Outside Sasuke's Guesthouse
It was pandemonium with all the new fighters, yet distinct battles could still be made out. Generally, Xiba, Hawk, and Utakata worked to keep Kisame and Sasori at bay. This left a three-way battle with Sasuke and Deidara vs Itachi vs Orochimaru and Kabuto.
While Sasuke and Deidara had no prior experience working together, the blond bomber was able to adjust to Sasuke. He essentially utilized his detonating clay as a buffer any time the other three would intentionally or unintentionally, depending on whose side they were on, work together.
This often saw Itachi having to contend with either Orochimaru or Kabuto as one of those two still managed to get in close. That's when they'd be met with Sasuke whose boosted physicality was no easy matter to contend with.
"So, this is Sasuke's different form." Itachi noted. "To think he has been touched by the spirits." While the Sharingan was no Byakugan, he could still see enough to understand something. "This form is combining spirit energy with his Chakra, a great boost."
"Just want has happened to my Curse Mark!?" Orochimaru thought.
As Deidara threw out more explosives to force Kabuto and Itachi back, Sasuke charged up white lightning to his left hand. He charged at Orochimaru, who only just managed to move enough to the point his hand pierced through the Snake Sanin's right shoulder as opposed to his heart.
"Chidori Rejoice!" Sasuke yelled.
"Inconceivable!" Orochimaru yelled.
Sasuke merely grit his teeth and kicked Orochimaru with all his strength, freeing his hand as the Snake Sanin was sent flying. Itachi got past Kabuto's guard before grabbing him by the back of his shirt and throwing his body into Orochimaru, getting them further away.
He then rushed at Sasuke with Deidara clocking this as he threw out a wave of smaller, spherical clay pieces. Itachi dispersed into crows which managed to maneuver around the explosives, resulting in them impacting the ground.
Sasuke weaved through hands while generating his own, due to his heightened reserves in this form. "Water Style: Light Dragon!"
White water came from Sasuke, whipping around to bat away every crow before surging behind the younger Uchiha to nail Itachi. He almost immediately substituted away to stand on dry ground.
"Kisame, Sasori, we're leaving." Itachi called out. "We'll come back for Sasuke later."
Kisame heard this as he took a familiar stance Sasuke had seen over a year ago now. "Ninja Art: Hidden Mist Jutsu!"
"Everyone, group up now!" Utakata called out.
A thick mist started to roll in, already obscuring the three loyal Akatsuki members before pushing to cover everything in the immediate area. Sasuke was content to just stick with Deidara at this point until he spotted Zaheer going after Su and Lin, who had Korra.
"Deidara, join Utakata and the others!" Sasuke yelled before taking flight himself.
"I told you not to tell me what to do like that!" Deidara yelled, though he did still comply in grouping up with them.
Zaofu
Sasuke wove through hand signs while taking a deep breath. "Fire Style: Light Burn!"
A wave of white fire washed over Zaheer's glider.
"That kid." Zaheer looked back as he managed to aim for his fellow Red Lotus and rapidly closed the glider to put the fire out. "He's Itachi's brother?" He managed to utilize Airbending to land safely among his team while Itachi, Kisame, and Sasori joined them. "We've failed."
"No, consider this a learning step." Itachi reasoned. "We'll go after them next time."
"You're right." Zaheer glared hatefully as he stared up at Korra's retreating form and Sasuke. "It's not over yet."
He then used his Airbending to create a huge cloud of smoke, and after it disappeared, the
lava was cooled. The now seven figures were gone.
Top of Zoafu
After the group vanished, Sasuke flew up through the hole and reverted to normal. While he certainly felt tired from this whole ordeal, he wasn't about to collapse. Even if he wanted to, the Uchiha would have been determined enough to fight it.
"Where did they go?" Lin asked.
"They can't be far." Su took the radio from her son. "Guards, search the entire estate!"
"Now there's more than the Red Lotus and Orochimaru to worry about." Sasuke stared at the Avatar. "The Akatsuki are also involved. Even with getting Deidara to switch sides, that's only minimally assuring at this point."
Su's Office: Later…
Sasuke, Utakata, Deidara, Lin, Mako, Bolin, and Asami gathered in Su's office with the woman herself, Aiwei, and Korra. Said Avatar was lying on a couch as Aiwei tended to her.
"This should neutralize the shirshu toxins." Aiwei noted, using a green bottle to treat Korra.
