I sighed, curling up in bed. I heard a rush of footsteps and threw myself into a sitting position. Looking around, I saw the Equalists breaking into my room. My heart stopped, where were the White Lotus? Having no idea where they were, so I had to fight. Jumping out of bed, my Fire at the ready. As I was fighting, I didn't see the one guy behind me until a felt a series of jabs, I collapsed in a heap. One of them held me upright as Amon walked forward. "After I take your bending away, you will be nothing." Amon reached towards me…
DREAM END
And I sat up in bed, a scream breaking through. I panted heavily, my hair falling in front of my face. I pushed it out of the way, gulping air into my lungs. I felt pressure on my lap, and my eyes focused on Saria chittering woridly at me, a lick on my hand told me Nuki was beside me. "I'm ok guys." I assured them softly, gently scratching their heads. "It was just a nightmare, nothing I can't handle."
TIMESKIP
Jazz music played as Korra and I stepped around each other. "Are you ok after this morning?" Korra asked me.
"I'm all good." I assured her. "Just a bad dream." Korra opened her mouth to say something when the jazz became static and a familiar voice sounded from the radio.
"Good evening my fellow equalists, this is your leader, Amon." I froze at the voice, my turning my head to the radio. "As you have heard, the Republic Council has voted to make me public enemy number one, proving once again that the Bending Oppressors of this city will stop at nothing to quash our Revolution. But we can not be stopped. Our numbers grow stronger by the day. You no longer have to live in fear. The time has come for Benders to experience fear." Ans with that lovely note, the jazz started up again. I put my hand over my mouth. Amon terrifies me, how can I be an Avatar if someone scares me so much?
TIMESKIP
The next night, Korra, Tenzin, Pema, Jinora, Ikki, Meelo and I were seated around the table waiting to eat. I bowed my head as Tenzin started the offering. "We are grateful for this delicious food, for happiness, for compassion and-"
"I'm not interrupting, am I?" A voice interrupted. I opened my eyes and looked up to see a man in water tribe clothes standing in the door.
"This is my home, Tarrlok. We're about to eat dinner." Tenzin stood.
"Good, because I am absolutely famished." I saw Tenzin narrow his eyes. "Airbenders never turn away a hungry guest, am I right?" Anger flashed through me.
"I suppose." Tenzin sighed as Tarrlok his made his way around the table.
"Oh, you must be the famous Avatar Yunoh." Tarrlok said as he stood beside me. He put his hand on his chest and bowed slightly. "It is truly an honour. I am Councilman Tarrlok, representative of the Northern Water Tribe." I stood from my sitting position to greet him. I bowed towards him.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." I said. We then sat down again. I had to suppress a protest at Tarrlok sitting in between Korra and I. As soon as we sat down, Ikki slid over.
"Why do you have three ponytails?" She asked. She sniffed the air. "And how come you smell like a lady? You're weird."
"Well aren't you...precocious." Tarrlok grit out. "So, I've been reading all about your adventures in the papers." Tarlokk said, turning to me. "Infiltrating Amon's rally, now that took some real initiative."
"Oh, thank you." I said, my cheeks flushing. "But it was only to save a friend. But I do think you're the first figure of authority other than Tenzin who's glad I'm here."
"Republic City is much better off now that the Avatar's arrived." Tarrlok said.
"Enough with the flattery, Tarrlok." Tenzin interrupted. "What do you want from Yunoh?"
"Paitence, Tenzin. I'm getting to that." Tarrlok turned to me again. "As you may have heard, I'm assembling a Task Force. I will strike at the heart of the Revolution and I want you to join me."
"Really?" I questioned.
"What?" Tenzin demanded.
"I need someone who will help me attack Amon directly, someone who is fearless in the face of danger, and that someone is you." Tarrlok stated.
"You want me to join your Task Force?" I clarified. "I'm sorry, but I have to decline."
"I...must admit I'm rather surprised. I-I thought you'd jump at the chance to help me lead the charge against Amon."
"Me too." Tenzin agreed.
"I'll admit, if I had no prior obligations I would." I set my bowl down. "The reason I came to Republic City was to master my Airbending with Tenzin and finish my Avatar training. I want to focus on that before taking on any more."
"Which is why this opportunity is perfect." Tarrlok tried to persuade. "You would get on-the-job experience while performing your Avatar duty for the city."
"Yunoh gave you her answer." Tenzin spoke up. "It's time for you to go."
"Very well." Tarrlok stood. "But I'm not giving up on you just yet. You'll be hearing from me soon." Tarrlok bowed to me. "It's been a pleasure, Avatar Yunoh." Tarrlok started to walk out of the dining room.
"Bye bye ponytail man!" Ikki called to him as he left the room.
