Chapter 6: Voice in the Night

Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. I bet after the last one all of you have been waiting to see this one. And I want to say I put in quite a few surprises. I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.

We find ourselves at Air Temple Island in the dead of night as Korra was sound asleep in her room.

Suddenly leaping through the window and through the doors were 3 Chi Blockers.

Korra tried to fight them off with some firebending but the Chi Blockers dodged her attacks before one moved in and did a series of quick strikes causing her to drop to her knees.

Emerging from the shadows, Amon looked down at Korra. "After I take your bending away you'll be nothing." He declared reaching out to her causing Korra to scream and wake up.

Looking around Korra panted heavily seeing it was just a dream.

Whimpering Naga licks Korra's arm checking to see if she was okay.

"It's ... it's all right, Naga. I just had a bad dream." Korra sighs.

The next day at the United Republic Council, Tenzin was sitting at the council table when Koji walks in bringing tea for him and the others.

"Koji you make the best tea. I swear one of these days I'm gonna make you my assistant." Tarrlok said sipping his drink.

"Sorry Tarrlok, I work for my uncle." Koji said.

"Yes and I don't plan on handing him over to just anyone. Now why did you call us here?" Tenzin asks as Tarrlok stood up.

"There is a madman running around our beloved city, threatening to tear it apart. We need to create a task force whose sole mission is to find Amon and bring him to justice." Tarrlok said.

"Absolutely not. A move that aggressive would only further divide benders and nonbenders." Tenzin argues.

"Tarrlok, I'm inclined to agree with your proposal, but who would even head up such a task force?" The Fire Nation Councilwoman asks.

"It would be my honor and privilege to accept such a duty." Tarrlok said standing up.

"This is just another one of your ploys to gain more power, isn't it?" Tenzin asks.

"I'm only trying to help. Think back, forty-two years ago, Republic City was threatened by another dangerous man. Yakone. Your father wasn't afraid to deal with him head-on." Tarrlok reminds.

"That is completely different and how dare you compare yourself to Avatar Aang!" Tenzin said when Koji moves in.

"Amon is not going to stop with the bending triads. Eventually, he will come for all us benders. Our friends, our families. Vote for this task force and I will stop Amon before it's too late. All in favor?" Tarrlok asks and all but Tenzin and Koji raised their hands making it official.

That night at Air Temple Island, Korra was outside practicing her airbending when suddenly the radio changed.

"Good evening my fellow Equalists." Amon said revealing he hacked the Radio station. "This is your leader, Amon. 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 cannot 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." Amon declares causing fear to engulf Korra.

"Hey Korra." Koji said putting a hand on her shoulder causing Korra to yelp and fire a blast of flames.

"Whoa!" Koji said bending it out of the way.

"Koji?" Korra gasps before running over. "Oh man I am so sorry."

"Lucky it was me. Anyone else probably wouldn't have been able to dodge that." Koji said brushing it off.

"So what happened?" Korra asks.

"Well as you just heard the council is putting a task force to take Amon down. I'm not sure how this is gonna end but I don't think it'll be good." Koji cringed. "You okay? You seem on edge?"

"Ever since I saw Amon take away bending it's been a little difficult." Korra admits.

"Hey it's okay to be scared." Koji said.

"Scared me? No way." Korra scoffs.

"Korra." Koji said worried.

"Look I'm the Avatar I can handle anything." Korra said walking away.

"She's so lying." Koji sighs.

The next day, Koji, Korra and all of Tenzin's family were sitting at the dinner table.

"We are grateful for this delicious food, for happiness, for compassion, and …" Before Tenzin could finish Tarrlok walks in.

"I'm not interrupting am I?" Tarrlok interrupts.

"You kinda just did." Koji said.

"This is my home, Tarrlok. We're about to eat dinner." Tenzin said turning to him.

"Good because I am absolutely famished. Airbenders never turn away a hungry guest, do they?" Tarrlok asks.

"I suppose." Tenzin sighs as he takes a seat and Pemma scolds him.

"Koji always a pleasure to see you." Tarrlok said.

"Hey Tarrlok." Koji said as he walked up to Korra.

