(Drip...Drip...Drip...Drip)
It was dark and dreary.
Solemn, and grim.
Dark clouds blanket the morning sky above and the land below seem to swallow all color into a dull world of black and gray.
The air, it was thick with the smell of rain. The storm that had lasted for hours having long ago snuffed out the remnants of fire and washed away the blood that stained the ground but the destruction and ruin that came about would still remain.
(Drip...Drip...Drip...Drip)
There, not far from the devastation and under a great tree that reached high into the sky and with large branches drenched from the prior rain, stood a young man getting pelted on his wet hair. He didn't mind the light drops. The constant pelts was more a relief than anything as it drowned out all sound and focused the man steady as he stood there staring at what lay on the ground below.
Three patches of dirt of what could only be recently filled graves laid line up before the motionless young soul. Two being smaller in size while the third and bigger one rested between them.
It was a fitting arrangement.
One perfect for a mother and her two children.
He'll have to thank his companion as he wasn't able to do it himself due to his injuries but he doubt they would acknowledge the gratitude. Still, it meant a lot and despite being wrapped up in bandages from his injuries and soaked from head to toe, it was worth seeing it.
Seeing his failure laid bare.
Another reminder for him to carry.
...Another promise yet broken.
?: Are you done mourning yet?
A smooth yet condescending voice spoke from behind him though he didn't dignify them with a response. Only continue staring impassively at the three graves that marked his latest failure. A quiet part of him briefly wondered just when and how long the person been standing there but the energy to pursue that thought just wasn't there...the energy to do anything just wasn't there.
An annoyed scoff rang out, obviously not taking being ignored all that well yet did nothing but cross their arms and glower at the back of the sullen boy's head.
?: Look, they're dead. Gone. We already burn alive the ones responsible so there's nothing left for us to do here.
Again, no response was given. Not even a small twitch to their words which would usually annoy the person to no end as they hate being ignored but yet again, they restrain themselves. A slap to the back of the head would usually be the go to response to such a slight but all he got was a displeased grunt for his disobedience.
?: I was gracious enough to let you stand here as long as I did, even in the rain like an idiot despite my better judgment but that's enough. Say your goodbyes so we can be on our way. We got more jobs to do.
The consequences of not heeding what sounds like an order was clear in the tone of their words yet...it felt hollow to his ears. The pelting of the raindrops in comparison had more weight than their words. He honestly didn't care what they did. Nothing could be worse than the feeling that gripped his heart and twisted it into something beyond repair.
It Hurts Like Hell.
?: Hey.
A softer voice, a light and comforting touch to the jaw, pulling his gaze away from the three graves and to the side to stare into eyes similar in color to his own. He looked into the slightly older black haired woman's gaze and noticed they weren't intense as they usually were. They were far gentler. Even held a bit of concern but he knew she would deny it if brought up later.
It was an amusing thought.
?: This isn't your fault.
The words felt like acid to his ears.
Yes it is.
?: You did all you could to protect them.
Yet still you let them die.
?: Don't let what happen get to you. You're stronger than this, I know you'll overcome it just like I taught you.
Your Weak. Pathetic. You will always remember this failure.
You Will Always Remember These Deaths.
I'm keeping count mortal. What's another promise broken?
?:...He's talking to you isn't he?
Silence was her answer but the emotion in his eyes told her all she needed to know. Her gaze hardened, her grip that was on his jaw smooth up to touch the nape of his neck and brought his head to hers, connecting their foreheads together and eyes more focus on the other.
?: Shut him out. Do as I taught you and shut him out. It's your body, your spirit-not his. You're the boss and you're in control. And remember-
(Y/N): Don't ever give in.
A ghost of a smile that would pass for a smirk touch her lips and eased her expression. The gentle gaze she had once before showing again and with a hint of pride that would usually be reserved for someone like her.
It was...comforting, and lessened the pain if only just a bit.
?: That's right, don't ever give in. You're a strong kid and stubborn as hell so I doubt you'll go down that easily. Just don't...heh you know, go crazy on me like our-
Y/N blink once, then rapidly, before focusing and finding two familiar emerald eyes staring back at him worryingly. She was saying something, her crimson lips parting to form words yet he wasn't able to fully grasp what it was she was trying to tell him.
He could still hear them.
The faint pelts of raindrops reverberating in his ears.
Drowning out all sound but his own curse thoughts.
It only lasted for a second but to him, time likes to find a way to mess with his perception as it felt far longer than he wanted to admit.
"I think I'm starting to lose it"
Asami: Did you hear what I said Y/N?
