Jinora stared forward as the Equalists approached. With their metal weapons sparking furiously and their eyes glowing, they looked like the creatures that stalked her nightmares. They weren't men and woman anymore, but demons determined to take away everything she loved.

They walked towards her father, still cautious despite the fact he was still unconscious. They feared him even now.

"Get away from him," her mother shouted, though she still clutched at her children, holding Jinora's arm to prevent her from moving. There was no need. Jinora doubted if she or her siblings would be able to move, their own fear rooting them in place.

The Equalists ignored Pema though, continuing their advance until Amon suddenly called out.

"No. Not him," he said. "We need the councilman to spread our message. A pity he is not conscious to see it but I'm sure the effects will speak for themselves."

For a moment there was a pause, as though the soldiers did not know what to do and then as one all eyes turned to Jinora and her siblings.

"No!" Pema shouted as Ikki whimpered beside her.

"Amon these are the last Air benders left," Lin said, suddenly recovering from her own loss. "You take their bending and you will bring down the entire might of the United Republic of Nations to this city."

"Precisely," he said softly. "And we shall take their bending too. I told you, your age is over."

He started to walk towards them himself now, as the Equalists began to circle.

"Do not underestimate them!"

"But Amon, they are just children..." the Lieutenant replied, the only man to speak to Amon. "How dangerous-"

"Children have ended wars," Amon interrupted. "Their fire will still burn, their earth still crush. A child can create gales and a child can blood bend... Do not underestimate them."

"Yes Amon."

All the Equalists stiffened at the words, their weapons readying. Jinora could feel her heart beating in her chest, her blood pumping and her head racing. And then it all went still.

Shuddering she took a breath, willing the air to move. It burst up her arm, loosening her mothers grip and she slipped free, darting forward to stand in front of her family.

"Jinora no!"

"Its okay mom," she said, trying to keep her voice steady as she faced Amon. "You only need one?"

He stared at her briefly before nodding.

"Protecting your siblings, just like the oldest should... but you need not be afraid, Jinora."

She shivered as he said her name, hoping he didn't notice.

"You think your bending a blessing but it is far from it. How different would your life be if you couldn't bend? I can't imagine the pressures on your shoulders, the weight of a nation and the eyes of the world always on you. Watching you, judging you. Without bending, the Air Nomads would not be on the brink of extinction, your culture lost for one hundred years of war. You would be a normal girl without it. I can give you that chance, ease your burden and what do you really lose?"

"This."

Her arm flew forward, air moving with it. It slammed hard into two Equalists, too slow to react to an attack they couldn't see. At the same time, fire burst from the crowd a lone bender still able to move.

For the first time that night, The Equalists were on the back foot. Air and Fire working in tandem to defend and attack. Two men ran at her, but Jinora had mastered the Air gates years ago. These men were nothing.

Duck, weave, side step, slide. Avoid. Evade. All her training screamed in her head as she dodged strikes and stabs. She couldn't concentrate on anything but her attackers as she danced through the air.

But more were coming, adapting to her attacks. She was smaller and quicker but these were fighters and it hit Jinora all at once that she had no idea how to attack. All her training was about escaping danger. Avoid the attack to run away.

There was no escape here. All the doors were locked and barred. Even if she could get away, her family was still here. They couldn't get away.

Her ally, the fire bender, was doing better than her. She recognized him from earlier in the party. He had arrived with Lin she thought so he must be police. Two Equalists lay at his feet as he engaged with three other attackers at once. He was holding his own, but just barely.

Her heart sank as she realised the truth. They couldn't win this. Unless...

She turned her gaze towards Amon. He stood in the violence as though it was the park, unfazed and stoic. With no effort he had avoided both of their attack, having complete faith his soldiers could beat them. But if she could beat him, then they couldn't do anything to her.

The air expanded below her, blasting Jinora into the air as she twirled through the air, knocking two solders off their feet. She landed low, spinning her legs to create a circle of air, that spun out knocking everybody nearby off their feet, Equalists and party goer alike.

Then, fighting every instinct she had, Jinora ran at Amon.

He stood unmoving as she ran. His mask hiding everything, preventing her from gauging any reaction. It didn't matter. She just needed one hit. One solid hit and unless the Spirits intervened he would be down.

She dodged and dived as she circled him, determined to throw the man off balance but Amon just stood, his mask making it impossible to tell if he was even looking at her.

Suddenly Jinora heard the Fire Bender cry out as one of the lightning sticks struck home and he crumpled, groaning onto the ground. Dread grew within her. She was on her own and as the rest of the Equalists turned to her, Jinora knew it was now or never.

Like an orange dart, she launched her self at him, using the air to accelerate. He had seen her move, dodging to the side. But the air was her element and even without a glider she could somewhat move herself, readjusting mid flight.

But it wasn't enough. Jinora felt as though her body was being pulled down by some mysterious force. A cry of dismay and disbelief burst from the Air Benders lips, as she flew past him and then she felt rapid stabs of pain over her body. Numbness filled her and she crashed down hard onto the stone floor.

