A Legend of Korra Fanfic
by Sakura Martinez (aka SMTsukishiro)

Summary:

A promising engineering student. A mysterious woman capable of controlling the four elements. When their paths cross, the resulting collision not only changes their lives and themselves, but the fate of the entire world as well. [Korrasami AU]

Author's Notes:

Welcome back, readers! I hope you all are doing well.

This is another chapter that's leaning on the short side. Still, I hope you enjoy what I have for you guys here.

Allons-y~!

The Legend of Korra:

The Schism

Chapter 24. A Dangerous Game

It was mind-boggling, to say the least. Not to mention utterly ridiculous and pointless. At any rate, that was what Kai thought when the Avatar met them all during breakfast the next day to share with them what she had learned from her communion with the Spirits.

The young steward couldn't fathom the need—nor the reason—why his mistress was willing to follow the words of this mysterious child, traipsing across the United Republic. He couldn't even comprehend the rest of her request to wait for three days before setting out.

Kai was not alone with his frustrations. Even Asami and Opal looked and felt just as annoyed, if not troubled. The journey that—for them was supposed to consist solely of escaping from Republic City to Nia Bayou—had suddenly turned into something of a goose chase. The singular objective they had with Korra had become a list that seemed to be growing with each stop they made.

"Going after her while we're still in United Republic territory is dangerous, Korra," Asami felt the need to remind the Avatar. 'Republic City has branded you a terrorist. If people realize who you are, they wouldn't hesitate to have you arrested, or worse, killed."

"There is not a prison in this planet that could ever hold Avatar Korra," Kai declared proudly, as if it was a feat he, himself, was capable of. "And these plebeians can try, but they most certainly cannot hurt her!"

Asami couldn't help but be amused by the statement which reminded her of her and Korra's first meeting. At that time, the wolf-tailed girl had said something similar. Glancing at Korra, she could tell that the young man's belief made her uncomfortable. Much as how Asami had, in their first encounter, wanted to teach the darker-skinned girl humility, seeing the discomfort that should not have been there affected her in a way she could not explain.

"I realize the risk and the danger this change of plan pose, but I have to find this child and speak with her." She would not budge an inch on this, not when even a Light Spirit found it important enough to allow itself to act as a messenger.

"Why?" Kai asked, almost in tears at the thought of their prolonged absence from Nia Bayou and the consequences it would pose, not just to himself but Lady Senna as well. "Why must we make this a priority? Our return home should be more important, Avatar Korra. Not some wild goose chase."

Korra shrugged, unable to provide a decent answer other than: "I don't know. I just feel that this is something I need to do."

It was not really an acceptable reason but there was nothing the Avatar's Steward could say or do to dissuade his mistress. The young man's countenance deflated at that and he slumped further in his seat, defeated.

Opal—who had, up until that moment, merely listened and observed the flow of conversation—spoke, "Well, as frustrating and dangerous as it is for us, I still find it unbelievably incredible that someone like this girl exists."

"It will certainly turn everyone's heads around back home, especially the Elders and Chieftains." Kai admitted with a frown. "This has never happened before and I doubt anyone even thought it possible."

"I can only imagine how this girl's appearance changes everything," the Historian added, her mind already taking on such imaginings.

The young man scoffed, glaring daggers at Opal as though she had said something insulting. "It changes nothing. Whoever this little girl is, she doesn't hold a candle against Avatar Korra!"

"Calm down, Kai. Opal didn't make any assumptions that this girl would overshadow Korra," Asami found the need to say, hoping it would clear up whatever misunderstanding and distress Opal's words might have caused the young man. "She was merely speaking from a scholar's perspective."

Instead of dousing the embers, the Prodigy's words only served to aggravate the Avatar's Steward further.

"I wasn't speaking to you," Kai said rudely to Asami. To Opal, he asked, "Do you always need someone to speak up for you?"

"Hey!' Opal's reaction was understandable after hearing Kai speak to Asami in such a manner. She was not, however, able to say anything further as Korra beat her to it.

"That's enough, Kai." The Avatar's reprimand was swift. "Apologize to Asami and Opal. Now."

"What?" he was incredulous, looking from Korra to the other two young woman that was sitting around the table with him. "Avatar Korra, you can't be serious! Why should I apologize? I did nothing wrong!"

The frown never left Korra's face even when Kai had—unknowingly or not—began to raise his voice against her. When she spoke, however, there was a tone cold enough to rival that of the polar icecaps—one that was more frightening than if the Avatar had went on and shouted at him.