(Y/N): Hm?
Fully coming to and regaining his senses, Y/N barely let out a coherent response as he sat there staring into frowning green eyes. What else was he supposed to say? He had completely let his mind wander while waiting for his injuries to be properly treated to which, was a bad thing to do.
Daydreaming always was.
Sighing at the confused face the dummy was making, Asami could only shake her head and wonder if she should bring up the expression he was making only moments ago. He was clearly lost in thought but the way he had looked...it was very similar to the cold face she remembered him having during his fight with the equalist.
It still unnerved her.
Asami: I asked if you were ok. You've been quiet for a while and knowing you I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not.
She said jokingly but was half serious as she smiled slightly, and Y/N couldn't help but snort in response. He wanted to say that it was definitely not a good thing. In more ways than one. Though, where was the fun in telling her that.
Shifting in his seat and ignoring the disapproving glare the healer was giving him as she tended his wounded stomach, Y/N merely shot her a wink before running his bandage hand through his raven locks to help calm the lingering effects his memory had on him.
(Y/N): I feel dandy.
He smiled wryly, but it quickly melted away for a more somber expression and a sharp glint in his eyes.
(Y/N): But more importantly, when are we making our move?
The shift in his tone was barely noticeable but Asami caught it as well as the look in his eye. She seen it more than enough times today to faintly understand what's going through that head of his right now and truthfully, she could understand. Probably not to the extent of his imagination but still, she could understand.
Sighing and brushing a lock of loose hair behind her ear, which she noticed Y/N paid extra attention to, Asami rolled her eyes at the pervert then held his gaze in preparation to tell him something he really wasn't going to like to hear.
Asami: Listen Y/N, you're not going to like this but-
There were many things one can say about the infamous mercenary in the current moment of the situation. Injured is one of them. Annoying is another. But stubborn, now that was a trait that Asami was becoming very familiar with as of late.
Asami: For the last time Y/N, No. You can't come with us.
It was frustrating.
(Y/N): And like I said the first four times I'm going. I'm not sitting this out nor am I missing the chance to bash Tarrlok's face in.
Very frustrating.
Especially when the man himself refuse to simply sit still and let the medical water bender do her job and treat his stitched up wounds, cuts, bruises and other visible injuries that needed to be treated.
A sigh left Asami's lips.
Asami: Look, just rest, heal, and let us deal with Tarrlok. Beifong has a plan on how we can capture him with the help of the new chief of police and once we get him we'll know where he took Korra.
She had place a comforting hand on his bouncing knee to keep him still and though he was frowning in his seat, Y/N made no further move and let the fretting healer do her work in peace. It was a welcome improvement Asami thought, as she smiled slightly at the scowling merc and gave him one last pat before truly taking in his appearance.
Now that they were in a room with better lighting and the bandages stripped from his torso, Asami got a good look at the full extent of Y/N's injuries. There were small cuts on the front of his chest but the worst of it was on his back where pieces of glass were said to have pierced his skin and if the healer was right, there were still lingering bits inside his flesh that needed to be removed. Strangely enough, from what she had seen of his back earlier there weren't any cuts or marks that overlap with the large tattoo he had. Almost like they all made sure to avoid ruining the strange but unique ink work that marked his body.
Still, it didn't mean that the parts that had the actual injury looked all that great.
The fact that the equalists did this to him and didn't properly treat him made the heiress mentally scowl at their horrible treatment. They obviously wanted him to suffer from his numerous injuries so they only tended to him to a certain extent before locking him away. It was cruel and inhumane, and Asami could only imagine what else they could have done while they had him in their base.
There were also spots of bruises that littered his body but they were thankfully few and far between and of course, there's the obvious knife wound. But what Asami paid extra notice to was what was already there.
Scars.
Old and faded scars.
When Y/N wore his shirt, she had taken notice of the few that were on his arms but never really put much thought into it. But now...now she was given the full picture.
There was a story etched onto his body.
A history that spoke of only violence and hardship.
There weren't as many as there probably could have been and even fewer of the ones that were more gruesome and obviously noticeable, but each one that caught Asami's eye had the young beauty transfixed and wondered how each one came to be.
Do they still hurt from time to time?
Does it bother him?
Are there others that she wasn't able to visibly see?
She wanted to ask him a lot of questions regarding them but merely pursed her lips together and thought better of it. As much as she wanted to know more about the dummy sitting before her, this wasn't really the right time and if he were to make that face again while lost in thought...
She honestly didn't want to see that again.
Deciding that she had enough with inspecting his past battle scars, Asami turned away from the injured merc to briefly check on the others.
