Book 1: Healing

Chapter 14 - Terror

"We were worried," said Zaheer. He looked away from her and watched his fingers as they stroked across Naga's head. "Oh, did you think you would be punished?" He smiled. "As if we would do that."

Korra forced her voice out. "H-how?" Ming glared at her from her perch beside Zaheer, but Ghazan and P'Li were unreadable in the dark at this distance.

"How?" Zaheer asked.

"How did you find me?" How had what felt like the inevitable happened? She had been so cautious at first, waiting and ready for something like this. And as time passed and they never came, she relaxed. She had become less cautious, lazy, sloppy. But as of a few hours ago she would never have believed they would come for her. That they would come here.

"Ah." Zaheer still seemed distracted by Naga. "We have eyes and ears everywhere, Korra. The other members of the Red Lotus, the ones I believe you once asked if you would meet; they told us you were here." He smiled. "Almost by chance really; they were keeping an eye on that prince and princess from the Northern Water Tribe." He looked up again. "And I believe congratulations are in order? You won your first pro-bending match did you not? An admirable performance I understand. I would have liked to see it in person." His gaze flicked past her, towards the mansion. "You have made some good friends here."

Wrong. This was all wrong. He was too calm. Too nice. This was not the man who scowled the last time they talked. "Leave them out of this," she muttered through clenched teeth.

Zaheer nodded. "I have every intention of doing so." He stared into her eyes. "Provided they do not interfere."

Something snapped inside her and rage filled her. Her hands shook and she clenched her fists tight to stop the trembling. You lied to me," she said as her voice cracked. Korra took a shuddering breath as she tried to martial her thoughts. Tried to align them coherently. Tried to hold every mismatch in her mind at once, to list the disparity between his words and the reality here. "Why did you never tell me about Avatar Aang? Why did you tell me the airbenders were dead?"

Zaheer sighed. "It was for your own good." His voiced remained infuriatingly calm. "The former Avatar; he allied himself with the world's oppressive rulers. He betrayed his own credo; he refused to remain impartial as the Avatar should. And when we tried to change the world, Aang was there to stop us, to keep the world in it's current state. He worked to maintain the status quo. Our brothers and sisters were imprisoned, and the world continued down the path it was on before his discovery in the ice. Surely by now you have heard of the troubles in the Earth Kingdom?"

Korra nodded, the motion awkward. No. Aang did more. "But... he defeated the Firelord. He was going to burn... everything."

"Aang supported the replacement, he involved himself with the new ruler. He endorsed Fire Lord Zuko."

Korra felt desperate. "But Zuko was better than this father."

"'Better'?" Zaheer scoffed. "A better man would have torn down the society that kept him elevated above the others. A better man would not have stood by as the Earth Kingdom fell into ruin. A better man would have changed the present. Zuko had no desire to change the world; no more than Aang did. No, in the end he was no better than his father. Perhaps even less ambitious? Ozai at least sought to begin anew from the ashes; Zuko stood on the backs of all those beneath him to build on their endeavors."

Korra shook her head, shivering. "I don't understand."

"And you wondered why we did not want you to come here?" Zaheer said.

"No," Korra said, scowling. "Not that. I don't understand why I couldn't learn about Aang. It doesn't make any sense. Why did I never even hear his name?"

"Avatar Aang's spirit has been seeking you, Korra." She met his gaze and stared at him, her eyes wide. Zaheer's smile widened a fraction. She felt like an open book before him; all her secrets laid bare. Meeting Bolin, meeting Mako, meeting Asami. "I... am not sure how much you have confirmed, but it has long been known that there is a spiritual connection between the Avatars. It persists past the veil of death, allowing communication between the current Avatar and her predecessors. It is strengthened by every detail the Avatar knows of those who came before her." Zaheer's expression turned serious. "As such we could not risk him contacting you. He would have poisoned your mind, inflicted his values, his attitudes on you. A man like Aang; we could not possibly allow him to influence you. Though perhaps we are too late?" He studied her for a moment, and Korra fidgeted under his gaze. "He has talked to you, hasn't he?" She paused, not wanting to confirm it, but in the end she was unable to suppress the movement. Korra nodded. "What did he say?" Zaheer asked

"I... I..." What had Aang said in the end? On reflection he had said so little, never speaking to her again once she reached the city. "He told me to look for him. I don't think there was anything else." She frowned.

"Korra?" Ghazan spoke up. "We're here to guide you. Just as we always have been."

"You wished to see the world. We have always understood this. But Korra, look at how easily it swayed you. This is the reason we wanted to keep you away from it. To keep you safe from its influence, to keep you safe from Aang." P'Li's voice was soft, gentle, almost seductive.

"But I learned so much here," Korra said, her head spinning, tears pricking at her eyes as Zaheer rose to his feet and walked towards her.

"And has any of that convinced you the world is fine as it is?" he asked.

"No."

"Is the world free of inequality?"

"No," she frowned.

"Is there still injustice in the world? Do you wish to end that injustice, to stop those who have everything stopping those who have nothing from advancing, from living?" He stood right in front of her.

"Yes." She licked her lips.

"So you do not wish the world to rot and decay in its current state?"

