Chapter Three
Of Sinister Heralds
"Okay, Harra. You can do this. Here we go…"
A bead of sweat inched its way down the girl's bronze temple, as she took deep, slowed breaths. Her eyes as focused as a hawk, her fingers playfully curling and uncurling as they made their way towards the long, thin ribbon of wisteria silk. For her, this was make-or-break time.
With every knot and every loop formed by her delicate, skilled hands, the waterbending seamstress made sure no strand of material was spared. The hours and days she spent curiously, and eagerly watching her mother work her craft, seemingly brought the girl to this moment in time. To see if she was ready to take after Tenka when she decides to hang up her sewing hands, for good.
"There, all done." Letting out a long sigh of relief, Harra leaned back into her chair with her head tilted back, gazing at the soft, cool whirling of the ceiling fan's blades, as she took a brief moment of respite. At least, just before the street outside began to bustle with activity, as shopkeepers chatted their heads out, sharing a laugh or two.
Despite the commonplace hustle of making a living at The Golden Thread, she missed going out on adventures in the Spirit World with her brother and sister-in-law, and their company. Discovering uncharted places, fighting off dangerous spirits, or simply frolicking on the many wondrous sights, no human has ever laid eyes on. She missed the feeling of thrill and excitement coursing through her veins.
But it will have to wait, she figured. Not until they were absolutely sure that he will return, or until they find him, and bring him back home.
Breaking free from her rest, she turned her sights back to the table. She could not believe her own handiwork in display before her: a bow resembling a long, immaculate wreath of wisteria-colored loops flaying out in line like flowers, resting on a sizeable rectangular box, wrapped in deep blue and fine pressing, all painstakingly made by her–a labor of respect and admiration.
"Wow! Someone's up early," Tenka made her way towards the space of the shop, a cup of hot, brewing tea in hand. "Are we expecting any c–"
The woman froze in her place. Her eyes widened in awe. Her free hand concealed a silent gasp in disbelief. She did not expect to see something so magnificent at the start of the day, but there it was.
"Is that…my Turtle Orchid Line," she asked, amazed that someone–her foster daughter, no less–managed to replicate her work.
"I tried, but yes. Yes, it is," Harra said, still floored over what she had just accomplished. "D-do you like it?"
Setting her cup down on another table nearby, the mother drew herself closer, and reached her hand out to gently hover over her daughter's gift bow. She felt love in every hollow petal her fingers came across.
"No, I don't just like it, my darling," she said, her hands lovingly clasped around Harra's shoulders. "I love it."
In response, the younger woman held the back of Tenka's soft hand, leaning her head towards the forearm as she did so. "Thanks, Mom," she sweetly replied.
It had all been worth it, she thought. The nights she spent practicing the art in the desk of her room. The countless streams and clumps of thin, colored paper–her practice medium of choice–creating a rainbow-like clutter beneath her feet. To the abundance of spirit flora and fauna attached to the wall, drawing them from memory on pieces of paper–all to provide her inspiration in honing her craft. To her, the response itself spoke volumes. She was ready.
"I'm sure your teacher will be quite thrilled to receive this gift you've made, I just know it," Tenka said, gently cupping a cheek from her daughter's sweet face before returning to finish her morning drink.
"You think so? I just thought I'd try making something for her. She did help me with my bending." The girl could not help but feel jittery over knowing her master is expected to pay her a visit for training, the letters in her personal drawer saw to that. "Still, can't help but feel nervous. It's been months since she last came," she continued.
A creak from the green door, accompanied by the dainty chime of a small, golden bell, called both of the shopkeepers' attention towards the woman entering the vicinity of the shop.
"Good day, and welcome to our shop, madam. What can we do for you today?" Harra maintained a professional courtesy about her, all while holding the raging glee from within, as she hid her gift on the space underneath the table.
"Hmm, yes…not much, really." Her bespectacled eyes gazed upon the thick, bundled rolls of fabric. The eclectic rows of variety pleasantly greeted her with vibrancy, each of them bearing its own distinct color and pattern, to suit a client's desired tastes and preference. She looked back to her coat of sky blue, Water Tribe in origin, and back to the display before her, wondering which of the featured lines of silk, satin, cotton, and many others would look best on her. She saved that thought for later, choosing to focus instead on the ladies, who were waiting on her with reserved anticipation.
