Chapter 30

Sota signed in relief as he lay face down on the soft bed. The blue glow of the healer's waterbending lit up the room as she worked over his back, relieving some of the pain from the bruising he had from hitting that box in that fight.

"The bruising is pretty bad but nothing broken or serious," she said to him and Tenzin who was standing nearby. "He should be fine in a few days, a week at most, and after a few healing sessions."

"That's a relief," he said before kneeling to placing a hand on Sota's head. "Everything's going to be alright now. I want you to rest and leave the rest to us."

Sota nodded his head in understanding, closing his eyes and letting the healer work. Standing back up, Tenzin turned to the second bed where Mai-Ling lay in a peaceful sleep. Her arms had been bandaged, as had her back from an electrocution sting that they were assured wouldn't leave a scar. Her mouth was now also clear of the burns, much to Asami's relief.

Jun sat in a chair on the other side of the bed near the door, her foot tapping as she spaced out. Her arms were crossed which told him she was likely deep in thought.

"You were very brave, you know," he said as he stopped in front of her. "It's not easy to conquer one's fear like that."

"Thank you, Master Tenzin," she said appreciatively before turning to look at her two friends. "But I can't say I conquered it, really. The idea of being down there again makes my skin crawl…but it was worth it to help rescue everyone."

Tenzin smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You've all grown quite attached to each other in the short time you've spent together. It warms my heart to know Sota and Jinora have made such strong bonds."

"Yeah. Who'd have guessed," she said with a shake of her head before standing up and allowing him to lead her from the room. "Speaking of which, I need to find Jinora. She and I need to have a talk about a certain Firebender…"

Essa groaned as the healer worked over her shoulder, biting her pillow aggressively as the pain throbbed threw her shoulder. Her right hand was clutched tightly in her sister's as Tula wiped away sweat from her forehead with a rag.

"Shh, I know it hurts but hang in there just a bit longer," she told her reassuringly. Essa could only respond with pained whining, a few tears coming from her closed lids. "I know, I know. I'm sorry."

"Almost done," the healer said, waving his hands a few more times before smiling as Essa slowly stopped groaning in pain and sighed in relief. Her grip loosened on Tula's now that she could feel the healing effects starting to work.

"Ugh, thank the Spirits…" she groaned out as she finally unclenched her teeth. Tula smiled, wiping her little sister's face once more before kissing her forehead lovingly. "Eww, gross. Stop babying me."

"No can do. As both the older sister, and the none injured one, it's my job," she smirked as the healer finished and prepared his equipment to leave. As he exited the room, she turned back to her and said, "They said that the swelling wasn't too bad, which is a good thing, but regardless, you're gonna be out of commission for a couple of weeks."

"I'm afraid to ask, but…how long is a couple?" at the grimace on her twin's face, Essa could already tell she wasn't gonna like the answer. "Oh boy…"

"I mean, its not that big a deal. Only 12 weeks."

"12 WEEKS!? Tul's, that's 3 whole months! What am I supposed to do for 3 months!?" Essa whined, throwing her head back into her pillow. "Ugh, this is so unfair!"

"I know, I know, but with the healing sessions and if you recover properly, they said you could be better in 9 to 10 weeks," Tula said in optimistically.

"I guess," she replied before sighing. "Welp. I guess we can kiss the vacation fund goodbye because these medical bills are gonna eat what we have saved up alive."

"Probably. But it's worth it to get you better," Tula told her with a squeeze of her hand. The two smiled at one another but soon the smile fell, and Tula swallowed as she asked her question. "So…what happened in there? How'd you end up like this?"

Essa gave a sigh. She knew this was coming and knowing her sister, her reaction was not going to be good.

"Sota got the attention of a couple of guards to get them to open the cell door. After that well…let's just the say the rumors about him are true," she said. When Tula's eyes widened, Essa nodded. "Yep. It was a bit scary, I won't lie, but it worked. We got out and made a break for the exit. We almost made it out, but then…Amon found us."

"YOU FOUGHT AMON!?" Tula shouted, making Essa cringe away from her at the volume. "Scratch that; you're gonna be in here for the next year after I get done with you!"

