Legend of Korra: Forces of Nature
                                    Chapter Three: Vows and Promises




Korra was sitting alone atop a rooftop, overlooking the starry sky from Air Temple Island.

Star Gazing was always Korra's favorite past time.
though, they were easier to see back at the South Pole (and, prettier, too)


luckily, Air Temple Island was far away enough from the city so that it's bright lights didn't outshine the stars that much.


Korra then noticed movement down at her training course.
she looked down, and saw Takka walking alone down the area.


"Takka?"


Korra was curious. why was Takka out of bed?, he should be resting.

just what was he doing out here?


Korra leapt down from the roof. she hid behind some cover and watched Takka.
Takka was standing alone in the darkness of night. he exhaled sharply, looking up at the starry sky.


"Takka?" Takka looked and saw Korra approach him. "you okay?"


Takka looked away, and sighed. "i'm..n-not sure." began Takka. "in one day, I was reunited with two people I haven't seen in

years.

and, though i'm overjoyed to see you again, Korra..i'm also terrified. I could of gone me whole life without seeing my

father, again."


Takka's body began to shake again. Korra quickly walked over to him, and put her arms around him.

he rested his head against Korra, welcoming her embrace.


"I'm sorry, Takka. if I had only known..I would've NEVER let him hurt you."


Takka resisted his urge to cry. "we were only kids, Kor. what could you have done?"


"I'm the AVATAR, Takka. I could have done something."


Takka held Korra tightly. "i'm still scared."


Korra frowned, then stroked Takka's hair. "I know how you feel, Believe Me."


Takka looked at Korra. "you..DO?"


Korra nodded sadly. "you know that Anti-Bending group that are in the city?"


"you mean those Equalists?"


Korra nodded. "yeah..THEM. they are an army of Chi-Blockers..led by a man who can take away anyone's bending ability."


Korra then shivered a little. "they..HE, terrifies me."


Takka stared at Korra, stunned "you..YOUR afraid?"


Korra parted from Takka, looking away. "Yes, I am. but, that's NOTHING compared to how I felt when Karnac was hurting you."


Takka stared at Korra, he had never seen her like this before. so venerable, so afraid.
the Korra he remembered wasn't afraid of anything. clearly Korra had been through ALOT since he last saw her.

Finally, Takka approached her. he placed his hand on Korra's shoulder.


"don't worry, kor. I won't let those chi-blockers, or this Amon guy hurt you. I promise."


Korra exhaled. "I'm not afraid for myself anymore. I'm afraid that I'll fail to save the other benders from him."


Takka paused, unsure what to say. he finally exhaled, and tried to say something supportive. "well..whatever happens. I'll

always be there to back you up."


Korra looked at Takka..then, smiled. "thank you, Takka. and, remember: that "I" will always be there for you."


Takka grinned. "i don't think i'll ever forget that, Korra."


Korra smiled, then hugged Takka tightly. she closed her eyes, and rested her head against him.

"I'm glad you're here, Takka. I really missed you."


Takka let a tear fall as he hugged her back. "i know. i missed you, too."


"let's never be apart, again."


Takka smiled. "sure..it's a promise."


Korra smiled warmly. "yes. a promise."


after embracing one another for a good several minutes, the two friends finally parted.


"You know..I don't think I ever did ask what all you've been doing these past thirteen years."


Takka shrugged. "not much to tell, really."


"tell me. I want to know."


Takka exhaled sharply. "well..as I told you and Tenzin, I've spent most of my life with my Aunt and Uncle on Ember Island in

the Fire Nation."


"I've never met your aunt and uncle..What were they like?"


Takka smiled warmly as he reminisced. "they were..Wonderful. they were alot like your parents, actually. my Aunt Rosetta

doted on me. and, Uncle Dante..(pauses) he was everything I ever wanted in a father."


"Sounds like your aunt and uncle were more like your adoptive parents."


Takka looked at Korra..and, smiled. "Yes, Korra. that is EXACTLY how I saw them."


Korra smiled, then spoke again: "Did you have a good life there?"