She was getting some movement back.
"Are you okay, Korra?" Sasuke asked.
Korra nodded; all she could really do now.
"How did Orochimaru manage to get into Zaofu?" Mako asked. "For that matter, who were those robbed guys?"
"They are the Akatsuki." Deidara answered.
The blond bomber figured he might as well be helpful, to an extent, given he was throwing his lot in with this group. Unlike the Akatsuki, he hadn't been strong armed to arrive at this decision. If all that wasn't enough, the fact he now needed to keep the younger Uchiha alive was.
"There were three goals." Deidara answered. "Firstly, obtain enough money to support the organization, which was typically being done through mercenary services. It was meant to see Shinobi Country relying on us to drive the Shinobi Villages out of business.
After all, why rely on them when the Akatsuki has lower prices? Secondly, strategically capture the Tailed Beasts and use them to quell wars, speeding up the prior goal. Thirdly, once all major Shinobi forces are dissolved, conquer Shinobi Country."
"You're talking like you're one of them." Bolin noted.
"Pretty sure that lady there can confirm I'm not exactly a citizen of Zaofu." Deidara stated, all but Sasuke, Utakata, and Korra, given her current state, were suddenly put on guard at that. "Wow, you people really didn't even think of that. I'm wearing the robe."
"Sorry if we assumed you were just a friend of Sasuke or Utakata." Asami stated sarcastically.
"How did you people get into my city?" Su asked, firmed up from the surprise and advancing on Deidara with a rather angered expression. "The only way you could have…"
"Su, I'm going to ask you back off." Sasuke declared firmly, stepping in front of the blond. "Deidara and I worked out a deal, which is why he fought with me. So long as Itachi breathes, he's not about to do anything beyond accompany me."
Having Sasuke's assurance did put those who knew him, for the most part as Lin was more of an exception, at ease. Su obviously didn't know Sasuke like that, and this was her city which got broken into. To learn one of them had been brought into her office…
"Zaofu is where everyone gets a second chance." Utakata noted, moving to stand beside his student while giving the woman a knowing look. "Not to mention being this opposed to the man would be hypocritical given you pardoned Varrick and Xiba.
The latter had a hand in overthrowing Republic City's government, something which people could see as worse than simply breaking into a city for two individuals. The former would have let the South fall to the North in the Civil War to make money.
"That does sound hypocritical." Deidara hadn't expected to be stuck up for to this extent, but he was enjoying himself. "To think, someone who is willing to give people like those two a second chance won't overlook all I did, which at this stage is merely breaking into the city."
Su growled at that but did back off while Lin resolved to keep an eye on this guy in the meantime. Right now, those aware of what Utakata was had enough sense not to question Deidara about it in the presence of those who didn't know.
"So, one of the people who attacked was your brother, Itachi Uchiha?" Asami reasoned, given the context clues of the situation.
"Wait, one of those guys was the same person who slaughtered your clan?" Mako asked.
"Yeah." Sasuke nodded. "That shark guy was his partner, but the other one I have no idea about." He looked at Deidara. "They were after me for some reason."
"Our leader wanted us to assess whether you were a threat or asset." Deidara answered. "You've been making waves here to the point it called into question what you might do to interfere with the Akatsuki."
"So, to summarize, we've got eight weird criminals." Bolin stated. "Four of them are the Red Lotus who are after Korra, three of them are what's left of the Akatsuki, as one of them defected, who want to assess Sasuke, and the last is Orochimaru who wants Sasuke's body."
"That about sums it up." Sasuke noted. "Though you are forgetting to mention Kabuto."
"Could things get any worse?" Bolin asked.
"How could you let this happen!?" Lin looked at her sister. "You assured me this city was one of the most secure places in the world, yet ten people got in just tonight!"
"It is." Su defended, clearly unhappy. "I don't know how this happened. Obviously, this was a well-planned operation, one we should be asking him about."
"Orochimaru was once Akatsuki, but he left years ago now." Deidara shrugged. "You can search me on how he got in here. As for the rest of us, the Red Lotus had our way in. As it was theirs, we weren't permitted to know how they accomplished it.
Ghazan bent open the ground to reveal a tunnel leading into the city. The Red Lotus left us there for a bit and only then took us in upon returning. We followed them, and the eight of us popped up within a park close enough to the guesthouses."