"But I do have something to ask," she continued. Her snobby tone playfully turned into one of endearment. "Give your teacher a hug, why won't you?"
The girl made a quick rush towards the thin-framed lady, wrapping her arms around into a warm embrace. "It's so good to see you, Master Lau," Harra exclaimed. Her waterbending master graciously returned the gesture.
"As do I, my dear Harra," her face lit up with a smile upon the greeting as she said this. "I must admit, I could use a change of scenery after being stuck in the Southern Water Tribe for some time. And Lady Tenka. My, you look lovely as ever."
"Master Lau, it's been a while," she said, nodding and returning a kind smile back at the woman, glowing at the compliment sent her way. "How have you been, and how are things going down south?"
"Ugh! Exhausting! My work has kept me unfairly preoccupied. Why, I could not even head out of the compound for just a helping of sea prune noodle soup."
"But now that you're here, maybe we can spend an afternoon out after training? There is this wonderful Water Tribe restaurant that I usually go to, and its sea prune noodle soup is to die for," the young waterbender said, pining for some casual bonding time with her master.
"Well, I'd love for you to take me there, provided that you show me the progress of your bending." Lau could not help but let out a small chuckle. A delightful grin made its way towards her face, as if it was trying to reach the opposite ends of her pronounced cheekbones.
Her reserved, gentle demeanor greatly contrasted the calculating, sadistic one she took on just days ago. The one she took as she single-handedly fought the supposedly formidable guards of what once was Zaofu. The one she took when she easily flicked the former Chief of Police of Republic City away from the battle, or when she disintegrated the late Great Uniter into particles of spirit energy. But now, she was biding her time, waiting for a chance to strike. For when her elaborate charade can come to an end.
No, it will have to wait, she reckoned. Not when she was absolutely sure that the stage had been set, and when the pieces have come together.
"Now then, shall we get started?"
Republic City Square.
"Welcome, folks! It's Shiro Shinobi, here to bring you the latest goings-on in Republic City–the very heart of the United Republic of Nations. And it is looking to be quite a sight here at the City Square! Leaders and emissaries from all of the Four Nations have come together to address the crushing attack on Zaofu, orchestrated by a revived Red Lotus, and how to best combat this threat looming on the horizon. They sure have grown quite the pair, wouldn't you agree?
Security is wound up tight, given the weight of current events. But with Police Chief Mako at the helm–in cooperation with the Air Nomads, led by their newly appointed leader Master Jinora, and Avatar Korra, things are expected to run as smooth as a well-oiled Satomobile engine.
Speaking of Satomobiles, Future Industries is now under new management!
You heard that right, folks. After fifteen years, Chairwoman-slash-inventor extraordinaire Asami Sato has left the company her late father founded, for reasons yet to be disclosed by its board members, as it moved to name Yaeng Ching as interim head while they sort things out. An entrepreneur and financier in his own right, Mister Ching joined Future Industries after a falling out with Keum Industries, where he worked as its vice president of internal affairs for six years.
'We wish Miss Sato all the best in her next venture, and may it be as successful as her time as chair of this company,' a spokesperson said. In her fifteen-year run as head honcho, she expanded her company's wings, exploring the fields of infrastructure, underwater travel, and prosthetics–as she was instrumental in creating the world's first artificial limb. Whatever venture Miss Sato holds in her future will most definitely be an exciting one, and that news outlets will be running out of ink…"
As Kai turned the knob of the radio down, Jinora instantly picked up the receiving end of the telephone, having heard the scratch of static buzz out for attention.
"Jinora, what's your status," the voice called out from the small speaker in her ear.
"All good on this end, Korra. Fire Lord Iroh and his escorts have left their vehicle, and are on their way inside the hall. How about you?"
Garbed in their standard reconnaissance-combat outfits, Jinora, Kai, and a handful of their fellow airbenders were on the lookout for any and all manner of persons and objects that could rouse suspicion. They would not be the only Air Nomads situated on rooftops that day.
