Aoi Hyoudou: Thank you for your continued support. It's always great to see readers enjoying the additional scenes and content added to a story. One more world until we entered the Kingdom Hearts III aspects of things so I hope you guys like Legend of Korra to be another world to be brought back into the fold. Ash/Korra was my second favorite ship next to Ash/Aqua, after all. It's going to be a little different this time around. Change is for the better, don't you agree? Anyway, I hope you like the visit.
XXI
Republic City - I
In the depths of the Equalist hideout beneath Republic City, an unexpected confrontation unfolded, plunging both sides into turmoil. Amon and his followers had not anticipated the arrival of a visitor from the elusive New Organization XIII, intending to discuss matters of mutual interest. However, the encounter quickly escalated beyond their control.
"Gaahhhh!" The hideout reverberated with the agonizing cry of Amon's right-hand man as he was swiftly overpowered by the dark and masked Vanitas, wielding his Keyblade with lethal precision. Amon's lieutenant collapsed onto the cold floor with a resounding thud, his electrified kali sticks skidding across the ground towards Amon's feet.
From a safe distance, Amon watched with narrowed eyes behind his iconic mask, silently assessing the situation. Despite his reluctance to acknowledge it, he couldn't deny Vanitas's formidable skills in his effortless dispatch of the lieutenant and the chi blockers who now lay defeated around him, their moans echoing through the chamber.
"I do believe you have my full attention now," Amon remarked calmly, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. His words drew a snort from Master Xehanort's apprentice, who lowered his Void Gear to the side and focused his piercing gaze on the masked Equalist leader.
"Please, your lackeys were the ones who started it," Vanitas retorted, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "I was only here for a friendly chat."
Amon's response was a soft chuckle. "Enlighten me, then, what is your business here with me, stranger?" he challenged, his voice ignoring the tension coursing through the situation.
Vanitas let out another derisive snort, but his reply was succinct. "Darkness," he stated, his words laden with significance.
"What?" Amon repeated with a hint of bewilderment creeping into his voice.
The dark Keyblade wielder slowly moved his hand, pointing directly at the Equalist leader, his words laden with contempt. "Like all fragile little hearts, they are full of darkness, and you are no exception, Amon," he sneered, mocking the very ideals Amon championed for non-benders. "I'm here to spread the darkness," he declared with chilling determination.
Amon's response was tinged with an amusing chuckle at his adversary. "How amusing," he remarked. "Such a naive ideal from a naive boy like you."
Infuriated by the dismissal, Vanitas's demeanor hardened. "You're the one who's the fool here, idiot!" he spat, taking his stance and brandishing his dark Keyblade. "Once I plunge your heart into darkness, you'll be just another puppet for us to use!" With a fierce shout, he charged forward with the evil intention of subduing the Equalist leader.
Unfazed by the impending attack, Amon remained calm, his demeanor unwavering. "Looks like I will have to display my power," he mused, raising his hand before him and opening his palm, ready to confront Master Xehanort's apprentice.
As Vanitas charged forward with unbridled fury, his body suddenly seized with an unseen force, causing him to come to an abrupt halt. A look of confusion and discomfort crossed his face behind his mask as he struggled against the invisible restraint, his muscles refusing to obey his commands. A series of sickening sounds filled the air, accompanied by the unsettling sound of bones cracking as Vanitas's limbs contorted unnaturally, twisting into grotesque and awkward positions. His voice strained with agony as he groaned in pain, his movements now beyond his control.
"Ugh! W-What's going on?" he managed to choke out between groans, his words tinged with frustration as he grappled with the inexplicable torment assaulting his body.
With each passing moment, the intensity of Vanitas's torment escalated, his limbs contorting further and the sound of bones cracking growing louder and more pronounced. The unseen force exerting its influence on him seemed to tighten its grip, subjecting him to an agonizing ordeal beyond comprehension. His body writhed in involuntary spasms, his muscles straining against the invisible bonds that held him captive. Each movement elicited another sickening crack, sending waves of excruciating pain coursing through him. Despite his best efforts, he remained powerless to halt the relentless assault on his form.
As Vanitas writhed in agony, it became obvious that Amon was employing a secret ability, one he had kept hidden even from his closest allies: Bloodbending.
