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Avatar Crossroads: Winter: Part 2 Chapter 19

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Chapter 19: A Force of Hand

“Talos was… an inspiration to all of us.” Crest began, eyes on the crowd, “His leadership helped our tribe through difficult times, the Kalros incident, our civil war with the south, the death of Chief Unaloq at harmonic convergence… and even the fall of the earth kingdom… he will be dearly missed.” Citizens of the water tribe sat in the center of the building, staring to a podium. Kyor had already had his full funeral service, and now the body was being prepared to be set adrift at sea.
Kokoro found herself standing beside Yuri, who was eying Crest rather annoyed.
“The man just died… what right does he have to speak?”
“He is the new Chairman.” Yuri sighed.
“Right… because a bunch of politicians think he knows what’s best.” Kokoro raised an eyebrow, “Taniki, you see those people sitting at the front of the group?” Kokoro eyed the people, most of them were men, one was a woman. “That’s our council… all standing there to get the best shots from the cameras… the only respectable one is Daq, who left with the body.” Kokoro observed them, none of them seemed at all focused on the speaker, only themselves. People behind them were actually filming this event… this was an important event, not only Kyor’s funeral… but the new council chairman’s first press conference.
There was another man a few rows down who seemed focused however, like he actually cared… the man had brown hair, and a rough beard.
“Who’s that?”
“Sifo Werrick, the academy guy.” Yuri was quick to explain, “He’d make a better councilman than all of them.” Kokoro turned, eying her boss.
“You really don’t like politicians, do you?” she turned, Yuri scoffed.
“They give me a lot of reason to.” It already annoyed her that Mortimer was forced to give up Talos’s body for the funeral, but he had done all he could, documented everything. It was because the ‘people’ as in the council, wanted to have the funeral. “I don’t vote, it’s pointless.” As she said that, Crest continued.
“When I was elected onto the council… it was only with Kyor’s backing, that I made it here… I knew him to be a vibrant man who truly wanted to help the people,” he explained, “And as Chairman… I intend to continue that trend.” He replied “As many of you know, I have consented to the creation of a task force, to fight this striker threat… the people responsible for the death of our dear Talos Kyor, this woman who claims to be Sonya Kalros… they will all face justice.” He replied, eying the cameras, “As for any members of this group, the Strikers living in the Northern Water tribe… I suggest you turn now, while you still can.” He finished, swallowing and eying the cameras sternly.
Yuri’s arms remained crossed, eying Crest.
“He’s ruthless…” she muttered, Kokoro frowned.
“I suppose that’s the only kind that can do this.”

MEANWHILE

“I suggest you turn now, while you still can.” The radio beamed, finishing it’s statement. Abhik quickly turned the knob, hearing enough. Sonya found herself grinning, giddy.
“Ah, he actually knows my name.” Abhik turned.
“He threatened us, and you’re excited.”
“Well of course, he’s another stinking bureaucrat that should die.”
“Was he on your list?”
“No, too young to have been on it.” Sonya replied, remaining seated while Abhik fumed slowly, thinking over Crest’s threat to them.
“Attention is always good, if the city takes us seriously, more people will be aware of us.”
“Yeah, especially if they call war on you.” Sonya added. Abhik sighed, before turning his gaze to Silas who was seated, looking through a ratty old book.
“Silas, what do you think?”
“…” Silas glanced up, amber eyes showing he was clearly somewhere else right now. “With that conference?”
“Yes.” Silas closed the book, sitting back.
“It’s good that they called for a task force,” he explained, “Shows they’re taking this threat seriously.” Abhik nodded, “I say, since they issued their threat… we should issue ours.” Abhik raised an eyebrow towards his mentor.
“I agree with that, though I doubt we should hold another rally anytime soon.”
“Well we stole that radio equipment,” Sonya replied, “We could just use that to intervene on someone’s channel.” She supposed, Abhik turned at the idea, taking it in.
“That’s… not a bad plan.” Silas sighed.
“It’ll need to be a recognizable show, something people will watch.” Sonya smiled.
“Well, we already know the only show that fits the bill.” She explained, Abhik found himself grinning… he could immediately tell what she meant.
“Get Nikta,” he replied, eying Silas, “She can prepare the radio system.”
“Alright,” Silas replied, “Good to know with that wound in her arm, you still value her as a mechanic.” Silas left the room, while Abhik turned.
“Khan’s next interview as already been mentioned in today’s paper,” Sonya raised an eyebrow, “I believe she’ll be a lot of interest to you.” Sonya raised an eyebrow, curiously.

