Endless rain kept pouring down on republic city since that fateful night. The Nightmares that kept haunting Korra for many months has begun to seep in to reality. She always feared that the dark times will come and overshadow their lives. What she predicted was right… It came sooner than she thought and the young avatar was not ready for it…
The very next day the news has reached the public like dry leaves catching fire. The local newspapers have carried the whole incident to the public with detailed photographs and no proper explanation. Some newspapers came with headlines such as "Avatar Korra goes on a killing spree" while others came up with their own ideas like "Blood Bending Avatar Korra demonstrates her power in republic city" and "True faces of Avatar". Truth is that No one really knew what has happened that night.
Who the masked men were and why did they attack Asami and Korra getting Asami Severely wounded?
What really triggered Korra to such a violent rage…?
So many unanswered questions left to be answered.
The whole incident has completely changed the public image of avatar making Citizens of the republic city to question the governing authorities about their safety.
"Is the world really safe because of avatar?" and "Does the world still needs an Avatar?"
Following Night
Republic City Hospital Intensive Care Unit
Mako kept on starring at Asami for past fifteen minutes straight through the glass in her room. A million thoughts crosses his mind as he kept starring at Asami fighting for her life in the intensive care. He heard the footsteps approaching him and he turned to see who it is. It is Bolin coming toward him with two cups of coffee in his hands.
"Mako…. Here's your coffee…" said Bolin. Mako silently took it from him.
"What did the doctors say…?" asked Bolin rubbing the back of his neck.
"She's in a coma, she went through two surgeries for past twenty four hours. They say they cannot guarantee anything" said Mako looking down.
"What do you mean they can't guarantee anything..?" asked Bolin making his eyes bigger.
"She had internal bleedings, two gun shots reaching the vitals, nerve damage and severe concussion. That's why there is no guarantee of recovery" said Mako with a deep sigh. Bolin pats on Mako's shoulder.
"I know it is hard, I myself couldn't believe the things that are happening to us right now. You did everything you could. There is nothing else to be done. You should head back home now. Go on and take care of yourself; have some sleep" said Bolin.
"How can you expect me to sleep in a time like this?" asked Mako with an annoyed tone.
"I'll stay here… You can go brother… It is not your fault that she's in a state like this" Said Bolin.
"It doesn't matter whose fault it is… What matters now is she's in that room fighting for her life" said Mako rubbing his forehead.
"Alright… I am sorry Bolin, raising my voice at you, I'll return tomorrow morning" said Mako preparing to walk away.
"That's alright Mako… I understand how you feel, I feel the same too" said Bolin.
"Has Lin told you anything about Korra…? She's not in this hospital. We really don't know where she is…" asked Bolin when Mako is just about to leave. Mako turned back at him and said
"They have taken her somewhere and that's all I know, Lin didn't tell me anything"
"We need to find out what's happening to her, we can't just leave her behind…" said Bolin making his eyes bigger.
"Look what she did to Asami…? I just don't wanna talk about her anymore, I don't care what happens to her alright?" said Mako angrily.
"It's not fair Mako… Quit blaming everything on her… we still don't know what really happened there. Besides did you see the newspapers today… Those jerks keeps putting their personal imaginations as cover stories… just think of what kind of damage it will bring to Korra's public image, She's the avatar for god's sake" said Bolin in a serious tone. Mako smirked sarcastically.
"Public image…? She screwed her public image when she attacked Lin with blood bending for good; Lin is the chief of republic city police. Do you think people are blind? Do you think they will take it lightly over her? Everybody who was there saw it…" said Mako pointing at Bolin angrily. Bolin scratched his head.
"You're right… Attacking the chief of police in public was a very bad move but…."said Bolin and paused looking down.
"You know what Bolin? I really don't care what they do with her…" said Mako and walked away from Bolin. "But she was our friend…., How could you be so cold Mako? I thought you have a heart…" Bolin muttered sadly.
Two days later…
Korra jolt awake on a bed and she gasped trying to draw air in to the lungs. She felt a terrible headache and her vision completely blurred as she tried to look around. She found herself wearing a white shirt and cotton baggy pants. Korra tried to move but she couldn't. She felt her heart is raging in palpitations and she thought it is going to burst out of her rib cage. Korra slowly realized that she's in a hospital of some sort and there is no one around her at the moment. She wanted her vision to clear up so she can have a look around.
"Asami…? Where am I…? wha…. What happened?" she asked herself while sitting up on the bed. Suddenly she felt a tremendous paralyzing pain in her head and the vision blurred even further. Her nose started to bleed all over. She rubbed her eyes wanting to see clearly and she saw she's in a fully padded cell instead of an ordinary hospital room. She stood up on her feet and walked towards the door air bending at it.
Korra felt weak and her body started to tremble as she realized all of her bending is gone along with the avatar state. She felt a sharp pain shooting up from the back of spine all the way up to the head forcing her sit on the ground. "It hurts so much…. Somebody please help me…" She cried out in pain yet no one answered. Korra felt paralyzed in pain for a moment…. and as she slowly gained control over her body again she crawled back to the corner of her cell and curled up in pain and fear….
Republic City Asylum for Criminally Insane
Police car came to the hospital and the tire screeching sound echoed in as it stops. The door opens and Lin stepped out of the car. She walked in to the hospital and towards the reception.
"Good evening ma'am" said the nurse who was sitting there.
"I am here to meet Dr. Wallace" Said Lin with her rigid tone.
"Please follow me ma'am, Dr. Wallace is expecting you" said the nurse leading the way in to the hospital. Lin followed the nurse and she led her to Dr. Wallace. She sees that Doctor is observing Korra through the observation glass of her cell.
"Dr. Wallace…." said Lin stating her presence. The doctor turned to her and smiled with his wicked crooked teeth.
"…. She's awake…?" said Lin making her eyes bigger rushing towards the observation glass. Lin saw her curled up in the corner of the cell.
"She woke up just ten minutes ago and cried in pain. Taking the blood bending to such greater heights has taken a great toll on her brain as well as her body; she's experiencing a tremendous pain caused by the strain. Just now she tried to bend the door open and…" Dr. Wallace Continued.
