The sun had just risen an hour ago on Air Temple Island and while most of the inhabitants were asleep, Kilchii was outside looking at Republic City, taking in its majestic beauty, the sparkling bay and observing the lemurs and air bison flittering about as they enjoyed their breakfast. This place had a calm serene feeling. It was still strange to be here and he was thankful for the information, such as language and customs, the Guardian Spirits had downloaded into his mind as he passed through the portal. He and Korra could still speak and read English for private chats, but it was easier for him to communicate with everyone if he spoke in their native tongue.
"This is a beautiful place, this world is amazing, different then anything I've ever seen before. I can see why Korra wants to protect it so much," he whispered to himself. He heard footsteps approaching him. He turned and was not really surprise to see Mako. "Good morning Mako. I guess it's true what Korra said, you rise with the sun huh?"
"Yeah I'm a morning person, I didn't think I would see you this early. Shouldn't you be asleep, recovering from your trip?"
"I couldn't sleep with all the lemurs' chitterling, besides I wanted to get a good look at this place in the daylight. It's not something I've ever seen before. This city, this nation, the entire world is going to take some time to adjust to, but I'm a fast learner. I'm confident that I'll find a niche soon. As long as Korra and the rest of you guys are there to help me adjust, I know I can find my own path."
"What path is that exactly Kilchii or is it Red Arrow? Having two names must be pretty confusing."
"Mako, is there something you want to say to me? Then why don't you stop tiptoeing around and just get it off your chest before you burn up."
"I'm just having trouble understanding why you came here or what reasons you're with Korra. You don't strike me as her type and for that matter aren't you a little young for her? You said it yourself your only three years old right?"
"Chronologically yeah, but physically and mentally I'm eighteen. Besides, who are you to judge about age consider that while Korra is seventeen, her spirit is thousands of years old. Its one of the thing we have in common."
"How much could you two possibly have in common considering the circumstances of how you met? You've only spent three months together in a completely different world. How do I know that you didn't use some sort of tech to trick her? I mean you were, (what's the word you used?), cloned from another being right? That means you're not natural, just a copy of someone else! It doesn't make sense to me why she chose you!"
"I'm not a clone anymore! I'm my own person thanks to her. Even if I was still a clone the circumstances of my birth don't dictate who I am or what I can do with my life! You know I'm getting a little tired of this interrogation. I don't understand why you are being so mean to me when I haven't done anything to you personally. I've may have only known her for three months, but you've been her compeer not much longer have you?"
"That's beside the point. Because I've known Korra longer I know what kind of person she is, what she likes and what she doesn't. You're an impressive hero I'm sure and I know you were kind to her during her time there, but she needs to be with someone from her own world who won't hurt her or hold her back from her destiny."
"Who are you to decide that for her? You're not her boyfriend so stop acting like it! Korra's not the same girl she was before the Spirits intervention. She's grown and changed a lot. I don't just mean with her bending, she's more opened minded and doesn't let her emotions control her. She thinks things through now instead of just powering her way through her problems."
"I understand she's different then when I last saw her that was the point of sending her to your world wasn't it? I just think…"
"Mako, that's enough!" a voice said from behind him. He turned to see Bolin standing there looking at him upset. "I understand how you feel really I do. Korra's an amazing girl even if she wasn't the Avatar. I was upset that we didn't click, it hurt a lot that she thought of me as only a brother figure, but I'm okay with that now. I know you have feelings for Korra still, but their moot now. If you keep fighting for a girl you've already lost your going to lose the relationship that you do have with Asami. She's a fantastic person who loves you and respects you. Her strengths are similar to yours and she helps makes up for the weakness in your personality so to speak. Are you really going to throw all that way because of some latent jealousy?"
"He's right you know Mako. I admit when I first saw her I didn't think much of her. She messed up big time on our first mission and I wasn't above getting in her face. She got angry and stormed off, but you what? She needed to be challenged, to have someone stand up to her and confront her. It helped her realize what she needed was help. We spent a lot of time together and I don't mean just training or missions. We challenged each other, helping each other deal with our problems and I really care for her. Our bond may be new, but it's real. You don't have to like me, but you should at least respect Korra's decision. Take my advice; don't ruin the relationship you have with someone you really love by obsessing over what you don't have. It will ruin your life," Kilchii told him.
"I have to agree with him bro. Neither of us was meant to be more then a friend with her and that's okay. Besides, Asami isn't that bad of a catch is she?"
"No, she's not. She's a wonderful person and I haven't been fair to her lately. I should really go apologize for the way I've been acting. Are you two going to head in for some breakfast?"
"We'll be inside in a minute. I think we'll just watch the sun rise a bit longer," Bolin told his brother. Watching him go inside to find Asami and make things right made him smile. He turned to Kilchii and decided to try and welcome him. "So, why don't you tell me more about what it's like being a superhero? What kind of adventures did you do? Oh what's its like being in space? Oh tell me more about the food! I found those cookies you brought amazing!" Laughing the two started talking.
Korra and Asami were helping Pema prepare for breakfast while the kids set the table. Lin and Tenzin were having a private discussion asking not to be disturbed. Pema winced as the baby kicked harder then normal inside her. She had been feeling a great deal of pain for the last few days and was wondering if she was about to go into labor soon.
"Pema, you really should sit down. You're not looking well," Asami said guiding her to a chair.
"No, I'm fine the baby is just very active. I can handle getting breakfast ready."
"Pema, you need to be off your feet this close to your due date. Are you in any pain? I wish I had brought some pain medicine back with me to help ease your discomfort."
"Its okay Korra, I've been pregnant before, I can handle it. Oww! Oh, but some hot tea would be nice. Could you brew me some?"