ONE HOUR LATER

“That’s right, keep up the pose.” Serena replied, she was busy assisting Mika with her waterbending… mostly through teaching her about manipulating ice. Malena was at the side offering support while Aimee was simply there to watch, “Earthbending requires a strong pose and great focus.”
“But I’m not an earthbender.” Mika sassed, Serena sighed,
“Well, bending ice is a lot like bending rock… it’s all in the stance.”
“Right…” Mika replied, Aimee smiled.
“You can do this!” Mika turned, eying her sister with a scowl… she still refused to talk to her.
Mika turned back towards the block of ice, before swiftly kicking down, a shard broke off of it, from there Mika pressed her hands forward, the shard shot forward across the short pond before pausing, from there Mika’s hands went from open to close, melting the ice back into water and drawing it in. Malena was quick to applaud her cousin, while Serena nodded.
“Your form’s still a little sloppy,” Mika pouted, “But you manage well.”
“Thanks,” Mika replied, “I haven’t really been feeling confident about my bending until now.” Serena smiled.
“You’ve done a swell job catching up, color me thoroughly impressed.” Mika grinned, Malena shrugged.
“Oh sure you’re good,” Mika raised an eyebrow, “Though I’m probably better.” She teased. Mika raised an eyebrow while Sernea found herself smiling.
“Those sound like fighting words Menika.” Mika found herself smiling towards her cousin.
“Arrogant much?”
“Only with you.” Malena grinned. Aimee casually smiled at the side, unsure of whether to say anything or not.
Since Sifo was off at Kyor’s funeral, he left Serena to assist Mika in her icebending… Sifo would be back later, atleast that’s what he told Serena.
Now that Aimee thougth about it… she’s never really seen Serena earthbending.
“Hey Serena,” Aimee began, “Why is it I haven’t seen you earthbending?” she then asked out of the blue, the older girl turned at that, eyebrows raised while Aimee froze, realizing how random that sounded.
The brown eyed brunette eyed her, unsure of how to really answer.
“Um… because I’m needed here as an assistant to Professor Werrick, and paperwork doesn’t require bending.” She added, unsure of how to really say it. Aimee quickly nodded.
“Oh right, right… yeah…” she looked away awkwardly, while Serena sighed.
“How come I haven’t seen you airbending, arrowhead?” Aimee shrugged.
“Oh, I… I don’t really like to show off.”
“Right.” Mika replied, “That’s definitely it.” She muttered, Aimee turned to her sister.
“What’d you say?”
“Nothing.” Mika quickly replied, turning back to the pool of water… The airbender simply sighed… her sister had been very unapproachable lately… it wasn’t as bad as Aria, or Shiro (who was literally unapproachable) but Aimee couldn’t help but be put off by this. Malena seemed to notice this as well, but was quiet. The group turned as they heard footsteps, the man commonly known to the group as Sifo Werrick walked into the chamber with sigh.
“How was the funeral?” Serena asked, turning.
“Not a very happy affair.” He sighed, “Especially didn’t like that press conference afterwards.” He added. Sifo’s disdain for Crest was very clear… he had told Aimee all about how he viewed Crest as an arrogant, liberal politician. He was especially furious of how he perverted Kyor’s death to become chairman. “Enough about me… how’s the training?”
“IT’s going well,” Serena smiled, “Mika picks it up quickly.”
“And Male?” Serena nodded.
“She already knows this stuff, more of a review for her if anything.”
“That’s good,” Malena turned back.
“I can do better”-
“I’m sure you can, but now that you’re taking official lessons, you’ll need to catch up on the official curriculum.” Malena pouted… Sifo sighed, “If I deviated, your mother catch that and roast me.”
“Right.” Serena turned, eying her boss.
“Do you want to take over, or”-
“That won’t be necessary… I need to visit with Aimee.”
“You do?” Aimee then asked, Sifo nodded.
“Yeah, about that interview with Khan.”
“Oh… right.” Aimee replied, hesitantly. She followed Sifo out of the room, glancing to her sister who worked hard to ignore her. They found their way to the elevator, as they stood in there waiting to reach the floor of Sifo’s office, he eyed Aimee, noticing a bothered look over her face.
“I suppose things with Mika aren’t improving?”
“They aren’t… doing all I can but she doesn’t care.”
“Siblings can be like that,” Sifo replied, Aimee raised an eyebrow, “Your dad had many fights with Maka and Meme… they weren’t always happy.” Aimee nodded, “Mika just needs her space.”
“I mean I deserve this, I did disappear from her recital… but I did have good reason.”
“Right, your… ‘Shire’ friend”-
“Shiro.” Sifo nodded, “It’s just… he disappeared, and I have no idea where… it’s been three days and I haven’t seen him anywhere.” Sifo looked away, the elevator was sided with a giant glass pane looking out into the city. Sifo eyed the outside, it was currently snowing… again. “It’s just… this is freaking me out.”
“I’m sure you’ll find him.” Sifo replied, “He must have his reasons.”
“He said something about… helping his brother, when I followed him.” Sifo was silent, while Aimee looked down. “This is crazy… he was all about leaving this town, and now that he’s missing… we can’t leave, even if we wanted to.” Sifo sighed, while Aimee looked away, “Thanks for listening.”
“You’re family, your problems are my problems.” He replied, the elevator finally reached Sifo’s floor, the two walked off of it, passing by other instructors. The two made their way into Sifo’s office, The man casually sat at his chair, while Aimee sat across from him.
“So, about Crest?”
“The man was true to his word, I had a chat with Viktor Khan at the funeral… he’s ready for an interview.”
“The police gave him back his studio?”
“They’re done looking through it… though he can’t have an audience just yet, he can still broadcast, but only on the radio currently.”
“Atleast I won’t need makeup.”
“Oh you will, they’ll take pictures.”
“Right…” Aimee sighed,
“And also… Crest wanted to come here to speak to you”-
“What?” Sifo sighed,
“The councilman wanted to personally invite you to joining his task force.” Aimee raised an eyebrow, she heard about the task force, but… why did he want her to join?
“Why?”
“He thinks your publicity will help their image… they are an anti-striker task force, and you’re one of the world’s most popular subjects at the moment… stopping Ronin and all.” Aimee sighed, while Sifo sat back, “And also since you have a firenation mother, and a water tribe father… you represent the good Avatar Aang brought to the world by ending the war.”
“A mix of cultures.”
“Yes… right now unity is what Crest wants to establish.” Aimee looked away, taking this in,
“What are the exact details?”
“He needs you as a sort spokeswoman, to sell the idea of the task force to the public… you work with them, raid a few striker bases, get some pictures taken… that sort of thing.”
“It sounds awfully aggressive.” Sifo nodded.
“That’s what I told Crest, but he insisted I tell you a few hours before the interview.”
“Why?”
“He wants to get started with the publicity, have you agree to join.”
“…” Aimee looked away, unsure about this… she could hold herself in a fight, but joining a group specifically to fight strikers? “What do you think I should do?”
“You should turn him down.” Sifo candidly replied, “This isn’t your war, this is between the strikers and the white lotus.” Aimee was surprised to hear that. “And besides… you took a vow of non-aggression.” Aimee looked away, nodding.
“…You’re right.” She wasn’t fully sold on this task force. As Sifo was about to reply, they both turned to the sound of the door being opened, Serena stepped through, Sifo eyed his assistant.
“Serena, shouldn’t you be with Mika and Male?” Serena sighed,
“I gave them a break, I came up here to get some extra supplies when I overheard your conversation…” she explained. Aimee turned more, eying the older girl. “I couldn’t help but… chip in my opinion.” Sifo sighed slowly, sitting back. Aimee raised an eyebrow.
“What do you think I should do?”
“To be frank, you should join Crest’s task force.” Sifo’s eyes widened. “The very fact that you are a mix of these cultures means you have a duty to support this.” Sifo turned.
“Serena, you can’t be”-
“My own father’s from the earth kingdom… if it was me, I’d do the same thing.” Sifo was easily annoyed by how opinionated his protégé was.
“But there’s so much more to consider, it’s between the white lotus and strikers”-
“But other people are getting caught in the cross fire… a lot of people died at that museum fire, and the police attack after it.” Aimee’s eyes widened, taking that in… she knew the strikers were bad news… hurting a lot of people. “The strikers separate families… if they win, they’ll do the same here.” Aimee’s eyes widened at that, it sounded like something Shiro would say. Sifo couldn’t fully shoot down Serena’s argument, so he scowled.
“Well still… she took a vow of non-aggression, not something easily broken.”
“Did she obey her vow in the Shen Jing Desert?” Serena then asked, Aimee turned, eying the girl.
“How did you know about that?”
“Mika told me.” Aimee frowned at that, she told Mika not to tell people about the Shen Jing… they all agreed to stay quiet about what exactly happened, thinking it’d only bring them trouble.
“…Oh, right.” Aimee looked down, “Well still… I made a mistake back there, but… I don’t want to break my vow again.” Serena crossed her arms.
“You won’t be breaking your vow if you join them,” Aimee raised an eyebrow, “It’s not aggression… its protection.” She explained, Aimee eyed her firned at that, seeing the conviction in her look… she sighed.
“I’ll… I’ll need more time to figure it out.”
“Of course.” Sifo frowned at that, looking back to his protégé.
“You just had to open your big mouth.” Serena rolled her eyes at that.

