Chapter 12

The dark night sky was illuminated by the full moon as it shone into Korra's open window, the shutters moving in the breeze. The girl in question lie in bed, sleep and unaware of anything that was going on outside of her dream world. The hall, glowing in same light, was silent, alerting no one to the dangerous chi-blockers as they ran past her room, their shadow the only indication of their presence.

Korra suddenly jumped up, her mind alert the danger that was near, just as a chi-blocker jumped in through the window, breaking the shudders off and into pieces. Korra's attention was instantly drawn to the doors where two more burst into the room, ready for attack.

Korra jumped up, kicking waves of fire at them, but the chi-blockers were easily able to dodge it. That didn't stop Korra though as she threw her fists out at them, shooting more burning energy at her opponents. But the chi-blockers were too quick for her, one distracting her while a second came up behind her and blocked her chi with quick jabs up her spine.

Korra yelped as she was brought to her knees, drained and woozy. The sounds of footsteps reached her ears just as she looked up to see her little brother skid to a stop in the open doorway.

"Korra!" Sota shouted, worry changing to anger as he shot his hands out toward the chi-blockers. What he was going to do, Korra had no idea; maybe he was going to bend the water in the air around them or from out the window, or maybe he was going to bloodbend them. But before he could do anything, the third chi-blocker that had seemed to have vanished from her sight, appeared behind him, grabbing him in a headlock.

Sota grabbed at the arm around his neck, but it was useless, as he was hit at the base of his neck, blocking both his chi and his movements. The young boy's body went limp as he too was brought to his knees in front of the chi-blocker as a dark shadow walked into the room, an invisible light shining up from the ground and into his face, though Korra knew who it was instantly as her eyes grew wide in fear.

"Such a shameful waste, this young life was, all because he was cursed with bending," Amon said, standing behind a terrified Sota who's eyes were trained on his sister before his head was drawn backwards, forcing him to look into the sky. Korra watched on in horror as Amon brought his thumb down onto Sota's forehead. The seconds ticked by, and as Amon's hand lifted his hand from Sota, the young waterbender hunched over even more, but forced himself to look at his sister, tears in her eyes. Turning back to the chi-blocker holding his victum, Amon gave a nod, one that terrified Korra as she didn't have the slightest idea of what was going to happen next.

Nothing in this world or the next could have prepared Korra for what she about to see. The chi-blocker grabbed both sides of Sota's head, holding it securely in his hands. Sota opened his mouth to speak, but never got the chance as his head was jerked to the side in a swift motion. The resounding crack would haunt Korra until the end of her days as would the sight of her little brother's limp body as it dropped to the floor. Korra couldn't find her voice as she slowly brought her horror stricken eyes back to Amon who now stood before her.

"After I take your bending away, you will be nothing," he said, reaching out to her.

Korra screamed as she shot up in bed, breath heavy as she tried to pull air in and out regularly. Naga, having been awakened by her master's screams, licked her hand reassuringly. Korra could feel her beating heart coming back to rest as she realized it was just a dream.

"It's alright Naga," she said, bringing a hand up to pet the Polar Bear Dog. "I just had a bad dream…"

Korra leaned forward, resting on her best friend's head, unaware of the presence just outside her door.

Sota looked at the floor guiltily, his hands clenched into fists. He had no doubt in his mind that whatever it was that gave Korra that nightmare had something to do with Amon, and it was all his fault. If he hadn't gotten caught, if he hadn't done something so stupid like he had, Korra wouldn't be feeling this way. As he turned and made his way back to his room, he couldn't help wondering if he maybe he would be better off back at home and if coming to Republic City was a mistake.

The morning sun was warm against his skin, but Sota paid it no attention as he sat near the his normal training pond, his mind completely zoned out.

"Sota!" The young boy looked up at the sound of his name being called just as Jinora ran over, jumping onto him and hugging him tightly. "I'm so glad you're ok. You had us all worried."

"Sorry about that, Jinora," he said, half heartedly, something that did not go unnoticed by her. Pulling away, the young airbender looked into the blue eyes of her best friend, her grey eyes changing from happiness to worry.

"You never call me Jinora…"she said quietly. "Sota, what's wrong?"

Sota wanted to lie to her and tell her that it was nothing, but she was too smart for her own good. She could see right through him, and it was only a matter of time before she found out anyway.

"I messed up, Jinora. I messed up bad," he said quietly.

"What happened?" she asked, untangling herself from him and sitting cross-legged next to him.

"We found out what's going on with those Equalist and that Amon guy. He can take people's bending away."

"What!?" Jinora cried out in horror. "But…that's impossible. No one but the Avatar has ever had that kind of power."

"That's what your dad said too. But it's true. He can take people's bending away, permanently."

"Did…did you…I mean…did he…"

"Take my bending?" Sota asked, looking at her. Jinora timidly nodded her head, not sure if that was what was causing her friend to be in such a mood. "No, thank the spirits. Korra and Mako showed up and saved me and Bolin before Amon could get his hands on us."

"Thank goodness," Jinora sighed in relief before turning back to him. "I can't imagine how scary that was."

"It was awful," he admitted. "In fact, I was so terrified, I actually tried to bloodbend the chi-blockers around us."

