//------------------------------//
// Enter the Void 
// Story: The Little Pony Legend 3: The Great Change 
// by MaggiesHeartLove 
//------------------------------//


*(~)*
1 Corinthians 8:9 ~ 
But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.	
*(~)*

Enter the Void


It was night, and Suyin's airship was flying above several mountain ranges. The whole group gathered around a table, with Su instructing them on a battle plan. Metalbending guards stood behind her as she too wore an metalbender's outfit. The Royal sisters, as well as their mother, all wore more practical clothing in contrasts with their royal gowns. They wore long boots, similar to their horse shoes, dark colored pants and belts with the emblem of their cutie marks. They kept their waving manes in low ponytails, which still moved, and their tops were hight collar tank tops with metal padding on their shoulders, Celestia's were gold while Luna and Leilani's were silver, and they wore matching arm bands. Their crowns were not present. They all listened attentively as Su instructed her plan with the map, placing an airship figurine in front of the temple.
"I say we make our approach from the west, drop down from the airship on cables, ambush these Red Lotus low-lives before they know what hit them."
"It will never work." her sister protested, "That Combustion Lady will pick us off one by one."
As they continued to speak, Twilight's attention was on Korra. Her best friend was standing near the window looking out, deep in her thoughts. She had not said a single word the whole trip. The alicorn knew she was taking what Zuko had said under consideration.
"You have a better idea on how to save the airbenders?" Su asked her sister.
"Yeah. We come up from the valley, scale the side of the mountain and take them off guard."
"That could work." Tonraq said.
"And give them the high ground? No, if their lavabender spots us, he will melt the mountainside and us with it."
Bolin spoke next, "Wait, I've got it. I'll disguise myself as a lost hiker, and once I'm in the temple, I'll distract the Red Lotus with my bird calls." he started making bird calls and whistling. "That's when you all strike."
"Great idea!" said Pinkie Pie. 
But Mako was not convinced, "Bird calls, really?"
Bolin placed his hands on his hips. "Well I haven't noticed you offering any suggestions."
"It doesn't matter." Everyone's attention turned to Korra, who finally spoke. "None of these idea will work. The second Zaheer realizes we're up to something, he'll wipe out the airbenders."
"And Opal is one of those airbenders." Su said, "Believe me, I understand what's at stake."
Korra finally turned away from the window and faced everyone. The Ponies had a hunch on what was coming. "Then I'll think you agree that the only plan that will work is for me to give myself up."
Mako's eyes widened, "What?"
"Korra, no." Lin protested. 
"We'll figure out another way." Tonraq said, not willing to allow his daughter to do this.
"We can not let that mad man take you hostage." Luna said.
"I talked it over with Lord Zuko, and I've given it a lot of thought. I have to do this."
"You can't expect us to sit by and let Zaheer take you." Asami said.
"The world has been out of balance for far too long: it needs the Air Nation back again. I can't let Zaheer destroy it and everyone we love. Help me save the airbenders, then you can worry about saving me."
Leilani walked up to the Avatar, placing a hand on her shoulder. "A true Avatar or Princess places the needs of her people before her own. We are here for you." the alicorn queen turned to the others, who all nodded in agreement. They knew that Korra was doing the wise thing, but that didn't mean they had to like it.
"We're all with you, Korra." said her father.
"Yes, whatever you need." said Su.
Korra nodded her head at their understanding. "I'll go radio Zaheer." she walked out of the meeting room, leaving everyone to speak amongst one another.
"Are you sure about this?" Fluttershy asked, "Isn't there some other way we can get the airbenders back without giving Korra up?"
Twilight dawned on a look of determination and she stormed out of the room, following Korra and leaving the others to look at her with worry.


(~)


Korra readied the radio to contact Zaheer, when she heard a familiar voice from behind her.
"You can't do this."
Korra didn't even need to turn around. "Twilight---"
"What makes you so sure Zaheer will really keep his word? There has to be another way."
Korra was silent for a few second before turning to face the alicorn. "You heard Leilani. A princess places the needs of others before her own. You of all ponies should understand."
"You've only been a princess for a few weeks, and now you're giving me lectures about this?!" the alicorn snapped, but Korra did not react. She could feel the pony's heart and what was truly bothering her. "He's a twisted man, Korra. He'll turn the tables on you just as he did to us in the spirit world. We can't trust him!"
Korra remained silent as she walked over to the alicorn, who's eyes were becoming teary. And, like a big sister, she kissed Twilight's forehead, which made the alicorn shed a tear while Korra held her in a tight embrace.
"I know you're scared. So am I. But I promise, none of you will lose me."
Twilight returned the hug, as more tears ran down her face. Korra turned on the radio. It was time for the moment of truth.


(~)


Zaheer heard Korra's voice through the radio. "Zaheer, are you there? It's me."
Zaheer picked up the microphone, "I've been waiting for your call. So, do we have a deal?"
"Yes. You release the airbenders, and then I'll turn myself over."
"And take away the only leverage I have? No. I can't do that. Listen carefully, here's what I need you to do."


(~)


Mako sat on a bench with Flash and Rainbow Dash, all three who watched as Bolin, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy continued to walk across the room, while Asami stood by with her arms crossed. The ponies were done with this and they all decided to go check up on Korra. 
"You know, we're just gonna go and see how Twilight and Korra are doing" said Applejack as she and the rest of the Mane Six followed her out of the room leaving Mako with Flash, Asami and Spike, who was pacing alongside Bolin. Mako had had just about enough of this.
"Will you sit down? I'm already tense enough as it is."
"I'm just worried about Opal, and Pabu's not here to comfort me." Bolin sighed sadly, "I hope he and Naga are doing okay back in Zaofu."
Mako sighed as well. "Yeah. I hope the kids are alright, too."


(~)


Back in Zaofu, Naga and Pabu were playing tug-of-war with Mako's scarf. Naga stood up, leaving Pabu hanging at the end of the scarf. Yin ran into the room and yanked the fabric away from them. San, Mika and Ali flew beside her
"No, not Mako's scarf! Bad dog and rat thingy! I'm very disappointed in you two." 
The Spirit trio also lectured them in their own spirit language and Naga and Pabu hung their heads in shame.


