A Voice In The Night

It had been a few days since Elira encountered Amon and his chi blocking equalists. Things seemed to be slowly going back to normal and sadly, that included accompanying her father to council meetings. She was sat next to her father around the U-shaped table. Her back straight, head held high, looking bored as she listened to the grown-ups argue. 

"There is a madman running around our beloved city, threatening to tear it apart. We need to create a task force whose sole mission is to find Amon and bring him to justice." 

"Absolutely not. A move that aggressive would only further divide benders and nonbenders." Tenzin opposed 

"Tarrlok, I'm inclined to agree with your proposal, but who would even head up such a task force?" The Fire Nation councilwoman questioned

" It would be my honour and privilege to accept such a duty." Tarrlok stood, bowing 

"This is just another one of your ploys to gain more power, isn't it?" Tenzin accused, slamming his fist on the table lightly 

"All I'm trying to do is help. Think back, forty-two years ago, Republic City was threatened by another dangerous man. Yakone.  Your father wasn't afraid to deal with him head-on." Tarrlok pointed at the airbender. 

"How dare you compare yourself to my grandfather!" Elira glared, standing from her seat

"Precisely and this is a completely different situation" Tenzin added, standing beside his daughter. 

"Amon is not going to stop with the bending triads. Or a couple of teenagers" Tarrlok continued making Elira glare at him harder as he turned to the other representatives " Eventually, he will come for all us benders. Our friends, our families. Vote for this task force and I will stop Amon before it's too late. All in favour?" 

Tarrlok raised his hand and the Fire Nation representative raised her hand as well. After a brief glance at each other, the Southern Water Tribe and Earth Kingdom representatives also raised their hands. With that, Tarrlok slammed a gavel down on a platform to close the meeting and smiled mischievously at the airbenders who glared at him. 

*

Later that night, Elira was outside playing Pai Sho with Jinora while Pichi was asleep by the radio playing light happy music in the background. 

"Ha! Gotcha!" Elira smirked as she blocked her sister

"Oh, come on!" The younger girl complained making Elira laugh before the music suddenly became static. 

"Good evening, my fellow Equalists" Amon's voice echoed through the speaker causing Pichi to screech and run to Elira who was staring at the radio in fear. 

"This is your leader, Amon. As you have heard, the Republic Council has voted to make me public enemy number one, proving once again that the bending oppressors of this city will stop at nothing to quash our revolution. But we cannot be stopped. Our numbers grow stronger by the day. You no longer have to live in fear. The time has come for benders to experience fear--" 

Elira quickly turned off the radio, her breathing heavy and her eyes wide as a bead of sweat rolled down her forehead. 

"El...Are you okay?" Jinora asked, getting up, staring at her sister concerned 

Elira took a few short breaths before sighing and turning around, a small smile now on her face. "I'm fine, why?" 

"...That's the guy who kidnapped you, isn't it?"Jinora realised  

Elira's smile fell slightly as she went over to her sister and hugged her tightly "It's okay, Jinora. Everything's gonna be alright. You'll see" 

Jinora didn't reply and hugged her sister harder as Pichi climbed onto El's shoulders chittering. 

*

The next day, Elira was hanging out with Bolin in his apartment after practice. They were sat on the couch talking while Pabu and Pichi playfully chased each other around the room. 

"Hey, did you hear on the radio last night, talk about scary" Bolin shuddered just thinking about it. 

"Yeah, I heard. But so did Jinora" The airbender sighed, leaning against her palm "... You should've seen her face, Bo, she was so scared" 

"...How are you feeling about all this? Truthfully" Bolin asked gently 

Elira smiled at him "...I'm fine" 

The earthbender frowned at her 

"Really, Bo. I'm okay" Elira reassured 

"Alright then..." Bolin then got to his feet and went over to the radio placed atop a couple of boxes, switching it on to let joyful light music fill the apartment. 

