The Guardian Spirits were observing the young Avatar from a viewing portal. Both Agni and Amaterasu had been pleasantly surprised by how open minded Korra had become. She was becoming a highly intelligent, empathetic, relatable individual. Hei Bai roared his approval after witnessing the girl's progress with her combat skills and her ability to learn to work with "non benders." Yue was rather pleased that Korra was getting in touch with her spirituality and was excited about the Water Tribe girl developing a new sub bending for air. However, Ferrum was quite and reserved, as he observed the seventeen year old studying hard for her upcoming midterms. Korra's time in the Young Justice world was getting closer to the end. She had little less then two weeks or so until they came to take her home. Not much time left to fulfill her promise to Red Arrow to help him find balance.
"If I may, while all of us are pleased that Avatar Korra has slowly learned to overcome her weaknesses, we still are left in a conundrum. It has been almost three days in our mortal realm since she left and soon the fourth night will be upon us. We have to return Korra on that night and we are no closer to helping keep our promised boon to the Justice League. We must fulfill our obligations; after all we are Guardian Spirits."
"Even spirits such as us can't perform miracles without assistance. We are not part of the world of the League so our powerful influence is limited. We may have an idea of where the spirit/blood twin is being held, but unless Korra taps into our strength then we can do nothing to help restore balance," Agni reminded him. He was worried that they wouldn't fulfill their obligations; he too wanted to make the Light suffer for causing such an imbalance while saying they were creating a new balance. What a bunch of hypocrites!
"There is no need for alarm; Avatar Aang has already given the answer to finding the original Roy Harper. All life is connected to one another through their souls. If she can reach the highest meditation state, Korra can use the energy inside herself to find the soul that is nearly identical to the one she is in love with," Amaterasu told the group. She looked at the portal again noticing how Korra was doodling the name of Red Arrow over and over in her notebook. Ah young love. "I for one approve of her new taste in men. Nothing against your nation Agni, but the men there as so passionate that at times they don't know how to be monogamous."
Hei Bai roared and grunted. He was pointing with his muzzle and scratching at the ground. He was conveying to them that it was important to keep the faith and that they shouldn't worry. Young Justice had an excellent track record, and with the League getting closer to figuring out where Vandal Savage sent them during the missing sixteen hours, it was only a matter of time before they would be called to aid help restore balance.
"Hei Bai is correct, but we must remember, that we act it Korra's decision, not ours, on how balance should be restored and the proper punishment for the Light. Ferrum, could you please check on how Tempus is holding up? Amaterasu, give a progress report to Tenzin that the Avatar is doing fine. Agni, you and Hei Bai start looking into the possibility of an Earth Kingdom soul while I visit Korra. If she is accidently killed in the coming battle we need to be ready to transfer the Avatar spirit back to our world," Yue commanded. Her face was filled with concern, but she still had hope that Korra would surprise them all.
Korra at the moment was in the middle of a review session in her Natural Science class. Midterms were in two days and she would find out her grades the day before she left. She wanted to leave this world on a good note validating her newfound knowledge. It surprised her how much her education matter to her. She recalled once how Master Katara had mentioned how she wished the Water Tribes had a more formal education and she could now understand why. Knowledge truly was power.
"Alright, that about covers everything on what we've learned these past few weeks. Remember to review your vocabulary words and do practice test from chapters 11, 12, and 13. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to come to me for help. Dismissed," Mr. Bozinic told his students. The bell rang and most students filed out, but Korra lingered for a few minutes fingering her disguised collar as she approached the teacher. "Yes Ms. Tribe, is there something I can help you with?"
"Mr. Bozinic I have a question. You mentioned last week something about gravity that I was wondering if you would care to elaborate on."
"I can assure you that in this class you won't be tested on the physics of nature, but I'm always happy to help a fellow science lover expand their knowledge. What did you want to know?"
Taking a deep breath, she voiced her question. "Well, I was wondering if you could tell me more about how air pressure and gravity are related. I was wondering, if say a person could manipulate air, could they manipulate gravity as well. I mean, there are so many different metahumans and heroes I was just curious if that's how their powers worked," she explained in rush. She bit her lip hoping she hadn't said too much.
"Without seeing them in a controlled environment or a complete understanding of their physiology I couldn't be certain, but yes in theory what you propose could happen. As I mentioned before; one amazing thing about living on earth is that we are constantly walking around in a high-pressure fluid - a substance with mass and no shape. The air around us is composed of several different elements in a gaseous state. In this gas, the atoms and molecules of the elements fly around freely, bumping into each other and everything else. As these particles collide against an object, each of them pushes with a tiny amount of energy. Because there are so many particles in the air, this energy adds up to a considerable pressure level (at sea level, about 14.7 pounds of pressure per square inch (psi), or 1 kg per square centimeter (kg/cm2!)."
Pausing for a moment, he grabbed a nearby whiteboard and marker to help illustrate better what he was talking about.
"The force of air pressure depends on two things:
The rate of particle collision - if more particles collide in a period of time, then more energy is transferred to an object.
