Air Temple Island - Republic City
Caran POV...
Since the attack against us by Vyra and the Messenger last night, a lot of the city has been abuzz with activity according to Tenzin and Lin. The press and loads of different journalists have posted several different news articles and newspapers already about the event, even having some pictures to go along with it!
Jinora is currently showing me an article from the United Post, a newspaper outlet, that's giving its version of events about the whole thing. Just seeing the headline of the paper makes me stick my tongue out and roll my eyes, already knowing that heads are going to be rolling.
"Wow... I just know Korra is going to freak out," I starts to say.
"WHAT?! 'New Attackers Wipe the Floor with Team Avatar? AVATAR KORRA CAN'T PROTECT US?!' Are you kidding me!" Korra's voice filters out from the dining hall.
"Just like that," I nod with a sigh.
"She's really taking this badly," Jinora says with wide eyes.
"Well, she no longer has a problem with accepting that there are people out there who can beat her in a fight," I reply with a shrug, grimacing. "It's when people think she's not up to it that she gets mad."
Speak of the devil, Korra comes storming into the bedroom with a newspaper held in her hand, Luon trailing behind her and looking at me with an expression that reads: HELP ME!
"Ugh! Can you believe this garbage?!" Korra fumes, pacing around and reading the paper. "'During the surprise attack last night, it seems that Avatar Korra was rendered useless in battle against the Messenger and his mysterious new partner, which have put her skills as the Avatar into question.' Do these people even realize how absurd that is?!"
"Well, we did get our butts kicked," Luon mumbles.
"W- they're saying we're worthless!" she retorts in angry exasperation. "Why is the media always trying to make me seem like a helpless 'damsel-in-distress?!'"
"Media sucks, get used to it."
All four of us look over and watch as Jarik speaks, while walking past us and further down the hallway without breaking a stride. We're silent for a few moments after he disappears before I shrug my shoulders, looking back at the newspaper.
"I suppose he does have a point," I comment.
"How am I supposed to help people as the Avatar if they keep claiming I'm worthless?" Korra demands, running a hand down her face.
"Are you seriously going to go through that depression faze again?" I ask her with a raised eyebrow.
"No," she replies, frowning at me. "You know what I mean!"
"It can't be that bad Korra. Besides, this whole thing isn't your fault," Luon reasons.
"If you say so," she sighs in resignation. "How is Jarik able to deal with being such a well-known figure?"
"Well, I'd imagine the entire galaxy has a lot more people than we do here on just one planet, so he's probably used to criticism," Jinora suggests, shrugging her shoulders. "Besides, he is kind of a war hero, so that pretty much makes him untouchable."
"Yeah, so is the Avatar," I scoff, rolling my eyes.
"Hey!"
"I don't mean you specifically!" I tell her, making wild gestures with my hands. "I mean the Avatar in general! They've been around for as long as people can remember, yet there's always someone trying to kill them."
"Fair point," Korra replies in acceptance.
"Political power can be gained from it to," Luon points out. "They do it all the time. Nothing new."
"What else has this thing said?" I ask, looking at the paper being held by Jinora.
"They've written about the fight and what they know happened, but most of the article talks about Jarik, Vyra, and the Messenger: what they could be, and where they've come from. Also... oh, wow, that's..." Jinora trails off.
"What now?" Korra sighs.
"Oh nothing," Jinora says, but I grab the paper and narrow my eyes at it.
"'Could the Avatar's brother, Caran, actually be a double agent working for these mysterious aliens like the Messenger?' Oh monkey-feathers!" I exclaim, tossing the paper aside and collapsing onto the bed with a groan, bringing my hands to my forehead.
"Now you get what it feels like?" Korra teases.
"Forget that! At least they don't think you're the agent of some deranged maniacs trying to conquer the world!" I shoot back.
"Oh wow!" Jinora comments.
"What?" I ask her.
"It says here that Chief Beifong is planning on holding a press conference later today to explain the situation," she informs us.
"Today?" Luon asks.
"Well that was quick," Korra remarks.
"A-are we supposed to be saying something? I'm from space too! I'm not ready for that!" I say nervously.
"Relax Caran, I'm sure Lin's gonna be doing the talking," Korra says reassuringly.
The door then opens, and we look up to see Tenzin enter the room.
"Korra, Caran, there's going to be a press conference this afternoon to explain the situation regarding Jarik and the Knights of Ren," he states. "Considering how heavily influenced by this you two are, you'll both need to be present."
