BOOK 1 CHAPTER 12: THE CREEPING PAST
Shou downed his third cup of scorching hot coffee. He didn't bother with the heat as he needed the burning sensation and the literal burnt to keep him awake. He tossed the cup into a nearby trashcan and strode into the City Hall.
"It seems every day something's going on early in the morning."
He walked through the door to see the City Hall was in total wreck. His jaw dropped lower and lower as he scanned more and more of the room. He looked at the members of the police force and investigators that swarmed the place.
He saw Police Chief Saikhan standing near the stairs up to the podium with an injured Tarrlok, with the councilman being healed by a male healer. As he made his way there, he saw several Equalists weapons and equipment sprawled all over the floor, beams, and pillars of the hall.
"Chief," Shou called out with a bitter taste in his mouth. Calling anyone other than Lin Beifong as chief feels wrong to him.
"Detective. How's the questioning going?"
"There weren't many people outside to begin with and I doubt there's more when the attack occurred. Either way, the questioning is done and a report will be published by this afternoon. I already have my subordinates on it."
"Very good. I'm looking forward to it." Chief Saikhan praised him as he patted Shou's shoulder. "Councilman Tenzin has already been notified. He should be here at any minute."
Right on cue, light footsteps were heard entering the hall. The police made way for the Airbending master to come through.
"What happened? What was Korra doing at City Hall?"
Shou took a step backward to allow the councilman to discuss.
"It was…" Saikhan begins to explain but is stopped by Tarrlok.
"Allow me. As I told Chief Saikhan," He struggled to get up, so Shou helped him to stand up.
"Korra came to my office late last night. She was upset that I arrested her friends. She asked me to release them and ... that's when the Equalists attacked."
Tenzin's expression turned into a shock.
"I tried to protect Korra, but we were outnumbered. Then, I was electrocuted. When I came to, the police had arrived, but Korra was gone."
Tarrlok let go of Shou and bowed shamefully to Tenzin.
"I'm so sorry. Chief Saikhan, please mobilize the entire police force. We have to find the Avatar."
Saikhan nodded and immediately faced Shou.
"Detective Shou. Get in contact with Detective Yaozun and get him back here. We need him in the force to find the Avatar."
Shou began to sweat at the order. He tried to avoid eye contact but he needed to stand up for his friend and Shen and not let the police get in their way.
"With all due respect Chief. Detective Yaozun is still busy handling the sighting cases of the Evil Spirits. Multiple were sighted within this week and a devastating attack was reported just last night during the rally. It would be best to let Detective Yaozun focus on that."
Saikhan raised his nose up high.
"That order was commissioned back when Lin Beifong was chief. Things have changed now. Besides, how is Detective Yaozun supposed to handle the Evil Spirits? Shouldn't that be the Agito's job? Come to think of it, I haven't heard anything from Agito in a while, even back when I'm just a Police Captain."
"That's because you're not important enough to be involved with back then, you buffoon"
After lashing out at his boss in the safety of his own thoughts, Shou cleared his throat and recomposed himself. He just thought of another excuse.
"Yaozun and the Agito worked together for quite some time. The reason Agito managed to beat the spirits was because of the police's valuable and competent intel. They worked very well together and kept the spirits out of our hair while we handled the Equalists. Things will be a lot worse otherwise."
Saikhan pondered the reasons and nodded with understanding. Knowing the police had a hand in beating the spirits filled him with giddiness and joy but naturally, he wouldn't show that. If he continues to authorize this formation and protect the city from the extreme non-benders and the evil spirits, he will be the greatest Chief of Police in Republic City's history.
Besides, one detective not on active duty wouldn't hurt the police force.
"Very well, Detective Shou. I understand. Let Detective Yaozun proceed with his duty but I need progress on his end. Now, we need to find the Avatar. Dismiss."
"Yes, Chief."
Shou stood tall as he watched Saikhan and Tarrlok walk out of the hall. Tenzin was behind the two and took the chance to glance at Shou, who gave him a serious look and a nod, which Tenzin returned.
The detective walked out of the hall and to his car, all the while, earning respectful acknowledgment from his friends and peers in the force. After entering the car, he let out a huge sigh and slumped his head against the steering wheel.
"That was so tense. One wrong word and Saikhan would still ask me to drag Yaozun back to the force and leave the kid on his own. Furthermore, Saikhan doesn't know about G3 and thinks it's in the evidence room or already destroyed. I need to get in touch with Yaozun now."
"First stop. The police station. Maybe I could find Yaozy's whereabouts there and just finally have a normal day."
"I'm starting to think I will never have a normal day ever again."
Shou couldn't shake the feeling he had been cursed the moment he accepted the job as a police officer and stationed in the United Republic. Here he was, cornered by none other than Lin Beifong in the men's bathroom, while he was on the urinal.
"Ex-Chief…" He started while having his back awkwardly towards the stern woman. "…if anyone comes in and sees us…"
"Then hurry up. I need your help."
"What do you possibly need that you could not wait for me to come out of the men's room? How did you get to this section of the HQ anyway?"
With the two working together, although one of them reluctantly, they busted the teen trio out of their holding cells. Lin Beifong was glad to be able to recruit Shou into her plan and needed to take immediate action while the police were still putting the pieces together.
They did run into some resistance when several officers questioned the three teens being outside of their cell. Shou's silver tongue convinced the officers of a non-existing questioning session involving the three friends of the Avatar, while ignoring their ex-boss.
