Book : Metal
Chapter 16 - Team Avatar
The radio crackled and the burst of static interrupting the afternoon's radio drama. The announcer paused for a moment before finally speaking in a slightly trembling voice. All citizens within Ba Sing Se should avoid the Sichuan district. Anyone still apprehended in the district now faced immediate arrest on suspicion of Equalist sympathies and allegiance to anti-monarchy groups. Amon smiled. Kwan had already ensured the deployment of far more troops than necessary to the district - and as a side-effect, reduced the upper ring Imperial guards to little more than a skeleton force. The meagre remaining group would be easily overpowered by the mecha-tanks when the time came. Everything was all going precisely as planned.
Kwan barely looked back as he scurried onto his airship - the vessel stuffed full of his combined wealth and antiquities; both that of Hiroshi Sato and everything once intended for his daughter. The airship lifted into the sky and rapidly vanished out of sight. To the Fire Nation no doubt. Perhaps it would have been better if this vessel also met with an unfortunate malfunction in transit? Too late now. And he was the one lecturing Kwan on not sacrificing a piece before it's usefulness was over. No, let Kwan leave for now. He would likely prove useful when they arrived in the Fire Nation. Money bought wealth and connections easily. Connections they would once again rely on to accomplish their grand plans.
An Equalist hurried up and bowed to him. "Amon. The Queen has announced the cancellation of her speech today."
"Has she?" Amon asked. "The excuse?"
"Official word is illness, but the prevalent rumor is that she has safety concerns," the man responded.
Amon hummed. "Then she has learnt or suspects something of our plans," Amon commented. "And yet - she will likely be unwilling to withdraw the troops from the riots. This changes the dynamic slightly. For now we proceed as planned. And we should thank the Queen; Hou-Ting has admirably demonstrated our power. What is the status of her troops?"
"The Queen can still draw on the five hundred troops held in reserve, and we still do not have a complete count of the Dai Li," the Equalist replied. "We have suffered no further resistance, but it remains possible they are in hiding. Do you want to order another sweep?"
"No." Amon shook his head. "No need. We can manage as we are. Ensure all shock gloves are fully charged before we make our move." The real power of the Equalists was numbers and technological prowess. The anti-monarchy forces within the city would unwittingly provide the cover to this next stage. A thousand strong group were on parade today. The organizers stressed peaceful protests, but there were enough specially selected newcomers among their ranks to turn the group to something more destructive. Destruction was seductive. And if the plants should happen to note the gates were not guarded, or that the guards could be easily over-powered, they would lead the way. The group should rise to the occasion alongside them. Mob called to mob; the Queen had been too greedy, too tyrannical. The city would turn on her easily. "You have your orders for when the call is made for reinforcements?"
"Yes, but... what then? We will be hard pushed to deal with the suppression of the protesters," the Equalist said.
"Do not worry. That becomes the moment we demonstrate the full power of the mecha-tanks. No bender can stop them. Let the troops think whatever they wish until then. Now; to your post." Amon turned to the man beside him. "Lieutenant; you remain in command of the mechatank battalion." The lieutenant nodded gravely, the trace of a smile on his lips. "Dispatch the bomb squad and ensure they adhere to the agreed timing," Amon said.
"What about the Avatar?"
Amon smiled again. "If she does not appear, then she will appear weak to those around the world. If she does appear... Her public defeat will be a far larger and more effective blow against all benders. Do not worry; the spirits guide my every action. I cannot be defeated by a relic of the past like her."
"Five versus a few thousand Equalists," Asami said. "Sounds... fair? Well, interesting if nothing else."
"Yeah, but we have the- Korra!" Bolin said. "And we're team Avatar!" He pointed at each member in turn. "Earth, metal, fire and..." He blinked as he pointed to Asami. "Technology?" he finished weakly.
Asami smiled at him. "I'll petition later to have a new element added," she quipped.
"Still only five people. Even Aang didn't take on the entire Fire Nation just with his friends," Mako said. "He had swampbenders for one thing." He clicked his tongue. "We could have had swampbenders!"
"Yeah; if we could foresee the future," Korra said with a sigh. "If... if possible," she said after a pause. "I want to settle this as quickly as we can. I would prefer to just take out Amon and leave the others unharmed if possible. Without him, the group has no leader and he's still the only one we know can take bending away. Without him... What can they do? They're just a group of people chanting prejudiced slogans."
"Better hope they don't believe that hard," Mako murmured. He shook his head. "But we are talking about someone planning on taking on the whole of the Queen's army."
"Who have had the equivalent of both Water Tribes and the Fire Nation's military budget spent on them ever since Hou Ting took the throne. But..." Kuvira grimaced. "Not all of them are in the city. The troops are spread around the nation. Recalling them will take a long time."
"There have to be significantly fewer Equalists. But..." Asami sighed. "My father built... things."
"Asami?" Korra asked.
"New weapons. Amon called them mechatanks. I've never seen anything like them and I doubt anyone else has either. Amon was pretty certain they would be able to face the army with them and no bender would be able to harm them." She bit her lip. "And that's not even taking into account the palace bombs."
"He might just settle for taking her hostage," Kuvira mused. "Amon could easily kill anyone he took bending from. As far as I know the Equalists have yet to kill anyone. If he does assassinate the monarch that will indicate a significant change. They must be aware that as long as they hold the Queen, the army and the Dai Li will be effectively neutralized."
Korra sighed. "Three problems then: Amon, the bombs, and these new weapons." She closed her eyes for a moment and concentrated. "We... unfortunately-" she said through clenched teeth, her hands curling into fists again. "-can't let anything happen to the Earth Queen. Things'll just get messy if she dies. Like what happened with the Matou family but so much worse and so much larger." She let out a breath, trying not to make it too obvious as she forced her hands to relax.
"Yeah... And... a lot of Ba Sing Se? They're very loyal to the queen," Bolin said. He glanced at Mako. "Grandma's something of a devotee." He grinned. "Best to keep the peace."
"Grandma?" Mako murmured. "Can't wait."
"You'll love her. She's like super-sweet and everyone was asking so many questions about you, and I said you'd visit them soon and..." Bolin looked around hastily. "Sorry. After. Hey; we should go visit afterward." He smiled at Korra and Asami. "All of us."
"Looking forward to it," Korra said with a smile.
"Fantastic. Now back to the plan," Mako said. "We can't just take on one problem each - I'm not downplaying anyone's abilities, but the problems are almost beyond any one of us."
"Agreed," Kuvira said. "But I'm not convinced all three need to be neutralized. Two should suffice to allow for the Equalist's defeat. Amon remains the most risky and potentially difficult to deal with, but as Korra said - without him, the threat from the other issues is so much lesser."
Asami cleared her throat. "The mechatanks... While the design and weaponry is new, the base concepts are likely rooted in some machines we have in use at Future Industries."
"Which ones?" Mako asked.
"The Forklifts."
"Ah," Mako said nodding.
Asami continued. "I can't be certain, but my father can't have crafted them completely from scratch. And..." she cursed. "That's why the division was having so many problems last year; we were down on forklifts. Someone suspected theft, but we didn't mind too much - what could someone do with a forklift?" Asami grimaced. "If we'd known... Anyway. I think they're likely still powered by gasoline, but on top of that they'll have an electrical sub-system inside them. No way were those things purely mechanical. If we can find the battery connection, I think we can turn them into expensive piles of scrap." Asami bit her lip as she looked at Mako. "Your lightningbending... It would be ideal," she said, ignoring the chill the notion still awoke inside her.
"Just tell me what to do," Mako said gravely. "Without them... they might not be able to set the bombs if they have the Queen's forces causing problems."
"So," Asami said. "Makes sense for me and Mako to go after them together."
"Leaving three Earthbenders for the rest," Bolin said. "And Korra is going after Amon. Me and Kuvira for the bombs?"
