Return of Team Avatar:
The metal plating wrapped around Kazon's wrist and pinned him to the wall. Snarling, he kicked a plume of fire at his attacker, who was pushed back over the broken wall and fell to the floor. The firebender clawed at the metal but could not budge it. His troops swarmed past but none stopped to help their Prince. They were under direct orders to continue onwards into the city.
The buildings around them were beginning to crack and crumble under the intense fighting. The very five-story building that Kazon was trapped against did not look very stable and had begun to groan ominously as two of its four walls had been smashed clean through. The Red Lotus had occupied the higher floors of the buildings on the street but the Fire Nation soldiers had persevered. Their tanks had been rendered useless by the enemy metalbenders but the soldiers themselves were proving to be a formidable wave of power.
"Do you need help?" asked a small, quivery voice. A small girl emerged from around the side of the building through a hole that Kazon himself had accidentally blasted in the building. She was dressed in a basic tunic with some baggy trousers and her dark red hair was cropped short. Kazon hazarded her age at mid-teens, if not older. He'd never been great at guessing ages, especially of girls. If they caught his eye and looked his age, he'd always gone for it. Being a Prince had always helped.
"Erm, please. I'm not exactly a metalbender," he said with an embarrassed smile.
The girl smiled back nervously. "I am," she said, clenching her fists and wrenching them apart. The metal flew from Kazon's wrist and balled into a tight, metallic sphere. The girl swiftly punched upwards and the sphere spun quickly into an upper window of a building opposite, striking a Red Lotus member in the face, who vanished instantly.
Kazon was impressed. "Thanks kid!" he exclaimed, genuinely thankful. He could now rejoin the fight and lead his troops from the front as was appropriate for any leader.
The girl frowned. "Erm, I'm not a kid. I'm seventeen."
"Oh. Sorry. You're just quite…short."
The girl shrugged. "Yeah. I hate being a girl."
Kazon looked around quickly to make sure no enemies were nearby before replying. "Oh? Why's that?"
"I don't know. I just think being a guy would be better. I hate being so small and quiet," she said softly.
Kazon walked up to her and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Hey, you can be whatever you want to be. Have some confidence, you're a great metalbender. If you don't want to act like a girl, then don't," he said with a smile. "Don't focus on what you are so much as what you can be."
The girl looked up at him with wide hazel eyes. She was actually quite pretty, despite her assurances that she did not wish to be. "Thanks," she replied in a voice that reminded him of a Foxmouse.
Kazon nodded to the girl and emerged from the building. Turning back to her, he winked as he grinned. "Regardless, hair looks good. Suits you."
Jumping away, he propelled himself along by skating on quick blasts of fire, speeding himself up sufficiently to jump to the front of the unit.
The buildings became less of an issue as they progressed. The old president, Raiko, had not rebuilt the damaged portion of the city and had instead expanded elsewhere. The skyscrapers they encountered were mostly destroyed; twisted metal and crumbled brick lay everywhere in misshapen mounds of decay. Spirit vines had taken over the area considerably but the Fire Nation soldiers left these alone. 'Best not anger the spirits, lest they enact horrible, sprity vengeance on them,' Kazon thought as he pushed into the city.
The resistance from the Red Lotus was not quite as heavy as expected but was still sufficient to stall the Fire Nation army. The soldiers were mostly winning but scores of them were falling and not getting back up to fight. Kazon himself had been struck by a number of water whips, deflected plenty of firebending attacks and had broken free of an earthbending attempt to trap his foot. The Red Lotus had the advantage of controlling all the elements but Kazon had the advantage of having the majority of the Fire Nation's might behind him. Ninety-five years had been plenty of time to make their military even more effective.
The war blimps above oversaw the evacuation of numerous civilians from the fighting zones. Five main streets leading from the docks into the city had been mostly cleared, except for a few choice individuals such as the girl from earlier. Ordinarily, the blimps would drop bombs to ensure maximum destruction but that was something they were trying to keep to a minimum. As difficult as it was. An army of firebenders was bound to result in some devastation.
Behind him, two broken buildings squealed ominously. Kazon turned in time to see the metal foundations of both buildings snap as metalbenders in each building tore the base out from under themselves in a crazy suicidal attempt to stop the column of firebenders coursing into the city towards the portal.
