Hey everybody I'm back with chapter 17. Before we get started I want to thank everyone who reviewed last chapter they really meant a lot. I am a little disappointed though that it only got 5 reviews. I felt that was actually one of my better chapters. Well anyway the story goes on. Like always I own nothing but the plot, and any OC's.
PS: One of my best reviewers (Muna) mentioned an IV. While they do help us get better they are no fun at all so I hope you get better soon.
17: Locked Out
"Attention everyone this is Shiro Shinobi here to give the all clear. As of moments ago the Republic City spirit portal has mysteriously closed, and the dark spirits ransacking our fair city have either disappeared, or reverted to their less terrifying forms. While the fighting has stopped however the police advise that you remain inside until order can be restored. We will have more information on what has happened today, and how this tragedy came to pass later on so stay tuned."
As the fighting ceased, and the battered police force began restoring order; it was decided that the hospital would be the most logical meeting place. Jinora sat quietly next to Asami in the waiting room, while her father was pacing worriedly. The air bending master couldn't help but be worried. So much chaos and destruction had unfolded within barely two hours. Fortunately there was no talk of casualties, but there were wounded by the dozens.
Both General Iroh and Chief Beifong had to be admitted. Iroh had acquired a dislocated shoulder and some minor cuts from where a random spirit had clawed him during the melee. Lin had been brought in with a minor cut on her forehead, and possibly a mild concussion. While the doctors would have preferred that they stay for further examination; their injuries were not serious enough to keep them from leaving to report to President Raiko.
The worst injuries however were suffered by Korra. Seeing the strong young woman being rushed through the front doors on a stretcher was one of the worst moments of Tenzin's life. Multiple doctors had quickly rushed her into the intensive care unit. Even now they were fighting for the Avatar's life. Taking a lightning bolt in the back she was lucky to be alive let alone in critical condition.
While Asami was waiting there with the two air benders; Kai had left to check and see if everyone was alright. As Tenzin continued pacing Jinora and Asami sat there quietly. Asami was worrying about the woman she loved, and was silently praying to any spirit who would listen that Korra would be alright. Jinora on the other hand was going over her terrifying encounter with Mako and Vaatu over, and over again.
"I'm sorry I slapped you." Jinora apologized when the tense silence became too much.
Asami sighed. "Don't be; I needed it. I'm sorry I just froze up; that's never really happened to me before."
"Why did you freeze up?" Jinora asked gently.
Asami remained quiet for a moment, as she gently rubbed her bandaged right hand. "My entire family is gone Jinora. Korra is one of the few loved ones I have left, and seeing her like that, having her dying in my arms was just too much, and I froze up. The whole world just seemed to fade out, and I could barely hear anything. You were yelling barely four feet from me, yet you sounded miles away. You actually managed to get through for a second, but then he appeared."
Just the mere mention of the encounter caused Jinora's heart to beat faster, and fear to enter her eyes.
"A fire bender took my mother from me when I was a little girl. I never found out who that monster was, and for the longest time I had nightmares about this horrible shadow with red eyes surrounded by fire. When I saw Vaatu standing there it was my worst nightmare come to life, and I felt just like a helpless little girl again."
Asami paused for a moment, "We should have acted quicker. We should have stopped that monster before this happened." Asami said angrily.
"Even if we did find out sooner there was nothing we could have done Asami; not without killing Mako." Jinora countered.
"Mako is dead anyway!" Asami snapped angrily. The sudden noise drew the attention of several other occupants of the waiting room.
"Mako is gone Jinora," Asami stated firmly, but at a quieter decibel. "All that's left is Vaatu, and we need to stop him no matter what."
Jinora remained silent. There was no point in arguing with Asami at the moment. The heiress was angry because of what all has happened to her city, the scrutiny her company was currently under, and above all what had happened to Korra. She blamed Vaatu, and there was no point in trying to convince her otherwise.
After a few moments Jinora asked the one question that had been bothering her the most. "Asami I've heard how this happened from Korra. I've looked the results in the eyes. What I need to know is why?"
Asami frowned. "What do you mean why? I don't know why this is happening."