"No. We'll be simpler; the three of us will take on Amon," Korra said. "In front of everyone."
Kuvira was nodding. "Bolin and I can handle the other Equalists near him, or at least try and keep them off you while you handle him."
"Sounds as good a plan as we're going to get." Korra glanced around at her friends. "Everyone know what they're doing? Asami knows where these mechatanks are, and... No, this isn't going to work." Korra sighed. "Do we even know where is Amon going to be?"
Asami swallowed. "Probably aiming for the Royal Podium - if... Kuvira do you know how to get there?" Kuvira nodded. "The Queen makes a weekly speech from there. It's the same system Amon had me wire everything into."
"It's a lavish, expensive stage," Kuvira said dismissively. "I've heard all about it. All the important and rich people in the city gather to watch her in person. If he's anywhere, he'll be there - and typically he'll have his supporters too."
"Thanks Asami," Korra said, smiling. Asami smiled back. "And... when you and Mako are done with the mechatanks - get to the infirmary and wait for me there. I... I'm going to try and get your father upright."
Asami gasped. "Korra, no, you don't have to-"
"Yes. I do. If nothing else he's still your father. But I'm not pardoning him either," Korra said watching Asami carefully.
She smiled gently and nodded. "Okay."
"And after that we can make use of your handiwork since you said there was a broadcast tower in Kwan's compound? We'll call Zaofu and get Tenzin involved." She glanced around again. "Everyone clear on what they're doing?" Everyone nodded.
How do we find each other after?" Kuvira asked.
"We need some meeting points," Asami agreed.
"...how about Grandma Yin's?" Bolin suggested. "We've got the address and... It's selfish, but if anything goes wrong, I want to get them to safety."
"Okay," Korra said. "We meet there. If the city gets too bad, if things go really wrong, whoever gets there first gets them to safety - no matter what. Anyone else gets there and it's empty, get out of the city as fast as you can. Agreed?" Some reluctant nods, but it was eventually unanimous. "Zaofu is our secondary meeting point. Let's hope we don't have to use it."
"One last group hug!" Bolin said. Korra almost protested, but conceded and Team Avatar huddled together. Korra tried to bit back her grin as Asami's arm slid around her waist and pulled her close. She responded in kind, catching the slightly startled but pleased look on Asami's face. "And we need a cheer!"
"A cheer?" Asami asked.
"Yeah; something like 'Go, go, Team Avatar! Fighting for justice!'" Bolin raised his fist as he spoke.
"...okay." Korra said, trying to suppress her grin. "Go, go, Team Avatar! Fighting for Justice!" she said loudly, Asami chanting in unison with her. Mako was shaking his head as he said the words and Kuvira was barely expressing an emotion as she vaguely thrust her fist upwards.
Ordinarily, the journey from the outer ring of Ba Sing Se to the inner ring would take a day or more on foot, but in her wanderings, Kuvira had uncovered an underground rail system set up by the Dai Li. Easy enough for Korra and Kuvira to use their metalbending to get the cars moving without needing the whole system powered up and active. Bolin almost suggested Mako trying lightningbending to power the track but thought better of it as his gaze fell on Asami. Just over half a day to get to their destination this way; Bolin was glad. But more room would have been nice with the five of them plus Naga.
"My destiny... is a dragon?" Asami asked, still not wanting to move far from Korra.
"Yeah!" Bolin said. "And we got told you belonged with a phoenix. Um." Bolin blinked and coughed. "Mako's a phoenix..." he said in a quiet voice.
Asami raised an eyebrow and regarded Mako. "Is he?"
Mako sighed. "Yeah. That's what she told me. I'm a bird made of fire, or something. Yay." He sighed again. "I don't know; maybe it was a prediction about us teaming up here? I don't really believe in any of this stuff."
"Perhaps it was..." Asami glanced at Korra. "How about you?"
"I get to be involved in a battle that determines the fate of the whole." Korra grinned. "Oh, not like that. Aunt Meng wants to check if this is something every Avatar hears. Aside from that she told me my love life is going to be pretty good though."
Asami's smiled widened a little. "I'm sure it will..." Korra held her gaze as she smiled back. Asami glanced at him. "How about you Bolin?"
"I got nothing," Bolin replied, unsure again how to feel about it.
"You got more than that," Mako said. Bolin looked at his surprised. "What? I don't believe in this stuff, but you do. She said you had no destiny because it's up to you. Remember?"
"It does sound pretty amazing," Korra said smiling.
"Yeah... I suppose. It's a mystery." He blinked. "I like that. A mystery life!" Ignore Wan Shi Tong's words even as they sprang to mind once more.
"Makes things more exciting," Asami said glancing up at Korra who looked down and nodded.
The pair seemed to only have eyes for each other again. They... they had broken up right? Well. Presumably it was the stress of the situation, how long since they had seen each other and a lot of other factors. Maybe not. They were almost completely fixated on each other. And not even trying to hide it. As much as he wanted that fortune to relate to him, Bolin was trying not to think about how things might relate to Korra and Asami once more. It was hardly possible his and Korra's fortunes entwined like that. And anyway! They had a mission they needed to handle. Far more important than who was dating who or destined to wind up dating who. And in the end; Team Avatar together - that was the important thing. And everyone happy.
Should he tell Asami about Iroh's involvement in their pursuit of her and the Equalists? He opened his mouth the same moment Korra asked Kuvira if she was still okay with keeping the car running. Bolin hastily bit back the words. Not a good idea with this audience. How would things be if Iroh and Kuvira met now? Kuvira still had so many grievances against the Fire Nation in general, and Iroh's family specifically. And that was back in Zaofu. Since then, well, the list had only grown longer while they had traversed the Earth Kingdom. Bolin blinked. He had zoned out and missed everything Asami had been saying. Something about what had happened since they last saw her? "I... I wish I had gone with the Yamayuri in the end," she said.
Korra wrapped her arms around her and squeezed and Asami let herself fall against Korra, her expression brightening. "We do understand you, you know? Don't beat yourself up too much."
"Maybe..." Asami murmured. "And I'm sorry I missed your two's birthday," Asami continued in a louder voice. "I'll get you both something when we..." Her expression wavered. "Well, if I can," she said quietly. "If I have anything left..."
"You don't need to get us anything!" Bolin said. "As long as you were thinking of us, that's the main thing."
Asami smiled as she twisted around so she was leaning back against Korra's chest, the Avatar's arms settling around her waist. Korra rested her head on Asami's and both wore contented smiles as their eyes slid shut. They looked so happy together like that. They clicked; they fit so nicely. Maybe this was indication enough they were going to pick up where there left things before? And if the rest of them were not present... Well. Bolin could feel the heat rush to his cheeks with the mere implication of the two of them in private. At the same time, it stung somewhat - a sense of loss, of missing out, of not taking a chance while it was there. He could have said something. But... It could not be bad if Asami was back. Got to stop thinking about this kind of thing. Focus on facing Amon again. He shuffled closer to Mako and leaned against him.
"What are you doing?" Mako asked.
Bolin ignored the curious looks he was now getting from Korra and Asami. "I missed you Mako! We were apart for a whole week," he said as he clung to his brother.
Mako sighed. "It's not like I didn't spend longer in jail a few times..." He broke off and smiled. "But... I did miss you too." He hugged Bolin back.
"Awwww," Korra and Asami chorused, glanced at each other then collapsed into giggles, still entwined. Bolin looked away as Korra kissed Asami's cheek again and Asami went for Korra's neck and her lips possibly lingered there a shade longer than necessary.
"Hey, we never told you about the desert either!" Bolin said, risking looking back to find the pair watching him again. He skimmed over the after-effects of the Sokkactus. "And then we were all on the beach and..." Now was possibly not the best time to mention he had vividly hallucinated Korra in her swimsuit. And mentioning Mako and Asami's surreal engagement felt even worse at this juncture. On the other hand. "...and Asami told me she was going to have a baby!"