"You usually insist on people not calling you by your title." Korra said as she scooted over. "Why not Tarrlok?"
"He gives me a bad vibe." I muttered, picking up my food again. "I don't want to get close to him unless I have to." Korra paused.
"Ok, I trust your judgement."
TIMESKIP
"Hello fellow teammate!" A voice called early the next morning. I looked up from my meditation and saw Bolin strolling through the courtyard up to Korra and I.
"Hey Bolin." Korra greeted.
"Morning Bolin." I added.
"Missed you at practice this week Korra." Bolin said.
"Yeah, sorry about that." Korra apologised.
"Aw, it's alright." Bolin assured as Bapu jumped off his shoulder. Saria ran at full-speed towards him and the two started running around together. "We're probably out of the tournament anyway, unless some moey miraculously dropps out of the sky by tomorrow. Anyway, reason I came by was to give you these." Bolin pulled a couple things from behind is back, two roses and two pastries wrapped in a plastic bag.
"Oh wow!" I gasped as Bolin handed me one of each. "Thank you, but, why did you get these for us?"
"Uh, oh, I can't remember now. Oh yeah, I remember now, you saved me from Amon."
"Oh that, it was no big deal." Korra said.
"'No big deal'? Are you serious? I was totally freaking out when he was coming at me with his creepy mask all, 'I will take away your bending forever'. I mean that is scarry stuff. I still can't sleep well."
"Delivery for Avatar Yunoh!" A voice called. A man walked through the courtyard and deposited a large gift basket next to me. I frowned at it. "Tarrlok sends his compliments and urges you to reconsider his offer."
"Tell Tarrlok that I will not change my mind." I said. The man nodded and walked away.
"Who is this Tarrlok guy?" Bolin questioned. "Is he bothering you? Huh? 'Cause I could have a word with him."
"No, it's not like that." I assured him. "Tarrlok is the representative for the Northern Water Tribe who's on the council with Tenzin."
"Oh good, good, that sounds better. I like that better."
TIMESKIP
I closed my eyes, pulling air towards me and bending it around me much like I would do with my Waterbending. "I see Tarrlok's gifts are getting more and more extravagant." A voice cut my concentration. My eyes snapped open and saw Tenzin walking towards me. I let my stance drop as he approached.
"We don't even drive." I told him. "So the car is useless, we might just donate it." I sighed. "Tarrlok doesn't take 'no' for an answer."
"Yunoh, are you...doing alright?" Tenzin asked.
"Yeah, I'm ok." Tenzin sat down on the steps he just walked down.
"Why don't you take a break." I went to sit next to him. I pulled my legs close and rested my head on my knees. "I'm glad you turned down Tarrlok, but I just wanted to make sure your decision was for the right reason."
"I have to focus on my Airbending training." I told him. "I can't focus on anything else until I master all my abilities."
"Right. That's...what you said. You know, it's ok to be scared. The whole city is frightened by what's been going on. The important thing is to talk about our fears, because if we don't, they can throw us out of balance." I looked away, causing Tenzin to stand up. "I'm always here for you if you want to talk." Tenzin walked away.
TIMESKIP
"Avatar Yunoh!" A voice called, causing me to turn and watch as Tarrlok's man-servent walk up to Korra and I. "I have something for you and Korra." I sighed, pushing myself off the pillar as I neared him.
"Whatever it is, I don't want it." I stated, kicking my heel into the ground to cause a circle around the man's feet to spin and turn him away from me. "No matter how many gifts Tarrlok wants to send my answer is still no!" I pushed my hands forward and with a gust of air, the man stumbled forward.
"It's not a gift." The man said, turning quickly. "It's an invitation." The man produced a red envelope.
"An invitation to what?" I stuck my hand out and the man placed it on my palm.
"Tarrlok is throwing a Gala in your honour. All of Republic City's movers and shakers will be there. The Councilman humbly requests yours and Korra's attendance."
TIMESKIP
The Gala was held within the week. Korra was wearing a traditional Water Tribe formal outfit while I opted for something more modern. I was wearing a v-neck, dark blue form fitting dress that gently brushed the floor. The sleeves reached my forearms, and the collar and hem were lined with fur. My hair was pulled up and tucked away into a bun cap that matched Korra's. As we entered the room, Tenzin's children ran off and I was greeted with applause. I flushed, waving politely. "I can't believe this is all for you." Korra said, gripping my arm.
"I'm not sure what Tarrlok's plotting, but keep your guard up." Tenzin said. "It's not like him to throw a party just for the fun of it."
"So glad you could make it Avatar Yunoh!" Tarrlok greeted as he approached. "If you'll excuse us, the City awaits it's hero." Tarrlok put his hand on my back to get Korra and I to follow him. "Korra, it's my pleasure to introduce Republic City's most famous industrilist-" Tarrlok gestured to a familiar man.
