Air Temple Island: Morning…
Korra was sound asleep in her room as the door opened to reveal Sasuke, who had been knocking for quite some time with no answer.
He walked up to the Avatar's bed, clearly a tad annoyed at this point. "Korra, wake up already." She remained asleep, making the boy that much more annoyed. "Okay, that's it." He firmly grasped the mattress and pulled with all his might. "WAKE UP!"
The mattress came free of the bed frame, and Sasuke dropped it causing Korra to scream as she rolled onto the ground.
"What's the big idea, Sasuke!?" Korra yelled.
"I've been knocking on your door forever now; however, you sleep like a rock to the point this was necessary." Sasuke declared. "You need to wake up and get ready for training with Bolin and that hot-headed punk."
"Ugh!" Korra groaned as she stood. "This early?"
"Blame Mako's schedule." Sasuke retorted.
"I'm talking to him about that." Korra said.
"You won't get the chance if you don't make practice." Sasuke walked towards the door. "Get dressed and I'll meet you outside."
"Wait, you're coming with me?" Korra asked.
"Yes. Problem?" Sasuke asked.
"Just try to play nice with Mako." Korra said.
"I will if he doesn't act like an idiotic punk." Sasuke voiced as he left the room.
Pro-Bending Arena
After Korra dressed, she and Sasuke made their way to the ferry and took it to the city. They then headed to the arena where they found Mako and Bolin. There were in the gym and wearing their training gear. Bolin was sitting on a bench while Mako paced back and forth waiting for Korra.
"Ugh! What's taking her so long!?" Mako asked annoyed.
"Hey, she's here!" Bolin exclaimed.
"And she brought the brat." Mako sighed, clearly not happy to see the Uchiha.
"Problem?" Sasuke asked.
"Give me any more attitude. and we're going to have one." Mako retorted firmly.
"Okay, you two." Korra voiced. "Play nice."
"Whatever." Sasuke and Mako declared while turning away from one another.
"Anyways, get dressed and let's get to work." Mako threw the same outfit they wore to Korra. "We've got less than a few months before the tournament, and you've got to learn the basics."
"What's this?" Korra asked.
"Your training gear." Mako informed. "Put it on."
"Sure thing, captain." Korra said, semi-annoyed.
"And make sure that brat stays out of the way." Mako ordered.
"I will because I choose to, not because YOU said to, punk." Sasuke declared.
Mako grab the Uchiha's shirt. "You little…"
"Mako…" Korra warned, putting her hands on her hips.
Mako sighed and dropped him. "Look, if you don't want to get hurt, stay out of our way."
"If you grab me by the shirt like that one more time, I'm not holding back." Sasuke retorted.
"Sasuke…" Korra warned.
"I'm going." Sasuke said while stepping over to the sidelines.
A fury red mammal with dark red paws, white face, pointed ears, brown nose, and a tail with several dark red rings climbed up Bolin's shoulder. "Sorry, Pabu. We're about to practice." He got an idea. "Hey, maybe Sasuke would like company." He approached the Uchiha. "Hey, you like animals?"
"I guess." Sasuke shrugged. "What is that?"
"Meet Pabu, my fire ferret." Bolin introduced.
"Hm, your team's name makes sense now." Sasuke noted.
"Pabu, Sasuke." He set the fire ferret in his lap. "He'll watch you while we practice." Pabu licked Sasuke, much to the Uchiha's annoyance. "Awww, he likes you!"
"Bo, let's start!" Mako called out.
"Right!" Bolin looked at them. "You two play nice."
Korra, Mako, and Bolin started throwing a ball.
When Mako threw it to Korra, she spoke. "What's the big idea with making me train this early in the morning? The morning is EVIL."
She threw the ball to Bolin. "We're the rookies, so we get the worst time slots in the gym."
Bolin threw the ball to Mako. "And you're the rookiest of us all. We got to get you up to speed if we want to survive in the tournament. Deal with it!"
Mako threw the ball in an annoyed manner at Korra. "YOU deal with it!"
She threw the ball in the same annoyed manner and hit the Firebender hard in the stomach. He was flung backwards and even flipped fully before hitting the ground hard. It gave Sasuke a good chuckle.
"Is there something funny, brat?" Mako asked annoyed.
Sasuke smirked. "Yeah, you got hurt."
Korra gave the Firebender a smug look before a man entered the gym. "There are my hard-working street urchins." He turned his attention to Korra. "It's an honor to finally meet you, Avatar."
"And you are…?" Sasuke asked.
"Butakha." The man introduced. "I run this whole Pro-Bending shebang."
Korra walked away annoyed.
Butakha took out a wad of cash from his inner pocket and placed it into Mako's eager hands. "Here's your winnings from the last match." Mako grinned widely and was about to pocket it. "Ah, ah, ah. Not so fast. First, you owe me for the Avatar's gear, gym equipment, rentals from last month, rent on your apartment, and a personal loan for groceries."
Butakha ended up taking back all the money from Mako, to his dismay. Seeing his now empty hand, the Firebender glared at Bolin.
"What?" The Earthbender shrugged. "I'm a growing boy."
"Oh, one more small item of business." Butakha informed. "The Fire Ferrets need to ante up thirty-thousand yuans for the championship pot."
Bolin was shocked. "THIRTY THOUSAND YUANS?!"