Amon's chuckle of triumph echoed through the chamber as he observed Vanitas's futile struggle against his Bloodbending. "Now you see... You're powerless against my might," he taunted, relishing in his adversary's torment. "Not only will I cleanse Republic City from all benders, but I also cleanse those who would stand in my w-"
His triumphant declaration was abruptly cut short as a gasp escaped from beneath his mask, his eyes widening in shock as he beheld a dark wave of energy bursting forth from Vanitas's body. The intensity of the wave grew with each passing moment, engulfing the chamber in its ominous aura.
"What is this?" Amon muttered, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty as he struggled to comprehend the dark force emanating from his adversary. In that moment, the tables had turned, and the masked Equalist leader found himself facing a threat unlike anything he had encountered before.
As Amon desperately attempted to tighten his grip with Bloodbending, the maniacal laughter of the masked Keyblade wielder only grew louder and more unsettling. Despite Amon's efforts, the dark aura surrounding Vanitas expanded and intensified, defying all attempts at control.
In a sudden surge of strength, Vanitas shrugged off Amon's Bloodbending as if it were nothing more than a minor inconvenience.
"Impossible!" Amon exclaimed in disbelief, his eyes widening behind his mask as he recoiled from the overwhelming display of power before him. Never before had he encountered someone capable of overpowering his Bloodbending with sheer force of will. Taking a cautious step back, Amon regarded the masked Keyblade wielder with a mixture of awe and trepidation. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty.
At first, Vanitas remained silent, his attention seemingly elsewhere as he tended to his sore muscles. Amon watched warily, unsure of what to expect from his enigmatic adversary. But before he could press further, Vanitas redirected his focus with a sarcastic retort.
"Oh, me?" he replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "What I am is darkness..."
Before Amon could react, Vanitas vanished in a blur of motion, reappearing before him with supernatural speed that left the masked Equalist leader startled and off guard. Amon's eyes widened in alarm as Vanitas brandished his Void Gear.
"And you..." Vanitas continued, his voice laced with sadistic amusement as he thrust his weapon forward, aiming directly for Amon's chest. A sickening sound echoed through the hideout as the Void Gear struck its target, causing waves of excruciating pain to surge through Amon's body.
The masked Equalist leader gasped in agony, his vision swimming as darkness threatened to consume him. Through gritted teeth, he heard Vanitas's chilling laughter ringing in his ears, mocking and relentless.
"Aha ha ha ha ha ha!"
As Vanitas's sadistic laughter reverberated through the air, Amon's world faded into darkness.
Republic City - Old Cranefish Town
Ash found himself wandering through the streets of Old Cranefish Town in Republic City, having arrived not long ago. As he strolled, he absorbed the new surroundings with a mix of curiosity and caution, alert for any signs of trouble from potential Heartless lurking about. The district, unlike the modern cityscape elsewhere, appeared frozen in time, with smaller, older buildings bearing unfamiliar symbols on red banners and lanterns. The scarcity of locals hinted at a dominant presence ruling the territory.
As Ash ambled along, a tantalizing aroma drifted into his senses, halting him in his tracks. "That smells amazing," he muttered, his stomach reminding him of its emptiness after days without a proper meal.
Following the scent, Ash's eyes settled on a food stand where the owner was grilling fresh meat skewers. He approached, drawing the owner's friendly attention. "Hello there, young man. Did the smell lure you in?" the owner greeted with a grin.
"They smell delicious," Ash remarked, eyeing the sizzling meat on the grill.
"You're in luck, my young friend. I'm running a special sale today," the food stand owner replied with a grin, offering a freshly grilled skewer to the drooling Keyblade wielder. "Care to indulge?"
Ash hesitated. He wasn't sure if munny, the currency he was accustomed to from Radiant Garden and Twilight Town, would be accepted here. "How much?" he asked cautiously.
The man's grin widened. "Just for you, 80 yuan!"
Ash pondered for a moment, unsure of the exchange rate. He reached into his pouch, which held munny given to him by the Restoration Committee, and presented a large octahedron. "Would you accept this?" he inquired hopefully.
The food stand owner's grin stretched even wider.
Moments later...
"Please come again!" the shady food stand owner shouted with a grin after accepting his payment, waving a dejected Ash off as he held the overpriced meat skewer with a frown.
"Yeah...sure," the Keyblade wielder muttered with a sigh.