(~)


Back on the airship, Korra and the Mane Six re-entered the room. "Did you speak to Zaheer?" Celestia asked.
"Yes." Korra responded in disappointment, "He told me to come to the top of Laghima's Peak at noon, alone. Once he has me, he'll release the airbenders over to you at the temple." she walked over to Su, who showed her the map.
"I think I figured a way to play this so that the airbenders and Korra all come out in one piece."
"How?" Lin asked.
"Zaheer doesn't know how many of us there are, so we have the numbers advantage. I say we split into two teams: " Su placed the airship figurine on the temple. "Mako, Bolin, Asami and the Ponies will take the airship up to the temple." she placed a Metal Clan figurine on a mountain. "Meanwhile, my metalbenders, The alicorns, Tonraq, Lin, and I will get in position below Laghima's Peak."
Twilight stood by Su, looking down at the map, "That's a pretty good plan so far Su, but may suggest something?"
"Go ahead."
Korra didn't like the sound of this. "Twilight…"
"Just trust me." she spoke to the others, "Korra and I may have only faced Zaheer once in the spirit world, but I can already tell that he's not the kind of guy who will stay true to his word. He is literally willing to do anything to get what he wants. No matter what."
"You suspect he won't release over the airbenders if Korra hands herself over?" Lin asked.
"We can't take any chances."
"So what do you have in mind?"
"We go with Su's plan. However, I suggest we also have a backup strategy. One for which Zaheer will never see coming and guarantee us the upper hand. Listen up everyone, here's what we're gonna do."


(~)


That night, Korra looked out the window once more. She saw her reflection. At times she could hardly believe the person she was looking at was herself. Sure she still looked similar to her old self, but her taller stature, longer hair, blue streak, cutie mark, forehead star and long feathery wings said otherwise. The voices of her past echoed in her mind.

……..

Young Korra giggled as she ran across the snow, like the typical care-free child. She had only recently moved to the compound but the innocent child was determined not to let this new living arrangements stop her from enjoying herself. She laid on the snow, moving her arms up to create wings. Once she got up, she smiled at her work. How cool would it be to actually have wings. She knew that she would be close to achieving that dream once she mastered airbending. The child was always kind of a dreamer. She loved to look up at the sky, wondering what else was out there. What wonders the world had. If she could fly she would see for herself.
"Korra! What are you doing our here?"
The child spun around to see one of the White Lotus elders approaching her. "You should be inside training. Your tutor is waiting for you."
Korra pouted in disappointment, "I was just playing."
The man sighed and shook his head. "Korra, as the Avatar you must keep your priorities in order."
"Let her have fun. She's only a child."
A middle -aged woman walked up to the man and little girl. She had dark brown hair, which was already turning grey do to age, her beautiful bright blue eyes sparkled with a sense of hope and compassion. She kneeled down to Korra's level, smiling lovingly. "What were you dreaming about now, sweetheart?"
Korra placed her hands behind her back and blushed bashfully, looking down at the wings she made in the snow. "About how cool it would be to have wings." she answered shyly. The White Lotus elder shook his head, it wasn't right for a child of such importance to be fantasizing of the impossible.
"How ridiculous."
"I think it's sweet." The woman said, "I see nothing wrong with having dreams. After all, most of life's accomplishments are based on dreams."
"Master Katara, will you stop filling up her head with this foolishness! I will be waiting for her inside." the man marched inside, leaving the two girls alone. However, Katara had another plan in mind and she and Korra exchanged smiles.
"What do you say we do something a bit more fun?"
Korra smiled with glee. This was why Katara was her favorite teacher.
The woman took Korra into her hut, the child sat on her lap as she read the words of the book out loud. "And so, with the help and support of his friends, Avatar Aang defeated the Fire Lord, and he and FireLord Zuko worked together to bring the world into a new era of peace and friendship."
Korra's eyes sparkled. She never got tired of hearing that story. "I want to be just like Avatar Aang someday!"
Katara closed the book and hugged the child like a mother. "I'm sure you will be. But just remember Korra, even though you are Aang's reincarnation, that doesn't mean you need to imitate all that he did. Every Avatar achieved greatness in their own way. And I can tell, that just by looking at you, you are going to make a real impact on the world someday."
"I will Katara. As the Avatar, I will make a difference."

……..

How Korra missed those carefree days. After that, Korra was focused on becoming the best Avatar she could be. Though, her views on 'the best Avatar' didn't exactly fit the views of others. After she lost her connections to her past lives, as devastating as it was, surprisingly, she no longer felt that long invisible leach anymore. At times, she thought she was a failure for allowing that to happen. But, on the other hand, throughout the course of her journey and after meeting the Ponies, Korra was beginning to see herself in a whole new light. She had transformed into something she never would have imagined. Even with the little bit of magic that had been passed down from Avatar to Avatar through the centuries, none of them was able to fully channel that magic the way she did. She embraced the side of her that made her…
Her.
Then, the reflection rippled and the wings, cutie mark, long hair and blue streak all disappeared. Korra was now looking at a reflection of her once human Avatar self. The image looked almost alien to her now. It was strange. As much as she loved having wings, she wondered; was she still that Avatar? Was she really two things in one? She had failed once when she was this girl she saw, now she hoped she wouldn't make the same mistake as the girl she now was.

Look at me
You may think you see who I really am
But they never knew me
Everyday
It's as if I played a part
Now I see, if I wear a mask I can fool the world 
But I cannot fool, my heart

There have been times in which she, at the back of her mind, if she was really up for this. Being the Avatar alone was pressure enough, but now as an Alicorn Princess? 
It was scary. It always was. She had done a great job so far, but as what exactly?
As an Avatar or as a Princess? Or both?
Did she fail as an Avatar, and would she fail as a Princess? 
For the most part, she brushed those thoughts aside, and now, right before making the ultimate sacrifice, they were all coming out. She hoped she wouldn't mess this up again. 

Who is that girl I see?
Staring straight, back at me
Why is my reflection someone I
Don't know?
Must I pretend that I'm
Someone else?
For all time
When will my reflection show
Who I am inside

As she looked into her reflection, the image rippled, showing her past.

There's a heart that must be free
To fly
That burns
With the need to know
The reason why!
Why must we all conceal
How we think.
How we feel
Was there once a secret me
I forced to hide

I won't pretend that I'm
Someone else
For all time
When will my reflection show.
Who I am
Inside!
…
When will my reflection show
Who I am inside.

The reflection changed back into her current one. The one with wings. Somehow, looking at this image gave her reassurance, If she could save the world once, she would most certainly be able to save the ones she loved. She felt even more content when she saw another familiar reflection appear on the window and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her cheek. Mako and Korra stood there, wrapped in each-other's arms. Tomorrow was not going to be easy but for now. 
They were safe.


