all the other officers laughed, the female one said, "Finally - got some witnesses and dirt on him. He's getting reported anyways - though throwing out the whole combustionbending bit, still saying you should be… monitored. Knowing Officer Jiaohua here, probably for your protection - not anyone else's. Wanting to sell her to the White Lotus, even though they'd probably refuse… Damn dirty copper - we were terrified of him, until… this. Both of you - what are your names?"

Still nervous, Ursa figured throwing in her father's name couldn't hurt, saying, "I'm Ursa - daughter of United Republic Army Officer Hideki," the woman cop smiling slightly, saying, "Relax, kid - I heard Chief Lin Beifong threw the Avatar into temporary lockup for 'bad behavior' once, but with this doofus knocked out and blackmailed… you've got nothing to worry about." Smiling, Ursa caught the woman speaking, saying, "My name is Kyoretsuna - and if the White Lotus will feed my family and acts as honorably as Ursa did, I will gladly help them learn about combustionbending and teach the Avatar, if she wishes to learn."

The woman officer nodded, finally introducing herself as Ursa noticed they had company from the more "affluent" part of the evacuee camp, saying, "Name's Jin. Officer Jin if Mr. Corrupt here gets booted out of the force. Ursa - seems like your family and some others are here. I'll put in a request for food and supplies in Officer Jiaohua's name," adding with a frown, "Seeing how hungry you all look… it might be needed just to get you back to the city and established again, wherever you're from." After a short pause, Jin said, "Kyoretsuna. Forget the White Lotus for now - let's get you all back in shape first. Ursa - you don't know how to cook, perchance?"

Ursa smiled slightly, saying, "Yes," as she looked at her mother, smiling broadly to see that Warmwings was back - and looking healthier as well. Ursa watched as the rightful owner of the goods approached, saying with audible sadness, "My only son… lost to Kuvira's weapon. He was on guard duty at the outpost that got… got obliterated. He… was just about to propose to his beloved soon as well…" Ursa gave the woman a big hug as Kyoretsuna said to the older woman Ursa was hugging, "I lost a son too - four years ago, during the Equalist attack on Republic City. Those rats had scouted me out, followed our movement through the city as a family on the move, homeless but hanging on. Woke up to find myself staring at an Equalist glove, my third eye blocked, my oldest son fighting them. The only child to inherit my talent… and my firstborn as well."

Experiencing a momentary peace, she found it ruined when the downed corrupt officer said, "I'll get you for this, obese troublemaker," finding herself unable to enjoy much for a while, even as everything was settled around her, snapping back to attention when her mother tapped her shoulder, asking, "Hey - you've just… been there for a while. Buniq's playing with Kyoretsuna's kids, Warmwings is doing great, me and Nana are cooking - you want to help?"

Seeing a hateful stare from Officer Jiaohua, Ursa nodded weakly, saying, "Yes" - hoping she might be able to help and eat her way out of whatever hole she'd fallen into. The insult, but more than that…

Seeing evil again. This time, in the form of a Republic City Police Officer… wondering if there was any form it couldn't take.

Feeling a disconnect, at first Ursa felt a bizarre kind of pain, realizing quickly it was really a good-feelings overload, eventually feeling all different people's feelings mashed together as one, feeling what the effects of her actions had been at the evacuee camp. She watched everything in a blur - staying two days more away from home to help, providing support, feeling how mildly she had reacted to everything, commonly just saying, "Not a problem," after someone thanked her heartily for something…

Not appreciating what she was doing.

Considering all these things, Ursa wanted to change as best she could once she woke up, thinking strongly, "Wow. I've mattered my whole life - so busy being down I didn't even remember my childhood properly, gumming up Amon's war machine - helping the White Lotus possibly find a combustionbender. But more than that… helping people mainly not with my bending, but by being myself. Just like Noatak told me - I need to be me. Nothing more, nothing less…"

The good feelings intensifying, Ursa felt as though everything she had been shown, re-experienced became a part of her permanently, seeing an image of her own body and a ball of multicolor fire over its heart, hearing her light half intone as a familiar ashen doppler slowly materialized next to the fireheart Ursa, Say it. Say it now.

The ashen doppler of herself appeared to materialize more when Ursa thought, "Say what?" Seeing the fire in the heart of the other Ursa dim accordingly, Ursa grasped at straws, "saying" wherever she was, "I did lots of cool stuff! Crap - ashen doppler gaining… I had a bigger impact than I thought! WHAT? Nonono don't…"

Trying to think what Nana might tell her, Ursa got the feeling that time was running out somehow, blue fire heart now orange and red - ashen Ursa doppler opening its mouth to reveal another void…

Feeling some sort of weak tug, Ursa thought strongly, "I am a worthy individual - deserving of love from others," glad to notice the tides had turned, blue fire in the normal looking Ursa's chest and getting the impression the ashen one was screaming - still getting the impression she needed to say something else if she wanted out…

Something finally clicked.

Ursa no longer feeling formless, seeing she was standing next to the ashen doppler, holding a blue fire in her hand, she said loudly, "I have fought for many others, but it is time I fight for myself. Put in the hard work I need to to get to the next stage of my life - working on loving myself." Her ashen doppler now cracked and dissipating, her skin and bones, eerily lighted dark half revealing itself within the crumbled doppler. Ursa continued anyways. She noticed the fire in her hands turned from blue to the color of dragon's fire as she said, "Even if that means giving up old ideas and illusions I have - and embracing outside ones. Broaden my horizons - move from wisdom to enlightenment, not for knowledge's or spiritual advancement's sake, but my sake. I am worth work."