Asami blinked at him and giggled. "A baby? Me?"
"Yep! A firebender too."
She laughed again. "I wonder who the father would have been..." She smiled at him. "Don't tell me though... Curious..."
"Anyway. After that Iroh brought me this dragon and we went spearfishing with Tonraq." Skipping the virgin sacrifice moment - that was unlikely to impress Korra - and finished with a description of Princess Avatar Korra.
"Princess Avatar Korra?" Asami asked and glanced at the girl hugging her. "I kind of like it."
"Yeah; Bolin was rambling something about his princess saving him. Oh and after that-" Kuvira began.
"Kuvira!" Bolin protested.
"What were you muttering about again? Oh, I remember..." Kuvira said grinning.
"Did we miss out the part where we fell into Wan Shi Tong's library?" Bolin blurted. He was still somewhat vague on precisely what had happened in there but related as much as he could. And he did not want reminding of the giant owl's harsh judgement.
"I hope this means Wan Shi Tong's at least more amenable to visitors to his library," Korra commented. "I should possibly apologise for Aang... At some point."
"Perhaps," Kuvira said distractedly.
"Still, more exciting than meeting swampbenders - as nice as they were and then going through the cave of two lovers. We ran into these badgermoles and..." Korra giggled.
"Go on," Mako sighed.
"And it turns out Mako really can't sing!" Korra chuckled, the others aside from Mako all joining in.
"So I guess you two wound up in Omashu then," Bolin asked. "What's it like?"
"Part urban and part ancient," Mako said. "All the top layers are preserved as heritage stuff, while the lower levels are all commercial."
"Oh, and there was this theatre that all it ever did was show the story of Omashu. And there were so many food shops, and souvenir shops and love hotels-" Korra rambled. Mako hushed her with wary glances at the others. Bolin's heart skipped a beat. Korra ignored him. "Oh. The love hotel," she grinned, the expression a little fake. "Good thing we avoided them, right? Mako? I mean they looked curious from outside but..."
"Yeah. Good thing we dodged that," Mako said somewhat nervously.
Asami leant back a bit to regard Korra. "What?" Korra asked.
"Nothing," she smiled. Bolin felt somewhat relieved. Though if they had almost gone into a love hotel; just what had happened between them? No, that was wrong. Nothing could have happened - look at how Korra and Asami were behaving.
Mako and Korra were similarly vague on certain aspects of their time together - a faint flush suffusing both their cheeks. Certainly nothing much else seemed to have occurred while they were in Omashu. Three days there and nothing to tell? Strange. Despite the obvious omission this was so much fun. Like old times. A calm before the storm of whatever happened when they moved against Amon. The team was complete again; the group was together and Asami was back. He needed to enjoy this now while he could and hope he could somehow be useful later on. And then they could put all this behind them and back to the comforts of home. He hugged Mako again, gratified when he felt his brother squeezed back.
There was already a large crowd in the city square by the time they arrived. Korra's heart lurched for a moment. Amon was up on the platform and speaking to a crowd that seemed to roar it's approval. The man's smooth voice filled the air with his anti-bending rhetoric. How long had this been going on for? No matter. Asami and Kuvira would fade into the crowd with the Equalist uniforms easy enough. Bolin looked like an utterly typical earth kingdom citizen. Mako and herself on the other hand were going to attract that much more attention. Korra pulled their travelling cloaks from Naga's saddlebags to at least make them stand out less.
"Naga, stay," Korra commanded as they slipped out of the underground tunnel. One last intense hug with Mako, one last lingering hug with Asami, another kiss on her cheek, a whisper from Asami of "See you later" and the pair were off to the warehouse. All Korra could do now was hope they got there before the mechatanks arrived as she ignored the heat Asami's whispering breath had invoked in her body. Not now. Amon first.
Bolin squirmed his way up a flag-pole, mimicking several others in the crowd who all tried to get a better vantage point. He was going to be their sole early warning. If additional Equalist forces or mechatanks arrived he would let her know. Bolin had worried at first if he would recognize the machines, but Asami assured him they would be impossible to miss or mistake. Kuvira vanished in between blinks; her uniform made her impossible to pick out here and she had seemed the calmest upon their arrival. She was ready to protect Korra - if she needed it. Now it came down to her. With a deep breath, Korra pushed through the crowd and slowly approaching the stage. Close enough. She let the cloak fall from her shoulders, her motion through the crowd removing it completely. It wedged somewhere in the mass behind her, and now she was visible for all to see. Concerned whispers were all around her. There were a few grunts of recognition and a shout of her name and identity, but far too slow to stop her now. A brief surge of earthbending and she was above the crowd on a column of rock - more or less level with Amon on the stage.
"Amon," she roared at the top of her voice.
He glanced at her, his words faltering his gaze became fixed on her. "Avatar Korra," he replied slowly, his words booming from around the square, halting but soon gaining confidence. "I expected nothing less than an interruption from you, but it is honestly a surprise to find you here so soon."
"I hadn't realized we had some kind of appointment. But I'm here now and you can't run away again." She jabbed a finger at him. "We end this this today." She turned to address the crowd. "To all those who follow Amon, to all those who swore allegiance; this is a fight between the two of us. Do not interfere."
"I concur," he said, his gaze sweeping across the crowd. "There is to be no interference for I need none. The spirits have given me power enough to deal with this Avatar." Amon took a step back from the podium, the microphone still clutched in his hand. "Today shall be your end, Avatar. But for me it will be but the beginning of a new glorious world of Equality."
Korra moved her earth column forwards enough to step onto the stage. So many people watching her at this very moment. So many more must be listening in over the radio. Korra almost smiled. This was just like being in the pro-bending. The difference was higher stakes, no team-mates, no referee and a man who could take her bending away. No. She had faced him in an arena before. She was not afraid; the peace of an entire kingdom rested on the outcome of this moment. "I want you to answer one question for me Amon," Korra said loudly.
"Ask, Avatar. Ask," he replied.
"Just what is your aim?"
"My aim?" Amon chuckled. "Avatar... Korra. I do not believe I have ever been... subtle or less than forthcoming regarding my every desired conclusion for my movement. I say again to all those who can hear me now. I will settle for nothing less than the complete and total eradication of bending ability from every human in this world. Together we will destroy any and all material that relates to the teaching of bending. With the spirits' aid I will ensure all are equal. And when all are equal in their abilities, we shall commence the Equalization of wealth and property. Everything will be redistributed equally across the world. And," he paused to turn back to the crowd. "I will carry out the task given to me by the spirits: the destruction of the Avatar sequence. The chain will be broken; we can no longer rely on you or your successors."
"But... This is wrong," Korra yelled back, sounding feeble to herself. "People are born with the ability to bend and people are born without. No one can control it; no one chooses to have it or not have it. But you; you've decided to just take it from people forcibly? What gives you the right?"
"The spirits!" Amon boomed with a chuckle. "And I would put the same question to any bender; who is she to have power over non-benders and to have such an advantage?" The crowd roared their approval. "Why should they be allowed to retain such an unnatural abilities?"
"Unnatural?" Korra began. "Animals can bend-"
Amon spoke over her, his amplified voice masking hers. "Benders use their 'special' skills to put themselves above others. I strive for a world where that is no longer necessary."
"Hypocrite," Korra growled. "You have weapons designed to suppress benders. None of them are designed to make lives any better. They're just designed to cause pain and destruction. You rely on the creations of Hiroshi Sato - a man scarred forever by the death of his wife thanks for firebenders. But she died because of what they did, not because they were firebenders." Amon stared at her levelly. "Hiroshi should have been more like his daughter; she strove to help people with technology." Amon started laughing. "What?" Korra demanded. "What is so funny?"
