Book 3: Change

Chapter 9: The Red Lotus

In a desert landscape where spirits are casually mingling about Naga starts dashing through with Korra and Sasuke still on her while Asami is driving the jeep while Mako and Bolin are with her and they later arrive at an Earth Kingdom village still tracking down Aiwei and Naga stops to sniff the ground.

"Aiwei has definitely been through here. Nice tracking, girl." Korra said.

"Let's go to the village and ask around. Someone should know where he is." Sasuke said.

"Agreed." Mako said.

The gang enter a tavern where they see people glance at them and while looking around Bolin finds something on a wall and it's a poster of his face.

"Hey, look. It's a mover poster of me. Someone's a big Nuktuk fan. I should go and say hello." Bolin said starting to move but Sasuke grabs his collar.

"It's not a mover poster, it's a wanted poster." Sasuke said bluntly while seeing more wanted posters of Korra, Mako, Asami, and himself.

"There's one for each of us." Mako said examining the posters. "'Wanted by Her Majesty, the Earth Queen, for crimes against the Earth Kingdom'." Mako read the posters.

"This has to do with those Airbenders we rescued." Sasuke said.

"Hold on, there's more. It says, 'The biggest crime is harboring a ninja in the Earth Kingdom'." Mako read.

"Okay, first off, those Airbenders weren't HERS to keep and second, Sasuke has a right to be in this country! I swear, if I see her pinchy little queen face again, I am..." Korra was cut off.

"Guys." Asami warned pointing at many people glaring at the gang with one holding a sword while the other is holding a spear. "We should get out of here." Asami said.

The gang leave while Sasuke makes a decapitation threat at them before following them.

Meanwhile at Zaofu at the Beifong Estate with remnants of the battle remaining Suyin is talking to the guards and Lin arrives.

"Where's everyone? I've been waiting to leave for half an hour." Lin said.

"Good morning to you too, Lin. Don't get mad, Korra and Sasuke are fine. I'm just waiting to hear if they'd tracked down Aiwei." Suyin said.

"What?! You let them go?! I thought we were on the same page about this, and then you go and stab me in the back?!" Lin demanded.

"Don't be so over dramatic. You can't control their every move." Suyin said.

"I can try." Lin replied walking off leaving her sister to shake her head.

"She never changes." Suyin said.

Naga runs with Korra and Sasuke on her back again while Asami follows in the jeep and they go down a windy road until Naga arrives at a slope and starts sniffing the ground for any scent near a bunch of rocks.

"Naga found something." Korra said as she and Sasuke get off and then the Avatar bends a giant boulder revealing a jeep hidden behind a small clearing.

"That must be the jeep Aiwei used to escape." Sasuke said.

Naga nudges against the Avatar wanting a reward.

"Oh, sorry. I forgot to bring treats." Korra said.

"I got it." Sasuke said taking out three treats and throws them at Naga to who catches them with her mouth and eats them. "Good girl." Sasuke said and Naga tackles the Uchiha and licks his face making Korra chuckle.

Asami, Mako, and Bolin walk up to the vehicle and examine it.

"Aiwei can't be far." Asami said.

"He must be somewhere around here." Sasuke said and eyes a village nearby. "That must be Misty Palms Oasis." Sasuke said.

"Bolin and I will investigate it and see if he's hold up there." Mako said.

"I love it when you talk like a cop." Bolin said.

"I'm going too." Sasuke said.

"You sure?" Mako asked and Sasuke glares annoyed. "Okay." Mako said.

"Korra, you and Asami wait here in case he comes back. We can't draw too much attention." Sasuke said.

"Okay, if it works." Korra said.

"Can I..." Hawk was cut off.

"No, you're staying here and I don't wanna hear any begging from that beak of yours." Sasuke said.

"Okay..." Hawk said downcast.

"Hey, hey! We should wear disguises and pretend we're going undercover! No one will recognize us! Police work is so exciting." Bolin said.

"Can you take this serious for once?" Sasuke asked but Bolin takes out a yellow raincoat and drapes it over his head and body and then wears bright green goggles. "Apparently not." Sasuke said as Bolin dresses Mako in the same raincoat and goggles and is about to dress Sasuke as well. "If you touch me with that and I'll break your arms." Sasuke said bluntly making Bolin back off.

"You sure this will work?" Korra asked.

"I don't even know." Mako said.