"Dad's Satomobile is on its way. There's another blue one coming from around the corner behind them. Probably, my twin cousins," the Avatar said, a pair of binoculars on one hand and an earpiece on the other–her mouthpiece firmly stood at the ledge before her. "I don't see anything or anyone near their route. Just hoping it stays that way."
She insisted she be left alone while the other Air Nomads were deployed into groups across the concrete towers dominating the city's downtown area, spread far enough to cover a lot of ground and maintain oversight, yet close enough to be of aid to each other from would-be assailants.
Seconds passed, and a dead silence lay heavy in the air between the two.
"Korra, I–"
"We're on-duty at the moment, Jinora. I'm sure whatever personal's on your mind can wait until after the mission," the Avatar coldly stated, with eyes fixed upon the convoys closing in onto the square.
"No, you're right. It can wait. I'm sorry, Korra," the airbender meekly complied. "Over and out."
Kai let out a silent but heavy sigh, after seeing the dejected look upon his fiancé's face. He approached her as soon as Jinora set down her earpiece on the small prongs of the device, placing his arrow-tattooed hand on hers.
"I don't get it, Kai. Dad did right by the Avatars, and here I am, struggling to get Korra to talk with me. Is there something I'm doing wrong? Was it too early for me to even be an Avatar's counsel? I knew I should've stayed with the outreach teams a little longer," she lamented, laying her regret and frustrations bare for her partner.
Moving an arm to cuddle up to Jinora, he spoke. "How does that make you feel?"
"Troubled," she answered, receiving the invitation warmly as she leaned into Kai's chest. "But being in your arms relieves that feeling greatly." In that single moment, the lady airbender left her worries behind her. Her mind had pressed itself towards the comfort of her lover's arms. For her, being that close to him made those few seconds feel like an eternity.
"I'd have a hard time opening up, too, if you'd gone missing. These things take a great deal of time to sort out. When the opportunity presents itself, I know you'll be ready to face it." His head perched on the soft, flowing cascades of hair on her scalp, as he said this.
"Master Tenzin…your dad didn't make a mistake with you taking his place as our leader. He saw strength and wisdom flow strongly within you," he continued. His gaze turned to her lovely pools of hazel brown, seeing as she raised her head to steal a glance at her sweet confidant. A smile from him was more than enough to raise her spirits and steel her resolve.
"You are ready. Trust it. Believe in it."
"You know just the right words to say. Thank you, Kai. I'd be lost without you, too," she said, allowing herself to sink her head back into him, just as she did with Kai's words to her. The beautiful storm within her brewing ever so thunderously, as Kai placed a soft kiss on her forehead. She thanked her stars that she came across such a person as him. Learning and training with him, fighting alongside him, and growing with him–all these moments, to her, were wondrous gifts of a worth far greater than the oldest, most treasured scrolls in existence.
"I'm here for you, Jinora. Always." The world around him fell silent for a moment, as he basked in the great warmth of his lady's embrace, her arms gently coiling and clasping around his torso. The crowds cheering below, though meant for the heads of state waving at them, might as well pass as approval of the couple's love for one another.
City Hall. The Council Room.
Ushers and usherettes alike began to lead all members involved in the summit towards the ornate, wooden twin doors of the room before them, some few meters high. Its engravings depicted in relief, the harmony shared by all four elements, and the first masters who brought these gifts upon humankind: dragons guarding a pillar of flame, intertwined and breathing fire to keep the column from dying out. Flying bison moving freely among the clouds, soaring and relishing in the winds that carry them. The Moon–that luminous ball of alabaster, responsible for the movement of the waves, pushing and pulling towards the shore. Badger moles navigating their way beneath the ground, where its pitch-black darkness did nothing to stop their advance, tearing chunk after chunk, after chunk.
Before entering, a long, gilded rung–held under the jaws of two lion-turtle heads close to its edges–needs to be pulled back, be it on either door or both, welcoming everyone to the interior of the Council Room.
"Chief Tonraq, it is so good to see you again," said the Fire Lord unto the man before him donning his traditionally formal Water Tribe chieftain wear.