"Sure, Asami could you get some tea leaves? I'll get the water boiling," Korra told her. Asami nodded and started pulling out some leaves, but stopped when she heard Korra clearing her throat. "Asami, I owe you a big apology."
"An apology? For what, I don't understand?"
"For trying to steal Mako from you before. I didn't mean to complicate your relationship with him. He's a good guy, a great bender and loyal friend, but he's not mine. He's yours and I should have respected that sooner. I had a crush on Mako because he was the first real guy I met outside the compound, but it took talking to M'gann and Zantana for me to realize that I really wasn't in love with him, not the way you are. I will always care for Mako as a friend because that's what he is to me. So again I want to apologize for any problems I may have caused."
"Thank you for saying that. I wanted to hate you for when I learned about the kiss, I was so angry, but not anymore. People make mistakes when their in love or think they are. I made some mistakes as well; I should have tried to talk with you more about your feelings for him. At the very least Mako and I needed to be more honest with each other. I forgive you and I wish you luck with Kilchii. He's different then anyone I've ever met and that's why you two have such a great relationship. I hope that you two will know only happiness."
"Thanks Asami, I hope that you and Mako work out your problems. You deserve a happy ending."
"It's nice to see you girls getting along again. You two have finally learned what I did when I confessed my love for Tenzin. Love is about growing closer and sacrificing for others. You have to be willing to forgive when others make mistakes. That's what makes you stronger. I'm feeling better let's get breakfast on the table. I want to talk to Tenzin about what he and Lin were discussing."
Breakfast was a much quieter then normal. Tenzin was looking nervous and Lin was very apprehensive. No one was really eating their food. Finally Tenzin spoke, "I know that everyone is concerned what's going to happen next now that the Spirits truce is over. The Equalists have no doubt been plotting something big these past few days. I've convened an emergency meeting of the Council to try to discuss a possible plan with dealing with the Equalists. Since their brazen attack at the Pro Bending Arena combined with their kidnapping of Councilman Tarlok things have escalated to a point where there might be no return."
"Amon and his forces have only grown stronger, inspiring fear and terror in the city. Republic City is completely divided over this issue. Many benders have been attacked and non benders hurt in riots and conflicts. I fear that a battle is coming. One that we might not be able to win, Tenzin I urge you and the Council to call in the United Forces to help reestablish order," Lin urged.
"Lin, I'm not sure that will send the right message. If we respond in force to the Equalists then we prove their point that benders are above others. The leaders of this city need to decide how we can handle this diplomatically. There still might be time to undo the damage Tarlok caused."
"Do you really believe your pacifist ways are going to help anyone? Amon has stripped people of their bending and you think there won't be retaliation? The time for action is now!"
"No, Tenzin's right Lin. When I was at school I studied history of both civil and political revolutions while studying different wars, unrest as well as the governments that popped up and how these conflicts were solved. Some of their greatest humanitarians brought about change not through violent action, but peaceful talks, demonstrations and marches. Gandhi, King, and people like Betty Williams and Peter Bensen brought about change that affect the world for decades to come. I want to talk with the Council, try to convince them that there are other ways to dealing with this problem. I want to have a press conference were I can talk to Amon and his followers, convince them that I can bring about change if they give me a chance. Please let me come with you."
"No, Korra it's too dangerous. Amon knows that you've returned and you'd be too big of a target if you went to City Hall. Right now you should stay here and help your friend get acquainted with the island. Lin is staying behind to help watch out for Pema and the kids. I know you want to help, but right now you need to stay safe. I'll be back soon take care."
"Lin, would you help me back to my room please? I'm feeling a bit tired. Oh and could you give Meelo a bath later please, he's filthy," Pema requested as the former chief of police helped the pregnant woman down the hall to her room. Meelo was nipping at their heels asking lots of questions and generally making trouble by getting underfoot.
"I don't know about you guys, but I'm going to City Hall whether Tenzin wants me there or not. Amon and his Equalists are going to do something big I'm sure of it. I need to try to defuse the situation before it blows up. Who's with me?"
"We've got your back, no problems. Well the car is in the garage still, I'll grab the keys."
"We'll be right there. Hey Kilchii, you need any help carrying your equipment to the car?"
"Actually, I think it would be better if you stayed here Kilchii." Kilchii frowned and the boys discreetly left giving the couple some space to talk privately. "Please, before you say anything just listen okay? Right now, Amon doesn't know you're here and we need to keep that a secret for now. If you come with me to City Hall you're going to expose yourself at the wrong time. I just want you to be safe."
"I know your right it's just frustrating. I want to be able to help in some way. You and I both know something big is about to happen."
"Which is why you should stay here and help prepare in case of an attack or if we have no choice, but to abandon the temple. It's true that the White Lotus and Lin are here, but most of the people on this island are pacifists. If danger arrives, I don't know what would happen to the Air Acolytes. I'm also worried about Naga and the pups. They're only about five days old and while they may be big, there not exactly fully mobile yet. Someone has to make sure they're safe."
"I'll set up some traps and get some escape plans in place. Hopefully Jinora and Ikki can help me with the set up. I'll move Naga and her pups somewhere safe. Don't worry about me; I'll make sure everyone safe. You still have your uniform?"
"Yeah, I'm wearing it underneath and I've alter the comlink to work on secured radio waves. Do you have any long range/battery powered walkie talkies I can give the Krew? Thanks, be safe okay?"
"Don't worry, I promise to be careful, you just make sure those Equalists don't cause too many problems. I love you," Kilchii said giving her a quick kiss. Korra hurried away and Kilchii called for the girls to help him with creating a defense system.
Korra was anxious as they raced through the empty streets towards City Hall. The others were also looking grim wondering what the Equalists were up to. Suddenly, the radio came to life, but the message was all garbled and static. "Asami, anyway you can clean that transmission up? It might be important."