(~)


Back the air temple, in a room with the statue of a monk, Zaheer sat meditating, reading the words from the medallion he stole from Air Temple Island.
"Let go of your earthly tether. Enter the void. Empty and become wind. Empty and become wind." he lost track of time for how long he had been reading it over and over again. Achieving what Guru Laghima did was his lifelong dream. He had tried so hard to become wind, as the poem said, but he had still not accomplished that goal. To his unexpected surprise, P'Li walked into the room.
"The airbenders are secured." she said.
"Thank you, P'Li. For everything."
"Of course." as she prepared to leaven she was stopped when Zaheer called out to her and he stood up to face her.
"I want you to know: not one day when I was in that prison that I didn't think of you."
P'Li walked closer to him, the fact she was much taller than him did not bother, or ashamed, either one of them. The two looked at one another lovingly as they held hands. "Years apart only made my love for you stronger. And deep down I knew you would find a way to get me out. Just like you saved me from becoming that warlord's killing machine when I was a girl." she caressed his cheek as tears formed in her eyes. "You've shown me what true freedom means."
Zaheer clapped his hands with P'Li's. "And after today, we'll show the entire world what it means. No more prisons, no more running."
"I love you, Zaheer."
"I love you too." the two leaned in, sharing a loving and passionate kiss. However, their moment was short lived when Zaheer noticed something glowing from P'Li's pocket, forcing him to end the kiss early. 
"What is that?"
P'Li looked down, she had nearly forgotten she still had that chest she stole from the Avatar that night back at Zaofu. She reached into her pocket, taking out the chest, which emitted a strange rainbow-like faint glow. Zaheer could not believe his eyes. His beloved had brought a magical artifact!
"What? Where did you get that?"
"I found it in Zaofu. The night we tried to kidnap the Avatar."
"Why? Why did you bring it?!" 
P'Li started to panic as her boyfriend's voice grew in volume, demonstrating his building rage. "I--I don't know why exactly, it's just." she looked down at the object, feeling it's calm and peaceful warmth in the palm of her hand. "There's something about it. It made me feel…I can't explain it."
"Do you realize what you've done?!" with a single swing, Zaheer swiped the chest from P'Li, startling her, and with all of his might, threw it against the wall. The chest did not even dent or chip, it remained perfectly in tact. Zaheer turned to P'Li, his anger fuming.
"You know magic is evil, and you've been carrying it around? How could you?!"
P'Li was heartbroken at seeing Zaheer like this. Maybe he was right, maybe magic was evil and she was just under some kind of influence without even realizing it. "I'm sorry! I didn't know what I was thinking." 
"Get out!!"
Zaheer screamed at the top of his lungs, swinging his arm, creating a wind current that backed P'Li all the way back to the entrance. He took the chest and threw it at her feet. 
"And take your magic with you!" 
The chest landed at P'Li's feet and she gently took the chest in her hand and walked away with teary eyes. She did not like Zaheer screaming at her like that, but still…this chest held something. But seeing how angry it made Zaheer, P'Li made up her mind. Approaching an open window, P'Li threw the chest out, leaving it to fall down bellow.
Magic was evil. And that was that.
Unbeknownst to her, the chest landed perfectly unharmed, shimmering in the sunlight. 


(~)


At Laghima's Peak, Suyin's airship rested at the bottom. Tonraq, Celestia, Leilani, Twilight and Su walked outside, with Lin talking to the Team Avatar on the mouth of the airship. She handed Korra a radio for which she swung over her shoulder. "Radio the second you see those airbenders." Lin said to Mako.
"I will, Chief. Good luck."
Lin nodded to Mako before walking out. This was it. The moment of truth. Korra turned to the Mane Six and embraced them in a warm group hug. "You sure you want to go through with this?" Rainbow asked.
"Yes. I am." once she released them she turned to Asami, who she welcomed in a tight hug. 
"Be careful, Korra."
"You too." the Avatar turned to Mako. The two looked at one another, both worried on how things will turn out. But thanks to Su and Leilani, this plan did seem full proof. That still didn't make this any easier. Korra opened her mouth to say something, "Mako, I--" she was silenced when he placed a hand on her shoulder, gazing into her eyes.
"It'll be okay. We're all here for you no matter what. I know you can do this." His smile and his words were enough to ease her anxieties. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
Korra lunged forward and placed a loving kiss on his lips. He happily returned the romantic gesture. Once they parted they hugged. Once they released, Mako kissed Korra's forehead, making her smile. She was surprised to see Bolin hugging her while sobbing and Spike hugging her leg. Flash was the last to receive the hug and Korra embraced him. With a deep breath, she walked out of the airship which then took off. Korra and Twilight watched as the airship left and looked over at her father, who looked at her sadly.  
"Korra."
"Don't worry, Dad. I'll be all right." she said with a reassuring smile. The chief hugged his one and only daughter. 
"I just want you to know how proud I am of you. The risk you're taking to save the Air Nation will be remembered for generations."
The woman shed tears from her eyes. "I love you, Dad."
"I love you too, sweetheart." as he joined the metalbenders, Korra called out to him once more,
"And Dad, watch out for Zaheer. He's not very fond of world leaders."
"I can handle him. Just stay focused on your mission." 
Leilani and Celestia both approached the Avatar and surprised her with a warm hug. Once they released the hug and joined Tonraq and the metalbenders, Lin and Su as well as Twilight. The younger alicorn rushed to hug Korra for good luck.
"Be careful."
"You too."
Once they released, they both placed their palms against one another, which began to glow brightly nearly engulfing them. The two girls smiled encouragingly at one another before the rest of the group scaled and flew up the mountain until they were obscured from view by the clouds. Korra sighed sadly as she opened up her wings and flew up to meet with Zaheer. Ready for anything. 


