Chapter 14
Sota's mouth hung open as he stared at the cheeky smirk on the girl's face. She was wearing a sleeveless dress that was folded at the front and clipped together at the neckline and hip. A pair of silver bangles were around her wrist, as well as a chocker that matched around her neck. Her black hair, which had been braided into a ponytail the last time they met, had been pinned up into two buns on the sides of her head with a few random tendrils of hair falling out.
"Jun," Sota said again, this time more firmly as his anger started to rise.
"Yes, that is my name. Glad to see that you remembered me," She replied with the same small smirk.
"Trust me, it'd be pretty hard to forget you after you left me in that private box to get caught," he replied, narrowing his eyes before crossing his arms over his chest.
"Awe, what's wrong? Did I hurt your feelings when I left you by yourself?" she inquired in a demeaning tone while placing a hand on her hip. "I didn't know you cared so much about a girl you'd only just met."
"Don't patronize me. You know what kinda trouble I got into because of that?"
"Sure, I do. I watched that bald guy drag you away from around the corner. You were just sitting there like a dead fish in the water."
"You know, I don't particularly like your attitude. In fact, I don't think I like you at all," he said as he uncrossed his arms and turned to leave. "Which means I'm probably better off leaving and ending this little interaction before something else happens that backfires on me."
"Ugh, are you always so moody?" Jun retaliated with an eye roll. "Fine. I'm sorry, Sota. Happy now, water boy?"
"Oh yeah, I can feel the sincerity in that apology," Sota retorted, though he did stop to look at her again. "What do you want, Jun? In fact, why and how are you even here? I thought this was a private event?"
"Well, in case you forgot, I have access to private events such as this."
"Yeah, that's what I thought about the private box at the arena, and based on how that went, I have a hard time believing you own it."
"You're right," a voice said from behind him. Sota turned around to find a girl in a long red silk dress, the neckline wrapping softly around her throat. Her red eye shadow matched it perfectly, as did the red lipstick she wore as it clashed against her pale skin. Her dark brown hair, which had a natural curl to it, flowed freely behind her, save for the few strands that normally framed her face which had been pinned back with gold clips, matching her bracelets and her eyes. Smiling at him, the girl continued, "Because she doesn't own it. I do. Well, my family does."
"Mai-Ling?" Sota asked, struck with shock as he looked over her elegant dress. Realizing he was staring, Sota blushed and looked away. "Oh, wow, it's nice to see you again. You look really…pretty."
Mai-Ling giggled, "Well, it's nice to see you again too, Sota. And thank you, I'm glad you think so. You don't look so bad yourself."
"Oh, thanks," he said sheepishly as a smile came to his face. She liked how he looked! "I didn't know you knew my name. I didn't think we'd ever meet again after that night in the Arena."
"Of course, I know your name. Everyone in Republic City knows of Sota, brother of Avatar Korra," looking to the side, she smirked, before saying, "But only I know of the Sota who crawled through the vents with me."
"Gotta say, I still can't believe that you actually followed her. I guess you're both weirdos. Though, you should probably work on the not getting caught part of that because you kinda suck," Jun said as she and Mai-Ling giggled at him. Sota seemed to get some of his composure back at that comment, as he turned to her and gave her an unimpressed look.
"Oh wow, aren't you a real comedian? What happened to not being much of a talker?" Sota remarked sarcastically to her before turning to Mai-Ling. "I can't believe that the two of you are actually friends."
"We're not just friends; we're best friends," Mai-Ling confirmed, looking to Jun. "We've known each other since we were about 3. Our dads grew up together here in the city before mine moved to the Fire Nation and became a Politian."
"Ironically, he was only able to do it because my dad is chief of police back in Zaofu, where I'm from," Jun continued.
"Wait, you're from Zaofu?" Sota asked in surprise. "That means you're a member of the Metal Clan."
"That's right," Mai-Ling interjected. "Her dad funded my dad's campaign and helped him get elected. Eventually, Jun came to stay with me and my family, and then we moved here to-"
"There you are, Sota," Jinora said, walking up to him. Looking at the two other girls, she apologized. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt."
"Oh, hey, good timing," Sota said, turning to the others. "Jun, Mai-Ling, this is Jinora, Councilmen Tenzin's oldest daughter, granddaughter of Avatar Aang and my best friend."
