"She was planning to die by our hand from the start, that much is clear." That was the only possibility that made sense. Kalki could have kept moving until the Heroes were out of energy and no longer able to cast healing spells, then finished them off. Instead, she had faced her death with the same confidence she always carried herself with.

Rukia was right. Kalki's attacks had been just dangerous enough to spur them into retaliating, and yet she hadn't killed a single Hero. And just when most of them had been weakened and vulnerable, she had given up. These were not the actions of someone whose plans were being foiled.

"This isn't over yet. Stay on guard." Jade hurried to finish healing anyone who was still at low health, starting with Aang and Levy. The aura radiating from the Black Crystal was unsettling. More than that, he knew it shouldn't be behaving this way. The one he'd held in the other future hadn't given off a feeling this strong.