Smooth like criminals in the night, they slipped out of the station and into Shou's car where the latter sped off to their next destination.
"Again, thank you for getting us out of there." Asami repeated herself.
Lin just nodded while Shou smiled.
"Don't mention it. Prison food is ass anyway." Shou replied nonchalantly.
"So, where are we heading?" Bolin asked.
"Does Shen know Korra's missing?" Mako interjected.
Shou, for some reason, ignored Bolin's question and kept his eyes firmly on the road.
"Haven't seen the kid for a while but I bet my life savings that he's already out there looking for her."
BANG! BANG!
"Anyone! Anybody! Help! Please! Please."
Korra continued banging her fists into the inner walls of her confinement. She's currently trapped in a metal box in the basement of a house up in the snowy mountains. Tarrlok used his secret weapon of bloodbending to subdue her.
Angered and frustrated. Waves of different thoughts crashed against each other in her mind. What is her best chance of escape? Should she devise a plan? Or just keep on shouting for help?
One of the other things weighing on her mind were the despicable Tarrlok. Oh how she wished she could just burn his obnoxious face clean off with firebending for keeping her here. She really needs to tell the others.
The others.
Mako, Asami and Bolin were in prison and Shen, her Shen, is losing his mind looking for her whereas the night before she promised to be there for each other and work as one.
"Great job Korra. Tenzin will give you a big earful for this. Tenzin…"
"I urge you to meditate on these visions. I believe Aang's spirit is trying to tell you something."
She remembered now, she told Tenzin about the visions she's been having and haven't gotten around to do any meditation yet, at least none that lasted longer than a single minute.
"Might as well…"
She muttered to herself and got into the proper meditative pose.
To her surprise, her mind was slowly filled with an event from the past. The first thing she noticed was Republic City but it looked less developed than it is now. This might have taken place long ago.
"What are you doing here, Aang? I told you, I have this under control."
A mildly annoyed voice boomed out to show an adult Toph Beifong and several metalbending police officers approached a concerned adult, still alive, Avatar Aang.
"Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't get involved, but if what those victims said is true, we're not dealing with a normal criminal."
Toph snorted and let out a giggle. She turned to her officer as if she's saying 'Get a load of this guy' but her officers were torn between either laughing along to amuse their chief or keeping silent to show respect for the Avatar.
"Fine. Follow me, Twinkle Toes.
"Toph, I'm forty years old. One hundred forty to be perceise. You think you could stop with the nicknames?" An annoyed Aang reminded his long-time friend.
"Never in your lifetime"
The group entered a place called Kwong's Cuisine to approach a man eating with his two lackeys standing guard.
"It's over! You're under arrest, Yakone!" Toph immediately arrested him without beating around the bush, not that she had to.
A man in his forties, with a cocky and arrogant expression downed in his expensive and high end clothing, sat down in the booth with his head down, not bothered to even look up at his guests. This is just another Tuesday for him and if previous encounters were any indicator, he knows he is untouchable by the authorities.
"What is Republic City coming to? Used to be, a man could enjoy his lunch in peace."
He picked up his chopstick to grab his meal as a metal cord from Toph wrapped around his wrist and yanked him forward, knocking the table over and her officers immediately apprehend everyone.
"What's the big idea?"
"Enough of your games. We have dozens of witnesses, Yakone. We know what you are." Aang sternly replied.
"Take him away." Toph ordered.
"I've beaten every trumped-up charge you yahoos have brought against me! And I'll beat this one, too. You think I don't know your game? You people never stood a chance against me."
Aang's expression remained serious and already thinking of a plan to put this criminal mastermind away for good after terrorizing this city for a long time.
Korra broke out of the meditation with a jolt. Almost tumbling over on her back. She placed a hand on her chest to feel her heart was racing fast. The new experience truly surprised her but she loved it.
"Whoa. I finally connected with you, Aang. But, what are you trying to tell me? A way out of this box would be nice."
Calming herself down, she returned to meditate.
"I should just keep my mouth shut."
The two adults and three teens found themselves in a prickly situation as Tenzin, whose office they are currently in, informed them Shen was also missing and could not get in contact with and no one knew his whereabouts.
"Shen's parents are worried sick. They shouldn't be put into such a state. They narrowly escaped death and it is too early for them to be worrying about their son."
"Korra, Shen and Naga are missing," Bolin ran his hand through his hair in frustration, "but we need to start somewhere. Anybody got any leads?"
"My guess is the Equalists are hiding underground in the maze of tunnels beneath the city." Lin interjected.
Hearing what might be their first stop caused Asami to feel a gut-wrenching guilt overcome her.
"Asami?" Bolin placed a hand on her shoulder, which the girl lightly tapped with her own.
"I'm okay Bolin. It's just…underground ... just like my father's secret factory. Figures."
"Yeah! Yeah, that makes sense now! When those chi-blockers had me in their truck, it sounded like we drove into a tunnel! How come I didn't notice that before?"
"Wherever Amon is keeping Korra, I bet that's where my officers are too. Shou."
Shou jumped out of the seat he's been sitting on this whole time and gave her a thumbs up.
"Ready when you are, Chief."
With Tenzin joining them, the group boarded Oogi and headed towards downtown. During the flight, the teens couldn't help noticing Shou displayed a wide grin on his face.
"This is great!" Shou burst out, startling the other passengers. "I rarely have been part of something like this without Yaozun. Since he's my partner and all!"
