Hey everyone, sorry for the long absent. I will not go into details but university work and health condition are a major factor. Thank you to all of you sticking by the story and patiently waiting. I'm sorry if the chapter is not up to standard. Need a while to get back into the right mind set. This chapter might be a bit fast pace but I hope everyone enjoy it all the same.
Comment Reply Section
Raximus: Lmao, that's a clear oversight by me.
Guest Austin: I was planning on the vengeful trope but I see it as too early. G3 is in the process.
WallopMan816: Always wonder if I make Shen too forgiving to the point of cowardice but I try to see through the lenses of someone who never have no experience being in being in the high position. Not everyone has quick confidence boost.
TheOkWriter: Always knew a slight downhill will occur. Thank you for giving this chapter a chance.
DCDGojira: Thanks, as always. Hope you keep enjoying yourself.
BOOK 1 CHAPTER 9: Shattering Lies
"Stay away! Evil Spirits!"
The citizen of Republic City ran for their lives instead of enjoying a peaceful day at the pier. The Crab Unknown almost killed a few benders before Agito, only Agito showed up. With the situation in the city, not many police officers could be dispatched immediately. Not even Yaozun and Shou could.
Agito dodged a strike from the claws of the Crab Unknown and took the chance to land a few hard punches at its chest but to no avail. The Unknown has a hard body and is almost impervious to Agito's attacks.
The evil spirit strike Agito along the torso and rammed its claw at the warrior's throat. Agito struggled against the grip and with both of his hands preventing the claw from separating his head from his body, he couldn't stop the Unknown from continuously using its other free hand to give Agito a beating.
'Damn it.'
The Unknown kicked Agito's right leg, forcing him to fall onto his back. The monster slammed its foot onto Agito's calves, pinning its victim even more.
'This guy's claws…too…strong.'
With the jolt of pain from his calves, Agito lessens the grip on the claws and feels the sharp edges buried slightly deeper into his throat.
'No….'
"Die…Agito…" The Unknown whispered get ready for the kill but the armored man immediately pressed the right side of his belt. The creature on top felt a burning blaze engulf him as the warrior's armor turned golden to red.
With only one hand, Agito Flame's strength easily kept the claw from gripping his throat completely and the other hand waiting for his signature weapon. The Unknown saw the grip of the sword appear from the belt and know to trust its guts and need to escape.
Its plan halted when Agito Flame refused to let go of its claw. As the Flame Saber exited the belt, Agito Flame effortlessly threw the Unknown over his head and crashed into a few stalls. The warrior attacked as the monster tried to gain balance but it only received slashes after slashes after slashes.
It blocked with its claws but Agito Flame kept on pushing and the Unknown also doing the same thing. Slowly, a crack appeared on its claws before it shattered into bits.
"Now!"
SHING!
The horn's on Agito Flame's head and his sword's hilt split open. Seeing the warrior's mark appear underneath the swordsmen, the Unknown tried to make a getaway.
"Oh no, you don't!"
With his sword on fire, Agito sends out two slashes of fire and hits the Unknown on its back, stopping the escape. With his opponent having no way to run, he made a mad dash towards it and delivered a single flaming slash, killing it.
After the Unknown died, the pier was almost destroyed and the scared civilians tried their best to go home, Agito look around and the breeze blew his way. He felt empty. On his way back to his motorcycle, he was thanked by the people he saved, and even though he feels happy but he also wasn't.
At the hospital, Shen entered his parents' room. The still unconscious body of Bilan and Talah was the same as the day they were admitted except for the clothes their wore, which were changed frequently.
Sitting on the chair in between the two beds, Shen felt at ease when he knew his parents are still alive and fighting to recover.
"Hey, mother. Hey Father. I just got back from fighting the evil spirits. Just another day. Hey, Korra and the others put a surprise cooking competition for me earlier today. I never thought of them doing anything like that for me. I guess they're worried for me after what happened to you guys."
He took a deep breath before continuing.
"It seems it was Big Brother Kuay the one behind the attack of our restaurant. He and several others but all the ones at the restaurant survived. It was a miracle. He told me that he approached you two to support the Equalist but you two refused. He also told that you two refused to turn him in to protect my view of him and the others….,"
Shen's voice started to feel heavy.
"…I'm still a kid, aren't I?"
As much Shen wanted a response, none came his way.
"I couldn't defend your honor. I wanted him to shut up but nothing came out. Not a single word. I couldn't even defend Korra. It took Big Brother Mao to do it."
At that moment, he tasted something salty on his lips. The last taste he wanted to taste right now.
"I fought those evil spirits head on every time without anything holding me back but when it comes to people, I just can't go against them for some reason. Even when they are clearly bad people. Maybe, I'm just a coward."
He looked up to his parents but had no movement from them. No wise words of comfort this time.
"I promised Korra that I'll be her shield but I couldn't stand up on my own, let alone defend her. Hey, guess what? I made acquaintance with Hiroshi Sato again today. He's an amazing guy. Kind, compassionate, successful, and a great model citizen. Someone that I'm inspired to be. Isn't that great?"
Shen tears slowly ran down his face. The silence was maddening.
"Please say something."
He lowered his head onto his hands, which rested on his knees. He silently cried by himself.
Shou walked hurriedly to his office all by himself. It was evening already and despite he's supposed to be off the clock, he decided to stay back a while. Entering the almost empty office, he approached two nearby talking officers.
"Hey, see Yaozy around?"
"Nope. Sorry, detective."