I give Korra a glare, and she coughs innocently.
"Are we going to be talking?" she asks slowly, giving me a side-glance.
"Maybe a few remarks, but no," he replies, and she shoots me a triumphant look. "Jarik is actually going to be taking front and center after Lin explains what happened."
"Seriously?" I ask.
"Yeah, seriously," Jarik says, leaning against the side of the doorway.
Tenzin jumps briefly at his sudden appearance, but smooths his robes out and regains his typical stern demeanor. Korra and Jinora both giggle at the sight.
"I'm guessing you're kind of used to this stuff," Luon deduces.
"For the most part. I don't like it but, it is what it is. Politics and media is always brutal, but it's typically best to be up front and straightforwards with it, otherwise you'll be getting a whole bunch of conspiracy and distrust," he explains.
"Even for you?" I ask with wide eyes.
"Listen kid, you could be a real saint and completely, 100% total nicest guy in the universe, and you'd still have people who hate you," he says dryly. "that's just how it is when you're a public figure."
"Well that sounds stupid," I comment.
"Sure is," he replies.
Republic City Hall - Reylea
The square in front of City Hall was filled with several hundred people, probably over four hundred at the very least. Up front were a bunch of reporters, photographers and journalists, taking photos and waiting anxiously with their pen and paper, while other citizens stood in the large crowd behind them. A line of police officers stood a few feet behind the podium to provide security, along with a few ex-council members and politicians, including Senator Shuno. It was weird to see Mako standing with the police in his own uniform, but we just went with it.
Me, Korra and Tenzin stood with the assembled off to the side, Korra being the Avatar, Tenzin being a politician (I suppose?) himself, and me because I'm Korra's brother while also a Force user. Lin stood at the podium, gesturing for everyone to quiet down so she could begin speaking.
"As I'm sure you're all aware by now, Avatar Korra and the members of Team Avatar came under a surprise attack from the Messenger, as well as an alien accomplice of his. A reliable source reveals that this new alien is known as Vyra Ren and carries much higher authority than the Messenger, from wherever they originate," Lin starts off. "Luckily, the crisis was averted for now, and the two were forced to flee, thanks to support from a newfound ally of ours."
"How do we know this so-called 'ally' isn't in league with these aliens?" a reporter asks.
I resist the urge to roll my eyes and scoff, Korra feeling much the same way.
"Not long after the Anti-bending Revolution, he introduced himself to us, explaining that he is what people out in space call a 'Jedi.' I have had personal contact with him, and I can assure you that he is no threat to our world," she states firmly.
"Why have the police, the Air family, and Team Avatar kept this secret for so long, specifically in regards to Avatar Korra's brother?" one reporter demands.
"Until the appearance of the Messenger, there was no real danger or reason for revealing that information," Lin replies.
"Are these aliens also responsible for the presence of Avatar Korra's adopted brother, Caran, and why they carry such dangerous powers?" another asks.
"I have no comment," she says.
"How can the people be assured that we're safe when the possible threat of an alien invasion is moments away?" some shouts.
"We're doing everything in our power to capture these criminals, and learn more about these possible threats," Lin reports.
"Who are these aliens? How can the people know this 'Jedi' is of no danger to us?" someone asks.
"How do we know he isn't another Amon?!"
All of these insane questions make it hard not to be irritated, but I do my best to shove it down and push back on negative emotions like Jarik has been telling me. Lin then turns her head to the side and gives a subtle nod, before turning her gaze back on the crowd.
"I have no more comments to give as of now, neither does the police force. However, our new ally was kind enough to come here himself to answer your questions," Lin declares, turning around and gesturing with her arm. "Allow me to introduce Jedi Master, Jarik Shan."
Gasps and surprised murmurs ring out from the crowd as Jarik steps into view and approaches the podium. Dozens of cameras flash while Jarik and Lin stop beside each other for a handshake and exchange a few words. He then steps up to the podium while Lin moves back to stand with the police force.
"Thank you Chief Beifong," he says with a nod, looking out to the crowd. "As she has just stated, my name is Jarik Shan and I'm a member of the New Jedi Order from many star systems away in the galaxy. I'd like to start off by extending my greetings to you all, as I hope to form a positive relationship with your world."
In an instant, a multitude of voices all start asking questions. Most of them are the common, general questions like: "Where did you come from?"
