Disclaimer: I do not own the Avatar world, that is all owned by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko.
—
Chapter 18
Revolution
Inside the Resistance's base. The rebels were hard at work preparing for the defence of their bases. Which in particularly was used as a supply and weapon storage. Most were readying trucks for the moving rebels to be transported on. Which would depart at discreet varied intervals to avoid detection from the Dai Li who might be watching the roads out of Kang City. They were in a particular rush to depart while it was still night. However, the base had a tense, somber mood over it as they worked.
Bara Beifong oversaw their progress from a higher platform. Face carefully blank as he tried to concentrate on their current efforts. Yet found his mind constantly wandering towards the morning. How quickly things went right… then wrong.
"Wikilow hasn't been Benji Beifong for a long time…! And you need to understand and accept that! Or you might lose your family again!" The air bender girl's words echoed through his mind. Bara reached into his coat and pulled out the photo he had shown his nephew earlier. Only this time he unfurled it back to reveal two other figures standing a fair distance away, himself and another man, his now deceased brother-in-law.
Bara found himself fixated by the photo, longing for happier times long past. Until his daughter tapped his shoulder, concerned.
"…Hey Dad… are you alright?" She asked, eyes wavering and hands folded behind her back. Bara in turn hurriedly stuffed the photo back into his coat.
"I'm fine, Yulan." He reassured with an attempt at a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"…If you say so. Our ride's leaving by the way." Yulan informed with sad eyes.
"Right, let's get going then." Bara quickly stated, proceeding to walk down to the transports with Yulan. Bo was already inside their designated truck, helping Yulan board. Bara climbed on himself, but before he rolled the door down, a frantic voice called after them.
"Wait up! Wait up!" Hark yelled in a panic, sprinting towards them in a huff. Panting, the engineer adjusted his goggles and scarf nervously.
"Hark? I thought you were going to stay behind and watch things over." Yulan said from over his shoulder, peeking her head out of the truck.
"I-I changed my mind. Wa-wanted to come and check the defences out and all… just in case!" Hark wheezed out, hunched over. Bara looked back behind him before shrugging and offering his hand to the engineer.
"Okay Hark, you can ride with us to the base." Bara stated as Hark took his hand gratefully.
"Thanks…" The engineer expressed, bringing his scarf up to cover his mouth and nose. No one seeing the sadistic grin it hid underneath, or the cunning glint behind his tinted goggles.
As the truck flared to life and began moving out into the open world. It was ominously silent as they rode, the occasional bump in the road vibrating through the vehicle. Hark tried to start up conversation, but most of the other occupants offered half hearted responses at best.
A little over halfway into the trip, Bara observed his family's sullen and worried faces for the thousandth time.
"Chin up, we've been through worse than this. It'll be fine." He told the two in an attempt to lighten their spirits.
"Yeah Dad, thanks." Yulan replied with a genuine grin on her face. "I'm just thinking about… you know." She explained, though everyone could tell what she was trying to say.
"Aren't we all?" Bo asked out loud. Hark bent over, resting his elbow on his knee and his cheek in his gloved hands.
"Ah… I'm sure Benji's long out of the area by now. There's nothing to worry about." The engineer cheerfully reported, not receiving a response from the family. They looked at each other, all probably recalling the morning's events. Then all looked at the floor. After what felt like hours but was really a minute, Bara lifted his head.
"…Wikilow…" He whispered.
"Hmm?" Hark went, turning his head towards the Resistance leader.
"…You mean Wikilow, Hark." Bara quietly repeated.
And at that second the truck was pulled from the road and onto its side.
—
In the distance, explosions could be heard. Shocking Elsi and Arlo, who had been peacefully sleeping against the mountain's summit out of their slumber. Both frantically looked around and got up, alert for any danger. Gale jumped up, flapping their wings and flying off at the sudden movement. They were in such a state of disarray, that both benders ran into each other.
"Ow…" The two went, clutching their heads before ducking down as another explosion was heard.