"… come to the point doc, we are not having a psychiatric examination over here" said Lin looking at him.
"I am afraid to say that she has lost her bending and the ability to reach avatar state as well…" said the Dr. Wallace.
"Poor thing… Open the door, I want to go in…" said Lin.
"I am afraid I can't do that Ma'am, We still don't know her state, she's already classified as dangerous. I have been given orders not to let anyone in until all the investigations are complete" said the Dr. Wallace.
"Who the hell gives you these orders…, I am the chief of republic city police and I want this door opened right now. Dr. Wallace, please don't make me open the door myself" said Lin angrily.
"Good luck on trying to metal bend on these doors… They are made out of special refined metal to house the most dangerous of criminals, what makes you think the metal bending will work on it?" said Dr. Wallace with an evil smile.
"Don't worry Lin… we are taking good care of her" Dr. Wallace added.
"Who gave you all these orders...?" asked Lin again. "President of republic city himself and the authority governs the whole city…." said the doctor.
"I don't care who gave them to you… I want to talk to the avatar right now…. I demand you to open that damn door" Shouted Lin angrily.
"Calm down… I have no intention of denying your request but be warned though that avatar Korra is at a highly unstable state of mind and also remember that she tried to kill you too" said Dr. Wallace looking at his assistant signaling him to open the door.
"I will take my chances so now go ahead and open that door…." said Lin.
The door to Korra's cell opens up and Lin steps inside slowly.
"Korra… it's me… Lin…" she said as the door behind her closed. Korra lifts her head up.
"Lin….? Is that really you….? LIN… LIN" she started shouting like a blind girl wanting Lin to reach her.
"Oh my god… you poor thing…" whispered Lin walking towards her as she realized Korra couldn't see clearly. Korra slowly stood up with the aid of the wall behind her. She hugged Lin and Lin hugged her back.
"ASAMI….? WHERE IS SHE….?" Korra kept asking her. "Where am I…?" asked Korra releasing Lin from her grip. "Why aren't you talking to me Lin….? I want to know where ASAMI is?" said Korra. Lin looked down.
"Asami… she's fine …." said Lin wanting to calm her down. Korra smiled with a deep relief in her thoughts.
"I can't see clearly… my vision is degrading little by little…." said Korra uneasily.
"You will be alright Korra… do you remember what happened?" asked Lin clearing Korra's face from her hair. Lin helped Korra to sit back on her bed as she started thinking deep within her thoughts.
Korra kept on starring for a moment and suddenly she screamed in a fit covering her face with hands and started to cry out loud. Lin cuddled her closer.
"Hush now…. Everything is going to be alright child…" whispered Lin holding Korra as she cried burying her face on Lin.
Blood started to drip from Korra's nose. Lin noticed that she's bleeding from her nose.
"I don't remember anything… and it hurts so much inside of my head…." said Korra tightening her grip on Lin.
"Good heavens you're bleeding…" Said Lin releasing her and as she did Korra slowly started to faint. Lin gently helped her to lay back on the bed and quickly rushed to the door.
"OPEN UP, WE NEED A DOCTOR HERE, SHE"S BLEEDING" Shouted Lin knocking on the observation glass. Dr. Wallace and two of his assistants rushed in to the cell. They cleaned Korra's blood as Dr. Wallace checked her with a stethoscope.
"What's going on Doctor?" asked Lin.
"As I explained earlier, she has put too much strain on her body and now she's experiencing the side effects of it. She will have to go through these seizures and convulsions until her brain fully recovers. Even though she's the avatar, she is not a GOD" said Dr. Wallace looking above his spectacles.
Few moments later…
Lin is waiting outside Korra's cell as Doctor finished his work. Dr. Wallace came out.
"How is she doing now…?" asked Lin eagerly.
"We have sedated her… she needs to sleep and rest, that is the best remedy for her condition" said Dr. Wallace.
"She couldn't see clearly… it seemed me like she is experiencing some kind of blindness… got any explanation for that?" asked Lin raising her left eye brow.
"As I said earlier, she has suffered a severe amount of cerebral strain and blindness is just one side effect. It should wear out in time" said Dr. Wallace.
"I see…. but I want her moved from here to the republic city hospital tonight. She's not insane to be kept in an asylum" said Lin.
"I am afraid I can't do that Ma'am. Orders clearly state that she's to remain here under my supervision until the whole investigation complete and the authorities has come to the final conclusion. We are keeping her here because she's considered dangerous, not because she is insane" said Dr. Wallace.
"Look here Doctor… do you think it is human to keep that girl locked up in a padded cell. She won't harm anyone, she's not insane, she has no problem with her memory either. I just spoke with her. By doing this you are scaring her, just please remember that even though she's the avatar she's still a young girl" Lin said very slowly trying to convince the doctor.
"I'll be the judge of her level of sanity ma'am… and please do not interfere with my work" said Dr. Wallace in a little angered tone.
"Just think about it…" said Lin again.
"I'll tell you what I can do and what I can't do… Transferring her to the republic city hospital is impossible and I cannot authorize you to do that, but as a favor what I can do for you is that I can move her out of the padded cell in to a deluxe room where she can receive her treatment in its comforts as a normal patient. No need to let the authorities know about it…" said Dr. Wallace.
"Thank you very much Doctor… I really appreciate it" said Lin with a smile.
"But of course under one condition… if she make the slightest move… I am moving her right back in to the padded cell, no questions asked" said Dr. Wallace while adjusting his spectacles.
"I understand doctor… and thank you" said Lin with a pleasing smile.
"And also please keep in mind that I am risking my neck and lives of many other patients who are taking treatments here because of your request…." said Dr. Wallace looking at his assistants.
"Thank you for considering my request Dr. Wallace, I know you are a reasonable man and I promise you will have no trouble with your decision" said Lin.
"I was informed today that her parents will be coming here tomorrow" said Dr. Wallace.
"Yes they will. We already sent words to them about what happened" said Lin.
Four assistants rushed inside Korra's room and carried her on a stretcher to the sixth floor of the building. Lin and Dr. Wallace followed them.
They have given her a separate deluxe room in the hospital as Lin requested.
"I must retire to my quarters now… So good night to you ma'am" said Dr. Wallace leaving the room along with his assistants.