"Likewise, Fire Lord Iroh. Your trip had gone well for you, I take it?" The Southern Water Tribe Chief received his Fire Nation counterpart's hand, forming a friendly handshake between them. "How are things doing back home?"
"All is well, but the same can't be said of Zaofu, unfortunately. Some of their refugees just came in last night. They were…coping well to our aid, but speaking to them directly…well…" Iroh's voice sunk at the mention of the refugees.
The stories and testimonials he heard from them first-hand. Seeing their weary faces brimming with hope, as he and many others handed out supplies and guided them to shelter. In that moment, he swore he felt his heart sink in sorrow for them. A pat on his shoulder did well to shake him out of the sobering thought.
"I'm proud of you, son. For helping them the way you did," Tonraq said.
"Thank you. How about you, Tonraq? Last I heard from you, you were up North battling some mad scientist."
"She's not someone you'd want to underestimate, I'll tell you that much. And I have the battle scar to prove it." Having barely escaped death, he pointed to his lower left side. Beneath the azure-dyed fur coat, a huge gash made its mark on the chieftain–a personal badge of honor, after taking the thin strip of poison-laced ice for himself. An attack meant for one of the Northern Water Tribe Twins. It was thanks to Kya and Yu's skills with both medicine and waterbending that the fatal poison within him was successfully removed, and the seriously deep wound sewn shut.
Suddenly, a horde of reporters brandishing the notepads from their coat pockets, which caught the attention of both leaders, hovered over the elderly gentleman dressed in a suit of smoke gray, and a presidential pin dangling on the lapel on his right. His security detail made sure they would not make it past the stairs a few meters shy of the room, as the press hounded him with questions.
"President Shu, can you at least give us a sneak peek on what will be discussed with the other leaders," one of them asked.
"Mr. President, what of the Red Lotus threat scaring the citizens of the United Republic," asked another reporter.
"How do you intend to address the numerous disappearances happening across the Four Nations?"
"Sir, people have praised your first rule as President while others have criticized you, saying you could have done more. What makes your second one any different?"
Questions coming in left and right, Shu stopped dead in his tracks, his foot nearly touching the last step of the flight of stairs. He realized that he had to have something to answer to the people–his people–to help put their worries and fears to rest, even if for a while longer, until they come to terms with their next possible course of action.
Their president then spoke as he faced the press before him, "I understand that tensions have soared in a big way this time, with the Red Lotus making their presence known with their actions on Zaofu. The same way they did when they caused an unprecedented state of anarchy in Ba Sing Se, as well as the murder of both Earth King Wu's predecessor and mine, over a decade ago. We were not ready for it. None of us were ready for it."
As the pens in their hands held their breath over what will be said next, the reporters waited on Shu to conclude his statement. The flicker of white flash coming from the bulky cameras did little to cause his will to flinch and waver. Nevertheless, he continued.
"But, it is my hope that the talks we'll have over these issues will make us so. To be able to stand together in the face of the most challenging adversities…and to face adversaries far worse than the Red Lotus in the future. And these terrorists can bet their bottom yuan that the United Republic does not, and will not scare so easily, and will put up a fight they'll wish they never made. That is all."
All at once, the crowd erupted with more questions, but with Shu unable to entertain them. The men and women of the Republic City Police began to line up on both ends of the corridor, with more of them standing guard some few paces from where the council room is–in a formation comprising two officers facing the hallways, and another two on the opposite direction–saluting their president as he walked close by, along with two people from his detail.
-=–=–o–=–=-
The liveliness from inside the room came to a short, yet abrupt halt at the sight of the entering figure before them.
Greeted with all manner of niceties and pleasantries from his diplomatic friends and acquaintances alike, Shu accepted them all in great stride, having grown accustomed to the close-knit sense of community within the council–not that it had never been like this since before he first took office–but only if such a gathering involved the rest of the leaders, such as the one bound to take place in that very hall.
Moments later, all of the leaders and delegates, having settled down, took their seats as the meeting was about to begin, seeing their president rise from his chair.
