A/N: Hello, I am updating, yes! I would have had this done earlier but I had my Homecoming on Saturday, first one ever even though I'm a Junior (how embarrassing) and I came back at like 1:30 AM so yeah. You don't want to read the things I come up with that early in the morning. Anyway, hope you like it, please review and thank you to all of you who have reviewed. I take them all into account.
Disclaimer: It's chapter 12, if you don't know by now, well you may want to get your brain checked for malfunctions. I own nothing.
Previously on Events Unexpected…
"The girl shall come to Republic City, where I will be staying for the duration of three months. There, she will be taught the manner of running a state by the Council and be supervised by me."
The lone bird flew through the pitch black sky as though a shade of something animate but not quite alive. The new moon hung darkly in its zenith above the cloudless atmosphere that held the slumbering city within it. It was practically invisible, camouflaging impeccably with the void of space behind it if not for the faint line of light that shown along its circumference. The starlight was too faint, the power of the distant suns overshadowed by the trillions of miles separating them from this universe.
The bird's dilated pupil picked up the faint silhouette hiding behind the corner of the only open window within the expansive building. It had been circling the towering building that was the sole structure on the tiny island for the better part of half an hour, but now all of its efforts had been rewarded. Silently, the messenger hawk drew its feathered wings to its body and entered a gravity-induced dive. The scenery around it blurred into unreal shades of grey and midnight blue until, with a resounding rustle that broke the still of the night, it halted its descent just above the window where it had spotted the figure. It cautiously perched itself on the windowsill, its target having disappeared in the flurry of the curtains blown in by a wayward breeze. The hawk gave a small squawk in confusion only to have a steel grip clamp itself over the poor creature's beak.
"Shush, my pet," a soothing voice reached its ears, the thudding of its small heart relaxing slightly at the familiar sound. "We can't have anyone hearing us."
The pale hand that held the bird captive retracted into the dark sleeve of a sleeping robe. The hawk hopped onto the outstretched arm, offering it a place to stand. The long talons dug into the fabric to keep balance but the animal knew not to put enough pressure to break skin. It had seen the outcome when a foolish compatriot had made that mistake.
"Let us see what news you bear for me," the feral tint that laced the very feminine voice made the bird nervously pick at a loose feather on its chest. The plumage began to fall but was quickly snatched up by the hand not currently attached to the arm on which the bird was perched. A flicker of blue fire danced around the small feather before it disintegrated into ashes and blew out of the window. The hand then moved to the bird's legs. The hawk remained perfectly still, awaiting… well it was not quite certain what for.
The message was plucked from its small holder, the large ones that had once been slung over its ancestors' backs no longer prudent for the stealth missions it was sent on. The paper was unfurled with the greatest of delicacy. Golden eyes skimmed over the few words, the neutral positioning of the mouth turning into a slight frown of concentration.
For the glory of Empire. Those who follow shall bare the black of responsibility.
She had probably reread the slip at least six times, making sure that it was not simply a figment of her imagination. It had been years now that she had schemed and manipulated those in her environment for the purpose of this. Now that time had come to begin the game, no, it was much more than that now. It was time to begin her conquest and restore the power that should have been rightfully given to those of her bloodline. Seventy years of this false peace had been enough. And yet, a strange thing possessed her at that moment. For the past nineteen years she had had only one purpose: to avenge Princess Azula's downfall and bring about the rise of the Fire Empire once more. But now… her eyebrows fell as she brought her fingers together over the bridge of her nose. Never get attached, it was such a simple rule once, she groaned. She tried to clear her mind by closing her eyes but immediately shot them open when the face of the girl played behind her lids. No weakness… she'll understand… and even if she doesn't, there is nothing for me in turning back now.
She took the pen from the newly wetted ink bottle that sat on the small wooden desk that was at the corner of the small Spartan room. On the blank back of the peace of parchment she scrawled in small, dark letters :
For the glory of Empire. The sapphire dragon clothes itself in red and bares its fangs tonight. Take the one enwrapped in the dragon's jaws.
The parchment was then rolled up and placed in the small bindings that wrapped around the scaly right leg of the hawk, still loyally holding its position. The girl then moved back to the window, the silent breeze rolling through the land caused her to shiver. She let out a small curse before pulling the neckline of her clothing closer in an attempt to conserve some more heat.
"Fly now, take them my message and be sure that they will be waiting," the hawk blinked as though it could truly comprehend what was being whispered to it in that conspiratorial tone that hid so many secrets.