"No," she exclaimed. "No," she added in a calmer voice a moment later. "But I just wanted to decide for myself-"

Her cheek stung, the force twisting her neck around. It took a long moment for memory to align correctly, for cause and effect to make sense. Why Zaheer held his hand like that. Where the stinging pain on her face originated and why it still throbbed. Zaheer had slapped her. A thick copper taste flooded her mouth. He never hurt her before. They fought, they spared, but he had never raised his hand to her. This was different. Zaheer was different.

"And yet we find you here, Korra." There was an edge to his voice now. "Here. In the home of the richest family in this city. What has it been like? To live like a princess? To be kept away from the poor and the oppressed? To be waited on hand and foot? I can only conclude that you have stopped caring; that the wealth and ease of life here have distracted you from those you vowed to help. You have grown drunk on decadence and excess. Look at yourself," Zaheer's voice never rose, but somehow still increased in intensity. "All your cares are wrapped up in a sport; a pointless past-time designed to distract and placate the masses. A past-time riddled with corruption and grotesque amounts of money." He glared at her. "You care nothing for those you promised to aid."

"I care," Korra glared, her eyes streaming. She blinked, hating the sting, hating how her body reacted to the pain. "I have not turned my back on them. I am the Avatar." She scowled. "It's my responsibility to help the world. But you," she jabbed a finger at him. "You locked me away from it. I won't go back. I can't go back. I made it here on my own. I can take care of myself." Zaheer snorted. "I can," Korra repeated. "I'm strong enough. I'm the strongest person in the city. No one can defeat me here." She wiped her fist across her eyes, trying to stem the dripping tears, her lips curling, her face aching. Her cheek burned as she tried to get rid of the tears. What was she doing? She had ranted about strength, about saving the world, but she was unable to stop crying. Zaheer was calm while she was breaking down. How could she have done this to him? How could she have done this to her teachers? They had done so much, cared so much. They had only ever wanted her to be safe, to learn from them, to save the world.

Zaheer's expression was cold. Korra glanced at him through bleary eyes and stared down at the ground, wishing this had never happened. Wishing she had never leapt out of her window, or perhaps to have taken Naga into the pool earlier in the evening. Never come outside in concern. "I'm sorry," she spluttered as a new wave of shame washed over her and her eyes filled again. "I'm sorry."

"Then all is forgiven." Zaheer's voice was so soft. A hand cupped her uninjured cheek and gently lifted her head. Zaheer was smiling, his expression calming. He wiped his fingers across her eyelids with delicate movements and drew her into an embrace.

"W-what?" Korra asked, her eyes wide. Asami was the only person who had ever hugged her. Zaheer had never done anything like this before. He had always been distant, never coming closer to her than necessary. But right now his touch felt comforting; somehow different to the moments Asami enveloped her in a hug when they saw each other again after a day apart. There was still a moment of awkwardness; the knowledge that Zaheer's arms were around her seemed odd. It soon passed and Korra relaxed, the tension draining out of her. She rested her head on his shoulder. It was okay. Everything was okay. It took a few moments for her to move again. Korra lifted her head. Ghazan and P'Li were smiling. Korra blinked. So was Ming. She had never seen anything like it. Zaheer pulled away from her, putting his hands on her shoulders.

"Korra; we have been talking and after this conversation I think we are now all agreed?" Zaheer turned to his companions who nodded. "It is unanimous; you are ready, Korra. You are finally ready for your first mission. This was your last test."

Korra's back stiffened. At last. After so long waiting. After so many years of training. It had all built to this. Her first target; the first elimination. "I can do it," she said, taking deep breaths to quell the new burgeoning excitement in her belly. The others could not go with her her for this; a strain, but inevitable. She always knew, deep down, that the situation with Asami could not last. Just this evening she had been putting off the decision of what to do, how to move forward. The decision came earlier than expected, the choice easier with her teachers in front of her. Maybe it was for the best. Maybe it was better this way. And maybe when it was all over, when everything was right she could come back to them? Come back and see Asami, Bolin, Mako, Naga, Pabu, Takeshi, Yujin, Hasook, Toza. And they would see how she had helped the world and they would all be happy.

Zaheer opened his mouth to speak, but another voice sounded somewhere behind her. "Korra." It was soon followed by another. Korra span around. Mako, Asami, Bolin and some of the mansion guards were approaching. Her friends were wearing robes and seemed to have left the pool in a hurry. Their expressions brightened when they saw her, each deepening into a frown as they peered past her, at the strangers. Asami stared at her, her expression shifting between concern and confusion.

"What did they- What did you do to her?" Asami demanded, stepping beside Korra.

"Korra are you okay?" Bolin frowned as Mako stepped past him, putting himself between her and Zaheer. Korra stepped back, moving in front of Mako. Not this. Not now. It could have been a clean break, no problems. Now she could not predict what would happen. She blinked, her left eye feeling odd, the vision not quite right. Her fingers probed her face, finding puffy, swollen skin.

"I'm okay," she said, feigning a certainty she did not feel. Her hand stroked down her face, her fingers feeling wet. She glanced at them, expecting only tears. With a jolt she realized she was bleeding. At a gesture from Asami, the guards withdrew batons and flicked switches, filling the air with a buzzing sound.