Fire in her hands now burning strongly, Ursa turned to her dark half, seeing it was the size of a four-year old now, Ursa saying, "It will be a lot of hard work, and I am sure I will mistakes. But I will do it. I am taking back the self-love the world stole from me." By now seeing the terror and desperation in her doppler's eyes, Ursa extended her right arm, the arm holding the living flame, saying, "You are not welcome here."

The doppler not moving, growing seemingly in defiance, Ursa attempted to use the fire as a weapon, saying, "I WILL FIGHT!" loudly as she successfully wielded dragon's fire. Smelling the sickening scent of charred flesh, she noticed her doppler was now only bone and sinew, saying as red and gold eyes blazed hatefully, "And so will I, and your brain. You will tire in time. And the depression will return - take its toll on you. This life shall end in the ultimate failure!"

The doppler flinched and beginning to roast as if from within, bones cracking when Ursa glared at it strongly, resolute. Ursa swore she heard someone else's speech join her own as she said, "NO! I'll speak in terms you'll understand, little girl - terms of those who were or are dark. Evil. I will be as unceasing as the Equalist Revolution wanted to be, as unyielding as Unalaq was, zealous as Zaheer is, determined as Kuvira is, ruthless as Jinshu Kuangmai against you without losing myself, and use my brain to be as clever as Long Yumao!"

Her dark half by now nothing more than pulsing red energy in the shape of her own adult skeleton, Ursa looked at it, smiling slightly as she said, "Thank you very much - I've never seen my own skeleton before so clearly. I guess I really do have big bones."

Seeing it had no reaction, Ursa simply turned around and walked away, hearing a screeching as she ignored it, seeing her older, motherly body begin to take shape at her chosen destination inside the endless black expanse, saying, "Looking good" as she arrived, getting ready to follow her pleased light half's example and place her hand on the orb.

About to place her hand there, Ursa was puzzled to see that another woman had just appeared and was also touching the orb, her light half saying, "Right now, the energy is so strong within you that we may be able to seal you against any further intrusions. You have done a lot of work for yourself - and it would be a shame if Koh could appear in one of your dreams and steal your face."

Placing her hand on the orb, Ursa felt a bizarre sensation - as though she were herself, her light half and this mystery woman all at once…

Hearing an odd click, getting the sense she'd never be bothered by external forces in the dream world again, Ursa retracted her hand - seeing the strange woman was still present, now a fair distance aways, on her side of the yin yang sphere. Her light half speaking an unintelligible word, Ursa saw it vanish - though the woman did not, the woman saying with sadness in her voice, "Good work - though it is a shame it took you so long to get to even this point, with such a family... Just desserts, I suppose - even if I did change my ways. He learned as well - but that did not stop Raava and karma…"

Not entirely sure who this mysterious, beautiful woman was, aside from the fact her voice was familiar, Ursa stared at the woman's naked form, saying enviously, "Wh… beautiful… you even have the light skin color I'd prefer, being a firebender!" Ursa held out a hand with a weak flame, pitiful compared to the one she had toasted her dark half with, saying, "I… I'd give my bending to have that kind of body! Again! Here - take it! I'd give it to you over Amon any day," saying earnestly, "Please - increased self-worth or not, I… I wanna look like you!" The woman laughed, tossing the hair that so closely resembled Ursa's own, saying, "The irony… I would have gladly taken your body and bending," adding, looking slightly ashamed with herself as Ursa gave her a sour look, Ursa's hands on her hips, "Not that there's anything wrong with your body - I think it's beautiful, strong. Might have even helped… As I learned - it's what's inside that counts most." Ursa nodded, saying, "Thank you - I guess I still don't appreciate what I have. I'll have to work on it," the woman crying slightly when Ursa said, "Trade your body, for my body and bending… still see that as a raw deal," looking sullen when Ursa finished, "Whoever you are, I hope nothing bad happened to you."

Remembering all she had just seen, Ursa asked the woman, seeing her as the motherly type, feeling comfortable after the apology, "Why… why are people bad? You seem like a spirit, maybe the Painted Lady's cousin - the Pretty Naked Lady!" the woman blushing at the compliment as Ursa finished, "Sure seem like a spirit. Popping in randomly - do you know why?" Ursa listened with shock as the woman responded, sniffing, "I am as human as you. There isn't any reason people are mean, cruel, vicious, violent - there wasn't the last time either. And there never will be. It's just how the Universe is, I'm afraid." Ursa cocked her head, asking, "Who are you - and why did your voice keep popping up earlier? And why do the things you say seem familiar?" The woman sighed, ignoring her question, simply stating, "I am within you, just as much as your family, friends, spirit or human - anyone else you love," adding as she walked over quickly, "Though… you should love yourself more, like I said earlier. The first time. Like you said before I appeared… thought with a whole lot more words. See you around - hopefully only in good dreams." Finished, the woman was now running at her full tilt!

