Tenzin quotes from The Legend of Korra

Tenzin

Earth. Fire. Air. Water. Only the Avatar, can master all four elements, and bring balance to the world.

Tenzin

Jinora, come forward. (Jinora approaches and kneels, wearing a hood) Today, we welcome the first airbending master in a generation. And I couldn't be more proud of my daughter. (Jinora looks up and smiles) When the existence of our people was threatened, when the Avatar's life hung in the balance, Jinora never gave up hope. Thanks to her leadership, I see a very bright future for the Air Nation. Of course, there would be no Air Nation without Avatar Korra: she opened the portals and somehow the world began anew for us. And she was even willing to lay down her own life in order to protect ours. There's no way we can ever repay her for all she's done. But we can follow her example of service and sacrifice. So while she recuperates, the Air Nation will reclaim its nomadic roots and roam the earth. But unlike our ancestors, we will serve people of all nations, working wherever there is corruption and discord to restore balance and peace. Avatar Korra, I vow that we will do everything in our power to follow in your footsteps and bring harmony to the world. (Tenzin bows to a wheelchair-bound Korra, who nods back) Now, let us anoint the master who will help lead us in our new path.

Tenzin

Earth. Fire. Air. Water. When I was a boy, my father, Avatar Aang, told me the story of how he and his friends heroically ended the Hundred Year War. Avatar Aang and Fire Lord Zuko transformed the Fire Nation colonies into the United Republic of Nations, a society where benders and non-benders from all over the world could live and thrive together in peace and harmony. They named the capital of this great land Republic City. Avatar Aang accomplished many remarkable things in his life, but sadly, his time in this world came to an end. And like the cycle of the seasons, the cycle of the Avatar began anew.

Korra

[over radio] I'm so happy to be here! Thank you, Republic City!

Tenzin

[over radio] Alright, that's all the questions we... [Radio is turned off by Lieutenant]

Amon, how do you want to handle this?

Amon

[staring at a giant map of the Avatar world] So, the Avatar has arrived early. It looks like we'll have to accelerate our plans. [he turns to face the Lieutenant]

Tenzin

So my mother informed my that you've never been able to airbend before.

Korra

Yeah, but I don't know why. The other elements came so easily to me, but every single time I've tried airbending [sticks out her tongue] nothing.

Tenzin

It's perfectly alright, you just need to be patient. Often the element that is most difficult for the Avatar to master is the one most opposite to the Avatar's personality. For Aang, it was earthbending.

Korra

Well, I'm about as opposite an airbender as you can get.

Tenzin

That was a 2000 year old historical treasure. What... What is *wrong* with you?!

Korra

?

Tenzin

I see Tarrlok's gifts are getting more and more extravagant.

Korra

(practicing her airbending maneuvers) Yeah. That guy really doesn't know how to take no for an answer.

Tenzin

Korra... are you doing all right?

Korra

Yeah! I'm... fine.

Tenzin

Why don't you take a break? (he sits down, Korra joins him) I'm glad you turned down Tarrlok, but I just wanted to make sure your decision was for the right reason.

Korra

I'm just really... focused on my airbending right now, is all.

Tenzin

(unconvinced) Right, that's... what you said. You know, it's okay to be scared. The whole city is frightened by what's been going on. The important thing is to talk about our fears, because if we don't, they can throw us out of balance. (stands and walks away) I'm always here for you, if you want to talk.

Korra

(concerning Lin Beifong) What is her deal? Even when she's on my side she's against me!

Tenzin

I've known Lin since we were children. She's always been... challenging.

Korra

What did your father do to make her hate the Avatar so much?

Tenzin

My father and Lin got along famously. I'm afraid her issues are... with me.

Korra

Wait a second! It all makes sense now. You and Beifong, Beifong and you, you two were a couple!

Tenzin

WHAT?! How- Where'd you get that idea?

Korra

Ha! Your wife.

Tenzin

Crimeny! I'll have to have a word with her.

Korra

So, Pema stole you from Beifong. I'm surprised our "esteemed Chief of Police" didn't throw her in jail.