"Sorry, kids." Butakha rested a hand on Mako's shoulder. "You got 'til the end of the week to come up with the dough, or you're out of the tournament."
The man took his leave while the brothers looked at the ground sadly.
"You wouldn't happen to have a secret Avatar bank account overflowing with gold, do you?" Bolin asked the Avatar.
"I got nothing." Korra shrugged. "I've never needed money. I've always had people taking care of me."
"Then, I wouldn't say you have nothing." Mako accused while picking up the ball and putting it in a bag.
"Sorry. I didn't mean…" Korra began.
"No. It's alright." Bolin assured. "It's just…ever since we lost our parents, we've been on our own."
"Wait, you lost your parents?" Sasuke asked.
"Yeah…" Bolin answered sadly.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't know." Korra said.
Sasuke's head hurt again.
Sasuke's Mind
Sasuke saw that younger version of him amongst many dead bodies. It then transitioned to two more dead bodies with an older man standing near them. His younger self screams.
"You aren't worth killing." The man declared.
Pro-Bending Arena
"Um, why's Sasuke crying?" Bolin asked concerned.
"What?" Korra immediately knelt before him. "Sasuke, what's wrong?"
"I…don't know." Sasuke wished he did.
Pabu climbed up to Sasuke's shoulder and rubbed up against the boy's face.
"I've never seen him cry." Mako stated, concerned himself. "What's his problem?"
"Like you care." Korra retorted annoyed.
"Just asking." Mako raised his hands in defense. "Anyways, how are we going to come up with the money?"
"Oh, oh! I got it! I got it!" Bolin exclaimed. "I've been training Pabu to do circus tricks! People would pay good money to see that!"
Korra, Sasuke, and Mako looked at the Earthbender with a 'You can't be serious' expression.
"Come on, Bolin, we need SERIOUS ideas." Mako said, slightly irritated.
"I was serious." Bolin stated downcast while Pabu chittered sadly from the Uchiha's shoulder.
"Don't worry about it." Mako put the bag over his shoulder. "I'll figure something out." He walked away. "I always do."
Train Station
In front of a statue of a grown Zuko, Bolin wore a flashy jacket and faux moustache as he sat with a small bridge setup. Pabu was standing on a little can while wearing a bright lime green jacket.
"Come one, come all! See Pabu the fantastic Fire Ferret as he crosses the Ladder of Peril upside down!" Bolin called out, but Pabu was licking his paws. "Psst, psst." That signaled the fire ferret who jumped on the plank and walked it on his front paws.
"Big finish, buddy. Stick the landing." Pabu flipped off and landed on one front paw. "Tada!" Someone threw a coin into the cup. "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen! You are too kind! Seriously, too kind!
You can come back here and put money right in this…" He stopped talking as he shook the cup and heard the little money inside. "Okay. That's fine. One yuan down, twenty-nine-thousand nine-hundred and ninety-nine to go."
Just then, a red car pulled up in front of Bolin who looked up.
The car's window rolled down revealing a man. "Hey, Bolin! Is that you?"
"Oh, hey Shady Shin." Bolin greeted.
"Heard you're a big time Pro-Bender now." Shady Shin stepped out. "Not bad."
"Uh, thanks." Bolin responded uncertainly.
"So, listen. I got an offer for ya. Lightning Bolt Zolt is lookin' to hire some extra muscle." Shady Shin informed.
"Uh, I don't know, Shin." Bolin responded. "Mako told me to stay away from the Triple Threats."
"Pfft, you're brother ain't the boss of ya. It's a little security work. Nothin' crooked." Shady Shin pulled out a wad of cash and tossed it in the cup making Bolin go wide eyed. "You game?"
Power Plant: Afternoon…
Six Firebenders stood next to each other and generated lightning at a coil in front of them. At that moment, a whistle goes off, and one of the Benders removes their mask revealing himself to be Mako. He wiped his sweat before moving to collect his pay for the day.
Brother's Attic: Evening…
Mako returned home with takeout. "Bo, I'm back, and I picked up your favorite dumplings!" He sat on the couch. "Hey, I found some work down at the power plant. Made some decent money." He ate one. "Bolin? You here, bro?" He looked around before then looking over his shoulder at Air Temple Island amused. "Huh, I bet the little lovebird is making a house call."
Air Temple Island
Jinora and Ikki blew a gust ofwind at the Airbending gates to make them spin for Sasuke. Korra already proved she could get this down, so Sasuke wanted to try his hand at it. He deftly wove his way through the spinning gates, twirling around and avoiding contact.
"Good!" Jinora encouraged. "Light on your feet!"
Sasuke spun out the other side, without being touched by the gates, and she landed before Jinora, Ikki, and Korra.
"Not bad, you're certainly getting it down far faster than I did." Korra voiced.
"Thanks." Sasuke responded.
Just then, Jinora and Ikki lean a bit to the left and looked at Mako coming near them.
"Ooh, he's cute." Jinora noted.
Sasuke now saw Mako. "What's HE doing here?"
"Korra, is that the handsome Firebender boy that drives you crazy?" Jinora asked.
Korra looked and saw Mako coming, making her a bit frazzled.
"Does he drive you crazy in a bad way or does he drive you crazy like you LIKE him?" Ikki asked,
The Avatar glared at the two sisters before quickly bending the earth under them to make the girls fly off. Mako stood across from Korra while Jinora and Ikki softly land on the ground,
giggling from behind the Avatar.