"Okay, now we need our undercover identities. I'm an ex-United Forces operative named Ting-Ting. War was the only woman I ever loved, until Ivy came along and showed me what real love is. Tragically, she was taken from me by my archenemy, Dr. Razor and..." Bolin was cut off as Sasuke takes out a sock and shoves it into Bolin's mouth.

"Can we find Aiwei already?" Sasuke asked.

"Yes." Mako said as they start moving.

Bolin takes the sock out of his mouth.

"Wait, I haven't told your guys' backstories." Bolin said.

"I'm a cop. I don't have a backstory." Mako said.

"I don't need one either." Sasuke said.

"You're good at this." Bolin said as they head for Misty Palms Oasis.

The three boys arrive at Misty Palms Oasis where they see spirits lurking and perching on rooftops and telephone lines and they go down the street heading for the center of the city where they find the icy spring with three spirits lounging on it and Sasuke watches a man sweeping while shoving a kiwi bird spirit out of the tavern.

"Shoo! Human customers only!" The tavern owner said making the spirit fly off.

"He should know something." Sasuke said approaching the owner. "Hey, we're looking for a man about sixty, bald, wears glasses, and a green robe." Sasuke said.

"He's also got a weird piercing that goes from his nose to his ear. Freaks me out." Bolin said.

"Yeah, sure. Sounds like a guy, who came in last night. I told him I had the best drinks in the Earth Kingdom and he called me a liar." The tavern owner said.

"That's the guy!" Mako said.

"Where is he now?" Sasuke asked.

"I dunno, but he's right. My drinks are terrible." The tavern owner said walking back into the tavern sadly while the three look at each other.

"Well, least we're on the right track." Sasuke said.

"Let's find him without getting caught." Mako said.

Back outside the town Korra is sitting on a boulder overlooking the city while Asami is examining the jeep still but Asami turns to the Avatar.

"You okay?" Asami asked and the Avatar sighs.

"I'm just frustrated. What does Zaheer want with me? What's his plan? Also, what do those Akatsuki guys want with Sasuke? I can understand why Orochimaru wants him, but what're they planning?" Korra asked.

"I don't know, but I think I found a clue." Asami said sliding up the driver's seat and reaches for something in the glove compartment and finds a note.

Korra looks at the note and reads it.

"'Xai Bau's Grove, sundown'. This must be where Aiwei's going to meet Zaheer!" Korra said.

Asami takes out the Earth Kingdom map and starts searching.

"Xai Bau's Grove, where are you?" Asami asked.

"Did you say Xai Bau's Grove! I know where it is! I know! I know!" Hawk said.

"Hawk, please, can you be quiet for five minutes? I'm trying to concentrate." Asami said.

"Oh, right." Hawk said.

Back at Misty Palms Oasis the three boys continue to search for Aiwei's whereabouts and Sasuke and Mako decide to check an establishment while Bolin waits outside and he finds a purple spirit rising from an urn.

"Well, aren't you a cute little spir..." Bolin was cut off as the purple spirit bites the Earthbender's finger. "Ow!" Bolin cried.

From afar a couple wearing headbands and feathered accessories sees Bolin who sees them back and sweats like they've seen him before while Sasuke and Mako come outside.

"No luck here." Mako said.

"That swine's got to be here somewhere." Sasuke said.

"I think there might be a couple bounty hunters over there, who recognize me." Bolin whispered.

"What?" Sasuke asked seeing the couple who start walking for them. "Damn, we've been made. Let's go." Sasuke said as they dash off.

The couple chase after them but they duck down an alley hiding behind some boxes and escaping the notice as the couple keep chasing not noticing the three anymore.

"We're clear. Let's get back to Korra before more people see us." Sasuke said and the brothers nod.

As the trio start to leave Bolin finds someone strolling through the city and it's Aiwei.

"We could or...we could follow Aiwei instead." Bolin said.

"So, that bastard's here after all." Sasuke said eyeing at the truthseer who is eating food from a box.

"Let's stay cool and not get caught." Mako said.

"Ting-Ting always finds his man." Bolin said.

The trio follow Aiwei down a street and past a pink building and they find him walking into a room and closes the door.

"You two watch him and I'll get Korra." Sasuke said as he dashes off.

Korra and Asami continue to search the map but then Sasuke arrives.

"We found Aiwei in an inn." Sasuke said.

"That's great." Korra said.

"We found something too. He's gonna meet with Zaheer at sundown at a place called Xai Bau's Grove, but we can't find it anywhere." Asami said.