"Okay"
He stared at his table that was filled with files of wanted suspects of the arson. He got no mood to handle this and clearly, none of the other officers were as well since the other desks filled with suspect files on their own.
"I'll just start tomorrow, or…."
He turned to Yaozun's table which was surprisingly empty. Either he was excepted for doing this kind of work or he already finished it. Either way, Shou doesn't feel it's fair. Making sure no one eyeing him, he dumped all the files from his table onto Yaozun's.
"There, all clean. When the higher up ask who's the most successful in capturing the suspects, everyone will say…."
"Detective Shou!"
"Evil spirits! Begone!"
Shou jumped out of his skin when the voice came from behind him. He turned to see an annoyed Chief Beifong. Shou eyed the files on his friend's table and back to his boss.
"It was Yaozun's from the start?"
"If I'm not in a hurry I would drag you two to my office, but I am. So, I need you to come with me."
Shou eyed the clock on the wall and it was clearly way past his work time. "What do you need me for?"
"An important meeting. Highly classified. It's best I brought someone I trust, even that someone is you."
"Why can't Yaozun go? He's the more morally upright than me, Chief."
"Firstly, I don't even know what that supposed to mean, and no. Detective Yaozun currently undergoing a special mission and you're the only one available. If I could, I would want both of you but it is what it is. No more question, come with me."
"Okay Chief."
"We'll discuss that file dumping later."
"Yes, Chief."
Nighttime descends onto Republic City when Chief Beifong and Detective Shou arrived at a secluded area. Sou was surprised to find out the people they were meeting were none other than Councilman Tenzin and Avatar Korra. Shou has seen the Avatar in many states of expression but this time, she looks determined.
"Okay, I got your message. What is it you two want to talk about?" Chief Beifong asked them impatiently.
"Okay, here goes…" Korra began and told them what she heard earlier that day.
After hearing the story, Shou let out a sharp whistle, "That's some story Avatar."
"So, you're saying Mr. Sato manufactured those gloves for the Equalists and framed Cabbage Corp.?" Tenzin summarized everything up.
"That's a bold accusation, but, what proof do you have?" Chief Beifong questioned the girl.
"I don't exactly have proof but I know what I've heard. Sato is up to something."
"You better think of one fast, Avatar," Shou said to her. "Sato, Future Industries have good names and people look up to them, benders or not. If the news of us suspecting them goes around, without anything to show for it, we will only be accused of being paranoid more than ever."
"Detective Shou is right." Chief Beifong backed him up.
"I am/He is?" Korra, Tenzin and Shou asked at the same time.
"But we could not put aside that he has the means and a motive." Tenzin pondered a bit.
"That's right."
"A motive? What is it?" Korra asked all the three adults.
"Twelve years ago, members of the Agni Kai Triad robbed Sato's mansion. A Firebender killed Sato's wife during the break-in."
"That's terrible." Korra sympathized.
"Yeah. I remember that day well. I was among the first to arrive." Shou joined in. "Couldn't imagine a little girl has to go through that."
"Detective Shou, what else do you remember?"
Shou crossed his arms and stared into the distance, "I was a rookie back then. That could only be my sixth or seventh mission. The mansion was in a bad state, the Agni Kai was no longer there. Inside, Sato was in tears and cradling his wife's lifeless body. After help arrived, I went inside the mansion to find his daughter."
A young Shou wearing a standard police officer uniform walked carefully through the half-destroyed mansion. Half-burnt curtains were on the floor, broken windows, shards of glass on the floor, broken and burned furniture all over the place. It's a miracle the whole mansion isn't burned down.
He arrived at what it seems to be a dark corridor with rows of rooms. It was quiet, eerily quiet. He checked every room as best as he could but all of them were empty. Now, he was left with the biggest room at the end of the corridor, presumably the master bedroom.
He gripped onto the handle and open it.
"Hello? Anyone…"
"Stay back!"
"What the?!"
Shou saw what it seems to be a wooden stick coming towards his face. He grabbed the stick from making contact. He took a good look at his yielder and saw a young woman in a maid uniform.
He looked behind her and saw two more maids crouching on the floor near the bed as if they were covering something.
"Calm down miss. Officer Shou of Republic City Police. We're here to help. Don't worry. The Agni Kai is gone."
"Thank you." The maid lowered her weapon and began sobbing. One of her friends came to her aid and comfort her. Sou left the two and approached the bed. The third maid peeked under the bed and Shou did the same.
Under the bed, Sou saw her, a girl around 5-years-old in a fetus position, hugging her white polar bear dog stuffed animal. She silently cried and her whole body trembled.
"Miss Sato. You can come out now. The police are here." The maid called out but the girl ignored her.
"Miss Sato. Please come out."
"No. Bad guys."
Shou and the maid looked at each other. He decided to give it a try.
"Miss Sato?" He called out to her. "The bad guys are gone. They can't hurt you anymore."
"No!" The girl screamed back.
"Miss Sato. I promise you that nothing will hurt you. I give you, my word."
"Promise?"
"I, Officer Shou, promise. As a member of Republic City Police. Nothing will hurt you."
After some more persuading, Shou brought the girl out of the room, followed by the three maids. Arriving at the front door, Sou quickly sat the girl down near one of the healers on standby. He let go of her but she held on tight to Shou's uniform.
"I'm not going anywhere. Just sitting you down to check for any injuries."
Shou stood by the girl until the end of the check-up and see her off when the healers brought her and Mr. Sato to the hospital.