"What're you doing?" Elira asked

"I know you're lying, so I, am going help get your mind off things, and have a little fun while we're at it" Bolin replied, before walking back over and holding out his hand to the girl "Come on" 

Elira stayed where she was for a moment before taking his hand and letting her best friend pull her to her feet. Bolin began swinging their arms a bit before twirling the girl making her laugh.

The music seemed to get louder, echoing through the apartment,  as they continue dancing, swinging their arms and spinning. Pabu and Pichi even stopped their playing to watch the two.

At one point, Bolin picked Elira up by her waist, spinning her around as she laughed. When she was set back on her feet, Elira paused. Realising just how close their faces had gotten as time seemed to slow down. She gazed at Bolin's laughing face, noticing all the little details. The crinkle in his nose. The hints of gold in his bright green eyes as they sparkled with laughter. 

Eventually, the music slowly came to an end and so did their little dance. 

"You alright now, airhead?" Bolin smiled 

 Elira snapped back to the present, feeling her cheeks grow warm. 

"Y-yeah,"

"Why am I stammering? It's just Bo" She thought to herself 

*

That evening, on Air Temple Island, Tenzin's family and Korra were sitting about to eat dinner. Before eating, they bowed their heads as Tenzin started a prayer.

"We are grateful for this delicious food, for happiness, for compassion, and ..."

"I'm not interrupting, am I?" Elira looked up and scowled when she saw Tarrlok in the doorway. 

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

"Good, because I am absolutely famished." The man smirked. Tenzin glared at him.

"Airbenders never turn away a hungry guest, am I right?" Tarrlok walked further in as Tenzin sighed 

"I suppose" 

He retook his seat and glanced at his wife, who scowled at him. Tenzin simply shrugged at her, helplessly.

" Ah, you must be the famous Avatar Korra. It is truly an honour" Tarrlok walked up to Korra and bowed. 

"Nice to meet you." Korra stood and bowed back 

The two sat back down again and Ikki leaned over toward Tarrlok

"Why do you have three ponytails?" She asked before sniffing the air " And how come you smell like a lady? You're weird." 

"Well aren't you ... precocious?" Tarrlok smiled at the child before turning his attention to Elira as Ikki continued to glare at him "And of course, it's a pleasure seeing you again, Elira" 

"What do you want, Tarrlok?" The teen grumbled

"Well, I've been reading all about Korra's adventures in the papers. Infiltrating Amon's rally, now that took some real initiative" 

"Oh, thanks. I think you're the first authority figure in the city who's happy I'm here." Korra replied 

"Republic City is much better off now that you've arrived. And I'm sure it'll be even more so when Elira properly joins the council" Tarrlok complimented 

Elira narrowed her eyes at the man. He hated her being in council meetings. Almost as much as she did. 

" Enough with the flattery, Tarrlok. What do you want from Korra and Elira?" Tenzin questioned, protectively 

"Patience, Tenzin. I'm getting to that" Tarrlok held up his hand to shush the man before turning his attention back to the two teens "As you may have heard, I am assembling a task force that will strike at the heart of the revolution and I want you both to join me" 

"Really?" Korra looked surprised while Elira looked suspicious. 

"What?!" Tenzin leaned forward 

"I need someone who will help me attack Amon directly, someone who is fearless in the face of danger. Plus someone who has faced this madman in person and has the people's best interest at heart. And those people are the two of you"  Tarrlok gestured to the two girls

"Join your task force?... I can't" Korra took a sip of her drink 

"Yeah, hard pass, dude" Elira added, eating a bit of broccoli. 

Tenzin and Tarrlok's both looked surprised by their answers. 

"I must admit, I'm rather surprised. I thought you'd jump at the chance to help me lead the charge against Amon" Tarrlok said

"Me too" Tenzin muttered quietly 

"Airbenders are peacekeepers, not soldiers" Elira stated, not seeing the look of pride her father gave her. 

