Snowy Forest
Bolin, Asami, Utakata, and Iroh were riding Naga through a snowy forest as they watched biplanes fly above them. They eventually had Naga stop atop a cliff as they stared down at an airfield below.
"Looks like we've found our airfield." Iroh stated. "Bolin, once we get down there, I need you to tear up those runways. We can't let those aircrafts take off."
"Aye, aye, captain!" Bolin saluted before realizing something. "Ooh, I mean general." Naga whined, so he looked back at her and Pabu. "You guys wait here until we get back, okay?" Naga tried to move. "Uh-uh. Stay."
Naga whined again while Pabu chittered. Still, the two did as they were told while the group began to make their way down.
Republic City: Pro-Bending Arena
Equalist airships patrolled the skies while mecha tanks guarded the entrance. With the rally about to start, Sasuke, Korra, and Mako, in their disguises, arrived on a balcony. They were ready for their plan as Amon rose from a trapdoor.
"Thank you all for joining me on this historic occasion." Amon declared. "When I was a boy, a Firebender struck down my entire family and left me scared. That tragic event began my quest to equalize the world."
"That's a lie, Amon!" Korra yelled, making Amon look up at the balcony as she and the others removed their masks. "Or should we call you Noatak?"
The crowd started murmuring amongst themselves.
"You want them taken out?" The Lieutenant.
"Just say the word, master." Xiba added.
"No." Amon rose his hand to stop them before stepping forward. "Everyone calm down, we have nothing to fear from the Avatar. Let's hear what she has to say."
"Amon has been lying to you." Korra announced. "The spirits didn't give him the power to take people's bending away, he uses Bloodbending to do it. Amon is a Waterbender."
The crowd gasped.
"Master?" Xiba asked, confused.
"What is this nonsense?" The Lieutenant asked.
"You're desperate, Avatar." Amon retorted. "Making up stories about me is a pathetic last resort."
"Shut up!" Sasuke shouted. "Your family was never killed by a Firebender." He looked to the crowd. "His father was Yakone, and his brother is Councilman Tarrlok!"
Lieutenant and Xiba looked dismayed towards the man.
"Hmph. An amusing tale, but I will show you the truth." Amon dropped his hood and removed his mask to show his scar to the audience. "THIS is what a FIREBENDER did to me."
He then put the mask back on.
"What?" Korra asked.
"The Avatar is lying!"
"We're telling you, he's a Waterbender!" Sasuke shouted.
The crowd murmured in anger.
"They don't believe it…" Korra voiced dismayed.
"We said what we had to." Mako stated. "Let's just get out of here."
Equalists started spinning bolas, ready to attack.
"Out of our way!" Sasuke exclaimed.
"Oh, I wouldn't leave just yet." Amon voiced. "You'll miss the main event."
The trio saw Tenzin, Jinora, Ikki, Meelo, and Lin, stripped of her armor, rising from the trapdoor. They were gagged and bound to poles, shocking the trio.
"Are you kidding me?" Sasuke asked.
"No…" Korra was dismayed. "They got away." She looked to Sasuke and Mako. "We saw them get away."
Airfield
The group of four approached the airfield which had fence post without anything seemingly between them.
"Why would there be fence posts yet no fence?" Asami asked.
"STOP." Utakata ordered forcefully, and the other three stopped with them just short of crossing between the posts. "I doubt this is just for decoration."
He took out his bubble blower and blew acidic bubbles at the post. Upon impact, they managed to melt the metal causing them to spark and effectively shut down.
"Given what we've faced from them before, this was likely some form of electric fence." Utakata reasoned.
"Just a few more steps, and we'd have been rendered unconscious." Iroh smile.
"Yeah, no kidding." Bolin added. "Glad we brought him."
"We can talk about it later." Utakata ran in followed by the others. "For now, we got to hurry because this won't go unnoticed."
Utakata was right as Hiroshi's systems registered the fencing going down, so he ordered the Equalist. "We're being attacked. I want the rest of those planes in the air. All non-pilots get in a mecha tank."
Planes headed down the runways as Bolin began destroying them.
"He's not going to be able to get them all." Iroh looked to the former Jonin. "Utakata, I'm leaving this operation in your capable hands. I'm going to take down those planes from the skies."
Utakata nodded as the general booked it for the nearest plane. "Bolin, double time on those runways!" He noticed the mecha tanks. "I'll handle those."
