The Ultimatum - Part 2

Thankfully, it didn't take long to reach Zoafu. Elira was still locked up in the supply closet, chi-blocked and being guarded in shifts. As Shai had suggested, the Krew attempted to break through the brainwashing by recalling powerful moments in El's life. Unfortunately, nothing seemed to be working and Elira simply kept repeating the same phrase over and over again. "I am a soldier of the Earth Kingdom. I am loyal only to my queen" 

The airship docked at Zoafu and Team Avatar dismounted, finding Suyin and two Metal Clan escorts awaiting them. 

"Did you have any luck getting through to Tenzin?" Korra immediately asked 

"No one's answering. What if Zaheer's already up there? I should never have let Opal go." Su looked down, hands clasped together in worry. 

Lin wrapped an arm around her sister, comfortingly "It's going to be okay, Su." 

"I hope so. How's Elira? Any luck getting through to her?" Su then asked 

"No, nothing we do seems to be working" Korra gestured behind her where Elira was standing amongst the group, her hands tied behind her back and flanked by Shai and Azula.

"Monsters, going after innocent children like this" Su scowled "Well, you have full access to anything in Zaofu you feel might help undo what's been done to her"

"Thank you, Su" Shai nodded gratefully before leading Elira away with Zuko and Azula. 

*

In the radio room, a radio operator adjusted the controls while Team Avatar, minus Elira, stood behind him watching. 

"We have a strong signal, but no one's answering." The radio operator said 

"I can't just sit around here while a madman is on his way to the Northern Air Temple. We have to do something!" Korra huffed, getting impatient 

"I completely agree" Azula added "The longer we wait here like sitting turtle ducks, the less chance we have of helping them" 

"I'll ready my airship. With a full force of the Metal Clan security backing us, we can take them." Su declared and left the room

"We'll never make it up there before Zaheer." Mako sighed 

"There might be another way to stop him. It's a long shot, but Zaheer is always meditating into the Spirit World" Korra explained "And I know exactly where he goes: Xai Bau's Grove. If I can find him there, maybe I could somehow trap him" 

"We can't protect you in there. I don't like it." Lin stated 

"I'll be fine. I have to try." Korra replied 

"I'll watch over her as she meditates." Asami offered 

"I guess, in the meantime, I'll keep working on getting through to El," Bolin said 

Shai put a hand on the earthbender's shoulder, stepping forward with Azula and Zuko beside him "We'll help you" 

"I'll stay here and try to get through to the temple" Mako declared 

"And we'll help Su ready the airship." Tonraq gestured to him and Lin 

Everyone nodded, before leaving to begin their respective tasks. 

*

Elira sat in a chair in one of the guest houses, arms crossed and scowling. Still chi-blocked and unable to escape due to the three elite master firebenders standing by the door conversing with each other and Bolin. Pabu and Pitchi sat together on the coffee table, staring up at Elira sadly and Pabu even nuzzled Pichi comfortingly. 

"Everything we've done so far has failed. There must be something we've missed" Shai sighed, looking troubled. 

"Perhaps it'll take more than simply telling Elira about certain memories," Azula suggested

"What are you thinking?" Zuko asked, glancing at his great-niece in the chair. Elira glared at him and turned away, refusing to look at him. Something, funnily enough, he remembered Zira doing as a child when she was annoyed with him. 

"When they pledged their loyalty to me all those years ago, the Dai Li explained the method behind their mind control, including what could potentially undo it. It wasn't so much about the memories themselves but the feelings tied to them. They would cause a primal mnemonic response in the brain, thus freeing the victim" Azula explained "Bolin, you know Elira better than most. What's her favourite thing to do? Something she enjoys doing because it reminds her of special moments" 

Bolin put a hand on his chin as he thought "Well, she really likes flying, says it makes her feel free. Except I know we can't do that or risk her attacking everyone again. But other than that, her favourite thing is music. Listening to the radio, singing, dancing, everything. Makes her feel alive" 

Bolin suddenly clicked his fingers, his eyes lighting up as an idea came to mind "I know how to help her!" 

 Borrowing a record player from Su, Bolin placed it in front of Elira as Zuko, Shai and Azula crowded around. Bolin picked up a record with a slight wistful smile. "This is El's favourite song. We danced to it once in my old apartment and she later admitted it was the moment she started having feelings for me" 

"Let's hope this works" Shai muttered, glancing at the others. 