After successfully escaping the equalist underground prison the group had thankfully stumble upon a nearby healing clinic and immediately went about to get their more wounded members treated and dead looked after. It made quite the scene for the workers and other patients that had witnessed their entrance but it was nothing compared to the curious gazes of the bystanders they had passed on the streets.
That was 30 minutes ago.
Since then few things had happened during that time.
Looking around the small room they were in, Asami peeked over to Mako who, having only been suffering a case of exhaustion, was resting in a seat in the corner of the room while Bolin sat next to him grimacing at his bandage shoulder.
After getting the knife in his shoulder safely removed and injury treated, the big lug had been complaining to his brother for a while about the amount of pain he was in. Greatly annoying Mako in the process despite him being relieved that his little brother was ok.
It was a welcome sight to see the two together. Both appear to be doing fine and not looking too worse for wear which is more than she could say about Y/N at least. As for the others, well, Beifong and Tenzin were in the lobby speaking to a few officers that were planning to escort most of them to city hall where further arrangements for Tarrlok's capture could be planned out, and Rani...was with the body of Lang Li.
The reminder of what happened to that poor man sent a jolt of sympathy through the young heiress. It was tragic that they lost someone who stood by them if only briefly, but it greatly made what they were up against all the more serious. Spirits, Mako and Bolin were nearly killed!
"And it's only just the beginning"
Remembering what Mako said about the equalists and what most of them plan on possibly doing...it shaken her a bit. An actual all out war could break out because of them which would further the divide between benders and non benders and make things much worse than they ever could be. Just how were they going to handle all this?
(Y/N): You said that Beifong had a plan that involved the help of the Chief of police.
Turning back to face the wounded merc, Asami lifted a curious brow at Y/N's still frowning face and the hint of suspicion in his golden gaze. He was picking with his bandage hand again. A quirk, at least one of them giving the circumstances, that she suspects means he was trying to understand something that was bothering him. Making sure to remember that little discovery, Asami was going to smack his fidgeting hand away but was beaten to it by the healer who was quicker. Funny enough, Y/N's expression barely shifted from the physical scolding as he purposely pretended nothing happened as he continued locking eyes with Asami's amusing ones.
(Y/N): But can he be trusted? From my understanding the new Chief was either in Tarrlok's pocket or there was some hold he had on the man. How do we know he won't turn on us and warn Tarrlok?
A valid question.
One that had Asami frown for a moment and tilt her head in thought. Was it really safe to assume that the new Chief would willingly cooperate with them? What were the chances of him alerting Tarrlok ahead of time that they were onto him? This was a very sensitive issue and if they don't handle it right, they might lose Korra.
But then again, wouldn't Beifong account for such a possibility?
If that was the case then whatever backup plan she had she didn't bother sharing with the rest of them.
Asami: I'm sure Beifong knows better when it comes to Saikhan.
She eventually said, though the hesitancy in her voice was clear to hear as she continued to mull over the possibility further in her head. But in the end, she decided to put her trust in Beifong's decision and hope it works out.
Asami: She seemed pretty sure that he would come through and Beifong isn't a fool, she wouldn't take unnecessary risks if she wasn't sure of the outcome. Besides I...
She paused to consider her words after a possible thought occurred to her, and with it, under the suspicious gaze of the Violet mercenary, Asami met his stare with an unsure but resolving one of her own as she pushed onward to voice it.
Asami: I don't think she would necessarily tell him immediately. Maybe if say, Tarrlok was in capture distance before a clue can be given-
(Y/N): She would give him no choice but to cooperate with dealing with a dangerous bender under suspicion of harboring the Avatar right in front of them.
He concluded with eyes widened at the realization and gave the older Beifong mad props for the clear maneuvering on her part. Without fully knowing who was friend and who was foe, it was best to keep your hands hidden until the time to reveal them was absolutely right. It was classic manipulation 101.
Pleased that Y/N understood, Asami broke out into a large smile and gave the mercenary a pointed finger to emphasize his accuracy.
Asami: Exactly.
Y/N chuckled at her playful smugness before releasing a slight hiss at the healer switching to work on his wounded thigh. She at first carefully healed the injury just enough to where the stitches holding it together wouldn't be necessary any longer before then having to remove it to continue the medical treatment.
It was an annoyingly slow process filled with stinging and flares of pain shooting up and it sucks in Y/N's opinion.
(Y/N): Well hopefully everything will work out and we'll have our answers. It would sure save me the trouble of looking for him myself.
