Chapter 169. The Climax
Tienhai City. Yo.
"We arrived just in time—the entire leadership of the organization is here!" I thought, looking at the gathered individuals. A sense of dissatisfaction lingered as I observed them. Each founder was exceptional: the guy in the corner had quickly designed a slightly inferior version of the satomobile; Xuin Su was a true business shark; Bakir, unaware, had created numerous unique earthbending techniques. It was a shame. Their noble intentions were doomed from the start. The Vatru particles didn't need happy, powerful people...
"You know what you've done," I said calmly, as my other bodies surrounded them.
"This—" Bakir tried to speak, but Yakon shook his head, his eyes calm, almost resigned, as he looked at me. Before I spoke, he'd tried a dozen times to control our blood. In vain. We were in different leagues, and he knew it.
"I know you're not behind the attacks," I said, understanding his unspoken words. Partially, they were guilty, as someone else had infiltrated their organization, exploiting their resources. "But... that doesn't excuse your crimes. Dozens kidnapped, countless attacks on civilians, subversive activities—the list goes on."
"We... wanted better for ordinary people," Yakon rasped, having experienced being "second-class" himself.
"And you achieved it," I replied. People realized they mattered if they united. Of course, only the most fanatical still believed in Amon, but even without him, the city's mindset had fundamentally shifted. "Life energy will finish what you started," I added. These weren't fools; they'd considered studying this mysterious energy but, like me, lacked information. They hadn't even found a way to open chakras, despite their efforts.
"Some comfort, at least," Yakon managed a weak smile before clutching his head in pain. Not just him—all of them convulsed. The Vatru particles weren't pleased the Equalists were giving up.
"Finally, Aang's here," I thought with relief, feeling a gentle breeze as the Avatar flew in. I wasn't the only one who sensed his arrival. The Equalists' bodies contorted at odd angles, the particles fleeing.
Without a word, Aang closed his eyes and pressed his fists to his chest. Soon, his tattoos glowed—a sign he was brimming with higher-order energy.
"Ha!" he exclaimed, spreading his arms. A wave of white, faintly glowing energy washed over the Equalists. A horrible screeching or wailing followed—the death throes of the Vatru particles.