A Meeting of Metal and Flesh

[ReaderJohn]

The first sounds that could be heard were the blaring klaxon alarms. Something was wrong, very wrong. Audio receptors were working this much was obvious, but their optics could only see darkness. With nothing but a hard surface above and below they crawl forward into the unknown. An awkward reach for anything within their grasp only meets emptiness and a sudden fall. THUD A crash onto metal flooring gives a momentary spot of pain, a good sign that one lives. "Ow."


The fumble proved fruitful as the low glow from the emergency lights that filled the room revealed it to be the bridge. They reach up to grasp the console above their head, the metallic fingers finding purchase. They struggled to their feet, joints feeling rusty and worn. "What happened here?" They try desperately to make sense of the situation as they observe the area for any signs of life. Smoke rises from scorched plating, sparking wires dangled from torn sections of the walls, and pipes venting gases freely. They reel in horror when their optics regain focus and reveal the state of the ship's crew.


Their smoldering bodies were twisted and torn with horrid expressions imprinted on their faces. The Lone Survivor views the carnage, every victim littered with numerous gruesome wounds. "Oh Primus, they're all dead." Through surveying the scene their head turns towards the front of the room expecting a screen, but their eyes only meet a gaping breach in the hull. What lay before them was the unknown yet familiar void of space, and in the distance suspended in this endless expanse was a ball of blue, green, and white; a planet.


Solemnly they turn their attention back to present matters. Brushing aside the debris from the console, its holographic panel barely functional. Their hands work quickly to ascertain the condition of the craft, its current location, and where the quarry might be. The results of the search were not welcoming; the craft was barely running on emergency power, multiple hull breaches on all decks, and most of the escape pods were all destroyed with a few missing from their holds. They ponder over the given data for a moment. "No matter, all I have to do is contact a communications buoy for Vanguard to.." Dull red eyes go wide with fright and shock as the reality of the situation is laid out before them.


There it was on the screen plain to see. To any survivors, Stratus has gone rogue. Mission: Apprehend at all costs. Dead or Alive. All other concerns are secondary.


Metal fists collide with the console destroying it, trying to shut out the terrible order given in its final moments. "No, it can't be true. Why?! How did this happen?"

They wanted to ignore this terrible lie and find her on their own merits, but something within them twitched reminding them of the given mission and that it must be completed. A quick scan detected an ion trail, giving a clear indication that the traitor went to this undocumented world. The metal-being rushes to the flight control console in the forward section of the bridge and begins inputting commands to the crippled craft; plotting a path to follow the trail to its predetermined conclusion. The engines sputter to life resulting in the hulk's creaks and moans over the sudden acceleration. The lone survivor leaves the bridge and enters an elevator, traveling to the deep interior of the vessel.


The ship flies forward, dutifully following its last orders. The forward hull begins to shave off piece by piece as the heat of re-entry engulfs the craft, warping the weakened shell. The inhabitants of the mountainous region would merely see this as a harmless meteorite to be, not knowing that within it lies a being desperately trying to stop one of its own. Their lives lie in the hopes that there is still time before this world is contaminated by their presence.

 

[ReaderJohn]

*tap, tap, tap* She's late. Asami had just finished her breakfast at one of her favorite local outside diner impatiently waiting for Korra. She had tried to busy herself with the various papers filled with charts, budgets, material and personnel requisitions, and messages from the four nations of what they are able to allocate to her efforts of the reconstruction. Unfortunately, the only thing that occupies her mind is the gnawing absence of someone she had spent a month in the Spirit World.


Upon coming back they went straight to work with Asami discussing with President Raiko and the Four Nations on what needed to be done to relocate and rebuild Republic City. Korra was needed to help with Wu's conversion of the Earth Kingdom into self-elected nations. Mako was kept busy with maintaining law and order with the displaced populace. Opal and Bolin, on loan from the Republic police, are aiding with their efforts to route any remaining Kuvira sympathizers and lend general aid to those in need. However, those months thankfully passed with haste and today was supposed to be the day Korra comes to visit Asami and the gang to catch-up with everyone and hopefully get some relaxation. Though before coming to see her Korramentioned she wanted to check up on the Tenzin's' family and the airbenders.


Frustration sets in Asami's mind. She begins to develop a frown when thinking to herself, What is wrong with me?! I need to be more patient. Korra has been away for months, she's barely seen Tenzin and his family. I had a whole month with her to myself! Plus we've had constant contact with each other through the portable radio I made for her. It is natural she would spend a little more time with them. A look of disappointment over herself sets in. This last month hasn't been easy for my girl. She said that there is something upsetting the spirits. She hasn't been able to figure out why and it's stressing her out. She flicks her hair away from her face to get a better view of the road where Korra is supposed to come from. Maybe I should ask her for "private" lessons on meditation, it would certainly help make all this waiting more bearable. A bright blush covers her face at the thought of intimate training with her lovely one.


Asami wistfully continues to stare at the horizon, her thoughts of Korrafinding their way back to the time they spent together in the Spirit World. Both of them learning what they meant to each other. They saw incredible landscapes of vibrant colors and met so many different spirits. Korra even took Asami to see the legendary Iroh, who challenged her to the most intense game of Pai Sho she had ever experienced. The love-struck girlfriend of the Avatar sighs deeply, hating that such a blissful time had come to an end too soon.


*BEEEEEP!*Asami is startled out of her daydream by the sound of a car horn from its angry driver trapped in rush hour traffic. Greatly annoyed at this new development she utters to herself, "Great, now she'll definitely be late." Her gaze falls upon the reports beside her finished breakfast along with an unread newspaper. "Well, I can pass the time by seeing what's in the news today." Asami skims through the daily, with the saying a watched pot never boils repeating in her mind, she pays little attention to anything related to the Avatar. Her focus, however, is captured when she uncovers the front page news from under the pile of papers. Her eyes quickly digest its contents, picking the article apart for anything of relevance.


Rampant Scientist Kidnappings Continue. 4 new victims to mysteriously disappear this month. Fear spreads through the United Republic's scientific and industrial communities. Republic City PD is baffled as to who or what is committing these acts.


Asami places the newspaper down, her longing to be with Korra now replaced with worry. These kidnappings started three months ago, starting at Cabbage Corp. shortly after their re-opening. She had increased security at Future Industries, even going as far as to have the possibly targeted employees transported under heavy guard to ensure their safety. At first, it was just mechanics and laboratory assistants that were being taken, but in the last two weeks, there was a sudden shift to geologists, chemists, and physicists. What's more is that the ones being kidnapped are the newly graduated, usually having at most two years of experience. She had spoken to Mako previously about these kidnappings, only to be told that they have no leads and that the areas where they were taken showed no signs of resistance.


Mako and Chief Lin have been working tirelessly to figure this out. She could tell that from the darkened circles under his eyes that he has had many sleepless nights looking over the reports. She's tried numerous times to get him out of the office, which to her irritation he has begun to sleep in, but he wouldn't budge. Mako would always retort with, "I can't take a break while there are people being taken from their families."


Still, Asami tries her best to convince her friend to take some measure of alleviation for himself. "I understand what you are saying, but you need to take care of yourself." She places a large bag onto his desk containing bento boxes, drinks, and snacks. "If you don't eat and get some rest, you won't be able to operate at your best." Mako slumps in his chair sighing in defeat muttering, "Korra wouldn't rest." Glaring at Mako, Asami slams her hands on his desk drawing the looks of his fellow officers. "Yes she would, Korra needs her rest just as much as anyone!" She looks upon the surprised detective, giving off a domineering aura and leans into him with a whisper, "And if she didn't want to, I would make her." Asami swiftly points to the bag, "Now eat!" The fiery engineer collects herself and leaves Mako to his meal.


In hindsight, I think I could've handled that situation better, but he can be so stubborn. Quietly staring at the newspaper Asami begins to wonder that with all of this happening, just how long will this peace last till some other catastrophe occurs. Rampantkidnappings, somethings wrong with the spirits, and the only thing I can do is provide food for Mako. Something is very wrong and I can't do anything to help Korra figure out what it is.


