GGuard
You know the drill, Zaheer.
ZaheerOf course. (he stands, puts his hands on his head, and faces the wall)
GGuard
[puts down the food tray] Hope you still like rice.
Zaheer
Have you ever read the poetry of the great airbending Guru, Laghima?
Zaheer
Guru Laghima lived 4000 years ago in the Northern Air Temple. It is said that he unlocked the secrets of weightlessness and became untethered from the earth, living his final 40 years without ever touching the ground.
GGuard
(smirks) Is that how you plan to escape, with something you picked up from an old airbender childrens story?
Zaheer
Like all great children's tales, it contains truth within the myth. Laghima once wrote, "Instinct is a lie, told by a fearful body, hoping to be wrong."
GGuard
What's that supposed to mean?
Zaheer
It means, that when you base your expectations only on what you see, you blind yourself to the possibilities of a new reality.
[Zaheer airbends and catches the guard on the bars with his hands, grabbing him by the throat]
Zaheer
[to the other Firebending guards] Ah,ah,ah. You wouldn't wanna singe your friend, would you?
GGuard
How?! You're not a bender!
Zaheer
Nature is constantly changing. Like the Wind.
Zaheer
Now you might wanna ration that bowl of rice; you've got three weeks until the next shift change. It's the dawning of a new age, the end of the White Lotus... and soon, the end of the Avatar.
Zaheer
(angrily) What happened back in Zaofu? You told me we wouldn't have any problems getting the Avatar. Because of you, we've all been compromised.
AAiwei
No- any evidence was destroyed when my library burned.
Zaheer
Where is your physical body now?
AAiwei
At the Misty Palms Inn. But there is no need to worry, I was not followed.
Zaheer
You left a loose end.
AAiwei
I assure you, no one knows anything about us-
Zaheer
No. You are the loose end. (he lunges forward and grabs Aiwei)
(jumps out from behind the tree) Zaheer!
Zaheer
(smiles) It seems Aiwei was mistaken: he was followed.
That's right. We knew he'd lead us straight to you. So what did you do with him?
Zaheer
He'll be spending eternity in the Fog of Lost Souls... which just leaves the two of us.
(raises her fists) Don't move, Zaheer! You're gonna give me some answers!
Zaheer
(sits down) There's no need for aggression. Neither of us has our bending, and I'm not going anywhere. I'll answer whatever questions you have; you deserve that much. (Korra lowers her fists, surprised) What would you like to know?
First off, who are you people, and why do you keep trying to take me?
Zaheer
We are part of a secret society, dedicated to restoring freedom to the world. We... are the Red Lotus.
Red Lotus? Are... you related to the White Lotus?
Zaheer
We are what the White Lotus was meant to be. But after the Hundred Year War, the White Lotus lost its true purpose. Its members came out of hiding, and openly served the Avatar. They became nothing but glorified bodyguards, who served corrupt nations. So a great man named Xai Bao broke from the White Lotus, and began his own society.
(sarcastically) That's a great story, but it doesn't explain why you tried to take me when I was a kid.
Zaheer
That... was Unalaq's idea.
(surprised) What? My uncle was part of the Red Lotus?
Zaheer
(whispering) Avatar Korra. Misty Palms Inn. Find her.
You two go. I'll stay and make sure Zaheer's body is safe. (Ghazan and Ming-Hua leave)
Zaheer
(to Korra) I met your uncle when I was a teenager, after we had both joined the Red Lotus. We learned about Raava and Vaatu, and how Avatar Wan foolishly severed them, disrupting the balance of the world forever.
(angrily) Avatar Wan wasn't foolish! He was trying to restore balance!
Zaheer
He closed the portals, severing humans from spirits. Even you realize the error in his ways.
So all along, you and my uncle planned to use me, to open the portals and release Vaatu?! That's why you tried to take me when I was a kid?!
Zaheer
Yes. And with members of the Red Lotus as your elemental masters, we could've taught you so much.
Sounds like you wanted to brainwash me, so I'd do whatever you wanted.
Zaheer
No, Korra. All I wanted, was to show the Avatar a better path for the world.
If my uncle came up with the plan to abduct me as a kid, why wasn't he caught?