Had the moon been shining, the hawk's wings would have had a brilliant silver sheen as they were spread open. The tips of the outermost feathers were the most brilliant bronze, more pure than the actual metal, as only the most royal of birds had. As it was, there wasn't enough light to reflect even the slightest glimmer of majesty and the bird lifted into the sky as plain as a raven-crow. A small smirk splayed over the girl's mouth as she lost sight of the small messenger among the pervading shadows. Messenger hawks had long been retired of their duties, having been replaced by the efficiency of the telegraph. However, such things were so easily intercepted and translated. Kaji prided herself in knowing that no one would be looking for a sole hawk floating through the air currents with a tiny strap that held her future.
"Do we really have to go to this Tenzin?" Korra grumbled for the umpteenth time. The only response she got was an exasperated roll of two deep brown eyes.
"It is a very special event and yes, you are expected to take part in it," Tenzin stated matter-of-factly.
"Urgh, being the Avatar is nothing but tedious duties and boring parties," Korra continued, unaware or unsympathetic to the annoyed twitch of her airbending master's eyebrow.
"And you will perform these duties and attend these parties with the biggest smile that you can muster."
Korra crossed her arms and slumped into the chair she had been assigned to while her hair was being done by Pema's gentle and dexterous fingers. The annual exposition of Republic City was taking place throughout the day. Inventors from all corners of the world, from the coldest regions of the southern expanses of ice to the driest of the Earth Kingdom's deserts, had gathered to exposé their innovations before the eyes of enthusiastic spectators and possible investors. It was truly just another ploy at bringing unity amongst the myriad of cultures that spread throughout the four nations. A banquet would be held in the evening hours: delegates from all providences and positions would be converging to discuss global matters over scrumptious exotic dishes and diverse choices of liquor. Tenzin had strictly forbidden Korra from experimenting in the assortment of fermented beverages, making the evening's procession all the more daunting.
"Don't slump like that Korra," Pema commanded. "You're going to ruin your hair."
The sulking Avatar relented and pushed herself back up until she was once more straight-backed against her seat. The tight kimono they had her in was the most uncomfortable piece of clothing that had ever been invented. It had been designed to encompass a little of every nation, to represent the unity she represented as the link between all nations and the spirit world. The body was made in the style of the Fire Nation: silky and held to the curvature of her body by a tight belt that was wrapped from her waist up to just below her chest. The back was tied in an intricate bow that cascaded down to just behind her upper thighs. The sleeves and neckline were undoubtedly Earth Kingdom. The sloping cuffs were long enough to allow her to shove her head into each one and still give her space for her arm. Pema had chastised her to no end when she had actually done it. The neck was wide as well, contrary to the tightness that was customary of the Fire Nation designs that made up most of the attire. It was quite amazing how the dress had been blended without looking completely ridiculous. The coloration was meant to be based on the ceremonial robes of the Northern Water Tribe. It was an oceanic blue laced with white. Two koi fish, representative of Tui and La swam around each other on her back. Small moons in varying phases adorned the belt to symbolize the different tides and seasons sacred to the tribes. The only Airbending token she had been given, as a sign of the minority of its peoples but also encompassing the strength they held, was a painted blue arrow reaching down her forehead to end just between her eyebrows. Two smaller arrows had been painted along her arms as well.
Pema had been sparing on the makeup, putting on only enough to accentuate Korra's already picturesque features and perhaps put a little more feminism into the sharp lines of her jaw and cheeks. A slight indigo tinge of eyeliner was visible under her long eyelashes and some clear lip gloss had been applied to her lips to complete the picture. All that was left was the hair. Korra would have happily kept her usual ponytail but everyone else had 'insisted' though it was more of a threat than anything.
"How is it coming?" Master Katara's voice asked from somewhere behind Korra's back.
"It would have been done a lot sooner if Korra wasn't so fidgety," Pema answered. Her answer was a bit muffled by all of the pins that she held between her teeth, waiting to be poked into the monstrosity that was Korra's hairdo.
"I am not," Korra replied indignantly.
"You rubbed off half of your makeup because, and I quote, 'my face was itchy'" Pema retorted.
"That was an accident," Korra whined. She tried to hide her guilt with indignation. She hated lying to Pema but how could she have told her that the reason she had returned from a short reprieve from the morning makeover with all of it smeared and botched was because a certain firebender had practically mauled her in her room. Thinking of Kaji's strange behavior made Korra uneasy. She had never kissed her like that before; with such a manner of urgency as though the entire world was about to come crashing over them. It was most probably paranoia, but Korra had learned to trust her gut about those things. And besides that, it wasn't fair that everyone kept getting on her case.