Random, chaotic thoughts ran through the engineers' mind, feeding this sense of helplessness and despair over her perceived lack of ability to help resulting in Asami screaming out, "Why can't things just stay quiet and peaceful?!" She despised this feeling of powerlessness over the situation, of not being able to help Korra and her friends when they so desperately in need of it. She rests her cheeks on her thumbs with her fingertips rubbing her forehead. No, no. Don't focus on what you can't do, focus on what you can do, for her. It's been almost a year since Kuvira's defeat and Korra still has a lot of work to do until the balance is restored. Right now the best I can do is to listen, be supportive, and try, however brief, relieve her of the burdens she carries.


Daring to peek through her fingers with her left eye, Asami gazes down the street hoping her unrequited efforts will finally have value. She sees a faint outline emerging from the horizon. Her hands quickly fall to the table, pushing herself upward from her seat for a better look. A smile crossed her face as the Avatar comes into full view, riding her ever-faithful polar bear dog Naga. Asami uses her chair to leap over the table and makes a full sprint towards her dearest; yearning to feel the contours of her strong arms, the warmth of her chocolate skin, the sea salt smell of her hair. Unfortunately for Asami, Naga too has rushed forward to greet her and it's not because she wants the Avatar to get to her faster.


Her nose catches a sweet scent as she walks up the hill carrying her friend. She raises her head to see Asami's face, all wide-eyed and happy to see her. MastersFriend! I remember her! I love her! Must give hug!


"Whoa Naga! Whoa!'' cried Korra as her mighty steed joyfully sprints towards her target. Asami stops in her tracks as her face changes from joy to bewilderment as she sees the impending collision, but it's too late. Naga pushes off with her legs, soaring into the air.


*GLOMP*


Naga stands over Asami as she assails her with face-licking affection. Asami hysterically laughs over the ridiculousness of the situation."Easy Naga, easy! I missed you too." Korra dismounts smirking over the scene playing out before her. Still amused she quips, "If I didn't know any better I'd say you missed Naga more than me."


The engineer stands and fixes her messed up hair with a quick wrist flick after slowly prying herself from the polar bear dogs clutches stating, "It's not my fault she misses me. Maybe if the world would quiet down you wouldn't need to be gone so much." Korra'sface saddens in acknowledgment, "I know what you mean, especially since it's been so long after dealing with Kuvira."She looks away from Asami, who is returning Naga's affections with petting's while rubbing her arm nervously, "I really wanted to spend more time with you, but things aren't going as well as I hoped."


Asami suddenly stops petting Naga and turns towards her girlfriend with a worried look and asks, "Korra, what's wrong?"


Korra, looking down in self-disappointment, replies, "Me and Jinoraspent close to an entire day in the Spirit World, but we left with more questions than answers."


Asami, puzzled, asks "What do you mean?"


"They're terrified of something, but they can't or won't say what." Asami could hear the distress in Korra's voice. "We think it's a spirit overwhelmed with negative energy, but if that is the case then why haven't I or Jinora sensed it?"


Asami chimes in with, "Could a spirit hide its presence?"


Korra's muddled over the new thought. "Maybe.. but if that is the case, then it's not mindless which makes it even more dangerous." TheAvatar continues, "I had hoped to never see the spirits in such a state again after defeating Vaatu." Korra fiercely rummages her fingers through her hair to coax a solution from a tired mind."Gah! I'm at my wits end with.." She is stopped mid-sentence by Asami, who pulls her into a swift, tightening hug. Korra returns the affection with equal measure, closing her eyes and basking in the engineers' warmth. She breathes in the aroma of Asami'shair. Whoa, I forgot what you used to smell like, mmm. Asamilessens her hold on the Avatar and slowly trails her hands up over the taunt muscled back till they ever so gently clutch her head. She tilts Korra's head back so that she can gaze into those sea-blue eyes. She intensely blushes from Asami's tender actions.


The engineer leans forward to lightly kiss her chocolate forehead, then whispers faintly to her ear, "Don't worry you'll figure this out. Everyone is here for you. I'm here for you." Asami slowly releases herself for a better look at a tomato red Avatar.


"Thank you", Korra says with a trembling voice. She takes a minute to compose herself before asking, "So.. what do you have planned for us today?"


Asami replies, "Well, the original plan was to meet up with Bolin and Mako for lunch, but with traffic the way it is right now they'll be a while." She thinks on what to do before the light-bulb in her head flicks on. "Aha! I have just the thing," she says with a knowing smile.


Korraraises an eyebrow, "Oh? What has my tinkerer thought of?"


Asami wiggles her index finger replying, "Uh-uh it's a surprise."She turns her attention to their polar bear dog, who has been patiently waiting with a drooling breath. Asami singsongs to her, "Oh, Naga?" The cute canine tilts her head with an inquisitive expression. "I know it's been a long journey for you and Korra, but could you take us to one more place, please?" "You'll get a nice big piece of salmon." "RUFF!" Naga is ecstatic over the thought of being rewarded with yummy fish as she lowers herself for the riders. Asami mounts up first to take the reins followed by Korra. "Alright, Naga. Let's go!"

 

[ReaderJohn]

*HONK!**HONK!*"Come On!" "Move it!" "I've got places to be!"


*sigh* Spirits give me the strength to resist ticketing everyone here for noise level violations. They were so late and this traffic jam will make them even later. Mako had just returned from picking Bolin up at the docks, which required him to wait for fifteen minutes before he would let go of Opal. After leaving it became a race against time to avoid the highway traffic. Mako and Bolin pooled their knowledge of roadways to evade the mid-day human migration. Alas, it was all in vain because Mako forgot to read the construction reports of what roads were being worked on.


Damnit, we are going to be so late. A cop must always know what roads are being serviced to avoid being caught in traffic. You'd think I wouldn't make such a rookie mistake after being promoted to Lieutenant. Mako could feel the familiar hand of Bolin on his shoulder.


"Relax Mako, if you keep pinching your nose you'll snap it off."


He lowers his hand back to the steering wheel. "I know, it's just...look," quickly gesturing his arms to the vehicles around them, "we're stuck here in traffic when we are supposed to be having lunch with Korra and Asami."


Bolin nodded in acknowledgment, "True, true, but think of it this way," he slips his arm around Mako to hug him, "we get to spend some much-needed quality time together."


Mako couldn't resist smiling from his brothers' positive attitude. "Yeah, we haven't done that for a while have we?" "I've been busier than ever since my promotion, you and Opal have been traveling all over the Earth Kingdom."


His brother nodded in agreement, drawing a love-struck smile, "Yup, me and Opal saving people; righting wrongs, spreading a message of love and peace for all." Mako smirks from Bolin's last words, "Let's just hope that this actually stays that way."


"wwwwooOOOOOORRRRRRRRRR"


Their faces freeze and eyes go wide as the significance of the roaring sound begins to register within their minds. It only takes a split second of eye contact for them to acknowledge what their next actions should be. Bolin jumps out of the vehicle and swiftly readies his body for a task it knows all too well. Gaining a solid stance he forces the bridge barriers from his position to the highways'off-ramp ahead to tilt outwards, then extends them giving Mako just enough room to drive on. Mako grabs his radio, "This is Lieutenant Mako responding to a possible Code Three at Future Industries factories, I am being assisted by Officer Bolin." He maneuvers the car out of the traffic lane, siren blaring to warn vehicles ahead of his impending arrival. Bolin leaps into the passenger seat as his brother picks up speed.


"You think it's anything serious?!", Bolin asks yelling to make sure his brother hears him.


"Anything like that has to be serious which could mean there is trouble."


Bolin interjects with, "And where's trouble.."


Mako finishes, "there are Korra and Asami right in the middle of it."

