Authors notes: AND I'M BACK JACK! Now to all following this story, I do greatly apologise for these late updates to this and all my other stories, but you must understand I am work a job and lately I have been swamped with work not to mention a few family drama's at home at the moment. So I am only able to update my stories as and when I am able to. I do thank everyone for their continued patience and commitment to this and other stories. Now without further delay lets begin.
The Avengers (c) Marvel
Legend of Korra (c) Nickelodeon.
Chapter IX:
:Fallen Republic:
The times in Republic City had grown even darker in recent days. The Equalists and AIM were tearing the city apart from the inside out and the peace that Avatar Aang wanted for this Republic was now hanging by a thread. In recent events it was discovered that Hiroshi Sato, Asami's father was in league with the Equalsists all along for vengeance of what happened to his wife so many years ago. However Asami turned against him and sided with Korra and the nowhere to call home Korra offered sanctuary at Air Temple island for both Mako, Bolin and Asami.
They needed to recover their belongings from the mansion. So Tenzin arranged for his air acolytes to help them and they went accompanied by Thor and Hulk in the event of an ambush.
Hours later as the gray clouded skies began to draw in a ferry sailed towards the lone air Temple. On board, Bolin, Mako with Asami in his arms and Pabu looked to their intended destination as Thor and Hulk stood on the ships ship pulled into the dock where Korra, Kamala, Tony, Natasha,Ikki, Jinora and Meelo were waiting for them. They gave a welcoming wave as the boat came to slow stop.
"You're finally here" Ikki waved happily as one air acolyte dropped the anchor and the other lowered the boarding ramp. "Welcooome to Air Temple Island. Your new home." She then smiled.
"Yes, welcome to my domain." Meelo pointed at himself rather braggy.
Bolin, Mako and Asami disembarked from the boat while the earth bender carried a duffle bag of his belongings as Pabu rested on his other shoulder. Asami and Mako also carried their belongings in bags and sacks.
"Well, aren't you sweet, little monk child." Bolin greeted. Pabu then leaped off Bolin's shoulder running between Meelo's legs and scurried up to Naga who was standing on the dock too.
"What's that fuzzy creature?" Meelo asked. The Fire Ferret stood up on his hind legs and greeted the Polar Bear dog with his small paw on her nose.
"AWWWW." Kamala gushed seeing this and couldn't help but take a quick picture on her phone.
"But to answer your question thats Pabu." Bolin then said to the airbender children.
"Yes thats a Fire Ferret." Jinora then explained to her siblings. "An arboreal mammal common to the bamboo forests of the central Earth Kingdom."
Ikki couldn't help but eye the adorable creature as she ran from behind her sister. "He's CUUUUUTE!" She squealed as she ran to pet him while Jinora just plugged her ears from her squeal and Meelo air blasted after his sister.
Pabu hissed in fright as he ran away from Ikkki who laughed chasing the little ferret trying to pet him. While Meelo landed on Naga's neck and pulled on her ears. "Yip yip! Fly sky bison! Fly!" Meelo commanded but Naga simply didn't react.
Korra couldn't help but smile at their antics nor could the other Avengers present. "Ah kids." Tony chuckled.
"Hey thanks for sending Thor, Hulk and the Air Acolytes to help us with the move." Mako thanked Korra.
"Yes, they've been amazing. Such tireless workers, and Thor and Hulk were a huge help." Asami agreed.
Which was shown as said Acolytes were trying to carry Asami's luggage which was loads of trunks and belongings. Everyone Avatar and Avenger both were shocked and amazed this girl had enough luggage to sink the Titanic.
"Oh, I thought you were only bringing a…" Korra nearly gasped as the acolytes nearly stumbled as the trunks nearly fell on them. "…few things." She said relieved.
"Yeah what you do bring everything but the kitchen sink?" Tony chuckled jokingly.
"Trust me Tony it could've been worse." Mako said.
"Eh I've seen worse." Kamala said.
"Here my friends allow me." Thor said as he took the luggage from the acolytes and carried them away with one hand. Leaving the completely shocked Acolytes with their jaws dropped.
Hulk just smirked as he came off the ship. "Again thanks Korra." Asami then said.
"No problem, everyone here wants you guys to feel welcome." Korra however decided to get straight to buisniness.
"So you didn't have any trouble on the way here?" Nat asked them knowing what she meant.
"Nope not a thing Nat." Bolin said.
"Yeah when we got there the whole place had been cleared out not tanks no AIM chumps nothing." Hulk said.
This told Natasha that Hiroshi and AIM had cleared their stockpile from the mansion. Since it was now public knowledge that Hiroshi was an Equalist he will have gone underground. Tony however was more focused on Asami who seemed a little hurt by what was being discussed.
"Ahem, hey come on Nat lets not dwel on that right now huh?" Tony said in his normal upbeat attitude while Nat secretly got the message. "Come on lets get you all settled in." He then said to the Islands new residents as he lead them up to the temple.
Naga ran into the courtyard of the temple chasing Pabu around while Ikki skipped around happily. As Asami looked around her new surroundings she noticed Steve was training with his shield throwing it around and catching it again. While Hawkeye had himself blindfolded and holding his arrows. Just then with one swift motion he fired an arrow which hit through three targets in a perfect row.
Asami was greatly impressed, she then looked down to see Meelo looking at her with a rather weird looking grin. "You're pretty, can I have some of your hair?" Meelo genuinely asked holding out his hair.
Asami wasn't sure what to say while Mako just smirked. "Looks like I have some competition." He joked while winking to his girlfriend.
"I'm pretty sure Thor beat you to that pal." Kamala whispered to him which Asami silently giggled showing she'd heard that.
Soon they came to the temple as Ikki stepped in front of them. " And now for the grand tour." She said rather quickly. "The flying bison sleep in those caves down there. And that's the temple Grandpa Aang built. And there's the Avengers super cool jet." Ikki explained and pointed to everything like a tour guide while the guests looked at what she was pointing at. Kamala was amazed at how quickly she was talking.
"And that's the greenhouse where we grow the vegetables we eat."
"I have a couple of questions." Bolin then asked stopping Ikki in her tracks. "Is this an all vegetarian island? Is that where you train airbending? Do we have to wear Air Acolyte clothes?" Bolin tugged on his shirt for reference. "Do we each get our own sky bison? And final question, how many trees are on this island?"
Ikki stood quietly with her hands behind her back before she answered. "Yes. Yes. No. No. Ten thousand five hundred and fifty two." She answered quickly.
Bolin, Mako and Asami looked surprised as they blinked. Just then they heard a chuckled. "Don't worry Ikki surprised us the same way when we came here." They looked and saw Steve and Clint coming to greet them.
"Hey Cap." Mako greeted as Steve offered a handshake which he accepted.
"Glad to have you all here." Steve greeted back.
"Thanks we really appreciate it." Mako smiled as did Asami then they turned back to Ikki. "So, where are we going to be staying?"
"You're a have to stay on the boys' side." Meelo answered as the group turned to him.
"Yeah and if you happen to see a hole in the roof thats Tony's room." Clint joked referring to the damage his armour caused during the incident at the Arena.
"Ha ha very funny." Tony said sarcastically. "If anyones good at putting holes in places its Hulk."
"I heard that!" Hulk growled standing over him. Which automatically made Tony retract that last statement.
"O..kay so which way then?" Mako asked.
"I'd be happy to show you to the men's dormitory." Jinora kindly offered and lead the way.
"I'll give you guys a hand." Clint offered as he went with them.
"I'm a boy!" Bolin said as he hurried after the group leaving Asami, with Korra, Kamala, Ikki and Meelo.
"Meelo, why don't you go with the boys too?" Korra said to the youngest of the airbender kids.
Meelo looked up at Asami rather charmingly. "We shall meet again soon, beautiful woman." He said as he ran after the bending brothers, archer and his sister.
"Ikki, Kamala and I will take you to your room this way." Korra then offered Asami and so she followed them into the girls living area.
The group walked down the hallway of the girls sleeping dorm. "Asami do you know Korra likes Mako." Ikki just then blurted out.
Korra's face turned completely white before it looked like an anime style yell of horror. Kamala's face turned equally pale the last thing they needed right know was Asami having knowledge of, certain things.
" Oh uh, no. I wasn't completely aware of that."Asami asked a little suspicious looking around.
"Ah yeah uh what she means is she likes Mako as a friend since he and Bolin have been good to her since we arrived." Kamala said trying to help Korra out. "Yeah good friends and good teammates in the bending arena!" She said.
"Oh well I guess it's great to have friends like them." Asami said as it seemed Kamala had managed to cover up her friends crush. Which Korra silently thanked with a relieved smile towards the Polymorph Avenger.
Soon they arrived at the sliding doors which Korra opened and they invited Asami in very welcome like. Asami entered the room first followed by Korra and Kamala. Just as Ikki was about to follow them in Korra turned to Ikki shooting a glare then just shut the door in front of her.
"Hey!" Ikki exclaimed angrily.
Kamala opened the door slightly. "Hey Ikki, why don't you go see if Thor needs any help with anything." She said in a kind persuasive manner.
"But…" Ikki tried in protest but.
"Now!" Korra said slightly angrily as Kamala shut the door.
Leaving Ikki a little sad, but not before she started roaring and shaking her hands like a deadly irritated cat with an anime like white vicious glow in her eyes. She then stopped and walked away.
In the guest room Korra and Kamala turned to Asami to show her round. It was a rather small room with a rustic bed, dresser with a window as the afternoon light shone in.
"So, here's your room." Korra gestured to the room while shaking her head akwardly. "I know this is a little rustic compared to what you're used to."
"I think it's really charming." Asami said assuringly as she looked out the window looking around the room. "and the best part about it, nothing here reminds me of my father."
The two girls could see that her fathers betrayal was still lingering in the beauteous girls heart. Korra couldn't help but sympathise.
"Hey…listen I…I know a lot of people have said this already but…I'm so sorry for what's happened Asami." Korra said.
"Its okay." Asami said in an understanding way. "I..I'm just sorry I didn't believe you I just..I just couldn't believe my dad would be involved in all this. But I'll be okay." She said. "Thank you for your hospitality."
"Your welcome." Korra smiled sympathetically. "And you know…if you do need to talk mine and Kamala's room is just round the corner." She offered. The beauteous girl smiled at that generous offer and Kamala had to agree though she didn't show it Asami needed all the support she could get.
All of a sudden came a knock on the door rather loudly. Korra's eyes lit up annoyed as she went to the door. "Ikki! I swear if you don't leave us alone, I'm gonna let the Hulk…" Asami was surprised at Korra's outburst just as the door opened it revealed not Ikki but her father.
"Uh, Tenzin!" Korra said very surprised as she regained her composure. "Come right in." She said as Tenzin came into the room. Kamala couldn't help but snicker at Korra's misfortune.
"Good day, ladies." Tenzin greeted before turning to Asami. "Asami, welcome to the island."
"Thank you for having me." Asami bowed respectfully and Tenzin returned the bow.
Kamala then addressed the air bending master. "So I'm guessing your not just here to see how we're doing?" Kamala guessed.
"I'm afraid not Kamala." The three girls then looked to see Steve fully suited up and his shield on his back. "We've gotta go to City Hall."
"Indeed, Sargent Saikhan is being inducted as the new Chief of Police in Lins absence later today." Tenzin explained. "I think we and the Avengers should be there."
"Okay I'll go get ready." Kamala said as she went to the room she shared with Korra to get her suit.
Cap then turned to the Airbending Master. "Tenzin..have…have you heard anything on Lin?" He asked and his voice showed he was still concerned after the events before her resignation.
Tenzin could understand completely. "She's in the hospital receiving treatment for her wounds." He then placed an understanding hand on the super soldiers shoulder. "Don't worry Steven, she's going to be okay. If there's one thing I know about Lin she's as tough as they come. Just like her mother." He smiled and this did bring Cap some comfort as he showed concern for a person he respected.
Later that day: Republic City Police Station:
Outside the police precinct a large crowed of reporters was gathered as Saikhan now the new chief of police and wore similar armour to his predecessor. Stood on the podium with Tarrlok on his right while the Avengers, Korra and Tenzin watched from the left.