Jinora smiled, bowing to the two girls. "It's a pleasure and honor to meet you both."
"It a pleasure to meet you as well," Jun said as she and Mai-Ling bowed back. "And the honor is all ours. We've never met an Air Nomad before, let alone one who's related to Avatar Aang. My name is Jun of Zaofu, and this is-"
"Mai-Ling. Mai-Ling Sato," she said as she rose back into a standing position, a smaller smile then she had before on her face.
"Wait, Sato? Like, Satomobile, Sato?" Sota asked in shock, Jinora too having a look of shock on her face. Mai-Ling smirked at him before answering.
"That's right. My uncle is Hiroshi Sato," she said proudly before catching sight of him as well as her cousin, Mako and Bolin coming their way. "Oh, here he comes now."
"There you two are. We've been looking all over for you guys," Asami said to them before noticing Sota and Jinora. "Who are your friends?"
"Sota, Jinora. There you guys are," Korra said as she joined the group, noticing Hiroshi and the others there as well. "I see you've met Mr. Sato."
"Actually, we haven't been properly introduced," the man said, extending his well-dressed hand to the boy. Sato gladly accepted the handshake. "I'm Hiroshi Sato, founder, and creator of Future Industries. This is my daughter, Asami, and I see you've already become acquainted with my nieces."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Sato," Sota said as he shook the man's hand, and blushed as he turned to Asami. "And a pleasure to meet you as well."
"The pleasure is all mine," She assured him. "My cousin and your sister told me you're a fan of Pro-bending."
"Well get this," Korra said, smiling at him. "Remember how we were having money troubles to enter the pot for the tournament?"
"Well, Mr. Sato has decided to sponsor our team," Mako added with a smile as well.
"No way! You mean?" Sota said with a huge smile on his face. "The Fire Ferrets-"
"Are going to the Championship!" Bolin cheered happily.
"That's amazing! I can't believe you'd do that, Mr. Sato!"
Hiroshi laughed hardly before shaking his head. "Think nothing of it, my boy. After all, this team has not only proved their worth it, but with your sister here, I have good faith and high hopes. We're all expecting great things from her."
Korra gave a nervous laugh at his words, looking off to the side as that thought seemed to make her uncomfortable. Though she knew as the Avatar, that's what people expected, actually hearing it from someone seemed to bring a lot of pressure to her mind.
Sota, not noticing his sister's discomfort turned to Mai-Ling, a light blush coming to his face. "And thank you, Mai-Ling. I can't thank you enough either."
"Me?" she said, surprised. A small blush came to her face as well as she replied. "I mean, I didn't really do anything to help."
"Well, still, I want to thank you," he said, before remembering that he had yet to introduce her and Jun to Korra. Turning to his sister, he said, "Let me formally introduce you to my sister, Avatar Korra."
"It's an honor to meet you," Mai-Ling said excitedly as she and Jun bowed respectfully. Korra, looked at them before smiling and bowing to them as well. As they all rose, she reached out and shook both their hands.
"It's my pleasure. You must be the girls my bother wouldn't stop going on about after we left the Arena," Korra said. Sota blushed even harder than he ever had in his life as the two girls smirked at him. "I'm glad to see that he's made some new friends."
Before anyone could continue their conversations, they were interrupted as Tarrlok walked over to them.
"So glad you could make it, Avatar Korra," the well-dressed man said before turning to Sota who looked uncomfortable at his entrance. "And you as well, young Sota."
"Oh, of course. I appreciate that you've decided to throw this party in my sister's honor and felt it would be rude if I didn't show up to support her as well as not properly thank you in person," Sota replied, though that had been far from the truth. Of course, he had come to support Korra, but he can't say that he really appreciated Tarrlok still trying to persuade them into his task force.
"The pleasure is all mine. Now, if you'll all excuse us, the city awaits its hero," he replied, guiding Korra to the front of the hall to the podium. On their way, Tarrlok noticed Chief Beifong and called out to her.
"Chief Beifong, I believe you and Avatar Korra have already met," he said, stopping them as the metal clad woman walked over. Lin looked at Korra, not impressed in the slightest.