"Good night Doctor… and thank you" said Lin. She stayed behind until everyone left the room. She looked at Korra who lay on the comfortable bed in front of her.
"I don't know what really happened, and I don't care what the world says, I must get to the bottom of this. You rest well and everything is going to be alright, I promise" said Lin starring at Korra.
Several days have passed since Korra and Asami got attacked. The media has taken the whole news to the world in full glory. The investigations haven't come up with concrete proof of what has happened that night. All they came up was that Korra has attacked and killed more than twenty three people in cold blood and tried to kill chief of police all in avatar state using blood bending. Different people have made up different stories, and different newspapers bought their own thought to play and as a result whole world begun to fear the avatar they loved for past ten thousand years.
Korra couldn't speak anything in behalf of herself because she's held up in an asylum classified as criminally insane. Asami is the only person who could speak behalf of her and witnessed the whole incident but she's still in a coma.
Earth Kingdom, the Fire Nation, Northern and Southern water tribes have given their final verdict to the republic city about what they should do with the avatar. All of them have agreed upon the statement that "She is dangerous and to be moved away to a secure location".
People started to riot in front of republic city president's house wanting avatar to be removed from republic city as soon as possible. People feared their safety. The whole world started to refuse her and hate her. The news kept fueling the fear bringing in latest updates as the things progressed further. The only thing that is left to do was move Korra to the frozen north. It is a specially designed prison situated in northern icy wasteland to hold dangerous criminals. There is nothing else to be done because Korra herself is not in a good state of mind. She has no control over herself.
Late evening in Tenzin's Air Temple
Tenzin looked far in to the horizon and the heavy wind blew towards him from the ocean. His mind is heavy with regret and frustration. He felt a deep guilt within him as the mentor for the young avatar.
"I know I was wrong… I completely ignored one of my prime duties and I cannot make up for it… I am sorry Korra, I should have spoken to you more often and looked after you" he thought to himself having his eyes closed as drops of tears rolled down on his cheek. Being occupied with training new air benders have made him unwittingly ignore the young avatar. He realized his mistake when all the hell started to break loose destroying the whole system which kept the world at balance for past ten thousand years.
Lightning thunder growls in the sky showing the signs of a storm tonight. Tenzin rest his hands on the railing of the front porch leaning against it contemplating on his mistake. He clenched his fists thinking of his mistake and self-criticizing for his short comings.
He heard few foot steps behind him and he opened his eyes and turned to see who it is.
"I am sorry…. If I startled you Tenzin…" said a familiar voice.
"Lin… what... I mean… when did you arrive…?" asked Tenzin being surprised to see her. She smiled walking towards him and she rests her hands on the railing.
"Only just now…," said Lin looking in to the horizon. "I just wanted to talk to you over few things, it's just…" said Lin turning to him.
"I know… It's entirely my fault. I should have taken care of her. I just can't forgive myself for what happened to her because of my short comings…. I am a failure… I failed Korra as her mentor. If our father was here today, he would never forgive me for this" said Tenzin clenching his fists together. Lin kept silent letting him speak his heart out.
"I just don't know what to say…." said Lin in a hopeless tone.
"How can I face Tonraq and Senna…? They will despise me for my ignorance; they put complete faith on me for the safety of their daughter's life and look what I have done… I was so occupied with this new air bender training and I completely forgotten about Korra. I am such a failure" said Tenzin. Lin looked at him.
"It is not only your fault…. All of us are guilty for what has happened to her… You cannot blame all on to yourself Tenzin" said Lin wanting to make Tenzin feel better.
"Lin… I must say that I deserve all the hatred that could come from Tonraq and Senna. I am a … total… Failure" said Tenzin kept on saying again with a deep sigh. "I have failed Korra…. Just like I have failed you….. Lin…. I want you to hate me for what I have done instead of trying to comfort me, I really wish….. I really wish that people of republic city will hate me instead of her…" said Tenzin holding on to his self-criticism.
Lin felt her heart grew heavier as she kept listening to Tenzin speak of so bad about himself. She always knew him as a strong spirited, well determined man. Lin quickly turned at him and held him from his biceps.
"NO…! Tenzin please STOP. This is not a time to break down and cry… Korra needs all the help she can get…." Lin looked in to Tenzin's eyes as he opened them filled with tears.
Tenzin and Lin kept starring in to each other eyes for moment. "Please don't do this… I just don't want to see you breakdown in despair…." said Lin wanting him to think differently.
Lin and Tenzin suddenly got distracted for the hemming of Pema.
"…OH! I am so sorry… did I disturb anything…?" she said walking out of the house to the front porch with a warm cup of tea on a tray. Lin quickly drew her hands back from Tenzin's biceps feeling guilty in front of his wife.
"I am so sorry Lin… I didn't know you were coming here…. Tenzin didn't even inform me" Said Pema with a sarcastic smile.
"We were just…. Ermm" said Tenzin wiping his tears and feeling embarrassed.
"…. I just came in Pema" said Lin smiling at her.
"…. Yea, she just came in and…err" said Tenzin. Pema completely ignored Tenzin and his reactions feeling little jealous and angry at him at the same time.
"… Let me get you a cup of tea, I am sorry, I thought Tenzin is all alone here" said Pema.
"Please Pema… no need to trouble yourself over me, I just came in to let Tenzin in on some timely matters regards to Korra" said Lin.
"That is no trouble at all… I hope Korra is doing alright..?. Tenzin told me what is happening back in the city and it is terrible. I hope we can do something to help the poor girl. We were talking about her just three days before all the bad happened back in the city" said Pema.
"MUUUUUUUUUUUUUUM…..! MUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUM…!" Meelo came on running looking for his mother breaking in to the conversation.
"What is it darling….? Can't it wait till I get back…? I was just talking to Lin and your Father here" said Pema.
"NO IT CANNOT WAIT….! ROHAN POOOPED IN HIS DIAPERS THREE TIMES IN A ROW AND HE DEMANDS A NEW DIAPER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE" shouted Meelo jumping up and down grumpily.
"I am sorry I have to run Lin…" said Pema patting Meelo on his back asking him to lead the way.
