Avatar Crossroads: Winter: Part 3 Chapter 44

Chapter 44: Maya's Final Offer

The moment Aimee, Shiro, and Ryuu opened the gates, our vehicles had driven into the city, Kara and I occupied one of the vehicles, with me driving, while Kokoro was with her mother and aunt on a different car. I was driving the vehicle, and I couldn’t help but shake as we drove in formation.
It didn’t help that the city was at war.
“You don’t like driving, do you?” Kara asked, I sighed.
“Not my favorite thing to do,”
“Think maybe… I could drive?”
“You?” I turned, she smiled, “A sheltered sixteen year old girl… I’m pretty sure you’ve never even seen a car before we kidnapped you.”
“Well, there’s always a time to learn.”
“Right,” I turned away, “After this… I might teach you.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, if it means I don’t have to drive.” I sighed, it was then Kara eyed me.
“So after this, if we make it… what’s next for you?” I turned, “You left the strikers, and like you said, they hunt people down.” I remained focused on the road,
“I’d rather not think about that… when we still have to worry about stopping Maya.”
“I know, but… just humor me.” She frowned, “Give me something to put my mind off of what’s happening here.” I nodded.
“Well… I guess I’m going to do a lot of running.” I wiped my brow, “I made a choice, Kara… it’s my path now.” As I sat there, the girl gently hugged my side, I paused. “What are you”-
“Thanks… I know the choice wasn’t hard.” I smiled a little.
“No it was not.” My mind veered towards Angela, and how she was reacting.
As we drove, I could see more rioters in the street, picking fights with the patrols, they were no longer focused on looting shops anymore. Somehow Aimee managed to explain Project Winter in a way that it didn’t sound insane… and it worked.
As we drove, we could finally see the tanks that we had seen before with Akem. One was on our tail, as we began driving like hell through the city, I glanced to Kara for a brief second, and she nodded.
“Oh, right!” she opened her window as the tank fired at us, I kept eying the road, casually glancing to see Kara gripping snow with her bending. She swiftly shot it towards the tank, into the treads, freezing them. Chunks broke off, as heavy speeds impacting the car as Kara slowed the vehicle… It took a swift shot and managed to land it, our car lost one of it’s whels and it sputtered out of control. I grabbed Kara’s hand, removing her seatbelt, and quickly I yanked her, jumping out of the car with her beside me as it went into a building… I sighed heavily at that, as did Kara.
“That’s why I don’t drive.” It was then the two of us turned, seeing a tank focused straight at us… we froze, when a bright light from the side went into it, the light crackled and broke the tank, I watched as the top of it opened, with one of its singed engineers gasping for air and falling over.
We looked to the side, seeing one of the vehicles, it looked like Kokoro’s mom was the one who had broken the tank, leaning out of it, smiling… to her side was her sister Sirisha, with a grumpy look on her face… like something was wrong. I noticed Kokoro grinning, in the back of the car,
“Need a ride?”

MEANWHILE
SERENA POV

We found ourselves in what looked to be a small refurbished apartment, the walls were platinum, and honestly it didn’t look that different from Manu’s apartment. It was well furnished with a small couch and a table. Kovu Oren, Administrator of compound Zeta was currently facing us… he didn’t seem happy, what with Maya up and taking most of his forces to fuel her war, while he was left with a meager force to look after Zeta.
“Wait… so my dad’s not brainwashed?” I asked, Maka nodded.
“He seemed pretty crazy to me”-
“No that’s the thing,” Kovu replied as we sat in a cell, “For some reason what Maya did just didn’t work on him… he decided to play along because there was also a lot of torture involved.”
“To get on her good side… weird.” I crossed my arms, “Still, why wouldn’t he tell me?” Kovu shrugged.
“I suppose he didn’t want to face you, after all that happened.” I frowned, while Maka nodded.
“Sounds like him.” I turned,
“What?”
“I mean… from what Alyss told me about him.”
“Okay, for a moment I almost thought… never mind.”  This woman had had three children with two different men, I really hoped there wasn’t a third- She flicked the back of my head, “What was that for?”
“I think you know why.” She then replied, to which I pouted.
“So, can you let us out of here, then?” I asked, eying Kovu.
“Sorry, can’t do that.” He replied, I frowned, “I told your dad I’d keep you safe, and seeing as he doesn’t know about the baby, it’s even more important I don’t tell him”-
“How do you know about that?” I scowled, “Why is it everyone knows I’m pregnant when I don’t even tell them!?” Kovu laughed at that.
“You really shouldn’t wear your emotions on your sleeve like that.” He turned, “Anyways meals come in at regular intervals, and”
“One question.” I then begged, Kovu paused, “”You’re… on our side, right?” he eyed me at that, with a sigh.
“I’m definitely not on ‘the Director’s’ side.” He looked away, I continued staring at him. He was in textbooks, the attack on the spirit forest was taught about in school, teaching us to not anger them. “This is going to be a long day, I want you three to play nice.”
“Three?” The man walked away from the slits on the door, as I glanced to Maka. “I thought it was just the two of us that got caught.” She shrugged, frowning. The woman seemed off, as she stepped away, “Something wrong?” she sighed.
“My kids are out there…” she replied, “Manu, Malena, Makario… they could all be in danger, and I can’t do anything but wait here.”
“Maka”-
“Meme’s also out there, and he can’t protect them… we shouldn’t have left, we”-
“I’m sure they’re fine.” I then replied, my hand falling to her shoulder. She eyed me as I breathed, “Knowing Male, she probably got away with the others, and she’s taking good care of them.” Maka nodded.
“A trait she got from Sifo, helping everyone else…” I smiled a little
“From Meme too.” I sensed a smile over her face, at the mention of him.
“As an upcoming mother… you should get used to being afraid for them.” I nodded.
“Well, I hope I can learn a lot from you.” She smiled at that, it was then our moment was cut short as we heard something, yawning. The two of us turned, looking to see a shorter girl with dirty blonde hair stepping into the room. Her yawn was incredible, like she was a bear… Maka and I stared as the girl wiped her eyes, before looking at us, dark blue eyes, very familiar. “You…” I muttered, as Kimi’s eyes widened, alarmed.
Our roommate, was Abhik’s little sister.