Takka shrugged. "Well..It wasn't "The Best", but not "The Worst", either."


Korra looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"


"My aunt and uncle did their best to give me a good life. But, we were middle-class, and didn't always have as much yuans as

we wanted..Just enough to get by.

though, the worst part if living on Ember Island..was not having you around."


Korra looked at Takka. "You missed me that much?"


Takka looked into Korra's aqua blue eyes. "I thought about you everyday, Kor. I couldn't even SLEEP in my first weeks because

I kept dreaming about you."


Korra looked down, a sad expression on her face. "I also thought about you during MY first weeks of Avatar Training. and, I'm

ashamed to say that as the years went by..I began to think more of my future, than I did my past."


Takka touched Korra's chin, making her look at him. "It's okay. I also had to focus more on other things besides the people

who I missed."


"You mean..Your Inventions?" began Korra. "That is why you came to Republic City, right?"


"Mm-Hm. Yep. I came with high expectations..(frowns) but, I soon learned that Republic City wasn't as "perfect" as they said

in the brochure."


Korra chuckled. "Tell me about it. Back in the South Pole, I always thought that Everyone here was "living it up." so, I was

pretty shocked when I learned about all the poverty and crime."


Takka smiled. "If anyone can fix this place, it's YOU, Korra."


Korra exhaled sharply. "Yeah, tell that to Chief Beifong. She's actually tried to lock me up more than once." Korra then

looked at Takka. "Has SHE ever given you any problems?"


"Lin? Naw, She's real nice. in fact, she's one of few people here who treats me with compassion and kindness."


Korra stared blankly, he jaw actually hanging open. "wait. Lin Beifong..NICE!? are you SURE we're talking about the same

woman?"


Takka smirked. "I know she may seem "rough around the edges", but the Chief of Metalbending Police can be a real "sweetheart"

once you get to know her."


Korra did her best to repress her laughter. "heh..Yeah, sure. "Sweetheart." I'll believe THAT when the polar ice caps start

melting."


The two friends then shared a laugh together. when silence returned, Korra spoke again in a more softer voice.


"Takka.."


"yeah, Korra?"


"I meant what I said before: I promise that no matter what..We'll ALWAYS be together. (takes Takka's hands, and looks into

his eyes) I will never leave you alone ever again..and, I will NEVER let anyone hurt you ever again."


Korra embraced Takka tightly, yet softly. "I promise."


Takka's eyes wetted as he returned the embrace "I promise too, Korra."


Korra smiled, somehow feeling content for the first time she she encountered Amon.
she couldn't explain it, but she felt as if she had regained a missing part of herself.

she felt..COMPLETE.


Unknown to her, though. Takka had a similar feeling.
Korra's very presence seemed to make all his fear and pain just..fade away.


at that moment, a shooting star flew high above the night sky.



*****



Chief Lin Beifong walked down the cold, dark halls of the Republic City Jail.
she scowled and sneered as she passed cell, after cell containing the worst of humanity.

but, there was ONE in particular that she found she despised above all..


the prisoner in question was Karnac, Takka's apparent father who was confirmed to be abusive and extremely violent.
and, while it was no secret that Lin didn't like criminals (though, most people say she doesn't like ANYONE.)

but, Lin REEEALLY didn't like Karnac.


Lin liked Takka, she always thought he was a nice boy.
so, Lin despised Karnac greatly. thinking him to be a monster for attacking such a gentle and good natured boy unprovoked.


Lin at last reached the cell containing the object of her contempt. the middle aged woman then exhaled sharply.

taking some keys, unlocked the iron barred door and walked into the cell.


there..she saw Karnac. his hands and feet shackled tightly together.
he had a 'disgruntled' look on his face, growling in his throat.


Karnac then looked, and saw the Metalbending Police Chief glaring at him.


"oh, JOY. It's Lin "The Hammer" Beifong."


Lin scowled at Karnac. "keep talking, psycho..give me an excuse."


the metalbender then grabbed Karnac's shoulder, squeezing it TIGHTLY as she forced him onto his feet. "GRR!!"


Lin shoved Karnac out of his cell..where some Metalbending Officers were waiting for him.