"Chill out! What did you expect me to do? I fought him off to give the kids a chance to escape. I got a few hits on him, but once he dislocated my shoulder, I was out for the rest of the fight," she said, closing her eyes as she thought back. Her voice grew sad as she continued. "When I woke up, we were back in the cell. Mai-Ling filled me in on what happened after I passed out. They did their best and really fought to try to save me…but he was just too much for them. For us."

Tula was silent for a moment before looking to the ground and swallowing hard. "Did…did Amon take your bending?"

"No…but I can't say the same for Sota…"

Out in the mountains, Korra continued her meditation, her mind cleared of any distractions as she watched the trial of Yakone begin.

The room was filled with spectators, officials, and of course the accused himself. Six police officers, including Chief Toph herself, were stationed on the sides of the room while the City Council listened to the Prosecutor. Behind her, Yakone sat with his lawyer, a smirk on his face that didn't sit well with Aang as he monitored the man from the pew behind him.

"Yakone has ruled Republic City's criminal empire for years. Yet he has always managed to stay out of the law's reach. Until now," the woman said, her thin glasses drawing extra attention to the seriousness of her tone. "You will hear testimony from dozens of his victims, and they will tell you Yakone has maintained his grip on the underworld by using an ability that has been illegal for decades – Bloodbending."

Korra frowned as the crowd gasped as well as started murmuring amongst themselves. So, that's why Aang had shown her Sota…he was trying to use him to warn her. But what did bloodbending have to do with this?

Councilman Sokka narrowed his eyes at the man, not pleased to hear this at all, but remained silent as Yakone's lawyer, a man of Fire Nation decent, stood to now present his opening statements.

"The prosecution's entire case is built upon the make-believe notion that my client is able to bloodbend at will, at any time, on any day" he said, his thin mustache pointing down with his frown. His eyes were sharp as they pointed to each member of the council through his gold rimmed glasses, and the man clutched his fist for added effect to his words.

As he began to pace, he continued. "I remind the council that bloodbending is an incredibly rare skill, and it can only be performed during a full moon. Yet, the witnesses will claim that my client used bloodbending at ever other time EXCEPT during a full moon." Stopping in place, he closed and reopened his eyes, declaring as he pointed to Yakone, "It would be a mockery of justice to convict a man of a crime that is impossible to commit."

Though what the laywer had said should have been true, Aang wasn't so sure about that.

The trial went on for hours before the council moved to their private chambers to decide on Yakone's fate.

"Councilman Sokka will now deliver the verdict," one of the officers said as they returned to the hall. Everyone waited on baited breaths as the other four members of the council sat while Councilman Sokka took a moment to collect his thoughts.

"In my years, I have encountered people born with rare and unique bending abilities," he said. A small smile came to his face as he recalled, "I once bested a man with my trusty Boomerang who was able to firebend with his mind. Why, even metalbending was considered impossible for all of history, until our esteemed Chief of Police, Toph Beifong, single-handedly developed the skill."

His smile fell as the gravity of the situation and of what he was about to say filled the room. "The overwhelming amount of testimony and evidence has convinced this council that Yakone is one of these unique benders. And he exploited his ability to commit these heinous crimes. We find Yakone GUILTY of all charges and sentence him to life in prison."

Sokka gave his gavel a bang as Yakone's lawyer balled his paper up and tossed it. Yakone held his head down as the crowd murmured amongst themselves before slowly standing to his feet, his hands still bound by metal cuffs. A devilish smirk crossed his face, and Aang immediately knew he was up to something. Reaching out, he attempted to grab him, but it was no good as his hand stopped short and began to twitch as he struggled for control.

Sokka gave a cry of distress and pain as his body twisted and turned violently. The council members around him soon found themselves in similar distress, all unable to move and all in pain. Toph was stunned before jumping into action as she and her officers quickly shot their ropes at him, only for them to fall short as Yakone began bloodbending them as well. As the Chief groaned in discomfort, Yakone began to laugh at them all, but especially Aang.

Peering over his shoulder, his laughter only grew louder as he locked eyes with the Avatar who was powerless to stop him. Korra grit her teeth, a few scared pants coming from her as she watched this play out. She could feel Aang's emotions as it all played through her head, mixing with her own.

"Bloodbending…its terrifying. What if…what if that had been Sota…what would I have done?" she asked herself out loud. That was a question she never wanted to find the answer to, that was for sure.