"Ah, you must be the famous Avatar Korra. It is truly an honor. I am Councilman Tarrlok, representative from the Northern Water Tribe." Tarrlok said bowing.

"Nice to meet you." Korra bows before they sat down.

"Why do you have three ponytails? And how come you smell like a lady? You're weird." Ikki asks sniffing the air.

"Ikki, remember what we said about questions to new guests?" Koji asks.

"No asking unless they have any." Ikki sighs.

"That's right." Koji said.

"Impressive." Tarrlok said.

"I've babysat all the kids in this room, especially this one." Koji said pointing to Korra.

"Hey!" Korra said shooting him a glare.

"So, I've been reading all about your adventures in the papers. Infiltrating Amon's rally, now that took some real initiative." Tarrlok said skipping the small talk.

"Oh, thanks. I think you're the first authority figure in the city who's happy I'm here." Korra said.

"Republic City is much better off now that you've arrived." Tarrlok said instantly Koji and Tenzin narrow their eyes.

"Alright Tarrlok that's enough with the flattery. What do you want with Korra?" Tenzin asks.

"Patience, Tenzin. I'm getting to that. As you may have heard, I am assembling a task force that will strike at the heart of the revolution and I want you to join me." Tarrlok said.

"Really?" Korra said surprised.

"What?!" Koji and Tenzin gasp.

"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 said.

"Join your task force?" Korra said pausing. "I can't." She said surprising everyone.

"I must admit, I'm rather surprised. I thought you'd jump at the chance to help me lead the charge against Amon." Tarrlok said.

"Me too." Koji said a little worried.

"I came to Republic City to finish my Avatar training with Tenzin. Right now, I just need to focus on that." Korra said.

"Which is why this opportunity is perfect. You would get on the job experience while performing your Avatar duty for the city." Tarrlok said.

"She gave you her answer. I suggest you go." Tenzin said.

"Very well. But, I'm not giving up on you just yet. You'll be hearing from me soon." Tarrlok said standing up "It has been a pleasure, Avatar Korra."

"Bye-Bye ponytail man." Ikki said as Tarrlok walked out the door causing him to growl.

The next day, Korra and Naga were sitting by the temple steps when Bolin walked in with Pabu on his shoulder.

"Hello fellow teammate." Bolin calls out.

"Hey Bolin." Korra said acknowledging him.

"Missed you at practice this week." Bolin said.

"Yeah sorry about that." Korra frowns.

"Nah, that's all right. We're probably out of the tournament anyways unless some money miraculously drops out of the sky by tomorrow. Where's Koji?" Bolin asks looking around.

"He said he was taking your brother into town to meet with his "friend" see if she could get some money." Korra said.

"I hope it works out. Anyways, the reason I came by was to give you this. Ta da!" Bolin said pulling out a rose and a cupcake.

"Wow thanks Bolin. What's this for?" Korra asks taking them.

"Uh, oh I can't remember now. Oh yeah, now I remember. You saved me from Amon!" Bolin said.

"Oh yeah…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… scary stuff; I still can't sleep well." Bolin said acting like a zombie.

"Delivery for Avatar Korra!" Looking over they saw Tarrlok's assistant putting a large gift bag down next to her. "Tarrlok sends his compliments and urges you to reconsider his offer."

"Tell him I haven't changed my mind." Korra said as the assistant left.

"Who is this Tarrlok guy? Because if he's bothering you, I can word with him." Bolin said pounding his fist causing Korra to smile.

"No it's not like that. He's just some old guy who works with Tenzin on the council." Korra said.

"Okay that sounds better. I like that." Bolin said calming down.

At the Satomobile factory, Koji was leading Mako in to meet with Asami and her father.

"Whoa Koji when you said you knew someone money, I didn't know you meant Hiroshi Sato." Mako said blown away.

"Well you never asked." Koji shrugs causing Asami to giggle.

"So Mako what do you think of my little operation?" Hiroshi asks.

"It's very impressive, Mr. Sato." Mako said.

"Please call me Hiroshi. So I understand you're dirt poor." Hiroshi said causing Mako to flinch.

"Uh well." Mako said.