"Well, the rest of us are just about ready to depart. Whenever you are finished," Katara's voice was tinged with unbidden merriment. She couldn't help but marvel at Korra's tom-boyishness. She remembered how excited she had been getting her first makeover with Toph. Thinking of the small earthbender made her somewhat wistful for the past.
"We'll be down in a second," Pema promised. "For the love of the spirits Korra, hold still!"
Tenzin had allowed a couple of hours for the family to enjoy the myriad of exhibits before Pema, Katara, and the children would return to the island and the rest of their small group would head over to the adjoining room of the commerce building where the ball was being held. In truth it was the old Sato mansion, left to the city by the young heiress after her father's betrayal. Tenzin silently hoped the lingering memories that haunted the place would not cause Korra to fall back into her depression. She had been coming back to her old self with such progress over the past few weeks.
The cars they had borrowed once they landed on the mainland were the newest model, refined by the best minds of both the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation. The sleek black automobiles practically glided over the rough pavement of Republic City's urban streets. Korra tried not to show her pout at having, once again, been split with Kaji. In fact, she had barely had a glimpse of the girl the whole day, apart from their little make-out cession. A flash of gold or ebony here or there, but that was about the extent of it.
It was a welcome feeling when the cars jolted to a stop. A billow of steam was released as the engines' pressure was relieved. The entire party disembarked and coalesced before taking a look at the building before them. Two giant stairwells led to the second story entrance. Between them was a massive window, rectangular and topped with a half-circle. Two pillars shouldered it. Further out, four smaller ones holding four crouching gargoyles, flanked twin doors. A butler in white stood beside either door, gloved hand reaching around the ornate knobs that would no doubt swing in to reveal the festivities inside. The building rising behind the front façade was a small tower, perhaps seven stories tall. A balcony ran around the edge of the second story, hiding the bottoms of two mahogany doors. The faint outline of more apartments behind that one was hidden slightly in the fog that perpetually clung around the estate. The sloping tiled roofs were the typical Asian design, ending in sharp points that curved into the sky. Despite the fact that the sun was still shedding light over the landscape, even in its descent, lights shined through every window. The noise associated with excited and awed crowds could be heard just beyond the white-washed walls.
"Shall we?" Tenzin asked. His yellow and orange robed rustled as he took the first steps to the entrance. Pema followed, wearing a flowing sunflower hued dress to match with her husband and his culture. The children skipped after them, each having been garbed in acceptable attire for such an event, but also flexible enough to keep up with their energetic dispositions. Master Katara had dawned on her signature furs, joking that there was no purpose in an old woman dressing to impress. Korra silently envied her. Those thoughts didn't have much time to manifest, however, because she finally came face-to-face with the one person that she had been waiting for. Kaji had put on a splendid ebony dress. It reached a sensible length just above her knees, without being too constricting. It was strapless, leaving room for a light crimson scarf. She had adorned two golden earrings that cascaded in tiny spirals from her earlobes. A necklace of matching material showed two dragons spiraling around each other, attached in the front by their thick serpentine necks melded together. Identical bands of gold also curved around her thin wrists, glistening with the reflected scenery around them. Korra couldn't help the blush that came to her cheeks when her princess smiled at her.
Hiding behind the slightly curled bangs that Pema had allowed to hang around her face, Korra hurried to catch up with Tenzin at the door. It was most certainly not the time or place to start ogling the beautiful firebender.
The doors opened into a room that was scarcely recognizable. The sparseness of the Sato Estate had been completely overwhelmed by the compounded imagination of a thousand minds. Giant flying machines hung from the ceiling on iron chains; glistening fountains of coral and marble spewed different colors of water as the statues decorating them moved in complex motions; flaming stoves marked the cuisines that were being showcased farther away. One man was pointing out a rather interesting contraption that, when fed coal, would spew a thick gust of black smoke and then turn small gears along its bottom to spur its miniature wheels to spin and then go chugging along a circular track. Another woman had a large spyglass hoisted upon a stand pointed out of an open window, showing curious spectators the wonders of her 'telescope.' There were dozens more that Korra couldn't even explain. Her eyes felt as though they were going to pop out of their sockets at any second. She solemnly wished that Bolin had been able to make it with them. He had apologetically gone earlier due to 'prior engagements of the girl kind' as he had put it. Thinking of her friend brought unwanted musings of the other brother that had spent time here. Korra bitterly wondered whether he and Asami had ever snuck into this very room to try and get past her father for a bit of fun.