"Just because the city's throwing you this big to-do, don't think you're something special," Lin told her harshly. "You've done absolutely nothing to deserve this."
With that said, Lin turned and proceed back to her patrol detail. Korra, though tough, couldn't help the defeated feeling she had because deep down, she knew what Lin had said was true. She hadn't done anything to deserve it because if she had, she'd have stopped Amon by now instead of fearing him.
Tarrlok, not concerning himself with Korra's feelings, proceed to guide her to the top of the stairs before calling out to everyone for their attention. Many reporters and noblemen rushed over, camera's flashing and hands in the air for questions. As Korra stepped forward, Tarrlok held out his hand to them, asking her, "If you'd be so kind, they just have a couple questions."
"But- "Korra started to protest, but was cutoff as Tarrlok pushed her forward.
"Avatar Korra," a reporter called her, his round glasses framing his narrow face. "You witnessed Amon take away people's bending firsthand. How serious of a threat does he pose to the innocent citizens of Republic City?"
At the back of the hall, Sota could see the entire exchange going on, and frowned at the nervous look on his sister's face.
"You ok?" Mai-Ling asked, catching his attention for a moment.
"Oh, uh, yeah," Sota said, not really knowing what to say. Turning back to watch his sister, he added, "I'm just curious on what the reporters have to ask is all."
Korra cleared her throat, before answering, "I think he presents a real problem."
"Then why have you refused to join Tarrlok's task force?" Another reported, who was dress in a red coat, asked. "As the Avatar, shouldn't you be going after Amon?"
"Oh, no," Sota mumbled in worry. Tarrlok was behind this, that was without a doubt. If he couldn't convince or bribe Korra to join, then he was going to use the pressure of the city to do it. And in the condition that Korra was in a few nights before, he knew there was no way she could face him again so soon. Turning to everyone, Sota said, "Excuse me." Before making his way forward towards the crowd.
"Well, I-" Korra started, only to be interrupted again.
"Why are you backing away from this fight?" the reporter pressed on.
"What? No. I've never backed away from anything in my life," Korra protested in offence.
"Alright, I think that's enough," Sota said, walking up to the crowd and standing with his sister. Turning to his sister, Sota began to speak, hoping to pull her aside and warn her of Tarrlok's trap. "Korra-"
"Excuse me, young man, but who are you?" a female reporter asked.
"My name is Sota, and I'm the brother of the Avatar. Now if you'll excuse us, I need to have a word with my sister in private for a mom-"
"Avatar Korra promised to serve this city. Isn't she going back on that promise now?" Another reporter asked him.
"What? No, she-" Sota started, frustration building as well as a sense of nervousness. He wasn't used to being in the spotlight or the center of attention as usually if he was, it was not good attention. And unfortunately for him, this was another of those situations.
"Do you believe that Pro-bending is more important than the Avatar fighting the Revolution?"
"No that's-"Sota started again, becoming more shy and flustered as the cameras flashed and more questions came in. Unconsciously, he took a step back, a nervous sweat on his brow as his instincts were telling him to leave and get himself out of people's view.
"Word has it that you saw Amon's abilities as well. If that is the case, then in your honest opinion, do you believe that the Avatar can protect the city? Or does the fact that you are related to the Avatar make you biased?"
Sota was shocked by the question, and suddenly felt his throat get dry at the thought of answering it. Did he think that Korra could protect everyone from Amon? If he were being honest with himself, he didn't know. Korra was powerful, that's much he was certain off, but having seen Amon's abilities firsthand as well as felt his menacing presence…Sota couldn't say. Was she even in any condition to fight him?
As he struggled to find any answer, Korra looked on at him in worry. She knew Sota hated being put on the spot and any type of public attention would take its toll on him, and it was all because she was the Avatar.
Only, she didn't very much feel like the Avatar and the city didn't seem to think so either. Luckily for Sota, however, he never had to answer as the next question came flying in.
"Avatar Korra, how do you think Avatar Aang would have handled this?" Someone asked.
Korra looked down at them, anger and frustration building at their questions, but the one that tipped her over the edge came as a reporter asked, "Are you afraid of Amon?"
"I'm not afraid of anybody!" Korra declared as she pointed to herself. "If the city needs me, then…I'll join Tarrlok's task force and help fight Amon."
