Twisted Destiny

9,829 BG — Year of the Ox Asami Journal Entry Week Three Day Three

It has been two Weeks and three days since I arrived in the past. It still isn't easy to believe that I really went back ten-thousand years.

As one could imagine, things are quite a bit different now, than they are in my time. So one of the most surprising things is how similar our cultures still are. Even despite such a huge difference in environment, our language hasn't seemed to change much over the years. Of course there are a few here and there. For example, there are many words that are used, but have vastly different meanings here. There are also many words that are missing from the dialect all together and have no equivalent.

Despite my best efforts, I have made the mistake of using slang and technical terms a bit more than I would like to admit. Though, I am also learning so much about our history that I never new before. It is all very fascinating and I would love for a chance to study the culture a bit more, but I can't help find the irony in saying this, there is just not enough time.

I need to focus on finishing my project and getting back home as soon as possible. I am worried about Korra, she may need my help, and I can't sit around and do nothing. Or at least that is what I would like to think. Korra has always been able to handle herself one way or another. Even after she was almost killed by the Red Lotus she never gave up. And truth be told, I just can't stand the thought of us being apart again. Those three years she spent away were some of the longest of my life and we weren't even involved back then.

As for the project itself it is moving along better than I had expected. These strange abilities I have been given, I wasn't sure what to make of them at first. After I used them for the first time, it didn't feel like anything even happened. I just saw a flash of light, and felt my hair stand on end for a moment, but according to Avatar Wan, I had vanished into thin air.

After further testing I have begun to realize my powers true nature, the power to Bend Time itself. Yes, its crazy I know, but if there is anything I have learned in my life, its that when spirits are involved, you should expect the unexpected. With that said, I still can't control it very well. I can only seem to travel a few minutes in either direction regardless of how hard I try.

After becoming frustrated I consulted Raava about it, I figured if anyone could make since of this, it would be the Great Spirit. And she gave me some very useful insight. She told me that while she didn't know how I received such a power, the power seemed to be drawing on spiritual energy around me to function. This was a slight problem though, since I'm a normal human who couldn't even bend a normal element. That meant that I didn't have much spiritual energy to spare, and that was likely what was blocking my power from working.

At first I despaired but soon came to realize something. There was a way I knew of to draw on spiritual energy. If spirit vines could be turned into a weapon, than surely I could turn them into a power source. I would just need a few things, and once Wan returns from his outing today, he should have what I need with him. Then I can finally move on to phase two.

Asami was sat at an oak table which she had converted into a make shift workbench inside of a small hut that she had claimed as her temporary workshop until she could figure out a way home. Currently she was now in the middle of a new daily routine of hers, and that was writing a new entry in her old Journal. Her fingers were still a bit clumsy with the ink quill she using but she didn't have many other options given the time period and she found that she was enjoying the oddity of it more then she would think she would.

Right after Asami had finished her entry and was setting down her quill the front door to the hut was suddenly swung open. Asami quickly spun around to see Avatar Wan stepping inside while carrying a large crate in each of his arms. "Lady Asami, I have returned. I got what you asked for!"

Asami quickly closed her journal and full turned around to face the former Avater with a bright welcoming smile. "Speak of the spirits."

"What? What about the spirits?" Wan asked obviously slightly confused.

"Oh it's nothing, don't worry about it." Asami said while waving it off. "That was really quick did you manage to get everything that I needed?" She inquired.

"Yeah, at least I think so." Wan replied before he stepped forward and set the two crates down in front of Asami for inspection. Asmai glanced down to inspect the contents of the two creates and was pleased to see that just as she asked, one was filled with metal scraps of varying shapes and sizes while the other was packed with freshly cut spirit vines.

"Wow, you got a lot. This will really help me out." Asami cheered gleefully.

"The spirits were not very happy about me taking the vines though. I will end up spending the great part of tomorrow trying to making it up to them." Wan said while rubbing his neck nervously. "So what do you need all of this stuff for anyway?" He asked before glancing around the small workshop. Scattered around the space were different pieces forged metal that seemed to make up a women sized suit of metal armor. "I kind of get why you need the spirit vines and all but, what is the armor for? I hope you're not going to tell me that you're going to war."

Asami raised an eyebrow at this before responding. "Why, would that be a problem if I were?"