"His daughter? His daughter you say? My brethern; the Avatar invokes Asami Sato as a force for what she considers good in this world. How misguided she is! And she calls me a hypocrite. I wonder what the Avatar might say about how Miss Sato refused to be rescued. Your friend stayed with us willingly!"
"Because of her father-" Korra shouted, but Amon spoke over her again and drowned her out.
"Asami Sato was so useful to our operations. She willingly helped with repairs and technological development. Why, she even designed a number of our many weapons herself."
"Asami did nothing willingly. You haven't said anything about her father and taking advantage of his situation. Hypocrite," she spat.
"I had hoped," Amon began and raised his hands to calm the now frenzied crowd. "I had hoped the Avatar might understand the situation somewhat better. Ladies and gentlemen; Equalists and those who have yet to see the truth. Before me stands the worst Avatar to be born into our world. Useless, corrupt, weak. How can you put your faith in this Avatar? Someone captured and raised for years by the Red Lotus. Utterly cut off from the spirits-"
"What-" Korra blinked furiously, unsettled by his implication. How could he know? "What do you mean?"
"Avatar... Korra. The spirits chose me to remove the curse of bending. But that is not all I was tasked with. You, as Avatar, should be in close communion with the spirits, should know of their wishes and desires. But you remain ignorant of the spirit world do you not? You of all the Avatars have yet to visit it, yet to speak to those who dwell beyond our world. I ask you then; how can you possibly know what the spirits intend. If you could yet touch their realm, you would learn, as I have that you are an outmoded concept; a relic that is no longer necessary." Korra tried to formulate a response and Amon took advantage of her silence. "I have been given my gift in order to cleanse the world. I intend to use it as the spirits have willed it."
"No," Korra said shaking her head. "I don't care if the spirits decreed anything. This, all of this, it's still wrong. You spread nothing but fear and hatred. You are a cruel man who changes people against their own will. Instead of protecting the world, you lash out at it and those within it who have bending. All you've done is make the world worse."
"And you have done nothing at all, Avatar Korra."
She was floundering again. Amon was not going to be swayed by her arguments - he had made that abundantly clear now. This was a waste of time - no. She had to defeat him on a philosophical level in the end. The people had to know that she was the Avatar and the meaning of that distinction had not changed in ten thousand years. "Better... better than making things worse!" Korra shot back and tried not to groan. Not a good retort "And I will do something now. I will bring you down. I will stop this revolution and you will surrender. Unless you wish to fight me? Be warned - you cannot hope to beat me." Korra raised her fists and shifted into a combat stance.
Amon barely seemed to react. "Then let us fight if that is all you can understand. We shall see who the spirits favor more in our actions. We will see who the true savior of the world is."
From what he could hear below, Bolin concluded the crowd was a mix of Equalists, protestors and civilians. The Equalists were steadfastly aligned with Amon, but a lot of the others did not seem wholly sold on what he was preaching. They were however somewhat interested in the argument developing between Amon and Korra.
"So, the Avatar really has come back," an old man said. "Never thought I'd live to see Aang's reincarnation. And this guy - what was his name?" Someone seemed to murmur it out of Bolin's hearing. "Amon, eh? He's challenging her? I don't get this, but challenging the Avatar? Sounds a pretty bad idea to me."
"So he's the guy saying all that stuff on the radio?" another voice asked.
"The Avatar will win this, no contest."
The Equalists' drowned out the rest. "Down with the Avatar! Down with the Avatar!"
Korra was in trouble. And Bolin could do little but watch from here. The bursts of air and fire she shot at Amon all somehow went wide of their mark. Korra looked flustered at her inability to land a strike on the man. Even a wave of earth sent rolling through the rock platform, skewed away from the immobile man and missed him by a wide margin. Every time an attack missed, the Equalists roared their approval. And through it all, Amon did not move an inch, still holding the microphone. His voice boomed in the air, the echoes all around the square as he mocked Korra's inability to touch him. Not good. The situation was looking increasingly bleak - and so strange. Korra was an exceptional bender. As horrible as the Red Lotus had been, they were notorious as some of the finest benders in their respective elements - Ghazan was one of the only benders in history capable of lavabending. And these were the benders who taught Korra three of the four elements. Avatar Aang's son had personally taught her air-bending. Korra should be unbeatable, devastatingly skilled and powerful beyond measure. So why could she not land a strike on Amon? He was standing right in front of her.
Korra's movements looked okay. Wait. No; there was something almost indefinably wrong with her stances and attacks. At quick glance there was nothing off with her form when she moved to try earthbending again, and yet - something so simple as directing a wave of rock straight ahead somehow missed the man. Her arms; they seemed to waver the moment she unleashed her attack. A flicker of memory; Korra unable to land a strike on Amon in the bending arena. No. None of them had been able to land a hit on the man. But not for long. He swiftly fled when Team Avatar prepared to attack him together. Was it... There was not something wrong with Korra. Amon was doing something. Something he could not do against multiple opponents very easily. But what? How was he doing it? Bolin shivered. It could not truly be the spirits doing. Could it? The crowd's opinion was beginning to shift.
"The Avatar's so weak! What's taking her so long?"
"He's no bender; what's the holdup Avatar?"
"Maybe... maybe the spirits really are helping him. Maybe he is replacing her as the keeper of balance."
Bolin wanted to yell out and tell them they were wrong. The spirits could not want this. He had to keep believing in his friend. And even if it were somehow true, they could not allow Amon to continue. Not someone as callous and cruel as he was. Not someone who had caused so much chaos and pain. No. There was no way Amon could possibly be the keeper of balance. Bolin looked around. He needed to help Korra somehow. But how? Korra threw a burst of fire, a rush of air and a chunk of platform at Amon. All three attacks sailed past him and he still did not move. Three elements. She was missing the fourth; she had no water. Maybe, maybe that would help; maybe that would break whatever was holding her back. He squirmed higher up the flagpole, checking all around the area. There had to be water somewhere. Maybe Naga had some water bottled in her saddle bags.
Wait. There. A fountain. The water was not currently running but there was still some murky water in the bottom of the pool. Bolin slid to the ground and hurriedly pushed his way through the crowd, heading away from the stage. Okay. He had found water. Now how to get it to Korra. He looked around futilely. Something, anything. Nothing. No convenient bucket in sight. No waterproof container he could fill with water. He stared down at the pool. He could soak something, but how much water would that give her? Wait. If he got all his clothes wet then maybe. He knew how to get the water to her. Bolin leapt into the fountain.
"So..." Asami said as the car rushed along the track. It had been easier than expected to get Mako to channel lightning into the rail and get at least this car running. "You and Korra visited a love hotel?" She arched an eyebrow at him.
"We saw love hotels, we didn't visit them," Mako sighed.
"Uh-huh?" Asami asked.
Mako scowled. "Fine. Korra didn't know what they were. So..." he sighed. "We spent three nights in this one Korra found."
"Oh..." Asami said. "Did Korra... like it?"
"She thought the room was fascinating. And she's not shy. Or especially coy about reading pornography," Mako replied.
"Not that," Asami said. "Did she like... it?"
"'It?'" Mako echoed. "Oh. Oh! No. No, no, no. We didn't."
"Not even tempted to try?" Asami asked, smiling.
"Not even once," Mako said, setting his jaw.
"Did she try?"
"Nope." Mako said, his cheeks reddening a little. "Hey, I wonder if the radio works down here?"
"Oh, no. You don't get out of questioning that easy," Asami began as Mako clicked the radio on. A moment later the announcer's description of the situation between Amon and Korra blotted the questions about love hotels right out of her mind.
They were almost to the warehouse, but Asami had to resist the urge to find a new radio. The last thing she heard before abandoning the car was that Korra was utterly unable to land a hit on Amon.
"There is something badly wrong with that," Mako said as they made their way through the tangle of corridors below ground.
Asami responded between gasped breaths. "Agree. She defeated... Red Lotus. But not him?"
