The scene opens with an overhead view of the Pro-Bending Arena building. The glass dome is broken in places, and construction scaffolding is in place around it. Some cars are parked near the entrance, which is blocked off by a police barricade. The view shifts to show Korra riding Naga up the path to the entrance, with some Metalbender police milling around in the background. The polarbear-dog comes to stop just before a line of police tape, and Korra immediately hops off and yanks the tape up to duck under it. The scene changes to Mako and Bolin's attic apartment. The view shows a closeup of Mako placing some folded clothes into a half-full box.
"I still don't believe they're shutting this place down" Said Mako, as he grabs the box and stands up to reveal Bolin sitting behind him. "Yeah, we had some good memories here, didn't we?" Asked Bolin. "Guys, great news. You don't have to go back on the streets. I talked to Tenzin and made all the arrangements. You can come live on Air Temple Island with me" Said Korra, as she walked into the apartment. "Oh, we'd love to, but..." Said Mako, hesitant, scratching the back of his head with one hand. "Asami already invited us to live in her dad's giant mansion! From here on out it's going to be the lap of luxury for us" Said Bolin, excitedly.
The view cuts briefly to Korra, showing her surprised look, as Asami suddenly appearing in the background, holding Pabu, by leaning out from a previously unseen loft
"Hey, Korra. I was hoping you'd stop by" Said Asami. "I was just leaving. So... I guess I'll see you guys around... some time" Said Korra. "Why not tomorrow? I'd love to have you come visit the estate. And Hope as well, seeing as he isn't here" Said Asami. "I don't know. We have some Avatar stuff to do" Said Korra. "Come on, Korra. We all deserve a little rest and relaxation after all this craziness. We could swim in Asami's pool. It'll be fun!" Declared Bolin, doing a high-pitched voice with an accent from the American South, and waving Pabu in front of his face so that it looks like Pabu is talking. "All right, Pabu" Said Korra. "Great, we'll see you tomorrow" Said Asami.
Korra goes back down the stairs while everyone- Asami, Mako, and Bolin still using Pabu as a puppet- waves goodbye. The scene shifts an outdoor location in sunny Republic City. In the foreground are a cluster of lizard crows picking food off the ground, and in the distance behind them is a dingy warehouse. The lizard crows are disturbed by the sound of an approaching vehicle, and take off just before a police truck can run over them as it speeds toward the warehouse. It busts through the building's door as the view shifts to the interior, and Metalbenders break through the warehouse's windows and repel down to the ground. Additional forces come out of the truck. The Metalbenders stream through the building and pull tarps off of abandoned machinery. One of them finds a table stacked with flyers bearing Amon's image. Another opens a crate to find it filled with the same electric gloves used to assault the Pro-Bending Arena. The view shifts to show Chief Lin Bei Fong overseeing the raid.
"Looks like our intel was good" Said Lin. "There's enough evidence here to bury Cabbage Corp for an eternity" Said Saikhan. "
The scene shifts to pan down over a tall building with a gold rooftops. A small crowd is gathering at the entrance. The camera zooms in past a statue of a historic Cabbage Merchant standing next to a cart full of his product, holding a head of cabbage aloft with triumph.
"This is an outrage, I'm innocent!" Declared Lau, being led out the building's entrance by Saikhan, with Lin following closely. "Yeah, yeah. That's what they all say" Said Saikhan.
Lin pauses as press cameras begin flashing in front of her.
"Is it true that Cabbage Corp is conspiring with the Equalists?" Asked a reporter. "The evidence points in that direction, but the investigation is ongoing. For the time being we have frozen Mr. Gan-Lan's assets and are closing Cabbage Corp" Said Lin. "No, not my Cabbage Corp!" Shouted Lau.
The scene jumps to an exterior view the Police headquarters, and then goes inside to the front hall. Korra is waiting, standing and staring at her reflection in the polished wooden floor.
"Hey, Korra" Said Tahno, lethargic.
The view pans up with Korra's gaze to find Tahno hunched on a bench. His hair is hanging loosely and he has dark circles under his eyes.
"Tahno? Listen. I know we're not exactly best friends, but I'm sorry Amon took your bending" Said Korra, as she sits down and starts speaking softly. "I've been to the best healers in the city. Whatever Amon did to me, it's permanent. You gotta get him for me" Said Tahno.
Korra nods, her face hard. She hears Lin talking, and looks over to find the Chief and Tenzin walking with Hiroshi Sato.
"Mr. Sato, if you remember anything else about what you saw during Amon's attack, be sure to let us know" Said Lin. "I'm happy to help any way I can. I want these Equalists to pay for what they've done" Said Hiroshi. "We're ready for you now" Said Tenzin. "See you around, Avatar" Said Tahno, as he stands up, turns to Korra, and gives her a casual salute and smile.
Tahno walks away, and the scene changed to the sands on Air Temple Island at night. Korra jumps towards Hope, kicking at Hope, but Hope grabs her ankle and flips her over his head. Korra stands back up and swings a punch at Hope, but Hope grabs her wrist and pulls it, making Korra stumble fowards as Hope taps her on the back of her head. Korra turns around and hits Hope with a jumping knee, knocking them both over with Korra on top of Hope. Hope and Korra look at each other.