"I know! Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!" Hawk said.

"Hawk, shut up! If that's true, then we should get back with Mako and Bolin." Sasuke said.

"Then we bust down his door and get some answers." Korra said.

"As much as I would love to do that too, if Aiwei knows we're onto him, we'll lose advantage. My idea is that we should stakeout his room and when he leaves, we'll follow him." Sasuke said.

"Then he'll lead us straight to Zaheer." Korra said.

"And when we find him, we'll be able to confront the Akatsuki too." Sasuke said.

Later the gang go for Misty Palms Inn and they go talk to an elderly woman who happens to be the innkeeper.

"Good afternoon. We'd like a room on the ground floor, across from 102 please." Mako said.

"Forget it. Last time a bunch teenagers came in here, they trashed the whole room." The innkeeper said.

"Dammit." Sasuke said.

"We found you!" A voice said and they turn to see the same couple from before.

"You!" Sasuke said taking out his chained kunais while Mako makes a ball of flames while Korra makes flame daggers while Bolin and Asami also get ready to fight.

"Hey, no bending in here! You can take it outside!" The innkeeper said.

"Oh, no, no! We're not here to FIGHT you. We're here to meet Nuktuk!" The muscular male said while his female companion takes out the Nuktuk poster.

"We're biggest fans. Can you make it out to Lily and Macao?" Lily asked.

"Uh, I'd be happy to. Always love meeting my fans." Bolin said singing the poster.

"Also, where're Kang and Tak? And that cute doggie Snowball? I'd love to meet them in person." Macao said.

"Sorry, but they're not here at this moment." Sasuke said. "I can't imagine Kiba and Lee meeting those two." Sasuke said in his mind cringing.

Lily then takes out stuffed dolls of Nuktuk, Kang, and Tak.

"I made these dolls." Lily said giving Bolin the Nuktuk doll.

"It's...cute..." Bolin said smiling nervously while Lily squeaked the doll in agreement.

"Can you give these to Tak and Kang when you see them?" Macao asked giving Sasuke the Kang and Tak dolls.

"Sure, I guess..." Sasuke said trying not to cringe.

"Why didn't you tell me your friend was a mover star? I'd be happy to rent you any room in the inn." The innkeeper said.

"We'll take the one across from 102." Sasuke said.

"But that room's too small for the five of you." The innkeeper said.

"Trust me, it'll be perfect." Mako said.

Later the gang are in the room and are cramped in it.

"I'd like to say, for the record, this room is NOT perfect." Bolin said as Naga's tail hits his face.

Sasuke, Korra, and Mako look out the window and they see Aiwei peeking out from his window.

"There he is." Korra said.

"Now, we wait and then strike." Sasuke said.

"I thought stakeouts were supposed to be exciting. This isn't, at all!" Bolin said looking in the highest bedside table drawer. "I wonder if there're any snacks here." Bolin searches and then he finds what looks like a Pai Sho board. "Hey, look! A Pai Sho board! Mako, you wanna play?" Bolin asked.

"Kind of busy here." Mako said.

"Sasuke, you like Pai Sho. Wanna?" Bolin asked.

"Do you not see me looking out the damn window for a truthseer, who's working with a mad Airbender?" Sasuke asked making the Earthbender downcast.

"I'll play." Asami said.

"Ooh, well, no offense, but I learned street Pai Sho from Shady Shin and I'm pretty good. Wouldn't be a fair game." Bolin said.

"So? I learned to play from my dad, you know the diabolical genius. I'll destroy you." Asami said smirking.

"Well, looks like we got ourselves a Pai-Shodown." Bolin said setting up the board. "Ladies first." Bolin said and they start exchanging moves but as it's Asami's turn she stops to think of a move. "I don't wanna rush you, but let's speed things up a bit." Bolin said.

"Why? This game's all about slow, methodical strategy." Asami said.

"No, it's not. This is a fast-paced, edge of your seat game of chance. Don't think, just go." Bolin said.

"I don't know what Shady Shin taught you, but that's not real Pai Sho." Asami said.

"Really? Let's see what Mr. Rulebook has to say." Bolin said looking at the rulebook. "'The origins of Pai Sho date back over ten-thousand years. It is a game of both strategy and chance'." Bolin read the rulebook but realizes. "Wait, how can it be both?" Bolin asked.