"Oh, hey, Mako." Korra greeted.
"What do you want?" Sasuke asked coldly.
"You two seen Bolin?" Mako asked.
"Nice to see you too and no." Korra answered. "I haven't seen him since practice."
"Now, get lost." Sasuke declared.
"I'll leave when I want, brat." Mako stated smugly. "Sound familiar?"
Sasuke charged at the Firebender, but Korra stopped him. "Don't provoke him, Mako."
"He's been doing that to me." Mako defended. "What's his excuse?"
"What happened to Bolin?" Korra asked. "Think something's wrong?"
"I don't know." Mako admitted. "Bolin has a knack for getting into stupid situations." He started walking away. "See you, later."
"Wait! I could, uh…help you look for him." Korra offed.
"Nah, I got it." Mako returned.
Korra grabbed his arm. "Hey, cool guy. Let us help you. We can take Naga."
"Who's Naga?" Mako asked.
"My best friend and a great tracker." Korra responded.
Streets: Night…
Korra, Sasuke, and Mako were riding on Naga through the streets of Republic City.
"Your best friend is a…polar bear-dog." Mako shook his head. "Somehow, that makes perfect sense."
"I'll take that a compliment, city boy." Korra retorted.
"Where would Bolin go?" Sasuke asked.
Station
Naga pulled up at the base of the Zuko statue, and the three looked around at the people chatting or hanging out.
"Well, this is his usual hangout." Mako voiced, getting off and approaching some street kids pushing each other as they laughed. "You guys seen my brother today?"
"Perhaps. My memory's a little…'foggy'." One of the kids said while leaning closer and casually rubbing his nose. "Maybe you can help me 'clear it up'."
The kid held out a suggestive hand indicating he wants money.
"You're good, Skoochy." He took out a yuan bill. "A real pro."
"Yeah, I've seen him." Skoochy said.
"When?" Mako asked.
"About noon." Skoochy answered.
"What was he doing?" Mako asked.
"He was performing some kind of monkey-rat circus. And then…" Skoochy stopped talking as he held out his hand again, asking for money.
"I don't have time for this." Sasuke grabbed Skoochy by the shirt and pinned him against the base of the statue. "What happened? Tell me or you'll end up in the hospital."
"Sasuke!" Mako yelled.
"Let him handle this." Korra said.
"Talk, now!" Sasuke yelled.
"Okay, okay!" Skoochy stated frantically. "Shady Shin showed up and flashed some serious cash. Bo took off with him in his hot rod. The Triple Threats. The Red Monsoons. The Agni Kais. All the triads are muscling up for something big."
"Then what?" Sasuke demanded. "Where are they gathering?"
"Any hideout, probably their recent one." Skoochy offered. "They're planning on getting rid of some 'obstacles' to get what they want. That's all you're gettin' outta me."
"Thank you for using your brain." Sasuke threw Skoochy to the ground. "Now, get lost."
Skoochy and the other kids did not need to be told twice as they ran off.
"That was excessive, don't you think?" Mako asked.
"Hey, you got your information, so how about a 'thank you'?" Sasuke asked.
"This kid has issues." Mako muttered.
"Okay you two, cool it!" Korra yelled. "Mako, what was Skoochy talking about?"
"Sounds like there's a turf war brewing." Mako informed. "Bolin's about to get caught in the middle of it."
Streets
Naga was on the move with her passengers.
"So, where are we heading?" Korra asked.
"The Triple Threat Triad's headquarters." Mako informed. "Hopefully, Bolin's there and nothing's gone down yet."
"The Triple Threat Triad." Sasuke noted. "Korra, didn't you beat up some of those thugs before?"
"That's right." Korra nodded. "Then, you took out two of their tires with your kunai. Why would Bolin get tangled up…" She was cut off as Naga suddenly dashed through the street and took a sharp turn in pursuit of a Fire Ferret. "Whoa, Naga!"
The Avatar pulled the reigns to make Naga stop, but it achieved nothing as the polar bear-dog turned around the corner of a building. She rushed up to a street lamp while Naga drew close.
"That's Pabu!" Mako shouted.
"No, Naga! Pabu's a friend, not a snack." Korra declared, making Naga calm down.
She started panting while Pabu slid down the pole and brought his nose forward to touch Naga's. He then jumped on her head and scurried up to Sasuke's shoulder.
"We got to hurry." Mako stated.
Sasuke nodded. "Right."
Tripple Threat Triad Headquarters
The sky grew foggy as Korra, Sasuke, and Mako came to stand outside the hideout.
"Something's not right." Mako noted as he approached the door cautiously. "There're usually thugs posted out front. We better be cautious."
He pressed his back against the door post and peered into the window while signaling to Korra and Sasuke that it's safe to come up. He then slinked back while Korra casually walk towards the door and kicked it open. Inside, it was an empty room full of broken furniture.
"Looks like someone ransacked the place." Sasuke noted as they entered.
"Bolin, you in here!?" Mako called out.
A truck's engine roared from outside, so the three ran out the back.
Republic City Streets
They crashed through a door to find a truck and five motorcycles driving off. Fortunately, they caught sight of Bolin and Shady Shin…who were tied up and gagged within the truck.
"Bolin!" Mako exclaimed.