"That's alright Pema… I perfectly understand the situation besides I won't be here for long as well…." Said Lin. Pema ran back inside the house with Meelo.
Lin giggled softly. "She deserves a medal for taking care of them…." said Lin while starring at them walking in to the house. Tenzin smiled laying a deep breath leaning his back against the railing and held the cup of tea in his hands. Lin turned back at him and smiled.
"Mmmmm Cinnamon herbal tea…, I hope that gets you relaxed Tenzin" she said inhaling.
"I am sorry… I can't have this alone while you are here… let me get you…" said Tenzin trying to walk back in to the house as Lin stopped him by gently holding his hand.
"I was just kidding… Really… please enjoy your tea in peace Tenzin…" said Lin wanting him to return to where he was.
"… but I insist Lin," said Tenzin.
Lin slowly guided him back to where he was. "Alright… have mine then; I simply can't have tea without serving my guest first…. It is bad manners" said Tenzin.
"Tenzin… please… I am here to discuss another matter… not to flirt with you over a cup of tea…" said Lin gently releasing his hand.
"ermm… I am sorry" said Tenzin looking down.
Lin notices his face changed.
"… Maybe I'll have a sip of yours…" said Lin with a smile raising one of her eye brows wanting to cheer up Tenzin.
"By all means… Please" said Tenzin uneasily. "You first…." She said in a little playful tune wanting to forget all the turmoil she kept going through for a moment. Tenzin smirked for Lin's behavior.
"Alright Lin… you win" said Tenzin sipping on his tea.
"And why are you smiling like that if I may ask?" asked Lin raising her eye brow with a flirty smile at Tenzin.
"It was nothing…! You know for a moment I just went back in time… you know… when we…. I mean when er… never mind…. I just…" Tenzin looked for the right words.
"Lovers…? Teenagers…? Well my dear Tenzin Time has never stood still even if we wanted it to…." said Lin as she took the cup of tea from Tenzin's hands. Tenzin looks down and Lin kept on staring at him while drinking sipping the tea.
Pema quickly walks back to where they are with a cup of tea on a tray.
"I bought you some Tea Lin, Even though you refused, it's not nice of me not to serve you a tea…" she said while coming in to the front porch in a rush. Tenzin felt a shiver run down on him as Lin turned to her while drinking the tea she bought for him.
"OH….!" Said Pema suddenly and paused. "I didn't know you already had tea..." she said walking towards her as Lin places the empty cup and saucer on her serving tray.
"Tenzin insisted on helping him finish his sweet cinnamon tea…." said Lin smiling at Pema as she passes her.
"OH! REALLY…? That is very unlikely generous of him…" said Pema facing him with a frown in her eyes. "Alright then you better have this as well my dear courteous husband…. I know you LOVE CINNAMON TEA!" said Pema wanting him to take the second tea. Tenzin quietly took it from her and Pema walked back in to the house.
Lin chuckled walking close to Tenzin. "Lin… that wasn't very funny… we aren't youngsters anymore…." said Tenzin.
"Pema looks prettier when she is jealous and angry… hahahha… don't worry, I will let her know that I just played a prank on you two before I leave…" said Lin smiling at Tenzin and pats on his shoulder.
Lin looked at her wrist watch…
"It's almost getting late Tenzin… so I'll be on my way then… but before that I must let you know that Tonraq and Senna will be coming to meet you tomorrow morning. They came in to Republic city this morning wanting to see Korra. Tonraq said the hospital authorities denied letting them see her last time. They just want to take you with them to the hospital and they wanted me to come along as well…" said Lin.
"Not letting her parents to see her is inhuman… Yes I will gladly do everything within my possibility to help them. That is the least I could do…" said Tenzin.
"The problem is not only the hospital authority; the president of republic city is along with other governing authorities has given orders to keep her quarantined. I myself only managed to see her once after that every time I wanted to visit her, they denied. They said she's sedated and not in a position to talk" said Lin.
"This is completely unacceptable; yes I am going to intervene tomorrow. I will do everything within my capacity to help her. I am going to see her tomorrow with Tonraq and Senna. How did your investigation came up with those masked men she killed?" said Tenzin with a very determined tune in his voice.
"I told you two days back as well… There is nothing about them; no one can identify anything about them because they are already in pieces. All the evidences are either in tiny pieces or incinerated in to air. There is nothing much we could do about identifying who they were but the undercover investigation team from my end is still continuing. I am doing everything I can to get to the bottom of this but the biggest problem is newspapers. I can't control the newspaper guys can I….? They are in for the money, for their selfish benefits and business they are spreading those photographs all over the world. The ones they have taken during the time of incident. That's what may have caused the citizens to panic. When I've been questioned, I can't deny the fact that Korra attacked me with blood bending while I intervened to stop her because it's all in clear detailed photographs" said Lin looking away from Tenzin uneasily.
"I see… so the whole world wants to get rid of avatar for good because they fear her… Hmmm in times like these we must work with great precautions…" said Tenzin rubbing his chin.
"I just don't know what to do…. I can do something like breaking her out of that place but then again I know that she's in an unstable state of mind and the cause for it is Asami who got badly injured by those assailants. What if she loses control of herself….? She's not just a bender…. We are talking about avatar herself… she could kill thousands of people and all their blood will be on my hands for breaking her out" said Lin feeling distraught not being able to take a decision by herself.
Tenzin contemplates for moment quietly.
"We cannot rush this Lin… we must do things with great patience. Let me think about it overnight, I might be able to come up with a more diplomatic solution than doing anything harsh. We must make a plan and a backup plan as well but first things first. I must make contact with Korra tomorrow; let's see how things are going on with her. Then we will think of a better plan and continue from there" said Tenzin patiently.
"I wanted to ask… How is Asami?" Tenzin suddenly popped up a question.
"…. Bad… she's still in a coma. I spoke to the doctors this morning and they have already started to lose hope on her recovery. She's has severe trauma. I felt really bad when I saw her laying in the intensive care fighting for her life" said Lin with a sigh.
"Does her father know of her condition already?" said Tenzin.
"Yeah, I went and spoke with him two days back. He cried a lot begging me to save his daughters life, I told him I will do everything I can" said Lin.