"Told you I could break through your defences" Said Korra. "It took you 10 minutes. I'm sure if this was a real fight, I'd be on you. But... 10 minutes is far quicker than yesterday's 42. And the day before's not at all" Said Hope. "That means I'm a fast learner" Said Korra. "It also means that you play a long game. Hope Amon doesn't play a quicker, longer game. If that makes sense. You said Asami wanted us at her estate? Is it like going over to a friend's house or a business transactions?" Asked Hope. "I don't like Asami" Said Korra. "Yes, I know. It's your fragrance. Do you like the other people who will be at the Sato Estate?" Asked Hope. "Yes" Said Korra.
Hope quickly pushed Korra off of himself, before jumping on top of Korra.
"Then I believe we are going to the Sato Estate tomorrow. Please play nice with Asami. But do feel free to steal the small things" Said Hope.
The scene changes to the Sato Estate. The camera flies up past the front gate and follows the path uphill, past various buildings, to the main mansion at the highest point. The scene cuts inside to a Lionturtle statue with a waterfall pouring out of its carved mouth. Pabu squeals and takes a flying leap off the statue's head to dive into the large pool. The view shifts to show the whole room, decorated luxuriously with carved golden walls, lawn furniture, and potted plants. Bolin is poised to dive off the statue's head, and on the opposite side of the pool Asami is sitting at the edge dipping her feet while Mako stands in the water beside her.
"Earthbending bomb!" Declared Mako.
He jumps into the pool, splashing the others, as a butler enters the room leading a gawking Korra and Hope
"Avatar Korra and Entrepreneur Hope has arrived" Said the Butler. "No, just Hope" Said Hope. "Sorry. Just Hope has arrived" Said the Butler. "No, not like that" Said Hope. "Ok. J-Hope has arrived" Said the Butler. "You!- Feck off" Said Hope. "Ok, Master Hope" Said the Butler. "I will!-" Shouted Hope "Glad you two made it" Said Asami. "Welcome to paradise" Said Bolin, who emerged from the water with a splash before sinking down to float on his back with Pabu perched on top of him. "Looks like you guys settled right in" Said Korra, as she sits down on a lounge chair, speaking with bemusement "Pretty much, except someone forgot to ask her father if we could stay here" Said Mako. "Yeah, but I smoothed it over with him. It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission" Said Asami. "It depends on the situation" Said Hope, as he sits in a lounge chair next to Korra. "This is the greatest place in the world. Watch this. Fetch me my towel, good sir" Said Bolin, emerging from the water beside Korra, dripping, with Pabu on his head. "Yes, Master... Bolin" Said the Butler, grabbing a towel. "Master Bolin. I love this guy. Now pat me dry" Said Bolin, pointing his thumb at the butler and laughing. "As you wish" Said the Butler, who quickly rubbed Bolin dry. "Don't forget Master Pabu" Said Bolin. "Wouldn't dream of it, Sir" Said the Butler.
He loops the towel over Pabu, still on Bolin's head, and speed-buffs the ferret. As soon as the towel is taken away, Pabu's fur puffs out. Bolin grins and jumps back into the water. The Butler slumps with annoyance, a vein comically popping in his forehead.
"So, what do you have planned for us today? Let me guess: shopping, makeovers?" Asked Korra, sarcasticly. "Play nice" Said Hope. "Ooh, Ooh! I vote makeovers!" Declared Bolin, pushing Mako under the water, and turning to raise his hand.
Mako pops back up and shoves Bolin underwater in retaliation.
"I would prefer shopping. I just don't know what kind" Said Hope. "I have something a little more exciting in mind" Said Asami, emerging from the pool.
The scene cuts to a professional driving course, where two racing Satomobiles jockey for the lead. The camera follows them as they pass the finish line, revealing Korra and friends watching from the stands.
"Pretty cool, huh?" Asked Asami. "Way cooler than a makeover" Said Korra. "And just that little bit more interesting then shopping for things" Said Hope. "This is where Future Industries test drives their Satomobiles. Ever been behind the wheel?" Asked Asami. "The only thing I know how to drive is a polar bear dog" Said Korra. "You want me to take you for a spin?" Asked Asami. "Let's do it" Said Korra, eyes wide, excited.
The view cuts to the starting line, where two Satomobiles are revving their engines. A helmeted Korra and Asami are in one, with the latter in the driver's seat. Asami looks over at her opponent, and he smirks back. A referee waves the white starting flag, and both cars take off past him. The challenger, driving the red car, cuts Asami's gold car off on a turn they both take in a skid. They hit a straightaway as Asami smirks and guns the engine, passing her opponent. The view jumps over to show Mako and Bolin cheering in the stands, with Hope watching the action.
"Yeah!" Cheered Mako and Bolin.
Back on the racetrack, Asami is once again in second place. She gains on her opponent, but he notices and moves his car to block her. Asami's eyes narrow. She shifts gears and works the pedals to get more speed out of her vehicle. The car moves closer to the track's inside and creeps up. The wheels scrape up against the road's border, sending up sparks and smoke, but it continues to overtake the red car. Korra looks at the scraping wheel with concern, then over at the other driver as she passes him. He guns his car forward, but his front wheel collides with the gold car's rear wheel, pushing the red car off balance and into a spin. The challenger falls behind as the gold car continues onward. Korra looks back at the spinning red car, then forward at Asami with a big grin. Their car crosses the finish line, followed shortly by the still-spinning red car. Asami smiles and pulls into the pit. Once the car comes to a stop, Korra hops out. Asami emerges more slowly, taking off her helmet.