Ursa utterly baffled when the woman did not collide with her, instead returning to her body much as she had heard Raava now did on a regular basis into Korra, laughing when she heard her light half intone, That further interaction… was certainly not planned. I guess your dark half popping out of the ashen doppler unexpected brought… instability, I'll call it. Wondering who the woman was, Ursa frowned when she heard her light half intone, Remember not poking your dark half with sticks? Same thing applies. Don't mess where you shouldn't. Remembering her own analogy to Raava returning to Korra, Ursa nodded her head, saying out loud, "Whatever it is, if it's ever relevant… I'm sure I'll find out," feeling peaceful when he light half intoned, A good attitude to have, wondering just how flawed Avatar Korra, her idol, was when it finished, One the Avatar could use pertaining to this "issue", finding the next thing it intoned most reasonable: Aside from the emotional impact of your curious meeting, I will do my best to keep this a secret, should you ever be infobended by Avatar Korra.

At first wondering what it was about this that was so… sensitive to anyone but herself, Ursa shook her head, saying, "No - not looking. I've already gone looking for snakes. My gut tells me this is something good… but I don't want to stare into the sun either, trying to figure out who she was - why she went back inside me, like… I've heard Avatar Aang might go back into Avatar Korra." Ursa smiled slightly, not saying anything - pretty sure who she had just seen, even if she didn't know her past name. Feeling her mind wander, trying to put things together without her input, Ursa felt an odd surge of energy, her train of thought lost, not sure what her light half was talking about when it said, Damn - even when you're actively not trying to think about something… you think about it!

Still able to remember what had happened, Ursa recalled what the woman looked like, laughing slightly when she saw a tall, stocky woman with glittering green eyes bending metal, "THAT'S who my past life was? A pudgy woman metalbender cop? Guess much doesn't change…" somewhat confused when she heard her light half intone sadly, That's… not what I was going for. Though I did dispense for the need for Avatar Korra tailored editing… Ursa simply shrugged, saying, "Whatever - dealt with it then, sure I can deal with it again, even if she does look relatively lighter than myself, to be charitable," smiling to hear her light half intone, That's… a wonderful way to look at it.

Goodbye - though I will always be within you.

Thinking a little, Ursa realized an inconsistency with the whole story - the woman had talked like she was a nonbender, wanting to take Ursa's deal if she could have, yet she clearly saw her past life bending metal, wearing a metalbender cop uniform! Ursa grumbled in confusion when she heard a voice intone, one she had heard before, one different than her own internal voice, Very well - the original, true version has been restored, as well as a little help to not accidentally figure it out. That is, based on what you know now, as was your wish before your mind wandered… That is, figure it out AGAIN.

Ursa didn't care that the voice said she had figured out her real past life, had it wiped. She was obsessed. The voice… she swore she had heard it before! It sounded female, powerful, wise, ancient… yet had a… human-y personality. Could it be…?

Yes. Raava.

Ursa listened with disbelief as what certainly felt like Raava continued, not sensing any hidden darkness, only light, I can sense you are wondering how I can talk to you - while my "host" Avatar Korra is asleep, my power of communication improves dramatically - able to talk to anyone in the inner dream world at will. Earlier, even a little outside - remember "Love is never wasted?"

Ursa nodding in the affirmative, she laughed when Raava finished, Hah - I can also sense your desire to know more about Kuvira. What she might have gone through. That… Also leave for later, blushing slightly when the powerful being added, I know you wanted to be useful, mad you missed the reinforcements - I'm sure you'll find something, though probably not as awesome as finding a combustionbender, laughing after Raava seemingly finished for good, intoning, Ugh! I thought I was supposed to be nearly all powerful..? Whatever. Okay - been pushing myself, talking to so many at once… maybe I need helpers? Other guy does… Afraid I have to go. Bye.

Thinking a little, Ursa mumbled, " 'Other guy' what? Who… Huh? The only powerful spirit I know of that's male is Vaatu," wondering, "There's spirits aligned with Raava, Long Yumao… what if… Jinshu Kuangmai has spirits on his side too?"

Ursa heard a rather incensed Raava intone, What the…? Sheesh - guess if "we" ever meet, I'll have to watch my yap, and tell Korra to be careful! Your light half already took some… liberties, groaning when Raava added, Not telling you the answer about the "other guy" - aside from he's definitely not Vaatu.

Hey! Big sis! Wake up! Momma worry you sleep still!

Shaking her head, Ursa thought, "What the…? Didn't figure the spirit of light to talk like a three-year old, or call me big sis," surprised yet not surprised to hear Raava intone, Ever since the beginning of the Spirit Civil War, especially after… something you will find out in a press release if at all happened, the little bit of myself and Vaatu inside every human has become more accessible. It was always there - only now after becoming more "human-y" have I connected with it beyond the Avatar. Your little sister Buniq is no different - that was her inner light, speaking directly to you.

Just as your inner light spoke to her without you knowing - letting her know earlier that big sis was in trouble. Now go - say hello to your little sister. I have other things to attend to.

At first tempted to ponder what the spirit of light and balance was doing talking to someone like her, Ursa closed her eyes, thinking, "Just because I want to change badly does not mean it will be easy."

Noticing that even though she had closed her eyes it seemed awfully… light for still being in an endless black expanse as she had been before the curious end to her partial life review, Ursa opened her eyes again - ending up squinting them, saying with annoyance in her voice, "BUNIQ! Did you have to turn on every light in the room? One or two would have been just fine!" Her little sister just laughed, saying, "Yay - big sis back up! Big soft hug from big sis?" Buniq put her hand over her mouth, pausing for a moment - as though waiting for Ursa to say something, almost appearing like she was bracing for something unpleasant somehow…

Ursa remembering she sometimes told Buniq to just call her sis and not big sis out of self-image issues, much less mention "big soft hugs", Ursa smiled, saying as she took the covers off of her, "I don't mind being called big sis at all - big sis had some very nice sleep and dreams. I'll gladly give you a big soft hug." Buniq nodded, asking as she cocked her head, "Big sis think she pretty? What happen?" Ursa sat up, turning to face her sister, pausing for a moment, then shrugging, saying, "For what I am - yes. I'd still like to be smaller, though," smiling when Buniq gave her a hug, Ursa returning the favor, Buniq saying, "Smaller - bad hug! No like poke!"

