Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN LOK OR ATLA I ONLY OWN MY OWN CHARACTERS
Book Two A New Hope Chapter Twelve: Trouble in Republic City
Aki and Ren avoided each other on the way home. In fact it was so bad that Ren traveled in a different airship. Aki ended up traveling with the Beifong family in hopes to fix her relationship with Sky. The world leaders, and council wanted to have another meeting to address the Vikram issue. Since Baatar and Kuvira went on their honeymoon the other Beifongs thought that they could be of some assistance.
When they landed on Air Temple Island Ren, Tenzin, Lin, and Su made their way for Oogie. On the way over to City Hall, Ren played with her fingers. She didn't have a plan for the Vikram issue. She didn't know what she would tell the world leaders. When they finally landed everyone walked in to see the world leaders arguing. The meeting hadn't even started, and they were already arguing. Ren knew this was going to be a nightmare. Lin and Su both took a seat in the benches. Tenzin took his seat, and Ren took hers. She whistled so loud she made everyone in the room hold their hands over their ears.
"What the flameo is going on?" Ren asked.
"People are still being hurt, and nothing is being done," Ryuu said.
"Ren has been hurt by this man twice. He stabbed her, and blinded her. We are lucky enough that she somehow got that liquid out of her eye, and over came the stabbing," Tonraq said.
"Something still needs to be done. We can't let him continue to hurt our citizens," Ekta said.
"Whoa, I never said I wasn't doing anything. I came back to Republic City to come up with a plan, not listen to a bunch of world leaders argue like children. I agree Vikram does have to be stopped. Yes, he hurt me twice, but I can't just run away. I want to know where the most recent attack was, without an argument," Ren said.
"It was here in Republic City. He attacked two small children. The doctors said they should consider themselves lucky that they will live. Ren, they are younger than you," Ekta said.
"This is exactly why I should listen to Kyoshi. This man. This monster is attacking children. I'm telling all of you right now, this may not have the same result as Hyun and Jun. I will try everything in my power, but I have to worry more about the balance of the world than him. I was brought up on the air nomad ways, but I also have to take in to consideration this isn't just about me, it's about the safety of the rest of the world," Ren said.
"Ren, is that really your plan?" Desna asked.
"I really hope it doesn't come to that, but if it is my only choice then I will. I just hope I can find him, and make it so no one else gets hurt, including him," Ren said.
"Chief, we spotted the man that has been hurting, and killing people. He is by Narook's following a family of three," a voice said over Lin's radio.
Ren turned her head, looking at Lin. She darted out of the City Hall, trying to get to the family before it was to late. Desna, Lin, Su, Tenzin, and Tonraq quickly followed. Ren was pushing people out of the way, hoping she would get there in time. When she got there she saw the little girl from the museum with her mother, and what Ren thought was her father. Ren then saw Vikram with two kali sticks, like the one the equalist used. Ren ran as fast as she could. Vikram started to lower the now electrified kali sticks toward the girl as Ren slid in front of her. Ren felt the Kali sticks go in her side, and the pain when it started to electrocute her. Desna, Lin, Su, Tenzin, and Tonraq arrived just as the kali sticks started to electrocute Ren.
They all stood there horrified. The little girl watched as Ren had just saved her life. Ren started to slowly move her hands toward the kali sticks. She finally grabbed a hold of them, and yanked them out of Vikram's hands. Everyone stood there shocked. Ren should have dropped from that shock. Ren took the sticks, and cracked Vikram in the face. Vikram fell to the ground, and Ren smirked. She sent and air blast knocking him back. Vikram quickly got to his feet. As Ren took off after him, Su, Tenzin, and Tonraq helped the family.
Vikram took off in an alley, Ren quickly followed. She thought she had him trapped, but she would soon find out how wrong she was. She ran until she found a dead end. She quickly looked around to see where he could have possibly went. She suddenly felt little pin pricks in her arm, and saw Vikram wearing one of those gloves the bounty hunter had on back in Zaofu when her kidnapped her.
"Sleep tight Avatar," he said.
Ren started to fall asleep, and she hit the ground. Ren soon felt someone lightly hitting her face. When she opened her eyes she saw her Grandpa Tenzin. She looked around, and saw she was sill in the alley. She wondered why Vikram hadn't killed her, he had the perfect chance. Ren rubbed her eyes, and sat up. Ren then noticed that Desna, Lin, Su, and Tonraq were there as well.
"Ren, what happened?" Su asked.
"I was chasing Vikram, and he ran down this alley. I followed him, but when I got here. I hit this dead end, and he wasn't here. He grabbed me with this glove. It has these needles, and it made me go to sleep," Ren said.