"I visited her several times during her stay at the hospital, until one day I stopped when she was released."
Korra was listening intensely and came to a realization, "Was that little girl Asami?"
"Yup. Nothing could describe how happy I felt seeing how she grew up into a fine lady and the future owner of Future Industries. It's a shame we need to go around suspecting them now."
"It could be possible that he's been harboring anti-bending sentiment this whole time." Tenzin guessed.
"Maybe we should look into Mr. Sato a little more closely." Chief Beifong nodded and turned to Shou. "Detective Shou…"
"I know Chief. I'll be there."
"Good. Avatar. Tenzin."
Chief Beifong turned around to leave with Shou but Korra called out to the latter.
"Detective Shou."
"What is it Avatar?"
"You met Asami a few times. How come you never say anything?"
Shou raised a brow and let out a chuckle, "What do you expect me to say? 'Hey, remember me? That one officer that carried you out of your room? That's me! Give me a big hug.' Is that what you expect me to say?"
"Not exactly, but from the way you told the story, it sounds very personal."
"It's not that personal. I don't think she even remembers me or if there was an officer that help her that night. It's all in the past now. See you later."
Shou walked away feeling satisfied with that answer.
Korra and Tenzin returned to the Air Temple Island quite late and were forced to sneakily enter their rooms, but not before Tenzin called her.
"Korra. Are you sure that you don't want to tell Shen about Hiroshi Sato?"
"I'm sure."
"But, shouldn't Shen know about this? It's revolved around one of the individuals he's looked up to in the city."
"That's the problem. He looked up to Hiroshi Sato very much. He almost lost his parents in the hands of terrorists through the people he thought of as family. If anything comes up about Sato, it will ruin him."
"If things are that way, he will know eventually and it will hurt him all the same." Tenzin clarified.
"I know it will hurt him. If it comes to that, let me comfort him."
"You love him, don't you Korra?"
Korra blushed and turned her head to look at the men's dorm where Shen shared with the male Air Acolytes.
"Yes. I do."
"I haven't seen anyone gazed at others with much love other than my father looked at my mother. I have complete utter faith in you."
"Thanks, Tenzin."
The two went their separate ways. Korra took a last short glance at the dorm before disappearing into her room.
The next day couldn't come any faster, with dark bags under his eyes, Detective Shou arrived at the Sato Mansion with the other three he met last night. He let out a loud annoying yawn before receiving a hard slap from Chief Beifong on the arm.
"Ow, Chief. I was up late getting this warrant ready. Give me a break."
"No excuses. Get ready. Where's the kid?"
Shou flinched at the horrible realization. "Damn, I forgot to tell Shen."
"No need. I choose not to tell him." Korra informed them.
The two police officers looked at each other, "Not my first choice, but it's your relationship. Let go."
The butler opened the door for them and he was shocked. Shou flashed the warrant in his hands to the man before he, Chief Beifong, and Councilman Tenzin proceed to Hiroshi Sato's office.
Shou was the last of the three, saw Korra stopped halfway up the stairs to talk to Mako and Asami. He didn't stay long but lingered a bit to hear a bit of their conversation.
"What's going on? Why are they asking Hiroshi more questions?" That was Mako.
"I overheard him on the phone yesterday, Asami, I don't know how to tell you this…" Korra began.
'This is going to cause some friction in their friendship. I just know it. Good luck Avatar' Shou feels bad for the girl.
The three entered the office and came face to face with the man himself.
"Mister Sato, we just have some follow-up questions…" Chief Beifong start.
"Yeah, it's about…" Shou was about to ask when the door opened to make way to an angry Asami.
"My father is innocent. Just because we are not benders, doesn't mean we support those awful Equalist." Asami stormed by her father's side.
"Equalist? Is that what this is about? I assured you that I got nothing to do with those radicals."
"Yeah, you don't know what you're talking about Korra," Mako said to her.
"Ooh, two on one," Shou whispered.
"I've overheard you on the phone. You said Cabbage Corps. investigation bought you some time and you're ready to strike. Explain yourself."
Instead of sweating or fumbling with words, Hiroshi Sato just laughed.
Shou turned to everyone in the room to see if he missed anything that they were supposed to be laughing at.
"Oh, that. That was just a misunderstanding, resulting in the young Avatar's overactive imagination. My number one competitor has just been knocked out of the game and it's providing me the opportunity to strike the market with a new line of Sato Mobiles. It's just business. Nothing nefarious."
SLAM!
Everyone shook when Shou slammed his hands onto the desk.
"Hah! You just exposed yourself." Shou roared.
"Detective Shou. What's the meaning of this?"
"You admitted it. Now I have one question for you Mister Sato."
"Oh, what might that be?" Hiroshi calmly asked the detective.
"When can I put in an order for the new line of Sato Mobil?"
Korra, Asami and Mako face palmed while Tenzin and Chief Beifong just sighed.
"Oh. As soon as possible. Come to one of our dealers and we'll get you the number one spot on the waiting list." Hiroshi laughed.
"Great. So, there's nothing more for us to be here. Let's go, everyone." Shou turned around but stopped by Chief Beifong and Tenzin that held both of his shoulders.
"To put all suspicions to rest, may we take a look at your factory and warehouses?" Tenzin asked.
"Ugh, after all that, you still suspicious of us?" Asami groaned but stopped by her father.
"If this could put all doubts to rest, please be my guest. Feel free to search all of Future Industries if necessary. Don't worry, if there's nothing out of this. I will not press any charges."