"I take it the Red Lotus are also the ones who knew where Korra and I were?" Sasuke asked.
"It was specifically the Airbender." Deidara shrugged. "Beats me how he managed it, all we really cared was that he could do it."
Just then, a guard came in. "We searched the entire estate, yet there's no sign of them."
"Well, keep looking!" Lin ordered, seeing the guard leave, before looking to Deidara. "You. We won't detain you, but you're giving us all the information you got."
"Given Su's present state, as well as your stance on criminals, you can understand why I wouldn't like him to go with you alone, right?" Sasuke asked.
Utakata rested a hand on his student's shoulder. "I'll take over here and stick with him to ensure he's treated fairly."
Sasuke looked at his mentor, briefly wondering how he was okay with this.
The Jinchuriki knew his student well enough and could answer without having to explain what he was to the uninformed. "Given the circumstances of tonight, it's unlikely this is any sort of a long con. Besides, you don't trust easy to the point I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt."
That didn't mean Utakata would necessarily be relaxed around Deidara. It would just be foolish to let his guard down at this stage. That said, it's not like the Akatsuki's goals were all that unique in the grand scheme of things. Any other village would love to get rid of or capture him.
"I doubt, given what he's said is true, this young man will have much in the way of how this attack on Zaofu happened." Aiwei reasoned. "That said, it would seem at least the Akatsuki and Red Lotus had some inside knowledge of Zaofu. They must have been working with someone."
"Th-The…guards." Korra recovered enough to sit up and speak. "It had to be one of them."
"I agree." Aiwei said.
"Question them all tomorrow!" Su stormed off. "Whoever betrayed my city will suffer the consequences!"
If she couldn't turn her anger on Deidara, she'd put it to use against whoever betrayed her city.
Later…
With this event over, as well as it being decided that Utakata and Deidara would be hanging back. Team Uchiha Avatar convened within Mako & Bolin's Guesthouse. Once there, Sasuke explained everything about what went down.
While he didn't know the Akatsuki were after Jinchuriki, the Uchiha stood by defending Deidara back there. He wasn't part of the Akatsuki anymore, after all. Even if this all was some long con, which Sasuke doubted, the Uchiha trusted the group to keep an eye out
Once all that was squared away, given Sasuke and Korra's guesthouses were no longer really options, they'd just bunk with their teammates. Sasuke with Mako and Bolin, and Korra within Asami's, each of them more than willing to take the couch.
Su's Office
As she observed worry lines deepen and crease over Suyin's brow, Kuvira wondered if this night was ever going to end.
"Alright, I guess this is all we can do for now." Suyin sighed. "Come first light tomorrow, I want you to search the entire estate again. We must've missed vital clues with all the commotion, and it might be easier to spot something with more natural light."
"Yes ma'am. It will be done as you say." Kuvira replied obediently. "That said, what about Aiwei's interviews?"
Slight exasperation slipped past her disciplined tone. Her concern wasn't that her fellow guards wouldn't comply. It was the perception of distrust she knew would sting their pride.
"Kuvira, it is imperative we weed out the culprits behind this attack." Suyin bestowed a glower at the young officer, her lips pursing into a thin line. "I'm sure you will find the way to do what you're being told. Do you understand the severity of what happened tonight?"
There was a hint of fatigue in the matriarch's voice, but Kuvira also detected a darker undertone lurking. Disobedience will not be tolerated. Zaofu's reputation as the safest territory in all the Earth Kingdom received a grievous blow with tonight's events.
Suyin had switched gears from gracious hostess to implacable avenger. What was still salvageable of their reputation hinged on finding the accomplices behind this unforgivable offense against Zaofu.
"I do Suyin, I mean ma'am…." Kuvira stammered, quickly correcting herself.
Suyin detested being treated with familiarity when they dealt with official business. The matriarch let out a sigh as she stood up from the sofa.
"Then, you'll do as you're told!" Su demanded. "Now leave! I still need to discuss some things with Aiwei in private. Also, tell the kitchen staff to fetch me some fresh tea."
Kuvira bowed before walking out the room, and the door slammed shut the moment she exited.
Beifong Mansion
The captain hurried down the long corridors of the mansion, relaying Suyin's instructions to the guards. They had doubled the patrols to ensure security was airtight, emphasizing vigilance for the guesthouses.
Then, she sent a guard to relay the message to the kitchen regarding the tea. Su's mood was already sufficiently sour. The last thing they needed was to have it worsened by depriving the Metal City Matriarch of her tea.