"NO!" Kazon shouted, one arm outstretched as the buildings collapsed on his men. Screams could be heard from the dust cloud that billowed outwards but the Prince could not see anything. He span round, creating a whirlwind of flames that twisted towards the dust, fanning it out of the way. Beneath the rubble, Kazon could make out numerous forms struggling to escape from the ruins of the collapsed buildings. The soldiers behind rushed forward to help their fellow soldiers and one pointed past Kazon.
"Prince Kazon, look! The Third Division!"
Kazon twisted round and watched as another column of Fire Nation soldiers pushed from a side street and rushed forwards. The portal was ahead but he couldn't just leave these men here. He ran back to help but one soldier waved him away from underneath a prison of metal beams. "It's ok! We'll be fine, they'll need help!"
The Fire Prince gritted his teeth but nodded. In the past, soldiers would never have spoken to a Royal Family member like that but times had changed. There was no point being so omnipotent if he could not speak to the men he served with. Sprinting down the street, he jumped into the air and took off, propelling himself with huge jets of fire from his feet. Flying via fire was his one unique trait that he excelled in beyond all else. He could even turn quickly by firing fire from his hands, using them as stabilisers. He rocketed down the street, above all the soldiers' heads and aimed upwards, finally landing on the corner of one building that was on the edge of the spirit plain. The portal was ahead but it was still an orb of energy. Locked.
The building he was on had a huge portion of the upper floor missing, blown out by an unknown force. The floor around it was littered with devastation and he could faintly see the body of a woman lying on the ground. Frowning, he jumped from the building and landed by her side with a quick blast of fire to prevent himself slamming into the grassy floor.
The woman's eyes were open but unseeing. He knelt and closed them gently. It was clear she'd been gone for a day, maybe two. The fact the Red Lotus had not moved her body meant that they either had not found it or just did not care. The latter idea made Kazon's stomach churn.
"Oh not you. Anybody but you," said a female voice. Kazon knew it but wished that he was mistaken. Looking up slowly, he noticed the approach of a woman, flanked by Red Lotus members. Her hair was messed up and she had a large burn mark on the front of her clothes but she still exuded that raw sexuality that she always had.
"Kairna," he said curtly.
She smiled slowly. "It's Scarlett now. Or hadn't you heard? Being a super important princy-wincy must be a busy job," she said mockingly.
Kazon stood slowly, his palms outstretched peacefully. "Of course I'd heard. Zukoh told me your new identity when you left him. First your family in the Northern Water Tribe, then him. For what? Dreams of a glorious new future?" he said with a derisive laugh.
Her face retained that self-satisfied smile but it was clear he'd said exactly what she had been thinking. When she finally spoke, she licked her incisors in a provocative manner as she said, "You're not wrong. I saw my husband earlier about it but he didn't agree. I had to be….forceful. Until he fired lightning at me and nearly killed me…"
Kazon laughed openly, causing her face to screw up in anger. Realising he was baiting her, she sighed and resumed the confident look carefully. "Indeed. I was fortunate to survive it but he was too weak to properly create it. He didn't even manage to kill himself, the idiot."
"He's alive then?"
"Of course he's alive. For now. Once I find him, I shall correct that."
"Like I'm guessing you did for this poor woman? I bet she didn't do anything to deser—"
Scarlett laughed and the Red Lotus members behind her giggled too. "Her? She was the Avatar's mother. Poor thing had been suffering so I put her out of her misery."
Kazon's eyes widened. He was dimly aware of his troops piling onto the plain and the Red Lotus springing from the nearby buildings to engage. "You killed the Avatar's mother. And then…left her here?"
A shrug. "I've been busy," Scarlett replied. She snapped her fingers and the Red Lotus began to move forward, fighting stances ready.
Kazon rolled his neck and shook his legs loosely. "You know Kairna, I've always hated you. Zukoh could do so much better than your ratty façade," he spat at her. Before she could respond, he inhaled and roared at the enemies, a spout of fire erupting from his mouth and scattered the Red Lotus members. They dived to the side heavily and before they could regain their footing, Kuzon had lifted the body of the woman and slung her over his shoulder. Fire burst from his feet and he lifted quickly into the air, away from Scarlett and her cronies, who bent earth, fire and water after him. None of the attacks touched him, however. He was already long gone.