"I thank you all for coming, ladies and gentlemen," he said. "It is unfortunate, to say the least, that we have gathered here at such a troubling point in our time. As you are well aware, the terrorist organization known as the Red Lotus has resurfaced, striking Zaofu down with deadly efficiency. Its inhabitants seeking refuge in the many of the Earth Kingdom's cities, if our intel is to be relied on, are reported to have arrived at these areas, safe and sound."
He turned to his right, and saw an emissary seated in the Earth King's place. "Where in blazes are you, Wu?" he muttered to himself. Choosing to approach the matter with delicacy, he acknowledged the presence of the lady before him.
"Ambassador Htun, how are the exodus operations going, so far?"
"The cities of Baihe and Longshi, the states of Boshu and Xin Yi, and the town of Guanyin have accepted the refugees and tended to their needs. They were responding well to our efforts. We have yet to receive word from the provinces of Zeizhou and Hu Xin," she said.
"Thank you, Ambassador. Has Earth King Wu made known his reason for not attending this event?"
"Regrettably, no."
Shu only nodded in reply. He had wished to press Htun into telling them more about Wu, but chose to save it for a later time, as there were more pressing matters at hand. "Have the other nations begun accepting refugees? Any reports you would like to share with us?"
"The Fire Nation received some groups of them yesterday, and were led by Captain Jang of the Zaofu Protectorate Force. He has begun coordinating with our officers regarding relocation efforts, and has opted for the town of Hira'a, as it is a peaceful, vibrant place that I'm sure they will find most welcoming, and will enjoy thoroughly. I am pleased to report that they have been graciously receptive to our help." Iroh let out a humble smile, as he said this.
"Thank you, Fire Lord Iroh. Councilman Daw, do you have something to add?"
Having slightly raised his hand, the once-timid shopkeeper turned airbender began to speak, "Our fellow Air Nomads have reported that the refugees have begun to receive further care, counsel, and provisions at the Southern Air Temple. Even in their distressed state, a number of them have vowed to be of some assistance while staying in the temple. They were only advised to seek rest, but not without appreciating their offer."
The man had gone through great changes since his recruitment into the Nomads. Finding his strength and his voice after the events that befell him and his fellow disciples was a great, personal leap for him, earning the respect of his peers, as well as their admiration.
"Thank you, Councilman. Would anyone else wish to report a bit more before we proceed?"
"I do," a voice called out. Its firm, confident yet menacing timbre did well to startle the diplomats in attendance.
"Who was that?" Shu whispered, searching the room for its supposed owner. His counterparts and several others followed suit. As the disembodied voice spoke once again, their eyes turned towards the source: a large, bulky rectangular radio.
"For far too long have you been deceived by these men and women who hold authority over you, believing they could help bring peace and order in your lives when all is not what it appears to be. Too long have you suffered from the fallout of past events that have left you, and are still leaving you hopeless, powerless, and hungry. And for far too long, you have all been left in the dark, as to the true nature of the Avatar."
"What is he saying? And where is this message broadcasting from?" Tonraq asked.
"It has been said that every ten millenia, a Second Avatar shall emerge and aid the First in bringing balance to the world. This is but a grave deception. There can never be two Avatars that can appear for an age, and at the same time. This is but a false propagation made by a false entity that only wishes to further their selfish advances–the Order of the White Lotus."
Every council member turned to each other in disbelief, their ears finding the far-fetched accusations unacceptable. Some of the delegates attempted to put their colleagues' fears and suspicions to rest.
"It was through them, that two "Avatars" have been born into this world, but only one of them is the true Avatar. The other, a false one. Their purpose of saving the world, the trials they faced, culminates in a great battle to determine who is better of the two, who is more deserving to harness the true power of Raava, the great spirit of light. To determine the true Avatar.
But this battle, kept secret from all of you, had already been decided. The victor crowned, absorbing the strength of her competitor, but it was never just. It was preordained. Fixed from the very beginning!
And they intend to keep this information from you with the disappearance of Barasu Yojo? With the United Republic conducting their so-called 'searches' for him, while this duel of unsurpassable gravity, that determines the fate of our very world, is kept from us?"
"Turn that thing down this instant!" one of the delegates cried out.
"No! Let him finish! I want to hear the end of it," said another.