"I come from the Galactic Republic, which is a government system not that unlike to your own United Republic of Nations, only it spans across countless planets to maintain peace and prosperity among its citizens."
"What does your title of 'Jedi Master,' mean?"
"As a Jedi, I carry an ability known as the Force. Every Jedi carries a different rank within the Order, such as Padawans, Knights, and Masters. Because of my greater experience, knowledge, and power in the Force, I'm assigned the rank of Master."
"How many more of you are there up in space?"
"There aren't as many Jedi as one would think. We're still a growing organization at the moment," Jarik replies with a small smile. "In regards to much broader questions however, there are thousands of planets in the galaxy much like yours, with people of their own."
"Thousands?!"
"How are we supposed to protect ourselves from your planets if some prove to be dangerous?" a reporter demands.
"This planet isn't known to the public where I'm from, so there's no reason for you to worry about that. The only danger at the current moment is Vyra Ren and her acolyte, who you know as Messenger," he explains.
"Are the Messenger and Vyra Ren members of your Jedi Order?" somebody questions.
"No, they aren't aligned with the Jedi," Jarik states firmly. "They are known as the Knights of Ren, a group of Force-users that practices a darker side of the Force, seeking domination and power. They serve a higher political regime known as the First Order."
"What danger does the First Order represent?"
"The First Order is mostly the remnants of an Empire that had previously ruled over the galaxy many years ago before its defeat," he explains. "As of right now, tensions between the New Republic and the First Order have led to a Cold War."
"Why would the First Order target our planet if we're mostly unknown?"
"The leader of the First Order, a being named Snoke, seeks to control your world for a multitude of reasons which I won't reveal at this time. However, I do not believe that an invasion is not a pressing concern for the moment. Your planet is unique because your population possesses the art of bending. The Messenger was an agent sent by Snoke to use Amon as a tool so they could get rid of it, thus making an invasion easier."
There's a murmur throughout the crowd as Jarik reveals that part, before more questions are asked.
"If bending is unique to our planet, then what gives you and the Avatar's brother this power you call 'the Force?'" a reporter asks. "Is it also a unique form of bending?"
"No, the Force isn't a bending form," he informs them. "Most people throughout the galaxy don't carry it, much like how some of your population consists of 'nonbenders.' However there are a select few who are born with a stronger sensitivity than others. Korra's younger brother, Caran, is an example of that."
I shrink down timidly for a moment as attention is momentarily drawn to me, and Korra pats my shoulder comfortingly.
"When did you come here, and why?" a reporter asks.
Jarik remains silent for a moment as he goes through his thoughts before responding.
"For a long time, I've been searching for your planet on the basis of simple legends and folklore, to confirm its existence and protect it from others out there with bad intentions," Jarik explains, looking out at everyone. "Upon my arrival it was clear that Snoke's agents have already found it, and I was even more surprised to find another Force user in the presence of Caran."
He takes a moment before continuing.
"Without a teacher of his own, Caran could only progress so far, and he wouldn't be able to face enemies much like last night. That's why I've decided to remain here, so that he can learn everything he needs to know about the Force, and to keep your world from falling under the First Order's rule."
Air Temple Island - Republic City
Throughout the rest of the press conference, Jarik didn't say too much more of anything that was new, just answering some of their questions with basic answers. I could tell that plenty of people were annoyed or upset when he would decide not to give an answer on certain questions, such as when they asked on a more personal level. He wouldn't go too in depth with anything either, especially about the real reason why Snoke wants Reylea, which I can understand for the most part.
After that was all finished, Lin closed it out with a few more comments before everyone dispersed, the police keeping the crowd of reporters back at a distance as they tried surge closer, shouting more questions. We then headed back to Air Temple Island to rest for the remainder of the day. I still had some things I wanted to talk to Jarik about from what Qui-Gon told me.
"Hey Jarik?" I ask, stepping into the guest room where he's sitting on the bed, reading something.
"Yeah?" he replies, looking up.
"Could I talk to you for a minute?"
"Sure," he says, gesturing to a nearby chair. I sit down, and he looks at me with a thoughtful frown on his face. "I can tell you've got something heavy over your mind."
"Yeah, it's something Qui-Gon told me," I say with a nod.
He narrows his eyes in interest, leaning forwards slightly. "What about?"
"Well, when I spoke to him, he told me all about how Reylea can increase a Force user's power, a little bit about the Messenger, all of that stuff," I start off, and he nods. "He also talked to me about how the planet has different worlds and stuff."