"Hold on a second, I'm going to try to give it a boost," the girl placed her glove on the device and sent a small charge into it. The energy helped fix the problem. "We're under attack! The Equalists are attacking! All available officers we need urgent back up pleaahhhhhh **********"
"We need to get there fast!" Bolin shouted.
"Asami, push the petal to the metal I'm going to try and give us a boost!" Mako shouted turning around in the back seat blasting flames accelerating the car through the narrow streets. Asami expertly held the wheel taking tight turns and squeezing down side streets as they zoomed towards their target. Within a few minutes they had their target insight. Several mechas, trucks and troops had surrounded City Hall and were dragging Tenzin and a dozen officers into the back of a truck.
"Bolin, we need some air! Make us a ramp!"
"On it! Hey Equalists surprise!" Bolin shouted as the car drove straight up into the air. From the air Mako started firing balls of fire that bounced off the mechas. One of them shot an explosive device at the car and Korra quickly created an air shield to deflect the target and protect them from the blast. It wasn't enough and the car buckled and crashed to the ground throwing the Krew all over the quad. The soldiers moved in to capture them and take them to Amon.
Korra ripped off the remains of her tribal clothes and quickly placed her helmet on. As the foot soldiers moved in close she whipped out her boomerangs and quickly took in the entire situation. Remembering everything Robin and Artemis had taught her she flung two of them at the lead soldiers hitting them in their heads. She slid under three more using two more to trip them up. Pushing herself back up she released the four remaining boomerangs at their back sides taking them by surprise and slicing their electrified batons in half.
Korra felt herself be grabbed from behind so she used her upper body strength to flip the person over her shoulder before spinning around and then darting in and out of the soldiers trying to avoid their electrified cables. One caught her by the foot sending a charge. Her uniform negated some of the attack as she drove her foot into the ground to nullify the attack. She then did some fancy spin kicks freeing herself and avoided other cables getting in close and punching vital spots. With a running leap she overshot one Equalist, kicked two others in the head somersaulted between a third legs before head butting him and then twisting the wrist of a forth and throwing him into a wall where he crumbled.
"Are you trying to insult us by not bending?" one of the Equalist soldiers demanded angrily. "Why don't you use your accursed bending Avatar? Are you afraid that it won't work against us?"
"I don't want to hurt you or anyone! This fight doesn't have to continue. I came here to talk with the Equalists, to help them in their cause and avoid bloodshed. Please don't do this!"
"The only way the Avatar can help us is by being equalized and dominated by the great Amon! Get her!"
All over the quad the rest of the Krew were doing their best to handle the Equalists attack. Bolin had created several major roadblocks and partially buried the trucks so they couldn't escape with the prisoners. He ripped off part of the City Hall wall and used his rock levitation skill to turn it sideways and bat away two mechas. Nearby Mako was using fire lashes to grab a hold of the mechas extremities and rip them off. He retreated back a few steps trying to avoid the electric cables. He climbed a lamp post breaking the light and touched the wires feeling the charge build up inside him. Taking careful aim he shot two mechas clean in the heart causing them to start sparking and trembling. The Equalists were forced to abandon their mechas before the exploded.
Asami had managed to get a few people, including Tenzin, out of the back of the truck. She told the police to get somewhere safe. The driver of the truck started gunning the engine and tried to back over Asami. Miss Sato jumped on the back fender and pulled herself onto the roof crawling towards the cab. The door open and the driver tried to attack her with a new tesla like gun, but she rolled out of the way. Rolling backwards she swung down through the passenger side window and kicked him out of the cab. "When is dad going to stop making weapons of destruction?" she whispered bringing the vehicle to a screeching halt.
"Miss Sato watch out!" Tenzin shouted using airbending to trap some of the Equalists in mini tornados. He spun them around until they were so dizzy they fainted. He whirled around doing more air kicks trying to stop the fleeing cars, but it was no use. They were gone. He frowned at seeing Korra using her waterbending to flood one of the mechas. More Equalists were repelling down a near by wall and Korra used her airbending to force them back up on the roof gently knocked out. "I thought I told you to stay at the Temple!"
"I had to come here and try to reason with the Council. I wanted to help stop this from happening to try and reason with them, but I think I was too late. Amon is making his move! The city is under attack!"
"I hate to interrupt, but we have a major problem. Look where the airships are heading!" Bolin shouted in disbelief. Several airships were heading for Air Temple Island! "Oh man, this is bad!"
"Pema, the kids! We need to get there quickly, but Oogie is injured. It will take some time to get there, but by then it might be too late."
Korra's communicator chirped startling everyone. "It's my radio, Red Arrow come in please! We see several air ships heading your way. What's the situation?"
"We're about to be invaded over here! Pema and the kids are inside, but she's gone into full blown labor! Lin and Order of the White Lotus are going to try to hold them off, but we need back up soon," Red Arrow replied hurriedly.
"Oogie is injured and the car exploded, we'll try to get there as fast as we can. You just do your best to keep everyone safe and if you need to get them off the island fast! Tenzin, you're family is in trouble we need to get to them quickly."
"I know, I would glide over there, but I don't have my staff and I'm to weak to make the journey without one. If only there was another way."
"Hey, Mako you think you could help me launch one of these mechas into the air? Maybe with a combined blast of fire and earth launch Korra can use air bending to propel herself far enough to reach the bay and swim for the island."
"It's the only chance we have, let's do it! Asami help her inside," Mako ordered. Asami quickly strapped Korra into the mecha as Mako lit a fuse underneath the robot. Bolin created a sideways pillar launching the contraption through the skyline. The fire boost sent her halfway towards the bay. "I'm coming Red Arrow just hold on. What the?" Her helmet started beeping a warning. "Incoming explosives devices? Not good, not good at all. I got to eject!" She kicked off the glass plate and fell towards the ground fast.