"It really isn't a pretty sight is it?" Kaji's voice sounded from behind her causing Korra to give a little jump in surprise. Her heart practically leapt into her mouth at the unexpected closeness of their bodies.
"What-" she was about to inquire before bringing her gaze to where Kaji was looking. She almost had a heart attack for the second time in less than a minute when she caught sight of the monster in front of her. Somehow in Korra's musings, she had stumbled upon an animal keeper. 'Animal' was a term she used lightly as she looked upon the giant slug-like creature that had latched itself upon the arm of the spindly middle-aged man's bare forearm. It was leaving a nauseating trail of green slime across his skin.
"What is that?" Korra gasped in horror. A series of long spikes began to protrude from the snail's back and it turned its disgusting head to look at her with two small black eyes.
"Calm down Genie," the man said caressing the thing's back until the spines retracted into the slick lime goop that was its skin. "It is merely a curious onlooker."
Korra was somewhat frightened by the eccentricity of the man before her. He appeared to be in his mid-forties, with unruly salt-and-pepper hair that stuck out in clumps and unshaven stubble gracing his pale skin. His eyes were dark, practically black to the point that they were indistinguishable to the pupils. His clothes were composed of tattered purple pants and jacket- one sleeve rolled up to his arm to accommodate the slimy creature- and a dirty white shirt underneath. His shoes were probably the only thing new about him, shining like small black pearls.
"Are you curious about my little beauty young lady?" the man inquired innocently. His teeth were flashy white, almost as though he had washed them with bleach.
"I- uh," Korra was stupefied.
"Yes, we are actually," Kaji interjected for her. "What does your… fauna do exactly?"
The man gave a chortle and his eyes moved about wildly from side-to-side. Korra was to the point of dragging Kaji away from the psychotic man, but the firebender stood patiently and waited for his spasms to die out.
"She is quite the interesting creature my Genie," he finally said. "Her slime can cure practically all skin maladies ranging from the smallest rash to the worst burns and everything in between."
"Really?" Kaji was now intrigued. Such an ointment would be most curious and useful in her hands. "Would a demonstration be possible?"
"Why of course. Anything for a pretty lady such as yourself," the man swayed on his feet, a drunkard couldn't have looked more unstable. He rolled up his other sleeve and stuck out his arm. It was so pale that Korra could see the throbbing of his sickly bluish-purple veins.
"If you would be so kind as to burn me," he said.
Kaji turned to face Korra. "If you wouldn't be opposed to it, darling."
Korra stood there dumbfounded for a second. Not only was that arm looking incredibly unnatural, but Kaji was also making her burn it even though she was an experienced firebender. She looked between the man with the unnerving smile and the pleading look Kaji was giving her. She knew as soon as those slender eyebrows rose in expectation that she was about to give in. She took in a deep breath and lit her small finger on fire. As she lowered it a flash lit Kaji's eyes and the infant flame burst into a minor inferno. Korra and the man both screamed: the former in surprise and the latter in pain. Whilst Korra was busy apologizing and wondering at her sudden loss of control and the man was cursing through gritted teeth, Kaji stoically observed the snail slide its way up the man's uninjured arm and over his shoulders to the burnt one. The skin was a horrible red, swelling and bursting with puss with each passing moment. It was a beautiful wound, the firebender had to admit, and one that would certainly cause a great deal of cellular damage and scarring. The strange creature had finally made it to the edge of the burn. It lowered its eyes to look at the inflamed skin before continuing to move down the forearm. Where the man's expression had been one of extreme hurt, it soon gave way to relaxation with each inch the snail moved. The only sign of Kaji's surprise at the results of the thing's slime was the slight widening of her eyelids. Where before there had been nothing but welts and hissing skin, there was now no sign of the damage whatsoever. The ghastly paleness of the man's complexion had been completely restored.
"That is quite amazing," Kaji applauded.
"It is truly," the man replied. He was by then completely healed.
"How much are you offering for that animal?" Kaji asked. Korra turned to look at her as if she had gone mad. Practical or not, the slime-ball was not something Korra considered worth keeping around.
"Oh, I couldn't be convinced to part with my dear Genie for the world," the man replied.
"But surely you are here to make a profit off of something yes?" Kaji pressed on. Korra was seriously debating grabbing the girl and forcing her to move away while they still could. There was no way that she would be spending the last few weeks of Kaji's stay in Republic City looking after that thing.