It did not take long for the police to swarm the factories and warehouses. But it's long enough for the news to catch up.
Shen was reading a book in his parent's hospital room when he heard the news on the radio. His face went sour quick as he rode towards the investigation scene, with the broadcast fresh in his mind.
"Is it possible, presidents of Cabbage Corp and Future Industries both have Equalist ties or did Hiroshi Sato frame his longtime rival, Lau Gan-Lan? Or did Chief Beifong just plain arrest the wrong man? So far the investigation has yielded no evidence to incriminate Sato."
Shou motioned to a few police officers to clear the area as he looked around the factory. He approached a box and casually check its content as Asami approached him from behind.
"Hey, Detective Shou right?"
Without turning around to look at her, he pretends to rummage through the box.
"Yeah? Anything I could do for you, Miss Sato?"
"Not really, I just wondering that, have we met before? I've recognize you from somewhere. Maybe a couple of years ago, maybe?"
"No." Shou quickly respond.
"That was fast. Are you sure?"
"Surely sure. Republic City is a big city, Miss Sato. Lookalikes are everywhere. You must've mistaken me for someone else. Besides, I would remember meeting someone prominent such as yourself."
"Oh. Okay. Thanks for clearing it up. I got to go. Nice meeting you Detective."
Shou heard Asami's footsteps slowly fade away and sigh of relief.
'This job is tiring me up.'
Shen arrived at the factory. He scanned the area and saw the airship leaving, knowing most of the police forces already left. He saw Korra, Mako and Asami talking. Instead of a loving sensation, he felt a small burning one in him when he saw his girlfriend.
He rode towards them.
"Korra!"
His voice startled the three and the Avatar felt a small part of her died. She turned to the couple for help but Mako just put his arm around Asami and motioned with his head at Shen, clearly saying, 'Handle it yourself' and leaves.
"Hi, Shen. How are you feeling? How are your parents?"
"Don't change the topic, please. Korra, how could you?"
"What are you talking about?"
"This." Shen raised his arm to the factory. "This whole investigation against Mr. Sato. It's all over the radio."
"Shen. I know what I've heard. I'm not mistaken. Hiroshi Sato is not the man you think he is." Korra sternly defends herself.
"That man has been giving nothing but great advancement to the city and just because he's a non-bender, we could suspect him being with the Equalists?"
"Hey. That's not what this is about, Shen."
"Would you suspect me too if we don't know each other? What about Detective Shou? Does this mean he's next on your list?"
"Shen. Don't say that. You and Shou are nothing like them. Hiroshi Sato has a motive. Years ago…"
"I don't want to hear it!"
Korra stopped talking as Shen rubbed his fatigued eyes. "Hiroshi Sato is a great man. Everyone in the city knows that Republic City was built for benders and non-benders to live happily and equally. He wouldn't have come this far if he does not have that mindset. I love you Korra but I'm disappointed in you right now."
"Shen. You cannot look only from one angle. There's more to people than meets the eye. Just look what happened to your parents and home. People lie, Shen."
"Don't compare Hiroshi Sato with that guy!"
"Shen. Open your eyes! You got to trust me!"
"Trust you? Trust you? The last time I trust you, my parent almost died!"
After bursting out his hidden thoughts, Shen raced back to his motorcycle, leaving a stunned Korra. When she came to her senses, her boyfriend was already gone.
"Shen? Shen! Come back!"
He ignored her shouts as Naga pulled on her clothes, ready to give chase but Korra refuses. Believing it's better to let him cool off.
"He didn't mean it. Right Naga?"
Naga howled softly and nudged her master.
"First lover's quarrel?" Shou asked as he approached the Avatar.
"How long you've been there?"
"Not long but I could hear you from over there. Relax girl. Give him some time. Fights are a sign of a healthy relationship. It shows you two have communication."
"What do you want Shou? Not only have I just gotten into a fight with my boyfriend, but I also have a hanging case. I don't need your nonsense right now." Korra got onto Naga.
"Oh, nothing. I just thought you might want to read this." Shou handed Korra a note. She opened it and was shocked at its content.
"Where did you get this?"
"Someone bumped into me and I found this in my hand. Someone's trying to get in contact with us. This might be our ticket to find out the truth and put this whole thing to rest."
"You think we should?"
"It's our only lead right now. Let's get the two former lovebirds." Shou pointed his thumb at the two other heads of this operation.
Korra snickered, "You did not just say that. You want to keep your job or not?"
"If I got fired, I could finally realize my dream to be a stage comedian."
The note asked them to meet up at Silk Road Bridge at midnight. The four of them arrived close to the appointed time and make sure they weren't followed.
"Are we in the clear, Shou?" Lin asked her subordinate.
"Clear. No one is around. Now, where is our contact?"
"Pssst. Over here."
They turned to see a person come out from behind a pillar. Shou and Korra walked up to the person. He was a middle-aged man in a long coat and a hat to hide his face. He pulled up his collar to keep it that way.
"You're the one?" Korra asked.
"You're safe. Tell us what you know." Shou secures him.
"Listen, I joined the Equalists because I believed in what Amon said. I thought he could make life better for us non-benders. But I didn't sign up for all of this…" The man confessed.
"What do have on Hiroshi Sato?" Lin asked.
"Convey to us everything you know. You will be granted amnesty depending on the level of your contribution." Shou assured him.
