Ambush

Chapter 8: Not Without a Fight

Korra exhaled softly as she slowly paced in circles. She gracefully launched herself into the Airbending forms that Tenzin taught her. She went low, moving her arms in a sweeping motion. The wind responded to her will. It whirled along with her as she moved through the forms. Korra felt particularly proud of herself as she nailed the last form, which created a horizontal mini-hurricane. She straightened and lowed her arms as she finished. She looked over at the steps of the training area, where Mako was lying down and relaxing. He looked over at her, one eye open. Korra gave him an expectant look. Mako gave her a confused expression.

"…What?"

"Well? What did you think?"

Mako turned his head back to the sky and closed his eyes again.

"You look good, like always."

Korra smiled to herself and put her hands on her hips.

"I meant my Airbending, lover boy."

She saw Mako's face turning a light shade of pink and she laughed.

"Yeah, I meant your Airbending…"

Korra decided that she would squeeze as much out of this as she could. She put on mocking pout. She put as much disappointment in her voice as possible.

"Oh? You don't think I look good?"

Mako sat up quickly.

"No! You do! I thought you were talking about your Airbending! I didn't mean…"

He trailed off. Korra was trying very hard to not burst out laughing. She couldn't hold it in any longer as Mako gave her a slightly irritated look.

"That was not cool, Korra."

He stood up and turned to leave. Korra called after him.

"Aw, come on Mako. What, can't take a joke?"

"Not listening to you."

Korra wouldn't have any of that. She slammed her foot into the ground and twisted. The earth under Mako's feet spun him around. She pulled her foot back and Mako zoomed toward her. She let him go when he was a few inches from her. His amber eyes bore into her as she put her arms around his neck.

"And where did you think you were going?"

Mako's expression was one of irritation, but there was only laughter in his eyes.

"Away from you, but I guess I don't have a choice in the matter, do I?"

Korra giggled and pressed herself against him.

"Nope. You're all mine."

Mako chuckled and smiled down at her.

"I guess I don't mind that much."

Korra closed her eyes as she felt his lips press against hers. The kiss was fleeting, but it spoke volumes. Korra was happy. A cold, female voice interrupted their moment.

"Then you won't mind telling me why you have ignored my call."

Mako looked over Korra's shoulder. His smile faded quickly and his face paled.

"Akali…How… How did you get here?"

Korra released Mako and turned around. A woman, flanked by two men, was standing there. The woman was breathtakingly beautiful. Korra would never admit it but she felt a twinge of jealousy. Her hair was black as night. Her skin was pale and smooth. Her lips, that were red and full, were curved up into a friendly smile. Her eyes are what put Korra on edge and sent a shiver down her spine. The woman's eyes were blood red, and as piercing as icicles. Her gaze what directed above her, into Mako's eyes.

"What, you seriously thought that a bit of water would keep you away from me?"

She advanced a few steps towards him. Korra grabbed his arm possessively. The woman's eyes flicked down to Korra. She raised her eyebrows.

"Your woman is very protective of you. Maybe you didn't tell her about our magical night?"

Korra felt Mako's arm tense. She had no idea what the woman was talking about, but something happened between her and Mako. And Korra did not like it. She looked at Mako. She felt him wince in pain as her grip on him tightened.

"Mako…would you like to explain what she's talking about? And while you're at it, would you like to tell me who she is?"

Mako looked afraid, looking from the woman to Korra. He took a deep breath.

"I didn't want you to find out…"

Korra felt her heart shatter. He lied to her. After all he said, he had betrayed her anyway. She felt numb as she backed away from him. He looked confused, then understanding flashed in his eyes.

"No, Korra, it's not like that. I swear."

Korra instinctively curled her hands into fists. As much as Korra wanted to run, she forced herself not to. He owed her an explanation. She crossed her arms and glared at him.

"You got thirty seconds before I kick your ass, Mako."

The woman chuckled. She looked like she was thoroughly enjoying this. Mako sighed and began to explain.

