A young warrior with Korra's armor met up with the two women on their way to the army's leadership. There was a bit of a struggle, trying to get it tied on as she was about ready to run. The younger warrior was stumbling with his words as he was letting her know what was already known about what Hun-Kun wanted, which wasn't much.

Everyone else, including Lobsang, was dressed up like they were about to fight when they reached the walls. Nilaq and Hong were directing the soldiers about as Nobu stood on the walls. Korra's counterpart wasn't saying much of anything to anyone other than watching the other army stop before the walls. Shouts of orders were heard, but Hun-kun's army didn't make a move to attack. Only when she and Kuvira reached the walls, did Nobu meet with all of them.

"He's coming to the gate, looking to speak with us. It's such a large force out there."

Hong put a hand to his chin, "If he has any heart left for our home, he would best consider speaking than attacking, which is what it seems to be. Let me take Nilaq and Lobsang to meet him. It would be best for the Avatar to wait inside the walls."

Korra stood there silently with her arms crossed. She occasionally glanced over at Kuvira, who seemed uncomfortable with joining in their meeting. She was the only one not dressed for the fight. Korra then chuckled, quickly realizing that she did so out loud.

"Is something funny, Korra?"

She blinked for a moment before letting it all out, "Take Kuvira."

The metalbender's head shot up as she heard her name, "Why?"

"You said you studied this time's events." Korra continued, "Can't you mess with Hun-Kun's head?"

Kuvira looked at each of them before nodding, "I did and I have spoken with him before. Chances of him retreating though? Korra, we're looking at a major disadvantage on our part. If a ruse fails, this entire village will be wiped if he does not care for his home."

"It's personal for him too," Hong added, "This isn't just a fight between warlords. It's a fight between brothers in their same home."

Nilaq grimaced at their chatter. Waiting to speak was not fitting and he made it known as he lifted his wide brimmed hat, "Give me the Iron Witch, Nobu and Korra. If we cannot win within the walls between a sibling rivalry, then we'll scare them half to death when they see that they will be fighting two Avatars and a woman with a gift never known possible. If three of the most powerful weavers on this earth cannot defeat them then defending this village is folly. But waiting here, speaking amongst ourselves will not win us this battle."


Hun-Kun was getting impatient on his ostrich-horse. He was now pacing between his two soldiers, waiting on their response. This was his last chance at trying to recruit and finish the wars between warlords and he wanted an Avatar. He let out a snort of frustration.

"At least acknowledge that I am here." He muttered as he raised his blade.

The archers and firebenders formed up behind him as they received his cue. Hun-Kun was going to burn his home and his brother if need be. Arrows were lit before being drawn back. The Warlord's sword was held high for a moment longer before the gates of his childhood home opened up. Riders headed towards him as the archers released their bows' tension, and held onto the arrows. The warlord eyed them all, annoyed that his brother wasn't out here but the entourage was an interesting one.

"Two Avatars, the famous Iron Witch and some lord-less fool; and all under one banner together. Oh, I and my Avatar's Army are blessed with such company." Hun-Kun went on with a wide grin.

"We're not here to invite you in for tea, Warlord. We're here to send you away to prevent a fight here." Nobu warned.

"Then I accept your surrender, Avatar Nobu and will conscript your army into mine."

Kuvira stepped forward, "History does not look upon you kindly for this fight. Your own people are celebrating here, yet you will earn the name of Betrayer if you harm them."

The warlord turned to face her, "Then perhaps they should have thought about that before harboring a traitor, two souls of unfortunate paths, and a lousy fire-tosser as our Avatar. The heirs of Avatar Gang-Jin's force will reign over these lands!"

Nilaq turned his steed around as soon as the Warlord raised his blade, "There's no point! There will be a fight."

Arrows flew from their respected bows as the rest followed. The earthbenders from the army started targeting the village walls. The soldiers under the White Lotus started working on saving the villagers. Horns sounded as shouts were made to evacuate the town. Hong stood in the streets, enraged at the sight.

Korra stood with the others, "He's insane."

"He's power hungry," Kuvira spoke softly, "Nothing but utter defeat will show him his mistake."

"Right, because you know single-handedly." She snarked back.

"Now is not the time. We must decide to fight this massive force or leave with the villagers." The voice of reason came from Nilaq, "And while a fight here will weaken his army, it could also destroy ours. We need more men and a better place to fight."