Bolin placed the record on the turntable and lined up the stylus before hitting play. A soft but upbeat melody began to play. As Bolin had said, it was the same song he and Elira had danced to in the arena apartment what felt like years ago. 

"Keepin' out of mischief now. I really am in love and how"  The artist sang and Bolin looked to Elira expectantly, hoping to see some reaction to the tune.  

But Elira just stared with the same permanent scowl on her face. Bolin frowned, slightly disheartened. Not caring about the three firebending legends watching him, he began to sing along to the music sadly. 

"I'm through playin' with fire. It's you whom I desire" Elira continued staring at him, but her scowl slowly slipped as her eyes flickered and twitched. Azula noticed and gasped softly 

"Look" She whispered 

"All the world can plainly see. You're the only one for me. I have told them in advance. They can't break up our romance" Bolin sang along

Elira shook her head and shut her eyes tightly, gritting her teeth as if in pain. 

"Livin' up to all my vows"

Bolin sighed and lowered his head in disappointment, believing his idea hadn't worked. Elira opened her eyes. Her breathing had become fast and heavy

"'Cause I'm keepin' out mischief now" She unconsciously sang the next line, staring at the ground intensely. 

Bolin's head shot up, looking hopefully at the airbender. 

Elira squeezed her eyes tightly again and held her head, whimpering in pain as she fell forward. Bolin immediately wrapped his arms around her as Zuko shut off the music. All eyes were now on Elira, breathing heavily in Bolin's arms as she clung to him out of pure habit. Everything stood still in a tense silence. Hoping. Praying. The only sound was Elira's laboured breathing. 

"I've gotcha, El. I gotcha" Bolin whispered and slowly, he felt her begin to relax in his hold. 

"El?... Are you alright?" He asked, leaning back. 

Elira held a hand to her forehead as the pain began to dull and looked up at the earthbender, blinking the last of the pain away. "Bolin?" 

Grins broke out all around with sighs of relief. 

"El! You're okay!" Bolin exclaimed, pulling the airbender in for another hug as Pabu and Pichi jumped onto his shoulder and head, nuzzling Elira "I was so worried!" 

Elira smiled as she returned the embrace

"Thank you" She whispered but then pulled away confused when she noticed her maternal grandfather, great-uncle and great-aunt were also in the room. "Grandpa Shai? Aunt Azula, Uncle Zuko? What are you doing here?" 

"We were hunting down Zaheer when we heard you and the others were in trouble." Shai smiled, stepping forward to place a comforting hand on his granddaughter's shoulder "I'm so glad you're safe at last" 

Elira smiled, leaning back to hug her grandfather. 

"Do you remember anything?" Zuko asked gently 

Elira pulled away again and thought for a moment "A little. The Earth Queen wanted to use me to find the other airbenders. I was ordered to infiltrate the air temple and alert the Dai Li once I'd found them" 

Tears built in her eyes as she remembered attacking Bolin and Mako.  She turned to her boyfriend with shameful eyes "Oh, Bo, I'm so sorry! I tried to stop myself, but it's like I had no control over my body"

"It wasn't your fault, El. You couldn't help it" Bolin smiled, bringing her into his arms again as Pichi and Pabu jumped onto Elira's lap. 

Glancing around, Elira remembered where they were but not the reason why "Um...Why are we in Zaofu?" 

The others shared grave looks and Bolin frowned, knowing Elira was going to freak out. 

"We needed to use the long-range radio to get a message to your father at the Air Temple" Azula explained, deciding to ripe off the band-aid and get it over with. 

"My dad, why? Is everything okay?" Elira asked, worry beginning to sink in. 

"I'm afraid not, my dear. Zaheer is headed to the Northern Air Temple as we speak. He's threatened to wipe out the new Air Nation and everyone in it unless Korra turns herself over" 

Elira gasped and stared at her aunt in horror. 

*

Outside, Elira stood with Bolin, Azula and Shai watching as Zuko prepared a mount on Druk. Korra walked up behind them and grinned when she saw Elira anxiously standing with them. 

"El! You're okay!" She cried and ran over, picking her friend up a little as she hugged her. "How do you feel?" 

