Chapter XI: Turning the Tides
The Siege Begins
Family Moments
After the strategic planning session concluded, Tenzin found himself walking through the quiet corridors of Air Temple Island toward his family's quarters. The weight of leadership pressed heavily on his shoulders—councilman, airbending master, father, and now potentially the last line of defense for his city.
He entered the bedroom to find Pema and all three children asleep in one bed, clearly having tried to wait up for him. The sight made his heart clench with a mixture of love and fear for what the coming days might bring.
Settling beside the bed, he placed his hand gently on Pema's stomach, feeling the life growing within. Both she and Jinora stirred at his touch.
"Daddy, you're home," Jinora said, sitting up and rubbing her eyes. "We waited up for you. Is Korra okay?"
"Yes, she's fine, sweetie," Tenzin replied, picking up Ikki as she woke and embracing her warmly.
"I was scared," Ikki mumbled against his shoulder. "I thought she wasn't coming back."
"I'm sorry you were scared," Tenzin said, his voice carrying the fatherly warmth that came so naturally despite his usual formal demeanor. "But everything is going to be fine now. I promise."
Even as he said the words, he wondered if he could truly keep that promise with cosmic threats and revolution converging on their city.
The Morning Briefing
The next day found the dining hall filled with an eclectic mix of benders, non-benders, Saiyans, and Time Patrollers. Korra was attacking her breakfast with characteristic enthusiasm, making up for her ordeal in the mountains.
"Mmm! The food tastes amazing, Pema," Korra said between bites. "I'm finally starting to feel like myself again."
"We're so thankful you're home safe," Pema replied warmly, collecting Korra's cleaned plate.
"Let me help," Asami offered, standing to assist.
As the two women moved toward the kitchen, Tenzin's expression grew serious. "Korra, I realize you've been through a lot, but I need to know everything that happened."
Korra set down her chopsticks, her demeanor shifting from relaxed to focused. "Well, first off, Tarrlok isn't who he says he is. He's Yakone's son."
The announcement sent visible shockwaves through the group. Tenzin and Lin both looked stunned.
"It all makes sense now," Lin said grimly. "That's how Tarrlok was able to bloodbend us without a full moon."
"But how did you escape?" Tenzin pressed. "And where's Tarrlok?"
"Amon captured him," Korra replied, her expression darkening. "And took his bending."
"What?" Tenzin's exclamation drew everyone's attention.
"Yeah, he showed up out of nowhere. He almost got me too."
Tohra's hand found Korra's under the table, squeezing gently in support. The gesture didn't go unnoticed by the others, but no one commented.
"This is very disturbing news," Tenzin said, stroking his beard pensively. "Amon is becoming emboldened. Taking out a councilman, almost capturing the Avatar... I fear Amon is entering his endgame."
Concerned glances were exchanged around the table as the weight of this revelation settled over them.
Kitchen Tensions
In the kitchen, Pema and Asami worked in companionable silence for a few moments before Pema suddenly doubled over with a sharp cry of pain.
"Pema, are you all right?" Asami asked, grabbing the older woman's shoulder in concern.
"The baby is... just kicking, really hard, is all. I'm fine," Pema managed, though her face was pale.
"Should I get Tenzin?" Asami asked, her worry evident.
"No reason to worry him, it's nothing," Pema insisted, though she gripped the counter for support.
Mako walked into the kitchen carrying a teapot. "Can I get some hot water? Korra needs more tea."
The mention of Korra's name made something flash across Asami's face—not jealousy exactly, but a complicated mixture of emotions. She'd seen how Mako had reacted to Korra's kidnapping, the desperation in his voice, the way he'd insisted on staying at her bedside.
But then she'd also seen the way Korra and Tohra looked at each other. The pendant that never left Korra's neck. The casual intimacy of their joined hands.
"Here," she said, her voice carefully neutral as she handed Mako the hot water. "For Korra."
Mako seemed to catch something in her tone. "Asami, is everything okay?"
"Everything's fine," she replied, but the words came out clipped.
Pema, sensing the tension, grimaced slightly. "I'm going to step out in case you two want to talk." She hurried from the kitchen despite her obvious discomfort.
"Seriously, what's wrong?" Mako asked, setting down the teapot.
Asami turned to face him fully. "I need to know something, and I need you to be honest with me. Do you have feelings for Korra?"
The question clearly caught Mako off guard. "What? No! I mean—she's my friend. She was taken by a crazy bloodbender! How was I supposed to act?"
"Like her friend, not like..." Asami trailed off, struggling to articulate what she'd observed. "You were so desperate when she was missing. And then when we found her, the way you looked at her..."
"Asami—"
"And I know about the kiss," Asami said quietly. "Bolin told me."
Mako's face went through several expressions—shock, guilt, frustration. "That was... that was a mistake. We were both confused, it didn't mean anything."
"Didn't it?" Asami challenged. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you have feelings for her whether you want to admit it or not."
Mako ran a hand through his hair, clearly struggling with how to respond. "Look, things are crazy right now. Can we deal with our relationship problems later?"
"There might not be any relationship to worry about later," Asami said, her voice carrying a note of finality as she walked past him out of the kitchen.
"Asami!" Mako called after her, but she was already gone.
An Unexpected Favor
In the courtyard, Tenzin found himself pacing nervously as Lin approached from behind.
"Lin, um, I need to ask you a favor," he began, his usual composed demeanor slipping into something more vulnerable. "It would mean the world to me, but I know it could be a potentially awkward situation—"
"Spit it out already!" Lin interrupted with characteristic bluntness.
"Will you stay here and watch over Pema and the children while I meet with the council? With everything that's happened lately, I want to be sure my family is in safe hands."
Lin's expression softened almost imperceptibly. "Of course I'll help, old friend."