"Young man, it is nothing to be ashamed of. I too came from humble beginnings. Why, when I was your age, I was a mere shoe-shiner, and all I had to my name was an idea; the Satomobile. Now, I was fortunate enough to meet someone who believed in me and my work ethic. He gave me the money I needed to get my idea off the ground and I built the entire Future Industries empire from that one selfless loan." Hiroshi said gesturing to the whole assembly line.

"Dad, stop bragging. Tell them the good news." Asami said.

"What news?" Mako asks.

"Well Asami and Koji had told me all about your hard-earned success in the Pro-bending Arena. And about your team's current financial stumbling block. Now, I'd hate to see you lose your chance at winning the championship just because you're short a few yuans. That's why I'm going to sponsor the Fire Ferrets in the tournament." Hiroshi said.

"Seriously?" Mako smiles.

"Seriously. I talked to Asami and she asked her dad for me." Koji said.

"He's gonna cover your ante for the Championship Pot." Asami nods.

"There's just one catch. You all have to wear the Future Industries logo on your uniforms." Hiroshi said.

"I'll tattoo it to my chest if you'd like sir. Thank you all so much, the Fire Ferrets won't waste this chance." Mako said shaking Hiroshi's hand.

"You are the best." Koji said hugging Asami close.

"You don't say." Asami giggles.

Back at Air Temple Island, Tenzin walks in to see Ikki and Meelo in the front seat of a new Satomobile with a ribbon on it pretending to be driving.

"Out of the way Daddy, we're driving here! Beep! Beep!" Ikki said mimicking car noises.

"Beep Beep!" Meelo said.

Walking to the main square, Tenzin saw Korra practicing her airbending stances.

"I see Tarrlok's gifts are getting more and more extravagant." Tenzin said.

"That guy does not take no for answer." Korra said.

"Tell me about it, he keeps trying to make Koji his assistant." Tenzin said.

"Yeah too bad neither me or Koji would ever join him." Korra said.

"Korra…are you alright?" Tenzin asks concerned.

"I'm fine." Korra said turning to him.

"Why don't you take a break?" Tenzin said sitting down. "I'm glad you turned down Tarrlok, but I just want to make sure your decision was for the right reason."

"I'm just really focused on my airbending right now is all." Korra said sitting down next to him.

"You say that but I feel there's something more. It's okay 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." Tenzin said as Korra frowns. "If you need to talk me and Koji are here for you."

"Avatar Korra!" Turning around she saw Tarrlok's assistant coming in. "I have something for you."

"I don't care how many gifts Tarrlok sends me I am not joining his task force!" Korra said earthbending the ground turning him 180 degrees so he was facing the exit.

"It's not a gift. It's an invitation." He said surprising her.

"To what?" Korra asks.

"Tarrlok is throwing a gala in your honor. All of Republic City's movers and shakers will be there. The councilman humbly requests your attendance." He said.

Korra pauses looking at the invite on what her next move should be before accepting it.

That night, Korra walks in wearing a beautiful blue dress.

"Wow you actually look good." Korra turns to see Koji walk in wearing a dark blue suit similar to hers but with white lines running down it.

"Not too bad yourself. Try not to be too bored on your own." Korra smirks.

"What makes you think I'll be on my own?" Koji asks.

"Because this party is all for me, wouldn't be fun to have my bodyguard following me everywhere." Korra said.

"Gee glad that's all you see me as." Koji said as Tenzin walks over.

"I'm not sure what Tarrlok's plotting, but keep your guard up. It's not like him to throw a party just for the fun of it." Tenzin warns.

"Sure thing." Koji nods when Tarrlok walks over.

"Korra, so glad you could make it. If you'd excuse us, the city awaits its hero." Tarrlok said leading Korra away.

Koji looks to Tenzin and nods before following after.

"Koji there you are." Hiroshi said waving at him.

"Should have known you'd get an invite." Koji said as Hiroshi walks over to them.

"Korra, it's my pleasure to introduce Republic City's most famous industrialist, Hiroshi Sato." Tarrlok said.

"Nice to meet you." Korra said.

"We expect great things from you." Hiroshi said.

"Yeah…greatness." Korra said.

"Koji!" Asami smiles walking in wearing a beautiful red dress. "How do I look?"