"Let me see." Asami said taking the rulebook. "'There have been countless variations of Pai Sho through the centuries and each culture has its own rules and variations of the game'." Asami read.

"That doesn't help at all. Korra, as the Avatar, you need to standardize these Pai Sho rules." Bolin said.

"Okay, I'll put that on my to-do list, right after bringing back the Air Nation, taking down a group that wants to kidnap me, also taking down a criminal ninja group that's after Sasuke, and also taking down another crazy ninja criminal that Sasuke left for power and is now after him." Korra said sarcastically.

"That's cool. Whenever you get to it." Bolin said.

"Assuming we find Zaheer, what then?" Mako asked.

"I make him talk." Korra said pounding her fists together.

"He was locked away for thirteen years, Korra and he never broke." Sasuke pointed out.

"Sasuke's right. I doubt bending and Sasuke's abilities are gonna intimidate this guy." Mako said.

"You have a better idea?" Korra asked.

"Yeah, we spy on him. If Aiwei and Zaheer don't know they're being watched, they'll talk freely. Then, we'll find out who they are and what they want." Mako said.

"That's exactly like being a ninja." Sasuke said.

"And just like Pai Sho! In order to defeat your opponent, you have to KNOW your opponent." Bolin said.

"Then I guess I know you pretty well. I win." Asami said making a winning move.

"What?! Ugh, that was just a fluke. Best two outta three." Bolin said and the two keep playing many times and Asami keeps winning. "Oh, c'mon! Best four outta seven!" Bolin said and they keep playing and Asami wins again. "Eight outta fifteen." Bolin said and they continue playing with Asami still winning. "Seventeen outta thirty-three." Bolin said and they continue playing while the sun sets and this time Bolin is close to winning. "Haha! Looks like I got you on the ropes this time." Bolin said.

"I can't believe it. You might actually win this time." Asami said but then Pabu leaps off Naga with the Nuktuk doll in his mouth and onto the board scattering the pieces.

"No! Pabu! Why?!" Bolin cried while his Nuktuk doll's head falls off by Pabu and it rolls near him.

"Sundown and still Aiwei's not gone yet." Sasuke said.

"He probably snuck out when you weren't looking." Asami said.

"No, I just saw him peeking out of his window fifteen minutes ago." Mako said.

"How do you know?" Korra asked.

"It's in my logbook." Mako said taking out his logbook annoying Korra and Sasuke.

"I'm going over there." Korra said leaving the room.

"Screw this." Sasuke said leaving.

"Guys, wait! You're going to blow our element of surprise." Mako said.

"Screw that." Sasuke said taking the logbook and smacks Mako with it. "We're getting answers one way or the other." Sasuke said.

The gang walk for Aiwei's room and Korra busts the door down with her Airbending.

"It's over, Aiwei! Where's..." Korra stops talking as she finds Aiwei sitting on his bed in lotus position, eyes closed, and breathing slowly and calmly.

"What the hell?" Sasuke asked.

"That's a weird way to nap." Bolin said.

"He's not sleeping, he's meditating." Sasuke said and Korra realizes something.

"Wait! Hawk, when we were looking at the map, what were you trying to say?" Korra asked.

"I was trying to tell you that Xai Bau's Grove was never on the map, because it's not in this world. I said I knew where it was because it's in the Spirit World." Hawk said.

"I feel so stupid right now." Asami said.

"I'm going after him." Korra said sitting opposite of Aiwei.

"Hawk, you're taking her there." Sasuke said.

"Got it." Hawk said.

"We'll watch him in case he wakes up." Mako said.

"I'll keep watch in case Zaheer's cohorts or the Akatsuki are coming after us." Sasuke said.

Korra mediates and later she's now in the Spirit World and Hawk is with her.

"Okay, is this Xai Bau's Grove?" Korra asked.

"Yes it is." Hawk said.

Korra looks around and she peeks behind a tree and sees Aiwei standing on a nearby hill in front of another tree and just then someone materializes across from across and it's Zaheer.

"What happened back at Zaofu? You told me we wouldn't have any problems getting the Avatar while the Akatsuki would take that Uchiha. Because of you, we've been compromised." Zaheer said.

"No. Any evidence was destroyed when my library burned." Aiwei said.

"Where is your body now?" Zaheer asked.

"At Misty Palms Inn. There is no need to worry. I was not followed." Aiwei said.

"You left a loose end." Zaheer said.

"I assure you, nobody knows anything about us." Aiwei said.