"You mean like the Spirit World?" he replies.
"Yeah, but a lot more. He said they were different 'dimensions,' or 'realities.'"
"Different realities?" he asks in surprise. "What exactly do you mean by that?"
"He said that Reylea's Force power is so strong that it was stretched across a bunch of different realities," I explain, frowning as I try to remember the details. "I think he explained it as those 'realities,' or whatever, still claiming the same exact place as Reylea, only they're completely different worlds. Reylea and the Spirit World are just two of those; he did mention one of them being called Xadia."
Jarik sits on the bed with his hands clasped underneath his chin, a deep frown on his face. He sits there for a while as he thinks about it, and then finally looks back up at me.
"How exactly does the Spirit World connect to Reylea?" he asks.
"Tenzin would be better at this, but I do know that if you are high enough in spirituality then you could cross over through meditation, although only with your spirit. And you can't use bending in the Spirit World," I tell him.
"And the Avatar's role again?"
"The Avatar is meant to be the bridge between the Spirit World and the physical world," I state.
"So both worlds are definitely more connected than the others," he murmurs, slowly nodding his head and sighing. "Are there other was of entering the Spirit World?"
"Not that I know of," I admit.
"If there are multiple realities beyond just the Spirit World connected to yours, then there has to be a doorway somewhere, or a flaw," he states.
"A flaw?"
"I'm no expert on the theory of the Multiverse, but every dimensional plane shares some kind of connection that allows things to crossover. Be it a flaw in hidden barriers, or a direct pathway," he explains.
"Do you think we could find it?" I ask him.
"I don't know if we should," he admits uneasily, silent for a moment before asking a question. "Did Qui-Gon tell you if anybody else knew?"
"I think Snoke does," I tell him.
"I was afraid of that," he sighs. "I'll have to talk to Ahsoka about this."
"Your wife?" I ask.
"Yes. For now though Caran, I don't want you to tell anyone about the existence of these other realities," he says.
"Huh? Why not?" I ask in confusion.
"It's hard enough to understand the full extent of Reylea already, and this would just make it even harder," he explains. "Until I know more, I don't want to risk the possibility of Vyra learning what you know."
"But if Snoke knows, wouldn't she know too?" I point out.
"Probably, but they don't know that we know. And I'd rather not they don't learn that from someone."
"None of us would tell them!" I insists irritably.
"I'm not saying you would. But there are ways a Force user can uncover secrets from an unwilling person, and it isn't pretty," he tells me firmly. "You're the only one so far who would have a chance at repelling their influence."
I blink my eyes in surprise at the statement, a little bit nervous after hearing what he said, but I nod my head in reluctant understanding.
LATER THAT NIGHT
Me, Korra, Tenzin, Luon and Lin all stand in the field on the side of the island, seeing off Jarik since he's about to leave. Apparently he had a way of bring his ship over to him without flying it himself, using something he called a 'droid.' Whatever that is.
"How long will you be gone?" Korra asks.
"A few weeks, give or take," Jarik replies, approaching his ship.
"I hope it won't be too long," I add.
"Don't worry Caran, you haven't gotten rid of me yet," he states with a small smirk.
"I wish you luck in how things will progress in your government Jarik," Tenzin says.
"Jedi don't believe in luck," he replies, and we all blink our eyes in surprise. "At least the old Order didn't. I'm fine with it."
Tenzin sighs in exasperation, while a few of us laugh quietly behind his back.
"One more thing," Jarik adds.
He pulls something out from his belt and then tosses it over to me. Startled, I barely manage to catch it, and then hold it up with a confused frown at the sight of some small circular device.
"What is it?" I ask him.
"It's a transmitter, so that you can call me in a moment if you ever need to," he replies, and we all look at him in surprise.
"All the way across space?" Luon asks incredulously.
"On that tiny thing?" Korra adds.
"Yup. It's simple stuff in the galaxy," he says, nodding. "It takes several hours going through hyperspace to get here but, you can call me whenever."
"Wow, thanks," I tell him with a smile.
"I suppose we can also contact you if we get any new information about the Knights of Ren," Lin states.
"Please do. But for the love of the Force, please do not engage Vyra in battle if you can avoid it," he says seriously. "You saw all what she's capable of, and Caran, you aren't a match for her."
"I understand," I reply with a nod.
"What about the Messenger though? We've dealt with him before," Korra points out.