"You look amazing." Koji smiles as Asami leans in and pecks him on the cheek causing Korra's eyes to widen.

"Uh who are you?" Korra asks.

"This is my daughter Asami." Hiroshi said as Mako and Bolin walk in behind them.

"Korra it's so nice to meet you. Koji has told me so much about you." Asami said.

"Really? Because he hasn't mentioned you at all." Korra said.

"What are you talking about? I told you I met her through helping Uncle Tenzin." Koji reminds.

"So wait, all those times…" Korra realized.

"And thanks to Koji, Mr. Sato has agreed to sponsor the Fire Ferrets." Mako said.

"Isn't that great? We're back in thanks to Koji and his girlfriend." Bolin declares causing Korra to flinch.

"May I have a word with you?" Korra asks pulling Koji aside.

"Whoa Korra." Koji said as they went to an isolated area. "What is going on with you?"

"What's going on with me? What about you? How could you not tell me you have a girlfriend?" Korra asks.

"I told you about Asami a million times. It's not my fault you didn't listen or chose to not take me seriously." Koji said.

"How long has this been going on for?" Korra asks.

"2 years." Koji said causing Korra to drop her mouth in shock.

"Yeah despite your constant teasing Korra I actually found a girl who wants to be with me. One who doesn't ignore me, make fun of me or not take me seriously." Koji said.

With each line Korra felt worse and worse. Sure she teased Koji but she really liked him, but she never even once considered someone else would like him.

"Look why don't you go back to your party. I'm gonna go dance with a girl who enjoys my company and loves me." Koji said walking away.

"But so do I." Korra mumbles when Tarrlok walks over and sees Chief Beifong.

"Chief Beifong, I believe you and Avatar Korra have already met." Tarrlok said as Lin looks over.

"Just because the city's throwing you this big to-do, don't think you're something special. You've done absolutely nothing to deserve this." Lin said before walking away causing Korra to feel worse.

As Koji and Asami were getting a few drinks, he looks to her.

"I gotta admit, Korra is something else." Asami said.

"Yeah she is." Koji said handing her a glass. "I'm a little worried about her."

"What do you mean?" Asami asks.

"I think Amon is starting to get to her, but she won't admit it." Koji said.

"You really worry about her don't you?" Asami asks.

"I'm a White Lotus it's my job, plus she's my best friend." Koji said.

"Is that all?" Asami asks.

"Asami, you're not jealous are you?" Koji asks causing Asami to almost choke on her drink.

"What? No." Asami said trying to play cool.

"Hey I would never dump you for another girl. You mean too much to me." Koji smiles making Asami feel better.

"Hey there she is." Asami said when Koji sees Tarrlok lead Korra to a ton of reporters.

"If you'd be so kind, they just have a couple of questions." Tarrlok said nudging Korra towards them.

"Avatar Korra, you witnessed Amon take away people's bending firsthand. How serious a threat does he pose to the innocent citizens of Republic City?" A reporter asks.

"I think he presents a real problem." Korra said clearing her throat.

Koji looks to Tarrlok and saw a grin on his face making Koji gasp.

He was using peer pressure to get Korra to join his taskforce.

"Why that sneaky little." Koji growls.

"Then why have you refused to join Tarrlok's task force? As the Avatar, shouldn't you be going after Amon?" A reporter asks.

"Well I uh…"

"Why are you backing away from this fight?" A reporter asks.

"What? No I've never backed away from a fight in my life." Korra said but the reporters kept bombarding her with questions.

"You promised to serve this city, aren't 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?"

"I am not afraid of anyone!" Korra snaps shutting them up. "If the city needs me, I'll join Tarrlok's task force and help fight Amon." Korra declares.

"There's your headline folks." Tarrlok said as pictures were taken.

Asami looks to Koji and saw a look of horror on his and Tenzin's face while Mako and Bolin were confused.

"Korra…no." Koji said.

Soon Korra was a wearing task force uniform and standing alongside Tarrlok and other deputies.

"My fellow task force deputies, tonight we will execute a raid on an underground chi blocker training camp located in the Dragon Flats borough. According to my sources, there is a cellar underneath this bookstore, where Equalists train chi blocking in secret." Tarrlok said as they arrived at the site.

