The sky over Republic City was an unusually deep blue that night. Like an ocean dotted with twinkling stars, it almost seemed like you could be swallowed up by the yawning maw of the sky.

Republic City was wrapped in the darkness that the sky cast forth, like a shroud. Downtown was litten up brightly, with street and city lights sending out a protective shield against the hostile sky.

The other parts of the city weren't so fortunate.

The heart of the Agni Kai Triad's territory was swaddled in the pervading darkness, but the thugs don't mind. They're all gathered together in the old, abandoned warehouse that serves as their headquarters.

The warehouse had undergone an overhaul when the Agni Kais chose to use it. An extra wing was added, where the high-ranking members of the triad lived. The main body of the warehouse was used as a gathering place; gang members could come and go as the pleased.

But tonight, attendance was mandatory. Any no-shows would be hunted down. A message was about to be sent.

There is little threat of police interference. The warehouse is in the section of the city even metalbenders are reluctant to patrol. Going at night would be a death sentence. Republic City is portrayed as the forerunner of peace and prosperity, but not all of it is as perfect as the law would have you believe.

It was here, on that night, that the leader of the Agni Kai Triad swept over to the ornate railing of the balcony and called, "My brothers and sisters! Here tonight, we send a message to Republic City!"

The crowd roared their assent. All eyes were on the man above.

"As some of you may know, the police have recently announced that we are no longer a pertinent threat."

The mass of triad members erupted like a volcano, boos and hisses raining down.

"But they're wrong. DEAD wrong. May I introduce the newest members of our family. Masaru and Ryuu…"

Two men, in their early twenties at the oldest stepped in. They were obviously brothers, both with long, dark hair and mistrustful eyes. They stayed in the shadows, out of sight.

"And Vikram."

An older man stepped in, who easily could have been their father. His hair was greying, swept back away from his face. He wasn't tall and had an agile build, but he sent a message of power. He looked as if he'd kill you as soon as look at you.

Vikram stepped over to the edge with an air of confidence, bordering on arrogance. He looked out over the sea of humans, his cold eyes taking in every detail before darting to the next scene. Behind the harsh amber gold exterior, his eyes hid intelligence, cunning and deadly precision.

Vikram dragged his prisoner up to the railing for all to see.

Another uproar of boos from the triad.

Vikram spoke next, taking the leader by surprise. He was usually a very quiet man.

"After tonight, there will be little left of the Triple Threat Triad." His voice sent a chill down the spines of many in the audience. "We will wipe them all out and claim their territory for the Agni Kais, starting with their leader."

Lightning Bolt Zolt was close to panic. His eyes were darting back and forth, and sweat was running down his pale face in rivulets.

When the gag that had previously silenced him was removed, he started speaking. "You'll never get away with it. My triad will destroy you." He was cut off by Vikram.

"Today is the start of something great, my friends." A sardonic grin crossed his face, and a blue flame appeared in his palm.

The walls of the old warehouse were painted a sickly beautiful azure by the flame as Lightning Bolt Zolt's final screams bounced off of them.

On the other side of the city, miles away, Arrluk awoke in a cold sweat, a haunting shriek ringing in his ears.

Arrluk got out of bed and dressed in his tunic. His nerves were bristling, but he couldn't place why. Whatever dream he had, it had shaken him up badly. He needed to calm his nerves.

He hurried down the stairs quietly, although the only one sleeping was Korra, who was on the other side of the island.

The courtyard was still, silent as a crypt. Arrluk's boots didn't make a sound as he walked to the rocky shore. The tide was at its low point, sliding in and out with the soft rustling sound that waves make.

The air was crisp, blowing fresh off the waters of the bay. Arrluk breathed deeply, filling his lungs with the brisk air. His anxiety started to ebb away, but a small knot remained in his chest, like a seed of worry. "Why am I so anxious?" He said aloud.

A stray thought caught in his mind, that momentarily pushed away his troubles. "Push and pull the water." He started rolling his wrists, reaching out to the bay. "Just like the tides." The water of the bay rolled back and forth with his motions. His eyes closed and he flowed with the water, moving the same way as the bay. Everything would be all right in the end. He just had to…

His thoughts were interrupted by a long, screaming wail. "Argh!" Arrluk opened his eyes and looked out over the bay. The water had formed large waves, the foamy whitecaps rolled into the rocks with a rhythmic splash. When he let go of the water, the waves returned to normal height. "I must have been really agitated."

The scream of the police siren came again, echoing throughout the city. One of the zeppelins had taken flight, pursuing some unknown disturbance.

Arrluk looked toward the city. Something big was happening.