MEANWHILE
AIMEE POV

Yeti roared as we found ourselves approaching a white lotus checkpoint on a bridge… they were pausing our forces. I glanced to Ryuu and Shiro, communicating what we were going to do. I swiftly pulled back on the reigns, causing Yeti to make a great stop right before we reached the bridge, from there he made a massive turn, his tale crashing through white lotus members on the bridge, while our own people jumped away. The enemies fell away in one wicked swoop, falling into the freezing river going underneath. It was then I turned, eying some people who looked like waterbenders.
“Freeze the river!” I ordered, they obeyed, pressing their hands forward, breath visible in the cold air. The river froze, with all the floating white lotus members stopped… they’d be cold, but they won’t drown. One of the leaders of the riot eyed me.
“Akira eh?” I frowned, “Why waste our time freezing the river”-
“If we can keep people from dying, we should take it.” I then ordered, they were about to disagree when Ryuu sighed.
“Just go with it, she’s an airbender.”
“Doesn’t stop Maya.” One of them muttered, and I scowled. It was then I slid off the bison, Shiro and Ryuu following in suit.
“So what’s exactly the plan?” Ryuu asked as a few rioters went over the bridge to join the fight.
“Well I got a message from Bobcat, telling us to sequentially work on taking over the districts.. though bobcat’s gone quiet.” I raised an eyebrow, “Apparently she’s looking at something.”
“Is there anything we can do?” the man sighed.
“Our forces are spread way too thin… there’s word of the white lotus sending reinforcements down the one ruined street.” I raised an eyebrow, “You guys are the best fighters we’ve seen, it should just be ten of them, would be here any minute… can you handle them?” I sighed.
“Why not?”
“Good, and… er,” he then paused, “We have some wounded, could we borrow the sky bison?” I pouted, sighing, “We’ll send him right back.”
“Why not…” I groaned, approaching Yeti and directing him to help with the wounded. The bison obeyed, sadly. I watched as the first wounded were helped onto my bison, they flew off and I frowned.
“Aimee?” Ryuu asked, I shrugged.
“The first wounded… because of what I started…”
“You can’t blame yourself.”
“Then who do I blame?” Shiro turned.
“Maya… I’m guessing.” I eyed him for a moment, before nodding. As the men hurried away, we approached the area that had been discussed, a ruined street, with rock risen up to fight white lotus. We were about to take notice, when Shiro immediately pulled my and his brother to some cover, I frowned. “They’re going right through!” Shiro whispered hoarsely, I observed, seeing men in white clothing, different from the usual soldiers… I almost didn’t notice them.
“Camouflage….” Ryuu muttered, “Clever.” I tried to listen closely, hearing chatter.
“Word is that Madam Sonya was here, tracking down rebels that had been here before the fighting started.”
“Wow… how convenient, so where is she now?”
“On her way to the director’s airship, apparently she had been ordered to return.”
“Hard to believe Sonya’s taking orders from anyone, let alone the woman who put her in that prison”- I glanced to Ryuu, as he charged something in his hand, lightning. He looked to me and Shiro, we both nodded. Ryuu quickly shot up, hand pressing forward. Lightning etched away, blasting into three soldiers and throwing them back. The other seven were alarmed, while Shiro and I also dove out of cover, shooting swift strikers of air and fire.
The guys Ryuu electrified had been knocked clean out, while we managed to strike two surprised white lotus agents. The other five were quick to put up a fight, as fire crashed from the twin’s hands, I dove forward with my staff, slamming it across an agent’s head, and then another. One guy quickly caught my staff as I slammed it towards him. It was a big guy, really strong. He tried to yank it away from me, but I held on, finding myself accidently picked up, I flipped onto his back, as he tried to grasp towards me, but Shiro dove in and tripped the man, falling on his face, knocked out cold.
That was all of them, the street was empty.
“Well… we got it done.” I replied, the twins nodded with Shiro crossing his arms.
“I don’t like this, these guys were pushovers… I thought Maya was serious about going to war with us.” I frowned, turning to him.
“She isn’t… she’s just buying time.” I frowned, taking a few steps, “she wants the world to watch, as the city is plunged into chaos… she thinks that’s the best time to use Winter, to prove it’s results.”
“And that’s why we gotta stop it.” Ryuu replied, “And soon.” I nodded, I was about to say more, when I paused, eying one of the bodies on the ground, it was a boy our age, dead.
But his face… I recognized him, kneeling down I found myself convulsing, not believing this.
“Aimee?” Shiro asked.
“Ha… Hachiro…” I muttered, staring at him. “But how?” Ryuu and Shiro got closer, inspecting, with Ryuu opening his shirt, frowning.
“He has cuts, but nothing life threatening.” I turned, “which means one thing.”
“Sonya…” I muttered, gritting my teeth. I had heard those guards say she was ‘on Maya’s ship. “Pick him up,” I replied, Shiro turned.
“You want us to carry him?”
“I know a place nearby where we can take him.” I had a feeling some of our friends may have already been there.