Flinching slightly, recalling how her dark half's bones had almost poked through its skin, eerie red light visible through its paltry bone coverings, Ursa said, trying to get back to happy things, "What about this kind of poke?" Tickling her sister slightly, Buniq squealed happily, saying, "Like long poke! Come - mama need see you!" adding after a tickle of her own on Ursa's back, "Not said what happen yet. Tell?"

Ursa sighed deeply as she got up fully, towering over her little sister, saying earnestly, "A lot happened in there - and someone told me I need to draw more. No, not mom! I'll just… tell everyone who's here the take away, and draw and write out the rest. Okay?"

Buniq smiled, saying, "Okay!" pointing to the drawer where Ursa kept most of her drawings, asking, "Draw real picture you? Without stupid heavy clothe! Clothe mama make you! What I wear when have to wear clothe." Ursa wasn't entirely sure how to answer that, saying as she remembered something else in that drawer she had been specifically instructed to look at after, "I… I don't know about that. I feel better… but not that better yet," finishing after a glance in the mirror, "I'll see what I end up feeling like doing. The stuff from sleep didn't stick totally. Have to put in work on myself for it to be true out here fully. Okay?"

Buniq nodded, chirping, "Work for you - good!" adding as Ursa fished around for her long neglected medal in the drawer, "What you doing? And why Bolin and Asami no clothe?"

The color drained from Ursa's face, saying as she snapped up the two works of "art", "Uh - they were both too hot! Felt like they needed some cool air," laughing slightly when Buniq blew on the rapidly retreating pictures, saying, "Be cool!" Finally getting the pictures put away, hoping Buniq wouldn't remember that part, Ursa finally felt her fingers touch cold metal, saying as she took out the award she had ignored for so long, "Big sis hasn't gotten a good look at this yet - so try and be quiet. Okay?"

Buniq pointed at the medal, saying, "Aang! Aang!" stopping after a light cough from Ursa, Buniq sitting down on the floor, saying, "Be quiet - for now! Explain what mean."

Trying to recall what General Iroh II had said back then and "just" now during the life review, Ursa explained very simply and briefly what she did to get it, noticing Buniq was nodding very early on, stopping as her sister said, "Already know story - love story! Big sis did big! Want to see medal now!"

Remembering there was a fairly simple inscription on the back of the medal Ursa had already seen, figuring Buniq would find it fascinating, entirely new to her little sister, Ursa examined the front - starting to cry a little out of happiness and surprise, Buniq asking, "Big sis okay? Why cry?"

Examining the medal closely, Ursa said, "These are happy tears, Buniq," the medal itself about three inches in diameter - the past Raiko had been right about its size, roughly close to that of the Kyoshi Medal of Freedom Kuvira crushed a while ago. Unlike that medal, there was no gold on it - but the inscriptions meant a lot to Ursa. The medal itself having a backdrop of the United Republic of Nations symbol made of brass, Ursa began reading the characters on the medal. The prominent Airbending Master forehead tattoo arrow had "Mettle" on it, the symbol for Air above the characters, still on the blue arrow itself. Seeing there was another smaller, white arrow leading from its left side with "Flexibility" on it that lead to the symbol for Water to the arrowhead's left, Ursa followed the apparent path that Avatar Aang took to master the elements, another white arrow between Water and Earth - the symbol for Earth directly beneath the airbending arrow - that read "Guts", able to recall that then "Sifu Toph" had told Aang that was what he needed to master earthbending.

Continuing to look at the medal, Ursa felt like she was holding history in her hand, having learned a lot about Avatar Aang's life. After following the next white arrow up and to the right that had "Intensity" written on it, pointing to the other element Avatar Aang had trouble with, Fire, Ursa thought, "My light half was right - I saw better in the dark at the fridge than I had… up until now," hearing her little sister Buniq protest, "Can't read back! Nice looking - you read now!" Ursa laughed slightly, noticing there was one area of the front beneath the symbol for Earth with what appeared to be more characters and a small latch, saying, "Just a minute," her eyes widening to read yet again what she had that made her deserving of this wonderful, neglected medal: "Inner strength and courage."

Quickly explaining the front to Buniq, reading the personalized inscription on the back of the medal, Ursa could feel her heart pounding in excitement and anticipation - wondering what was on the medal's inside. She had never opened it - only General Iroh II and the metalsmiths and artisans of Yu Dao knew what lay inside…

Finally opening the locket, Ursa saw a very detailed image of Avatar Aang in the Avatar State surrounded by an elemental bubble, idly wondering why she had never heard of Avatar Korra using that technique as she admired all four elements being bent at once - something she had never seen directly. By now crying a stream of happy tears, she let Buniq see what she had seen - eyes widening to see there was an inscription on the other half of the clamshell locket, reading the inscription out loud: "The heart, determination and will of an indominatable Avatar."

Feelng completely overcome by emotions she hadn't felt in years, Ursa sat down, laughing slightly when Buniq said, hands on her hips, "Duh! You need piece metal tell you that? I no need piece metal tell me that! About you - OR me!"