Asami noticed some vacant mecha tanks, so she ran over to one before jumping in. "What do you know, just like a Future Industries fork lift."
She closed the hatch while powering it on.
Iron used his Firebending for short ranged, sustained flight and managed to get on the plane he was shooting for. The general then booked it to the cockpit and removed the pilot before taking the seat himself. It was touch and go, but he managed to get on course after the other planes.
Republic City: Pro-Bending Arena
"The one who does not look like the others is former police chief, Lin Beifong." Amon voiced. "She fought to protect the only Airbenders, so I deemed her reward as being stripped of bending alongside them. A historic send off as I rid the world of Airbending, permanently."
"Let them go!" Korra demanded.
"You're welcome to come down and try to stop me." Amon said.
"I'll kill you!" Sasuke yelled.
"Don't Sasuke." Mako warned. "He's trying to bait us."
"I don't care!" Sasuke yelled, his eyes turned red, and his irises separated into three tomoe each.
"I'm right there with him." Korra said.
"The Avatar needs to be reminded of the power I possess." Amon said.
He started to approach the captured. Mako figured it was pointless trying to get Sasuke and Korra to retreat now, so he sent a lightning strike at the stage forcing Amon to dodge back to his Lieutenant and Xiba.
Sasuke had stepped as far back as possible before sprinting towards the railing and lept with all his might mere moments before he collided with it. Korra and Mako followed him as they lept up against the wall and used Firebending to keep them there.
Sasuke naturally touched down on the stage first and proceeded to just unload his shuriken and kunai in an absolute barrage. This forced the Equalist back as they dodged the coming weapons. Mako and Korra then touched down as Sasuke reached his last weapon, a kunai.
Before he threw it, The Firebender took over to keep them back. Sasuke instead rushed to help Korra free the captured. The Avatar removed the covering over Tenzin's mouth while Sasuke did the same for Lin. They then used Firebending and a kunai, respectively, to go about freeing them.
"Where's Pema and the baby?" Korra asked.
"They're imprisoned." Tenzin answered.
"We'll be sure to get them back now that you kids are here." Lin voiced.
The pair were now free; however, Lin took to removing the gags from the kids while Tenzin entered the fray by unleashing air blasts. Amon gracefully dodged the flames Mako had been sending his way, but Tenzin's air blast were just too much.
All three Equalists on stage were pushed off it from Tenzin and Mako's combined efforts, leaving the others ample time to free the kids. While Korra and Lin went for Meelo and Ikki, Sasuke made sure to get Jinora.
"Sasuke!" Jinora cheered hugging the Uchiha. "Thanks for saving me."
"Don't mention it." Sasuke nodded. "You okay?"
Jinora blushed. "I am now that you're here."
"Follow us everyone." Korra ordered.
Sasuke, Mako, and Korra led the formerly captured into the corridors. They quickly came to two paths leading left or right.
"Lin, Tenzin, get them out of here." Korra declared. "We'll create a diversion."
"Lin, keep sealing off your exit." Sasuke added. "Leave no space for anyone to follow."
Lin nodded while Tenzin looked to his kids. "Let's go get your mother and brother."
"Prison break!" Meelo cheered.
The formerly captured took the right path. Lin brought up their rear and went about immediately Earthbending the ground up to seal off their direction. The moment they were out of sight, Amon rushed out into the corridor.
Korra unleashed a firewall at that corridor and made a second as they booked it down the left corridor. The trio quickly entered a room as Amon jumped over the fire. He looked down the corridor and saw a door swing close. Korra and Sasuke hid under a table covered by cloth.
Korra's heart was beating fast while Sasuke started to sweat. Amon entered the room and looked for his targets. The Avatar was getting more anxious before she saw and heard his boots moving past them, causing her to sigh in relief.
Suddenly, the Avatar cried out in pain as she was dragged from under the table by an invisible force. Sasuke peeked out and saw that Amon had Bloodbent Korra out from under the table. She was now in midair attempting to regain control yet couldn't.
"To think, I almost felt pity for you." Amon said.
"Noatak, please…stop this!" Korra pleaded.
Amon Bloodbent her again, making the Avatar grunt in pain.
"I have to do something." Sasuke muttered.
Before he could act, Mako came out of hiding. "Let her go!"
He punched out fire, which Amon dodged before proceeding to Bloodbend him as well. Amon lifted the Firebender into the air before throwing him away. The Equalist leader then forced Korra to her knees and grabbed her neck.