"Don't take this the wrong way Asami but I don't believe a beautiful maiden like yourself belongs on the battlefield." Wan responded.

This statement caused Asami to scoff. "Well there is no need for you to worry, because this suit is not meant for combat. I simply need something to sturdy to channel the spiritual energy of the vines through safely and the armor should in theory be able to do that. And besides, I've never been the type for rushing blindly into battle." Asami declared causing Wan to breathe a sigh of relief.

"However it should be noted that if my loved ones were in trouble, I would fight to protect them. Also I think it would be wise to avoid saying things like that in the future. Because if your latest reincarnation heard you say something like that, she would probably punch you in the face." She said with a light laugh before pulling out a few large pieces of scrap from the crate and making her way over to the main body of the suit. "This should do just nicely. Hey Wan can you help me out for a minute? I need you to fire bend this piece in place for me."

"Sure!" Wan replied before he quickly made his way over to stand beside Asami. Once he had Asami directed explained how she wanted it done and without delay he began blasting the metal with concentrated heat as directed while Asami struck it with a hammer to mould it in place. "So do you think you could tell me more about my reincarnations?" He asked in seemed like a casual tone.

Asami shrugged, she didn't think it was a good idea to share too much information about the future with Wan, but she supposed that minor stuff couldn't do that much damage. "Anyone in particular you want to know about? I've done quite a bit of research in regards to the Avatars and there are many who have achieved great things."

Wan looked thoughtful for a moment before replying. "Well, you said the name of the current reincarnation is Korra right? From what you've told me so far, it seems like the two of you are quite close. This might come off as being a bit forward, but could it be that the two of you are…"

Asami stopped working the metal to fix Wan with an appraising look. Wan met her look with a raised eye brow and that caused Asami to let out a sigh before responding. "Are we lovers? Is that what you're asking?" Wan gave her a curt nod in response. "Yes, I suppose we are, but that is more of a recent development. We were friends for years before any of that came about."

That statement caused a smile to creep its wave over Wan's face. "This Korra guy is so lucky. I can't wait to be him."

Asami let out a light giggle as they finish wielding the metal in place. "Korra's a girl Wan." Asami clarified before she broke away from the old Avatar who was now wearing a dumbfounded expression, and she made her way towards the back of the hut where the rest of the crates were still located.

"I guess a lot of things are going to change in ten-thousand years huh Raava?" Wan whispered to himself.

And on queue Wan could hear the soft echoing voice of his spectral companion enter his mind. "Indeed, not even I can predict all that fate has in store for this world. I am sure there will be as many hardships as there will be triumphs. However, it brings me joy to know that the generations to come will be ready to face it."

"And that we will be there to help them. Isn't that right Raava?" Wan added.

"Yes, we are not just ourselves anymore. We are the Avatar, and we shall protect this world from those who would seek its destruction. From now, onto eternity if need be." The Great Spirit agreed.

Several Days Later

"Alright all set, you ready for the big moment!?" Asami asked excitedly as she stepped out in front of Avatar Wan in the middle the secluded meadow they had been using to test Asami's creation. The raven haired inventor was now covered from head to toe in the fruits of their labor. A set of patchwork metal armor with large wires running back and forth between the different pieces, and clear tubes stuffed with spirit vines were attached to her back.

"Yeah I suppose so, but I have to ask you once more. Why are we doing this out in the middle of nowhere?" Wan inquired.

Asami deflated slightly as she let out a groan. "I already explained this to you at length, did I not?"

"You did," Wan replied as he nodded in agreement. "However, your explanations always use a lot of big words. Many of which I didn't really understand." He admitted sheepishly.

"Fine, I will try to put it in similar terms. If my knowledge of geographical history is correct," Noticing Wan's eyebrow raise at the mention of geographical history Asami sighed before clarifying. "The study of landscapes and how they change over time. Anyway, if I am correct, then this should be where my home estate will be in the future. This will make things easier for me when I get back to my time period. Besides, since nobody is around this area at the moment, I won't have to worry about drawing unwanted attention when I activate this suit."

"Oh I get it, that's cool. Though, it will be kind of sad to see you go. Sure you can't stay any longer? You know you're welcome too?" Wan asked.

