Chapter XXI: Kidnapped

It was mid-afternoon the next day and Saltrall was talking with Mako while watching some of the Air Acolytes and Korra practice. Saltrall laughed at something Mako said when he saw Tenzin coming back from a council meeting with a stern look on his face, and Mako must've seen him too.

"That doesn't look too good," Mako said, nodding towards Tenzin. Saltrall nodded in return.

"I'll go see what happened," Saltrall replied as he started to walk off, but Mako grabbed his arm and he looked back at him.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" He asked, "No offense, Saltrall, but you haven't been here very long and Tenzin barely knows you, heck, all of us barely know you."

Saltrall nodded, "I know," He said, "Hopefully all will be revealed in time, though."

Mako let go of his arm. "I hope you know what you're doing, pal," He said, patting Saltrall's shoulder.

This made Saltrall chuckle, "Don't worry, so do I."

Mako laughed and shook his head softly. "You're something else, Saltrall."

Saltrall smiled and started walking towards Tenzin's study, leaving Mako to watch the airbenders practice alone.

Korra walked over just as Saltrall walked away, taking a break from her practice, and she looked over as he walked by.

"Where's he going?" She asked, turning to Mako when she stopped.

"He has to talk to Tenzin about something," Mako replied, still looking in the direction Saltrall walked away in before looking at Korra.

They continued talking as Saltrall knocked on the door to Tenzin's study.

"Master Tenzin, may I come in?" He asked through the door. He heard moving inside and Tenzin opened the door.

"Ah, Mr. Saltrall, how may I help you?" Tenzin asked, stepping out of the way as Saltrall stepped inside.

"I saw that you looked a bit grim coming back from the meeting, I assume the council acted like fools again?"

Tenzin didn't answer, he nodded softly and sat behind his desk as Saltrall sat across from him.

"Saltrall, I don't mean you any offense when I say this," Tenzin started, putting his elbows on the desk, "But you're not from around here and I just don't know why someone as, well, young as you should have any interest in politics that don't affect you."

Saltrall smiled knowingly, assuming he'd get that response before standing.

"Master Tenzin, I don't believe I've ever properly introduced myself in all my time here," He started as he held out his hand, "My name is Saltrallosimozonyith, I'm a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey, in the constellation Kasterborous, I'm over 600 years old and I am stuck in your world with no way out."

Tenzin looked shocked before slowly shaking Saltrall's hand.

"I... I had no idea you were that old," Tenzin replied, sitting down and trying to fully process what he heard.

Saltrall smiled and sat as well, "I've been around, you could say, and I've been here over a year and I've been studying up on events and happenings almost that whole time, so if you'd please tell me what happened, I'd be very grateful."

They ended up spending a long time talking, first about the council meeting and then Tenzin asked Saltrall many questions about himself and the Time Lords. At one point Korra popped her head in and asked Saltrall if he wanted to come with her and the others and go into the City, but he declined, instead deciding to continue talking with Tenzin.

A few hours later Korra returned. "Tenzin!" She yelled as she ran into his study.

Tenzin stood up, "What is it?!" He asked, voice full of concern. Saltrall stood up as well.

"Tarrlok's arrested Mako and the others!" She said, panting, "We have to get them out!"

"Calm down, Korra," Tenzin replied, trying to calm her, but she ran out saying she had to get to the police station.

Tenzin sighed and started to get things ready. "It appears I'm going to the police station," He said, turning to Saltrall, "But it has been good talking to you."

Saltrall smiled, "Likewise, Master Tenzin." He said, bowing slightly.

With a smile and a nod Tenzin left the room.

Their efforts to get Mako and the other members of Team Avatar came to nothing and Korra came back visibly upset. Later that night Saltrall was walking around outside as snow fell. He always enjoyed a little snow, which is why he decided to go for a short walk. As he was walking he heard noise from around the temple and he drew his Sonic, just in case. Instead he saw Korra getting on Naga.

"Korra?" He asked, surprised, "What are you doing?"

She jumped slightly in the saddle before turning to face Saltrall.

"I'm going to have a little talk with Councilman Tarrlok," She said sternly, a look of determination on her face.

Saltrall looked worried and walked up to her.

"Are you going alone? Do you want me to come with you?" He asked, standing next to Naga, "It could be dangerous."

Korra shook her head and looked out at the city.

"Sorry, Saltrall, this is something I have to do myself," She said, looking back at him.

"Okay, I understand," He said nodding in understanding, he put a hand on her shoulder, "Stay safe, okay?" He finished, concern and fear in his voice and eyes.

Korra saw that fear and almost changed her mind about going alone, but held firm.

"Thank you, Saltrall, I will" She said, trying to give him a reassuring smile. He didn't say anything in response and just watched as she turned and rode off.

He was waiting in his TARDIS for over half an hour when he had a feeling something had gone wrong. He looked at the time and rubbed his arm nervously.

"She should be back by now," He said to himself as he sat at the console. Deciding to go against her wishes he set coordinates to city hall and pulled the lever.

He stepped out into the large hall and looked around. He knew something was wrong immediately when he saw obvious signs of a battle. He kept looking around and saw Tarrlok putting an unconscious Korra in the back of a truck.

"Tarrlok!" He shouted as he stalked into the room where they were. Tarrlok turned and smiled evilly at Saltrall.

"Ah, Saltrall," He said, putting his hands behind his back, "Somehow I knew I'd see you here,"

Saltrall stopped about 20 feet in front of him and held up his Sonic. "Let her go, you monster," He demanded.

Tarrlok just laughed and crossed his arms in front of his chest and smirked. "Or else what? You'll call the police? I own the police now."

Saltrall started walking towards him, still pointing his Sonic at him. "No," he said, "I'll become the police."

Suddenly Korra came to and heard Saltrall's voice. "Saltrall, no!" She shouted, "He can bloodbend!"

Saltrall looked confused and let his guard down for a second. This was all Tarrlok needed and he moved his arms. Suddenly, Saltrall felt all of his veins and arteries burn as if they had caught on fire.

"GAAAH!" He shouted, pain coursing through his body as he felt his arm being lowered to his and being forced to his knees by Tarrlok, who walked up to him.

"You've made a huge mistake, alien," Tarrlok said, adding a hateful tone when said alien, before galring at the waterbender, "Never get in my way."

Saltrall glared back. "You're the one who's made a mistake, Tarrlok," He replied before groaning in agony as Tarrlok bended his blood again.

"Oh really, and how's that?" Tarrlok replied.

Saltrall panted softly, "Because you messed with me and you messed with my friends, and for that I promise you, I will hunt you down if it's the last thing I do."

Tarrlok laughed and bended Saltrall into the air, "If you come after me I promise it will be the last thing YOU do."

Saltrall just stared daggers into Tarrlok's eyes and tried moving his arm. He found that he could move it slowly, but it was too late, Tarrlok tossed him aside and into a nearby pillar and turned away.

"Saltrall!" Korra shouted as he hit the pillar, and Tarrlok closed the doors, got into the truck and drove away.

"I'm sorry, Korra," Saltrall whispered as he struggled to breathe and fought to remain conscious.