"That's not what I'm asking Asami," Jinora stated firmly. "Vaatu was supposed to be trapped for 10,000 years inside Raava. The only reason he escaped is because someone wanted him free. It's probably the same someone who sent the triads to attack your building. Whoever started this knew where Vaatu was; that Korra was his prison. They were smart enough to figure out what you were doing, and crazy enough to use that energy core as a key to open Vaatu's cell. They couldn't have done this without you Asami."
Asami glared at the young air bender, and the pain in her palm flared. "Are you blaming me for this?" the CEO demanded.
"No," Jinora replied quickly. "Why would you mess with spirit vine energy Asami; why would you hide it from us, from Korra?"
Asami sighed, and looked around to see if anyone would overhear. Seeing that nobody would hear them Asami began to explain quietly. "President Raiko came to me a little over ten months ago, and asked me to do some research on the vines. He wanted me to find other uses for them besides weapons, as well as to find ways to counter and defend against spirit energy. I agreed, because we didn't start working with the vines then someone else would, and it would be the Kuvira situation all over again. We decided that my work should be kept top secret, off the books to avoid situations like the triad break in last week. You can't steal something that doesn't exist right?"
Asami looked away from the disappointment in Jinora's grey eyes. "I wanted to share everything with you guys, but none of you would understand, especially Korra. She is just as adamant about not messing with spirit vine energy as Varrick is. The potential for spirit energy is limitless. If it were harnessed properly we could do anything; science, technology, engineering it would all be launched decades into the future. Varrick, Korra, all of you only look at worst case scenarios. I know what the vines can do in the hands of a monster like Kuvira, but I am doing this for the greater good."
Jinora sighed as Asami looked at her beseechingly. "There is an old air bender proverb. 'If you look for the light you can often find it. If you look for the dark it is all you will ever see.' The Air Nomads believed that there is both good and bad in everything. The fact that you can see the light side of the spirit vines is admirable."
Asami nodded, and was about to speak, but Jinora cut her off. "That being said the dark potential for those vines should not be brushed off so lightly. Asami we all know you have the best intentions at heart, but the nomads had a proverb about good intentions too. 'The road to hell is paved with them.'"
Silence once again fell between the two young women, and Asami excused herself to go talk to a doctor about Korra's condition. As the CEO left the room the front doors burst open, and Kai entered the room closely followed by Meelo, Kaya, Bumi, Bumju, and Pema with little Rohan sound asleep in her arms.
"I found everyone, and they are all okay." Kai announced as he plopped down in the chair Asami had just vacated, closely followed by a banged up Bumi and Kaya. "More, or less anyway."
At the sight of his family Tenzin rushed over, and embraced his wife and two sons. "Thank the spirits your all alright. What happened? Where is Ikki?"
"Standard search and rescue protocol dictated we split up to cover the most ground. In the event we find nothing protocol then dictates we return to HQ." Meelo stated using as much military jargon he could.
"If she isn't here then she should be heading home." Kaya stated plainly. "As for what happened to us well."
"Oh it was nothing much little brother," Bumi interrupted his younger sister casually to answer the master air benders first question.
"Pema had just put Rohan to bed while Ikki and Meelo went to look for you. We were about to head out too when out of nowhere Bumju here goes dark side on us."
The small blue, bunny like spirit hovered next to Bumi, and made several zipping squeaking sounds.
Bumi nodded in agreement. "That's right he then put on a wonderful little juggling show for Pema and the acolytes. Only instead of using ball he used Kaya and me."
Bumju made several more squeaking sounds. "Yes Bumju you were very talented. You had a very good technique." Bumi added.
"How did you manage to stop him?" Tenzin asked.
"That's the weird thing; we didn't." Kaya said taking over the explanation. "After Bumi and I couldn't fight anymore Bumju started to go after the other acolytes, but before he could attack anyone though Pema got between him and everyone else."
Before her husband could say anything Pema took over. "I'm fine Tenzin. When Bumju caught sight of me his eyes flared red, and he just stopped moving. He just stood there staring at me until the portal disappeared, and he turned back to normal."