The Sun was starting to set in the afternoon sky as Tenzin, Lin, Mako and Bolin made their way back to City Hall. Asami had chosen to stay back at the Air Temple to look over the kids, plus it gave her some time away from Mako to think. As the four rushed in, they found three of the other council members as well as Chief Saikhan waiting for them, per Tenzin's call.

"Thank you all for meeting us on such short notice," he said to them while Lin could only eye Saikhan unhappily.

"Chief," she greeted coldly.

"Lin," he greeted back just as frigid.

"Have you news of Avatar Korra?" Tarrlok asked as he entered the room. His fake worry made them sick, and it was evident by the looks on her friends' faces.

"We do. YOU kidnapped her, Tarrlok!" Tenzin stated while pointing at him.

"I am shocked you would accuse me of such an evil act," he replied, his false shock not fooling anyone. "I already explained. Equalists attacked us and took her."

"But there were no Chi-Blockers here last night," Tenzin pressed. "You planted the evidence, didn't you?"

"That is a ridiculous accusation!" he protested once more.

"It's true!" a voice cried out from the top of the hall. Everyone's attention shot up to the balcony level where they immediately spotted the Council Page hiding just out of sight of Tarrlok behind a pillar. "He took her! I was here when Avatar Korra arrived last night, but Councilman Tarrlok ordered me to leave. I was on my way out when I saw Tarrlok bring her down to the garage."

The Council Page could recall clearly as he hid behind a steel beam in a very similar fashion last night, watching in shock as Tarrlok loaded up Korra into a car. His stomach sank as he heard him tell her to say goodbye to both the city and her little brother, and it made him sick to his stomach. No, he couldn't let Tarrlok get away with this!

"That is nonsense," Tarrlok declared angrily as he began pointing at the man. "Everyone knows you're nothing but a squeaky-voiced liar."

"Why did you wait until now to 'fess up?" Lin asked, crossing her arms as they all ignored Tarrlok's rant.

"I was terrified to tell because…" he paused before raising his head defiantly and shouting out with all his courage, "BECAUSE TARRLOK IS A BLOODBENDER! HE BLOODBENT AVATAR KORRA!"

There was a collective stunned silence in the room before everything tumbled downhill for Tarrlok. All eyes were on him as they changed from stunned gasps to scrutinizing judgement.

"Don't make this worse for yourself," Tenzin advised before shifting into a combat stance. "Tell us where you have Korra."

Lin, Mako and Bolin all fell into similar stances, and Tarrlok could feel his panic rising as he now found himself on the backfoot. His light blue eyes were wide with fear and crazed anger, and like the snake he was, he shot forward to strike. Lin and Tenzin both attempted to apprehend him, but soon found their muscles twitching and twisting in pain as Tarrlok began to bloodbend not just them, but everyone in the room.

Raising his hands over his head, Tarrlok gripped all eight of the people before him and slowly lowered them down. All groaned in pain and discomfort before finding themselves blacking out on the floor as he gripped his hands and pulled them close to his chest. Tarrlok looked at them for a few seconds to be sure they were out before sprinting out of the building.

It looked like his time in Republic City was over.

A howl rose Sota from his bed, drawing his attention toward the window. It had been quiet since everyone had left, and Mai-Ling had continued to sleep, leaving him alone with his thoughts as he worried for his sister. As well as for himself.

The shock had worn off days ago, but the feeling was all too fresh as he recalled the strange snapping feeling he'd felt inside of him when Amon had touched his forehead. It left him feeling weak and confused, as if something was missing. Which, now that he thought about it, it was.

Shakily, he got to his feet, making an effort to not knock over his empty soup bowl on the nightstand before getting to the window. He pried it open with ease and was pleasantly greeted with the wet tongue of Naga. Tears of joy came to his eyes as she happily licked him, whining and nudging her head into him. Sota wrapped his arms around her head, squeezing it before leaning back to look from her to Mai-Ling.

Putting his finger to his lip, he shushed her before walking over to the chair nearby with his tunic and jacket. His boots reset under the seat, which he grabbed as well before sitting on the bed and getting dressed.

"And just where do you think you're going?" Sota jumped at the sound of Mai-Ling's voice, turning to see her eyes wide open and staring directly at him pointedly. Sota swallowed, taking note of the very serious and unhappy tone to her voice and look on her face. Before he could speak, Naga gave a bark, and Mai-Ling looked over to her before stating, "You're going to look for Korra, aren't you?"