"It was an honor serving under Chief Beifong for so many years and I wish her a speedy recovery." Saikhan addressed the reporters who took pictures. "It is with great humility that I take her place as the new Chief of Police. Republic City is facing a threat like none the world has ever seen but there is one force who's been effective against Amon's revolution and the threat of this MODOK" However what he said next shocked the heroes and air bending master.
"Councilman Tarrlok." The latter nods his head and smiles as the reporters took pictures. "That is why for all matters involving the Equalists and A.I.M , I will report directly to him."
"What?" Ms Marvel breathed in surprise as Hawkeye, Korra and Tenzin looked at said councilman in great surprise. While Black Widow, Cap and Thor eyed him suspiciously.
"The police department will lend any and all available resources to the councilman and his task force until we quell this insurgency." Saikhan slammed his fist on the podium as the reporters flooded with question after question.
"What is that weasel snake Tarrlok up to now?" Korra looked to Tenzin and the other Avengers.
"He's playing his hand kid. Looking like the hero just to get the trust of the people." Black Widow said with glaring eyes she knew there was something off about Tarrlok from the start. Thor was silently in agreement he didn't know why, but something about the Southern Watertribes representative reminded him too much of a certain brother of his.
As the crowd of reporters dispersed Tarrlok was biding farewell to the Firenation representative in the council along with the other council members. Just then he saw Tenzin walk up to him.
"Tarrlok, I don't know what you did to get Chief Saikhan in your pocket but I highly doubt it was legal." Tenzin said to him in an accusing manner but it didn't phase the councilman one bit.
"Oh, the conspiracy theorist." Tarrlok said turning to him. "Did you ever consider Saikhan simply recognises my talents and wants what is best for this city?"
Tenzin just grunted in disgust at that statement he knew Tarrlok was only looking out for his own interest. Tarrlok noticed a certain Avatar and group of heroes walking up.
"Well, Avatar Korra, Ms Marvel and The Avengers. Long time, no see." Tarrlok addressed them. "Now that your little pro-bending distractions are over, I look forward to your return to my task force. And the offer to join is still open to you and your team Captain I have a feeling we'll make a great team."
However the latter felt otherwise. "I told you before Tarrlok, The Avengers aren't your hired guns. Not no not ever." Cap said with glaring eyes keeping his cool.
"Yeah and I have zero interest in joining your Task Force again. Cap was right its a vanity project." Korra said in agreement folding her arms.
"That is unfortunate to hear, but I'm sure you'll come to your senses as you have in the past." Tarrlok still said insisting the point but that resulted in Bruce coming up to him.
"I wouldn't count your eggs before they hatch councilman." Bruce said glaring.
"You know, Tenzin's been right about you all played me," Korra said pointing at herself then pointing in the distance. "you played Beifong, and now you're playing the new Chief too." Korra pointed at Tarrlok glaring before swiping her hand aside and walks up to him right in the eyes. "Well, I got news for you. You need me, but I don't need you neither do the Avengers. I'm the Avatar, and they're Earths Mightiest Heroes!"
"You tell him sister!" Ms Marvel cheered. However this didn't affect Tarrlok at all as he maintained a somewhat mocking smile.
"You're not, in fact, the Avatar." He said which caused Korra's expression to soften to a saddened look.
"Uh then clearly you need glasses pal, because she is." Iron Man said to him with his helmet off.
"Oh I was simply stating the fact that she's merely a half-baked Avatar in training, which reminds me, how is your airbending going?" Tarrlok said to Tony before turning to Korra. "Made any significant progress with that?" He said smugly.
Korra clenched her teeth looking down in defeat. Ms Marvel looked greatly angered at how he was treating her friend. She was very tempted to just enlarge her hand and slam him to the ground. That is if Bruce wouldn't turn into the Hulk first and punch him so hard it would land him in the hospital or worse the morgue the way he was feeling right now. Fortunately Hawkeye beat them to it as he walked up to the councilman and glared him squarely in the eyes.
"If you talk to the kid like that again, I swear to god I will punch you in the face!" He said glaring, yet that didn't seem to phase Tarrlok at all.
"And make yourselves enemies of the Republic I think not." Tarrlok said smugly. "All the same you Avengers had your chance to stop Amon and now we do this my way."
Black Widow then stepped up to the councilman. "And just how exactly do you propose to stop Amon and MODOK? They have advanced armourments and you only have metal benders."
"This is our fight now, and we will win it as we always have. With coordinated strategy and we'll clean up the messes your lack of discipline with them has created. You had many chances even finding out Sato's true allegiance yet you squander them. But I will not." Tarrlok then said to all the Avengers.
"This fool is terribly misinformed." Thor scoffed.
"Widow's right you have no idea what your up against here." Captain America said.
"Oh and you do Captain?" Tarrlok said to the super soldier. "You who claims to be a symbol for justice and hope yet you fail to deliver. Tell me have you ever lived up to ones expectations? Or done things you are not proud of."
Cap was very indignant at that remark. "Yes I have, and when my world was at war we did things, things that didn't make us sleep well at night but we did it so people could be free. But what your doing won't bring freedom but fear, people will get hurt because you want power."
Tarrlok didn't even respond to that sentence as he brushed it off. "Be that as it may, if you or the Avatar won't join my task force then stay out of my way!" He said angrily. "Whatever leniency that Beifong gave you well it's over now and if you interfere there will be consequences."
Thor then came up with Moljnir in hand sparking as he directed it at Tarrlok. "You threaten us mortal?! Tread carefully."
"Yeah you wouldn't want to piss off a literal god." Iron Man agreed mockingly. "It would be a hazard to your health."
"Many claim to be gods, but yet none are." Tarrlok said angrily as he simply turned and walked away.
"Punk." Hawkeye glared but their attention turned to Korra who looked rather downhearted by all this as Tenzin put a hand on her shoulder for comfort. Ms Marvel also held her hand in comfort too.
Soon Oggi was in the skies above the city flying back to Air Temple Island. Tenzin was at the reins while Ms Marvel, Bruce, Cap, Black Widow, Hawkeye and Korra sat in the saddle behind him. Iron Man and Thor flew alongside the flying beast.
"Man that Tarrlok how I wish I could've wiped that smirk off his face!" Ms Marvel exclaimed in frustration.
"You said it kid." Hawkeye agreed as he turned to Bruce. "You should've turned into Hulk and smashed him Banner."
"Believe me how I wanted to." Bruce agreed. Korra however sat silently in all of this debate Ms Marvel looked and saw how the councilman words had affected her. Widow noticed this to.
"Korra." Black Widow said getting her attention. "Don't let what Tarrlok said bug you he's just trying to get in your head."
"I know but the sick thing is he's right." Korra said voicing out her frustrations. "what's wrong with me. I've memorised nearly all of the practice forms, but I still can't produce a single measly puff of air!" She said rather downcast. "Lets just face it I'm no Avatar I'm a failure."
"Come on thats stupid Korra, your amazing airbending or no airbending. I don't know why you can't airbend yet but you'll get it I know you will." Ms Marvel said encouragingly.
"Young Kamala is right Avatar Korra." Thor agreed as he flew in closer. "For as I myself learned great power comes to those who are ready. However you do not choose that moment for it must choose you." The Asguardian told her.
"They are both right Korra." Tenzin voiced from upfront. "You just need to work through this airbending block."
"Amazing advice. I'll get right on that." Korra said rather sarcastically still not completely convinced.
"I wasn't finished yet." Tenzin then spoke. "You see, Aang not only had his bending teachers, but also his past lives to call upon for guidance." He explained and that seemed to catch everyones attention. "Have you ever made contact with your past lives?"
"No, of course I haven't. Didn't you get the memo from the White Lotus? I'm a spiritual failure, too." Korra said not feeling any better than before.
"Hey Tenzin what exactly is the spiritual side of the Avatar?" Ms Marvel spoke up rather curious as she knew about the bending side of the Avatar but not the spiritual half.
Tenzin knew she and the Avengers knew nothing of the spiritual side of this so he decided to share. "Well as you all know already, the Avatar is charged with bringing balance to the world. However it is not just the physical world." He explained which immediately caught Thors attention. "The Avatar also acts as the bridge between the physical and the spiritual worlds."
"The spirit world?" Bruce asked with interest.
"Yes while we exist in the physical world the spirits reside in the spiritual plane and the Avatar has the ability to travel between these realms." Tenzin asked. "Through the use of meditation. My father Avatar Aang ventured into the spirit world himself long ago during the war."
"Whoa, that sounds creepy." Tony admitted.
"I would not be too dismissive Stark." Thor then voiced getting everyones attention. "For there is much truth behind it, just as the All Father Odin is charged with maintaining peace throughout the nine realms there are those who deal with threats of the spiritual or mystical nature."
"Like Doctor Strange?" Ms Marvel said.
"Aye." Thor nodded.
"Doctor who?" Korra asked.
"Oh it's a long story I'll tell you later." Ms Marvel said to her.
"Tenzin you asked Korra about past lives what did you mean by that?" Cap asked.
"I think I know, it's when the Avatar dies he or she is reincarnated into someone else from one of the different nations." Ms Marvel said remembering what she learned from Korra upon meeting her in the South Pole.
"Thats right Kamala, it begins with an Airbender, then a water bender, and EarthBender and a Firebender and then back to air again." Tenzin confirmed.
"A reincarnation cycle. Incredible." Bruce was becoming more and more fascinated by the minute.
"Yes, and in every reincarnation the Avatar can contact their past lives spiritually for guidance and wisdom. Aang would often look to his predecessor Avatar Roku for guidance." Tenzin explained.
"Yeah well I haven't had much luck in that department." Korra said rather downhearted.
"You may have made a connection without realising it." Tenzin then told her. "Perhaps something you mistook as a dream?"
Just then something clicked with Korra, namely that last statement. "Well…maybe…I've had a few weird hallucinations or even some dreams."
"Dreams?" Cap asked with interest.
"Yeah but the thing is…they don't feel like dreams..they..they almost feel real."Korra tried to explain.
"Wha? How long have you been having these dreams?" Ms Marvel asked.
"Ever since the night Amon ambushed us." Korra answered and it was then this talk of strange dreams had taken the air bending master completely by surprise as he turned to his student in great interest.
"And did you see any previous Avatars in these visions?" Tenzin asked.
"I saw Aang. It seemed like he was in trouble." Korra explained as best she could.
Black Widow leaned forwards with interest. "What happens in these dreams?"
"I don't know, it's in pieces and I barely even remember them to even tell a story." Korra answered before she turned to Tenzin. "What do you think it means?"
"Hmm, I don't know." Tenzin answered stroking his beard in contemplation. "But I urge you to meditate on these visions. I believe Aang's spirit must be trying to tell you something." He voiced as his sky bison flew closer towards Air Temple island but it still left Korra wondering if these visions were a sign she'd made a spiritual connection, what was it? Just what was Aang trying to tell her?
Later that night:
As night fell the island lit up with lights. In the courtyard loud clanging metal sounds could be heard. Bouncing off the trees and stone was Caps shield which bound between some tree trunks and back to the one who tossed it. However it wasn't Steve but rather it was Mako.
"Whoa!" He said as after catching the shield then span and fell to the ground losing his footing.
"Not as easy as you thought it would be son?" Steve asked as he came over with his helmet off. He then offered his hand to Mako.
"I gotta admit you make this look easy." The young fire bender said as he took the super soldiers hand as he pulled him up. He handed him back the shield and rotated his arm round. "Man it takes a toll on the arm, its way more intense than Pro-Bending."
"Well the trick is timing, you act too soon you'll loose your strength and balance to catch it, act too late and well you'll end up ducking for cover." Steve explained.
"So it's all about patience." Mako realised.
"Thats the idea." Steve smiled. Just then they heard a commotion in the courtyard near the spinning gates.
"No way it can't be that hard." The first voice was Bolin just as Cap and Mako turned a corner they saw Bolin talking to Thor, while Natasha, Clint and Kamala watched from the side.
"Oh I can assure you young Bolin it is no simple feat to lift Moljnir." Thor chuckled.
"Hey what's going on here?" Mako asked as he and the Captain came over.
"Well I asked Thor if I could wield his hammer but he said it only works if I'm worthy." Bolin argued. "But I'm saying it's gotta be a trick."
