| “ | For the South to grow strong again, all foreign presence must be eradicated, especially the North. | „ |
| ~ Gilak to Katara and Sokka. |
| “ | The Southern Water Tribe needs a leader who's strong, a leader who won't betray his people...a leader like me! | „ |
| ~ Gilak to Hakoda. |
Gilak is the main antagonist of the North and South trilogy, the fifth Avatar comic trilogy to take place between The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. He is a Southern Water Tribe warrior turned terrorist leader.
History[]
Hundred Year War[]
During the Hundred Year War, Gilak served under Hakoda in his unit against the Fire Nation, greatly admiring him as a leader and a warrior. He was delighted when Hakoda was named the official Chief of the Southern Water Tribe, but later dismayed when he learned of Hakoda's unification plans with Malina and Maliq, two Northern Water Tribe citizens, which he saw as an invasion of the South.
Taking Back the South[]
Two of Gilak's loyal followers had attacked Maliq and stolen his briefcase containing plans to build an oil refinery in the South. Katara and Sokka followed them to Gilak's hideout, where he and his followers plotted their rebellion against what they saw as a hostile takeover by the North. Recognizing them as Hakoda's children, Gilak attempted to persuade them to join their cause, resorting to physically threatening Sokka. The two overpowered him and escaped with the briefcase. Knowing Hakoda would eventually learn of their group's existence, Gilak carved a message on the icy walls, warning him that he would soon reveal "the truth".
Gilak and his army attacked during a celebration festival and revealed the contents of the briefcase, stating that Malina and Maliq planned to control the South for its oil in the name of the North. Malina admitted to Gilak's accusations, stating they were unsure if the South was ready for such a responsibility, and she admitted to having been wrong about the South. However, Maliq continued to belittle the South for being so uncultured, further angering Gilak. Ignoring Malina's pleas and apology for her brother, Gilak ordered the attack to begin, causing Team Avatar to intervene. The two thieves who had stolen the briefcase cornered Malina and Maliq outside the city and subdued them, pleasing Gilak. Malina begged for mercy, but Gilak stated that the North was never a true part of the tribe. Before he could kill them, however, Hakoda blocked his attack.
Hakoda revealed he knew why the North was there, but convinced Malina they were ready for the responsibilities that came with unification, also stating that Fire Lord Zuko was once their enemy before becoming their ally, telling him that people can change. Thinking he had finally gotten through to Gilak, Hakoda extended his arm, only for Gilak to stab him in the chest. Katara angrily took him down, and Hakoda's officers arrested him and his troops.
Gilak remained in prison for some time until one of the guards, Officer Lirin, walked by him on patrol, telling him she had listened to his speech and believed his cause was just, stating her distrust and hatred of the Northerners. She slipped him the key to his cell, which he later used to escape, knocking out one of the other guards and freeing Thod, all while Lirin watched and immediately joined their group.
Gilak and Officer Lirin took some men and attacked Hakoda and Team Avatar while they were in a meeting with Zuko and Earth King Kuei. Shocked that one of his officers had betrayed him, Hakoda declared that Gilak would have to go through him if he wanted Malina. Gilak angrily stated that he was there to kill Hakoda, believing him and his weakness to be the true problem, openly declaring himself a more suitable leader for the Tribe. Gilak knocked Hakoda out and dragged him outside the city until he was taken down once again by Katara and Sokka. Gilak disappeared before he could be arrested again, and by then it was too late as everyone quickly realized that Gilak's other subordinates had kidnapped the Earth King during all the chaos.
Final Battle & Death[]
Gilak sent a letter demanding an exchange: Earth King Kuei for Hakoda. Meeting at the Bridge of No Return, Team Avatar arrived having met Gilak's conditions; all members were chi-blocked by Thod and the two thieves, rendering them unable to fight. Once Kuei and Hakoda were both in the center of the bridge, Gilak prepared to cut the ropes of the bridge to kill them both, but was instead blocked by Malina, who revealed that she and Toph's metalbending students had snuck over to the other side. Team Avatar then revealed they were wearing chain mail armor that blocks chi-blocking, designed by Toph's company. They attacked and defeated Thod and the two thieves, with Malina telling Gilak it was over.
Desperate to kill Hakoda, Gilak took a lit torch and sprinted towards the two, burning the bridge and splitting it in half. Zuko rescued Kuei while Aang pulled up Hakoda, who was holding onto Malina, who was holding up Gilak. Their combined weight was too much for Aang, who was unable to hold all of them up. Gilak, convinced Hakoda would die anyway, let go of Malina and cried out that even if he lost, Hakoda wouldn't win either, and he fell to his death.