"My question is why didn't he kill you? He has tried in the past, why not do it now?" Lin asked.
"I was thinking the same thing. Is the family okay?" Ren asked.
"Yea, they are a little shaken up, but they are fine. That little girl wants to meet you again. She said you are her hero," Tonraq said.
"That's funny, last year she called me the worst Avatar ever," Ren said, getting up.
At the Police Headquarters, Ren was led into Lin's office. Ren saw the family sitting there waiting for her. When the little girl noticed Ren was in the room she jumped out of her seat.
"Avatar Ren!" she yelled.
"Hello again. It's good to see that all of you are alright. I'm so happy that I got there in time," Ren said.
"Thanks to you," a man said. "My name is Kavi. I believe you have already met my wife Mizuko, and my daughter Akemi."
"My job is to save people, so I was glad to help. Akemi, I'm sorry about what I did to your arm last year," Ren said, pointing to Akemi's arm.
"It's alright. I think the scar is kinda cool," Akemi said.
"You burned the kid," Lin said.
" In my defense I was just stabbed by Vikram that week, and was going on my trip. The gang appeared, and I wanted them to go away, so I sent a fire blast, and Akemi got caught in it," Ren said.
"Is she always grumpy?" Akemi asked.
"Yea, just call her chief grumpy. Her son, and I do it all the time," Ren said.
Akemi giggled, and Lin glared at Ren. Ren turned around, to see Sky sitting at his desk. She ran out of the office, and grabbed his arm. She quickly pulled him into Lin's office, shutting the door behind them. Desna, Lin, Su, Tenzin, and Tonraq all looked at Ren slightly confused.
"Sky this is the family I just saved from Vikram. That is Akemi, Kavi, and Mizuko. Guys, this is Chief Beifong's son Sky. He is the one who calls her chief grumpy. He is part of my Team Avatar," Ren said.
"Ren, did you get hurt again?" Sky asked, pushing Ren's arms forward.
"Only a little. The kali sticks burned my clothes, and a little bit of my skin," Ren said.
"Put your hands on top of your head so I an fix you up. You really need to be more careful," Sky said.
"I know, but I can't always guarantee that I won't get hurt," Ren said.
Ren put her hands on her head, and Sky put water onto his hands. Ren watched as it glowed. She felt Sky's hands touch her side. She heard the door open, and an officer walk in.
"Chief, Vikram was spotted again. I figured both you, and the Avatar would want to know," the officer said.
"Where?" Ren asked.
"In the park," the officer responded.
Ren pulled away from Sky, and started to make her way out of Lin's office. Ren felt someone grab her wrist. "Ren, please don't do anything wreckless. Let us help," Sky said.
"You guys can come, but hurry up," Ren said.
Ren had asked Lin if she could bring some of her police force to search the park. They couldn't always go off of the information, because Vikram moved fast. When they arrived in the park Ren decided she would search around Korra's statue. Su, and her Grandpa Tenzin decided they would come with for extra help. Everyone went in their groups hoping to find Vikram, so they could end this. Ren was looking around the statue while Su and Tenzin searched around the small lake. The three started to hear a small ticking noise. They all looked at each other, and started to look for the source of the ticking.
Ren moved a bush to find a bomb ticking away. Her eyes widened at the site. She picked it up, and blew air at the ground sending herself into the air. Su and Tenzin watched as Ren flew in the air with the bomb in her hand. After Ren felt she was a safe distance from the ground she threw the bomb. The bomb exploded sending an electrical wave before it sent a wave of flames. Both waves hit Ren sending her flying toward the ground. Tenzin caught her before she hit the ground, and saw that she was a little banged up, but okay. Everyone knew that Vikram had to have put that bomb there. Desna, Lin, Sky, and Tonraq all came running toward them after seeing the explosion.
"What happened?" Tonraq asked.
"Vikram put a bomb in the park. Ren saved a lot of people when she flew up in the air, and threw it. She got hurt, because she didn't know how long she had," Su said.
"What happened to not doing anything wreckless?" Sky asked.
"I don't quite count that as wreckless," Ren said.
"What do you count as wreckless?" Lin asked.
"How I handled Jaya and Vikram. We need to have another meeting, this has to be addressed. I can't have him hurting people," Ren said, coughing.
"Ren, Vikram is a major issue, but you almost got yourself killed. I think you should see a healer to make sure he hasn't caused your body some serious damage," Tenzin said.
"I have to agree with your grandfather. If Ekta, or Ryuu have a problem I'm sure my Uncle, and I can handle it," Desna said.