"It really ain't kid trust me we've all tried." Clint said to him.
"Yeah even the Hulk." Kamala said.
"But by all means my friend." Thor then moved to place his hammer down on the ground top first with the handle facing up. "Be my guest." He simply smiled.
Bolin just shrugged and walked up to the hammer and placed his hand on the handle to try and lift it. He pulled with ease. However the hammer didn't move. Bolin grunted as he pulled and pulled on the hammer but it still refused to move. Kamala couldn't help but snicker and film the whole thing on her phone while Clint sat back in enjoyment. Just then the Hulk came over since Bruce had to be present in public Hulk was allowed to be himself. On the island.
"He's never gonna lift that." Hulk whispered to Clint.
"Yeah but it's still fun to watch." Clint snickers as he watched Bolin pull and pull with all his strength to no avail. However he didn't give up.
"Hold on." Bolin Earth bent some rocks around his hands like gauntlets and then grabbed the hammer handle and pulled again still to no avail but he kept pulling regardless.
Inside:
Inside the living area of the temple, Tony had come out of his room after doing some adjustments to his armour. He was heading out to the courtyard to join the others. Just as he came out he heard something. He could faintly make out the sounds of someone sobbing and it was in the direction of the girls side of the island. Tony headed over there knowing exactly what or rather who it was.
In the confines of her room, Asami was sobbing her sadness into her pillow. It was clear the revelation of her father being involved with the Equalists was taking a greater toll. While she sobbed just then came a knock on the door.
Asami stopped and sat up to look towards the door. "Hello? W..who is it?"
"Asami, it's me Tony." Called the voice from the door. "Listen ah..do…do you wanna talk?" Asami was quiet for a moment, and then she went over to the door and slide it open to see Tony on the other side. She let him in.
"Wha..what is it?" Asami asked.
Tony honestly didn't know what to say to everything, as the playboy billionaire didn't have much experience when it came to teenagers. Well minus Kamala that is. "Well I was just passing through and well…I..I just wanted to make sure if you were okay?" Tony asked.
"If I'm okay?" Asami said a little irritated. "My dad is working for a psychotic anti bending narcissist, he lied to me about it for who knows how long, I've lost the only home I've ever known and you ask if I'M OKAY?!" She snapped nearly breaking down in tears which had Tony taken completely aback.
The beauteous girl calmed down realising how she'd spoken to Tony. "I..I'm sorry I just…I just don't understand why would my dad do this. He was the one who encouraged me to approach engineering to start with, why would he betray everything he's ever worked for and all he stands for just for revenge?" Asami said sitting down on the bed still in tears.
Tony did the only thing he could he sat down next to her just to comfort her. "Asami, there's…there's not much I can say and well I'm no good at this but I actually know how you feel."
"Do you though?" Asami said in-between sobs.
"Yes I do." Tony said. "Your not the only one who's been stabbed in the back by someone you trusted. You remember how I told you about my accident years ago?"
Asami nodded silently answering that question. "Well years ago my dad worked with a man, one he considered a trusted friend. His name was Obadiah Stane he helped build Stark Industries. But when my dad died he took over until I took over at 21." Tony explained. "My dad trusted him and so did I but we would often disagree on certain things. When I returned from my captivity and told him we weren't selling weapons any more…"
"He didn't take it well." Asami asked.
"Yeah in more ways than one. Even when I ordered the production of weapons to stop and agreed to lay low. I soon discovered that he and the company were double dealing under the table selling weapons to the same mercenaries who kidnapped me." Tony explained.
Asami was shocked by all of this how someone Tony trusted would go behind his back and sell the weapons he wanted to stop producing. But double dealing was the lowest of the low.
"Why would he do that? Don't you own the company?" Asami asked.
"Because he claimed he was protecting my fathers legacy as he didn't want things to in buisiness if something changes others can think its a bad thing, the board of directors is one of them, and Stane was another" Tony explained. "Then things got nasty when I learned he was the one who hired the mercenaries to kill me that very day."
Asami gasped in horror. "How…how could he…why?"
"He wanted the company for himself and I was just an obstacle in the way. He went mad. Heck he even built his own suit from studying the scraps of the Mark 1 I left behind in the desert after my escape." Tony said remembering his confrontation with said mechanical suit on that very day.
"His own suit?" Asami asked.
"Yeah he dubbed it Iron Monger and in the end I had to overload the Arc reactor at the complex to blast him and in the end he met his end." Tony explained.
"You killed him?" Asami confirmed.
"I didn't have a choice it was meant to knock him out but he fell and destroyed the reactor." Tony said. "But he was a man my dad trusted even considered a good friend but in the end he let his greed and pride get to him."
He then turned to the beauteous girl. "The point is kid, people like your dad set out to change the world but sometimes we can loose ourselves to wanting more. I guess maybe Hiroshi lost sight of the potential he could give to both benders and non benders his minds too clouded by revenge."
"Now he's going to use his life's work just to get revenge on the benders for what happened to my mom. But…I ..I know she'd never want this!" Asami said. "Now he's using our name as a tool. What does that say about me?" She then questioned.
"Hey don't think that." Tony said putting a hand on her shoulder. "Your names meaning is up to the person who has it. My dad used his name to build weapons leaving his legacy to me. But I changed it legacies can change I had his name and I made his company better. I know you've got a lot of potential Asami I've seen it but what you choose to do with it is up to you." Asami listened well to these words that the Iron Avenger was telling her. "And if you want help you can always talk to me. I'll listen."
She was lost for words, and could tell that he meant it. "Thank you." Asami breathed.
"Hey now come on everyones outside hanging there's room for one more." Tony said with a more upbeat attitude. Asami smiled as the two of them stood up and headed outside to join the others.
Outside:
Outside Bolin was still pulling on Mojlnir with all his strength, but in the end he had to concede defeat as he lost his grip and hit the ground on his butt.
"Hah hah I…I give just how heavy is that thing!" Bolin panted heavily and out of breath.
"Don't take it so hard kid." Everyone looked to see Tony and Asami coming out to see. "Even I tried with the repulser gauntlet thats Asgardian tech for you."
"You mean magic Tony." Kamala pointed out.
"Details." Tony shrugged.
Asami however was curious. "Hey come on Asami give it a go." Clint encouraged. Not wanting to turn down a challenge she stepped up to the hammer and grasped it in her hands.
She pulled and pulled with all her might, however much like Bolin she couldn't lift the hammer. She tried again but still nothing. "Whoa it's a lot heavier than it looks." Asami said rather impressed.
"Yeah apparently only he…" "Or she!" Kamala added to Bolins statement. "who is worthy can wield the hammer."Bolin finished.
"Well I guess it means your unworthy." Mako joked.
"Okay bro why don't you try!" Bolin then challenged.
"Come on Mako I bet you can do it." Kamala encouraged.
So the Firebender brother stepped up to the plate, though he wasn't sure if he could do it. Never the less he was determined. He grasped the hammer, and pulled he pulled as hard as he could. Thor was entertained by all this however as Mako tried to lift the hammer from his rest he swore he saw it move slightly.
Mako continued to try and lift the hammer but it refused to move. "Nope nothing."
"Hey for what it's worth I bet you would've been worthy regardless." Natasha agreed.
"Hey Korra maybe you outta…." Just as Clint said that the group noticed that a certain Avatar was not among them.
"Hey where is Korra?" Asami asked, The Avengers all looked at each other knowingly given the recent events and certain words they had with a certain ambitious councilman.
"I think I have an idea." Kamala said to them rather sadly.
On the far side of the island the Avatar looked from the cliff edge gazing at the city in the distance. So far everything for the Avatar was falling apart, she came here to become a fully realised Avatar but now she was in the middle of an all out war. Yet through all her experiences she couldn't do Airbending she felt without that she wasn't really the Avatar at all. As a lone tear fell down her cheek a voice called out her name.
"Korra, you out here!" It was Makos voice.
"Korra where are you?!" Kamala's voice called.
Just then Pabu emerged from the bushes and scurried over to the Avatar, climbing up on her shoulder. The little ferret then sympathetically started licking the tears off her face.
"Koorrraaa!" Bolin then called. Finally emerging from the bushes was Mako, Bolin, Kamala and Asami, they found Korra sitting by herself. Pabu then scurried to Bolin.
"There you are." Bolin said as he kneeled down to allow Pabu to scurry up his shoulders. The group noticed how down in the dumps Korra looked. "Are you okay?" He said now rather worried.
"I'm fine." Korra simply said but it was clear to everyone that Korra wasn't fine whatsoever.
"Come on, what's wrong? You can tell us." Mako asked persistently as he could sense when something was bothering Korra.
"Is this about what Tarrlok said earlier?" Kamala asked.
"Why what did he say?" Asami asked.
"Long story short he called Korra half baked just because she can't airbend among other things." Kamala whispered to her.
"I can hear you Kamala." Korra said just frustrated."But he was right how am I suppose to save this city when I can't even learn airbending?" She then said turning her gaze to the group. |I'm the worst Avatar ever! I just feel ... alone." She then said hanging her head in shame.
"Korra we've been over this your amazing with or without air bending we've all seen it!" Kamala said.
"She's right whatever Tarrlok said was nonsense you're amazing!" Asami agreed.
"Yeah and remember. Aang hadn't mastered all the elements when he was battling the Fire Nation." Mako said in agreement. "He was just a little kid."
"And he wasn't alone." Bolin then piped in. "He had his friends to help him. Look, the arena might be shut down but we're still a team. But not as the Fire Ferrets but the new Team Avatar!"
"Team Avatar?" Kamala asked. "Hm thats got a good ring to it." She mused.
"Yeah it does kid." Just then they looked to see the other Avengers standing behind them.
"Guys..how..how long were you standing there?" Korra then asked standing up.
"Long enough." Steve said. "Your friends are right Korra, your predecessor didn't fight his battles alone and neither are you we're all with you. This city needs its Avatar and The Avengers now more than ever."
"Yeah but it doesn't help now that Tarrloks got the police and public opinion on his side." Tony pointed out.
"We can change peoples minds Tony even if it means we have to work outside the law." Steve reminded him confidently. "We've had our hands behind our backs too long, and Tarrloks agenda isn't going to protect this city from either AIM or the Equalists and if he won't listen to reason then it's time we dealt with this ourselves."
"Aye now is the time for action we will prove to this city who we are and why we are here!" Thor agreed lifting his hammer into the air righteously.
"We got your back Korra, and we can save this city." Mako said in agreement and support.
"How?" Korra asked.
Mako just smiled as he looked to the Avengers namely to a certain Super Solider. "Well like Cap said. Together." He said.
"Well said Mako." Steve agreed. He then raised his shield and held it out as Mako, Asami, Bolin, Tony, Thor, Clint, Natasha, Kamala and Hulk placed their hands on it.
"So you wanna sit here and mope or are you wanting to ruin MODOKS day." Hulk then said.
Korra was all but motivated by all her friends support, she looked to Kamala who just nodded to her. She realised they were right Aang wasn't alone when he faced the Fire Nation during the war and now neither was she it was like Cap said when they went public, assembled they were strong, but now they forever fight as one. With new found confidence Korra stepped up to the team.
"Yeah, let's do it!" Korra placed her hand on the shield fully encouraged. Just then Meelo floated down out of nowhere air bending onto the centre of the shield. Only to then fart.
"Yeah, let's do it!" He said farting again much to everyones disgust. "What are we doing?" Meelo then asked and everyone in the team just laughed and chuckled.
"I think your going to have to disinfect that Cap." Tony cracked to the Super Solider.
"Alright everyone suit up." Steve then proclaimed.
The team all went to get ready, Cap put on his helmet and gear. Black Widow loaded her arsenal with her gauntlets, pistols and Tonfa's. Hawkeye placed his quiver on his back and arrows at the ready. Tony calibrated his suit which then shot into life as it opened out. Tony stepped in and was now fully suited up as Iron Man as his faceplate came down. Ms Marvel was now fully suited up too, as she placed her mask on her face and her eyes shot open.
Bolin practiced some Earthbending moves ready for anything bending the rocks beneath his feet. While Mako threw several quick fire fists at a target before doing a spin fire kick. Asami was in her room getting ready putting on her Future Industries outfit. She then looked to her dresser to a certain item on the side.