"Dark spirits aren't known to be merciful like that." Tenzin said stroking his beard in thought. "This is very strange indeed."
"What is strange?"
Everyone turned to see Bolin and Opal enter the room. Both benders looked as though they were in a fight, but there were no visible injuries. Bolin however looked heartbroken, and just seemed to be staring at nothing, and his eyes were filled with sadness, pain, and anger.
"Are you guys alright?" Kai asked as Jinora ran over to the other couple.
"What happened; where is Mako?" She asked quickly.
"He is gone Jinora." Opal said sadly.
"He escaped into the spirit world with," Bolin began to say, but he paused when Opal gave him a meaningful look. "With Vaatu; he escaped with Vaatu, and he closed the portal behind him." The lava bender finished.
"What happened with you guys? Where is Korra?" Opal asked trying to change the subject.
"Vaatu almost killed her!" Asami snapped as she reentered the waiting room.
"How could you just let him get away?" The heiress demanded as she walked up to the Bolin and Opal.
"We tried to stop him Asami. He was just too powerful." Opal said.
"Well you should have tried harder. Now that monster is free to do spirits knows what." Asami replied angrily.
"Mako is not a monster Asami." Bolin growled warningly.
Asami turned her glare to the lava bender. "Your brother is gone Bolin, and all that's left is Vaatu. He is a monster through, and through."
"Come on you two we should be fighting." Jinora said trying to calm them down, but both of them were two angry to listen.
"Mako isn't gone Asami; he's still in there. There is still hope for him." Bolin yelled at the heiress.
"Look around you Bolin." Asami yelled back. "Just because he is your brother doesn't mean there is hope for him. Look what he did to Republic City. He almost killed Korra, and he tried to Kill Jinora and me. How can you possibly still believe in him?"
"I know there is hope for him Asami, because I fought him, and unlike other monsters he wasn't trying to kill his own family." Bolin said coldly.
A loud slap filled the air, and everyone was left speechless. Bolin's head was turned to the side slightly, and his cheek was already turning red. Asami was glaring angrily at him with tears welling in her eyes. She was also clutching her now stinging right hand.
"Now that is enough!" Tenzin yelled as he quickly stepped forward to separate them. "Both of you either need to calm down, or leave."
Asami continued to glare at Bolin until she turned sharply, and walked back down the hallway most likely returning to Korra's side.
"Come on Bolin lets go." Opal said as she took his hand, and glared after the retreating CEO.
"So what should we do know?" Kai asked when the couple left.
"I don't know Kai." Tenzin said with a sigh.
"Well I don't know about you guys, but when the Doctors get Korra stabilized; I'm going to begin giving her healing sessions with what's left of my spirit water supply." Kaya said.
"We should contact mother as well," Tenzin added. "She has the more experience with treating this kind of wound."
"Are you saying I'm not good enough?" Kaya asked with a frown.
"No, no, not at all," Tenzin began t backpedaling, but stopped when his sisters glare turned into a playful smile.
"I'm kidding Tenzin you're right." Kaya said.
"Since Mako put the nearest source of spirit water out of business, it would probably be a good idea to have mom bring more with her." Bumi added as Bumju landed on his shoulder. "As for what the rest of us should do now well there is only one thing we can do."
"What is that uncle Bumi?" Meelo asked from his mother's side.
"The same thing I did as when I was in a situation very similar to this one." Bumi said.
"What situation could you have possibly been in that was anything like this one?" Tenzin asked tiredly.
"I'm glad you asked little brother. My squad and I were celebrating my first promotion at a nearby cantina. It was tons of fun at first, but after a series of unfortunate events, and several misunderstandings I was sucker punched."
"So what did you do Bumi?" Kaya asked.
"The only thing I could do back then and the only thing we can do now. Pick ourselves up, count our teeth, and get ready for the fight to come."
Zaheer waited patiently inside a large torch lit chamber with the only other occupant being Shen. After being met by the sadistic fire bender he had been lead to a secret entrance carved into the mountainside. Within the mountain was an intricate maze of passage ways that spread throughout the interior.