Hong continued to rage on the inside as Nobu spoke, "Then let's get everyone out. It's not worth lives lost here."

The decision spread across the blue-bannered army. They were in a full retreat with a few lingering back to give an impression of returning to fight. Once the Banner of the Avatar reached the walls, the remaining men followed suit. The sight of the village was all too common as Korra and Kuvira looked back. Memories of Zaofu returned, leaving each to their own emotions.


Recruiting and teaching Nobu how to bend the spirit energy was of the utmost importance. The Banner of the White Lotus continued northward, missing the Winter Solstice as the chance to get Korra and Kuvira home, but it did give the two Avatars a chance to train together. Their hard work proved to be good when Nobu was feeling the presence of the location that opened time to the future travelers.

It was then decided that the army would make camp and fortify the area until the next solstice. It was a risk, as Hun-Kun's army was still trailing them. Passing refugees informed them of raids and burning towns. Even soldiers from Warlord Huashi's disbanded army arrived, offering themselves.

She sat alone in a tall tree. It was a break from camp life. Her soul felt heavier every passing day, like a nagging tug alerting her to all of the warnings that the spirits were giving her. Death for one of them was knocking on the door, and Korra was almost pleading that it was her instead of Nobu. Of course, she was more than willing to not die here and get home. It was just the thoughts in her mind wandering, as she had plenty of time to just think. Too much time, perhaps.

She watched the members of the team as well. Hong, Nilaq and Nobu were scheming or training. Nergüi? He was the same lost cause but at least he was now training with the few waterbenders in the army. Perhaps there was some hope for him after all. The curious case, from where she was hiding, was Kuvira and Lobsang. The Monk was continuing lessons of enlightenment, but some days, Korra wondered if there were other lessons going on too. She smiled when she asked Kuvira, out of curiosity. There were only grunts and mean remarks given back, but it gave her some entertainment. Of course, she wasn't going to ask the Monk. He didn't deserve sly comments.

A long, drawn out sigh escaped from her. Spring was beginning to provide warmer days. It was easy to get lost in the glowing leaves that were coming in. Everyone's sores were healing, including hers. The uncomfortable armors were easier to work in, as she decided that it was important to be as comfortable in it as possible. New boots were broken in by now, and everyone was now wearing blue and white. The time was welcomed, as it gave her friends time to get ready for Hun-Kun's next move. They were sure that he was building too, but Nobu was comfortable with the landscape and how to defend it.

"Avatar Korra, you're wanted at the Commander's tent." A young soldier called out. He was looking up into the tree. A leaf floated down as she called out in response. She was soon on the ground.


"Oh good, you're here." Hong interrupted the others as she walked in, "Scouts came back. Warlord Hun-kun's army is days away."

Everyone else greeted her as she came in, "What's the plan then?" She ignored Nergüi's comment.

"It's going to be this," Nilaq started, pointing everything out on a hand drawn map, "As they seem to be marching from the Southwest, we're going to use this cliff here as our right flank. There was a landslide days ago and we'll use it so that they can't get behind us. The hills slope some, with the forests here. It'll be our middle and hopefully, we can use the trees for our advantage. There is a field though. We're going to need earthmovers here to make us better terrain. I fear being flanked here the most. Hopefully though, our scouts lured them to the forest. He's arrogant with a large army, so we have to fight him smartly."

Hong stood with cross arms, rubbing his chin in thought, "Korra and Kuvira should be home by then, that is, if you and Nobu are ready to do your Avatar thing."

"We should be able." Korra started before being interrupted.

"Will you have enough commanders for this though?" Kuvira continued, "There's a bit of a line, plus what if he moves to try and use that field?"

Korra looked at them with the same questioning thoughts. She had been committed to this fight as well and for some time.

A smile came from Nobu, "We'll be fine. If we go tomorrow and open this, it'll give me time to get to the lines."

Heavy breathing barged in, "They're here and moving fast!" A scout bent over to catch his breath, "Warlord Hun-Kun is close."

Nilaq nodded, "Change of plans then. Kuvira and Hong, lead the open terrains. Nobu and I will take the forests. Korra, you'll have that bowl of a hillside. Archers will be there mostly. Nergüi and Lobsang will have to fill in where they think is best for them. There's no room for mistakes. We need to move now."

No more words came from the tent as they left, grabbing weapons to find their small groups.