**Chapter 13: The Unlikely Alliance**

The storm elemental, still merged with Kuvira's energy, towered over the city streets, its presence both fierce and awe-inspiring. Opal, struggling to get back to her feet, gazed up at Kuvira with a mix of shock and anger. "You deceitful...!" she spluttered, but Kuvira cut her off with a raised hand. "We don't have time for this, Opal," Kuvira said, her voice firm. "The city is in chaos, and we need to act quickly to restore order." She turned to the storm elemental, which still pulsed with her earth energy. "And I think we have a unique opportunity here. This creature, it's not just a simple elemental. It's a key to unlocking the secrets of the metal city." As Kuvira spoke, the storm elemental began to change, its form shifting and morphing until it stood on two legs, its body a towering humanoid shape made of swirling storm clouds. Kuvira reached out, placing a hand on the creature's chest, and suddenly, visions flooded her mind. She saw the metal city in all its glory, its spires and towers shining like gold in the sunlight. She saw the ancient earthbenders who had built the city, their powers rivaling hers. And she saw the reason for the city's downfall - a catastrophic event that had ravaged the city, leaving it in ruins. The visions faded, and Kuvira turned to Opal, who watched with a mixture of fascination and fear. "The metal city," Kuvira said, her eyes gleaming with determination. "We can restore it. Together." Opal's expression changed, a glimmer of hope appearing in her eyes. "What do you propose, Kuvira?" she asked, her voice cautious. Kuvira smiled, a plan already forming in her mind. "We need to gather the other earthbenders, those who possess the ancient knowledge of the metal city's builders. With their help, and the power of this storm elemental, we can restore the city to its former glory." The storm elemental, now fully under Kuvira's control, nodded its head in agreement. Opal hesitated, then nodded as well. "Alright, Kuvira. I'll help you. But don't think for a moment that this means I've given up on my goals. I'll still do what's best for the Four Nations." Kuvira grinned, a sense of excitement building within her. "I'm counting on it, Opal. Let's go change the world." With the unlikely alliance formed, Kuvira, Opal, and the storm elemental set out on their quest to restore the metal city, their journey fraught with danger, uncertainty, and the promise of a brighter future.