This particular base unnerved Zaheer slightly. He had been a member of the red lotus since he was barely a teenager. Throughout his years of service the air bender had become well acquainted with every red lotus base, and compound, or so he'd thought. There was of course the possibility it was new, but the wear of the passages suggested this place had been in use long before his first incarceration.
This place was completely unknown to him, and had Shen not been there to guide him he would have been hopelessly lost. After countless twists and turns they had finally arrived at the chamber they now occupied.
While Zaheer was content to wait quietly Shen unfortunately was not.
"So are you and P'li still together, or is she finally ready to start playing with fire?" Shen asked as he passed flames between his hands.
"She is dead." Zaheer said coldly as he gave the man a death glare.
"Well that's a crying shame," Shen replied with a grin that belayed the sincerity of his words. "You know it's not every day you meet a woman so tall, curvy, and scorching hot."
"Shen," Zaheer growled warningly as his fists clenched.
"Alright, alright," Shen said extinguishing his flames, and holding up his hands in appeasement.
A moment of silence passed.
"How about Ming Hua; is she still crushing on lava brain?"
A continuous blast of air suddenly slammed Shen back against the wall, and pinned him there.
"They are all dead Shen," Zaheer growled menacingly. "Now I suggest you gain some respect for the dead, or you'll be joining them."
Shen just grinned wider. "I'll try, but I make no promises. Respect was always more my sister's thing."
"Where is she anyway? Shouldn't she be here holding your leash?" Zaheer asked with a frown.
Shen just cocked his head, and shrugged. "Beats me; the old man posted her in Republic City, and that's the last place I saw her."
Before he could inquire further an ancient voice like sliding stone cut through the air as it was whipping around the chamber. "Release him Zaheer. You've already cost me enough followers."
While he wanted to question the psychotic fire bender further Zaheer did as commanded, and released his air current and let Shen drop to the floor.
After Shen quickly returned to his feet; the two red lotus members turned and bowed. "Grand master Xai Bau." They said in unison.
Where there was once a solid wall there was now a doorway. Standing in the threshold was a man who could adequately be described as ancient. He was of average height with tanned, wrinkled skin, and stood slightly hunched over with age. His white hair was done up in a traditional fire nation top knot, while his goatee and side burns were also snow white. The founder of the red lotus was dressed in black and red robes with water skins fastened to both hips. What was most striking about the old man's appearance was his mismatched blue and green eyes that held the wisdom of ages, and a ruthless cunning.
"I am to understand your respective missions were successful." Xai Bau said as he entered the room.
"Yes grandmaster." Zaheer and Shen answered once again in unison as they stood up straight.
"Did you encounter any unforeseen complications Shen?" The grand lotus asked.
"No Master. The boy didn't exactly turn out as I expected him to. He actually became a hero, and as you know heroes are ever so predictable. It was easy enough to manipulate him."
"And the triad members who were with you," Xai Bau asked.
Shen grinned viciously. "They all took a one way trip to the spirit world the old fashioned way. No loose ends just how you like it."
Xai Bau nodded, and turned to Zaheer. "I must admit Zaheer I was skeptical of your ability to complete your task. To see you standing here has begun to renew my faith in you."
"I am honored master." Zaheer said respectfully.
"Our sources have informed me that your respective actions have yielded most impressive results. Republic City is in disarray, the united forces have been humiliated, and Vaatu has escaped into the spirit world sealing the portal behind him. Lastly Avatar Korra is currently in a coma."
"Wait a minute he left her alive?" Shen asked incredulously.
While not as outspoken as his colleague Zaheer was just as surprised.
"Vaatu's reasons are his own," Xai Bau said.
Shen scoffed. "So do you want me to head back to Republic City, and help nudge her into a nice cozy grave; maybe fry a few brain cells?" To emphasize his point Shen flared some electricity between his pointer fingers.
"That won't be necessary Shen. While the Avatar's demise would be preferable her defeat sends a significant message to the world. Raava was unable to oppose him even at barely a fraction of his former power." Xai Bau said.