"I've woken from one nightmare, only to be plunged into another even worse. So I've been better" Elira frowned but forced a smile at the Avatar "But it's good to see you too, Korra" 

Korra gave her a sorry look before turning to Zuko, noticing what he was doing " You're leaving? Aren't you coming to the air temple with us?" 

"I'm sorry, but I can't. Now that Elira is safe, I'm going back to the Fire Nation. I hate leaving Kya in the hands of those ruffians, but if it's true that the Red Lotus is targeting the nation's leaders, I need to protect my eldest daughter." Zuko declared 

"I understand. You have to keep the Fire Lord safe" Korra nodded 

"Azula and I will stay to help. That madman won't get away with threatening our family, Zuko. We'll get Kya and the others out of there, I promise" Shai declared 

"Thank you, Shai" Zuko smiled 

"Well before you leave, Lord Zuko, I was wondering if you could all help me with something," Korra said  

"We were often Aang's counsel and I'd love to be yours" Zuko smiled as Bolin and Elira walked away a little, letting them speak in private. 

"That's just it. You all knew Aang better than anyone. I was wondering if you knew what he might do if he were in my situation" Korra asked 

"Hmm. Rebuilding the Air Nation was Aang's biggest dream. He would be beside himself with joy with what you've done" Shai explained 

"And if he accomplished that goal, he might have sacrificed anything to protect it" Zuko added 

"So he would give himself up to save the Air Nation?" Korra wondered, looking down 

"I don't know for sure. The airbenders might have been closest to Aang's heart, but, as the Avatar, he was concerned with people of all nations" Zuko said 

"No one knew better than Aang that in times of turmoil, the world needs its Avatar the most." Azula declared

"Thanks. Your uncle was right. It was helpful talking to you." Korra smiled 

Shai's eyes widened and Zuko and Azula shared a shocked look. 

"Wait, you spoke with our uncle?" Zuko questioned 

"Yes. In the Spirit World. A couple of times actually" Korra replied 

The three firebenders shared astounded looks before a guard suddenly ran over to them looking frantic "Avatar Korra! We've made it through to the Air Temple!" 

"Finally!" Before anyone could say anything Elira took off running towards the main house. 

*

In the radio room, Mako was hunched over the radio mic looking annoyed. 

"Who is this?" Meelo's voice came through 

"I told you, it's Mako!" The firebender huffed as Elira burst into the room, the others not far behind her. 

"Mako's not here right now. Can I take a message?" 

"No! I'm not looking for Mako, I am Mako! Look, just go and find your dad" 

"He's outside with Gran-Gran and the bison. Did you know we found a whole herd full of baby bison?" 

"Ugh! Look, I--El? El! You're okay!" Mako finally noticed the airbender behind him and grinned, moving to hug her, but Elira ducked under his arm, grabbing the radio mic. 

"Meelo! This is your commanding officer. Go get dad, now!" She ordered 

"Yes, sir!" Meelo replied and the line went silent. 

"Come on, come on, come on!" Elira muttered as the panic and worry started to get to her. 

After a few tense moments, Tenzin answered. "Hello? This is Tenzin" 

"Dad! Listen to me carefully. Zaheer is on his way to the temple. He's coming for the airbenders. You have to get everyone out of there immediately. Drop everything. Leave! Now!" Elira cried 

"Oh, no..." 

Elira's heart dropped "Dad?! What is it?! Dad! Dad, what's happening?!" 

"It's too late" Tenzin answered "...He's here" 

*

Tenzin watched from the window in horror as Zaheer's airship circled the air temple menacingly. 

"What is it, Daddy?" Meelo asked, standing beside him. 

"We need to get everyone out of here," Tenzin said, grabbing his glider " Stay close to me" 

Tenzin jumped out of the window and opened his glider as Meelo followed him. They finally landed in a garden where Bumi, Kai and four other airbenders were looking up at the flying airship. Bumi turned to Tenzin as he landed

"What's going on, Tenzin?" He questioned 

"It's Zaheer. Round everyone up! We need to get to the bison and evacuate immediately!" Tenzin ordered and the airbenders took off into the temple. 

In an airbending training area, Daw and another airbender were training until Kai suddenly ran up to them. 

"Guys, we got an emergency. We're evacuating the temple. Come on." He waved for them to follow and they all began running when lava appeared underground and blocked their way "Look out!" 

