Chapter 367: The Storm Hero
The skies behind Bluekeep Fortress churned and roiled, a vortex of dark clouds shot through with veins of molten gold. The storm was small but intense, a driving mass of thunderheads that speared directly toward the city. Lightning danced across the sky, each strike a brilliant explosion of light that illuminated monstrous silhouettes hidden in the clouds. The thunder that followed was a deep, guttural growl, shaking the city to its core.
"Is that what I think it is?" Korra muttered to herself.
I shook my head, pursing my lips as I analyzed the incoming storm. This was as much an ordinary storm as the Anomaly’s blizzard, which still buffeted the city from the portal high above. Mana laced within every electric eruption, fueling the light show and bringing the clouds ever nearer.
"Lady Xiviyah, what are your orders?" Bethiv asked, looking up at the storm, worry apparent in his gaze.
My tail twitched uncertainly at his words, the pressure and expectation of the company resting heavily on my shoulders. I didn’t know what this thing was, why it was here, or even if it was an enemy. I looked at Korra for help, but her gaze was fixed on the storm, almost seeming to stare through the clouds at whatever lay in its heart.
"I-I don’t know," I whispered, biting my lip.
Bethiv nodded. To my relief, he didn’t seem the least bit disappointed with my lack of confidence.
"Then we’ll continue as we have been. It’s not like we can abandon the shard anyway, not when my soldiers are still out there. By Gith’s estimate, we’ll need to hold on for at least another ten minutes."
"Alright," I agreed quickly, latching onto his quiet confidence. "The mana within the storm isn’t strong enough to come from an eighth-level mage, so we’ll be able to hold on. We have to."
"Sir, another company’s approaching the gate!" Orion’s voice carried over the courtyard, causing our heads to snap forward.
Bethiv groaned and spared a final glance at the storm. "Very well, get in position. Hold strong, and we’ll take ’em just like we have the other bastards."