"Ah, and now we get to meet Korra's new friends," Zaheer said. He sounded too pleased. "They are so loyal to you aren't they?" Zaheer offered them a curt bow. "I must also extend my congratulations to the... what was it? Ah, yes; the Fire Ferrets. And their owner," he said, placing a darker emphasis on the last word.

"I don't know who you think you are, but this is private property," Asami said, her voice grew louder as she spoke and her frown deepened. "And that's before we even get to assault, battery and murder. Saionji? Please ring for the police. I think our guests here have worn out their welcome."

No. No no. "Wait, Asami." Asami stared at her, and blinked in confusion. "They came here to find me. They aren't interested in you. Or Mako or Bolin. They're not here to steal anything." Korra smiled. "Everything will be okay. I just need to go with them. For a while."

"Wha- Why?" Bolin demanded. He looked paler than the rest.

"They're... my teachers." No. The others could not understand this. "The exiles. My guardians." Korra said. Asami's eyes widened and she stared over Korra's shoulder. "These are the people I ran away from. And they came here to find me. It's just a misunderstanding. But we can sort it out and everything will be fine. So don't worry." She smiled. "I'm doing what Hiroshi made me promise to do, Asami."

"Korra?" Mako asked, his face serious. "They killed Yujin." The ground seemed unstable beneath her feet. Korra staggered and Asami caught her arm. Korra turned to her teachers, her smile gone. She stared at Zaheer who looked back at her in silence.

"You killed her?" she hissed after far too long passed. More than enough for him to refute the accusation. Nothing made sense anymore. "You killed Yujin?"

Zaheer shrugged. "I would have preferred not to. Our mission is secret; we cannot allow anyone to know of our presence here. It was just a pity that she saw us. So young and with so much potential. Well, as much as anyone could have serving someone else as she did. We only did what was necessary to protect you." Zaheer's gaze flicked across the group. Korra tried to stop her body from trembling. Four guards, Asami, Mako, Bolin and herself. Their opponents; a devastating chi-blocker, the best fire, water and earthbenders in the world. Her friends could not hope to win.

Asami enjoyed watching Bolin squirm as the Pai Sho match headed to it's inevitable conclusion. He was running out of pieces fast, his movements and strategies becoming erratic and ill-thought out. She glanced around as the door opened and frowned. Instead of Korra, Wen and Mei entered; both looked panicked.

Wen breathed a sigh of relief as he hurried over to her. Mei darted to the window and stared out.

"What's wrong?" Asami asked, now worried.

"Y-yujin," Wen stuttered. "We found her... dead."

"What?" A lump formed in her throat and she shivered despite the heated water. There was a clatter beside her; Bolin's Pai Sho tile had tumbled from his fingers. "What happened?" she asked.

"She was... stabbed," Wen said, his eyes downcast. "Ma'am, I believe we have intruders in the mansion grounds."

"The jasmines," Asami muttered. "She always waters them now." Wen nodded.

"Where's Korra?" Mako asked.

Asami blinked and looked around. "Is she still outside?" He nodded and Asami clambered out of the pool, knocking the Pai Sho board into the water. "Come on."

Korra's guardians were killers. Those alluded to teachers were here in Republic City and had murdered Yujin. No wonder Korra fled from them before. No wonder she never liked talking about them. Asami heard all her father's words again as Korra tried to defend the intruders. Korra could not possibly condone Yujin's fate; it did not seem as if she had known. But who were these people? Korra's description of them rang false. What kind of guardian would bloody her lip like that?

"Please; leave them be," Korra begged the man who had spoken.

"You're not taking her," Asami growled. It did not matter what they were, what they said, what they promised, what they threatened; Korra could not go with them. She darted forward, ready to strike, already calculating where to jab for chi-blocking.

"Stop," Korra screamed.

It all happened so fast. Asami saw only the after-images of the confrontation. The Water Tribe woman against the fountain sprouted curling tendrils of water. They writhed ahead of her, freezing solid as they slashed at the guards. The other man tore a chunk of fountain away and flung it forwards. Asami blinked in horrified disbelief as she tried to do something. A curious popping split the air and a spark leapt from the Fire Nation woman's head. The popping preceded the roar of an explosion and the section of fountain atomized beside her. The shock-wave blasted Mako and Bolin to the ground and made Asami stumble. The air filled with dust, the dim light darker still, her lungs wheezing as she breathed particles. She did not care. Asami pushed herself forward, wanting to land some kind of hit on the man, prove they could fight back. She failed. He moved with horrible speed. In a second his fingers were jabbing into the same pressure points she wanted to exploit. She had a second to realize he too was a chi-blocker as her arm went limp. A moment later and he struck another point, dropping her to the floor. Asami wriggled; one good leg pushing at the ground as fast as she could, just trying to get away from the strangers.

"Stop," Korra yelled, flicking her arms out to either side. A wave of fire erupted along the arc her arms described, the fire rushing up into a wall of flame. Asami stared at the roaring barrier as she cradled her useless arm. Mako was upright nearby, bent double and coughing.

"Zaheer," Korra roared. "Enough. This does not involve them. They don't know anything. I swear on my life. If we leave now they won't ever know anything."