Asami gave him a sad smile. "Sorry Wan, I don't belong here. Besides, Korra needs me right now, I can just feel it." She said as she looked off into the distance, as if she was expecting Korra to appear before her. "And I wouldn't worry too much, I'm sure we will be seeing each other once again. It will just be in about ten-thousand years."

Wan chuckled at that before giving a cheerful retort. "For a woman like you, it will be worth the wait."

"Okay, here we go!" Asami declared before she promptly began twisting metal nubs on her wrist and chest. As she did this, the suit began to spark and hum. "Alright Asami, just clear your mind and think about only Korra. I need to go back home. I need to go to where Korra is!" She told herself while the spirit vines on her back started to glow. The vines were becoming brighter and brighter with every passing second until, they erupted in a bright display of light that completely engulfed her body.

Wan had to shield his eyes from the intense glow and when he opened them again, Asami had vanished without a trace.

174 AG — Year of the Dog

Another flash of light signaled Asami's arrival, and a pile of rubble greeted her before it was is quickly blown away as the raven haired girl appeared from within it. Now slightly confused and very disorientated, she began to look around, carefully taking in her surroundings.

"Did I make it? This place doesn't look like home at all." Asami pondered before her gaze went out over the surrounding landscape. It looked like a war had taken place. As far as she could see, there was nothing but ruined buildings and cracked pavement. "What the heck happened here?"

Deciding to investigate further, Asami made her way through the wreckage in hopes of finding clues. As she reached the closed standing structure, she reached out and ran her hand along the wall. "This building certainly seems like it's of modern design, but this couldn't possibly be Republic City. I mean there is nothing out…" Asami trailed off as her eyes spotted something in the distance, something massive peeking out from the sea. It was a building sized statue, built upon a small island not far from shore, and at first she thought it might have been Avatar Aang's statue, but her eyes widened and her mouth fell agape when she recognized the imposing figure. "Korra!? What's a statue of Korra doing there!?" She asked in shocked bewilderment.

Then after taking a moment to calm herself she focused on the statue again, looking closely just to be sure. "Well, at least I think its Korra." Asami stated with uncertainty clear in her voice. While the person greatly resembled Korra in many ways, the figured depicted looked to be in their forties. Also their hair was long, stretching down past her waist in a messy unkempt mane. Korra wasn't much for hair care, but she had never allowed it to get so out of control before. "If that is a statue of Korra, why does she look so much older?"

Before Asami could get the answers she was seeking however, she heard an gruff voice call out to her. "Hey! Who are you!? You are not allowed on palace grounds!"

Asami swung around to see several people in black robes approaching her. She promptly straightened herself out on instinct and began to speak in the most formal tone she could manage. "I'm Asami Sato, I'm the CEO of Future Industries. Can anyone tell me what's going on here!? What happened to Republic City and why is there a statue of Korra here?!" She inquired while pointing in the direction of the statue.

The robed man who had originally called out to her glanced at each of his companions. Each of the men sharing a few unsure looks. "This girl isn't making any since. What should we do?" One of the men inquired.

"Our orders are fairly clear that nobody is to enter the Avatar's palace. We are free to kill anyone who approaches with no exceptions." Another man stated as he drew a blade free from his within his cloak. The rest of the men seemed to agree as they promptly nodded along and began drawing weapons of their own. Then they started to slowly approach Asami.

"Wait a minute, what?!" Asami shouted in surprise before a look of panic came over her face. "You know what, never mind, I think I can figure this out on my own!" She declared before quickly turning and booking as fast as her legs could carry her down the shore line and away from her robed attackers.

For a moment the men stood there as still as the statue towering over them, but quickly snapped out of and giving chase. "After her, the Avatar will have our heads if we let anyone escape!" One of the men declared as he readied a crossbow and began taking pot shots at the fleeing inventor.

Asami glanced back at her pursuers just in time to spot a crossbow bolt heading right for her head causing her to scream as she dived to the side to avoid being hit. Then she quickly jumped back to her feet a second before another shot struck the ground where she had been laying. Realizing she was too exposed out here near the shore she broke away and made towards the city ruins. "I have to find some cover! I am a sitting duck out here!"

