Avatar: The New Hero Saga {Book-1: Reemergence}

Chapter-16

By author, writer, developer & creator

J.D. Cantler

.... While continuing his journey within Ryu's neighborhood, the 1950s-like hosts speaks. "Mystery starts to surround Ryu, as Ryu starts to receive more mysterious visions and dreams. Li Yang feeling suspicious starts to believe that these revelations have some connection between Ryu and this New Avatar that'll be soon revealed." He went on, "As the Grand Turf War spreads all throughout Republic City—claiming more lives as it goes on. What is the mysterious connection between Ryu and this New Hero?"

                                                   {Book 1: Reemergence}

                                                      "Us Against Them"

.... It had been six hours since the group had alluded Mako's police force. The four friends were hiding inside the outer city-sewer systems, where Kara was talking to her cousin Maku. "Still upset, cous?" Maku asked. "Yeah-I'm afraid my father has been hurt...." Kara looked down. "I was proud of my father for finally standing up to our grandfather, but now I know he's been placed under arrest for aiding our escape" Kara told him as she teared up a bit. Maku placed his hand comfortingly on his cousin's shoulder. "I know, I'm proud of him too. But once we meet this new Avatar in the Earth Empire—things will be different." Maku knew "He or she could speak on your father's behalf, to advocate for his release!" Maku smiled. "Well, I hope we find him or her first and also that this new Avatar is a fully experienced one." Kara knew it was imperative that the Avatar be practiced and ready to take on the necessary leadership.

.... Meanwhile, Li-Yang was using meditation to try and ascertain how many triads were on guard at the pro-bending arena. "Li-Yang, tell me, have you gathered insight into how many bending mercenaries we'd be up against at the pro-bending arena?" Ryu asked. "Unfortunately, there's a small army of bending mercs and triad thugs guarding the place—they're spread all over." Li-Yang revealed. "Since most of the NURN police units are focusing their efforts on protecting Chen Beifong, the grand turf war has begun in earnest!" "Aang d***-it! The grand turf war has already begun? How many lives have been lost already?" Ryu asked anxiously. "Many innocent people have been caught in the crossfire and killed" Li-Yang frowned, "Ryu, are you sure you need to rescue your family? Isn't it more important that you meet this new Avatar? We almost jeopardized our safety last time we tried to help them!" "Li-Yang I just know in my heart that my family is in danger and I have to help them, my mother-Rikona and my little brother, Ryo are my entire life and what kind of brother or son would I be if I let the Triple Threats afflict harm them?" Ryu was adamant. Kara and Maku entered the room. Kara's voice was kind, "Re, maybe our rescue effort can wait until after you meet this new Avatar...." "Then maybe we can convince him or her to help us rescue Ryo and Rikona!" Maku added. Kara nodded, "Maku has a point, Ryu. We almost got apprehended this last time we tried, and now that Firestorm Fang knows you betrayed him; he'll most likely be coming after you as well...." Ryu wouldn't budge, "No! I don't care if Fang knows about my involvement in the sting, I will NOT let those evil thugs harm my family!" Ryu spoke rashly, "I don't really give a d*** about this new Avatar who for whatever reason needs me: my family comes first and I cannot afford to lose all that I have left!" Ryu Honoo stood firm. "Re, it's absolutely imperative that you meet this new Avatar---whatever this next great move is....you're a necessary part of it...." Li-Yang reminded him. "But if I lose my family, nothing else matters---to me, all will be lost anyway. I'm sorry my friends, but this new Avatar will have to wait!" Ryu walked-off. "Ryu where are you going?" Kara followed him. Ryu stopped and spun around, "Look, I'm sorry that I almost got you all apprehended by Mako's goons.... but if you're not going to help me rescue Rikona and Ryo, then I'll have to do it myself!" Ryu turned to leave. "Wait a minute Re!" shouted Li-Yang. "I think there's a way we can break into the pro-bending arena, and circumvent the opposition" "Tell me--what's your plan?" Ryu asked anxiously. "The turf war between the three opposing gangs and the Triple Threats has already begun" she told them. "Yeah—now what?" Kara asked Li-Yang. "I can predict things very accurately with my spiritual Air-Nomad abilities" "What are you saying?" Maku asked. "I foresee another attack imminent, and it will take place in the pro-bending arena—even as we speak, the Mongol gangs are initiating the ambush..." Li-Yang revealed. "Do we use the cover of the attack to infiltrate the arena?" Kara suggested. "Not yet, the Mongols know the pro-bending arena is a vital location in this grand turf war," Li-Yang revealed. "If the Triple Threats lose control of that location, then they will become divided and easily defeated!" "Like Kara suggested, we can use this impending attack to sneak into the pro-bending arena, since they'll be completely distracted, but we wait until after it goes down to strike!" Ryu knew they must act quickly. "You do realize how dangerous the arena is going to be under this tremendous siege." cautioned Maku. They all looked at one another and nodded, "We realize this, but it's the only way we can rescue Ryo and Rikona" said Ryu. "But it'll be a lot harder than you think Ryu...." Li-Yang reminded him. "Why are you saying that, exactly, Li-Yang?" Kara asked. "I can "see" that three top assassins from the Triple Threats are leading the defense at the pro-bending arena" she revealed. "Who are they?" Kara asked. A thought flashed through Ryu's mind of these unknown people in shadows, followed by another images of a "Shadow Li, Killer Kahn and Boulder Bolo". Ryu stared into space, "The Deadly Threesome, Bolo, Kahn and Li?" but Ryu knew. "Who is they? What are they known for?" Maku shook Ryu's arm. "Boulder Bolo, Shadow Li and Killer Kahn. Or as they likes to call themselves: The Deadly Threesome." Ryu had grown pale. "Are greatly feared in both the political and the criminal underworld, they're incredibly ruthless and are adept at what they do..." Suddenly, Ryu knew with certainty it was he who led the kidnapping of both his mother and little brother, Ryo. "Bolo is a powerful Earth Bender, known for having stone-rock made arms. Shadow Li is a strong Water Bender while Killer Kahn is a strong Fire Bending Triad" "So you're trying to tell that they're pretty strong benders, but there's obviously more...." Kara was interrupted by Li-Yang with her own revelation, "One's a Blood Bender, the other is a Metal Bender and other one can also throw multiple bolts of lightning simultaneously!" Maku wasn't comforted by any of these revelations, "Aang d***-it! Great—one is a blood bender, the other lighting wielder and the last one a metal bender -- can this news get any better!?" Maku cursed. "Is there an easier way into the arena? One that doesn't involve coming into contact with these....these three Assassins, along any accompanying henchmen that are there?" Kara knew they needed an edge. "Yes...the Mongol gangs will be attacking the pro-bending arena in about fifteen minutes, leaving only a small number of guards to protect the bridge...." Li-Yang smiled. "The Mongol gangs are attacking from the seaport area" Li-Yang knew. "This will be our only chance to go in and rescue them by entering the opposite way and using the bridge connected to the mainland! But, we will only get one chance to do this right!" "Okay then we'll have to time our strike to the exact moment the Mongol attack occurs." Ryu told everyone. "Prepare yourselves my friends, we're going into the inner heat of battle" Ryu and his friends quickly prepared to leave. "Wait Ryu, I need to speak with you?" Kara pulled Ryu to the side. "Okay, but it has got to be quick..." turning to Li-Yang and Maku he asked, "Can you two give us a minute here?" "Come on Li-Yang, let's go grab our gear." Maku and Li-Yang left the room.