"Agreed," a voice from beyond the wall said. Korra let her arms drop and the flames extinguished. The strangers watched Korra. "You have become wise, Korra. I am impressed." The man, Zaheer, smiled. "We were wrong to call you a child."

Asami stared at the group. Something was wrong. Something screamed for attention in her head. Think, Asami. These were not guardians. What had Korra called them that first time? Teachers. A firebender. A waterbender. An earthbender. And the leader; Zaheer. There were only four airbenders in the world and they were all in Republic City. It could not be by chance that Korra's teachers each represented an element. And what could a waterbender or an earthbender hope to teach a firebender from the Water Tribe? She knew. Of course she knew. She had always known, never wanted to believe it. Korra denied it, but it made sense. Korra could bend more than just fire. And Asami could not say a word. Right now, it seemed the only chance they had of living through this was to let them win the fight. How could Korra allow this? Surely she could- She was missing one element. Korra had never met the airbenders. But if Asami let them take Korra, would she ever see her again? She needed to tell the others, but-

Korra nodded, lowering her head. "Asami? Mako? Bolin? This is goodbye. Thank you for... everything. Don't follow me, don't look for me; just let me go. I have to do this. So; please take care of Naga." Zaheer nodded, and with a gesture to his companions, ran into the darkness, Korra a step behind him. Naga bounded past the prostrate group. There was a whimper and a mournful howl somewhere in the dark ahead.

"Are they gone?" Asami breathed, eyes straining in the still hazy darkness.

"I don't know," Mako muttered. "Bolin? Bolin!" he said, patting his brother's cheek. Asami struggled over to the pair as Bolin's eyes opened. He looked groggy. "Hey," Mako smiled.

"Hey," Bolin croaked.

There were other groans and protests around them. Saionji struggled to Wen and Min and helped them to their feet. "Call an ambulance," Asami called. Wen nodded and trotted towards the house, wincing as he limped. Asami crawled towards Yin, her leg and arm still not working. The man was barely breathing. Asami looked away from the ragged hole in his side.

"Korra?" a voice croaked from behind her. Bolin was peering around, his eyes widening at the carnage. "No... this... where's Korra?"

Asami shook her head. "They took her."

"Police. We need the police." Mako said. He stared into the dark. "Those were not ordinary benders."

They survived by feigning ignorance. Had Mako or Bolin figured out who Korra was? And if they learned of it, would they be in danger? Could she trust them? That group knew Korra was here somehow. While Korra had not been hiding, someone must have tipped them off. Who were the spies? Could she trust the brothers? Yes. Asami shook herself. It would not do to fall into her father's mind-set now. She had to trust them, but anyone else was suspect. And neither Mako nor Bolin had been a match for those benders. The speed; they would leave pro-benders in their dust. "The police can't help us," Asami said after a pause. "Or at least, I'm not sure about them."

"What do you mean?" Mako frowned.

Bolin struggled upright. "We can't just let them go. They're killers. And they're killers who took Korra. We need to rescue her." He frowned. "Oh Naga." He placed both hands on the ground and concentrated. There was a grinding noise in the distance and an excited bark. Naga lumbered out of the darkness, circled them and sat, staring in the direction Korra had ran in. Bolin glanced over to Asami. "The earthbender hobbled her."

Mako frowned. "Asami? Do you know something? Did Korra say something about this to you?"

Asami shook her head. "No, but..." She sighed. "I never wanted to be right. If I was right, then I never told anyone, and then... all this would be my fault." She smiled, feeling sad. "So, I guess it really is my fault in the end. I could have stopped it years ago."

Mako frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"Mako? Bolin? Korra is the Avatar."

The brothers were silent for a moment. "No," Bolin said. "No. No way."

Asami blinked at him. "I'm sorry?"

"She said she wasn't. And she seemed to get so annoyed if I ever asked and- oh." Bolin's eyes widened. "Oh."

"Yeah," Asami said with a sigh.

Mako narrowed his eyes. "She did something back when you met her didn't she?"

Asami nodded. "I thought I remembered wrong. But she bent ice to build a shelter. Then she bent fire to keep me warm."

Mako let out a held breath and ran his hands through his hair. "This just gets more complicated. We need help though. We can trust Chief Beifong. Asami; you should be able to get a direct line to her."

Asami nodded, feeling excitement begin to displace despair. They were not done for yet. She tried to stand. Not happening. "Okay, my leg is still gone. Help me to the phone?" Mako nodded, clambering to his feet and hauling Bolin up afterward. The brothers helped her up, carrying her between them.

"We... we could trust the Fire Lord couldn't we?" Asami asked as they struggled to the mansion.

"Firelord Izumi? I reckon so. Zuko is her father," Bolin said her Asami's left.

"Okay, how about her son?" Asami asked.

"What? General Iroh?" Mako asked.

"That was his name. Think he could help us?"

Mako tried to shrug. "I hope so. I reckon his whole family have to be pretty okay with the Avatar all things considered." He paused. "Okay; maybe not Azula."