"get moving, Karnac. some doctors wish to ask you a few questions."


"Questions?"


"Your behavior prior to your arrest has authorized you for psychiatric evaluation.
 you will be interviewed, your psychosis will be determined..and, then you'll be sent to prison."


Karnac smirked. "I haven't even had my trial yet, and my sentence has ALREADY been decided."


Lin glared darkly at the waterbender. "You broke into a house, tortured an innocent seventeen year old boy and tried to

murder him.

 No jury will show you any sympathy."


Karnac huffed as he jerked away from Lin. "Depends on your perspective of "innocence."


"GET MOVING, YOU SCUM!!" snapped Lin, as she shoved Karnac towards the other officers.


as the Guards led him away. Lin exhaled sharply, rubbing the bridge of her nose.


"times like this I wish you were here, mother."




[Later]


Karnac was sitting in an office. before him was a table, where a doctor would be sitting.
at each of his sides were Lin Bei Fong and some metalbending officers..who were ready to react if the Karnac tried anything.


just then, a door opened. and, a female doctor entered the room.


"good evening, Mister Karnac..how are you?" asked the doctor

Karnac remained silent..to which Lin flicked her finger, tightening his shackles.


"F-FINE!, just..fine." blurted Karnac.


the doctor sat down at a chair opposite to Karnac.
she laid down a clipboard on the table, brushed away her bangs and clasped her hands together.


"My name is DiMartina. We are going to perform a quick psychiatric evaluation to determine your mental state."


"Yes. Bei Fong already told me." said Karnac. "she ALSO said I'd be going straight to prison afterwards."


DiMartina eyed Lin. she then looked at Karnac again. "That IS a possibility, Mister Karnac. but, should all go well..your

imprisonment shouldn't be too bad."


DiMartina began to write on her clipboard. she then laid it back down, and looked at Karnac. "Now..let's begin."


Karnac shrugged. "whatever."


"Let us start with the obvious question. What DID you hope to achieve in attempting to murder Takka?"


Karnak smirked.


"I didn't. I was just roughing him up a bit."


"Of course you didn't kill him." sneered Lin. "because the Avatar STOPPED YOU before you could."


Karnac just smirked at Lin..which aggravated her.
DiMartina then took out some papers. "According to these reports..you struck him several times, then burnt his face.

 earlier reports acquired from reliable sources Also claim that you performed numerous other acts of abuse towards Takka

during numerous points in his early life."


Karnac smirked at this. "I suppose one of your "Reliable Sources" is Takka."


"Councilman Tenzin of the Air Nation, actually."


Karnac smirked. "Bet Takka told him."


"Be Silent!" snapped Lin. "You are here to ANSWER questions, not ask your own!"


"oooooh..you're certainly a "testy" one, ain't cha'?"


Lin grinded her teeth hard. "oh-ho-ho...just keep talking, PUNK." muttered Lin


"Chief Beifong, PLEASE..that isn't helping."


Lin growled, then looked away. DiMartina then looked at Karnac.


"Okay..let me rephrase my question; Exactly WHY do you feel the need to be so violent towards your son?"


Karnac scowled darkly. "because HE belongs in a cell, Not Me."


"what makes you say that?"


"BECAUSE HE KILLED MY WIFE, THAT'S WHY!" shouted Karnac


"That statement is Incorrect. according to medical reports that we received, your wife died of natural causes."


"NATURAL!" exclaimed Karnac, disgusted "she bled to death while giving birth to that..that THING! Takka tore her apart from

the inside out, he..KILLED HER!"


"Internal Bleeding from childbirth is a well known risk factor. but, you cannot blame Takka for Inza's death-"


"Oh, so are you saying it's MY fault!?..or, INZA'S!"


"no, I am not. but, it certainly wasn't Takka's. he was only an infant being born, an innocent."


Karnac scoffed.

"yeah..SURE he is. look, all i know is THIS: if Takka was Never Born, then my wife, Inza, would still be alive.
 in My Book, that makes HIM responsible for her death. and, i will Never Stop until justice is rightly served."