"That was amazing! I didn't think we'd make it" Said Korra. "Well, you can't be afraid to mix it up sometimes" Said Asami, fluffing her hair. "I gotta admit I had you pegged wrong. I thought you were kind of prissy. No offense" Said Korra, removing her helmet. "It's all right. People usually assume that I'm daddy's helpless little girl, but I can handle myself. I mean, I've been in self defense classes since I was this high. My dad made sure I would always be able to protect myself" Said Asami, motioning half her height. "Smart guy" Said Korra.
Back at the mansion, the butler opens the door to find the group returned from the racetrack. Bolin is doing the 'potty dance' while Mako is slapping his forehead in embarrassment.
"Emergency! Emergency, coming through! Beep, beep!" Declared Bolin, who then runs deeper into the mansion leaving a smoke trail. "Terekusai" Said Hope, shaking his head. "Uh, is there another bathroom I can use?" Asked Korra. "We have a ladies' powder room upstairs. First door on your right. You can freshen up in there" Said Asami. "Thanks" Said Korra.
Mako steps behind Asami and puts a hand on her shoulder. The scene cuts to Korra washing her hands in the sink. She shuts off the water and dries with the towel, then notices a powder puff beside the sink. With trepidation, she lifts the puff by its handle, and raises it to her face. She hesitates, gazing at the unfamiliar instrument, then shuts her eyes and roughly slams the puff onto her face. A cloud of powder explodes outward to completely hide her whole upper body, sending Korra into a coughing fit. She emerges from the bathroom still coughing and waving floating powder from her face. As she walks away, she overhears Hiroshi's muffled voice coming from behind a closed door.
"No, no, I assure you. Everything is going exactly as planned" Said Hiroshi.
Korra's face hardens, and she looks around to make sure no one is watching before she sneaks to the door to peak through the keyhole.
"Mhhm, yes. Luckily the Cabbage Corp investigation has bought us enough time" Said Hiroshi
Through the keyhole, she sees Hiroshi sitting at his desk with his back turned towards the door.
"Trust me. By the end of the week, we'll be ready to strike" Said Hiroshi.
Hiroshi slams the handset down on the phone, and Korra jumps up with alarm. She visibly struggles with her thoughts before running back down the hall. In the main hall, Mako and Asami are watching as Bolin poses for the butler, who is squirting perform at Bolin. Korra runs past without even looking at them.
"You're leaving? But I-I thought-" Said Asami. "Sorry, I forgot he and Mope are supposed to airsit, I mean babybend, I-I mean babysit the airbender kids. Coming, Hope?" Asked Korra, turning around as she continues to walk towards the door. "Sure. I shall help Kore sit on the babybenders. Because I remember Ten the Tengan Tenzan Tenman Tenzin telling us to do that" Said Hope, walking to the door, seething with sarcasm.
She dashes out the door, and the others are left to stare in surprise. Fade to commercial break. It is night in Republic City. Spotlight traverse the sky, and a Metalbender airship floats lazily above the city. The camera pans down to show Korra, Tenzin, Hope and Lin having a conversation beneath the city's skyscrapers.
"So you think Mr. Sato manufactured those gloves for the Equalists, then framed Cabbage Corp?" Asked Tenzin. "That's a bold accusation, but what proof do you have? " Asked Lin. "Well I don't exactly have proof, but I know what I heard. Sato's up to something" Said Korra. "He does have the means... and he has a motive" Said Lin. "That's right" Said Lin. "I can understand the means. What's the motive?" Asked Hope. "Twelve years ago, the Agni Kai Triad robbed Sato's mansion. A firebender killed Sato's wife during the break-in" Said Tenzin. "That's terrible" Said Korra. "It was tragic. It's possible he's been harboring anti-bending sentiment all this time" Said Tenzin. "But it may not be his motive. People forget things, even forgive and understand. Maybe he has by now. I don't know. I'd need to talk to him to find out" Said Hope. "Will you be certain?" Asked Lin. "I can get a feeling" Said Hope. "Then... maybe we should look at Mr. Sato a little more closely" Said Lin.
The view is filled by a close up of the doors to the Sato mansion. They are opened by the butler, whose eyes widen and face falls at the sight of the off-screen visitors. Mako and Asami are glimpsed coming down the stairs in the background when the view cuts to show Lin, Tenzin, and Korra walking in with determination. The trio passes Mako and Asami on the staircase's first landing. Surprised, Mako grabs Korra by the shoulder.
"What's going on? Why are they asking Hiroshi more questions?" Asked Asami. "I..." Said Korra.
Hope walked up to Korra, wrapping his arms around her next and putting a finger to her mouth from behind.
"Korra thought that Hiroshi would prefer to be interviewed about Amon's attack here, because it's more homely, you know? More familiar. They don't exactly have anything comfortable at the station. Oh, Mako?" Asked Hope. "Yeah?" Asked Mako. "While you are here, Lin and Tenzin will be interviewing you once they are done with Hiroshi. We should all go back to the track some time. I have things to show" Said Hope, before he took Korra down the hallway, as Mako and Asami went upstairs.
Hope stopped Korra outside Hiroshi's office, letting go of Korra.
"Why did you do that!?" Asked Korra. "Simple. Currently, we do not know if Hiroshi involves his daughter in actions like these, if he is even involved himself. Telling her that we will be interviewing Hiroshi about the Anti-Benders, she'll react the same way witch means we won't be able to positively be able to know if either of them are Anti-Benders. We stand before infinite possibilities Korra. We must keep everything we know in a tight circle" Said Hope.
The scene cuts to Hiroshi's office. He is sitting at his desk in the foreground, his back to the camera. Lin and Tenzin are standing side-by-side.