Ash couldn't believe he had been charged 2,000 munny for a single meat skewer. What a scam. He hoped it was worth the price or else the food stand owner had conned him for a hefty profit. Just as Ash was about to try his meal, a sudden commotion up ahead caught his attention as a male voice rang out.
"You're in Triple Threat Triad territory, Avatar!"
"Hm?" Ash came to an abrupt stop, fixing his gaze on three gangster-like men dressed in a mix of modern attire and tribal elements, confronting a young dark-skinned woman clad in Water Tribe attire. The strong aura emanating from her indicated she was the Avatar, capable of handling the situation on her own.
However, Ash's instincts kicked in when he saw the gang leader make a threatening move, reaching into his coat with ill intent. Without hesitation, Ash devoured his meat skewer in one gulp, tossing the wooden stick over his shoulder and summoning his Oathkeeper Keyblade into his hand.
As Viper prepared to strike, Ash's Keyblade flew towards him, striking his forehead with a solid thud that sent him sprawling backwards with a groan. The sudden intervention drew everyone's attention towards Ash, who effortlessly caught his returning Keyblade.
Korra, the Avatar, frowned at Ash's interference, not appreciating the sudden assistance. She knew she could handle the gangsters herself. Nevertheless, her focus shifted back to the remaining thugs as Mushi, filled with rage, unleashed his Earthbending. Reacting swiftly, Korra stomped her foot, countering with her own Earthbending, which sent Mushi soaring into the air, crashing down onto a nearby stand with a resounding thud.
Korra smirked in satisfaction at her victory, her annoyance at Ash's intervention lingering beneath the surface.
Panicking as he stood alone, Two Toed Ping recklessly unleashed a blast of flames at Korra, who effortlessly charged through it unscathed. Gripping the gangster's hands firmly, Korra effortlessly overwhelmed him with her strength and hurled him towards a nearby store. The impact shattered glass, splintered furniture, and sent valuables scattering as Two Toed Ping crashed inside with a resounding thud.
Ash watched with a nervous sweat sliding down his temple as Korra proudly dusted off her hands. He couldn't help feeling that she had gone a bit overboard. His concern escalated when Korra's sharp gaze turned towards him, causing him to flinch. He hoped she wasn't about to attack him for intervening.
Before Korra could make a move towards Ash, their attention was abruptly diverted by a familiar menace—the Heartless. Shadows began pooling and shaping into the dark creatures, surrounding the duo in a swarm of Shadows and Neoshadows.
"Heartless!" Ash cried out, immediately shifting into a battle stance and gripping his Oathkeeper tightly.
"Heartless?" Korra echoed, her expression a mix of confusion and readiness as the dark creatures hissed menacingly at her. "What are these things?" she asked, seeking clarification from Ash.
"It's a long story," Ash replied, sparing a quick glance her way. "But to keep it short... They're very dangerous. Be careful!" he warned earnestly.
"Dangerous, huh..." Korra blinked momentarily, a smug smirk slowly spreading across her face as she eyed the approaching Heartless. With a confident fist meeting her palm, she squared her shoulders and addressed the creatures, "Alright, who's first?"
Moments later...
After a brief display of their skills and abilities, Ash and Korra swiftly dispatched the Heartless with little effort. Ash let out a relieved sigh as he dismissed his Keyblade, feeling the tension dissipate.
Approaching Ash, Korra offered a compliment, acknowledging his prowess. "Nice moves with that weird sword of yours," she remarked with a nod of approval.
Ash returned the compliment, impressed by Korra's bending skills. "And same with you. You really know how to handle yourself," he replied earnestly.
The Keyblade wielder observed as Korra proudly puffed out her chest in response to his praise. "I'm the Avatar, after all," she proclaimed confidently, her smirk adding to her self-assured demeanor.
Ash nodded slowly, remembering how the gangsters had referred to her earlier. Before he could ask more about her role as the Avatar, the screeching of tires disrupted the moment. A speeding vehicle driven by Mushi careened towards them, prompting Ash and Korra to instinctively dodge out of harm's way as the vehicle zoomed past, narrowly missing them.
The vehicle skidded to a halt, allowing Viper and Two Toed Ping to jump in alongside Mushi. The supposed leader of the Triple Threat Triad glared at Korra, issuing a warning with venom in his voice. "This isn't over, Avatar! We'll be back!" With that, the vehicle sped off into the distance.