(~)


The airship approached the Air Temple. From inside, they observed the terrible damage caused by the Red Lotus. Bolin was speechless at witnessing the horrible site. 
"Oh, man."
"Must have been some fight." said Flash. The radio beside Mako and he heard Korra's voice from the other end. 
"Mako, did you see the airbenders?"
"Not yet. We're just arriving. Don't turn yourself over until I get a visual on them. Stick to the plan."
Asami stirred the airship to the temple, while Bolin and Spike tied the tethering ropes. The hatch opened up and the group walked out, approaching the temple to see Ghazan awaiting them. Rarity was the first to great him, though not in a friendly way.
"Well, and here I thought I'd never see your ugly smug again, Ghazan."
"Nice to see you again too, snowflake." the man said sarcastically. 
"You're lucky I'm a lady or else I would bite you right now." she said while clenching her teeth. The lavabender gestured with his hand to the entrance of the temple.
"This way." Team Avatar glared at Ghazan with suspicion. "You want the airbenders, or not?"
"How do we know this isn't some trick?" Rainbow asked while glaring at the man.
Ghazan simply shrugged his shoulders, "Well, if you don't want your friends back."
Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash both looked at each-other with worry. What would become of their sisters? Rainbow sighed bitterly. "Fine."
The team followed Ghazan into the temple, silently hoping this wasn't a trick. And that Twilight was right.


(~)


Korra had finally made it to Laghima's Peak. However, she couldn't be that relieved for she saw Zaheer and P'Li waiting for her at the top of the mountain beside the airship.
"Surrender yourself." Zaheer demanded, while Korra remained perfectly still. "Don't make me come get you."
Korra however, still did not move. She was waiting for a signal from the others.


(~)


Team Avatar followed Ghazan lead Team Avatar to where they held the captured airbenders. The friends gasped when they saw Tenzin chained to the floor and gagged, while the other airbenders were bound up and hooded. Fluttershy gassed in shock. "Tenzin!"
Mako heard Korra's voice speak through the radio. "Mako, what's going on?"
"They're here. And so is the lavabender."
Korra looked at Zaheer, "Tell Ghazan to let the airbenders go."
"Not 'til you turn yourself over." Zaheer said, "This isn't a negotiation." but seeing that the Avatar was still being stubborn, he took out the radio and spoke to Ghazan. "Wipe them out!"
"No! Wait." Korra stepped forward, "I'm coming."
"Stand down." Zaheer said to Ghazan as P'Li and Korra walked up to each other. Korra dropped her radio, while P'Li tied up her wings with a rope and cuffed her wrists and ankles.
"Don't bother trying to metalbend out of these: they're platinum." the combustion woman pushed the Avatar ahead, much to her annoyance. 
Back at the Air Temple, Zaheer spoke to Ghazan, via radio. "We have her." with that, Ghazan gestured to Team Avatar to go on ahead and they rushed to Tenzin, who was gagged at the mouth. He muffled and shook his head. Asami helped him sit up. "It's okay, Tenzin. We're about to get you out of here."
Rainbow Dash walked up to the airbenders, but she came to a halt to see them all suddenly collapse into a pool of water, revealing Ming-Hua in the far back. "Twilight was right!"
Ming-Hua rushed to attack Team Avatar, which both Mako and Rainbow Dash blocked the attacks with fire. Applejack turned on the radio and gave the signal, "It was a trick! Move now!" 
Hearing this, Korra narrowed her eyes at the man, "I knew you couldn't be trusted!"
"It no longer matters. We have you now." However, much to Zaheer's and P'Li unexpected surprise, the Avatar…smiled. 
"Actually, no you don't." 
Suddenly, the two felt a powerful wind blow down upon them and the Red Lotus couple's eyes widened in horror once they looked up at the woman flying above their heads.
"Surprise!"
High above them was none other than Avatar Korra, her wings flapping strongly against the wind, crossing her arms, smiling confidently. Zaheer could not believe his eyes.
"But, how--"
A purpled magenta flash appeared and the Korra they had handcuffed turned out to be Twilight Sparkle, who magically removed the cuffs and rope. Zaheer couldn't believe it. They had been double crossed in their double cross! The two princesses stood together, facing Zaheer and P'Li. 
"Your plan worked, Twilight!" Korra said proudly as they both took their fighting stances. 
"Let's see how you handle yourselves against two alicorns." Twilight said confidently. 
Zaheer's anger boiled over, if there was anything he hatted more than governments, rules and magic, it was being played by his own enemies! He unleashed a powerful airbending attack, only to be countered by a counter force field created by the two girls. Lin was climbing on the mountainside when Mako called on the radio. "Chief, the plan worked! Go, now!"
Lin turned to the other metalbenders as well as Celestia and Luna. 
"Go! Go!"
The metalbenders ascended the mountain while Korra and Twilight worked together to fight off Zaheer and P'Li. "You take three eyed lady, I'll take Zaheer." Korra said, Twilight nodded in agreement and ran off to fight P'Li. Korra fire and earthbended at Zaheer, who dodged all the attacks while Twilight unleashed both fire and magic attacks at the combustion woman, shielding herself from her blasts with her forcefields. Zaheer attempted to airbend Korra off of her feet, but she opened up her wings and flew up, causing him to miss. She flew around him, sending magical ice blasts down upon him, for which he avoided by doing summersaults. 
On the mountainside, the metalbenders as well as Celestia and Luna and Leilani flew up and reached the peak, where P'Li spotted them. "Get the Avatar on the airship. I'll deal with them." she ran to face her new opponents, but not before Twilight surprised her with yet another magical blast.
"I don't think so!"
P'Li saw the metalbenders and alicorns approaching her and directed a combustion beam at them. Lin managed to dodge the attack while Leilani saved the two falling metalbenders with her magic, placing them safely back up. Celestia turned to Twilight, "Go help Korra! We've got this."
Twilight obeyed her orders and returned to help Korra. Lin dodged another combustion beam and sent two earth slabs towards P'Li. Su joined in and send another slab. P'Li destroyed the slab with combustion and avoided the other two. She was then knocked off of her feet by a combo attack, curtesy of Celestia and her mother and another by Princess Luna. 
Zaheer continued to attack the two alicorns, who just flew around him, dodging each and every one of his attacks, but sadly Zaheer finally took a lucky shot.
"AH!" Korra felt a terrible pain on her right wing, causing her to lose altitude and landed hard on the ground. Twilight rushed to her side, and while she was distracted, Zaheer blasted her away and she too landed on the ground, grunting. Korra tried to fly, but her wing was badly injured. With Korra down, Zaheer managed to forcibly place the cuffs on her wrists and yanked her by the back of her shirt, pushing her into the airship. Twilight managed to get up and attempted to attack. Luckily for her, Tonraq climbed up the airship with his waterbending and attacked Zaheer. Korra dodged the attack but fell off the airship in the process. Tonraq managed to catch Korra with his water, freezing her cuffs and throwing her toward Zaheer, where she send a point-blank fire kick. Zaheer protected himself with airbending, but was thrown back by Twilight's magic blast. Tonraq cut the tethering ropes of the airship with his water whips, causing it to fly off.
"Nowhere to go, Zaheer!" Tonraq exclaimed as he directed his water whips towards him.