When she received a nod, she sighed, telling him, "Not like I can really stop you in my condition, so you'd better go before Jun comes back. But I want a Raincheck, you hear me? I'm serious; tomorrow morning, first light." Sota walked around to the other side to reach her bed and placed his on hers gently. A few tears started to build in her eyes before she said, "Be careful."

He gave her a nod and rushed over to the window, climbing out and closing it behind him before sitting himself in the saddle on Naga's back. Once secure, he gave her reins a pull and headed straight for the edge of the island where the two charged straight into the water. The Polar Bear Dog resurfaced quickly and Sota was thankful for the pelt his coat was made from as they started to paddle across the bay. It wouldn't keep him completely dry, but it would do well enough so that he could stave off the cold for a while.

Afterall, who knew how long he could be out here looking for where that Spidersnake had Korra?

Sweat ran from Korra's face as she settled her nerves and focused. She needed to see this vision through to the end.

Aang struggled against Yakone's bloodbending, as did the rest of the crowd, but there was nothing they could do. With a grin, Yakone took control of Toph, forcing her to grab the keys to his cuffs off the deputy's belt and hovering her over to him. Toph could do nothing as her hand turned the key and unlocked the cuffs, the heavy metal giving a loud thud as it hit the chamber floor.

Yakone smiled victoriously as he rubbed his sore wrists before raising and gripping his hands. Immediately, everyone before him dropped to the floor unconscious, and soon, one by one, the spectators behind him did as well. All except Aang, who Yakone wanted to save for last. Turning, he raised his left hand to lift the Avatar into the air and held him before him.

"Yakone," Aang said as he continued to struggle. "You won't get away with this."

Yakone gave a hearty laugh. "Republic City is mine, Avatar. I'll be back one day to claim it." With a toss behind him, Yakone threw Aang into the small steps of the Council chamber and ran, heading straight for the outside world. A getaway car was already outside waiting for him as planned and soon, Yakone was off. The streets had been kept clear as his trail took place in secrecy so as not to frighten the masses, something he knew and used in his favor.

However, he didn't make it far down the street before Aang was back on his feet. With a burst of energy from the Avatar State, Aang was out the door and in hot pursuit. His normal Air Scooter was given a significant upgrade as he stood on top of a large sphere of air and closed in on Yakone's carriage.

Jumping to the wall, Aang rode the sphere across the various buildings until he was in place and released a slice of air at Yakone. The wave crashed into the reigns and connector of his Ostrich Horse who proceeded to keep running while Yakone's carriage flipped over.

Aang lowered himself to the ground, still riding the air sphere to circle the cart from back to front. As he came to a stop, waiting to see if Yakone was still conscious, he was taken by surprise as Yakone sprang from the back of it, throwing his hands out and dropping Aang to the ground. He could feel Yakone bloodbending him once more, but this time, there was much more pain and deadly intent to it as the man stood over him and looked down on him in contempt.

"This time, I'm gonna put you to sleep for good," he swore as he started to try to kill Aang. Raising him again, Yakone tried to bend and twist him as much as he could, working his way up from his limbs to his head and neck. Sweat ran down the man's face as he focused with all his strength and might to break the Avatar, listening to Aang's screams of pain in hopes that it'd be over soon, and the job would be done.

But that would never happen as Aang called upon his Avatar State once more. The power flooded his body and surged around him as he straightened up and regained control of himself. The wind was explosive, and Yakone's focus was broken as he guarded his face and cried out. Before he could react, he opened his eyes to find Aang earthbending to enclose him up to his shoulders in rock.

Yakone groaned, struggling as he tried desperately to free himself as Aang walked up to him and placed him thumbs on his forehead and upper chest.

"I'm taking away your bending. For good," the Avatar swore and Yakone could only scream as his eyes began to glow. Slowly as the light faded from Aang's eyes, Yakone could feel himself growing weaker. With one last groan, he hung his head limply while Aang stepped back, exhaling, "It's over." before the vision vanished.

"Aang, this whole time, you were trying to warn me about Tarrlok," she said, wiping her eyes and face as the door creaked open. Speak of the devil. Looking up, Korra could hear him and waited as Tarrlok walked down the steps into the basement in a rather unpleasant mood.