"What was that?" Arlo shouted, looking around.
"I think it's coming from the other mountain side!" Elsi loudly answered, pointing at the area in question, which shook the night sky. Looking at the area, then each other, both Elsi and Arlo shared the same thought. "I…I'm going to check it out." The air bender told her companion, backing away before jumping up in a spin. A small tornado forming under her as she flew away to investigate. Gale by her side as she cut through the air. "Keep an eye on Wikilow! I'll be right back!" Elsi called out before she left.
"I will!" Arlo responded, waving his hand in the air. Afterwards, he walked up to Wikilow and lightly shook the Avatar. "Dude… what's taking you so long?" He muttered, looking back behind him.
—
Wikilow's surroundings began morphing again. Before long, he was standing in a small bamboo forest, small rays of the afternoon light shining through the leaves of large green stalks. The wind swirled in front of him, fallen leaves and sticks clustering together to form a figure. Details quickly made themselves clear on the body which stood two heads taller then Wikilow.
Short black hair on a white powdered face. Wearing the dark green clothing of a fighter. A golden headpiece on their head.
It was a figure Wikilow knew. A figure he had respected and learned about all his life.
"Avatar Kyoshi." Wikilow saluted, kneeling down and lowering his head as he would to the Dai Li's head. "It is the upmost honour to meet you." He mechanically rehearsed like he would say to any superior. Avatar Kyoshi looked down at Wikilow with a stoic face, not speaking.
"Wikilow…" She firmly acknowledged. A twinge of sadness flashed through her face as she motioned for him to rise, then dissipated just as quickly. The two earth Avatars stood there, watching each other in silence. Patiently waiting for the other to speak.
"…Avatar Kyoshi, if I may be permitted to question. What is the purpose of our meeting?" Wikilow asked his superior. Unsure if he should speak or not. Such action in the Dai Li would result in harsh punishments. Back then he would be addressed first before being given some sort of order or assignment.
"That, I will show you." Kyoshi resolutely answered, the ground smoothing out beneath them to form metallic walls. Wikilow examined their new surroundings, tilting his head. Multiple figures suddenly came into view, all dressed the same and silent. The figures were uncannily synchronized in their movements and earth bending.
"Is this the initial stages of the Dai Li during your lifespan?" He asked Kyoshi, who looked at the group with a somber look.
"It is." She curtly answered, not looking at him but at a lone figure herding through the formations. The past Avatar Kyoshi with a stoic face, personally mentoring the Dai Li recruits. "I created the Dai Li to protect the Earth Kingdom's culture. I could never have imagined what a corrupt and vile organization it would become with time." The tall woman said bitterly, eyes narrowing into snake like slits.
"You disagree with how the Dai Li is currently run." Wikilow questioned, looking from the past to present Kyoshi.
"Indeed." Kyoshi darkly spat out.
"…People and society change over time. It is only natural that the current system may differ to your disliking." Wikilow defended, hands stiff by his sides. "You wish to persuade me of the Dai Li's failures." He shortly stated, gazing at the recruits.
"To show you that it is not what you believe it is." Avatar Kyoshi explained, her presence dominating the room. "But I am aware that I am not the one who is capable of doing so." She finished, briefly closing her eyes, as if blocking the sight of the Dai Li out. She was ashamed of her creation.
"I fail to see your point., Avatar Kyoshi." Wikilow said in monotone, bringing his head back up. The area once again began to fade and shift into new scenery.
"Wikilow." The Dai Li's founder echoed as her form began to diminish from view. "Do not let others dictate your own life." Avatar Kyoshi said to him as she vanished.
—
He blinked as the scene solidified into what appeared to be an old Ba Sing Se. Another memory he presumed as he turned around. Searching for another of the past Avatars. They came to him first, an old man speaking his name from behind him. Wikilow turned to find an elderly male dressed in red and black. The fire nation insignia planted on his clothing.