Kai, Daw, and the other airbender ejected themselves back with airbending to avoid the lava. Looking up, they saw Ghazan staring down at them from the temple roof. 

Elsewhere in the meditation room, Kya and Ursa are meditating with Opal and three other female airbenders when the sound of the door opening disturbed them and they turned to see Bumi in the doorway. 

"It's Zaheer! We have to leave." He yelled 

Bumi and the others ran outside when suddenly Opal screamed. Turning around, they saw Ming-Hua had grabbed her from behind and menaced her with an ice spike as she stood in the doorway. 

"No one's going anywhere, or she gets it." Ming-Hau threatened. 

In another part of the temple, Zira, Kiyi, Tenzin and his family are running across a bridge when Zaheer lands in front of them.

"Good. The entire family is here." He smirked "Well, almost" 

Tenzin and Zira glared at the man, standing protectively in front of the others. 

*

All the airbenders had been rounded up and were now being held hostage in the courtyard by Zaheer, Ming-Hau and Ghazan. 

"It's a pleasure to finally meet a true airbending master," Zaheer stood over Tenzin, staring down at the family smugly. 

"What is it you want from us?" Tenzin glared, keeping a protective arm around Pema and baby Rohan, while Ikki and Meelo huddled into Zira behind them. 

"Nothing at all. In fact, if everyone cooperates, you will all walk out of this situation unharmed."Zaheer said  

"Then what are you doing here?" Tenzin demanded 

"I want Korra, and I'm tired of chasing her," Zaheer admitted 

"You're using us as leverage" Zira scowled, her grip tightening on her grandchildren protectively. 

"Yes" 

Tenzin stood up in anger "I will never let you get to Korra!" 

"Unfortunately, you don't have a choice." Zaheer's face hardened darkly 

" Yes, I do," Tenzin declared confidently, before blasting the three criminals away with airbending where they slammed into the wall and fell to the floor. 

"Mother! Get everyone out of here. Ursa, Bumi, Kya, help me hold them off!" Tenzin yelled before suddenly P'Li shot at them from the airship but Tenzin used his airbending just in time to protect the group

"And stay out of her line of sight! Go, go!" He told the others who then took off running as Zaheer and the others were getting to their feet. 

Zira glanced behind her at her niece and children, worry etched on her face. 

Kiyi grabbed her arm, pulling her alone with the others "Zizi, we've got to go. Come on!" 

P'Li fired another beam at the exit but just missed as Zira and Kiyi hurried to catch up with the others. 

Zaheer, Ming-Hau and Ghazan got to their feet and approached the family. Kya bent water from a fountain and formed a ring around her as flame daggers ignited from Ursa's fists. The Red Lotus readied themselves before Zaheer threw the first attack. 

*

Outside, the escaping airbenders reached the end of the sheltered route and stopped, seeing the stable not far from where they were. Kai gestured for them to move out, but they quickly retreated when P'Li began raining down combustion beams at them. 

"It's too dangerous. We'll never make it to the stables with her up there." Pema said, holding Rohan close to her. 

Zira peeked out from cover slightly, jerking back when another combustion beam shot down, shaking the ground as it exploded. Thinking for a second, she turned to the others. 

"I don't suppose any of you have a boomerang on you?" She asked 

The confused airbenders all shook their heads causing Zira to sigh. 

*

Back in the courtyard, Zaheer somersaulted, avoiding Tenzin's air blast. 

He constantly avoided Tenzin's attacks by jumping onto ledges and heading for the roof. But as he made the final jump, Tenzin landed a hit, sending him off balance though he quickly got to his feet and ran off, avoiding the master's attack.

 Zaheer jumped and flipped onto the roof of a house attached to the wall and Tenzin followed soon behind, attacking him with a close-range blast. Zaheer blocked them as he backed away before jumping to the next house up and then the next, using them to climb up and finally jump onto the protective wall.

Tenzin followed and attacked him from behind, with a mid-air air kick, knocking him off balance. Zaheer managed to regain his ground and somersaulted, kicking a blast of air from his feet in the meantime. Tenzin avoided the attack and fired two quick air blasts, which Zaheer avoided by somersaulting above him. Zaheer landed behind Tenzin successfully and sent an air kick at the master. 

*

Below them in the courtyard, Kya was facing off against Ming-Hau, attempting to redirect Ming-Hau's water appendages, but to no avail. 