 

[ReaderJohn]

Korra, Asami, and Naga headed towards the industrial sector of Republic City, making a beeline to Future Industries property. The sounds of construction flood the area; the clanging of metal, speeding delivery trucks and their drivers tirelessly working to deliver materials, and the sizzling of natural and artificial torches cutting and fusing metals. They continue to ride east, bearing for the dock area while leaving behind the sounds of industry for the more quiet setting of ocean waves. Rows of identical buildings appear on the landscape ahead except for one. Asami slowly pulls back on Naga's reins urging her to slow down, allowing Korra to get a better glimpse of its exterior. The structure is larger than the others, its color is of the Southern Water Tribe, and the twelve-foot tall double sliding doors have Raava's sigil embedded into them. They dismount and while Korra looks on in amazement while Asami directs Naga forward, letting her nose lead onto her prize, a large basket full of delicious, fat fish. With a happy bark, she runs to it.


While the polar bear dog consumes her just rewards, Korra walks over to Asami with a playful look of false confusion, "I wonder who this is for?"


Asami replies, "Well, I was going to show you this place later, but current events forced me to make adjustments." She gestures to a door on the far left side of the buildings' wall while reaching out to her Avatar. A warm smile on her face, "Come on, I'll show you." Korra takes the offered moment and walks in.


The first thing that became very immediate to Korra was the lack of internal lighting. Confused she asks, "Uh Asami, did you forget to pay your electric bill?" She hears her giggle ahead, still lightly pulling her along an unknown path.


"Don't worry my little Avatar, just stay close to me and close your eyes."


She does so, tightening her grip, and cautiously follows her through the immutable fog of darkness. Her mind, deprived of one of its means to observe the world, now focuses more intently on her other senses. Her nose smells Asami's lavender honey scented hair and a whiff of fresh motor oil permeating the atmosphere. The ears, straining into the artificial abyss, report the echoes of their footsteps and their rhythmic breathing. However, the most important sense to her at this moment was the feeling of her girlfriend's hand. This strong, impossibly velvety palm and fingers clasped around her own. You'd think with all of the sparring bouts we have and her constant work on machines she would have at least a rough spot somewhere on these delicious digits of hers.


She continues to lead her along. "There are some stairs here." Korra cautiously climbs the steps. "That's it. There you go." They continued onward with Asami expertly navigating the path, turning right only for them to stop after they finished a few more paces. Korra felt the hand she held tightly onto twist around and entwine its fingers with hers while bringing its owner face to face. Korra could feel Asami slowly trail her fingertips from her thighs all the way up to her cheek. Her heart thundered in her chest yearning for whatever came next. The enshrouded mistress spoke, "Keep your eyes closed dear, I'm turning on the lights." The dull hum of warehouse illumination turns silent as the area is drenched in light.


"You can open them now."


Korra opened her eyes staring right into Asami's. She notices they are on a catwalk suspended close to the ceiling. "What do you have to show me?" Asami points down to another source of light below them. She follows the finger to see a glass ceiling and through it notices people in white surgical garb walking around below. They were each tenderly handling various items; some of them were looking on as one of them sent a bolt of lightning into a metal wire with another team watching a machine connected to the wire at the other end, others seem to be trying to set strange fabrics she has never seen before on fire and others were taking notes on the numerous rows of plants growing on small pots.


"This is or once was, a little project of mine. I would find something I like and tinkered with it to see how it worked and then put it back together, sometimes better than before. It kinda ballooned after I met you." She points to the various white-coated groups below. "The room with the fire bender shooting lightning? We are testing a new alloy to see how easily the current passes through it. The ones we have carrying electricity all over the city lose too much power over long distances. They are working on designing a fire retardant substance that can be applied to any clothing." A bright flash of light bloomed from below and just as quickly died. "We're still working out the kinks. Those plants over there have been bred to need less land and water to grow the same amount of crop. We've even made a new kind of fertilizer that makes crop rotation much more effective."


"And the Raava sigil outside?"


She quietly voices to Korra, "You inspired me to make what I did bigger. You're going all over the world helping everyone and bringing harmony." She takes her hand. "If we are going to be together I only want to help you in any way I can.. and," gesturing to her employees down below, "this is the only way I know how."Korra stretches herself to Asami's rose lips to gift them with a tender kiss, "Thank you."


"wwwwooOOOOOORRRRRRRRRR"


Asami's' head jerks away from Korra when the sound reaches her ears, temporarily puzzled by the meaning behind it till her brain relays the critical information the howling resonance conveys. Turning back to Korra, she hurriedly says, "We have to get out of here."She leans over the rail, "Everyone out of here! Get to the designated safety zones!" They dash down the length of the warehouse towards the door.


"What's going on?", Korra questions.


"I don't know, but if that siren is running it means something terrible is happening." Asami is first through the door with Korra a mere second behind. They round the building hoping that all is well, that the activation of the siren was a fluke. The flurry of panicked workers running for safety confirmed the CEO's worst fears. The duo hears a host of muffled explosions off in the distance. Korra and Asami quickly look to each other, mentally fortify themselves so they may deal with the developing crisis. Korra whistles for Naga, who heeds her call. They quickly mount her and ride toward the source of unknown peril.

 

[ReaderJohn]

Naga raced through Future Industries miniature city of a production complex, racing towards the sounds of explosions that have people fleeing in terror. Korra helps navigate their steed around people and obstacles alike with precision, while Asami tightens the hold around her to stay in place. The industrialists' eyes are the first to see the smoke rising in the distance. She points it out to Korra, "Look up ahead!" The Avatar's eyes could see the smoke, but they noticed that something was moving in the distance. She squints to focus on the moving apparitions.

Korra, disbelieving her sight, asks her partner, "Asami are you seeing what I'm seeing? Asami looks ahead and to see two giant machines fighting. Memories of Kuvira's colossal machine overcome her mind. Its destructive power, the terror it inflicted; the loss of her father; and the horrifying thoughts that she lost Korra as well.

"Asami?" Korra's voice snaps her out of the daze.

"I'm okay." She brings her attention back to the situation. She points to the building the mechs are fighting near, "I need you to get them away from there. Naga and I will see if there's anyone trapped."

As they raced ever closer to the battle Korra could see that the smaller mech was fighting aggressively, weaving between buildings for cover, while constantly firing at its larger opponent. She reaches down to her waist to squeeze Asami's hand, turning her head to look at her."Guess this is where I get off." Korra leans forward to Naga's ear to whisper, "Keep her safe ok girl?" The loyal polar bear dog replies with ruff between her panting. Asami gives her a quick hug, "Please be careful." Korra hands over the reins and with a grin leaps off Naga with a gust of air yelling, "Aren't I always?!" falling towards the ground she forms her air scooter and blazes a dusty trail towards her adversaries.

Asami and Naga reach their destination as sounds of Korra's fighting began in the distance. She could hear the sounds of the elements connecting with their targets. Naga searches through the rubble letting her nose lead the way. "Hello! Is there anyone here?!" She hears Naga'sbark and turns to see her pointing her snout at a pile of debris. Asami dismounts and begins removing what she can from the rubble to see what lies beneath.

"Anyone in there?", asking the darkness only to hear a faint groan in return. "Just hang in there! We'll get you out." She takes a few steps back thinking, That is too heavy to lift outright. I need a lever. Asami turns to her awaiting stead. "Naga? I need a stick girl. A big stick. Think you can find one for me?" She gives an affirmative, "Ruff!" and runs off searching. "I'll need to make a pivot point before she gets back." Asami quickly goes about gathering whatever stones and rubble, which were in no short supply, to create the fulcrum needed for the lever. The sound of something metallic scraping on concrete drew closer carrying with it the panting of a polar bear dog.

Naga brings the long pipe to Asami's side, receiving a quick petting for her efforts. Alright now just go to set this up properly and slide it into that hole. Taking the pipe she places it on the fulcrum and slides half its length into the hole she created earlier. Placing pressure on her end raises the heavy load on the opposite end with ease. Asami directed Naga to obtain the prone worker that laid within. Naga dutifully complies with the command gently grabbing and dragging the trapped worker out. Letting go of the lever Asami rushes over to check on the battered employee, "It's okay, it is okay you're safe now." The worker gratefully thanks Sato for rescuing them. "Can you walk?"