The group of robed men didn't seem the slightest bit deterred by Asami's evasive maneuvers as they chased her deep into the city ruins ducking and weaving between buildings. Even though Asami considered herself quite quick on her feet, her armor was weighing her down too much to out run her pursuers. And since she couldn't just ditch the armor she might still need to get home, she had to come up with something else.

With that in mind, Asami waited until she had managed to get just out of the robed men's sight and when she did, she broke right and hoped over a smashed wall into one of the many partly destroyed buildings lining the street. There was no ceiling in this building, and only three of the walls were still standing, but it gave her just enough cover to stay out of view.

When the robed men realized that Asami had evaded them, they split up and began systematically searching the area for her. Luckily for Asami, it didn't appear as though any of them were heading in her direction just yet. Once they were out of ear shot, Asami let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding and took a moment to sit back and think. "What the heck was that about? Why did those men try to attack me?" She pondered before glancing out through the hole in the wall toward the statue from before. "And what connect do they have with Korra? I have to get to the bottom of all of this."

Asami's train of thought was derailed when she heard a low rumbling noise coming from somewhere below her. "Huh, what is that sound?" She questioned as she placed an ear to the floor. "It sounds like somebody is digging? Or maybe earth bending." Then her train of thought was cut off once again when she heard footsteps approaching her location.

Asami spun around just in time to make eye contact with one of the men who had attacked her only a moment ago. This man wasn't the same who had called out to her originally, he was quite a bit younger, but he looked quite haggard, like he hadn't had a shower or a good night's sleep in weeks. Upon seeing her, the man's eyes widened in surprise and for a moment he looked unsure of what to do. However, the man quickly snapped out of his bewilderment and his mouth began to crack open to yell. "Over here! I foun…" His mouth was forcibly clamped shut by Asami's gauntlet covered hand and before he had time to react a sudden jolt of electricity was channeled through her glove putting the man down almost instantly.

Even though Asami had acted quickly, it was too late to prevent the words the man had already spoken from reaching the ears of the rest of the men. Upon hearing their companions call they all dropped what they were doing and began heading right for Asami's position. If that weren't bad enough, there also seemed to be more men than there were before and they would soon have her surrounded.

"Oh spirits, this isn't good! Should I try warping again?" Asami pondered as she began evaluating her surroundings, looking for possible escape routes. After coming up with no better plan, the decision was made. "I guess I will need to before it's too late!" Asami thought allowed before she reached for the dial on her gauntlet to reactivate the suit, but after turning it, much to her dismay, nothing happened. She could only assume that after a ten-thousand year jump, the energy was far too low and it would at least need some time to recharge. "No, are you kidding me!? What am I going to do now!? Alright clam down and think girl, there hast to be a way out of this!" She ranted.

Despite her brain working triple time, Asami couldn't come up with a good solution before a volley of arrows began pouring into the building from above. It was all she could do to watch as the arrows rained down around her cutting off any chance of escape she may have still had and with no where to go and no proper cover to protect her, she readied herself for the worst. She pressed herself against the nearest wall and held her armored gauntlets over her head and prayed.

Then as if by some sort of divine intervention, a stone slab shot up through the worn floorboards of the building to form a wall between her and the rain of metal. Then, maybe a second later, several more stone pillars shot up from the ground around the building, striking many of the robed men who were preparing to charge in side to confirm Asami's demise. The pillars, hit their mark hard, practically embedding themselves in the chests of the men and sending them hurling backward screaming in pain and surprise.

That is when Asami's eyes snapped back open and began flicking back and forth between the stone wall next to her and the groaning men outside. And that's when she noticed a third part springing up from below the ground, they were earth benders, there was no doubt about that, but she wasn't sure who they were. Who they were wasn't really all that important to her right now anyway. What was important was the fact that they weren't friends of the robed men and were currently forcing them back.

"Rebels!" Asami heard one of the robed men shout out right before she saw a ball of fire came out of no where and slammed into his face causing him reel back, and scream in horror and pain.

Asami's eyes quickly snapped to the side in an attempt to find the source of the fire ball. When she did she was shocked to see a familiar face come into view. She couldn't get to her feet, and bring out her voice quick enough "Mako?!" She shouted as she began to dash towards the man in question.