"No!" Korra cried.
"Korra!" Mako cried.
Amon was about to place his thumb on the Avatar's forehead before Sasuke threw his kunai. Given the angle, he only managed to nail him in the shoulder, but it was enough to stagger the man while freeing the two Benders. They booth looked to see Sasuke confronting him.
"Stay away from my FRIENDS!" Sasuke shouted.
The Uchiha charged lightening to his hand before rushing Amon, only for his body to suddenly go stiff and be lifted into the air.
"SASUKE!" Korra cried as Amon Bloodbent him.
Sasuke attempted to struggle free or summon forth that transformation. Both seemed futile. He didn't have the strength alone to manage it, and he guessed his other emotions were working against the anger that usually brought that form out. He didn't know and wished more than ever he truly remembered how to utilize that transform rather than relying on it just happening.
Skies: Above Republic City
Iroh piloted the plane and was now fighting the generated lightning and directed it at the middle plane causing it tocrash into the plane on it's right. This saw the remaining planes dissolve their formation to engage him. Onepilot shot an explosive bola at Iroh's plane.
It got caught in the propeller seeing the general immediately bail before the vehicle exploaded. Now in freefall, he used his Firebending to propel himself to another plane. Once on the wing of that plane, he blasted at the one ahead, disabling it.
The plane he was on attempted to barrel roll him off, but he rolled with it before kicking the pilot out. The general then took to the cockpit and got the vehicle under control. The last of the opposing planes had dropped a bomb which hit the rear.
The last plane got into a better position and attempted to drop another, but Iroh blasted fire up causing the plane above him to explode. His own plane ended up on a collision course with the Aang statue on Aang Memorial Island.
Before the plane could crash, Iroh bailed and grabbed onto the Equalist banner on the staff. It tore apart before stopping midway down. The plane did crash into the statue, but it hit the mask Amon had put there. This saw it falling off to reveal Aang's face.
Iroh smiled. "Thanks for looking out for me, Aang."
Airfield
Utakata finished weaving hand signs. "Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!"
He produced the water himself and shaped it into a massive dragon. He had it flow and break apart over three mecha tank's exhaust, rendering them useless, just as Korra could with her Waterbending. Bolin continued using Earthbending to tear up the runways. Asami was within the hanger using her commandeered mecha tank to destroy planes.
"Asami, what do you think you're doing?" Hiroshi's voice rang out, drawing her attention to a mecha tank which had entered the hanger. "You are aiding the very people who took your mother away!"
"You don't feel love for Mom anymore." Asami retorted. "You're full of hatred and spread that to Xiba."
"You ungrateful, insolent child!" Hiroshi yelled.
He sent the mecha tank rushing at Asami's. She made her mecha tank launch wires, but they missed. Hiroshi slammed his mecha tank into Asami's, knocking her to the ground. He then came over and destroyed the faceplate.
"I now see there is no chance to save you!" Hiroshi yelled.
He was about to attack Asami again.
Utakata had entered and sprinted over before leaping above the mecha tank while finishing hand signs. "Water Style: Raging Waves!" The water blasted into the exhaust, disabling his mecha tank. "Asami saved herself…from you."
Asami brought her mecha tank back up before grabbing and managing to throw Hiroshi's useless mecha tank. There was enough force behind the motion to rip the arm she grabbed clean off. Asami then brought her mecha tank over and forced his open.
Hiroshi looked upon his daughter in fear while she stared back with hate. That soon turned to a moment of pity, which Hiroshi capitalized on by attempting to leap from the machine. He barely got a foot from Asami.
"You are a horrible father…" Asami said sadly.
She had her mecha tank fire an electric bola at Hiroshi, electrocuting him into unconsciousness.
Pro-Bending Arena
"I thought your power would be of use to me, but I realize that was foolish." Amon voiced."Even if I end the Avatarnow, you'll never be loyal to me."
"Damn…right!" Sasuke yelled.
"Then, you will share the same fate." Amon said.
"What can you do?" Sasuke asked defiantly. "I'm not even a Bender. You can't take anythingfrom me."
"You are right." Amon threw him to the ground. "You're no Bender, but there is one thing I can takefrom you." He removed the kunai from his shoulder and tossed it near Sasuke. "Your life!"
He Bloodbent Sasuke again and forced him to pick up the kunai before pointing it at his neck.