Pema appeared, carrying Meelo and clearly having overheard at least part of the conversation. "I didn't realize you two were out here," she said with barely concealed suspicion.
"Pema! Yes, Lin has agreed to help out around here and keep an eye on things while I'm away," Tenzin said quickly.
"Thank you!" Pema's relief was genuine despite her earlier concern. "I could use the extra pair of hands. Would you mind giving him a bath? He's filthy."
Meelo stuck out his tongue and blew a raspberry at Lin while laughing.
As Tenzin mounted Oogi, Lin called out while holding the dirty child at arm's length. "This is not what I signed on for!"
"Thank you, Lin!" Tenzin replied, already urging Oogi into the air. "Yip yip!"
Left alone with Meelo, who promptly announced, "I gotta poo! Really bad!" Lin quickly metalbent a cable around his waist to avoid direct contact with the soiled child, her disgusted expression earning giggles from nearby Air Acolytes.
The Attack Begins
Across Republic City, Amon's revolution was reaching its crescendo. Council members were captured in coordinated strikes that demonstrated both planning and inside knowledge. At City Hall, Tenzin barely escaped an ambush by disguised Equalists, his airbending the only thing saving him from capture.
As he recovered from the attack with help from the council page, explosions echoed across the city. From the rooftop of City Hall, Tenzin watched in horror as Equalist airships began their bombardment.
"This can't be happening," he whispered.
"The leadership of Republic City is in your hands now," the page said solemnly.
At Air Temple Island, Lin stood with Tenzin's children and the White Lotus sentries as the airships appeared on the horizon.
"All right, kids, time to go inside," she ordered.
Korra, Tohra, Mako, Bolin, and Asami rushed into the courtyard at the sound of explosions.
"We heard explosions, what's going on?" Korra demanded.
"Republic City is under attack," Lin replied grimly.
The Time Patrollers materialized nearby, with Tarro, Daikon, Scarlett, and Aiko all radiating combat readiness. Winter, Eleryc, and Jinjer joined them moments later, their Saiyan energy signatures flaring in response to the threat.
"This is it," Winter said quietly. "The endgame we've been expecting."
Tohra's emerald aura flickered as he moved to Korra's side. "Are you ready for this?"
"Ready as I'll ever be," Korra replied, her hand finding his.
Aboard the lead Equalist airship, Hiroshi Sato stood beside Amon, watching the city burn. "I've dreamed of this day for so long."
"Yes," Amon replied, his masked face turned toward the smoke rising from Republic City. "The time has come for the Equalists to claim Republic City as their own."
The Rescue
Team Avatar, minus the Saiyans and Time Patrollers who had other assignments, took Tenzin's boat across the bay to retrieve their Satomobile. The vehicle was exactly where Korra had left it—crashed into a pole with numerous parking tickets.
"Wow, nice parking job," Asami said dryly.
"Hey, you guys got arrested and left me alone with the car!" Korra protested. "I made it very clear I don't know how to drive."
"All things considered you did a great job!" Bolin said encouragingly, grabbing the parking tickets. "But how are we going to pay for all these?"
Mako snatched the tickets and burned them with a small flame. "Relax, the city is under attack. The police have more important things to worry about."
Asami retrieved an electrified glove from the trunk, then settled into the driver's seat. When Mako moved to sit beside her, she gave him a pointed look. "Why don't you sit in back?"
"Fine," Mako said, sliding into the back seat beside Korra and Bolin.
Korra noticed the tension but said nothing, focusing instead on the mission ahead. Her relationship with Tohra had clarified things in ways she hadn't expected—she genuinely cared about Mako as a friend and teammate, but that's all it was.
They found Tenzin in the aftermath of a mecha tank battle, surrounded by defeated Equalist forces thanks to their intervention.
"Are you all right?" Korra asked, rushing to his side.
"I'm fine. Thank you, kids. Another moment later and I would have been on my way to Amon."
"Uh, guys... look," Mako said, pointing down the street.
An Equalist airship was descending toward Air Temple Island.
"Oh no," Tenzin breathed.
The Defense of Air Temple Island
At the island, Lin stood ready as chi-blockers descended from the airships. The White Lotus sentries charged forward, but they were quickly overwhelmed by the coordinated Equalist assault.
"Everyone, hide inside and remain calm!" Lin ordered.
Pema's scream of pain made everyone turn. "Pull it together, Pema! Didn't I just say 'remain calm'?"
"Mommy, what's wrong?" Ikki asked fearfully.
"The baby's coming!" Pema gasped.
"Not now, baby!" Meelo exclaimed in dismay.
As the midwives rushed Pema inside, the battle intensified. The Lieutenant led a group of chi-blockers up the temple steps, and Lin met them with devastating metalbending. She took out multiple attackers with her cables and earth columns, but the Lieutenant proved more challenging.
Just as he was about to electrocute Lin with his kali sticks, Jinora swooped in on her glider. "Stay away from my dad's ex-girlfriend!"
Her airbending blast sent the Lieutenant flying over a nearby roof.
"Jinora! You shouldn't be out here!" Lin protested.
Ikki arrived on an air scooter, knocking down Equalists. "Get off our island!"
Meelo dropped from above. "Taste my fury!" His fart-bending proved surprisingly effective, knocking out an Equalist before he used multiple air blasts to clear the remaining attackers.
Lin stared at the young airbender in amazement. "Never mind."
When Tenzin arrived with Team Avatar moments later, he immediately embraced his children. "Oh, thank goodness you're all right!"
"We caught the bad guys," Meelo announced proudly from his father's shoulder.
Tenzin turned to Lin. "You let them fight? Do you realize what could have happened?"
"I would have been toast if it weren't for your kids," Lin replied, folding her arms. "You should be proud. You taught them well."
