In very little time, Korra, Mako and I made it to the Pro Bending Arena, which looked hideous draped in the red of the Equalists. Large posters of Amon were hung everywhere as well, the largest being on the stage. My friends and I situated ourselves on a balcony. We let Mako take point, while I was on his left and Korra to his right. We had a good view of the entire rally, Non-Benders from all walks of life, dressed in reds, blues and greens, it broke my heart to see so many people who hated the thing that our societies were founded on. I watched as Amon rose from the stage, and the crowd went wild. "Thank you all for joining me on this historic occasion!" Amon lifted his arm to the cheers. "When I was a boy, a Firebender struck down my entire family and left me scarred. That tragic event began my quest to equalize the world." I couldn't deal with his lies, and I stepped forward, ripping off my mask.
"What are you doing?" Mako hissed.
"You're lying, Amon!" I shouted. Mako and Korra looked at each other and took off their masks as well. "But, Amon isn't your real name is it, Noatak?" The crowd erupted in boos and jeers, all directed at me. Amon stepped forward.
"Everyone, calm down." He ordered. The people quieted. "We have nothing to fear from the Avatar. Let's hear what she has to say."
"I have proof that Amon has been lying to you all." I said to the rally. "Proof that the Spirits didn't give him his power, why would peaceful creatures such as Spirits give a man like him to take away what they gave us." I pointed at Amon. "Amon's birth name is Noatak, and he's a Waterbender. He uses Bloodbending to take away people's Bending."
"You're desperate, Avatar. Making up stories about me is a pathetic last resort."
"I'm not desperate." I told him. "Your father wasn't killed by a Firebender, he fell into a depression after you abandoned your family. Your father was Yakone. And your brother is Councilman Tarrlok." The crowd murmured amongst each other.
"Hmph, an amusing tale, but I will show you the truth." Amon said. He reached up and pushed his hood back, and took off his mask. He revealed what appeared to be a scar across his face, which to be honest…looked like bacon. "This is what a Firebender did to me." Amon said, pointing at his own face."
"The Avatar is lying!" Someone shouted as Amon put his mask back on.
"She's telling you, he's a Waterbender!" Korra shouted at the rally. I caught Korra's arm and pulled her back. "They don't believe you." She said to me. "It didn't work."
"We said what we had to." Mako said, dropping into a fighting stance. "Let's get out of here." I looked up and saw some Equalists gearing up for a fight.
"I wouldn't leave yet, Avatar." Amon called up to me. "You'll miss the main event." I turned, only to watch as a podium lifted, revealing four people tied up. Tenzin, Jinora, Ikki and Meelo. They were all chained up and gagged.
"No…" I breathed, my eyes blown wide. "They can't have…"
"We saw them get away." Korra lamented.
"Tonight, I rid the world of airbending, forever!" Amon declared.
"Let them go Amon!" I ordered, stepping forward and gripping the railing.
"You're welcome to come down here and try to stop me."
"He's trying to bait you." Mako told me, setting a hand on my arm.
"You think I don't know that!" I snapped at him, yanking my arm out from his hand. "And I don't care! You can come with me or not, but I'm going to save them!"
"The Avatar needs to be reminded of the power I possess." Amon said, turning to the Airbenders and approaching them. Mako shot Lightning at the stage, causing an explosion and causing Amon to jump back, away from the Airbending family.
"You two save Tenzin and the kids." Korra said, dropping into a Waterbending stance. "I'll take out as many of them here as I can." I unlatched the pouch of water and held it out to Korra. "But Yunoh."
"Take it." I insisted. "I have my Firebending and Airbending. You need this more." Korra gave me a small smile.
"Thanks, Yunoh." Mako and I leapt into the air, using our Firebending to keep us somewhat vertical so that we were able to run across the wall, toward the stage. We leapt onto the stage, firing shots at the Equalists to push them back. We pushed them back enough so that I could approach Tenzin. I took the gag out of his mouth.
"Where's Pema and the baby?" I asked, hurting to take the gags out of the kids' mouths.
"In prison." Tenzin told me, watching me closely.
"Do you know where they took Cheif Beifong?"
"I don't know." I stepped back and set myself into an Earthbending stance. I mimicked tearing something open, and the chains fell, freeing the Airbenders. Tenzin shot forward to help Mako while the kids gathered around me.
"All of you, follow me." I said. I lead the Airbenders down into the hallways of the arena, Mako and Tenzin joining us when they were done with Amon and his lackeys. We soon came to a fork in the road. "Tenzin, take your family and go find Pema." I ordered. "Mako and I will find Korra and cause a distraction."
"Let's go get your mother and the baby." Tenzin said to his kids.
"Prison Break!" Meelo cheered as they raced off down one alleyway. Mako and I looked behind us, only to notice Amon staring back at us.