"My life is a disaster now, thanks to you," he spat as he approached the box with her inside.

"So your little bloodbending secret's out?" she taunted him, receiving a growl of frustration. "And I know how you bloodbent me without a full moon. You're Yakone's son." The second the words left her mouth, the smiling face of her little brother popped into her head.

Was it possible…Sota's father was…?

No, that couldn't be. As far as she'd known, Tarrlok had never lived outside of Republic City, much less the South Pole. His parents died in that blizzard. She reminded herself.

Tarrlok was quiet for a moment before confirming it. "I was his son. But in order to win Repuiblic City, I had to become someone else. My father failed because he tried to rule the city from its rotten underbelly.

"My plan was perfect. I was to be the city's savior," he said, narrowing his eyes as he thought back to all the work it took to get here only for it to be crushed by this teenager. Turning to the box, he addressed her directly. "But you—you ruined everything!"

"Tarrlok, the jig is up, and you have nowhere to go," she told him.

"Oh no. No, I'll escape and start a new life," he said as he started to walk up the stairs. "And you're coming as my hostage."

"You'll never get away with this!" Korra declared as he finished ascending the stairs, only to be met with the terrifying sight of Amon, his Lieutenant and three other Chi-Blockers waiting for him.

"Amon!" he said, and Korra gasped. Amon was here!? Did this mean that the two were working together?

"It is time for you to be Equalized," Amon said as his soldiers readied themselves for a fight.

Tarrlok smirk, shifting his stance to raise his hands and said, "You fool. You've never faced bending like mine," before immediately putting all four soldiers down like they were nothing, leaving only him and Amon standing. Much to his confusion. "Huh?"

Why was Amon not only still standing, but able to move? With a grunt, Tarrlok stepped back, putting his full force into his bending before trying once more to bloodbend Amon. The masked man stopped in place, and it looked as if Tarrlok had been successful. But to his horror, Amon walked it off and was strutting toward him unbothered.

"What?!" Tarrlok whispered in fear as he begun backing up. As he hit the doorframe behind him, he could only ask, "What are you?!"

"I am the solution," was Amon's only response before he moved to grab Tarrlok. Before the councilman could react, his right arm was pinned behind his back and his neck grabbed forcefully from behind. As his head was yanked back, he watched as Amon brought his thumb down and struck his forehead.

Tarrlok's cries of anguish rattled Korra in her cage as she heard the man's body drop to the floor above. Oh, that didn't sound good.

"I'll take care of him. You four retrieve the Avatar. Do not underestimate her," he warned as he picked up Tarrlok's body and began walking away with him. "Electrocute the box to knock her out before you open it."

And that sounded even worse.

"My pleasure," the Lieutenant said as the four men started toward and down the stairs. The three Chi-Blockers stood at the ready while he pulled his batons out, charging them up. He was gonna enjoy this. "It's payback time."

As the two sticks touched the bottom of the box, Korra cried out in pain, electricity flying all round the box. Inside, the Avatar hung by a thread as she used her arm wrapping to elevate her off the ground as well as to prevent her from touching any of the metal around her. As her fake screaming stopped, she watched as the electricity continued for numerous more moments before finally coming to a stop when the lightbulb above shattered. Quickly dropping to the floor, Korra made a thud sound and cradled into a fetal position, waiting to strike.

"Open the box," the Lieutenant said, stepping aside to let one of the Chi-Blockers through to it. They were greeted with the form of the Avatar as she laid limp and unmoving. "Tie her up."

Korra gave a mighty grunt as she kicked a huge blast of fire from her foot, filling the room as it sent the four men back screaming from the combustion. Jumping through the flames with one less arm wrap, Korra dodged a boa that was thrown at her and rolled into a somersault. Her fist collided with the ground, and she sent a shockwave under the earth that upheaved it and them in a quake. Not wasting any time, she ran past them and up the stairs through the small cabin before bursting out into the snowstorm around her.

Her eyes locked with Amon's as she came to a halt. Her blood ran cold as he turned and took a step toward her, and it was at that moment that Korra knew she had no chance against him. Bending the snow around her, she shot tendrils of water at him before changing them into shards of sharp ice. Amon dodged and rushed forward past them, forcing Korra to turn and run.