Tenzin

Oh, she tried. Anyway, Pema didn't steal me, Lin and I had been growing apart for some time. We both had... different goals in life- Why am I even telling you this?! It all happened a long time ago and we've moved past it.

Korra

Mmm, apparently Beifong hasn't.

Tenzin

What do you mea-- Of course she has. Anyway, this is none of your business.

Korra

See you at home, Mr. Heartbreaker! [laughs]

Lin Beifong

I can't believe your sweet-tempered father was reincarnated into that girl. She's tough as nails.

Tenzin

Reminds me of someone else I knew at that age. You two might get along if you would only give her a chance.

Lin Beifong

Hmph.

Lin Beifong

I can't believe Amon did this. I played right into his hand.

Tenzin

He played us all. Republic City is at war.

Oh, no.

Tenzin

[gasps]

[show the end of "The Puppetmaster" from Avatar: The Last Airbender, from the page point of views, tearfuls] Stop... please!

Korra

[back in the present day, shocked] Hey! What did you do that for?!

Tenzin

What else to Hama bloodbends Katara do. It saw you.

Korra

Hama is a bad guy to do!

Tenzin

What has done with Katara?!

Tenzin

So you think Mr. Sato manufactured those gloves for the Equalists, then framed Cabbage Corp?

Lin Beifong

That's a bold accusation. But what proof do you have?

Korra

Well, I don't exactly have proof, but I know what I heard. Sato's up to something.

Lin Beifong

He does have the means. And he has a motive.

Tenzin

That's right.

Korra

A motive? What is it?

Tenzin

Twelve years ago, the Agni Kai Triad robbed Sato's mansion. A Firebender killed Sato's wife during the break-in.

Korra

That's terrible.

Tenzin

It was tragic. It is possible he's been harboring anti-bending sentiment all this time.

Lin Beifong

Maybe we should look at Mr. Sato a little more closely.

Lin Beifong

My Metalbenders are on their way to Amon and it's all my fault. Tarrlok's right. I've failed as chief. First thing in the morning, I'm handing in my resignation.

Tenzin

No! You can't give up like this.

Lin Beifong

I'm not giving up. I'm gonna find my officers and take Amon down. But I'm gonna do it my way: Outside the law.

Mako

[To Korra] I'm sorry I didn't believe you. But Asami's dad being an Equalist is not an easy thing to believe. Even now.

Korra

I know. I'm sorry this whole thing happened.

Mako

So, does your offer to stay on Air Temple Island still stand?

Korra

Of course it does. And Asami's welcome too.

Mako

Thank you so much.

Korra

After everything she's been through, she's gonna need you, Mako. [Mako walks up to a saddened Asami and embraces her]

Tenzin

Tarrlok, I don't know what you did to get Chief Saikhan in your pocket, but I highly doubt it was legal.

Tarrlok

Oh, Tenzin, always the conspiracy theorist. Did you ever consider Saikhan simply recognizes my talents and wants what is best for this city? [Tenzin scoffs] Well, Avatar Korra. Long time no see. Now that your little Pro-Bending distractions are over, I look forward to your return to my taskforce.

Korra

Forget it. There’s no way I’m rejoining your vanity project.

Tarrlok

That is unfortunate to hear, but I’m sure you’ll come to your senses, as you have in the past.

Korra

Don't hold your breath, bub. You know, Tenzin's been right about you all along. You played me, you played Beifong, and now you're playing the new Chief, too. Well, I got news for you. You need me, but I don't need you. I'm the Avatar.

Tarrlok

You're not, in fact, the Avatar. You're merely a half-baked Avatar in training. Which reminds me, how is your airbending going? Made any significant progress? [Korra doesn't answer, but looks at Tarrlok with a mix of anger and sadness on her face.] I didn't think so. [Tarrlok begins to walk away] If you will not be part of my task force, then you had best stay out of my way!

Korra

[to Saikhan] You’re officially the worst Chief of Police ever!

Tenzin

Calm down Korra, I’ll get this sorted out. We just need to be patient. [to Saikhan] But you really are the worst. Ever.