"Then what do you want me to do?" Shen asked impatiently.
"For now leave us. I wish to speak with Zaheer privately."
Shen was about to protest, but the grand lotus cut him off. "I suggest you leave now and silently lest my patience runs out."
Shen's amber eyes narrowed, but he did as he was ordered, and left the chamber silently.
Once they were alone Xai Bau turned to Zaheer. "What of the great uniter?" he asked referring to Kuvira.
"She doesn't trust us," Zaheer began as he subconsciously rubbed his throat. "But she has agreed to aid us. I left her with instructions to guard Vaatu, and to meet me at Wan Shi Tong's library."
Xai Bau nodded. "Very good; now the next phase of the plan may begin."
"If I may be so bold grand master; what is the next step of the plan?" Zaheer asked respectfully.
"Tell me Zaheer what is the biggest difference between Raava and Vaatu?" Xai Bau asked.
Zaheer was silent for a moment. "It is difficult to say master they are polar opposites in every way."
"Their biggest difference Zaheer is the stance they take in this world. Where Raava is content to kneel before the world as a humble servant; Vaatu would stand before this world as a god. Vaatu is the spirit of darkness and chaos. He is akin to a tornado, a wildfire, a tsunami, and an earthquake. He is an unstoppable, force that cannot be tamed. Unlike a natural disaster however he can be guided, advised, and convinced. With the spirit portals opened the world has already begun to regain balance. Now that Vaatu has returned he can make the world as it should be chaotic and free. The only thing left standing between the world and true balance is the Avatar and the oppressive regimes that divide, and dictate the world. Your new mission Zaheer will be to protect and guide Vaatu. Gain his trust as he regains his strength, and when he is ready you must convince him of our cause. Make our vision, our goals his."
"It will be done grand master Xai Bau." Zaheer stated with a bow.
With a nod Xai Bau turned towards the doorway he came in through, but stopped halfway there.
"Zaheer," Xai Bau said seriously.
"Yes master?"
"I remember when I first found you all those decades ago, a young boy with limitless potential and drive. I brought you into the red lotus, and trained you, gave you purpose. You quickly became my most skilled and zealous acolyte. With your team you accomplished things that many would deem impossible. You were my right hand and the obvious choice for my eventual successor."
Zaheer remained silent as he listened, and remembered his years as a red lotus.
"Recently however my faith in you has been shaken. First you failed to capture the Avatar as a child, and got both your team and yourself incarcerated for fifteen years. After your escape you failed to destroy the Avatar once again, and that particular failure got three of our most powerful benders slaughtered. Not only that you were recaptured, and the existence of the red lotus was revealed to the world. Now our white lotus counter parts are actively hunting us. Your continuous failures have cost the order dearly. Make no mistake Zaheer you are on thin ice. Your failures are beginning to outweigh your accomplishments, and it will not be tolerated. I truly hope you succeed Zaheer, because if you fail me again the consequences will be most severe."
Silence prevailed as Xai Bau left Zaheer alone in the chamber with that warning.
An hour later the city was still in a state of shock. The rain continued to fall, but the thunder and lightning had abated.
Chief Lin Beifong and General Iroh stood side by side across from President Raiko. The president sat behind his desk quietly looking from Lin to Iroh. Tension filled the air as the two waited for the inevitable.
"What do you two have to report?" Raiko asked calmly.
Iroh cleared his throat, and spoke up first. "Vaatu managed to get away sir. While we were dealing with the dark spirits he managed to escape into the spirit portal."
"I am to assume you have already gathered a suitable force to pursue him?" Raiko asked.
"No sir. He managed to seal the portal behind him." Iroh responded.
"What about Korra? Surely she could open the portal for you?" Raiko suggested calmly.
"Mr. President Korra is currently in a coma." Lin said coldly.
Raiko frowned. "So what you two are telling me is that you failed to execute a man in a coma; who then proceeded to beat the Avatar within an inch of her life, make both the united forces and the police department look like fools, turn my city into a warzone, and just go along his merry way after locking the door behind him?"
"That pretty much sums it up." Lin said sardonically.