The force of the impact - if the particles hit with greater force, more energy is transferred to an object.
These factors are determined by how many air particles there are in an area and how fast they are moving. If there are more particles, or if they are travelling more quickly, there will be more collisions, and so greater pressure. Increasing particle speed also increases the force of the particle's impact."
"But on Earth, there are other forces to consider, chiefly gravity. While air particles are extremely small, they do have mass, and so they are pulled toward the Earth. At any particular level of the Earth's atmosphere, this pull is very slight - the air particles seem to move in straight lines, without noticeably falling toward the ground. So, pressure is fairly balanced on the small scale. Overall, however, gravity pulls particles down, which causes a gradual increase in pressure as you move toward the earth's surface. If one could manipulate air particles and decrease or increase the particles impact affecting its mass one could manipulate gravity. Of course it's all theoretical. Do you understand what I'm saying Korra?"
She quickly copied his notes down before nodding her head. "Yes, thank you for taking the time to explain it to me. I have to go now. I can't be late for math. Thanks again for helping me out."
"You're very welcome. I hope that you do well on your midterms."
After school, Korra and the others were talking with Marvin and Wendy before heading back to Mt. Justice. The topic at hand was of course midterms and college. Now that it was March the weather had warmed up making it more pleasant to walk home.
"I'm getting a migraine studying for these midterms. You do realize that colleges look at both our junior and senior grades before deciding if they want to admit us? I really need to bring my G.P.A if I want to get into the best schools," Wendy complained. She adjusted the strap on her pack making it rest more comfortably on her back.
"I'm sure that you'll do fine Wendy. Your one of the smartest girl's I know! You shouldn't worry so much," Megan told her.
"Stressing over tests is just going to make you sick. You should just relax and do something fun to take your mind off the upcoming tests. Trust me, it works for me every time," Zantana giggled lightly.
"What about you Connor? Are you nervous about the tests?" Marvin asked. The poor kid was biting his nails and twitching at the thought of trying to remember everything.
"I'm more worried about Wolf, my dog, then I am about trying to write an essay for English Lit. Wolf is acting so weird now that his mate is about having pups and I'm hoping he doesn't work himself into a tizzy."
"I just love puppies! Oh maybe I could have one?"
"Um, the mother of the pups is my dog Naga, and most likely the pups will be returning to Alaska with me when I go home, so sorry no pups for you," Korra remarked hurriedly. She was also concerned about Naga giving birth. Whatever was in Cobra Venom it was sure to have strong effects when passed to the next generation. The pups were getting big and developing so fast she wondered if Naga could handle a natural birth. "Its getting late and my godfather and I have plans. We really should be going. We'll see you later okay?"
"Sure thing Korra, we should go out for turkey burgers after midterms to celebrate. I'm sure going to miss you when you leave. You're such an interesting person."
"Thanks Wendy. I'll miss you too! Bye!" she said waving goodbye to her civilian friends. Flicking her hair back she started walking with her hero friends again. "You know I never thought I say this, but these midterms are scaring me a whole lot more then my final bending tests. I was way more relaxed when it came to preparing for my firebending test then I am about passing my Health exam."
"That's probably because bending is so easy for you, but school work is still a challenge no matter how much you enjoy it. I heard that you were asking your science teacher a bunch of questions today. Are you struggling with studying for your science exam because I could help you out if you are," M'gann offered. They had taken the bioship to school and were now flying back to Mt. Justice in camouflage mode.
"No, I'm cool in science; I was actually trying to find out more about the relationship between air and gravity."
"Why? Is this part of developing your sub bending art for air? What about mastering spirituality or learning to enter the Avatar state. I thought with you unlocking airbending that would be your next move," Zantana piped up curiously. What could gravity have to do with air or spirituality anyways?
Korra blushed and was flustered as she hurriedly explained her sudden interest in physics. "I've only just started to really come into my airbending. Master Red Tornado is an excellent teacher, but it will be some time before I have airbending completely mastered. I was hoping that by creating this sub bending I could open up my spiritual side even more, since airbending is the most spiritual of the bending arts. I need to become more spiritual if keeping my promise to Roy. I don't have a lot of time left to help him." She looked down at the consul sadly. She really wanted to help him find balance.
"Remind me again how mastering the spiritual side of being the Avatar helps us find the original Speedy? If the League can't find him and Cheshire hasn't manage to uncover any leads, what makes you think you could succeed?" Connor demanded. He was uncomfortable about talking about spirituality because it didn't compute with his programming from Cadmus or his experiences in the real world.
"When I unlocked my airbending Aang's spirit was able to communicate with me for a brief instant. I saw him in the Foggy Swamp with my second sister tribe talking to Huu about how all life is connected and that if we only focus on the spiritual connection with one another we can find each other over great distances. Aang used this technique to find Momo and Appa after they got separated in the swamp. If I can reach the highest meditative state, full enlightenment, then I could perceive souls inside one another and find Speedy's. Since Red Arrow and him are clones their souls, while unique, would still be very similar. It's a long shot I know, but I want to be able to help the League out. They still haven't figured out where the Light sent them during the missing sixteen hours," Korra explained as they disembarked the ship and rode the elevator up from the hanger.