The trio chased after the vehicles, but two masked figures, driving two of the motorcycles, threw smoke grenades at them. They exploded in a bright flash and produced thick green smoke which halted them. The masked figures then drove off as the trio came out coughing.
"Naga, come!" Korra called as she ran after the motorcycles.
Naga chased after her with Sasuke and Mako following. They all board the polar bear-dog before she burst forth from the alleyway and chased the vehicles. Mako threw fireballs at the motorcyclists who swerved to avoid them.
Korra then brought up her arms to created cracks with Earthbending. This sent one of the figures catapulting into the air; however, they landed safely and kept going. Still Naga followed, even as they entered an open square. Here, three riders swerved to the left with one bringing out a bola.
They threw it at Naga's legs, hitting the mark, sending her crashing to the ground. The trio was sent flying through the air. Korra landed on her knees, Mako slid on his back, and Sasuke managed a crouched landing.
They looked up to see the three motorcyclists twist in the air before landing opposite them. The first rider ran at Korra who ignited her right fist and sent out a large fire blast at the rider. They elegantly jumped over the flames and still ran up on Korra before engaging her hand-to-hand.
Korra attempted to utilize her fire bending in this fight; however, her opponent effortlessly disabled her every attempt. She attempted to strike with a high fire kick, but the rider reciprocated by curling their leg around the Avatar's.
They pulled it down, revealing an opening to Korra's right side where they delivered four quick punches. The Avatar grunted in pain as her whole right side went numb. She grabbed her arm wondering just what happened before madly charging with her left hand ablaze.
She threw fire blasts, yet the rider effortlessly dodged, just as they had prior. Meanwhile, Mako spun and grunted in pain as his right arm was immobilized. He briefly clutched it but focused again on his rider who came at him again.
The Firebender delivered a wide, fire fueled swing at his opponent, who ducked under it and twirled behind Mako. There, they delivered several punches to his unguarded left side, and Korra received the same before being chest kicked onto her back.
The third rider was sent flying over the two downed Benders, so the remaining two riders turned to see Sasuke. "Your fight's with me." He rolled his neck. "Let's go!"
The riders ran at Sasuke with one of them moving to punch him, but the Uchiha grabbed the fist before delivering a roundhouse kick to the gut which sent the rider back. The second rider twisted to get behind Sasuke and attempted to deliver a jab.
Sasuke ducked to avoid it before delivering a sweeping kick which knocked the second rider off their feet. By this point, the third rider got back up and charged Sasuke; however, something suddenly came to mind, kind of like with what he did to that metal cop's cable.
He suddenly moved, getting within the rider's guard, and delivering a powerful kick that sent him into the air. The Uchiha got on fours and used them to spring into the air after him, catching the attention of the other riders, as they stopped in their tracks, and the downed Benders.
"You should have stayed down." Sasuke ended up right behind the flying body of the third rider and put two fingers to their back. "Now, I'm going to make you do just that."
He laid a hand on the rider's back and pushed to turn his body to land a kick; however, the rider managed to block with his arm. Sasuke merely shifted to the other side and laid an arm across their windpipe with enough force to send them hurtling to the ground.
He followed it up with a second. "Come back here!" He spun around, facing his lower body towards the rider. "I'm not done yet!"
He hammered his foot into the rider's gut, catching the opponent between it and the ground they crashed into. In that moment, a name for this came to his mind; however, he lost it just as quickly. As such, he merely lept back and landed on the ground.
The first and second riders now took out bola and began twirling them in a menacing manner, ready to assault Sasuke. He just rendered one of them unconscious, so what was two more? He got ready to fight back before there was a growl. Naga had freed herself.
She unleashed a powerful roar to scare the riders while Pabu does the same, and Sasuke crossed his arms. "Unless you want me to give you a beating similar to your friend there, with the aid of these two this time, get lost!"
The riders shared a look before one of them rushed to collect their comrade while the second threw smoke grenades to cover their tracks. Two of the bikes rode out of the smoke, the one who collected the third rider managing to hold them.
With them gone, Sasuke ran over to help the Benders. Pabu climbed up Mako's shoulder while Korra draped her arms around Naga's head. As they caught sight of the escaping riders, Korra attempted to throw out a punch, bend at them, but nothing happened.
"Ugh, I can't bend!" Korra tried again. "I can't bend!"
She was panicking.
"Calm down, it'll wear off." Mako assured.
"Who were they?" Sasuke asked.
"Those guys were chi blockers." Mako answered. "They're Amon's henchmen."
"Amon?" Korra asked. "That anti-bending masked man?"
"Yeah." Mako nodded. "He's the leader of the Equalists."
"What do they want with the Triple Threats?" Korra asked.
"Whatever it is, I bet no good will come of it." Sasuke answered.
"Ugh, I can't believe Bolin got himself into this mess!" Mako exclaimed frustrated.
"Mako, we're going to save your brother." Korra assured him. "I promise."
"Nothing bad will happen to him." Sasuke added.
Early Morning…
Sasuke, Korra, and Mako had been riding Naga, attempting to locate any trace of Bolin.
"We've been out here all night." Korra stated. "Still no sign of him."
"We got to keep looking." Mako said.
"Where?" Sasuke asked.
Korra and Mako closed their eyes in thought before the former got something. "I have an idea!"