"No, YOU are the loose end." Zaheer said grabbing Aiwei's robe.

"Zaheer!" Korra called getting the criminal's attention.

Zaheer disappears with Aiwei and they teleport to a cliff above the Fog of Lost Souls and then Zaheer throws Aiwei into the fog and teleports back to the tree to meet with Korra.

"It seems Aiwei was mistaken. He was followed." Zaheer said.

"That's right. We knew he'd lead us straight to you. What'd you do to him?" Korra asked.

"He'll be spending eternity in the Fog of Lost Souls, which just leaves the two of us." Zaheer said smirking.

Meanwhile back at Misty Palms Inn while Mako, Bolin, and Asami are watching Korra's body Sasuke keeps looking out and later he finds something slithering through the city and it's a white snake.

"What?" Sasuke asked.

"What's wrong?" Mako asked.

Sasuke watches the white snake slithering through the city.

"A snake and it's not a spirit. Could it be...?" Sasuke stops talking as the white snake slithers out and so Sasuke goes after it.

"Sasuke!" Asami called but Sasuke is gone.

"Where's he going?" Bolin asked.

Sasuke chases after the white snake through the city and later he finds the snake leaving the city and so Sasuke does the same and keeps chasing after the snake through the landscape and finds the white snake slithering up a rock hill and so Sasuke runs up the rock hill and then throws a kunai at the white snake.

"Gotcha! I should've known you sent that snake for me." Sasuke said turning around and finds Orochimaru and Kabuto behind him.

"Clever boy." Orochimaru said sticking his tongue out.

"What do you want, Orochimaru? It's one thing to have the Dai Li capture me, then come to Zaofu to try and take me, and now you lured me from Korra. Are you still that obsessed with taking my body? Guess what, you can't. Raava prevented that." Sasuke said.

"Relax. I'm not here for any fight, I promise you. Consider this an invitation to come meet with me. You see, when I heard of your endeavors with the Avatar of stopping an anti-bending revolution and dark spirits from destroying humanity, I was impressed. You've honed your skills farther than I have imagined. And it's without the help of Jiraiya and his hyper student. It's always the quiet ones, isn't it?" Orochimaru said.

"What're you getting at?" Sasuke asked.

"Tell me, what do you see in the Avatar? Why did you decide yo stay in this country full of benders?" Orochimaru asked.

"Why does that matter to you?" Sasuke asked.

"Because, Sasuke, long ago, benders and ninjas despise each other." Orochimaru said.

Meanwhile at the Spirit World at Xai Bau's Grove both Korra and Zaheer are talking to each other while Zaheer takes a step forward.

"Don't move, Zaheer! You're going to give me answers!" Korra said.

"There's no need for aggression. Neither of us have our bending. I'm not going anywhere. I'll answer whatever questions you have. You deserve that much. What would you like to know?" Zaheer asked.

"First off, who are you people and why do you keep trying to kidnap me?" Korra asked.

"We are part of secret society, dedicated to restoring freedom to the world. We are the Red Lotus." Zaheer said.

"RED Lotus? Are you related to the White Lotus?" Korra asked.

"We are what the White Lotus was meant to be, but after the Hundred Year War, the White Lotus has lost its true purpose. Its members came out of hiding and openly served the Avatar. They became nothing but glorified bodyguards, who served corrupt nations. A great man named Xai Bau broke from the White Lotus and began his sown society." Zaheer said.

"That's a great story, but that doesn't explain why you tried to take me away when I was a kid." Korra said.

"That was Unalaq's idea." Zaheer said shocking Korra.

"Wait, my uncle was part of the Red Lotus?" Korra asked.

Meanwhile at a cave where the Red Lotus and the Akatsuki are hiding out in Zaheer's body is meditating.

"Avatar Korra, Misty Palms Inn. Find her." Zaheer said still meditating.

"You two go. I'll stay here and make sure Zaheer's body is safe." P'Li said and Ming-Hua and Ghazan nod.

"Kisame, Sasori, join them and bring Sasuke to me." Itachi said.

"I knew you were gonna say that." Sasori said.

"Let's go have some fun." Kisame said as he, Sasori, Ghazan, and Ming Hua leave the cave.

"Don't I get to do anything?" Deidara asked.

"Just stay put." Itachi said.

"Ugh...!" Deidara grunted.

Sasuke and Orochimaru continue talking.