"It seems to me like the world we once knew and loved is falling apart" said Tenzin with desperation in his tone.
"Yes it is Tenzin, but I am trying my best to hold it together" said Lin looking back at Tenzin and she smiled at him. "I'll be going now… I hope I can get back home before storm starts. So I will see you tomorrow then…?" said Lin stepping down from the porch.
"Leaving already….? Could I ask you to have dinner with us tonight…?" said Tenzin.
"I would love to but…. thank you Tenzin… Maybe some other time… I am just so tired and worn from endless work, all I need is just a drink and a long good night sleep back at home" said Lin very smoothly looking at Tenzin as if she would want him to come along with her tonight.
"Alright then… Let me walk you to the jetty…" said Tenzin standing up straight. Lin smiled at him. Tenzin walked with Lin through his garden quietly. Lin looked at him and smiled again.
"Lin…. You are completely different today, I don't remember a time I saw you smile quiet often as today. Relaxed and speaking softly…" said Tenzin walking on the paved pathway that leads to the jetty where Lin's speed boat is docked.
"hmmm… I spent some time with Suyin before all this happened. I guess staying with her for few weeks really soften me down to the core. I don't feel like being so hard headed anymore. I think her wild and free nature is contagious" said Lin with a suppressed laughter.
"It's good to hear it though… I wish you contracted it when we were much younger…" said Tenzin in a suppressed tone. Lin replied him with a smile. After few minutes they have walked to the jetty. Tenzin saw her speedboat which used to come to his island.
"So… Good night to you Lin, and take care on your way. I think you can get back home before the storm…" said Tenzin stopping at the beginning of jetty.
"You too Tenzin and remember that we are all in this together… you are not alone…. Alright then, I'll see you tomorrow…" said Lin walking away from him towards the boat. The strong wind blew at them from the sea.
Tenzin kept looking at her as she walked further away from him and then he looked at the sky up above growling with thunder and lightning preparing for a late night storm.
"LIN….." Tenzin suddenly called out for as she gets closer to the boat. Lin turned at him and saw Tenzin waving his hand. "Yes…." Lin replied little louder.
"ermm.. it's just that… " said Tenzin pausing in the middle.
Lin smiled at him. "Goodnight Tenzin…. When all this is over come see me in the republic city sometime…" said Lin waving at him and she got on to her boat.
Tenzin smiled with a blush. "Take care…. Lin". He kept looking at her boat until she fades in to the darkness of the night.
Following day…
"Come quickly Korra…. We don't have much time…." said Bolin rushing through hospital corridor leading the way for Korra. Korra grabbed on to Bolin as a support because she's too weak to walk that fast. Bolin grabbed her hand running towards the elevator. As the elevator door opens Bolin started running with Korra. She couldn't speak a word even if she wants to. Finally Bolin came to the intensive care unit of the hospital rushing inside it to Asami's room.
Korra covered her mouth in a state of shock as she saw Asami lay back on the bed with all the life support systems connected to her body. The doctors are all around her checking the monitors.
"ASAMI…!?" Korra said while sniveling. All the words she wanted to speak out got clogged in her throat.
The doctor and two nurses who were busy around her, Korra and Bolin walked towards them slowly. Nurses went pass them along with all the surgical equipment they were using. Doctor stopped at them and looked in to the eyes of Korra and Bolin. He adjusted his spectacles halting the stethoscope firmly around his neck.
"I did everything I could… I am sorry…." Said the doctor and passed Bolin with a friendly pat to his shoulder. Tears burst in to Bolin's eyes. Korra slowly stepped towards Asami's bed. Her eyes are closed and all the electronic equipment are blinking. Korra looked at the heart rate monitor and it is slowly dropping down.
"ASAMI…?" said Korra falling on her knees next to her bed. There was no response. Bolin couldn't come any closer so he rushed out of the room being unbearable to see her. Korra slowly reached out to Asami's hand and she felt Asami gripped her fingers very gently.
Tears rolled down on her cheeks and she felt her heart is melting down inside.
"I Love you….. Asami…" Korra muttered sniveling holding on to Asami's hand.
Suddenly the heart rate monitors start to give beeps out and she saw Asami coughing blood out inside the oxygen mask.
"PLEASEEEEEEEEEEE DOOOOOOOOON'T…." Korra cried out loud and she saw the whole white bedding turning red like a blotting paper.
"SOMEBODY HELP… SHE"S BLEEDING ALL OVER….."Korra screamed loud as she can for help…..
Korra wakes up with a gasp as if she was holding her breath for few minutes. She reached out for her neck and rubs it down breathing heavily and she found herself on a comfortable hospital bed. She tried to look around but her vision is completely blurred out. All she could see is that she's not in the padded cell which she woke up earlier.
"ASAMI….?" She said to herself instantly figuring out that it was one of her nightmares.
No one is the room except for herself and it is dim lit. She sits up on the bed and put her legs down. She slowly stood up on the ground barefoot and she felt the floor is freezing cold and suddenly remembers everything. Korra looks at the room door and tried to air bend at it to open. It wasn't successful, so she through she'd try fire bending at it. "All my bending is gone…" She whispered to herself. "I need to get out of here, I haven't done anything wrong to be kept locked" She thought.
Korra stood still and tried to reach avatar state and suddenly she felt a piercing jolt of pain across her head going all the way down on her spine making her fall on the ground and scream in pain. She struggled with the pain that is flashing in her head and started to bleed from her nose and ears all over the white tiled squeaky clean floor. Korra falls in to a seizure with uncontrollable pain and started convulse.
The hospital staff rushed in to her room along with Dr. Wallace. "Oh my god… Help her up to the bed quickly" shouted Dr. Wallace in a rush. The two nurses along with the other male hospital attendant lifts her up and gently laid her on the bed. Convulsions of her body started to get violent and she is gnashing in pain stiffening up her body.
"HOLD HER STILL… I AM GOING TO SEDATE HER" said Dr. Wallace filling up the injection from the vial. Korra started to thrash uncontrollably on the bed and she shrieked unnaturally. Dr. Wallace himself gotten startled for her violent behavior.