Park
Korra took them to the park and had Naga pull up to a fountain. The polar bear-dog was grateful as she bent down to get a drink. Pabu climbed on top of Naga's head and did the same while Sasuke, Korra, and Mako moved to sit by the fountain.
"Sasuke and I first met here where he beat a protestor of Amon's down." Korra informed.
"You think he'll know where Bolin is?" Mako asked.
"It's our only lead right now." Korra said.
Later…
Sasuke, Korra, and Mako were now sitting with their backs against side Naga who was resting underneath a tree. Pabu was asleep on top of her saddle.
"See anyone?" Korra asked.
"No, not yet." Sasuke answered.
"I see." Korra turned to Mako. "So, why is Bolin running around with the Triple Threat Triad anyway?"
"Well, uh…We used to do some work for them back in the day." Mako answered.
"So, you were a Triple Threat?" Sasuke asked.
"Are you some sort of criminal?" Korra asked.
"What?! No! You don't know what you're talking about." Mako defended. "I just ran numbers for them and stuff. We were orphans out in the street. I did what I had to survive and protect my little brother."
"Protect your brother…" Sasuke muttered, that memory of the man over those two dead people came to mind.
"Foolish little brother." The man said.
"I'm sorry." Korra said. "It must have been hard."
"What happened to your parents?" Sasuke asked.
"They were mugged by a Firebender. He cut them down right in front of me." Mako informed. "I was eight."
"Mako…" Korra began.
"Bolin is the only family I have left." Mako clutched his scarf. "If anything happens to him…"
Just then, Sasuke's head started hurting again. "Dammit!"
"What's wrong with him?" Mako asked.
"He has headaches from time to time." Korra explained before moving over to the Uchiha. "Sasuke, what is it?"
"Dead…bodies…everywhere." Sasuke grunted in pain.
"Dead bodies?" Mako asked concerned.
"Sasuke, tell me what you saw." Korra pressed. "Is it part of your memory?"
"I see what looks like a younger me going into a compound where he finds dead bodies all over. He's horrified before coming to a house where there are two dead bodies inside. Somebody was standing near those dead bodies, and he gave a hateful stare at the traumatized boy."
"Dead bodies everywhere?" Mako was genuinely concerned. "Bra… I mean, Sasuke. Do you… remember your family? Your home? Anybody?"
"I see people in the memories that do come to me, but I don't remember them." Sasuke answered.
Mako's face started to soften. "I'm sorry you don't remember your past."
"Like you care." Sasuke scoffed.
"Look…" Mako rubbed the back of his neck. "You and Korra are helping me find my brother, and I'm grateful. I know we got off to a bad start, but just know I'm here for you. Once we find my brother, I'll do what I can to help you with your memory problems."
"Thanks…punk" Sasuke smiled.
Mako smiled back at him. "Don't mention it…brat."
Korra smiled. "It's a start for those two."
Morning…
The sun was shining through tree branches as Sasuke, Korra, and Mako were asleep. The latter two were leaning against each other while the former was sleeping away from them. Suddenly, a voice through a megaphone roused the three of them.
"Equality now! Equality now! We want equality now!"
Korra and Mako realized they were too close to each other and let out horrified gasps as they scrambled away from one other.
"Ugh, there's that annoying voice." Sasuke remembered it well.
They looked to see that the protester from that first day was here.
"Non-benders of Republic City, Amon calls you to action! Take back your city! It's time for…"
"Shut up already." Sasuke declared as the trio pulled up.
"You and that brat can't silence me, Avatar!"
Sasuke lept at the man, tackling him off the table before wrenching the megaphone out of his grasp and tossing it. He then flipped the man and forcefully pinned him stomach down.
"Listen up." Sasuke ordered.
"My friend got kidnapped by some chi blockers." Korra stated. "Where'd they take him?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about!"
Sasuke pushed his knee into the man's back, making him gasp in pain. "I think you do."
Mako grabbed one of the leaflets off the table. "'Witness the Revelation tonight, nine o'clock'." He approached. "What's this 'Revelation'?"
"Nothing that concerns…"
The protester yelped as the Uchiha applied further pressure.
"You better believe it concerns us!" Korra yelled. "Now, spill it!"
"No one knows what the Revelation is, and I have no idea what happened to your friend. I will say, if he's a Bender, he's getting what's coming to him."
"Where's it happening?" Mako asked.
Just then, a whistle blew, and they saw a policeman running towards them.
"Hey! What's going on here!?"
"The Avatar is…"
Sasuke threw him in the fountain while Mako picked up a handful of leaflets, and the trio sprinted to Naga. After boarding her, she sprinted out of the park.
Streets…
The trio eventually stopped at a bench underneath the bridge.
Korra was holding one of the leaflets while they looked at several others spread out over the ground. "Why didn't the Equalists put a location on these?"
"Probably because they don't want just anyone waltzing into their big 'Revelation'." Sasuke retorted. "Whatever that is."
"I bet the information is hidden on here somehow." Mako bent down to grab a second leaflet. "Look at the backs." He put them together. "There are four different images."
"So, it's like a puzzle." Sasuke said.
"Yeah, of a map." Mako smiled.
He got down on the ground and began to properly arrange the flyers before walking up to the map, next to Korra, with the proper four leaflets in hand. He went about comparing them to the city map and moving the image over different areas before finding the place.
"Bingo." Mako said. "That must be where it's going down."
"Well, what're we waiting for?" Korra pounded her fist. "Let's go."