"I can try."

Asami slowly lifts the worker to their feet, but they reel in pain and collapse when they try to fully stand. "I can't Miss Sato. It hurts too much." Asami calls for Naga and places the injured workers onto her back. "Did you see anyone else that might be in trouble?" The worker points ahead, "Over there. I saw some people rush into that hole when everything was falling." Asami guides Naga, with the injured employee on her, to where the covered hole was. She hears the sound of a large explosion from where Korra is fighting. The sudden feeling of dread grips her soul over the endless possibilities of what could've happened to her beloved.

 

[ReaderJohn]

Barreling towards the unknown mechs, Korra strategizes on how best to deal with these new things. I've got to keep them distracted long enough for Asami and Naga to clear out anyone that is left. I know fire would only blind them, but that will be useful. I can feel the water underground in the pipes, but it might take too long to gather it up. Plenty of good old earth to use though, just need to be quick on my feet. Not going to bother metalbending them. Probably made of that darn platinum stuff. With a clear view ahead she notices the oddly bright projectiles coming from the smaller mechs hand weapons. I'll definitely need my air-bending to dodge whatever those things are firing. Releasing control over her air scooter Korra slides onto her feet to a stop, the two mechs unaware of her presence.


"Let's see how tough you two are." She widens her stance, imposing her will unto the earth, and forces four large slabs out of the ground. Taking aim she hurls them at her targets with a swing of her arms, two for each mech. They don't notice until it's too late as their helping of boulders smashed against them. The larger of the two is only knocked six paces away, but its smaller combatant is staggered on the first then the next sent it flying away into the company road. The now noticeably blue, tall mech looks at Korra and rises its left arm, aiming with a set of glowing cannons.


The echoing thoughts of move, move, MOVE! screamed in Korra's mind as she bends the air to create a powerful jet, propelling herself out the field of fire. She sees a streak of orange light strike where she stood moments ago then a large explosion leaving a small crater as its mark. Thundering steps fill the area as the tall mech runs toward Korra, drawing a blade from its other arm. It swings where Korra stands.


PEW PEW


The assailant's arm is struck veering its aim off just enough to miss her. She reflexively uses the earth to vault herself away narrowly dodging the hail of gunfire from the now standing smaller mech. The battle turns into a deadly dance. Korra evading both blade and projectile alike while continuing to push them away from the industrial complex and further away from Asami with her earth bending. The smaller mech is surprisingly nimble, rolling around doing it all it could to fend off sword strikes, flying rocks, or cannon blasts while taking potshots at the more dominant machine.


Its larger counterpart acted as though it was mindless, attacking either opponent with no concern for safety. It was surprisingly effective as the Avatar and the other mech were constantly on the defensive. Korra could feel the sweat sliding down her back. The tall tale signs of her body it's starting to feel the strain. Ugh, this is getting me nowhere. I've got to push them out of here and fast before one of them gets a lucky shot at me or Asami.


Out of the corner of her eye, she spots an abandoned fuel truck."Perfect." After throwing her last boulder, Korra dashes away from the fight and dives behind the leftover corner of a demolished building. Peeking around to see that the larger mech had already forgotten her and focused its attention on the other she makes way to the truck. Feeling for the impurities within the metallic frame Korralifts the vehicle and with great effort hurls it. She waits for the right moment then strikes the tankers hold with a fireball, igniting it then quickly shields herself with an earthen dome. The explosion engulfs the two mechs and rocks the dome with its blast.


As Asami made the final knot that attached a makeshift sled to Naga'ssaddle she heard the explosion. She turned and could only watch in horror as a large fireball shot into the air. Her light green eyes pick apart the area trying to find a sign for her Avatar. There you are. Her eyes had caught sight of the artificial dome. The relief turns to trepidation as the looming shadow of the mech emerges from the flames unscathed. She noticed Korra had emerged from her shelter and stood ready to continue the fight. The same feeling of helplessness she felt when Kuvira took her father away becomes ever-present once more.


No, not this time. This time I'm not losing her. Not to these things. Korra can't metal bend them, but their metal chassis should still conduct electricity. She kneels to Naga, looking at her friend in their eyes. "Naga I need you to take these people away from here and stay there ok girl?"She hands the rails to the woman they first rescued. "Just guide her to the evacuation zone and stay clear of any kind of trouble."


"Yes, Ma'am." With a gentle nudge, Naga runs off carrying the injured people on her back and towing the saddle filled with more of them. Turning her attention to present matters she quickly pulls together a strategy. Best thing I can use against these mechs would be electricity and lucky for me there is plenty of it here. It's just a matter of getting close enough with something conductive.


She surveys the area for a potent electrical source but yields nothing in the immediate vicinity. Undeterred she proceeds back to a storage house they passed by earlier for two one-hundred-foot spools of quarter-inch-thick copper wire. Let's hope they didn't knock out the power grid. I wouldn't want to do this the hard way. She makes her way to the closest fabrication building nearest to the battle, heading towards the large breaker box. A stray thought entered mind reminding her how much of pain these buildings were with their near-constant demand for power. After confirming that power did indeed still flowed through the circuits she proceeded with the plan.


The battle seemed to drag on forever. Her opponents are constantly moving around her attacks and each other seemingly without feeling exhaustion. Focus Korra, just keep looking for an opening then take it. Out of the corner of her eyes, she notices something rolling along the pavement. They were two spools of wire casually rolling along, such an odd sight almost made her drop her guard.


"Korra!!", a shout came from Asami. Looking her way she sees Asami pointing at the spools, giving her a thumbs up.


Korra grins with pride, "That's my girl." She swirls her arms in front of her focusing the air around her opponents faster and faster to create a whirlwind to kick up the dust to blind them. She then bends the metal on the spools and launches them at her foes, wrapping one spool on their legs. She turns back knowing that her girlfriend had a reason for this shouting, "Do it Asami!"


Hearing the command Asami flips the breaker, electrifying the copper wire with thousands of electronic scrambling volts of power. The duo winces as they hear unexpected screams of pain. As the fierce wind dies down Korra sees the nightmarish source of the screams.


Asami rushes out to see these mecha suits wailing in pain. She looks on in shock and horror over what was transpiring. This makes no sense, they should be frozen in place not screaming. A myriad of possibilities run through her mind as she grapples with the reason behind this scene. Spirits. What are these things?


The mechs convulse as crackling electricity courses through them, arcing between the two. The smaller gunmetal one is doubled over on their knees straining to stay up. The taller blue mech, on the other hand, is staring beyond Korra at the source of where the wires originate from. It raises its shaking cannon arm once more and fires twice.

 

[ReaderJohn]

"Oh no, you don't!", Korra forces multiple walls of the earth in the path of the shot. The protective barrier absorbs the shots, but are destroyed in the process. She sees two more shots fly past her. These ones were teal in color and quick, too quick. And found their target: the electrical substation.


As she looked on Asami noticed something about these machines. Something peculiar about the tall blue mech. Its face moves! It actually looks angry and in pain and... A chill descends down her spine. It's looking right at me.


Anger. Clear unbridled anger possessed its metal face as the blue mech looked toward Asami. Its brightly lit pale blue eyes stared into her own. Every fiber of her being screamed for her to run. The mech dashes towards her. The world seemed to slow down as it drew nearer. It's blade singing as it cuts through the air ever closer. She feels herself fall to the ground as Korra tackles her. The mech, still charging, is suddenly struck by two deafening blasts sending it flying into the building opposite of them.


They quickly rise to their feet and look to see the other mech standing firm. Its pair of weapons lightly smoking and glowing from the barrel. Its menacingly red eyes glance over at the duo. Korra takes a defensive posture ready for anything this one might try. Asaminotices a growing shadow over its face. CRASH A piece of ceiling slams into its face, then an orange light streaks through its side sending the mech tumbling over to the ground. The tall mech steps through the wall as though it were paper. It's eyes still on the engineer.