Using her gravity bending she slowed down her descent as she hurriedly tied some cable to her boomerang and flung it towards a sign. It wrapped around and she landed roughly on the roof with the wind knocked out of her. More air ships were moving closer to her and she could see the bay doors opening. "Oh no, I don't have time to deal with this! Computer, can you hack into radio frequency Amon's using? I need to talk to him fast!" Korra shouted as she took off running towards the bay. Behind her dozens of Equalists started chasing her.
"Connection established, you may begin talking," her helmet told her just as she used earth bending to create a land bridge across the rooftops. She collapsed them after her. Turning her head she saw a few Equalists make the leap. She noticed some water and froze their feet to the rooftop and created a firewall to prevent further pursuit. "Amon, I know you can hear me! Please you don't have to do this! Your Revolution is causing fear and panic in this city! Stop your attack I'm sure we can talk about this!"
"How did you get this frequency you filthy bender? Get of this line right now before I drop all our bombs on you!" Hiroshi shouted angrily into the radio. His voice was so loud it hurt her ears. He was about to shout more threats at her when Amon took the microphone away from him. "I think that's enough Hiroshi, you can threaten the Avatar once she's our prisoner."
"Amon, are you there? Please talk to me!"
"Welcome back Avatar, I was beginning to wonder if you would ever return. I would love to hear about where the Spirits sent you and what they hoped to accomplish. At the very least I'm pleased they installed some manners in you at least. Tell me, how exactly are you communicating with me?" Amon calmly replied in his smug voice.
"That's not, ugh back off! You're terrorizing innocent people, your air ships are destroying Republic City! Your own people are kidnapping and attacking non benders! I understand that you want fair and equal treatment for non benders, but this is not the way to do it! Stay back!" Korra shouted through her link. She was near the edge of the roof nearest to the port. The water was still to far away and with Equalists surrounding her there seemed to be no escape. "Please, non violence actions bring about change a lot quicker then riots and destruction."
"I'm not the one who started this war Avatar, the benders did. They refuse to listen to those without any power, but now they are going to suffer and learn to live without their curse."
"Amon, you're upsetting the balance with the Spirit World. They need both non benders and benders alike to survive, same as us! Please don't do this!" Korra pleaded. The Equalists shot their cables at her and she sliced them in half with her boomerang. Seeing no choice she jumped off the building and gravity bended on herself making herself float in the air for a few seconds before using the air to call up a wind to pull her into the water. Creating an air bubble she started swimming as fast as she could towards the island.
Back on his airship Amon only heard static before his followers contacted him. "What happened? Why didn't you catch the Avatar?"
"We lost her when she jumped off the building, she did some weird bending, it didn't look like air or anything we've seen before, but it slowed her descent long enough for her to use air and waterbending to escape. She's heading for the island. We'll try to pick her up."
"Do whatever takes to capture her, but bring her to me alive! I want her to witness the destruction of her friends. Well Hiroshi, it seems that the Avatar needs a little more training in the art of diplomacy. She's so young and naive to believe that a peaceful solution can bring about equality. We'll just have to show her the error of her ways."
On the Island a grand battle was taking place. When the Equalists anchored their zip lines, they inadvertently activated Red Arrow's defense system. The tiny micro sound machines he and the girls had installed earlier turned on emitting a high pitch noise only the animals could hear. Within seconds the lemurs had bolted out of the trees attacking the Equalists while the bison went after the air ships ignoring any attacks against them.
From on the roof Red Arrow had a good look at the battlefield. The Order of the White Lotus was trying to hold off the Equalists zipping down the line, while Lin used her bending against those who invaded the quad. He fired several arrows into the air cutting the zip lines and then firing two bolo arrows into the fray. His arrows hit their target wrapping tightly around two Equalists.
Upon seeing him on the roof a few Equalists started climbing to get at him, but he slid down turning his bow flat so he could dislodge them off the building. He spun around whacking several on the head and deflecting a few electrified batons. He pitched a few over his shoulder and punched two more in the gut when he heard the sounds of someone attacking in the back. He raced around the back and saw more Equalists arriving on boats and climbing up the hill. Naga popped out of the shed she was staying in and charged them her teeth flashing. She was determined to keep her pups safe.
Naga bit into the side of one Equalist and body slammed on two more. She took a swipe with her paws and then head butted another. Red Arrow notched two arrows and let them fly. One was an explosive arrow that blew up a section of the path causing several to stumble backwards. The other was a foam arrow trapping them. A few of the braver Equalists tried to climb the trees to get at him only to be snared in his traps. Red Arrow grabbed a flash bomb preparing to use it when a warning alarm from his hip started beeping intensely. Glancing down at his tablet he saw that the inside of the building had been breached and several dots were making their way to Pema! "Naga, hold them off as long as you can! Howl if you need help, I'm sure the children are around here somewhere fighting."
"Woof! Howl!" Naga urged him to hurry as he dove straight through the doorway, racing down the corridor. He saw a few of the Acolytes unconscious on the floor with electrical burns. He couldn't stop to help them as he hurried down the corridor. Two chi blockers dropped from the ceiling. He shielded his body the best he could as they hit his sides trying to paralyze him, but the thick fabric of his uniform prevented them from doing damage. He did a high kick to one's head and ducked under the other kicking him in the back. He slid his flash bomb across the floor shielding his eyes as it went off. "Korra wasn't kidding when she said chi blockers punches hurt."
"HELP! SOMEONE HELP ME!"