"Mister Sato!" I greeted with a smile.
"Hello Yunoh." He chuckled. "What have I said about calling me Hiroshi."
"You two have met?" Korra questioned. I nodded.
"I met him the other day, his daughter introduced us." I explained.
"We're all expecting great things from you." Hiroshi said.
"Yes...greatness…"
"Hey Yunoh, hey Korra." A familiar voice called. I looked over and saw Mako, Bolin and Asami walking towards us, Asami's and Mako's arms linked.
"This is my daughter, Asami." Hiroshi said to Korra.
"Asami!" I exclaimed, walking towards her.
"Yunoh!" She replied in the same tone. She let go of Mako's arm and we shared a tight hug. "Are you ok?" She asked as we pulled away. "I heard you were at one of those rallies. You weren't hurt, were you?"
"I'm fine, we all were, we got Bolin back safely which is all that matters."
"I'm glad." Asami and I stepped back from each other and she linked arms with Mako again. I couldn't help a wave of jealousy that flashed through me but I pushed it down for the sake of appearances. "Korra, it's lovely to meet you. Mako told me so much about you."
"Really, because he, nor Yunoh haven't mentioned you at all." Korra stated as she crossed her arms. I felt Korra's eyes on me but I chose to ignore her. "How did you all meet?"
"After the Pro Bending match Tenzin and I interrupted I went for a walk." I started to explain. "I found myself in the food district and Asami and I literally ran into each other."
"And Mako?"
"Asami crashed into him on her moped." Bolin explained, pressing in between Korra and I.
"What? Are you ok?"
"I'm fine, more than fine." Mako assured. "Mister Sato agreed to sponsor our team. We're back in the tournament."
"Isn't that great!" Bolin exclaimed.
"Yeah, terrific." Korra muttered.
"Congratulations guys." I said. "You'll do great."
"Cheif Beifong." Tarrlok called, prompting the Police Cheif to walk over to our group. "I believe you and Avatar Yunoh have already met."
"Just because the City's throwing you this big to-do, don't think you're something special." Lin said, leaning close to me. "You've done absolutely nothing to deserve this."
"I know." I told her. "I don't know why this is happening myself." Lin huffed before turning and walking off. After schmoozing with the City's elite, Tarrlok led me to the top of a set of stairs, where instantly, a swarm of reporters crowded the base of the stairs. Tarrlok put pressure on the small of my back and guided me down the stairs.
"If you'd be so kind." Tarrlok said. "They just have a couple questions." My eyes widened.
"But-" I didn't get to finish when Tarrlok pushed me in front of the cameras.
"Avatar Yunoh, you witnessed Amon take away people's bending firsthand." One reporter stated. "How serious a threat does he pose to the innocent citizens of Republic City?" I cleared my throat.
"I believe that Amon and his group are indeed a problem not only to the Benders of Republic City, but to it's non-bending citizens as well." I answered.
"Then whey have you refused to join Tarrlok's Task Force?" Another reporter demanded. "As the Avatar, shouldnt you be going after Amon?"
"Well-"
"Why are you backing away from this fight?"
"Backing away?" My eyes widened. "No, no, you don't understand-"
"You promised to serve this city. Are you going back on that promise now?"
"Do you think pro-bending is more important than fighting the Revolution?"
"How do you think Avatar Aang would have handled this?"
"Are you afraid of Amon?" The questions were getting too much. My heart was pounding in my ears and I couldn't answer any of the questions.
"My sister isn't afraid of anyone!" A voice cut through my spiral. I blinked, focusing in on Korra who was standing in front of me, glaring at the reporters. "If the City needs her then…" Korra looked back at me. I gave her a pleading look. "She'll join Tarrlok's Task Force." Korra said to the reporters. "And I'm joining too. We'll help fight Amon."
"There's your headline folks!" Tarrlok said happily as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me forward and wrapping a second arm around Korra. The cameras flashed in my face, and I felt helpless.
TIMESKIP
I had been almost avoiding Korra ever since the Gala. We found ourselves in City Hall with the rest of the Task Force. I sat and listened to Tarrlok as he explained the mission. "My fellow Task Force deputies." He started. "Tonight, we will execute a raid on an underground Chi-Blocker Training Camp located in the Dragon Flat's Borough. According to my sources, there is a cellar underneath this book store." Tarrlok pointed to a blueprint behind him. "Where Equalists train Chi-Blocking in secret." Our group found ourselves in a truck going to the bookstore. Korra and I sat next to each other reluctantly. When the car stopped, we all got out. I knelt next to a small floor-level window and peeked inside. Men and Women from all nations were training to fight, and there was a large poster hanging above them all. My breath caught in my throat when I saw Amon's face. I shook my head to clear my mind before turning to Tarrlok. He did a couple hand-guestures and the tank on the car was un-screwed. The Waterbenders on our tem bended said water towards those who needed it. I un-corked my pouch and readied myself. The Waterbenders burst through two of the windows, freezing some of the Equalists. Two Earthbenders ripped open the ground enough for the rest of us to go through and the rest of them knocked out a handful more Equalists. One of them threw a gas canister at us, but Korra managed to freeze it before it could spread. I noticed two Equalists running through a door, trying to get away.
