Isaiah didn't have the chance to attack Zero, as Korra, seeing the developing situation, became infuriated when she saw Isaiah holding a dagger to Zero's throat.
Korra: [BLACK: FOREST EMERGENCE, ROSE THORNS]
Korra fired her rose thorns at Isaiah, attempting to kill him. But Isaiah acted quickly.
Isaiah: [BLACK: SHADOWSMITH TECHNIQUE, SWORD]
As Isaiah spoke, a sword emerged from his shadow, and he began deflecting all the thorns Korra sent his way. Zero took this opportunity to leap and create distance between himself and Isaiah. He then regrouped with Korra, Jokita, and Arou.
Korra: Are you okay, Zero?
Zero: I'm fine. (looks at Isaiah) Quite the technique you've got there. Not to mention the rest of them who just showed up. I can tell they have interesting shadow techniques. But… (glances at Mira) her energy feels different. She must be...
Mira Hashido, daughter of Ervin Hashido, was born with two Shadow techniques. The first, a hereditary ability, was the Rite of the Shadow Beast Technique, passed down through the Hashido Clan. The second, developed through her childhood experiences, was the Nullification Technique, a power that could nullify any technique directed at her or anyone she was close to.
Isaiah Gushman wielded the Shadowsmith Technique, allowing him to forge weapons from his own shadow energy. The Gushman Clan had originally crafted weapons for the Shadows during the early years of the war. Unlike other members of his clan, however, Isaiah's creations were limited to swords and daggers.
Yamato possessed a lightning-based technique inspired by an ancient tale of a lightning deity from their homeland, Lumina. Unlike Jason Enderby's lightning powers, Yamato's abilities were shaped by the stories and teachings passed down from their family before they relocated to Haiwa..
Kayomi then regrouped with the others after freeing Kayomi from his restraints.
Kayomi: Took you guys long enough. What kept you?
Mira: Not everyone has good sensory skills like you Mr Kayomi. Are you alright Kato?
Kato: Yeah I am.
Yamato: Of course you're okay. I just saved your life.
Kato: That's true.
Mira: (laughs)
Isaiah: We can talk about that later. The enemy is in front of us. I can't believe Arou is one of them.
Yamato suddenly gazed at Arou's direction and Arou quickly avoided his gaze as he could tell that Yamato was disappointed.
Yamato: Arou…
Kayomi: It surprised me too. But we'll talk about that later. We have to stop them from trying to take Kato's god eye.
They all nodded and turned their attention to the enemy before them.
Meanwhile, Zero had regrouped with Lorra, Jokita, and Arou. After analyzing the situation, he decided to take action.
Jokita: So what do we do Zero? Retreat? They outnumber us now.
Zero: That's true. Retreating would be a good choice. But… I want to push Kato Hamura some more.
Korra: (to herself) Push him? This isn't like Zero. He never gets like this with anyone. What's so special about him?
Korra received no answer, as both sides braced for the coming clash. Just as they began to close the distance, the ceiling of the abandoned house trembled.
From above, Giles's flying shadow monster descended with terrifying speed, carrying both an unconscious Giles and Desmond on its back.
The sudden appearance left everyone frozen in shock, even the Kaimi Daja, who hadn't expected Giles to show up.
Jokita: What is it, Desmond? Why are you here!?
Desmond: You brats have to move NOW! Ervin Hashido will be here soon to take us all down!
Yamato: What?
Kato: Mr Ervin?
Mira: My Dad!?
Zero: For real!?
Desmond: YES! FOR REAL! WE HAVE TO MOVE NOW. IF YOU HAVEN'T TAKEN THE KID, WE CAN GET HIM ANOTHER TIME! NOW WE HAVE TO MOVE!
Zero: (sighs) Well, this is a mess. (to Kato) Guess we'll finish this another time, Kato Hamura. When we meet again, be ready to kill me, because I will be ready to kill you.
Kato: TSK!!!!
Kayomi: YOU'RE NOT GETTING AWAY!
Kayomi activated his technique in an attempt to stop Zero and the others from escaping. But before he could do so...
Zero: [OVERFLOWING STREAM]
Zero summoned a massive surge of water from both hands, the torrent pushing Kayomi and the others back. The flood spread rapidly, filling every corner of the house and reaching its very foundation. The structure groaned under the pressure, splintering and cracking as the water forced its way through.
By the time the house finally collapsed into rubble, Desmond had already taken Zero, Korra, Jokita, and Arou, disappearing into the sky with them.
Minutes later, Ervin arrived, only to find the remnants of the shattered house. Before he could even call out, a shadow moved beneath the debris. Mira's shadow beast, Gaya; a massive eagle-like creature emerged gracefully. Beneath its protective wings were Kato and the others, safe amidst the chaos.
Ervin: (calls out) HEY! You guys okay!?
Mira: Dad!
Kayomi: We're fine.
Isaiah: But you did take your time to get here.
Ervin: (scratches his head) My bad. So I guess you're gonna fill me in with everything that happened here?
Kayomi: Right.
Kato and Kayomi then explained everything to the group, from the moment Arou revealed himself as a member of the Kaimi Daja to when everyone else showed up.
Ervin: I see.
Yamato: So Arou always hated us?
Mira: And it's all because there was no one to relate to him.
Isaiah: What does he take us for?
Mira: (to Ervin) How did you find out Arou was part of the Kaimi Daja, Dad?
Ervin: Oh yeah. They attacked me on my way to the hospital to meet up with Kato in an attempt to buy time to take him. I defeated them and accessed one of their member's memories. I saw Arou and everything they'd been planning up until today. Arou had been a member for a year and was recruited to watch me and predict my movements. This was long before we met Kato. Afterward, they assigned him to watch me and, when the time came, kidnap Kato.
Kato's face suddenly fell.
Ervin: Kato?
Mira: What is it?
Kato: It's just that, there's so many unknowns that we have to watch out for. I always thought Arou was a friend. But… everything with him was…
Everyone fell silent, absorbing Kato's words, and one by one, their expressions darkened, mirrors of the same sadness that weighed on him.
Ervin: I bet we all have a lot of questions, but we need to rest first. We'll talk about it tomorrow. For now, let's get back to the estate and clear our heads. Let's go.
Ervin led everyone out of the rubble and guided them through the forest. The crunch of leaves beneath their feet was the only sound as they moved, but Kato's mind was elsewhere, lost in thought.
He reflected on everything that had happened. His thoughts lingered on Arou, and the sting of that betrayal cut deep. Arou had been more than just a friend; he had taught Kato hand-to-hand combat and had shown care in a way that few others had, with Mira as an exception.
And yet, Arou had been partly responsible for his mother's coma. The thought twisted in Kato's chest, and for a fleeting moment, Takimo's face flashed in his mind. In some ways, Arou reminded him of his old friend.
Kato: (to himself) Takimo… What are you doing right now?
*****
THE KAIMI DAJA ASSAULT ARC – ENDS