Soon Korra walked out of the temple and one by one The Avengers and her friends joined her united as one. On her right stood Ms Marvel, Black Widow, Iron Man, Asami, and Hawkeye. While on her left was Mako, Captain America, Bolin, and was almost as if they were walking in slow-motion with the Hulk standing over them all from behind.
They looked out to the city ahead of them. "Get ready, Republic are about to be patrolled by Team Avatar and The Avengers!" Bolin said rather dramatically as the team assembled. However he waited for something from Cap but it never came. "Hey aren't you guys gonna say the thing Kamala says you normally say?"
"What?" Cap asked.
"You know. 'Avengers Assemble' "Bolin said dramatically.
"Yeah we don't always say that." Iron Man explained.
"Just try and keep cool Bolin." Black Widow advised. Bolin just nodded at that. Just then Asami approached and Mako noticed she was sporting a certain shock glove on her hand.
"Asami, you always know how to accessorize your outfits." Mako complimented.
"Yeah after all a shock glove is a girls best friend." Black Widow agreed. "Besides a lady needs her tools." She sported her own gauntlets which sparked with electricity.
"I figure one way to fight Equalists and AIM goons is to use a weapon they created." Asami smirked as electricity surged from the glove.
"You know what they say fight fire with fire." Ms Marvel agreed.
"All right, Let's ride." Korra said slamming her fist into her palm as she, Mako and Asami mounted Naga. They were ready to board the Quinjet that was ready and waiting.
"Naga away!" Bolin exclaimed as he bounced onto Naga's back. Sadly the Polar Bear dog simply sat down as her passengers fell on their backs and on top of each growled and shook her head which told them she wasn't budging.
"I don't think Naga's in the mood." Ms Marvel pointed out.
Korra just got up a little embarrassed. "All right, scratch that. Any other ideas?" She asked as her team stood up.
"We'll take the Quin jet and patrol the city from above." Cap said.
"Yeah but I don't think the jet maybe able to navigate the streets if we need to get in close." Asami explained as she stood up and straightened out her hair. She then took a moment to think and had an idea. "I think I have the answer."
Sometime later everyone was at the Sato Mansion which was abandoned. The Avengers and Team Avatar were stood outside a garage.
"Uh why did we have to come here?" Hulk asked.
Asami just smirked and opened the garage entering it. The inside was completely pitch black. Then seconds later a pair of blaring headlights came out of the garage. Asami had started the ignition on something. Speeding out of the garage at top speed was a rather sporty looking Satomobile in black with red wheels and whitewall tires. It swerved into a power slide and stopped in front of everyone.
"You think this'll do?" Asami asked.
"Whoa!" Iron Man and Mako said in surprise. "Now thats a car, I can't resist a classic!" Iron Man then said looking over the vehicle.
"I thought you'd be impressed Tony." Asami smiled knowing Tony was all about sport cars.
"Man this is a sweet ride!" Ms Marvel said impressed.
"You said it Kamala, I like the new Team Avatar's style." Mako smirked impressed.
"Okay load up and lets move out." Cap said and without further delay Team Avatar hopped excitedly into the car which drove up straight into the Quinjet followed by the other Avengers.
The jet lifted off from the ground and into the sky heading for the city. The jet flew across the skyline of the city. Black Widow and Hawkeye were at the controls while, Cap, Hulk, Iron Man, Ms Marvel, Korra, Mako, Asami and Bolin were in the back with the car. Tony had his helmet removed as he looked at the car.
The group was listening to the radio that was on the cars dashboard, which was a police scanner. "Unit two sixteen, cancel that ten fifty-eight at Harmony Tower. Come back to the station, over."
"What kind of car needs a police scanner installed?" Korra wondered.
"My dad had police scanners installed in all of his cars. I guess now I know why." Asami said as she always wondered why these were installed on all the Satomobiles other than the police vehicles.
"To keep tabs on the police and monitor their movements, no wonder they always anticipated our every move." Cap soon realised.
"JARVIS, isolate the wavelength and patch the frequency through the Quinjets com channels." Iron Man said.
"Isolating frequency now sir." JARVIS replied. "Patching through the main feed."
Within seconds the frequency wavelength of the police scanner was now linked to the Quinjet as Black Widow used the computer to scan through the police frequencies.
"Wow very efficient JARVIS." Asami said rather impressed.
"Thank you Miss Sato your praise is well appreciated." JARVIS replied.
"Don't praise him too much or I'll never hear the end of it." Tony whispered to Asami who just snickered in response. Then suddenly.
"Calling all units, Level Four Alert. Jailbreak at headquarters." The radio sounded. "Officers down, electrocuted. Chi-blockers and Equalist convicts are still at large armed and dangerous. Escorted by what look like flying metal objects with armed and dangerous men most likely AIM." The Avengers and Team Avatar listened to that statement with great intent. "Last seen heading east. I repeat, Level Four Alert. Equalist jailbreak!"
"JARVIS!" Cap said.
"At once sir." JARVIS replied. The screen displayed a map of the city and from the directions given on the radio they pinpointed a certain signal. "Escaping vehicle located moving at high speed, surrounding armourments signals are consistent with that of A.I.M attack drones. Followed by A.I.M agents." JARVIS described while showing holo stats of three pointed star shaped arial drones armed with weaponry.
"Thats them alright!" Mako realised.
"Then let's get'em!" Korra decided.
"Buckle up boys and girls, its hunting season!" Black Widow said as she steered the Quinjet and blasted towards the escaping vehicle.
Far below a truck accompanied by several Equalists on motorcycles zoomed through the city. about five A.I.M drones hovered around the truck while on the roof were two AIM agents armed with energy rifles.
High in the sky the Quinjet flew behind them so as not to be detected. Inside Asami was in the drivers seat of the car, with Mako in the passengers side while Korra, Bolin and Ms Marvel sat in back.
"Lets do this." Asami said putting her goggles on.
"All clear behind us." Hawkeye signalled to Natasha.
"Cap you all set?" Natasha asked on the coms.
"Ready to go." Cap signalled.
"Hold tight kids." Black Widow said as she pressed the button which caused the rear cargo doors to open.
"Hey don't do anything I wouldn't do." Tony said as he put his helmet on as he and Thor leaped out the back and took flight.
Without word, Asami changed gears and sent the car surging into reverse out of the jet as the car tumbled face first. Ms Marvel, Korra, Bolin and Mako grasped the inside of the car for dear life though the polymorph had done this kind of thing before.
"Korra,Bolin I need a ramp ground force coming fast!" Asami exclaimed. Bolin quickly used his Earthbending to bend the road below them to erect a ramp. The cars front wheels hit the ramp and surged down it as it hit the road in pursuit of the escaping Equalists.
"Whoa!" Ms Marvel said surprised it was official Asami was just as good if not better than Dom Toretto!
From the cockpit of the Quin jet Hawkeye couldn't help but be impressed. "She is good." He smirked.
"Your turn Cap." Black Widow signalled and as the jet descended the bottom compartment opened and zooming out of it was Captain America on his own motorcycle. He zoomed off after Team Avatar followed by Thor and Iron Man who flew in from above.
"Oh guys!" Ms Marvel said as she pulled out a small box from her suit. She opened it and revealed small silver tubes with blue lights. "Take these and place them in your ears!"
"What are they?" Korra asked.
"Com links we'll be able to keep in contact with each other and the other Avengers. Just place it in your ears press the top and speak into it." Ms Marvel explained as each of the team took one from the box.
So thats what they did, they placed the com links in their ears and then tested them. "Testing testing." Korra said and everyone nodded which meant they could hear her.
"Okay Cap we're all linked up." Ms Marvel called on the coms just as said Captain zoomed past on his bike.
"Rodger that, we need to stop them before they escape we can't risk anyone getting hurt." Cap relayed. "First we disable the drones then we take the Equalists and agents themselves."
"Got it!" Everyone called on the coms.
"Less talk more smash!" Hulk called.
"You'll get your chance big guy but at the right time." Cap said. "Okay kids get ready." The super soldier drew his shield from his back and immediately tossed it at the drones.
With one swift movement the Vibranium shield sliced through, the first drone and then the second as it flew around the vehicle. This immediately caught the attention of the A.I.M agents on the trucks roof. They looked behind and saw who was behind them.
"Its The Avengers!" The agent said as he and his accomplice fired their blasters at Cap and Team Avatar. The shield flew past and sliced apart the other drones. However Cap couldn't catch the shield so Asami swerved to the left.
"Mako take the wheel!" Asami said and so he did he grabbed the wheel as she stood up and caught the shield with her free hand.
"Cap!" She called and tossed the shield back to Cap who was quick to catch it with his right arm.
"Thanks!" He called to her with a wave. Asami smiled and retook the wheel of the car. She then moved to ram into the back of the Equalists on the motorcycles. Flinging the riders into the air before they landed on the bonnet of the car before they met Ms Marvel with enlarged hands.
"Sorry boys no hitchhikers!" She said the Chi Blockers stood up and used their bolas to restrain Ms marvels giant hands. Mako acted quickly to try and help her but then suddenly one of the AIM agents fired at him with energy blasts preventing him from reaching her.
Bolin then reached for her but one Chi Blocker chi blocked his arm so he couldn't bend as he was forced back into his seat. Acting swiftly Asami used her shock glove to shock the Chi Blocker causing him to fall onto the car hood. One Chi Blocker tried to pull Ms Marvel off the car but Mako was quick to pull her back to keep her steady. Asami quickly shocked the chi Blocker and with one jerk Ms Marvel chucked the Chi Blocker off the car and he went rolling down the road.
"Whew, that was shocking!" Ms Marvel said as she sat back with Korra.
"Yeah but he got the shock of his life." Asami cracked to which they laughed. Suddenly a laser blast from the roof of the truck caught their attention. They saw the rear of the truck opened and saw Chi Blockers armed with A.I.M energy rifles made from steampunk parts.
They fired upon the team in the car. Cap swerved in front and blocked the blasts with his shield. Before he tossed it at them which knocked them back and the shield returned to him. The A.I.M agents on the roof were about to fire on them when suddenly Iron Man swooped in and landed on the roof firing his repulser blasts at one agent but before the other could react Moljnir slammed right into the chest of the agent and Thor landed as it returned to him for him to swing it and send the agent flying off the roof of the truck.
Suddenly more Chi-Blockers climbed up from the truck and onto the roof armed with taser rods. Which sparked with power and then formed shields from their wrists.
"Looks like these guys have gotten used to A.I.M's toys." Iron Man noticed.
"Well then Stark let's show them how easily they break." Thor smirked. To which Iron Man smirked back behind his face plate.
The Chi Blockers attacked with their taser sticks, Thor dodged the one on the right while Iron Man dodged the one on the left before he fired a repulser blast which blasted him back across the roof. Power surged through the Mighty Moljnir as it clashed against the taser stick then Thor simply kicked him before he tossed the hammer at the Equalist but he simply ducked out of the way. However the god of thunder could only smirk as he held his hand out then before the Equalist could attack *BANG!* The hammer slammed into his back which sent him flying off the roof the hammer returned to Thor.
The other Equalist swung his taser stick at Iron Man who blocked it with his gauntlets before firing his repulser at him but he blocked it with his shield.
From the car below Mako saw he had to do something to help. "Korra!" He said looking to her. "Lets give Tony a hand!"
"Right team captain!" Korra smiled. "Kamala we need a lift."
"On it." Ms Marvel replied as she enlarged her hands and Korra and Mako stepped on them.
"Allyhoop!" Ms Marvel yelled and tossed the two into the air. In mid air Korra and Mako performed a spin kick which fired a blast of fire at the Equalist pushing him back. Korra and Mako landed next to Iron Man.
"Tony get him now!" Mako exclaimed.
Without a word Iron Man fired his shoulder rockets which knocked the Equalist unconscious. "Nice combo you two." Iron Man smirked behind his face plate.
"Well we do make one heck of a team." Korra smirked.
"Yeah we do." Mako smirked back. However the fight wasn't over yet. In the distance they saw something coming. From Iron Mans hub he could see the incoming targets were seven more A.I.M attack drones.
"Don't get cocky yet kids we ain't done yet." Iron Man said as he took a battle stance.