"What do you mean ninjas and benders hate each other? There's no way in hell. Indra and Wan met and they got along fine and obviously Korra and I are like brother and sister." Sasuke said.

"Oh, poor Sasuke. Long ago, as time passed, the hatred between benders and ninjas have been around for quite some time. As time went on, ninjas have seen benders as weak and pathetic while the benders see ninjas as arrogant and power hungry. Their hatred was so strong that they in fact had their own little war with each other, that is, until the long battle ended, where they began to separate from each other and started living in different countries far from each other. None were allowed to see each other as years passed." Orochimaru explained.

"That's fine and dandy and if that's true, then you obviously were using the Dai Li as a means to an end." Sasuke said.

"Of course it was. I could care less about what happens to a bender." Orochimaru said.

"And now that you mention it, when dealing with Unalaq, he held a bitter hatred for all ninjas, stating that when I came to this country, the balance was 'ruined' and when my...Leaf comrades came for me, he was more than livid and wanted to destroy every ninja when he became the Dark Avatar." Sasuke said.

"Hahahahaha! Yes, that's so true. He wanted your head on a platter so badly." Orochimaru said.

"But that's stupid! Just because ninjas and benders had their stupid hatred for each other long ago doesn't mean all of them had to hate each other." Sasuke said.

"It was forbidden for ninjas to befriend a bender." Orochimaru said.

"Yeah well, nobody tried to keep me and Korra apart and our bond is as strong as ever!" Sasuke said.

"But what would happen if Korra or your other bender friends betray YOU? Or maybe, it will be YOU that will betray them?" Orochimaru asked.

"Shut up!" Sasuke yelled using his chained kunais to attack Orochimaru but Kabuto grabs the chain.

"I'd suggest you calm down, Sasuke." Kabuto said.

"Screw off, Four-eyes!" Sasuke yelled.

"It's fine, Kabuto." Orochimaru said.

"Korra would NEVER turn her back on me! I would never betray her." Sasuke said.

"And yet, you left the Leaf in hopes of coming to me for power." Orochimaru said.

"But after meeting Korra and being with her, I felt like I have a new family who cares about me and wants me to be happy. We need each other and we work together like a powerful team!" Sasuke said.

"Time does strange things to people, Sasuke. Not even you can control it. It will only be a matter of time before you come to me and forget everything about your new family." Orochimaru said.

Meanwhile at Xai Bau's Grove both Korra and Zaheer continue to talk.

"I met your uncle when I was a teenager, after we had both joined the Red Lotus. We learned about Raava and Vaatu and how Avatar Wan foolishly severed them, disrupting the balance of the world forever." Zaheer said.

"Avatar Wan wasn't foolish! He was trying to restore balance!" Korra said.

"He closed the portals, severing humans from spirits. Even you realize the error in his ways." Zaheer said.

"So, all along, you and my uncle planned to use me to open the portals and release Vaatu? That's why you tried to take me when I was a kid?" Korra asked.

"Yes and with the members of the Red Lotus as your elemental mentors, we could've taught you so much." Zaheer said.

"Sounds like you were just trying to brainwash me so I'd do whatever you wanted." Korra said.

"No, Korra. All I wanted was to show the Avatar a better path for the world." Zaheer said.

Back at Misty Palms Inn after Sasuke left Mako looks out the window for him but then he sees Kisame, Sasori, Ming-Hua, and Ghazan arriving.

"Uh, I dunno how, but Water Arm Lady, Lava Guy, and two people from the Akatsuki found us." Mako said.

"What? How?" Asami asked.

"I just said I dunno how." Mako said.

"Korra! Wake up!" Bolin said frantically shaking Korra's body.

"What do we do?" Asami asked and Mako takes the Avatar's body and places her on Naga.

"Get Korra outta here. Bolin and I will hold them off." Mako said.

"But we don't know what the Akatsuki are like. Knowing that they're ninjas, they're dangerous." Asami said.

"I know, but we can't let them get to Sasuke and we can't let those two get to Korra." Mako said.

As the four make their way for the inn they see the door burst open and see Naga running off with Asami riding her while taking Korra's body.

"The Avatar!" Ming-Hua said.

"But where's the brat?" Sasori asked.

As Naga starts running Ming-Hua fires ice shards but misses but Sasori uses chakra threads to try and stop Naga but she moves fast and as the four start chasing Mako stops them with his fire blast.

"Get out of my sight, filthy bender!" Sasori yelled.