"You guys act like I will be fighting. I will be sitting in a chair the whole time. I will be fine, and I will have Sky, or great Aunt Kya look at me later," Ren said.
"Let's make a deal. If you let Sky look at you now, we will have a meeting," Tonraq said.
"You have a deal," Ren said.
Sky started to check to see if Ren was okay. "You should consider yourself lucky. You have your burns from earlier, a few scratches from the metal, a few bruises, and a pretty bad gash that is going to need a few stiches on your forehead," Sky said.
"Are you saying it could have been worse?" Ren asked.
"Ren, you saw those explosions. You could have been dead. Should have been dead. Yes, I think it could have been much worse," Sky said.
At City Hall Ren was sitting in her seat waiting for Ryuu, and Kanan to arrive. She needed approval for a plan for the citizens, but the plan for Vikram was not their decision. Kanan finally arrived, now they were only waiting on Ryuu. Ren propped her feet up on the table, and closed her eyes. She was still tired from when Vikram had placed that glove on her arm. Ren wanted to know what was in those gloves that made her fall asleep. Ren fell asleep in her chair while they waited for Ryuu. A few minutes later she started to lean to the side, and fell out of her chair, waking herself up. She looked around to see everyone laughing a little, and that President Ryuu was here.
"About time you arrived," Ren said, sitting in her seat again.
"My apologizes, I had to take a detour. There is quite a lot of police activity at the park, and my driver goes near there," Ryuu said.
"Well that is, because Vikram decided to put a bomb in the park. If we didn't found it in time, and I wouldn't have thrown it in the air we would have a bigger problem than we already do," Ren said.
"It seems this man is becoming more dangerous each moment he is out there. I feel that none of the citizens in any of the republics are safe anymore," Kanan said.
"I agree with Kanan. We have to protect our citizens, and stop this man soon. Avatar Ren do you have any idea how long it will be until you stop him?" Ekta asked.
"I have no idea. Every time I think I am about to win he has a new gadget, or weapon. I always think I am prepared, but then something changes. Oh my spirits. Raava told me about this. She told me I would always think I I was ready, then something would change, and I would no longer be ready for what my enemy threw at me," Ren said.
"I'm not following," Ryuu said.
"When I was wanted advice about Jaya. I got advice from Raava, and that was the advice she gave me. I think she was warning me about Vikram," Ren said.
"Ren, so what are you going to do?" Tenzin asked.
"I need to find a way to get rid of those gadgets. I can ask Aunt Asami. This is a time when I wish we all knew where Varrick, Zhu Li were, or if they are alive. I think they would have been beneficial as well. Baatar Sr. can be of some use, and Baatar Jr. when he gets back," Ren said.
"Ren, you really don't think this problem will be resolved in two weeks?" Su asked.
"Well it's been a year, and the problem is still here. I have also tried to stop him a few times in the last week, or so. I think that this problem may still be here for awhile. You also know how Kuvira is. If she feels she is needed they will be coming home early," Ren said.
Before anyone could say anything an officer came across Lin's radio. "Hey Chief, it seems that Vikram is up to it again. He is following some of the members of the triads. We know that if he took some of them out it would help us, but they are people too," the officer said.
"Does he ever give up?" Lin asked.
"Obviously not. This chasing him around Republic City is getting tiring. Wait, that's what he wants. He wants us to chase him. It's a game to him, just like my games with Hope. I make her chase me until she is tired then I attack. He will keep doing this," Ren said.
"Well what do we do then?" Lin asked.
"Make him come to me,"" Ren said.
"You are absolute insane. He will kill you. I refuse to let you do that," Sky said, shaking Ren.
"Sky, I know what I'm going to do. Please stop shaking me before you shake Raava out of me. He doesn't know the Spirit World like I do. I mean come on my old team is in there, and if the spirits grow anger he doesn't stand a chance. I will get him to follow me there, and hope for the best. I need you all to stay close behind in case something goes wrong," Ren said.
Desna, Lin, Ren, Sky, Su, Tenzin, and Tonraq quickly made their way to the last spot Vikram was reported. When they arrived they saw Vikram following five members of the Triple Treat Triads. They had to be smart about this. They didn't want to fight the triads and Vikram. They also couldn't risk anyone else being hurt. Ren decided she would risk the fight with the Triads.
"Hey Vikram, I'm over here," Ren said waving her arms
The Triad members, and Vikram all turned their attention to Ren. The Triad members made their way for the group. Vikram started to run for Ren. Ren took off for the spirit portal. Everyone knew that they couldn't let Vikram and Ren go alone.
"Sky, Su, go after Ren and Vikram. Make sure you don't let them out of your sight," Lin said.