"Avatar Roku." Wikilow acknowledged, politely bowing to his predecessor. "You will attempt to change my allegiances." He surmised, staring up at the older man with a blank expression. Roku in turn gave a grave nod.
"It has been many centuries since the Avatar has been so strongly manipulated by an outside force." The fire nation Avatar stated with a focused stare directed at him.
"I am not being manipulated." Wikilow defended, shaking his head. Roku simply began walking away, with Wikilow following after amid the large crowd of Ba Sing Se. It was different walking through the bustling capitol in open daylight. Wikilow being much more accustomed to travelling within the dark alleyways and shadows. It was odd that no one looked at him without a nervous second glance. Then again no one but Avatar Roku could see him. Eventually they began to get further out from Ba Sing Se's centre, moving into the familiar atmosphere of Ba Sing Se's lower ring.
They navigated the unpaved, unkept and abandoned buildings and roads. The taste of ash and sickness in the air. Fear and despair coursing through the bitter winds and hollow clouds. Unfortunately, it was actually an improvement from what the present lower ring slums resembled.
"It has always saddened me to see how this part of the city has only worsened with time." Avatar Roku sorrowfully expressed, eyes closed at the sight of children thin as skeletons, covered in grime with dead looks on their faces. Pitifully tiny, chipped cups and tins before them.
"The Dai Li has made the crime rate nearly non existent in the city. That is an improvement." Wikilow pointed out, eyes only slightly lingering on the scene.
"Oh?" The older of the two went, glancing at the younger Avatar.
"Yes, the Dai Li's methods are most effective in maintaining order." Wikilow answered highly in monotone, staring ahead.
"This effectiveness stems from an intense fear of the consequences though." Roku sternly argued.
"An effective derivative to counter potential lawbreakers." The younger of the two defended with a slight nod of his head.
"The people are afraid to do anything." Roky fiercely countered.
"It's a better alternative to death." Wikilow continued, tilting his head.
"Is it?" Avatar Roku questioned, staring up at the ashen sky. "There are fates worse than death in this world." The elder of the two advised, a wise resigned look adorning his features.
"Worse than death?" Repeated Wikilow, perplexed by the statement. Roku ignored him as they sidestepped into a maze of back alleys. Exiting from a small cranny, the older Avatar stretched out his hand. Signalling to Wikilow to stop. Said person looked around, only seeing an identical street to all the others in the lower ring. Not a soul in sight.
"What do you intend to show me?" He asked.
"Watch." Was the haunted answer he received.
In the distance a petite woman dressed in rags scampered onto the street. Nervously looking behind herself as she speed walked, hugging her arms when a sudden chill passed. The small echo of footsteps was heard following the woman. Gasping, she spun around so quickly, her long unkempt hair was flung into her eyes, making her shake a bit to get it out. When the woman's vision cleared, no one was there. Gulping, she continued on her uneven way.
But what the woman did not see, was the Dai Li agent at her back. The agent mercilessly gripped her shoulder and used his free hand to cover her mouth, muffling the woman's terrified screams. In seconds, another agent emerged from a separate alley and assisted with dragging the weakly struggling woman away. Her eyes bulged with fear as she twisted and pulled, attempting to escape their iron grip to no avail.
Watching the scene Wikilow maintained a blank expression. Something in him instinctively activating and placating him, as if it were another training session during his youth.
And then a younger, more agile Avatar Roku flew into the street from atop the rooftops. Proceeding to knock the Dai Li agents away from their captive, who began to desperately flee the area. The two agents took one look at the Avatar before splitting up, retreating. The younger Roku immediately dashed after one of them, easily overcoming their measly defence against him. Afterwards, knocking the agent unconscious and dragging them infront of the Earth King.
"The Earth King looked just as surprised as I was back then." Avatar Roku explained to Wikilow as the scene changed once more. "He genuinely assured me he would investigate the matter thoroughly. Later, I was told that it was just a small personal matter of new agents abusing their powers. How right and wrong he was." The older man continued, sending a seething glare at the advisor beside the Earth King, an old head of the Dai Li.