"OH MY GOD…." He said as he felt a sudden tug in his heart and dropped the glass vial and syringe on the ground. He tried to move but he couldn't and then he heard Korra laughing out hysterically. One nurse screamed in pain as her hand twisted dislocating from the shoulder. The other male attendant and the nurses started screaming out loud as they bleed from the eyes. All three of them fell on the floor in pain.
Korra slowly sits up on the bed and puts her feet down again. "OH! NO…!" said Dr. Wallace being unable to move or do anything. White shirt she wears is drenched in her own blood. She suddenly opened her eyes staring at Dr. Wallace. He felt a cold shiver runs down on him as he saw her eyes. In absence of Iris and it is dark bloody red.
"Wha… wha.. What form of blood bending is this….?" said Dr. Wallace in fear. Korra giggled hysterically. "Tell me… Where is ASAMI….?" She started to question the doctor.
"I…. I…. I really don't know where she is…."He said shivering in fear.
"LIAR…." She shouted twisting his arm to the other side and Dr. Wallace screamed in agony. She slowly steps down from the bed and started stepping towards the doctor.
"PLEASE…..! PLEASE! don't kill me…. I am telling you the truth… I don't know anything. I was only asked to take care of you; I am not your enemy… Please" Dr. Wallace begged for his life. He closed his eyes as she gets really close to him and stopped. Doctor is shivering in fear he closed his eyes. She kept staring at him for a moment. Doctor felt a presence of a monster instead of an avatar.
"OPEN THE DOOR…." said Korra and Dr. Wallace started to walk involuntarily towards the door with her blood bending. He opened the room door and stepped aside like a puppet controlled by the puppeteer. She slowly started to walk towards the opened door.
Dr. Wallace is trying to catch his breath starring at Korra. She stepped on the broken glass vial and the syringe on the ground cutting her sole yet kept on walking as if nothing happened. She slowly walked out of the room and as she walks across the room to the corridor, her foot steps are marked with traces of blood because she stepped on the broken glass. Korra slowly looks back at Dr. Wallace and he felt as if his throat is strangling itself. He shouted out in pain.
Suddenly he felt an enormous pain as his legs get dislocated. Korra drops him on the ground without killing him along with others. He struggled on the ground being unable to walk or stand up.
She walked few steps slowly in the long corridor and the hospital alarm started to go off. Korra kept on walking towards the elevator in the far end of the hall way. All the staff that was around the floor kept running for their dear lives. She didn't care what happens around her, she kept her pace as it was.
Korra sees few people rushed in near the elevator blocking her way. They are hospital staff and about ten security officers rushed in with stun guns and tranquilizers. She paused and looked at all of them.
"AVATAR KORRA…. THIS IS THE CHIEF OF SECURITY IN THIS HOSPITAL. I KINDLY REQUEST YOU TO STAND DOWN IMMEDIATELY OR WE WILL HAVE TO USE FORCE" Security guard with Tranquilizers aiming at her shouted out.
"Let me pass…. And no will be harmed…." said Korra wanting to walk to the elevator.
"NO CAN"T DO MA"AM…. YOU ARE UNDER THE CUSTODY OF REPUBLIC CITY POLICE AND WE CAN"T LET YOU LEAVE WITHOUT PROPER APROVAL FROM THE AUTHORITY…" said the chief of security.
Korra laughed hysterically as if she's completely out of her mind. Suddenly everyone started to scream falling on the floor with bleeding noses, broken bones and dislocated joints. Then she walked into the elevator passing everyone on the ground screaming in pain.
Meanwhile…
Tenzin, Tonraq, Senna and Lin have already arrived at the hospital. Tenzin has managed to get permission for Korra's parents to see her. Lin walked along with others to the reception desk.
"Good morning Ma'am… how may I help you…" asked the nurse in the reception.
"Authorities have granted permission for Avatar's Parents to see her. Here's the permit… so be quick and lead us to her room" said Lin smashing the permit on the desk.
"Very well… give me a moment Ma'am" said the nurse reaching out for the phone. Suddenly the alarm goes off in the hospital. Everyone who was in the ground floor started to rush.
"What's happening here…? Is this the fire drill….?" asked Tenzin looking around.
"I'm afraid it is not sir…. Please follow me, I will lead you to the safety…" said the Nurse in a rush.
"You just get yourself to the safety…. You don't have to worry about us" said Lin arrogantly walking away from desk inside the hospital. Others followed her.
"Ma'am… you can't go in without permission from Dr. Wallace…. Besides you have to obey the Alert…." shouted the nurse. Lin led the others in to the hospital ignoring what the nurse was saying.
"Something is wrong…" said Lin. "What's happening Tenzin…?" asked Senna holding on to Tonraq's arm.
"At the moment we don't know to be exact…" said Tenzin. Lin saw all the security guards rushing towards the elevator.
"Come on…. Let's go… I think something is really wrong here…" said Lin running towards the security guards wanting others to follow her.
"Everybody stand on your ground…. Moment you see her walking out of the elevator, take aim and wait for my signal" shouted one of the security guards getting everyone to aim their tranquilizers at the elevator.
Lin and others ran and stopped behind the crowd. The elevator has reached the ground level and the door opens.
"EVERYONE, BE READY…." shouted the security officer.
Korra stepped out of the elevator slowly wearing a blood stained shirt and baggy hospital pants in her barefoot. Her hair is down covering most of her face.
"THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING AVATAR…. STAND DOWN OR WE WILL OPEN FIRE" shouted the guard.
Korra lifts her head up and her face emerged through hair revealing blood red eyes. She tilts her head like a bird with a sudden unnatural movement.
Senna gasped covering her mouth in fear seeing her daughter like a monster.
"OH MY GOD…! KORRA" Shouted Tonraq trying to walk through the crowd and Tenzin stopped him. With a blink of an eye all the security officers who were aiming at her started to scream in pain. All of them started to fall on the floor wreathing in pain and screaming.
"Stand back…. Everyone… she's dangerous" said Lin wanting everyone to back off.
Once everybody who is blocking the entrance goes down in pain, Tonraq, Senna, Lin and Tenzin revealed themselves from the crowd.
"KORRA… I AM WARNING YOU…. STAND DOWN…" Shouted Lin and she suddenly felt a paralyzing pain running down on her spine making her kneel on the ground.