"True Korra, but we have gathered enough intelligence to figure out that the missing members weren't on planet during that time. Green Lantern Hal Jordan has confirmed that we weren't in this sector, but if our understanding of boom tube technology is accurate, then it's possible the missing members were sent to very distant edges of the galaxy. Green Lantern John Stewart is still on Oa working with the Guardians to determine his whereabouts during that time period," Red Tornado said greeting the team members. He looked at his "sidekick" using his sensors to read her biorhythms. "How was school today? I understand that you will be taking your midterms on Thursday and Friday. I hope you are properly prepared for them."
"Don't worry Red Tornado we plan to have a cram session the night before. I'm sure our mentors are going to be pleased by how well we perform. So where are Sphere and our furry friends? I thought they would be coming to greet us?" Zantana questioned. She looked at the corridor halfway expecting the missing members to come walking out to greet them.
"Sphere is currently assisting Wolf and Naga in one of the unused hallways of the Cave to construct what I can only assume is a birthing den. Is this common among Polar Bear Dogs?"
Korra nodded her head. Taking off her backpack she set it aside before deactivating her collar. "Yeah, in my world the mates stay together for the first few months sharing parental duties before they split. Birthing of the pups is usually a private matter, but I'm going to be acting as a midwife to make sure there are no complications. Connor is also going to help."
Connor shuddered as he remembered that particular conversation. "We conveyed our intentions to the happy couple, who were not happy at first. That was the first time since I beat the snot out of Wolf he tried to bite me, but in the end they relented. We'll just leave them to construct their den. We should study some more before we do some light sparring. Korra, do you want one of us to help you with your weapon's practice or should we call Robin or Artemis?"
"I'm good, Red Arrow, I mean Roy, agreed to stop by sometime this week to help me out more. My aim has improved a lot, but I still need work a bit more on my throws. I'm hoping watching him in action helps." Korra tried to keep her feelings and thoughts about the red head to herself, but the way M'gann was blushing it seemed her thoughts weren't as private as she thought. She glared at the Martian who only shrugged her shoulders turning away. She really hoped she wouldn't be gossiping about her later with Zantana.
"Red Arrow is currently on a mission assignment and won't be back for a few days. Feel free to work on your combat skills with someone else. I will see you after dinner to continue with our airbending training," Red Tornado informed her before leaving.
Later that night it was a special training session between the mentors and their protégés, somehow even Batman had managed to convince Dr. Fate to help tutor Zantana in the mystic arts. Korra could see how tough it was for her friend to be so close yet far from her father. She wished there was something she could do to help Zantana feel better, but Fate was like a spirit to her and she couldn't go up against that.
Red Tornado and Korra were working side by side going through the different motions of airbending attempting to find the path of least resistance. Working with her robot mentor was so much easier then with Tenzin. He didn't get emotional or try to dictate what she was supposed to do. He would correct her kindly and help adjust her stance. He didn't judge her, just supported her. It didn't matter to her he was an artificial life form, she loved him as much as if he was flesh and blood.
Together they side stepped and twisted around each other in an intricate dance of moves. Then they both fired air punches which collided in a burst of violent wind. Korra followed up with an air kick only for Red Tornado to dodge and use air suction to pull the girl closer to him. Korra dug down deep into the ground and created an air funnel which she used to rapidly fire her boomerangs at her mentor. Three out of six hit their mark as both airbenders rode the winds up into the air.
Korra shook slightly as she fought to maintain her air spout. She brought up an air shield and manipulate Tornado's tornados so that the dispersed and then reworked them into an air wheel attack which he cut in half with his powers. Korra was getting tired and finding no other options decided to try something different. She dispersed her air spout landing on the ground watching Red Tornado come closer. Closing her eyes she built up the air pressure in the training area. She held her hands out in a clawed formation picturing the air particles hitting one another and then clenched her fingers jerking her arms towards her and down.
Red Tornado was wondering what his pupil was attempting to do as his processors didn't recognize her movements from any of the training scrolls. Then for a few seconds he felt a change in the air and he became quite heavy and faltered almost losing control. He fought against an invisible force to stay upright only for it to vanish. Wondering what had happened he noticed Korra was sprawled on the ground barely moving. "Korra! Are you alright? Did you get injured?" he asked hurriedly as he knelt down to exam her.
"I'm pant pant okay. I just overdid it, I was trying to use this new sub bending I was developing and I guess I used to much energy. It was dumb to try; I don't even think it did anything."
"On the contrary young Korra, your attack did work for a few seconds, but it has a long way to go. You need to learn to focus and control the air pressure around you is all," he said helping her stand. He reviewed the data in his mind gauging how successful it would be once she figured out the mechanics to the bending form.
"But you saw how long it took me just to do that! In a fight if I want to us gravitybending, as I'm calling it, to paralyze a foe, I can't waste time and movements like that. It needs to be a free flowing motion the same as other air bending techniques." She was pouting with her arms crossed and sour expression on her face.