Asami nodded in agreement but spared Y/N a cautious look once she took in the meaning of his words. If they do successfully capture Tarrlok then of course intense interrogation would be necessary but...if Y/N was the one actually doing the interrogation...nope. She's not even going to give that possibility a shred of thought. She'll probably have to keep Y/N far away from the interrogation room all together. Just to be safe.
Asami: Yeah, here's hoping.
She said softly, her words barely more than a whisper as she watch the healer finish up the last of the healing process on Y/N's thigh. Y/N though spared her a glance, and seemed about to speak more but was interrupted when everyone's attention shifted over to the door that opened to show Tenzin walking in. The elder monk first let his eyes wander to take in everyone's condition, notably Y/N, but after seeing the young mercenary getting well tended to and receiving a nod in return, he began to speak on what they all figured was his reason for being here.
Tenzin: I came to let you all know that our ride is here and we'll be leaving shortly. Now I want to remind you all the possible danger that-
Mako: I'm still going.
Mako immediately interject, being already up and out of his seat with that stubborn expression of his that wouldn't take no for an answer. It would have been admirable, to be willing and ready enough to put yourself in harms way to save a friend. No one would have denied such a fact, except for this spike of irritation that shot through the young heiress knowing it was so much more in reality.
She was just as dedicated to saving Korra like anyone else but she also hates and feels guilty that she has to fight back her own jealousy while doing it.
It wasn't fair.
Deep breaths.
Taking a deep breath and dousing the flames of her raging emotions, Asami also stood to her full height and schooled her expression just enough to only show a slight frown before regarding Tenzin.
Now wasn't the time.
Asami: Korra's our friend. We want to do all we can to save her. She would do the same for any one of us, that's for sure.
There would come a moment where they would have to talk about his recent behavior but now wasn't it.
But it was coming.
Oh it definitely was.
Bolin: Yeah Asami right, no matter what we should all work hard to get Korra back. So let's go save ourselves an Ava-owow shoulder, pain, agony~.
Everyone deadpan at Bolin's whimpering display as he held onto his bandage shoulder after jerking his arm up in a pumping gesture. Seems that even though the wound had been healed, the scar and lingering pain was still present. "Probably best that Bolin hang back as well"
And judging by the expression Mako was making, he was considering the same.
Mako: Bolin look you-
Bolin quickly held out his hand in front of him to stop Mako cold as he surprisingly directed the most serious expression he could muster at his brother.
Bolin: Now hold on, I know what you're thinking. But come on, you think something like this is going to keep me down? I can still fight just as good with an injured shoulder if not more so. I'm fine Mako, trust me.
There was a brief silence between the two brothers as they seem to have a silent conversation with only their eyes as they stared one another down.
One with absolute certainty and assurance, the other with a clear sense of worry and protectiveness.
There was no mistaking the unshakable bond the brothers had between them. The fact that it was on full display as Mako sighed and nodded for everyone in the room to see only further cemented that fact and gave certain individuals a sense of longing watching it.
Family truly was a blessing.
They were the ones that truly know you best.
The ones that could make you smile and laugh one moment, then angry and screaming the next within seconds.
Truly, they know you best.
And truthfully...they were the ones that could hurt you the most.
Pain grips Asami's heart at the thought of her father and what he's become. All of it, his Anger, his Hatred and Unforgivingness stemming from the love he bore her mother and the pain he felt from losing her.
It drove him to Amon and the equalists.
And now it might drive him to commit atrocious acts if he chooses to continue.
The list of things to do just keep piling up don't they?
"No rest for the wicked I guess"
No rest indeed.
Speaking of no rest...
Y/N: Oh what, two cups of sake get to go but I can't? I'm calling bull. No, I'm calling bullshit. Bullshit!
Asami: Y/N!
Mako: Two cups of sake?
Bolin: I-it's nothing! Nothing at all ignore him.
(Y/N): Bullshit!
Asami: Will you cut it out you dummy!
(Y/N): That's Bullshit!
A tiny dose of chaos was happening before the eyes of the elder monk as he watch with a resigning look and a twitching brow. Y/N was clearly grievous of not being allowed to come along and was taking it out on Asami and indirectly the poor healer by annoying them if the glare was anything to go by. Then there was Mako with his arms folded glaring at his red faced younger brother, demanding just what it was Y/N had referred to just a second ago.
Was taking along these young ones the right call? He could just turn around right now and walk out, informing Lin that it would just be the two of them and that would be it. It was a very tempting thought.
(Y/N): Even the spirits are calling bullshit!
Asami: You get one more chance mister and that's it!
Very tempting.