Ming-Hua leapt up and attempted to land a hit on Kya, but she was able to leap out of the way and dodge the attack. 

Ming-Hua then froze the tips of her appendages into ice blades and swung them toward Kya, slicing a statue into pieces, though Kya was able to dodge the attacks, backing up towards a wall. A blade came close to hitting her, but Kya successfully broke it off and threw it at Ming-Hau before it could impale her. 

 But Ming-Hua grabbed the blade and threw it right back at Kya, sending two more ice spikes in the meantime. 

Kya managed to break off two of the ice spikes but was knocked against the wall by the last fragment. Ming-Hua bent up into a water vortex and charged toward Kya. But Kya, seeing her coming, rolled on the ground and bent a large wave out of the fountains, using it to knock Ming-Hau screaming out onto the balcony and off the cliff. 

Kya walked onto the balcony only for the remaining water to suddenly retract over the edge and seconds later, Ming-Hau rose up, bending the directed water into multiple water arms. 

"No" Kya gasped 

Ming-Hua smirked and used her appendages to knock Kya back into the courtyard. 

Whilst this was happening, above them, Ursa and Bumi jumped down to the first floor with Ghazan giving chase, melting the floor above. Once Ghazan was on the same floor, Ursa stopped and turned around, letting Bumi run on, before raising her arms, bringing a stream of fire with it and sending it hurling at the lavabender. 

But Ghazan bent the floor into lava, directing it up and extinguishing Ursa's flames before sending it after Ursa and Bumi who were forced to jump down in the courtyard below. 

Ghazan bent the floor beneath Bumi into lava, but he was able to jump out of the way before it erupted. 

Ursa jumped up and flipped, kicking a large stream of fire at Ghazan, who directed the lava to block it before then sending the lava at Ursa who used her flames underneath her feet to propel herself out of the way and narrowly evade it. 

While Ghazan was distracted by Ursa, Bumi leapt to the wall, then kicked off it, catapulting himself toward Ghazan with airbending, sliding beneath his legs behind him. He pounced atop the lavabender, grabbing him by the neck and pulling his hair before biting him on the shoulder. Ghazan screamed in pain before launching Bumi off with an earth pillar.

Kya dodged Ming-Hua's attacks before being thrown toward her cousins. All three of them gathered in front of a statue of an Air Nomad to catch some breath.

"I see you're having as much fun as we are" Bumi panted, he and Ursa standing back to back with Kya as they faced down their respective opponents. 

*

Down by the stables, the airbenders were still huddled in the tunnel as P'Li bombarded the area with combustion beams. 

"I can't wait any longer" Kai grabbed his staff from one of the other benders, heading towards the open platform with a determined look on his face. 

"Wait, what are you doing?" Jinora questioned 

"Whatever I can." Kai declared and ran out into the open "Get to the bison! Get out of here!" 

P'Li fired a combustion beam at Kai, who narrowly missed the attack. 

The next combustion beam threw Kai off the cliff, though he was able to open his glider and take flight, avoiding multiple combustion beams. 

On the ground, the airbenders all took off running towards the stables, but Zira stopped and turned around, looking down the passage back the way they came. Kiyi, once again, grabbed her sister's arm, tugging her towards the others. 

"Zira, come on! We can't stop!" 

Zira shrugged off Kiyi's grip, a look of determination on her face "You get everyone to safety, I'm going back to help the others" 

"Zizi, be careful!" Kiyi cried as Zira headed back down the passage before turning to catch up with the others. 

P'Li had now turned her attention to the airbenders fleeing across the bridge towards the stables but Kai flew back to the airship again, sending an air swipe at P'Li and causing her to misfire and blast the cliff above. 

P'Li then turned her attention to Kai, who was flying down for another attack and fired a combustion beam. Kai managed to protect himself with an air ball, keeping him alive but was knocked out. 

On the bridge, Jinora had turned around hearing the explosion and gasped in horror, seeing Kai's unconscious form plunging down the mountain. 

"Kai!" She screamed, tears in her eyes 

"Jinora, keep moving! Go!" Kiyi grabbed Jinora's arm as she passed her. 

"No." The girl cried softly, following after her great-aunt. 

The airbenders were just reaching the stables when another combustion beam struck the building and startled the bison, causing them to fly off without any of the airbenders.  Now stranded, the airbenders turned to look at the airship with terrified horror. 