"Okay. Here goes. He's been the one that manufactured those gloves for the Equalists."
"I knew it!"
"Hehe. Score one for the Avatar. Score zero for the kid."
Korra hit Shou in the stomach with her elbow but Shou held a straight face against the pain.
The man looked around to make sure no one was listening to them. "And there are rumors he's working on something even bigger. Some new kind of weapon."
"We searched highs and lows the entirety of every building they own and those that remotely associate with them. We found nothing. If this is true, where are they manufacturing these gloves?" Shou digs deeper.
"In a secret factory."
"Of course, why not?"
"Shh. Where is this factory?"
"It's right underneath the Sato mansion."
Korra turned to her others. Lin had a determined look on her face. She turned to Shou.
"Detective Shou. Get this man to the protection unit. He needs to be kept safe. Rally a decent size raid squad of the elitist members of the police force."
"Only a decent size unit? Shouldn't we bring several squads?"
"The fewer people the better. We don't want to attract too much attention. We're on the wrong side of the light already."
"Understood Chief. Need me to contact Yaozun? We could use his help."
"No. I have another assignment I need you to pass on to him. If things he said are true, I need Yaozun to be prepared."
"I need to speak to Shen before we're going in." Korra expressed her mind.
"We don't have much time. Make it quick. The longer we wait, the more time Hiroshi Sato has time to prepare a plan for us."
Korra and Naga arrived at the hospital. She saw Shen silently drinking tea in the lobby. She awkwardly approached him.
"Hey, Shen."
Shen turned his gaze from the steam of his hot drink to his supposed girlfriend. He got up and turned away.
"Wait."
He stopped.
"You don't have to answer me. I'm here to tell you that there's something I need to do to put our argument to rest. You might think I'm bluffing, but I know when I'm right. If I'm still in the wrong by tomorrow morning. Feel free to do whatever with our relationship. As the Avatar, I must put the people first. That is all. Goodbye, Shen."
Shen heard Korra's footsteps slowly leaving. He turned and jolted backward when Naga's whimpered face was close to his. The polar bear dog whimpered further when Shen turned his gaze slightly.
"Naga! Come on girl." Korra called out but the creature would not budge.
"Go Naga. Whatever happens, please take care of Korra for me." Shen lightly patted Naga's nose, which lead to Naga licking his entire face.
"Gah. Naga! Read the room." Shen chuckled while being covered in slobber.
Naga pant playfully before letting out a bark, saying 'Things will be alright. I know it.' She turned to jog towards her master.
"Good luck. Both of you." Shen whispered slowly. He looked at his reflection in his cup to see the sad state he was in. He took a sip when a voice echoed in his ear.
~AgItO~
ZHING!
An image flashed in Shen's head to see burning trees and cars. Another flash shows a group of people running from the Lizard Unknown. Several people and police lay dead around it.
~cOmE oN aGiTo! ~
Shen dropped onto one knee on how strong the flashes were this time. He looked up to see a blurry vision of the hospital lobby. He's on his own this time. Everyone's on the Sato case at the moment. He hastily ran to his motorcycle and rode there. He cannot let more people die.
He summoned the belt and…
"Henshin!"
Shen transformed on the bike towards the destination. While riding, Korra's words flash in his mind. He wanted to believe her, he wanted to support her. Despite coming to terms before, he doesn't know why he burst out and blamed Korra for his parents once again. He's an idiot.
The first thing in the morning, the next time he sees her, Shen will apologize.
BOOM!
A fireball landed in front of the motorcycle which tossed Agito in the air and crashed hard onto the road. He immediately got up and dodge a few more coming his way. The explosion, while not direct, is enough to put him off balance.
He transformed into Storm Form and used the wind and halberd to deflect and block some of the attacks. He managed to get a clean hit and a fireball flew into the air towards the Unknown but it stopped it instantly.
"aGiTo," he said in its deep cracked voice.
"You. I'm not in the mood for this." Agito readied his weapon and charged head-on.
Back at the Sato Mansion, the trio was brought by the police to investigate Hiroshi Sato's workshop at the back of the mansion. Thanks to Chief Beifong's Seismic Sence, they managed to discover a secret tunnel under the workshop that leads into the mountainside.
All the members of the police force deployed into the tunnel, leaving one member, Officer Song to keep an eye on them.
"I wonder how much this hurts Shen's and Korra's relationship. Since he's not here, they probably not on speaking terms." Mako said.
"I wished we could inform Shen somehow." Bolin pondered.
"Maybe we could call him. He's probably back at the Air Temple Island."
"Hey! No talking!" Officer Song raised his voice as the three teens returned to being silent.
CRASH!
Agito Flame rammed the Lizard Unknown in the stomach with the hilt of his sword into a building. The wall of the building cracked in the shape of the Unknown. The spirit delivers a solid punch to Agito Flame's face, which sends him crashing into several cars.
Thanks to Flame Form, Agito could withstand the heat from the flames of the Unknown. The Flame Sword gives him stronger control of fire. Despite the advantages, it still outpowered Agito Flame in terms of brute strength.
Whatever Agito could do, it could do better.
The Lizard Unknown made the ritualistic gesture, ready to strike for the kill.
Their weapons clashed multiple times and each barely get a hit on. The Unknown twisted its weapon to strike Agito's side but the warrior bends his arms to get his sword in a downward angle to block the attack.
Off-balance, the Unknown kicked Agito in the chest, sending him crashing further into multiple abandoned cars on the street. Seeing his opponent no longer in view, the Unknown crept forward towards the cars.