"I am not deaf, nor am I blind, Kai. I have seen how you've been treating Asami. I don't understand why you have been acting the way you have been, but she didn't deserve to be spoken to like that. And neither does Opal," Said Korra. "They have been a great help to me, and I will not have you—or anyone—disrespecting them. Besides, I find no fault in what Opal said. I, myself, had thought of the same thing."

"You're taking their side?" For a moment, it seemed as though Kai had forgotten who he was addressing. So stunned was he at the turn of events. It was unexpected for him to be chastised by the Avatar for doing his duty.

"There is no sides, Kai. We are all on the same side." Korra replied, confused at how Kai could possibly think they were ganging up on him. "It is not even a question of sides. It's about what's right and wrong, and you were on the wrong, so apologize."

Kai stood up, the legs of the chair he was sitting on scraping on the floor. His gaze did not waver as he met the Avatar's and spoke with indignation, "As the steward appointed to you by the Elders and Chieftains of Nia Bayou, you know I would do anything that you ask of me, Avatar Korra. But apologizing to her—" he glared at Asami, "—I will not do."

He didn't say anything else after that. Instead, Kai stormed out of their lodging's diner and out of the hotel leaving behind an embarrassing and awkward air around the table as other patrons were looking at them and whispering to each other about the argument they had just witnessed. The three young women tried not to pay them any mind, and soon everything went back to normal.

"Okay, I take it back," Opal said, turning to look at Asami who was as red in the face as she was. "You were right about Kai."

"I wish I wasn't," Asami confessed.

Korra sighed and gave a small, sad smile to both of her companions.

"I apologize," she said. "I didn't expect Kai to act the way he did."

"Will Kai be alright, though?" Despite whatever Kai had said or done, Asami was still worried about him. True, he was not as oblivious to the ways outside of Nia Bayou as Korra was, but he still stood out with the clothes he wore. And, judging by his temper, she was worried that she might end up getting into a fight as well.

Korra waved off her concern. "He will be fine. You'll see. He'll be back to his old self before you know it."

Even as Korra assured her, the young prodigy couldn't help being worried, it was just in her nature. And she had wanted to tell Korra that maybe it wasn't a good idea to let Kai be. But all she managed to utter was, "But—!"

"It's fine, Asami," Korra sounded tired. "Kai will be fine. You should really worry about, and look after, yourself more." The Avatar nodded at the food that was still on the raven-head's plate. "You haven't eaten much at all."

"You should listen to Avatar Korra, Asami. She knows Kai better than we do." Opal said, making sure to stress the other girl's title, though she did so to tease rather than out of reverence.

"Please drop the title," the Avatar sighed, completely startling her two companions. "I am not feeling much like an Avatar at the moment. And I don't feel I will be until I find a way to save the deteriorating Spirit World."

Asami reached out and placed a hand on Korra's forearm, squeezing it as she voiced her confidence, despite not having anything to back her words. "We'll find a way, Korra. You're not doing this by yourself. Opal and I are here to help. And now, so is Kai."

Avatar Korra looked at them both and smiled a small, yet grateful, smile. Saying "Thank you" seemed insufficient, and yet, it was the only thing she could say.

Kai wanted to punch something. He had never felt so angry and humiliated. It was one thing for the Lady Avatar to rebuke him, it was another for her to side completely against him. What's more, she did so in the midst of all those other patrons. He didn't fail to notice the way they were eavesdropping on their conversation, or the way they looked at him. And for Avatar Korra to ask him to apologize? That was the last straw. He couldn't take being there in the room with them. Thus he found the need to storm out.

He was going to be in deep, deep, deep trouble. Especially if the Elders and Chieftains ever heard of how disrespectful to the Lady Avatar he had been.

Still, Kai chose this route. He was never going to apologize. His pride wouldn't allow it.

The thing about pride is that it blinds people to the truth. And at that moment, Kai had been blinded by his own pride—his hubris.

He was fueled by it as he took that picture the Republic City Police Department had handed around during his quick stay at Republic City. The grainy image of his mistress and the blame that surrounded the cataclysmic event was at the forefront of his mind.

"Why doesn't she understand?" Kai asked, glaring at the picture as though it would provide the answer he need. He had an inkling that not all was shared with him in regards with what had happened in Republic City; that the reason they were pursuing this unknown child was because whoever she was, she had something to do with it. But he could find no reason as to why the Avatar needed to busy herself with the problems of those people. They had already told him Avatar Korra had been framed. She bore no responsibility to it—or so he thought.

The young man only returned to their lodging after hours had passed, when the moon was at its peak, silence had descended upon Makapu, and the stars were already twinkling high above his head. By then, only the lodging's guard was around.