They struggled into the mansion. "Drop me at this phone. You call Chief Beifong on the one down the hall," Asami said. Bolin and Mako tipped her into a chair as she scrambled at the telephone. "Just tell them you're calling on my behalf if anyone gets awkward," Asami called as she dialed the United Forces. It took a while; so many hold-ups, so many people between her and the person she needed to talk to. Until;

"Good evening, Miss... Sato was it? This is General Iroh. How may I help you?"

"General Iroh. Thank you for taking my call."

There was a chuckle. "The United Forces owes your family a lot. You're more than welcome."

"General, is this line secure?" Asami asked.

There was a pause. "It is." The unspoken question hovered in the air. "I am... curious as to why that concerns you?"

"They're just putting me through," Mako called.

"I'm sorry General, but I wanted to be sure. We have information on the Avatar." There was a click on the line half-way through her last word. "General Iroh? General Iroh?" The phone was silent.

"Asami?" Mako called. "I got cut off."

Asami hung up and picked up the phone again. Nothing. "Either the phone chose right now to stop working or the lines have been cut." She slammed the receiver down and slumped back, scowling. "Well, I'm out of ideas. Unless someone can pull another suggestion out of the air- Wait. The airbenders."

"What?" Bolin asked. "It'll take ages to get over to Air Temple island. The police station is closer."

"Yes, but do we know if Chief Beifong is there? We don't know who we can trust with this. This is the Avatar we're talking about. But I would bet everything I have that we can trust Aang's family."

Mako nodded. "Makes sense."

"And we are coming along then," Bolin added.

"Are you sure? I don't need to remind you that they're dangerous."

Bolin shook his head. "Doesn't matter." He slipped into his radio voice. "The fate of the world hangs in the balance and everyone is depending on us." His voice reverted to normal. "And we have to get Korra back."

Asami grinned. "Mako?"

He hesitated for a second. "If Bolin goes, so do I."

"Guess there's no point even trying to stop you two," Asami said, scratching at her arm. To her delight it now felt fuzzy, filled with pins and needles, but at least it was no longer numb.

"It's destiny," Bolin exclaimed. "We are the new Team Avatar. And the Avatar needs us."

"Team Avatar, huh? Never thought I'd wind up as a member," Asami mused.

"This is great and all, but how do we get there?" Mako asked. "The dock is an hour away by car and then there's a ten minute ferry ride. And Aang's family might not even be home."

"We don't have a lot of other choices, Mako," Asami said. She grinned. "I think I can get there pretty fast. And we need help. Come on. We'll take Naga with us - I bet she can help us find Korra."

"Okay, but first?" Bolin said. "I think we might want to get changed."

"Miss Sato," Takeshi exclaimed as she strode to the garage, her posture still stiff. "Are you alright? We tried to call your father, but there's a problem with the phones. Chao has gone to the factory, but-"

"Takeshi," Asami cut him off. "Please take care of everyone here. Ambulances should already be on the way. We just need to take care of something urgent."

Takeshi frowned. "Where is Miss Korra?"

"She's been kidnapped," Asami said. "And we're going to the one person who can help us."

Takeshi frowned. "But Miss Sato-"

Asami shook her head. "Don't worry. And don't call the police. Please. If you want to help, help the people here. We're... we're..." She caught Bolin's eye. "We're following our destiny," she said. Takeshi blinked at her, but nodded.

"As you wish."

Asami limped into the garage, Bolin, Mako and Naga trailing behind. "You said an hour right?" Asami asked. She tugged at a cover; beneath it was a military grade truck. "Guess it's time to demonstrate Future Industries' newest design," Asami said as she got behind the wheel. Mako slid into the passenger side as Bolin and Naga leapt into the back.

"Wait," Bolin shouted. Asami twisted around. Bolin had pulled his shirt open and was speaking to the nestled fire ferret. "Pabu? Sorry, but this is too dangerous for you. Please, stay here and we'll be back soon." Pabu chirped and scampered off of the truck. He sat on the floor and stared up at them. "I promise we'll be back soon, Pabu. Be good," Bolin called as Asami revved the engine and stomped the accelerator. The truck surged forward, barreling past the ambulances just turning into the estate. Asami drove fast, never taking her foot from the accelerator as they sped through the night. She ignored traffic signs, police sirens and the screams of terror from both Mako and Bolin as the truck screeched around corners on two wheels.

"Master Tenzin," one of the sentries asked.

Tenzin sighed and opened his eyes. Beside him Jinora blinked one eye open and narrowed it at Manu. "Yes?"

"There's some people here to see you. They insist on being allowed onto the island. By Jinora's invitation."

Tenzin blinked and turned to his daughter. "Friends of yours?"

Jinora frowned. "Um. I... Maybe? Oh wait, there were those girls at the museum. Remember? That girl who was obsessed with Grandfather's things?"

"Ah, yes, I do recall. Whatever can they want at this hour?" He glanced at the guard. "Thank you, Manu. Jinora and I will be down in a few moments."

Why now? It had been another long day of fruitless searching in the slums. Tenzin padded along the passageways, Jinora trailing after him. A large white dog creature had been seen in the area, but it had been close to three weeks since the last time anyone had last seen it. And it was not as if it was concrete proof; there were many creatures of similar size and colouring in the slum. Could they even hope they had been trying to find the correct one? And it was not as if-

Tenzin gaped as he exited the house. A polar bear-dog. There was a polar bear-dog sitting right in front of him. "Oh, great moon Yue," he muttered, his eyes wide. He frowned. The girl beside the creature was from the Fire Nation; he was looking for a Water Tribe girl. He opened his mouth to demand an explanation but Jinora beat him to it.

