**Beyond Weakness**

The earthbender's foot came crashing down, her metal golem mirroring her movement as it raised its own foot to deliver a crushing blow. Opal, still reeling from the glancing blow, tried to scramble out of the way, but Kuvira's attack was too swift, too precise. The golem's metal foot connected with Opal's side, sending her crashing to the ground. As she struggled to get back to her feet, Kuvira sneered at her, her eyes flashing with triumph. "You're no match for me, Opal," she spat. "You're weak, and you're going to pay for your weakness." But as Kuvira raised her foot to deliver the final blow, something inside Opal snapped. The airbender's eyes, which had been dull and defeated, suddenly flashed with a fierce inner light. Her body, which had been trembling with pain and fear, suddenly stiffened, her muscles locking into place. Kuvira's eyes widened in surprise as Opal's face contorted into a snarl. The airbender's hands, which had been limp and helpless, suddenly began to move, her fingers weaving intricate patterns in the air. The air around Opal seemed to shimmer and distort, as if the very fabric of reality was bending to accommodate her newfound power. Kuvira stumbled back, her eyes fixed on Opal in shock and horror, as the airbender unleashed a blast of air that sent her stumbling. The metal golem, still under Kuvira's control, lurched forward, its metal body creaking and groaning as it tried to withstand the force of Opal's airbending. But Kuvira's control was wavering, her concentration broken by Opal's sudden transformation. As the golem stumbled, Opal's eyes locked onto Kuvira, her gaze burning with a fierce inner fire. "You've pushed me too far, Kuvira," she growled, her voice low and menacing. "You've made me angry." The air around Kuvira seemed to grow colder, the shadows deepening and twisting into menacing tendrils. Kuvira's eyes darted back and forth, searching for an escape, but Opal's airbending had her trapped. For a moment, the two friends locked eyes, the air thick with tension and anticipation. Then, without warning, Opal's face twisted into a snarl, and she unleashed a blast of air that sent Kuvira flying across the room.