"They're mine!" I called as I raced after them. I burst through the door and followed the corridor. I didn't see the trip-wire and fell over, noticing the Equalist above me. I twisted, back-flipping out of the way and kicking a boulder up to knock them out. I unfortunately landed on my back and was unable to get the person behind me. The water from my pouch shot out and encased the Equalist in ice. I looked over and saw Tarrlok. "Thanks." I said. "You have perfect timing."
"We make a good team, Avatar." He said. I nodded in agreement. We managed to round up everyone from that basement that day which I counted as a win. As glad as I was, I couldn't help but feel off somehow.
TIMESKIP
Tarrlok held a press conference soon after the raid to address the people. "Avatar Yunoh and her sister have bravely answered the call to action." Tarrlok said. "With the three of us leading the charge, Republic City has nothing to fear from Amon and the Equalists."
"Question for the Avatar." A reporter called. "Amon remains at large, why have you failed to locate him." I opened my mouth to respond but Korra stepped towards the podium.
"You wanna know why?" She demanded. "Because Amon is hiding in the shadows like a coward. Amon, Avatar Yunoh chalanges you to a duel!" I gasped. "No task force, no Chi Blockers, just the two of you, tonight at midnight on Avarar Aang Memorial Island. Letss cut to the chase and settle this thing, if you're man enough to face her." I paled as Korra dropped the microphone, grabbed my arm and dragged me off the stage.
TIMESKIP
I reluctantly started to un-tie the boat to the dock as Tenzin swooped down and landed next to Tarrlok. "Yunoh, this is madness." Teznin stated. I gave him a blank look.
"I can't go back on this Tenzin." I told him flatly. "You heard Korra, I challenged him to a fight and what kind of Avatar would I be if I backed away from a fight."
"This is all your doing." Tenzin said, turning to Tarrlok.
"I tried to talk her out of it too." Tarrlok admitted. "But she's made up her mind."
"If you want to talk to someone talk to Korra." I put the rope back in the boat as I spoke. "It seems she's Spokesperson for the Avatar." I got into position and bended the boat onto the island. After docking, I made my way up to the roof of the temple. I sat in the centre of the roof, in between Avatar Aang's feet. When it didn't look like anyone was going to show, I sighed, standing and maing my way back to the boat. As I was passing the temple, I felt cords wrap around my ankles. I was yanked off my feet and dragged into the temple. My legs were un-bound and I tried to attack, sending a conbination of air, fire and earth to my opponents but I was quickly overpowered and knocked out. When I came too, I was being held up by two Equalists...staring into the face of Amon.
"I received your invitation, young Avatar." He said. I paled as he reached his hand out to me. He gripped my chin and forced me to look up at him. "Our showdown, ehile inevitable, is premature. Although it would be the simplest thing for me to take your bending right now, I won't. You'd only become a martyr. Benders of every nation would rally behind your untimely demise." Amon let go of my face. "But I assure you, I have a plan, and I'm saving you for last. Then you'll get your duel. And I will destroy you." Amon stood, lifted his hand and jabbed my shoulder. My eyes rolled back into my head as I fell unconscious once more.
VISION
I saw Cheif Sokka of the Southourn Water Trbe glaring at someone unknown.
Toph Beifong standing rigidly in between two of her officers.
Avatar Aang watching something intently.
The hooded gaze of an unknwon man.
Avatar Aang using his Air Scooter to chase someone
VISION END
I came too when a red-coated person raced towards me. "A-Aang?"
"Yunoh!" Tenzin shouted. "Yunoh are you alright?" Tenzin pulled me up off the floor and cradled me in his arms. "What happened? Was Amon here?" Tears started to well up in my eyes as I nodded.
"He ambushed me." I breathed.
"Did he...did he take your Bending away?" I shook my head. "Thank goodness." I sniffle as a tear fell down my cheek. I threw myself into Tenzin's arms, sobbing my heart out.
"I was so scared." I admitted. "I couldn't do anything, I was useless!"
"It's alright, the nightmare's over." Tenzin soothed.
"You were right Tenzin...I was terrified...I have been for a while. I've never had these feelings before and I...I don't know what to do."
"Admitting your fears is the first and most difficult step in overcoming them."