"What! Sota, you know-"

"I know it's illegal, but I was desperate and we were out of options," he defended. "I was sure that we were going to lose out bending. I had no choice."

"I guess you're right," she said, feeling guilty now. Sota saw this, and reached out, grabbing her hand in his. Jinora looked up at him, though she still felt bad.

"It's ok. It didn't work. I couldn't hold it. The moon wasn't high enough in the sky. And…I think I was too scared of what would happen to me if I did use it. It backfired pretty bad though; I can still feel the pain from the recoil of it."

"I'm so sorry, Sota. But it's ok, because you're here now, safe and sound."

"Yeah, for now," he said, dropping their hands and looking away from her and back to the water.

"What do you mean?"

"Korra…Korra's thinking about sending me back to the South Pole."

"What!? But she can't do that!" Jinora protested. "You're meant to be here."

"She hasn't made up her mind yet, but…she thinks it might be best not to let me stay. And after what happened, I can't blame her."

"But that's not fair. You made a mistake and, and…" Jinora teetered out, tears coming to her eyes at the thought of being separated from her friend again. "I don't want you to go…you can't go…"

"I don't want to go, but maybe it's for the best," Sota said, tears coming to his eyes as well. "Last night, Korra had a nightmare, and I just know it was about Amon. This is all my fault, Jinora. I've made this mess and now it's hurting Korra, and I don't know how to fix it, or if I even can."

"Oh, Sota…" Jinora said, pulling him into another hug, one that he returned as their tears silently fell down their faces.

The day was just about over, the lights from inside providing the necessary light for Korra as she practiced her airbending forms, though she still had yet to actually bend air. Her forms were perfect, but Korra knew her mind wasn't with her body, her nightmare replaying in her head. She hadn't seem much of Sota, only seeing him that morning at breakfast, though she knew he wouldn't disobey her and leave the island. She had wondered offhandedly if she had been too harsh with him, but was interrupted as the radio she had been listening to cut off, static replacing the music playing.

"My fellow Equalist," Amon's voice came, startling Korra and drawing her attention. "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."

Korra could feel the fear pulsing through her bones as beads of sweat ran down her face, her eyes wide in fear. This was getting worse and worse by the day, and so far, she wasn't sure she could handle it.

Korra walked into the dining room to see that everyone was there, waiting for her so that they could start dinner. Her eyes fell upon her brother at the other end of the table next to Jinora, who was looking at her for a split second before averting his eyes back to his plate. Jinora gave him a sideways glance, though her features were calm to hide her worry. The Avatar turned away from him as well, sitting in her seat and folding her hands like everyone else as Tenzin nodded and began the blessing.

"Thank the spirits and all the creatures of the world," he began. "We are grateful for this food, for happiness, for compassion, for-"

"I'm not interrupting, am I?" Everyone's eyes opened up and turned to the door to see none other than Councilmen Tarrlok, bowing to them all with a smirk on his face at their shocked faces.

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

"Good, because I am absolutely famished," he said, ignoring the very clear upset tone in Tenzin's voice. The airbending master narrowed his eyes suspiciously at the man, knowing full and well he was here for a reason. "Airbenders never turn away a hungry guest, right?" He didn't wait for a response as he walked to the table.

Tenzin sighed, turning back to everyone at the table. "I suppose." Pema watched her husband sit, an upset look on her face. Tenzin, seeing the look, shrugged his shoulders as if the matter was out of his hands.

"Ah, you must be the famous Avatar Korra," Tarrlok gushed as he walked pass the kids and to the teenager at the table. "It is truly an honor. I am Councilmen Tarrlok, representative from the Northern Water Tribe."

"Nice to meet you," Korra said pleasantly with a bow, her ego getting a boost from his praise. Tarrlok returned the bow, before the two righted themselves and Korra pointed to her brother who was still watching the exchange with caution. "My brother, Sota, and I are from the Southern Water Tribe, as I'm sure you could guess."

"Hello, Councilmen," he said, standing and bowing out of common courtesy and respect for his elders. Tarrlok simply nodded his head before taking his seat along with the two of them.

Sliding over toward the man, Ikki narrowed her eyes as she asked question after question. "Why do you have three ponytails? And how come you smell like a lady? You're weird."

Sota and Jinora had to stifle their giggles at Tarrlok's annoyed look. "Aren't you…precocious." Turning back to Korra, who had begun to eat, Tarrlok decided to get down to business. "So, I've been reading all about your adventures in the papers."

"You know, Sota has been a part of those-" Jinora started but stopped as the boy in question elbowed her and shook his head no. Now was not the time to bring up all the things that had happened so far since they got here, especially with Korra sitting right next to Tarrlok.

"Infiltrating Amon's rally, now that took some real initiative," he praised, ignoring her.

"Oh, thanks," Korra said a bit bashfully. "It wasn't really that big a deal. I guess it just took the right motivation."

Swallowed the food in his mouth hard, resisting the urge to cough at the silent undertone of her words. He wasn't sure if she was directing a jab at him, or is she was just speaking truthfully, but either way, he suddenly felt very uncomfortable at this table. To make matters worse, he normal reaction of making a smart comment at his sister's expense, a reflex if you will, was the cause of his current choking problem. Swallowing, he quickly gasped as his windpipe cleared of the obstruction that was once his food.