"Korra, not pun or anything, but you are putting a lot of pressure on yourself. You're still learning to airbend properly. You have some control, but it takes time and practice as you know to become good at anything. It is actually a good thing you are struggling with your airbending because you are more likely to make mistakes and learn from them. I too struggled when I first came online to learn how to use my powers without hurting people. Don't give up, keep trying and I'm sure that you will do just fine," Red Tornado said putting an encouraging hand on her shoulder. Though he couldn't really express himself with facial expressions he smiled in his own way at her. She returned the smile feeling a bit better.
"Thank you Master Tornado. I will keep trying and I'm going to master both airbending and gravity bending some day. I'm going to go check on Naga if that's okay?"
"Go on, the others should be finishing their training sessions with their mentors soon. Check on your spirit guide and then I suggest a shower and bed. You still have midterms in two days."
Korra hurried off and finally found her companion getting groomed by Wolf. Naga stomach was starting bulge bigger then Pema's. Wolf growled as she approached so Naga nipped him to let him know it was okay. Korra hugged her furry friend and started giving her a good scratching. "Hey girl, how are you doing? You feeling okay, I hope those pups inside you are twisting your insides."
"Bark, woof, growl!" Naga responded excitedly. Through their bond she conveyed how she was feeling tired a lot and that the growing pups were beating up her insides, but she couldn't wait to have them. She was excited to be a mom. She let Korra touch her stomach and feel the pups wiggling around. Wolf nuzzled his mate and gave her wet kiss; he too couldn't wait to meet his pups. The bond between the mates was super strong.
Witnessing the affections between the two made Korra's heartbreak slightly. She didn't want to break up this couple. "Oh Naga, I'm so happy for you, but I wish we could figure out what to do with the pups after they're born. They'll need to be with you, but then we're leaving, but it's not fair to take Wolf away from his offspring, but he belongs with Connor. I hope a solution comes to mind. Well, I better get going. I smell worse then a baby moose lion and I need to study. I'll check on you soon. Don't overexert yourself, that's an order."
In the following days Korra had to admit she rather take on the entire Equalists movement and bare wrestle with Amon, then ever take midterms again. Mr. Carr's five page test included multiple choice questions, fill in the blank and essay writing about they would solve the economic crises happening in the US and Europe. Her other midterms were just as hard in English Lit she spent the whole fifty five minutes comparing modern writing styles to that of the classic. At least in gym she managed to finish first in their physical fitness tests. She was much more confident in both her Natural Science and Math exams having studied with both Wally and Robin who taught her tricks to remembering her lessons. She wasn't sure how her Health or Sociology tests went, but prayed she got at least a decent grade. Finally it was all over and they were allowed to leave.
"Ugh, that was torture! I never want to do that again!" Korra complained. She stretched her aching limbs thinking she heard her back creak. The group of friends were leaving school and heading to get their turkey burger reward. That's when they heard someone cough from behind them.
"Really Korra, I thought you excelled under pressure. Hi Connor, Hello Megan and Zantana how are you?" Roy said. He was dressed in his civvies and giving Korra a lopsided grin. Korra quickly wrapped him up in a big bear hug nearly crushing him. He pushed her away slightly, but still grinning. "Hey, are you trying to kill me?"
"Sorry, what are you doing here? I thought you were busy on a mis, I mean, that you were still helping out with that project of yours," Korra said, blushing. Nearby Marvin and Wendy were looking at Roy strangely. He looked familiar, but they couldn't place him.
"I came back early because I wanted to help you with your special project. I came across something that might help enlighten your spirit if you're up to it. What do you say?"
"I would love that! Oh Wendy, Marvin I'm sorry I know we had plans, but…"
"Just go and have fun. It's not everyday a girl gets to spend time with a cute boy like that," Wendy said, giggling at the sight of Korra looking so flustered and girly.
"Yeah we'll see you again before you leave next. No worries. You guys coming or do you want to chaperone Korra?" Marvin challenged them. That earned a few laughs from everyone.
"We're not big on spiritual enlightenment, we'll catch up later. See you two at the cave later. Good luck with your meditation exercise," M'gann whispered as the two groups parted.
In the Cave, the two of them went to Korra's room where she sat down cross legged on the bed while Roy placed a CD in her stereo and started placing some bonsai trees around the room. Soon the sound of chimes and rhythmic chanting filled the room causing Korra to feel very sleepy. "What exactly are you doing? How are trees and this music supposed to help my spirit find enlightenment?"
"Based on what you told me about the Air Nomads their spiritual path is very similar to Buddhist monks' life style. Cheshire's has some experience with some of its followers so she sneaked some of their meditation stuff to me at our last meeting. There's a recording buried in the chants that supposedly allows the mind to enter higher states then normal. If we can push your abilities past their limits, you might be able to find the real Speedy, by focusing on my soul and searching for a match, or, at least one that is almost like mine. I'm going to join you in mediation; hopefully we synchronize with one another," Roy explained. He wasn't as angry as he had been in the past. He actually was feeling a lot calmer in Korra's presences. In fact, his heart was a flutter when he talked with her and he was enjoying spending time with her.