"Before doing anything reckless, we'll need disguises." Sasuke informed. "Amon might know who you are."
"Right." Korra nodded. "Let's do that too."
Night…
The trio entered the factory section of Republic City and stayed within the shadow of another building.
"This is the place." Sasuke noted. "Ready disguises."
He puts on a black hat and matching scarf, Mako put on a hat, and Korra put on a flapper to hide her ponytail. The trio then walk out of the shadows and up to the factory. Korra got closer to Mako and placed her arms around one of his.
"What are you doing?" Mako asked.
"We'll attract less attention this way." Korra responded.
"Does that mean I…" Sasuke began.
"I'm afraid so, son." Korra said while winking.
Sasuke sighed in annoyance before they approached the doorman.
"This is a private event. No one gets in without an invitation."
"Uh…invitation?" Korra asked.
"You mean this?" Sasuke asked, taking out the leaflet.
The doorman smiled as he took it.
"The Revelation is upon us, my brothers and sister."
He moved aside, allowing the trio in.
Factory
The trio entered the meeting place and looked over a gathered crowdwaiting for something.
"I knew a lot of people hated Benders, but I've never seen so many in one place." Mako noted. "Keep your eyes out for Bolin."
The trio made their way through the crowd just as lights hit a stage.
"Please welcome your hero. Your savior…Amon!"
Amon emerged from a trapdoor in the stage with a line of Equalists behind him. There was loud, approving cheers from the crowd as the spotlight illuminated the man who walked up to the microphone.
"My quest for equality began many years ago. I was a mere boy who lived with my family on a small farm. We weren't rich, and none of us were Benders. This made us easy targets for the Firebender who extorted my father. One day, he confronted this man.
When he did, that Firebender took my family from me. Then, he took my face. I've been forced to hide behind a mask ever since. As you should be aware, the Avatar has recently arrived within Republic City. If she were here, she'd tell you that bending brings balance to the world.
She is wrong. The only thing bending has brought to the world, is suffering. It has been the cause of every war, in every era, but that's about to change. I know you have been wondering, 'What is the Revelation?' You are about to get your answer.
Since the beginning of time, spirits have acted as guardians of our world, and they have spoken to me. They say the Avatar has failed humanity. That is why they have chosen me to usher in a new era of balance. They granted me the power to take a person's bending away… permanently."
The audience gasped while Korra's eyes widened in horror. "That's… impossible."
"There's no way he has the power to steal a person's bending." Sasuke stated.
"This guy's insane." Mako said.
"Now, for a demonstration." Amon continued. "Please welcome Lightning Bolt Zolt, leader of the Triple Threat Triads, and one of the most notorious criminals in Republic City."
Equalist guards led a tied-up man onto the stage and the crowd booed.
"Ah, boo yourself!" Zolt shouted.
Equalist guards then led four more tied up Benders onto the stage and forced them onto their knees. The last Bender among them was Bolin who was horrified.
"There's Bolin." Korra noted.
She moved to walk up there; however, Sasuke stopped her. Despite how confident he was in his own skills, taking on a factory full of opposition, especially if the audience joined in, would just be foolish. Even with the Avatar and an experienced Firebender on his side.
"He's smart." Mako noted. "We can't fight them all.'
"Then, come up with a plan, 'Team Captain'." Korra stated.
"Zolt has amassed a fortune by extorting and abusing non-benders, but his reign of terror is about to come to an end." Amon declared. "Now, in the interest of fairness, I will give Zolt the chance to fight to keep his bending."
He had his Lieutenant untie Zolt before pushing him the opposite direction to give the man as great a chance as possible against him.
"You're gonna regret that, pal!" Zolt declared.
He began sending balls of fire Amon's way, but the man nimbly dodged them while drawing in close. Eventually, Zolt surged forward while generating lightning and fired it on the Equalist leader. He ducked under the lightning's arm and grabbed hold of Zolt's wrist.
He twisted it around and away from him, making the lightning crash into the stage before hitting the ceiling. Amon then forced Zolt to his knees, used one hand to grab his neck, and applied the thumb from his free hand to the center of the Bender's forehead.
The lightning petered out into fire before that petered out as well. With his threat neutralized, Amon released Zolt who collapsed weakly onto the ground. The Triple Threat's leader attempted to rise and Firebend, yet nothing came as he collapsed again.
"Wha…What did you do to me?" Zolt asked.
"Your Firebending is gone. Forever." Amon declared, making the audience gasp while Korra, Sasuke, and Mako were worried over what this meant. "The era of bending is over. A new era of Equality has begun!"
The crowd cheered.
"He actually stole a person's bending." Sasuke stated in disbelief.
One of the Equalist guards released the second captured Bender, Shady Shin, who was kicked forward to face him.
"Any ideas yet?" Korra asked.
"I think so." Mako did have something. "See those machines? They're powered by water and steam. If you create some cover, I can grab Bolin without anyone seeing us. Then, we duck out."
"Solid plan." Sasuke stated.
"Agreed." Korra nodded. "Let's go Sasuke."
Sasuke nodded as the pair took off.
Hallways
The pair emerged into the hallways and ran until they found the machines. There was a big red wheel there, so with a grunt of effort from them, they turned the wheel. This resulted in some steam escaping.
"Not enough." Sasuke said.
"Hey, you!"