"Hi! You finally made it," Jinora said with a smile. "Oh; where's your friend?" she asked.

"Kidnapped," the pretty lady said.

"Kidnapped?" Tenzin asked. "Well, I'm very sorry Miss, but surely this is a matter for the police?"

The girl shook her head. "We can't risk the police. Look, I know this might sound crazy or unbelievable but-"

"The Avatar," said the shorter boy. "Our friend is the Avatar and she's been kidnapped."

Tenzin staggered. "What?"

"Her name is Korra, she's from the Water Tribe. This is her polar bear dog," the girl said.

"And we need to save her," the boy added.

Tenzin shook his head, trying to make sense of their words. "Who are you?"

"I'm Asami Sato," the girl said. "This is Bolin and Mako. This here," she patted the polar bear dog's flank, "Is Naga."

Jinora took a stumbling step forward. "So that's why she asked that..."

"Jinora?"

His daughter stared at the ground, frowning. "She asked about past Avatars and-"

"We don't have time for this," Asami interrupted. "Korra was taken less than an hour ago from my estate."

"Who?" Tenzin asked. "Who took her? Earth Kingdom?"

Asami frowned. "I... don't know? There was an earthbender there. But also a firebender and a waterbender. And a chi-blocker. Oh; the waterbender had no arms and-"

"The Red Lotus," Tenzin hissed.

"Who?" Mako asked.

"Anarchist benders; they wanted to destroy the government. We thought they were all captured or dead, but-. Come on. We have to get hold of Chief Beifong." Tenzin raced back into the house, the others following. "Okay-." Tenzin dropped the phone as he heard Jinora scream. He whirled around. Manu had a knife against Jinora's throat.

"Jinora," he croaked.

"Leave the phone where it is and no one has to get hurt," Manu said, his voice calm. "It was never meant to come to this," he added. "I'm sorry, Master Tenzin."

"What are you doing?" Tenzin demanded. "If you wanted us dead, why wait until now?"

"Dead? We don't want to harm any of you. We can't lose you; you're the only airbending master in the world. But we can't let you interfere with our mission either. No can we let you leave the island."

Jinora's scream had drawn the other acolytes to the windows. They peered in at the spectacle. "Back! All of you," Shi barked. "Any of you come any closer and she dies." The acolytes stepped back. "See? We're fine. We're all just going to stay here until things are over with. That includes you three," Shi said, glaring at Asami, Bolin and Mako.

"But why?" Tenzin asked, fists clenched at his sides.

"Change, Master Tenzin. We're going to change the world."

"By killing people?" Asami exclaimed.

Shi shrugged. "If necessary. The oppressors must be sacrificed for the greater good."

"Yujin... she never... oppressed anyone," Bolin mumbled.

"Shut up," Manu said.

"How much?" Asami asked.

"What?" Manu said staring at her.

"How much for Jinora?" Asami said staring at the man. "She's your hostage right? You must want something for her."

"Miss Sato, I appreciate the gesture, but I doubt they will be swayed by money," Tenzin said.

Manu laughed. "Don't be so hasty, Tenzin. I'm curious; how much did you have in mind?"

"One million yuan," Asami said.

Manu and Shi smiled. "So; that's the going rate for airbenders is it? Or is that just a kid. One million for a child?"

"I can give you more-" Asami said, her eyes wide.

"And then some," Mako growled behind Tenzin. Something burning hot hovered close to his throat.

"Mako!" Bolin exclaimed, his mouth falling open.

"Mako, what are you doing?" Asami demanded.

"So you're with them too?" Tenzin muttered. Mako pulled on his shoulders and Tenzin stumbled back, what felt like a flame dagger still far too close to his throat.

"Sorry, Asami," Mako said. "Didn't plan this, but if that's how much you'll give for the girl... Hey. Any chance I can join up?" Mako asked. "This one's gotta be a more valuable hostage than the girl."

"Kid; we aren't in this for money. Though... any help is appreciated," Manu answered.

"Mako; please don't do this," Asami said, her eyes shining with tears.

"Mako; you jerk," Bolin yelled and threw a rock. A rock that went nowhere near Tenzin, nowhere near Mako. It smacked into Manu's face with a crunch. In the same moment Jinora catapulted herself forward on a blast of wind. The flame dagger beside Tenzin's throat was gone and now a blast of fire streaked past him to catch Shi. Tenzin sent a surge of air at the two traitors, thrusting them out of the door and onto the mud. They scrambled onto their feet and ran.

"Call Chief Beifong," Mako called as he ran after them. "We'll stop them."

Tenzin ran to the phone, curling his arm around Jinora as he did so, waiting for the call to connect. Pema appeared at the doorway with Meelo and Ikki. "Tenzin, what happened?"

"An attack. Please, I'll explain later. Take Jinora and lock the doors. Do not let anyone in; not even any of the acolytes or the White Lotus." Pema was about to protest when the call connected.