"This is Akali. She's the leader of the Red Monsoons. After you left for the Equalist raid, I went out to find you. I ran into Skoochy at the station and convinced him to help. He said he knew someone that could help us, and that led me to her. We were able to convince her to tell us where you went, but I had to make a deal with her. She told me that I would need to serve her for a while. That's all…"

Korra relaxed a little, but that made her warier of Akali, who was standing there impatiently, looking at her nails. She looked over when Mako finished his story.

"Oh, you're finished? Good. If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm here so you can fill out your end of the bargain."

She looked at Korra, sizing her up.

"Hmm…You'll do as well."

Her gaze moved to Mako again.

"Well? Aren't you going to invite us in?"

Korra sat in the living room, glaring at Akali as she sweet-talked Tenzin. Not many people could do so, but Akali was a pro. Tenzin left Korra and Mako with "their sweet friend." The two men guarding her were introduced as Jace and Nero. Jace sat by the window, looking like he was deep in thought, but he constantly had one eye on his mistress. The gourd filled with water he carried on his back sat against the wall next to him. Nero leaned against the door. He was staring at Korra with obvious interest. Korra turned on him.

"You want some of this? Because I'd be happy to break your face if you keep staring."

Nero scowled and moved toward her. Korra started to stand to meet him, but she didn't need to. With a casual flick of her wrist, Akali sent Nero crashing to the floor. Korra blinked, unsure of what just happened. She looked over at Akali, who smiled at her.

"I apologize for my companion's manners. He can sometimes forget his place."

Nero grunted in pain. Akali released him and he hurried to his feet, straightening his shirt.

"Sorry, ma'am. Won't happen again."

He returned to sulking against the door. Akali focused her attention on Mako.

"Now then. I have a little job for you. One of my warehouses has been occupied by…unwelcome guests. I need you to get rid of them."

Korra glanced at Mako. His eyes were narrowed. His voice was suspicious.

"Why do you need me? You have enough manpower to take back three warehouses the size of the Pro-Bending arena."

Akali smiled, her eyes shining.

"Perceptive…I like that in a man."

She winked, and Mako looked away. Korra slammed her fist on the table. Akali shot her an annoyed look. Korra glared back.

"Just tell us where the warehouse is and how to get in the front door."

Akali's eyes flared with anger. A moment later, the anger vanished and her usual smirk returned.

"Very well. I didn't feel like dealing with Equalists myself, anyway."

Korra and Mako looked at each other. Mako shook his head at Akali.

"No way. You never said anything about fighting a bunch of Equalists. No deal."

Akali's eyes narrowed. Her voice lost its subtle tone of seduction and turned cold.

"I don't recall this being me asking you for a favor. This is me telling you what you are going to do."

Korra felt a wave of anger rise in her. She slammed her hand on the table and leaned over it, stopping inches away from Akali's face. She felt a blade appear at her throat and felt the cold sting of icicles at her back, but she didn't care.

"I don't know who the hell you think you are, but don't you dare think you can come to my home and tell my boyfriend what to do."

Her voice was low and dangerous. Akali looked unfazed. A tense few moments passed where no one moved. At that moment, Tenzin threw the doors to the dining room open.

"Korra! I have news from the police station-!"

He stopped as he observed the scene before him. Nero had a blade at Korra's neck while Jace had a volley of icicles poised at her back. Mako had fists of flames trained on both men and Korra was inches away from Akali's face.

"What is going on in here?"

Slowly, very slowly, everyone stood down. Akali flipped her hair over her shoulder and smiled sweetly at Tenzin.

"It's nothing, sir. Just a slight disagreement. Please, don't let this interrupt your announcement."

Tenzin eyed her suspiciously, then continued.

"Chief Beifong was found unconscious in an interrogation chamber. Amon was nowhere to be found. She came to an hour ago and she's on her way here."

Korra saw Chief Beifong get off the ferry a little while later. She didn't look happy. She nodded to Tenzin as she reached them.

"We don't have much time. I have a plan, but we need to be quick if it's going to work."

After they all settled into the dining room, Akali being allowed to stay, despite Korra's protests, Chief Beifong filled them in on her plan.