Asami tried to ignore him but Shou decided to scream into her ear thinking she couldn't hear him due to the wind.
"It doesn't mean I despise Yaozun or anything!"
'Hehehehe….' Mako chuckled to himself seeing his girlfriend suffer, only to have Shou choose him next.
"I love working with him but now I have a story that he's not a part of!"
'Please don't be me next' Bolin prayed harder than he ever did, harder than the time he's still in the pro-bending league.
A strong arm latched over his shoulder and pulled him towards the detective.
"I can't wait to see the look on his face. He's going to flip!"
Oogi landed on a deserted street in a dark back alley, nestled away from the eyes of busy everyday people. Shou hopped down after the teens and he took note of the area. It was quiet and even if there's no one in sight, the lack of echo from the surrounding area made it look like the place was a ghost town.
"It's this way." Mako called out and everyone followed.
Deep in the woods, Shen and Naga proceed their journey to track down Korra. His belt stopped guiding the way long ago as the sun began to rise over the horizon. Why such a thing happened at a crucial moment was unknown to the young warrior.
Shen stopped his motorcycle in the middle of the many paths leading up the mountain. He took in the sight of rows and rows of trees in front of him with no end in sight. Not to mention the snow really starting to get to him.
Naga approached him slowly, nudging her nose against Shen's elbow, asking his new companion why he stopped the way he did.
"Sorry Naga. It's just…this snow really reminds me of that night. The night I met the guy that wore the G3 armor. That night, everything all went to hell."
Naga raised her head high, interested in the story more than she should.
"First that guy almost killed me, Amon's first attack, my home went ablaze, my parents near demise and now, Korra."
Shen took a deep breath and rested his head on the motorcycle windshield.
"I thought having this power would help me protect everyone, but, far from it. What's the point of this power if I couldn't properly utilize it? Maybe someone else should be Agito."
Out of nowhere, Naga let out a bark and used her front paws to shove Shen off his motorcycle, onto the snow-covered ground. The rider perched up to see Naga stared at him dead straight.
"Naga? What was that for?"
Instead of answering, not that she could, Naga whimpered and faced towards the trees and the barely visible path before them, seconds later she faced Shen again. She repeated back and forth a couple of times, reminding him that their duty has not finished and they need to focus.
"Good call, Naga. Korra's waiting for us. Let's move out."
While searching, Lin used her Seismic Sense to discover a tunnel closed by a heavy metal gate nearby. After Lin effortlessly metalbend it open, Shou crouched down as he examined the tracks they encountered on the ground.
"Looks like motorcycle tracks and they were made recently."
"Good. Let's go."
Shou let his former boss and her ex-boyfriend move up as he kept an eye on their six and waited on the three kids.
"You three okay? Don't get left behind now."
"We're okay Detective Shou." Bolin answered. "We'll keep an eye on our back."
Shou acknowledged it and proceeded to follow the lead.
"Is everything okay Asami?"
"I'm fine, Mako. It's just…."
"It's Korra and Shen, right?"
"I just want everything back to normal. Before all of this."
Mako quickly embraced Asami and let her snuggle up to his chest. He gave her several playful squeezes and held her face to meet his.
"Everything will be back to normal once everything is settled. That's why we need to find them. You can count on that Asami. The five of us will be unstoppable."
Asami didn't say much other than just nodded at her boyfriend's statement. A rush of rejuvenation filled her and a new source of energy strengthened her body and thoughts.
"Thanks Mako. I love you."
"Love you too."
"Hide!"
Shou whispered harshly as he shoved the two teens behind a large pillar where the rest were already taking cover.
"Seriously. Don't get distracted and keep up." Shou whispered harshly, taking the two love birds by surprise as they never heard the jolly detective ever talk to them like that. With a bright blush endorsed on their faces, they peeked from behind the pillar to see what was going on..
Two Equalists on motorcycles rode in from behind where they came from and with a flick of a switch, a wall opened up in front of them and the two members raced in before the door closed as quickly it opened.
"That's trippy. Might get one of these for my apartment."
"Watch our back, Shou."
Lin runs her hands across the wall and uses her metalbending to trigger the mechanism behind it from the outside, opening it. As the wall closed in behind them, Shou whistled due to its impressiveness.
"Now I definitely want one"
"Kids, lunch is ready."
Talah placed several plates of dishes on the dining table while being helped by Bilan and the Air Acolytes. As the last plate was placed down, Ikki and Meelo stormed through the door and sat down with a thump.
Jinora and Pema slowly, well Pema was, walked into the room and sat down with the help of her eldest daughter.
"Kids, please don't rush in like that. We don't want to accidentally cause Aunt Talah problems now do we?"
"Sorry Aunt Talah." Ikki and Meelo both apologized while Talah cheerfully waved it off.
"No worries, now, eat up."
"I'm sorry for not helping you prepare lunch. I'm sure I could help with dinner."
"Please Pema. You're pregnant. You need to rest."
Talah placed the final touches and sat down with her husband. The adults ate in silence, not an awkward one, but just enjoying each other's presence in this moment of serenity. Jinora tried to enjoy her food but roped into small talk with her siblings. The loudest, Ikki was about to tell a joke to her dad but immediately went quiet as she finally realized several figures were missing from the table.
"Hey, where's dad, Shen and Korra?"
"Dad has some business at the council. As for Shen and Korra…" Pema explained but held up when it came to the two teens.