"Tenzin? Is everything okay-."

"Lin," Tenzin cut her off. "The Red Lotus have Korra. They are in the city."

"What?"

"We can't talk right now. She was at the Sato estate this evening. I have no idea what the Red Lotus are planning, but isn't Chief Unalaq in a meeting with the council?"

"He is," Lin said. "Tenzin, the Red Lotus could be anywhere by now. I'll send a team to guard him."

"Make sure you can trust them," Tenzin said. The next words hurt to say. "They infiltrated the White Lotus. They attacked my family, Lin."

"Are you okay? I'll send a team to-"

"No. We're fine. But we need to find them. I'm not one of their targets, and we cannot let anyone else know we've found out about them. We need to find Korra."

"Okay, okay, I'm on it. But... Okay. We'll get moving. See you soon I hope."

"See you, Lin," Tenzin replied. "Jinora? Korra's friend? That girl? Asami was it?" Jinora nodded. "If they come back let her and her friends in. But only them. We can't trust the other acolytes right now."

"Where are you going?" Pema asked.

"We need help and I need to let people know we finally found the Avatar."

Bolin arced several rocks up into the air, aiming them at the fleeing men. They side-stepped the projectiles, seeming unfazed by his attack; more concerned with escaping. Bolin concentrated, wrenching a chunk of rock from the ground and blasted it towards the docks. It tore through the wood, sending a splash of water up into the air. Manu and Shi stopped, startled by the proximity. Time enough. Mako flicked flames across both their torsos, igniting Shi's sleeves. As he paused to deal with the flames with frantic flailing hands, Asami's boot connected with his head. He fell limp to the ground. Manu dropped his knife, hands slapping at his clothing as he tried to extinguish the flames. Asami was on him a moment later, fingers jabbing into his joints and blocking his chi. The earth surged up around Shi and encased him in rock. Bolin dusted his hands off as he came up beside Mako and Asami.

"Great job guys," Bolin said. He high-fived Mako, provoking a laugh from his brother. He broke off when he caught sight of Asami's face.

"I thought you turned on us," Asami said in a quiet voice.

"Sorry," Mako said, staring at the ground. "It was the only thing I could think of."

"And..." Asami glanced at Bolin. "You knew it was just an act?"

Bolin scratched his head. "Well, yeah. Not the first time Mako's pulled that one. Saved us more than once too."

Asami sighed. "Should have known you wouldn't just turn on us," she smiled. "I'm sorry."

Mako shook his head. "No, still my fault for doing it. We're lucky it worked. Hey... can you guys check on Tenzin?" Bolin had taken hold of Manu's arms, about to drag him closer to Shi to imprison him in a similar fashion. "He might have some troubles getting through to the police. I'll watch these guys," Mako added.

Asami frowned. "Well, okay. If you're sure?"

Mako nodded. Bolin darted off, Asami a step behind him. She paused as she heard Manu speak. "Go ahead and kill me, kid. My life is worthless now."

"Kill you? Well, maybe." Asami's blood ran cold. "But not yet."

"You okay, Asami?" Bolin asked just ahead of her.

"Yes." Too quick. "Yes," she repeated. "You go help Master Tenzin, I'll help Mako with these two."

"Oh. Okay. Sure. But..." Bolin frowned. "Weren't you going to help Tenzin get through to the police?"

"Bolin; Tenzin is Aang's son. And who did Aang spend a long, long time with?"

"Zuko."

"And?"

"Katara?"

"And?"

"Toph- Oh! You mean he'd know Chief Beifong?"

"Yes, Bolin. Now go see if he needs any help."

Bolin smiled. "Okay. See you two in a minute."

Asami crept back down towards the beach. Mako had dragged the still limp Manu into the surf. The man spluttered and gasped as Mako dragged him through the water, soaking him to the skin. He rolled the man back onto the beach, his movements rough, Manu wincing in pain as his limbs flopped awkwardly. Sparks erupted from Mako's finger-tips.

"Okay, Manu," Mako said with an eerie calm. "Now we are going to talk. And you are going to tell me what the Red Lotus's plans are."

"I'll never tell you," Manu sneered. Mako scowled and tore the man's sleeve away from his arm. He wadded it up and shoved it into the man's mouth.

"Well, let's see if I can persuade you to talk," Mako said and pressed his hand against the man's bare arm. Manu convulsed; all his limbs, his entire body straining against something. His face twisted into an agonised expression as his muffled voice screamed. Asami scrambled forward.

"Stop it. Mako; what do you think you're doing?"

Mako whirled, looking guilty. "Asami," he breathed as he let go of Manu. The man fell onto the sand, his eyes screwed up tight. "I... he... I wanted to know what they're planning. We need to know. And he won't tell me." He stared at the man who lay twisted and awkward on the beach. "I want to help save the Avatar. Don't you?"

"Of course I do," Asami breathed, unable to take her eyes from Manu. "But not like this. This is wrong Mako. This is barbaric. We're supposed to be better than this."