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

"Which is why this opportunity is perfect. Korra, you would get on the job experience while performing your Avatar duty for the city. And Elira, you would be helping keep the peace in this city and protect innocent people" Tarrlok pushed 

"They gave you their answers. It's time for you to go" Tenzin scowled at the man, annoyed

"Very well, but..." Tarrlok stood up from the table and chuckled " I'm not giving up on you two just yet"

 He bowed briefly to them " You'll be hearing from me soon. It has been a pleasure, Avatar Korra, Master Elira" 

As Tarrlok began to walk out of the room, Ikki stood up and waved "Bye-bye, ponytail man!" 

Elira snorted, not even trying to hide her laughter as Tarrlok scowled. 

*

The next morning, Elira was chilling with Korra, Naga and Pichi outside, when she noticed  Bolin walking up to them singing a light tune with Pabu on his shoulder.

"Bo!" She grinned, hugging him tightly 

"Hello, best friend! And hello, fellow teammate!" Bolin turned to Korra 

"Hey, Bolin." Korra greeted, rubbing Naga's belly 

"Missed you at practice this week." 

"Yeah, sorry about that," Korra replied

"Nah, that's all right. We're probably out of the tournament anyways unless some money miraculously drops out of the sky by tomorrow. Anyways, the reason I came by was to give you this. Ta-da!" Bolin held out a cupcake and a rose to the Avatar as Pabu climbed off his shoulder.

"Wow, thanks."Korra smiled, taking the gift 

Elira frowned, her stomach twisting with a strange unpleasant feeling at the way Bolin was smiling at Korra. 

"What's this for?" 

Bolin rubbed his chin "Uh, oh I can't remember now. Oh yeah, now I remember. You saved me and El from Amon!" 

"Oh, that? It was no big deal." Korra shrugged 

"No big deal, are you serious? I was totally freaking out when he was coming at us with his creepy mask all, "I will take away your bending forever." Bolin began to act like a zombie trying to comically replicate Amon. " I mean that is.. scary stuff; I still can't sleep well." 

"Mhmm," Korra muttered 

"Delivery for Avatar Korra and Master Elira" The teens looked up surprised when the council page suddenly came up to them carrying a large basket of items surrounded by flowers and set them next to Korra on the steps. 

"Tarrlok sends his compliments and urges you to reconsider his offer" The page smiled 

"Tell him we haven't changed our minds" Elira crossed her arms 

"Mhmm ..." The page bowed and walked away 

"Who's this Tarrlok guy? Is he bothering you? Huh, 'cause I could have a word with him" Bolin punched his fist 

Elira felt a smile return to her face, giggling softly "Relax, dirt brain, it's not like that. He's just some old guy who works with dad on the council" 

"Oh, good. Good, that sounds better. I like that better." Bolin smiled 

  Jinora, Ikki and Meelo suddenly ran up to them, practically tackling their big sister as they yelled excitedly.  

"Gran-Gran's here! Gran-Gran's here!"

"Gran-Gran? She's here?" Elira asked, confused with Ikki and Meelo tugging on her arms 

"Azira's here?" Korra stood up

"Wait...Azira? As in Lady Azira of the Fire Nation?!" Bolin gasped, sparkles in his eyes 

"Yeah, you wanna meet her?" Elira chuckled as Ikki and Meelo tried to pull her away

"Yes!" Bolin exclaimed, the group taking off towards the docks.

*

Racing down to the water, the group found a Fire Navy ship already docked and Azira hugging Tenzin tightly as servants unloaded her bags. 

"Gran-Gran!" The airbenders cheered, hugging the old woman who chuckled, wrapping her arms around her grandchildren. 

"Azira, wha-what are you doing here?" Korra grinned, embracing her tightly "I thought you were going back to the Fire Nation" 

"Oh, I've been there plenty of times." Azira smiled 

"How long are you staying?" Jinora asked excitedly 

"For as long as you'll have me I'm hoping" The old woman looked up at her son

"You know you are always welcome here, mother" Tenzin placed a hand on her shoulder, smiling

The kids cheered in delight making Azira smile before she then noticed Bolin standing behind the group, looking like he was about to faint with a giant grin on his face. 