Hearing his name being called the man to turned to look towards the blasted out house he had just defended to find a raven haired women in what appeared to be a full suit of armor running towards him. On instinct he went into a firebending stance but once his tangerine eyes met the girl's light green orbs, he became frozen. His eyes instantly become as wide as saucers, and his jaw hang low in bewilderment. "By the spirits, Asami!?"

While Mako was lost in his stupor, he failed to notice the enemy charging at him from behind, but Asami did not. "Mako, watch out on your six!" She warned.

With out hesitation, Mako quickly snapped back into fight mode, but he didn't have enough time to react as the man attempted to slice off his head with a broadsword. Luckily for him, right before the blade made contact with his neck, another pillar of stone shot up from the ground between them, striking the robed man in the chin and sending him flipping backward several feet before landing face down and becoming still.

Then the earth bender responsible for the interference ran over to check on Mako's condition. Asami instantly recognized him as Mako's younger brother Bolin. "Mako what the heck was that?! You completely zoned out there for a minute, what's wrong!?" Bolin asked. Mako didn't bother to respond in words, perhaps because he couldn't think of what to say, so instead he simply pointed his finger in Asami's dirrection.

Of course Bolin's eyes followed his brothers direction, and once he did, his face took on a very similar expression to the one Mako had worn only a moment ago, though he shook himself out of it a bit more quickly. "Asami!?" He shouted after his recovery. Then without delay he rushed over to pull the girl into a spine crushing hug. "I can't believe it, you're alive!"

"Bolin… you're… crushing me!" Asami managed to squeeze out causing between gasps for air, causing the earthbender to instantly drop her back onto her feet and issue her a quick apologe. "It's good to see you too Bolin, but what do you mean by that? Why wouldn't I be alive? And for that matter, what in the world is going on around here!? Is this even republic city?" She questioned.

The two brothers gave each other a questioning look, but since they both seemed equally as lost, Mako opened his mouth to speak. "Asami, don't you remember?"

"That depends, what is it that I'm meant to be remembering precisely?" Asami inquired.

"You don't remember the attack on our camp?" Mako asked only causing Asami to raise an eyebrow. "Okay, how about the cave in?" Asami just shook her head, making Mako and Bolin share concerned looks before Mako went on. "Asami, I seen you… you were…" Mako tried to explain before pair of female figures stepped up next to them.

Both women were dressed in dirty, worn down, green uniforms with metal armor plating covering their chests and arms. One of the two was a middle aged woman with short graying black hair and she had a scare on her cheek. While the other woman was a fair bit younger, maybe in her mid to late twenties and she had a beauty mark under her right eye. The scared woman was the first to speak. "I can see that the three of you are in the middle of a touching reunion and all, but more cultists are on the way and I think we have worn out our welcome!" She warned.

Mako turned towards the scared women to respond. "Right, sorry Lin, lets get out of here!" He said before grabbing hold of Asami's wrist and pulling her in close to him. Then before Asami could make a complaint, the ground around them opened up to swallow them whole. A moment later and they were all sliding down stone ramp into a very dark and very large underground tunnel system.

At the bottom of the ramp, a single touch hung from the wall which one of the earthbenders promptly grabbed, while Mako created a flame in his open hand and the group then proceeded to rush into one of the many tunnel entrances and as soon as they had, an earthbended closed the entrance up behind them. They didn't slow down though, they kept running at full tilt in this near darkness, only stopping momentarily to open a new passage or close one behind them as they went.

After a few minutes of this, they were beginning to slow down and Asami's eyes were also starting to adjust to the dim light of the caves. She still couldn't make out much, but she figured it couldn't hurt to take a look around. By the looks of it, these caves were almost entirely man made. And given the complexity of the tunnel network, it seemed like it was designed to be like a maze. And it was likely nearly impossible to navigate without an earthbender on hand. It confused her. "Why would they need to create something like this?" She thought to herself, before she recalled something. The robed man from before had called them rebels. "Were these tunnels made so they could hide perhaps?"

Asami then glanced back at the young armored woman who had aided in her escape. She was currently bringing up the rear of the group. Asami, hadn't recognized her at first glance since her hair was down and her dirty appearance was so unlike her usual self, but there was no doubt about it. The woman before her was Kuvira and that realization raised all kinds of questions. "She should be in prison right now right?! I really have no idea what's going on around here, but I don't like it. I really hope wherever they are taking me will have some answers for me." She thought to herself.