MEANWHILE
MAYA POV

I hated dealing with Khan, sure I brought him into the fold, but he loved showing up, acting like I owed him… though this time I conceded that notion.
“You just destroyed my station!” I turned, we were on the bridge of my current airship, overlooking a warzone of a city, with Khan still wearing his obnoxious suit. “Why?”
“Rebels were broadcasting from it, we couldn’t take the risk of further damage Akira could maintain.” I turned, “You should be happy you were given any warning at all”-
“I expect reparations, I refuse to accept how hard I’ve worked to get where I am, with you going out of your way to destroy it”-
“How hard you worked? How hard do you think I worked, Viktor?” I replied, “Was I not the one who put you where you were in the first place?” Khan scowled, eying me.
“We were in this together,” Khan replied, “You, me, Krios, Kyor, Kubrick, Akem, Seltin, Kalros”-
“And they’re all dead.” I replied, “We’re all that’s left.” Khan nodded.
“Exactly, you owe me for so much and”-
“I do not owe you, I made you in the first place, and I can unmake you within a second.” Khan scowled at that,
“You… you wouldn’t do that…”
“I don’t know… you’ve grown rather annoying,”
“So what? You wouldn’t get rid of me over something so trivial.” He replied, frowning, “You… you need me.”
“Actually, that’s the funny thing.” I sighed, “I don’t.” I grinned, looking down to him, I swiftly crashed my knee into his stomach, the man fell to his knees. The man stared up at me, fearfully, “Don’t worry Viktor, your service has been greatly appreciated.”
“Maya wait!”- My hands began to spin in a circular motion, as the celebrity’s head urged upwards, breath shooting from his throat, turning into a spinning sphere of moving and shifting air. He kept trying to move but struggled, as his eyes turned wide and bloodshot.
I couldn’t help but smile, looking down on the dying man… trying to say something.
“Please!” he begged, barely heard, though I sighed… as I heard the door leading in open.
“…You know what?” I grinned, “I’m in a reasonable mood…” I ended the vortex, causing the man to gasp for air, breathing harshly, thankful. It was then he turned, eying our new guest, a woman with short black hair… “Though I can’t speak for my associate.” Viktor’s eyes widened, looking to her. "She might not be so reasonable."
“S-s-sonya!?” I simply grinned.
“I’m surprised you don’t have a quip for this, the irony is so deliciously strong right now.” Khan didn’t even look at me.
“Wait!” Her hand shifted right towards him, pulling him up by his own blood. She immediately threw him away, out into the window, shattering through it and into the city… screaming. I couldn’t help but smile, laughing a little. This was the first thing he’s ever done, that I ever found remotely funny.
For years Viktor had kept coming back to me, to try and get whatever he wanted… if anyone was to die in this war, I was happy that it was him.
“You came in at a good time.” Sonya smiled, I had promised her Khan’s head on a platter, though I thought that would only happen after Project Winter began. I then eyed my workers, looking around the shattered window, “Don’t mind the mess, that’s what the new ship’s gonna be for.” They simply nodded towards us, fearful that I’d think to throw any more of them out the window.
“As much as I love killing old friends,” Sonya replied, “Did you call me for a reason, or was that it?” I smiled. “I noticed you’ve been keeping more hostages.” I nodded.
“I have some individuals that our foes would be interested in reclaiming.”
“So you want them dead”-
“Oh yes, but first I would rather show them something, something to kill her hope… see if I can make her one final offer. No doubt I’ll need you.” Sonya smiled, “Your niece will likely be in attendance.”
“So where will this be? This trap of yours?”
“Where it all began.”


KOKORO POV

Apparently our friends were waiting at Sifo Werrick’s mansion, Sirisha wouldn’t tell us anything else, only that something was wrong. I was unsure about us visiting Sifo, partly because of his connections to Kara, but we went along with it none the less. My mother kept her eyes out on the street, holding a small radio linked to her forces invading the city… honestly we should have gotten Kaleb one before we left.
We reached the house, parking with everyone stepping out. Connor observed the building, crossing his arms.
“Great, another mansion.” I turned.
“Try not to kill me this time.” He smirked.
“Try not to make me kill you, Koko.” Kara rolled her eyes at that as we stepped into the building, my mom and her sister leading us.
“what’s that about killing?” my mom asked, I paused, while Connor turned.
“Er nothing, mam.” Tanya smiled.
“Good, because you have to worry about with my other daughter wanting to try and kill you.”
“Right…” I couldn’t help but grin a little, as did Kara… the jolly mood faded away as we entered the mansion. The first thing we notice was Tooru sitting, back to the wall with his face in his hands. As we walked in, he looked up to us, eyes widening as he saw Sirisha.
“Oh Mrs. Akira I”-
“Where’s my husband?” she asked, he pointed outwards, down the hall leading to some sort of living room with a fireplace. The woman hurried off with her sister slowly following while we looked to Tooru, who sighed, lying back.
“Figures… I deserve that.”
“What’s wrong?” I asked, Tooru looked up.
“You mean Mrs. Akira didn’t tell you?” I eyed him curiously, when he then turned. “Wait, who’s that blonde lady?”
“That’s my mom.”
“Oh… that’s neat.” He looked back,
“So what happened?” Tooru frowned.
“We all separated, the guys who stayed here, Alyss, Manu, Feiko and his family… they got taken, and Serena and Maka are gone.” We all stared at him, unsure what to say, with Connor scowling.
“Great… they captured our friends again?” Kara sighed.
“Why would Maya do that?”
“She left a letter,” Tooru replied “For Aimee.” He sighed, “She wants her… you too Kara.” The teenager scowled at that. We decided to keep moving when Tooru paused, “Wait um… well um…” he frowned
“What, more bad news?” Connor asked, the earthbender sighed.
“Yeah, but… well”- before we could say anything we turned, seeing my aunt hugging her husband. We decided to approach them, with Tooru losing his track of thought as we approached.
“How’s Mika?” the mother asked, Tooru looked away at that.
“She’s fine,” Kaleb sighed, “Resting, this day’s been hard on her.” Sirisha sighed,
“I should go see her”-
“Don’t worry so much, she’s in good hands. She’ll come down to see us when she’s awake.” Kaleb then eyed Tanya and me. “So… haven’t seen you in a while.” Tanya smiled sadly, and so did I.
“I reckon it’s been roughly seventeen years.” She stepped forward to hug him while I looked back to my uncle, who smiled towards me.
“You were so small when we had that reunion… you and your sister were just the cutest things.” I couldn’t help but blush.
“Gee… thanks uncle.” It was weird to call him that. The niceties ended as we noticed the others in the room. Minami was by the fire, keeping it tame beside Josa, and Dai, while Aria seemed utterly depressed.
“So where’s Aimee?” Kaleb then asked, Sirisha turned.
“She’s with the Yamazaki brothers”-
“Brothers… I thought Shiro was brainwashed.” My aunt sighed.
“Yeah, but this time he’s on our side.” It was then I sighed
“Okay wait up… why are we working with Sifo?” I then asked, the grownups looked to me, “Don’t we… blame him for what happened a week ago?” my uncle sighed, crossing his arms.
“It’s hard to explain… but I think we need him”-
“Is he working with us?”
“He’s looking after Mika, but besides that… I don’t know if he’s willing to help.” We frowned, while I eyed the others.
“Where’s Malena… and Hachiro?”
“Malena’s helping to look after her cousin, Hachiro is… um…” my uncle frowned. I eyed him curiously, confused, while Minami sighed.
“Koko…” I turned, “Hachiro’s…” it was then we all turned as the doors opened one more time, Aimee was leading, with Ryuu and Shiro following, they were carrying something, my heart sunk, realizing who it was.
Aimee hurried forward, thankful to see her mom while Connor, Kara, and I paused as the Yamazaki brothers dropped what they were carrying. We couldn’t believe what we were seeing. I looked to Kara, who covered her mouth in shock, before turning and running away. Connor was about to go after her, when I stopped him.
“There’s not much you can do for her…” I frowned, while Connor sighed. It was then the reality of what had just happened began to sink in.
Hachiro, the guy I had spent so long chasing, trying to catch, looking after… was dead.