"Pema! Hold on!" He hurried to her room and saw a small army blocking his path. He wanted to use a sleeper arrow, but with a pregnant woman nearby the risks to the baby was too great. He shot normal arrows pinning several to the ground and body slammed into the rest. It was a flurry of punches and kicks with him trying to stab them with his arrows as he pushed to get into the bedroom. He had managed to get in and held his arrow at his target, three male Equalists with electrogloves ready to kill Pema as she gave birth to a "monster."
"Back away from the bed now!"
"You better drop that bow kid unless you want to be responsible for this woman's death!"
"Yeah, who do you think you are challenging us? You're no Yu Yu Archer that's for sure."
"Not another step closer or we'll ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" All three men started shouting as Kallik, Taqqiq, Silaluk, (who had followed him without their mom noticing,) had attacked the men biting down on their balls. They may still only have their milk teeth, but they were super sharp. The used their unusual size to bring the men to their knees where Red Arrow slammed their heads together. He quickly tied them up and turned his attention to Pema. "Are you okay?"
"No, the baby's coming and I think I'm bleeding too much! Ah it hurts so much! AHHHHHH! You're going to have to deliver the baby now! Ahh!"
For the record he took it in stride. He ordered Kallik to bring him a med kit from his room and Silaluk went to get some water while Taqqiq kept guard. "Now, I really should thank Dinah for teaching me the facts of life. Okay Pema, on three push. One, two, three push! Come on keep pushing! You can do it. Okay just a little more then stop pushing! The cords around the baby's neck! Okay, hold on okay got it off and one more push okay I got him! You have a boy!"
"Thank the spirits, is he okay? Why isn't he crying?!"
"Hold on I got to clean his mouth and nose out. Thanks Kallik for getting the kit. There, just a bit of water to help clean him and now I tie off the cord, I'm cutting it with my arrow tip okay? Okay I've got him wrapped up, Silaluk, keep him warm for a few minutes I got to help Pema deliver the afterbirth and stem her bleeding!"
"Woof!" Silaluk and her sister pressed their bodies around the baby keeping him warm and safe. By the time Korra rushed into the room a few minutes later with the rest of the family Pema was stabilized and holding her newborn son gently in her arms. "Pema! Are you okay? We saw the intruders lying all over the place and…"
"I'm fine Tenzin, Kilchii, I mean Red Arrow and the pups helped deliver Rohan. Thank you for protecting us."
"It was nothing; I was just doing my duty."
"Seems like your still a hero no matter where you go," Korra whispered gently kissing him as the family talked in hush voices. She was both happy and sad at the sight. "Tenzin, we need to abandon the island. More troops are on their way now as we speak. We need to get everyone as far away from here as possible."
"I agree, until the United Forces arrive in three days time its best if we all lay low. Is there some place you and your friends could stay hidden until they arrive?"
"We could head underground, I mean that literally. When Mako and I first started living on the streets we discovered a whole other city beneath the streets. It's a secret community known as Hope where homeless or sick people live and work together to survive using both skills and bending to do so. They'd be happy to protect us for awhile," Bolin admitted as he, Mako and Asami entered the room.
"Agreed, but how are we all going to escape? Those airships are fast and more Equalists keep crawling up the shores to attack us. We'll need a major distraction to get a good head start," Mako pointed out.
Asami looked at Red Arrow and plainly asked if he had any tech on him that could help. "I have something that might work, but I'll need to stay behind for a few minutes to activate it. The rest of you should escape on Naga; I've got a boat tied up in a little cove with most of our supplies from my world. Once I've activated the distraction I'll join you."
"Are you sure you'll be okay on your own? Maybe I should get my things and…"
"They're already on the boat. Korra, I'll meet you at the reindview point I promise. Right now we need to leave all of us." It was mass evacuations as the Acolytes took to the sky on their bison. Korra and her friends rode Naga down towards the dock as the White Lotus covered them. Red Arrow attached a holoprojector cube to the roof. Within seconds holograms of Oogie and Tenzin's family filled the sky. The cube would stay activate for a short time before deactivating into safe mode. Red Arrow didn't have time to see the airbenders escaped as he drove his motorboat towards the city. The pups were whining for their mom and were not too pleased when Equalists tried to bomb them. They were forced to abandon ship just as one missile struck them.
In the sewer Korra was staring at the mushroom cloud praying that Red Arrow survived. Naga was calling for her pups. Asami placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Its going to be fine, he's a fighter remember?"
"I know I just feel as if my heart is going to explode. I need to know he's okay."
"Look down there! Something is swimming towards us!" Mako shouted. He and Bolin raced down to the shore along with Naga. Her pups were instinctively swimming and dragging Red Arrow in their mouths. Most of his supplies were drifting behind them. The girls retrieved those as the boys warmed him up and Naga took stock of her pups. She thanked the Spirits the little ones had inherited their father's stamina and strength. With Pabu's encouraging chitters the friends made their way to Hope.
Gommuru was the first to greet them when the reached the underground city. "Hi everyone, man you look like you've been through quite the ordeal. Don't worry everything going to be okay don't you worry. Skootchy, Tahno get over here with some food and blankets!"
The Krew was shocked to see both Skootchy and Tahno coming over with food and blankets for them. "What are you two doing here? I thought you kids lived at the transport station and Tahno, don't you have a family to stay with?"
"Obviously lady you haven't been around my part of town the last few weeks. Several of us street kids were snatched off the streets to be pawns for the Equalists. Those of that could bend were equalized and the rest of us used as target practice. Most of us managed to escape and decided to lay low for awhile. Its crazy topside," Skootchy informed her.