"Asami run!" Korra hurls slabs of rock at the mech hoping to catch its attention. The metal giant swings its thick wrist blade with the flat end hitting the rock, smashing it to pieces. It raises its cannon arm, the barrel glowing the deadly orange within. Before they can fire their shot Korra hurls another slab smacking the weapon throwing its aim off as the blast escapes the barrel. She turns to see where it lands. The shot misses Asami entirely striking the paved road, but the shock-wave from its explosive detonation hits Korra's girlfriend. She's flung into a nearby brick wall and falls to the ground limply.


An enraged avatar responds in kind ripping the entire wall from the building next to her and sending its full length into the mechs chassis. It flies back into the building it was in moments ago, collapsing the whole thing onto it. Disregarding the mechs, Korraleaps and creates a jet of air, launching herself swiftly to her girlfriend's aid.


Gently taking the unconscious engineer into her arms Korra runs to put distance between them and the mechs. She stops after running three buildings down and turns a corner, propping Asami up against the wall to look her over.


She was covered in dust, a few scraps, and a small trail of blood coming from a cut on her head hidden by her hair. Korra feels for the water in the flask she had Asami keep on her person and draws it out. She had advised her to have one when she once complained of being thirsty from her workaholic tendencies and forgot to drink. Korra remembers her being so dumbfounded over the simple solution to her problem. Silently she surrounds her with the water and focuses her energies into it. She sees the scraps and cut heal in moments, a credit to the skill passed onto her from Master Katara.


"Asami, can you hear me?" Her girlfriend gave no reply. Worry builds in Korra's chest.


"Please wake up." Stirrings and murmurs are replied. The engineer opens her eyes. "Korra?"


Relief washes over the Avatar. "Yes it's me," she replies cupping her dearests lovely cheek. Asami affectionately takes hold of it rubbing the digits with her thumb. "Are you feeling alright?" Asamishakes her head affirmatively, "I'm okay." She smirks, "Go, get'em girl."


Making sure her girlfriend was comfortable Korra heads back to the fight. She could already hear the scraping of metal on metal and feeling the low rumble of the earth. She concentrates, for a moment, to deepen the connection between her spirit and Ravaa's, calling forth her might to her own. A pure white glow emanates from her eyes. Korra felt the familiar energies course through her being. A feeling of gentleness and warmth, yet such things belied the power contained. A power she would put to good use.


She steadily strides onward feeling out for anything metallic within her reach. Earth-movers, I-beams, rivets, wreckage. All munitions for her to vent the rage building within. She could feel Ravaa's worry yet the Great Spirit said nothing. She understands the kind of rage Korra feels right now. The rage of seeing your loved one hurt before your eyes. She felt that time and again throughout the years with all other avatars and their partners. Korra and Asami were no different.


Ahead Korra sees that the smaller mech has been pinned underfoot by the taller one. Its cannon pointed for a killing strike. Neither noticed the Avatars return, but they do hear her.


"I don't know who or what you two are, but you will learn one thing. "She takes hold of the metal in her reach and raises them into the air. "No one HURTS." The metal turns sharply as though they are intentionally facing their target. "MY ASAMI!!!" They blur through the air moving too fast to count their number.


I-beams strike their face and torso sending them spiraling into the air. The smaller mech flies further than the other landing hard on the ground. The blue mech uses the momentum to spin themselves mid-air and land on their feet, upturning the road as they slide to a stop. An earth-mover soars towards it head-on, but the mech sliced in two by their blade. Korra retaliates with crushing the halves into mechs' frame pinning their upper arms. They retract their weaponry and bring their lower arms up to shield themselves from the second wave of high-velocity pieces of various metal objects. The area is showered with sparks from metal grinding on metal, the crushed earth-mover frame whittled away in the process.


Feeling the sun blotted out they lower their arms to see the penultimate of the Avatar's attack, a volley of enormous metal freight containers. The blue mech struggled to dodge through the hail of towering metal death. Korra was sure one would hit, but the mech catches the last container, letting its momentum to make them spin on their heel. She sees the blue mech stop its full turn with a stomp on its raised foot, sending the container back to her.


Korra solidifies her stance and reaches out to stop it, but realizes it's moving too fast. Shifting her focus she quickly thrusts her arms down then up in a duel uppercut motion. An angled pillar spurt from the ground immediately spearing through the makeshift projectile, violently stopping it.


She hears a series of clanking sounds beyond the pillar that obscures her view. "Get back here!" Guessing it is attempting to escape she wills fire from the soles of her feet, propelling her atop of the wreckage to find her quarry gone.

 

[ReaderJohn]

"What the?", her words are cut short when a distant roar reaches her ears. And like a kick to the chest, the strain for maintaining the Avatar State and prolonged, fierce combat hits her. She relinquishes the empowerment and doubles over, hands propping her up on her knees breathing heavy. Body dripping sweat.


"Korra, the other one!" She looks to see Asami up and about pointing to the other mech still in their midst. Cursing her lack of attention turns ready to face whatever the other could throw at her. What she actually sees is the back of the machine clutching its wounded side as it looks skyward.


She slides down from the top of the wreck. "You're not going anywhere!"It surprisingly jumps ever so slightly as if it was startled by Korra's sudden outburst. It meets the avatar's gaze, staring at her for a moment, then it breaks into a full run.


Korra strikes up with one fist while striking forward with the other causing multiple pieces of debris to shoot up and fly out to strike the legs of the fleeing machine hoping to trip it. The mech leaps forward and twists firing one of its hand cannons, the blast destroying Korra's attack. It lands on its back using the momentum to roll onto its feet as the dust and pebbles pass by. Its red eyes look on altering their gaze between Korra and Asami.


"Well?", Korra shouts ready for whatever comes next.


The silent machine slowly brings its weapons down and places them out of sight behind its back.


"Is it surrendering?" Asami asks. "Maybe?", replies Korra. The Avatar's eyes focused on the mech for any sort of movement. She was ready for anything... except what came next.


TSCHE-CHU- CHU- CHU- TSCHE


The duo stare on in shock and amazement as the body of the mech swiftly changed form. Arms and legs fold and twist seemingly into themselves. The round shoulders producing wheels and panels unfolding from hidden places on its body, changing into something larger than Asami's personal satomobile. Its tires squeal before gaining traction and speeds away.


They continue to stare, baffled over what had happened. "Did we really just see that?", Korra asked abruptly. "Yes," Asami confirming. Scientific curiosity overtaking her thoughts. "And I want to know how it works. We need a car."


The growing sound of a siren accompanied by a honking horn catches their attention. Squinting her eyes for a moment Korra recognizes the people approaching, "Its Mako and Bolin!"


The vehicle comes to a halt, Bolin leaping out of his seat rushing to them. "You guys alright? We saw the explosions and we came as fast as we could."


"RDP and fire departments are only a few minutes behind us," Mako spoke while propping himself up. He takes a moment to survey the damage surroundings. "What did this?"


"Not what, who." Asami chimes in while walking to the driver's door."I'll take the wheel from here. We need to leave now if we are going to catch up with one of them."


"Shouldn't we be looking for survivors first?" Mako asks, "there could be people still trapped."


"I'll take a look," Korra says. She kneels down to touch the ground with her hand and closes her eyes, feeling out with her spirit. Seeking to make a connection with anyone that might be in the area.


I can't sense anyone nearby. They're all gathered away from here. I do feel some auras heading towards us, must be the police and firefighters. She takes a moment to feel her friend's energy. Bolin and Mako are obviously worried I can feel that, but Asami's. She's completely out of whack. I wonder if she has fully recovered and seeing those mechs fighting probably reminded her of those nightmares. Hmmph, I'd ask her to stay behind, but I don't think she will. I'll have to keep a close eye on her.


She breaks the connection telling them they can leave. The krew pick their seats and race to catch their speeding prey with Asami driving and Korra in the front passenger seat. She fills in Bolin and Mako on what happened before they arrived. They seemed to have taken the news well.