Zaheer
He wasn't with us that night... and he covered up his involvement, afterwards.
So he betrayed you, just like he betrayed me.
Zaheer
(nods grimly) Yes. He allowed me and my friends to remain in prison while he pursued his own selfish goals. Unalaq becoming a Dark Avatar was never part of our mission.
What is your "mission", exactly?
Zaheer
I want what you want. To restore balance to this world.
[smirks] I don't think our ideas of balance are the same.
Zaheer
Are you sure about that? [Korra's smirk fades] You kept the Spirit Portals open, but why stop there? Bringing the spirits back should only be the beginning.
Zaheer
The idea of having nations and governments, is as foolish as keeping the human and spirit realms separate. You've had to deal with a moronic president, and a tyrannical Queen. Don't you think the world would be better off... if leaders like them were eliminated?
(shocked) No! I-I mean, I don't really agree with what they've done, but... taking out world leaders isn't the answer!
Zaheer
It wasn't too long ago, that the Airbenders were nearly all wiped out, thanks to the Fire Lord's desire for world dominance. True freedom can only be achieved when oppressive governments are torn down.
But that won't bring balance, it will throw the world into chaos!
Zaheer
(smiles) Exactly. The natural order, is disorder. [pause] Do you know who once said, "New growth cannot exist, without first the destruction of the old?"
Zaheer
The wise Guru Laghima...an airbender.
What is this rifraf doing in my throne room unannounced?!
Zaheer
(bows) Apologies, Your Majesty. But I couldn't help overhearing that the Avatar won't be joining us today.
The Avatar is still in my custody! However, eavesdropping on royal conversations will land you in a cell right next to those boys you brought in! Now, if you value your freedom, you'll tell me where the airbenders are, right now!
Zaheer
(coldly) That wasn't the deal.
(furious) I will not bandy words with bounty hunters! Seize these hoodlums and throw them in prison, until they decide to show proper respect for the Crown!
(cowering behind her throne) GUN! GET BACK HERE AND LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE FOR YOUR QUEEN, YOU COWARD! (arrogantly, as Zaheer aproaches) You wouldn't DARE attack a Queen!
Zaheer
(coldly) Maybe I forgot to mention something to you... I don't believe in Queens.
Zaheer
(angrily) You think that freedom is something you can give or take, on a whim. But to your people, freedom is just as essential as... air. And without it... there is no life. There is only... darkness.
Zaheer
It's a pleasure to finally meet a true airbending master.
What is it you want from us?
Zaheer
Nothing at all. In fact, if everyone cooperates, you will all walk out of this situation unharmed.
Then what are you doing here?
Zaheer
I want Korra. And I'm tired of chasing her.
You're using us as leverage!
Zaheer
Yes.
I will never let you get to Korra!
Zaheer
Unfortunately, you don't have a choice.
Jinora! Get everyone out of here! Bumi, Kya, help me hold them off!
And stay out of her line of sight! Go, go!
Zaheer
Drop your staff and surrender yourself! (long pause) Don't make me come get you!
(via radio) Mako! What's going on?
They're here, but so is the lavabender!
Tell Ghazan to let the Airbenders go!
Zaheer
Not until you turn yourself over. This isn't a negotiation! (long pause, Zaheer raises his radio) Wipe them out!
No! Wait! I'm coming. (she walks towards them)
Zaheer
(into his radio) Stand down.
(smirks) And don't bother trying to Metalbend out of these. They're platinum. (she pushes Korra towards Zaheer)
Zaheer
(to Ghazan, via radio) We have her.
It's okay, Tenzin. We're about to get you out of here-
(deflects her attack with Firebending and grabs his radio) Korra! It was a trick, they're not here! Don't turn yourself over!
(to Zaheer, furious) We had a deal!
(to Lin, via radio) Chief, get Korra outta there, now!
(to her team) Go, go, go!
(struggling frantically) When I get out of here, none of you will survive!
Zaheer
You won't get out, unless the Metal Clan taught you a way to bend platinum. Once we administer this poison, your body will naturally react, forcing you into the Avatar State, in an effort to keep you alive. Sadly for you, you'll be entering it for the last time.