"It's not much safer for benders and their families. Amon and his Equalists must have a list of some kind about which families have benders or the locations of famous ones. He started doing raids, but stopped about five days ago, but now that he's in charge of Republic City, I wouldn't be surprised if there's a crackdown on every bender," Tahno admitted bitterly.
"What happened to the other probenders? Are they okay? Have they lost their bending?" Korra asked.
"Some fled the city hoping to get out of the nation before they got caught. Others are trying to protect families that won't give up bending members. My team and I saw two kids being attacked by Equalists and managed to beat him without our bending. We were hiding out down here when Gommuru found us. We've been trying to come up with a plan since."
"This place is truly amazing. Growing up I knew I was privileged, but seeing this place makes me realize how good I had it," Asami said. She saw earthbenders making fertile soil for others to pick food from and cook. Waterbenders were cleaning while other people taught lessons or helped with the sick. Firebenders were mending broken items and non benders traded supplies. This place was the ideal Aang had hoped for.
"With Amon establishing marshal law, no one is safe. He's implementing the same measures Tarlok used only against benders and their families. It's going to take three days for the United Forces to arrive here and in that time how many people are going to get hurt or injured? We have to do something to slow them down or help protect the innocent."
"Not to mention we need to learn more about Amon's endgame. I'm sure my father has been slaving away creating more weapons of destruction. He wouldn't just stop at the weapons and mechas. Something tells me he has something big planned. We need to find out what that is."
"How do you expect us to figure that out lady? The minute any of us goes topside we become targets! I don't know about you, but I'm not risking my butt even for a hundred yuans!" Skootchy snapped. "I lost some good friends up there! We should just wait out the fight down here or better yet can't the Avatar just go all crazy on him and wipe him out?"
"I'm not going to throw the world further out of balance by blindly charging in. There has to be something we can do behind the scenes until help arrives."
"Gommuru, how well do you guys know the tunnel system? Have you ever encountered any Equalists down here with you?" Red Arrow asked.
"Those creeps are on the opposite side of town and in the newer tunnel systems. They don't know a whole lot about the older sections and many paths have been blocked by earthbenders to keep us safe. Why you got a plan?"
"Korra's right that we need to help people and Asami brings up a good point that if we find out what her father's up to it would give us advantage. Here's my plan: Bolin, along with Pabu will join Skootchy's gang and keep tabs on the Equalists activities and report back here. Mako, you and Tahno along with the probenders need to start bringing benders here or getting them to similar refugees until the crises has passed. Asami, Korra and I will lead raids on Future Industries to find on what we can. Meanwhile the rest of Hope should make preparations for battle and see about getting extra resources for when the United Forces get here. Until they arrive we have to do everything in our power to throw a monkey wrench in the Equalists Revolution. Who's with me?" Everyone put their hands in and pumped them agreeing with the plan. It was their best chance for survival.
That night the trio was crouched on the rooftop across the street from Future Industries. Through their binoculars they watched the trucks leaving the plant and heading off in different directions to deliver weapons as well as parts to other Equalists bases. With Amon in charge now there was no reason to for Hiroshi to hide his allegiance. Each truck was plastered with Amon's face on it.
"That's a lot of trucks; your father must be working overtime to mass produce the weapons so the Equalist can keep marshal law. If those supplies get to were they're going the United Forces will never be able to reclaim the city. I don't care how good you say this General Iroh is, there's no way firebending can stand up to that many mechas," Red Arrow warned.
"I agree we need to shut the plant down and disable the convoy. Asami, can you get inside and shut down the assembly line without being caught?" Korra whispered.
"No problems, being my father's daughter I know about hidden passages that no one else knows about. Dad always said they were created to help us escape incase competitors or thugs came to the plant. I guess we know what they're really for. You two think you can handle the convoy?"
"If I can handle taking on Sportsmaster and Cheshire then I can deal with some trucks. Let's go. Meet back at the rendiaview point in half an hour."
The trio split up to do their jobs. Asami stuck to the shadows making her way to the secret entrance. She slipped past the guards and managed to get to the revolving wall to open and she found herself in a supply closet. Disguising herself as a worker she made her way to the assembly line. Keeping her head down she started to throw a monkey wrench into the works. First she undid belts on the assembly line causing it to fall apart. While the workers were trying to fix that she sabotaged the forges and molds so they couldn't manufacture more weapons. As she was about to be cut the power she was spotted by the guards, "Hey, who are you and what are you doing there?"
"Uh oh, time to go! Sorry, can't stay I promise to compensate you for troubles once this revolution is over!" Asami shouted using her glove to send a surge into the power lines and causing a short. Knowing the factory like the back of her hand she found another passage and got out before she got caught. She kept running until she reached the alley were she was meeting her friends. "Pant, pant that was too close for my taste. I hope Korra and Kilchii got away okay."
"Don't worry, we're okay for the most part," Korra said as she and Red Arrow dropped in from above. Red Arrow was holding his head and was hunched over. He had a nasty gash on his shoulder. Korra was also sporting an assortment of cuts and bruises. "Don't look so panicked, we just need to get back to Hope and the healers can help fix us up."
"What happened to you two? Did you manage to stop the convoy?" Asami asked as they walked through the sewers towards Hope.
"I managed to blow out the convoy's tires and Korra melted all their parts and weapons. That's when the chi blockers showed up. Korra managed to trap a few in an earth shelter, but one managed to get in a few good hits. I had to use a sleeper arrow in combination with a buzz saw one to get us out of there. I just hope you're father can't replicate my tech."
"Even if my father's a creative genius I doubt he can create anything without the proper materials or a factory. We've got wounded over here! Take it easy with them they've been through a lot. Has anyone seen Mako or Bolin?"