MEANWHILE
MALENA POV

When Mika fell we all lost our minds, afraid that she hurt herself… caring for Mika had been the only way I could really calm myself, knowing that Manu and my parents were missing. Sifo had been gracious to allow us to use his bedroom to look after Mika (with clean sheets of course), it had running water and we could cook for her if she needed it.
The teenager simply lied there asleep, I had healed a bruise she formed on her forehead, but besides that, she was well. Sifo sat in a chair, observing, while I was at my cousin’s beside, sitting on the bed.
“I remember…” Sifo muttered, “When she was born, your aunt and uncle still didn’t know what to name her.” I eyed him, “Kaleb wanted to name her after Mizuki, because of how much he respected her, while Siri wanted to name her after Kana… they still didn’t know if she was a water or firebender… or an airbender like her older sister, so they wanted to go with something that was a little bit of both.” I noticed him smiling a little. “So on the phone I had mentioned maybe giving her something like a combination name… so they chose Mika,”
“You really care for her.”
“I am her godfather,” Sifo sighed, “Even though I care for all of them, Aki, Aimee… Mika’s always been my favorite, so calm and gentle, so different from her older rambunctious siblings.” I nodded, petting my cousin’s head… sighing.
“She’s always been so strong.”
“I feel for her, the things she must have been through.” I finally turned, eying the man known as my father.
“I’m sorry,” he turned, “for what we said to you.”
“I don’t want an apology.” He simply replied, I scowled, “It was my fault, after all.”
“But still…”
“You can use my house, but this is it.” He then replied, “When Mika’s awake, I’m done.” I eyed him at that, “I refuse to be around to bury any of you.”
“So you’ve given up then… you’re letting Maya win.”
“Maya won seventeen years ago, I just didn’t realize it, until now.”
“So even when we need you, you”-
“Letting you all stay in my house is enough.” He eyed me.
“So you’ll just abandon us?”
“That’s what you did to me.” He then replied, somewhat bitterly.
“Sifo…”
“I may be your father, but I don’t you owe you people… not anymore.”
“Maybe not,” I replied. “But if that was the case, you would tell us all to leave, and I know it’s not.”
“What do you mean?”
“You still care about us, care about me.” I replied, “If we all died, it’d kill you, and I know it.”
“Malena”-
“Grandma always said you were our family, I’m sorry for how the others and I acted, but that doesn’t mean we don’t care about you either, Kaleb’s still your best friend, Mika’s still your godchild, and whether we like it or not, I’m your biological daughter”-
“Please go.” He then replied, I realized how much distress I was causing him, how hard this was for him. “Before I make you…” he then replied, to which I frowned, standing up, eying Mika for a moment before looking back at him.
“…You’re not fooling anyone…” I trailed off, looking away, “Dad.” I walked away, exiting the bedroom, finding myself walking past a girl sitting down beside the wall… Kara. “what are you doing here?” I whispered, realizing this mean they were back.
“I just… I need a minute.” She frowned, to which I sighed.
“So you know about Hachiro.” She eyed me at that, to which I frowned. “He saved us, you know…”
“That doesn’t sound like him.”
“I know,” I shrugged, “I bet Kito wasn’t like that, when he went.” She eyed me at that, “He cared for us, okay… people do crazy things.”
“This is my fault.” She muttered, looking down,
“No it’s not.”
“Yes it is… Sonya did it, to hurt us, to hurt me…”
“…”
“I can’t let anyone else die for me.” She frowned, to which I pressed my hand to he rshoulder, giving her a silent hug. “Thanks.” I smiled. “So who were you talking to, in that room?” she eyed me, I sighed.
“My, er… dad.”
“I thought Meme was taken”-
“I mean my other one… the biological one.” Kara nodded.
“Oh, Sifo…”
“You seem a little familiar with him.” Kara sighed.
“I think I’ll go see him,” she replied, standing up. I nodded, deciding to return downstairs, to see the others that had come back.

MEANWHILE
AIMEE POV

Kokoro had left the room, with Connor following her, leaving me alone with the others, staring at Maya’s letter… to me. The others sat around me, watching as I scanned the lines, furious.
“My Dear Miss Aimee… did you really think I would not find them?” it began, “I admit, it must have been a convenient hiding place, but Werrick has always been under my thumb, even if he’s never known it. Anyways, how are you? How long has it been since we’ve seen each other, a week? I know we didn’t leave on the best of terms, what with your grandmother getting in the way of that blade, but I truly feel for your family, in such a tragic time. As would Zell Akem, if he was alive. I was he who actually gave me this idea, to send you a letter, he had noticed you receiving mail from a certain carrier hawk. I’m of course writing this before you make some sort of grand gesture to undermine my authority. So I just want you to know, if you and Subject Sixteen do not come to the place where this all began, I might have to start killing hostages, you have three hours, we have a lot to talk about. Sincerely… Maya.” I looked lower, seeing one more piece of scribbling, “PS. If you bring anyone with you, I will kill everyone I have taken, come alone. ”
I lowered the letter, looking to everyone, my hands shook, as I crumpled the letter.
“You know,” Aria crossed her arms, “the way she worded that letter is really creepy.” I turned.
“We have to get them back.” I whispered hoarsely, my mother nodded, as did Aria and the others.
“They said come alone… why?”
“Maya wants a straight forward fight… she’ll get one.” I whispered, my best friend frowned, while Josa took a quick look at the letter, while Dai frowned.
“I don’t like this… if you bring Kara, Maya knows she can’t beat her,” Minami frowned.
“No doubt she’s bringing Sonya.” I agreed.
“So it’ll be even,”
“That doesn’t mean fair,” Tanya replied. “When has Maya not cheated?”
“But if she has my brother and his family…” Kaleb then replied, I turned.
“We’ll get them back dad,” Josa then sighed.
“As great as that sounds, we have one problem,” I turned, “Where is the place that this all began?” we froze, as I looked away.
“…I have no clue.” Everyone quietly agreed.