"They followed the Councilman." Bilan finally made a sound. "I remember Shen told me briefly this morning"
"Ooo, fighting bad guys so early in the day. They're so cool."
Bilan nodded towards his wife and Pema, signaling that's all the kids should know and the two responded with acknowledgement while knowing something bad had just happened and the three's whereabouts were completely off the grid at that point.
Bilan felt proud of his action. He resumed eating, without knowing Jinora silently stared at him from the corner of her eyes.
Shou and rest arrived at an open area where all ranges of vehicles were stored. At the far end two Equalists could be seen handling tram carts that lead into various tunnels. One shot off into a tunnel towards the training camp based on their conversation and one just returned from the prison.
Seizing the opportunity, the team hopped onto the latter cart after the Equalists walked away from their post. WIthout delay, they sped down the dark void.
At the other end of the tunnel, two Equalist stood guard.
"You know, after we take over Republic City, I might want to move out of here and start a career somewhere. Maybe raise a family as well. That sounds nice."
His guardmate turned his head and blinked in bewilderment behind his mask.
"What?"
"You know, I always wanted to have a family but with the oppression going on…"
"No, not that. You seriously think this would be over after we inevitably take the city? There are other territories in the United Republic, not just this one city. Not to mention, the other three nations and the entire United Forces wouldn't give in without a fight. This war could take years or decades."
"Oh."
"You just realized this now?"
The sound of an alarm interrupted their chatting as the cart exited the tunnel and made a full stop. The first guard took the initiative to examine it closer.
"It's empty."
"Is there anything you could say that doesn't make you look more stupid than you already are?"
"I can burp while reciting the alphabetttt…."
Two metal cables shot out from the depths of the tunnel and dragged the two in. After knocking them out and tying them up, they proceed with their next move.
Leaving Asami and Bolin to guard the tunnel entrance the remaining four pushed forward. Lin used her Seismic Sense to locate the position of any Equalist nearby and her officers.
No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't find Korra's signature. Proceeding down the corridor, they ambushed two Equalist with Tenzin using Airbending to knock one out as Shou and slammed the other against the wall. An angry Mako grabbed the latter of the two Equalists by the collar and removed his mask.
"Where is Korra? Where are you keeping her?"
"Easy there kid, others could hear you."
Frustrated he couldn't get through Mako, he saw Lin and Tenzin already finished freeing the captured officers. They already did half the job, now the second half. They need to do this fast as they could not afford waiting around much longer.
"Hey, Equalist. Tarrlok told us everything. I advise you to answer our questions of where you're keeping the Avatar and what's your plan of attacking City Hall. I can't promise this firebender will stay civil much longer."
In a weak trembled voice, the cornered Equalists answered, "We don't have the Avatar, and the Equalists didn't attack City Hall. Tarrlok's lying. It's the truth, I swear."
"That two tongue lying politician. Why did he lie to us like that? I get it if he wants to escalate the war, but why the Avatar part?"
The alarm in the prison blared out, signaling every Equalist in the base of their presence.
"We can figure all of that out later . We need to move." Lin led the party and met up with Asami and Bolin that were already on high alert.
"Let's go, people." Bolin instructed as they piled onto the tram cart.
Shou was the last to jump on and he's the first to see another tram cart coming after them, carrying several more Equalists ready to capture them.
"These guys won't quit."
Shou put one foot on the tram's guard railings.
"Wait, Detective Shou, what are you doing?" Mako, in a panic, asked him.
"I'm taking the fight to them. Don't forget me kids. Name your first born after me."
With a screeching cry, Shou leapt onto the pursuing tram cart, surprising both his allies and enemies. He kicked two members off the transporting vehicles upon landing. One swung their fist at Shou's head, the latter ducked and retaliated with an open palm strike to the chin.
"Wooo….Hah!"
With two members left, Shou gave them no chances to attack as he grabbed the two by the waist with his strong arms. With the two Equalists flailing around on his shoulders, Shou spun around and threw them off the cart at the back.
"What's the ruckus back there?" Lin shouted from the very front.
"Detective Shou hopped on the other Equalist cart and gave them a smackdown." One of the officers gave his superior a rundown.
"What? Shou! Get back here!"
Shou lessen the gap between their cart and jumped back on, with the help of Mako and Bolin, he didn't fall off.
"Don't ever do that again." Mako annoyingly warned him.
"Aww. That was fun. I haven't fought like that in a long time."
"I wouldn't be celebrating yet. We got company." Lin called out to them.
Every head snapped forward to see an army of Equalists, led by the Lieutenant and several mecha tanks.
"Is it too late to wish that Yaozy was here?" Shou cried out.
"We don't need him. Hang on everyone."
Lin metalbend an iron rail from the ceiling and the tram climbed it as she once again earthbends a hole in the ceiling. The tram flew through the gap and landed on the ground of the tunnel above. Everyone groaned as Lin made another hole on the ceiling and daylight streamed right in.
"Let's go catch ourselves a rotten piece of meat." Shou growled under his breath.
Back to Korra, she is now witnessing Yakone's trial inside the same City Hall she is quite familiar with. The audience seats were filled up completely. Yakone sat with his defense attorney at the front row facing the members of council, with the most recognisable was Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe.
The prosecutor stood up to give his argument.
"Yakone has ruled Republic City's criminal empire for years. Yet he has always managed to stay out of the law's reach, until now. You will hear testimony from dozens of his victims, and they will tell you, Yakone has maintained his grip on the underworld by using an ability that has been illegal for decades. Bloodbending."