"Justice IS being served." said Lin, calmly


Karnac looked at the Mentalbending Policewoman.


"you..are Sadist." continued Lin. "a Psychopath whose blaming an innocent boy for your troubles rather than do the sensible

thing by accepting it, and moving on with your life."


Lin glared at Karnac.


"as far as I am concerned.."Death Row" is where YOU belong."


Karnac glared hatefully at the police chief. "takka will die before I do, I can guarantee you that."


Lin gripped the waterbender forcefully, jerking him violently into her angry face. "Never. not while I live."


"Chief Beifong, PLEASE!"


Lin growled, then shoved Karnac aside.


"(sigh) I think we are done here for tonight."


Lin's officer's grabbed Karnac by his arms, and led him away.
Lin stayed still for a moment, then exhaled and turned to leave.


"Ms. Beifong.."


Lin paused, her back still facing DiMartina. "what?"


"was all that REALLY necessary?"


Lin glared at the doctor. "what do you expect from me?! I have a Low Tolerance for law breakers!..and, he's a Psychopath."


"he needs more Compassion than Cruelty. Perhaps if we are more Understanding of him, he can be rehabilitated."


Lin scowled. "I can think of only ONE permanent cure for this punk; a short drop, and a sudden stop."


"is Violence your solution to EVERYTHING?!" said DiMartina, who was starting to get aggravated.


Lin smirked. "Always worked for mom."


the doctor sighed sharply, knowing she wasn't going to get anywhere with the stern police chief.


"right. Well, despite your poor social skills, I am convinced that Mr. Karnac's mental health is questionable.
 Therefore, I will request he be sent to Azula Asylum should he be convicted."


"and, he WILL be convicted."


DiMartina exhaled stressfully. "YES. of course."


Lin was about to leave when she paused momentarily. "Azula Asylum?"


DiMartina nodded. "yes."


Lin shuddered (a rare sight, indeed.) "spirits..I almost feel sorry for that punk. ALMOST."



*****



as the sun shined it's warm, golden rays on Air Temple Island
Takka was stirred awake by the light of day casting over his face.

he slowly rose up, yawned loudly and stretching out his arms and back.
looking out the window, he could see the vast ocean beyond the island.

noting the position of the sun in the bright blue sky, Takka widened his eyes. "It must be mid-day. CRIPES!, I overslept!!"


Takka immediately leapt from the bed. quickly changing out of the provided pajamas, and back into his regular clothes
he sped out of the room, and sprinted down the long hall. Narrowly missing passing Air Acolytes.


"HEY!"
"WHAT THE-!?"
"WATCH IT!!"


"SORRY!!" called back Takka as he continued running down the hall.


Just then, Takka saw a shocked looking Pema overhead. he grimaced as he tried to stop real quick..which caused him to fall

backwards, and slide a bit across the marvel floor.


"Gracious!" exclaimed Pema, as she looked down at Takka. "Are you okay?!"


"uhh..Yeah. i'm-I'm fine." said Takka, as he got up off the floor.


Pema eyed the seventeen-year-old. "You shouldn't be running so fast through here. You could hurt somebody..Including

yourself!"


"ye-yeah, I know. but, I overslept last night, and I want to see Korra."


"Well, you should take your time." said Pema. "She is currently training with my husband, and should be finished up soon."


"oh..Okay. I guess the least I can do is get over there, and give Kor some morale support."


Pema grinned at Takka. "Whatever you think is best. Personally, I think she COULD use some. OH!, one last thing.." Pema began

to take off the bandage over Takka's right cheek. "I think that's healed up by now."


as Pema took the bandage off, she took a moment to examine Takka's face.


"How's it look?"


Pema frowned. "well..you have scar. but, it's hardly noticeable."


"oh..I see." said Takka, depression in his voice.


"Hey, don't be like that. Try and look at this positively."


Takka eyed the pregnant woman. "Positively?"


"Lord Zuko, one of the founders of the United Republic, has a burn scar, and EVERYBODY loves him."


Takka took a moment to ponder this. "hmm..You know. I never thought about it that way..Thanks!"