"You have, but I still think you should be careful," he replies in warning. "He's not as dangerous, but he could have been holding back. Never lower your guard if they show up."
"Very well then Jarik. Safe journeys," Tenzin says.
Jarik gives us a small smile of farewell and then walks towards his ship, the ramp beneath it opening. He steps inside, and a few long moments later the ship lifts off into the air with lots of noise, blowing up a bit of dust and sand from the engines on the back. We cover our faces as it takes off, and then look on as it quickly disappears into a blur of light that hovers high in the sky like a bright star. It sits there for a second, and then zooms away in a flash.
"To think that you arrived in something like that," Korra remarks.
"Problem?" I ask with a raised eyebrow.
"No, no problem," she shrugs in reply. "Gotta wonder what it's like up there."
"Well, we know they have weird skin," Luon comments.
"They're different species Luon. That doesn't mean they're much different from us," Tenzin chides.
"Was I being disrespectful?" he shoots back, before adding: "Sir?"
"If you kids are done messing around, I have to get back to work," Lin states in her usual business mode.
"This late at night?" I ask her.
"Crime doesn't sleep Caran," she replies.
"Hey Lin, maybe we could help with that," Korra suggests, taking a quick step forwards. "You know? Getting Team Avatar back together? Fighting crime?"
Lin looks back at us with narrowed eyes, while Korra, Luon and I all smile at her innocently and hopefully. She sighs in aggravation but reluctantly nods her head in acceptance.
"Fine. But not tonight, you understand?" she demands.
"Yes chief!" we all reply in unison, and Korra grins at her, giving a salute.
Lin walks away grumbling while Tenzin sighs, looking down at us with a raised eyebrow.
"You know this doesn't excuse you from airbending practice right?" he tells Korra.
"Yeah yeah, I know. Air, win, blah blah blah," Korra replies with a dull groan, waving her hand in exaggeration.
Tenzin narrows his eyes at her, and Luon chips in, slinging an arm around Korra's shoulders and giving him a wide smile.
"I'll make sure she doesn't miss your lessons if that helps!" he says.
"Wha- who's side are you on?" Korra demands, elbowing him in the stomach.
"You better not be waking me up, or else I'll sick Naga on you," I add with a small smirk.
"You're going to be doing some training of your own Caran. This is not break time for you," Tenzin adds, turning to glare at me.
"What? did you not see the ship fly off with my teacher?!" I exclaim, while Korra snickers at me.
"Oh I did. And Jarik made sure to give me several teaching methods to keep you busy until he returns," he retorts calmly.
I walk away, grumbling to myself while Korra snickers behind me back, Luon walking beside her with his hands in his pockets and trying to appear innocent.
FOUR DAYS LATER
Republic City - Reylea
3rd person POV...
The sounds of fighting and battle could be heard from a warehouse in one of the more 'ghetto' sections of Republic City.
Inside the warehouse, several members of the Agni Kai triad were under siege from a rival crime syndicate, having been subjected to a surprise attack. Six Agni Kai members were kept pinned behind a few storage crates in one corner of the room, shooting out blasts of fire at their attackers, who wore clown masks. The masked thugs had their own variety of benders, ranging from all three different elements. However one of the masked clowns was not a bender, but instead carried a new weapon that many criminals were coming to learn is called a blaster.
"Oh, all the old familiar places," the clown remarks, aiming his blaster and shooting one of the Agni Kai's in the head. "I really like these things..."
"Dakem!" one of the Agni Kai's shouts in alarm when his partner is shot.
"You ready to give it up yet?" one of the clowns asks.
"We're never giving up our territory to the Joker's Gang!" the Agni Kai member shouts furiously.
"Huh. Suit yourself," the clown shrugs.
The masked members of the Joker's Gang all move in closer, some of the earthbenders bringing up walls of earth to block the fire. Before they could progress further however, the windows at the top of the building all smash open, calling everyone's attention to it. Jumping through is Avatar Korra, Caran, and the rest of Team Avatar, Caran having his green lightsaber activated. They all land in the center of the warehouse between both gangs, Luon and Asami having their fall softened with some help from Caran.
"Alright! Which one of you hoodlums is first?" Korra demands with a grin.
The two gangs are silent for a moment, surprised at the sight of Team Avatar, before they all go onto the attack without hesitation. The clown carrying the blaster slowly backs away, muttering to himself before slipping through an exit door without anyone noticing.