The prosecutor honed his glare onto the man himself but the suspect still maintained an arrogant expression.
"Objection. The prosecution's entire case is built upon the make-believe notion that my client is able to bloodbend at will, at any time on any day. Need I remind the council that bloodbending is an incredibly rare skill and it can only be performed during a full moon."
The defense attorney continued.
"Yet, the witnesses will claim that my client used bloodbending at every other time except during a full moon. It would be a mockery of justice to convict a man of a crime that is impossible to commit."
Despite having such high trust in Sokka's and Toph's judgement, even Aang subconsciously held his breath in hoping justice will show itself on that very day.
After more testimony and back and forth arguments and counter-arguments, the moment of truth arrived.
"Councilman Sokka will now deliver the verdict." the Bailiff stated.
"In all my years, I have encountered people born with rare and unique bending abilities. Why, I once bested a man with my trusty boomerang who was able to firebend with his mind." Sokka started his verdict with his own experiences in combat while trying his best to hide the giddiness in his voice recalling fond memories.
"Why, even metalbending was considered impossible for all of history until our esteemed Chief of Police, Toph Beifong, single handedly developed the skill." He continued, missing a slight blush on Toph's face for giving her a compliment.
"The overwhelming amount of testimony and evidence has convinced this council that Yakone is one of these unique benders and he exploited his ability to commit these heinous crimes. We find Yakone guilty of all charges and sentence him to life in prison."
With a pound of his gavel, several things happened at once. The crowd cheered, Aang let out a sigh of relief, the defense attorney crumpled his papers, threw it away and pounded the table in anger.
"I'm sorry Mr. Yakone. If only…"
"Doesn't matter. I'll handle this myself."
With that, Yakone instantly stood up, catching the attention of several people. With as little as an action from his eyes, Sokka let out an agonizing cry as his body twisted and contorted in various directions. Seconds later, the rest of the council members followed in the same predicament, including Aang.
Toph, in the state of brief shock, snapped out of it and whipped out her metal cables but she too was incapacitated by Yakone by a simple glance in her direction. Aang tried to gain as much control of his body as possible to stop the madman, but he was just another victim in this conflict as Yakone managed to have control of everyone in the room.
Such extreme experiences put Korra into a state of minor panic. Her breathing became more rapid as her meditating body continued to flinch and moved on its own.
The visions were not a pleasant one and Korra wanted nothing more than for it to stop but she knows better that this might be important. She's torn between keeping going to find the truth and stopping for now to keep her mental state in one piece.
She just a small nudge in either direction. A loud burst from upstairs knocked her out of the meditation.
Shen continued on with the search alongside Naga. His gut feeling told him that he was getting closer to Korra. Without a proper navigation ability or the slightest clue what to look for, he was embarrassingly riding in circles for some time.
"Woof"
Naga's call took Shen's attention towards a house on top of a hill. It looks so ominous that he needs to check it out.
He parked his motorcycle further away from the house behind some trees. He told Naga to be silent and the two slowly made their way towards the haunting looking structure.
Despite looking old and dilapidated, the structure still looks strong and firm. He tried to break the front door down but it wouldn't budge. Naga rolled her eyes and shoved the boy aside. Getting on her back legs and using her front paws, she thrust the door in one easy attempt.
Korra snapped out of meditation and was put on high alert. Did Tarrlok come back? Was it one of the evil spirits? Or worse, the Equalists. Korra readied herself to fight with her limited condition. He held her breath in but the sound of the new voice filled her with joy.
"Korra!? Korra, are you here?"
It was Shen's voice. That was him right? It wasn't Tarrlok impersonating him, right? No, even Tarrlok couldn't do anything like that.
She jumped up and started banging on the door. Whatever happens next, she doesn't care, she needs to seize this chance to escape.
"Shen! Shen! I'm here! In the basement."
"Korra. I'm coming!"
Shen rushed down the stairs towards the sound of her screams. He came to a basement with a single metal box in the middle of it, illuminated by a single light bulb.
"Korra. I'm here. Are you hurt?"
Korra couldn't see her boyfriend's expression but she knew he was worried and quite rattled with this whole situation.
"Shen. I'm fine. It's Tarrlok. He kidnapped and brought me here."
"I have a feeling that's the case. Stand back, I'm going to open this door."
Korra stood back and pressed her back against the back of the cage. She heard the word 'Henshin', followed by a bright light. The door of the metal box let out a creak before being aggressively opened by Agito.
Korra jumped and hugged him tight as Agito returned it. He lifted her off the ground and spun her around a few times.
"I was so worried about you."
"I know. Sorry for leaving last night but how did you find me?"
"I don't know and can't explain it either but the power of Agito literally showed me the way. Only half that is. It stopped on the way here. Come on, we need to go. Naga's also outside."
"Wait Shen." Korra firmly held his hand, keeping him from going.
"What is it, Korra? We need to hurry. Tarrlok could come back."
Korra took a deep breath, "While I was in there. I was meditating. I made a connection with Avatar Aang and I saw flashbacks of an event 40 years ago that could give us a break in the whole mystery."
"That's cool Korra but we really need to go." Agito assured her.
"Shen, I still could feel the connection and I'm afraid I would lose it if I'm gone for too long. I need to meditate some more. The answer is near. I just need some more time."
"Korra…this place…here?"