"I'm selling vials of her mucous. It is what holds the healing properties you just saw," the man indicated a box full of small vials of the fluorescent globs of discarded extract from 'Genie.' "It keeps very well, best frozen but at room temperature it lasts a few months. You only need a small amount to cure anything."
"Perfect, how much?" Kaji grabbed five of the miniature glass bottles.
Korra tuned out of the exchange, focusing on the more aesthetically pleasing aspects of the exhibition. If Kaji wanted to buy overly priced goo from some whack-job, that was her decision.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," the firebender breathed into Korra's ear after a few moments. Korra quickly shooed her away, paranoid about the amount of eyes that were on them. Looking around, she realized that they had become separated from Tenzin's group. Still, just because she couldn't see anyone she recognized didn't mean that the reverse was also true.
"People can see," Korra warned. Kaji gave her a hurt look but refrained from any further intimate displays.
"Let's go over there," she said excitedly, beckoning Korra to another set of machines. Korra rolled her eyes at the sudden mood change, but followed without comment.
The masses of people were escorted out of the facility a few minutes after the sun was hidden behind the ring of mountaintops to the far west of the city. The excitement and heat created by the tumultuous bodies of grown men and women along with the fragile small bodies of the children gave way to a more refined, quiet air that permeated from the remaining personas. Those permitted to stay for the evening ball were escorted to one of the other large rooms on the second story, which were in abundance in the mansion, that had been decorated for the occasion. The marble floors were shining with the reflection of the hundreds of electrical candles that 'burned' from their holsters in the giant candelabras that hung from the ceiling. Tables laden with foods and beverages lined three of the walls, the fourth being fully made of glass. Bustling men and women of elegance and wealth milled around, buzzing with gossip and politics. The center of the floor was occupied with a raised platform where a live band played their woodwind and string instruments. All were dressed in white except for the conductor who was garbed in a sparkling black tuxedo and matching slacks. His fair hair was a rarity that made him stand out among the sea of brunettes.
"Too bad it would look strange for you and me to dance," Kaji sighed in lamentation. "If only it were just us and the music."
Korra smiled and twined her hand into Kaji's for a second, long enough to give it a squeeze, before letting go. She was easily able to locate Tenzin. His tall stature and bright clothing made him stick out, even among the expanse of all hues in the light spectrum.
"So, Tenzin," she began when she was able to slide closer to him. "What am I supposed to be doing again?"
"Go out and mingle Korra," he answered in a tired voice. "Meet new people, befriend them."
"But they all look so stuck up or old," Korra was about to go into a speech about how she would rather be dunked into the Northern Ocean than mingle with the people around her, but Tenzin's stern face made her think twice about it. "Fine."
Making concessions didn't have to be horrible though. I'll go 'befriend' Kaji while I'm here, Korra conspired. It wasn't being antisocial; she was just choosing who to be with. Unfortunately, when she turned around, she saw no sign of the dark-haired firebender. Her eyebrows knit together in frustration, "Just great!"
Kaji felt bad about leaving Korra, but certain matters required dealing with. She made sure to pass along the interior of the dance floor as she bore down on her target. A quick look over her left shoulder was caught by the aquamarine irises of the conductor. The black of responsibility, huh? She made sure to flash him a broad smile before continuing on her primary course.
The new representative of the Northern Water Tribe, after Tarrlok's assumed death, was a good-natured man-something very difficult to find in a politician. He was tall, trimmed and very well endowed with a pair of eyes that inspired trust and confidence. He wore his formal fur coat made of ermine-fox just right, so that his emerging alcohol-belly was hidden. His hair was just starting to lose its natural ebony sheen to the grey of age, though most people told him that it further endeared him. Of course, his award-winning smile was another factor that most definitely played to his advantage. In fact, Aroostook would have been the perfect governmental figure had he not been so kind-hearted.
He had been noticing the girl eyeing him from a few feet away for quite some time by that point. She was very young in comparison to the other ladies who, in his opinion, were the only ones worth attention in the current nest of serpents he found himself in. She was beautiful, standing out among even the most gilded minister's wife or governess despite the relative simplicity of her attire. Aroostook of the Northern Water Tribe was no cradle robber, but he was fascinated despite himself… in the most innocent of curiosities of course.
A short reprieve of the bombardment of prospect dance partners and congratulators left him relatively alone beside the buffet table and its culinary wonderments. He turned to distract himself in a particularly welcoming fondue, but it was short lived.
