The Encounter
Korra’s words sent an air of urgency around everyone. The complex security system of the compound gave them a bit more time to plan the next course of action. They could either escape on the airship on the roof or stay and figure out to finally face whoever was on their doorstep and know what was happening. The trio was gravitating toward the first option as they were not sure if they could trust their new teammates. So far they had behaved well but there was no telling when they would decide and betray them to make a run for freedom. But for now they needed to cooperate for the safety of the Avatar. Korra was sitting in a corner trying to take control of her breath while shaking uncontrollably from whatever it was. Asami was with her all throughout trying to calm her down.
All they could do now was wait for Tenzin and Lin to join them so they could have enough numbers on their side. They could still attack as they did have 2 earthbenders, 1 firebender, 1 airbender on their side as well as the Avatar enough though she was in no condition to fight. Neutral jing was the way to go for now, halt and wait for their moment.
--
A hooded figure now stood staring at the entrance of the locked compound with four other masked people. A smile escaped from the face like a hunter who has picked up the sight of a prey. One of the masked persons present seemed to be an earthbender for he pulled out a huge boulder from the ground for the hooded person to sit on and all others took their position behind it. As if they were sure they could get the people inside out on their will. The hooded figure closed its eyes and let out a sigh.
“It’s the time for us to meet Avatar.” Lifting its hands up as if controlling some puppet, the hooded figure said while pointing the hands toward the building.
--
Korra felt a sudden familiar pain in her heart. Her eyes started to glow again and she looked like she was struggling similar to the times when Red Lotus poisoned her. A stream of blood escaped her mouth while her head was pounding at an unprecedented rate. ‘It’s the time for us to meet Avatar.’ A voice in her head said and she instantly recognised it. For a second she found herself in the dream that she had the night her new life began. In chains and many eyes on her. It was not her but she knew that she was still sharing a part of her life with the Korra that was supposed to be here in her place. The pain was growing every second and the voice was getting louder. Asami was trying to hold her and calling her name so that she wouldn't lose consciousness again. Her voice cracking and growing fearful every time she spoke.
“Take me out.” She could only manage to say with the growing pain. “Right now” Asami could only stare at her, her body screaming and telling her to do the exact opposite. Take Korra as far as she could
“Are you sure?” Zaheer was on his knees besides her having a very calm face as if forcing it. Korra nodded before grabbing her chest again. She was going in and out of Avatar state in a rhythm now.
“We have to do as Avatar says.” He looked Asami in the eyes as he said these words.
“Are you crazy? What we have to do is the exact opposite of that. We have to take her Kya now.” Asami did not want Korra stepping out of the compound and toward whatever was on the door and whose only intention seemed to inflict harm on Korra.
“I agree with Asami.” It was Kuvira who stepped in her favour.
“I know how you feel. But we need to. There are things we can’t understand. It’s her Avatar Spirit that’s telling us and we have to follow it.” Zaheer was resolute in his will.
“Asami..please. I have to do this.” Korra said with her eyes on the ground and hands on the chest, assuming a fetal position while battling it. Mako kept his hands on Asami’s shoulder and nodded. They had to do this and trust in their abilities to be able to protect Korra with their new temp allies and wait for more to arrive.
“Okay.” Asami said, finally admitting defeat. Asami helped Korra get up and everyone started making their way toward the unknown enemy. Korra was visibly getting better as they closed the distance, by the time they reached the gate she had enough strength to walk on her own.
--
“Welcome Avatar, You’re finally here.” The figure jumped from the boulder and made its way to them until they were standing a few metres away.
“Who are you?” Korra took a step toward it.
“Kei, don’t you remember” Pointing toward her chest “I have been waiting for this moment for a long time. To finally meet you again.” The hooded figure removed it’s hood. A smiling man who looked in his late 20s with hair that reached above his shoulders and peculiar eyes one in shade of green and other in red. He was tall and well built physique like that of a trained warrior. “Though I am surprised. You did not look so small last time I saw you.” His smile vanished and now he had his hand on his chin.
“I have never heard about you or met you Kei.” Korra now signaled all to assume the position. “What do you want and how did you even find me?”
“I would not do that if I were you.” Noticing her actions. “Finding you is the easiest thing in the world, you aura isn’t something that could be missed. And what do I want, You already know that.” A smirk formed on his face as if challenging Korra on her inability to remember. His team members were now right behind him.
“You have quite some confidence to come here. And the tone of your voice doesn’t tell me you are just here to talk.” Zaheer now stepped and stood besides Korra.
“You got that right. But rest assured I am not here to do anything, at least today. I am just here for my little experiment with Avatar today. I didn’t expect to see what I am seeing. I am amused and curious how you survived and how you became like this. I was pretty sure I put you to your fated end.” An expression of astonishment now colored his face
“Survive? End? What are you talking about?” Asami now taking other side of Korra
“Ah, you don’t remember. That makes me sad.” Kei said, looking at Korra before facing Asami with a pleading look in his eyes. “I am sorry Ms Sato, I will need to borrow Avatar for a while. I hope you don’t mind.”
“You’re not taking her anywhere.” Asami now pointed her glove, shooting a ray of electricity toward Kei. She had modified her glove recently with added features.
“Then pardon my manners.” His expression changed to something horrifying. “I would have to use force.” The earthbender in his team put a wall between him and the ray. It was set toward an all out battle.
Zaheer and Mako, though working for the first time, were perfectly coordinating. Zaher gave perfect direction to Mako’s fire attacks. Bolin jumped from behind and bended a sea of lava between the two groups. Kuvira took her position with Asami. Korra picked up the basic attacks of earthbending and shooting small rocks toward Kei. There was no water to bend, she was at a great disadvantage since it was the only element she had perfected, and her earthbending still needed some practice, whereas firebending was to be avoided because of her lack of control. It had not even been a few hours but this was the most devastating and perfectly coordinating team that could be there.
But all their attacks were futile. Kei’s team consisted of bending masters it seemed. An earthbender, firebender, airbender and a waterbender. Even though there was no water around, the fighting and chi blocking skills of the waterbender were enough to overpower Avatar. They were moving in perfect harmony with only one goal - Push the Avatar and her friends back to the compound and corner them. Kei was just walking normally toward Korra with his teammates making way and handling attacks that came his way.
At last he was standing right in front of the little Avatar, with all her friends in an earthen cell with their chi blocked and on ground unable to speak anything or move themselves. All they could do was just look at Korra and hope for no harm. The waterbender came from behind and hit Korra making her body fall on ground before he picked it up.
“I promise a few hours.” He said looking at the sky. “Seems like your friends are here. Go back to the Air temple. I will keep my words.” The airbender pulled a whirlpool out of thin air and all of them vanished into thin air.
“Korra..” Asami said before her eyes began to shut. The mission had failed and the safety of Avatar compromised.