TWO HOURS LATER

The group of friends found themselves sitting around the tv, Minami and Mika sat side by side on one of the stiff boards Rham calls a bed, while Josa was on the rug stretched out. Tooru was on the other bed beside Dai, and Aria was at a chair by the window, looking out.
The group wasn’t the same, with Shiro missing, Josa had been rather disappointed.
“Do I really need to sit here?” Hachiro asked, Josa nodded.
“With Shiro gone, someone needs to fill his shoes.” The earthbender pouted at that, he was leaning on the back of the wall of the room, Cashimiro was on his shoulder, pecking at his head in an annoying fashion.
Hachiro had seen way too much of this tiger squirrel, and it was starting to get on her nerves. Minami turned, eying the earthbender.
“Don’t like, hide from the police somewhere else.” Hachiro groaned, they had heard about how some of the police had tried to find him, and so Rham was covering for him… Minami loved to bring it up.
About how she viewed him as a scumbag criminal… while Dai was happy he had someone to watch Cashimiro. As Hachiro was about to say something, Tooru shushed him.
“Quiet, it’s on!”
“Welcome back to my show, I’m Viktor Khan.” They heard the man’s cheerful voice reply, they couldn’t see him, as the picture on the tv was gone… it was because Khan couldn’t broadcast on television currently, only radio, so the sets were picking up radio transmission. “I hope you’re all listening because I have a special guest, many of you know her as the girl who helped liberate a nation of sand, I know her as Aimee Akira.” The group slowly applauded to the radio in a joking manner, the only person not reacting was Mika. Tooru eyed her as she remained there, pouting.
“It’s good to be here, Viktor…” Aimee’s voice began.

MEANWHILE

Aimee was surprised to see how compact this room the interview was being held in was. A microphone sat in front of Aimee and the talk show host inside a small studio… this was probably where Viktor did all of his radio ‘fireside’ chats with council members and such. Sifo stood outside of the room with Serena at his side, they were supervising while Gallen Crest was also outside the room. A man sat at the machine, making sure nothing broke down during the interview.
“Never been in a tv station before.” Aimee added.
“Well technically this is the radio section of a mixed tv-radio station, but… close enough.” Khan joked. Aimee couldn’t help but smile at Khan’s foolishness, it was obviously a shroud to entertain the audience, and she couldn’t help but be entertained as well.
The interview continued at a modest pace, with Aimee explaining everything away with how things have been since she was in the Shen Jing. Since not everyone around the world listened to Khan’s show (Aimee’s parents in particular thought it was irritating and a distraction), Aimee reasoned it’d be fine for her to allow the interview. Crest continued watching with a short smile. A man beside them was busy taking pictures of the talk, some including Crest.
This irritated Sifo beyond belief, even though Crest needed the publicity… regardless, Sifo couldn’t help but grin. He didn’t think Aimee would join his task force, and so this would be really awkward when Gallen Crest is here instead of being busy in the council chambers declaring war on the strikers. Serena had a mixed expression on her face, focusing more on Aimee.
“Yeah, Naava’s a great friend,” Aimee smiled, “We write to eachother.”
“I see, what do you usually write her about?”
“Oh, about how things are with my friends… I usually like to tease her as well.”
“About what?”
“About how she doesn’t have a boyfriend.” Viktor immediately laughed at that, as did Aimee… part of her imagined Naava was listening to the show on the radio, and was furious that Aimee would say that.
“Those are big words, are you one to talk?”
“Actually I am,” she smiled, “When our adventure started we met this firebender boy named Shiro…” she smiled, before frowning slowly. “It’s… kinda complicated, right now.”
“Well I hope you can get that fixed, wouldn’t want your friend to get the upper hand.”
“Neither would I…” Aimee replied, Khan cleared his throat then.
“So, he’s a firebender… I heard that your parents also bend different elements.”
“Yeah, my dad’s a local born waterbender, and my mom’s from the firenation.”
“…” Khan nodded, “I’ve heard as much.” Viktor replied, “Must put you in a bad place, hearing about all this striker madness.”
“Yeah…” Aimee replied, “I um… I saw that rally.”
“So… any thoughts on recent events, always good to hear what an air nomad would have to say.”
“Um, well…” Aimee replied, she looked away, noticing the three people standing there, eying her expectantly. “I… it’s… it’s definitely an issue.” Aimee replied… as she said that, she heard odd static coming from the speakers in the room.
“An issue…” another voice replied, obviously feminine. “Is the truth about what the white lotus did to my family, an issue?” The voice then asked. Aimee’s eyes widened, as did Khan’s… they both recognized the voice.
It was Sonya’s voice.
Crest immediately turned, eying the engineer at the desk.
“What the hell’s going on?”
“It’s a rogue signal, bouncing off of relays to record here.” Serena and Sifo eyed eachother, as they looked back to the man.
“Can you stop it?”
“I could, but it’d take some time, maybe twenty minutes, I’d have to reset our entire power grid” the engineer turned, “I’m killing Akira’s feed!”- right as he said that, Gallen shot back at him.
“No, don’t stop the feed,”
Serena and Sifo both stared at Gallen, thinking he was crazy,
“Let’s hear what Sonya Kalros has to say.”
“Is it really… an issue?” Sonya then asked, Aimee breathed.
“Sonya…”
“Hello Aimee, it’s nice to meet you.” Sonya’s voice replied, “Well, not really meet you, but it’s close enough,”
“How are you”-
“My friends are doing this… so we can chat.” Viktor was completely silent, not daring to say a thing. Aimee breathed slowly.
“Why do you want to talk to me?”
“Why wouldn’t I want to talk to you? You did save my life back there, when Maya tried to do me in.” Viktor turned quickly, eying Aimee.
“Is this true?”
“…Yes,” Aimee replied, “I couldn’t allow her to die, I’m… I’m an airbender.” It was odd how matter-o-fact that sounded. “And… I just couldn’t.”
“That sounds like bullshit reasoning,” Sonya replied, “But regardless, I’m thankful.” Crest was staring straight at Aimee, curious about how she was going to react. Everyone pretty much already knew about the airbender girl who saved Sonya, and they likely already knew it to be Aimee. “Afterall… I wouldn’t have been able to tell the world the truth about the white lotus.” Aimee frowned. “About how they ran experiments on me and my siblings… and how they freed Amon… and how everyone’s afraid to stand against them, even the council.” The airbender remained focused.
“Just what do you want?”
“What I want, is to take back what was stolen from me, hurt those who have wronged me. You haven’t wronged me, so you can stay out of the fire.” This was slowly getting on Aimee’s nerves, hearing this woman’s voice.
“Well fine, just leave me and my friends and family out of it.”
“I’m afraid I can’t do that,”
“What?” Sonya breathed slowly, before replying.
“Before I intervened, you mentioned a boy named Shiro… that’s odd.”
“What do you mean?”
“Because I have a boy right here with that same name.” Aimee’s eyes slowly widened.
“What”-
“He has black hair, orange eyes, a strange necklace, a depressing attitude.”
“Shiro…”
“He’s not here by my choice, but I can’t really complain… I can make sure I won’t do anything to hurt you, or your friends… but I can’t make any promises for Shiro.”
“…” Aimee was silent, staring at the microphone, a pin could be heard she was that quiet.
“But good thing you said you’d stay out of my way”-
“Give him back.” Aimee replied.
“I can’t do that, he’s too useful to us”-
“Give him back!”
“He’s not mine to give”-
“GIVE HIM BACK!” Aimee shook, “What did you do to him! Where is he!?”
“I’m afraid I can’t answer that, little birdie.” Aimee shook at Sonya’s condescending tone. “Though he’d likely be safer if you stayed out of our way… you and the rest of this city.”
“Oh no…” Aimee shook, “I’m not staying out of your way.” The airbender replied. She couldn’t believe this… this woman had Shiro? That was… she couldn’t have… but then again, it all made sense.
Shiro was still gone, and Aimee was furious.
“I’m not going to stand by, and let you hurt more people.”
“What are you going to do airbender… mediate?” Sonya asked, mockingly.
“I’m joining Crest’s task force, and I’m going to RUN YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS DOWN TO THE GROUND!”
“Really now…” Sonya replied, “Isn’t this going to be an interesting ordeal? I’ll keep in touch.” Right as Sonya said that, the static left and Sonya’s presence was gone… Aimee was shaking, uncontrollably, while Khan sat there awkwardly, unsure of what to say… after a moment, he breathed into the microphone.
“Um… we’ll be right back.” The feed finally ended and Viktor turned to Aimee, a frown on his face.
“Good luck with that,” Aimee raised an eyebrow, “Not every day you declare war on a crazy ex-bloodbending nutjob.” Aimee had slowly calmed down, realizing Sonya had used her emotions on her… why did she want to egg her on?
Wouldn’t it be bad if Aimee joined Crest’s task force? As Aimee left the booth, Sifo had an immediate frown.
“Aimee, I”- Crest was quick to turn to Aimee, offering his hand.
“Welcome to the force.” Aimee slowly shook it, unsrue, the man with the camera immediately snapped a shot of them shaking hands. “That’ll look nice on the newspaper.” He smiled, while Sifo turned.
“Aimee, you can’t be serious, you’re joining them?”
“Sifo… they have Shiro, I don’t have a choice.”
“She could be bluffing”-
“No… she described him exactly… they have him.” Aimee replied, Crest sighed at that… while Aimee turned, looking to him, “Can you promise me… we’ll do everything we can to save him?” Gallen sighed at that, unsure. “Please.”
“Yes… we’ll do what we can.” Aimee nodded.
“Then I’ll join.” Sifo frowned, easily disappointed, while Serena smiled.
“I think you made the right choice, Aimee.” Aimee nodded hesitantly,
“I hope…” the earthbender then turned, eying the councilman.
“Are you accepting more recruits?” he shrugged.
“You can never have too many.” Serena smiled.
“Then count me in…” Aimee raised an eyebrow, while Sifo turned, shocked, “Aimee needs someone watching her back.”
“Serena”-
“I’ll be fine… and it won’t affect my work under you.” Sifo stared at Serena, not able to believe this. Crest grinned, preparing to step out of the room
“The more the merrier,” he then looked to Aimee and Serena together, “We actually have intel on a striker compound, how about you come with me? We can get you both ready for it tonight.” He explained, both girls nodded to him, following him out of the room, leaving the TV studio while Sifo stood there, dumbfounded. Viktor smiled slightly towards the taller man.
“If it makes you feel better, I’m not joining his task force.” The waterbender scowled.
“Shut up Khan.”
“That is one thing I can’t do.” Viktor joked.