Korra would never admit that she felt the same way about him as well. As he joined her on the bed she felt a blush when he brushed her leg. They both had so much in common it was scary. Coughing in her hand to hide it she closed her eyes and breathed in the smell of the trees. Both of them started breathing in synch, humming as they focused inward. "Breath in and then out, in and then out. Detach your spirit from your earthly body. Imagine it flying through the air finding the one you seek," Korra whispered. Neither one was sure how long they sat there meditating trying to release their spirits. Time seemed to stand still, but then something amazing happened.
Unbeknown to either hero a shimmering outline of light appeared, blue for Korra and red for Roy. The outlines reached out merging in vibrant purple. In their mindset, their spirits met and they felt themselves leave their body, before floating into the sky far from the Cave where Yue and Amaterasu appeared in all their glory to them. Both female spirits smiled at the sight of the befuddled couple.
"It's good to see Avatar Korra. It has taken many years, but you're finally starting to connect with the spiritual side of being the Avatar. The fact that you were able to detach your spirit and call on the fragments of us inside you is testimony to that," Amaterasu informed her. The Spirit of Heaven looked at Roy sensing his inner turmoil. "Young one, I sense that your pain and I know how much you desire to find peace, so that you may figure out your own path."
"You promised that if we helped Korra you would help me. Time is nearly up and we are no closer to finding the real Roy then we were in January. I don't know if I can keep living knowing that I'm stealing time from someone else," Roy confessed. In front of these powerful spirits one could only be humble.
"Please Yue, is there anything you can do to help us find Roy's spiritual twin? I've tried so hard, but I can't do it on my own. I need help."
"All you ever had to do was ask Korra. Observe, this is where you need to go, but be warned any rescue mission will lead to great danger. You will be pushed to your limits and must transcend them if you are to succeed," Yue warned. She touched Korra' forehead showing her an evil monastery built on spiritual grounds and containing deadly foes. Korra saw a secret room and icy pod containing a human body. As the image faded, Yue and Amaterasu started to disappear "Good luck Avatar and Red Arrow."
"Wait! How am I supposed to restore balance to the two of them? What kind of punishment do I give the Light for their transgressions? I don't know what to do!"
"When the time comes you will know what to do. Just remember we will be there to help you all you have to do is call for us," Yue replied. The spirits vanished and the two heroes found themselves back in their bodies. Waking up they knew they had to contact the League and Young Justice.
A few hours later on-board the Watchtower Korra was being interrogating by the members of the League. Young Justice stood to the side with mixed expression. On one hand they were happy that the search for the real Roy had ended, but on the other what would happen once he was rescued to Red Arrow? How would the original and clone react to one another? They were brought out their musings by Korra yelling at the League.
The master of the four elements stamped her foot hard on the floor as she threw her arms up in frustration. "For the last time, yes, I'm positive about what I saw. Yue showed me where we can find Speedy! Since I woke up from my trance I've been feeling a powerful tug towards someone. Red Arrow has felt it to and confirmed the place I saw exists!"
"I talked with Cheshire and she confirmed that the place I described exists. It a top secret League of Shadows hideaway. According to her; Ra's ah Ghul keeps his treasures locked up there. If you're going to hide someone from the world, a secret training monastery in Tibet is a great place. The altitude and extreme terrain make it difficult to mount an attack. The elite of the Shadows also stay there meaning the chances of success go further down. I admit it's a dangerous nearly impossible place to penetrate, but if there's even a slim likelihood of success I say we go for it." He looked at the League members pleading with them to see reason. He needed to do this to exorcise the demons from his mind.
"No one is saying we won't rescue Speedy, but we have to careful about it. We still aren't a hundred percent sure who or what we might encounter. If Savage and the members of the Light, have the power to take control of the whole League and send six of us off world, then who knows what surprises await us in Tibet," Green Arrow tried to tell him, but Red Arrow wasn't going to have it.
"You don't understand! I'm finally this close to getting rid of my guilt, my self loathing, to finally being free of my past! For three years I have lived a life that wasn't mine! I need to do this, not only to make up for my actions as mole, but to find out who I am and what I want to do with my life."
"We understand that Roy, but we have to prepare for this carefully. The Light has been quite for a long time and haven't been able to pinpoint their position. They could be anywhere in the world including there and we wouldn't know. We can't risk a rescue mission without some more recon," Black Canary told him. Her fellow leaguers nodded in agreement, but once again Young Justice countered with their own arguments.
"Forgive us Black Canary, but the more time that passes the less chance we have of rescuing Speedy. We know that the Light has still been actively recruiting and has been carrying out their plans. Korra's unexpected arrival might have caused them to accelerate certain plans or forced them to change them completely. If they have become aware that we know of their hiding spot they will most certainly vanish," Aqualad pointed out reasonably.