"I guess that's a no then," Mako says dryly.
Korra and Bolin both create a rock wall around them all, allowing the first wave of attacks to stop harmlessly against it. Bolin then lowers his side, allowing Mako to shoot out blasts of fire, while Korra simply kicks the entire wall on her side at the clowns. They all leap desperately out of the way, although one unlucky clown gets slammed against the far side of the warehouse. An earthbender throws a boulder at her, but Caran leaps in and slices it apart with his lightsaber.
Asami then moves forwards toward the Agni Kai's with her electric glove sparking, Mako and Bolin right on her heels. She ducks underneath a fiery punch from one and then delivers a few quick jabs to knock him back, and then flips another guy over her shoulders as he tries to blindside her, shocking him on the ground. Mako delivers a swipe of fire to hit one of the thugs, and blocks the flames of another. Bolin enters the fray by ramming into a thug with his shoulder, slamming him against the wall, and then throwing another into the air with a pillar of earth underneath his feet.
"Hah! Enjoy your flight!" he shouts with a grin.
On the other side of the warehouse, Korra, Caran and Luon all charge forwards at the masked clowns. An assortment of water and earth is sent their way, but Korra redirects the water in an icy ball while Caran raises a hand to stop the rocks harmlessly in midair. Korra then kicks the biggest rock he stopped, sending it hurtling into the gut of one of the clowns. He collapses to the ground with a groan of pain, breathless, and then Luon makes his own move forwards. He ducks underneath a water whip and sweeps the bender off of his feet, standing up to block a punch from another.
Caran swings his lightsaber to cut through a volley of rocks, and then raises his arm to blow two earthbenders against the wall. Two waterbenders chuck spikes of ice at Korra, but she deftly slips by and melts the ice into water, flinging it back at them with a grunt. One of the waterbenders is slammed against a wall and frozen there, while the other gets a stream of water underneath his chin in the form of an uppercut, knocking his mask off.
It doesn't take long before all of the criminals are knocked out, the last one collapsing to the ground with a groan when Asami shocks him with her glove.
"Well that was easy," Caran remarks, turning off his lightsaber
"No! Don't you dare jinx it!" Bolin cries out.
From behind a large storage crate, a masked clown quietly sneaks up on Caran without anybody noticing, raising his arm in preparation to shoot a bast of fire. Before he could however, Caran casually raises his arm and blasts him to the Force without even looking.
"Oh," Bolin says dumbly.
"I'll admit, I kinda missed this, even if we only did it for one night before Tarrlok arrested us," Asami remarks, fluffing up her hair. "Beats running a company, that's for sure."
"Yep, nothing brings joy better than kicking the spirits out of a few punks," Korra says with a sigh.
"You scare me sometimes," Luon says, giving her a look.
"And I find that funny!" she chirps happily, slinging her arms around him.
Luon stands there stiffly, unsure of how to respond without fear of setting the Avatar State loose. Caran makes mock gagging expressions while Asami giggles at the sight. Korra takes notice, and makes a face at him.
"The Chief will definitely be happy about this," Mako comments, looking around the warehouse. "Plenty of stuff to look through here I'm sure."
"You think she'll give us a few medals for our 'valor?'" Bolin asks him hopefully.
"It doesn't work that way Bolin," Mako replies with a frown, giving him a look.
"Come on, we've found five different thug warehouses already after just four days of work! That's more than the police did this past week and a half!" he exclaims.
Mako stares at him with an irritated expression, and Bolin falters, before patting his shoulder with a small smirk. "I'm sure you dd your best big bro."
"By the way, you're welcome?" Caran adds, raising an eyebrow.
"I humbly thank you for your expertise and wisdom, oh wise Jedi Padawan," Bolin says with an exaggerated bow.
"I can't believe you're picking up so easily on all of these different criminal hideouts Caran," Asami remarks, sounding impressed.
"Well, Jarik has helped me in furthering my senses, and tapping into Reylea's power to do so," he replies with a sheepish smile.
"No wonder you always found me in hide-and-seek," Korra mutters with a frown.
Joker's Gang HQ - Republic City
Inside a dark room within the headquarters of the Joker's Gang were Vyra and the Messenger, in conversation with each other. Vyra was seated as a desk while Messenger paced around, his arms crossed.
"Jarik Shan has officially revealed himself to the public and exposed our plans," Messenger says with a growl. "What are we supposed to do now?"