"And who might you be, young man?" She asked with a smile 

"Oh, sorry. Gran-Gran this is Bolin, I told you about him in my letters" Elira explained 

"Oh, of course, I remember now.  It's very nice to meet you, Bolin" 

Bolin opened and closed his mouth but only gibberish came out. 

"Don't be frightened, young man. My bark is worse then my bite. Nowadays at least" Azira chuckled

"Say something, dummy" Elira giggled and nudged him, making him cough in embarrassment before finally speaking. 

"Lady Azira, I- I've heard so much about you. You're...you're awesome!" 

"Come closer, young man" Azira stared intensely at the teen. 

Bolin coughed nervously. It was like she looking right into his soul. 

"He has a good heart...and he's handsome too" The old woman smirked at her granddaughter 

"Oh, I like her" Bolin grinned at El over his shoulder 

"My granddaughter speaks incredibly highly of you"

"Gran-Gran" Elira chuckled, feeling her cheeks heat up. 

 "This is truly an honour, Lady Azira" Bolin grinned, bowing in respect. 

Azira snickered slightly to herself "Sorry, inside joke. And please, Bolin, call me Zira, none of this title nonsense" 

"Yes, ma'am-- I mean, Zira!" Bolin corrected himself making the others laugh.

*

"So, Bolin seems like a nice boy" Azira smirked as she walked with Elira through the temple grounds later that day. 

"He really is, Gran Gran. He's the best" Elira smiled, Pichi resting on her shoulder 

"Mhmm " Azira hummed, giving her granddaughter a look

"Gran-Gran, it's not like that" The teen smiled "He's just a friend, my best friend" 

"Mmm...You know, I used to say your grandfather was "Just a friend" The old woman chuckled

"Gran-Gran..." The teen muttered in embarrassment that only made her grandmother laugh even more.  

"Master Elira! I have something for you." Suddenly the council page came running up to them, holding something. 

"I am not joining Tarrlok's task force. I don't care how many bouquets he sends me, it's not happening" The airbender scowled 

"It's not a gift, it's an invitation." The page explained

"An invitation to what exactly?" Azira questioned as Elira took the invitation.  

"Tarrlok is throwing a gala in honour of you and Avatar Korra" The page bowed "  All of Republic City's movers and shakers will be there. The councilman humbly requests your attendance" 

Elira pursed her lips in thought, looking over the invite

"I'll think about it," She said and the page bowed again before walking away 

"Are you going? " Zira asked once the page was gone

"It's just another one of Tarrlok's attempts to get Korra and I on his stupid task force" Elira grumbled 

"Maybe, but it's still a party, could be fun" Azira smiled 

"I don't know..." 

"Well, you'll find in my experience that everything is always more fun when your friends are by your side. Why don't you invite Bolin to go with you?" Zira suggested 

"Yeah...I think I will" Elira smiled, staring at the invite. 

*

"Hey, Bo" Elira waved, walking into the arena gym, finding her best friend training by himself. 

"Hey, El, what's up?" Bolin asked as Pabu ran up to the airbender chittering. 

"Got something for ya--Ta-da!" Elira revealed a bag of steaming dumplings from behind her back "Your favourite" 

"El, you're the best!" Elira giggled as Bolin took the bag and quickly stuffed a dumpling in his mouth. 

He then stopped and looked at his friend suspiciously as he went to eat another dumpling. 

"What's the catch?" He asked, his mouth still full 

Elira smiled bashfully "Okay, you got me...See, there's this gala being thrown, and I was kinda hoping... you'd be my plus one?" 

"When is it? Bolin asked 

"Tomorrow night" 

"I don't have a suit" 

"I can get you one" 

"Will your grandmother be there?" 

"Probably" 

"Is your dad cool with this?" 