"What the hell happened!" Raiko yelled as he stood up and slammed his hands on his desk.
"With all due respect we had everything under control before you sent Iroh to bungle everything." Lin snapped with a glare.
"I beg to differ Chief Beifong, but you can't possibly believe you actually had things under control." Iroh said incredulously.
Lin turned her cold glare to the fire nation prince. "I believe we had a wounded animal backed into a corner with no way out, and you provoked him."
"That's enough Beifong!" Raiko snapped. "What are the damages and how many casualties are we looking at?"
"Damage wise the city has been set back roughly three months in restoration. As for casualties sir there have been no reported fatalities." Iroh said.
Raiko sat down with a sigh. "Thank the spirits for small miracles."
"So what do you intend to do now?" Lin asked coldly.
Raiko met her glare with one of his own. "Vaatu is a worldwide threat Beifong. I'm going to call a meeting with the other world leaders, and we are going to hunt him down and stop him permanently."
As the night drew on the events that transpired that night were beginning to catch up with everyone. Kaya had finished Korra's first spirit water healing, and left her at the hospital to rest with Asami by her side. The air bender family had then returned too air temple island along with Bolin and Opal.
While almost everyone had managed to fall asleep others were not so fortunate.
"I still don't understand why we didn't tell everyone about Kuvira." Bolin said as he stared out at the rain.
Opal leaned against the railing next to her boyfriend as they watched the storm from the covered porch. It was two in the morning, and the rain showed no signs of stopping.
"Because Bolin the last thing people need in a bad situation is more bad news. Asami is already pretty shaken up with what happened to Korra. Finding out the woman that killed her father is free is more than she can handle right now." Opal said.
Bolin turned to look at his girlfriend. "You know Lin taught me how to read people's heart beats. Now I'm no truth seer, but I can at least tell when most people aren't being honest with me."
"I'm not lying to you Bolin." Opal said defensively.
Before she could protest further she felt Bolin take her hand in his. His warm gentle touch made Opal turn, and look at him. He looked exhausted. Sure he was trying to be brave, but she could see the sadness behind his small brave smile. There were bags under his green eyes, and his shoulders were slumped. Bolin was strong, but everything that had happened had really taken a toll on him.
"I know you're not lying to me Opal, but you're not telling me everything either."
Opal sighed. "When Korra defeated Kuvira mom wanted to take her back to Zaofu to answer for what she did. Raiko and the other world leaders however decided she should be tried and sentenced in the united republic. You know something about her answering to the world for what she did. Mom was pissed of course, but Aunt Lin convinced her to let it go. Kuvira was tried, sentenced, and locked far away from us. Now she is loose, and this is the chance my family has been waiting for to make her answer for what she did to us."
"You can't just hide the fact that she is loose Opal. People are going to find out."
"I'm not hiding her escape. Like you said people are going to find out on their own, but the time it takes for them to find out is the time that will give my family a head start in finding her."
"So you're going after Kuvira?" Bolin asked sadly.
Opal quickly turned to Bolin, and pulled him into an embrace. "From what it looked like Kuvira will probably be sticking with Mako. That means that the Beifongs are looking for Mako too. Now I can't speak for the rest of my family, but if I have to choose between capturing Kuvira, and saving Mako; I will help you save your brother. I love you Bolin, and family means everything. So no matter what we will find him."
Hearing her say she would help him Bolin pulled her into a gentle kiss.
After several moments the sound of someone clearing their throat caused the two lovers to step back. They turned around to find Jinora standing in the doorway.
"I'm sorry for interrupting, but can I speak with Bolin for a minute?"
"It's fine Jinora." Opal said as she gave Bolin a parting peck on the cheek.
"I'll see you guys in the morning." She said as she walked off towards the girl's dormitory.
"Good night Opal." Bolin and Jinora called after her.
"How can I help you?" Bolin asked once they were alone. He tried to sound positive, but he couldn't keep the sadness from his eyes.
Jinora looked at him for a moment before she sat down on a nearby bench.
"Do you remember when we first faced Vaatu?" she asked quietly.