"Your concerns are valid Aqualad however we still need to take precautions. The League of Shadow is extremely dangerous, and if all seven of the Light is there waiting, then it would be irresponsible to send Young Justice in for the rescue," Aquaman told him. He wouldn't risk his protégé unnecessarily.
"In order to succeed in this mission it would be prudent to send our most experienced members to rescue Speedy. I suggest the original seven would be best suited for this mission and have some of our new members be ready to act as back up," Martian Manhunter suggested. This caused an uproar in the young heroes.
"You can't do this! This is exactly the covert mission we were created for!" Rocket shouted.
"Yeah, and Speedy is a former sidekick, so his rescue should be up to us. Besides haven't we proved that we can handle ourselves no matter what the situation is by now?" Zantana challenged.
"This isn't a game Rocket; this is a very serious mission. You could lose your life," Icon reprimanded his protégé.
"You also don't have the necessary experience or power to handle the Light alone. It would be best if you stand down from this," Dr. Fate told Zantana, sounding suspiciously like Zatara.
"We just want to keep you safe. If Savage can take control of the whole League and send us off world then who knows what he or the others would do if they captured you? You could end up on ice or worse. Try to understand things from our point of view," Wonder Woman started to when the entire League found themselves stuck in a swirling vortex of wind and water. Chunks of earth grew over them trapping them in place as burst of fire blazed above their heads. The elements vanished and the League turned to see Korra standing tall in front of them with a harden expression. "Explain yourself child now!"
"You explain how you could take the most important mission to this team ever and say they they're too young to be doing what needs to be done! You made a bargain with the Spirits to help me overcome my weaknesses, to grow into the role of what it meant to be a true Avatar, and in exchange I would use my powers to restore balance. My predecessor stopped an entire war with the help of children where adults had failed, my friends and I have fought Equalist and stood up to Amon to defend our right to bend, just as this team has time and again stood up for what is right. They managed to beat the Light, to overcome their own inner demons. You can't keep holding them back from doing what is right no matter how much you want to keep them safe. It is their destiny to be great heroes, to one day take up your mantels and be this world's avatars of peace and balance. Red Arrow needs to do this, to rescue his spiritual incarnation in order to move forward in life. I need to do this mission so I can repay all your kindness, this team needs to finish the mission they started back on New Years Eve."
"We can do the rescue, but we need your help to pull it off. From what you've witnessed and understand about the members of the Light they'll be ready for any possibility. We need their attention on you, by keeping them distracted, while we sneak in and claim our prizes. Hear me out, if the League is busy in the skies above drawing the Shadows attention then maybe they won't notice us sneaking in. If we whip up a big enough snowstorm to help cover our tracks no one will notice us tunneling in from underneath or see us sneaking in. The bioship has an onboard medical center that we can use to transport and deal with any emergencies with defrosting Speedy until we can make it back to the Watchtower. I have faith in this team to pull off a rescue. Will you put your faith in us to restore balance to two spiritual brothers?"
The League was moved by her use of rhetoric and took in account everything that had happen in the past few months. After much debate the League agreed that they would leave the rescue mission to Young Justice while the handled the distraction. The team wanted to jump for joy and leave right now, but Batman put his foot down stating they needed a least a day to devise a fool proof plan.
It was very late Saturday night as Young Justice rode in a camouflaged bioship heading to the coordinates. The ship was stocked with extra medical supplies and the team was wearing thermal wear with their costumes to keep them warm. Also, for some reason Korra had been compelled to wear the pendent the Spirits had left behind under her uniform. She didn't know why, but she felt it could come in handy.
They were all hyper focused as they entered the air space near the monastery. "Approaching coordinates of the monastery. The League will be moving in position soon. Zantana, Avatar, are you ready to whip up some cover?"
"No problem, one blizzard coming up. Avatar, if you would be so kind?"
Avatar nodded, using the computer in her helmet to identify the thickest patches of snow. A quick burst of fire melted the snow and some earthbending started a slight avalanche. Using air to whip it all into the sky she compressed the snow into a deadly storm filled with icy winds, hailstones, and freezing temperatures. Next to her Zantana commanded a similar storm to form nearby until the two storms merged into a super storm coming down hard all over the area including their target.
"Good work you two; the storm has already hidden the League's approach and is causing problems for our friends. According to the thermal readings the elite Shadows are having a tough time staying alert," Robin called out from his scanners.
"Just as long as they can't find out what were doing. I found some weak rock that we can start digging through that won't bring the mountain down on us. Rocket, Superboy, and Avatar its time to start creating that tunnel for us. Miss Martian set us down behind the boulders. Artemis, you and Aqualad will take point keeping an eye out for trouble. Kid Flash; keep a lock on the monastery. I'll radio the League and tell them were in position."
"Time to rocket and roll it!" Rocket joked flying out of the hatch with Superboy and Avatar. Superboy pounded the ground creating a sizable hole. Rocket used kinetic blast to enlarge the hole and clear some of the top level. Avatar started pushing and moving the rock ignoring the bitter chill as the others stood guard. It was hard work trying to move all that bedrock without being heard. Kid Flash warned the trio when to halt their actions and when to continue. Finally a tunnel started forming and the Team entered with Aqualad covering up the exit for the time being. They would reopen the tunnel when they came back.