"Amon, stop!" Korra yelled, causing the kunai to stop inches form impaling Sasuke in the throat. "Let him go, please…"
"It's over, Avatar." Amon voiced. "Do you not understand that?"
"If you spare him…you can take away my bending." Korra declared.
"What?" Amon asked.
"Korra…" Mako said.
"Come on!" Sasuke struggled to move or summon forth that transformation. "Anything!"
"You can do whatever you want to me; just please spare him!" Tears started flowing from the Avatar's eyes. "He doesn't deserve to die!"
"You are willing to sacrifice your own bending for a worthless brat?" Amon asked.
"Yes, I would." Korra answered instantly. "He deserves to live."
"How pathetic of you." Amon scoffed. "Using sympathy for this runt as a last resort."
"I suppose you wouldn't know what sympathy for one's family is since you abandoned yours." Korra voiced. "When I came to this city, you wanted to make life better for Non-Benders, but you've been using fear and hate on Benders to achieve it.
That's nowhere near the way to gain equality. True equality is if Benders and Non-Benders live together as one, yet you've been driving them apart! Your family was torn apart because of your father's lust for revenge.
Going on a path of hatred and vengeance will bring nothing but pain and misery. I chose to stand by my friends, Bender or Non-Bender, and that's what equality is. So, go ahead. Take my bending but leave Sasuke and Mako alone."
"Hmm, very well." Amon relented. "Though, to make sure there are no tricks…"
He Bloodbent Sasuke, forcing him to stab his kunai into his left leg. The Uchiha screamed in pain before Amon made him stab himself in the abdomen. Sasuke screamed louder as blood came out his mouth.
"SASUKE!" Korra cried, as fresh tears fell.
Mako was shedding tears himself as he was saddened that his little brother figure was being treated this way and enraged by it at the same time. Before he could act rashly, Amon flicked his gaze to him and Bloodbent the Firebender.
"Just a moment." Amon picked him up and smashed him into the ground. "Wouldn't want him interrupting." With that out of the way, he Bloodbent Korra into position. "Now then." He placed his thumb on the Avatar's forehead, taking her bending. "Finally, you are powerless."
Mako attempted to struggle from his place on the ground, but Ammon had kept his Bloodbending up. Sasuke, now free of it yet in pain, was attempting to crawl his way over to the masked man.
"What's wrong, boy?" Amon taunted. "Now that your precious Avatar is destroyed, you can't do a thing to me. I'm so glad I didn't take you when I had the chance. You're useless either way."
"Shut up!" Sasuke yelled.
He tried to attack, but Amon no longer had to hold Korra down. As such, he Bloodbent Sasuke and slammed his head on the ground. He then lift the Uchiha back up and tossed him into the wall before picking him back up. Sasuke's eye's conveyed fear as his head just started ringing.
"No…Not now…" Sasuke said.
Flashback
Young Sasuke was surrounded by dead bodies within the Uchiha compound. He ran home and found his parents dead while his older brother stood over them.
"Big brother, what did you do?" Sasuke questioned, terrified. "Why?"
"Foolish little brother, you aren't even worth killing." Itachi voiced. "If you want to kill me, foster all your hatred and despise me."
Pro-Bending Arena
Amon slammed Sasuke into the ceiling before slamming him into the ground.
Flashback
Sasuke was in the Ninja Academy, and the instructor, Iruka, started announcing teams. "Next up, Squad Seven: Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno…"
"YEAH!" Naruto cheered.
"No…" Sakura said sadly.
"… And Sasuke Uchiha." Iruka finished.
"YES!" Sakura cheered.
"Iruka Sensei, why does a great ninja like me have to be paired with a slug like Sasuke!?" Naruto asked, angry.
"Sasuke had the best scores out of the class." Iruka began. "You, Naruto, had the worst scores. To make the teams balanced, we paired the best with the worst."
"Just stay out of my way, loser." Sasuke scoffed.
"What!?" Naruto exclaimed, offended.
Pro-Bending Arena
"Why am I suddenly remembering things now? Naruto…Uzumaki…I know that name." Sasuke muttered.
"Mumbling to yourself?" Amon scoffed. "How weak."
He tossed Sasuke into another wall.
Flashback
Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura were on the roof of the academy with their new Jonin instructor, Kakashi Hatake.
"Now, what about you?" Kakashi asked Sasuke.