As she crossed the anteroom on her way out, Kuvira checked the time on the mantel clock. On a normal day, her shift would've already ended; however, this was anything but normal. Her restlessness would've prevented her from getting the rest she needed anyway.
Zaofu
Her steps intuitively traced the route of her patrol route from the mansion to the guesthouses. Any guards she passed snapped to attention the instant their commander crossed their sight. She could read the frustration and exhaustion in their faces.
Still, they proceeded as expected. After the attack, there hadn't been much that merited note, but one unexpected incident did catch her attention. The guards spotted a lethargic Baatar Sr. literally dragging his feet as he went over each dome along with his son and Chief Beifong.
This task would've normally been handled by the night crew, but it appeared not even Suyin's mild-mannered partner survived her irritation. An involuntary yawn escaped her lips and Kuvira hoped Chef had plenty of coffee for the days ahead.
Her gut instinct warned that what happened tonight was just the beginning. The Metalbender had been so engrossed in her musings to the point she ended up at the remaining guesthouses given to the Avatar, Uchiha Shinobi, and their companions.
From the outside, everything appeared to be in order. The guards posted at the main entrance swiftly opened the door to let her in. Judging by the surprised looks, they weren't expecting their superior to still be awake and moving about.
Her position granted her the luxury to forgo most of the mundane duties. She had adamantly refused to abandon them, even if it meant more work and fewer hours of sleep. As she walked the long hallways of the guest house, she could hear the telltale sounds of slumber.
Everything seemed to be in order, so she decided to return to her dorms and call it a day when she caught sudden movement within the corner of her eye. A blur rushed past in a whirlwind, maneuvering behind her.
"You there, stop!" Kuvira exclaimed as she turned around, her hand already placed over her belt's canister ready to unleash her metal wires against the intruder.
"It's me, Korra!" Kuvira heard as she saw the Avatar land gracefully from what she assumed was a wind-powered ball.
"Avatar Korra, is everything alright?" Kuvira questioned, slightly on guard now.
"I'm sorry!" Korra apologized. "I didn't mean to startle you! I just wanted to go out for a snack."
As if on cue, Korra's stomach growled rather noticeably.
The captain let out a relieved sigh as she straightened her body and brought her hands to her back. "How can I be of service, Avatar Korra? There's no need for you to leave this building. It is for your safety."
"I know, but I'm also rather restless to the point I can't sleep." Korra voiced. "I need to step out. It will be quick, I promise!"
"You know I can't let you outside after…" Kuvira began.
"After almost being kidnapped, I know." Korra interrupted. "Look, if I stay one more minute, I'm going to bend my way out of it."
"I don't think Suyin would like that." Kuvira noted.
Korra was staring her down now, her hands resting over her waist in an intimidating gesture. Kuvira couldn't help noticing the tensing of her shoulder muscles under the white tank top. The disheveled brown hair made her appear fiercer than usual.
"It's quite an attractive look on her." Kuvira admitted before forcing herself to concentrate on the situation at hand.
"Well, unless Lin or her sister knock me out with another shirshu-spit dart, I'm going to the kitchen to get something to eat." Korra declared.
"I'll get in so much trouble if I let her out on her own!" Kuvira's mind screamed in panic. "Avatar Korra, how about if I escort you instead?"
"You're not going to tell Suyin…" Korra paused as her memory struggled to remember this guard.
She was sure she'd seen her before, but the Avatar she couldn't pinpoint when or where. Korra doubted Zaofu had two women with the same beauty mark under the right eye, much less as strikingly beautiful as this one.
"No, I will not tell either Beifong, and you may call me Kuvira." The guard answered. "I'm captain of the guards so no suspicions should arise if the soldiers see you in my company."
"Alright then Kuvira, it's a deal." Korra grinned at that. "Let's go!"
"Shouldn't you change into something else?" Kuvira asked, gesturing towards the Avatar for emphasis.
Korra tilted her head puzzled until she realized she was still wearing her pajamas and let out a bashful chuckle. "Yeah, I think you're right. Just give me five minutes and I'll be ready."
Dining Room; Later…
Half an hour later, Korra was finishing her third serving of egg noodles with veggies under the proud glance of Suyin's chef while Kuvira cradled in her hands a much-needed cup of coffee. The Avatar's temperament seemed to have improved exponentially with each steaming bowl.