"They just returned a few minutes ago. Mako and Tahno had a close call with the Equalists trailing them, but the probenders managed to cover their tracks. He was asking for you," Gommuru informed her. She hurried off and found Mako eating with Tahno. "I thought you two were enemies. Seems to me you're getting along just fine."
"Getting stripped of your bending and forced on the run changes your perspective on a few things. You know Mako, you're not a bad guy, you know for a firebender," Tahno admitted.
"Well, you're not such a sore loser yourself. This guy actually took a hit from an Equalist to save my life. How was your attack on Future Industries? Did you manage to slow them down for a time?"
"I managed to slow him down, but I know my father. He's got a lot more plants out there hidden away. Unless we have a way to track them down I'm worried what's going to happen when General Iroh gets here."
"All we can do is pray and hope that it will work out. The important thing is that we save as many people we can. If were going to survive this Revolution we're going to need to stay strong. I'm going to go check on Bolin; you should get something to eat. You'll need to conserve your strength." Mako told her kissing her gently on the lips.
Two days later the Krew plus animals along with some of the Pro Benders and Skootchy's gang were patrolling the shores as they waited for the United Forces to arrive. Everyone was nervous, they had put a lot of pressure on the Equalists, but according to Bolin and Skootchy recons had told them that Amon had something big planned to combat the Unite Forces when they arrived. They had to be ready for anything.
"According to Gommuru's telegraph the United Forces should be entering the bay any minute. We need to be ready for any surprises," Mako told the group.
"Here they come! I can see them now. Okay, teams be ready to act! This is time they are the most vulnerable!" Korra hollered into her walki talkie. "Skootchy, is it all clear on your end?"
"Hey, doll we don't see anything or hear Satomobiles around, but my gang is getting nervous."
"Try to stay calm. Tahno, what about your group, is everything okay?"
"So far, we haven't seen any sign of the Equalists. We'll keep a sharp eye out for trouble. You just be careful Un-vatar. I wouldn't want you to by Yue! Korra, something's going on in the water! I've spotted what looks like subs!"
"Forget about the subs we got problems in the air! Where does Hiroshi come up with these crazy ideas?" Bolin shouted as the biplanes started filling the sky.
"Forget the planes I spotted a bunch of mechas rolling down the streets! We need to act fast or the Equalists are going to sink all those ships! Waterbenders get into the bay and see if you can redirect those torpedoes! Skootchy, I need you kids to jack those cars now!"
"You want us to do what girl?"
"Remove their tires and tear apart their engines! Earthbenders take on the mechas, Firebenders see if you can knock those planes out of the sky. Any non benders around get ready to move the wounded underground! Let's go people!" Korra commanded. Without hesitation she dove into the creating funnels of water redirecting the torpedoes as far as she could away from the ships. Nearby in the water she saw other water benders working together in attempts to run aground the subs. Taking a deep breath she dove down deep searching for signs of drowning men.
On the shoreline Mako had climbed a top a metal pole to get a height advantage. Building up a charge he fired a bolt of lightning nailing the tail of two planes. He missed one, but nailed the other. He shot a stream of fire into the air, but the planes just weaved around them. He had to jump for his life as one released a payload blowing up half the dock. "This is crazy! Bolin, Asami, where are you?" he shouted.
Bolin was getting his butt handed to him. His earth slice kicks were not causing enough damage to the mechas. He twisted about and bent downward trying to create a sinkhole, but there wasn't enough natural earth. "This is not my day! Oh man, I really need some help here! Anyone else around?"
Pabu popped out from his hiding place and jumped onto the mecha using his little paws to rip off the metal and started biting the wires causing a short circuit to the controls. The mechas started losing control and ran into others. One nearly crashed into the cars Satomobiles the street kids had jacked. As they were running for their lives, Naga and her pups managed to scoop up and drag them to the safety of a tunnel. "I think we need to retreat! There's too many of them!"
"Agreed, get the survivors into the tunnels! I'll cover our retreat! Move it!" Red Arrow shouted. He was firing multiple smoke arrows creating a thick cloud cover. Aiming upward at a retreating plane he shot a tracker onto its wing. He spotted Korra dragging who he could only assume was General Iroh to shore. He quickly ran to her aid and helped pull the wounded man into the sewers. "Can you use earth bending to cause a partial collapse?"
"On it, get him back to Hope! I'll meet you there and heal him there!"
A short time later the group was brainstorming a plan while Korra healed General Iroh's injuries. He was luckier then most of the survivors having used his bending to hold back most of the explosive energy during the attack. "The situation is worse then I originally thought. With Amon's new what do you call them?"
"They're called biplanes. They're lightweight aircrafts with some serious speed and of course armed with enough firepower to take on a United Forces fleet," Asami replied. She was unhappy with her father's thirst for vengeance. He was a brilliant kind man whose obsession was slowly eating him alive with the more weapons he created.
"Right, these biplanes are unlike anything the United Fleet has encountered in the past. If we're going to have any hope of taking back the city we need to find their take off point and destroy them. Once they're out of the way it will be safe for Commander Bumi and the Second Division to sail into the bay."
"Commander Bumi is Tenzin brother right? I heard he's a bit crazy, are we sure we want to count on him to rescue us?" Bolin asked only to have his head slapped by his brother. "Ow that hurt! I was just asking."
"Bumi is a bit wild, but he's one of the most dependable and one of the bravest officers in the fleet. I know that he and the Second Division can turn the tide of battle. So we need to find the take off point and then wire a message to him to wait for my all clear at Red Sand Island."
"I've got your location right here. I tagged one of the biplanes with a tracer. According to this airfield is a couple miles outside the city," Red Arrow said showing them his GPS locator. The others were a bit skeptical of the advance tech, but trusted the archer knew what he was talking about. "A small covert team could ride Naga up there and take out the base. They'll have the advantage of surprise hopefully. I doubt the Equalists would be able to figure out what my tracer is even if they found it. I do have concerns though about wiring a message to Commander Bumi. Amon knows we can hack his radio frequency. What if that means he has a way to intercept a message on wire? The Fleet would be sitting ducks."