*

In the courtyard, Bumi was knocked back onto the balcony with a water blast. His sister and cousin retreated to cover him, Ursa using her flames to evaporate Ming-Hau's water appendages and Kya freezing her water to block Ghazan's rock, though the next attack shattered the ice.

 Bumi stepped back and nearly lost his footing over the edge of the balcony. Ghazan then smashed his fist to the ground, bending a large earth fissure, and throwing the trio off the temple. 

Bumi airbent and managed to hold on to the ledge while grabbing his sister who in turn grabbed Kya. 

"I got you." Bumi groaned, struggling to hold them all up with one arm "I can't... hold on" 

The airship then rounded the corner, coming straight for them. 

"Bumi, let go!" Kya said 

"But we could die!" Bumi exclaimed 

"We're gonna die if we hang on!" Ursa yelled, "Let go!" 

P'Li directs a combustion beam toward Bumi, who hung on for a second before letting go, narrowly missing the combustion blast. The trio plunged down the cliff before their fall was cushioned by trees, and they landed on the cliffside, unconscious.

*

Up on the protection wall, Tenzin and Zaheer were still fighting. Tenzin attacked Zaheer with an air blast, which Zaheer jumped, flipped and dodged. Tenzin then jumped behind Zaheer to avoid an attack and counters by arching his back to throw another blast, knocking down Zaheer.

 Tenzin charged toward Zaheer, jumping to land another attack, but was suddenly knocked off the wall by a combustion blast. 

He cushioned his fall with airbending, preparing for another attack, but was struck by Ming-Hua on his right and Ghazan on his left. He continued to dodge the barrages of attack by Ming-Hua, Ghazan and Zaheer, though was ultimately knocked down. As the Red Lotus surrounded him, he struggled to stand up before blasting away Ghazan and Zaheer, blocking an attack from Ming-Hau. He leapt up and surrounded him in an air sphere but was then blasted against a wall by P'Li. He propped himself up against the wall, his clothing badly tattered and his face bruised.

The Red Lotus quickly closed in on him again. 

"Give up. It's over." Zaheer sighed

"As long as I'm breathing, it's not over." Tenzin declared stubbornly 

He attempted to strike Zaheer with a close-range air blast but missed and was pushed back against the wall by a blast from Zaheer. 

Tenzin panted, out of breath and injured, staring down the Red Lotus defiantly. They went to attack again when a stream of flames cut between them and the injured Tenzin. 

Looking over, Zaheer's eyes narrowed as Zira appeared from behind the wall Tenzin had been thrown into. 

Her hands were raised for a fight, her golden eyes sharp and fierce as she approached. 

"Get away from my son" She warned, stepping forward until she was beside Tenzin who was slumped against the wall exhausted. 

"Mother..." He called weakly. 

Zira smiled at him from the corner of her eye "It's alright, Tenzin. You did well, but rest now. I'll handle these fiends" 

Zira's smile then returned to a glare as she faced the Red Lotus. A protective flame burned within her. She was not going to allow these criminals to harm her children anymore. They'd have to kill her first. 

The Red Lotus glared back at the former Fire Nation princess, all taking bending stances, ready for another fight. 

Zira struck first, creating a huge wall of flames and forcing the Red Lotus to jump back away from her and her son to dodge it. 

Zira continued her assault, sending attack after attack of large powerful flames at the criminals, forcing them further and further back. Zaheer jumped forward, airbending a bubble around him and the others that protected them from the flames and gave Ghazan a chance to bend the floor underneath Azira into lava. Noticing what he was doing, Zira stopped her assault and used her flames to propel herself backwards just as the ground erupted into lava. 

As she landed, she moved to continue her attacks when a sudden combustion blast hitting the ground by her feet knocked her back towards Tenzin. 

Not wasting time, Zaheer took his chance. He charged at the firebending master and leapt over her before airbending a bubble around her head as he landed, slowly suffocating her as he had the Earth Queen. 

From where he was almost passed out on the ground, Tenzin watched as Zira fell to her knees struggling for breath. 

"No...Mother" He extended a shaking arm before slumping in exhaustion. 

Zaheer gave Zira a taunting smirk as she gasped "Sleep tight, princess" 

Zira's eyes then rolled back and she fell to the ground.