"Hey save some for us Tony!" Called a voice on the coms.
Just then Asami and Bolin swerved the car in front and Bolin stood up in the back. He then bent the earth in the road and with several quick punches flung them at the incoming drones. The first two shots hit the two drones at the front, while the other rocks struck the side of the drone sending it out of control and crashing into the other two drones which explode upon contact.
The last one was still flying towards them but the out of nowhere flew in a certain shield which sliced it completely in half to then return to Cap who rode alongside the car.
"Nice shooting son." Cap complimented Bolin.
"Just doing my job Cap." Bolin said cocky.
"Time we end this." Cap decided. "Nat time to bring in the big guns."
In the Quinjet Black Widow smiled at that statement as she turned to said big gun. "Big guy, time to smash."
"Oh yeah!" Hulk smirked as he ran towards the rear cargo door which opened immediately as the big green beast lunged out of it and soared to the Man and Thor jumped from the truck roof with Korra and Mako in tow. Just as the truck was about to escape. The Hulk hit the ground fist first and then *CRASH!* The van slammed right into the Hulk, flipped over him and rolled over and hit a lamp post.
The Equalist driver pulled himself out from the crash rather beaten up. Just then he looked up and saw standing above him, was Team Avatar and The Avengers with Hawkeye training an arrow on him.
"Okay if this isn't the team shot someones getting fired." Clint smirked.
Many hours later the Equalists and A.I.M agents were all tied up ready to hand to the police. By then the paparazzi were there and reporters were taking photos of the heroes. just then Police vans arrived and on board was Tarrlok and his Task force with several metal benders.
"Well well ponytail boy I thought you'd never get here." Iron Man said a little mockingly.
Tarrlok with a seriously ticked off look approached Korra, Ms Marvel and Captain America. "Avatar Korra, Captain Rogers, what do you think you are doing?" Tarrlok asked rather sternly.
"Last time I checked stopping fugitives that escaped your custody councilman." Cap said to him.
"Yeah and nice of you to show up finally." Korra said in a mocking tone. "Here, we captured the escaped convicts for you." She gestured to the captured convicts and the rest of the team.
Tarrlok however was none too pleased."What you did was tear up the city and impede the real authorities in their pursuit of these criminals."
"Hey Tiny!" The Hulk then came up to Tarrlok which all but showed how much he dwarfed his size. "Did anyone get splattered in that chase!" He picked up the wreaked AIM drone. "We Avengers know when to use force…And how much to use!" He crushed the drone in his bare hand.
"Yeah and its funny cause we didn't see you the cops or your little Anti Equalist squad anywhere?" Ms Marvel said mockingly folding her arms.
"Your mistake Tarrlok was not taking the proper security measures." Black Widow agreed sternly. "These Equalists and AIM agents escaped on your watch so in other words we salvaged an operation you screwed up from the get go."
"In other words, if it wasn't for The Avengers or Team Avatar they would've gotten away." Korra agreed as the rest of the team who stood in agreement.
Tarrlok became even more irritable than ever before. "This is your last warning. Stay out of my way"
"Word of advice pal." Hawkeye stepped up glaring him in the eyes. "Don't make threats you can't keep."
Tarrlok then turned around with his task force and boarded their vehicles without another word. Leaving the Avengers and Team Avatar all but smirking with triumph.
"Heh all bark and no bite." Hulk smirked.
"You said it big guy." Bolin offered a fist bump which the big guy accepted.
Black Widow however wasn't so sure. Though she didn't show it she was concerned she knew something was off about Tarrlok from the start and now he was beginning to show his true colours. Cap shared a similar concern as well, he'd seen how those with agendas of their own interests would soon turn.
"Well we're just getting started." Widow then said. "Before Tarrlok showed up I interrogated these guys and now we have a list of A.I.M stockpiles and Equalist safe houses."
Ms Marvel turns to Team Avatar with a confident face. "So you guys still up for some Avenging?"
Korra and her friends all replied with smirks of their own as they nodded in agreement with the other Avengers. It looked like they were just getting started.
As the nights grew longer The Avengers and New Team Avatar were on a mission to save the City. One by one each of AIM's and Amons stock piles fell. In the west half of the city the sports Sato Mobile crashed through the doors of a warehouse and leaping from it was Captain America, Black Widow, Mako and Bolin. The bending brothers fought the incoming AIM agents and Chi blockers with fire fists and earth punches. The fire blasted the chi blockers back while the earth Bolin bent had sent the AIM agents crashing to the ground.
Black Widow fired blasts from her gauntlets and delivered several punches and roundhouse kicks to an incoming chi blocker. She moved so quick he couldn't block her chi. On the incoming AIM agent she flipped onto his head wrapped her legs round his neck and slammed him to the ground.
Mako used a fire kick to knock down an AIM agent armed with an energy rifle. Cap was soon met by AIM robots which were armed with energy sticks. They swung their arms while Cap flipped back to avoid them then swiftly tossed his shield and it sliced them at the waists then bound off the wall in front of them.
"Mako heads up!" Cap called.
Mako heard the signal and as he kicked away an AIM agent he caught the shield and swatted it right in a Chi Blockers face then tossed it at another Chi Blocker bouncing off his chest and then into another and another. Bolin then grabbed the shield and tossed it back to Cap and it hit an AIM agent square in the back knocking him down as he retrieved his shield.
He smiled impressively at the bending brothers who smiled back. Black Widow smashed open a crate and saw it was full of shock gloves and even steampunk based laser rifles. She pulled out a charge from her belt and which was multiple bomb like devices.
Moments later the group fled from the warehouse as it exploded behind them. They smiled in triumph. Hours later Tarrlok arrived on the scene with his task force having heard the tip themselves but when they arrived they saw the AIM and Equalist agents all tied up. Much to his irk.
Elsewhere:
In another part of the city as night fell, Iron Man flew in the skies and scanned the area. Soon his hud picked up something and saw some Mecha Tanks with advanced weapons, he'd found Hiroshi's stockpile. Suddenly something shot him down and he crashed into some crates. He later emerged barely beaten by that. He looked across from him and saw there was a missile turret. It seemed Hiroshi had been busy with MODOKS help. The missile fired again but Iron Man dodged out of the way before he fired a missile of his own from his right gauntlet. The missile hit with a ding. He walked away and seconds later the missile launcher exploded. AIM agents swarmed in with laser rifles trained on the armoured Avenger and fired at him only for him to raise an energy shield to deflect them.
Suddenly the enemy learned he was not alone. Arriving on the scene was Korra, Ms Marvel, Hulk, Thor and Hawkeye. Hulk smashed the ground sending out a shock wave demolishing the approaching Mechatanks. Armigers soon stomped towards them but Thor responded by summoning the lightning from the sky and directing it upon the large machine.
Korra used her waterbending to create an ice path to skate along followed by Ms Marvel and Hawkeye. Korra leaped up and threw fire kicks at the Armiger distracting it while Hawkeye fired a demolition arrow from his bow and upon contact it exploded. Ms Marvel was up next as she enlarged herself she kicked the Mecha tanks away like they were footballs. She then caught the Hulk who landed in her hand and tossed him into the other mecha tanks and the green beast tore them apart limb from limb.
Iron Man blasted away an incoming AIM robot just as a Chi Blocker armed with armoured gauntlets compliments of MODOK was about to surprise him from behind. Suddenly he received an electric shock which knocked him out. Iron Man turned round to see Asami standing over the guard she stunned.
Hawkeye fired his arrows left and right at the incoming AIM agents, one arrow exploded into a shock net the other relased bollas that tied up their legs and hands. One Equalist tried to shock him from behind but he pulled out an arrow and struck him in the chest and it delivered an electric shock knocking him down.
Suddenly a group of Chi blockers Iron Man was about to blast them with his repulsers. Asami stopped him and instead she lunged forwards. One chi blocker tried to attack Asami only for her to swing behind him and shock him in the back. Another threw several nerve punches towards her but she avoided them as Iron Man shot a repulser blast at him knocking him back. Using this advantage Asami rushed the two Chi Blockers leaped over them and performed a leg swipe tripping them up before she shocked them both with her shock glove.
Iron Mans face plate lifted to reveal a smirking Tony who was all but impressed by the beauteous girls skills. However congradulations was put on hold by the arrival of several AIM war bots landing on the ground. Everyone stood ready.
However the Hulk just stepped forward striking as he cracked his neck and flexed his arms. The enemy drew closer and ever closer. Then in one roar the Hulk slammed his hands together sending out a seismic shockwave which sent the robots flying into the air with a great slam.
Thor flew to the air, raised his hammer as a cataclysmic storm cloud gathered and a great torrent of thunder struck the hammer which the Thunder God directed at the AIM robots shocking them until they were destroyed.
"Now thats how to bring the thunder." Korra said impressed.
One by one AIM and Equalist bases were falling by the hands of The Avengers and Team Avatar. However Tarrlok was growing more and more irritated and angered by their interference.
In his office Tarrlok swiped his arm over his desk knocking everything off in frustration. He breathed angrily he wasn't about to let the Avatar or her friends get in his way.
"I will not let them jeopardise all I have worked for!" Tarrlok exclaimed.
"No you shouldn't after all you're the only one on the council that has the strife to lead this city against this." Said a mysterious voice.
"I do have the strife while others do not. Amon is simply an obstacle in my way, and no matter what I do I will never gain control while Korra and these Avengers continue to interfere!" Tarrlok voiced his frustration.
"Then maybe it's time you showed this Amon what consequences his so called Equality brings." The voice then said. With that last word Tarrlok all but smirked in response, he knew just what he had to do.
Meanwhile:AIM's Secret Base:
He wasn't the only one. In AIM's secret base in the mountains AIM scientist were overseeing production of more weapons. While Hiroshi was working hard on perfecting the Mecha Tanks attaching the armaments that AIM had provided. Meanwhile from above MODOK, Amon, the Lieutenant and Task Master were looking down at the production.
"How long until they are ready?" Amon asked.
"Patience Amon you can't rush elegance, they will be ready by the end of tomorrow." MODOK assured.
"And during that time more and more of our stockpiles are being destroyed by the Avatar and The Avengers!" The Lieutenant argued. "How can we return this city to its rightful masters if we're delayed because Hiroshi and your scientists can't out think some children, brutes and a simpleton with a shield!"
"Hey like you were doing any better." Task Master argued back. "You couldn't beat Captain America let alone this Avatar Korra, long before we showed up! But we now have the numbers. Besides from what I heard the scales starting to tip in our favour."
"What do you mean?" The Lieutenant asked.
"Its simple, this Councilman Tarrlok claims he does what is best for the city, however I sent undercover operatives as reporters and from this I know he has another agenda." MODOK explained. "He's much like a snake in the grass waiting for his moment and gaining control of the police and enforce this city under his hand. If anything his actions all but bring us more followers to the cause."
"Yes the people of this city will come to see the truth that ours is the true path. However our true victory will be achieved once the Avatar and The Avengers are eliminated."
MODOK then coughed. "Not an easy task they have proven to be resilient even with our new armaments."
"True but then again why assume we will be the ones to perform the deed." Amon voiced. "As you yourself said MODOK as Councilman Tarrloks hand grows so too will his ambitions and you say The Avengers value the lives of others above their own as does the Avatar, they will try and maintain the pathetic ideal of coexistence." Amon continued. "He however will see differently and if they hinder his own agenda, he may intern dispose of them for us… or…they him."
MODOKS ever large face couldn't help but smirk at that statement of what Amon was telling him. "So let them embrace this chaos and allow Tarrlok to embrace and corrupt. I do like your ambition."
"Yeah its almost as iff you know more about this Councilman than you let on." TaskMaster voiced as he, MODOK and the Lieutenant left Amon to observe his followers and weapons flourish.
"More than you realise." He voiced under his breath.
The following day: Republic City Hall:
The following morning the city council had been assembled by Tarrlok. He stood before his fellow council members as he made his statement.
"Republic City stands as a beacon of freedom, but the Equalists are using that freedom to tear it down." He said to them. "The law I have proposed would make it illegal for anyone to be a member of the Equalists or even be associated with them." Tenzin however didn't like the sounds of this one little bit. "It also puts into effect a curfew, ensuring all nonbenders are in their own homes by nightfall."