"Forgive my forwardness sir," a soft, velvety female voice reached his ears from behind his ornately-clad back. He didn't need to turn to know who was hailing him at that moment. His eyes, as he moved to acknowledge the new speaker, were captured by the amazingly rare intensity shelled in the curious golden glow of the girl's irises. "You are the new Water Tribe Minister?"
Aroostook forgot his tongue for a second and gave himself a few seconds by pretending to choke of a sip of wine he had partaken in whilst still alone. "Aherm, pardon me. Yes that would be a correct assumption."
"Ah, it is nice to see a fellow newcomer in this magnificent example of our century's finest cities. I am Princess Kaji of the Fire Nation," the girl stuck out her hand in a welcoming gesture. Aroostook gazed at the youthful face of the girl who couldn't have been more than in her early twenties. He took it, bemoaning the constant pressure of office that had been thrown onto the backs of the young. The girl's, Princess Kaji's, skin was warm as was common amongst the children of the Land of Kindling Flame.
"The pleasure is mine," he returned the courtesies. The smile that was given him seemed genuine enough, and yet there was something in those eyes… a sort of hidden depth to them that set the Tribesman ill at ease. Their banter continued for a few more minutes, Aroostook growing more and more comfortable in the presence of the charming southerner, until Kaji suddenly turned her head to look at the grand clock that was chiming the end of the twentieth hour.
"Would you mind holding this for me," she asked pulling the light red shawl from her porcelain shoulders. Aroostook glanced at the item with a questioning look, unsure as to why the sudden request had been made. "I feel somewhat unwell and it will only get ruined if I were to take it with me in search of the bathroom. It will also let me find you more easily upon my return."
Aroostook almost refused, astounded by the gall the girl had in her last sultry comment. Still, he was a gentleman and a gentleman would not refuse a sick girl. He nodded and reached out for the silken scarf. The fabric didn't even rustle when he slipped it along his fingers.
"Thank you," the firebending royal dipped her head and quickly made her way toward the center of the ballroom once more. Aroostook gazed at her retreating form in growing confusion and anxiety. His hands unwittingly tightened over the parcel of clothing that was left of her; a sort of reassurance that she was not a figment of the wine.
Kaji had little time left to find the one she was looking for. Thankfully the bright colors that made up Korra's attire made it easy to find her. Kaji stopped in her tracks at the daunting circle of people that had trapped the Avatar in their midst. The irate firebender cursed under her breath, trying to find a possible excuse to call Korra to her without causing too much unwanted attention to fall upon them. Her eyes darted from the throng of rich bastards to the clock face and then back again. She had all of fifteen minutes left. Throwing caution to the wind, she darted into the crowd, weaving in and out with enough grace to make an airbender jealous, until she was able to slip into the very inner circle of guests Korra was trying to entertain.
"Master Katara has something she wanted to tell you," Kaji blurted, not even formulating enough of a thought as to what exactly the old waterbending witch would have wanted to say to her- no, to the Avatar. Korra, thankfully, did not make any inquiries. She had never seen Kaji quite so breathless and rushed, so she was quite certain that it was not due to something pleasant. Bowing quickly to a few choice delegates and other people of importance, she took off after her love's disappearing form.
Kaji practically sprinted them into a seemingly deserted hallway. Looking to both sides to ensure their privacy, she took no hesitation in crashing their lips together. Korra tried not to melt into the passion that the searing pressure of Kaji's lips on hers was eliciting from her body; to focus on the obscurity of the panic that filled each gasping break of contact they had to take in order to breathe; but her mind was lost. Her fingers grabbed at Kaji's hair, her neck, anywhere that she could grip to bring them closer together. The urgency was infectious.
"We should be getting you back before they start to wonder if you have been abducted," Kaji joked after what seemed like a few seconds and an eternity. The attempt at nonchalance was unsuccessful in the wake of the knotting of her stomach.
"Whatever you say," Korra smiled, oblivious to the crack in Kaji's calm mask. "As long as we get to continue this sometime later."
"I promise," Kaji murmured, too low for Korra to actually hear, but forceful beyond what Kaji expected from herself.