"...did you see him at the pro-bending arena?" Asami shook her head. Mako looked pensive. "None of us could hit him. Something felt weird when we tried to attack him."
"Telling the truth then? Spirits supporting him?" Asami wheezed.
"I don't know. But I hope not."
"Me too," Asami said, panting. "Rather have Korra..." She sighed at Mako's expression. "Not like that. Well, a little, but. Avatar is better. And look; we're here," she said. She slumped against one of the many piles of crates stacked near the tunnel entrance as she caught her breath. A mechanical whir made her frown and taking another gulp of air, forced herself back to her feet and peered towards the warehouse. Her heart sank. The wide doors of the building were open and two mechatanks were operational. They were taking it in turns to attack several targets setup nearby. The one on the left produced an arc of flame from its left arm, while the other shot a long cable from its right. The end of the cable thumped into the target with a sickening thud and unleashed a crack of electricity that ran along its length. A sole Equalist was nearby, her gaze darting between the machines, the target and a clipboard in her hands.
"So... that's a mechatank then?" Mako asked.
"Yep," Asami said, her breathing almost back to normal.
"They don't look so tough. I figure Kuvira and Korra could make scrap out of them-"
"Platinum, Mako. They're still made of platinum," Asami said, taking a few experimental breaths. Better. "From what I've heard no metalbender - not even Toph - can deal with that."
"...right." Mako grimaced. "So how many of them do they have?" he asked.
"I didn't get a chance to count them, but I figure the number has to be higher than anyone wants," Asami said. She lead the way as they circled around the cavern to the warehouse, staying well away from the Equalist and the two functioning mechatanks. At least there were few people around at present; though there had to be people standing ready to drive the weapons. Asami paused for a moment in the doorway. She had been so distracted before it had not sunk in; there were more mechatanks here than she expected. There were dozens of the mechanical monsters and all of them capable of crushing earth, of unleashing fire and lightning at will. The irony; her father's hatred of firebenders, and his ultimate creation mimicked the master-class skill of the those benders.
"Asami..." Mako breathed suddenly, glancing back out the doorway. "We've got company." Ranks of Equalists were marching into the cavern outside.
"Quick. Get behind the ones at the back," Asami hissed as they gingerly ran through the ranks of silent machines. What to do? Think, Asami, think. They paused and huddled behind one of the tanks in the middle of the back row; as far from the door as they could manage. Asami poked at the undercarriage of the machine - as she suspected; a modified forklift base. Some differences though; the exposed sections of the vehicle were plasma cut platinum. The cost would be incredible. Could Future Industries have endured even without the public shame? The company was successful, but to afford the platinum here was absurd. Maybe her father had stolen it? Possible, but who could even provide this much platinum though some unofficial channel?
"They're going to see us at this rate," Mako said glancing towards the door as a squad of Equalists entered and busied themselves with the first rank of mechatanks. "Any ideas?"
"I'm thinking," Asami replied glancing around hastily. There. "Mako," she whispered. "You see that?" She pointed towards squat boxes in one corner of the warehouse. The hum of electrical generation was just about audible over the sounds of boots on the rock floor and the hiss of cockpits opening.
"Yeah. What is that? A generator?" he asked.
"Yep. Fry it."
Mako took a deep breath. "Get ready to run if they notice..."
"Any chance of more discretion?" Asami asked.
"Lightning is if nothing else, not discrete," Mako said. "So; unless you have some other idea, we have to risk it."
"Okay..." Asami said, tensing herself to run. Not again. Not already. She was going to die if she tried running again now. Mako planted his feet on the metal floor and began shifting his hands and arms. With a thrust forward, a brilliant, blue arc of lightning leapt from his fingers and struck the outer casing of the generator. With a fizzle the buzzing noise increased momentarily and then with a loud bang it silenced. The warehouse plunged into darkness. "Nice work," Asami said.
"Thank you," Mako replied ducking back behind the tank and looking warily forward.
The Equalists were in chaos, but someone - sounded like the Lieutenant - was calling for order. "Flashlights on. Now!" he barked.
"Didn't see that coming..." Asami said as she peered around the bulk of the mechatank towards the constantly shifting light sources. Mako ignited a small flame.
"Get that generator running again!" The Lieutenant yelled. "And get the emergency lighting on."
With a stuttering flicker, red light flooded the warehouse. Mako extinguished his flame leaving them in the red-tinged light. "So much for darkness," Asami said.
"Check the mechatanks!" the Lieutenant ordered.
"Going to have to move soon," Mako said.
"Where?" Asami asked as they drew back out of sight behind the mechatank.
"Sir; this unit is no longer operational," an Equalist called out. A few others reported similar issues. Other mechatanks were apparently functional but at less than half-charge.
"Way to go," Asami muttered.
"Huh?"
"Sounds like you got a few of them with that... Wait. I have an idea."
"Asami?"
"Any chance you can send a lightning like that through a cable instead of the air? Like..." She scrambled for the mechatank's power connector and roughly disconnected it. "This one for example?" Asami asked.
"I can try," Mako said.
"And how much lightning can you manage?" she asked.
"You mean, can I incapacitate every mechatank here?" Mako asked.
"Something like that..." Asami smiled.
"I'll do as many as I can." Mako took the cable from her and concentrated. There was a muted fizzle from the mechatank. "One down..."
They crawled behind the mechatanks one by one, Asami tearing the charging cable from each and Mako sending a blast of lightning into each mechatank. Over half the total had nearly silent fallen to their efforts when their luck finally rant out.
"Intruders!" A voice yelled.
"Out of time," Asami muttered.
"I make it about fifty. You okay to run?" Mako asked.
"Going to have to be," Asami said, clenching her teeth.
"Okay. Go!" Mako took off at a sprint, Asami on his heels. It was okay for now, but in a matter of moments she was going to have to try and ignore her lungs protest.
"Leave them for now. We will deal with them in a moment!" the Lieutenant yelled behind them. "Get in the tanks and get to Amon. Hurry!"
Mako glanced back smiling and then past her. He slowed to a halt.
"Mako?" Asami exclaimed. "Why are you...?"
"Is that...?" Mako asked. He grinned.
Asami followed his gaze. "A fuel tank... Oh. Oh," she breathed.
"Yep." He cupped his hands around his mouth. "Attention all Equalists. I'm giving you thirty seconds to get away from the mechatanks. Anyone still there... Well. I'm a firebender, and that's one tempting fuel truck you have out here," Mako yelled. A moment of calm and then Equalist troops began breaking ranks. A handful of Equalists fled from the warehouse, some inside frantically scrambling with harnesses as they tried to detach themselves from their vehicles. Too many stayed beside the Lieutenant, the threat insufficient to scare them. A few hauled themselves into mechatanks and began strapping themselves in. "Can't say I didn't warn you," Mako muttered. "Time's up," he yelled as he flung a large fireball at the tanker. He immediately grabbed Asami's hand. "We need to get out of here. Now!"
Mako moved fast and she could barely keep pace with him. There was a rush of warmth behind her and as if in response, Mako stopped and propelled her ahead of him and in front of him. She was suddenly right beside him, his body so warm against hers. With a damp roar, the room flooded with light and fire, the ground shuddering beneath her feet and Mako swaying on his feet. Asami's ears rang and she blinked furiously, trying the flashing spots out of her vision. She risked a look back. The warehouse was on fire. She could not see anyone inside, the structure soon began to collapse. After a moment the whole right side crumpled and the roof fell in.
"Water! We need water!" An Equalist yelled. There were sensations of movement in the rubble; not everyone was dead. But they remained trapped in the burning debris. Asami bit her lip and looked away. No. She could not feel for them. They had delayed the mechatanks. They had done what they needed to.
"My father's still in the infirmary," Asami blurted to Mako. "This way," she said.