KARA POV

I couldn’t help but stare at him, as he sat in the bedroom, which looked cluttered to hell. Mika Akira lied on the bed, motionless… but alive, I could sense her breathing. My eyes were on Sifo, taking in his features, he sighed quietly, eying me.
“Hello Sifu.”
“I thought you didn’t remember.”
“Bits and pieces.” I crossed my arms, “A little of it came back to me… when you were hosting that charity, and that time you were on the tv… I felt like I knew you.” Sifo was silent, looking away.
“Well… it’s good to see you again, Subject Sixteen”-
“My name’s Kara!” I rejected, “And you know that.”
“I honestly didn’t care… you were a good student, that’s all that mattered”-
“And you taught me, you trained me.” I frowned. “Why?”
“Because my father wanted me to… you were to be his successor, as the Director.” I sighed. “He wanted it that way, for the Phantom identity to live on without being shackled to the lotus, but for the lotus to continue as well… I suppose he couldn’t have both.”
“Your father,”-
“Reiko, but his real name’s Cero.” The man replied, “You actually met him, a few times… he gave you that journal that Silas took.”
“Why… why give me the journal?” I could faintly remember it.
“He wanted you to know of his past, I suppose he was preparing you to become director and make the difficult decisions.”
“I remember a book… but it was torn apart.”
“that’s because Maya found it, before you did and tore out the pages, handed the book off to me, that was around when she started her takeover.” I eyed the man at that. “I had no need of the book, so I gave it to Kal,”
“Kal Freeman.” I replied, “The guy who raised me.” Sifo nodded, “The guy my mother killed.”
“I wasn’t there… but that’s what Ventin told me.”
“So you knew about Mona?” Sifo shrugged.
“I had an inkling, nobody ever really told me anything about the Phantom, my dad never told me who he was until he was Maya’s prisoner.” I eyed him at that, the man looked away. “I don’t exactly matter, I just taught you to bend.”
“You seem to matter… if these people went to you for help after the death of their matriarch.” Sifo scowled.
“Does your mother know you’re here, talking to me?”
“My mother isn’t with us… she stayed behind.”
“That’s too bad, I didn’t think she’d run from a fight.”
“Well we both didn’t know her as well as we thought.” Sifo eyed me at that, sighing.
“I’m sorry,” he then replied, I raised an eyebrow, “At that charity… I saw you, you know… sorry I never said anything.” I smiled a little.
“Thanks for not telling Maya about it.” I turned away, “So will you not fight then… like my mom?” the man was silent, to which I slowly nodded. “Good luck, Sifu.” I left him, knowing my words would not persuade him, it was then I paused. “Just one thing.” He turned. “My memory… can I get it back? Without Silas?” Sifo eyed me at that.
“You never needed Silas.” I eyed him at that, before turning away, and leaving.

MALENA POV

I had found my brother along the others, naturally looking distraught. They greeted me with sad smiles, with Aunt Sirisha quick to try and talk to me.
“Malena I’m sorry about what happened, I”-
“It doesn’t matter… Aimee will get them back.” I stated, the mother nodded, sighing.
“If she can figure out where they are…” she sighed, Tanya had been on the COMS, trying to track down Maya, with no luck. My brother was in the corner, silent. I sat down beside him, listening to his sigh.
“I abandoned them… when they needed us”-
“You can’t blame yourself,” I replied, Makario sighed, in his hand I noticed something, a sort of pendant. “What’s that?”
“Oh… I found this on the floor, I remembered Manu holding it, back at the shelter… must have dropped it.” He handed it to me, to which I examined closely, I couldn’t help but smile a little, before handing it back. “What is it?”
“It’s Manu’s, that’s all you need to know.” Mak eyed me curiously, while Aimee continued talking.
“Where this all began… where could this have begun?”
“Maybe her airship?” Josa casually asked, I turned, eying Makario.
“What are they rambling about?”
“Maya’s letter, it’s gotten everyone stooped.” I frowned.
“I hate this,” Aimee replied “Maya wants a showdown with me and Kara, but she won’t even dare tell me where it is.” She frowned, “Where the hell did this all begin?”
“I thought that would be obvious.” We all turned, seeing Kara standing there, having regained her composure from Hachiro’s death, “When Akem died, I looked through his mind, he… when he and Maya faced the Kalros family… Maya told him it was the ‘place where it all began’.” Everyone stared at her, with Aria turning.
“You can read minds now!?” Aimee ignored that.
“So where are we supposed to find them?” Kara looked up to her.
“The Kalros mansion.” Everyone stared at each other, before silently figuring out what to do.