The cry of a newborn drew Tenzin inside, where he found Pema holding their new son.
"Our new son," Pema said softly, handing the baby to Tenzin.
"Hello," Tenzin whispered to the infant, who cooed in response.
The older children crowded around. "A brother? Well it's about time!" Meelo declared.
"We already chose a name," Pema said, resting her head on Tenzin's shoulder. "Rohan."
From the doorway, Korra watched the scene with a mixture of joy and sadness. Tohra appeared beside her, his presence a quiet comfort.
"I'm so sorry to interrupt," Korra said softly, "but more airships are coming."
Difficult Choices
Outside, the group gathered to assess their options as more Equalist airships approached.
"What do you want to do, Tenzin?" Korra asked.
Tenzin looked back toward the room where his family waited. "I need to protect my family, and get them as far away from this conflict as possible. If Amon got his hands on my children... I hate to even think of it."
"If you're leaving, then I'm going with you," Lin said firmly.
"But—"
"No arguments. You and your family are the last airbenders. There's no way in the world I'm letting Amon take your bending away."
"Thank you, Lin." Tenzin turned to Korra. "I want you to leave this island and hide for the time being."
"I'm not giving up," Korra said determinedly, and Tohra's hand found hers in support.
"I'm not asking you to. I sent word to the United Forces. They will be here soon. And once my family is safe, I will return. With the reinforcements, we can turn the tide in this war."
"What you're saying is, we need to be patient," Korra sighed.
Tenzin placed his hand on her shoulder. "You're learning well."
They embraced, and Korra felt the weight of what was coming. "Stay safe, Tenzin."
"You too."
As Oogi took flight with Tenzin's family aboard, two Equalist airships gave chase. More airships descended on the island, forcing Team Avatar and the remaining defenders to flee.
"Everyone, climb on!" Korra called, leaping onto Naga. Tohra mounted behind her, his arms wrapping around her waist protectively. Mako, Bolin, and Asami scrambled up as well.
"Let's go, girl!"
As they escaped toward the water, the Lieutenant tried to intercept them, but Naga batted him aside with her powerful paw. Korra waterbent a protective bubble around them all as they dove into the harbor.
Lin's Sacrifice
Aboard Oogi, the fleeing airbender family watched in growing panic as the Equalist airships closed in.
"They're gaining on us!" Lin shouted.
"Faster, Oogi!" Tenzin urged.
When a net was launched at them, Lin metalbent her cables to shred it. But she could see more airships approaching, could calculate how this would end if she didn't act.
She looked at Tenzin's family—at the children who represented the future of airbending, at the newborn who had just entered a world at war.
"Whatever happens to me, don't turn back!" she ordered.
"Lin, what are you doing?!" Tenzin cried.
But she was already moving, leaping from Oogi and using her cables to reel herself onto the nearest airship. She tore apart its metal skin, causing an explosion that sent it spiraling into the harbor below.
Using a metalbent panel as a springboard, she launched herself to the second airship. She had just begun tearing it apart when Equalists surrounded her, wrapping bolas around her body and electrocuting her into unconsciousness.
"That lady is my hero," Meelo whispered as they watched the airship turn back.
"Yes," Tenzin said sadly. "Yes, she is."
The Cost of Defiance
In the rain, Lin knelt before Amon on the deck of an airship hovering over the conquered Air Temple Island.
"Tell me where the Avatar is and I'll let you keep your bending," Amon offered.
Lin's laugh was bitter and defiant. "I won't tell you anything, you monster."
"Very well."
As Amon walked behind her, Lin closed her eyes with dignity. She felt his thumbs press against her forehead, felt the terrible wrongness as something fundamental was ripped away from her.
She collapsed unconscious, no longer a metalbender, no longer the woman she'd been.
A Message of Hope
Aboard the lead ship of the United Forces fleet, General Iroh stood at the bow, his silhouette reminiscent of his legendary grandfather.
"General, I just received a wire from the Avatar," a messenger reported. "She says Amon and his forces have gained control of the city. How do you want to respond?"
Iroh's expression was grim but determined. "Tell her we will be arriving in three days' time. And that I look forward to winning back Republic City, together."
"As you wish, General Iroh."
As the messenger hurried away, Iroh gazed toward the horizon where Republic City lay under siege. Three days. They had to hold out for three days.
Regrouping in the Shadows
In a large drainage pipe near the bay, Korra and her expanded team—including Tohra and the other Saiyans who had rendezvoused with them—watched Air Temple Island being systematically occupied by Equalist forces.
"They've taken everything," Korra said quietly, Tohra's arms wrapped around her from behind in silent support.
"Not everything," Winter said, her silver hair gleaming even in the dim light. "They haven't taken your spirit. Or your determination. Or the people who stand with you."
"The Time Patrollers are tracking Cooler's movements," Tarro added. "He's using the chaos as cover, but he hasn't made his major move yet."
"Which means we still have time to prepare," Scarlett finished.
Mako watched this interaction with complex emotions. He could see clearly now what he'd been denying—Korra had found something with Tohra that went beyond anything he could have offered her. And watching them together, seeing how naturally they supported each other, he realized his feelings for Korra had been more about what she represented than who she actually was.
Asami appeared beside him, her expression softer than it had been earlier. "You okay?"
"Yeah," Mako said, and realized he meant it. "I think I am."
She took his hand tentatively, and he squeezed back. Whatever challenges lay ahead, at least he could face them with clarity about his own heart.
"So what's the plan?" Bolin asked, trying to lighten the heavy mood. "Because hiding in a drainage pipe isn't exactly my idea of a great headquarters."
Despite everything, several people laughed. Korra turned to face her assembled allies—benders and non-benders, humans and Saiyans, Time Patrollers and revolutionaries-turned-heroes.