(shocked) No! The Avatar Cycle-
Zaheer
Yes. When we dispatch you in the Avatar State, the cycle will end. (glances at the other members of the Red Lotus) So we lucky few, this band of brothers and sisters in anarchy, are witnessing the beginning of an era of true freedom. Together, we will forge a world without Kings and Queens- without borders or nations. Where Man's only allegiance is to himself, and those he loves. We will return to the true balance... of natural order. And though you will never again be re-born, your name will echo throughout history: Korra, the last Avatar.
So, the trouble begins when the Avatar is trapped in the Spirit World. The world's most evil villains realize that with Korra out of the way, the time is right to try to take out Bolin. So, the worst of the worst team up. They're led by ... Zaheer, leader of the Red Lotus and master of the skies, a flying chaotic chaos machine! He's joined by ... Vaatu, the ultimate force of pure spirit evil in the universe. The biggest, meanest, scariest kite that ever flew!
Wait! Zaheer didn't team up with Vaatu. How would that even happen?
Zaheer
Hey. It's Zaheer.
Zaheer
Glad I caught you at home. [chuckles]
Uh-huh. Very funny. Like I can leave this stupid tree.
Zaheer
Hold on, let me conference in—
Amon! The reanimated zombie body of the bloodbending leader of the Equalists!
Hey, guys, I'm totally in for taking out Bolin. He's way too powerful and awesome. But can we please not include—
The evil Unalaq. The diabolical but incredibly boring and unpopular sorcerer from the north, who's listening in on the other line!
I've spent my life trying to defeat Nuktuk, I mean, Bolin, and I know just where to find him.
[Korra confronts Zaheer in his prison; he is meditating in mid-air, his wrists and ankles shackled]
Zaheer
I figured you would show up, sooner or later. So... You must really be in trouble if you came all the way down here to see me.
I came here to look you in the eye and tell you that you have no power over me. I will no longer be scared of you.
[Zaheer suddenly flies straight at Korra, who is visibly startled, before he is restrained by his chains]
Zaheer
[laughs] I guess it didn't work. You still seem scared.
Zaheer
I know why you're here.
You don't know anything about me!
Zaheer
You can't go into the Spirit World. [Korra, surprised, turns and faces Zaheer] I spend most of my time in the Spirit World, and it's well-known that the Avatar's spirit hasn't been there for a few years.
You can meditate into the Spirit World from here? Doesn't feel very spiritually charged.
Zaheer
This is your problem. Republic City is flowing with spiritual energy, and you can't even tap into it.
No, my problem is you. You poisoned me! You ruined me! People used to think I was unstoppable, but now they don't think I'm capable of anything!
Zaheer
Blaming me is a crutch to make you feel better, but it's not helping you recover.
I thought seeing you face-to-face would put an end to all of this, but maybe it's time I realize I'll never be the same.
Zaheer
Neither of us are the same as before. I learned to fly, but now I'm bound in chains. You have all the power in the world and the freedom to use it, but you choose to hold yourself down.
I'm not holding myself down, but my powers have limits.
Zaheer
You're wrong. That poison should've killed you, but you were able to fight it off. You think your power has limits. I say... it's limitless.
Whatever. Before, you were always talking about chaos and freedom. Then you took out the Earth Queen and created the worst dictator the Earth Kingdom has ever seen. Thanks for that.
Zaheer
(frowns, grimly)...I've heard rumors about her, but I didn't know she achieved so much power. She needs to be stopped.
Well, I can't stop her unless I get over this block.
Zaheer
I think I can help. Let me lead you into the spirit world.
No way. I can't trust you.
Zaheer
Maybe not. But if you had any other options, you wouldn't be here now, would you? We may have been enemies once, but for now, our interests align.
...I've come this far. What have I got to lose?
Zaheer
Focus on the sound of my voice and clear your mind.
Zaheer
Let it play out.
Zaheer
You can. Accept what happened to you. Don't fear what might have been.
Zaheer
Don't be afraid. Hold on.
I made it... and you led me here. Do you know where Jinora and the others are?
Zaheer
No. But you do.
The Legend of Korra · 160 quotes