Deciding that she'd be wearing her Avatar Aang Medal of Mettle as much as possible, having a feeling in her gut it would help her cheer up when she was down, Ursa stood up, saying, "Little sis - I need you to leave now. I'm going to get dressed," giving her sister a brief evil eye when she said, "Wear pretty clothe - not bag clothe!" Ursa shook her head, saying, "Fine - but under the baggy clothes," Buniq looking at her like she was crazy.

Thinking about how hot and heavy two layers of clothes would be, Ursa realized her little sister may have had a point, saying as her little sister panted in mock heat exhaustion, "I'll wear something I can stuff in my backpack if I get hot. Okay?" Buniq nodded, saying as though she were the big sister, "Okay. Do it, then come see momma. She worried - she be happy to see you!"

Buniq now gone, Ursa put on her "normal" clothes, thinking as she looked at sword, shield, baggy clothes and backpack, "Hmm… suppose it would be a bit hypocritical to go in and tell mom I don't mind my body as much as I used to… while wearing all that concealing stuff," deciding, "I'll pack them anyways - only wear them if I start feeling self-conscious," quickly finishing - swearing she smelled something wonderful in the air, maybe even feeling a little… hunger?

Standing still for a minute, remembering her experience as Food Drunk Ursa, she thought, "I'll… have to think about that, feelings or not," as she turned out her lights and opened the windows for something to see dimly by should she need to return. Never having worn her backpack and weapons before, a sword and shield definitely not school-approved items to bring along, Ursa produced a small flame to see by - noticing that while it was not blue, she had managed to produce a much brighter and bigger one than normal with the same chi "juice" applied. Finding her weapons and trying them on, Ursa was surprised to find she could handle them easily. After trying out something she had heard Lord Zuko did once in his youth, smiling broadly to see flames dance on her much more nimble and sharper yanmandao, Ursa said before stopping playing, "Guess that inadvertent diet and deliberate workout regime in the evacuee camp did me some good after all."

Turning out her personal light, not taking her "special" power for quite as granted after seeing herself lose her bending to Amon four years ago from a third-person perspective, Ursa made her way towards the kitchen area - having forgotten to put her shield and sword back. Smelling deeply automatically, her earlier concerns flew out the window, wondering out loud as she approached the kitchen area, "MMMM! Mom - what IS that? I've never smelled anything like it before," adding even though she heard the sounds of frying and sizzling, "Whatever it is, I'll have one… maybe some to go!"

Finally in the modest kitchen and seeing her mother surrounded by all sorts of ingredients, staring at her daughter in disbelief, Ursa looked at her mother Panik's face - beginning to cry slightly when she saw how worried and down her mother looked. Her mom said, apparently cooking on autopilot now, "URSA! I was so worried - first, we couldn't wake you when your dad left, and then earlier, just now?! I was worried sick - I've been doing this ever since Buniq told me you were in trouble - perfecting these 'panic cakes'! Got waterbending in the fillings down finally, and - wait a minute. Am I dreaming, or…?"

Ursa saw her mother's eyes dart to Ursa's chest, Ursa finding herself staring at her mother's disheveled state and… messy looking mouth, to put it kindly, Ursa stopping her staring when her mother said, still cooking, "Wh - the medal! I never thought I'd see you wearing it… let alone one of the dresses I made you, with light in your eyes! What happened?"

Ursa heard a warm voice laugh slightly in the corner, hearing her grandmother say, "I'd say whatever happened to Zuko over seven decades ago and Kuvira just recently happened - though in a totally different way. Based on your smile, Ursa, closer to what Aang did and his chakras - though I certainly hope you didn't do any of that letting go your earthly attachments nonsense!" Ursa laughed, shaking her head and saying, "I most certainly did not," Nana looking pleased initially as she said, "Good - you'd miss all of us, doing that. Come, little seal - why don't you try a… 'fun cake'?" Nana looked at her daughter irately after Ursa's mother said, "Panic cake," Nana wagging her finger as she said, "I already told you, Panik - that's not a good name, 'panic cake' - even if it is accurate!"

Ursa nodded, noticing her little sister was eagerly trying out their mother's latest creation, Ursa raising an eyebrow in disbelief when Buniq said, "Mmm - better than VarriCake! Love… Big Hug cake!" Nana laughed, saying, "That sounds like a really good name, sweetie," motioning for Ursa to sit down, saying without a hint of disapproval in her voice, "You're not the only one to use food as a crutch in this family, Ursa - your mom's been at it for quite a while. Ever since Buniq told her you were having some trouble, and were back asleep, out cold. In my opinion, she perfected the recipe long ago. Why don't you come try it, while she works off her stress - looks like you don't have much of your own."

Finally realizing she had entered the room wearing sword and shield, Ursa set them down along with her backpack, saying as she noticed Buniq declined the opportunity to poke and prod at her personal belongings, "Those things must be pretty good - my little sis isn't interested in my stuff in the least." Feeling a tap on her shoulder, Ursa turned around - seeing her mother was smiling slightly, saying, "I… I can cook up another batch or ten. Here - whatever you've been through, it must have been a lot. Here - hot off the stove. They go really well with milk," laughing slightly as she sat the strange steaming deserts down, "I had to pay out the nose for more, when we ran out. Here - let me get you some," laughing nervously when her mother turned around, saying, "And the maybe some more…" putting down a big glass of milk next to Ursa's plate.