"Then it was just that. An inconsequential personal matter that was quickly dealt with." Wikilow noted.
"Was it?" Roku asked critically. The immaculate structure of the palace began to peel away, revealing metal corridors and walls. The two Avatars descended in an elevator shaft. The whirring and shifting of the gears haunting their descent.
"Correct. And if that wasn't the case then the Dai Li were surely justified in their actions. That woman perhaps had been a criminal or partook in suspicious activity that warranted investigation. Also…" Wikilow trailed off, finding that Avatar Roku was gone from the elevator.
—
Wikilow tilted his head before exiting the elevator alone. The corridor was straight, leaving him with only one option forward. From the quality of the structure, Wikilow guessed that it was the old headquarters under Lake Laogai. Long abandoned and dismantled by his time. Eventually the corridor split into two identical yet opposing hallways. He heard the sound of faint disgruntled voices from his left so he approached.
Soon Wikilow came across an open door, a single glass panel overseeing a small chamber. Inside, multiple agents were observing the panel. Wikilow looked to the agents and then at the window from the doorway. Proceeding to slowly approach the view himself.
Inside the dark chamber a gaggle of women stood perfectly still. Bodies like statues, forced smiles frozen on their face as some sort of light spun around them. Somewhere in the dimmed light a single agent spoke commands to them. Which in turn the woman absorbed like sponges to water.
Suddenly, Wikilow got an intense headache and backed away from the glass. Touching his head and briefly closing his eyes to recollect his thoughts. Upon opening them, dull green met dark grey. Wikilow hurriedly blinked and looked up to find an older man with blue arrows running down his forehead and arms. He had a small tamed brown beard and wore the traditional robes of the air nomads.
"Avatar Aang." Wikilow said, still in bland monotone.
"A pleasure to meet you, Wikilow." Aang cheerfully replied, a small smile on his face. That was shortly lived however, as the older mans face turned serious and grim. "You saw correct?" He asked Wikilow, gesturing to the window. The younger of the two having a slow nod in response.
"Some sort of subliminal messaging-" He gauged before Aang cut him off.
"Brainwashing." Aang shortly stated. Wikilow nodded again, watching the eerie scene. "They kidnapped woman and brainwashed them. Turned them into mindless propaganda puppets. The Joo Dee." The older of the two sombrely explained. Wikilow immediately caught his use of past tense. "When the war ended I did some work on ending the process." Aang went.
"Correct, this practice… this practice is no longer employed by the Dai Li. It is in the past." Wikilow swiftly defended, though a crack of doubt formed in his mind. He had not known about any form of mind alteration or control.
Not in the present or past.
Then the metal floors began to crack and turn rocky. The room began to warp and transform again. Wikilow looked at Aang's sad face, and caught one last glimpse at the doll-like eyes of the women before they faded out.
They were in a cavern of sorts. Most likely the ancient crystal caves under Be Sing Se. A younger Aang and his companions ran into view. Chasing them was a fire nation girl. She wore a golden emblem on the Fire Nation royal family. Leading Wikilow to believe it was the late Princess Azula during the Hundred Years War. The enemies battled each other for some time. The Avatar and his companions seemingly gaining the upper hand during the fight.
And out of the ground and tunnels the Dai Li surrounded them.
"I was unaware the Fire Nation had infiltrated the capitol." Wikilow stated, tilting his head. The scene continued, with the Dai Li fighting the Avatar's group. "Did you do something to warrant the Dai Li's suspicion?" The younger Avatar asked his senior.
"…Kind of." Aang quietly replied, eyes focused on the action.
"This situation is favourable for your cause. Fire Nation royalty would make an extremely useful hostage in the war." Wikilow observed, noting the numerical advantage the Dai Li had. No matter how skilled the princess was, capture was inevitable.