Korra scoffed at their empty threats. "Those punks," she muttered dismissively, her confidence unwavering despite the encounter.
Ash glanced at Korra, a mixture of curiosity and respect in his gaze. "Seems like you've got some history with those guys," he commented, noting the way she handled the situation with ease.
Korra shrugged nonchalantly. "They're just a bunch of troublemakers. Nothing I can't handle," she replied, flashing a grin before turning her attention back to Ash. "Anyway, thanks for the help back there. You're not from around here, are you?"
Ash shook his head slightly and replied, "Nope, I'm... I was just passing through like an ordinary traveler until I noticed you could've used some help. I'm Ash." He offered a warm smile, opting for simplicity in his introduction.
Korra raised an eyebrow with a hint of suspicion at his momentary hesitation before shrugging it off. "I'm Korra, and like those jerks mentioned earlier, I'm also the Avatar," she introduced herself, her tone carrying a mix of pride and casualness.
Just as the introductions settled, Ash's attention was suddenly drawn to a large creature with white fur approaching them. "Whoa! What's that?!" he exclaimed, nearly shouting in surprise.
Korra chuckled at Ash's priceless expression as her furry companion reached their side. "Relax. She's harmless. She's my friend. Her name is Naga," Korra explained with a fond smile, giving Naga a friendly rub on the head. "Say hi to Ash, Naga."
Ash hesitated as Naga leaned in, sniffing his body with curiosity. Her sniffing tickled his skin before she pulled back, giving him a long stare that seemed to assess his presence. After a tense moment, Naga panted and playfully licked Ash's face, leaving him covered in polar bear dog drool.
"Ew!" Ash exclaimed, wiping the drool off his face as Korra snickered at his reaction.
"Aww, she likes you," Korra remarked with amusement, earning a wag of approval from Naga.
"Uh, thanks..." Ash chuckled awkwardly, trying to recover from the unexpected greeting.
Their moment was interrupted by a loud siren echoing through the area, causing Naga to howl in response. "Huh? What's going on?" Ash wondered aloud, glancing around until his gaze was drawn upward at the sight of two airships hovering above Old Cranefish Town.
Soon, several individuals in segmented metal armor descended from the blimps using metallic cables extended from their arm guards. "Cool, Metal Benders!" Korra exclaimed in awe.
"Metal what?" Ash gave the Avatar a puzzled look.
They watched as the Metal Benders reached their location and retracted their cables. Saikhan, the Captain of the Republic City Police Force, fixed his firm gaze on Ash and Korra as he approached them, each step clanging in his armored uniform. "No need to thank me, o-" Korra greeted the metal-bending officer with a grin, but she was abruptly cut off mid-sentence when Saikhan pointed accusingly at her
"You're under arrest!" he declared, surprising both Ash and Korra.
"What? Why?" Korra demanded, her hands on her hips and a deep frown on her face.
"For property damage to these businesses," Saikhan explained, motioning to the wreckage around them. "Eyewitnesses report that you did more harm than good."
"But if I hadn't stopped the Triple Threat Triad, it could have gotten worse!" Korra argued.
"From what we've gathered, your actions were reckless," the captain countered.
Before Korra could protest further, Saikhan used Metalbending to extend a cable and wrap it around her wrist, attempting to restrain her. Korra gritted her teeth in frustration, struggling against the metal cable.
Attempting to defuse the situation, Ash stepped forward, only to be met with the captain's sharp glare. "You're under arrest, too!" Saikhan declared, shocking Ash.
"What for?" Ash demanded.
"For association," Saikhan stated firmly, drawing a deadpan expression from Ash.
"That's absurd—" Ash began, but he was cut off as Naga came to Korra's rescue, tackling the officer to the ground with a resounding thud. Korra seized the opportunity, rushing to Ash's side and grabbing his hand. "Come on, let's go!"
"I don't want to be part of this!" Ash protested.
"Too bad! You're coming along!" Korra insisted, forcefully pulling Ash with her as they climbed onto Naga's back. With a determined bark, Naga sprinted off, leaving an angry Saikhan glaring after them.
The chase was on, and Ash found himself caught up in an unexpected escapade alongside Korra and her loyal polar bear dog.
Naga did her best to outrun the Metalbending officers, deftly sidestepping and evading their futile attempts to restrain the group with their cables. The polar bear dog skillfully maneuvered through the crowded streets, at times even climbing up the side of buildings to navigate obstacles.