"We survive for three days until the United Forces arrive," she said. "We protect as many people as we can. We stay one step ahead of both Amon and Cooler. And we prove that even when everything seems lost, hope survives."
The pendant at her throat glowed softly, and Tohra's emerald aura harmonized with her Avatar energy.
"Three days," she repeated. "Then we take back our city."
The Wrath of the Legendary Super Saiyan
Flashback: The Defense of Air Temple Island
Earlier, during the initial Equalist assault on Air Temple Island...
The battle had been raging for several minutes when Korra found herself separated from the main group, cornered by a squad of chi-blockers near the temple's meditation pavilion. She'd been holding her own, using a combination of fire and earth to keep them at bay, but their numbers and coordination were overwhelming.
"Surrender, Avatar," one of the chi-blockers called out, his electrified gloves crackling with energy. "Amon wants you alive, but he didn't say you had to be conscious."
"I'd like to see you try," Korra shot back, preparing another blast of fire.
But in that moment of distraction, three chi-blockers moved in synchronized formation—one high, two low, their gloves reaching for the pressure points that would disable her bending. Korra spun to counter, but there were too many angles, too many threats at once.
The lead chi-blocker's hand was inches from her shoulder when he suddenly froze. Not from fear—from the overwhelming presence that had just flooded the courtyard like a physical force.
The temperature seemed to drop and rise simultaneously. The air itself became heavy, oppressive, filled with an energy that made every Equalist's instincts scream danger. Even Korra, who had felt Tohra's power before, felt her breath catch at the sheer intensity radiating from behind her.
"Get. Away. From. Her."
Tohra's voice was barely recognizable—deeper, carrying harmonics that spoke of barely contained fury. The Equalists turned to see him standing at the courtyard's entrance, and what they saw made several of them take involuntary steps backward.
His eyes had shifted from their normal black to a piercing yellow-green that seemed to glow with inner fire. His muscles had swelled slightly, veins standing out along his arms and neck as his power surged. But most terrifying was his aura—emerald energy crackling around him in violent, chaotic patterns that tore at the ground beneath his feet and sent loose stones floating upward in defiance of gravity.
This wasn't the controlled, focused power he'd displayed at the pro-bending arena. This was raw, primal, and absolutely terrifying.
"Tohra," Korra breathed, recognizing the transformation. Winter had warned her about this—the Ikari state, the Wrathful form, where a Saiyan's power ran wild but remained just barely under conscious control.
"Target acquired," one of the chi-blockers said into his radio, trying to maintain professional composure despite the fear evident in his voice. "The enhanced combatant is here. Requesting immediate backup—"
He didn't get to finish. Tohra moved, and to the Equalists' eyes, he simply disappeared. One moment he was across the courtyard, the next he was among them, moving faster than they could track.
The first chi-blocker was sent flying with a casual backhand that launched him clear across the courtyard and into the harbor beyond. The second tried to dodge but found Tohra already behind him, lifting him by his collar and tossing him toward his companions like a bowling ball into pins.
"You threatened her," Tohra said, his voice carrying that otherworldly resonance. "You put your hands near the woman I love."
An Equalist lieutenant, braver or more foolish than his companions, fired a bola cable directly at Tohra's chest. The legendary Saiyan didn't dodge—he simply flexed, and the emerald aura around him exploded outward with enough force to disintegrate the cable mid-flight and send the lieutenant skidding backward.
"Electrified gloves," Tohra observed, his yellow-green eyes fixing on another chi-blocker who was desperately trying to retreat. "You use those to hurt benders. To hurt people who can't defend themselves against them."
He moved again, appearing directly in front of the chi-blocker. With precise control that shouldn't have been possible in his wrathful state, Tohra grabbed the man's wrist and squeezed just hard enough to short out the glove's electrical systems.
"Let me show you what real power feels like."
He didn't hurt the man—didn't need to. The sheer overwhelming pressure of his ki, focused and directed with surgical precision, was enough to make the chi-blocker's legs give out, sending him collapsing to his knees in unconscious submission to a predator his instincts recognized as far beyond his ability to fight.
Amon's Observation
Aboard the lead Equalist airship, Amon watched this display through high-powered binoculars, his mask hiding an expression of intense frustration.
"The enhanced combatants are engaging our forces," the Lieutenant reported, having retreated from the island to make his status report. "Casualties are mounting. Sir, whatever these beings are, they're unlike any benders we've encountered."
"I can see that," Amon replied, his voice carrying none of its usual measured calm. Through his binoculars, he watched as Tohra—still in his wrathful state—systematically dismantled squad after squad of chi-blockers without actually killing anyone, but leaving them too terrified or injured to continue fighting.
What made it worse was that Tohra wasn't alone. Winter moved through the battlefield with fluid grace, her silver hair streaming behind her as she used precise ki blasts to disable Equalist equipment without harming the operators. Eleryc and Jinjer worked in perfect synchronization, their own Saiyan abilities allowing them to intercept reinforcements before they could reach the main temple.
And in the sky above, Tarro, Daikon, Scarlett, and Aiko engaged the airships directly, their ability to fly without any visible means of propulsion making them nearly impossible to target effectively.
"These aren't benders," Amon said quietly, more to himself than the Lieutenant. "They're something else entirely. Something that doesn't fit into the paradigm of bender oppression that I've built my revolution upon."
"Sir?" the Lieutenant asked, confused.
"Don't you see?" Amon's hand clenched on the binoculars. "Benders derive their power from their ability to manipulate the elements—a genetic gift that creates inequality. But these... warriors... their power comes from within. They don't bend the elements; they manipulate pure energy. They could be benders or non-benders, and it wouldn't matter because their abilities transcend that distinction entirely."