MEANWHILE

“I can’t believe that worked on her,” Sonya found herself saying, while Silas nodded.
“That’s the thing with airbenders, extremely loyal.”
“Why would you know?” Silas was silent, sighing slowly.
“It doesn’t matter,” he sat up, “I think Abhik will be pleased with the results”-
“He is.” They heard a voice say, Silas and Sonya turned to see Nikta stepping into the room with Connor at her side. “I was just with Abhik, he wants to go ahead with the plan.”
“Good,” Silas replied, he looked to Connor, eying him, “I’ll need you as backup for this op.”
“Yeah, don’t worry about it…” he breathed, before looking to Sonya.
“What was that about Shiro?” Nikta froze, while Silas turned.
“Don’t worry about that Connor, Shiro’s still here, waiting for his brother to recover.” For some reason, that made Connor feel more unsure, “Just an idle threat to rile the girl, don’t worry.”
“Right…” he turned looking to Nikta, “Since I’m gonna be off, can you look after Kara for tonight?”
“Of course.” Nikta nodded as the teen walked off, her frown turned into a scowled almost immediately.
“That was close.” Silas nodded, “so are you sure about this?”
“About what, lying to him?”
“No, about this airbender girl?”
“She could be a useful asset, if Abhik wants it, than so do I.”
“Are you sure you don’t need my help?” Nikta then asked, concerned.
“I’m sure, don’t worry.” Silas smiled slightly, while Sonya rolled her eyes.
“Right, well… I’m gonna go.” She replied, awkwardly, stepping out of the room. Nikta remained focused on Silas, who sighed.
“How’s your arm?”
“Its fine,” Nikta replied, Silas nodded, walking past her,
“Don’t strain yourself too much.”
“I’m not helpless, Silas.” Nikta replied, the man had been a good deal more protective ever since Maya wounded her… it was strange. The woman slowly smiled then, realizing she basically got permission to spend time with Kara.