"Let's go." I said. I pulled the pipes down to create a barrier between us and Amon. Running forward and turning the corner, I created a wall of fire so Amon couldn't follow. We continued to run down the hall, ducking into a side room. I hid underneath a table covered by a sheet, hopefully, Amon couldn't find me. I watched his boots pass me, and I let out a small breath. However, I felt myself being ripped out from under the table and in front of Amon. My limbs were locked as he lifted me into the air. I felt some heat as Mako shot some fire to try and make Amon let me go. Amon slammed us into the ground. I felt my body rising and being forced into a kneeling position. Amon gripped the back of my neck.
"Yunoh!" Mako shouted. I felt Amon place his thumb on my forehead and one hand on my shoulder. No… My body seized up. No. I could feel Amon searching through my Chi. NO! He let me go, and I slumped to the floor.
"I told you I would destroy you." Amon said to me. I shakily pushed myself to my knees. "Finally, you are powerless." I tried to use my Airbending to attack, but nothing happened and I fell to the floor, weak.
"Amon!" The Luitenient called. I watched as he approached Amon. "Everything the Avatar said is true, isn't it? I just saw you Bloodbend her." The Luitenient took his mask off and tossed it to the ground, smashing it under his heel. "You traitor! I dedicated my life to you!" The Luitenient took his staffs out and charged at Amon. However, he was lifted into the air by Amon.
"You've served me well, Lieutenant." Amon said. He then tossed the man to the side, into a sack of wood. Amon walked past me, and then was blasted back by lightning. I felt arms slip under my legs and arms. My head lolled to the side, onto Mako's shoulder. Mako raced us away from Amon.
"Mako…" I rasped softly. "My bending…my bending…"
"Everything will be alright." Mako assured me. "We just need to find Korra and get you out of here!"
"My bending…" I whimpered. Suddenly, I was thrown forward as Mako dropped me. I could see him being thrown against the walls by Amon.
"Impressive." Amon mused. "No one has ever gotten the better of me like that." He approached Mako as he forced the Firebender to face away from him and kneel. "It is almost a shame to take the bending of someone so talented. Almost." Amon reached forward to place his thumb on Mako's temple, but a shout caused me to freeze a little.
"No!" A burst of water shot forward and hit Amon, causing him to fly back. I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder, and I turned my head slightly to see Korra. "You ok?" She asked softly.
"Don't worry about me." I slurred. "Get…get him…" Korra nodded ar me and then stood determinedly. I watched as she shot blasts of water at Amon, not giving him a chance to retaliate. Korra sent one particularly hard blast into Amon's chest, sending him careening out of a window into Yue Bay. Korra and Mako approached me, both lifting me up to their arms and helping me stumble toward the window. I could see Amon's mask float to the surface, and even more complaints from the Non-Benders below about how I was an evil Avatar. I then watched as a pillar of water burst from the bay…revealing Amon, using his Waterbending to save his own skin. Amon turned to me, and all I could do was smirk. He dropped into the water and swam away. Korra wrapped me in a hug, and I leaned heavily into her.
"You're ok." Korra assured me softly. "You're ok."
"I'm not ok." I sniffed. "He…he took my Bending…"
TIMESKIP
The next couple of days were spent cleaning up the city after Amon's attack. Equalits and their supporters were rounded up and interrogated. Some were arrested, others were let go but kept on watch. However, Amon wasn't able to be found, and Tarrlok went missing. Returning to Air Temple Island, I was met with Nuki and Saria, both licking my face like crazy. "Hey girls." I greeted softly, gently scratching their ears. They separated from me, and then I was pulled into a hug by Asami.
"I'm so glad you're ok." Asami sighed. I gently hugged her back, burying my head into her neck.
"I heard what happened with your dad." I said softly. "I'm so sorry, Asami."
"It's fine." She said, pulling away. "He's not much of a father anymore. I'm worried about you…you lost your Bending."
"I'm fine." I insisted. I shared a hug with Bolin, who lifted me off my feet and put me down again. Mako gave me a nod, and Pema hugged me tight with Rohan in her arms. The Airbending kids held me in a tight hug and then climbed onto Naga. I turned to see Lin approaching me. She set her hands on my shoulders, prompting me to look up at her.
"I can't believe Amon got you too." Lin stated. I sighed softly, looking down again. Lin took her hands off my shoulders. Turning to Yue Bay, we watched as a ship with a dragon's head neared the Island.
"You saved Republic City." Tenzin said to me, causing me to look up at him.
"I know that." I said softly. "But…I let Amon got away." Tenzin reached out wrapped an arm around my shoulders, and I lent into him. Korra reached out and took my hand in hers.
"Yay, Uncle Bumi's here!" Ikki cheered.
"Great, now I have to entertain my brother." Tenzin muttered with a roll of his eyes. Bumi's ship docked. Everyone piled onto the ship, except for Tenzin and his family who situated themselves onto Oogi. I curled into Nuki's warmth, Asami taking a seat next to me. She sat with me, ignoring the idle chatter as we headed toward the South Pole. It was decided that Katara would try and help me. Once we arrived to the South Pole, Mum and Dad pulled me into a hug almost instantly.