Sneaking around Korra looked through a bottom window and saw some people wearing Equalist masks and practicing, but when she saw the large poster of Amon she gasps thinking of him again.

Seeing this was their chance, Tarrlok signaled and the task force opened a huge tank of water allowing all the water benders to arm themselves.

Soon an explosion went off as they broke in freezing the Equalists in ice when some jumped back and one threw a smoke bomb before he and one other ran out.

Firing water, Korra freezes the bombs.

"I'm going after those two!" Korra said running out the door.

Racing down the hall a trip wire shot out causing her to fall and a Chi Blocker leaps in.

Rolling out of the way Korra shoots a pillar of earth out hitting the Chi Blocker when another leaps in to attack.

Suddenly a stream of water hit freezing the Chi Blocker to the wall.

Turning around Korra saw Tarrlok had followed her.

"Nice timing. Thanks, Tarrlok." Korra said.

"We make a pretty good team, Avatar." Tarrlok said.

"Yeah we do." Korra smiles.

Soon pics of Korra and Tarrlok taking down Equalists was all over the paper.

Zooming out we see Mako and Bolin at the Pro-Bending training room when Koji walks in.

"Hey guys." Koji said.

"No Korra for practice again?" Bolin asks as Koji sighs.

"Doesn't look like it." Mako said causing Bolin to throw disks annoyed.

"That girl drives me nuts sometimes." Koji groans.

"Why do you put up with her?" Mako asks getting his attention. "I mean I get protecting the Avatar is your job but why do keep putting yourself through this?"

"Look when I was little I got separated from my parents. I don't know what happened to them and I was all alone. When I met Korra I wasn't alone anymore. I found a new family and thanks to her I'm what I am today. I can't leave her, not when it's clear she needs as much help as she can get." Koji explains causing Mako to sigh.

"Well then you Koji are a better man than I am." Mako said.

In a room full of reporters, Korra and Tarrlok were having a conference.

"Avatar Korra has bravely answered the call to action. With the two of us leading the charge, Republic City has nothing to fear from Amon and the Equalists." Tarrlok said.

"Question for the Avatar! Amon remains at large. Why have you failed to locate him?" A reporter asks.

"You want to know why? Because Amon is hiding in the shadows like a coward. Amon, I challenge you to a duel! No task force, no chi blockers, just the two of us tonight at midnight on Avatar Aang Memorial Island. Let's cut to the chase and settle this thing, if you're man enough to face me." Korra declares before leaving driving everyone nuts.

Needless to say, EVERYONE heard that.

After the meeting, Korra was getting ready for her battle when Koji opens the door and runs in.

"Korra this is insane. You can't go through with this." Koji said.

"I am done waiting for Amon and tonight I'm gonna end it." Korra said.

"Korra you're not thinking straight. If you go in there the way you are now, you'll lose." Koji said.

"Oh so now you don't think I'm a good enough Avatar?" Korra asks turning to him.

"I never said that. Korra you're scared but if you don't admit it, you're gonna lose your bending forever." Koji said reaching his hand out.

"I'm not scared!" Korra snaps swatting his hand away. "Just leave me alone. Why don't you go find your girlfriend and forget I even exist!"

"Korra." Koji said as she stormed off leaving him alone.

At the Republic City docks, Tenzin flew in on his glider to see Korra getting into a small boat with Tarrlok and his task force nearby.

"Korra, this is madness." Tenzin said.

"Don't try and stop me Tenzin, Koji already tried." Korra said.

"This is all your doing." Tenzin growls pointing at Tarrlok.

"I tried to talk her out of it too, but she's made up her mind." Tarrlok said as Korra used her water bending to race towards Avatar Aang Island.

"Korra!" Looking to the edge Tenzin and Tarrlok saw Koji running as fast as he could. "Please…we have to stop her." Koji pants catching his breath.

"She already left Koji." Tenzin said.

"Don't worry. We'll be watching the island closely. If anything goes wrong, I have a fleet of police airships ready to swoop down." Tarrlok said as he and his men went to get into position.