Nothing was working. Korra scowled as she panted. All her reserves were gone; she had nothing left. This should have been a decisive, victorious moment not an agonizing, frustrating stalemate. There were so many people watching as Amon brushed off everything the Avatar threw at him as if it was nothing. The Red Lotus had been troublesome but they had all fallen in the end. This man on the other hand; unarmed she did not seem to be able touch him. Why was she missing?
"An admirable effort, Avatar," Amon said when she bent double and panted after her last fireblast. "I hope you now understand how you are quite simply no match for me. The spirits have abandoned you. You did not listen to me, you have not listened to them; you are no longer the keeper of balance. I am." The Equalists roared their approval as he fell silent and began chanting Amon's name.
"No," Korra roared. "This is not over yet." She had to keep going. Had to defeat him. She blinked, her eyes feeling heavy. So hard to stay focused when the crowd cheered and championed her opponent like this. She glanced back at Amon just in time to see him run right at her with a shock glove on one hand.
"My turn," he hissed as he closed the distance. "This fight was becoming... dull." Korra twisted away from his out-stretched hand. Close. Far too close. The buzzing hum of the glove almost brushed her skin. Something was wrong. She felt... odd. Every movement felt slow, sluggish, fractionally delayed. She almost had to force her arms and legs to move. This was more than simple exhaustion. Somehow she was out of sync with her body. Every evasion was only just in time to avoid a direct impact and the blistering pain of electrocution. She side-stepped another flail. Not quick enough. The glove grazed her shoulder and pain wracked her whole body. She howled as she threw herself backwards, her legs still just about supporting her. Her left arm felt numb, pins and needles filling her hand and fingers. If he grazed her like that again she would be in trouble. A direct hit and it was all over.
"Korra!" Bolin was calling. "Water!" he yelled. The shout distracted Amon for a moment as Bolin scrambled onto the platform, his clothes dripping with water. Korra smiled. Something she had not been able to try. Bolin had not brought a huge amount, but there was enough to use. She quickly bent the water out of his clothes, and sent it shooting straight at Amon. He dodged it - of course he did. But then; so did a lot of pro-bending opponents. One of Hasook's favorite moves; get them to dodge the main thrust and miss the water arcing back around to strike. Korra scowled. Her aim was still off somehow, even with the water swooping around at an odd angle, it still came frustratingly close to a hit but not enough. Gritting her teeth she arced the water upwards and let go. The stream separated into droplets and splashed down on Amon. Perfect. The shock glove fizzled and crackled for a moment and with a spark it went dark.
"Thanks Bolin!" Korra called as Amon tore the device from his hand and flung it to the ground. "Look out!" she yelled. Equalists began clambering up onto the platform their attention all fixed on Bolin.
"Korra!" Kuvira sprang out of the crowd. "You concentrate on Amon; we'll take care of this lot."
Think fast. Bending was not working. So. No use in relying on that. At least she had other skills. It was almost a pain to thank Zaheer for this, but without him... Enough. Deal with Amon. Korra charged at her opponent, her good fist clenched tight. Her other arm was feeling a little better but trying to make a fist felt weird. Have to make do. Amon barely dodged the strike, his eyes blinking rapidly beneath the mask as her fist skimmed across his head. That had surprised him. Korra smirked. Close range, no room for bending. Just physical. Still risky even without the shock glove. If he caught hold of her now; she might not get free before he stole her bending. How long had it taken with Tahno? An eternity and no time at all. Not thinking about that now. Another punch; he saw that coming too. Not her knee though. It sank into his stomach with a satisfying thump and Amon gasped in pain. His eyes looked furious; he struck at her.
Amon knew how to fight. He was fast and smart; accomplished, experienced. Who or what was he? She blocked a round-house kick, the power of the blow almost too much, the arms hurting from the block. He was far bigger and heavier than she was. Her gaze swept across him. Too much armor to even try chiblocking. Brute strength was her only option. He hit out again with his fists and feet, the blows striking home. Korra suppressed the howl of pain his attack induced. Her body ached powerfully now. And something was still strange; her muscles felt odd and it was somehow as hard to punch as accurately as she wanted as it had been to bend. Still; she was landing blows now. Less margin of error at this range. Amon was not untouchable.
"Not so confident now, are you?" Korra asked as she took a deep breath, her bad arm just about locking one arm, while her arm held his other back.
"You can't beat me," Amon said. He pulled back his arm with a speed that defied belief and punched right at her eye. Korra stumbled, refusing to even grunt with the pain as the injury left her wanting to do nothing more than curl up in pain. No time for pain. She closed her eye and stared at him through her uninjured left eye. Less periphery and a flatter field of vision. Enough. With a snarl she swept his legs out from under him.
"Reckon I can still kick you," she said as her foot smacked savagely into his ribs. Amon gasped with pain but her next kick barely touched him. She almost tripped for no reason that made sense and Amon rolled away, hastily getting back onto his feet. She moved to punch but everything slowed. This was worse than before. What was doing this? The world seemed to slow, everything barely moving. Except for Amon's foot. it smashed into her knee faster than she would have thought humanly possible. Another punch and her nose crunched horribly. Something hot and wet on her lips. No. Korra forced herself upright, as she smelt nothing but blood. With a lunge she wrapped her still unresponsive arm around his neck and started punching into his mid-section as fast and as hard as she could. Blow after blow, smack after smack. Her fist felt raw but she kept going. He was not fighting back, he was not stopping her. That had to be enough; sounded like he was breathing hard now. Red was bubbling and welling up out of the mouth-hole of his mask. That mask. That horrible mask. The symbol of the Equalists. With a surge of speed and rage, Korra punched dead-centre into the mask. It shattered beneath her fist and she gasped in pain as splinters of porcelain stabbed into her hand. No stopping just yet. She pulled her hand back and punched again. Her fist pulsed with a dull throb of pain, accentuated by the blazing pin-pricks of the shards of porcelain.
There had been a second crunch after the mask broke. Maybe she had broken his nose? She hoped so. The top half of the mask fell away. Amon's eyes were blue. So blue. Lower half slipped through his trembling fingers even as his hands scrambled to keep it over his face. So this was the Equalist leader. He was from the water tribe and looked maddeningly familiar. Korra was certain she had never seen him before, but there was someone else he looked like. He pulled at his hood, trying to pull it down even as he winced and the skin on his brow reddened, anger twisting his face. Something clicked. Korra punched him again, the pain of striking his bone somehow worse now. Amon staggered back, over-balanced and crashed down onto his back. Her hand was beyond pain. She did not look at it, not wanting to know how badly mangled it was. But she had been unable to resist. She had wanted to punch that face for so long. It was not the same one - not quite, but was close enough to be angry at and close enough to satisfy her desire. Amon looked far too much like Councilman Tarrlok. Amon breathed fitfully and showed no signs of getting back up.
Korra stumbled to the microphone and snatched it up. She could barely see. Her voice sounded thick and strange. "People of Ba Sing Se! Everyone on the radio; listen to me. I am Avatar korra. And I am here to bring balance to the world. This man you see before you is no savior. Amon is a charlatan. He being you nothing but warped ideals. And as your Avatar, I have defeated him. We spoke of the spirits just moments before; if they had indeed chosen him to supplant me, how could I possibly best him like that?" She took a heaving breath. "Equalists: I beg you now. Please stop your revolution!"
Korra turned back to her opponent. He glanced around fearfully, and started shuffling back on his hands away from her. All around her the combat slowed and began to halt and an eerie silence fell over the square. Everyone must be staring at them now. No; they would be staring at him. Korra tried to ready herself for another assault - or at least give the impression she was ready. All bluster. If he was capable of anything now she was not sure she could cope. But Amon did not seem at all aggressive right now. It was more like he was an animal cornered by a predator. Wait. Something was approaching. Footsteps in unison. She risked a glance behind her, the move almost enough to unbalance her. Massed ranks of Earth Kingdom soldiers had arrived. "Amon," she said turning back. "It's over. You are out-numbered. Surrender."