"I worry for our future"
(Y/N): Bull-
"Shit"
Was the singular thought of a certain councilman as he paced back and forth within the confinements of his living room home. He was unsettled, understandably so as he tries to make sense of his precarious situation. Oh how things went wrong. Years of planning, scheming, and manipulation had burned to dust the moment that child stepped into his office. Damn her for forcing his hand. Damn her to hell.
Now he had to think of some way on how to spin this to his advantage.
But how?
How was he going to steer everyone in the direction he wanted them to go? Using the equalists as decoys was a smart move on his part but was it the strategically safest route to go? Sure Tenzin and the others brought the lie and if his contacts within the police force were to be believed, then Lin Beifong had taken "custody" of the two friends of Avatar Korra and were no doubt out looking for her as well.
This of course presented an opportunity and brought him some time and though the equalists don't have the Avatar in their possession, he knew no one would believed the mouth of a terrorist.
That thought gave him pause.
While he knew nothing would come from their futile search regarding the equalists and Korra, he was still on the fence about fully committing to take that course of action. But thinking about it more, it had its merits. He could of course, continue to spin this as a tragic attack made by the equalists which would paint them even more in a bad light and further his ensuing goal but...
No...no this...this would have to do.
There was no other choice. It was the only path currently presented to him.
His only option right now was to continue playing his part as a victim and dedicated associate in helping find the Avatar. Any clue of his involvement must be erased and if that includes getting rid of a certain young girl, then so be it.
Yes. That would have to do.
At least for the moment.
A sudden knock came from the front door, echoing clearly throughout the home and immediately getting the attention of the councilman. Barely even sparing a second to think, Tarrlok quickly move through his home to reach the door and with as much composure as he could muster, opened it to find a single metal bending officer standing outside.
Officer: Councilman Tarrlok.
The officer greeted with a simple nod of his head and an almost lazy slouch to his back, more than probably wishing he could be somewhere else entirely. It made the councilman frown slightly at the clear lack of courteousness, but he restrain from making any sort of comment as he put on the mask of an anxious man waiting for good news.
Tarrlok: Officer. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? Has there been any new information on Avatar Korra? Have you found her?
Acting has always been one of his many strong suits. The extravagance, the tales he could spin, having people dance in the palm of his hand with just his words and expression. They all just came so easily to him. Like a game really.
It was all about emotion.
Projecting it.
Manipulating it.
Ensuring that your recipient sees what you want them to see and go in the direction you want them to go.
Feel how you want them to feel.
It had served him well in getting him this far and would continue to do so as long as he remains the one with the upper hand. There was no reason to worry. Everything was under control.
The officer sadly shook his head in response to Tarrlok's words, and Tarrlok inwardly smirked at what he already knew.
Fool.
Officer: Unfortunately no. I was not informed about the full details but the search for Avatar Korra hit a dead end. That's why I'm here to collect you councilman.
Tarrlok: Is that so?
A meeting then. To discuss a course of action in regards to the equalists and Avatar if he suspects right. Hmm, he'll have to find more of what information they gathered or lack thereof, but he could work with this. Maybe give them some "clues" that he manage to remember after such an intense and traumatic night to keep them on their toes. Maybe plant more "evidence" that Korra was held here or there and being moved around by the equalists.
Yes. Yes, he could see it now. The more he thinks about it the more a solid plan was starting to form. The seed of discord was ripe for the picking and only further his decision that this was the correct course to take after all.
Officer: Yes. Due to circumstances a council is being called to discuss further action on how to implement better tactics against the equalists now that it appears that they have the Avatar in their possession. Hence, your needed councilman. Now, if you would follow me sir.
The officer gestured with a lazy wave of his hand before turning to begin the short walk towards his parked vehicle that was positioned in front of the house. Tarrlok frowned again at the lackluster demeanor of his so called escort, but kept as much of the displeasure he felt from showing on his face as he close his door behind him and trailed after the deadbeat cop and to his own car in his driveway.
Tarrlok: Of course officer, whatever you say.
Maybe he could use this man in some way. From what he seen, he doesn't seem all that serious or dedicated to his work, so maybe bribery could be use here. It couldn't help to try, and what can he say, one can't have too many pawns under their control after all.
City Hall had always held a sort of majestic beauty to it. Mostly because it greatly stood out compared to the other commercial buildings surrounding it but given its vital importance, it was understandable. The building itself had stone milky white walls, intricate gold trimming, and a large iconic emerald dome that gleamed in the reflection of the sun. Anyone seeing it for the first time would immediately take notice of it. But now...well, that attraction would fall short given the attention currently surrounding it...or enhance it.