"No problem. Now, just go see Korra..but, SLOWLY, this time."


"I'll do my best." said Takka, as he departed at a much steadier pace this time.


Pema breathed out softly. "such a nice boy..if a little absent minded."



*****



Takka makes his way to the training area of the island. There, he see Master Tenzin with his daughters and son; Jinora, Ikki

and Meelo.

He looks, and see's Korra (dressed in traditional Air Nomad robes) trying to maneuver through spinning gates being rotated by

the airbending of Tenzin's children.


the gates were spinning pretty fast..and, Takka saw that Korra was having a bit of trouble getting pass them without being

hit.


"Concentrate, Korra." said Tenzin, calmly. "Remember: BE the Leaf in the Wind."


as gate after gate kept striking her in the shoulder and face. Korra was getting visibly "upset."
when at last she was knocked flat on her face, Tenzin sighed and signaled his children to stop airbending the gates.


"Okay, that's enough."


Korra groaned as she struggled up onto her feet. as she emerged from the machine, Tenzin approached her.


"Korra, your performance today was..Poor."


Korra grumbled, avoiding eye contact with her airbending master. "i know."


"and, I find it rather odd. Considering that the last time you performed this exercise, you did it flaw-"


"I KNOW, OKAY!!" snapped Korra, suddenly. "I'm Sorry, but ever since that incident with Takka and his father..(sighs) I just

haven't been able to stay focused."


Takka stared at this scene from afar. his curiosity piqued.


"and, what HAVE you been more "focused" on?" asked Tenzin


Korra at last looked at the airbender. "I'm angry..at Karnac. I mean, What kind of father can hate his own son enough to want

to kill him!?

 I didn't think it was even Possible for any dad to act like that. I always assumed every dad was like my dad:

kind..protective. a good father."


Korra grinded her teeth hard as she felt her angry rising. "and..why would ANYONE want to hurt Takka, Anyway!? I've known him

all my life, and he's NEVER done anything bad to ANYONE!"


"korra-"


"I remember this one time that Takka found an OtterSeal with a wounded tail beached on the tundra.." continued Korra, not

listening to Tenzin at all. "Most boys in my tribe would have killed it to prove they were a man. but, takka..No, he actually

bandaged it's tail, and helped it into the water."


"Awww..That is so sweet." cooed Ikki


"It WAS!!" exclaimed Korra, half angry. "Takka's the 'Sweetest' boy who I have ever known. So, I don't understand why anyone

would want to hurt him!!"


Korra clenches her fists, and begins fuming. "It just makes me so MAD!!" snapped Korra, her hands flaring with fire.


Tenzin eyed Korra. "Your friendship with this Takka appears to be..quite Strong."


Korra at last calms herself down. "Strong?, it was unbreakable. Me and Takka..we were ALWAYS together. We were together so

much, some of the others kids used to tease us by calling us "Tui and La."


"I know those. They are the Ocean and Moon spirits." said Jinora


Korra nodded. "yeah..the Koi Fish at the Northern Water Tribe." Korra then began to smile weakly. "While they were meant to

annoy us..me and Takka sorta embraced our "nicknames."
 Takka was like the ocean: so pure, gentle and passive. and, I was always "pushing" him to stand up for himself."


Korra then sighed sadly. "although..I was not without my own mistreatment. I was also picked on because of my.."weight." But,

I could always count on Takka to cheer me up."


Takka smiled as he recounted all the times he and Korra comforted each other.


"So..you and Takka relied on one another." began Tenzin, thinking aloud. "a Symbiotic relationship. You protected him, and HE

gave you strength."


Korra nodded. "yes. and, the only thing I really hated about being the Avatar..was being separated from him." Korra then

frowned sadly. "especially since I wasn't there when he needed me the most."


Tenzin frowned. "I am sorry, Korra. Had the White Lotus known of this..we might have "pulled some strings" for both your

sakes."