"LIN….." shouted Tenzin running towards her. Lin gnashed in pain.
"RUN… TENZIN… RUN… SHE"S OUT OF HER MIND… SHE'LL KILL US ALL" shouts Lin pushing Tenzin away holding on to her chest.
Tonraq jumped at her and just before he do any bending he stood still like a statue and kneeled on the ground holding on to his lower chest.
"TONRAQ…! NOOOOOO" Senna screamed running towards him.
Korra walked towards everyone and stops.
"STOP THIS…! STOP IT AT ONCE KORRA… I AM YOUR MOTHER FOR GODS SAKE… STOP IT… YOU ARE HURTING HIM…. HE'S YOUR FATHER" Shouted Senna crying out loud at Korra. She looked at her mother.
"MOTHER….?" said Korra looking at her. Senna looked at her with teary eyes wanting her to stop blood bending at her father. "ASAMI…. WHERE IS ASAMI….?" Korra asked. Senna quickly got back on her feet and walked closer to Korra. She touched her daughters face with both of her hands and cried.
"MOTHER….? WHERE IS ASAMI….?" as Korra asked again one of the security guards screamed in pain as his leg gets twisted.
"STOP IT… MY BABY… STOP IT PLEASE…" cried Senna hugging Korra as she stood still like a cold monster.
"WE HAVE LOST HER…. SHE IS GONE…. I AM SO SORRY MY LOVE…" said Senna crying while cuddling Korra to her. She felt Korra hugs her back and suddenly she felt Korra's weight on her as if she fainting. Senna held her daughter without letting her fall directly on the floor. The terrifying grapple of blood bending slowly seized releasing everyone who was in pain.
Tonraq quickly got back on his feet and rushed towards Senna and Korra. Lin gasped as she was released from the blood bending. Tenzin quickly helped her up and they ran towards Korra as well. Tonraq helped Senna to lower their daughter on to the ground. They slowly lowered Korra on to the ground and Senna held Korra in her arms. Korra opened her eyes shivering and her eyes have become normal but they are bloodshot. Tears rolled down from her eyes as her mother and father shed tears for her holding her closer to them. She looked at her father Tonraq.
"I am sorry if I hurt you dad… I just wanted to stop you from interrupting me…" She whispered in a weak tone.
"Baby… it's alright… we got you now… don't fight it…" said Tonraq in a sad tone caressing her head wanting her to give in.
The security guards rushed here with their tranquilizers. Lin jumped at them.
"Stand where you are…. We got it under controlled…. They are her parents…. So nobody gets close until I say so" shouted Lin and the guards stopped at a distance because they know she's the chief of republic city police and not someone they can take lightly.
The avatar passed out in her parents arms. "Senna…?" said Tenzin laying his hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him with tearful eyes.
"I had to tell it to her…., otherwise she will go on another killing spree" said Senna with teary eyes. Tenzin closed his eyes not knowing what to say. The hospital staff rushed in with three nurses and two doctors.
"Alright stand down… we are here now… we got her" said one of the doctors to the guards and they stepped aside. One of the doctors immediately checked Korra's pulse.
"Where is Dr. Wallace…? I need to speak to him right now" said Lin walking towards the hospital staff.
"I'm sorry ma'am, he cannot come down because he's been attacked by her. He got his legs dislocated and currently in for an emergency treatment" said the nurse.
"Do we have any casualties…?" Tenzin asked.
"No we don't; but many are injured because of her" said another doctor with a rush. They carefully load Korra to a stretcher.
"Take her to the room immediately…" doctor ordered his staff.
Few moments later…
Korra is taken back to her room and she's unconscious at the moment. The doctors finished attending to her. Lin eagerly kept looking at how nurses attend to her. Senna and Tonraq is already shocked to see their daughter in such a monstrous state. Tenzin tried to comfort them explaining the situation to best of his knowledge.
"When can we see Dr. Wallace…?" asked Lin from the nurse as she's about to leave the room.
"He said he will be coming here in about twenty minutes… Doctor is already given powerful pain killers and he is waiting till it takes effect in the emergency room" said the nurse leaving the room. Lin nods at the nurse deep in her thoughts and she walks closer to Korra who is now lay unconscious on her bed.
"What have you done to yourself child….? What's happening to you…? I just don't understand what has caused you to come out in such outrage" She whispered at Korra with a puzzle in her mind. Tenzin walked near Korra.
"I just don't understand… for the past ten thousand years of avatar's history, no one has ever seen or reported blood bending of this magnitude. She simply held everyone in a grapple and could affect each and every one independently. Amazing yet equally terrifying" said Tenzin. Lin looked at him and nods.
"Never in my life have I seen or heard blood bending at this level. I've known my mom and she being such a powerful earth bender yet I haven't seen her operating earth or metal bending on several different people in different locations independently" said Lin.
As the door open in the room everyone looked that way. A nurse pushed the wheel chair with Dr. Wallace in to the room.
"Is she stable right now…? Was there any movements…?" he kept asking from Lin as the wheel chair is been pushed close to the bed. "Thank you… I can take it from here" said Dr. Wallace to the nurse and she left the room. Tonraq walked over to them along with Senna.
"My apology for all the trouble she has just caused…" said Tonraq.
"Don't worry, this kinds of accidents do happen in our line of duty, especially with specimens like Korra" said Dr. Wallace with an evil smile.
"SPECIMEN…? Dr. Wallace that is my daughter you are talking about… She's the Avatar for god's sake who kept the world at balance for past ten thousand years, she's not your damn experiment" Shouted Senna in anger.
"I am so sorry ma'am; I didn't mean any disrespect it's just that I am so use to these scientific words because we use them quite often while we are at work…" Dr. Wallace tried to explain and Tonraq gently pats Senna putting his arm around her shoulder wanting her to calm down.
"While I was in for the pain killers, I received a call from the Mr. President and things don't sound good. The authorities have come up with a final conclusion to move her away from republic city. People are terrified all over the world because of what the news is spreading around. It has become the primary subject to talk about in all radio stations and newspapers. Fire nation, Earth Kingdom, Republic City and all other authorities including north and south water tribes have already spoken their verdict. They want the avatar to be moved away from all densely populated areas to total isolation. In other words they want her to be kept locked and under supervision at all times" said Dr. Wallace with so much terror in his voice.