"You're kidding me, right?" Bolin asked in his usual disbelieved manner."We're chasing after a machine that can level buildings and change into some kind of satomobile."


"I'm more shocked that they withstood the Avatar State, from what you said they are smaller than Kuvira's mecha." A hint of worry was in Mako's voice.


"I was trying to make them run instead of just pummeling them into the ground. If the fight kept going the damage would've spread, putting more people in danger," Korra replied defensively.


"That makes sense."


Thanks to Asami's skillful driving and intimate knowledge of the Republic Cities road system, they arrive at the interstate in short order. Along the way, Korra couldn't help but continuously glance over at her girlfriend. Discovering how turbulent her spirit has left the Avatar worried. She remembered those nights during and after they returned from their trip into the Spirit World. Asami would wake up in the middle of the night screaming out for her father. Korra would hold her tight saying reassuring words to calm her mind, just as Asami did for her four years ago.


Her thoughts are interrupted when she sees a dark object peak from the corner of her vision. The familiar nagging feeling at the back of her mind compelled Korra to focus on what it may be. "There it is!" she exclaims pointing to the oddly shaped vehicle speeding through traffic to reach the freeway. Asami presses down on the accelerator while activating the siren to signal the other drivers to get out of their way.


Bolin, who sat behind the driver's seat, leaned forward between the two front seats asking, "So does anyone know where this mech we're chasing is going?"


Asami quickly replies, "My guess is that whoever is piloting it will want to disappear and fast. What better place than the abandoned sections of the old Republic City?"


Mako pulls his brother back and darts his hand between the two, palm up."Hand me the radio. I can have whatever roads we need cutoff."


Korra does so adding, "See if you can keep them on the main road. If we can get them to the oversea bridge we can stop them."


"Good idea." He takes the radio and relay orders to his fellow officers.


Whoever was driving this mech turned car must have seen them because it's velocity suddenly increased and broke out of the traffic lane. The krew gives chase slowly closing the distance with traffic parting for the siren, while their quarry swerves through it.


It turns at an intersection only to drive back onto the main road at the last second as a wall of stone blocks it off. It weaves through the frightened drivers and approaches the next one only to find it blocked as well. They speed along, going faster and faster with each blocked intersection it encounters.


Mako speaks to his fellow officers through the radio, "Great work everyone. Have you cleared the bridge of civilians?" "Yes sir." a voice replies from the other end. "Good, once this perp gets on the bridge close it off after we go through."


"Ten-four."


Both vehicles race forward onto the bridge speeding down its long length. The officers of Republic City closing the entryway as the team passes per Mako's command. "Ok, the pilot is boxed in here with us," Bolin says after looking back.


Korra stares ahead, her focus entirely on the shape-changing machine."Good, now let's take this thing down." She turns back to the two brothers. "Mako I need you to get a good charge with your lightning while Bolin and I keep the driver distracted."


He nods. "Try and make his reactions predictable, I'll only get one shot."


Korra and Bolin focus their reach into the pavement. Bolin rips small slices out, throwing them in rapid succession towards the left side of the pursued vehicle. Korra opts for thrusting out chunks of pavement into the vehicles right side forcing it back into Bolin'sbarrage.


Mako stands and closes his eyes, his breath steady and slow. His full attention focused on separating the positive and negative jing within and without him.


Asami could feel the tall tale tingling sensation of building static electricity. She breathes deeply, Keep her steady girl. Either we run out of road and this pilot eats four foot thick slabs of concrete or Mako fries their ride.


The screeching sound of the chased vehicles rear wheels locking in place causing it to slide across the bridge road as it sharply turns into the opposite lane. Asami notices Mako's lightning bolt streak through the air only for it to miss and strike at the blockade scorching the rock and leaving a sizable hole. It looked as though, for a moment, that the mobile had spun out of control and headed towards the guardrail only to stop exactly in the middle of the opposite lane. The tires kicking up smoke as it speeds off in the other direction.


Clenching her teeth Asami shifts from fourth to second gear. "Get down and hold tight!" She flicks the steering wheel to the right only to swiftly spin it to the left. The feel of the vehicle's weight shifting to the outer wheels tells her that the maneuver will work. Their car comes to a perfectly matching stop as the other did moments ago. Asami shifts into first gear and hitting the accelerator restarting their pursuit.


Korra grunts in frustration, "I think it's time this guy cooled off."She rises from her seat and performs a quick, forceful series of movements with her arms and fists. The road beneath the fleeing mech tilts upward and curves altering its path toward the guardrail. The screeching of its breaks are heard as it fails to stop it from smashing through the barrier, sending it to the river below. Asamistops near it and the group piles out. Korra confidently walks to the rail gap leaning forward, "Let's see you get out of that."


WHIRR WOOSH


A streak of gray darts across the water speeding towards the coast where the abandoned remains of the city.


"What the?!", Korra exclaims upon seeing the car speed along the water. Gritting her teeth, "This guy is not getting away." She jumps over the railing, pulling and twisting the water beneath upwards into an ever-growing spiral to catch and slow her descent. She then retracts into the sea carrying her with it only to launch herself across. Using a quick burst of flames from her fists and feet for an extra push. She sails through the air closing the gap between them. As she falls to the water she makes a water spout and continues the chase.


"I hate it when she does that," Mako says clearly annoyed over Korra'sactions.


Bolin looks on as Korra fades into the distance, "You think she is going to be ok?"


Asami answers, "I don't know, but I'll be damned if we're going to be on the sidelines. Bolin, does Opal still have the portable radio I made for her?"


"Huh?"She gives him the moments needed for him to pull his thoughts away from the moment and slowly make the connections as to why she wants to contact Opal. "Oh yes!" Eyes lighting up when he realizes the reason. "Oh, that's a great idea. Let me see if I can get ahold of her."


While Bolin runs back to the car, Mako and Asami continue to look on as Korra fades in the distance. Mako spots something dart through the water below when he notices a dark streak zip underwater, then another and another. A whole swarm of them speeding along, each as long as a torpedo by his guess, and all of them mirroring Korra's path. A sense of dread hovered over him.

 

[ReaderJohn]

"Asami", he points to below them, "are you seeing you seeing what I'm seeing?" She follows the path his fingers makes and sees the darting streaks underwater. Shock and fear over the awaiting danger to the Avatar. Spirits, there's so many.. and she doesn't know. Oh my Ravaa she's in so much danger. She could feel a hard lump take shape in her throat.


"Guys! I've got Opal on the line she says she can be here in ten minutes."


Mako turns to his brother yelling, "We need her here faster than ten minutes! Korra's in trouble."


Blasts of red hot fire singe the air as Korra continually assaults her quarry relentlessly. Darn thing is fast. Another shot from her fist goes into the drink. If this guy gets on land under their own power he might escape. I'll need to change that. They drew closer to the oncoming shore with Korra hot on the vehicle's tail, not letting up her attacks. Almost there you just keep swerving.


She hears a loud bang sound from below, but before she could look her eyes were shrouded in darkness. She breathes in and coughs, her lungs burn as they struggle for better air. She hears the roaring sound of an engine begin to fade. Gathering air from within the water tunnel below, she expands it outwards forcing the smoke away. She gasps as pure, clean air fills her lungs. "That is it!"


Regaining the sight of the vehicle she focuses on the water and pulls a thick wall of aqua up ahead of it. Too close to stop it slams head-on. The waters' constant rising causes it to tumble over and away from the wall.


"I tried to do this gently, but you just want to keep pulling tricks. So here's some of mine." She encircles the waterfall around it, blocking their escape. She swirls her hands and arms, churning the water below. Slowly at first, then faster and faster-creating a whirlpool that pulls the struggling mech down into its depths. The vehicle tries to overcome the vortex. Its engine raging against the avatars manipulations, but metal proved no match for elemental fury as the mech falls further and further below.