Sota looked at her in surprise, but soon frowned at her declaration. He had failed to stop her from walking right in Tarrlok's hands, and it was all because he was too cowardly to stand up for himself. Again.
Sota could only look down at the ground in shame. He was supposed to be a warrior of the Southern Water Tribe, just like his father, and yet, whenever the time came for him to stand up and be brave, he couldn't do it, all because of his own fear.
He couldn't do it to save himself as a kid, he couldn't do it save himself and Bolin when they had been captured, and he couldn't do it now.
A thought came to him as his father's words echoed in his head. He remembered when Tonraq had first told him about being brave. It had been after the bloodbending incident. Sota had felt so much shame for what he had done and had gone to apologize to his father because he hadn't been strong enough to stop himself from getting beaten up. Tonraq had been surprised but had assured his son that he had nothing to apologize for and had told him that standing up for himself was a brave thing to do.
Sota had wanted to believe that, but it only seemed to make him question if he had the strength to be brave. And that's when his father had told him. "Remember, son. A man isn't strong because of how much physical strength he has. A man is strong by the strength and the bravery of his character."
No wonder I'm so weak then. Sota thought to himself dejectedly as Tarrlok walked up to them, throwing his arm around Korra.
"There's your headline, folks," he declared to the crowd who all began to take more pictures of them all. The crowd soon began to disperse, leaving the three on the steps. Looking to Sota, he asked, "And will you be joining us as well? We could use a junior member as smart as you to help coordinate."
"Though the offer is appreciated, Councilman, I feel it would be in the best interest of my brother's safety to stay away from anything Amon related," Korra interjected. Sota simply nodded his head in agreement.
"A shame, but I understand. After all, safety is the whole reason we're doing this," Tarrlok agreed. Noticing their friends coming their way, he bowed to them and took his leave.
Mai-Ling and Jun walked up to them first, and instantly noticed the sad look on Sato's face.
"What's wrong?" Mai-Ling asked. Turning to her, Sota gave them a small half smile before shaking his head.
"It's nothing. I just don't do well with crowds. Being the center of attention freaks me out sometimes," said, half truthfully. Korra walked over to everyone, and quickly noticed the downed look on his face. She began to wonder why he would be so sad, but realized he was probably worried about her. She hadn't thought about the fact she would be leaving him all alone on the island, or the fact that he would be so worried. In fact, she hadn't thought any of this out.
As the Avatar looked at her brother's sad face, as well as the concerned look on his new friend's face, she was struck with a thought.
"Hey, why don't you two come and visit Air Temple Island?" Korra asked Mai-Ling and Jun, startling them. "I'm sure Sota wouldn't mind the extra company."
"Really? Are you sure that would be ok?" Sota asked, perking up at the thought. Seeing that his mood was improving, Korra nodded her head.
"Definitely. I'll have to run it by Tenzin and the White Lotus guards, but I can't see a problem with it," Korra reassured him. Turning to the two girls again, she asked, "So what do you say?"
The girls readily agreed in enthusiasm, turning to Sota, who had a wide smile on his face.
Good. Maybe this will help keep him distracted and out of more trouble. Korra thought to herself, hoping that she wasn't making a mistake by accepting Tarrlok's offer.
"Welcome to Air Temple Island!" Ikki shouted, greeting the two girls as they stepped off the boat. Jun looked at her, unimpressed with the overly energetic girl, while Mai-Ling smiled back to her.
"Well, that's certainly some greeting," Mai-Ling said to her. "Thank you very much for having us."
"You're welcome! My name is Ikki, and you must be the two girls that Sota's been talking about! He was all smiley about it when he was talking with Jinora. How old are you? Where did you meet Sota? I tried asking him about it, but he got all flustered and red faced about it. Do you- "
"Whoa, down, Ikki," Korra said as she walked up to the dock toward them, duffle bag in hand. Stopping in front of them all, she said, "You're gonna scare them away before they even get a chance to see the place, and I don't think there's anyone in Republic City that'll be able to save you from Sota's wrath."
"He's not THAT scary, Korra," the young girl protested.