"a little late for THAT now, isn't it?!" snapped Korra..he immediately frowned afterwards. "I'm sorry, Tenzin. I didn't

mean-"


"It's okay, Korra. I understand your anger"


Korra crossed her arms, and looked away. "It isn't just 'anger' that I am feeling. I am also afraid..but, not for myself this

time.
 I'm scared that Karnac may escape from whatever imprisonment he'll be confined to, and try going after Takka again."


"Well, that IS why Takka is being confined here on Air Temple Island, rather than be allowed to return to his home." said

Tenzin.


"I know!, but..I'm still scared. Even before I knew who Karnac was, when I saw Takka caged in ice, and at that psycho's

mercy..I was Terrified."


Korra's eyes began to wet as she recalled that night. "I would rather face Amon again than have to watch Takka die." said

Korra, finally.

"I think I could live with having my bending taken away..MAYBE. but, burying my best friend? No..I don't think I CAN live

with that."


"You..REALLY mean that, Korra??"


Korra froze upon hearing a familiar voice. She, Tenzin and the kids looked to see Takka approach.


"w-well, I..uhh..well.." Korra's face was redder than a Fire Ferret.


"HEY, MISTER TAKKA!!" exclaimed Ikki, who hopped around like a Rabbiroo. "We were just talking about you!"


Takka chuckled nervously. "yeah..I know. I heard."

Korra choked a bit at this. Takka then looked at her. "I'm sorry for getting here so late, Kor. I meant to be here to see

your training..But, it looks like I missed it."


Korra shrugged (claming down a bit.) "I-It's okay, Takka. unless you LIKE seeing me getting my butt whipped, there wasn't

really much to see."


"ehh-Yeeeah..I noticed."


after an uncomfortable silence, Takka looked to Tenzin. "so..I guess I'm staying here, huh?"


"How did-oh..right." the man then exhaled sharply. "I am sorry Takka, but it really IS for your own protection and safety."


Takka nodded. "I understand, sir."


"(Gasp) OH, MY GOSH!!" exclaimed Korra, suddenly. "Takka!, y-your FACE!!"


After a minute, Takka figured out what Korra meant. "oh, This." began Takka, pointing at the scar on his cheek.

Korra immediately rushed over to Takka, and examined the burn on his cheek. as touched outer area of it..Takka flinched.


"ow!" exclaimed Takka


"Oh, Sorry!..I didn't mean-"


"It's okay..just a little sensitive is all."


Korra stared at Takka's injury..then, glared with anger. "that bastard.." muttered Korra, her voice barely a whisper.


"Wow!, That's a COOL scar you got there, Mister Takka!!" exclaimed Meelo


"why..Y-Yes. It makes you look very.."Distinguished." stuttered Jinora (who was mature enough to understand the true gravity

of the situation.)


Takka smiled weakly. "Thanks..i guess."


Korra was still fuming..but, then her eyes lit up upon getting an idea. "hold on.."


Korra then began to waterbend some water from a nearby fountain.
Encasing her hand in the formless glob, it began to glow a bright blue color.


"Hold still." began Korra, her tone soothing. "Let me try and heal it."


Tenzin looked down at Korra. "Korra, I'm not sure that wil-"


"It's okay.." said Takka, his tone solemn. "go ahead, Kor."


Takka held his head still, bringing his scarred cheek before Korra.
she gently placed the glowing water over Takka cheek, and spread it out over his scarred area.


Takka shivered a bit. "that feels.."Tingly."


Korra smiled weakly as she continued to try and heal Takka.
when she removed the water from his face..she was dismayed to see the thin scar was still present (though, the red area

around the scar was now gone.)


Takka touched his cheek. Surprisingly, he felt no more pain or discomfort.


"Hmm..that feels MUCH better. (looks to Korra) Thanks."


Korra hung her head sadly. "thanks?!" for what?!, your scar is still there."


"Yeah, but it doesn't hurt anymore." said Takka. "You just saved me weeks of having to sleep on my left side."


Korra sighed sharply, looking away. "yeah..I guess."


"Takka.." began Tenzin, his tone soft, yet stern. Takka looked to him. "We need to talk."


"About what?"


"Well, you see..I received message from Chief Beifong, and your father's court date has been scheduled for next week."