He watched as Tohra, having cleared the immediate area around Korra, finally allowed his wrathful state to recede. The emerald aura faded to a gentle glow, his eyes returned to normal, and he immediately moved to Korra's side to check if she was injured.
"And worse," Amon continued, "they're united. Benders and non-benders working together, protecting each other. The Avatar herself is in a relationship with one of them. It undermines everything I've been trying to prove about bender superiority and non-bender oppression."
"What are your orders, sir?" the Lieutenant asked.
Amon was quiet for a long moment, his strategic mind racing through possibilities. These enhanced combatants were powerful individually, but they were also clearly protective of the Avatar and each other. They had weaknesses that could be exploited—emotional attachments, concern for civilian casualties, a reluctance to kill even their enemies.
"Pull back the assault on the island," he finally ordered. "Not a retreat—a tactical repositioning. Let them think they've won this engagement."
"Sir, we're so close to capturing the Avatar—"
"And we're also close to losing half our forces to beings who could level this entire island if they chose to," Amon interrupted sharply. "No. We wait. We plan. We find the right moment when these warriors are separated from their charges, when the Avatar is vulnerable."
He turned away from the window, his mask gleaming in the airship's interior lighting. "These enhanced combatants are a problem, yes. But every problem has a solution. We just need to be patient and creative enough to find it."
Aftermath
Back on the island, Tohra held Korra's face gently in his hands, his eyes scanning her for injuries with an intensity that spoke of how deeply the threat to her had affected him.
"I'm okay," she assured him, placing her hands over his. "You got here in time. You're always getting here in time."
"When I felt you were in danger, when I sensed them surrounding you..." Tohra's voice was still rough from his transformation. "The wrathful state just... took over. All I could think about was protecting you, about making sure nothing hurt you."
"I noticed," Korra said with a small smile. "You were terrifying. In a hot, protective-boyfriend kind of way."
Despite the situation, Tohra managed a weak laugh. "I'm sorry you had to see me like that. The Ikari form—it's not as uncontrolled as the full legendary transformation, but it's still... intense."
"It saved my life," Korra replied simply. "And it sent a message that anyone who threatens me will have to answer to you."
"Speaking of messages," Winter said, approaching them with Tenzin close behind, "Amon just ordered a full retreat. They're pulling back from the island entirely."
"That doesn't make sense," Tenzin observed, his strategic mind immediately suspicious. "They had the numbers, the momentum. Why withdraw now?"
Winter's expression was grim. "Because he saw what we're capable of. Because he realized that taking this island would cost him more forces than he's willing to lose. And because..." she looked directly at Tohra, "he now knows you're here, and he understands what that means."
"So we won?" Mako asked hopefully, having joined the group with Bolin and Asami.
"We won this battle," Korra corrected, leaning into Tohra's protective embrace. "But something tells me Amon's already planning the next one. And he'll be ready for Tohra's power when he does."
In the sky above, the Equalist airships continued their withdrawal, their orderly formation speaking of discipline rather than panic. This wasn't a rout—it was a tactical decision.
And as Team Avatar and their Saiyan allies regrouped to tend to the injured and assess the damage, none of them could shake the feeling that Amon's retreat might be more dangerous than his attack had been.
Amon's Calculation
Aboard the retreating airship, Amon stood in his private quarters, mask finally removed to reveal the scarred face beneath. His water tribe features were twisted in concentration as he reviewed footage of the battle captured by his scouts.
He paused the image on Tohra's wrathful transformation—the yellow-green eyes, the emerald aura, the sheer overwhelming power that radiated from every frame.
"A problem," he murmured. "But not an insurmountable one."
He advanced the footage to show Tohra's obvious concern for Korra, the way his power receded the moment she was safe, how he immediately prioritized checking on her over pursuing the retreating Equalists.
"Attachment," Amon observed. "Love. The very thing that makes him protect her so fiercely is also what makes him vulnerable."
He closed the viewing device and replaced his mask, his reflection in the polished metal surface showing only the false face he presented to the world.
"If I can't overcome his power directly," he said to his own masked reflection, "then I'll ensure that power becomes his greatest weakness."
The airship sailed into the night, carrying with it the seeds of plans that would test not just Korra's abilities as the Avatar, but the very strength of the bond she shared with the legendary Saiyan who loved her.
Present Day
"That's when Amon changed his tactics," Korra explained to the group in the drainage pipe. "He stopped trying to capture me in direct confrontations and started looking for opportunities when Tohra and the others were separated from me."
"Which led to Tarrlok's kidnapping attempt," Tohra said grimly, his arm tightening protectively around Korra's shoulders. "He must have known about my connection to you, known that taking you somewhere remote would draw me away from the city."
"And it almost worked," Korra admitted. "If I hadn't connected with the Avatar State, if you hadn't been able to track the pendant..."
"But I did track it," Tohra said firmly. "And I always will. That's what Amon doesn't understand about the bond we share—it's not a weakness. It's the source of our greatest strength."
Mako, watching this exchange with new understanding, finally spoke up. "He saw your wrathful form that day. He knows what you're capable of. Why hasn't he tried to develop countermeasures?"
"Because there aren't any," Tarro answered. "At least, none that don't involve cosmic-level threats or technology that doesn't exist in this world. Amon's best strategy is to avoid direct confrontation with Tohra entirely."
"Which is exactly why he's focused on taking over the city while we're scattered," Scarlett added. "He's using politics and numbers to achieve what he can't accomplish through direct force."
"Then we need to be smarter than him," Korra said, determination filling her voice. "We have three days until the United Forces arrive. Three days to protect people, to undermine his control, and to remind Republic City that the Avatar hasn't abandoned them."