The guard captain was surprised by how quickly Korra appeared to bounce back from her ordeal. Everyone else was still reeling from the event which shook them to the core, including herself. Despite their enhanced security measures, Zaofu had hardly suffered from significant threats.
There was the occasional bandit raid on the farms and factories at the outskirts of the city. Having a truth seer as the right-hand man to the ruler did wonders in preventing crime and dissidence. This was the first time the young commander's team had been put to a serious test.
"Are you sure you wouldn't move wherever Sasuke and I end up?" Korra questioned as she cleaned her plate. "These noodles are amazing, and every meal I've had here has been delicious!"
Chef's chest puffed out as he pushed a plate with a carrot cupcake towards Korra. "You flatter me Avatar Korra, but I'm afraid I can't accept. Zaofu is my home, and I owe a debt of gratitude to Suyin and Baatar Sr. for giving me a chance to make an honest living."
"I understand, but you know where to go if you ever come where the two of us end up." Korra stated.
"Thanks for the offer," Chef bowed as he turned towards Kuvira. "I made an extra batch of freshly brewed coffee for you and your troops. Judging by the dark shadows under your eyes, you all need it badly."
"Thank you, Chef, you're a godsend." The captain replied as she removed the helmet from her head and massaged her temples.
She'd been so worried about the Avatar's safety she'd forgotten to take it off, but the hammering against her forehead was becoming unbearable.
"Are you okay?" Korra asked as she snuck the last morsel of her cupcake inside her mouth.
"It's just a little headache, nothing serious." Kuvira assured. "Should we head back to your quarters?"
"Yes." Korra replied as she stood up and directed a discrete glance at the Metalbender.
Her hand went to her belt and patted the small water container she's ended up bringing along. Korra had the feeling she would soon put her healing skills to work.
Zaofu
The Avatar and the Zaofu captain were crossing the gardens with a leisurely stride on their way to the guesthouses. Kuvira deliberately chose a longer route to avoid going through the area that just hours before had turned into a pitted battlefield.
Who could in their right mind harbor such hatred for the bright-eyed Avatar or the hero Shinobi? It was something which eluded Kuvira's comprehension, but she felt she was better off not understanding what dark emotions could stir people into murderous intent.
"How do you do it?" Korra asked.
"Pardon?" Kuvira returned.
"How can you endure spending every night knowing you can't watch the stars?" Korra asked. "I've been here for a couple of days, yet I already feel claustrophobic."
"After a while, you get used to it." Kuvira answered. "Our citizens treasure the sense of safety the domes provide."
Though, that last assertion felt off after the night's events.
"I guess but I don't think I could ever get used to something like this." Korra stated. "Living all those years inside the South Pole compound was constraining enough, but at least I could sneak out for long rides with Naga to behold the sea and stars. Have you ever been to the South Pole?"
"No, unfortunately, I've never been outside the Earth Kingdom." Kuvira replied.
"You should really visit one day!" Korra declared. "I could show you the best places to see the stars, and we could find a place to see the Southern Lights which now dance in the sky. I wish I could see the night sky from here to give you an idea."
That planted an idea in Kuvira's mind. "Avatar Korra, I might be able to help you, but it must to remain a secret. I could lose my position if Su finds out."
"I'm the one who persuaded you to sneak me out of my room." Korra noted as she patted Metalbender's armored shoulder. "One more secret won't make much of a difference,"
Kuvira felt warmth rise to her cheeks. Despite the exhausting night and unnerving knowledge she was putting her livelihood with the Beifongs in jeopardy, there was something exhilarating being around Korra that she couldn't quite put her finger on. It was as puzzling as it was alluring.
Kuvira's mouth lifted into a mischievous smile. "Follow me."
Above Zaofu
A brisk gust blew. Below lay the city of Zaofu, encased in its shielding domes, while a nocturnal sky greeted them high above with a tapestry of sparkling stars and intricate constellations. As she laid flat on the dome's smooth surface, Kuvira noticed how Korra's eyes shimmered with an ethereal glow as she stared outward.
"Kuvira, thank you." Korra whispered. "I needed this."
"Glad to be of assistance," The captain muttered.
She meant to smile but a grimace twisted on her mouth instead. The pounding against her temples had turned into painful stabs. Kuvira closed her eyes despite the breathtaking spectacle above her, and the unexpected, pleasant company beside her. Suddenly, she felt something warm and soothing against her forehead.