"Oh really? Well, it's a good thing you're so brave because here he comes," She replied, a grin coming to her face as she pointed over her shoulder. Ikki turned and shrieked at the sight of him, quickly creating an airscooter and zipping past Sota. The water tribe boy looked after her in confusion, but figured whatever it was, it could wait, and quickly finished his way up to the girls.
"I'm sure whatever it is, I don't want to know," Sota said to Korra who simply smirked as the two girls laughed next to her. Looking to his guest, he said, "Hey guys. I'm glad you could make it."
"Well, it's not every day that you get invited to a private island by the Avatar herself. Only an idiot would pass something like that up," Jun said.
"Yeah, I guess that's one way of looking at," he replied, raising his eyebrow at her. "You ready for the tour? I asked Jinora to join us so we could see some of the other really secret places around the island."
Mai-Ling's smile faltered a bit, though it seemed to go unnoticed by Sota. It didn't, however, go unnoticed by Jun. Or Korra.
"You bet! I'm really excited to see the Island. I could barely contain my excitement on the boat ride here," Mai-Ling said.
"Could have done without the jerks in the blue and white robes though," Jun added, throwing a glare at a few of them who glanced at her as well.
"Those are just the White Lotus Sentries. They're not so bad once you get to know them. The older guards are really into Pai Sho, and-"
"Pardon me, Avatar Korra, but we should be on our way, or you will be late to your appointment with Councilman Tarrlok," one of the Sentries interjected. Korra's mood deflated at the mention of that, though she still nodded her head in acknowledgement. As the Sentry took his leave, Korra turned back to her brother and the girls, noticing the worried look on his face.
"I've gotta go. You three stay out of trouble, got it?" She joked before placing a hand on his shoulder. "You have a good time and show them around. I'll be back before you know it. And stay on the Island unless it's an emergency, got it?"
Sota looked at her, cocking a half smile before nodding. "I got it. And we'll be fine. Just…be careful, Korra," Sota replied. Korra returned his half smile before bidding the girls a goodbye as well and taking her leave onto the boat.
The three watched as the boat soon set sail, leaving Sota with a feeling of unease as it drifted further away.
"You ok?" Mai-Ling asked, bringing her hand up to lightly touch his shoulder. Sota turned to her, allowing his blue eyes to stare into her gold ones for a moment before answering.
"Yeah…just worried, is all. I know my sister is the Avatar and she's strong, but I can't help it, you know?" Turning around, he put a smile on his face and stated. "Let's get this tour started, shall we?"
To say that Sota had a fun time would have been an understatement. From the moment Korra left, Sota had taken to his role as a tour guide with get enthusiasm, showing the girls around Air Temple Island and some of his favorite places to visit.
They started off simple, visiting the main Temple and the training areas, receiving a few laughs at the stories, especially the one of Korra's first day training and her clumsiness at crashing into the spinning gates.
As luck would have it, Jinora happened to be there, having a quick chat with Sota and Jun, who was particularly interested in some of the history of the Island and how Avatar Aang made it his home. Mai-Ling, though staying with the group politely, didn't seem to have much interest in it, so Jinora suggested that Sota show them around the greenhouses and dormitories as she needed to go assist her mother.
After they finished, Sota took them to, in his opinion, the best part of the island. Making their way, they soon found themselves at the back, just past the Sentries' dorms.
"So, what's so great about this place? I thought we were avoiding having to be around these guys?" Jun complained as they walked to the edge of the rocks near the water. Sota said nothing, grinning as he turned to look out into the distance. The two girls turned to see what he was looking at, and both gasped in amazement as they took in the site of Republic City at Night, completely lit up and glowing out in the open darkness.
"That would be why," Sota said, turning back to them. "This is without a doubt the best view of the city you'll probably ever see, and I personally think this is the real reason Avatar Aang made this his home."
"Amazing…" Mai-Ling said as she continued to take it in. "I'm jealous you get to see this all the time."
"Yeah, I gotta admit, water-boy; you're definitely right about this one," Jun said as she put a hand on her hip.
"Well, would you look at that. An actual compliment from the high and mighty Jun herself," Sota replied with sarcasm and a smile. "The world would be amazed that your judgement could be so unfounded."
"Yes, it would be."
"Anyway, I think it's getting late. It should be just about time for dinner if you guys wanted to stay," Sota offered, trying to not awkwardly ask as he looked from Jun to Mai-Ling. "I'm sure Ms. Pema wouldn't mind and would love to have you."
