The blanket flung to the ground and Korra woke up in sweats. She scanned around and realised she was still in her bedroom. Naga let out a tiny whine and put her head on her lap. Korra started to calm down and patted the polar bear dog. The image of what happened yesterday was still vivid in her mind. Was it yesterday? It felt like yesterday. 

 It was still early in the morning. She tried to get back to sleep, but all she could think of was Amon picked her people one by one.

 If I can’t sleep, I might as well do something more useful. 

 She walked into the garden with Naga. They stopped at the wooden shed, the old place that Tenzin tried to teach her to meditate. Maybe it would be the right time to let her mind and spirit be free. She sat down and closed her eyes. It wasn't different from trying to sleep in bed, except the sleep part. She tried to think nothing, but all she could do was think about everything: the rumble when the building fell down, the screams from people tried to get away, the electric buzzed in the air, the image of Amon stood there, watching them.

 “I thought you hate meditating.”

 She startled but realised it was Tenzin. The Airbender looked sympathy like he had read her mind. 

“I should have been there,” he said.

 “I don’t want you to lose your bending trying to protect me too.”

 Tenzin shook his head, "I know you're sad about Lin, but whatever happened on that day, it wasn’t your fault.” His voice was so calm that she wanted to believe him. She slipped her finger beneath the grass to make sure this peaceful morning wasn’t a dream, and she wouldn’t wake up right back to the Pro-bending Arena.

 Korra mumbled, “I was there when it happened. The people need me, and I was there, but I couldn’t do anything. Everything happened so fast.” 

 “Life doesn’t always give you time to prepare for everything.”

 “Yes, but I’m the Avatar. A very useless one, but still the Avatar.” 

 “Don’t beat yourself up. You’re just a kid,” Tenzin muttered, “Amon has been terrorized the city for years. It should be up to the adults to protect everyone safe, and we do it poorly. It should be my job to keep you safe."

 He sounded regretful and Korra wondered if he would give her back to the White Lotus. But Tenzin didn’t mention anything about sending her away, so she took it as a sign to change the subject.

“How is that even possible to remove someone bending anyways? I know Chi-blockers can stop bending in a short period of time, but permanently?” Korra said.

 Tenzin raised an eyebrow, “It looks like someone didn’t read historical books.”

 “Reading isn’t my thing." She shrugged, "I like listening to people telling stories. Like how Katara always did.”

 “My mother has spoiled you too much.” He sighed, “It’s called Energy bending. It’s an ancient bending that was once forgotten until my father rediscovered it.”

 “Avatar Aang?” Korra choked, “Why would he wants to take away someone’s bending?”

 “He wanted to end the war without killing Fire Lord Ozai.” Tenzin said, “The monks taught him that every life is matter, and he wanted to honour their teaching. It was a right choice at that time.”

 Korra imagined being pushed into a situation where she had to kill someone to keep the world safe. She didn’t know if she could do it herself. At least she understood why Aang would want to look for an alternative solution. But to erase someone’s bending? It wasn’t just some magic. It was their way of life, their identity. Tahno and the Wolfbats would never go to the tournament ever again. They were jerks, but they were still people with dreams. Lin had protected a lot of people, and now she would never go back to her job. A lot of people would have their life changes completely. It felt like they were robbed.

 “Did he ever use it again after the war?” Korra said.

 Tenzin hesitated, “A few times, but only for the most dangerous benders that they had no other ways to do it.”

 Korra scowled, but then there was an idea flashed in her head.

 “If Aang knows how to remove bending, can he restore it?” she said.

 Tenzin gave a thought, “I don’t think so. I have never heard he could do it. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. And even if he could,” he glanced at her, “He wouldn’t be here anymore.”

 “But what if there is a way?” She urged, “The White Lotus told me that my past life would talk to me when I’m ready. What if he did know but he didn’t tell you? Maybe I can talk to him and ask him to help.”

 “You can try,” Tenzin said, but his voice was flat. She knew he didn't believe it, but she would rather put hope in this slim change than think that there are no other ways to help everyone. She went back to meditate. It was much easier now to focus on the image of Aang than trying to think nothing, but all of her focus was gone when they were interrupted by a strange voice.

“Councilman Tenzin!”

 She opened her eyes annoyingly and glanced in the direction Tenzin was looking. A man was approaching them. He was tall, braided hair, and wearing a Watertribe outfit.

 “Tarrlok.” Tenzin greeted him, but he didn’t look at the Airbender. The strange man was watching Korra interestedly.

 “The Avatar.” Takklok bowed at her, “It is truly an honour to meet you. I am Councilman Tarrlok, a representative from the Northern Water Tribe.”

 “Nice to meet you.” She bowed back.

 “You could have told me and the other members of council that the Avatar is visiting our city.” Tarrlok glanced at Tenzin. He was smiling, but his eyes said otherwise.

 “The White Lotus want her name to stay hidden to avoid the eyes and ears of enemies," Tenzin replied calmly but Korra could see the irritation on his face.

 “But I’m not the enemy, am I?” 

 Tenzin sighed, “Get to the point, Tarrlok. Why are you really here?”

 “An invitation.” Tarrlok cheered. He took out a letter from his jacket, “As you may know about Amon’s attack last week. I want to assemble a task force and strike at the revolution.” He then turned to Korra with a big smile, “And I want you to join me. I need someone who will help me attack Amon directly, someone who is fearless in the face of danger. And that someone, is you.”

 Korra wasn’t sure how to answer, but Tenzin stepped in between her and Tarrlok. “Korra will not join your task force. She will stay here on the island to train Airbending.”

 “That would be the decision of the Avatar, wouldn’t it?” Takklok waggled his finger. He smiled at Korra again, “Don’t you want to bring Amon to justice for what he has done?” 

 She narrowed her eyes at Amon’s name but then shook her head. “I can’t. I come here to train Airbending, and that what I need to do now.”

 Tarrlok was stunned. Obviously, the conceited man didn’t expect to be declined. His smile turned upside down, but then he remembered something and smirked. 

 “Very well. I respect your decision. But before I go, I think you may interest to read the investigation report. We have found a lead to where the electric glove is manufactured.” 

 He handed the letter to her, and she caught an alarmed look from Tenzin. They’re both know that it was a trick. But something inside told her that if she did not open it now, she would regret it later. So, she did.

“The Sato’s factory.” Korra gasped, “That is Asami father’s factory!” And Mako is working in there too. She thought.

“Exactly.” Tarrlok smiled, and she knew this man had won this time.