Not too long after that, the group had finally made it to their destination. Kuvira bent aside a large stone slab, revealing a hidden tunnel leading into a massive open cavern. And said cavern was filled with crates filled with food, materials, and weaponry. While throughout the space, Asami could also make out multiple groupings of tents set up. And it wasn't hard to see why since there were hundreds of people moving about, and making the cave their home. "What is this place?" Asami inquires.

"You really don't remember do you?" Mako asked Asami.

"I guess I don't." Asami replied with a shrug. "Maybe you could fill me in?" She inquired.

"I think we should take you to see Chief Toph. I am sure she would know what to do about this." Bolin suggested.

"That's a good idea bro. Besides they just had the council meeting right? That means Mr. Sato is probably still there. I am sure he will be overjoyed to see his daughter alive and well." Mako replied.

Asami went still, at the mention of her father and she turned towards Mako slowly. "Mako did you say… Mr. Sato?"

"What's wrong Asami? Don't you want to see your father?" Bolin inquired.

In the place Tenzin's air temple once stood. There was now a massive black structure with an unnatural shape too it. It seemed to twist and lean, in such a way that would give most structural engineers a heart attack. However, it showed no signs of instability. Rather some parts actually looked as if they might be floating in mid air. This structure was known as the dark palace, the home of the Avatar. And with dark spirits of every shape and size freely walked the grounds as if they belonged there. Together with the dark towering spires and jagged edges the palace sported, it was practically a sight ripped right for a horror movie.

Just about no human life could be found there either, with the one except being a single cloaked figure running through the grounds and up into the center spire at break neck speed. The man rushed up several flights of stairs desperately trying to avoid contact with the many dark spirits flooding the halls. And once he finally made his way to a set of massive gilded doors that lead into the thrown room. He proceeded announce himself to whoever lied beyond. "My Avatar, I bring important news!"

Almost instantly, the doors swung open to reveal a dark skinned woman in black robes sitting atop the thrown in far end of the room. "You may speak human, but if you waste my time I will send you into oblivion."

The man lowered his head and made his way into the chamber before getting down on one knee. "My Avatar, this morning during our patrol we encounter a young women dress in strange armor. She was approaching the palace, so as per your orders we attempted to eliminate her."

The woman didn't seemed too pleased by what she was hearing and displayed this by shooting the man before her an icy cold glare. "Attempted?"

The cloaked man almost choked on the venom being released from the question, but he pressed on. "Yes, my Avatar, while we did have her cornered, the rebels interfered and we weren't able to…" The man could suddenly feel a pressure in his chest and the surprise caused him to choke.

"So you came to tell me about your failure? Do you think I would let it slide? Do you think I care about your excuses?" The woman inquired dryly.

"My… Avatar… I came… to tell you… that we managed to identify… the girl!" The man struggled to say.

The man was then lifted up off the ground by the same force that gripped his chest like a vice, while the woman began to levitate up out of her thrown. Then once in the air the woman began gild forward to hover above her subordinate and stare him in the eyes. "And what interest would I have in hearing that human?"

"Her… na… name… is… Asami… Sa…Sato!" The moment that the man managed to get these words out, he was unceremoniously dropped to the ground gasping for air.

Meanwhile the women tried looking eyes had become wide and panic stricken. "Asami, Sato?" She pondered, her voice losing all of its malice, if only for a moment before she began craddling her head in her hands and releasing an agonized scream.

After catching his breath, the man looked up the woman, and he gasped in shook. "My Avatar, what's wrong!?"

The woman's voice seemed to soften again as she spoke. "Asami… is… alive? I… I… AHHH!" She screamed as she grabbed her head in pain once again. After a moment of silent aguish, she final spoke once again, this time with all of anger restored. "That woman shouldn't exist! I thought that I had already gotten rid of her!" She roared before glancing back down at the man who was now trembling below her. "Where!? Where is this woman!?" She hissed.

The man got back onto his knees, and bowed as low as he could manage before replying. "She is with the rebels my Avatar. We think we have finally pin pointed their headquarters. My Avatar, if you lend us your power we can crush them tonight, once in for all."

A dark smile spread across the woman's face before she replied. "Very well human, this will finally be the end of these foolish games. Gather the army!"