Sky and Su took off after Ren and Vikram. Ren looked back to see that Vikram was not far behind. Sky and Su were trying to catch up with Re, and Vikram, but they were slowly losing them. When they reached the spirit portal Ren sent an air blast, knocking Vikram into the portal. She quickly ran through the portal to find Vikram waiting for her. Sky and Su no longer could see Ren, or Vikram. They made their way to the portal as fast as they could. Ren made two whips of flames, and tried to hit Vikram.
Vikram pulled out three rubber like whips. He threw them at Ren, and pinned her against a tree. Once she hit the tree she felt spikes go into her skin. She screamed out in pain. She wondered where someone was, and why they weren't there to help her. She saw Vikram approaching her with a smile. She felt the whips get tighter, and the spikes go further into her skin. Sky and Su looked around the portal, wondering what had happened. Ren couldn't have gone into the Spirit World already.
Off in another part of the Spirit World. Iroh was pouring tea for the old gang, and Korra. Korra kept looking around at everyone, wondering if they all felt the disturbance as well. She then noticed that Aang and Katara were acting off as well. She wondered if Ren had come to the Spirit World.
"Do you guys feel anything different?" Korra asked.
"Yes, I was about to ask everyone the same question," Katara said.
"You don't think it could be Ren?" Suki asked.
"Let's go find out," Aang said.
"Twinkletoes', something is wrong. We should really hurry," Toph said.
Back to Ren and Vikram. The whips were slowly getting tighter, and the spikes continues to dig into Ren's skin. Ren hoped that someone would come soon. Vikram pulled out a new pair of kali sticks. Ren tried to get out of the whips, but every time she moved it made it worse. She felt the pain from the kali sticks hitting her skin. She soon saw a blast of air hit Vikram away. The last thing she saw before blacking out was Iroh and Lord Zuko.
"Don't worry Ren, you're safe now," Iroh said.
Vikram soon fled through the portal, pushing past Sky and Su. Sky and Su ran through the portal to see Zuko burning the rubber off of the whips. Toph then bent the metal spikes out of Ren's skin, letting her off of the tree. Ren fell into Aang's arms, still unconscious. Sky and Su ran over to her to see that she was bloody, and had new marks from the kali sticks. Desna, Lin, Tenzin, and Tonraq were now in the Spirit World. Tenzin noticed Ren in Aang's arms, and ran over to them.
"What happened?" he asked.
"She was attacked. He had these gadgets, and Ren wasn't ready for them. We felt the difference, so we came to help," Aang said.
"You were supposed to be following her. You were supposed to make sure something like this didn't happen. We trusted the both of you. Sky, Su, I don't know what you were thinking," Tenzin said.
"Tenzin, now is not the time. Ren needs help right now. Raava is trying to leave her body. Ren is fighting to keep her in there, but in her condition I don't know how long she can keep fighting," Katara said.
"What, no. She can't die. She is to young to die," Tenzin said picking Ren up.
"Raava, I refuse to let you go. You said we will never give up," Ren said.
"She is a fighter. She will make it Tenzin, I know it!" Korra yelled after him.
"Raava, please stay with me. I know that I can win this fight. I can't let Vikram win. If I let you leave my body, he wins. I have never given up, and I am not giving up now," Ren said.
" Ren, you chose if I stay, or go. If you choose to no longer fight for your life I must go. I agree we can't let Vikram win, but this is your choice," Raava said.
Tenzin landed Oogie, and quickly grabbed Ren. He rushed up the stairs to find his sister. He knew Ren's life would be safe in her hands. He didn't see anyone in the courtyard. He saw the group follow him. He walked in the dining area, and found that empty as well.
"Kya? Kya, please Ren needs you. She is dying. She is fighting to keep Raava inside of her," Tenzin said with tears in his eyes.
Kai, Kya, and Jinora all came running over to Tenzin. Jinora looked at Ren, and had to walk away. Kai grabbed Ren, taking her to the healing room. Kya looked at Tenzin, and he hugged her. He pulled away from Kya, and she went to the healing room. Sky and Su couldn't look at Tenzin. Tenzin went to look for Pema, Ikki, Meelo, and Rohan. Once he found them he told them what had happened. Ikki, and Pema went to look for Jinora to try to comfort her. Kya tried to heal Ren as she moved, and scream about Raava. Ren finally stopped moving, so Kya could finally heal her.
Kya wrapped Ren up, and left the room to tell everyone about Ren's current condition. Su saw Kya walk out of Ren's room, so she walked in. She saw that Ren was still in really bad condition. Su knew Tenzin was right, this was partly her fault. If it wasn't for her mother, her friends, and Korra, Ren would probably be dead right now. Su sat down, and grabbed Ren's hand.