"Will you go with me or not, dirt brain?" Elira huffed 

Bolin thought for a moment "...Alright, I'll go" 

Elira grinned and quickly hugged the earthbender tightly. She smiled as he wrapped his arms around her, feeling a warmth bloom in her chest. She felt so safe like this. So, at peace. 

Hey, bro? You in here?" Mako called out.

Elira and Bolin pulled away from each other and looked over seeing Mako walking into the gym with a beautiful dark-haired girl on his arm. 

"Oh, hey, El. Glad you're here, I want you guys to meet someone" Mako gestured to the girl beside him "This is Asami, remember I was telling you about her a couple of days ago" 

"Oh, yeah and she hit you with her moped" Bolin laughed, shaking Asami's hand "I'm Bolin" 

"It's great to finally meet you. Hey, you're Master Elira aren't you?" Asami asked, looking at El

"You can just call me, El" The airbender smiled "I love your hair" 

"Oh, thank you. Say, you're going to that gala tomorrow night right?" 

"Uh yeah, kinda have to since it's being thrown for me" Elira replied 

"Do you have a dress? I could take you shopping if you'd like?" The dark-haired girl suggested 

"Oh, you really don't have to do that" Elira smiled 

"Please, I insist. It'll be fun" Asami looped her arm with El's and began walking out of the gym. 

"Well okay then, guess we're going shopping" Elira chuckled, Pichi landing on her shoulder 

"And I know the perfect store" Asami smiled "We'll see you guys later" 

The brothers watched dumbfounded as the two girls walked gossiping out of the gym. 

"What just happened?" Bolin wondered as Pabu climbed onto his shoulder 

"I have no idea" Mako muttered 

*

That next evening, Bolin twiddled his thumbs as he waited outside with Korra, Tenzin and his family. They were all dressed ready to go to the gala but were waiting on Elira and Zira. 

"What is taking them so long? We're going to be late" Tenzin grumbled 

"I'm sure they'll be out soon, stop fretting" Pema chuckled 

Meelo and Ikki were staring at Bolin intensely making him cough awkwardly. 

"Are you El's boyfriend?" Meelo asked bluntly 

 Bolin chuckled nervously as Tenzin's gaze snapped towards them "Um nope. No, we're, we're just friends" 

"But you're close, right? You spend almost every day together" Jinora cut in, smirking mischievously 

"Yeah, yeah, we're pretty close" Bolin replied 

"Do you like her? Like, like her like her? Aw, you two would be so cute together! Are you going to get married one day? Can I come? Do..." Ikki trailed off from her rambling when Azira finally came out of the temple, her silver hair in a half up half down topknot and a long elegant red and gold dress. 

"Mother, where's Elira? It's time to go" Tenzin asked 

"She's coming, don't worry" The old woman smiled, a hint of mischievousness in her golden eyes.

The clicking of heels was heard coming out of the temple before the airbending teen finally came into view. Her hair curled and slightly held back with pins, her face subtly done up with make-up and wearing a stunning floor-length dress. She looked beautiful. 

( Not mine ⬆)

"It's a princess" Jinora whispered, smiling in awe. 

"A fairy princess" Ikki added

"It's...El" Bolin muttered in awe making Korra smirk from beside him. 

Tenzin however, scowled "What are you wearing?" 

"A dress. My friend took me out shopping earlier and bought it for me" Elira smiled

"What happened to your robes?" Tenzin questioned "Go change into them immediately" 

"Now, Tenzin, she looks beautiful" Azira scolded her son

"And weren't you just saying that we were gonna be late?" Pema added 

"Well, I..." Tenzin sighed "Oh alright, let's just get going" 

He turned with a twirl of his cape and headed toward the docks. The others followed behind him, Elira mouthing a "thank you" to her mother and grandmother. 

*

Soon after they entered city hall and Elira chuckled as the kids quickly runoff. The other attendants started clapping as they noticed her and Korra walking in. Pema and Azira wandered off and began socializing with the people as the three teens looked around stunned, standing next to Tenzin.