"Stay still." Korra stated. "The water should help alleviate the pain."
"Avatar Korra, you don't have to…" Kuvira began.
"It's just Korra and yes, I do." Korra interrupted. "I can see you are hurting, and I can help with that."
"I don't want to be a bother." Kuvira muttered weakly.
"Captain, as the Avatar I'm ordering you to shut up and let me do my job." Korra stated. "After all, I'm a healer trained my Katara herself."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to doubt your skills." Kuvira stated.
"Do you trust me?" Korra queried as she moved her hands away and sat crossed-legged.
Kuvira let out a weak groan. "The mere question offends."
"If that's the case, I need you to place your head over my legs so I can continue with the healing session." Korra stated.
Kuvira's face would've probably flushed if her head didn't bother so much. She pushed herself up until her head was gently cradled by the Avatar. Before she closed her eyes, they gazed at one another. A soft blush adorned Korra's cheeks and a subtle, reassuring smile pulled at her lips. The Metalbender felt her heart skip a beat.
"Try to relax now, captain," Korra stated, a faint bluish glow emanated from the water she kept against the Metalbender's temples.
"I will Ava...I mean, Korra."
"Now close your eyes and leave the rest to me." Korra affirmed confidently.
As she saved the memory of a smiling Korra against a backdrop of shimmering stars, Kuvira finally allowed her lids to close.
Early Morning…
When Kuvira opened her eyes, shades of orange began to emerge from the deep blue. Her head no longer ached, but she could still sense Korra's fingertips ghosting over her hair.
"Welcome back!" The Avatar proclaimed with a dazzling smile.
"How long we've been here?" Kuvira asked, her sense of time gone awry due to her tired state.
"A couple of hours but don't worry because I've been listening to your radio." Korra replied. "No one suspects we're here."
Kuvira picked up her helmet and stood. "I'm so sorry I kept you here."
"It's alright." Korra assured. "I felt better being outside anyways. Nothing against the domes but nothing beats the open sky to calm a restless mind."
"I'm glad to hear that." Kuvira nodded. "Still, we should head back before someone notices you're not in your room."
"Agreed." Korra stated. "I don't want you to get in trouble with Su for my sake."
"Before we go, thanks for the healing session." Kuvira stated.
"It was the least I could do." Korra returned with a smile.
"Ready to head back?" Kuvira extended her arm towards the Avatar, to help her stand up.
"I am but I want you to promise something first." Korra stated, letting the guard help her up.
Kuvira stared at her confused. "Okay?"
"Once this Red Lotus ordeal is over, I want you to visit me at my dad's place." Korra stated. 'You won't know what real stargazing is until you've been to the South Pole."
Kuvira heard the peculiar mingling of static and voices come from her radio. They needed to hurry up before the day shift guards opened the domes.
"It'll be an honor to be your guest." Kuvira stated. "Now, can we please head back?"
"Way ahead of you!" Korra exclaimed.
With a leap, she was already sliding down the dome.
Zaofu
By the time they made it back to the guesthouse, the city was already stirring back to life. Their little escape remained unnoticed. Under different circumstances, Kuvira would've been cross with her guards for allowing people to sneak out of the city.
Today, she was glad to have been allowed this brief time alone with Korra. As Kuvira crossed the yard towards the morning's formation, an event replayed in her mind's eye. Before she left, Korra surprised her with an impromptu embrace.
Zaofu: Interrogation Room, Morning…
Team Uchiha Avatar, Suyin, Lin, and Aiwei were in an interrogation room. The truth seer was sat at a table across from a guard.
"What is your full name? Where were you last night? Do you have any knowledge of the people, who tried to kidnap the Avatar and attacked Sasuke Uchiha?"
"My name is Zhu Guan…" The first guard introduced.
Next the second guard. "I was patrolling the south wall of the Beifong estates…"
The third guard. "I have absolutely no knowledge of the people who tried to kidnap
Korra and attack Sasuke."
Aiwei looked back at Lin and shook his head.
"What was I doing last night?" Xiba was next. "Well, before those guys attacked, I was working on more weapons to help Benders and Non-Benders. When I heard the commotion outside, I saw Sasuke caught up in this large-scale battle with so many different people."
"I see." Aiwei said.