"Three days to prove that love and connection aren't weaknesses," Tohra added, his emerald eyes meeting Korra's blue ones. "But the very things that will save this city."
The pendant between them glowed softly, a reminder of the bond that had made a legendary Super Saiyan into a protector rather than a destroyer, and an Avatar into something more than just a bridge between worlds.
An Alliance of Necessity
The Meeting
The abandoned warehouse in Republic City's industrial district was chosen specifically for its isolation. After the citywide curfew, this sector was completely deserted—no police patrols, no civilians, and most importantly, no enhanced combatants who might sense unusual energy signatures.
Amon arrived alone, as requested by the mysterious contact who had reached out through encrypted channels. The message had been simple but intriguing: "I have information about your enhanced combatant problem. And a solution."
The warehouse was dark save for a single overhead light that created a pool of illumination in the center of the vast space. Amon moved toward it cautiously, his waterbending senses extended to detect any threats. But what he sensed made him pause.
There was someone there—or something. The presence was unlike anything he'd encountered before. Not the overwhelming ki pressure of the Saiyan warriors, but something colder, more calculated, and infinitely more dangerous.
"You're late," a voice said from the shadows beyond the light. The tone was cultured, almost aristocratic, with an undertone that suggested whoever was speaking was quite used to being obeyed.
"I prefer to observe before I engage," Amon replied, his masked face turning toward the source of the voice. "Who are you, and what do you want?"
A figure stepped into the light, and Amon's hand instinctively moved toward the water he kept in his jacket—before stopping as he processed what he was seeing.
The being before him was humanoid but clearly not human. Purple and white skin covered a muscular frame, with a distinctive head structure that reminded Amon of certain deep-sea creatures, yet also suggested something far more alien. But what truly caught his attention were the eyes—intelligent, calculating, and filled with an ancient cruelty that made even Amon's hardened psyche feel a moment of unease.
"My name is Cooler," the alien said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement at Amon's reaction. "And as for what I want—that's a more complex question. Perhaps we should start with what you want, and where our interests might... align."
"You're one of them," Amon said, his strategic mind immediately making connections. "The enhanced combatants. The ones who've been interfering with my operations."
"Technically, no," Cooler corrected, moving closer with predatory grace. "Those you've been fighting—the Saiyans and their Time Patroller allies—are, shall we say, on the opposite side of several very old conflicts. I, however, share your frustration with their interference."
He gestured elegantly, and a holographic display materialized in the air between them—images of Tohra in his wrathful state, Winter using her divine ki, the Time Patrollers engaging Equalist forces.
"Your revolution is being undermined by beings who operate outside the rules of your world," Cooler continued. "Beings whose power makes your bender-versus-non-bender conflict seem quaintly provincial by comparison."
"And you're offering to help eliminate them?" Amon asked skeptically. "Out of the goodness of your heart?"
Cooler's laugh was cold and sharp. "Goodness has nothing to do with it. I have my own reasons for wanting the Saiyans dealt with. The fact that their removal would also benefit your cause is merely... convenient."
The Education
Amon studied the alien carefully. "Before we discuss any potential alliance, I need to understand what we're facing. The warrior you call Tohra—during our assault on Air Temple Island, he transformed. His eyes changed color, his power increased dramatically. My forces were forced to retreat rather than face complete annihilation."
"Ah yes, the Ikari form," Cooler said, his tone carrying the weight of someone discussing an old, familiar enemy. "Or as some call it, the Wrathful state. That was merely a taste of what Saiyans are capable of."
He manipulated the holographic display, showing various Saiyan transformations. "Saiyans are a warrior race from a destroyed planet. They possess the unique ability to grow stronger through combat, especially when pushed to their limits or when experiencing intense emotions."
"Intense emotions," Amon repeated. "Like anger?"
"Precisely." Cooler's expression grew more serious. "The form you witnessed—the Wrathful state—is triggered by rage but remains under conscious control. It multiplies their base power significantly. But it's merely the foundation for what comes next."
The holographic display shifted to show a figure with golden hair and a brilliant aura. "This is the Super Saiyan transformation—a legend among their kind that turns out to be quite real. It multiplies their power by fifty times their base level."
Amon's eyes widened behind his mask. "Fifty times?"
"And that's just the first level," Cooler continued darkly. "There are additional stages beyond that, each more powerful than the last. But your particular problem is even more unique."
The display changed to show Tohra, but his appearance was different—muscle mass increased dramatically, hair longer and more wild, aura pulsing with barely contained fury.
"This is what you're really facing: the Legendary Super Saiyan. A mutation that appears once every thousand years. Where normal Super Saiyans have limits to their power, the Legendary form has virtually none. Its power continues to grow as long as the transformation is maintained, feeding on the user's rage and combat instinct."
"You're saying Tohra could become exponentially more powerful than what I've already witnessed," Amon said quietly.
"Could?" Cooler laughed. "Will. It's only a matter of time before something pushes him far enough to achieve that transformation. And when he does..." The holographic display showed simulated destruction—planets cracking, civilizations falling. "Let's just say that your Republic City would cease to exist in any meaningful form."
The Revelation
Amon was quiet for a long moment, processing this information. "Why hasn't he used this power already? If he's so dangerous, why the restraint?"
"An excellent question," Cooler replied, seeming pleased with Amon's strategic thinking. "And one that reveals both his greatest strength and his most exploitable weakness."
The display shifted to show footage that Cooler had apparently been collecting—Tohra and Korra together, their obvious affection, the way Tohra's power stabilized in her presence.
"Love," Cooler said the word like it was distasteful. "The Avatar—your world's spiritual bridge—has formed a connection with the Legendary Super Saiyan. And somehow, impossibly, that connection has changed the fundamental nature of his transformation."
"Changed it how?"