"My name is Sasuke Uchiha. I hate a lot of things, and I don't particularly like anything." Sasuke replied coldly. "What I have is not a dream because I'm going to make it a reality. I'm going to restore my clan and kill a certain someone."
Pro-Bending Arena
Amon just would not let up, which led to more memories returning. The bell test, the mission to the Land of Waves, the Chunin Exams, his encounter with Orochimaru, the Curse Mark, fighting Gaara, the encounter with Itachi. It all amounted to his last memory before losing them.
Flashback
"This is the first bond I've ever had." Naruto responded.
"Bond?" Sasuke scoffed. "If that's how it is…" His body turned pale, his hair grew longer and turned light grey, and wing-like shapes appeared on his back. "…then I'll sever that bond!"
Naruto used his demonic Chakra to strike at Sasuke and send him against a rock wall; however, the Uchiha blocked with one of his wings. He then managed to push the blond back.
"You're strong Naruto, yet I don't feel like I'll lose!" Sasuke declared confidently. "Let's end this…This battle, and all the battles up until now!"
"Fine…" Naruto declared.
He created a Rasengan covered in his crimson Chakra while Sasuke started charging his Chidori which was empowered by his curse mark. After their respective attacks were charged, they started charging each other.
"NARUTOOOOOOOO!"
"SASUKEEEEEEEEEE!"
They clashed with their respective Jutsu.
"CHIDORI!"
"RASENGAN!"
Pro-Bending Arena
I remember everything…Konoha… My brother…Itachi… Naruto…." Sasuke thought.
"Amon!/Master" The Lieutenant/Xiba shouted, furious.
The masked man turned to see his most loyal man and his star pupil had arrived.
"Everything the Avatar said is true." The Lieutenant declared angrily. "You're currently Bloodbending two of them, and I bet you did the same to the Avatar just beforehand." He took off his mask and looked down in shame. "You traitor! I dedicated my life to you!"
"I let you and father fill my head with lies, just to betray my own sister for nothing!" Xiba shouted enraged as he removed his mask.
The pair dropped and stomped on them. The lieutenant then drew his kali stick while Xiba unwound his chains. They charged Amon, who dropped his Bloodbending on Mako and Sasuke, resulting in the latter falling to the ground, as he now caught the two of them.
"You served me well, Lieutenant." Amon shifted his gaze to the younger equalist. "Xiba, you really were a good student."
He threw the Lieutenant into a pile of timber, followed by slamming Xiba into a wall and letting him fall to the ground. This gave Mako the prime opportunity to blast Amon with lightning and send him slamming into a wall.
Mako wasted not a second after as he ran to the heavily injured Sasuke and got the boy on his back. The Firebender then immediately sprinted to Korra, picked her up bridal style, and just booked it from the room, out into the corridor.
"Mako…Sasuke." Korra weakly stated worriedly.
"Everything will be alright!" Mako assured firmly. "I'll get you both out of here!"
Suddenly, Mako dropped Korra and Sasuke fell off his back as Amon had rushed after and Bloodbent him. The masked figure slammed the Firebender into the ceiling, against two walls, and finally onto the floor.
"I'm impressed." He approached while propping Mako up on his knees. "Nobody has ever gotten the better of me like that. It's almost a shame to take away the bending of someone so talented… almost."
Korra saw Amon about to take Mako's bending. "NO!"
She's stood and threw a punch at Amon, only to unleash an air blast that pushed the masked figure back.
Amon was utterly dismayed. "Impossible!"
"I…I can Airbend?" She became more assured, ready to make Amon pay for everything he just put them through, especially the damage he brought to Sasuke. "I can Airbend!"
The Avatar just started throwing air punches at Amon, striking him repeatedly as she pushed the man up against the window at the end of the hall. Amon had recovered from his dismay and Bloodbent Korra.
"No…" Korra would not let him have the upper hand ever again. "You…DON'T!"
She kicked out a massive air blast that decimated the wall and sent Among out the building. He flew over the ground and fell into the water as his supporters watched. They saw Amon's mask afloat on the water. Korra and Mako, with Sasuke back on his back, came to the damaged wall.
"Bending tyrant!"
The supporters saw her.
"Evil Avatar!"
The crowd booed. Within the water, an unconscious Amon sunk deeper, and his scar started to fade, revealing it to have been fake. He suddenly came to and institutionally bent the water around himself. He surfaced atop a waterspout for everyone to see as he breathed in.