They turned to see the doorman approaching.
Factory
Mako was making his way tothe front of the crowd as Amon was taking away Shady Shin's bending. This made Bolin and the Bender ahead of him look at each other with worry before that very guy was grabbed by the collar.
Hallways
"Uh, is there a problem, my brother?" Korra asked.
"What are you and your son doing back here?" The doorman asked.
"Uh…" Korra began.
"I'm sorry about my mom." Sasuke stepped in front of Korra. "What she saw out there really got to her. You must understand, right? My mom works long hours just to help dad support our family. With equality this close, she doesn't really know how to react.
"I see." The doorman smiled. "You are a strong little man who took it upon yourself to get your mother somewhere she could recover, away from the crowds." He bent down and rested a hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "Children like you will do well in the equality Amon brings."
"That means a lot." Sasuke voiced, as innocently as possible.
The doorman then turned and noticed the steam. "Ah, seems there is a…"
Sasuke had slipped behind the guy and lept at him forcefully while cupping his hands together. This resulted in the Uchiha hitting home a powerful hammer fist which sent the larger man slamming into the metal pipes, knocking him out. This had the added effect of completely busting those pipes and generating a lot of steam.
"Nice work, Sasuke." Korra praised.
She then bent the steam and directed it all in front of her with a powerful swipe of her hands.
Factory
The third Bender had his bending taken, and an Equalist grabbed Bolin. Once he was free, the Earthbender was thrown across from Amon.
"Uh, hello, Amon, sir." Bolin spoke nervously. "I think there's been a big misunderstanding."
Suddenly, there was an explosion causing the crowd to scream and flee before steam engulfed the room. Amon backed into the steam while Bolin looked around and was snatched by an Equalist. Mako came in, took that guy, and just flung him into the steam.
"Bolin, you alright?" Mako asked.
"Yes Mako!" Bolin cheered. "I love you!"
He attempted to go for a hug, but Mako grabbed him, intent on getting them out of there fast.
Streets
The Bending Brothers got out of the factory and ran to a ladder where they began going down. Unfortunately, someone had chased after them, being the Lieutenant. He twirled his kali sticks and slammed them into the ladder, sending electricity through it.
Mako and Bolin were shocked and forced to let go as the pair plummeted to the ground below. The Lieutenant jumped down after them with his kali sticks charged. Fortunately, they were conscious and just able to leap to either side of where he'd land.
Mako then unleashed a blast of fire, but the Lieutenant dodged before rushing him with his kali sticks. He tripped up Mako before hammering them into the Firebender's gut and immediately moved onto Bolin. The Earthbender was already in motion as he unleashed a huge slab of earth.
The Lieutenant jumped over the first, and following one, before rushing Bolin. In response, he erected an earth wall, but the Lieutenant flipped over it before wailing on the Earthbender. He finished by pressing the sticks into Bolin and shocking him into unconsciousness.
Mako came around the earth wall, leaping off the factory wall, and reengaged the Lieutenant with a fire slice. The Lieutenant dodged, but Mako kicked out another fire slice. The Lieutenant dodged that resulting in the fire knocking over the wall of earth.
He then charged Mako, and the two exchanged blows before the Lieutenant pushed him against the wall. He proceeded to hold his kali sticks up against him, electrocuting the Firebender until he fell unconscious like Bolin.
"You Benders need to understand, there's no place in the world for you anymore." The Lieutenant declared.
"Think again." Sasuke declared.
He lept down across from the man and took up his fighting stance.
"Why are you defending these Benders?" The Lieutenant questioned. "You should join us."
"I serve only myself, not your madman of a leader!" Sasuke shouted.
The Lieutenant charged Sasuke, swinging his kali sticks, but the Uchiha dodged each blow before slamming his fist into the man's gut. As he pitched forward, Sasuke lept and spun kicked him in the face, knocking him flat on his back.
The Lieutenant was quickly to leap back to his feet and reengage Sasuke where they exchanged blows. This time, The Uchiha was struck and electrocuted, but he never let himself be put in a situation where he could be rendered unconscious by it.
"You're good, for a child." The Lieutenant noted. "You could certainly be of use to Amon."
"I told you already, I have no intention of serving the Equalists!" Sasuke yelled.
He charged the Lieutenant, who managed to deliver a strike powerful strike of his own. It contained enough force that the Uchiha was knocked back.
"You have chosen poorly." The Lieutenant declared.
Before he could rush in to continue their fight, a pillar of earth thrust into the man brutally knocking him against the building. The two kali sticks fell from his hands as the Lieutenant was rendered unconscious.
Korra had been behind it. "Leave Sasuke alone!" She then whistled. "Naga!"
The polar bear-dog barked and ran from behind a building before jumping down the last ramp. Korra ran to Sasuke while Mako struggled to rise as more Equalist fighters appeared. The trio got on Naga, who then grabbed Bolin by his collar and proceeded to run.
"Oh…Yah…Stop…I want…to be…on…your back…please!" Bolin shouted.
"The Avatar!" The Lieutenant rose to his knees. "That's her!"
Several Equalist soldiers ran after them.
"Let her go." Amon ordered from the balcony, stopping his men. "She's the perfect messenger to tell the city of my power."
"What about the boy?" The Lieutenant questioned. "He's siding with the Avatar."
"I have a feeling he could be of use to me." Amon responded. "I think he needs to be watched."