"Mr. Sato, we just have a few more questions for you to answer. However, we think you might want to talk to someone other then us" Said Lin. "And who would that be?" Asked Hiroshi.
The door opens and Hope and Korra enter, with Hope taking a seat.
"Ah! Hope Xiao Rose, the man with the fastest selling card game this side of the world! And the Avatar! Nice to see you both. Who will be talking to me?" Asked Hiroshi. "I will be. Witch means I need everyone else out into the corridor" Said Hope. "What!? But..." Said Lin. "I said. Out" Said Hope.
Lin nods and escorts Tenzin and Korra out of the room.
"Apologies. Now, while I may be working with the police, I don't exactly have to tell them everything" Said Hope. "I understand. I will cooperate with the law. What will you be asking me?" Asked Hiroshi. "Have you ever been contacted by or have contacted the Equalists?" Asked Hope. "How do you mean?" Asked Hiroshi. "Has a Equalist asked you to fund or build something for them?" Asked Hope. "Ah. I understand. No they haven't. Why is this a line of questioning?" Said Hiroshi. "Yesterday, while I was here, I overheard you on the phone. You said the Cabbage Corp investigation bought you time and you're getting ready to strike. Please, explain that" Said Hope. "This is all just a misunderstanding. Resulting from your overactive imagination. My number one competitor was knocked out of the game. It's providing me an opportunity to strike the market with a new line of Satomobiles. It's just business, nothing nefarious" Said Hiroshi, laughing heartily. "Business is nefarious, Hiroshi. I believe you would have a motive to..." Said Hope. "Stop with the accusations. If you feel it's necessary, the police are welcome to search all of Future Industries" Said Hiroshi. "... Thank you, Hiroshi. And I do apologise if I'm wrong. I don't wish to make harrowing accusations against the innocent" Said Hope. "It's fine. These are trying times, Hope" Said Hiroshi, as Hope left his office. "So? What do you think?" Asked Lin. "He gripped his armrest harder every time I pressed him on his connections to the Equalists and shut me down before I could talk about his wife. He's the man making the weapons. And he's letting us search his toyshop" Said Hope
The scene changes to the unique-looking Future Industries factory. It has four smokestacks, one at each corner of the building. Two Metalbender airships are hovering in the sky around the factory, as a radio broadcast played through a radio.
"Is it possible presidents of Cabbage Corp and Future Industries both have Equalist ties?" Asked the Radio Broadcaster.
The view goes inside to the factory's loading bay. Trucks and forklifts are scattered about, while Metalbenders search through stacks of boxes. Korra has Naga sniffing around.
"Or did Hiroshi Sato frame his long time rival, Lau Gan-Lan? Or did Chief Bei Fong just plain arrest the wrong man?" Asked the Radio Broadcaster.
Lin breaks open a crate with the metal wire whips built into her armor.
"So far the investigation has yielded no evidence to incriminate Sato" Said the Radio Broadcaster.
Throughout the factory, Metalbenders are breaking open crates with their whips and searching the contents. The scene cuts to outside the factory. One of the airships has come down out of the twilight sky to hover right next to the building. Lin and Tenzin watch as the police using their grappling whips to ascend into the airship's bay. Korra and Hope come from off-camera riding Naga and approaches their mentors. She leaps down to talk to them.
"I can't believe we didn't find anything" Said Korra. "And this is his only factory as well" Said Hope. "It would appear Hiroshi is innocent" Said Lin.
Asami and Mako walk over from off-camera, and Asami puts her hands on her hips as she confronts the others.
"Okay. You did your search. Now you can all leave" Said Asami.
Lin stares Asami down and grunts, not going anywhere. Mako catches Korra's gaze and steps off to the side. She follows him to where they can converse apart from the others. Asami and Lin watch them from the background.
"So, I hope you're convinced now" Said Mako. "No, I'm not. I don't care how cooperative Hiroshi is being, I know he's lying" Said Korra. "Why are you doing this? Are you that jealous of me and Asami?" Asked Mako, pointing at Korra.
Korra gasps loudly and leans forward with clenched fists
"What? Don't be ridiculous. That has nothing to do with it" Said Korra.
Hope walks between Mako and Korra and grabs their wrist, before pushing them apart and turning to face Mako.
"This investigation wasn't Korra's idea. It was mine. So if you want to be angry, be angry at me" Said Hope. "Why are you doing this?" Asked Mako. "The intention is two-fold. If Hiroshi is innocent, then he can be ruled out as an Equalist. If he is guilty, then he can be arrested and reformed" Said Hope.
Mako just grunts, then walks away to join Asami. She glares at Korra and Hope even as Mako puts an arm around her and leads her away. Korra closes her eyes again and sighs before walking off in the opposite direction with Hope. In the background, a man is pulling the factory's large door closed. The view cuts close to this worker, and he turns around to look at Korra with intense eyes. He heads in her general direction, unnoticed by anyone. Tenzin and Lin are still nearby, and Korra is petting Naga. The worker purposefully walks right past Korra, not quite looking at her, and discreetly puts a folded piece of paper in her free hand as he goes past. Korra's fingers tighten around it reflexively, and her eyes go wide with surprise. She quickly brings the paper up to examine it, then looks around to see where it might have come from. She catches sight of the worker as he boards a truck, surrounded by several of his fellows in identical uniforms. One waves as the truck drives off. Korra opens the paper and reads it, then quickly turns to Hope and offers him the note.
"I think you should hear this. If you want to find the truth, meet me under the north end of the Silk Road Bridge at midnight" Said Korra. "Interesting. Let's follow this lead" Said Hope.