Senna cried leaning on to Tonraq. He comforts his wife. Tenzin and Lin went completely silent listening to Dr. Wallace.
"We can take her back home… We can take care of her and there won't be any problems if she's with us" said Senna sniveling.
"I'm afraid we can't do that… People will oppose us for bringing her to South Pole with us. I understand how you feel Senna, she's our daughter but we have to look at this problem in a global scale. We saw what she can do. We can't risk people's lives in south pole" said Tonraq with a sad tone.
Dr. Wallace scratched his head. "That'll be impossible to do so because currently she's labeled as a criminally insane for all the massacre and we can't just move her around the way we want. We need proper clearance and permission from the authorities" said Dr. Wallace.
"I understand what you mean Dr. Wallace. As the chief of police I cannot let anyone meddle with police work due to personal connections as well. For the time being we really don't know what happened that night. After I went through the investigation report from my team, it is clear that there has been a conflict and they were attacked by that group of people who came in masks. They came in several vehicles and they open fired on their car while on their way to Bolin's mover opening night but that is not the case; as the avatar she could have easily knocked everyone out instead of killing everyone in such dreadful manner in cold blood. Criminals or not, law will not accept of massacring people over personal vengeance. That is why we are here, the republic city police and the courts of justice. As the avatar what she did was completely insane… and worst case scenario is the whole incident has reached the public in full glory" Explained Lin as she explained the authorities few days back.
All of them stayed back at the hospital for a while talking with Dr. Wallace. Doctor has provided all the information he knows to her parents as well as Lin and Tenzin. They felt that there is nothing else they could do unless they break her out like thieves in the night but all of them knew that it is a risk they cannot take. Tenzin wanted Tonraq and Senna to stay with his family in the island for the time being because they didn't wish to return to South Pole immediately. They left the hospital keeping faith on Dr. Wallace since he promised what happened today will not go beyond the walls of this hospital. He gave his word to Lin, Tenzin, Tonraq and Senna.
Life of the young avatar couldn't get any worse than this. People of the world that once loved and cheered her name now despise her. Everything Korra loved has already fallen apart plunging her life in to a chaotic nightmare. Korra always believed her parents, her father and mother. After hearing the tragic demise of Asami from her own mother she has succumb in to despair. She never regained herself after that moment. She never spoke nor attempted to escape…
Korra has come to a point of no return losing her desire to live and literally causing her hear to stop and turn to frozen cold ice.
The Avatar, The bender of all four elements, the one who kept the world at balance for past ten thousand years have come to a point of losing her sanity.
The unknown sinister force that wanted to get the world devoid of avatar has succeeded in their heinous plan. They have made her the target of public hostility and odium. Their final move is to get rid of avatar once and for all…
Two days later… Late at night
Republic City Asylum for Criminally Insane
Lightning thunder kept crashing outside along with raging storm as if it is the end of the world.
Dr. Wallace slowly opens the door to Korra's room and enters. The place is dim lit and he sees her sleeping quietly on her bed.
"It's time we get rid of you for good… Avatar…" he whispered with an evil smirk walking closer to her. He took a syringe filled with metallic poison, just like the one that Zaheer of the red lotus used on her. He slowly unscrewed the drip line which is giving her saline and injected the whole syringe in to the stream then reconnect the original apparatus. He looked at her again and notices that she's still fast asleep.
"Sweet dreams… AVATAR" he whispered and quickly walked over to the en suite to get rid of the evidence. He flushed the syringe, needle and vial down the toilette and opened the door to walk back in to Korra's room.
Dr. Wallace suddenly got shocked as he saw her sitting on the bed with her hair down covering her face in the dim light. The lightning thunder adds perfect atmosphere for her appearance. He started to panic and ran towards the door and tried to open it but it is locked. Sweat started to drip down from his forehead as he tried to breath. He felt as if he is going to get a heart attack as he turned and saw Korra holding the key to the door in her hand.
"Please don't hurt me… I… I… ju… ju… just ca ca came… to see how you are…" He said pleading for his life as he sits on the floor. Suddenly he started to feel as if a volcano erupted in his heart. His blood started to boil. Dr. Wallace screamed and shouts in pain begging for his life and finally he started to bleed from his nose, ears and eyes. He kneeled on the floor holding on to his head and screaming in pain as the blood boiled all the way up to the brain. His screams were perfectly suppressed by the storm outside. Dr. Wallace screamed and screamed hard as he can until he exploded in to a fountain of blood gore splattering blood all over the room tainting everything in it.
She kept starring at the smoking steamed flesh of Dr. Wallace and smiled, then lay back on the bed to fall asleep as if nothing happened.
Following day they found that Dr. Wallace was massacred in Korra's hospital room. The body was beyond identification because it was in small pieces and it was clear that he has checked in to her room for treatment and she simply killed him. They found the avatar sleeping in her room peacefully after killing Dr. Wallace who was in charge of her treatments. The hospital was teeming with news reporters and cops. Once again news hits the public as dry leaves catching fire and caused a stirring of mass distress among people for massacring Dr. Wallace who was a renowned scientist in human psychology. This act finally cleared all doubts on everyone including her supporters, Mentor and even the parents that she is criminally insane and does not fit to live in society anymore. The poison that Doctor Wallace injected to her blood stream has caused her condition to worsen and getting her in to chronic states of dementia.
Consequences of her actions added a great disadvantage to her current status.
As of immediate action, Authorities has decided that Korra is guilty and to be moved to the isolation of The Prison of frozen north and there will be no trial held in behalf of her. The prison of Frozen North is a facility situated in the frozen wasteland of North Pole and it is designed to contain the most powerful and dangerous of all criminals. Built with special type of steel to block all bending and no one has ever broken out of it. For the past three hundred years only two prisoners have admitted to frozen north is number two is the avatar herself.
Avatar Korra who once fought so hard with all villainy which pose as a threat to the wellbeing of the world now officially crowned as extremely dangerous, mentally unstable and unfit to live in the society.