Mako shook his head. "We're wasting time Asami. What do you want to do? Offer them more money? If they wanted that they could just sell Korra to the Earth Queen. We try and talk and they just have to not say anything. We let too much time pass and something happens. I'm not waiting." He pressed his hands against Manu's arms again, provoking a new wave of agonized, muffled screaming. Mako let him go, Manu groaning and making vague almost coherent noises. "What was that?" Mako said in a mocking tone. "Ready to talk?" He pulled the wadded up cloth from the man's mouth.

"Please stop."

"I will. You just have to tell me what the plan is."

Manu eyed Mako for a moment. Mako shoved the cloth back in and electrocuted the man once more. Manu's breathing shuddered as Mako extracted the cloth again. "I'll talk," Manu gulped. "Just please..." Mako stood up, staring down at Manu. Asami felt sick. "Zaheer wants the Avatar to kill Chief Unalaq. For all I know she already has."

"And afterwards?"

"The... Earth Queen or the Fire Lord. Then the other."

"Korra wouldn't do that," Asami breathed. "That's not her."

Mako stared down at Manu. "That's not the Korra I know either. She's not going to do it on your say-so."

"We have ways," Manu smiled.

Mako raised his hand. "What's the leverage?"

Manu smirked. "She'll obey orders or she'll die," he said. The smile vanished as Mako clamped his hand over the man's head.

"I can keep going still. I'm just getting started," he said. "The Avatar can't just be forced to do something. What are they planning?"

"Her parents."

"Her parents?" Asami exclaimed. "They're still alive?" She blinked. "Of course they are. Of course they're still alive." A cold fury blossomed within her. "What kind of people are you? Taking a child from her family like that?"

Mako shook her head. "Where are they?"

"On their way from the South Pole."

"In your friends' custody?"

"Not yet. There are members waiting at the Bato port." Mako's fingers clenched. "No, please. I don't know anything else. That's everything I know."

"Good," Mako said. He punched the man, leaving him unconscious on the sand. Mako rolled him over and bound his hands together.

"Okay. Now we know. Sorry you had to see that-"

Asami slapped him, the impact echoing in the air. "You could have killed him," she said through gritted teeth.

Mako shook his head. "No. I knew what I was doing."

Asami took a shaky step backwards. "You... you've done this before?"

Mako nodded. "A few times. Shin... sometimes he needed to make people talk." His face was impassive.

"Does... Bolin doesn't know does he?"

Mako shook his head. "And never needs to."

Asami nodded, trying to ignore the shiver that swept through her. "But what else are you hiding from him? First the bending arenas, now this? How far does it go?" Mako jerked his head and looked away from her. "Mako?" Asami said. "I thought... I thought you were better than this." She fell silent, the only noise the wash of the sea on the sand. "Did you ever... kill anyone?"

"Never." The response was quick. Asami felt a little relieved.

"But how could you do that to someone else?"

"Because I know what it feels like," Mako said, his shoulders hunched. "We need to get back," he said, striding past her. "We need to let the others know."

x

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Chapter Note: By this time you should already have idea how dark the fanfic really is.

Chapter 13- The Game replies:

Thank you for the very pleasing reviews! We really love all your feedback. It's a great thing to know if people are interested on what will happen next.

At Guest's "Red Lotus POV on what finding out what Korra has been doing"

I can see why you would be interested but it won't move the story forward and won't give new information. It will also be "stalker-ish" if written.

At AnonymousReview:

The guard that accompanied Eska and Desna was indeed supposed to be Kuvira and it's great you noticed her. However, her being there might add to the numerous plot points already present in that chapter. It benefits the next chapters.

Dr. Love pop culture reference:

I drafted the Dr. Love portion but I honestly have no idea what pop culture reference Sanctum_C put there [laughs] but it's great you guys loved it.

Tahno:

He will probably appear again and he's not going to be important at all. Probably just as important as Hasook.

Is Korra bisexual?

Yes, of course, affirmative, indeed. The story is loooooooooooooooooooooooooong.

At Equalists:

Yes they exist here, but since this is an AU things will also be different. Asami first saw Amon's mask in Chapter 6 - Memento. We put a lot of foreshadowing and important details as much as possible and hope readers will notice them and speculate. Remember the tree that Mako and Bolin's shack was attached to? That's not the last time we will see it. Mako was beaten in a bending arena right? It's meant to foreshadow something in Book 3 (don't think about it too much yet until Book 2's finale.)

Eska and Desna:

See the chapter Chapter 7- Search of the Lotus why they're in the city. Ctrl+F Unalaq

At TBone511's review and story length/books:

We have 61 chapters outlined, three books. Book 1 is called "Healing" for reasons you guys should figure out in the future... and we cannot reveal yet the titles of Book 2, and Book 3.

If adapted into animation Book 1 is probably just 12 episodes. While Book 2 and Book 3 will mostly likely follow the 20 episode ATLA format.

On relationships and character development:

We love the feedback on relationships between the main characters. Developing them as unique from one another and dimensioned is one of our top priorities in this story. I actually have a piano playlist of character themes to inspire- Asami, Bolin and Mako has them and so far I'm looking for Korra's.

And since the last chapter has good reviews here's gonna be the next three titles:

15- Assassination

16- Broken Chains

17- Korra's Decision

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Book 2/ Book 3:

Chapter X- Child of Earth and Fire