"He's Waterbending!"
"The scar is fake!"
"The Avatar and the boy were telling the truth!"
Amon saw his supporters turning on him before his gazed hardened on Korra and Sasuke. With a growl, he sunk into the water and used his bending to speed away. None of the trio were in any shape to try stopping him from this range.
With him gone, Korra placed a hand on Sasuke's head as she cried. Mako went about comforting her and the Uchiha.
"I remember…" Sasuke said.
"What?" Korra asked.
"My memory is back…" Sasuke voiced. "While Amon was Bloodbending me, the pieces of my memory came back. I'm a former shinobi from Konoha, a member of the Uchiha Clan."
"The dead bodies you saw…" Korra gasped.
"Itachi Uchiha, the one who murdered the clan, is my older brother." Sasuke informed. "I swore I would get revenge on him someday, and I was about to seek power from a Orochimaru, a rogue Shinobi without a good reason like Utakata. I fought against a former friend, Naruto Uzumaki. Our clash is what saw me losing my memory."
Korra ran a hand comfortingly along his back. "I'm so sorry, Sasuke…"
"We all are." Mako added.
Air Temple Island
Tarrlok was still in his prison when the attic door opened to reveal Amon.
"Noatak…" Tarrlok said.
"It's over, brother." Noatak said. "I'm sorry for what I had to do."
"Our father sent us on this path; fate caused us to collide." Tarrlok stated. "I should have left with you when we were boys."
"Leave with me now." Noatak unlocked the cell. "We can have a second chance. We can start over, together. Please. You're all I have left in the world."
Later…
At the docks, Lin, Tenzin, Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo were reunited with Pema and Rohan. They were soon joined by Bolin, Asami, and Utakata.
"Where are they?" Bolin asked.
"Iroh said they'd show up." Asami said.
Meelo pointed out a speedboat arriving at the docks. "Look!"
The speedboat held the trio who were back in their regular clothes, though Sasuke was wrapped in a blanket. Once it docked, Mako and Korra, who carried Sasuke, disembarked.
"What happened?" Tenzin asked.
"We managed to beat Amon, but he escaped." Mako responded.
"How did you stop him?" Tenzin asked.
"I finally unlocked my Airbending while Sasuke got his memory back." Korra answered.
"That's great!" Bolin said.
"What else happened?" Asami asked.
"He took my bending." Korra said sadly, making them gasp. "Now, the only thing I can bend is air. What's worse is what he did to Sasuke."
Utakata stepped forward, visibly worried. "What happened?"
Korra uncovered the blanket to reveal Sasuke's severely injured body, which was covered in blood, bruises, and stab marks. Everyone was shocked and horrified.
Jinora teared up. "Sasuke…"
"On the upside Korra finally has her Airbending, and Sasuke got his memories back." Bolin tried.
"Bro, not the time." Mako said annoyed.
"Right, right." Bolin backed off. "I'll just stand over here."
Just then, another United Forces ship arrived.
"You both saved Republic City." Tenzin said.
"Amon escaped and did all this to us." Korra stated sadly.
"Doesn't feel like a victory." Sasuke added bitterly.
"Uncle Bumi's here!" Ikki cheered.
She's seen an older man wearing a United Forces uniform who howled and clapped his hands together.
"Great…" Tenzin sighed in annoyance and rolled his eyes. "Now I have to entertain my brother."
"We'll get you to the Southern Water Tribe." Korra looked to Sasuke. "Katara is the best healer in all the Elemental Nations, so she'll have you healed up."
"Hn." Sasuke said.
"Sasuke, just know you were brave and are a hero." Jinora said sincerely.
"Whatever." Sasuke looked away. "I'm no hero."
Ocean
Noatak drove the speedboat while Tarrlok was in the back.
"The two of us together again." Noatak declared. "There's nothing we can't do."
"Yes, Noatak." Tarrlok said glumly.
"Noatak." The older brother chuckled. "I had almost forgotten the sound of my own name."
Tarrlok then saw an Equalist glove and took it while unscrewing the lid of the fuel tank.
The former councilman placed his glove over it. "It will be just like the good old days…"
Noatak shed a tear before the speedboat exploded in the middle of the sea.
Southern Water Tribe
Everyone, including Korra's parents, were in the waiting room while Katara tended to Korra and Sasuke.
"So, Sasuke's a ninja?" Bolin asked.