"Heads up!"
The monster looks up to see a flaming car fly through the air and crashed on top of multiple others, causing a destructive chain reaction that blasted the Unknown away for the first time that night.
As it tries to get up, it growls in pain.
SHING!
It saw Agito Flame standing in front of it with the warrior's horns split open including the ones on the sword. The warrior feels the energy rush in him and jumped into the air. He brought the sword down onto the spirit's body. Slicing through the left chest but stopped at the left torso. Its blood dripped all over the street.
"Come on and die!" Agito screamed.
The Lizard Unknown gasped in pain. Its hands grabbed the blade of the sword that stick out of its body.
Agito Flame thrust it deeper but the Unknown's hand keeps it from going in deeper. With their face close to each other, their face almost touching. Agito could feel its hot flaming breath, breathing onto him. The heat emitting from the Unknown's body was so hot, Agito felt like he was cooked alive on a stove. If he hadn't Flame Form, he would suffered a heat stroke.
Slowly and surely painfully, the monster pulled the sword out of its body. Agito tried to thrust it back in but to no avail. He slowly panicked as the spirit slowly gained more and more strength to push him back.
At last, the blade is out completely. Agito tried once more to thrust it in but the Unknown grabbed his throat and choke him with a strong force. With its other hand, it proceeds to pummel the living out of him.
Agito tried to free himself but the hold wouldn't budge.
'Will I die here?'
His thought wandered to his friends and loved ones.
'Mother. Father' I'm sorry. Looks like I'll be going first.'
Councilman Tenzin, Chief Beifong, Shou and Yaozun was next.
'Thanks for believing in me.'
Korra entered his thoughts.
'I'm sorry. I'm the worst boyfriend ever. I'm sorry Korra. I love….'
ZHING!
An image flashed into his head. He saw Korra, Chief Beifong, Councilman Tenzin, Detective Shou, and several police officers fighting several hulking tanks. Some even managed to get the upper hand against the police.
Korra and the others fought hard and brave but some of the tanks ropes were too close for comfort.
"No! Argh!" With newfound strength, Agito grabbed the Unknown's hand and threw it over his shoulders. He gets into position, his red armor transformed back into his gold one.
SHING!
The horns on his head split once more and the symbol on the ground underneath him absorbed into his soles of his feet. He jumped and landed a clean kick onto the Lizard Unknown's chest, crashing it onto the ground and engulfed in a large explosion.
Agito waited a moment. He thought he won but he knows better. That thing is still alive. Injured but alive. No time to waste, he needs to find his friends. For some reason, he knows how to get to them but he also feels the fastest and shortest route was through the woods and into the mountainside.
It's strange but something telling him to go that way. As if there's an invisible link connecting him to them.
Riding his motorcycle towards the mountainside, he finds himself at the edge of a cliff. Sensing this is the spot, he gets ready for another kick.
SHING!
The horn split open for the third time that night. He jumped high into the air and plunged down the cliff and towards the ground below. Plunging at high speed, Agito burst through the ground of the mountainside.
It took several minutes of bursting through the hard earth before he crashed onto a hard floor of an underground bunker. His entrance caused the entire room to shake. Clouds of dust and debris filled the air, the loud crash echoed through the bunker.
Agito stood up and wait for the dust to clear out. Once it did, he was greeted with several large hulking tanks that were focusing on him.
On the other side of the room, he saw him.
Hiroshi Sato and Asami. Nearby were Bolin, Mako, and Detective Shou that were trying to bring the unconscious Korra, Tenzin, and Chief Beifong to safety. All eyes were on him.
"Shen?!" Asami said out loud.
"Shen! Buddy! You're here. Hiroshi Sato is behind all of this. He's been helping the Equalists!" Bolin called out.
"Korra's been telling the truth all this time!" Mako pitched in.
"Cheif Beifong, your armor is heavy." Shou grunted under the weight.
Agito turned to the man himself. Hiroshi's gaze was on him and in his hand was one of those gloves the Equalist use. Their eye contact did not break. In an instant, Agito dashed towards Hiroshi Sato and passed the tanks.
Seeing the warrior heading towards their boss, they attack immediately. In a split second, Agito transformed into Storm form and used the halberd to create an impenetrable wall of wind that circles the tanks.
With another strong gale of wind, the tanks were sent backward and crashed into one another, into the pipes and other structures in the bunker. The damage sustained rendered them motionless.
Agito Storm continues his mission towards the target.
"Shen no!" Asami pleaded but Agito Storm grabbed Hiroshi Sato by the collar and pinned the man to the wall with the halberd.
"Argh!"
A punch landed on the wall beside Hiroshi Sato's head. The man was sweating immensely and breathing heavily. Seeing his reflection in the big blue eyes of Agito's armor shows clearly what state he's in at the moment.
"Why?" Agito asked.
"Why what? Is it about your parents? Please. I have nothing to do with them. It is all one giant coincidence. If you asked me, they deserved it!"
"You take that back!"
"Those who are not with us are against us! Wake up, boy! This is how things are."
"I've trusted you."
"Hmm, looks like naivety runs in the family. I hope they feel the suffering we felt." Hiroshi continues.
"You will pay for this..."
"With what? Are you going to make beg with mercy with your power? Bend my will? Go on then. Use your power to oppress others like all of them!"
"You bastard!"
Agito raised a fist but Asami grabbed onto it, pulling it back.
"Shen. Stop."