Tarrlok: Well, security seems...more than the usual personnel.
Tarrlok said dryly, as he stood at the entrance to the building of city hall and let his gaze sweep over the two dozen or so officers positioned in front and around the large building. There was also a single airship patrolling the skies above which left a looming shadow in its wake and upon seeing all of this, Tarrlok couldn't help feeling a sense of apprehension come over him.
Have you ever heard of a Blood curse?
Was he being too paranoid?
There was no need to be though. He was secure. Free from suspicion.
It was a term used for some cases to describe a curse within one's Blood.
He held all the cards in his hand and was going to be the one who came out on top. There was no other alternative.
He'll win.
He had too...
A curse so strong and intertwined within the Blood that it passes down from kin to kin.
And then, once it was all over-
From parent to child.
Once everything was in order and put to right...he'll be what he always set out to be.
A Savior.
The complete opposite of what his father was.
From father...to son.
Before the councilman could descend deeper into his own twisted thoughts, his escort, the officer who came to retrieve him from his home, stood with a lazy expression beside the entrance doors with his palm on the handle in preparation to let the hidden Blood bender in.
Officer: Only to ensure better safety sir. Seeing how the equalists abducted the Avatar and attacked a council member, it was warranted that more security be needed for this specific meeting. Council members might even get a security detail assigned to them. Who knows.
The man barely gave a half shrug before going about holding the door open for the councilman to enter.
"How such a man retain his position is beyond me"
Shaking his head to rid himself of his bemusement, Tarrlok straightens his back and stroll on past the bored face officer and into the building to head straight for where the act was sure to take place.
The counsel chambers.
"It shouldn't be long now"
Arms folded and tapping his fingers against his bicep, Mako stood waiting in the center of the walkway with a barely concealed scowl as he glared at the entrance doors with all the pent up, impatient aggression that he felt boiling inside.
Any minute now those doors would soon open, and when they do it would no doubt be to reveal the lying, manipulative, snake that took Korra and Mako could barely wait to get some answers out of the asshole. Who knows what he could have done to her, where he could have put her or...if she was even alive.
No. No he can't think like that.
She's alive. Korra is alive...and he needs to find her.
They were close. So close to getting the answers they needed, and the faster they get them the faster Korra can be found and be brought to safety. There wasn't any time left to lose.
Sitting in one of the spectating seats not far from where the brooding fire bender stood, was Asami who sat with one leg over the other and would briefly spare Mako a look but ultimately gaze away with a small sigh leaving her lips. At this point there wasn't much she could do regarding that particular situation now, so with a shake of her head, Asami put it out of mind and focused on what's to come.
Tarrlok was on his way here and if Y/N was to be believed, was also a Blood Bender. An art that was considered outlawed and the most vile and despicable form a bending. What made it worse and probably more fearful was that it was performed without the presence of the full moon which is a key factor for its use and should be considered impossible otherwise. If it wasn't for the fact that one other man in history was able to achieve the same feat, then Asami would have been skeptical of the accusation despite it coming from a friend.
Luckily that wasn't the case, and she treated the situation just as seriously as everyone else.
Everyone that was in the know anyway.
Looking around the large Council chambers, they were filled with its usual members of the council, the former and current chief of police, The remaining of team Avatar, and a few metal benders that were positioned around the room for security purposes. If you also count the cops that patrolled the building and outside, then you can say they were more than prepared to apprehend Tarrlok if he proves to be hostile.
Maybe overly so.
But then again, the last time a Blood bender stepped into this building they not only rendered the council, the police, and the spectators into unconsciousness with little effort, but also briefly overpowered Avatar Aang before escaping.
...Was this really enough people?
Bolin: Mako you need to relax. I'm worried too but we need to keep our heads cool here if we want to find out where Korra is.
Surprisingly it was Bolin who had been the most level headed of the two throughout this whole situation. Sitting on the opposite side of Asami in the seat closest next to Mako, the big lug had up until this point, was busy silently massaging the discomfort in his shoulder before taking notice of his brother's ever favorite mood.
And here Asami thought that Bolin would be the one to visibly fret the most out of all of them.
Mako: I'll relax once we know where Korra is and save her.
His brow further knotted together as his lips pursed into a thin line. He never took his gaze away from the entrance when he answered Bolin but the finality in his voice was clear for the two to hear.
A hesitant look cross Bolin's face. Like he was unsure of what to say as he briefly spared Asami a glance before breathing in through his teeth and awkwardly looked away. If even Bolin noticed the behavior his brother was showing then that was proof enough that it wasn't just her.