"Never," he snarled and scrambled for something on his belt. Korra lurched forward as it hit the ground and a cloud of black smoke burst from it. She lost sight of the Equalist leader. "Amon" Korra yelled, taking another awkward step forward. Even though her limbs were stiff and aching, she managed to bend a breeze to dissipate the smoke. No sign of him.
"Where... where is Amon?" an Equalist asked loudly. They looked around startled. Troops surrounded them on all sides. A woman in a different uniform leapt onto the stage.
"Avatar Korra," the woman shouted shouted. "We will fight with you."
"Wait," Korra called. "Let me... Let me try and talk to them again." Movement was nothing but pain. The microphone seemed to be an eternity away, and stooping to pick it up nearly unbalanced her. Bolin darted forward paused as she waved him away. Korra got herself upright again and flashed him a smile. "Equalists. I urge you to surrender. Amon has abandoned you. Give up and I will ensure your lives are spared." The clatter of metal on rock. Some of the Equalists were throwing down their weapons and raising their hands in surrender. But not all of them and not enough.
"Fight to the death! For Equality!" one Equalist roared.
"Fight for Amon," another said.
"I said stop!" Korra yelled. "It doesn't have to be this way," she pleaded. "Please. Don't do this." The earth kingdom troops pressed forward, their weapons and hands raised to attack. Korra stamped down hard onto the ground. The shockwave bewildered some people, but the Equalists were still moving intently towards the troops. "Please," Korra shouted. "Don't kill them! Just restrain them." She winced but managed to earthbend as many Equalists as she could see into Earthcones. Kuvira and Bolin joined in a moment later alongside a good number of the Earth Kingdom troops.
"Where are the mechatanks?" one of the aggressive Equalists asked, thrashing in the earth cone to look around the square. No sign of them. Korra let herself smile; Asami and Mako had to have been successful with their part.
The square was in full panic now. Several Equalists had taken hostages and seemed to be backing away to regroup nearby. Snarling, Korra lashed out with a blast of airbending, trying to knock hostages away from the Equalist captors. Most of them struggled free - a frustrating amount were out of range.
"Equalists!" A man shouted. "We make our stand here," he called as he vanished inside a nearby building. Other Equalists swarmed after him and soon flames and electric cables launched from the upper windows to strike at anyone who dared approach. The troops swiftly withdrew to a safe perimeter and a representative hurried to the platform.
"Orders sir?" he asked.
"Demolish the building," the troop commander ordered.
"No!" Korra cried out.
"Avatar Korra?" the commander asked, confused.
"Korra, if we destroy the building we can eliminate all of them," Kuvira said gently. "Please, Korra, don't prolong this. They refused to listen to you. They are all deluded. They... they don't understand you."
Korra shook her head. "Doesn't matter. Keep them inside. They can't do much harm in there. And... they can't keep going forever. They'll run out of charge and fuel soon enough. Then they'll have to worry about food and water. Please. Just wait."
The commander sighed. "You... You're probably right... I do not want to wait so long though."
"I'll try and short-cut it," Korra said, still not quite able to catch her breath. We need Amon in chains - they need to see their leader imprisoned and detained. Kuvira, Bolin, I need to find him. Can you both stay here and take care of this? Make sure no one kills any of the Equalists. If need be, tell them I would be displeased and would like to talk to them when I get back."
"Roger! Stay safe, Korra," Bolin smiled
"No one is to harm the Equalists until my return," Korra shouted. "Equalists! I will bring your precious leader to you in chains." She turned from the jeering dismissals the Equalists yelled from the windows. A quick whistle and Naga bounded over to her. "Hey girl," Korra said as she awkwardly got onto the polar-bear dog's back. "See that mask?" She nudged her Naga forward until the polar-bear dog sniffed Amon's broken mask. "I need to find him; let's go find him, girl." Naga barked and began trotting forward. Korra glanced back; the troops were waiting so far. Hopefully they would keep their word.
Not far from the stage Naga paused by a male Equalist lying slumped against the wall, his breathing shallow. Naga sniffed him for a moment and was about to move on when Korra tugged on the reigns. She slid from her back and peered closer at the Equalist. With a shiver she pulled his mask off. He was only a boy; younger than Bolin. And someone had stabbed him, his hands pressed weakly against his side, his uniform and the rock below him stained red. "Hey..." Korra said gently. "Hey, hold on; I'm going to save you."
"Mom?" the boy asked barely above a whisper, his eyes tight closed. "Is that you?"
Korra froze for a second. "Yes... yes, it's me, darling. You're going to be fine." Water. She needed water. A little in her clothes from Bolin's stunt and the splash as it struck Amon. Korra bent it onto the boy and focused. Please be enough. She almost jumped for joy as his wound closed - but his breathing was still worryingly shallow. "How do you feel?" she murmured as her fingers searched his neck for a pulse.
"Mom? Can I... Can we just... Go home?" he asked. There. A pulse, but horribly, horribly weak. Almost undetectable. Korra froze again. He had lost too much blood. Even with her healing she had gotten here too late.
Korra drew in another trembling breath. "We will darling," she said. "Soon. We'll go home... soon. Just... just rest for now. For me. Here." She gathered him into her arms and held him close to her. The boy whimpered, but a trace of a smile appeared on his lips. She could feel his heart well enough, all she could feel of his life anymore. And then it was gone. She stayed holding him for a long moment, afraid to let go, not wanting to let go. Who was he? She did not even know his name. Avoiding looking at his face she checked his pockets quickly and found nothing to identify him. A hint, all she needed was one hint, some way to find the boy's mother. Nothing. This nameless Equalist had died in a street and no one would ever know. No. She would remember this. This was the end result of Amon's actions. He created the Equalists, and he brought the situation to this point. His followers deserved second chances - especially those like this boy. How many were simply misguided? How many wanted justice and could find no other way to seek it? And how many had waited for her and given up waiting? How much was her fault. She stumbled to Naga. "We'll find him, girl. We'll find him."
Kuvira stared at the building the Equalists had holed up in. A dozen earthbenders could destroy be building in moments. A waste to hold them here like this. So many had already died, still lay dead around her. What did a few more matter? The Avatar forgave too easily. Kuvira shook her head. A movement caught her eye; an earth kingdom soldier, effortlessly metal-bending a metal bar around one of the detained Equalists.
"Fine metalbending..." Kuvira looked over his uniform for his rank. "Captain," she said when she found it. "I am Kuvira of Zaofu."
The man bowed. "Captain Song at your service. We are all so honored to work with the Avatar and her companions." He gestured to another trooper who walked the captured Equalist away.
Kuvira glanced around and stepped closer to Song. "Captain Song... can I trust you?"
"What do you mean?" Song frowned.
Kuvira gestured to the Equalist controlled building. When he looked in it's direction, she snatched his sword from where it hung on his hip. She stepped closer as he turned to look at her in confusion. "A quick stab and I could puncture your lung," Kuvira said in a low voice. "Now. I would rather not have to do that, so I will ask: are you prepared to fight for the Queen? Are you prepared to lay down your life for her?"
"Is... is this a test?" Song asked in a low voice, his expression a mixture of anger and wariness.
"Perhaps." Kuvira smiled slightly. "Perhaps I am working with the Equalists and looking for an ally. Or perhaps I am loyal to the Avatar and testing your nerve." She widened her smile. "Or perhaps I am something else. Now; answer. But be warned; the wrong answer will lead directly to your demise." Song winced.
He opened and closed his mouth a few times. "My life is dedicated to Queen Hou Ting and the Earth Kingdom," he said at last.
"Good." Kuvira stepped back and Song sagged in relief. With a flick of her wrist she held the sword out to him, hilt first. "I can trust you to aid the Avatar then. Bolin!"
"Yeah, Kuvira?" Bolin asked as he jogged over.