THREE HOURS LATER

”Aimee Akira, Age 22… master airbender.”
“Always wanted to meet a celebrity and you?”
“Serena Hakkah, Age 25, master earthbender.”
“Good… we need more of those.”
Now Aimee found herself standing beside Serena and roughly twelve other people. They all wore an armored styled uniform, much like what Avatar Korra wore when she was facing off against Amon’s forces. While Serena seemed at home with the uniform, Aimee just felt constricted.
“Okay, the striker base is located in the south-eastern industrial district.”
the man’s voice echoed in her mind, ”Our intel’s good, this is supposed to contain some important members in the chain of command, I wish you all good luck.”
The group was busy preparing to attack a warehouse, but currently they were chatting with the police, among them was Yuri Krios, the police chief, and an unhappy woman.
“This is a police matter, we can handle it”-
“The task force was assembled to take on the strikers.” Crest replied, “They will handle this.” Yuri scowled at that. As Aimee stood there, she was also overhearing another conversation, between Serena, Sifo, Malena, and Manu… Sifo couldn’t convince Aimee, so he was trying everything to convince his protégé… to little effect.
“You can’t be serious,” Manu replied, “This is a lot of trouble.”
“Manu, I understand your concern, but”-
“You could die!” Serena sighed at that, while Malena was silent, “Come on, support me on this sis,”
“Honestly…” Malena began, “I think it’s really cool, what you’re doing.”
“Awe come on!” Manu complained.
“I’ll be fine, Manny.” Serena then replied, “I promise.”
“So you do…” her boyfriend eyed her at that, before looking away… he eyed Aimee for a moment, before looking back to Serena. “Just make sure to look after my little cousin, okay?” Serena quickly nodded, while Sifo sighed, there was no convincing Serena, or Aimee. Manu and Malena stepped away, likely to wait and see what would happen. Sifo then looked back to Aimee.
“Your friends are at home waiting for you…” Aimee raised an eyebrow.
She had told the others about what she was doing on the phone… they heard her talk with Sonya, and so they were unsure.
Especially about Shiro.
“Make sure you come back… don’t give Mika something to regret.” The airbender quietly nodded, as Sifo stepped away. Serena turned away from them, sighing.
“Something on your mind?”
“I was actually gonna… meet your aunt and uncle today.” Aimee raised an eyebrow, “But this came up, so… another time, I guess.”
“Oh…” Aimee replied, Serena sighed.
“I was gonna meet them sooner, but your cousin’s such a bonehead.”
“I understand.” The girl nodded, Aimee smiled, “Still… you’re good for him.”
“You really think so?” Serena asked, turning.
“Yeah, Manu was always a mother’s boy, and you remind me a bit of my aunt.”
“Gee, thanks.” Aimee smiled,
“It’s not always a bad thing.” Serena nodded. Aimee paused, before raising an eyebrow, “You love him?”
“Yeah, I do.” Serena replied, slowly finding herself smiling. “But enough about my love life… we’re here to fix yours.” Aimee nodded.
“One thing at a time.” They both turned as the other members of the group prepared to leave. They were led by a forty year old waterbender by the name of Kaz… he looked the serious type… Aimee wasn’t sure whether she liked him or not…
Yuri remained standing there, her cops were at her side, Kaz turned to her.
“We can handle this mam.”
“Right, your rookie task force can definitely handle this.” She rolled her eyes while Kaz turned to the other members.
“Get into the trucks, it’s time!” the group acknowledged him, assembling inside the trucks… they were gonna sneak around one of the warehouses, confirm it, and then attack… very cut and dry.
Gallen stood there with a grin, “Gentlemen,” he began, “I, and the council have the upmost confidence in you.” Yuri scoffed at that, while Crest continued, “Good luck.” The group nodded, before lowering down in the trucks. Aimee was at Serena’s side, the earthbender raised an eyebrow.
“Remember, three story building with a basement, they believe the whole building to be used.”
“I know,” the airbender replied, they remained face down, lying there as the trucks moved.
She might not have said it, but she was very thankful the gear they had was also fit for winter… it was really cold… the one thing she didn’t miss about her trips to the North Pole. She could feel cold air pushing up from above, they were moving very quickly. Finally the cars began to slow down, before coming to a complete stop. Kaz nodded to the others, leading them to looking up. The group looked to see a large thin building standing there, a car was in a parking lot, but besides that, it was empty.
“This the place?” Serena muttered, Kaz nodded.
“Everyone move out, remember your jobs.” They all quickly nodded, approaching the building. Two men approached the doors on one side of the building while others were preparing water. Most of the group looked to be waterbenders… Aimee turned her gaze, remembering her own job. She glanced into one the windows, seeing the lights were out. Using airbending to fuel her, the girl swiftly began to climb the building, catching the railings of other windows and making her way up. She felt heavier, putting a damper on her climbing, but Serena was at her side, preparing to catch her. Aimee continued looking through the windows, seeing nothing, the lights were out. Aimee finally made it to the top, still nothing. She airbender frowned, before pulling a communicator from her pocket… commonly reffered to as a two way radio for short distances.
“I don’t see anything, the lights are out.”
“Damn it.” Kaz groaned, looking up to the girl, “Maybe our intel’s wrong.” Serena sighed.
“Let me give a shot,” the man turned, “The building’s stone.” She pressed her hand to it, before closing her eyes. Aimee had made her way back down, seeing Serena attached to the wall.
“I didn’t know you knew the Beifong technique.”
“It’s official term is Seismic sense.” Serena replied, Aimee rolled her eyes.
The girl was a teacher, she was all about using correct names.
“Well?” Kaz then asked, eying Serena.
“Just one minute… and… yeah.” She pulled away, eying them.
“They’re very still… but people are in this building?”
“Are they sleeping?” Aimee found herself asking, Serena sighed.
“No… they’re… they’re preparing for an attack.” The others stared at her.
“What?”
“They knew we were gonna be here…” Aimee sighed.
“Maybe we should go, come back another time”-
“No,” Kaz replied, “It’s now or never… prepare to breach.” He replied, the others nodded while Aimee sighed. The group prepared to enter, with Kaz heading up the defense. The waterbender quickly approached the doors, freezing the water inside the locks and then removing it… a crack could be heard, signifying that they could enter.
“They’re all waiting at the door,” Serena replied, Kaz nodded.
Immediately he shot his hands forward, a blast of water shot straight through the doors, forcing them open. It was then Aimee realized that the doors weren’t forced open… someone opened them. As the water shot past the doors, she looked to see a short black haired teen edging past the doors and putting his fists together, a blast of arrange flames shot forward, throwing Kaz singeing into snow. The man was knocked out while the clear striker eyed them all.
It was then, Aimee’s eyes widened… this was the boy Shiro was with at the recital. Aimee’s hands blasted forward, sending a gust of wind towards the stranger, who swiftly ducked down and shot fire from his legs, tripping a few members of the task force before running into the building. Aimee was right with them, chasing after the firebender who made his way into another room before turning.
Aimee hurried into the room, seeing the lights suddenly flash on, she looked to see roughly six strikers surrounding her. They all shot their bending/weapons towards Aimee. The airbender quickly moved past these attacks, before holding her hands back, and repulsing them, a blast of air shot back, shooting the strikers back into the building. Aimee was quick to continue following the firebender while the strikers got back up to fight the task force.