That was actually good to know.
Just as it seemed like an awkward silence was going to hang over them, the entrance doors to the council chambers finally opened and immediately gathered the attention of everyone inside.
"He's here"
And Indeed he was.
Stepping through the open doors with an air of confidence that completely contradicts the worried expression he carefully projected, Tarrlok stops just short of the last row of seats and examines the many faces that would be in attendance for this "meeting".
Tarrlok: I came as soon as I heard. While it's unfortunate that Avatar Korra wasn't found, let's not let that deter us and find an effective way to search for her and deal with the equalists at the same time. Hope isn't lost just yet.
And now it begins.
Y/N stared blankly at his once bandaged hand now healed with a thin pink scar running between his thumb and forefinger, stretching all the way around and ending over his first two knuckles. It aches somewhat, annoyingly really, but all and all was in pretty good condition considering what could have been.
At least he still had his hand.
Thinking back on the action that led to the injury and what it could have been like on the other end, Y/N sure didn't envy nor feel an ounce of pity at the poor soul that was Yami's brother.
Not that that would be the worst thing done to him when Y/N meets him again.
Further examining the hand, there were also two chipped nails and smaller scars between his fingers but overall that was very minor and unimportant as far as he was concerned.
Testing his grip, Y/N flex his hand and rotated his wrist, finding with satisfaction that there were no further complication regarding the appendage and let out a short sigh as he took in his new battle scars.
"A couple more for the collection huh"
He snored in faint amusement, sparing the scars a brief second of thought before going about examining the rest of him. The healer done a fine work in patching him up. What was left of the knife wounds that was on his stomach and leg were only jagged scars now, and any bruising and swelling that were present had smoothly faded to a somewhat manageable level that wouldn't cause him too much discomfort.
His back also felt far better than it once did.
After the initial process of removing what remnants of glass was still stuck in him, which by the way wasn't a pleasant procedure, Y/N could say it was well worth the pain to be able to get him closer to what he was before his ambush.
Even if he suspects the healer intentionally forgot the numbing cream to alleviate the pain. Justifying it by saying he was a big boy and can handle it all just fine...
He likes her.
With that being said, and although he was technically healed, he was advised by his healer to let his body rest and heal naturally going forward. It also didn't help that while examining his body through her water healing for any other abnormality, she sensed what he already knew was what little poison remained in his system.
And well, it was safe to say that she had some questions. Questions, that he smoothly avoided and kept short while asking instead if any damage was done other than the list of symptoms he informed her of.
Her face had pinched up in displeasure at his less than curt responses but ultimately, her duty as a healer compelled her to put her patient at ease.
No, there weren't any.
And that was all he needed to hear.
Resting? He's done enough of that.
Healing fully? He's been healed well enough to get what he needs to do, done.
Poison? Now why the hell should he care about that.
Clock's ticking.
There wasn't much time left. He could feel it, even now.
Heheheh, Hurry~
Something's changed.
Needles pricked his skin, the air felt tainted, and Vaatu's voice sounded far louder than it ever did before.
Raava is starting to wake. I know you can feel it too.
He could, but there was also something else. Something that he wasn't able to quite perceive before.
You best hurry then oh great mercenary.
You have a promise to keep.
Before it begins.
Yes...before it begins.
Stepping down from his seat and slightly testing his weight on his leg, Y/N only felt a small pang that left him satisfied before going for the folded gray shirt that was left for him on the dresser and went about putting it on. Afterwards, once he was decently dressed, Y/N looked towards the only window that was in the room and gaze out into the open sky that was above Republic city.
(Y/N): ...I honestly hope nothing bad happens.
Chaos was on the rise.
Council page: Please officer, you must allow me to-
Officer: Not happening. I told you already, no one that isn't permitted inside the council room can enter. Now move along squeaky.
Just outside the doors of the second floor of the council chambers, two men stood arguing over the rights to enter the room. One garb in metal bending gear and spoke with a rough voice that matched his bulky appearance, and the other scrawny and meek, dressed like the ideal page of the council and spoke with a high pitched, squeaky voice.
Council page: You must understand! I have to be in there. I-I have crucial information that everyone within that council needs to hear at once!
The officer grunts annoyingly, folding his arms he leveled a glare that made the smaller man flinch back and squeal pathetically to his ears, but made no move to step aside from his place before the door.
Officer: Well I'll be the judge of that. What's this "crucial" information that you would think is important enough to interrupt a council meeting hm?