"Grandfather!" Aana squealed as she was swept up in Tenzin's arms. "I missed you!" she laughed happily, prompting the older Airbender to laugh as well.
He'd been afraid that the Red Lotus had made it onto the island but their downfall had turned out to be their sheer arrogance at believing the Airbenders weren't a serious threat. Thankfully, his granddaughter was still safe. He'd initially believed the acolytes had ensured her safety but on analysis of the Temple's roof, Tenzin had been surprised to see a whole host of spirits surrounding one huge dragon. This dragon spirit was known to Tenzin on sight; one of the four great elemental dragon spirits that helped protect their affiliated nation. And stood side-by-side with Qi-Lóng had been a tiny figure, gazing out across the city.
"Aana, I'm so pleased to see you," Tenzin said with loving formality. Placing the girl down, he pointed up at the roof and put his stern face on. "What on earth were you doing all the way up there with the spirits?"
The girl looked down and shuffled her feet together, pouting slightly. "I dunno. The spirits were mad so I talked to them. They're ok now though."
Tenzin was more than a little surprised. He knew his granddaughter was an Airbender prodigy and even connected with the spirits more than even Jinora but still…
"And Qi-Lóng?"
Aana shrugged. "Making sure the bad guys don't come here, I guess!" she laughed. Her laugh was infectious and Tenzin found himself smiling slightly before catching himself.
"In any case, you need to get inside. Your mother will be returning soon and I don't think she'd be happy seeing you flying around with spirits when the city is under siege," he said, understanding the logic completely.
The little girl bit her lip. "Yeah that's true. Dad would let me though. Where are they grandfather?"
Tenzin kneeled down and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Aana. You're old enough now to know the truth. Your mother is safe in the spirit world but she's going to be back soon. She'll have to fight the bad guys to get back but I have no doubt that she'll manage it. As for your father…I'm not sure. He's somewhere in the city but I'm not sure where."
Aana nodded. "Ok, thank you grandfather. I know they'll be back soon. Are you not helping the city?"
Tenzin looked over his shoulder at the Fire Nation ships docked all around Yue Bay. He could hear explosions further in the city but could not see much through the bright sunlight. "No. The Fire Nation will save the city. I'm sure my father would be happy to see Zuko's descendants working so tirelessly for peace," he said with a smile.
Aana took Tenzin's hand gently. "Can we go inside now? If we're not helping to fight, maybe we could help some other way?" she inquired.
Tenzin stood up and looked to the sky as a thought struck him. "Yes. We'll need the help of all the citizens to win this. We need my radio."
They climbed a number of floors of the Temple until they came to the radio room. Tenzin sat in a chair and began to tune the device whilst Aana looked around in boredom. She poked one radio and a spring flew off, making her jump back in surprise. Looking round quickly, she pushed it to the side and stood in front of it so Tenzin wouldn't notice.
"Republic City, come in Republic City….no, that's not it…" Tenzin growled. He twisted a dial slightly and spoke into the microphone once more. "Republic City. This is Tenzin. The Red Lotus have taken your city but the Fire Nation has arrived to help remove them! They can't do this alone though. We all need your help. Please, join the fight and help free your city!"
Aana pulled on his robe slightly, causing Tenzin to wave a hand at her. The message was clear: 'not now Aana.' She continued to do so, however, making Tenzin look at her. The girl looked at him with large eyes and pointed out the window.
"What is it?" he whispered to the girl, trying not to broadcast his conversation.
"The spirits are flying into the city…" she said quietly. Tenzin stood quickly and walked to the window. Peering out, he noticed all the spirits flying towards the city, darkening the sky for a brief moment. There was a rumbling and the city was blocked out as scales slid past the window. Eventually, it stopped to reveal a single great eye and Aana waved at it with a smile.
"Master Tenzin. I have heard about you. I thank you for directing the new generation of airbenders. Avatar Aang would be proud," Qi-Lóng praised in its deep, rumbling voice.