Deeply curious, not having remembered ever seeing her mother like this before, Ursa fought off the urge to stare and quelled internal, judging thoughts screaming, "FOOD DRUNK MOM!" Looking at the plate in front of her, Ursa's eyes widened - though not in a good way. While these "Big Hug cakes" did look delicious… Ursa didn't care to count how many her mother had given her, only knowing that she'd likely hurt or offend her mother deeply if she didn't eat everything, thinking, "Hope this is either it until dinner, or I can burn these… delicious looking things and whatever milk she gives me off today."

Taking another deep breath, smelling many wonderful things, Ursa found herself grabbing one automatically - finding it felt hot, slightly fluffy, definitely greasy, yet heavy somehow - as though there was something inside, seeing the dough itself looked flecked somehow… cinnamon?

Taking the first bite, Ursa found they were better than VarriCakes - probably even cold! Fluffy dough and the cinnamon spice in it, the heat of the outside, the coolness and sweetness of the inside filling more flavorful than the core of any VarriCake… Getting a gut feeling she should just go with it, Ursa did, making sure to focus on the present and not nagging thoughts - finishing the plate and feeling like she had just been given many different kinds of soft hugs, different fillings in each Big Hug Cake's center. Chasing everything down with the glass of milk, feeling immensely satisfied, Ursa let out a deep, contented sigh, saying, "Wow - that was great. Didn't know I needed it - guess I did. Thanks, mom."

Noticing she had just been offered another plate, Ursa shook her head, still feeling physically satisfied and glad to not have offended her mother by refusing her gift, saying with a smile, "No, thanks - I'm good," adding after her mom looked a bit down, "Seems like you need them more anyways."

Mother now smiling, she said, "Whatever happened to you, Ursa - it must have been nothing but good," Ursa saying as her mom dug into the Big Hug Cakes with gusto that rivaled her own, "A lot happened - I've already told my little sister Buniq I'm going to draw and write most of it out. If I could infobend like Avatar Korra, I'd tell you everyth - what's wrong?"

Ursa knew her family was known for its unusual opinions, but she found herself shocked when her mother said, through a mouthful of Big Hug Cake, "If she hadn't… saved Kuvira for personal… reasons and made that… big explosion and new… Spirit Portal, then maybe… I could have a place to… go work at! Nevermind the… Spirit Civil War - I'm… just supposed to believe… that stupid Spirit Portal cap's going to… stay strong while she's off… who knows where? Asking Republic City to… go to the heart of the… Earth Empire, when she's been… gallivanting around the Fire Nation!... Conference this, emergency near Omashu that!"

Ursa grimaced slightly, seeing a bit of Food Drunk Ursa in her mother, very glad when Nana spoke for her, telling her sad-looking daughter, "Panik, please - calm down. What is, is - and being bitter about what someone who has suffered as much as Avatar Korra has won't solve anything. I know you're an adult, but I would advise you to make this your last batch of Big Hug Cakes - don't give me that look! Until later, of course - those things could outsell VarriCakes, for what it matters! What matters is you both try and deal with what's troubling you, and use the salve - not whine and moan while taking your 'medicine'! May as well just be eating for eating's sake then!"

Her mother looking very sheepish by now, she finished her current Big Hug Cake, saying as she laid down the plate and took a small swig of milk, "You're right, mom - I'm sorry, Ursa. I know your struggles with weight - and that wasn't a very good example to set." Starting to cry again, Ursa tempted to point when her mother reached for another Big Hug Cake, stopping when Nana shook her head, Panik sobbed, "I know what spirit weapons can do… and I'm just worried I'll never see my husband, father of two, Hideki again. Or get to bury him… All that stuff about the Avatar - I guess I'm just… bitter about my more replaceable loss… and that her spiritual mentor Tenzin was half of the decision to say, 'You can't resettle here!'… The spirits are already much more than restless… and given either she or her partner…No, either one of her 'partners' started it, the… Spirit Civil War, either Asami Sato or Raava… I had hoped the Avatar would be back here. Cleaning up the messes she made."

Her mother now looking like she needed some alone time, Ursa wasn't tempted to say anything about having had similar feelings, aside from implicitly trusting the Avatar's decisions far more than her mother did. She didn't want to feed her mother's sadness and bitterness - not after having experienced what food plus those two could do to herself…

Her mother looking at the stove, having by now finished all the Big Hug Cakes she had made, Ursa stood up, standing between her mother and the pan full of sizzling grease, saying, "Mom - no. Don't. You've faced the problem, taken your 'medicine'." Noticing she was getting a sour look from her mother at this point, Ursa not wanting to tell her little sister she had experienced the horror of being near a half ton, Ursa whispered the basics into her mother's ear, saying when her mother gave her a horrified look, "Normally, I wouldn't be so blunt - but I don't want you repeating my mistakes for real. You're calmed down now, look better - don't go back to that stove and make more to eat for right now. Please. For me and my sister."

Her mother gave Ursa a large, unexpected, powdery and greasy hug. Ursa returned the hug, her mother simply saying through tears, "Thank you for helping look out for me. I love you."