The blonde-haired man watched for the girl in black who had disappeared from his peripheral. He had never met the Fire Princess in person, but his commander had shown him a daguerreotype and given him a rudimentary description of her hair pigmentation and eye color. There was also the message. The sapphire dragon swathed in red, holding the prisoner within its fangs. Well, he had seen the old man that she had given the crimson cloth to, filling his hands as though a river of his blood freed by the teeth of such a beast. Movement of carbonate strands of hair and fabric of a dress caught his attention. He gave no indication of the reacquired subject of his observation, continuing in his arm motions in time with the music. The crescendo would soon be upon them. He slightly cocked an eyebrow at how close his high leader stood to the naïve Avatar, but thought no further of it. The final flick of his hands and the baton matched perfectly with the second hand striking eight-thirty.
The music was soon drowned out by screams of surprise and then horror as glass erupted throughout the chamber. Bodies dropped to the floor in an attempt to shield themselves from the shards raining down on them. Former ladies and gentlemen turned into raging madmen as they scrambled over each other to find an exit from the mayhem. Bodies of fleeing men and women fell lifeless as silent and almost invisible water daggers shot from the holes created in the windowpanes, moments before black-clad figures burst into the assembly. The first to reach the doors found, to their growing fear, that the wood had been bolted shut from the outside and would not budge no matter how many shoulders and chests were crashed into them. The screams multiplied as the instruments continued in their falling action, flowing to the resolution of their demise.
Through the confusion of the cacophonous noise of the desperate and the silent attack, Korra could barely comprehend what was taking place around her. The fact that she and Kaji had been near the edge of the room saved them from the first onslaught of projectiles, but they did not go unnoticed by the stealthy assassins that had crept in. Korra's limbs felt leaden as the ice particles flew toward her exposed body, the dress itself holding her captive better than any chains. The only thoughts running through her head were questions about why waterbenders were attacking them. A violent force knocked her off of her feet, crushing her painfully into the floor. Her head made contact with the cold marble and she felt her vision blur in a moment's confusion of the senses. The next thing she noticed was a warm feeling spreading down her side and dripping onto the floor. Her instincts immediately searched for an internal sign of pain or indication of perforation, but there was none. A groan from somewhere below her vision made her heart drop. She tried to move her head up to look at the source of the sound, and hopefully find that it came from another source than the one she was thinking of. Unfortunately the hit her skull had taken left her jarred and she was unable to move without a wave of nausea washing over her.
The slight pressure on Korra's legs that she hadn't noticed at first suddenly disappeared. A small cry of pain accompanied the rather violent way in which Kaji was torn off of Korra. Silently she growled that she would have to ensure that whoever had hit her with those daggers be punished severely. However, actual pain and blood was much more realistic than any sort of imitation and she had to leave without a doubt in anyone's mind as to her being a victim. The masked man slung her precariously over her shoulder and gave a muffled call to his companions. Kaji inwardly smirked at the bemused expression that was on Minister Aroostook's face as the assassins took him gently by the arms and escorted him to one of the broken windows. The hidden dagger to his back kept him from making a fuss that would bring suspicion to their little ploy. The rest of her servants played their parts well, kneeling in respect as the innocent man was brought before them. She could see it in the terrified eyes of the other party guests; they believed every luscious lie that she had concocted. In the morning, Aroostook would take the fall and she would have her first victory. A sharp burst of discomfort in her side caused her to give another muffled cry, causing her 'captor' to loosen his grip on her slightly. A bloodcurdling yell from behind them brought Kaji's attention to Korra's crumpled form lying on the floor. Kaji couldn't believe her eyes when she saw the Avatar clawing for a grasp on the cool stone beneath her, making a heroic attempt to push herself up. Kaji visibly winced when the smooth chocolate arms gave out and Korra sank back to the ground. Another shriek came from her tanned lips as her tear-filled cerulean eyes gazed up at Kaji's retreating form. Korra desperately fought for control of her body, prayed for the ability to move her limbs, but to no avail. All she could do was watch, screaming in horror as the blood-soaked form of Kaji grew ever distant, carried away in the arms of an assailant. The unmistakable sound of giant motors was heard above the din of people, corralled by ten men poised to strike at the slightest sign of provocation.
Korra's eyes drew into narrow slits when she saw the man clothed in ermine-fox fur step onto the gangplank of the zeppelin, tinted a dark grey to match the night sky. His back was to her but she knew his identity just as well. The overbearing anger that seeped into her bones exploded with a violence that she had never felt before, spurred by the sight of a familiar vermillion shawl, casually wrapped around the back of his neck. Three other bodies were carried onto the airship after him, one of them being a limp girl dressed in black.