He waited for the small page to find his bearings, noticing how he hesitated at first and a look of doubt crossed his freckle features. No doubt he was probably thinking his so called information wasn't all that important. But just as he finally opens his mouth to speak, loud voices began emanating from the close doors behind him and immediately drew his attention at what the sudden commotion could all be. Completely missing the look of pure horror that appeared on the small page's face.
Chaos was on the rise.
Bright blue eyes snapped open and a soft quiet gasp echoed out. Korra didn't know how long she's been stuck in deep meditation but she sure as hell knew one thing.
She was not inside her metal container anymore.
"Where am I?"
She asked herself, looking around and trying to make sense of her new predicament. It was all so strange. One moment she was viewing the memories of Aang chasing down Yakone to strip him of his bending and then suddenly, it stopped, and she found herself here when she opened her eyes.
Where here is, she wasn't sure but It was...it was definitely something.
The sky was intertwined with a wavy color of green, blue, and purple, changing ever so slightly between the three but never allowing either of the other to claim dominion. It was beautiful and majestic. Never before had Korra ever seen anything like it and left her in a state of awe and wonder.
It could very well be similar to what the northern lights may look like if she ever saw them but this seemed...more than that. It was just something about this view that felt familiar. Like she seen it before a long, long, time ago.
It was weird. So very weird.
A step was taken, then a ripple formed beneath her feet. Looking down Korra notices her own reflection staring back at her and with each slight movement she makes, a ripple would form and stretch out far into the distance of the vast still mirror.
There was no other sign of anything else nearby. Just open space of the multi-color sky and its reflection mirroring off the ocean like ground. Korra wasn't sure what was going on or where she was, but something compelled her to walk and so...she did.
She walked, and walked, and continued walking for what felt like years going on eons yet, time felt irrelevant to her. Like it was beneath her concern. All she knew was she needed to get somewhere. Where? She honestly wasn't sure but whatever it was she knew it was important.
It was strange. It felt like her body wasn't her own. Like she was a mere spectator in her own skin yet wasn't.
So very strange.
It was only then that after more time passed that she finally caught sight of something in the distance and knew, spiritually, that she made it to where she was meant to be. Stepping the rest of the way to reach her goal, Korra stopped and stared at what appeared to be the end roots to a tree with a hollow hole in its center. Strong spiritual energy seemed to radiate around the large imposing tree, but that wasn't what she seem to pay attention to. No, instead she was looking around the area of the roots, searching for something but was greatly disappointed when there was no sign of whatever it was she was searching for.
A hollow pit formed in her stomach. A wave of sadness came over her. But seeing no other option to her mysterious plight, Korra sat down before the ancient roots of the tree and waited...and waited...and waited.
Once again time held no meaning, and what she waited for she again wasn't sure but she stayed where she was and patiently waited.
Where are you?
A voice that wasn't her own spoke within the depths of her heart.
I'm waiting.
It was old and filled with longing.
Earth began taking the place of the mirror ground and the land further began reaching towards the ever sky. Streams of water began flowing in and left a number of paths that stretch out the ever changing landscape, and the sky above became much more pronounced.
The world was changing.
And at the center of it all, sitting beneath the roots that mimic her ever constant state, was a young woman.
Ever waiting.
Ever longing.
Footsteps hitting the ground echoed within the silence that was present for so long and finally broke the desolate air that had been held over the waiting woman.
Could it be...
Happiness and hope filled Korra's being after such a very long time of loneliness and heartache. There was so much she wanted to say, to do. Curse him for making her wait for so long, hug him to express the happiness of seeing him again. But more than anything...
As the footsteps stop before her and Korra looks up to finally see the one she's been waiting for, she could only say two things.
You came.
The words were soft and more than a silent whisper. But the sheer relief that they were filled with said more than a thousand words ever could in a lifetime.
I promise, didn't I?
His hand reached out, beckoning her to take it.
And she did.
Only, when Korra extended her own hand to his she noticed not her usual bronze color skin but instead, a pale white that seem to glow bright in its place. That more than anything should have clued her that something wasn't right but she strangely didn't see it as such. Instead she took the offered hand that couldn't be more opposite than her own, dark as night and red as blood, and look up into the eyes of the man it belongs to.
Blue stared into Red.
Light stared into Dark.
And with that, Korra let herself get pulled up and began pulling the man onward to the new world they were going to explore.
Forever intertwine.
Except...a shrill scream pierce through the air, shaking the very foundation of the world, and Korra wondered just who it could be that was screaming in such agony. Only to then realize...
It was Her.
Chaos was on the rise.