After explaining everything relevant to Nana, getting a pat on her back from her grandmother and a, "Good job," her mother finally spoke again, saying as she turned down the temperature on the pan, "Ursa - I've tried to show you the family photos before, my personal photos before, try to get you to see something beyond a happy family. I have a confession to make - that's not the first time I've had cooking binges." Ursa screwed up her face, saying, "Wh - I've always seen you as the 'skinny one'! What do you mean?" Her mother smiled slightly, saying, "Let's look first - and then talk," gesturing to Nana and saying, "Get the photos out. Ursa, you mentioned something briefly about 'mom weight' - well, now you can see it for real. Let's just say I was most definitely not always this weight… and I thank you for stopping me." Noticing the stove was still on, Ursa pointed at it, her mother saying, "I don't want to waste that grease - it's… fresh. I'll exhaust it and pack the Big Hug Cakes away, or for you - they've got fat, sugar, and carbohydrates. Pair them with some water, a bit of greens, and jerky - seal or otherwise - and you've got a pretty decent lunch on the go." Her mother smiled slightly, adding, "Probably not a good idea to squish them, though - and now that I think about it, they don't need the filling. They just taste better that way."

Ursa nodded in agreement, by now Nana having finished bringing out a family photobook, listening to her mother as she showed Ursa various stages in her life, mom saying, "Here, you can see me at 17 - when I met your dad. Two years and a whole lot of love and one marriage later, here's you joining the family. You can see a definite difference between 17 and 19 - but worth it." Ursa compared the two versions of her mother - seeing that the gain appeared more significant than her own possible mom weight, slightly overweight 17-year old now looking more than a bit over plump. Her mother continued, saying, "The first kid's tough, any kid's tough - and I did whatever I needed to, to stay balanced for your sake, even if that meant increasing the reading on the scale, more concerned with taking care of you than what some piece of equipment told me about my eating habits. I was busy with life - didn't have the mental energy to watch myself, and found the food helped me deal with stress…" Ursa seeing a slight gain over the years, her eyes widened to see she hadn't been the only one to shoot up in weight during her depression, her mother saying, "I can see what you're looking at - you, and me, six years ago. The depression. When… when we thought we might lose you, or never see light in your eyes again… those were hard times. I gave you lots of BIG hugs back then - I didn't really start to lose until a month after you turned your first corner."

Noticing her mother appeared to drop a ton of weight around the time Buniq was one, Ursa asked, "Mom - you said any kid's tough. How'd you lose all that weight, in between my little sister being born, and a year later?"

Her mother started crying again, Ursa able to tell these were happy tears, crying herself when her mother said, setting the book down and picking up Buniq, "When you finally came out and away from your little inner world two years ago, no longer chasing snakes… you had already made raising this little rascal easier than it had been raising you. Even while you were lost. With your full help, being a wonderful big sister - there was reverse mom weight. Because I had help with Buniq, but most of all - knowing that you were more than fine as well. Given you're finally wearing a smile… I'd say you're just going to get better from here on out." Smiling broadly, her mother finished, "I don't know if you remember or appreciate the cooking we did for those poor people - but I'm going to start cooking again. Pack your pack full of Big Hugs - give them out to people who need them, as well as your own hugs. You're… you're what mothers dream of having in a kid, Ursa."

Tempted to go backwards to go forwards, tell Nana and her mother more about her experiences, Ursa felt like doing something - even if it was helping her mother cook…

After her mother cleaned herself up, Ursa helped her mom cook more Big Hug Cakes and exhaust the oil, glad to see not a one was eaten while they were cooking - or after. Ursa not sure how much time later, they had used up all the supplies for making Big Hug Cakes - even making some with sweet jerky in their centers and a mild tangy spice instead of cinnamon in the dough. Ursa had actually gotten the idea from her experience as a Food Drunk and the sweet, tangy meat there. Finding they had more than they could carry without hurting the product, Ursa nodded when Nana said, "Don't have to eat it all or give it all away today. I'm sure someone who's really hungry would appreciate even a stale Big Hug Cake," surprised to hear something she had never before when Nana finished, "When I was little, I was in the same position. Immigrants without money don't usually find any favors laid out for them," adding with a chuckle, "Being skinny's not fun at all - especially not the always hungry kind… I got this size as soon as I could, though not on purpose - after meeting your grandfather, having four sons, just one daughter, and feeding everyone took a 'toll' on my body."

Buniq by now begging for attention, Ursa took it as a chance to leave - not feeling in the least bit tempted to eat any of the Big Hug Cakes in her extra bags, just wondering what she'd do with them all, her mother having decided they should all go today, saying what her mother had as she left the apartment, "If you're giving it to him, a beggar deserves good food."

Not having a clue where to start, only that there would likely be hungry and very mad people near the crater, as there had been yesterday, Ursa took the elevator down to the ground floor, stopping at the concierge desk, holding up her bags of Big Hug Cakes and asking, "Seen any hungry people around?" The skinny man gave her a funny look and smiled slightly, Ursa finding herself rolling her eyes instead of crying as she might have before when he said, "Certainly not you." Ursa growled at him after he laughed at his own wit, "Hey - smart-alecky rail. Don't like it the other way, do you? I'm here to give people something for free - food. You're supposed to be helpful, not snarky and 'clever.' I miss the usual concierge lady - at least she's nice. Now are you going to help me or not?"

The man sighed, saying, "Yes. I'm just a temporary - as you sort of said, the person who used to be here went with the reinforcements. I don't know how much you've been out and about, but there's a big bunch of squatters that I was a part of until last night near City Hall. This building's manager offered me a job, figuring the older woman I replaced was as good as dead, going up against spirit weapons. Heard all sorts of rumors about smaller, newer version of the thing Kuvira used to attack Republic City - in a madman's hands…" After another deep sigh, the man gave her a second look, eyes widening slightly when he said, "Wait a minute. That medal… it looks sort of familiar. There was a big to-do in the papers four years back about a row General Iroh II had with then just Raiko over the things. So that must make you… ugh, can't remember."