She feels a twinge of pity for the poor soul as it tumbles about in the watery vortex. The harsh, hard-hitting waves refusing to let up their assault. Pity that quickly faded when the memory of Asami's near-death by their actions rushes forward. Her hands clench as the memory plays out in her mind.


The rage returns and with it an urge. The overbearing urge to crush those that would dare harm her girl, to make it so that the idea, the very thought of harming anyone she cares for a sin. It's the same one she felt when she thought the Red Lotus had killed her father.


"No!" cried the light spirit within. "Breathe Korra, breathe." She feels Raava's calming warmth chasing away the rage. The tension leaving her boy with every breath she takes. Fully calmed she recounted her actions with regret as she looks below.


"Alright, you've been in the spin cycle long enough. Time for some answers."


She lowers the walls of water and weakens the whirlpool to a gentle tide sending the mech to the shore. She leaves behind her spinning column of water to gently land on the giving sand. Along the way down she watches as it changes form and slowly crawls into the more vegetated landscape.


Korra makes her way to some fallen, overgrown trees among the foliage. The air felt damp and cool which was a welcome relief to her sweaty, exercised body. She felt they weren't alone though. While she couldn't see them, she could feel that the spirits had come to watch. Taking a hiding spot behind the fallen trees she hears the sounds of strained grunting as something tried to move. Peeking out she sees the mech strangely nursing the open wound on its side with the righthand in hand while clutching its head with the other.


This is really weird, she thought. Why are they acting as though the damage actually hurts? It makes no sense. Questions over this new development come, but she pushed those thoughts aside. She needs answers and she will have them.


She raises two columns, twice as tall and wide as her, near the mech's feet startling it. Korra shouts, "If you've had enough I'm going to come out now. You make any sudden moves and I start pummeling you again. Understood?"


She slowly made her way out of the trees and into view. Her eyes intently focused on the mech waiting for any sign of hostile intent. It sits there still, staring back with red eyes. Seeing that the pilot for the mech was cooperating she takes a moment to check over the machine. Cuts, scuff marks, small dents, and burnt metal dot its body, obvious leftovers of its fight. Surprisingly there were also spots of rust on its edges and near the joints. Feeling safe from standing behind her earthly ammunition she begins her questioning.


"I want answers. First; Who are you and who is piloting that other mech? Second; why were you two fighting at Asami's factories? And.. why are you staring at me like that?"


The mech had gone stiff, its red glowing eyes were wide and frowned. Korra thought for a moment it was looking at her, but it felt more like it was looking beyond her.


The moment that occurred an all too familiar tingle climbs up her spine. Slowly, she turned sideways to behold another alien sight.


There were thirty of them silently walking up the beachhead. Their metal skin-colored in silver and white glistened from the seawater drying away in the evening sun. All of them as tall as Naga and as long as a cargo truck, but slim and sleek. Each of their four legs tipped with long, sharp claws.


Well, this is turning out to be a day full of surprises and machines of deadly death. I'll need to keep my wits about me till the others get here. Just need to-


The soft-touch of wind and clanking of metal on giving ground interrupted Korra's thoughts. She quickly turns to its source and sees the inside of the mechs weapon barrel pointed at her. A brightening light deep inside grows ever larger within. At this moment, time seemed to a standstill as though it was deciding how things played out.


"Get down!" An unfamiliar voice snaps Korra to the present. Her limbs, honed through a lifetime of training, moved on their own. Her legs slide apart, letting gravity force her down to rest on her thighs and crotch. The shadow of something large and fast passes close to her hair, then the sound of pain as it hits its target.


Re-positioning herself to a crouch she looks up to see the mech towering over her. Its second weapon had been drawn and it was firing on the new arrivals in earnest.


They had spread out, dodging the incoming fire while encircling their prey. At random they lunge between the shots trying to find an opening. The mech refuses to move and simply swatted away those that get too close for their comfort.


Meanwhile, Korra had been dodging the mechs footsteps as it tried to defend them. She noticed while it had fired multiple shots, few had hit their marks and that the four-legged machines were slowly getting closer.


Their rate of attacks swiftly increases, slowly beginning to overwhelmKorra's sudden protector. Like a pack of predators hunting larger prey, they sweep in with a quick strike slicing their foe, then just as quickly leap away. She knew the others would get here, but likely not soon enough to help. She needed to act while avoiding getting squished in the process.


The moment comes when one of them leaps out as the mechs back was turned. Aided by a gust of air, she dashed from underneath and sent her fist into the air. Grabbing a chunk from one of the rock pillars she made earlier it flew at the attacker from below stalling it mid-air causing it to fall.


The mech, unaware of Korra's actions, continues its efforts till one of the creatures slip through its defense, darting between its shots and lunges at its face. A grunt of effort is heard from below as a ball of fire strikes it, killing the forward momentum enough to give the mech a clear shot. The sudden co-operation does not go unnoticed after the metallic creature lies dead. The remaining ones freeze in place as though surprised by this new development.


While the lull remained Korra looks up to see the mech looking down on her. She clearly sees a surprised look on its face. It is surprised?! A mech that can emote?... Just what are you? Again she pushes her curiosity out. Focus girl. Right now you need to get out of this mess.


At this moment a silent truce is made. The metal pack resumes its attack, but now they face a combined effort. The mech engages with a blazing display of light from its weapons, denying most of their chance. The ones that make it through the shots deal with Korra's might as she swiftly wields the powers of the elements at her disposal. Instead of making an effort to destroy them herself, she instead directs the paths of those that leap with powerful jets of air, entrap ones that get too close, and blind those that look ready to leap with bright flashes of fire.


With the attacks pushed back, Korra felt it was time to go on the offensive. Grunting with effort, she rockets one attacker sky-high shouting, "Six o'clock high." A moment later a shot follows suit destroying it. A new stratagem is set.


The Avatar would set up the shot with the mech keenly following her words of where to let loose. One after another their metal attackers fell, their smoking metal corpses littering the green grass.


Korra waits for the mechs next move as the threat had been removed. She sees it survey the area and grunts with approval placing away its weapons. It walks over to one of the more complete remains and starts sifting through them.


The Avatar remained silent, uncertain of how to dispel this feeling of awkwardness between them. She continues watching as it callously breaks open their foes carcass further. Spirits, I can't stand this. She takes a breath to steady herself. "I take it that you are done running?" Korra's words gave the mech pause as it stopped its investigating. It turns its head to look at her with an eyebrow raised.


"Well that depends, are you done tossing me around like a tin toy?"


Korra could hear the worry in its voice, but the thing that surprised her the most was the duality of it. The sound of something mechanical, but strangely also alive. A seemingly young, but tired voice. But all that came out of her was a forceful laugh.


Oh, how she wanted to scream at this machine, pilot, or whatever it is.How it and whoever the other was endangered hundreds of lives, destroyed people's jobs and nearly killed Asami. She wanted to do these things, but from experience, she knew it was better to be diplomatic. She wills herself to be calm, answers and co-operation were needed now not conflict.


"Yes," she replies trying to keep eye contact with them and not on the wreck they are rummaging through. "I would prefer if we could talk."


They nod. "Agreed." They return to their task, picking out pieces and tossing them to the side after a quick examination.

 

[ReaderJohn]

"Good because I need to know who you are, what you are doing here, why was that other mech fighting you, and.. just what exactly are you doing?"


"I am trying to find this units' command module. It is the most intact out of all of them, so I'm hoping it wasn't destroyed."


Korra slowly walked towards them, her curiosity of what the four-legged metal creatures looked like on the inside. She always had a certain fascination about how machines and electronics worked though the more complex stuff still eludes her understanding, like how to drive a car. "And what will finding this "command module" do?"


They take another piece of metal out of it. Held between the index finger and thumb, covered in some strange kind of pink fluid. A quick look and it too is dropped onto the ground. "I might be able to figure out what these drones orders were and, if I'm lucky, figure out where they are meant to return."