"Let me go Asami."
"I can't let you, Shen. Please. He's got nothing to do with your parents' situation. It was someone else, remember?" Asami reminds him.
"Someone must be punished…"
"I know and they will be. Do not let anger take control of you."
Agito turned to Hiroshi once more. "You're coming with us. You're going to answer for all of your crimes."
"I don't think so," Hiroshi smirked.
"Shen? We got company." Detective Shou said as he, Bolin, and Mako were shocked to witness something.
Agito and Asami turned to see several platoons of Equalist arrived with several more tanks. All of them were coming towards them.
"Get everyone out of here!" Agito told them. The three proceed to the exit.
Knowing the dire situation, Asami grabbed the glove on the floor and put it on.
"I'm sorry Shen." Asami apologized to a confused Agito before pushing him away.
"Asami?" Hiroshi was confused as well.
"I'm sorry father." Asami greeted her teeth before electrocuting her father right there until the man lose consciousness.
"Let's go." Asami grabbed Agito's hand and pulled him towards the exit. They entered it and Bolin earthbend the hole shut.
Back on the airship, the atmosphere was heavier than ever before. Everyone was not really in a talking mood but they do need to address the situation that they found themselves in and the big revelation they just discovered.
Chief Beifong has blamed herself for whatever fate might befall her officers and promised to find them, even if she needs to resign and do things her way.
As soon as she woke up, Korra was told by Detective Shou that Shen arrived to help them. She wastes no time looking for him. As she does, Mako and Bolin stop her. The two teens look guilty as ever.
"Korra. I, I mean, Bolin and I, want to apologize for not believing you about what you said about Hiroshi Sato. We shouldn't have accused you like that."
Bolin nodded, "Yeah. I mean, he was so kind to us. It's hard to believe. I guess that's how they get to you."
"It's okay guys. I'm glad that we're all safe."
The three of them share a hug.
"So, umm, is the offer to stay at Air Temple Island still on? We kinda need a place to stay."
Korra giggled, "Of course Mako. You, Bolin and Asami are more than welcome. Shen could use some guy friends. Speaking of Shen, have you guys seen him?"
Mako nodded. "Yeah, He and Asami are talking over there." He pointed to the other side of the airship. Korra was about to go over there when Mako stopped her.
"Best leave them alone for now. It looks like they have a lot to talk about."
Over to Shen and Asami, the two were in a discussion. Shen sat opposite of Asami but didn't look at her. Asami wore a pleading look at her friend but Shen's expression was non-readable. She can't say whether he's angry at her or not.
"Shen. I want to apologize for letting my father go. I know you want to bring him to justice as soon as possible."
Shen took a deep breath, "Why did you though? He's responsible for making those weapons for the Equalists. There are probably more deadly weapons at their disposal. If we took him in…"
"I know. I know, Shen. But I was more scared of what you would do to him."
"Me?" Shen turned to her and look even more confused.
"I know how much you love your parents and you want to avenge them. Even though my father was not responsible for what had befallen them, I'm afraid that you might take out your anger on him."
"Asami…."
Asami stood up instantly, "Look. I'm not saying you're a bad guy Shen. But I don't want you to deliver justice to the wrong man for the wrong reasons."
Shen stood up as well. He was slightly shorter than Asami but Asami feel a bit of a dwarf against Shen's current presence.
"I understand. I'm glad you stopped me. I looked up to your father very much and now with everything's under the sun, I don't know how to feel. But, now let me ask you. How are you feeling Asami?"
"I would be lying if I say I'm okay. To know my father's deepest secrets after I antagonized Korra, Councilman Tenzin, and Chief Beifong. I don't know if I could show my face ever again."
"Hey, I'm sure you did nothing wrong. Your father deceived you. There's no way of you finding out."
"Shen. When I said I'm scared of what you might do to him. I wasn't being completely honest. I want him to answer for his crimes as much as you do but for some reason, I can't bring myself. I don't know why…"
Shen stopped her.
"I know why. Because he's still your father. His persona of a charitable businessman might be fake but his love for you all these years is not. He still loves you with all his heart, and you love him with yours. Don't forget that. I know the feeling of not wanting to see anything bad happen to your parents. I almost lost mine. I can't blame you Asami and I will never will. So, let's just keep this between us."
Asami smiled and hugged the teen.
"Thanks, Shen. I'm glad that I've met you."
Shen smiled as well and return the hug.
"Me too Asami. Me too."
The two parted ways. Asami walked away as Shen sat back down. The ex-heiress saw Korra standing while covering her face with a book. Asami gently knocked on it and pulled it away, revealing awkward smiling Korra.
"So…how was the talk?"
"Relax Korra. I'm not stealing your boyfriend. I got a better one." Asami smirked.
"Ah, no way. Shen's better than Mako in every way. Now, if you'll excuse me, I got someone to talk with."
Korra pushed past Asami and stiffly and confidently struct towards the armored warrior.
"Good luck Korra."
Shen was facing away from her so he didn't see her coming. From a confident Korra, she turned into a panic one as she rapidly constructed an explanation in her head.
"Shen?"
"OOH" Shen jumped out of his seat.
"Korra…"
"I want to apologize." They said at the same time.
"No no no no. It's my fault." They did it again.
"Stop talking while I'm talking."
"No, you stop it"
"Fine. You first." The couple gestured to each other to talk first.
"Gah." Shen leaped and wrapped his hands around his lover. Korra could hear him sniffling a bit. She hugged him lovingly.