As Naga reached a building's rooftop, she leaped over some metal cables and landed roughly on all fours, causing Ash, who was sitting behind Korra, to instinctively wrap his arms around her waist tightly. Korra blushed at the unexpected contact, glancing back at Ash with red cheeks.
"H-Hey! No touchy!" Korra scolded, slightly flustered by the closeness.
"Sorry!" Ash apologized quickly, releasing his grip and awkwardly readjusting his position.
Korra shook her head with a small smirk, trying to lighten the mood amidst the chaotic chase. "Just hold on tight, okay?" she instructed, her voice tinged with amusement.
Ash nodded, feeling a mixture of adrenaline and embarrassment as Naga continued to navigate the rooftops, attempting to put distance between them and the pursuing Metalbending officers.
Saikhan, leading the charge of the pursuit, grew impatient as Naga navigated the rooftops swiftly. Determined to capture Korra, he increased his pace and managed to get close enough to fire his metal cables around her ponytail, yanking it back forcefully.
"Hey!" Korra exclaimed, clearly annoyed by her hair being pulled. Reacting swiftly, she tapped into her Earthbending abilities, causing a massive stone pillar to erupt directly beneath Saikhan. The pillar catapulted him into the air, causing him to release his grip on Korra's ponytail as he was sent flying.
As the pursuit momentarily subsided, Ash observed their predicament on the rooftop. The path ahead led to a dead end, with the nearest rooftop too far for Naga to reach with a standard leap. Despite this, Naga's pace didn't falter, and Korra's confident expression indicated they were going for it. Ash could sense they were about to attempt a daring jump.
As Naga reached the edge of the rooftop, she made a bold leap into the air, aiming for the distant rooftop. However, their midair flight was abruptly halted as metal cables appeared from above, restraining them firmly.
Ash and Korra struggled to break free from the cables, but their efforts proved futile. Looking upward, they saw that one of the police airships was responsible for their capture. Naga howled in frustration as the group was forcefully escorted through the air towards the distant police headquarters.
Republic City Police HQ
Inside the dimly lit interrogation room of the police headquarters, Ash and Korra found themselves forcefully seated, their wrists secured to the table by Metalbending cuffs. Chief Lin Beifong of the Republic Police scowled at them from across the table, her disappointment palpable.
Standing up from her seat, Chief Beifong began to express her frustration and disappointment at the trouble they had caused in the city. "You two are in so much trouble!" she stated firmly, her arms crossed behind her back.
"Hey! I did what was right!" Korra argued defiantly. "As you could tell, I'm the Avatar!"
"Oh, I'm fully aware of that," Chief Beifong retorted sarcastically, her sharp gaze fixed on Korra. "But that still doesn't give you the right to waltz into my city and do as you please." Turning her attention to Ash, Chief Beifong's stern expression made him slightly flinch. "And as for you, young man, you're just in trouble, mister."
Ash blinked in confusion. "Why? Did I do something wrong?"
"Of course you did," Chief Beifong's scowl deepened. "In Republic City, there are rules that citizens and even outsiders must follow. You can't go around hurling key-shaped objects at people, even if they are criminals. Leave the police work to us."
"Oh, um, sorry?" Ash said sheepishly, feeling the weight of Chief Beifong's disapproval.
"I understand you both mean well, but you need to learn to work within the system," Chief Beifong explained firmly. "Republic City is not your playground."
"How can I protect the city if you're not letting me?" Korra's frustration boiled over. "Let me speak to your chief!"
"You're looking at her," Chief Beifong deadpanned.
Korra's expression shifted to surprise. "Oh."
Chief Beifong pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration, the tension in the room palpable, until a knock on the door diverted their attention. All eyes turned towards the door as Captain Saikhan entered.
"Chief, Councilman Tenzin is here to see you," Captain Saikhan announced, earning another sigh from Chief Beifong.
"Send him in," she replied wearily, her tone indicating further complications awaited them.
The door swung open wider, revealing Councilman Tenzin, the last Airbending Master, as he stepped into the dimly lit interrogation room. There was a moment of tension as Tenzin's gaze fixed on Korra, who looked sheepish and apologetic.
"H-Hi, Tenzin. Sorry, I got sidetracked when I tried to come see you," Korra explained lamely, clearly aware of her missteps.