CONNOR POV

I had to admit, this girl was relentless. I quickly evaded a swipe of air as I continued going around corners in the building… seems I had caught her attention almost immediately. I turned quickly to see she had caught up with me, regardless of the ridiculous armor she was wearing. The airbender girl shot her first forward, two separate gusts of air blasted out. I quicly sidestepped one, before falling back on another. As I hit the ground, I quickly kicked outwards, flames spiraling towards the airbender. She paused, while I got back up.
“Where is he?” the girl then asked, hands focused. I raised an eyebrow, did she mean- “Where’s Shiro?” she then asked, eyes angry. I was silent, before moving my hand out in a circular fashion, a quick circle of fire formed as I shot it directly towards her. The airbender lashed her arms out towards me, air shot out to block the flames as she attempted to get closer. I turned my gaze and jumped away, running towards the nearby stairs. I couldn’t let her catch me, atleast not yet.
The girl raced up the stairs in an angry stupor, committed to kicking my ass… I looked forward to see Kito ready to attack.

NORMAL POV

Aimee continued to hurry up the stairs, following Connor before looking to see Connor reach the top and step past a boy with a bow, aiming an arrow straight towards her. Aimee scowled before immediately falling back, evading the arrow and making her way back down the stairs. She breathed slowly, eying the stairs. A hand grazed her shoulder, causing the airbender to turn quickly, instantly seeing Serena there, eying her, worried.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Aimee replied, looking back, “The guy I was chasing took Shiro away.”
“Sounds like we better go kick his ass.” Serena replied, Aimee sighed.
“Where are the others?”
“Still dealing with the strikers back there.” The earthbender explained… Aimee nodded, turning back to the steps.
“There’s an archer up these stairs.”
“Great… more fun.” Serena replied, the woman glanced up the steps, the lighting was dark, but she could see someone… “Get ready to go on my mark.”
“What?”
“Mark!” The girl shot her hand into the wall, shaking the foundation immediately. The archer stumbled while Aimee hurried up the steps, quick to sidestep Kito and blast him into the wall. Serena turned to see the other members of the task force approaching, there were roughly five of them, “Where are the others?”
“Knocked out.” Serena scowled.
“Follow me.”
Aimee made her way to the second floor, quick to evade the attacks from the strikers on the floor. Her airbending was especially useful in evading them.
Though the oddest thing about these strikers wasn’t that they were focused on her… no, they were focused more on the people Aimee came with, they weren’t putting up much of a fight against her, even the firebender Connor was rather passive.
She continued blasting air through the hallway, getting past each striker that eyed her. She finally reached Connor again, who sighed.
“You really don’t quit”-
“Where is he!?” Aimee yelled back, Connor turned.
“I can’t answer that”- the airbender’s hands shot forward, a swift blast of air shot down the hallway to him, quickly. Aimee continued the blast, trying to blow him back, when Connor’s hands shook, producing fire to block the wind. Connor’s quickly grew stronger as he shot it forward to push Aimee back. The airbender fell to the back of the room, while the firebender (losing his temper) shot more fire in Aimee’s direction. The girl turned her gaze and noticed a window. Connor punched more flames in her direction, leading her to do something dangerous. She quckly jumped for the window, fueld by wind she blasted through it, glass shattered as she passed through, reaching for the side of the outside wall, clinging to it.
Connor’s eyes widened at the sight of this, they didn’t need this right now.
“Damn it!” As he said that, he heard footsteps from outside a room, seeing Kito fall to the ground knocked out. Serena and her now three men stood facing him… causing the teen to scowl. He quickly stepped forward, stomping down. Serena’s hands rose up quickly, a piece of rock rose to block Connor’s incoming flames. She then did a scooping motion to shift more stone towards the teen, before it could hit however, O’Mally quickly showed up from the stairs with some other guys, he stopped the rock, before firing it back. Connor turned.
“Aren’t you all supposed to be on the third floor?”
“Thought you could use some help, I’m sure the old man will be fine.”
“Whatever,” Connor turned, looking back to Serena who had a clear scowl on her face.
…She reminded Connor of someone, he had no clue who.

AIMEE POV

It felt even colder as I hung out the window, I had scurried up it to get away from that firebender who I slowly understood to be Connor, Dai’s former ‘friend.’ He was a good fighter, that was for sure. My first instinct was to make my way back through the window and kick his ass… but then I developed a new idea, go straight to the third floor from here, deal with any reinforcements… we were doing well against these guys, so it wasn’t like I was abandoning the others.
I grew use to the armor as I made my way up the wall, before finding the window of the third floor, the lights were still out. I swore quietly, before shimmying away from the window, and then kicking inwards, kicking into the third floor, the armor protected me from any glass.
I quietly dusted myself off, looking around expectantly for anything… instead I only saw nothing, just the outlines of a dark hallway… it was empty, I quietly walked through the rom, half expecting someone to jump at me and freak me out… but that never came. For some reason I had the oddest feeling telling me to continue through the room, there was something else here. I found my way to a closed doorway, eying it, I sighed before slowly opening the door. I stepped in slowly, closing the door behind me. I then noticed something, I was inside a rather empty room, apart from a man sitting at the ground in a meditative stance. The man breathed, before looking up, eyes on me. A light was on, illuminating much of the darkness.
His eyes were a bright amber color, they looked oddly familiar, his hair was dark gray, he looked maybe fifty or older.
“I had a feeling you’d show up.” He replied, quietly, I eyed him, completely confused. “You shouldn’t have join that task force.” He stated clearly.
“Well I couldn’t have done nothing”-
“Couldn’t you?” he then asked, “The airbenders aren’t meant to get involved, it’s their place to keep to themselves.”
“Well I’m not your regular airbender.” I then replied, focusing on him, he seemed familiar… “You’re that… that man who took Shiro.” I then remembered, he hurried him away from me,
“Call me Silas.”
“You’re a striker… so it’s true, you guys really do have Shiro.” The man remained focused on me, “Where is he?”
“I’m afraid I can’t tell you that.” He then explained, I scowled, eying him. “It’s nothing personal, Abhik just wants him.”
“Why?”
“Because of his brother… the reason his forces have been chasing you for this long.” He explained, “And now we have him.”
“Give him back,” I demanded.
“As much as I would, you aren’t in the position to bargain”- instantly my hands fell into a stance.
“How about now?” I asked, preparing to airbend. He didn’t take me seriously, remaining seated. “Don’t make me hurt you.”
“Now that sounds very aggressive.” He remarked, eying me… I remained unafraid, eying him. “You aren’t a typical airbender, that’s for sure… neither was she”-
“What?”
“Now I wonder…” Silas replied, slowly standing up, while I remained facing him. “How strong… you really are.” I noticed his fingers twitch, and then suddenly, sharp green flames engulfed them, covering his hands.
“Now please Aimee, don’t hold back… you wouldn’t want to disappoint me.” My eyes stared at the stranger, as the green flames pulsated through his hands. Instantly punched forward, wind shot from my fist. Silas quickly sidestepped the air, kicking down.
A bright flash of green light formed, going in my direction. I jumped away for cover, arcing my hand outwards in a cutting motion. Wind immediately shot outwards towards the firebender. The man simply drew his fire upwards, catching the air as he shot his flames back towards me. I evaded the first stream, but the second hit me, throwing me back. My armor was singed, but I stood back up to quickly kick more air in his direction. Silas evaded the blasts of air quickly, uninterested. He quickly shot three more bolts of fire towards me, I ducked under one, before quickly slashing my hands forward, to disrupt the flames.
I quickly shot my hands forward again, a quick stream of air blasted towards Silas, as he raised my fire to block it. I sidestepped him, jumping to shoot more air back at him. The firebender’s composure remained as he evaded the air as if he was an airbender and then dug his hand upwards, blasting me back with more fire. I hit the ground hard, rolling slowly, eying him.
“To think… Mizuki holds you in such high regards”- my eyes widened “But… you aren’t even trying.” He then added, I eyed him confused… he knew my grandmother?
I kicked forward harshly, a blast of air swept towards him, shooting him back. The man grinned, “That’s better”-
“Now give me back Shiro!” I yelled, Silas remained focused on me, as I scowled and shot forward again, blasting air out of my hands at a quick pace, Silas kicked forward and blasted me back. I skidded down the room, groaning… before leaning back up, eying him.
“Come on Akira… impress me.”