(~)


Ming-Hua scaled the walls, landing next to Ghazan, who directed lava to Bolin, who blocked with an earth column and then Applejack jumped forward, rising up some rocks and hurled them at Ghazan, pushing him back. Pinkie Pie attacked with airbending and Rarity used her own water to fight off against Ming-Hua while Mako, Spike and Rainbow Dash ran up and firebended. Asami, Fluttershy and Flash tended to Tenzin. 
"Where're the airbenders?" Asami asked as she tried to break him free of his cuffs. 
"I don't know. Zaheer moved them out of the temple."
Rarity hurled ice shards at Ming-Hua who redirected them with her water, Mako quickly jumped in the way and stopped the attack with his fire. Pinkie Pie jumped up and unleashed an air kick, which threw Ming-Hua down. She got back up and turned to Ghazan, who he too was blasted aside by Pinkie Pie.  
"Won't you just bury them already?"
At Ming-Hua's request, Ghazan leaped forward, lavabending a large portion of the floor, before spreading it across the room as the others backed away in fear. Spike leaped up, jumping into Rainbow's arms as the lava grew, burning the pillars of the temple. As they exited, Ghazan lavabended the exit path. Asami, Flash and Fluttershy looked on in fear, as Asami picked Tenzin's shackles with her hairpin. "Come on."
"Oh, for the love of--!" To everyone's shock, Fluttershy took hold of the hairpin and effortlessly freed Tenzin from his shackles. The two pegasi helped in supporting the air nomad. 
"We have to get to the airship." Flash said. 
"Not gonna happen." Bolin said, "The exit's blocked." he and Applejack bended the tiles beneath, forming a barricade to stop the lava flow. But to their horror, a pillar collapsed. Tenzin groaned as the ponies did their best to help keep the man standing.
"Where's Oogi?" Fluttershy asked Tenzin. 
"Gone. All the bison got scared off during the attack. But, I think I know another way out. Bolin, Applejack, can you get us to that wall?"
"On it!"
The two friends bended the wall behind them, punching one by one, creating a round door-like opening, pushing it deeper and deeper.
Outside the temple, Ghazan lavabended the entire exit path before taking over Su's airship with Ming-Hua. As the airship took off, a portion of the garden collapsed. The entire front side of the temple was completely submerged in lava. It would have broken Aang's heart to see it like this.
Thanks to Applejack and Bolin, they all managed to escape into the meditation room. Pinkie Pie screamed in terror when she saw the lava approaching.
"AH!"
Applejack quickly blocked the opening by rising a large rock to keep the lava out. "Where to now?" she asked Tenzin. The man turned his gaze to a wooden door on the floor in front of them.
"Through there."
While Rarity held Spike, Rainbow and Bolin opened up the wooden door on the floorboard and the group entered the tunnel, where Mako and Rainbow both firebended to provide some light. As the group walked down the tunnel, Bolin started stretching out his collar, getting uncomfortably hot all of a sudden and he began to sweat. "Is it just me, or is it uh, getting really warm in here?" 
"It's not just you!" Asami exclaimed and Bolin turned around to see the lava fast approaching them. 
"Oh, this is not good." Bolin quickly blocked the lava flow with a rock and Rainbow Dash took the lead. 
"Let's move it people, before we get fried!" she instructed the others.


(~)


At Laghima's Peak, P'Li bombarded the metalbenders out one by one. Korra kicked a boulder to Zaheer while Tonraq whipped the water and Twilight unleashed a fire blast. Zaheer airbended the assault and created a wind gust to Tonraq. He dodged and waterbended the water to attack Zaheer. The boulder flew towards the airbender, but he easily dodged and punched some air gusts to Tonraq until he fell down. Korra stood up, creating some earth cracks which the airbender dodged. Twilight unleashed more fire blasts at Zaheer, who summersaulted out of the way.
"He's like a fly!" said the alicorn angrily, "Fast and annoying!" she unleashed yet another fire blasts, which actually managed to strike him, causing Zaheer to lose his balance. Tonraq froze the water on his hands and charged at Zaheer, Korra created an earth wave which intervened with Zaheer's summersault. The airbender fell to the ground and Tonraq prepared to unleash the final blow with his ice. He jumped up but instead he made contact with the ground as Zaheer rolled away. Tonraq's ice shattered against the rocks. Zaheer then created a small tornado with his airbending, trapping Tonraq inside it.
"Say hello to the Earth Queen for me." Was the last thing he said before throwing the chief down the cliff. Korra's father screamed as he fell down. 
"Dad!"
"Tonraq!" 
Twilight attempted to fly down and retrieve him, but was stopped by a wind blast from Zaheer. The alicorn fell back and landed hard on the ground. 
P'Li directed combustion attacks toward Su, who dodged the attacks before regrouping with her half-sister, who had already taken cover. The two sisters hid behind a rock while Luna, Celestia and Luna continued to attack the woman, but P'Li got a lucky shot when she unleashed another combustion, right on Leilani, who managed to shield herself. Seeing their friends in danger, the alicorns rushed to the Beifong sisters hid behind a large bolder while the alicorns protected them with a combined forcefield. But P'Li was not willing to give up yet. She kept on unleashing her combustions, which reflected off of the forcefield, but they were still powerful enough to push it a few inches further away.
"It's no use!" Su exclaimed, "We're pinned down." 
Then, Lin settled on a risky plan, "I'm gonna draw her fire. You take her out."
"Lin. No."
P'Li directed yet combustion beamed to the half-sisters and alicorns, which actually managed to overpower the forcefield, forcing the alicorns to be pushed back as P'Li continued to unleash her attacks. Lin knew they would not be able to hold her off for long. She had made up her mind. She looked over to Su, touching her cheek and looking at her with the eyes of a true sister. 
"I love you." 
Su could feel tears of joy form in her eyes. She had long waited to hear those words. Lin ran out from the rock and leaped to the terrain, calling out to P'Li. "Come and get me, you Third-Eyed Freak!"
"Lin! No!"
Ignoring Luna's cries, Lin leaped up the slope to avoid P'Li's combustion beam before retaliating with an earth slap. P'Li destroyed the slab while Su glanced out looking for the right moment. Lin send two earth slabs to P'Li, who dodged and retaliated with combustion beams. Lin dodged the attack and bended an earth wall to protect herself from another beam, but was knocked toward the edge. Lin propped herself up. While P'Li prepared to finish Lin, Su ran out of her cover and bended her armor toward P'Li's head, containing the blast. But seeing the woman's head in that metal made something click within Celestia.
"Wait, no!"
P'Li ignored her and unleashed the combustion, surprisingly breaking the metal apart, and the impact caused the rock to shake and P'Li to be blasted away, falling down the cliff to her demise.
Without a second thought, Celestia flew down towards the falling woman. P'Li's eye mark on her forehead was injured and she was bleeding. She saw the alicorn princess flying down at her, stretching out her hand in a desperate attempt to grab her, much to her surprise. She did not see anger or vengeance in her eyes. She saw hope.
"Take my hand!"
The woman reached out for Celestia, gripping her hand tightly as the two landed safely on a ledge on the side of the mountain. Celestia carried P'Li bridal style and with zero effort. P'Li's heart was pounding fast from the adrenaline, but Celestia's smile eased her anxieties.
"Don't worry. You're safe now."
"Why…why did--."
"Nobody deserves to die like that…not even you."
P'Li was speechless. After the horrible things she did, this alicorn forgave her. This was so…so strange and inhuman. But at the same time, she felt an incredible wave of relief. What was this sensation she was feeling deep down? 