"We wait," she replies simply.
"Wait for what? For that young brat to keep interfering with building our forces here?" he demands.
"Need I remind you, that your inability to kill him is what brought us into this mess," Vyra states with deadly calm, giving him an icy glare.
Messenger backs off with a reluctant inclination of his head. "Apologies, master."
"Shan revealing himself and us to the public made be a nuisance, but it is not of much concern," she continues. "According to the Supreme Leader, Shan has returned to the New Republic for the time being."
"Here's not here?" Messenger says in surprise. "Then let's strike the Avatar and her friends now, while Shan is not here to protect them!"
"We will do no such thing, Scar'lok," she says, shooting down the idea. "Killing those children is not our goal... at least, not yet."
"Then what were we doing before, if not trying to kill them?" he asks incredulously. "Did you want for Shan to face us?!"
"It was a test. If you recall, the plan is to keep the Avatar and her friends occupied until the Harmonic Convergence," Vyra states with a glare of contempt, yellow eyes glowing. "She will be needed then, and killing one of their friends will only draw further attention from the Shan's. They would hunt us."
"Hunt us?" he asks doubtfully.
"Don't underestimate their powers when combined, Scar'lok," she warns him. "The Taken King made that mistake, and it cost those vile creatures dearly."
The door then opens up, and they look over to see the Joker walking inside, tossing his clown mask carelessly on the desk with a humph.
"Well, that whole 'Team Avatar' is certainly some nasty business," he remarks, fiddling with his blaster.
"You fought them?" Messenger questions.
"Not really, I just cut my losses and left while I could," Joker replies, straightening his jacket.
"Why would you flee like a coward? You were supposed to gain control of that territory," Messenger growls.
"Hey hey hey, why all the big fuss lizard man?" he asks.
Messenger narrows his eyes with a low growl at the remark and Joker sighs, licking his lips.
"Look, you let me do things my way, and I'll let you do... whatever it is you aliens do. We're business partners, right? You don't run this town. Oh by the way, did you know that the Agni Kai's are total losers?" he suddenly asks, rounding on Vyra. "I nicely asked them if they wanted to join us, and they said no! Can you believe that?"
"Nicely?" she asks, raising a brow.
"Well, I made have shot one of their guys and already started the assault," he admits with a grin, snickering. "B-but that's not the point. You see, I've got a much bigger objective in mind really soon."
"How so Joker?" she questions, intrigued.
"After all of that Amon stuff, which, by the way, he totally stole my clown mask idea, they didn't get much free reign over their territories because of all the chi-blockers, so they actually worked together and shared banks to store their money."
"Are you saying you want to rob them?" Messenger asks with a frown.
"Sure, why not? It'll be fun!" Joker says with a wild grin. "It'll totally get their attention.
Messenger wants to scoff at the idea, but Vyra gives him a hard look before looking back at the Joker, a cold smile on her face.
"That sounds intriguing," she comments.
THE NEXT DAY
Republic City - Reylea
Things in Republic City have been relatively normal ever since the Anti-Bending Revolution ended. And with Team Avatar and the police department continuing their strikes against all of the different criminals and gangs in the city, crime has been dwindling. People feel a lot safer and more comforted, and nonbenders especially don't have to worry as much about the bending triads extorting them for yuans.
Still, that doesn't mean crime is gone.
It's the middle of the day, a time where nobody would think anyone would dare attempt suspicious activity. Yet the window on one of the skyscrapers standing next to a bank is blown open by two criminals inside, both of them wearing clown masks. The thug next to the window gestures to his partner, who pulls out a hook attached to a thin cable. He hands it over, and the first thug looks out at the building beside them for a moment, and then uses metalbending to shoot the hook over to the bank.
Nearby, down in the streets far below, a single man stands at the edge of a curb. He's in a simple gray jacket and gray pants, with a large empty bag slung over his shoulder. He continues to stand completely still, looking down at the ground with his messy green hair partially obscuring his face. In his hand he's holding a clown mask of his own by his side, which is shifted into a scowl.
An eager smirk pulls across the Joker's lips as a van stops in front of him for pickup.
I'm sure you all recognize the last section of this chapter, so you know what that means... The Dark Knight plot line is starting! :D
Once again, I just want to confirm once and for all (I'm sure I've said this before but whatever lol) that Batman DOES NOT exist in the Shaniverse! Not on Reylea, or on Earth! Not at all!
Thank you. :)