MEANWHILE

CONNOR POV

I evaded the earthbender girl’s attacks, doing everything I could to keep her and her friends back. O’Mally was having trouble, we all were having trouble. One of our men was quick to fire a stream of water towards the earthbender. She simply evaded, before snapping her hand into a slapping motion, rock from the wall shot outwards, blasting into the man and knocking him out.
“Aw come on!” O’Mally complained. I quickly evaded the girl’s streams of rock, before firing forward towards one of her men, blowing the guy back and into a wall. I quickly jumped away from another shift of the concrete, quickly realizing it was just us against this girl now.
Her friends were all knocked out, like a lot of ours.
I quickly kicked forward as O’Mally thrusted his hands outwards, shooting rock towards the girl. She kicked down to pull up concrete to swiftly catch O’Mally’s attacks and block mine.
This girl fought like… well an actually trained earthbender. She wasn’t trained like Naava or O’Mally(sandbending and street earthbending), this was the prowess of someone who spent months or years perfecting her craft… and it slowly pissed me off.
I swiftly kicked off the wall, shooting down with more fire. The brunette sidestepped my blows, before swiftly kicking. I noticed the concrete I was about to land at shifting, and instantly I tripped. The girl was just about to shoot more rock at me when O’Mally blocked it. Instantly the task force girl shot her hands forward.
OMally remained standing, kicking rock in her direction. Instead the girl waived her hands outwards, then kicked, pushing back. I was completely confuse in what I was seeing, as was O’Mally. We both then quickly turned at a strange sound of…
Cracked glass.
“Shit”- O’Mally muttered as he attempted to cover himself with rock, the glass blasted through us, throwing us both back, I could feel tears in my clothes from the shards. The girl eyed me with an annoyed expression, quickly I shot my hands forward, a stream of fire blasted outwards, hitting her and then throwing her back, she hit the ground hard…knocked out.
I eyed the woman for a moment, before sighing, that was everyone… apart from the airbender. I found my way to the stairs, Silas would want to hear this.
I reached the third floor quickly, recognizing the darkness, I glanced around, wondering if the airbender was here…
‘She could have just ran away… that sounds like an airbender, right?’ then again, this girl was committed to getting her boyfriend back. The thoughts permeated my mind, as I stepped towards the door to Silas’s room, before turning at the sudden sound of glass shattering.
I raised an eyebrow, before quickly guessing it was the airbender. My gaze turned, as I looked out.
“Where are you, Akira?” I found myself muttering, I turned my gaze finally, to see something, a dark silhouette of a man with a hood. MY eyes widened, seeing a figure draped in white clothing standing there, mouth hidden behind a shroud, gray eyes staring at me. He had weapons around him, including a katana on his back… but he didn’t use any of that.
The Winter Phantom was here? My eyes widened, about to shoot a quick stream of fire, when instead the phantom’s gloved hands shot forward, quickly turning into pointed fingers, shooting into my right arm. My eyes shot open as I instantly lost feeling in the arm. I attempted to shoot my other hand back, producing flames, when the phantom did the same thing, before swiftly kicking me harshly, throwing me back. I skidded down the hallway, while the Phantom stepped towards me, quickly slapping his hand harshly across my face, sending me into a daze.
If I could describe what I felt, seeing the guy who almost killed Ryuu again, and losing to him… I was LIVID.

AIMEE POV

The firebender evaded more of my attacks, sidestepping them like he was some kind of pro. I was too angry to care, blowing more and more wind in his direction. Finally I punched straight for him, instead of the air hitting, he stepped past the air and grabbed for my hand tightly before yanking outwards.
The old man was strong, as he threw me across the room, I thudded, hitting the ground, I tried to stand back up, but he quickly kicked downwards, a stream of green flames shot outwards, blowing me back. I hit the ground hard, weakly trying to move, while Silas stepped towards me, a look of slight sadness on his face.
“Is he…” I breathed, “Is he okay?” Silas sighed, nodding.
“…He’s fine, you’ll be with him soon enough.” He then explained, kneeling down towards me… it was then I heard the sudden opening of a door, and I fully blacked out…
Who the hell was this guy, this firebender… how did he know my grandmother? I had no answers… only more questions… at least I had one answer, Shiro was fine for now.
.
..