"I think you're the first authority figure in this city that's happy I'm here," Korra continued, ignoring her brother.

"Republic City is much better off now that you've arrived."

"Enough with the flattery, Tarrlok," Tenzin commanded, clearly unhappy with this situation. "What do you want from Korra?"

"Patience, Tenzin. I'm getting to that," he said, smirk still on his face. Turning away from Tenzin's unhappy look, he began to address Korra once more. "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."

"Really?" Korra asked, genuinely surprised.

"What!?" Tenzin asked in astonishment.

"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, making everyone believe that he must have practiced that speech quite a few times. Sota especially did not like the vibe that this conversation was leaving him with, but kept his eyes down and his mouth shut; he was in enough trouble, why make it worse, especially since he knew what his sister's response would be.

"Join your task force?" Korra said, looking away from him. "I can't."

The clatter of chopsticks hitting the table was the only sound as everyone stopped to stare at the Avatar in shock, no one more so then Tenzin and Sota, who's utensils had made the noise. Ok, something was definitely not right. That was the last think he expected to hear from his sister who ignored everyone and took a drink from her tea cup.

"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 to her, a bit uncomfortable as she continued to eat.

"Me too," Tenzin mumbled to himself.

"I didn't think there was another option when it came to her," Sota whispered to Jinora who too had resumed eating.

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

"Which is why this opportunity is perfect," Tarrlok said as he tried to persuade her again, much to Korra's annoyance. "You would get on the job experience while performing your Avatar duty for the city."

"Korra gave you her answer, it's time for you to go," Tenzin said, his patience wore out. However, Tarrlok was not one to give up so easily, his eyes drifting to Sota.

"What about you, son?" he asked, surprising them all. "I'm sure a waterbender such as yourself would be a great addition to the task force?"

Korra looked to her little brother with wide eyes, her nightmare replaying as she tried to control the shaking of her hands.

"You can't be seriously offering a child a part of an operation such as this!" Tenzin shouted.

"Normally, I would agree that this would be unethical. However, I'm sure that this young man has great potential and would be proud to represent the Southern Water Tribe in such a venture-"

"No!" Korra and Sota shouted at the same time, startling him. Korra looked to Sota who coughed as he recomposed himself. "I mean, the offer sounds like a great opportunity, but as Tenzin has stated, I'm just a kid. And I'm really not that great of a bender. Mediocre at best. I need a lot of practice and I doubt that in the middle of something as important as that would be the best place to do so."

Korra, though not surprised by her brother's response, was surprised by the fact he looked so…nervous. Something was bothering him, and it had more to do then with the offer Tarrlok had given him.

"I see," Tarrlok said, standing as a smile returned to his face. "But, I'm not giving up on you two yet. You'll be hearing from me soon. It had been a pleasure, Avatar Korra."

With that promise and farewell, Tarrlok took his leave, giving Sota once last glance before leaving.

"Bye bye, ponytail man," Ikki cheered with a wave, momentarily distracting everyone as Tarrlok tried to ignore how much a child could bother him.

Sota's gaze never left the table, his heart beating rapidly in his chest as his palms grew sweaty. He suddenly felt very sick and needed to go.

"May I be excused?" Sota asked quietly. Korra looked at him worriedly.

"Of course, sweetie," Pema said. Sota mumbled a soft thank you before standing and moving to the opposite doors leading to the sleeping quarters, passing everyone without so much as a glance. Korra prepared to go after him but was beaten to the punch by Jinora who ran after him, leaving the Avatar feeling guilt ridden and detached from her little brother.

"Sota," Jinora called softly as she caught up to him. The waterbender turned to her, relieved that it was her and not his sister. "What's wrong?"

"It's just…Tarrlok putting me on the spot like that, I was afraid that it was just going to set Korra off again, and I…I just don't think I can handle that right now."

Jinora nodded her head in understanding, but couldn't help the nagging feeling at the back of her head.

"That's not all, is it?" she asked.

Sota was quiet for a moment before quietly admitting, "The thought of coming face to face with Amon again terrifies me, Jinora. I…I don't think I can stay in Republic City."

To be continued…

Ok, so this chapter, is a bit short, and that's ok. I may do with episode in two chapter, I may do it in three. I honestly am just using this to build more character development and drama. So…Korra and Sota…can't even talk to each other. Sad right? They were so close and now, they can't even look each other in the eye. Do you think that Sota will decide to leave Republic City? Or will Korra make the decision for him?

Next chapter, we get to go to a party! And we'll have some special guests, who I'm hoping you're all looking forward to seeing again.

Also, I would like to state this now: This is not a Jinora/OC fanfiction. Sota and Jinora will not be getting together, though the thought had crossed my mind originally when I came up with the idea a long time ago. The two of them are just very close and are truly best friends who are there for each other. Jinora will still end up with Kai (I like him a lot as a character).

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed, and please review and let me know what you thought of this chapter as well as what's to come next.

Later,

Blak-Ice