"Previous Legendary Super Saiyans were consumed by their power," Cooler explained. "The rage became everything, overriding conscious thought and turning them into forces of pure destruction. But Tohra's bond with the Avatar has given his rage focus. Direction. Instead of destroying everything in his path, he channels that power into protection."
"Making him more dangerous, not less," Amon observed.
"To direct enemies, yes," Cooler agreed. "But it also creates opportunities. His power is now tied to his emotional state regarding the Avatar. Threaten her, and you unleash his full potential—but in a controlled, directed manner that makes him nearly unstoppable. But separate them, make him choose between protecting her and achieving his other goals, create situations where his power is useless..."
"Then we can neutralize him without direct confrontation," Amon finished.
"Now you're beginning to understand."
The Proposal
Cooler dismissed the holographic display and moved closer to Amon, his presence radiating cold calculation.
"Here's what I propose: You continue your revolution. Take control of Republic City, capture benders, do whatever it is you do. I frankly don't care about the internal politics of this primitive world."
"Primitive?" Amon's voice carried an edge.
"You're fighting over who can manipulate elements," Cooler said dismissively. "My people were conquering galaxies when your ancestors were learning to make fire. Yes, primitive."
He raised a hand to forestall Amon's response. "But primitive doesn't mean worthless. Your revolution creates chaos, draws attention, and most importantly—it keeps the Saiyans and Time Patrollers busy defending civilians and maintaining order. They can't focus entirely on larger threats when they're worried about protecting the helpless masses."
"And what do you do while they're distracted?" Amon asked.
"I prepare," Cooler replied simply. "I gather my forces, I set up the proper conditions, and when the moment is right—when you've pushed the Avatar and her allies to the brink—I strike. Not at Republic City, but at the Saiyans directly."
"What do you gain from this?"
Cooler's smile was cold and predatory. "Saiyans killed my father. They humiliated my family line. And the existence of a Legendary Super Saiyan—one who might actually master that power—represents an unacceptable threat to my plans for galactic dominance. I gain the satisfaction of eliminating a bloodline I've hated for decades."
"And if you fail?" Amon challenged. "If Tohra's power proves too much even for you?"
"Then we both have a problem," Cooler admitted with surprising candor. "But I have advantages you don't. I know Saiyan psychology, their weaknesses, their fighting patterns. I have technology that can suppress ki, weapons designed specifically to counter their transformations. And most importantly—I have experience fighting Legendary Super Saiyans."
"You've fought one before?"
"Briefly," Cooler said, his expression darkening. "It... didn't end well for anyone involved. Which is why this time, I'm being more strategic. More patient. I won't engage until I have every advantage, and you're going to help me create those advantages."
The Terms
"What exactly would this alliance entail?" Amon asked, his strategic mind already considering the implications.
Cooler began pacing, his hands clasped behind his back in a military posture. "First, you continue capturing benders, especially high-profile ones. This serves multiple purposes—it advances your revolution, it forces the Avatar to spread her attention thin, and it potentially gives me leverage."
"Leverage how?"
"If I can capture someone the Avatar cares about—or better yet, someone the Legendary Super Saiyan cares about—I can use them to create the perfect conditions for his transformation. And once he's fully committed to that form, once the rage has taken hold even partially, that's when he becomes predictable. Exploitable."
"You want to force him to transform so you can study his power," Amon realized.
"Among other things." Cooler stopped pacing and turned to face Amon directly. "Second, I need information. Your Equalists have infiltrated Republic City thoroughly. I need to know about the Time Patrollers—their capabilities, their patrol patterns, their base of operations if they have one."
"The Time Patrollers," Amon repeated. "You mentioned them before. What are they?"
"Beings from outside your timeline who monitor temporal disruptions," Cooler explained. "The ones you've encountered so far include Tarro and Daikon—pure-blooded Saiyans from a different timeline. Scarlett and her sister Aiko—a Saiyan variant with unusual genetic traits. And most problematically, Eleryc and Jinjer."
"What's special about those two?"
Cooler's expression grew more complex. "They're... complicated. Reincarnations of a being called Zamasu, a deity who believed mortals were fundamentally flawed and sought to eliminate them across all timelines. They've apparently overcome that programming through family bonds, but their past incarnation's power still flows through them."
"So we're dealing with reformed gods," Amon said flatly.
"Reformed being the operative word, which means they're potentially vulnerable to the right kind of manipulation," Cooler replied. "But there's one more you need to know about—Zero."
"Zero?"
"My cousin," Cooler said with clear distaste. "He was sent here by the same temporal disturbance that brought the others, but unlike them, he's not aligned with the Time Patrol. He's... unpredictable. Sometimes he fights alongside them, sometimes he works toward his own goals. If we're lucky, he'll stay out of this entirely."
"And if we're not lucky?"
"Then we have an additional cosmic-level combatant to worry about," Cooler admitted. "But I know how to deal with family. Leave him to me if he becomes a problem."
The Warning
Amon was quiet for a long moment, weighing the risks and benefits of this alliance. Finally, he spoke: "What guarantee do I have that once you've dealt with your Saiyan problem, you won't simply take over my city? You've already made clear you consider us primitive."
"No guarantee," Cooler said bluntly. "But consider this: I operate on a galactic scale. Your city, your planet, they're barely worth my notice except as they pertain to eliminating the Saiyan threat. Once that's done, I have far more pressing concerns elsewhere in the universe."
"Not exactly comforting."
"It's not meant to be," Cooler replied. "It's meant to be honest. I don't need your trust, Amon. I need your cooperation in the short term. What happens after the Saiyans are dealt with is a problem for later."