"What was I doing last night?" Then, it was Varrick. "Same thing I always do. From nine to ten, I checked my body for ticks. Lyme disease is a serious killer. Then, I did my nightly Varrick calisthenics followed by thirty minutes of breath holding. I filmed it all if you want to see."
"That won't be necessary." Aiwei said.
"Maybe it wasn't a guard after all." Lin suggested, as Varrick left. "Maybe it was a little higher up the food chain. Aiwei, why don't you question Su?"
"Lin, stop!" Korra yelled.
"No, I'll gladly be questioned." Su took a seat. "I have nothing to hide."
"What is your name?" Aiwei asked.
"Suyin Beifong. I'm the daughter of Toph Beifong and the only sister of Lin. I had nothing to do with the attack last night."
"She's telling the truth." Aiwei said.
"This is going nowhere!" Sasuke declared.
"Just bring in the next guard!" Korra said.
The next guard came in and sat down.
"Give me your name and tell me where you are from." Aiwei said.
"My name is Hong Li. I was born and raised here in Zaofu." Hong Li returned.
"Do you have any knowledge of the people who tried to kidnap the Avatar and attack Sasuke Uchiha?" Aiwei asked.
"No." Hong Li instantly replied.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow as Aiwei leaned forward. "Did you help the attackers enter Zaofu last night?"
"No, of course not." Hong Li answered.
"You're lying." Aiwei accused.
"What?" Sasuke asked.
"No, I'm not!" Hong Li protested.
"How did they get in and out!?" Su demanded, grabbing him by his armor. "Where are they now!?"
"I-I don't know." Hong Li answered. "I'm telling you I didn't help them."
Sasuke clenched his teeth before moving in between the two of them and managing to force the matriarch back. "Su, you need to calm down."
"You would protect…" Su began.
"This guy looks no older than 18, yet the Red Lotus attacked 13 years ago." Sasuke interrupted. "They formed years before that, but even if you only want to count the attempt on Korra, this guy would have been 5. How did he get mixed up with any of the criminals?"
"Perhaps it was through a relative, or he might have even been bribed." Aiwei reasoned. "I suggest we search his place, for that should clear this whole mess up."
"Speaking from experience, authority suggesting they check out someone's apartment is usually a bad sign." Mako informed, his eyes narrowing on Aiwei now. "As a victim of such a thing myself, let me tell you evidence can be planted."
Korra was more than willing to side with Sasuke on this, but the mounting evidence saw her realize something. "You're the only one who could keep a secret in this city…"
Aiwei looked around the room as everyone was now staring at him.
"That's a good point Korra." Sasuke stated. "No one could keep such a secret from you, no matter how long someone may want to. The only way something like this remains hidden for any amount of time is if you're the one hiding it.
At this point, Su was in conflict. There was acceptance of the fact vs her history with this man.
Aiwei put his hands underneath the table for a brief second before slowly standing. "You have no idea what's coming for you, Avatar."
Aiwei suddenly Earthbent himself into the ground, immediately collapsing the hole after him. Everything was deathly silent as they processed what just happened in seconds, which is what allowed them to hear a steady beeping.
Given his prior experience with explosions of all kinds, Bolin was quickest to act. "We need to destroy a wall, now!" Bolin shouted.
Korra and Lin both Earthbent the wall, destroying it in seconds, before Bolin Earthbent the rubble beneath the table and had it pushed outside. The bomb under the table went off, but the flames raced towards them. Korra and Mako bent the fire, dissipating it.
"I…I can't believe it." Su fell to her knees. "I trusted him."
Lin used her Seismic Sense. "He's collapsed the tunnel behind him for miles now." Kuvira rushed into the room. "I want guards to search Aiwei's house, Zoafu, and the immediate area around the city. Aiwei must be captured."
"Understood." Kuvira declared, before leaving.
Once the guard was gone, Lin comforted her sister.
Suyin's Office: Later…
Team Uchiha Avatar and the sisters returned to Suyin's office where they were soon joined by Utakata and Deidara. Not long after those two showed up, Kuvira arrived.
"What did you find?" Lin asked.
"We located another destroyed tunnel behind a book case in Aiwei's house." Kuvira informed. "There was also another bomb ready to detonate, and a tunnel which leads to an area with some fresh tire tracks. We believe Aiwei ended up there before driving away."
"He had an escape plan all ready to go." Mako said.
"I trusted him with my life." Su stated. "I thought we were family, yet it was all a lie."