Before he entered the hotel's premises, Kai balled and crumpled the piece of photograph—the falsified evidence—he had been lugging around before throwing the offending item as far as his strength would allow.

It was not a symbolic act. If nothing else, it was merely done out of sheer frustration. But it was one that Kai would find as a heralding event that would cast a light to what the nomadic girl that had gotten his mistress' attention had meant.

As peaceful as Makapu was—as were all the lands that were within the jurisdiction of the United Republic of Nations—they had sentries, though those posted on the quaint, little village were not as advanced as those in bigger cities and those within much dangerous territory.

For one, they still made use of Messenger Hawks, as old fashioned as they were. As such, any news—no matter how big or small they were—always took time to reach them. And even as they were a place where many tourists and travelers congregated, they had made it a point never to believe in rumors and hearsays. If they did hear of an interesting news, they would first clear it up before they did anything about it.

Makapu Village's watchmen would have been blissfully unaware of what had happened in Republic City had one of their patrolmen not have picked up a crumpled piece of paper, inspected it out of curiosity (and boredom, for nothing really interesting had happened as of late), and saw its contents.

The old patrolman's eyes widened. There was no mistaking the watermarked crest that was on the piece of paper. It was something only their counterparts from the Capital would have. He read what was written just below the large, grainy image. The further along he read, the more his eyes widen 'til they were as big and wide as saucers.

As quickly as he could, the patrolman ran to their small station, the important piece of document he had picked up in hand.

His fellows would want to know about its contents, especially since they have seen someone who looked like the girl in the photograph.

Councilman Tarrlok had prepared everything he needed—words and all. He had made sure that there was nothing that could dissuade the brilliant Hiroshi Sato; that he would get the Industrialist to work with him again on the replacement for the Spirit Bastille.

He needed Hiroshi Sato in his team; needed him like one would need water. The CEO of Future Industries was the only one who could turn this impossible new task of building a new machine within the allotted time.

The President of the Republic City had been all over his face during one of the recent council meetings. The energy supply of the nation was at the critical level—as was made apparent by the constant blackouts throughout—not just the city—but some parts of the United Republic of Nations as well.

The Councilman quickly reviewed his practiced pitch in his head as he made his way to the CEO's office, readying the promise of helping the Sato patriarch find his daughter and make those responsible for her disappearance pay. He knew, if anything else, that Hiroshi would help him if he dangle the safety of his daughter in front of him. After all, it was no longer a secret that Asami Sato was among those missing.

He greeted Hiroshi's secretary, informed her of his reason for visit—an urgent matter that needed addressing and that he was there under the orders of President Raiko, himself. He knew those words would keep him from being made to wait. Sure enough, the secretary was quick to inform her boss of his visitor. It didn't take long before he was ushered in Hiroshi's office, where the man himself was quickly shuffling various documents and designs of something or another into a folder.

"Tarrlok," there was an edge to Hiroshi's greeting that the Councilman didn't expect, nor had heard directed at him before. "What is this urgent matter from the president that I was told you bore?"

"The power crisis." The tone with which he was being spoken to made Tarrlok forget about what he had prepared to say, which was a rare occasion for the esteemed Councilman. He shook his head, wondering why he felt the way he did—worried, antagonized—simply because of that greeting. Clearing his throat, he added, "I am sure you are aware of what's going on with the power sector."

"Yes, I am." Hiroshi's responses were curt. "I have had the opportunity to dine and discuss it with Lau Gan-Lan and the other businessmen in the area. It is really troublesome."

Lau Gan-Lan, Councilman Tarrlok knew, was the Cabbage Corporation's CEO and a business rival of Hiroshi's.

"And what do you and the other businessmen intend to do about it?" Tarrlok asked. He had long forgone the notion of making use of his already-readied speech. "Surely these constant blackouts are affecting all of your businesses."

"And I am certain you came here bearing the solution we need to keep our businesses afloat," Hiroshi was all business, Tarrlok was certain of that now. He looked and sounded unamused with the pretenses the Councilman had. "The solution to the republic's power crisis."

"You know me so well, Mister Sato," Councilman Tarrlok smiled, but it was not the friendly kind. It was a smile meant to unnerve, though its effect was lost on the CEO. "I came here to recruit you. The President has asked for a construction of another Spirit Bastille. He had set a deadline for it as well, an ultimatum. Your knowledge and expertise will be an invaluable asset and will ensure the success of our endeavor."

"I am flattered that you think highly of me," Hiroshi looked anything but flattered. "Unfortunately, I must decline. I have already pledged my services to something more…significant."