"We're so sorry, sweetheart." Dad whispered, his hand cupping the back of my head.
"We're right here for you." Mum added. "Katara's waiting for you." The two pulled away from me, both giving me sympathetic looks. I looked down, ashamed. They guided me into the compound. Katara was waiting for me. I let her guide me into the Healing Hut. She then took me into a side room and told me to sit down. She started to heal me. The cool water spread across my body, up and down my arms, across my neck and down my back. When she pulled the water away, I turned to look at her.
"So, what's the verdict?" I asked hopefully.
"I'm sorry." Katara said. My heart stopped. I didn't hear the rest of what she said as my eyes filled with tears. I can't believe it. I sobbed, burning my head into my hands. I heard Katara leave the room. I took a deep breath and then stood, opening the door. I saw everyone looking ar me with sympathetic eyes. I looked away.
"It's going to be all right, Yunoh." Tenzin assured me. I didn't respond to him, only walked out of the healing hut, jogging down the stairs and away from…everything. I ignored my jacket and approached Nuki.
"Yunoh!" Asami called, causing me to pause. Nuki stood, watching Asami.
"Go away, Asami." I said softly.
"I just want to talk to you." She said. "And then I'll go. I just…I just wanted you to know that I'm here for you." I shook my head.
"No, Asami I mean…you should go home…back to Republic City. You should live your life without the drama I put you though…none of this would have happened if I hadn't come to Republic City."
"What, Yunoh…"
"I'm not the Avatar anymore." I snapped at Asami. "There's no need for you to be nice to me anymore and pretend you're my friend." I went to walk away, but Asami caught my arm.
"I never cared if you were the Avatar." She told me, turning me towards her. "Yunoh…when I heard you had been taken…I freaked out. I realised that…I liked you, Yunoh…a lot…I think a lot more than I liked Mako." Asami reached up and set her hands on my shoulders. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I stepped back out of Asami's hands.
"I'm sorry, Asami…" I breathed. "I…" I turned and got on Nuki, prompting her to run out of the compound and away from…everything. I found myself at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the water. I slipped off Nuki and approached the cliff. I stared blankly at the expanse of sea in front of me. I'm an Avatar without my Bending. How am I supposed to bring balance to the world? My feet took me forward, standing at the edge of the cliff, the snow fell down into the watery depths below. I should just jump...start the cycle again...let the next Avatar be born able to bend all the elements, I'm a failure. I felt something grab the back of my jacket and pull me backward. Nuki yanked me away from the ledge and into the snow a couple of feet away from the edge. I sat up, looking at her blankly. She let out barks I couldn't understand, her fur standing up on end. Tears welled up in my eyes and I sobbed, burning my head in my hands. I felt a presence beside me, and from between my fingers, I saw robes of yellow, red and orange. "I don't need any speeches of hope, Tenzin." I sobbed. "I've already given up. Just go away."
"But you called me here." An unknown voice said. I sniffed, lifting my head and turning to the voice. My eyes widened.
"Avatar Aang." I breathed. I stood on shaky legs, put my fists together and bowed to my predecessor.
"You have finally connected with your spiritual self." I looked up at him.
"I'm sorry…but how?" I asked softly.
"When we hit our lowest point, we are open to the greatest change." My eyes widened as more people formed behind him. Avatar Roku, Avatar Kyoshi, Avatar Kuruk, Avatar Yangchen, Avatar Setzo, Avatar Salai, Avatar Gun…everyone. Aang reached out and set a hand on my shoulder, and another on my temple. I closed my eyes as I felt a wave of spiritual energy wash over me. Information flooded my mind. I felt the spirits of my predecessors disappear, and I opened my eyes, and I felt a rush of power. I was lifted into the air, my Airbending returning, waves of fire, ice, water and air erupted from my hands. As I touched back down on the ice, the power faded from my bones. I looked down at my hands and smiled. I had my Bending back, and now I knew how to restore Bending…this is how I was going to change the world. I turned around back to Nuki, and paused when I saw Asami. She gave me a gentle smile. I approached her.
"I…think I like you too." I told her gently. "Maybe we could see where this goes…slowly."
"Yeah, of course." Asami said with a smile. "Anything you need." I smiled back at her. Asami and I travelled back to the Southern Compound together. We stood in front of the Earth Temple, where Lin requested her Bending to be restored. Lin knelt in front of me. I smiled gently at her. I set my hand on her heart and my thumb on her temple. I took a breath, and opened my eyes, the Avatar State washing over me as I restored the flow of Lin's chi. When I exited the Avatar State and took a step back, Lin stood. She raised her hands and lifted a dozen boulders that surrounded us. She put them down after a moment. Lin turned to me.
"Thank you." She said softly. I laced my fingers together, and held my hands tight as I bowed to her. I straightened when I turned to Tenzin who approached the stairs to talk to me.
"I am so proud of you, Avatar Yunoh." He told me. I smiled up at him.
This was the start of my legacy, and I knew that it would be a difficult one, But, right now, it was absolutely perfect.