"Not unless we sent a fake wire and relayed a different location with a coded message. Didn't you once mention something about Navajo code writers in the Second World War?" Korra asked, finishing up her healing and turning to face the rest of the group. Once again everyone looked confused, especially General Iroh who only just learned about Korra's trip and Kilchii's origin. Still if these two had a way around the Equalists cunning it was worth listening to.
"Yeah, the Navajo language was used in coded messages in war. It was a mostly unknown language with complex grammar and had never really been written. The codes written form was developed based on the Army/Navy alphabet corresponding with chosen English words and ideas. It was never broken. If we could send the cipher along with a hidden message to Bumi about a different holding spot they would be safe until they could come in. That is if he's smart enough to figure it out."
"Trust me; Aang didn't name him after a mad genius for nothing. We can send the code with a messenger hawk. Hope has a few. General Iroh do you think you could send a wire that would tell him to look for a messenger hawk with the real location?"
"Not a problem, now we need to decide whose going on the airfield mission and how we're going to stop Amon. None of us have figured out yet how we can prevent him from stripping someone's bending. Can you access the Avatar State and take his bending away?"
"No, the one time I did go into the Avatar State the Spirits pulled me into it and controlled my actions. I have no conscious memory of what I did or how to access energybending. Without that knowledge I can't stop him."
"Isn't there anyway to keep him from using his abilities? You said the Spirits told you his ability wasn't from them, so there must be another explanation of how he strips bending. If there is then there's got to be way to prevent him from using it," Mako pointed out. "Korra, is there anything you brought back from the Young Justice world that could help us?"
Korra bit her lip tentatively and her brow furred. Finally she let out a breath and nodded. "There might be something. I brought back the collar with me."
"You brought the inhibitor collar with you? I'm surprised that you got that past Batman and Superman. Why would you even bring that with you?"
"The same instinct that told me to bring the water pendant to the confrontation with the Light told me to hang on to that. It was disguised to look like a necklace and I guess it just slipped by them. All I know is that the device makes it impossible to access abilities while on. I could still feel my bending when I wore it at school, but I just couldn't use it. If we could somehow get it around Amon's neck we might have a chance. Unfortunately it's back on Air Temple Island in my room unless you grabbed it when you escaped?"
"No, in my hurry I had to leave some of my weapons caches there as well in a secret panel. Some of my most powerful arrows and resources are still there."
"Then we need to go back to the island and retrieve the tech before confronting Amon. We have to end this now before the Equalist gain a foothold in every part of the United Republic of Nations. I'll go with you two to retrieve the weapons. Asami and Bolin should go with General Iroh to take out the airfield," Mako said.
"Naga do you think you can take all three to airfield?"
"Woof!" Naga wagged her tail and then pawed at her pups. It didn't take a dog whisper to know that she wasn't going to leave the week old pups in Hope. They were coming with her no matter what. The pups were running around yipping excitedly. They had just finished an energizing meal of fresh milk and were up for an adventure.
The couples said goodbye and the two teams split up on their assigned mission. The citizens of Hope would take care of the refugees while the street kids and probending teams did hit and run attacks on the Equalists to keep them off balance. Hopefully by the end of the day the Revolution would end peacefully.
Getting near the vicinage of Air Temple Island was hard, especially with the Lieutenant patrolling the area. The trio stealthily made their way among the foliage and snuck into the basement to use the secret ladder way to get to the rest of the rooms unseen. They were just about to leave when they heard a thumping in the attic and decided to investigate. That's when they discovered Tarlok.
"So the Avatar has returned. I was beginning to wonder if it was just a tactic to keep my spirits down by my captives. There were whispers that the Spirits had spirited you away to another world. If I wasn't seeing your boyfriend I wouldn't have believed it myself."
"Can the pity party Tarlok. We don't have time for it," Mako told him.
"I'm more interested in why Amon locked you up here and not with the rest of his equalized prisoners. You seem to know a bit too much about his personal business then you should. Why is that?" Red Arrow demanded aiming an arrow at Tarlok.
"No need for threats, I get enough of that from my big brother Noatak or as you know him Amon."
"WHAT!"
"How in the world can Amon be your brother? How do you even know that for certain? Talk to us! I demand you tell us everything you know now!" Korra growled. So Tarlok told them the story about his father and how he taught the brothers to bloodbend so they could avenge him. How his brother become detached from humanity the more he bloodbended. How he desired to use this power to take control of the Avatar and equalize everyone. He mentioned that Amon had hinted he was going to be at a rally at the arena tonight to help cement his movement. Red Arrow recorded the whole conversation. When Tarlok finished he looked at the trio and asked them what they were going to do with the information.
"Even if we played back your story the Equalists wouldn't believe it. Your treatment of the non benders has alienated their faith in the Council. They think we were trying to deceive them. I'll bet Ollie's entire fortune that Amon has make up under his mask incase anyone confronted him about his true identity. We'll need more evidence to prove your claim."
"We can still use the information to force Amon into a corner. If we can put him in a position where he obviously is using water or bloodbending to save himself he lose his support," Mako insisted.
"Then we have to confront him without losing our bending or being captured by the enemy. We better hurry the rally is going to start soon. Thank you for your information Tarlok. I don't know if this means much, but I forgive you for kidnapping me. In a weird way I should thank you. If you hadn't then the Spirits wouldn't have intervened and then this final battle might have ended differently. We'll be back for you. Boys, its time to bring an end to this Revolution with some real justice."