Pro-Bending Arena: Bending Brother's Room
Sasuke, Korra, Mako, and Bolin returned to the arena and arrived swiftly within the attic.
"Finally. OUT!" Bolin celebrated before looking to the Avatar and Uchiha. "Thank you!"
"You know, this wouldn't have happened if you didn't get mixed up with Shady Shin!" Mako berated.
"Look, he gave me this insane wad of cash." Bolin defended. "It could've helped us with our tournament problem."
"Well, now we got no money!" Mako exclaimed.
"Just be grateful Bolin's safe, and his bending didn't get taken." Sasuke said.
Mako sighed before hugging his brother. "I'm glad you're okay, Bo."
"I'm sorry, bro." Bolin said.
"I think we've had a long day, so Sasuke and I are heading back to Air Temple Island." Korra informed. "See you guys around."
"Thanks, Korra." Mako nodded. "You too, Sasuke."
"Don't mention it." Sasuke said.
Air Temple Island
Four people were talking, Tenzin, Utakata, and two sentries. They soon turned to see Sasukeand Korra arriving.
Tenzin and Utakata moved to meet them.
"Thank goodness!" Tenzin was relieved. "I was just about to send out a search party."
"Areyou both alright?" Utakata asked.
The pair looked at one another, unsure.
"What happened?" Tenzin asked. "Did you find your friend?"
"Yes, but…" Korra stopped.
"We were at an Equalist rally and saw Amon." Sasuke informed, shocking the older pair.
"What?" Tenzin and Utakata asked.
"He can take people's bending away…for good." Korra informed.
"That's…that's impossible." Tenzin was stunned. "Only the Avatar has possessed that ability."
"It's true." Sasuke confirmed. 'We both saw him do it."
"I believe you." Tenzin looked to the city. "I don't know how Amon has achieved this power, but it means the revolution is more dangerous than ever."
It means no Bender is safe." Utakata added. "When I decided to leave the Shinobi Nations, I never imagined it'd put me in the middle of this."
"No one is." Sasuke shook his head. "Not until Amon is taken out."
"I don't know how we can defeat him." Korra said.
"We'll find a way." Sasuke returned.
"I hope you're right…" Korra said.
I'm not going to be able to post a new chapter tomorrow, so I decided to shift around schedules to give you guys this chapter today.
JensenDaniels32 (Ch. 1): The first thing to note this is a universe where the Elemental Nations are on the same earth as the Shinobi Nations. Secondly, in this instance, if Sasuke does not lose his memory, he'd have never willingly gone to or stayed in the Elemental Nations. With his memory intact, even if he were magically transported to this continent, he'd ship out first chance to reach Orochimaru. Getting rid of his memory, for the time being, ensures he stays.
Lastly, I don't think the Avatar World is that much weaker than Naruto. I mean, let's just look at Eternal Mankekyo Madara and compare him to the feats an Avatar can do in the Avatar State. Madara, with his Susano, can cleave mountains. Beyond that, he created the Valley of the End in his final conflict, where he 'died' with Hashirama. Korra, with poison in her body, was able to use Earthbending and tear down those long sections of earth in her fight with Zaheer.
That's not even the end of what an Avatar can achieve. Roku destroyed a rather tall building, Kyoshi shifted continents, Aang went up against a Sozen's comet impowered Ozai whose flames seemed relatively on par with what Madara can do. While Ozai needed a meteor to reach that level of flames, Aang no diffed the guy in the Avatar State. The only requirement for any Avatar to have that is to master it, in whatever way they do.
Granted, Mangekyo Madara isn't the absolute peak of power by the end of Naruto Shippuden, but he's fairly high up there. I'd say at bear minimum, a fully realized Avatar could match at least Mangekyo Madara. It stands to reason then that the people under Madara and the Avatar's strength would then compare on some level. To list somme examples...The air wheel or an air scooter seem fairly fast.
Aang was able to get fairly high up the wall of Ba Sing Se using that, and he can run across water with his Airbendning alone. That was in season 1 where he had no way to enter the Avatar State. Zaheer garnered the ability to fly without the aid of special eyes, and Airbending can be used to attract and repel things, just like what someone with the Rinnegan can do. Depending on how you look at it, Benders could potentially deal with almost any Ninjutsu.
A Fireball Ninjutsu is still fire. Theoretically, a Firebender can stop that just as they would any fire blast. If you teach the Avatar to redirect lightning, they could go up against a Ninjutsu expert who mastered the five basic Nature transformations. When it comes to Taijutsu, Chi Blocking seems like a good thing to compare with the Gentle First. Sure, Chi Blocking isn't going to rupture organs, but it's still a fairly solid form of martial arts.
When it comes to swordsmanship, the Avatar world has no lack of sword masters all their own. Sure, they don't necessarily have many special swords. Sokka's space sword notwithstanding, but the skill is still there. Not to mention the current technological discrepancies. By proxy of when I've set this, The Shinobi Nations are still in the part 1 Naruto era of technology while Legend of Korra is in the industrial era. They will soon have mechatanks.
Fairly certain your standard kunai and shuriken aren't doing anything to that. Fairly certain base Taijutsu isn't going to push that hunk of metal around. You'd either need Tsunade levels of strength, the capacity to start opening gates, or some other form of enhancement. All in all, I don't think things are as one sided as you seem to.