However, his expectations were subverted in the most unexpected way possible. The Dai Li were solely focusing on Aang and his companions. Leaving the Fire Nation girl alone, even defending her. They were fighting with her.
"This… does not make any sense… I don't understand." Wikilow quietly stated, head lowered as Azula and the Dai Li cornered the group. "The Fire Nation was the Earth Kingdom's enemy. They have an opportunity to gain a massive advantage. Why would the Dai Li side with them?" Wikilow questioned, eyes wide.
"Avatar Aang and his companions are criminals. Princess Azula is secretly on the Earth Kingdoms side and is helping them… "
No that doesn't line up with historical records of her… "
The Dai Li are focusing on the bigger threat first… "
"That doesn't work, Avatar Aang is publicly known for being on the Earth Kingdom's side of the war… And their numbers are more than enough to handle both possible threats…"
"Why are they helping the Fire Nation?"
"I was never told about any of this… Why, why, why!"
Wikilow's mind raced through possibility after possibility, theory after theory, justification and defence for the Dai Li's actions. Suddenly he was overcome by another headache, clutching his temples he stumbled. One of his eyes twitched while static seemed to fill his mind. Wikilow's senses seemed to numb away.
Until he felt a hand on his shoulder, dragging him back into reality. Blinking, Wikilow's breath steadied as he straightened his form. Aang's hand didn't leave his shoulder. After what felt like an eternity his senior released his hold.
"…There's surely a logical explanation for this. There has to be." Wikilow continued to defend, refusing to let himself doubt the Dai Li.
"The Dai Li simply chose to follow the more powerful person at the time. They do not, and never had any true allegiances to the Earth Kingdom or 'peace' Wikilow." Aang explained, trying to get through to Wikilow.
"I… I do not believe that." Wikilow reiterated, voice even despite his inner turmoil.
"You're a logical, level headed person, Wikilow. Think." Aang pushed, face serious yet still radiating a wise feeling. "Look back on everything the Dai Li have done. Can you really justify all of that?" Aang continued, determined.
"Why did the Dai Li want Elsi killed? Were they right to do that?" His mind asked. "It was a mistake." Another part of his mind mechanically defended. Flashes of memories of distressed people. How many, so many people dislike, hate the Dai Li, what they do. "Is it still a simple mistake?" The other part of his mind went.
"I… I…" Wikilow went, pulling his eyes shut in denial. Hiding in the darkness if his mind in a futile attempt to block the noise out. But, he was at the point where he couldn't lie to himself.
"…I… I can't…" Wikilow relented with a resigned sigh, arms drooping uselessly from his face to rest at his sides.
When he looked though, Avatar Aang had already vanished. And white overtook his vision.
—
Speckles of dark ocean blue and black twinkled above like stars. In increasing levels of speed it spread above like a spider's web. Scraps of the white canvas fell down to the ground, dissolving mid air on their numerous descents. Soon the sky was painted with the northern lights and the scraps turned into snow, impaling Wikilow's form, though he didn't feel cold.
He stood in a ring where the snow seemed to lessen. The other side being occupied by his direct predecessor. Wikilow turned to face her, eyes half closed.
"…You have made your point. What more is there to discuss, Avatar Korra?" He shouted, form rigid yet withdrawn. Her answer surprised him.
"The Beifong family." Korra simply stated, the invigorating tundra wind flowing through her hair and clothes. Wikilow blinked, confused and tilted his head to the side.
"What about them?" He inquired.
"I knew them." Korra replied with a fond look in her eyes. In the snow, memories reflected off the white surfaces. Of the many encounters the past Avatars had with the Beifong family.
"I am aware of that fact." Wikilow said in turn, briefly glancing at the various recollections. "However, my identity as Benji Beifong is comparable to my relationship with you. I do not recall anything of importance about it." He dryly explained. Korra sent him a sympathetic look, shuffling from foot to foot. She stared up at the northern night, briefly lost in her memories for a moment.