(~)


"P'Li!"
Having heard the explosion from down bellow, Zaheer turned around in shock. Not witnessing Celestia flying downward, Zaheer looked at the fight sadly at the smoke emitting from the scorch mark on the ground. The woman he loved was gone. Seizing the moment of distraction, Korra firebended at Zaheer who dodged the attack and send an air blast to Korra, knocking her out. Twilight was already laying on the ground, to weak to even fight, morphing back into her pony form after loosing consciousness. Zaheer walked over to the Avatar and carried the sleeping Korra over his shoulder while carrying Twilight by the tail in his other arm. He wanted his revenge on her for tricking him. 
Leilani turned to Su, Lin and her youngest daughter. "Go get Korra, I will go after Celestia." the sisters nodded and did as they were told.
Zaheer carried the two princesses and walked toward the edge, watching the unmanned airship fly off. He was completely oblivious to P'Li having survived, for he was far to wrapped up in his own vendetta to notice anything above that. However, he did notice Su and Lin ascend the peak, landing behind him.
"It's over, Zaheer." Su exclaimed, taking her stance along with Lin and Luna. 
Zaheer remained calm. Now that P'Li was gone, there was no more holding back. He closed his eyes and began chanting the words of his poem. 
"Let go of your earthly tether."
"Release the Princesses!" Lin demanded, but Zaheer ignored them as he continued re-enacting the poem.
"Enter the void.
"This is your last warning!" Luna demanded. 
"Empty, and become wind." the man opened his eyes and leaned back, falling down from the peak, much to the shock of the sisters and princess. 
"No! Stop!"
They ran up to the edge and looked down, where they saw Zaheer… Floating in mid-air! The sisters fired cables at Zaheer while Luna fired a moon blast, all of which Zaheer managed to dodge flying off to Su's airship, shocking the women even more.
"Did he just…fly?" Lin asked in disbelief. At that moment, Celestia and Leilani, along with P'Li, now with a bandage over her wound, flew up and too witnessed Zaheer flying away with Korra and Twilight. They couldn't believe it and neither could P'Li. But her shock brought more sadness than others. He had finally gained what he wanted for so long. He entered the void.
By giving her up.
Zaheer zoomed on by, past the airship, much to the surprise of both Ghazan and MIng-Hua. "Guess he doesn't need a ride." said the lavabender.


(~)


On the mountainside, where a female metalbender clanged on with one of her cables, while Tonraq grabbed on to the other. He looked up, seeing the Red Lotus fleeing with his daughter and her pony friend, while the temple was submerged in lava. He had failed them.
"Korra. Twilight."


(~)


Back in the tunnel, Team Avatar continued their way down, but the lava was still closing in. "We can't outrun it! This way." Bolin took the lead and bended a tunnel on the other of the path, the group entered the tunnel before the lava approached them. Bolin moved a rock, creating an opening on the mountainside as the rock fell off. The others had an opening, but it was the opening of a cave on the side of the mountain, so there was no where else to go. And the lava was still fast approaching.
"Now what?" Mako asked and the lava closed in. 
Asami backed away, only to suddenly trip over a rock, falling down on the ground. "Ow!" She grunted as the lava closed in. The heiress was petrified with fear as the red hot substance was about to take it's first victim!  
Seeing her in danger, Bolin's own fears left him as he dashed forward, standing in front of Asami and shielding her as he stretched out his hands.
"Bolin!"
The lava came at them like a red burning tsunami. Bolin groaned as he kept his hand stretched out. Asami shielded herself as the lava came at them, but was surprised when she realized it had not touched them. Her eyes widened in shock at seeing the lava being pushed back by Bolin's force. Using nothing but his hands, the young earthbender then solidified the lava at the entrance of the cave, turning it into solid rock. The friends could not believe their eyes. Pinkie Pie's mouth was wide open and Spike's eyes were so big they looked like dinner plates. Despite his injuries, even Tenzin was downright dumbfounded by this.
"Incredible."
"You're a lavender!", Mako smiled proudly at his little brother, who opened up his eyes, his hands still stretched out, surprised himself of what he had accomplished. Bolin blinked in surprise as he lowered his hands, blinking in awe. 
"I know. I just found out." he turned around to Asami, who was inspecting her ankle, "Asami! You okay?" Bolin kneeled down next to her.
"I'll be fine. Thanks." she smiled proudly at the earthbender. "You saved me."
Bolin blushed as he and Asami simply smiled at each other. Pinkie Pie was completely baffled. "I…am…speechless."
"There's a first." said Applejack.
Then, to their surprise, a bison caff flew up toward the hole, and saw Kai and Scoolaoo ridding on its back. "Hey, you guys need a lift?" Kai greeted. 
"Kai! Scootaloo!" Rainbow exclaimed happily when she saw the two, "You're okay!"
"More or less." said Scootaloo. "Everyone hop on."
Tenzin climbed onto the bison first, followed by Asami. Mako followed suit, causing the bison to lose altitude. As Bolin climbed onto Lefty, it groaned from the impact. The bison subsequently flew from the temple while Rainbow Dash hoisted Pinkie Pie, with Spike on her back, Fluttershy carried Applejack and Flash Sentry carried Rarity. As they flew off, Tenzin looked back sadly as the temple began to collapse before his eyes. But that was not the only thing that sunk.