"After we rescued Avatar Korra and Mako from the Equalist headquarters under Avatar Aang Memorial Island, I had a few units sweep the entire place. It was much bigger than we thought. We didn't find much, but we did manage to get our hands on some blueprints of those…things that Avatar Korra and I encountered the other day. We were also able to capture a few scientists under Kayne's employ. Once we left, I had the place rigged with alarms so that, if anyone returned, we would know. An alarm was triggered in one of the medical bays about thirty minutes ago. We think it's Amon. If we go now with a small strike team, we might be able to nab him."

Everyone seemed to agree. Korra saw Akali give a small signal to Jace, who nodded, then stood.

"Well, I think I'll leave you to your police work."

Akali smiled and turned to leave. Suddenly, Chief Beifong trapped Jace and Nero in cones of earth. She threw her wires around Akali in the same movement.

"I don't think so. I've been looking for you for a long time, Akali Rhode."

Akali chuckled. Her voice was low and dark.

"No one has called me by my full name since I was twelve. No one has dared…"

Chief Beifong scoffed.

"Save it. You've got some explaining to do."

Mako looked like he was thinking hard. Korra gave him a quizzical look. He seemed to have had an idea.

"Chief Beifong, wait! I have an idea…"

"No. Absolutely not. There is no way that I would allow the help of criminals."

Korra looked at Mako. She knew he was right, but she didn't like it either.

"Chief Beifong…As much as I don't like it, Mako's right. Enlisting the help of the gangs would give us the man power we need to take back the city."

Chief Beifong rolled her eyes.

"Great. Wonderful. I took your advice and we took back the city. Then what? I'd have over a hundred criminals on the loose! Do you have any idea how hard it would be to catch them all? Again? And might I remind you that these are people who operate outside of the law that I am sworn to uphold."

She gave Tenzin an exasperated look.

"Any help would be fantastic."

Tenzin was staring at the floor, thinking hard.

"It's a very drastic option, and there is no guarantee that it will work. There are too many questions that need to be answered, precautions that need to be taken. Overall, what do we have that we can hold over the gang leader's heads?"

There was a long silence. Akali cleared her throat.

"If I may interject, for a moment, I would be willing to be made an offer. If your offer is better than Kayne's, then I may just reconsider where my loyalties lie…"

Chief Beifong's eyes narrowed.

"Kayne tried to deal with you?"

"He called a meeting of the head's of all the major gangs. His offer was quite generous. We would all get a section of the city once he took it over."

Chief Beifong let out a short, barking laugh.

"Do you really think that Kayne would divide the city among people he believes are lower than him? I've fought him before. He tramples anyone in his way. He's selfish and insane. The only thing you'd get from him is a knife in the back. As for his 'deal', I'll do you one better. You do as I say, and you rot in prison for only half of your life."

Akali scowled at Chief Beifong. Korra saw in her eyes that she was thinking hard. Finally, she bowed her head.

"I guess I don't have a choice…"

Chief Beifong nodded.

"Good. I'll let you send one of your men to inform the rest on what's happening. In the meantime, you're not leaving me side."

She looked over at Mako.

"I guess we're doing it your way after all. But first things first, we need to go get Amon. I'll take Akali with me to the Equalist hideout. I'll need some back up."

Korra stepped foreword.

"I'll go."

Chief Beifong nodded, then looked to Tenzin.

"Tenzin, you should take a squad of my officers and pay a visit to Tadashi Shipping Company. Make sure their president comes to pay us a visit."

Tenzin nodded. Chief Beifong looked around the room.

"We don't have much time, so lets move like we got a purpose."

Korra shuddered as she, Akali, and Chief Beifong walked down the dank, dark, hallway of the Equalist hideout. She didn't want to go, but she couldn't let Mako go with Akali. She held the flame closer to her body, feeling the warmth wash over her. Chief Beifong was studying a map by the light of Korra's fire. She had one hand on the map and the other had a wire fashioned into handcuffs around Akali's wrists. Akali was not happy.

"Honestly, where do you think I'll run off to?"