"What could be more important than the continued survival of the United Republic?" the Councilman was flabbergasted. What Hiroshi Sato had said was ludicrous. What they were facing was a disaster. Especially so if this continues well into winter.

Instead of elaborating, Hiroshi merely stated, "It is what it is. I'm sure you can find someone else who can help you with this new Spirit Bastille of yours, Councilman."

"Maybe, but they will not be someone like you, Mister Sato." Councilman Tarrlok replied. Panicked as he was, his tone nor his demeanor showed nothing of it. "I am willing to make a deal with you on this, Mister Sato. One that I believe you will not turn down."

"A deal?"

"Help me with the Spirit Bastille, lend me your services once more, and I will do everything in my power to help you find your daughter."

His words didn't have the desired effect. Instead of readily agreeing with his proposition, the Industrialist looked less than thrilled and thankful. He looked affronted, as though the Councilman had uttered the gravest of insults.

Hiroshi was just about to open his mouth to say something, when the door to his office creaked open and his secretary peeked in, an apologetic look on her face.

"I am sorry to disturb you, sir," the Secretary said. "But the acting Chief of Police is here. He wishes to speak with you. I've already had him waiting at Meeting Room Two."

Hiroshi frowned, not having expected another visitor. He turned to the one he was currently entertaining (albeit to some extent).

Before he could dismiss Tarrlok, however, the Councilman beat him to his words saying, "Our discussion is not yet over, Mister Sato. Go and deal with the police. I will wait for you here until you return. I am, after all, not going to take 'no' for an answer."

"Then I am afraid that your time will be wasted, your waiting will be futile, for that is the answer I am going to give you." Hiroshi's eyes were as cold and frosted as the tone with which he used to speak those words. Without another word, the founder of Future Industries left the other man alone, thinking that he would grow tired of waiting and would leave on his own.

Now, Hiroshi Sato was a man who seldom made any mistakes, or overlooked an important detail…at least, that is what he believed of himself. However, on that particular day, he made a blunder and it was one that the Water Tribe native took advantage of. It was also a mistake that would later be used against him.

For Hiroshi Sato had left lying atop his table the documents and plans he had hastily-and as such, poorly—hidden. And as Tarrlok was never one to let opportunity pass him by, he allowed himself access to these files.

At first, the Councilman reasoned that he was snooping because he needed some kind of leverage to get Hiroshi Sato to change his mind; that it was for the good of the citizens of the United Republic of Nations. That all changed when he saw what the documents were—when he realized they were plans authored by his own brother and enhanced by the Industrialist. He didn't know what these plans were for, but he could tell it was for something big.

It was a risk—a dangerous one—Councilman Tarrlok knew, but he felt that it was a risk worth taking if it was going to turn the tides to his favor. And so, after making sure that he would not be found out, the Councilman of the Great Republic University stole the plans Noatak had made, swapping these files with others that were on the Sato patriarch's table.

They were all in agreement. They had seen the girl in the "Wanted" picture. It sent chills down their spine, made pinpricks of sweat to appear, when they grasped the fact that a terrorist was in their midst.

"We don't have any time to waste!" one of the younger recruits said. "We have to apprehend her quickly."

"That could be dangerous," another one said. "She is not alone. I remember seeing her with three others. Besides, we don't know what she is truly capable of."

"She's capable of doing something dangerous, that's what!" the sentry who had found the crumpled piece of paper said, waving it around. "She caused the Catacombs to collapse and sent hundreds of people plummeting to their deaths! We can't just let someone like that loose!"

"But we can't blindly charge in either," came the voice of the Captain of the Guards. "If this young woman truly is capable of such a feat, then that would mean we will need to be careful. It also means we can't do this by ourselves."

"Then what are we supposed to do, Captain?"

The Captain gazed outside of their barrack's windows, a faraway look in his eyes as he replied, "We'll call for reinforcements. It will take a day, at most, but it doesn't look like this young woman and her companions are leaving any time soon. And then, we take her in. By force, if necessary."

Post Chapter Notes:

The plot thickens...

Just what were the plans Tarrlok stole from Hiroshi? How will this play out in whatever grand scheme he is cooking up? What about Kai, will he continue to make it difficult for Asami and Opal? Will he learn of the Avatar's secret? And how will the Krew fare against the Makapu Village's sentry? Aah, so many questions...which I know the answer to but will not be able to share. At least, not yet. :D

I can tell you this, however...things will be "heating up" pretty soon. Mwahahahaha...

*Ahem*

Anyways, thoughts on the chapter is always welcome!

Until the next update, dream on; fly on!