Amon watched as Korra formed a board of ice under her feet and snowboarded down the hill, getting further and further out of his grasp.

"I thought I told you to not underestimate her," he said to the four soldiers as they rushed out of the cabin and up to him. None of them replied, knowing there was nothing they could say to change what happened.

Korra looked over her shoulder fearfully, expecting Amon to still be chasing her, but that didn't seem to be the case. However, now that she was free, she knew she couldn't stop. Sliding past more and more trees, Korra could barely see anything in front of her with all the snow, making it all the more likely that she would hit the tree root like she did.

"Ahh!" she cried out as she tumbled forward and slid down her back to a stop at the bottom of the hill. As her back hit a tree, she groaned softly. A pile of snow fell on her, but she was too exhausted to move which would mean it was only going to get worse.

As luck would have it, not far in the forest, a particular Polar Bear Dog and little boy were making their way through the storm looking for her. Sota shivered as she looked around in the blizzard for any sign of where Korra could be. He'd have been more skeptical about this had it not been Korra that Naga was tracking. Naga was easily distracted when she wanted to be, but when it came to her family, she was always reliable. Given he'd never won a single game of Hide and Go seek with her, he knew Naga would lead him to his sister.

Just as he finished that thought, Naga's head popped up and she rushed forward, barking at something. Sota followed her direction and was soon greeted by the cold form of his sister as she lay under a tree covered in snow. Hopping off, he was on his hands and knees in the snow, brushing it off her happily as tears of joy fell down his face.

"Kor-a" his voice came out hoarsely from under use until more power came back and he was calling out to her. "Korra…Korra!"

"Ugh," Korra groaned as she started to wake up. A lick from Naga roused her and as she pried her eyes open, she stared back into the blue of her little brother's and the happy smile of her companion. "Sota…Naga…you came looking for me…you guys."

"Korra," was all he could say as he helped her to sit up and then to grip onto the saddle. The Avatar chuckled as she was lifted and laid across Naga's back.

"Funny…you used to do that when you were a baby and first learned my name…it was…the only word you could say…" she mumbled before once again passing out. Sota said nothing else, hopping onto the back behind her and grabbing the reins to guide Naga home.

It took another hour and a half for them to get back to the city and nightfall had long passed. There was no doubt in his mind he was in for a serious chew out when he got back to the Air Temple, but Sota didn't mind. Everyone was safe again. At least for now.

A growl came from above, drawing his and Naga's attention upward where, to his relief, he caught sight of Oogi.

"Tenzin!" he shouted loudly, waving his hands. "Hey! Down here!" Naga followed up by giving a mighty howl, immediately drawing the attention of the riders.

"That sounds like Naga," Mako said before hearing another voice and smiling, "and Sota!"

Tenzin gave Oogi's reins a hard yank and turned left, heading straight in the direction that they could hear Naga coming from. Their eyes scanned the streets below and soon, much to their relief and thrill, they found the two siblings.

"Korra; oh, thank goodness," Tenzin said, hopping down along with everyone else. The Avatar stirred from her sleep and tried to sit up as their friends all rushed over to her. Turning to Sota, he asked, "What are you doing out here? You're supposed to be resting on Air Temple Island."

"Naga came back. I guess she picked up Korra or mine's scent and I decided to go with her," he said, his eyes barely open and his body shaking in a shiver. Ok, so maybe the pelt didn't help as much as he'd hoped.

"Where's Tarrlok? How did you get away?" Lin asked, though her question was mostly pointed at Sota who blinked and looked at to his sister for an answer. The Chief narrowed her eyes but refrained from pressing him further and focused on Korra.

Before she could answer, Mako rushed forward to push past them.

"Give her some space," he said, helping lift her off Naga and carrying bridal style toward Oogi. Softly, he told her, "I was so worried. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," she told him with a small smile. "I'm glad you're here."

As Mako laid her in the seat, telling her she was safe now, Sota looked to Bolin who looked…uncomfortable, though for what reason he had no idea. As far as he knew, the Earthbender no longer had feelings for his sister, so he doubted it was that. True be told, whatever it was didn't seem good but with the exhaustion catching up to him, he decided it was better left for them to handle and not to involve himself or his friends more then needed.

After all, it's not like anyone other than him, Bolin and Jinora knew about Mako and Korra kissing. So, what was there to worry about?

To be continued…