"oh.." said Takka, looking away. "i see."


"Lin seems confident that he'll be put away for quite some time..BUT, in order for that to happen, we need a "witness" to

testify against him."


"No problem." said Korra, stepping up, a smug grin on her face. "I would be all too happy to do my part to put that son of a

SkunkSquirrel behind bars."


Tenzin frowned. "You are welcome to testify all you want, Korra. BUT, Lin is adamant that in order to sway the rest of the

council..we need a witness to ALL of Karnac's crimes."


Takka widened his eyes, alarmed. "Wait. y-you don't mean-"


"I am sorry, Takka. but, you will have to take the stand, and testify against him as well."


Takka froze like a statue. a look of absolute terror plastered onto his now pale face.

before he could even utter a response..Somebody else did.


"What?! NO WAY!!" snapped Korra, angrily. "Karnac came "THIS CLOSE" to killing Takka!" said Korra, as she emphasized using

her fingers. "There is NO. WAY. I am letting that..That 'MONSTER' anywhere near Takka!!"


"Korra, I understand your feelings-"


"NO, YOU DON'T!!" shouted Korra, enraged. "YOU weren't Takka's best friend since you were Three. I WAS!
 YOU never shared secrets with him that you never even told your own family, I DID!"


"Korra-" Korra ignored Tenzin, and continued to rage at him. "You were never taken away by the White Lotus, and separated

from him for Thirteen Years, I WAS!!" Korra then briefly paused, tears forming in her eyes.


"Takka NEEDED me, and I wasn't there. Well..I'm here for him NOW." Korra then walked near Takka, and firmly grasped his

shoulders from behind. she then glared at Tenzin, a stern look on his face. "and, Nothing. not You, not Lin, not even the

White Lotus are going to separate us this time!


a tear stood in Korra's angry face as she continued to cling to the still shell-shocked Takka. "and, I say: if Karnac ever

comes near Takka again..he won't have to worry about Prison. (shouting) BECAUSE I WILL KILL HIM!!"


Jinora and Ikki hugged on another. Actually scared of the reincarnation of their grandfather.


"Korra, You aren't thinking this through." said Tenzin, sternly. "Killing Karnac won't solve anything..but, it will land you

in prison instead of HIM. Is THAT what you want?!"


"If that's what it takes to protect Takka..then, YES. I will take that risk!"


Tenzin was shocked at Korra's behavior.


"In any case, Takka IS NOT going to testify in court against Karnac." continued Korra. "I won't allow that monster to

terrorize Takka anymore!"


"KORRA!, Takka may be our best hope at putting Karnac away for good." snapped Tenzin (who was trying his best to remain

calm.) "If not, we risk Karnac getting aquitted..and, trying AGAIN to kill your friend."


Korra gripped Takka tighter as she continued to glare at Tenzin, holding him closer to her like a mother PlatypusBear.


"I know you are trying to protect Takka, Korra..but, this ISN'T the best way to do that."


Korra remained firm as stone against her master. "I won't let Karnac do to Takka what Amon did to me."


Tenzin eyed Korra. "So, is THIS what this is all about?! Your fear of Amon!?"


Korra said nothing. So, Tenzin continued. "Korra, you can't let your own fears overrule your judgement-"


"TAKKA ISN'T GOING!!" roared Korra at Tenzin, practically screaming at Tenzin. "and, THAT. IS. FINAL!!"


"STOP!!" exclaimed Takka (having at last regained his senses) breaking from Korra. "Stop. i'll..I'll do it."


"WHAT!?" exclaimed Korra. "Takka, NO! Karnac wil-"


"I'm sorry, Korra. but, Tenzin is right..I have to do this." Takka looked deeply into his friend's eyes. "If Karnac gets

away, he'll come after me again..and, Next Time, he'll be ready for the Avatar's resistance."


"I'm NOT afraid of him!"


"but, I am." said Takka, his eyes wetting. "and, I have to face him..just as YOU will have to face Amon someday."


Korra was taken aback at this. "tak-"


"I'm sorry.." said Takka, as he turned away. "but, I've made my decision: I'm going to testify."