The scene cuts to the Silk Road Bridge at the appointed hour. A crescent moon is almost fully obscured by clouds, and another Metalbender airship patrols the skies just above. The view pans down and reveal Korra, Hope, and Lin walking beneath the metal structure. They stop when they hear a low hiss.
"Psst! Over here. Listen. I joined the Equalists because I believed in what Amon said. I thought he could make life better for us non-benders. But I didn't sign up for this, this war" Said the Worker, stepping out from behind a metal strut and fixing the collar of his jacket so that it rises and obscures his face from view as the others approach. "What do you have on Hiroshi Sato?" Asked Lin. "He manufactured those gloves for the Equalists" Said the Worker. "I knew it" Said Korra. "And there are rumors he's working on something even bigger. Some new kind of weapon" Said the Worker. "We searched Future Industries and found nothing anywhere" Said Hope. "That's because he has a secret factory" Said the Worker. "Where?" Asked Korra. "It's right underneath the Sato mansion" Said the Worker.
Korra, Hope, and Lin's eyes all go wide, and the Avatar gasps. Fade to commercial break. The view shows Republic City at night, lit up with golden light from its many tall buildings. A Metalbender airship is flying across the sky above. Within, Korra is crouched against the airship's wall. She takes a deep breath and exhales, then looks to her right where Tenzin and Lin are staring down at the city from the observation deck.
"Raiding the Sato mansion is a risky move with Tarrlok breathing down your neck. If we're wrong" Said Tenzin. "I know. I can kiss my job goodbye. But protecting Republic City is all I care about. We can't let Amon get his hands on this new weapon" Said Lin.
An exterior shot shows the airshp arriving at the Sato estate. The towers and buildings are all lit. The view cuts to a room in the mansion, where Bolin, Mako and Asami are all sitting in chairs and relaxing. Sculptures line the back wall, and the low table in front of the trio boasts a phonograph and a large tray of fruit for Bolin. He has Pabu on his shoulder and lowers a bunch of grapes into his mouth, while Asami leans over to Mako and shows him a record sleeve. Suddenly, the doors burst open and a team of Metalbenders rush in, all of them in ready Bending stances. They fan out across the room, followed by Hope and Tenzin.
"What are you doing here?" Asked Asami, outraged.
The phonograph abruptly cuts out.
"We have reason to believe there is a factory hidden beneath the mansion. Happen to know where it is?" Asked Hope. "I think I would have noticed if there were a factory underneath my house! The lies you people come up with just to persecute my father" Said Asami. "Shut up. Once every possibility is used up, and he is innocent, then there will be no reason to look into him. And the majority of things go back to normal" Said Hope. "No it won't" Said Asami, bitterly. "I know. I've used up all your kindness. You'll never want to see me again. Don't reflect that onto Korra" Said Hope, before walking out of the room. "Where is your father?" Asked Tenzin. "In his workshop, behind the house" Said Asami.
The scene moves to the exterior of the workshop. The Metalbenders are approaching slowly, covering each other's backs and spreading their line of vision out across the large grassy yard. The view cuts inside just as the Metalbenders burst through the door and move through the workshop. Plenty of junk and tools are lying around, but the center of the room is empty. Tenzin leads the others into the shop, as Lin and Korra joined them.
"Dad? Hello?" Asked Asami. "Chief, the estate's been secured. No one has left the workshop since we arrived" Said a Officer. "Perhaps we just couldn't see him leaving" Said Lin.
Lin ambles out into the center of the room, her hands clasped behind her back. She stops, turns around, then abruptly raises her leg tight against her body. The bottom of her metal boot retracts, revealing the bare foot within, then she stomps down on the floor. The view goes completely black, but is quickly lit up white shockwaves that travel out from Lin's foot and pass over everything in the room. As color returns and the view goes back to normal, Lin straightens from her stance.
"There's a tunnel beneath the workshop, running deep into the mountain side" Said Lin. "What? There's no tunnel" Said Asami.
Lin looks down at the empty patch of floor, then takes an Earthbending stances and rips a metal square out of the floor with a wave of both arms. The entire group approaches the whole and looks down. The camera pans out to reveal a braced, dark tunnel with an industrial elevator just below a flight of metal stairs. Asami looks crushed, Mako's eyebrows are raised, Korra simply stares grimly, and Bolin has a hesitant expression.
"Do you think your dad knows about this tunnel?" Asked Bolin. "I don't understand. There must be an explanation" Said Asami. "Two. Either it's an escape route, in case something bad happens in the house and the front exit isn't available, or... the other thing" Said Hope. "Officers, into the tunnel. Be cautious" Said Lin.
They snap from attention and file down the stairs, leaving Mako, Bolin, and Asami behind. The teens move to follow, but Lin's voice stops them.
"Uh-uh. You three stay up here. Officer Song, keep an eye on them" Said Lin.
Officer Song salutes while Lin goes to follow the other Metalbenders. Korra looks back at her friends, Mako front and center, as she, Hope and Tenzin follow Lin. Mako cannot hold her gaze, and looks to the side with a chagrined expression. The scene cuts to the large elevator platform, as it follows a rail down the diagonally descending tunnel. The only light is a spotlight at the front of the elevator, and red emergency lighting throughout the shaft. Korra is leaning against a railing in the foreground, looking around. After a short ride, the elevator comes to a halt against a perpendicular walkway that leads off screen. The Metalbenders quickly follow it, moving in Bending stances. They emerge into a brightly lit, massive room covered in crisscrossed metal bracing. Near the entrance, two massive banners bearing Amon's face hang from a rafter.