A coppery taste darted across her tongue as she realised her lip had burst. She couldn't remember ever bleeding before.

Rolling over she could see him approaching but when she moved to air bend, nothing happened. Jinora could hear her mother screaming and the cries of Meelo as she desperately tried to crawl away.

"I am sorry if I hurt you Jinora," Amon said softly. "But know your pain will be some of the last felt by-"

Suddenly he stopped walking, pausing mid-sentence. So close to her. Within arms reach. All it would take was for him to reach out his hand and her life would be over.

"Lieutenant?"

"Yes Amon."

"How many of our brothers and sisters did we bring tonight?"

"Sixteen sir," he said after a pause, obviously as confused as everyone else by the sudden halt. "If you include ourselves."

"Then why do I count ten?"

Twin tendrils of water burst from the shadows, wrapping around two Equalists and sending them flying into the walls with screams of fear.

"Eight actually."

The voice held a mechanical crackle, as though filtered through several radios. The only clue that it was human was the slight female pitch and the armor figured that had appeared at the top of the stairs.

The woman almost looked like an Equalist, though her armor looked lighter and stripped down. The head was completely covered in a full helmet with flowing green eyes, the same style as all the others. However this armor held no colour, pitch black save the barest hint of silver and grey around the joints.

Both tendrils of water shrank back towards the woman, solidifying into long sharp spears of ice in her hands. The weapons cut though the air with a soft whir as she span them and Jinora let out the breath she didn't know she had been holding as Amon turned away from her.

It took everything in Asami's power not to sigh in relief as Amon turned away from Jinora. If one of the four remaining Air benders had lost their bending in her home during her event, she would have been scrutinized beyond belief. Lin would have free reign to investigate whoever she liked, and Asami would have had to delay her schedule by months, maybe years.

She didn't know why Korra had come back but right now she didn't care. Korra could tell her later, but whatever the reason it had saved their cause.

Even so, they weren't out of the danger yet. Asami knew that Korra was a skilled fighter, but so were the Equalists and they outnumbered her eight to one. Mako had only managed to take down two and that was with some of them focusing their efforts on Jinora. If she lost Korra then they were done.

What happened next would be crucial. They couldn't let Amon talk, he was too dangerous. Right now Korra had surprise on her side and the Equalists were taken aback. That much was obvious from the way they stared at her, continuing to glance at their leader, awaiting orders like good soldiers.

"It appears we are not the only uninvited guests Lieutenant," Amon said. "Though I do wonder where your companion is? I would prefer not to talk to a thug. Is your leader not here, I had heard there was always two of you."

Korra had descended fully now, standing in from of the Equalists solders, all eyes upon her. The spears of ice hung in her hands, ready to be used at a seconds notice.

"Not replying? Are you just a mindless drone listening to your master but what do you do when she isn't here? Unless of course, she is here."

How did he know so much? His threatened her softly with every word, preventing her from doing anything for fear or him revealing her. There had to be a leak in her group. There wouldn't be for much longer.

But he had a point. Korra was far from mindless but they were all out of their depth here. The water bender had managed to half the forces she had to deal with but there were still another seven soldiers to deal with and of course, Amon himself.

The man had demonstrated inhuman speeds tonight. Benders of Water, Earth, Fire and even Air had failed to land a hit on him tonight. Asami could predict what an opponent would do to a certain extent but Amon could read people like books. It was almost like he could control their movements, pulling their strings while he weaved around them.

"You should leave," Korra said, finally breaking her silence. The filter Asami had designed to disguise them, sounded painfully inadequate and she hoped that it was just that she knew Korra's voice so well that it sounded obvious. "I have business here tonight."

"I'm sure you do," Amon replied. "But I'm afraid your crusade ends here."

The weapons sparked into life as the men and woman of the Equalists entered battle formation. But none of them moved to attack yet all of them waiting for Amon. Asami suppressed a smirk. They would regret their hesitation.

Not waiting for the order, Korra shot forward and Asami watched as the water benders weapon slammed into the side of an Equalists head knocking them to the ground. Two more jumped in to engage her and Korra was forced to flip backwards to avoid being caught between them.

As she span through the air, Asami could just make out her bending twin shards of ice that cut through the air and slices the legs of an Equalists.

She watched as they cried out in pain, blood flowing onto the floor. He was lucky. Fro the blood rate, she hadn't hit anything major just enough to disable him briefly. Asami wouldn't have been as generous.

But the Equalists had recovered now, with Lieutenant yelling orders and making them fight as one unit. Korras advantage was gone and was struggling to take any more down. Anytime one lost their footing or misstepped, two more would compensate stopping Korra from capitalizing on their mistake.

They were at a stalemate. They still couldn't hit her or take her down, but their defense meant Korra couldn't whittle them down. Eventually she would tire and slip up. And then...