"We have to talk. Captain Song?" She gestured away from the troops and still restrained Equalists.
"All of you, keep careful watch and keep the area clear," Song shouted as he trailed after Kuvira and Bolin.
"I have learned of a new plot against the Earth Queen," Kuvira murmured, looking carefully around her. "A division of the Equalists is even now ready to commence the next stage of their attack. They intend to strike directly at the Queen - with explosives." Kuvira held up her hand as Song opened his mouth. "There are additional complications. I believe there are traitors in the palace guard." Kuvira paused. "Maybe now you understand my need for theatrics. I need to be sure who I can trust."
"I... I do not care for your method, but I see your logic," Song replied and sighed. "We must act immediately."
"But... Didn't Korra stop them?" Bolin asked.
"She stopped this group," Kuvira said quickly. "There are other divisions within the Equalists; many given orders to continue even in the absence of directives from Amon. I fear they may be planting the bombs as we speak. As you say, Captain. We must act immediately. And with the Avatar pursuing Amon, I feel we should take this matter into our own hands."
"You can count on me," Song said. "There are a few I know in the ranks whose loyalty is unimpeachable. They are all true comrades, and have never wavered in their oaths to the crown. If we are to trust anyone, it is them."
More individuals alongside her was risky, but their presence could be helpful. "I would ask you to select those you can trust for our mission. Captain; if I understand procedures correctly, the royal family will likely have been moved to a safe room somewhere within the palace grounds?"
"Yes, that is correct," Song replied. "But-"
"How I know is immaterial right now. What matters is that they are safe for now. But if the bomb threat cannot be neutralized... Captain, we will need to move them elsewhere. If possible I would like the Avatar to protect them once she has dealt with Amon. It is imperative we find their hiding place; if we cannot disarm the bombs, it will be the only chance they have.
Light felt warm on his naked skin. How long since he had last removed his mask in the open like this? How long since his face had last been seen? No. No, this could not be happening now - not now after so long. Amon clutched at his face, trying to ease the pain of the Avatar's savage attacks. Hide it from the light. Hide it from the people. They would know him as a member of the water tribe now, but his ability to bend - no one could know that. If the fight had not been so public, his the Avatar had not taken to such base attacks, then his bloodbending might have kept him safe. He could have stopped her heart in a moment, but to do so... He would lose his followers and the Avatar would escape him. She would be reborn again and even if the revolution was successful she would be back. Unless. Unless he killed her when she entered the Avatar state. She had not triggered such a massive power - surely she could have? It might have been worth the risk if she was in the Avatar State. No. The power and abiities of an Avatar using that were legendary. He could not be certain bloodbending would even be possible at that juncture. Better to hide. Better to escape. Try to gather the rest of his forces, and find the source of the mechatanks delay. Victory was still possible.
A trail of unconcious palace guards lead them right to the bombs. The Equalists were not subtle - presumably counting on the distraction elsewhere to let them work uninterrupted. The few operatives they encountered were restrained by metal strips and earthcones almost before they could react. Easy. Even their bombs and methods were not complex. Wires trailed through corridors and terminated in small devices jammed into the foundations of the castle. Kuvira and Bolin traced the cables through a few dead-ends and double-backs until it lead them to a basement storage room. A squat, metallic device sat in the midst of a web of wiring, one thick cable snaking up to splice into an electrical cable.
"So this is the trigger?" Bolin asked, peering at the centre of the web.
"Yes - I've seen a lot of these in Republic City," Kuvira said, crouching down beside it. "The design is a little unusual but nothing I cannot cope with."
"Probably should leave this to you then," Bolin said, taking a step backward. He scratched his head "What can I do though?"
"Can you keep watch?" Kuvira asked. "Make sure no one stops us - especially any Equalists. We might have easily overlooked someone." She licked her lips. "This is very delicate and it is critical I get this right. I need to concentrate." She stared at the bomb. "I'll meet you outside - just make sure the coast is clear."
"Yes Ma'am," he replied. He sounded a little nervous and hurried from the room. More theatrics. So obedient, so loyal. Bolin was useful - even if never to the use she intended. Kuvira turned back to the bomb. She, Bolin, Song and his trusted companions had gotten here in more than enough time. And she refrained from mentioning to Bolin that the circuit was incomplete and the bomb not primed to begin it's countdown. It seemed as if Amon's defeat had thrown all the Equalist plans completely out of alignment. The Republic City police force had trained her in how to defuse a bomb; challenging, intricate work. So easy to invert the methods. So easy to finish the bomb. Kuvira finished making the last few connections and the countdown timer sprang into life. One and a half hours. And less chance of disruption now; as far as the others knew the device was inert. The explosives were sufficient to destroy the palace and reduce a good section of the surrounding upper ring to gravel. A painful sacrifice; to lose so many historical artifacts. Necessary though; the palace was a symbol. It's destruction would have meaning. Stage one was complete. Now to find the monarchy.
Kuvira took a deep breath as she left the room and smiled as Bolin jumped. "Did- Are- Is?" he asked, interrupted from his painstaking checks of the corridor.
"I successfully disarmed it, if that's what you wanted to know," Kuvira said.
Bolin heaved another sigh of relief. "We did it then!"
"Almost," Kuvira replied. "We need to ensure the Queen and the rest of the royal family are okay. There may be operatives lying in wait for them to re-emerge."
"We should see it Song found them!" Bolin said and darted down the corridor. Kuvira followed at a slower pace. No. Risky to take too long; one and a half hours was both an eternity and no time at all.
Bolin was talking to Song when Kuvira caught up with him. "Hey Kuvira, Song found out-" he yelled as Song shushed him hastily. "Sorry!" Bolin said, looking around panicked.
"Kuvira." Song bowed. "We have located the hidden room the Queen uses for her protection. There is a secondary tunnel leading from the main garden back below the palace. Once the situation is resolved, I feel we should enforce a separate location for events like these."
"An excellent idea, Captain," Kuvira said. "And excellent work besides. The bomb has been dealt with; we should move the Queen to a temporary location until the Avatar returns."
They reached the tunnel entrance in a few moments; the access hatch hidden beneath an overly elaborate and expensive sub-dial. Kuvira directed Song and his men into the passage first, but halted Bolin as he moved to follow them.
"Bolin; you don't have to help with this anymore. Song and I will be more than sufficient." Kuvira watched him carefully.
"But-" he started.
Kuvira shook her head. "No. Korra needs you. Team Avatar needs you. I'll finish up with this and join you all soon."
"...fine," Bolin said after a pause. "Just wanted to do something to make Grandma proud of me."
"I'm sure she already is. Go take Mako to visit her. I'll be by soon." She smiled at him, her hand brushing his cheek for a moment before she dropped through the hatch.
Amon's voice boomed in the air and Bolin stumbled to a halt.
"Queen Hou-Ting; wherever you are, I will find you. Your tyrannical rule cannot be allowed to persist. You, like all benders must be equalized."
His voice sounded oddly thick. Korra must have done some major damage to him when she punched him. Wait. Kuvira could not have heard that message underground. She would have no way of knowing he was coming. Had Amon doubled back to the square? Would that mean he had returned to the trapped Equalists? Bolin dithered. He could stay here; guard the entrance from Amon. No. No, he should be with the others and ready to guard the Queen. Like Song had vowed. It was what his Grandma would expect of him. Bolin smiled. He could make her so proud even now. He would make Kuvira proud. And Korra; as much as she hated the Earth Queen, she did not want her to fall into Amon's clutches. He had risked his life before when they faced the Red Lotus. He would do so again. And this time it could not be anything to do with his crush on Korra. This time he was doing it because it was right. And because someone had to stop Amon. Bolin retraced his steps at a run and jumped through the hatch.
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Thanks for the reviews last week: Dreadking73, Tbone511, Kradeiz, Jamiegc, Shadowman20, Elmundonosabe