"Not your average backyard workshop" Said Lin. "It appears we have found the way to the cave of wonder" Said Hope.
The view cuts over to show a line of machines parked up against a wall. Superficially human, they stand on legs that end in tank treads, boast a pair of massive clawed arms, and have bulbous heads that resemble first-generation diving helmets with large glass view-ports. The view shifts back to Korra and company, revealing more of the 'mechatanks' behind them.
"And I'm guessing those are the new weapons" Said Korra. "Hoah ho! I know what these are" Said Hope, walking up to a 'mechatank' and climbing up one of its arms. "You do? How?" Asked Lin. "Well, I don't know what they are called here, but they appear to be crude mech suits. Yeah! I believe behind the heads are some kind of control system and a place to control them from. They are equipped with these clawed hands and... hummmm. I believe these are some sort of... Improved Explosive Launcher. The metal is, rather shiny and solid looking" Said Hope.
The camera zooms in on one of the mechatanks, traveling over its metal skin and showing where the plates have been bolted together as armor. The view travels up and over the 'head,' turning around to show the group standing below at what seems like a significant vertical distance, witch is Hope's prospective
"It's also pretty big!" Declared Hope. "Yes, but how do you know that?" Asked Tenzin. "I need you to keep an open mind for that" Said Hope. "You're an Equalist?!" Asked Korra. "That's a bit too open... Have you guys ever heard of the term Timeline?" Asked Hope. "... Timeline?" Asked Lin. "I've heard of it. David Hawking's theory of Dimensional Planes" Said a Officer. "Yes, and you've gone a step higher. Smart brain. I am from a different dimension. A dimension with none of this. No bending, mech suits. Just... I don't remember. Probably did have this stuff. Probably... hold on" Said Hope, as he climbed down to see the inside of the head through the glass port.
Hope punched through the glass port, and grabbed at something inside, before pulling at it, teleporting in front of the group and slamming the thing he grabbed, an Equalist, on the ground and kicking him in the chin, knocking him out. Suddenly, the other Mechatanks activated, and surrounded the metalbenders, who moved to form a circle around Tenzin, Hope Lin, and Korra. Suddenly, a metal wall pops up from the floor behind them and completely cuts off the whole end of the room with the exit. Most of the lights go out, plunging the room into shadows. Back in the workshop, Asami, Mako, and Bolin are staring down into the tunnel and hear the sound of the wall clamping shut.
"What was that?" Asked Bolin. "We need to get down there and see what's going on" Said Mako. "Absolutely not. You're staying put until the chief comes back" Said Officer Song. "All right, we'll stay put. But can we wait outside or something? It's so dusty in this workshop" Said Mako, looking at Bolin, who nods back and adopts an artificially nonchalant expression. "No. We're waiting right here" Said Officer Somg
Bolin casually rubs a foot against the floor.
"Okay, but don't blame me if I start snee... if I start snee... if I start..." Said Mako. "What's your problem, bub?" Asked Officer Song. "I'm about to-" Said Mako.
Mako leans back as if to sneeze, then throws himself forward and spits out a massive flare of fire that sets Officer Song stumbling backwards. Bolin raises his foot, causing a small square pillar to pop out of the ground just behind Song. The Metalbender trips and flips to fall on his stomach, and Bolin quickly rushes over and leaps into a body-slam right on top of Song. Mako quickly comes over and helps Bolin pin Song down. Cut to Office Song tied up to a barrel in the workshop and gagged. His hat is on the ground next to him. The view switches around to show Mako standing up, Bolin and Asami behind him.
"Sorry, pal. We know you were just doing your job" Said Mako "Yeah. Just stay put until the chief come back. That sounds very familiar, doesn't it? Why? Because you said it" Said Bolin, mockingly.
The trio approaches the tunnel. Mako puts his hands on Asami's shoulders and stops her from continuing forward. Bolin continues on.
"Asami, you should stay here. We'll check it out" Said Mako. "I have to find out the truth about my father" Said Asami. "I understand. That's why I'm going down; to find out for you. Please" Said Mako. "All right. Be careful" Said Asami, as Mako heads down the tunnel stairs.
Mako turns back, sharing a last look with Asami. Back in the secret factory, Lin rushes at the trapping wall and tries a Bending move to raise it. The wall doesn't respond.
"I'm afraid you won't be able to metalbend that wall, Chief Bei Fong" Said Hiroshi, over an intercom system.
Sickly green spotlights start flipping on, causing the captives to flinch under the glare. The lights are shown to be coming from the mechatanks
"It's solid platinum. My mechatanks are platinum as well" Said Hiroshi.
A group of the mechatanks drive over and form a half-circle around the Benders. The view cuts to Hiroshi himself, in the cockpit of one of the mechatanks. he is clutching a steering lever in each hand.
"Not even your renowned mother could bend a metal so pure" Said Hiroshi. "Mechatanks? A pathetic name" Said Hope. "Hiroshi, I knew you were a lying. no-good Equalist. Come out here and-" Declared Korra, echoing from the other side of the mechatank's view-port. "And do what, young Avatar? Face the wrath of your bending?" Asked Hiroshi. "No. Right now, I'll be delivering your butt kicking. I believed you were innocent" Said Hope
The Wizardriver appeared around Hope's waist, and Hope placed the Flame Wizard Ring on his finger. The Wizardriver then began to declare "Shabadoobie, Touch to Henshin" every few seconds.