Korra's eyes began to shine, her mind falling into a sort of mist while the rest of her began to hover in a boneless manner in the air. She hadn't lost control of her Avatar State in what seemed like an eternity, and yet there she was. She could no longer hear the muffled cries of the frightened party-goers nor see the faces of those around her. Everything was seen through the lens of a very foggy glass bottle. A distortion. An unexpected sting hit her below the chest, causing the Avatar glow to flicker slightly. She heard two very distinct shouts from opposite directions, one of a man and the other of a woman. Other shouts followed but they were inaudible over the sound of roaring wind and the feeling of falling that spread through Korra's frame. Two strong arms caught her in the midst of her descent, but by then she was already losing consciousness.
Kaji glared daggers at the cloaked man who had thrown the spiked icicles at Korra. She knew it was not rational and in retrospect it had saved them from facing the full wrath of the Avatar State, but the irrational and overprotective side of her bemoaned causing Korra pain. She couldn't help the feeling of relief that came over her when she saw Tenzin break out of the quarantine they had set up and catch Korra before she hit the ground. Then the zeppelin broke away from its perch on the remnants of the window pane and began its departure into the haven of the dark. Her view of the mansion and its inhabitants was quickly blocked by the closing portal and the fact that her servant was carrying her into the ship's hull.
"Wait, set me down there," she weakly indicated to one of the chairs bolted to the wall in a case of necessary preparation for ejection from the craft. If the man had any trepidation he did not show it, following her orders to the letter. She hissed as he gently dislodged her from his back. The wounds she had sustained in pushing Korra out of the way of the ice daggers had been more extensive than even she had anticipated. Rummaging in a hidden pocket within the folds of her dress, she pulled out one of the vials of green slime that she had purchased earlier. Let's see if this really works, she chuckled darkly. The sensation of rubbing the stuff over her cuts was strange but not unpleasant. In a matter of seconds, to her overbearing joy, the skin had regenerated and there was not even a scar left.
"I shall be requiring a change of clothing into something a bit more comfortable and then I shall be having an audience with our captive."
Minister Aroostook was scared out of his mind and, had he drank some more wine, he may have found that he had lost control of his bladder. The small iron room they had placed him in was really playing off of his claustrophobia and he could have sworn that he heard some scuttling in a few corners. His hands were heavily chained to the wall as were his legs so his range of motion was limited. All he could do was close his eyes and pray that he would wake up with a monstrous hangover in his apartment.
The screech of unoiled hinges shook him awake. His eyes widened, expecting something horrible. Instead, in stepped the fire-eyed girl he had met earlier, Princess Kaji. Only, this time she was far from welcoming. The shadows hid her face, but the black armor she wore was something right out of the history books of the old Fire Nation during Ozai's reign. She stepped in closer, reveling all of her features to him. Her hair had been pulled into a topknot, held together by the golden crown of the Crown Princess. Her friendly smile had pulled up into a high smirk, her eyes that held the warmth of embers were colder than the tundra he had lived in, and her hands were no longer soft but hidden in gloves that sported ebony metallic claws on each finger.
"I hope that our accommodations fall to your favor Minister," she mocked. "I know they are not of the latest fashion of luxury, but they will have to suffice you for now."
"W-why are you doing this? What do you want with me!?" Aroostook yelled in desperation. His eyes were prickling but he refused to be degraded into a sobbing wreck in front of this person.
"My ultimate goals do not concern you at this point. As for what I want with you… well, you are going to help me start a global war," she replied, checking her steel claws for nonexistent nicks, her face the epitome of boredom.
"I'll do no such thing!" Aroostook found his courage, though his voice shook more than he would have liked.
"I find that highly unlikely," Kaji retorted in a monotone. "Agent Kain, if you would please make our Minister a bit more cooperative."
Another woman walked into the small room, her piercing jade eyes absent of all emotion. Her thin lips spread into a thin-lipped smile. "Yes, Princess."
"Oh, and one more thing Minister," Kaji sauntered over to his hunched form against the cold wall. Her hand reached down, scratching him lightly on the cheek, before grabbing the red scarf that she had given to him. A droplet of blood barley missed the fabric, landing instead on the exposed fur. "Thank you for holding onto this for me."
With that she moved back out of the room and closed the door, leaving him alone with the unnatural woman with the dead eyes.
"Well, let us begin," she said, reaching for him.
P.S. Ah, finally getting to the good parts, right? Tell me in a review. Thank you for reading, sorry for typos but I am not perfect or fully awake and may let some things slip. Until next time, whenever that is. :)