(~)


On a mountain, the female metalbender who had rescued Tonraq was bandaging his arm. "I owe you my life. Thank you, Captain." he said graciously. The metalbender smiled in return. A young woman in her twenties with raven hair styled into a braid and striking green eyes with a beauty mark under her right eye.
"You can call me, Kuvira." 
Tonraq was not the only one being attended, for more metalbenders had been injured from fighting. Queen Leilani used her healing magic to accelerate the process while Luna attended to P'Li's injured forehead, placing a bandage on her fourhead. "Don't plan on doing any more combustion attacks too soon." she said, though it sounded subtly like a warning. P'Li remained stone cold and emotionless, still processing everything that had happened in the last few moments. She couldn't go back to Zaheer, not after being rescued by this alicorns. In all honesty, she didn't know what to do. Suddenly, the answer came rolling back to her…literally.
The mysterious chest from the Tree of Harmony was magically rolling up to the moon princess and combustion woman. P'Li couldn't believe it. The chest found its way back to her. She picked it up and handed it to Princess Luna. "I believe this belongs to you." she said. Luna took the chest into her hand, looking down upon it and then at P'Li. To her surprise, Luna handed the chest back to her. 
"Keep it safe. I trust you with it."
P'Li was now even more confused than before. "But...I stole it, why are you trusting me?"
"Magic is full is mystery. And sometimes, it has a strange way of showing us the path destined for us." P'Li tried he'd hardest to fully understand the meaning behind the words. "You have a choice, P'Li. You can either join us and help save our friends, or…you can go back to Zaheer and do what you wish."
"You're letting me choose? But you're a princess."
"Even a princess can't force a decision on others. We must all face the consequences of our own actions, because wether we know it or not, they can affect someone else."
P'Li had never heard anyone speak like this before. She spoke with such wisdom and compassion. It was as if she was speaking directly to her heart. As the woman looked down at the chest she realized, she couldn't go back to Zaheer. He had let go of his earthly tether. While she never said it out loud, P'Li always had a suspicion that it meant letting go of what you held on to on this earth. She always held on to Zaheer and he to her, so she did not fear the meaning of those words. However, after Zaheer believed she was dead, he let her go and achieved his life long goal. P'Li should be angry, especially with these alicorns, but how could she? After all, they were not the ones who tried to kill her, and even when it seemed like she would die…they saved her life. They were willing to forgive her. They did not hold on to any grudges or resentment…unlike her…or Zaheer. Sure he might be free now….but he was empty.
But P'Li…right now…she wasn't.
The sound of Bolin's silly bird calls were heard, catching everyone's attention. Su stood up an pointed in the direction of the calls. Kai's new bison friend, Lefty, flew down towards the camp, landing heavily and tossing Bolin off mount while Asami slid down the tail. The winged ponies lowed their friends. Rarity felt woozy when she touched the ground. "Uh, there must be a better way to travel."
Su, Lin and Celestua rushed forward to help Team Avatar and Kai and Scootaloo waved hello and Kai tried to get his attention. "Hey everybody, there's something we got to tell you." but the adults ignored the child as Lin began asking questions as she helped Mako in lowering Tenzin from the bison. 
"How did you guys make it out of the temple alive?" Lin asked.
"It was all Bolin." Mako said proudly, "I thought we were done for, then out of nowhere, he lavabends."
Su smiled proudly at the young earthbender. "I knew you had the potential for something big. You just had to believe in yourself."
"You're right. Being moments from death was a pretty good motivator too." 
"As was seeing Asami in danger." Rarity pointed out with a cheeky smile as she assisted the heiress, who blushed in embarrassment, as did Bolin.
"Well, yeah. That too. Of course, we would have never made it back without Kai and Scootaloo."
The pegasus pony was surprised when she was lifted up and was welcomed in a warm hug from her idol Rainbow Dash. "I'm so glad you escaped those maniacs. You had me so scared."
Scootaloo was quite surprised by this. "Really?"
"Of course. I'm your honorary big sister, what did you expect?"
Scootaloo surprised Rainbow with a tight hug around her waist, for which the elder pegasus returned. P'Li remained behind the rock, not wanting the others to know she was there. She looked up at Luna with a pleading look on her face, silently begging her not to let them see her. She couldn't face the Avatar's friends now, not after all she had done, even Su and Lin were still hostile towards her. Luna agreed to this and silently asked P'Li to remain behind the rock as she approached the others. 
Kai tried to tell the others what he knew, "Glad we could help. So anyway-"
"Did Zaheer get away with Korra?" Tenzin asked.
"I'm afraid so." Lin answered with regret, "He managed to take Twilight as well."
Flash's eyes widened in fear, "What?!"
"Apparently, he can fly now." Su said.
"What?" Tenzin asked in shock
"How?" Asami asked, equally surprised. 
"Are you sure?" Bolin asked
"No! Not flying!" Pinkie PIe screamed in fear, "…oh wait, how did he do that?"
"I wouldn't believe it either if I hadn't seen it for myself." Lin said. 
Tenzin knew what Zaheer had achieved. And it frightened him. "I've heard the legends about Guru Laghima's ability to fly. I'd never imagine they were true."
"So what's our next move?" Tonraq asked. 
"I have an idea." Kai said, only to be silenced by Lin. 
"Not right now, kid! We need to figure out where Zaheer took Korra and Twilight."
"And find the airbenders." said Tenzin.
"And our sisters." said Applejack. 
Kai had had just about enough of this as he shouted out loud for all to hear him, "That's what I've been trying to tell you! Scootaloo and I know where the airbenders are and I bet it's where Korra and Twilight are too."
"Well, why didn't you say something?" Mako asked, making Kai glare at him in irritation, before sighing.
"Where are they?" Tenzin asked, "How did you find them?"
Scootaloo responded next, "After Kai and I were blasted out the sky, we woke up on the side of the mountain, where this little fella found us." Lefty approached Kai, who petted his head.
"We tried to sneak back into the temple, to see if we could rescue anyone, and that's when we saw the airship leaving." Kai explained, "We followed it into some caves a few miles from here. The giant lady and some people put the airbenders into the caves."
As the two explained what had happened, P'Li silently jolted up her head. She knew exactly where Korra and the alicorn pony were heading. But she still couldn't get herself to get up and tell them. She was still very torn.
"Was it Ghazan and Ming-Hua?" Leilani asked.
"No, there were four more of them. They didn't look familiar."
"Must be more Red Lotus members than we thought." Flash stated.
"We couldn't fight them on our own, so Kai and I came back here, hoping you guys would show up."
"We need to get to those caves." Lin said.
"How?" Spike asked, "I don't think we can all fit on that little bison and even the pegasi and the alicorns can't carry everyone at once."
"Can't you teleport us there?" Mako asked Celestia.
"Not if we don't know the exact location to this place. If we did try we'd just be popping up at random places."
Suddenly, a shadow flew above the group, a familiar shadow, belonging to that of Tenzin's trusted bison.
"Oogi!"
"That could work." said Spike.
Oogi landed onto the ground and Tenzin reached out for his bison, petting his head. "I'm glad to see you too, old friend."
Rainbow Dash pounded her fists together, "Well what are we waiting for? Let's kick some Red Lotus behind and free our friends!"
Luna walked back to P'Li, still hiding behind the rock. The moon princess kneeled beside her. "P'Li. I understand you are feeling confused, but I need to know your answer. Are you with us…or not?"
P'Li was silent for a moment before she closed her eyes and told her what she knew. "I know what they plan to do to Korra. You need to hurry. She doesn't have much time."
The entire group mounted atop of Oogi while the Metal Clan nurse their wounds. Celestia decided to stay and tend to them, and Lun with P'Li, while Leilani went with the others. The royal sisters hugged their mother. "Be careful." said the eldest daughter. 
"You too my daughters. I refuse to lose the Avatar once again. Keep everyone here safe in case anything happens. And help P'Li. I can sense she is in a very confusing place right now."
Kuvira walked up to Oogi. "I want to come with you." she said to Su.
"No, Kuvira. Stay with the injured. We'll be back for you once we have the Avatar." 
Kuvira nodded in response. Meanwhile, Mako looked on at Kai who was mounting his own bison. The firebender received a nudge on the arm from Flash. "Well, what are you waiting for? A formal invite?"
The firebender sighed and walked up to the young airbender. "Hey. Um, I appreciate you coming back for us. Sorry for ever giving you a hard time."
"That's okay. I probably deserved it."
Mako smiled, "Yeah, you kind of did."