"I was the last one to convince. I didn't even tell your daughter we were investigating you. I wouldn't tell her. Unfortunately, you screwed it. Next time you see me, it will be when your daughter sees you behind bars" Said Hope. "Oh? Are you disappointed at me?" Asked Hiroshi.
Hope presses his left hand against the Wizardriver, before taking it off of the Wizardriver and it declaring "FLAME! PLEASE!".
"That... would mean i didn't trust the opinions of the people around me. Henshin" Said Hope.
A red magic circle appeared under Hope's feet, witch went up his body as the Wizardriver declared "Hi-Hi, Hi-Hi-Hi!", as the magic circle disappears above his head, and Hope is transformed into Kamen Rider Wizard Flame Styles. Hiroshi pushes one of the control levers, and his mechatank shoots out a grappling claw. Lin, Tenzin, Hope and Korra all jump out of the way. The other mechatanks move in. One smashes a claw down toward a group of Metalbenders, but they dodge and shoot out their whips to entangle the mechatank. Two other Metalbenders tangle up another of the vehicles, while Lin dodges another grappling hook attack and leaps up into the air above it. As she arcs through the air, she deploys large metal wrist blades out of her armor. As she lands on the mechatank, she punches at the cockpit's main window and drives the blade in as far as it will reach. The view cuts inside the cockpit, where a masked Equalist shifts out of the way of the blade. More blade attacks burst in through the various windows, keeping the driver from doing anything but twisting around in fright. Back outside the cockpit, Lin continues to stab away as the mechatank rolls backwards into some scaffolding. The view zooms out from the dusty crash and through the side window of Hiroshi's cockpit. A burst of exterior fire lights the cockpit up with orange glow, and then the view cuts to show Korra Firebending at the mechatank. The humanoid vehicle rolls forward with hesitation, but then is pushed back by a burst of air and bullets that comes from over Korra's shoulder. The view cuts to show Tenzin in an Airbending stance and Hope holding the WizarSwordGun, while Metalbenders are still wrangling mechatanks in the background. Tenzin and Hope move towards Korra and off screen, each step carrying them into a different attack that unleashes powerful bursts of wind and a multitude of bullets. Cut to the Metalbenders. They are pulling at their whips, grunting with exertion, but they're starting to be pulled forward by their quarry. One even carves Earthbending gouges in the floor with his feet, but that fails to keep him in place. The view shifts to one of the Metalbenders' backs, where the spool of metal whip-wire is starting to smoke as the wire is yanked continuously by the struggle. The view cuts to one of the wrangled mechatanks, with two whips wrapped around its left claw. The arm moves around, trying to resist, then locks into place and pauses for a second. Suddenly, electricity emanates from the claw, traveling up the metal wire and shocking the Metalbenders. They all scream and get launched backwards. The mechatank is free. Lin, still stabbing away at her unmoving mechatank target despite having already shattered every window, turns to see what's going on and is immediately struck by one of the projectile grappling-claws. She is thrown off her mechatank, crashes and bounces off the nearby scaffolding, and then is yanked flying into the air by another mechatank. She comes to a hard landing on the floor and bounces once, before Hope catches her. Elsewhere, Korra and Tenzin are double-teaming another mechatank. It's pushed up against a wall, struggling against continuous fire and air blasts. The view cuts inside the tank's cockpit, where Hiroshi is being bounced around by the attacks. His pince-nez glasses are knocked off his face and fall off camera. Hiroshi growls, and pushes both his control levels forward. Outside, one of the mechatank's grappling-claws shoot forward at Korra, but she dodges with a series of backward flips that carry her out of the claw's continuing path. She Earthbends a chunk of the floor into the air and fires it back at the mechatank, but another claw comes at her from behind and catches her. She is pushed flying into a some of the metal machinery on the far side of the factory, and bounces off painfully.
"Korra!" Shouted Tenzin
As Korra falls, Tenzin shoots out a swirling sphere of air that catches her and lands her softly on the ground. Seeing her safe, Tenzin turns back to the mechatank and dodges another grappling-claw attack. Within his cockpit, Hiroshi works some more levers, and his tank rolls foward while firing its claws again. Another mechatank joins the attack. Tenzin once again dodges all the claws, and jumps into an Airbending move that summons a giant, spinning wind-wheel around him. Tenzin rides it forward like he's surfing and avoids another claw, then leaps into the air. Hiroshi's mechatank stops and fire some new projectile, a metal disc that deploys small, whip-like tendrils. It catches Tenzin as he spins through the air in preparation for another counter-attack, wrapping around and electrocuting him. He lands hard on the floor and stays down. Hiroshi's tank comes to a stop, and the front opens into a series of panels that lets the driver climb out. Hiroshi steps down onto the factory floor and looks at his defeated enemies- Lin, Tenzin, Korra. The Lieutenant steps forward to join him.
"Well, I'd say that was a near flawless test run" Said Hiroshi. "You are missing one" Said the Lieutenant. "He isn't a bender" Said Hiroshi. "And yet, he made your ambush and ruined two Mechatanks" Said the Lieutenant. "Put them in the trucks" Said Hiroshi.
The scene jumps to show a pair of trucks now parked amidst the mechatanks. Masked Equalists carry the unconscious Metalbenders to the trucks' cargo-containers. Off to the side, near where Tenzin, Lin, and Korra are lying, a panel of the floor lifts up slightly and scrapes to the side. Bolin and Mako peak out through the new hole in the floor.