"It's not connected to a plug of any kind!" a guard exclaimed, having checked all faces of the wooden contraption with the clear intent of ceasing the voice as it continued.
"So I ask of you all: Where is the fairness in that? Where is justice in that? What does this victory tell us? As for myself, my brothers and sisters, it tells us this: a false sense of good had prevailed. Our security, our peace, and the notion of a balanced world: a lie. A deception orchestrated by the White Lotus. Their purpose for keeping us in the dark like this, we can never know."
"Get Mako on the horn! Trace the source and bring this man in, now!" Shu commanded with a franticness about him, fully realizing the damage this speech can do to everyone listening.
Every radio in all of the Four Nations was airing the same declaration as those in the council room did, as did Republic City. Every listener growing curious and fearful over every word let loose by the voice behind their wooden boxes.
Emerging from a nearby rooftop across the square, the top-knotted man clothed in red and black appeared, with microphone in hand. His voice now blared through the speakers attached to the obelisk in the middle of the square, all for the spectators to hear and witness.
"At this point, you must all be wondering: how can a lowly man such as myself come to know of this? What proof can he possibly bear for his words to ring true? I say unto you all: it is through Raava herself!"
Shino raised his right arm, and tore the sleeve encasing it with his left to reveal his proof to the masses below him. They could not clearly see the whip-like markings on his arm all too well, but they were certainly surprised by the pale bluish-white light glowing from them. He proceeded to grab the canteen clasped on his side, and poured its contents onto his arm. The water trickled down, but was unable to wash the mark away. He rubbed them with the low end of his left palm, but not a part of the marking was smeared, leaving his audience gasping in awe.
"That's right, what you see in my arm is her truth, her revelation to me. Her mark which would make me…a herald. Her herald. She appeared to me in a dream, a vision. And in that vision, she unravelled to me all the things I say to you now, and with it, the promise of the true Avatar returning to us. She told me that…that Avatar Barasu…is no longer with us."
The man took a moment's pause after seeing the crowd before him in distraught and in shock over what they had heard. Some of them were starting to see how everything made sense, while others adamantly denied the very idea that their Avatar had already passed on.
"This mark, she revealed to me, will only wash away with the coming of the new Avatar. That until then, we must learn to endure, and persevere, and to be vigilant in these times of strife, half-truths and false truths. But I have had enough of this!" His tone had shifted from a resigned solemnity, into that of a vengeful indignation.
"I will not stand for this! My brothers and my sisters will not stand for this! Not when there are people who will never get to see our Avatar return to grant us our salvation, nor will we fall asleep any longer. Will you?"
"No!" some of them responded as they felt a sliver of conviction welling up within them.
"Would you rather go on with your lives living as mere pawns, as drones, to these charlatans?" the man vehemently asked.
"No way!" some of them said fiercely. "Never again!"
"Do you wish to be masters of your own destiny, to change the course of history, and serve to bring back true balance to this world?"
"YES!" The small crowd grew into a multitude in their answer. At that point, they were grasping towards something new to believe in, given how they were overwhelmed and devastated by the things being revealed to them.
"What else are they keeping from us?"
"No more lies!"
"Down with the false Avatar!" some of the onlookers cried out.
"Then I call upon you, my lost sisters and brothers, to serve a higher calling, a cause greater than any of us can ever hope to fathom. To stand behind Raava and her revered servant, for there can only be one Avatar alive to save the world from chaos. Only one Avatar to lead us to the light, and be the light in our darkness."
The cheers to his words put a smile on Shino's face. With the chants below growing louder and louder, he breathed in an air of vindication. The hurdles he had to overcome to lead him to that moment, justified.
"Join us, and be the flower of justice and truth that never withers and fades in the face of overwhelming hardships. The flower that blossoms triumphantly from the blood of corruption and lies! Join us, and be the tide that sweeps away clean the filth of strife and discord standing in the way of true peace and harmony! For the coming light is upon us, and we shall live in the dark no longer!"
"IN THE DARK, NO LONGER!" they roared repeatedly, only strengthened by the groups of angry citizens coming in from all sides leading to the square.
"We shall begin with the cleansing of this failed Republic," he said, as he pointed towards City Hall. "A cleansing…by fire."