"Please Shen. I know it sounds stupid and dangerous but I need to do this. Please."
Agito lamented Korra's decision but he just didn't have the mood nor strength to argue with her without getting into another full blown argument .
"Okay, but we're leaving the moment I hear Naga sounds on high alert. I told her to stand guard up there."
"Thank you Shen."
Korra, willingly this time, sat back in the doorless metal cage and resumed her meditation. Agito closed the door and stood by the bottom of the stairs, keeping his eyes and ears aimed at the first floor in case anyone would try to get in.
In the City Hall, the excursion team returned to meet up with the rest of the council members and not surprisingly, Chief Saikhan who wasn't all too happy seeing his former boss.
"Thank you for meeting us on such short notice. I wouldn't have to do this if it wasn't so important."
"Chief" Lin coldly acknowledged him.
"Lin" Chief Saikhan returned the greeting not too warmly himself.
The chief's vision darted to Shou and the detective got the front row seat of intense glare. He can't tell which would be worse, avoiding the glare or man up and receiving it head on.
"Detective?"
"Ah…"
Sensing he's fumbling his word, Lin came to his rescue.
"We met Detective Shou on our way here. It's best to have another trustworthy officer here as witness."
Chief Saikhan didn't pry more as they weren't here to argue who is on the side of whom. They need to focus on finding Avatar Korra.
Hearing footsteps coming from behind them, the man of the hour just showed up.
"Have you heard any news of Avatar Korra?"
"We do in fact." Tenzin took a step forward. "You kidnapped her, Tarrlok!"
Tarrlok's eyes widened and his teeth greeted against each other.
"I am shocked you would accuse me of such an evil act! I already explained, Equalists attacked us and took her!
"But there were no chi-blockers here last night. You planted the evidence, didn't you?"
"Don't tell me you didn't manage to take out any last night?" Shou jumped in. "Were you even trying to protect Avatar Korra?"
"Quiet! Chief Saikhan, control your subordinates. And Tenzin, that is a ridiculous accusation!" Tarrlok raised his voice.
"He's lying. It's true! He took her!"
Everyone's attention turned to the council page, hiding timidly behind a pillar up in the second floor.
"I was here when Avatar Korra arrived last night, but Councilman Tarrlok ordered me to leave. I was on my way out when I saw Tarrlok bring her down to the garage."
"That is nothing but nonsense! Everyone knows you're nothing but a squeaky-voiced liar!"
"Hey, enough with insults. It would not make you any less suspicious" Shou warned him.
"Why did you wait until now to 'fess up?" Lin asked him.
"I'm so sorry. I was terrified to tell because …" Everyone could hear the cracking in his voice but he strengthened his resolve to do the right thing.
"Because Tarrlok is a bloodbender! He bloodbent Avatar Korra!"
Everyone turned to Tarrlok again with Tenzin and Lin taking their bending stance.
"Don't make it harder on yourself. Tell us where you have Korra."
Tarrlok's eyes bulged in anger and he immediately had control of the bodies of everyone present the moment Tenzin and Lin bend the elements at him and before it hits him.
Everyone screamed and cried out in pain as their body twisted and turned forcibly to their knees. Tarrlok knew he had the advantage and needed a couple of seconds before they would be knocked out.
"Tar…r…lok. You…bas..ta…rd"
The one person that still hasn't completely succumbed to his bloodbending was the Detective Shou. The lowly detective that stood up to him.
Shou, with his body in indescribable pain, managed to take a single step, no, two steps, correction, make that three, towards the bloodbender.
"What? How?"
Shou forced his head to lay his eyes on the rogue councilman. His bloodshot eyes, his teeth scraping together, his body and joints that weren't even in the proper position anymore were more than enough to haunt Tarrlok's mind.
CRACK
CRACK
Those were the sounds of Shou's body made as he tried to lift his right arm to grab onto Tarrlok. Even if he was nowhere near him, Tarrlok couldn't not risk playing around.
"You're just a non-bender. You're beneath me!"
Tarrlok unleashed another wave of bloodbending and focused everything he had onto Shou. What seems to be several seconds of grueling torture, Shou dropped to the ground.
Tarrlok was panting hard. Slowly, a grin slowly endorsed his face at the sight in front of him.
"Serve you right."
He slowly backed up and fled the scene. He scrambled to his car and floor it towards his safehouse. He tried to calm down and catch his breath but massive floods of thoughts crashed into his mind.
His career, his credibility, his plan to raise the top of the city. All ruined. Just when he thought he was in the clear, the sound of sirens caused his alert bells to go haywire again. He looked in his side view mirror to see G3 was hot on his tail.
"That other nosy detective."
Tarrlok turned the steering wheel and maneuvered between cars to keep his pursuer off his tail.
Without any luck, G3 was more than capable of keeping his sight on Tarrlok's car. He sped up and closed the gap between them until he could be right next to Tarrlok in the driver seat.
"Give it up Tarrlok. I know what you are. No point in running now. Surrender if you know what's good for you."
"Never"
Tarrlok raised a hand to bloodbend the detective only to become an invitation for a prying Jackal Unknown to join the party. Tarrlok almost swerved into other cars due to abrupt intrusion while G3 was trying to ram into the evil spirit with his motorcycle.
The effort was a success as the Jackal Unknown slammed into Tarrlok's car, almost toppling it over on its side. Tarrlok managed to keep it steady and he continued to put pressure on the pedal. The evil spirit took this chance to get on top of the car and peeked into the driver seat to come face to face with its target.