"We'd love to, but we should probably be heading back," Mai-Ling said regretfully. "My Uncle will start to get worried, I'm sure. But how's about a rain check on that dinner invite? My treat? We've got some pretty good cooks at my place, and we'd love for you to stop by."
Sota could feel his heart jump happily at that, and prepared to excitedly accept, when the sudden crackling of the radio on the Sentry's table near by brought to life the sound of his sister's voice.
"You wanna know why? Because Amon is hiding in the shadows like a coward," Korra declared. Mai-Ling and Jun looked on at the radio in shock before looking to Sota who looked like he was going to be sick as the color drained from his face.
"What in the name of the spirits is she doing?" he mumbled before jogging up to the table. The girls followed up, flanking him on either side.
"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 finished.
The noise from the radio, as well as the world around him, faded as Sota's body began to shake, forcing him to lean on the table for support. Mai-Ling looked on in worry while Jun looked on in unease as the Southern's face looked as if he was about to vomit.
This had just gone from the best day of Sota's life, to his very worst nightmare.
Tenzin quickly spotted Korra, Tarrlok and their task force at the docks, and glided gracefully to the ground before closing his glider.
"Korra, this is madness," the airbender said in protest.
"Don't try to stop me and don't follow me. I have to face Amon alone," Korra said as she finished untying her boat.
Turning to his fellow Councilman, Tenzin declared, "This is all your doing."
"I tried to talk her out of it too, but she's made up her mind," Tarrlok replied in his defense.
With her preparations made, Korra launched her boat forward, waterbending it to propel her. Tarrlok spoke once more, stating, "We'll be watching the island closely. If anything goes wrong, I have a fleet of police airships ready to swoop down."
Tenzin could only grumble disapprovingly as he turned back to watch Korra vanish into the mist surrounding his father's statued island.
The time ticked by as Korra stood on the roof of the museum that doubled as Aang's pedestal. The sound of the wind had Korra on edge as she shifted into a fighting stance and looking behind her. But of course, there was nothing and no one there. Korra gave a sigh of relief before shrieking as the sound of the gong startled her, striking the tone of midnight.
The ringing echoed, moving across the quiet waters around her, and Korra could only sigh again before taking a deep breath and putting on a tough face. The time had arrived, so it was now or never.
But as the minutes ticked by, Korra yawned and stretched from her cross-legged position.
"Guess you're a no-show, Amon," Korra said with a hit of relief in her gloating. "Who's scared now?"
Korra got to her feet and made her way back to the ground, nonchalantly walking past the museum entrance, when she was suddenly ambushed by a boa cord that wrapped around her ankles.
Korra grunted as she hit the ground, and only had enough time to gasp before being dragged inside by the rope. As her heart began to pound, she lifted her feet above her and kicked out a small bit of fire, freeing herself as well as illuminating the room just enough to show her that she was now surrounded by chi-blockers.
Narrowing her eyes, Korra gasped, taking in heavy breaths while the light faded, hiding her assailants once more. Throwing arcs of fire from her fist, Korra soon found herself bound and unable to use her hands, prompting her to kick more fire out from her feet as the next person made a jump at her, before using her other foot to kick up a stone wall. Her attacks missed before she was quickly assaulted in the back with numerous quick jabs that effectively turned off her bending.
"No!" Korra thought as she dropped to the ground with a thump. "This is just like my dream!" She could feel her panic gripping her as she prayed to the spirits that Sota wasn't about to show up like he had in her nightmare. The last thing she wanted was him putting himself in danger to try to help her right now.
A bright light shown from the lamp of one of the Chi-Blockers, allowing her to see them all as they stood around her while she lay helpless on the ground. Two of them quickly stepped forward, grabbing her arms, and lifting her upright. Korra slowly looked up, the sluggishness making it hard to move her head, before gasping as Amon walked into view, standing over her menacingly.
"I received your invitation, young Avatar," Amon said, his imposing stance shaking to her core. Fear gripped Korra as he reached out forward and, closing her eyes, she waited for the moment she would feel her bending leave her. But, to her shock, the feeling never came as he reached down, grabbing her chin, and forcing her to face him.