MEANWHILE
SIFO POV

I couldn’t help but mull over what Kaleb, Malena, and Kara had said… that I still owed them, it made me furious, thinking on this… figuring out what to do.  I found myself pausing at one of my windows on the side of the apartment, I noticed some people exiting the mansion, I sighed.
‘So I guess they know where to go.’ No doubt some would stay behind. It was then I glanced towards Mika again, still unconscious, I sighed.
“I don’t know what to do Mika… as much as I hate to admit it, I still care for your family… definitely for Malena but that’s not the point. But at this point, is it really worth risking my life just for them? After everything that happened?” I then asked, no answer. “No… you’re right, I’d never forgive myself, and I owe it to Kana to whatever I can… she always was there and”- I scowled, rubbing my head. “But it’s not like this’ll make them forgive me, just approaching them like this and,” I scowled. “Agh.” I groaned, bunching up my hair with irritation.
“If they go up against Maya, she will kill them… she’s started this entire war to make the world watch, and if I don’t do anything they’ll get themselves killed, even M- especially Malena.” I shook, “the moral thing to do is to act, but I’m not even sure what I can do to… well actually there is something, but…” I sighed, “You’re right, Mika… I owe your family, if I can help… I need to.” I returned to focusing on a mirror, sighing, “I know you can’t hear me, but… you’re a good listener.”
“No problem, Uncle.” I froze, turning and seeing the girl sitting up in bed. I stared at my god child, not even sure what to say.
“How long have you been awake?”
“Long enough.” She replied, frowning. “You know it’s a little bit my fault, they were taken.” I sighed. “But you’re right, if we can do something to help, we should.” I nodded, watching her get up out of bed. It was then I turned, approaching the door. “Where are you going?” she asked, following me.
“I know exactly what to do.”

MEANWHILE
KARA POV

We had discovered the Kalros mansion nearby, everyone minus Connor, Kokoro, Sirisha, Tooru, Makario, Malena, and Minami were still at the mansion. I had quickly said goodbye to Connor, more than likely surprising him as he tried to comfort Kokoro… apparently Tanya was alright with this, as she trusted him.
The building looked just as large and ornate as I expected, white lotus vehicles sat around it, armed with weapons… they were waiting for us.
“I don’t like this.” Aimee replied,” I sighed.
“Didn’t think we’d have to come back here.” Aimee smirked a little at that. “Last time I did… my best friend was trying to kill his girlfriend’s sister.”
“Kokoro mentioned that.” It was then we found ourselves looking back to the others, in the vehicles. A few soldiers stood outside, focusing on us.
“Akira and Sixteen, you ready to come in?” Aimee frowned,
“Do you have proof that you have my family?” the men sighed, focusing on us, while I nodded.
“Give us proof, or”-
“The director doesn’t have time for this… if you do not enter they will be put to death”- My eyes widened, seeing a communicator in one of their hands, they were about to say something when Aimee turned.
“We’ll go in.”
“Very good choice.” The soldiers replied, it was then we looked back to our friends, out of the vehicles and eying us.
“You won’t hurt them, right?” Aimee then asked.
“Not unless they provoke us.” they turned, “Are you ready to meet with the Director?” Aimee frowned, while Shiro eyed us.
“What if it’s a trap!?” he then asked, Aimee sighed.
“It’s obviously a trap.” She then replied, giving him a sad look, Aria frowned.
“Aimee don’t do this, Maya could be lying, she”-
“She took them… and I’m going to get them back.” I replied, Aria sighed, “If something happens in there… I need to make sure you’ll take care of them.”
“You know that I will.” Her best friend replied, hugging her briefly. It was then I looked to see Kaleb Akira eying us, arms crossed.
“Girls, I… I want you two to know how proud I am, of the both of you.” Aimee smiled, “Kara, I know you’re not my kid, but”-
“Thanks Mr. Akira.” I smiled, to which he nodded. Aimee briefly hugged him before turning. We began to walk into the mansion, led by these troops.
The Kalros mansion was an eyesore, a partly burnt, decrepit building that was home to one of the most powerful families in the northern water tribe. I suppose it was supposed to be a homecoming for me, but it just felt odd. The soldiers dragged us swiftly and clearly through the place. A feeling of fear came over me, while when I looked towards Aimee… she seemed so strong.
“When you said this was a trap… you were just joking, right?”
“Not this time,” Aimee replied, with a sigh. We made our way up a group of stairs, still being directed by these men. We finally stopped for a moment, realizing it was at some sort of crossroad, two separate paths. “Why have we stopped?” Aimee asked.
“The Director only wants to see you,” they simply replied, Aimee paused, before nodding. I turned.
“She wants to separate us, she”-
“We have to go with it.” Aimee then replied, I nodded, watching as Aimee was taken away, it was then the soldiers began to lead me somewhere, a confused look came over my face.
“Where are you taking me?”
“Subject XIII wishes to see you.” I paused.
“Sonya…”

MEANWHILE
CONNOR POV

Kokoro was quiet, not daring to look at me, she was distraught and disturbed… something was clearly wrong. Many of the others were gone, leaving us alone here.
“I didn’t know you cared about Hachiro so much.”
“I hated him, but… I never wanted him to die…” she frowned, “I could remember… chasing after him, almost catching, but losing him at the last second… that always pissed me off.”
“I remembered chasing him, with you on my tail.” I smiled, to which Kokoro looked a little flushed.
“That was your jacket that you put around me.”
“Guilty as charged.” She smiled.
“You’ve always been so nice, even to your enemies.” I nodded, noticing her starting to regain her composure. “I just… can’t believe this.” I frowned. “Hachiro was always strong, quiet, resilient… I just can’t believe we lost him.”
“Kokoro… I hate to say this, but we’re going to lose a lot of people before this day is through.” I replied, Kokoro sighed quietly, nodding.
“I know… that’s what I was afraid of.” She then eyed me, looking at me with her cerulean blue eyes. They were beautiful, I’d admit, how bright they looked in the light. She seemed about to inch closer to me, unsure about something. It was then she stopped, as we noticed Sifo standing there, with Mika beside him.
“You’re awake!?” Kokoro smiled, standing up to quickly hug the girl. Out of the commotion, we noticed the others approaching, hearing Mika’s voice. Sirisha rushed, hugging the girl.
“Are you okay? Are you hurt? Any sore-ness, or”-
“I’m fine, mom…” Mika replied, Tooru eyed her, smiling a little.
“Are you feeling better?”
“…I’ll feel better when we get the all back.” It was then Malena eyed Sifo, crossing her arms.
“so what… you’re leaving now?”
“Not exactly,” the man replied, eying us all. “No doubt Maya’s gonna come back here… did Tanya leave any more trucs?”
“Yeah like two of them.” Sirisha replied, Sifo nodded, “But we don’t have a place to go, the city’s at war”-
“I know… but I know exactly where to go.” We all eye dhim, confused, “and I’m going to need you all to trust me.”
“Why?” Makario then asked, Sifo turned.
“Because if this works out, you’ll have your mom and my protege back.” We all stared, unsure what to say, while Sifo smiled a little, “Do I have your attention now?”