"No! No! Why me!?" Tarrlok cursed his bad luck and tried to keep his eyes on the road instead of death itself staring at him on his right. . His bad luck continued as the Jackal Unknown reached out its hand towards him.
"Stay back, foul creature."
His plea was heard when G3 grabbed onto the monster's arm before it could harm him. As weird as the sight may be, which consists of a wanted rogue councilman fleeing in a car, an evil spirit on its roof while being held by a detective in armor, but that was the reality.
Tarrlok knew he held the cards. The detective focuses more on keeping the monster hands off of him rather than stopping his escape attempt. He sped up the car and saw an opportunity when an incoming truck came into view.
He drove directly towards it and G3 needed to make a choice. Either getting out of there or they would all crash.
In a split second, he jerked the Unknown off the roof and into the street whereas Tarrlok avoided the truck at the last second, speeding off to freedom.
G3 and Unknown crashed onto the side of the road and surprisingly not into any other vehicles. Before the monster could escape, G3 used his Hand-Cannon to shoot the entire magazine into it.
The Jackal roared in pain and tried to escape while dragging itself on the hard ground. G3 rushed over to his motorcycle and opened a compartment to retrieve a tubular module.
GG-02 BOLA LAUNCHER ACTIVATE
The bola launcher module attached perfectly onto the barrel of the Hand-Cannon. G3 pumped the fore grip once and aimed it at the Unknown. With a pull of the trigger, an explosive bola, the size of an adult fist, lobbed out and soared through the air and landed directly on the target.
"Once more"
G3 pumped it again and aimed. Another bola made its mark.
"Third time's the charm."
With the last bola in the magazine shot out and landed a clear hit. The Jackal Unknown sustained enough massive injury for it to die in a massive explosion. G3 let his arsenal rest by his side and took a deep breath.
He turned to see Tarrlok was long gone and he couldn't feel anymore disappointed in himself. He placed his weapons back in their rightful place and rode his motorcycle back to the City Hall to let them know of his failure.
Back in the City Hall within Korra's vision, the situation wasn't getting any better as Yakone still had his death grip on everyone. With his powers, he effortlessly forced Toph to use the keys to unlock his cuffs.
With his hands free, he flexes his wrists before bloodbending everyone into unconsciousness. The only one standing was Avatar Aang. He lifted him high up off the ground.
"Yakone…you won't get away with this!"
"Oh, I will. Republic City's mine, Avatar. I'll be back one day to claim it. And you won't be here to stop me."
In seconds, he knocked Aang out like the others. Outside of the City Hall was normal before Yakone ran out, hijacked an ostrich horse cart to make his getaway. Not long after, Aang gained consciousness when his eyes and tattoos glowed briefly.
The turmoil when Yakone escaped still hasn't recovered when Aang blasted the door of the City Hall open as he was riding a large Air Scooter. Yakone's head start didn't mean anything when he discovered the Avatar was getting closer and closer.
Several wind blades severed the ostrich horses' harness from the cart, sending the cart toppling on its side, crashing to halt. He coasts the carriage for a while before Yakone launches a surprise attack and bloodbend Aang for the second time that day.
"This time I'm gonna put you to sleep for good!"
He lifted the target into the air and began to torture Aang by concorting every joints and muscle in his body beyond the humanly possible. His rage and anger were completely uncontained and his bloodbending treatment cranked up to an eleven.
He showed no mercy and nearly snapped Aang's neck. Sensing a mortal danger, the Avatar State kicked in time, releasing Aang's from the death grip instantly. The Avatar earthbend a cone around Yakone up to his neck.
No matter how much he struggles, Aang placed a thumb on his forehead and chest.
"I'm taking away your bending, for good."
His tattoos lighted up as he energybends Yakone, effectively removing his waterbending abilities. After the whole ordeal, Yakone looks like the most tired person in the world as he slumped down.
"It is over."
Back in the house in the mountain, Agito was sitting down by the stairs when he realized Naga was growling. Tarrlok must be back. He turned to Korra, who was still meditating and oblivious to her surroundings.
He went up the stairs to call out to Naga. It took some convincing but he convinced the loyal companion to hide. Ambushing Tarrlok out in the open might not be a wise choice. He needs Tarrlok to let his guard down first by letting him inside the house.
Hiding within the darkness of the house, he was seriously surprised as Tarrlok doesn't seem to suspect anything out of the ordinary and just continued to mutter to himself as he walked downstairs.
"My life is now a disaster thanks to you."
Agito took a step, ready for the ambush, when he heard Korra's voice.
"So your little bloodbending secret's out? And I know how you bloodbent me without a full moon. You're Yakone's son."
"Yakone? Sounds familiar. Where did I hear that before?" Agito thought to himself.
He wanted to ambush the man at this very moment but he worried he might interfere with the conversation that could lead to Tarrlok slipping something important.
"I was his son, but in order to win Republic City, I had to become someone else. My father failed because he tried to rule the city from its rotten underbelly. My plan was perfect. I was to be the city's savior. But you, you ruined everything!"
"Tarrlok, the jig is up and you have nowhere to go."
"Oh no. No, I'll escape and start a new life. And you're coming as my hostage"
"That's your plan?" Korra asked with a snort as a grin slowly adorned her face. "You expect me to go along with it? Hahaha, I don't think so."
"Oh? And why is that?"