Chief Beifong didn't look up from her map, but yanked on the wire, causing Akali to stumble.

"Shut up."

Chief Beifong pointed to a half open door.

"There. That's where the alarm was triggered."

The two of them raced to the door, dragging Akali along with them. The room was a medical chamber. Medicine and healing charts hung on the walls. The room was empty. Korra spotted an empty vial, a syringe, and some discarded bandages nearby.

"Look. He was here. He couldn't have gotten far."

Korra turned and saw chief Beifong hunched over, twitching.

"Chief Beifong!"

Korra looked around and saw Akali, her hands raised and her eyes shining. Korra found that she couldn't move. Akali twisted both her wrists in complicated movements and chief Beifong's wrist turned as well. The wire handcuffs bent out of shape just enough for Akali to break free. She rubbed her wrists and smiled at Korra.

"Much better. Now I won't slow us down as much."

She dropped her hands and Korra and Chief Beifong were in control of their bodies again. Chief Beifong moved against Akali. Akali took a step back and held up her hands in surrender.

"Easy. The only reason I did that was because you wouldn't have listened to me otherwise."

Chief Beifong glared at her.

"For good reason. The second you try anything at all, I bind your hands and feet and leave you here until I see fit. Got it?"

Akali gave Chief Beifong a sweet smile. Chief Beifong scoffed and pushed past her. Korra followed Akali, still feeling the strange after effects of Bloodbending. The three of them searched room after room, finding small bits of evidence of Amon being there, but not finding Amon himself. They finally caught a break after what seemed like hours. They were running down a hallway when, suddenly, Korra couldn't move. Akali was Bloodbending her again. She was pulled back only a few inches and released. She stumbled, trying to regain her balance. Chief Beifong was doing the same. Korra glared at Akali.

"Would you stop doing that?"

Akali seemed like she wasn't paying attention. She was looking at something at the ground. Korra was confused. Akali nodded to herself and motioned for Chief Beifong and Korra to move back. They did, Chief Beifong did so reluctantly. Akali pulled out a small knife, slashed in front of her, then leapt backward. A giant ball of electric gauntlets narrowly missed her. The air smelled of electricity. Akali turned gracefully, pulling water out of thin air. She dumped it on the ball and the gauntlets short circuited and died. Akali looked at the trap, her brow furrowed.

"It's crude but effective. This was set up relatively quickly, about ten minutes ago. He's close."

They hurried down the hallway. Chief Beifong held up a fist, signaling the other two to halt. She listened, then made a motion indicating them to move quietly. They snuck around a corner and heard noises coming from a door that was half open. The noises were followed by grunts of pain. The three positioned themselves around the door and Chief Beifong counted down the breach. On her signal, she used metal bending to pull the door off its hinges. Akali moved in next, and Korra followed. She saw Amon standing there shirtless, bandages around his midriff. He was badly bruised and there were long but shallow cuts on his body. She also saw his mask lying on the table next to him. His back was to them. He wasn't moving. Korra assumed he was caught in Akali's Bloodbending. Chief Beifong threw her wires around him and Akali released him. Amon gasped in pain as the wires tightened around his body.

"What do you want from me? I have nothing. My people have abandoned me, my partner betrayed me, my cause has been mutlilated…"

For a second, Korra felt sorry for him. Then she remembered whom she was feeling sorry for and the feeling went away. Chief Beifong turned him around with her wires and, for the first time, Korra looked Amon in the face. His face was burned and scarred almost beyond recognition. His ears were burned, his mouth was burned, his eyelids were burned, everything was scarred. His yellow eyes gleamed with hatred as he looked at the three.

"It was because of benders like you that I have been forced to live behind a mask. All I ever wanted was a simple life, but you wouldn't even let me have that. You took my family, and you took my face."

He turned his head and closed his eyes.

"Do whatever you want. The only reason I'm still alive is because of my desire for revenge. Killing Kayne is my reason for living. That reason is now gone."