"Yeah I do," Bolin said as he sat down next to her. "In fact I think I've still got the bruises to prove it.
Jinora smiled at his joke, but it faded quickly. "When Vaatu destroyed Raava she was reborn within him. In order for me to find her I had to look deep inside Vaatu. Search for that tiny light in the darkness. I saw so many horrible things. I felt everything he felt at the time. All that anger, envy, and hatred; it was terrifying. Even after Korra defeated him I had nightmares for weeks afterwards."
Jinora suddenly fell silent, and tears began to form in her eyes. Not really knowing what to do Bolin gently placed his hand on her shoulder to try to comfort her. Then to his surprise the young air bender threw her arms around him in a tight hug, and began to cry.
"I'm so sorry Bolin." She sobbed.
"It's alright Jinora. There is nothing for you to be sorry for." Bolin said as he returned her hug. After all these years the air benders were like family to Mako and him. Jinora was that clever little sister he'd always wanted.
"Yes there is." She said with a sniffle. "I gave up on him; I gave up on Mako."
Jinora pulled away, and wiped at her eyes. "Vaatu was supposed to be trapped for 10,000 years. When I first sensed him in Mako I panicked. I let my fear get the better of me, and I stopped seeing Mako, and I only saw a monster. I gave up on him."
"Why are you telling me this?" Bolin asked with hurt in his voice.
"I'm telling you this, because one of my worst nightmares came to life. Korra was hurt badly, and I was the only thing standing between Vaatu, and her. Vaatu had us in the palm of his hand, and there was nothing I could do to stop him. He wanted to kill us Bolin. He really wanted to, but he couldn't. Mako wouldn't let him."
Jinora looked Bolin straight in the eyes. "Mako saved me Bolin. He is still in there, and I am not going to turn my back on him again. You and Mako are practically my older brothers, and I am going to do everything I can to help you save him. I owe it to Mako."
Hope once again began to shine in Bolin's eyes as he pulled her back in for another hug with a genuine smile on his face. "Thank you Jinora. You have no idea how much that means to me."
They then pulled back, and looked out at the rain.
"You know the whole world is probably going to be after him." Jinora said seriously.
"I know," Bolin said with a nod. "Mako is going to need all the help he can get."
The two siblings by bond sat there in silence until Pema walked out onto the deck with a panicked look in her eyes. "Have either of you seen Ikki? I can't find her anywhere."
"Hello everyone this is Shiro Shinobi here with more information about the sudden outbreak dark spirits. Here with me now is the President who has graciously decided to address the people of this fair city. Now without further adieu I present President Raiko.
"Hello everyone. I know a lot of you are scared and confused right now, but there is no need to be alarmed, because the danger has passed for now. I say for know, because I believe you all deserve to know the truth, and hiding it can only make things worse. A little over four years ago Republic City was attacked by a creature you have all come to know as Unavaatu. That being was in fact the first Dark Avatar. It was truly a dark day for this city, and it was thanks to our beloved Avatar Korra that Unavaatu was defeated. It is my deepest regret that last night a new Dark Avatar has been born into our world. Vaatu the spirit of chaos and darkness has once again merged with a human. This vessel is none other than Mako; a decorated war hero, and an experienced RCPD detective. I am sorry to say that this brave young man has been consumed by darkness, and only seeks two things. The absolute destruction of humanity, and to plunge the world into 10,000 years of darkness. I truly wish I could say there is no need to worry, but that would be a lie. This new Dark Avatar is a threat to not only Republic City, but to the whole world. What I can promise you all however is that both my fellow world leaders and I will do everything within our power to stop this new Dark Avatar. On that you have my word."
"Thank you mister president. I don't know about you folks, but I feel safer already. Well that all we have for to day folks, so good night, and tune in tomorrow for more of this ongoing story. This is Shiro Shinobi here to say thank you for listening, and good night."
Well that's were the dice fell in the human world. Next chapter is going to be all Dark Avatar, and I cant wait to get started. So thank you for reading, and please leave a comment, or review; they are the pick me ups that help keep me writing throughout the week. Until next time then stay tuned.