"I know you and the Beifong family aren't really on the best terms right now…" She awkwardly understated. "But… please, give them a chance." Korra asked of him, tone uncharacteristically soft.
"They do not see Wikilow." The younger of the two responded.
"Yeah… but I'm sure with time they'll grow to understand." Korra said with a small sigh. "They're a stubborn bunch, that's something that will never change. But they're all good people." Avatar Korra finished, strong and determined in her words. Wikilow was silent for a moment. The only sound being the howling wind and piling of snow.
"…I never thought otherwise." Wikilow told his predecessor. Avatar Korra gave him a warm smile, a bright, passionate smile that shone through the cold tundra climate.
And then it all faded to white.
—
Wikilow slowly opened his eyes, half expecting to see some other spirit realm or Avatar. However, he was back on the mountain, still in his meditation form which he swiftly maneuvered out of. Arlo immediately ran toward him in a panic, intriguing Wikilow.
"Wikilow!" Arlo loudly called as he got in the Avatar's face. But instead of answering, he took a quick look around and observed the different colour of the sky.
"How long was I gone?" Wikilow curtly asked the fire bender, taking a few long strides backwards to give him space.
"About a day, dude…" Arlo hurriedly answered before trailing off, formulating his next words. Wikilow noted his companions dissolved demeanour and look.
"Did something happen… and where is Elsi…or Gale?" Wikilow questioned after noticing their absences. Before Arlo could explain, Elsi and Gale themselves landed back on the summit. A rapid tornado swirling out of existence as they reached the ground. Gale proceeded to fly around the group as Elsi caught her breath. The air bender stumbled a bit as she approached the group, obvious concern on her face.
"What's going on over there?" Arlo asked as Wikilow helped Elsi down against the summit. Wikilow looked up, offering both of them a puzzled expression. Elsi opened her mouth to respond before giving a somber glance at Wikilow. Taking a breath to gather her thoughts, she began.
"The Resistance, they're being ambushed by the Dai Li. And they're losing… losing pretty badly." The air bender informed, directing their attention towards the opposite mountains, where the sound of explosions could be heard in the distance.
"Oh.. I see." Wikilow responded, gaze fixated at the mountains. An unsure look fluttered into his eyes. "That's…" He began but the words couldn't make it out of him. "Very good…" He finished unconvincingly in his mind, recalling everything he had learned.
"We have to do something!" Arlo shouted, wildly gesturing with his arms.
"Arlo's right." Elsi agreed, face hard as she moved to stand beside them. "Wikilow…?" The air bender asked the Avatar, voice hesitant.
"We're wasting time, lets go guys!" Arlo called to them, already making his way down the mountain. Wikilow took a step forward as if to stop them, but froze.
His eye twitched.
He took a deep breath to calm himself. Inside Wikilow's mind his thoughts warred against each other.
"I should let the Dai Li do their job… They're in the right… they're always in the right."
"But they're not.. are they? After everything I just saw from them…"
"What do I do? Do I go against everything I've known my entire life? Everything that's been taught and drilled into me?"
"What's right, what's wrong?"
Nothing felt right or wrong, good or bad.
It was so terribly confusing. But, he didn't have time to think.
"Arlo… hold on!" Wikilow called out, stopping the fire bender in his tracks.
"What?" He yelled back.
Wikilow slightly hesitated before he continued, closing his eyes. Upon opening them, they were glowing white.
"That'll take too long." He explained, making a storm of wind around the group, pulling Arlo back up the pathways. He gestured to Elsi to follow suit as he lifted them all off the ground and into the open air. Gale flew up with them. "Let's go!" Wikilow said to them, quickly moving towards the mountains and action. His companions gave him looks of extreme surprise.
"Wait… what are you doing?" Arlo shouted, as he worriedly looked at the ground below. Elsi shared a similar sentiment, though the beginning of a proud smile decorated her face as she put the pieces together.
Wikilow gave each of his companions a long stare each as they flew before shortly answering.