"Our showdown, while inevitable, is premature," Amon continued as Korra opened her eyes and stared into his in fear. "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." Dropping his hand from her face, he continued, while Korra, whose face was now free, looked at him in hate filled defiance. "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."
As his words reached her ears, Korra could only look on in shock as he finished his declaration. "Then you'll get your duel. And I will destroy you."
Standing to his feet, Amon gave Korra a swift jab to the neck, knocking her out, and as her vision blurred, she was assaulted with visions of people that she'd never seen before.
The first was a man in water tribe garb, before it quickly changed to that of a policewoman who was clearly blind, being flanked by two other officers. The next vision was of Aang as he was sitting behind someone, their eyes hauntingly uncaring, but changed, showing Aang as he rode his airscooter in what looked to be pursuit .
As the images faded away, Korra opened her eyes, her vision blurry as she saw a figure running toward her and coming into the light.
"Aang?" she called out uncertainly.
"Korra! Korra, are you alright?!" Tenzin asked in worry as he propped her up. "What happened!? Was Amon here?"
"Y-yeah," Korra said, finding herself able to move. "He…ambushed me."
"Did he- did he take your bending away?"
Opening her palm, Korra ignited a small flame, a sense of relief washing over her before closing her hand and putting the fire out. "No. I'm okay."
"Oh, thank goodness," Tenzin said, relieved nothing serious happened to her.
Though she too felt this way, her relief was soon replaced by sadness as Korra felt her body rock with sobs. As the tears flowed, she threw herself into Tenzin's arms, stating, "I was so terrified. I felt so helpless."
"It's alright," the man said, hugging her. "The nightmare is over."
"You…you were right," Korra admitted as her crying began to stop. Looking away she said, "I've been scared this whole time, but couldn't bring myself to say it. Especially in front of Sota. I'm not just the Avatar to him; I'm his big sister, and if he saw me so scared about this, I can't imagine how much more he would be after what happened." She paused to wipe her eyes and looked at him. "Tenzin, I don't know what to do."
As more tears and sobbing commenced, she fell back into his arms, and Tenzin hugged her once again.
"Admitting your fears is the first, and most difficult step in overcoming them," he reassuring and allowing her to cry out her emotions.
It was early into the morning by the time Korra and Tenzin had made it back to Air Temple Island, however to their shock, the White Lotus weren't the only ones waiting to receive them.
"Korra!" Sot called out, pushing past everyone to get to his sister. The young boy crashed into her, almost knocking her over, and hugged her as tears and a sob came with his tightening grip. "I was so worried about you, and when the last boat came in without you, I-"
"Shh… it's ok," Korra said, hugging him back. "Sota…I am so sorry. About everything. That night, after the rally, I shouldn't have reacted the way I did, at least not without explaining why. I was just so scared of what could have happened to you."
"I know. I…" Sota paused looking up at her as he wiped his tears away. "I was in the hallway that night you had the nightmare. I know you had it because of me, and I'm so sorry, Korra."
"You don't need to apologize," Korra said, kneeling so she was at eye level with him as she held his shoulders. "I'm your big sister, and I'm always going to worry about you. But not just that, I've always tried to be brave because I always thought I needed to be for you. But I've realized, that would just be me lying to you. And I'm sorry about that.
"You're right. I am scared, and I know you and everyone else are too. And it's ok to be. But I promise you, I will do everything in my power, not as your Avatar, but as your sister, to stop Amon and protect you. So don't be afraid to come to me because you can always come to me, no matter what. We're in this together." She finished holding her arm out.
Sota looked down, recognizing the jester immediately. Looking back into her eyes, he gave a determined smile as he grabbed her forearm.
"Together," he agreed, before a thought suddenly hit him, and a guilty look came to his face. "But I need to tell you something."
"What is it?" Korra asked, standing back up.
"When Bolin and I we're about to get our bending taken away, I tried to bloodbend one of the chi-blockers."
"Sota…" Korra said in shock, but quickly shook it off and said, "It's ok. You were only doing it to protect yourself."
"You're not angry?"
"No, I'm not. And, normally, I would tell you to never do this, but if the time comes, I want you to prioritize your safety over anything else. Even if that means you have to bloodbend. Use it as a last resort."