"This is going too far, Tarrlok!" Tenzin stood from his seat in protest to this absurd plan. "You can't punish all nonbenders for the actions of a few!"
"That kind of cowardice will cause our city to fall into Amon's hands!" Tarrlok shot back at Tenzin. "We've tried your way Tenzin to maintain the balance of this city but now it is over. As long as Amon and AIM are at large there will be no balance! We must pass this law!"
"What we must do is not let this come to war we can't allow this Republic that has stood for forty years be torn apart!" Tenzin argued. "Your law would simply prove to them what Amon has been saying all along how we act like tryants! That is not the ideal that my father intended for this city!"
"The world has changed! We must adapt to survive ,and it is time that Amon sees the consequences that his actions bring upon the non benders if this is what we must do to protect this city then so be it!" Tarrlok shot back. "Your father wouldn't have hesitated and neither shall I!"
Tenzin then turned to his fellow council members. "You all surely cannot be agreeing to this madness does Tarrlok control all of you!"
"I resent that insinuation Tenzin, we all want what's best for the people of the city." The Fire nation representative assured.
"By abandoning reason for madness!" Tenzin argued.
"No by showing our strength, and you know the vote must be unanimous." Tarrlok said with a smirk. "All in favour." He raised his hand and to Tenzins horror his fellow council members raised their hands. The Airbending Master simply grumbled in defeat.
"You want to allow Tarrlok to pass this law because it will lead this city to one place! Right into the ground!" He then marched out of the room angered by this madness. While Tarrlok could only smirk mischievously with triumph.
Hours later:
Back on the Air Temple as night fell. Tenzin was speaking to Steve while Tony was doing some calibrations to the Quin Jet. Hulk meanwhile was petting Naga's head he'd grown quite fond of her while Pabu rested on his head.
"I am telling you Steven this is madness. Tarrloks lost his mind!" Tenzin said.
"Agreed enforcing a curfew is just proving Amon right." Cap realised.
"I knew there was something off about him from the start." Black Widow realised. "He's defiantly working an angle thats for sure."
"But to what end it's just encouraging the war between Benders and Non Benders not prevent it!" Tenzin voiced.
"Pardon me Avengers." JARVIS spoke up from the Quin jet. "I have just picked up a recent transmission on the wave length."
"Patch it through." Steve said. JARVIS then played the police frequency.
"All available units, please respond to the fifty six hundred block of Dragon Flats borough. Equalists have taken to the streets, consider them armed and dangerous. Proceed with caution."
"Armed and dangerous not my favourite combo." Tony realised.
"Then we better investigate." Steve realised as he put his helmet on. " Where are Kamala, Korra and the others?" He then asked Tenzin and Black Widow.
"Last I heard they were out patrolling the city until Tony was done on the jet." Black Widow said.
"Right we'll contact them on route, get Hawkeye, Thor and Hulk we're moving out." Cap then said as he went to board the Quinjet.
Meanwhile In the City:
In the lit up night life of Republic City Korra, Ms Marvel, Mako, Bolin and Asami were all beside the car enjoying a snack of dumplings. They were enjoying their break from patrols when in that moment.
"Korra, Kamala come in." Caps voice called in on the coms.
"Hey Cap what's up?" Ms Marvel answered.
"We have a situation, there's been reports of an Equalist Rally in the Dragon Flats Borough, it could be trouble so we're on route now." Cap explained on the coms.
"You got it Cap we're not too far away from there we can be there in no time." Asami called back on the coms.
"Alright but be careful we'll be there soon." Cap said as the com channel closed.
"Alright Avatar Avengers Assemble!" Ms Marvel exclaimed excitedly.
"I thought we agreed on Team Avatar?" Korra questioned.
"I know I just couldn't resist." Ms Marvel said as she climbed into the car behind Asami.
"I call front!" Bolin said as he jumped into the front seat next to the beauteous girl.
"After you." Mako offered to Korra as a gentleman to go first.
"What a gentleman," Korra thanked as Mako took her hand and helped her into the car. "Thanks."
"You really are a gentleman Mako." Ms Marvel teased as he sat next to Korra chuckling. Asami adjusted the mirror but couldn't help but notice how close Mako and Korra looked her looked did turn to some distain as she put her goggles on and shifted the car into drive zooming off to the Dragon Flats Borough.
Minutes later they were approaching the area, and what they saw startled them. The whole area was covered in a blanket of darkness, and high above Police airships circled the whole perimeter.
"Hey what's going on?" Ms Marvel asked.
"Why is the power out?" Korra asked.
"Cap are you guys seeing this?" Mako called on the coms.
"We're seeing it Mako." Black Widow answered as they heard engine noises above them. They looked up and saw the Quinjet right above them.
In the cockpit Black Widow and Hawkeye were at the controls while everyone else was in back. "The whole areas blacked out."
"And judging by the police presence I suspect this is no normal power outage." Iron Man suspected.
"I don't like this one little bit." Cap said in great concern he knew Tenzin said Tarrlok was taking extreme measures but this was over the line.
Soon Team Avatar and Ms Marvel arrived on the scene pulling the car up. However just as the Quinjet was landing, they looked at the so called rally but the people there weren't Equalists or AIM Agents they were just normal citizens.
This brought an air of confusion among Team Avatar and the arriving Avengers. "Okay there is defiantly something wrong with this picture." Hawkeye realised.
"Hawkeyes right these people aren't armed or dangerous." Asami agreed.
"Nor are they Equalists." Thor acknowledged in agreement seeing this scene.
"Sure doesn't look that way." Korra said greatly concerned just then they saw Chief Saikhan with a megaphone addressing the Non Benders behind the barriers.
"All nonbenders, return to your homes immediately." He addressed through the megaphone. However the crowds of Non Benders would not stand for what was happening they were beginning to get angered.
"Yeah, as soon as you turn our power back on." One man protested and soon to follow were cries of protest from the other non bender inhabitants. It was the making of an angry mob. Captain America didn't like the looks of this and already suspected who was behind this.
"Disperse, or you will all be arrested." Saikhan then addressed again only to be met by protesting cries.
"You benders can't treat us this way!" Cried a mother of two children holding one child in her arms and another was standing beside her.
"Yes Amon was right your nothing but tyrants!" Cried another citizen.
"You treat those with no power like we're nothing this is an example on what the benders have become oppressors! To we common folk! This republic is failing!" Cried a female citizen.
Just then one of the children of the mother holding her child noticed a certain group was on the scene. "Mummy, look! It's the Avatar! And The Avengers!" The crowds looked and saw the latter and all gathered to them.
"Please, help us! You're our Avatar, too!" One said to her.
"Yeah if you Avengers believe in peace between Benders and Non Benders, please fight for us!" One non bender begged Ms Marvel she looked down and saw a child looking to her with innocent eyes. They couldn't help but remember the aftermath of A-Day many people helpless in fear of Inhumans based on the lies AIM told them.
"Don't worry we're going to make this right." Ms Marvel said almost on the verge of tears.
"Everyone, please stay calm. We're gonna put a stop to this." Korra assured the crowed, Thor wasted no time walking up to one of the Metal bender police officers and grabbed him by the collar.
"You where is Councilman Tarrlok! And speak quickly!" Thor demanded and the metal bender pointed to the one they seemed talking to one of his Task Force members outside a prison van.
The group approached said councilman who saw them coming a mile away. He had just about enough of their interference. "Tarrlok what on earth do you think your doing!" Captain America demanded.
"Last time I check Captain my duty to the city." Tarrlok told him.
"Tarrlok, you need to turn the power back on and leave these people alone." Korra demanded.
"Avatar Korra, you and your playmates have no business here." Tarrlok turned to her rather sternly.
"When your arresting innocent people we make it our business!" Ms Marvel argued back.
"We're not going anywhere." Korra agreed. "You don't have the right to treat these innocent people like criminals."
"This is an Equalist is nothing innocent about it." Tarrlok said pointing at said people.
"You are either blind or foolish Tarrlok, your eyes deceive you!" Thor argued. "This is what you now resort to arresting innocent people!"
"He's right these people aren't They're not Equalists, they're just normal people who want their rights back." Asami agreed standing up to the councilman.
"They are the enemy!" Tarrlok exclaimed to then still pointing the finger. "It is time Amon sees what his actions have wrought when he strikes us we strike his so called followers!"
"You've lost your mind Tarrlok!" Black Widow argued. "All your doing is proving Amon right by being the oppressors he claims you to be!"
"This is why he is winning you so called heroes hesitate while Amon and AIM gain the advantage!" Tarrlok exclaimed to them.
"No giving into madness and fear is their advantage and we are not judge, jury and executioner if we did that makes us no better than the criminals we fight." Captain America then said. "Now stand down!"
"I don't take orders from vigilantes." Tarrlok growled. "Round up all these Equalists!" He ordered the metal benders.
Without question the Metalbending officers responded, by earth bending the posts on the barriers then bending the metal in the barriers and wrapping it round a group of people in the crowds. The latter of which were dispersing in panic and fear. The Metal benders then bent the earth below them like a column in the air and the crowds began to flee in panic.
Team Avatar and The Avengers looked in angst, Tarrlok had gone too far and all this would do was increase the belief in Amons cause not strive for peace. The Metal Benders were then ready to move them to the police vans but The Avatar wasn't standing for this any longer.
"Stop!" Korra yelled.
"Thor Go!" Captain America ordered and Thor span his hammer taking off into the sky and summoned a mighty storm around him. The thunder god then directed his hammer and the lightning towards the Metal Benders striking them in the chest knocking them down.
Korra used this advantage and earthbent the ground below the captured people and lowered it down again. Iron Man then flew over to the trapped benders and using the laser in his gauntlet cut the bars off them.
"Get as far away from here as you can go!" Iron Man told them and the people fled for their lives away from the area.
Suddenly Iron Man felt he couldn't move his feet. He looked and saw the earth had been bent around his feet. He looked and saw the Metalbenders were behind this. Tarrlok then stepped forwards.
"I warned you Avengers to stay out of the way, and now you pay the price for defiance in the face of justice!" Tarrlok proclaimed in anger.
"You call attacking non benders who have nothing to do with Amon justice!" Ms Marvel said standing in front of Iron Man.
"Enough!" Tarrlok yelled before pointing at the Avengers. "Chief Saikhan these people are now enemies of the United Republic! Arrest them!"
Saikhan looked at The Avengers in a questionable look. "You don't have to do this!" Captain America said to the Metal they were ready to act. Luckily however a large fire wall was cast between them and Iron Man.
They all looked and saw the source was Mako. This bought the Iron Avenger the time he needed he blasted the floor with his repulsers freeing his feet from the rock and flew into the air.
The Metal Benders were ready to act when suddenly the Hulk roared and stomped his foot into the ground causing a quake which knocked the Metal Benders to the ground . One got up but was faced by the arrow tip of Hawkeye's signature weapon.
"Hey pal. You look smarter than that."Hawkeye smirked. The Metal Bender then stood down.
Tarrlok snarled at these people continuously interfering with his agendas. Just as Asami was watching the group Tarrlok struck by bending a water whip which grabbed the girl by the wrist.
"Hey! Let me go!" Asami struggled in his grip. Mako looked horrified when he saw this as did Iron Man.
"You're under arrest!" Tarrlok shouted.
"Asami!" Iron Man yelled as he blasted over to them.
"What?" Mako said in shock pointing furiously at the councilmam. "You can't do that!"
Tarrlok just handed Asami over to the task force who restrained her. "Actually, I can. She's a nonbender out past curfew" Tarrlok said then pointing at her. "and her father is a known Equalist conspirator."
Iron Man gritted his teeth behind his helmet. "I've had enough of you Tarrlok, you can't condemn her for her fathers actions neither can you condemn the non benders for Amons actions. He's the real threat not them! Now let her go and stand down before this goes too far!" Iron man warned raising his repulser hand energising with power.
Tarrlok however had other ideas with a scowl. "Arrest the fire bender and his brother!"
The Metal benders were quick to restrain the two bending brothers much to Korra and Ms Marvels horror.
"Tarrlok!" Korra exclaimed by bending the rocks into large boulders around her while Ms Marvel enlarged her hands. Iron Man however beat them to the punch and fired a repulser blast right into Tarrloks chest knocking him back. Suddenly out of nowhere a large green hand grabbed the councilman and slammed him into the side of the truck. He then looked to the new chief.