Korra didn't know how she knew what to do, but she did. She walked over to the table beside Amon and picked up his mask. She looked at it for a long moment, remembering the fear that it installed in her. Now, it didn't make her feel afraid. She placed the Mask on Amon's face. His yellow eyes glared down at her. She met his gaze evenly.

"I can't possibly understand what it feels like to lose your family. I do know that blaming an entire people for the actions of a few only causes more pain. That's why it took Avatar Aang so long to create this place. People used to fear Firebenders. Now look at the world. It's full of different people getting along, both benders and non-benders. I understand why you hate benders so much, but hurting innocent people isn't going to bring your family back. And all benders aren't as bad as you think."

Korra saw a pan of water on the table. She brought the water to her and started healing Amon's wounds. She felt him tense under her but he said nothing. She looked up at him.

"Some of us will even try and help you."

Slowly, Amon turned his head and his eyes met hers. She saw conflict in his eyes, the truth of her words fighting against a deep hatred and emotional scars. Korra turned and nodded at Chief Beifong. She hesitated, then withdrew her wires from Amon. He didn't move. Korra healed him the best she could then discarded the rest of the water. She turned to leave.

"…Why did you come?"

Korra turned back. Amon's eyes were unreadable.

"Because I came to capture the man who haunted my drams for months. He's no longer here." She walked past a dumbstruck Chief Beifong and a slightly amused Akali.

"Come on. Lets go regroup with Mako and Tenzin."

She took one last glance at Amon. He stood, still as a statue, and watched her leave.

The sun was setting as Korra, Chief Beifong, and Akali reached the Air Temple. Tenzin and Mako were waiting for them, along with two men dressed in kimonos. Mako hurried towards Korra when he saw her.

"Hey, You ok? Where's Amon?"

Chief Beifong gave Korra a sideways look. Korra glanced at her briefly before answering Mako.

"We didn't find him. He wasn't even there. A small family of catfish gators set up home there."

Mako looked at Chief Beifong, then back at Korra. He didn't seem to buy her story, but he nodded all the same. Tenzin strode over to them.

"Lin, I brought the president of Tadashi Shipping Company, Masao Tadashi. I read his case file and I am pretty sure that he's-"

Chief Beifong held up a hand.

"Save your breath, Tenzin. I already know he's the leader of the Agni Kais. He goes by the street name 'Shogun' and his little 'company' is one of the biggest shippers of Cactus Juice in Republic City."

She jerked her chin to the other man, who was staring at them with quiet, grey eyes. His hand was on the hilt of a sword on his hip.

"And that's his second in command, Ren Takeru, otherwise known as 'Grey Lotus'. He's the one who makes sure the shipment arrive on time, and takes care of anyone who gets in the way. He's a Firebender and an expert with a sword."

Tenzin stared at Chief Beifong, his mouth agape. She rolled her eyes.

"I'm the chief of police Tenzin, did you honestly think I don't know the Triad leaders in my city?"

Tenzin shut his mouth and cleared his throat.

"Right, well…Yes, that's to be…umm…expected…"

Korra and Mako worked hard to stifle their laughs. Masao's eyes narrowed at Chief Beifong. He gave her a slight bow.

"Chief Beifong, a pleasure to see you again."

Chief Beifong brushed passed him.

"Spare me the pleasantries. I just want to get this meeting over with."

Tenzin followed her in. Behind him, a disgruntled Masao and Rin followed. Korra and Mako were the last inside.

Korra stood onstage as Chief Beifong addressed the crowd. They gathered all of the allies they could at the Pro-Bending Arena The only other time Korra had seen so many people was at The Equalist rally where she and Mako saved Bolin from Amon. There were hundreds of people listening to their proposal. Korra felt kind of nervous. She had never spoken in front of that many people before. Mako, who was standing next to her onstage, nudged her. She looked at him. He had a look of concern on his face.

"You ok? You look pretty pale…"

She gave him a small smile.

"I'm fine, just nervous."

He chuckled and intertwined his fingers with hers. You're going to do fine. Just don't pull a Sokka."

She let out a nervous laugh as Chief Beifong finished her speech.

"I give you, your Avatar!"

