Chapter 11 Where am I now?
Hello again. You know me. I'm Avatar Nami and I'm sure you want a recap of everything that has happened since my last adventure. Well to make a long story short I had a girls night out with my mom and Natsumi, I studied about the previous Avatars like I always wanted to, ate like a goddess at my mom's request and danced my heart out that night on Kiyoshi Island. Yeah it almost brought me to tears when it came to how much I accomplished six months ago. Well nowadays the Red Revival has basically dissipated, most of its members were unable to reestablish the movement. I guess it's like Amon's Equalist movement, without the leader the whole group crumbles apart.
Anyway nowadays I'm 19 years old, I have read every conceivable book about Avatars in the past and I decided that now is the time for me to truly master my firebending. I was able to use firebending during my fight with B'li and S'li but I still don't use it as often as Earth or Air or even Water. I guess it's like how Korra used firebending the most often when she was the Avatar and how Aang used Airbending almost exclusively most of the time.
I was driving over to the Fire Nation to see Takuma's sister so she could teach me how to master my most difficult element. I had never met the other Sato so I was feeling more than a bit nervous as I arrived at the Future Industries Pyrotechnics Division. I got out of my car with my mother Haruka, The swordsman Takuma Sato and my initial firebending teacher Natsumi as we reached the guards at the front gates.
"Okay ladies and gentlemen let me see your bags. We just need to make sure you don't have any prohibited items before you enter the building."
All three of us complied but I noticed how there were guards everywhere in this facility. Granted Future Industries has a history of scandals but I thought after Varrick stole the machinery from the Future Industries main building back when Korra was involved in the Water Tribe Civil War that the company would be stable. Apparently another scandal took place after I left.
"Thank you for your cooperation. You may enter the establishment."
We walked inside to see a series of technical marvels being showcased to us. State of the art flamethrowers that allow a steady stream of flames for non bending citizens, ovens and stoves formed out of the most pristine steel that money can buy and we even saw some Future Industries advertisements in the sky due to their new flame powered hot air balloons.
"Wow. Apparently Ms. Sato wants to make an impression on me before she teaches me her techniques. Well she's definitely started off on the right foot." I said with glee.
"I intend to continue walking forward in both a metaphorical and literal sense when my sister teaches you her techniques Ms. Nami." Said Takuma.
"Well brother I certainly hope you came here for me as much as you have for the Avatars benefit." That voice came out of the vocal chords of a stunningly gorgeous woman in a red Fire Nation battle outfit. She looked just like the daughter I expected from Asami. Her long black hair, green eyes and flat stomach mirrored that of her mother but her skin tone was slightly darker almost as if Korra had a part her conception as well.
"Kirika! I'm so glad you're here."
Takuma and Kirika Sato hugged as I introduced myself to the CEO of Future Industries. "My name is Nami and I'm the Avatar. This is my mother Haruka and this is my best friend Natsumi."
"Hello. My daughter has been excited to meet you ever since we conquered the Red Revival."
"I'm charmed. You have a striking resemblance to your mother Asami."
Kirika giggled at Natsumis response. "Yeah I get that a lot. Honestly I'm impressed by your build. You're very muscular sort of like my other mother."
Natsumi blushed and flexed her bicep. "Well I'm not as ripped as Korra was but I guess I'm in good shape."
Kirika then place her attention towards me. "Now then let's get to the training. I've come prepared with the best obstacles that you'll have to face in the field. Trust me when you're done you'll be as astounding as Fire Lord Izumi!"
That's quite an expectation without a doubt. Unfortunately before we could begin our training a young man rushed into the building carrying a mobile radio. "Ms. Sato! We've just received word from the city of Shinbashi. The city has been compromised by an unknown organization!"
We all gasped in shock as the man turned up the volume for the broadcast. What I heard was truly unexpected.
"We interrupt your coverage of the Fire Ferrets Pro Bending game to bring you breaking news. The city of Shinbashi has had all four of its bridges destroyed leaving the civilians in this isolated Fire Nation city effectively cut off from the population. I've been told that we've received an audio recording from the one who claims responsibility for this heinous crime. We shall play it now for the public."
The audio recordings voice sounded like a raspy female voice. The woman never raised her tone louder than a casual indoor voice. "Greetings citizens of the Fire Nation. The actions I have taken to isolate Shinbashi City have been made simply to draw in a special lady who's become this worlds most beloved celebrity over the past few months. The Avatar. If Nami can hear me I am challenging her and her alone. I have created a contest of all contests to push you to your limits. I'm a patient woman but I still await your arrival so what do you say? If you don't arrive within the next 2 hours I'll start attacking another city and another one after that until you answer. So I'll be waiting for you."
I was speechless as was everyone around me. Even though I'm feeling some hesitation I have to do this and I'm going to do it alone. If I'm going to save Shinbashi City I'm going to have to play by this woman's rules. "Everyone. I have a responsibility as the Avatar. I need to face this woman or balance will not be restored to the world. I must go alone. I understand that every Avatar could use allies but in this instance I don't think that woman wants anyone to assist me in her game."
Haruka hugged me as she decided to speak for everyone there. "I never thought I'd have to do this. I didn't want to let you go again."
"Mom. I'll return you know I will."
"No matter what happens out there you will always be my daughter."
I hugged my mom as my other friends said their goodbyes. I started to walk out of the facility as I thought about the situation. This seems like a challenge meant for Kiyoshi rather than me. I hope I can make it through. Well at least I know I won't be completely alone. I have Korra in my head and she'd be courageous enough to take on her challenge.
As I stepped outside a large group of paparazzi surrounded me as I noticed a podium with a microphone near me. I know how this routine goes. "Citizens of the Fire Nation let me quell your fears. I have accepted this womans challenge. I will enter her sick game and bring this conflict to a swift and hopefully peaceful conclusion. That is all."
I looked above me and saw a Future Industries Zeppelin. Thanks Kirika. I guess she knew I'd have to take an airborne entrance into the city. Well Kirika I hope we can bend with each other some day but right now this is all about me and a terrorist.