Tenzin bowed. He had long since given up trying to emulate his father but such acclaim from one of the great Air spirits was truly flattering.
Before he could reply, however, the great pupil shifted to Aana. "The spirits are moving and you are confused," it stated very bluntly. Aana nodded and the eyes blinked in response. "See for yourself, Airbenders…" the spirit said and retreated, allowing sunlight to flood the room once more.
Shielding their eyes, both Tenzin and Aana gazed out at the city, wondering what had changed. It was even brighter than before…
The bright yellow and green beam of light remained strong in the air, illuminating the city in its beautiful glow. The spirits were all headed towards the beam, eager to be home.
"The portal. It's open," Tenzin said, a smile growing on his face.
"The portal's open!" Scarlett shouted. It could surely only mean one thing. And she needed her forces to help capture the Avatar this time. She underestimated him once. It wouldn't happen again.
Then again, why capture him? Zaheer had once aimed to destroy the Avatar Cycle completely but why not just kill the Avatar and gain another twenty years of liberation? It would be easier, surely. Her mind was made up pretty quickly.
Vehrin had seemingly vanished completely. After she had woken in the cells, she had gone to visit her superior. Barely any of the Red Lotus knew of his existence but he definitely ran the Order, as much as she wished she did. Although, she was here fighting whilst he was hiding away. Screw that, she DID run the Order. That cheeky wolfbat could leave the city after all this.
The mirror they used to communicate with the spirit had shattered totally, leaving them with no way to contact Vehrin. Their plan had been to use the spirit to help weaken their enemies but it had broken free of their control. Maybe freeing it had not been such a great idea. Spirits had plans of their own.
"When the Avatar comes through, fire on sight!" she ordered the group of Red Lotus closest to her. The Fire Nation troops were not far away but trenches of Earthbenders were preventing them from rushing forward. Scarlett held the field and she was not planning on falling anytime soon.
"Yes Maam!" the Red Lotus said in unison. They all retreated towards the portal and descended the lip of the small crater that had been formed by Kuvira's super-weapon. They formed a circle around the portal and all took stances, ready to attack. Scarlett herself looked over her shoulder at the fighting behind her and jumped down, hands poised before her.
"Looks like a figure coming through there!" one of the men next to her shouted, pointing. The Red Lotus members on the far side all ran back to Scarlett and bunched into two groups, all keen to be the one to finish the Avatar.
Scarlett wanted that privilege for herself. She pointed with two fingers and moved her hand back and forth, separating the energies. The lightning sparked and bit at the air but she controlled it, moving slowly as she built the energy. 'THIS is how to fire lightning', she thought aggressively at Zukoh in her mind.
The energy built up to a zenith and she could barely contain it, her hair standing on end and the Red Lotus all backing away slightly. In a second, she would have to release, but a second was all she needed.
A figure stepped through the portal, making it flash brightly. Scarlett snarled as she aimed her right hand at the figure. The bolt of lightning almost seemed to travel in slow motion as she watched it arc towards the emerging person. A split second before it crashed into the figure's chest, the person leant out with one arm and touched the lightning with two fingers.
The lightning shot down his arm and he bent double as he tried to control it. He knew the way it must travel but the situation required something else. The lightning careered down his chest and into his stomach and his entire brain was telling him to release it. He'd need to act perfectly now or he'd be killed.
Forcing the lightning to separate, he made sure it followed the chi paths in the body and avoided his heart. Standing straight, he opened his eyes as he pointed at both groups of Red Lotus. Lightning erupted from both hands and crashed into the floor by each group, sending them flying everywhere in the resulting explosions. His chest felt like it was on fire and his arms ached but he was still alive.
Two more figures emerged from the portal behind Jahn as Scarlett stared at the Avatar in disbelief.
"Hello again. I remember you. It's a shame you killed my mother. Now I'm going to finish you," Jahn said in a stony voice.
Shouting in rage, Scarlett kicked at Jahn. He blocked the fire easily but before he could retaliate, the woman had already boosted up to the crater rim and vanished from sight. The last he saw of her was the wisps of the dying flames in the air.
"Yeah, you better run! Team Avatar's back, baby!" Anik cheered loudly.