"Wow, this Tarrlok guy sure does know how to throw a party" Bolin stated 

"I can't believe this is all for us" Korra muttered 

"No kidding" Elira added 

"I'm not sure what Tarrlok's plotting, but keep your guard up. It's not like him to throw a party just for the fun of it." Tenzin warned the teens. 

Tarrlok then came through the crowd towards them making overdone gestures "So glad you both could make it, Avatar Korra, Master Elira" He greeted before turning to Tenzin "If you'd excuse us, the city awaits its heroes" 

Tarrlok began leading the girls away and Elira quickly grabbed Bolin's hand, taking him with them. 

"Korra, Elira, it's my pleasure to introduce Republic City's most famous industrialist, Hiroshi Sato" Tarrlok introduced 

"Nice to meet you." Korra greeted 

"Hello, Mr Sato" Bolin and Elira said at the same time 

" Jinx!--Jinx again!" They quickly turned to one another and began laughing. 

Korra and Hiroshi chuckled at the two while Tarrlok did not look impressed by their childishness. 

"We're all expecting great things from you two" Hiroshi smiled, bowing 

"Right... greatness" Korra muttered, sharing a look with Elira. 

More expectations. Fun. 

 "Hey, guys!" The trio looked up seeing Mako walking over to them with Asami on his arm. Korra narrowed her eyes at this. 

"This is my daughter, Asami." Hiroshi introduced, gesturing to Asami. 

"It's lovely to meet you. Mako and El have told me so much about you" Asami smiled 

"Really?" Korra replied, crossing her arms with a chipped tone "Because they haven't mentioned you at all" 

She sent a scathing look at the airbender beside her who gave her a sheepish smile 

"How did you two meet?" 

"Asami crashed into him on her moped," Bolin replied 

"What? Are you okay?" Korra asked, concerned 

"I'm fine. More than fine. Mister Sato agreed to sponsor our team!" Mako grinned 

"The Fire Ferrets are back in the tournament!" Elira exclaimed, with a wide smile 

" Hehe, isn't that great?" Bolin cheered, excitedly. 

"Yeah, terrific," Korra muttered, in an unexcited tone.

Elira's face suddenly lit up even brighter as the music playing in the background changed to one of her favourite songs. 

 "Bo, come dance with me!" She quickly grabbed Bolin's hand and lead him to an opening in the crowd. 

Just like a few days ago in the apartment, the two began swinging their arms and spinning, ignoring all the onlookers as they laughed and danced. 

From the outskirts, Azira couldn't help but chuckle at her son's scowling face as he watched the two teens.

"What's the matter, Tenzin?" 

"I...I don't like it. She's too young to be dancing with boys"  The airbender grumbled 

"She's 17, dear" Azira laughed 

"Exactly!" Tenzin huffed 

Azira just continued to laugh softly  "Need I remind you, that your father and I were only children when we fell in love" 

"That was under completely different circumstances. And she is not falling in love!" Tenzin scowled 

"Too late" Azira smiled softly, gesturing to the duo, "I think she's already fallen" 

Tenzin grumbled unhappily, continuing to watch as Elira laughed as she spun gracefully in a circle, her skirt fanning out around her elegantly. 

A hand on her shoulder made her jump and whirl around. 

"Sorry for interrupting, but might I borrow you for a moment?" Tarrlok asked

Elira scowled at him "No, you may not" 

"Please, it'll only be for a second. I'm sure your date won't mind" Tarrlok smirked concededly as he began leading Elira away from Bolin before either teen could say anything else. 

*

Elira frowned as she walked toward a staircase with Tarrlok and Korra, noticing the hoard of reporters waiting below. As soon as the media noticed the two teens, they rushed for the stairs and started bombarding them with questions.

"If you'd be so kind, they just have a couple of questions." 

"But.../Hey!" Tarrlok pushed them both forward toward the reporters. 