"RELEASE THEM NOW!" Hulk yelled at him and Tarrlok.
"Or what monster!" Tarrlok growled.
"I'll crush you!" The green beast threatened as the other Avengers readied their own weapons.
"You would never dare its not in your nature to bend the rules." Tarrlok smirked almost as if he was prompting him. However the beast tightened his grip causing him to groan in pain.
"It'll be easy like breaking a tooth pick!" Hulk threatened.
The Metal Benders responded by bending boulders at the Hulk who was forced to release his grip on the councilman. However Ms Marvel yelled and swung her fists at them swatting them into the trucks. Widow and Hawkeye trained their weapons on them as did Captain America.
"This is your last chance Tarrlok stand down! Final warning!" Iron Man warned aiming his repulser at the councilman with conviction he wasn't about to let this snake treat Asami like this.
Tarrlok even with his hair messed up didn't seem affected by this just stepped forwards. "Now hear me Avatar Korra and Avengers, unless you want to join your friends in prison. I suggest you lay down your arms and go back to the Air Temple."
"If you think we shall flee you truly are a fool, the city will not stand for this now yield and we'll let the council decide your fate!" Thor said descending down to join his fellow Avengers.
"I am the council!" Tarrlok said to him. "And the city shall approve of what I am doing, and it's only a matter of time before Amon surrenders himself. Now leave and if any of you Avengers set foot in the city you will be arrested on sight."
"You and what army!" Hawkeye defied.
"Its either the hard way or the easy way, now. Let. Them. Go!" Korra stood her ground.
"No Korra please its not worth it!" Mako said. "listen to him you'll just end up being locked up."
"No we're not leaving you!" Ms Marvel argued.
"Kamala, don't worry we'll be alright." Bolin pleaded with her.
Korra and her friend didn't want to let the councilman get away with this. However Captain America was assessing the situation and then he placed his shield on his back.
"No stand down." Cap said much to the shock of the other Avengers and benders present.
"What Cap!" Korra protested.
"Korra the last thing we need right now is to spark a war between us and the police." Cap explained. "It won't do your friends much good if we are locked up as well."
"Cap you can't be serious!" Iron Man protested. "I'm not letting…"
"Tony." He heard Asahi's voice as he looked to her who had pleading eyes. "Its okay..I promise I'll be alright." She said to him Iron man didn't want to leave Asami after all she'd been through but in the end he knew she was right. So he lowered and powered down his repulser. Followed by the other Avengers.
Korra then lowered the boulders and Ms Marvel shrank her fists down. "Don't worry, I'll call Tenzin. He can get you out." Korra assured her friends who were loaded into police vans along with any already captured non benders. Korra looked down in sadness.
However all Tarrlok could do was smirk sadistically with triumph. "So sad to see your little Team Avatar broken up. You had a good run. And as for you Avengers you will watch as I succeed where you failed. This city doesn't need you anymore."
Cap just glared in contempt at the councilman as did the Hulk who wanted nothing more than to tear this man limb from limb. "Avengers….we're done." With on final word as Cap and the other Avengers headed back to the Quin jet.
"Lets go Korra." Ms Marvel said to her sadly.
"This isn't over Tarrlok!" Korra exclaimed pointing at him in anger.
"Oh, I believe it is." Tarrlok grinned at them as he went to the police vans.
"Mortal!" He stopped as Thor stepped forwards. "Those who dare to have dreams of power, will become their own undoing." The Asguardian said in threatening tones. "Mark my words your reckoning will come if not by ours or Amons hands. But by your own." He then walked away taking Ms Marvel and The Avatar with him. While Tarrlok all but looked to the police vans.
"Take them away." He signalled and the police vans left without another word.
Hours later: Republic City Police department:
As the snow began to fall over Republic City Tenzin had arrived at the police precinct with Steve now in his casual attire. The Avengers had returned to the island but Korra and Ms Marvel chose to stay in the city. Cap had informed the Airbending master of the recent events regarding Tarrloks false arrest of their friends and they instantly headed down to the precinct to resolve this matter.
Tenzin and Steve entered the precinct to find Korra and Ms Marvel at the front desk trying to talk to the receptionist.
"Hey!" Korra yelled stomping her fist.
"Yeah can we get some answers over here!" Ms Marvel agreed.
"Korra, Kamala." the two turned and saw Tenzin and Steve behind them.
"Tenzin, great timing." Ms Marvel said with some hope.
"Steven has told me everything I came as fast as I could. Are your friends alright?" Tenzin asked.
"We don't know these knuckleheads won't tell us anything." Korra pointed to the people at the desk.
"I'll take care of this." Tenzin assured them and then he spotted Saikhan with some papers in his hand walking by. "Saikhan, a word please." He said and the chief came over to them.
"Councilman Tenzin, I'm pretty swamped at the moment." Saikhan said then noticing the super soldier present. "Captain Rogers you and Ms Marvel are…"
"They are here on my authority Saikhan." Tenzin told him.
"Anyway. Can this wait?" Chief Saikhan said.
"No, it cannot. Three of Avatar Korra's and Ms Marvel's friends were wrongly arrested tonight." Tenzin explained to him. "I'd like you to release them immediately."
"I'm sorry councilman but they're not going anywhere. They were interfering with police business." Saikhan denied them.
"Who's Police business yours or that bastard Tarrlok!" Ms Marvel protested angrily.
"Thats right and your so called police business was rounding up innocent people and claiming they were Equalists." Korra also protested. "They should be released, too."
"All Equalists suspects are being detained indefinitely. They'll be freed if and when the task force deems they are no longer a threat." Saikhan then said narrowing his eyes.
"You mean until Tarrlok deems them, why don't you face reality! You've let your department be run by someone with agendas and agendas can change." Steve protested also.
"But its in the best interest to the City." Saikhan said.
"No its in his, you chose to let Tarrlok do this but by doing so you've surrendered your right to choose." Steve said much to Saikhans disagreement. "What if you need to go somewhere where your needed but he doesn't allow it, what if he does need you to go but its only if his interests align. Lin would never stand for this!" but then Tenzin placed a hand on his shoulders telling him to calm down.
"Those people are entitled to due process under the law." Tenzin voiced to him. "The law that you swore an oath to uphold to help protect the people of this city every one of them." He gave a slight glare.
"I'm sorry, you'll have to take that up with Councilman Tarrlok." Saikhan apologised.
"Oh I plan to, at the council meeting first thing tomorrow morning." Tenzin pointed to Saikhan. "Where I will be pushing the matter for Tarrlok's resignation if he refuses to stand down."
Saikhan narrowed his eyes at that statement. Korra however thought differently as she pointed aggressively at Saikhan. "You're officially the worst Chief of Police ever!"
"Yeah your an insult to all police men!" Ms Marvel agreed. "Your supposed to protect people but instead you've become a puppet to a corrupt politician its like that girl said this republic is failing and it's because of men like you and him!"
Tenzin pulled the two girls away before this got out of hand. "Calm down you two I'll get this sorted out, we just need to be patient." He said to calm them down and were about to leave but Tenzin turned back to the new Chief of Police. "But you really are the worst!" He walked away before turning again. "Ever!"
They all left. All that is except for Steve who looked at the police chief. "How can you even live with yourself Saikhan?" He questioned. "How can you let someone like Tarrlok do this and not question the things your being asked to do."
"I'm sorry Captain Rogers but it's out of my hands, Councilman Tarrlok had made it clear he will use any means necessary to bring the Equalists and AIM to justice." Saikhan said.
"Even if it means arresting those who have nothing to do with what Amon is doing? Even if it means letting this situation escalate into all out war?" Steve said. "Because thats what your doing."
"Look I am sorry and I know you have a respect for Chief Beifong so because of that I'm letting you and your comrades go with a warning." Saikhan said. "So you can leave now or you can be arrested."
Steve glared at the very mention of her name. "You have no right to say her name. Not after throwing away everything she stood for." He then left without another word. Saikhan still couldn't help but wonder if the Captain was right.
Air Temple Island:
Back at the Air Temple the mood was frosty. Thor punched a wall in absolute anger by all that has happened. While Bruce sat on the bench he changed back from the Hulk upon his arrival back to the temple. Well after he threw a fit by smashing the spinning gates that is. Hawkeye and Black Widow stood in place. Tony now with his helmet off looked at it seeing his reflection in the face plate. Then briefly seeing Asami's he threw the helmet away in anger. Just then they heard an annoying groan.
"So no luck on getting the kids out?" Hawkeye asked. To which Tenzin gave a solemn shake of his head.
Widow then stepped up. "Steve just say the word and I can get all those people out by dawn." She proposed.
"No Natasha." Tenzin said. "Tarrlok would know it was you and you would all be branded criminals for it."
"What else is new he's already labeled us as Enemies of the Republic?" Clint questioned.
"I can't believe Tarrlok is getting away with this! He's acting no better than Amon he has to be stopped!" Kamala exclaimed in anger taking off her mask.
"I agree Kamala as I told Saikhan I will be moving for Tarrlok's removal from the council first thing in the morning." Tenzin said.
"With all do respect Tenzin, I don't think thats going to make any difference." Steve then said.
"He's right, for all we know he has the council members in his pockets just like the rest of the city." Bruce voiced.
"Aye, but I suspect something more Banner." Thor then voiced crossing his arms. "He claims to do what is best for the city but only if it fuels his own interests, yet goes to all efforts to prove Amon right. In fact I would go as far to say he maybe in league with the villain."
"Funny I was just thinking the same thing." Tony agreed sarcastically with that statement.
"But thats not Amons style." Korra said. "He'd never work with a bender no matter what their intentions are."
"Maybe, but are you willing to bet MODOK wouldn't?" Thor said and it had them consider that maybe MODOK was pulling Tarrloks strings. Given they already suspected he was planning something behind Amons back why stop there.
"Whatever it is Tarrlok has crossed a line tonight! And I'm not standing for it." Tony said as he was about to leave.
"Tony what are you doing?" Steve asked standing in his way.
"I'm going to the precinct and getting the kids out of there and if Tarrlok gets in the way I'll show him why we're called the Avengers!" Tony said.
"No that puts you on the same level as him." Steve told him.
"Sorry Cap but I haven't got time for your ideals patriot speech I'm not leaving Asami in that jail she's been through enough already!" Tony argued.
"Tony's right Tarrlok should be behind bars not them!" Korra agreed.
"Yeah we need to stop him now we can't fight him and MODOK!" Kamala agreed.
"All of you stop!" Tenzin yelled getting everyones attention. "This arguing is getting nowhere. Steven is right the last thing we need is any provocative or rash actions."
"Course you would say that." Tony argued.
"Look Tony, I know your worried about Asami and those kids we all are." Black Widow argued. "But barreling in fists blazing won't help them right now."
"But…" Kamala tried but Bruce placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Kamala she's right all that would do is cause trouble we don't need." Bruce voiced.
"Your saying we do nothing?!" Korra argued. "They're our friends!"
"I'm not saying that." Bruce said trying not to lose his cool despite his eyes flashing green. "Look we're all worried about them, and we'll get them out of this and deal with Tarrlok but on our terms. Not his."
Kamala and Korra could only slump their shoulders in defeat. "Come on lets all get some rest we'll figure out what to do about Tarrlok in the morning." Cap suggested and so all the Avengers turned in for the night. Kamala and Korra then headed for their respective room.
As the moon shone behind the clouds the two girls lay on their beds in anger. Their friends were locked up behind bars all because of Tarrlok. They were angry at themselves for letting this happen. Korra got up from her bed and looked out the window looking at the city.
She then looked to Kamala before she knelt down to Naga who was asleep on the floor in the room. "Wake up, Naga." She nudged the Polar Bear dog waking her up.
"Your going to talk to Tarrlok aren't you?" Kamala asked.
"Yes I am Kamala this can't go on any longer." Korra voiced with conviction. Kamala responded to that by putting her mask back on.
"Then lets go." Ms Marvel said, and Korra smiled knowing she had her back. Naga and Korra headed out to get ready. Before she left however Ms Marvel noted her Avenger ID card on the table she picked it up and pressed the A Symbol.