Tenzin heaved a deep, frustrated sigh, his expression betraying a mix of concern and disappointment. Before he could attempt to diffuse the tension and offer reassurance, Chief Beifong interjected sharply.
"Cut the chit-chat, Tenzin!" she spat, her patience wearing thin. "Why is the Avatar here in Republic City?" she demanded, her tone leaving no room for evasion.
Tenzin paused, his demeanor shifting to one of calm authority. "Chief Beifong, as you know, Korra is the Avatar tasked with maintaining balance in the world," he explained diplomatically. "She came to Republic City seeking guidance and training to fulfill her duties."
Chief Beifong's expression remained stern. "And yet, she's been causing quite a stir," she remarked pointedly, her gaze flickering between Tenzin and Korra.
Tenzin nodded understandingly. "I apologize for any disruptions caused by Korra's actions," he replied diplomatically. "Rest assured, we are committed to working with the authorities to ensure peace and order in Republic City."
Chief Beifong regarded Tenzin skeptically but seemed slightly mollified by his diplomatic approach. "Very well, Tenzin," she conceded reluctantly. "But I expect you to rein in the Avatar and make sure she understands the consequences of her actions."
Tenzin nodded gratefully towards Chief Beifong, acknowledging her decision. "Thank you, Chief Beifong. The Council will cover all damages," he assured her diplomatically.
Chief Beifong let out a frustrated sigh and then proceeded to undo Ash and Korra's cuffs with precise Metalbending movements. She turned to Tenzin with a sharp gaze. "Get them out of my sight," she ordered firmly, her tone conveying a mix of annoyance and relief that the situation was being resolved.
Tenzin nodded understandingly and gestured for Ash and Korra to follow him. "Come along, you two," he said calmly, leading them out of the interrogation room.
As they were exiting the room, Korra turned back towards Chief Lin Beifong and playfully stuck her tongue out at her, clearly not letting go of the tension from their earlier encounter. Chief Beifong was momentarily taken aback, watching Korra storm out with a mixture of exasperation and bemusement.
Meanwhile, Ash, sensing the lingering tension, clasped his hands together in a pleading manner, silently urging Chief Beifong to forgive Korra's impulsive behavior. Chief Beifong blinked in surprise at Ash's gesture, unsure of how to respond.
But then, a soft chuckle escaped Chief Beifong's lips. She couldn't help but find Ash's earnestness endearing, despite the chaos Korra had caused. She had to admit—it wasn't every day she encountered someone like Ash, a young traveler caught up in the whirlwind of Republic City's challenges and the enigmatic presence of the Avatar.
"Kids these days," Chief Beifong muttered under her breath with a hint of amusement.
Moments later...
"I can't believe you disobeyed my orders yet again!" Ash stood baffled in the main lobby, observing Councilman Tenzin scolding Korra for her behavior.
"But, Tenzin..." Korra attempted to defend herself, but Tenzin was in no mood to listen to excuses.
"No 'buts', young lady!" Tenzin growled, clearly losing his patience.
After a moment of scolding Korra some more, Councilman Tenzin finally noticed Ash's presence and became curious about who he was.
"Tenzin, this is Ash," Korra introduced, gesturing towards her companion. "He's a traveler from somewhere he never mentioned yet. Ash, this is Tenzin, my mentor and the last Airbending Master and also one of the Councilmen who runs Republic City."
Tenzin regarded Ash with a mix of interest and curiosity. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ash," he remarked thoughtfully. "I apologize if Korra caused you any trouble."
"Tenzin!" Korra protested with a flustered face.
Ash chuckled and said, "No worries, Tenzin. Korra is actually fun to be around besides jumping off rooftops."
Korra grinned.
Tenzin chuckled and made a playful jab at Korra. "In that case, to make up for the traumatic experience she has caused, you're welcome to join us at Air Temple Island for a meal. You must be starving after your travels."
Ash thought about it for a moment. It was a kind offer by Tenzin, but he didn't want to intrude. Then his stomach rumbled loudly, betraying his hunger and prompting a decision.
"Thank you, Tenzin! I would love to," Ash said sheepishly, his grin widening.
Tenzin smiled warmly. "Excellent! We'll head to Air Temple Island then," he announced, leading the way towards the exit of the police headquarters.
Meanwhile...