"Avatar Korra, Master Elira,  you both witnessed Amon take away people's bending first hand. How serious a threat does he pose to the innocent citizens of Republic City?" One reporter yelled 

Korra cleared her throat " I think he presents a real problem." 

"Then why have you both refused to join Tarrlok's task force? As the Avatar and future leader of the Air Nation, shouldn't you be going after Amon?" Another reporter questioned 

"Well, I ..." Korra glanced at Elira for help

She sighed and stepped forward "Listen!" 

The reporters quickly shut up 

"I chose not to join Tarrlok's task force because as I have told him, airbenders are peacekeepers, not soldiers. A move as aggressive as this will only further divide the benders and nonbenders of this city. We will stop Amon, I just don't believe a task force is the way to do it" Elira explained as, in the crowd of guests, Tenzin smiled proudly at his daughter. 

"What about Avatar Korra, Why are you backing away from this fight?" Another reporter then questioned 

"What? No! I've never backed away from anything in my life!" Korra snapped, offended 

"You promised to serve this city, aren't you going back on that promise now?" 

"Do you think pro-bending is more important than fighting the revolution?"

"How do you think Avatar Aang would have handled this?" 

"Hey, wait a minute!" Elira cried, seeing Korra was getting overwhelmed with all the questions 

"Are you afraid of Amon?" 

"I am not afraid of anybody! If the city needs me then ... I'll join Tarrlok's task force and help fight Amon!" Korra yelled causing Elira to gasp as Tarrlok ran forward 

"There's your headline, folks." 

As cameras start flashing, Tarrlok smiled mischievously at Elira who glared at him before storming off towards her father. 

*

Days had passed since the gala and Elira and the boys were seeing less and less of Korra since she joined the task force. Elira was outside the temple practising her airbending one night, while Pichi was asleep by the radio playing in the background.

Elira scowled when she heard Tarrlok's voice. 

"Avatar Korra has bravely answered the call to action. With the two of us leading the charge, Republic City has nothing to fear from Amon and the Equalists." 

Rolling her eyes, Elira went back to practising but stopped when Korra's voice echoed out of the radio.

"You want to know why? Because Amon is hiding in the shadows like a coward. Amon, I challenge you to a duel!" Korra declared and Elira gasped "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!" 

What was she thinking?! Facing that lunatic alone?! 

"Elira!" Tenzin came running, looking panicked, having also heard Korra over the radio "Come, quickly!" 

"Pichi!" Elira yelled, using her bending to pull her glider towards her. 

The lemur screeched as she woke with a start, quickly following her owner as she and her father took to the dark sky. Azira watched them leave from the temple window. Her face worried. 

*

The father-daughter duo made it to Republic City dock where they found Korra already standing on a small boat while Tarrlok and several others stood nearby. 

"Korra, are you crazy?!" Elira exclaimed as she landed 

" Don't try to stop me and don't follow me. I have to face Amon alone." Korra argued, wrapping rope loosely around her arms and hands. 

"This is all your doing!" Tenzin snapped at Tarrlok 

"I tried to talk her out of it too, but she's made up her mind." The man replied making the airbenders glare at him 

They watched helplessly as Korra guided the boat out from the docks to Avatar Aang Memorial Island using waterbending.

"We'll be watching the island closely. If anything goes wrong, I have a fleet of police airships ready to swoop down." Tarrlok explained 

"That won't be enough" Elira muttered, running to the edge of the dock and jumping off with her glider. 

"Elira!" Tenzin yelled, "Elira, come back here this instant!" 

Elira ignored him, flying behind Korra towards her grandfather's memorial. Tenzin watched in concern as she disappeared. 

*

On Aang's memorial island, Korra stood at the base of the statue, her hair blowing in the wind. Elira was hidden on top of the staff her grandfather's statue was holding. She was watching her friend closely 

She shuffled slightly on her perch, trying not to make any noise, but Korra heard and got into a battle stance. 

Elira stayed perfectly still and when no one else appeared, Korra relaxed. 

DONG! 