Hours later:
Korra and Ms Marvel riding Naga had arrived at Republic City hall. They noticed a light in the building, and knew that a certain someone was still there. They dismounted the Polar Bear dog.
"Wait for us here girl." Korra told Naga who moved her head to her in concern.
"Hey don't worry girl we'll be alright." Ms Marvel assured scratching her behind the ear in assurance. The two looked up at the rather intimidating hall.
"Come on." Korra said and so the two walked to the building.
Inside the lit room of City Hall, Tarrlok was working at his desk in front of a decorative looking waterfall. Some would think it was impressive decor. He was working with the council page. Suddenly the windows flung open and the wind scattered the pages across the room. Just then the council man and page saw Korra and Ms Marvel entered the room with a stern glare in their eyes.
"We need to talk." Korra said directly to Tarrlok as they walked up in anger.
Tarrlok without taking his eyes of the two girls addressed the Page. "Are any of the other council members here?"
"I believe everyone has gone home for the night." The Council Page answered a little nervous.
"Then you should do the same." Tarrlok said. The Council Page was rather surprised he was being asked to leave considering the situation.
"Are you sure, sir?" The Page asked shifting his eyes.
"Leave us." Tarrlok ordered sharply. The council Page looked at Korra and Ms Marvel, then realised that this was the last place to be in a few seconds from now. So he bowed then quickly left the room leaving the three completely alone.
After a minute of glaring silence as the wind blew Tarrlok spoke. "You two obviously have something on your mind? Spit it out."
"Don't you see?" Korra questioned. "You're doing exactly what Amon says is wrong with benders. You're using your power to oppress and intimidate people!"
"Its like you want this city to break out into war!" Ms Marvel agreed. "And you know what it wouldn't surprise me if MODOK was pulling your strings."
"Hah." Tarrlok said. "A very bold statement Kamala, however no MODOK isn't pulling any strings at all. You say I use my power to intimidate people, but don't you?"
Korra and Ms Marvel were taken aback by that statement. "Of..Of course not!"
"Isn't that what you came here to do? Intimidate me into releasing your friends." Tarrlok smirked seeing right through their plans as Korra and Ms Marvel glared at him. Course if you were you would've sent the brute or the false god. See, that's what I admire about you, Korra. Your willingness to go to extremes in order to get what you want." Tarrlok said.
"And you Kamala, you see that your so called friends The Avengers don't have the stones to do what is needed and you do what you believe to be right even if others question your motives, and you know your way is best but are held back because people don't trust you. It is a quality we both share."
"We're nothing like you!" Korra glared.
"You want to know the difference between you and us Tarrlok we know the difference between right and wrong and you don't you blur the lines and only do what's best for you!" Ms Marvel said.
"I doubt it, but how about this. I'll make you both a deal if you and The Avengers agree to fall in line and do what I say and I'll release your friends." Tarrlok said much to the shock of The Avatar and young Avenger.
"That's why you arrested them? To get to me and the others?" Korra said shocked. Then suddenly all the pieces began to fit in Ms Marvels mind and came to a shocking realisation.
"Because thats what this has been about from the start. Hasn't it." Ms Marvel realised in anger. "This was never about stopping Amon this is just about control. Tenzin always said you wanted power and you saw Amon as a chance to get it. First playing Korra by joining your task force but when that failed you decided to play Beifong knowing she was working with The Avengers. You saw her and them as an obstacle and the threat to the arena was the opportunity you needed." Korra listened well to what her friend was saying while Tarrlok all but glared at her.
"To get Beifong to quit then put in charge a chief of police you could control. When we still presented a problem when we defied you so you decided to remove that by arresting our friends it was all your plan from the start!" Ms Marvel exclaimed pointing at Tarrlok who simply glared.
"Widow said from the start something was off about you and she was right. You've shown your true colours at last." Ms Marvel glared.
"You planned this right from the start!" Korra realised.
"Thats a bold statement there Ms Marvel, but I still need your answers." Tarrlok said angered.
However Korra and Ms Marvel stood their ground. "No. You might be able to manipulate Chief Saikhan into following you, but it won't work on us!" Korra exclaimed.
"If you think the Avengers and us would be your puppets too, you've got another thing coming." Ms Marvel agreed standing her ground.
Tarrlok stood up angrily as he turned and faced the waterfall. "You will both regret that decision."
"You need to be stopped!You're just as bad as Amon!" Korra exclaimed pointing at him accusingly.
"I've tried to work with you, and these so called heroes Korra, but you've made it impossible." Tarrlok said in a rage not even looking at them.
"If your trying to use empty threats to intimidate us, your even more pathetic than every other villain I've ever seen." Ms Marvel said angrily. "Your not even a villain, YOU'RE NOTHING BUT A COWARD!" She pointed angrily.
That was the last straw as Tarrloks eyes widened in rage. Without warning he sliced a stream of water from the waterfall and shot it towards Ms Marvel.
"Kamala look out!" Korra exclaimed tackling her to the ground as the water nearly cut her hair they hit the ground and looked up quickly Korra earth bends some boulder and fires them at Tarrlok forcing him back to the wall.
Korra took advantage of the opening raised her arms and unleashed a blast of fire upon the councilman. However he was prepared and bent the water from the waterfall around him as a protective dome. Korra and Ms Marvel glared at this.
Tarrlok thrust his hands forwards and ice spikes towards Korra and Ms Marvel. Korra flips back and tries to avoid them while Ms Marvel evades to the right enlarging her hands to try and deflect the spikes but one cut her on the arm tearing her costume too. As Korra attempted to punch the ice darts away she saw her friend was hurt.
"Kamala!" Suddenly an ice spike caught her side and she lifted her arms up to protect her head from the spikes. Ms Marvel raised her left arm and tried to do the same.
"You think I'm a coward now you foolish children!" Tarrlok said with a sadistic smile as he continued firing ice spikes at the two girls. Korra raised an earth shield to protect her and her friend.
"This is getting us nowhere." Korra said to Ms Marvel and she knew it was time to end this and she had an idea.
"Korra listen when I say so I need you to encase my hand in stone." She said to her and Korra smirked.
"I think I see where your going, combo attack."Korra said.
"Lets do it." They fist bumped each other then Ms Marvel charged out from the earth shield and punched away all the ice spikes that came her way some cut her knuckles but she charged through the pain. She may not be as durable as the Hulk but she knew she could do it. Tarrlok kept firing ice spikes.
"Now Korra!" Ms Marvel called. Korra dropped the shield and earth bent a large amount of rocks from the room and flung them towards Ms Marvel. The latter enlarged her hand just as it was being encased like a glove.
Before Tarrlok could even react. "EMBIGGEN!" Ms Marvel yelled as she punched Tarrlok right through the walls of the council chamber before he landed right into the council room.
The rocks fell off Ms Marvels hand as she breathed in mixed joy and exhaustion as Korra came next to her. "That looked awesome." Korra said impressed.
"Really cause that felt good!" Ms Marvel smirked back knowing how long she was waiting to sock the councilman in the face.
Within the main council room Tarrlok groaned as he recovered from that hit he took. His hair was a mess all over his face as his pony tails were unraveled. He looked up and saw Korra and Ms Marvel emerging from the smoke and hole.
"Still think that I'm a half-baked Avatar?" Korra exclaimed to the councilman.
"What's wrong Tarrlok no witty comebacks?" Ms Marvel smirked.
Korra then Earthbent the floor below Tarrloks feet causing him to fall to the ground just as Ms Marvel and Korra jumped and punched the ground with their fists. They then looked up to the councilman.
"What are you gonna do now?" Korra questioned."You're all out of water, pal."
"No water means you can't waterbend, we can save a lot of bruises if you just quit now." Ms Marvel smirked. "You're not talking your way out of this one."
Tarrlok moved back slightly almost like he was scared as Korra ignighted her palms, and Ms Marvel enlarged her fists and feet.
"You wanna take this Avatar?" Ms Marvel asked.
"I think we both earned it Ms Marvel." Korra smirked and the two charged forwards ready to finish this fight when all of a sudden Tarrlok flung his hands out and Koreas flames were extinguished. However no water was used.
Suddenly Korra and Ms Marvel realised they were immobilised. "H..hey what's going on I…I can't move!"
Tarrlok then waved his hands and an unknown forced pushed and twisted both their arms at weird angles and they groaned in pain. It was like something, some force was twisting their bodies from the inside out and it forced them to their knees.
"Korra…wha…what's going…on!" Ms Marvel groaned in pain.
"You two meddling children are in my way, and need to be removed!" Tarrlok told them.
"You're, you're a bloodbender?" Korra suddenly realised in all the pain and Ms Marvel was more than shocked.
"Very observant." Tarrlok told them.
"B..Blood bending!" Ms Marvel groaned as she remembered something like this from reading Jinora's books specifically when Aang and his friends were travelling the Fire nation to meet up with the invasion force. Only to cross paths with an old woman who wasn't who she appeared to be.
Korra knew this technique as well, but something seemed off about this. Namely the absence of one thing required for the technique to work. "It's not a full moon!" She groaned from all the pain. "How... how are you doing this?!"
"There are a lot of things you don't know about me." Tarrlok said and without a word he blood bent the two flinging them across the slamming right into a pillar. Korra was knocked unconscious. Ms Marvel tried to get up and fight the man controlling the blood in her veins. She summoned what strength she had to try and walk towards Tarrlok. However he moved his arms to strengthen the Bloodbending control on her even twisting her body like pretzel as she screamed in pain still trying to fight. Until finally she collapsed on the ground and lost consciousness.
Korra saw a vivid sight of Ms Marvel being picked up by Tarrlok only to pass out.
Suddenly she saw a new vision. It was of a man with his eyes bulged out and an older looking Sokka yelling in pain, it was clear he was being blood bent. Even an older looking Toph tried to metal bend her cables but to no avail as she was also under the blood benders influence. Even an older looking Avatar Aang was reaching out trying to reach the sadistically laughing Bloodbender.
Suddenly Korra shot awake, she looked around and saw she was in what looked like the back of a truck she was bound in ropes. Suddenly Ms Marvel was flung into the truck also completely passed out and her wound was bleeding.
"Kamala!" Korra gasped in horror.
"She put up far more of a resistance to my bending than you did. It is very rare." She looked up and saw Tarrlok in the trucks rear doors.
"Where are you taking us?" Korra demanded in her bound state.
"Somewhere no one, not even The Avengers will find you." Tarrlok answered Say goodbye to Republic City Avatar Korra. You and Ms Marvel will never see it again!"
Korra yelled in a rage as fire erupted from her mouth like a dragon but Tarrlok was quick to shut the doors before it reached him.
"You can't do this! Let me out!" Korra screamed just was Tarrlok started the Satomobile/truck and started driving away from City Hall. "Garh!" Korra screamed.
Korra tried again and again to slam down the doors to no effect. Just then she heard a groaning sound and saw Ms Marvel was coming around.
"Kamala! Are you okay?" She asked greatly worried.
"Korra?" Ms Marvel said groggingly, she suddenly realised she was tied up by her hands and feet and couldn't move. "Wha..whats going on! Where's Tarrlok?!"
"He knocked us out with Bloodbending and now he's taking us somewhere I don't know where." Korra said. "I..I'm so sorry Kamala I shouldn't have got you involved in this."She said nearly in tears.
"No its not your fault our friends needed us and I wanted to help. But..wha..whats going to happen? Are we going to be okay?" Ms Marvel asked The Avatar could see she was clearly terrified having been through this situation before.
"Kamala, listen we're going to be okay. I promise you I'm going to get us out of this." Korra vowed to her but could see a lone tear escaping Kamala's eyes. "I hope." She said under her breath as they were being taken away to a location unknown. Little did they know that Task Master watched from the roof tops.
He activated the com channel in his helmet. "Inform MODOK, it looks like we have an opportunity in play."
TO BE CONTINUED.
Authors Notes: DUN DUN DUN! So Tarrlok reveals his true colours at last, and hey if you think MODOK was the strange voice in his ear, you've all got another thing coming. But now what will become of Korra and Ms Marvel now, will The Avengers discover the truth and help their friends. Find out in the next chapter. Which will be up soon. A wise man once said patience is its own reward.
Until next time AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!