Looking back and forth, the man asked, "Whatever's in those bags - can I have one?" Ursa nodded, spotting something on the man's desk as she gave him one, asking, "Hey - what's that note?" The man biting into the Big Hug Cake, Ursa having given him one with meat inside, he said, "Wow - that's good, and not totally fluff nutritionally. Haven't had meat that good in a while." Bowing slightly for the compliment, Ursa nearly stumbled backwards from shock and the weight of her cargo and personal affects when the man said, "Wait - that thing's a locket! I remember that medal from the paper now! You must be Ursa - the person who this is addressed to. Let me see - says 'To Ursa, from Chang. We did good work together again Amon. Please come to my family apartment on Floor Fifteen of Fifteen. You don't need to know the apartment number - just look for the door with Pro-Bending memorabilia on it. Your dad's a military officer - my dad was a Pro-Bender. Come on by - see if we have anything else in common, aside from fathers we look up to."

Giving the man a Big Hug Cake with sweets in the middle, Ursa took the note, saying, "Thank you!" Hearing the man say, "Sorry for the rudeness - just rather bitter here!" Ursa punched at the elevator, thinking, "Sounds like this note was written four years ago… he was hitting on me," blushing deeply by the time the elevator came - blood rushing through her body in anticipation.

Easily finding the door, she knocked on it, swearing she heard a familiar female crying from within as someone approached, Ursa saying, "Uh, hello? I know this note's four years old, but - uh, this is Ursa? Is Chang here?"

The female crying stopped, the door opened, Ursa hardly recognizing Chang he had matured so much, listening in incredulity when he said, looking baffled, "Huh? You can't be Ursa - she wouldn't… Wait - those bags. You're not with the food place we just called, are you?" Ursa shook her head, saying as she blushed slightly, "No - I finally saw this note you stuck on the concierge's desk, the whole four years ago, and I was wondering if your offer still - "

Initially devastated when Chang shook his head, saying, "No," Ursa's heart performed a u-turn or two when he continued, "But not for the reason you think, Ursa. We picked up someone who looks a lot like you at the evacuee camp, claiming she was 'lost' - turns out she had snuck away from her family, and - ooof! Be aware of where you are - I might be burly like my dad, but you've got to be careful!"

Pretty sure she was dreaming, Ursa pinched her cheeks, her arm, even tried seeing if she could conjure blue fire and failing, seeing who was standing in front of her.

Sullen in her pudgy face and slumped over, holding something to eat as usual, Ursa noticed one big difference in Karpok aside from looking a bit heavier than when school had let out the past spring. Instead of endless agony in her eyes, Ursa was pretty sure she could see a glimmer of hope in them - even if Karpok's eyes were looking at the bags of Big Hug Cakes Ursa was carrying.

Part of her still thinking this was some sort of weird dream, another thinking, "Don't give her all that - those people near City Hall need it more!" Ursa went with neither, smiling slightly as she opened one bag, Karpok sniffing deeply as Ursa said, "Me and my mom just made these. Something tells me you might need some kind of comfort - mind if I come in and set these down?" Karpok nodded, saying after taking a bite of what she was holding, "That… that would be great," crying a little as she said, "Still wish I looked like you - and I feel like I can't stop eating! Or… all the pain, from… I can't say what yet will catch up."

Chang turned to Karpok, saying, "It's okay - you look like you. That's all that matters to me. And you're away from your family," Karpok's morose crying reminding Ursa strongly of her own sobs during her worst depression when Chang finished, "Away from him."

Ursa hearing another thought, this one saying, "She's just one food drunk - she doesn't matter! What are you doing?" Ursa made her way into Chang's apartment - knowing full well she wasn't going on any dates with Chang anytime soon, or giving the hungry people around City Hall every single one of the Big Hug Cakes she was carrying. Someone else needed some of them too - but for a different reason.

She didn't care if the people near City Hall physically needed the food - someone just like "Food Drunk Ursa" was standing right in front of her, and needed both kinds of Big Hugs. Ursa felt like she could handle the world alone. Karpok, on the other hand…

From what Ursa remembered of Karpok, having a growing suspicion Karpok had been sexually abused given what little Chang and Karpok had said so far, Ursa decided Food Drunk Karpok or not, she was going to help Karpok in any way she could. Even if it meant giving her some Big Hug Cakes after actual big hugs. Seeing the way Chang was hugging Karpok deeply as she continued to cry, Karpok stopping for a moment after a peck on the cheek from Chang, Ursa was hopeful Karpok wouldn't need much other than normal big hugs and consoling.

Part of Ursa felt bitter that someone who had shown interest in her seemed to be bonding with someone else, but on the most basic level, she didn't care - just like she didn't care whether or not she had Avatar Korra's autograph. Like the Avatar's autographed letter consoling Asami Sato instead of hanging on Ursa's wall unappreciated, Ursa realized that in the end, both things and people ended up where and with who they needed to be - people getting what they needed if only they could hold out long enough.

As she sat down at the table, Ursa had only one thought as she saw Karpok smile weakly after a deep hug from Chang: "I'm glad Karpok held out long enough."

Remembering that her great grandmother on her father's side had not, or had simply given up