Back at the Equalists' secret hideout, Vanitas stood over the motionless figure of Amon, who lay flat on his stomach. It appeared that their encounter had resulted in the defeat of the Equalist leader. However, the situation was about to take a dark turn.
Vanitas's attention was drawn when Amon's hand flinched, signaling that something was amiss. Suddenly, Amon's body began to emit a sinister dark aura that grew stronger with each passing second. A low groan escaped from Amon as he slowly pushed himself back to his feet, lifting his head. Behind his mask, his eyes began to glow with an eerie red light.
"Darkness... is the right path to righteousness," Amon declared darkly, his voice tinged with malice as he chuckled evilly.
Vanitas watched with intrigue. The manifestation of darkness within Amon intrigued him greatly. It seemed that the Equalist leader had tapped into a power aligned with Vanitas's own affinity for darkness.
"Interesting," Vanitas remarked, stepping closer to Amon. "Seems like you've finally embraced the darkness."
Amon's eyes glowed brighter, and the dark aura surrounding him pulsed ominously. "With this power," Amon continued, his voice filled with conviction, "I will rid the world of benders and bring true equality."
Heartless Amon is here! Well, we will see how Ash and Korra will do against this version of Amon. Don't worry everyone, Bolin and Mako will appear in the next chapter. Part 1 pretty much establishes Ash and Korra's encounter and bits of fun in between. During his visit, Ash will learn his final elemental spell so get ready for that.
Extra scene: How to Drive
Korra stood nervously next to a sleek, modern Satomobile. Ash leaned against the vehicle, trying to appear confident despite his doubts.
"Alright, Korra, let's give this a shot," Ash said, handing her the keys with a slight apprehension in his voice. "Have you ever driven anything like this before?"
Korra shrugged. "Can't say I have, Ash. I mean, I've ridden on Naga several times, but this is a whole different beast.
Ash chuckled nervously. "No bending involved this time, just some good old-fashioned driving. Let's start with the basics."
Korra nodded, determined to master this new challenge. She climbed into the driver's seat while Ash settled in as her passenger and guide.
"Okay, now what?"
"First things first, buckle up," Ash reminded her.
Korra fastened her seatbelt and adjusted the mirrors. "Ready!"
"Great. Now, start the car and gently press the brake," Ash instructed.
Korra followed his directions, starting the engine smoothly. However, as she released the brake, the car lurched forward, causing Ash to grab the handle above the door.
"Whoa, Korra! Easy on the pedal," Ash exclaimed.
"Sorry!" Korra replied, her cheeks reddening with embarrassment.
"Alright, let's try again. Ease onto the gas this time," Ash said, trying to remain calm.
Korra nodded, taking a deep breath. She managed to control the car more steadily this time, slowly pulling out onto the street.
"Good job, Korra. Now keep your eyes on the road," Ash encouraged.
As they navigated through the city, Korra's confidence grew a bit too quickly. She accidentally veered too close to a fire hydrant, nearly side-swiping it.
"Watch out for the hydrant!" Ash warned.
Korra overcorrected, swerving back onto the road. "Oops! Sorry about that!"
Ash sighed, beginning to regret his decision to teach her. "No problem, just... take it slow."
But Korra's adventurous spirit got the best of her. As they approached an intersection, Korra misjudged the traffic light and accelerated instead of stopping. The car shot forward, narrowly missing other vehicles.
"Korra, stop!" Ash yelled, panic rising in his voice.
In a split second decision, Ash grabbed the steering wheel, causing the car to screech to a halt. The sudden stop sent him toppling over, landing on top of Korra in the driver's seat. They both froze, staring into each other's eyes with wide blushes on their faces.
"I-I'm so sorry, Korra," Ash stammered, quickly scrambling off of her and back into his seat.
Korra chuckled nervously, her heart racing from the unexpected encounter. "No worries, Ash. That was... something."
Before either of them could say more, a police officer approached the car, a stern look on his face.
"Is there a problem here, folks?" the officer asked, eyeing them suspiciously.
Korra bit her lip, realizing the trouble they were in. "Um, yes officer. I'm learning to drive, and... things got a bit out of hand."
The officer raised an eyebrow, glancing at the scratched sides of the car and the nearby fire hydrant. "A bit? I'm afraid I'll have to write you up for reckless driving, ma'am."
Korra sighed in defeat.