Both teens jumped out of their skins, startled by the loud noise, but then sighed upon realising it was just the cloak sticking midnight. 

An hour soon passed and the girls were getting tired. Elira struggled to keep her eyes open, looking around for any sign of the Equalists. 

Korra yawned and stretched her arms " Guess you're a no-show, Amon. Who's scared now?" 

She stood and walked away while stretching as Elira silently followed. She watched from above as Korra walked past the base of the statue. 

Suddenly a bola was thrown at her feet, tripping her 

"Korra!" Elira cried as the Avatar was dragged into the base of the statue.

She jumped down from the building and ran inside just in time to see through the darkness as Korra was ultimately hit in the back by several punches from multiple chi blockers and fell to the floor. 

"Get away from her!" She yelled, blasting the chi blockers away from her friend. 

Elira stood over the unconscious Korra, keeping the chi blockers at bay with gusts of air, making sure not to let them get too close. But she was suddenly caught by two whips entangling her hands from both sides, preventing her from moving away. 

She blew out a gust of air, knocking some Equalists away but was soon punched several times in the back by multiple chi blockers and fell to the ground next to Korra. Her vision fading to black. 

*

When the girls finally stirred, two Equalists took them by the arms and force them to sit on their knees. 

"El?" Korra muttered, confused as to why her friend was there, but they then both looked up in fear as Amon entered the area.

"I received your invitation, young Avatar. Though it seems we both didn't play by the rules" Amon said, his dark eyes moving over to Elira. 

"I came of my own accord" The airbender snapped 

"That was very noble of you, Master Elira. Or very foolish" Amon replied before reaching forward and grabbing Korra by her chin, forcing her to look at him. 

"Our showdown, while inevitable, is premature. 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. 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, then you'll get your duel, and I will destroy you" 

He then jabbed her shoulder, knocking her out. 

"Korra!" 

"But you, however..." Amon turned to Elira as Korra was dropped to the floor 

"You will send a message" Amon began reaching for the airbending teen. 

Suddenly a fire blast shot into the room making the Equalists jump back, dropping the airbender to the floor.

Elira looked up and the feeling of relief flooded over her upon spotted her grandmother standing there with her hands raised. 

"Get away from my granddaughter" She warned 

Amon just stared at the old woman before the chi blockers threw down smoke bombs.  Azira began coughing as the Equalists disappeared in the smoke. A blast of air from behind her cleared the smoke and Tenzin ran over to his mother, briefly checking to see if she was alright before seeing the two teens on the ground. 

"Aang?" Korra muttered as she woke up 

"Elira! Korra!"The adults ran over, kneeling beside them as they sat up 

"Are you both all right?"Azira asked

"What happened? Was Amon here?" Tenzin questioned frantically 

"Yeah, he ambushed us" Elira muttered 

" Did he ... did he take your bending away?" 

Korra created a flame in her hand, before closing it again "No, I'm okay" 

"I'm okay, too. Gran-Gran got here just in time" Elira added as Azira stroked her hair soothingly. 

"Ah, thank goodness." Tenzin sighed 

Korra suddenly burst into tears and embraced Tenzin. The airbender wrapped his arms around the teen as she cried into his chest. 

" I was so terrified, I felt so helpless." Korra cried as Elira watched, looking like she too wanted to jump into her father's arms, but stopped herself from doing so.

" It's all right, the nightmare is over," Azira reassured, bringing her granddaughter into her arms, holding her close. 

"You ... you were right ... I've been scared this whole time" Korra looked up at Tenzin, wiping her tears " I've never felt like this before and ... and Tenzin, I don't know what to do!" 

" Admitting your fears is the first and most difficult step in overcoming them," Tenzin said gently, looking over at Elira in his mother's arms with concern. 

He held an arm out to her and feeling tears build in her eyes, the teenager crawled into her father's arms. Feeling as if she were a mere child again, clinging to her father after a scary nightmare. Only this time, the nightmare was very much real.