MEANWHILE
AIMEE POV

I had been directed to the officer I had fought Abhik Nishi in, it was still broken, with snow coming in from the outside, we paused here, while one of the soldiers referred to a sort of doorway, leading downstairs, into some sort of cave entrance. I eyed the soldiers beside me, who simply nodded.
“Go in… the Director is waiting for you downstairs.” I nodded silently, scared of the prospect of what Maya could have waiting for me downstairs. I walked down them, feeling a breeze begin to take me as I wandered into the darkness.
The steps went on for a while, until finally, I reached a light. As I stepped in, my eyes began taking in more light, seeing bright LED’s strapped to the ceiling, I realized I was in some sort of underground cave, with a small spring in the center. The air oddly enough didn’t seem cold, it was more warm… which must have been because of how low this place was. Likely under the city, maybe sewer level.
“I’m a little surprised, how quickly you found this place.” I turned, finding Maya standing there, simply observing, watching the water. I looked in, seeing it would go down a great distance. I looked to Maya, as she recounted, “This was where it happened… where I saw the Kalros family for what they truly were.” She explained, taking a few steps, “I had come here, fearful of what I had heard about Kanan… that he was dead. Sonya may not know, but we were an item, if briefly.” She turned, “I watched, as Mona Kalros was made by her sister, to kill an innocent woman, who’s only crime had been being married to Talos Kyor. I watched Kara die, my own friend, life puffed away in an instant like smoke.” The airbender breathed.
“Yuri did that?”
“Yes, under obligation to her blood, to her family. Sonya realized I was here, and attempted to do me in, but instead, Mona talked her down… and for the next months I lived in fear.” She scowled, “Because that day I saw the true threat that bloodbenders offer to our nation.”
“So you betrayed them… wiped them out.” Maya smiled, turning, eying what looked to be a collection of rocks that had fallen through.
“This was where Keleb Kalros died, Iris’s twin… I remembered watching as Mona wept.” I stared at her, watching as if something stirred within her. “She refused to help us, and would lead us to finding the other three… Mona refused to submit to us, and she broke my arm… we won of course, though I thought she died.” She turned, “Later on, as I joined the white lotus, and took on the role as the Director’s hand, I would find that it was a lie.” She scowled. “My best friend was alive, masquerading as something she wasn’t.”
“The Phantom.” Maya nodded,
“she can’t be the Phantom, not as long as she remained dedicated to that experiment.”
“You mean Kara.” Maya scowled
“She was to become the Director, and that was something I could not allow.”
“You were jealous?”
“No, I was betrayed…” she simply replied, taking a few more ominous steps. I wasn’t sure what to say, so I decided to ask about something.
“So what happened to Kanan?” Maya frowned.
“He killed himself, when Iris was gone.”
“You mean killed?”
“I wouldn’t exactly know.” She looked away, “He hated me, after what I did to him, destroying his family… I always tried to make it better between us, I couldn’t help but still care for him, I could look beyond the scars, but he… he couldn’t stand the sight of me.”
“Sounds like you had that coming.” I replied, “I don’t care how horrible a person you are, you told me to come for my family, and here I am… where are they?” I asked, Maya turned, eying me.
“They’re perfectly safe with Sonya… Sixteen’s on her way to see them as we speak.” I didn’t like the sound of that one bit.

KARA POV

The men continued leading me until we paused, reaching what looked to be a sort of gallery. The type of place you’d expect to see famous paintings, much like in Sifo’s house. Instead this room was cold, lifeless and gray. It felt oddly familiar, as I walked through, feeling a headache come over me. Indentations in the walls were noticeable, marking artwork stolen, by either white lotus or looters. I noticed a portion of the room was burnt, by what appeared to be a great fire. It was then I noticed her, a woman with short black hair, minding the burned portion, dressed in the same uniform as Maya, however her form seemed more curvy. She turned, eying me for a moment.
“Hello Kara… rather surprised to see you actually showed up.” Sonya smiled, somewhat fake.
“Where are my friends.” I asked, staring down at her.
“Oh you’ll see them.” She replied, arms crossed, “Don’t worry… I haven’t hurt them, yet.” I eyed her, as she sighed, “I know you must not be in good graces, but how has your week been, around your mother? I was half expecting her to show up and”-
“She stayed behind.” I replied, Sonya raised an eyebrow at that, “She didn’t want me to come back… so she abandoned me.”
“That described Mona perfectly.” Sonya then uttered, “When the going get’s tough, she runs… you’re a very brave girl for coming here, nothing like her.” I breathed silently, “No… you’re more like me”-
“I’m nothing like you.” I replied, “I don’t kill people, I don’t torture them as they die”-
“Perhaps not, it’s an acquired taste… you haven’t killed yet, you wouldn’t understand… you’re just a tender little flower.”
“…” she took a few more steps, “I didn’t kill until I was in my twenties… many people don’t know this, but I learned about my bloodbending when I was eighteen.” She turned, “I lied to many, claiming I knew it very well… at first, it scared me… but then I came to accept it.”
“…”
“I know your ability scares you… and that you should hide it, but really… you shouldn’t.” I remained silent. “Some people are simply born strong, Kara, I was born strong, my brother was born strong, they were all strong, except for her… for your mother.”
“If I recall… it was my mother that defeated you, seventeen years ago”-
“And if I recall, I watched as she died, heart stopped.” I frowned.
“Like Hachiro…” I scowled, “So you killed him too?”
“Yes, he was a dreadful problem, one that we needed to deal with.”
“I saw his body, as they brought it in…”
“I’m sure you did… I suppose he was a different sort of thief, accepting his death with honor and distinction… I hate killing people who are like that.”
“You’re a monster… you know that?” I replied, she turned,
“No more a monster than that mother of yours… or her former best friend.”
“Maya…”
“Akira is meeting with her, Maya’s scared, afraid Aimee will stop her plan.”
“Is she right to be scared.”
“Very much so.” I frowned. “That’s why you’re here, Maya intends for me to… de-weaponize you, make you no longer a threat.”
“Take my bending.”
‘Yes, just as the director took mine,” she replied “But the thing is… I’m having second thoughts.”
“…”
“We can defeat her Kara… take control of the white lotus, help people like us.” my eyes widened. “For years, the white lotus has been hunting us down, we can bring that to an end… we’re the next stage, Kara. We are the future.”
“You want me to join you?”
“You’re very powerful, even if you don’t know it. I can teach you to focus it, and together no bender will stand in our way, not even the avatar.”
“You’re working with Maya, why would you betray her?”
“Why wouldn’t I? after all she’s done to me, I’m only helping because of what she’s promised… a new world.” I raised an eyebrow, “Soon, everyone in the city will know what it’s like to live in my world, without power, without mercy… and without the avatar.” She then turned, “And Maya is not fit to rule it, only we are.” She offered her hand to me. “I know what it feels like to not belong, to be despised, to be called a freak… as I’m sure you understand.” I scowled. “work with me, and this entire city will suffer because of what it turned it’s back on. The Northern Water Tribe turned it’s back on us, it’s time we turn our back on the tribe.”
“Innocent people are going to die… are going to suffer, people who have nothing to do with this”-
“They’re the weak ones, the ones we don’t need… in this world only the strong will survive.” I frowned. “Do this with me… I know deep down you want to.” I frowned, mulling it over.
Sonya was right… people like us were suffering, held for ridicule… we were freaks.
But then… there were people like Connor, and Kokoro, and Aimee, and Hachiro.
“No.” I replied, “I won’t do it.” She sneered at that, “I won’t betray my friends, I won’t… they mean more to me than any bloodbender ever will. It might be bad for people like us… but we have no right to take it out on everyone… that makes us just as bad as they are… as the people who killed your family.” Sonya frowned.
“So be it… if you want to be with your friends… you can burn with them.” I paused as she suddenly gripped me, picking me up with her hands, trying to stop my heart. My eyes focused, and within seconds… she realized she could not do that, my grip was too strong. Immediately she threw me away, I hit the wall hard, vision going blurry. “I’ll take your bending away, and present you to Maya.”