The crowd cheered loudly as Korra made her way to the microphone. She cleared her throat as the cheering subsided.

"Umm…I've never really been good with speeches…wow…there sure are…a lot of you…"

Korra swallowed hard as murmurs rippled through the crowd. She turned around and looked at Mako. He smiled at her and gave her a reassuring nod. Korra closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and continued.

"All of you are here because you're afraid. You're afraid of what this city has become. I know that's why I'm here. I'm afraid of losing my friends. I'm afraid of losing my family, I'm afraid of losing the one I love. I don't want to be afraid anymore."

There were affirmative yells from the crowd and that made Korra's confidence grow.

"I don't want to be afraid that I'm going to be killed outside my door just because I'm a bender! I don't want to be afraid that the world is going to be run by a lunatic that has no regard for human life! I don't want to be afraid that my friends and family who aren't benders are going to shut me out! So you know what? I'm going to fight!"

The crowd cheered.

"If we let people like Kayne separate us because of fear, we won't stand a chance. If we fight together, with the common dream of peace and harmony, we can win."

The crowed roared in approval. Korra noticed the red light of a recording monitor. She was on the radio. She paused for a moment, considering her words.

"Kayne…I know you're listening. I want you to hear this. Listen! Listen to all of the people who you thought you could put down!"

Korra thrust the microphone toward the crowd and they obliged.

"You hear that? That is the sound of your end. You will not take this city from us."

Korra paused again. She knew that in an all out battle with Kayne, there would be people who would not make it out alive. She slowly lifted the microphone again.

"Everyone…There is something you need to know…"

The crowd quieted. Behind her, Chief Beifong and Tenzin exchanged nervous glances.

"You need to know, that if you decide to fight Kayne, you are putting your life on the line. There will be a possibility that you won't live past this. Anyone who is not ok with this should leave now."

There was a dead silence. Korra was scared that she might have pushed it too far. Then, out of the crowd, a man's voice spoke.

"We're not going anywhere!"

There were other shouts of agreement.

"Kayne's got to be stopped!"

"We're with you all the way, Avatar!"

Korra smiled.

"Then I say this to you: As long is there is one citizen of Republic City that stands against Kayne, I will put my life on the line to stand there with them. If I go down, I go down swinging! I go down, I know I'm taking him with me! I'm not going down without a fight!"

The crowd roared in approval. Korra put down the microphone and walked back towards Mako. Chief Beifong gave her a pat on the shoulder as she passed. Tenzin smiled and gave her an approving nod. Mako's eyes were shining when she reached him. He pulled her into a tight hug.

"That was amazing. You were amazing."

She pulled away and looked in his eyes. They stayed there for a long moment. Then they shared a passionate kiss, not caring where they were, and ignoring the wolf whistles and cheers from the crowd. Tenzin put his head in his hand and muttered something like "Teenagers…" Chief Beifong just shook her head. Korra and Mako realized that they should probably leave. They left the arena and walked outside. The air was cool and it felt good on Korra's face.

"That was quite a speech."

Korra whirled around. Leaning up against the wall of the arena, was Amon. Mako assumed a fighting stance, then gave Korra a confused look when she gestured him to stand down.

"Korra what are you doing? That's Amon!"

Korra looked at Mako.

"It's alright. I'll explain later."

She turned to Amon.

"You came. I honestly didn't think what I said meant anything to you."

Amon looked out over the ocean.

"Neither did I."

There was a long pause. It was a while before Amon spoke again.

"I've hated benders for as long as I can remember. Because of that, any bender I've met either feared me, or hated me."

Korra didn't know what to make of this.

"Sooo...You don't hate benders anymore?"

"I will never stop hating benders. I can never forgive what they did to me. But I hate traitors who try to kill me more."

Korra put two and two together.

"So, that means-"

Amon cut her off.

"You are a means to an end, nothing more. I cannot get to Kayne on my own."

Amon started to walk away. His final words hung in the air moments before he was swallowed by the night.

"You have my allegiance, Avatar…For now."

End Chapter 8

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Next: Chapter 9-Battle for Republic City