"Whoever the Red Lotus really are, they're more powerful than we thought." Utakata noted.
"Not to mention, they're still working with the remaining three members of the Akatsuki on this side of the world." Sasuke noted.
"That's why we must find them." Korra declared. "We're holding off our search for Airbenders and hunting down Aiwei. Naga can track his scent."
"We find Aiwei, we find Zaheer and the Akatsuki." Deidara noted, Though sticking with this group was still his best bet since seven opponents was a tall order.
"What if Orochimaru comes at us again?" Bolin asked.
"I'll handle him." Sasuke said.
"No!" Lin denied. "The Red Lotus could have other secret agents in other parts of the world looking for Korra right now."
"Not to mention we know the Akatsuki is with them, and Orochimaru is still at large." Utakata agreed. "No matter what your feelings may be on Republic City, no matter what Raiko will do should we return, it's the place we know best."
"If Korra and I weren't safe here, what makes you think we'll be safe there?" Sasuke asked. "No matter where we end up, they're bound to show up. That's why we need to go after them."
"Sasuke's right." Korra declared. "We're not running."
"It's too dangerous." Lin retorted. "Both of you are not going."
"Stop trying to protect us." Korra declared. "I'm the Avatar. This is my job."
"Enough! Korra, Sasuke, listen to Lin and Utakata." Suyin said.
"Seriously?" Sasuke asked.
"Lin's only looking out for you two." Su defended. "I promise, Aiwei and everyone he's working with will be brought to justice."
"Fine, if you think it's best." Korra relented.
"Guess I'll agree, but if they come knocking, don't expect Korra and I to run." Sasuke voiced.
"Wouldn't think of going that far." Utakata smiled relieved.
"Alright, everyone should get some rest tonight." Su stated. "I'll have my people prep your airship, and you can leave first thing tomorrow morning."
Mako & Bolin's Guesthouse: Night…
All of Team Uchiha Avatar were in the Bending Brother's guesthouse when there was a knock at the door.
Korra opened it to reveal the matriarch of the metal clan. "Su?"
"You sure Naga can track Aiwei?" Suyin asked.
"Yes." Korra answered.
"Then here." Suyin said, giving the Avatar keys.
"What are you doing?" Sasuke asked.
"There's a jeep packed with supplies by the east gate." Su replied. "It's all gassed up and ready to go."
"Why?" Korra asked.
"I want you guys to hunt down Aiwei and bring him back to me." Suyin said.
"But you said…" Bolin began.
"I said what Lin and Utakata wanted to hear, and I bought you guys some time." Su declared. "Go. I'll deal with them in the morning."
"I don't think we should risk getting Deidara since he's with Utakata." Sasuke voiced, all for this. "Just tell him if it comes down to it, I'll bring a bound Itachi for him to get the last hit in on."
"Will do." Su assured.
"Alright, Let's get this guy!" Korra declared before hugging Su. "Thanks."
Outside Zaofu
Sasuke, after ensuring he had his new sword, and Korra rode on Naga while Asami drove the jeep with the Bending Brothers in the back of it. They were officially on Aiwei's trail.
Guest: Yep, they share the same world.
Guest: Los Maestros han luchado contra Shinobi. Itachi ayudó a Zaheer a luchar contra Kya, mientras que los otros tres pudieron flexionar un poco de Loto Blanco. Mako, Bolin y Jinora ayudaron a Sasuke a luchar contra Kabuto en la ronda 1. Si bien no está en la historia original, Xiba sigue siendo un Nonbender nativo de las Cuatro Naciones, mientras que Hawk es un espíritu. Más allá de eso, habrá otros casos de Maestros enfrentándose a Shinobi por venir.
Guest: Gracias. En cuanto a cómo planeo combinar las tramas, Utakata está en las Cuatro Naciones. Con él allí, el Akatsuki va a tener que buscarlo. Más allá de eso, Utakata también es un Shinobi Rojo / Jinchuriki de la Niebla Oculta. Mei va a querer que eso se lo devuelvan. Sin mencionar que tengo la idea de utilizar varios Missing Nin para ayudar a reforzar a Sasuke mientras se hace cargo de la lista de Kuvira, según la forma en que votó la gente. Para que quede claro, no está tomando el papel como si se convirtiera en el villano del libro 4. Está tomando la iniciativa en la reunificación del Reino Tierra