"Yeah." Mako nodded. "He said he's from a place called Konoha."
"Itachi, the man who wiped out his clan, is his own brother." Asami added.
"It's horrible!" Jinora stated.
"It was hard to believe someone would kill their own family." Tenzin voiced. "To think family would then put family through that."
"He was also trying to get power from Orochimaru." Utakata shook his head. "Never met him myself, but he's a former Sanin of Konoha. From what I'd heard, he led his own village and the Sunagakure to crush Konoha."
"He also fought a friend before he lost his memory." Mako said.
"I can't believe what he went through." Pema stated sadly.
Katara walked out with a sad expression, prompting everyone to stand.
"Is Sasuke okay, Gran-Gran?" Jinora asked.
"Sasuke's going to be fine." Katara assured. "I've healed every wound he had. He just needs time to recover."
Sasuke came out, heavily bandaged.
"What about Korra?" Mako asked.
"I've tried everything within my power, but I can't restore her bending." Katara replied sadly.
"But there has to be something else you can do!" Tenzin exclaimed.
"You're the best healer in the world." Lin stood. "You have to keep trying."
"I'm sorry." Katara shook her head. "There is nothing else I can do. Korra can still Airbend, but her connection to the other elements has been severed."
Sasuke had a sorrowful look while everyone else was dismayed. Korra walked out with a sad face.
"It's going to be alright, Korra." Tenzin assured.
"No, it's not." Korra returned sadly. "Because of what I've done, I don't deserve my bending."
"Korra…" Sasuke began.
"Because of me, Amon hurt you." Korra interrupted.
"That may be true, but…"
"Look, I never should have allowed you to come with me in the first place." Korra interrupted yet again. "I wish…I wish you never came to this nation in the first place!"
She then left the room.
"Fine…" Sasuke nodded. "I'm leaving too."
Utakata stopped him at the door by laying a hand on his shoulder. "Sasuke…"
"No." The Uchiha shook him off. "I'm going to do what I should've done before ending up here."
He left out the door.
Mako went out after him and spotted Sasuke rushing out the compound before then spotting the Avatar. "Korra, wait!"
"Go away." Korra said angry.
"I will, but I just want you to know, I'm here for you." Mako said.
"No, I mean, go away, back to Republic City." Korra crossed her arms. "Get on with your life."
"What are you talking about?" Mako asked confused.
"I'm not the Avatar anymore." Korra explained. "You don't have to do me any more favors. There's nothing I can do for Sasuke anymore either."
"I don't care if you're the Avatar or not." Mako declared firmly. "Listen, when Tarrlok took you, I was losing my mind at the thought of never seeing you again. I realized…I love you, Korra."
"No…I can't." Korra said before running to Naga.
"Korra!" Mako called.
The Avatar hoped on her companion and left.
"We need to be patient with her." Tenzin had joined the Firebender. "It will take time for her to accept what has happened."
Cliff
Korra arrived with Naga on a cliff above the sea, and she found Sasuke sitting near the edge.
The Avatar ended up joining him. "Sasuke…"
"Leave me alone." Sasuke stood. "You said it yourself; I should've never come to this nation."
"I'm sorry I said that to you." Korra apologized genuinely. "What will you do?"
"I'm going to find my way back to the Shinobi Nations and gain the power I need to kill Itachi, like I was destined to."
"Sasuke, please, don't do this." Korra pleaded. "Don't be like Amon."
"I'm nothing like Amon." Sasuke argued. "He was trying to destroy all Benders. My brother took my whole clan away from me! You don't know what that's like!"
"You're right." Korra admitted. "I don't know what that feels like, but I know how you're feeling. You've been alone since you were just a kid, no one to turn to. I was wrong for saying what I did. I'm glad you came to the Elemental Nations.
I'm glad you ended up entering my life at all. You've found a new family. Me, Utakata, Mako, Bolin, Asami, Tenzin, Jinora, Ikki, Meelo, we are your new family, and we want to be there for you."
"Everything that needed to be done, it done here." Sasuke retorted. "It's over, I'm leaving."
"Please think about this." Korra begged. "Getting your revenge won't bring your clan back, and it won't make anyone happy, including yourself. Katara told me a story. When she was a little girl, her mother was killed during a Fire Nation raid.
During her journey with Aang, she found the one who killed her mother. She was determined to get her revenge, despite his warnings. When she met the man again, she couldn't do it. You don't have to be on the path of revenge. You can stay with us. I can take care of you."