"…What my instinct is telling me is right."
—
Bara Beifong groaned as his vision came back to him. He groggily grumbled before the smell of smoke reached him. Instantly, his mind recalled the truck being flung over. Mind instantly going to his family and Hark. Bara proceeded to fling himself onto his back, wincing in pain as his body screamed. But the Resistance's leader was stubborn, and he pushed himself onto his knees and hands.
Bara's vision was still considerably blurred, but he could make out the sight of fire and chaos surrounding him. He had landed in a small ditch by the road, hidden to most of the rebels and Dai Li agents. The truck was just a few feet away in the ditch. Absolutely wrecked.
"Yulan!" Bara cried, stumbling onto his feet, and leaning against the ditch's side, fighting against the intense pain. Willing his body to move, he struggled to the truck. One of the doors was missing, the other was barely hanging onto the vehicle's remains. But there was nothing, no one inside.
The man began to move further through the ditch, past the ditch for a few minutes. Observing the fighting going on around him. All the trucks appeared to have been forcefully pulled over, wreckage lying in the grass. Dai Li fought rebels, many having abandoned the headquarters and raced outside to help their fallen comrades. Many of whom were being rounded up by the agents.
They were losing.
"An ambush…" Bara realized as he heaved along. Though tired, he began thinking up strategies to salvage the operation. Until he felt an injured hand on his shoulder. Tense, Bara whipped around, though he instantly regretted the action when the pain spiked up. Letting out a gasp he fell on his back. However, he was relieved to find a familiar face.
"Hark…" Bara rasped, a weak smile on his face.
"B-Bara… are-are you al-alright.. w-wait no… obviously you're n-not." Hark worriedly muttered, waving his hands infront of him. He wasn't in any better condition though. His scarf was torn up and his goggles were cracked and crooked. There were multiple injuries and blood on the engineer, though nothing too serious or life threatening.
"I'll be fine… Hark… relax." The older man assured the engineer. Getting into a sitting position against the ditch and taking another breath. "What happened? Where's Yulan and Bo?" Bara fiercely questioned through grit teeth.
"I-I don't know… s-sir. I j-just woke up a-alone and f-found you… sir." Hark told him, coughing when a mountain of dirt flew over them.
"Damn!" Bara scowled, hair clinging to his face. "They're fine… they're fine! They have to be fine!" He reassured himself and Hark, mostly himself.
"W-what are we-we g-going to do-do s-sir?" Hark nervously sputtered, clumsily messing with his goggles.
"We got to regroup and retreat fast… Help me up with you?" Bara rasped, holding a slightly shaky hand out.
"Right…" The engineer agreed and used both hands to support the older man. He hulled Bara's arm over his shoulder. They walked a few steps before Bara was roughly thrown to the ground again.
"ARGH!" The Resistance leader snapped out, writhing on the dirt floor. "Hark… what was that?" He yelled to the sheepish engineer, struggling to keep his voice even.
"S-S… sorry… sir…" Hark replied, scampering over to help the man. He reached his hand out for Bara to pathetically grasp. However, when the leader reached out, Hark calmly pulled it away.
"…Hark?" Bara asked, hand falling to the floor as Hark leaned over him, scarf just above his side.
"Sorry, Bara. No can do." Hark slyly stated without stuttering, a crooked menacing smile on a confidant face.
"…Hark… this isn't funny!" Bara angrily snapped.
"I'm not playing around, Mr. Beifong." Hark said in turn, straightening his back and reaching into his coat. He pulled out a small pocket radio, only slightly damaged. Bara's green eyes widened as realization hit him.
"You…you…you were a spy?"The Beifong breathed out, shock blanketing his pale face.