Asami glanced at their leader. Amon hadn't moved merely watching curiously as his men dealt with intruder. She hated that mask that prevented Asami from reading any emotion. It was almost fortunate for him that he was burned she mused. The mask gave him several advantages a normal face wouldn't. It was why she and Korra wore them after all.

Right now she didn't have a mask. It was down in her workshop, hidden beneath trap door that very few people knew was there. So she just had to make do and play her part.

The crowds made it easier. Asami could gasp and look as scared as the rest of them. They gave her something to blend into. Everyone in the room was worried having nor idea who they actually wanted to win the fight. Only she knew that the woman in black meant them no harm. Not tonight at least.

But when the Lieutenant got lucky, landing a blow that knocked Korra to her knees and allowing an Equalist strike her arms, Asami was grateful they were there. Without a crowd she would have seemed so obvious, visibly flinching as Korra just managed to back flip away nursing her arm.

The armor wasn't made to stop chi-blocking. Asami hadn't considered it necessary when she had designed it. It was meant to provide protection without restricting movement. Both of their fighting styles relied on speed after all.

Thankfully it seemed that it had mitigated some of the damage as Korra seemed like she could still move the arm though her bending seemed to be blocked from that arm.

"Let's see how tough you without your bending," The Lieutenant smirked as he rushed forward determined to end the fight himself.

"I don't need it to beat you,"

Korra met his first punch, blocking it with her weak arm and striking out with her other. The Lieutenant stumbled back, obviously surprised or at her skill. Unfortunately he didn't push his luck and rejoined the others.

With her still functioning arm, Korra began to bend what little water she had left hardening over body to create her own ice armor. Clever, Asami thought. Earth benders used the trick all the time but water benders were normally restricted due to the cold. Korra must have decided the armor underneath would protect her enough from the icy temperatures. Or she was just gritting her teeth and bearing it.

The latter seemed more likely if she knew Korra.

The Equalists continued to advance, their numbers still unchanged even if they were a little bruised.

"Enough!" Amon called out suddenly as all eyes turned to him once more. "It seems we are out of time."

Then Asami heard it. She had been too focused on the fight before but now she could hear the soft sounds of sirens getting closer.

"Lieutenant, retrieve our wounded brothers and sisters and proceed with the extraction," he said before turning back to his captive audience for one final time. "I apologize that our night was interrupted but rest assured that you will be hearing from us again."

His mask gazed across the room caring anyone to speak against him. To deny his power or to ague his cause. There was silence.

Asami knew she should say something. With the right words his revolution could lose all steam and all these people would leave, nervous but on the whole unharmed. They would tell the story of their capture and how despite the power he possessed, Amon had been overcome.

She stayed silent. Amon may be a bigot but he was right about these people. There time was over, whether it be her judgment or Amons. Let him have his moment as long as he stayed out of her way.

Their eyes met for a second and Asami let her illusion of fear and helplessness drop for a moment. Just a moment to convey her anger. Behind his mask she hoped he was nervous. Somehow she doubted it.

"The Time of Bending is over Republic City. Whether or not you accept it or if you fight is up to you. Don't make this city suffer more than it already has under your rule."

There was a crack and a bang then all the lights went out. Screams of shock rang through the air. No one knew if they were free or about to be attacked again. Utter chaos. Everything you needed to escape without a trail.

But Asami could use it too.

"Where do you need me?" Korra whispered, appearing at her side within moments. No time to waste if the lights could be on at any second. "Here?"

"No, follow the Equalists. Don't engage but find out where they are hiding. They will have to answer for this."

Balls of lights crackled throughout the room. Fire benders who still had access to their elements. They didn't have much time.

"Go," she whispered before pushing her away and shouting. "Get away from me!"

She felt something cold hit the side of her head. Not that hard. Just enough to sell the scene. It still hurt.

"Asami!" She heard her father yell as she hit the ground. "Asami no."

The lights came on and Korra was standing over her. In her full black armor and mechanical mask, Asami had to admit she looked terrifying. Is that what she looked liked to think she did.

"One chance Sato," Korra hissed at her, the mechanical distortion crackling harshly. "Don't waste it."

Ice flew from Korras wrist shattering a window with a crash. Before anyone had time to recover or attack Korra jumped into the air and out into the night.

Asami let herself sink back into the ground as people started to run towards her. She only had a few moments until she would be called upon but she would take every moment she could get.

And then she would get to work. The night may be over, but Asami not done. Someone would pay for this.

Authors note

First of all, sorry this update took so long. I'll try not to leave the next one this late again.

It was just a mixture of being busy and slight writers block on trying to write the many action sequences these few chapter required. Hopefully it came out okay.

Additionally it was pointed out to me that my grammar and speeding could use a bit of work so I have been trying to correct some of the previous chapters. Nothing plot related will change but if you notice any differences that it why.

if you happen to notice any other grammar or spelling errors going forward please let me know so I can keep improving. I can sometimes have trouble with proof reading.

Once again thanks for reading and please follow and leave a review of you haven't already. It is much appreciated.