"Oh no" Said Bolin.
The Equalists toss another Metalbender into a truck.
"Korra was right! We gotta do something, quick!" Declared Mako.
As the Equalists continue their work, the brothers sneak closer, stopping to hide behind a large cylindrical tank. After pausing to make sure they haven't been spotted, they run out to the others. Bolin gets Tenzin and hauls the Airbender up onto his back, audibly struggling with the weight, while Mako lifts up Korra on his own back. Then they both lean down and each grab one of Lin's arms. The view suddenly cuts to Hirshi, wearing mechanical gloves that crackle with electricity. The Lieutenant is beside him, fighting sticks at ready.
"Not so fast, boys" Said Hiroshi. "Hello, Mr. Sato. Wow. What a really, swell, scary, factory you have here under your giant mansion" Said Bolin, dropping Lin, and gesturing with Tenzin's arms. "Sponsoring our team, supporting the Avatar. It was all just a big cover" Said Mako. "Yes. And the most difficult part was watching my daughter... traipse around with a Firebending streetrat like you!" Shouted Hiroshi.
Hiroshi sends another shock through his gloves, and steps towards the brothers, but is halted by Asami's voice and turns around with surprise.
"Dad, stop! Why would you join the Equalist?" Asked Asami, distraught. "Sweetie, I wanted to keep you out of this for as long as I could" Said Hiroshi.
View briefly cuts to Mako, still holding Korra as she wakes up
"But now that you know the truth, please, forgive me. These people, these benders... They took away your mother, the love of my life. They've ruined the world! But with Amon we can fix it, and build a perfect world together" Said Hiroshi.
Asami has a stunned expression, then averts her gaze.
"We can help people like us everywhere" Said Hiroshi.
Hiroshi takes off one of his electric gloves, and holds it out.
"Join me, Asami" Said Hiroshi.
Asami just stares, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She slowly moves towards her father. She looks at the glove with an expression that could be as much fear as wonder, and reaches out a trembling hand. Mako, Korra, and Bolin all watch. Bolin looks crushed. Suddenly, the ground began to shake, and a claw rose out of the ground, separating Asami and Hiroshi in a cloud of dust. When the dust settles, it reveals Hope, in Land Dragon Styles.
"Good. Now I know that you didn't enlist your daughter into this cause" Said Hope. "Hope? But where!?" Asked Hiroshi, with three deep bleeding diagonal cuts appeared on his face, starting from his left cheek to his right eyebrow. "When you took down Lin, I didn't believe this was a battle to be brute forced. So I made a decision. I changed into Land Dragon Styles and used the Drill Wizard Ring to disappear underground. Besides, I wanted to find out if you brought your daughter into the fold" Said Hope.
Asami stood behind Hope, with three small shallow diagonal cuts across her nose, holding the remains of a mechanical glove.
"Why... why are my injuries worse?" Asked Hiroshi. "I don't hurt my friends permanently. Now. If you don't mind. We shall be leaving" Said Hope.
Two of the mechatanks turn to view the commotion. The group follows Hope into a run. They hop down through the hole Bolin made before. Just as Asami is escaping, leaving only Bolin, one of the mechatanks fires off a series of the electrified bola-disks that had been used to subdue Tenzin. Before the first one lands, Bolin hops down the hole and pulls it shut behind him by Earthbending an adjacent slab of the floor over like a door. The next two disks bounce harmlessly off. The scene cuts to outside, where the Metalbender airship is flying away from the Sato estate. Within, Asami watches through the windows as her home shrinks away. She looks devastated, and clutches a pole for support. The camera zooms over her shoulder to show Mako looking at her, with Korra and Hope, untransformed behind him, then continues past them to a bench where Lin is lying. Tenzin stands over her.
"My metalbenders are on their way to Amon, and it's all my fault. Tarrlok's right, I failed as Chief. First thing in the morning, I'm handing in my resignation" Said Lin. "No! You can't give up like this" Said Tenzin. "I'm not giving up. I'm going to find my officers and take Amon down. But I'm going to do it my way, outside the law" Said Lin, pulling herself up into a sitting position.
Tenzin looks at her, but doesn't react. Back with the others, Korra has her own defeated expression. Behind her, Bolin is looking out the window with Pabu on his shoulder. Hope puts his hand on her shoulder.
"Don't look like that. Because in 30 or so years, you'll look at your cheek and think, How did I get that line on my face? And remember today and be sad" Said Hope, making Korra smile a little. "Well, what else can I focus on?" Asked Korra. "The positives. We know a high ranking Equalist, who will now be in hiding. His daughter isn't one of them, witch is a big bonus. Nobody's dead. And the best thing is we know about the Mechsuits" Said Hope. "I believe they are called Mechatanks" Said Korra. "... Terrible name. And it appears somebody wants to talk to you" Said Hope.
The camera pans to the side to show Mako right next to her, as Hope walks away.
"I'm sorry I didn't believe you, but Asami's dad being an Equalist is not an easy thing to believe, even now" Said Mako. "I know. I'm sorry this whole thing happened" Said Korra. "So, does your offer to live at the Air Temple still stand?" Asked Mako. "Of course it does. And Asami's welcome too" Said Korra. "Thank you so much" Said Mako. "After everything she's been through, she's going to need you, Mako" Said Korra.
Mako nods, then turns around and approaches Asami. He puts his arm around her, and she shifts to look at him before snuggling against his chest. Korra watches for a moment, then turns away. Outside, the airship approaches the glowing Republic City.