Everything remained silent, until for what felt like a lifetime, I finally woke up, beside me was Serena, she looked especially worried. The woman looked outwards, eying the others.
“She’s awake, Aimee’s awake!” I turned my gaze, confused until I then noticed I ws on some sort of medical stretcher, my armor was gone, replaced by only a blanket, I looked like I was about to go to the hospital… no wait, not me. MY gaze turned, and then I noticed some of the other members of the task force being taken to an ambulance.
“What happened?” I quickly asked.
“I don’t know,” Serena replied, “Was knocked out, same as you.” She explained. It was then I turned my gaze, seeing a woman in a blue police uniform. Her eyes were a hazel gray, I recognized her as the police chief, Yuri Krios.
“My forces and I went in when we saw the strikers escape earlier.”
“They got away?”
“We couldn’t stop them.” She then explained. “I’m sorry,” I frowned at that, while Krios continued, “If it makes you feel any better, none of your people are seriously injured.”
“That’s a relief.” I sighed, Yuri nodded, standing up.
“I was the one who found you there on the floor… your armor had severe burns, you’re lucky you wore it.”
I sighed, rubbing my head. Who was that guy… the old man in there?
“So there aren’t any strikers we could take into custody, or anything like that?”
“No, it’s like they all turn tailed and left after they beat your group.” I sighed at that, “Still… I expected you to be in worse shape than you were… good to be disappointed.” I nodded.
“Thanks, I think?” Yuri simply nodded as I sat up, hearing brisk steps being taken. I turned to see Crest had just arrived, and Mika was at his side, along with Malena and Manu. Mika looked relieved.
“You’re okay…” Mika breathed, worried. She approached me, before pausing. “Not that I… was worried, or anything.” I eyed my sister for a moment, before slowly nodding.
“Thanks for coming,” she nodded.
“You know Josa volunteered, wanted to carry you back home on his back.”
“Maybe next time,” I shrugged. Crest then turned, eying me.
“It wasn’t much of a victory.”
“No, but it was a start.” I replied, Crest raised an eyebrow. “I’m going to stop these guys, no matter what.” Gallen nodded.
“And you will, Akira.” I casually turned to the side to see Manu quickly embracing his girlfriend, he looked like he had been worried, Malena causally joined into the hug, I slowly smiled, nodding before looking back to Crest. “I have the upmost faith in you.”
“I won’t let you down.”

MEANWHILE

The house was quiet… as the man noticed, it had been quiet for a long time, atleast half a year. His wife was sitting on the couch in his arms, she was staring quietly at a picture frame, with three children over it, a boy and two younger girls.
She remembered taking that picture too… The man sighed slowly, she was slowly getting about this, though it’d take time.
He remembered how she was when her own sister left, now to lose her kids… she was living her own nightmare. Atleast her mom, his mother in law was a great help for them.
This was how they’d spend time now, just sitting back and listening to the firenation music playing from the radio, it calmed her. His wife remained quiet as he then turned, at the sound of a telephone ringing. The man remained there, holding his wife for roughly ten seconds, when it continued ringing, his wife turned.
“Go get it, dear…” the man nodded, standing up gently resting the woman on the couch. The man made his way to the phone, quietly picking it up.
“Hello?”
“Kaleb… it’s me.” A familiar voice stated.
“Sifo?”
“How have you been?”
“…Quiet.” The waterbender replied, “You?”
“The same…”
“So why are you calling?”
“I haven’t been… fully honest with you.” Kaleb raised an eyebrow.
“What do you mean?”
“I know where they are… Aimee and Mika.” Sifo then said, Kaleb’s eyes shot open, he looked up from the phone to his wife.
“Siri, get over here.”
“Why?” Sirisha then asked, Kaleb raised the phone.
“You’re gonna want to hear this.”
This is a Fanfiction I wrote for the OC's of :iconardnemla: and :iconquackylu: And myself.

Okay, finally I'm going the episodic format I always wanted to do, now plots will move faster without all the super slow conversations.

And to prove it, this chapter would usually take two parts for me to tell, but here it is all in one, and there's no drop in quality.

Basically what I'm doing is putting less ofa focus on everyone else so I can focus more on the subject of the chapter, in this case, Aimee. we still see developments with the others, but it's faster.

Anyways, I really liked the beginning scene of crest at the funeral, and Kokoro gets a short cameo of her learning a bit more about Crest and the council, and Yuri's disdain for politics.
Then we go to the other characters to see that the Akira girls aren't on speaking terms as Mika is mad at Aimee for a pretty justified reason. We also see them bonding with Serena. I liked having Sifo come in, and chat with Aimee about her interview with Khan. Anyways I really liked seeing the next scene where it's of the group casually sitting there listening to the radio, since they have no lives... and Cashimiro is pretty much the guy who cares for their pets now.
I liked Aimee's interview a lot, it's always fun to bring up my own characters (I think I have an unhealthy obsession for doing that), and we're going to see the repercussions of Aimee talking about Naava's love life in their next Ivan visit.
Anyways, Sonya gets onto the radio show and basically gets Aimee angry enough to join Crest's task force much to Sifo's disdain... and Serena joins too (because why not? I am developing her afterall). For some reason, I kinda view Serena as a more kind hearted version of Kuvira, like she's maniacal or power hungry, she just wants to help people. And then the  later scene of her with Manu was something I liked.

Anyways, we get to the real meat of this chapter with the task forces first mission, to storm a striker base and take everyone out. I really liked including Aimee's skills to climb stuff, and then bringing that out as the reason she reaches the third floor to talk to Silas... their first meeting, which I really liked.

If anyone's curious, I imagine this music to start playing when Silas challenges Aimee: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANf3um…

This also worked as a good segue to have Connor fighting Aimee and then Serena, and then re-introducing the phantom issue he has... which is going to be the focus of the next chapter.

Anyways I also really liked the scene with Connor getting beaten by the phantom, that was great... and then from there, we can assume if the strikers ran away, and Aimee's just fine, that the phantom saved her from likely being brainwashed by Silas... who wasn't fully in the game. I also really loved the ending, where the chapter title comes into mind as Sifo's hand has been forced, so he contacts the Akiras to tell them where their children are... which I LOVED. I relally liked how wellt he chapter title worked for this, Aimee's hand was forced, leading her to joining the tasks force, Silas's hand was forced because he likely didn't want to do anything to Aimee, and then Sifo's hand was forced, I liked the title... this reminds me a lot of "The Voice in the Night" but hopefully not too much, tell me what you think.

Anyways, chapter 20 will revolve around Connor and Kokoro in their separate investigations.

Chapter 18-3:agentqv.deviantart.com/art/Ava…
Chapter 20: agentqv.deviantart.com/art/Ava…
© 2014 - 2024 AgentQV
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ardnemla's avatar
This was a very good chapter, filled with lot of drama and action. If this was included into a show, it would probably be the turning chapter when stories start merging and action is involved. 

Yuri reminds me a lot to Lin, just more friendly. It's interesting to know how she hates politics and how she is against it even though she is part of the government.

I really liked how Sifo was trying his best to convince Aimee to not join the task force, while Serena believed the other way. And the way Sonya cut in into the transmision was great, Aimee felt directly into her trap, and Crest got his way. That little bit reminded me a lot to A voice in the night with how Tarrlock was able to convinve Korra after hearing Amon's threat. In fact Sifo even has a similar role to Tenzin's.

I think my favorite part was Silas and Aimee talking and fighting. I'm curious, when did Silas started firebending green fire? 'Cause I'm thinking it being an after effect of what happened to Alana might be interesting.

So the phantom can chi block?