"Because, I have a very jealous boyfriend."
Taking it as his cue, Agito transformed into Agito Storm and leapt down into the basement. Taking advantage of Tarrlok being in the state of surprise, he blasted a powerful gust of wind from his halberd, knocking the former councilman crashing into various junks and into the wall.
Korra kicked the door open and earthbend the ground around Tarrlok all the way up to his neck, trapping and immobilizing him.
"What? How? Release me!" Tarrlok demanded.
"This scene looks familiar. I wonder where I saw it before." Korra said teasingly, feeling a small part of her grudge satisfied.
"You." Tarrlok snarled at Agito. "How did you find this place?"
"I guess you can say Avatar Korra and I have a strong connection. So, how do you want to do this Avatar Korra?"
"We could leave him here and inform the police and council later. You know, after we rest up a bit. I am a bit hungry." Korra replied as he patted her stomach.
"You can't be serious! You can't leave me here." Tarrlok argued back.
"You trapped Korra here, remember? Eye for an eye?" Agito playfully reminded him, earning a scowl from the trapped waterbender.
"Relax. You won't die here. We won't let you." Korra reassured him mockingly.
TING
TING
"What's that noise?"
Within seconds, the basement filled with gas released by two small orbs they didn't see coming down the stairs.
"It's the Equalists. They're here." Agito shouted out and readied his halberd. They must escape before the gas could knock them out.
"Stay close to me"
Korra, covering her face with her hand, slid closer to Agito. The warrior twirled his halberd rapidly, creating a vortex that kept the gas away from them.
"What is happening? What are you doing?" Tarrlok asks but he's getting no answer. The wind was getting more and more rapid and he couldn't even keep his eyes open.
Outside of the house, stood Amon, the Lieutenant and several Equalist members. They threw in the knock out gas and waited for it to take effect.
Amon turned to one of the soldiers and nodded, signaling it is time to go in and retrieve the bodies. The soldier approached the door, only to have a massive tornado, from inside the house, shoot the roof of the building clean off, blasting the Equalist all over the place.
Amon, shielding his face with his hand, stood strong and didn't get blown off like his lackeys. His vision focused on the tornado and saw two figures high up in the air. He made it out to be the Avatar and Agito with the former holding tight onto the latter.
Without wasting time, he pursued the two towards where he suspected they would land.
Korra, holding onto Agito, landed safely halfway down the mountain trail.
"Let's go Korra. Keep pushing. Naga!" Agito hopped onto his motorcycle..
Korra made the mistake by turning her head to see the condition of the house and the Equalist threat. In who knows how long, she once again made eye contact with Amon, standing a few feet away from them.
Overcome with either trauma, fear or knowing they were at a disadvantage, Korra bends the snow around her and turns them into ice spikes, hailing them towards the masked terrorist. Amon weaved in between the ice spikes and sprinted towards them.
Naga arrived in time, snagged Korra and pulled her master on top of her. As the white steed sped behind Agito on his motorcycle, Korra waved her arms in the air, lifted the snow behind her to cover all over Amon, creating a distraction for them to escape.
Amon sighed at the escaping figure and returned to the partial demolished house. The lower part of the house was still intact and his subordinate gathered in the basement.
He walked down the creaking stairs to see Tarrlok in his earth prison, alive but shaken.
"Amon." Tarrlok gasped in surprise.
"Oh, how nice of the Avatar and Agito to leave me a present. I shall return the favor by destroying everything they hold dear. As for you…"
The last thing Tarrlok remembered was Amon approaching him and placing his left hand on his forehead.
After rendezvous and making sure all those were bloodbend by Tarrlok were okay, G3 and the rest continued their search for Korra and Shen. They only stopped for a small bite to eat before flying all over the city and its outskirts while G3 rode his motorcycle on the street.
Nighttime was almost upon them when G3 saw the glimpse of Naga and Agito down a quiet street.
"Shen! Avatar!"
G3 approached them and turned on his motorcycle LED lights to signal Oogi, who was flying nearby of his findings.
"Yaozy found them"
The Sky Bison landed and Shen immediately lifted Korra, who was already passed out of exhaustion on Naga's back.
"Let me Shen." Mako offered and took Korra from him, who looks like he too could topple over at any minute.
Bolin helped Shen walk towards Oogi and the two made themselves comfortable in the saddle. Lin ordered Shou to take Shen's motorcycle and he alongside G3 would escort Naga back to Air Temple Island.
Shen, just like Korra, fell asleep soundly with his head on Bolin's shoulder whereas Korra rested on Asami's. Despite them flying home, towards safety, Bolin couldn't help but to put his arms protectively around Shen.
He turned to Mako on his right as the firebender caught his brother's gaze.
"I almost thought we lost them today." Bolin whispered.
"It won't happen again, Bo. I promised you that. The five of us will get through this." Mako assured his troubled brother. He turned his view up ahead in the direction of their destination. He promised to himself and his friends that he would not let anything happen to them.
TO BE CONTINUED…
This chapter was meant to be released earlier but several changes delayed it. Originally, the flashback sequence was not included as I wanted Korra or Tenzin to tell it but that moment was quite a long way ahead and I don't want to drag the chapter too long. So, I went back to rewrite it and other things in.
A chunk of the middle part was written after the supposedly the ending of this chapter, but that ending part was scrapped and will be in chapter 13 instead, again because it is quite long and feels quite dragged out.
Stay safe and healthy everyone. Until next time.