"Ren, I am so sorry that I let this happen. I should have stayed close like we were suppose to. I know that I taught you forgiveness, but that doesn't mean you have to forgive me. I really hope you do forgive me," Su said.
She got up, and quickly walked out of the room. She saw Ren's family walking down the hall, and quickly turned the corner. Tenzin made it very clear that he wasn't happy with her. Jinora pushed the door open to see Ren laying there. Vikram had made a new gadget, he always had new gadgets. Lee walked over to Ren, and brought her favorite book to the nightstand. He knew the first thing Ren would ask for other than Hope, or Vikram would be a book. Lee saw how pale Ren was, and touched her face. Jinora just cried, and held onto Kai. Tenzin walked over, and grabbed her hand.
"Ren, I want you to knew that Korra thinks you will make. She thinks you are a fighter. Your old team protected you, because we couldn't, and I'm so sorry. I love you," Tenzin said.
After a couple hours everyone, but Kya left. She decided to heal Ren again. She came back every hour to see if there was any change in her condition. At about three a.m., Kya noticed that Ren started to mumble, and squirm. She looked over to see Ren slowly open her eyes. Kya smiled, and quickly went to get the rest of her family. Sky heard Kya say that Ren had woken up. He quickly jumped out of his guest bed, and ran to the door to open it. When he opened it he found Tenzin, Kya, Jinora, and Kai standing there.
"Did you say Ren woke up?" Sky asked.
"Yes," Kya said.
"Would you mind if I bring Aunt Suyin to see her? She has really been beating herself up about what happened to Ren," Sky said.
"Sure Sky," Jinora said.
Sky watched as the walked down the hall. He quickly shut the door, and ran down the hall the his Aunt Suyin's room. He opened the door, and walked over to the bed. He lightly tapped her face, and waited her to open her eyes. Once she opened her eyes he smiled at her.
"Aunt Suyin, Ren woke up. Jinora said it was alright for you to come, and see her," Sky said.
Su got up, and followed Sky to Ren's healing room. After they entered the room they saw everyone talking to Ren. Su was so relieved that Ren was okay. She walked over to Ren's bed, and Ren looked up at her.
"How are you feeling?" Sky asked.
"Probably better than I look," Ren said weakly.
"I don't know about that one. I mean you look pretty terrible," Sky said.
"That is so mean. I was just viciously attacked, and your going to insult me," Ren said.
"Here, see for yourself," Sky said handing Ren a mirror.
"Yea, it's about equal," Ren said.
"Ren, I am so sorry that we let this happen to you. We were supposed to stay close to you, and we didn't. I hope you can forgive us," Su said.
"Su, forgiveness means I would need to be mad at you. I'm not mad at you, I was never mad at you. I should have made sure that you were close enough that you could see where I was. It was really my fault," Ren said.
"They knew what they were supposed to do, and they didn't do it. They almost cost you your life. You should be mad at them, we all should," Tenzin said.
"Tenzin, Ren said she isn't mad at them. You need to understand that she knows where to place the blame. She may not be placing it on the right person, but Sky, and Su aren't to blame either. Ren is alive, that's all that matters," Pema said.
"Grandpa Tenzin, I'm alive. I fought for my life, and Raava. I didn't give up, and I won't ever give up. Don't blame Sky, or Su for what happened to me. You should blame Vikram, and those new gadgets he has. I'll get up, and brush he dirt off like nothing happened. It might take awhile, but I will come back, and I will be fighting. I will catch him," Ren said.
"You'll get him Ren. I know it, but you need to relax. We all know you're trying to save the world, but you need to calm down. We know he has hurt you, and many people, but if you don't take time to recover you won't stop him," Meelo said.
"I just feel like if I don't stop him I won't be a good enough Avatar," Ren said.
"Ren, you are an amazing Avatar. You don't need to beat some guy for the us to know that. The world even knows you are a great Avatar. Don't doubt yourself," Ikki said.
"Your not the one getting your butt kicked left, and right. I have let this crazy guy run around for a year, because I was hurt, and scared. I am no longer scared of him. He should be the one who fears me. I refuse to give up," Ren said.
"We know," Jinora said.
(Author's Note: So yes Ren saved the girl from the museum. Yes Vikram comes up with new gadgets every time he sees Ren. As you can see he was all about causing trouble so that he could make an attack on Ren. Yes Su blamed herself for what happened, but Ren really doesn't blame her. I thought the kali sticks would be different because he blames the equalist for what happened to him. Reviews are welcome. Thanks for reading everyone.)