"Is that really so hard to believe, Bara?" Hark dramatically taunted, really drawing it out. "W…What? Is… is it r…really? St… stuttering H…Hark?" The engineer continued, rubbing salt on the wound and bringing his hands to his face as if frightened. "As ordered by the Dai Li. This entire operation of yours is officially… finally coming to a close." He said with a maniacal grin. He formed a small flaming dagger in his fist, bringing it close to Bara's face. The latter drew in a breath, yet his gaze never wavered. "This…is the end." Hark concluded, moving in for the kill.
However, during his lengthy and unnecessary monologue, Hark never noticed a figure stalking up behind him. Before the wayward engineer could swoop in and finish Bara off, he was struck in the back of the head with a metal plate. Promptly falling unconscious, the radio clattering to the ground.
Bara warily looked up at his saviour. What he saw was a panting Yulan, tightly gripping the plate in shaky hands. Her clothing was slightly torn, worn and burned. Various minor injuries displayed on her body. Bo was with her, who proceeded to entrap Hark in a pillar of earth.
His daughter dropped the plate and ran into Bara's arms.
"DAD!" She cried, tightly squeezing him. "OH… thank freaking spirits you're okay." Yulan rapidly fired out one after the other. Bo sent a murderous glare toward Hark before joining the duo. A small piece of bloody cloth was covering his left eye. "How hurt are you? Can you walk?…" Yulan continued her panicked tirade.
"I'm fine!" Bara answered, shakily forcing himself to stand on his own feet. "But that's not important right now. We have to focus on getting out of this mess!" The resistance's leader ordered. Another explosion was heard beyond the ditch, as many of the resistance fighters had resorted to using the base's explosive units.
"Are you sure you can move right now? Let alone fight?" His family questioned, incredulous. But an understanding passed between the Beifongs. They would fight, no matter the odds stacked against them.
"Gather up everyone you can find and get away." Bara ordered the two. Proceeding to exit the battlefield. Jumping and ducking through the pain. Adrenaline rushed through the older man, numbing any and all pain he felt. "But I'll stay behind and fight to the bitter end, you hear me? I'll buy you as much time as possible." The stubborn father stated.
Eventually, even after taking out Dai Li agent after agent, the adrenaline began to wear off.
The pain returned to him in droves, making his movements sloppy. Soon he found himself cornered against a large rock by about nine agents. Bara's body was at his max. He prepared for the end, defiantly refusing to close his eyes while facing the enemy.
But it never came.
Bara's first thought immediately was that he was going to be taken prisoner and then publicly executed. However, the agents were blown away in a storm of the four elements. Into the air, pushed away with water and earth. Scorched with fire to keep them down. Bara's breath caught in his throat.
His nephew, standing in the middle of downed Dai Li agents, eyes glowing white in the Avatar State.
"B… W…I… You…" Bara quietly said to the young man, their eyes meeting as the fighting raged on around them. Yet slowly, it seemed to inexplicably pause. Yulan and Bo watched from a far, shell shocked. Elsi and Arlo helped the rebels fight. The group's presence seemingly causing the Resistance's fighters' hope to flare up.
"…Bara Beifong." His nephew calmly replied.
"You came…" Bara finally said after a long, long pause, swallowing his spit.
Wikilow cut to the chase.
"I… I do not think I can be… ever be… Benji Beifong." He started, making the leader only slightly lower his head. But he would not contest that fact anymore, whether it due to recent events or the pain wracking his body. Bara would accept and acknowledge the young man's identity. "But… could I still get to know… the Beifong family…. as me… Wikilow?" The Avatar asked instead, unsure.
His head snapped back up in surprise. Then Bara's eyes immediately softened. He gave a heartfelt nod.
"Of course." He went warmly, tears filling his green eyes so much like Wikilow's. "Please… please, welcome to the family… Wikilow…" He said tearfully.
"Beifong." Wikilow said back, stunning Bara once more. "Wikilow Beifong." The young man repeated, trying the name out on his tongue. A small remnant of a spark in his lifeless green eyes. Though they didn't appear that lifeless in that moment. "Avatar Wikilow Beifong." Wikilow concluded with a satisfied nod.
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