Exercising a measure of trust, Korra rounded the kneeling mech to see its hands deep within the wrecked machine, sorting through its parts. She could see the thick, pink fluid leaking out and pooling on the ground.


She marveled at the sight. The mechs hands moved with such grace and fluidity even though they were made of hard metal. She knew Asami would go crazy with excitement over this mechanical creature. Well, she would if things were different. However, a pang of guilt remained. She wondered if these creatures were alive or just handcrafted facsimiles of the real thing.


Her feelings must have been etched on her face because her train of thought was interrupted. "You need not feel guilty over their demise. They're just drones, essentially mindless servants created to perform programmed tasks by their master." Another piece is pulled out, their eyes narrowing as they give it a once over.


"Aha!", they exclaim. The object was rectangular in shape as thick as Korra, but only up to her knees in length. The mech gives it a quick wiggle to free it from the faintly glowing pink liquid that covered it.


"You found what you were looking for?", Korra asks.


"Yes. It's a bit burned, but otherwise, it appears undamaged."The mech stands, placing away the device somewhere on its person and turns to Korra. "I thank you for your aid, but I need to go." They turn to walk, but Korra leapt to block their path.


"Whoa! Just where do you think you're going? You haven't answered my questions and you are NOT leaving till I get some answers."


The mech stands for a moment darting its eyes away from Korra's as though they were ill at ease over her persistence. "Native I appreciate your assistance, but for your safety, I can't let you become further involved in this internal matter. The less you know, the better off you'll be."


"Excuse me? Assistance? You do realize I have been kicking your butt for a good part of the day. Besides you say this is an "internal matter?" She squints in judgment. "Wait a minute, so that means this one is a rogue or criminal from where you came from. Which also means you've been sent to stop them," she smugly states, smiling over her deduction on the slippage of information.


The mechs eyes widen with shock and with a loud clunk smacks its forehead. "Scrap. Okay, you got your freebie, but you won't be getting anything else out of me on her." They stiffen and smack their forehead again.


"Wait you're saying the other is a woman?"


The mech sighs in frustration, "Look I can't say any more on this. I need to go and you need to go back to your life. It's my job to stop her."


"Hmph, funny you should say that because this is my life."


"What? Annoyingly interrogating people?"


No, that is when Asami does to wake me up in the morning, it's evil. "No, it's my job to maintain balance in this world, but also promote peaceful change that benefits everyone. Although if talking doesn't work I do resort to kicking those butts that are causing trouble."


"Uh-huh. I will admit you can do some pretty weird stuff, but I doubt you've ever faced something like me or her before."


Korra cocked an eyebrow, "Yes I have, numerous times. And one of them was way taller than either of you."


The mech looks at the Avatar in disbelief. "You have the technology to make mechanical exosuits?"


"Yup."


"..I don't believe you."


"You don't need to believe me on that, but there is something I think you do believe. That deep down you need my help."


The mech looks away in shame.


"Listen I know you think you have to do this alone, that you think it's best for everyone that if you keep others away. But it doesn't have to be that way, not here."


"What makes you so sure of that?"


"Well the people of this world are pretty tough and you've seen first hand at what some of us can do."


"Yeah, you were able to manipulate the environment. What was that?"


"Certain people in this world have the ability to bend the elements. Well one element, if you can bend fire you can't bend water, earth, or air. Though there is an exception."


"Oh?"


"There is one person who is capable of bending all four elements. They represent the bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. It is their job to maintain a balance between the two worlds. Such a position is so important that their very soul is tied to a powerful spirit of light so that even in death they are reincarnated to continue their duty."


Korra closed her eyes and calls upon Ravaa who fills her with light once again.


She twirls on her toes curling a dual stream of wind that caresses her skin and ever so lightly lifts the ends of her hair. Rocks of various sizes join in, slowly orbiting their conductor. Her arms extend pulling from the sea to form an aqueous ring that surrounds her. Then she inhales, roaring the fires within her to life and expels them through her limbs to the palms of her hands.


"What are you?"


She sees that the mech had stepped back and was watching with awe. "I am the Avatar." She lowers herself down relinquishing control over the elemental items she used for her demonstration with Raava parting from the merger. The shining white light vanishing from her eyes. "My name is Korra and I need to know who you are and what is going on before things have a chance to get even worse."


The mech had been pacing back and forth for a few minutes after Korra'sspeech. Rubbing its head as though it were in deep thought while still cradling its wound. "Why are you telling me all of this?"


"Because if you are truly here to help us then me and my friends are going to help you."


"You're really serious about this aren't you?"


"I wouldn't keep saying it if I wasn't."


"Ok..ok. We can work together, but first-"


A cry of pain echoed through the forest as the mech's body is struck by a bolt of lightning through the canopy. They fall over, black smoke emitting from its body. Korra circles around them ready to defend.


"Korra get back we've got it covered!" shouts Mako from on high.


"You what," she looks up to see Mako, Bolin, Asami, and Opal riding in on her flying bison Juicy, "No! Wait!"


They quickly land with Asami jumping off early, rushing to Korra to embrace her girlfriend. The other three run past to take position between them and the mech. "Thank the spirits. Korra are you ok?", she holds her tightly for a moment, the releases giving her a quick once over, "We were worried sick."


"You guys stop!" Korra shouts breaking Asami's embrace to step between them and their target. "The pilot of this mech is not our enemy."


Mako stares at Korra, completely confused. "What are you saying? This thing and its cohort wrecked the factories and nearly killed Asami."


"I know and I'm quite sure they are willing to tell us everything if we stop beating them into the ground."


A muffled voice speaks, "I would highly appreciate it if you did so."


"He can start by stepping out of that mecha tank or whatever it is," responds Mako. "He makes one wrong move though and we're dismantling his toy."


Korra looks at her friend clearly annoyed with his overprotectiveness, "Mako you can drop the tough cop routine. We saved each other lives when those", pointing to the drone remains, "things attacked us."


Asami takes notices of the aftermath of Korra's and the mechs fight. "These things?"


Korra nods, "Yeah."


Asami walks over to one of the fallen drones and kneels for a closer look. Her eyes scanning through the wreckage looking for any signs of familiarity. Finding nothing with a cursory examination she rummages through the insides, pulling out loose, broken parts for a closer look.


This doesn't make any sense. There's no ID tags, serial numbers, or markings of any kind indicating who might've made this. I can't even make heads or tails of what any of this tech does much less what its made of. It's so... alien. She takes the part and walks back to her friends.


She could hear the mech, who was sitting on their knees and its hands out front, speaking to Mako. "I'm afraid I can not comply with your order Officer Mako."


"Unless your hatch is damaged there is no reason that you can't comply. And even if that was the case," Mako produces a fiery edged weapon from his fingertips, "me and my bro can easily cut you out."


Asami interjects, "Hold on a minute." She holds up the damaged piece to the mech eyes could see. "What is this?" Her words mixed with worry and uneasiness.


"It is part of a component from one of the drones. I don't know what though. I am only knowledgeable about a few of their pieces."


Flipping the halved piece down so the exposed hollow interior was made visible she asks Mako, "What do you think is missing from this?"


While confused over Asami's question nevertheless Mako peers inside. "Uh,I have no idea, but it's definitely nothing I have ever seen before."


"You're right. I have never seen anything like this in my life and my company has one of the leading R&D departments in the world. I couldn't even begin to comprehend how this was made. By all rights, this shouldn't exist here."


Korra, puzzled over Asami's words, asks, "What makes you so sure?"


"Because the technology to make something even close to this has not been invented yet. Spirits, we haven't even discovered the scientific principles to give us the thought that this is even possible."


Bolin quickly chimes in, "Whoa whoa. Hang on a second, if you're saying what I think you're saying then."


Opal's eyes widen as she comes to the same thought, "Then these mechs are not from this world." They all turn with a questioning look at the mech.


"That...is some impressive deductive reasoning," they reply clearly nervous over their words. Its eyes look over the assembled team. They settle on Korra, " I can explain this, in time, but right now I humbly request your aid in this grievous situation."