(~)


In a cave, where an opening on the top allowed the light to enter, Zaheer was sitting cross-legged while levitating. ..in mid air. After all this time, he finally did it. He was now free of everything. It pained him that he had to let go of P'Li, but thanks to her, with this newfound freedom, he was so much closer to bringing true balance to the world. It was a sad sacrifice but it needed to be done. This way, Zaheer could lead the world into a new era, a better one. One free of government, rules, oppression, and especially magic. He was not bounded to anything anymore.
Or anyone.
His friends, Ming-Hua and Ghazan approached him. Still stunned by his new abilities. "Why didn't you ever tell us you could fly?" Ming-Hua asked.
"I wasn't sure I could. Only one other airbender in history had the ability."
"How did you figure out how to do it?" Ghazan asked, looking underneath Zaheer. 
"I found true freedom. I am no longer bound to this earth by worldly desires. I have entered the void."
"Where's P'Li?" Ming-Hua asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
The name brought some pain to Zaheer, but with his new freedom he knew there was no more need for tears. No more need to feel pain. He was not bound to any of that anymore. While he will miss P'Li, she would be happy that he had finally made their dream a reality. He lowered down to the ground.
"She sacrificed her life for a cause. Now let's make sure it wasn't in vain. Do you have the pony?"
"Yes. we did exactly as you asked."
"Good. She will think twice before trying to outsmart me. Of course, she will never get a next time…neither of them will."


(~)


Korra's eyes finally opened, her vision was blurry at first but it soon got adjusted to the environment. She found herself stretched out, her four limps chained up and she was trapped inside a cave, surrounded by glowing green crystals. Her hair was loose but maintained her two front hair ties, her arm band and arm warmers were gone as were her boots and her pants were rolled up, exposing her legs and feet from the knee down. Once again, she had a metal headband that contained her magic. But that wasn't the worst part. Korra felt something was off about her, she felt…lighter somehow.
She looked back at her wings, which were not chained but…their feathers had been clipped off!
Not all of her feathers were gone, but only the ones that allowed her to fly. They must have done it while she was out cold. The sight of them broke her heart. Her beautiful wings, the very things that symbolized her difference from other humans and her similarities to her pony folk…were clipped. She looked down before her, seeing Zaheer, Ming-Hua, Ghazan and two other men enter the cave. These men wore long dark black robes. There were more Red Lotus members than she had anticipated. She gasped when she saw one of the guards toss something before her, on the near edge of a small cliff within the cave, just a few feet bellow Korra. The Avatar's eyes winded in horror.
It was Twilight!
Her wings had been clipped as well, and she had scars across her pony body, her hooves were bruised and had a black eye, similar to Tenzin's. Her horn was contained with a metal container which too shielded her magic. The sight of the innocent pony badly beaten brought even more pain to Korra's heart than her clipped wings ever could. Her anger and hatred towards the Red Lotus grew even more as she looked down at Zaheer.
"You. You cut my wings. Hurt my friend. And you killed my father!" in her rage, she breath a large fire blast at Zaheer, which didn't even touch him or his comrades. 
"I understand your grief. I also lost someone I loved today. But your pain will soon be over." 
Twilight groaned as she tried to stand up, but she still felt very weak. The very sight brought tears to Korra's eyes. This was even worst than when Amon crumpled her wings. Korra always had a fear that the innocent alicorn would suffer a terrible fate similar to her own. And now, it appears that dream was coming true.
"Tie the pony up." Zaheer said to one of the Red Lotus sentries. "I want her to see this."
"What are you going to do with her?!" Korra asked fearfully/angrily while the sentry tied the alicorn to a green crystallite, but once she was tied, the alicorn immediately felt something strange about the crystallite. Something…not entirely of this earth. The alicorn remained silent as she allowed the energy of the crystal slowly enter her body while Zaheer turned to one of their members. 
"Bring the poison."
Two Red Lotus members walked forward, causing Korra and Twilight to gasp in fear as one bended out a silvery-black liquid from a bowl…mercury poison. It didn't take a genius to know what Zaheer was planing on doing.
He was going to kill the Avatar.


(~)