He leaned forward slightly, his voice taking on a more intense quality. "But let me be very clear about one thing: Do not underestimate Tohra. Not for a second. He may seem controlled now, restrained by his love for the Avatar. But if you push him too far, if you harm her beyond his ability to cope, the Legendary Super Saiyan transformation won't be a tool you can exploit—it'll be a force of nature that destroys everything in its path, including you and your entire revolution."
"You're saying I should avoid provoking his full power?"
"I'm saying you should be very, very careful about when and how you provoke it," Cooler corrected. "Push him incrementally. Test his limits. Force him to reveal his capabilities in controlled circumstances. But never, ever make him believe the Avatar is dead or beyond saving unless you're absolutely certain you can contain what comes next."
"Because?"
"Because the last time a Legendary Super Saiyan lost someone they loved, they destroyed three solar systems before they could be stopped," Cooler said flatly. "And that was a Legendary who hadn't mastered the transformation through positive emotions. Tohra's power is different, potentially more focused, but the capacity for destruction is the same."
The Agreement
Amon extended his hand, a gesture of agreement in his culture. "Then we have a deal. I advance my revolution, you prepare your countermeasures, and when the time is right, we coordinate to eliminate the Saiyan threat."
Cooler looked at the extended hand with something like amusement, then clasped it with his own. His grip was cold and impossibly strong, a reminder of the physical power contained within his alien physiology.
"One more thing," Cooler said before releasing Amon's hand. "Your ability to remove bending—it's quite fascinating, actually. A form of chi manipulation that permanently severs the connection between a person's spiritual energy and their elemental affinity."
"You've been studying my techniques," Amon said, not quite accusingly but close.
"Of course I have," Cooler replied. "Knowledge is power, after all. But here's what interests me: if your technique can sever the connection to bending, could it potentially be adapted to affect ki? To permanently damage a Saiyan's ability to transform?"
Amon's mind raced at the implications. "I... don't know. The spiritual mechanics would be different. Bending is tied to the physical world's elements. Ki appears to be purely internal energy."
"Something to explore," Cooler said thoughtfully. "If we could develop a method to permanently suppress or remove a Saiyan's power, it would make dealing with them significantly easier."
"I'll need subjects to study," Amon said, his scientific mind already considering possibilities. "Live Saiyans whose energy I can examine."
"That can be arranged," Cooler replied. "Though I'd recommend starting with weaker specimens. Trying to remove Tohra's power prematurely would likely be... catastrophic."
"Agreed."
As the meeting drew to a close, Cooler moved back toward the shadows from which he'd emerged. "I'll contact you when it's time to move to the next phase. In the meantime, continue your operations. Capture the Avatar if you can, but don't harm her beyond recovery. She's more useful to us as leverage than as a martyr."
"And the Time Patrollers?"
"Observe them. Learn their patterns. But avoid direct confrontation unless absolutely necessary. They're experienced combatants who've faced universe-level threats. Your chi-blockers, skilled as they are, won't be enough."
"I understand."
Cooler paused at the edge of the light. "One final warning, Amon. I'm a patient being when it serves my purposes, but I don't tolerate failure or betrayal. If you compromise this operation through incompetence or ambition, you'll discover that removing bending is a mercy compared to what I can do."
"Noted," Amon said evenly, refusing to show fear despite the very real threat in Cooler's words.
The alien disappeared into the shadows, his presence vanishing so completely that Amon might have believed he'd imagined the entire encounter—except for the lingering cold in the air and the holographic data crystal that Cooler had left behind, containing detailed information on Saiyan physiology and combat patterns.
Amon picked up the crystal, already planning how to integrate this new knowledge into his operations. An alliance with a cosmic tyrant wasn't ideal, but in war, one used the weapons available.
And if Cooler proved to be more threat than ally? Well, Amon had dealt with powerful adversaries before. One more wouldn't make much difference.
The Consequences
As Amon left the warehouse and returned to his hidden base, he couldn't shake the feeling that he'd just made a deal that would change everything—not just for his revolution, but for Republic City and perhaps the entire world.
Cooler had provided information and resources, yes. But he'd also revealed just how dangerous the beings opposing Amon truly were. The Legendary Super Saiyan, the Time Patrollers, reformed deities walking among mortals—these weren't problems that could be solved with chi-blocking and political manipulation.
But they were problems that could potentially be exploited. Turned against each other. Made to reveal their weaknesses through carefully orchestrated crises.
And if Cooler ultimately proved to be just another obstacle? Amon had already removed the bending of some of the world's most powerful fighters. What was one more, even if that one could fly and manipulate energy?
He smiled beneath his mask, already planning his next moves. The game had just become far more complex, far more dangerous.
But Amon had never backed down from a challenge. And he wouldn't start now.
Meanwhile, at Air Temple Island...
Winter suddenly stiffened, her Kai heritage sensing a disturbance in the cosmic balance. Tohra noticed immediately.
"What's wrong?"
"Something's changed," Winter said quietly, her silver hair seeming to shimmer with divine energy. "The threads of fate are shifting. Someone's forming an alliance that shouldn't exist."
"Cooler?" Tohra asked, emerald energy already beginning to flicker around him.
"Possibly. But it's more than just him moving his pieces into place. Someone local, someone with power and influence, has just made a choice that will have far-reaching consequences."
Korra moved to join them, her Avatar senses also picking up the disturbance. "Amon?"
"It would make sense," Tohra said grimly. "An Equalist revolutionary and an intergalactic tyrant—they both want to reshape the world according to their vision, just at different scales."
"Then we need to be ready," Korra said, her hand finding Tohra's. "Because whatever they're planning, whatever alliance they've formed, we'll face it together."
The pendant between them glowed softly, a reminder of the bond that had already changed so much, and might be the key to surviving what was to come.
To be continued in Chapter 12: Prelude to the Siege; Necessary Conversations