"I've made my path." Sasuke walked away. "Goodbye."
Korra collapsed to her knees and broke down crying. Soon, someone in Air Nomad attire approached her.
"Not now, Tenzin." Korra sniffled. "Just leave me alone."
"But you called me here." Aang voiced.
Korra looked up to see that it was her past life. "Aang…"
"You have finally connected with your spiritual self." Aang said.
Korra stood. "How?"
"When we hit our lowest point, we are open to the greatest change." Aang said.
Other Avatars appeared, such as Roku, Kyoshi, Kuruk, and Yangchen, in the Avatar State. Aang put his hands on Korra's forehead and shoulder to restore her bending with his Energybending. Then, her eyes glowed as Aang, and the other Avatars faded away.
Korra was now in the Avatar State, and she rose on an air spout before unleashing Airbending, Firebending, Earthbending, and Waterbending. She lowered to the ground and exited the Avatar State before turning to see Mako smiling at her.
Korra ran up to, hugged, and kissed him. "I love you too."
"C'mon, let's go find Sasuke." Mako said.
Southern Pole
Sasuke was walking alone, but he then fell to the snowy ground. "Dammit…I'll find you, Itachi, and I WILL end you!"
"Is this really the path you want to take?" Sasuke looked back to see Yun, after all this time. "It's nice to see you again. I see your memory was restored."
"Not you again." Sasuke growled. "Piss off."
"Fine, but you have to choose your path." Yun voiced. "Either find happiness within yourself or be forever lost in the darkness." That green energy appeared beneath him. "If it's any consolation, I've been in the darkness." He shook his head. "It's not fulfilling."
He then sunk into his energy, which dissipated.
"Sasuke!" Korra called out.
The Uchiha looked to see Korra and Mako before they hugged him. "What now?"
"Sasuke, please stay with us." Korra begged. "You don't have to be alone anymore because we're your family now."
"Just…don't go killing your brother." Mako added. "I know he killed your family, but we can be better than he was. We can give you the care you need."
"After everything we've been through together, I felt like I wasn't alone anymore." Sasuke admitted with a sigh. "I'm sorry."
"No, don't be." Korra stated. "Do you want to stay with us?"
Sasuke reflected on everything his life has been up to this very point. Every memory he's made within Konoha, as well as because of Konoha, to his time within the Elemental Nations. He reflected on the people he's met and lessons he's learned. Lastly, he reflected on his loneliness.
"I do." Sasuke stated. "Beining here, compared to anywhere else, it's home."
"Welcome home…." Mako ruffled the Uchiha's hair, and the boy smiled. "…little brother."
Compound Later…
Everyone who would be heading back to Republic City met up near Oogi.
"I'm proud of you, Korra." Tenzin nodded. "You as well, Sasuke."
Bolin hugged the Uchiha. "I love you, little bro!"
Asami placed a hand on Sasuke's head. "No matter what, we'll always be there for you."
"I'm glad you're staying with us." Jinora voiced. "Now that you actually remember it, you'll have to educate me on this Jutsu stuff."
"I'll explain everything, just wait." Sasuke then looked at Utakata. "About before…"
"It's fine Sasuke." Utakata put a warm hand on his student's head. "I'm glad you've decided to stay. Despite what you said, I'd have ended up following you to the Shinobi Nations. Now, I don't have to leave my home as well."
"As great as this is, we'd best get back to Republic City." Lin voiced. "It's still a mess."
"She's right." Sasuke nodded. "Let's go."
"You think you can handle it in this condition?" Korra asked.
Sasuke smiled. "Nothing I can't handle."
Shinobi Nations
Naruto and Jiraiya were walking through a grassy field when the former suddenly stopped.
"What's wrong?" Jiraiya asked.
"I don't know." Naruto smiled. "For some reason, I got this feeling in my gut that Sasuke's alright, and he's somewhere safe."
"Really?" Jiraiya asked. "How do you know?"
"Just this feeling." Naruto reiterated. "He's not with Orochimaru. I just know he's safe somewhere. Believe it!"
"Well, if you say so." Jiraiya started walking. "Now, come on. We're burning daylight.
"Sasuke, I will find you." Naruto thought as he followed. "Just wait!"
Alright, this is the end of Book 1. Now, I'm either going to return to posting every other day, or I'm taking a break. If nothing is posted on Friday, then it's the latter option.