Using some emergency lights to guide them the trio continued creating a tunnel. "Kid Flash, Robin, how much further until we're under the monastery?" Red Arrow asked after twenty minutes past.
"According to my computer we're still a little ways from the base of the building. We're going to have to find a place that isn't occupied at the moment if we're going to get in undetected. Kid Flash, have your goggles picked up anything on the inferred?"
"Yeah, I'm definitely picking up a major source of heat coming from up ahead. I'm trying to pinpoint exactly where the most heat is because that's probably were the generator is."
"Don't forget, Speedy will be kept in the coldest room. If he's still on ice then we need to find that room and make sure we gradually thaw him out so there's no damage to his body when he wakes up," Artemis reminded them. The others nodded and kept doing their best to create the tunnel. Finally, they reached their goal and using their talents managed to create a small opening and come out in a broom closet. It was a tight squeeze, but they managed to fit.
"I don't hear anything in this corridor, but that doesn't mean anything considering their Shadows. Miss Martian, check with your uncle what's going on up there?"
"Hold on a minute." Her eyes glowed briefly as she made mental contact. After a few seconds she disengaged the link. The League has engaged the Shadows. The Shadows are coping well with the storm and are attempting to drive the League away from the building. If we want to succeed we need to find the cryo room fast!"
"Follow me; I can feel a strong tug. I think I know where he is," Red Arrow said as they started racing down the corridor. The strange tugging he'd felt since learning about Speedy's location was getting stronger. He felt a flash in his mind and he saw a cold room and pod appear his mind. "This way, come on."
The team raced through the hallways and up winding stairwells and through secret doors. Along with way they met with resistance from the elite. As the Shadows came after them the team sprung into action. Red Arrow and Artemis fired their bows at a distance knocking out a few while Robin got in close and used his acrobat skills to get behind the oncoming charge so he could disable them. Miss Martian and Superboy worked together with him breaking their weapons and her tying them up in the tapestries.
Pushing forward they encountered even stronger resistance as it seemed every guard that could be spared was coming at them. Rocket punched through the ceiling with her kinetic blasts as Zantana levitated most of the group through the hole while Aqualad used his electricity to cover their tracks. In the next hallway there were even more guards and it was crammed. Kid Flash tried to clear a path with his speed, but he fell flat on his face as bounced off the group. It looked like he would be cut in half when Avatar forced them back using flaming boomerangs to slice up their weapons. She dodged and sweep kicked their legs out from under them before encasing them in rock tombs. She condensed water out of the cold air forming ice daggers she flung at the Shadows piercing their skin. She couldn't do airbending in tight corridors, but attempted once again to gravity bend managing to hold in place a few elite for a couple seconds so the rest of the team could disable them.
"Guys, my helmet computer has located an extremely cold room up ahead. I can see the flow of energy, come on we're nearly there!" Avatar shouted sprinting ahead. The rest of the team kept an eye out for more trouble, but there was nothing up ahead. The tugging sensation was growing even stronger then before. Finally they arrived at a small locked door that Red Arrow and Artemis blew off its hinges. The team entered a freezing cold room containing a single cryogenic freezing pod. Time seemed to stand still as they slowly approached the pod. Red Arrow hesitated before wiping the ice off the pod and saw his own face staring back at him. "It's really him. We found Speedy," he whispered.
"I'll see if I can hack the pod and let him out. We need to get moving I don't know how long the League can keep up the distraction," Robin said getting ready to plug in his computer when thick sheets of reinforced titanium locked down the room and a knockout gas filled the room. Avatar quickly whipped up a protective air bubble keeping the gas at bay.
"I don't know how long I can keep this up! I can't bend the metal to get us out of here!"
"Zantana! Rocket! Can either of you get us out of here," Aqualad demanded. Before the girls could respond the entire room was electrified zapping Young Justice. They screamed in pain. Their costumes were insulated, but the never ending current kept pouring into them until it overwhelmed their bodies forcing Avatar to drop the air bubble. They quickly slipped into slumber as the gas took them not hearing the laughter that followed.
Avatar slowly regained consciousness and found herself shackled inside a pod. She twisted her head and saw the rest of the team in a similar situation. She saw a device beaming something into the pods. She tried to bend fire to melt the shackles only to find she couldn't. She struggled trying to get free, but to no avail. That's when she heard an annoying high pitched laugh. Growling she looked out from her prison and for the first time came face to face with the Light. "Release me at once or you are going to pay big time!"
"Ooh she's feisty isn't she? Don't makes threats when you can't keep them little girl. There's nothing you can do against us! Brain made sure of that didn't he Teekle?" Klarion laughed petting his familiar.
"The Witch Boy is right, as long as the field dampener is on you can't call on, what is it you call it mademoiselle, bending? You and your fellow teammates are helpless children," the Brain commented.