AIMEE POV

“What do you want, Maya?” the airbender turned.
“In a sense, I respect you, Aimee… you’ve put up quite the resistance, and your effort though in vain is commendable.” She looked away from my, sneering.
“You gave me a reason to put up a fight.”
“I know, quite the speech… by the way.” She turned, eying me. “I want you to hand yourself and your friends over.” I paused at that. “I simply cannot allow you to distract us any longer.”
“You want us to give up.”
“Give up, and I will offer you and your friends protection from Project Winter… the same extends to your family.” My eyes widened, “A pretty good bargain, don’t you think? You’ll be protecting those you hold dear, maybe they can have a new life, in the earth kingdom, or maybe the southern tribe… maybe even the firenation, your mother and aunt are from there, afterall.”
“You threatened to hurt my family.. to bargain with me?” Maya smiled.
“You’ve left an impressive impact on me, Miss Aimee… forcing me to haggle, I would take it, if I were you…”
“How do I know you’ll keep your word?” I then asked, “You could just as easily kill us… like you killed Kana.”
“I could, but I’ve discovered people like you simply won’t give up… and I find that irritating.”
“…”
“Besides, I understand your doctrine… how much it hurts, to instigate a war like this, knowing there will be casualties.” My eyes widened as the redhead paced around me. “when project winter starts… the fighting will end, and peace will begin… and not only that, you and those you hold dear will be protected, tell me that isn’t a good deal.”
“But… people will suffer… lose their will, their freedom.”
“A necessary action, when you’re saving the world.” I frowned at that, eying Maya.
“This isn’t just about my family, this is about this tribe… about the world, when you’re finished here, you’ll continue, continue until everyone submits.”
“So that’s a no, then?”
“My friends may be in danger because of me, but I don’t care… I refuse to give into you.” I replied, “Because unlike you, I’m not just an airbender… I’m an air nomad… and I refuse to concede my beliefs.”
“Fair enough… Nomad.” Immediately I shot my hand forward, air blasted out, towards Maya, she predicted it, raising her hand to stop it as it came, it was then I looked to the side, seeing something, some sort of glowing. “Honestly I expected you to say no, that’s why I brought a little insurance.” I turned, watching as a figure in a black uniform began to raise form the water, brown hair over tanned skin, with glowing bright eyes.
“Korra…”
“I like to call her Subject Seventeen… and when she kills you, she will help me bring on a new age.” Maya boasted, “Now kill her.” A flash of orange fire etched towards me, which I blocked with wind, I attempted to get a hit at Maya, when suddenly the rock I was on rose at a moment’s notice. I jumped away, reaching the wall before scurrying out of the way of more fire.
I ran to the tunnel, making my way up it as Maya and her new toy went after me.

KARA POV

”If you took my memory… than you can put it back.”
“Now why would I do that, my dear?” Silas asked with a grin. “Aren’t you afraid of what that other person could have been… why, the other Kara could be wicked, broken… aren’t you afraid of what could be inside you.” I scowled “If you want your memory back, than simply do it… bring it back. You don’t need me for that.” He then replied, taking a few more steps around the compound.
“I’m not afraid,” I replied, “Whatever person I was… that doesn’t scare me.”
“…”
“I have a right, to know what I lost.”
“And like I said… you don’t need me to do that… you never did.” Somehow I didn’t believe that.

As Sonya dragged me, an odd feeling came over me, from Sonya’s words. Some part of me agreed, which scared me, but even so, that part knew it was wrong… it knew the feeling, of controlling a person, of that kind of power, and it was familiar with it… It understood the power, but it accepted it.
This whole time, I refused to accept myself, but Sonya was right, I didn’t need to be scared of what I was anymore.
And as I finally came to, seeing Manu and Cecil both strapped down, an odd and powerful thought came to me, as to who I was.
I wasn’t the Kara who was trapped in the lab, and I wasn’t the Kara who became a striker, I was something else… in acceptance of both Karas, I was me, I was myself.
And I remembered everything.