"I'm sorry Koji but we can't stop her." Tenzin said.

Pausing Koji took a deep breath realizing he had to do this to save Korra. "You can't…but I can."

Running forward Koji grabs Tenzin's glider and ran towards the docks.

"Koji what are you doing?" Tenzin gasps as Koji opened it up.

"I'm going to save Korra!" Koji said getting ready to fly.

"You fool! You'll never make it off the ground! You can't use a glider you're not a—" Before Tenzin could finish Koji shot into the air flying towards the island. "An Airbender?" Tenzin gasps in shock seeing his nephew fly towards the island.

At Avatar Aang Island, the clock struck midnight as Korra waited for Amon.

"Guess you're a no-show, Amon. Who's scared now?" Korra asks as she walks to the main building.

Suddenly a bola flew out and wrapped around her legs causing Korra to yelp as she was yanked inside.

Quickly shooting fire out Korra broke free and saw at least 21 Chi-Blockers circling her.

She tried to attack but two whips flew out and wrapped around her arms.

Firing pillars of earth she knocks three away before they moved in a did a series of quick jabs forcing Korra to her knees.

Struggling Korra looks up to see Amon emerging from the shadows.

"I received your invitation, young Avatar." Amon said reaching his hand out.

Flinching in fear Korra thought he was gonna take her bending only for him to cup her cheek instead so she could look at him face to mask.

"Our showdown, while inevitable, is premature. Although it would be the simplest thing for me to take away your bending right now, I won't. You'd only become a martyr. Benders of every nation would rally behind your untimely demise, 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 declares before he struck her shoulder knocking her out.

As Korra slowly lost consciousness she saw an image of an adult Aang flying in.

"Hey!" Looking to the door, Amon and his Equalists saw Koji with Tenzin's glider in his hands. "Step away from the Avatar or else!" Koji said taking a fighting stance.

"How cute, a White Lotus here to protect the Avatar." Amon said before snapping his fingers. "Bring him to me."

Leaping in the Chi-Blockers faced Koji who was growling.

"Don't mess with me." Koji growls closing his eyes.

Not caring what he said they leaped in when suddenly Koji opened his eyes to reveal they were glowing red.

Roaring Koji released a gust of wind blowing the front row of Chi Blockers away sending 6 of them crashing to the ground.

"An Airbender?" Amon said surprised when 5 more leap in for an attack but Koji spins quickly creating a ring of fire blasting them away.

"Out of my way!" Koji roars as he erupts like a volcano releasing a giant flame from above him while wind gathered below him sending all the Chi Blockers crashing to the ground.

"Interesting, so it appears a new piece has entered the game." Amon said as Koji charged in with the glider but before it could hit Amon leaps out of the way.

Koji turns to him but before he could attack Amon throws a smoke bomb creating a huge cloud of smoke.

Using his airbending Koji blasts the smoke away only to see Amon and the Equalists were gone.

Panting heavily Koji's eyes return to normal as he sees Korra laying on the ground.

Gasping Koji runs to her as Korra slowly wakes up.

"Aang?" Korra groans when Koji helps her up.

"No, if only." Koji smirks.

"Koji…you came for me?" Korra asks.

"Of course I did. I'd never forgive myself if something happened to you." Koji said.

"Amon…he ambushed me." Korra admits.

"Did he take your bending?" Koji asks.

Holding out her hand Korra created a small flame. "It's okay. I'm fine."

"Thank the spirits." Koji said when Korra starts to sob and tear up.

"I was so terrified. I felt so helpless." Korra said hugging him.

"It's over now. I'm here." Koji said comforting her.

"You ... you were right ... I've been scared this whole time. I've never felt like this before and ... and Koji, I don't know what to do." Korra sniffles.

"Uncle Tenzin once told me admitting your fears is the first and most difficult step in overcoming them." Koji said.

"I don't know if I can. What if I'm not strong enough?" Korra asks.

"Then I'll fight with you." Koji said letting go so she could look at him. "Korra, it's time Iet you in on a little secret of mine."

In his hands a ball of fire appeared and in the other air appeared causing Korra to gasp as she looks up at him.

"K-Koji?" Korra said blown away.