"Shen…"
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for doubting you. I'm sorry for blaming you."
"Shen…"
"I promised to listen to you from now on."
"Shen..."
"I understand if you want to break up with me. I can take it…"
Korra let go of the hug. "Shen. Stop it. I'm not angry with you. I'm more concerned than ever for you. How are you feeling?"
Shen rubbed the back of his head.
"Like I said to Asami. I don't know how to feel. Everything's happening so fast. First with my parents, our fight, and then Hiroshi. This is what growing up feels like, isn't it?" Shen joked with a smile.
"I'm afraid so." Korra playfully shrugged. "I'm glad I could get through to you. Now I know what Tenzin feels like. I'm sorry you have to find out like this. It must be hard."
"It's okay Korra. You did what you think is right for the city. Hiroshi was my hero growing up. He's among those who inspired my family to contribute good things to the city despite not having bending. I guess whatever his motives are got the better of him. So, thank you for making me realize what's important and we can always discuss things properly without getting into a fight"
"Hey, if you want to thank me properly, let's go on a date once this is over. Cook for me?"
"Anything for you Korra."
The two laughed before Shen kissed her cheek. She returned one by kissing on his.
"So, we're good?" Shen asked.
"Better than ever," Korra replied.
They were slowly feeling the love return to them and they love every second of it. Detective Shou observed and adored how the kids quickly understands each other. He turned on the police radio to see how the situation with securing the mansion when an emergency broadcast caught his attention.
"Calling all units in the area, we need backup at the Republic City Hospital. Equalists are attacking the hospital! We need back up!"
Shou went pale and stood up to inform the other but all of them heard the broadcast themselves. Shen dashed forward towards the adult.
"Detective Shou. What was that? Is it true?"
Shou was silent.
"Answer me!"
Shou turned around to the pilot of the airship. "Get us to the hospital now!"
The airship makes its way to hospital proximity. Tenzin, Korra, Chief Beifong, and Agito jumped out of the airship and make a safe landing near the hospital. Shou stayed on the airship to the radio all police units to converge at the hospital.
'Not again. Not again.'
Agito sprinted towards the hospital with everyone following him. He stopped at the main entrance and the sight was a surprising one. Police officers and Equalists members were all over the place, unconscious.
The registration, lobby, and hallway were filled with injured and unconscious members of both police and Equalists.
"What's going on here? Did the police won or lost?" Korra wondered.
"Mother! Father!" Agito screamed out as he dashed through the hall.
"Shen!" Tenzin called out to him but it was no use.
Agito arrived at the final corner before arriving at his parents' hospital room. The hallway they're in contained the most unconscious Equalists members but no police officers.
"Where are all the police? Who beat them up?" Agito, Korra, and Tenzin were confused but Chief Beifong was smiling to herself.
Before rounding the corner, an Equalist member was thrown at the wall across their face, causing Agito and Korra to halt immediately and fall onto their behind. They stared at the flung Equalist members before hearing heavy hulking metal footsteps from their right. Agito saw the person standing in the hallway and the warrior jumped up to fight.
He remembered this guy from before. The armor, the weapons on him were no mistake. The only difference was that the armor was no longer grey and silver, but now it was mostly blue on the entire body except the chest piece that is silver.
"G3? What do you want? I won't let you harm my parents."
Agito delivered a few rapid punches but G3 evade and blocked those attacks with ease. G3 stopped Agito's punch before slamming his palm onto Agito's chest, flung him backward, and canceled the transformation.
"Shen. Are you okay? Back off, tin man." Korra gets ready in a fighting stance.
"I'm seriously not paid enough for this. What's with 'Attack first, questions later' thing that's on the rise nowadays?" G3 sighed before unlocking his helmet and revealing his face to them.
"Detective Yaozun?"
Yaozun breathes heavily before offering a hand to Shen. He helped the kid back on his feet.
"To be fair Detective, I did ask before attacking."
Yaozun raised a brow and flicked Shen's forehead with his metal-covered fingers which leads the teens to groan in pain.
"Maybe let them answer first?"
"Good work Detective." Chief Beifong congratulated him.
"Thank you, Chief. Thanks to your plan, our guys managed to get this ready to the best of their abilities. Not completely, but usable. Still needs heavy maintenance down the line."
"What's going on here? Why are you wearing that? Where're Shen's parents? Did you beat all of these Equalists on your own?" Korra asked.
"It's okay Avatar," Yaozun told her. "They are safely transferred to Air Temple Island and I got word they arrived safely. So don't worry everyone. For your last question, yes. I did. A little hard to breathe with the helmet on but that's a little trade off.."
"Thank you, Detective." Shen hugged the man but Yaozun look awkwardly at everyone before patting Shen on the back.
"What now Lin?" Tenzin asked.
"Now we need to be conscious. The Equalists will not rest from now on. The attack they mounted here shows that. We need to be ready. Air Temple Island is perhaps among the safest place in the city at the moment. Detective Yaozun, you'll be stationed there from now on until further notice. Keep everyone there safe."
"Will do Chief." Yaozun put his helmet back on. "Let's go everyone."
TO BE CONTINUE…
That's it for this chapter. I hope you guys enjoy it. Sorry for the long hiatus. I cannot make any promises but I'm always thinking about my stories and always find time to write as much as I could. Hope this chapter was worth the wait for everyone. Next chapter will be a little light hearted with the gang.
Stay safe and healthy and I hope to see all of you again next time.