"Powerless maybe, but we've been through worst! We'll find a way out of this mess you can count on that!" Rocket yelled. The others had awakened and were also trying to find a way to get out. Each of them glared hatefully at the Light.
"You will not stop us from completing this mission. We refuse to allow you to win this time, not after whatever you put the League through," Aqualad informed them. He glared hatefully at Ocean Master who didn't seem the least bit concerned.
"You really think the League is going to help you? Then you're even dumber then we initially thought. The League has been driven off by some presents that our allies gave us. They're strong enough even to hurt Superman!" Ocean Master scoffed.
"We knew that they were a distraction, which your little team had been sent to retrieve the original Roy Harper. You should be proud of yourself for getting this far. We thought that the good guys would never find out about this little hide away. Then again, you never had someone like her on your team have you?" Queen Bee stated matter of fact. She eyed Korra who gave just glared angrily and thrashed. "Manners child, you are acting quite savagely aren't you?"
"You people make me sick! Taking away free will, lurking in the shadows, destroying lives for your own amusement, not caring at all about the people you hurt or the places you destroy! You're no better then Amon and his Equalists preaching peace, but using violence to get your way!"
"Who are you to judge us little girl? This isn't your world now is it? You've only seen the so called hero's side of things. Perhaps if you heard what we're trying to accomplish you wouldn't be so quick to judge us now would you?" Lex Luther lectured her.
"She doesn't need to hear your lies! Nothing good can come from your plans. If I was you I'd be worried right now. The League has nearly discovered what happened during the missing sixteen hours and when we do your plans will be foiled for good!" Superboy screamed. He kept pulling and thrashing trying to break free.
"I would stop your precipitancy actions if you don't want us to cut life support to Mr. Harper's cryo pod," Ra's remarked calmly to the group. He snapped his fingers and a single light turned on. Young Justice's jaws dropped and Red Arrow clenched his fists at the sight of Speedy's pod behind the entire tech being guarded by Mercy, Mousier Mallah and a few elite Shadows. They were so close and yet far!
"Let him go now! Haven't you taken enough years away from him? He deserves his freedom!" Red Arrow demanded. He kept thrashing, blood started to drip from his shackles as he rubbed them raw trying to get out.
"Settle down Red Arrow, your donor is perfectly safe and alive in his pod. We wouldn't have kept him alive this long if we didn't think we didn't have any use for him. After all he was perfect bait to bring us the source of power the Light needs for the next phase of our plans," Savage informed him.
"What would those plans be? Hey, what the ahhhhhh!"
"Korra! What are you doing to her? Ahhhhhhh what are you doing to us?"
"Stop your whining this will all be over in a minute baby. The chance to take the powers and abilities of the spirit of peace and light is just too good to pass up. We'll suck her bending and any other abilities out of her and transfer them into us. Same with the rest of you kiddies, you'll be nothing, but empty shells all frozen in our little gallery for our amusement. This is going to be so much fun. I can't wait to see what kind of chaos I can cause with firebending!"
"Enough chatter, let's start the show!" Brain used his robotic arms and started up the transfer process. The little injectors that had pierced the team's skin came to life. The pain was immense as they felt parts of them being sucked out and being stored in a canister of some sort for storage. Nothing they did was stopping the transfer as their bodies started shutting down. Soon they would be nothing, but empty shells!
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Guardian Spirits, please if you can hear me I need your help! Ahhhhhhh! Give me the strength to restore ahhhh the balance that has been broken ahhhhhhhh!" Avatar shouted, her helmet computer giving her a readout of her vitals. Her vitals were extremely high and she was about to have a stroke or heart attack if this wasn't stopped.
"No one is coming to help you. Give up now!" Ocean Master barked. The rest of the Light was watching with fascination wondering what new abilities and powers they would have soon. Suddenly they stopped smirking as the symbols on Avatar's uniform started glowing and the machine stopped working. "Mercy me what is going on!
A strong beam of moonlight filtered in through the only window blinding the Light as the heat of the sun zapped them of their strength. A forest of trees pushed through the ground raising the room up through the ceiling, through the courtyard and into the air where a heavenly wind batter them from all sides. The tech started frying itself before it blew up and Young Justice was released. All eyes were on Avatar who was hovering in a protective sphere of elements above the group.
Ghostly essences started leaking out from her symbols reconstituting themselves into the fragments belonging to the Guardian Spirits, who wrapped themselves around Korra. Her eyes were glowing pure white and when she spoke it was not only her voice, but the voice of the spirits combined and magnified. With their help she had entered the Avatar State for the first time.
"Vandal Savage, Ra's ah Ghul, Lex Luther, Queen Bee, Ocean Master, Brain, Klarion the Witch Boy; your time of judgment has arrived! You call yourselves the Light, yet you hide in shadows using immoral methods and unforgivable acts to send this world out of balance. The seven of you have stolen the life of not one, but two brothers who are innocent in this fight. As promised to Red Arrow the time has come to fulfill our boon to him. Prepare to feel the wraith of the Avatar!"