"Shut up!" Mako yelled back as he throws fireballs but Ming-Hua stops them with her water arms while Kisame uses Water Shark Bomb Jutsu at Mako who dodges.

Ghazan uses his Lavabending to knock the brothers back while Sasori unleashes fire blasts from his sleeves to get the brothers.

Sasuke and Orochimaru continue talking.

"You're wrong about Korra and you're dead wrong about my new family! I will NEVER leave them behind!" Sasuke yelled.

"Sasuke, wake up and smell the truth. Sooner or later, you will either abandon and be abandoned. No one will care for you, but it's still not too late. I can still lend you power you need to take on Itachi Uchiha, the one you want dead." Orochimaru said.

"I'll kill Itachi my own way. Without YOU!" Sasuke yelled.

"Have you not even realized that Korra and the others would be jealous of your power and will fear you? One way or the other, they will persecute you. Why bother fighting it all? Why bother being this country's hero? They will all know the real you. A monster." Kabuto said.

"I said shut up!" Sasuke yelled.

"Come now, Sasuke. Accept the truth and just come with us. Unlike those benders, we'll make you stronger than before." Orochimaru said.

Back at Xai Bau's Grove.

"If my uncle came up with a plan to abduct me when I was a kid, why wasn't he caught?" Korra asked.

"He wasn't with us that night. He covered up his involvement afterwards." Zaheer said.

"So, he betrayed you just like he betrayed me." Korra said.

"Yes. He allowed me and my friends to remain in prison while he pursued his own selfish goals. Unalaq becoming a Dark Avatar was never part of our mission." Zaheer said.

"What IS your mission?" Korra asked.

"I want what you want; to restore balance to the world." Zaheer said making the Avatar scoff.

"I don't think our ideas of 'balance' are the same." Korra said.

"Are you sure about that? You kept the spirit portals open and allowed a ninja to be in our country, but why stop there? Befriending and teaming up with a ninja and bringing the spirits back should only be the beginning." Zaheer said.

"What do you mean?" Korra asked.

"The idea of having nations and governments is as foolish as keeping human and spirit realms separate and benders and ninjas living apart from each other. You've had to deal with a moronic and prejudicial president and a tyrannical queen. Don't you think that the world would be better off if leaders like them were eliminated?" Zaheer asked.

"No, I mean, I don't agree with what they've done, but taking out world leaders isn't the answer." Korra said.

"It wasn't too long ago that the Airbenders were nearly all wiped out, thanks to the Fire Lord's desire for world dominance. True freedom can only be achieved when oppressive governments are torn down." Zaheer said.

"But that won't bring balance, it'll throw the world into CHAOS." Korra said.

"Exactly. The natural order is disorder. Do you know who once said, 'New growth cannot exist without first the destruction of the old'?" Zaheer asked.

"No." Korra said.

"The wise Guru Laghima. An Airbender." Zaheer said shocking Korra.

Back at Misty Palms Oasis the fighting continues with Ming-Hua and Kisame using their water to attack Mako who avoids their water attacks and unleashes fire blasts at them but Ming-Hua blocks the fire blasts allowing Kisame to attack Mako with Shark Skin and Mako dodges every strike but the sword lands a big hit on him while Ming-Hua delivers water whip attacks at the Firebender knocking him back against a building.

"It's too bad you're not a Waterbender. I really want to fight one. The Avatar would have been so much fun to toy with." Kisame said using Water Shark Shotgun Jutsu at Mako who dodges and shoots four fireballs at the Mist ninja who disappears in water.

"What?" Mako asked and behind him is Kisame who delivers a heavy slash with his sword sending him to Ming-Hua who delivers a spinning water whip strike.

Bolin is fighting against Ghazan and Sasori as Ghazan unleashes Lavabending while Sasori keeps bombarding the Earthbender with fireballs from his sleeves.

"I can't beat this guy! It's like I'm giving him ammo! Wanna trade?" Bolin asked but as he's about bend again his body stops moving. "What?" Bolin asked and behind him is Sasori who is using chakra threads to attach on the Earthbender's back, arms, and legs.

"The last thing I wanted is an Earthbender as my puppet, but...!" Sasori uses Bolin's body to bend rocks at Mako.

"Mako, RUN! My body's got a mind of its own!" Bolin cried throwing more rocks at Mako by Sasori.

Mako dodges the rocks and sees Sasori controlling Bolin like a puppet and tries to save his brother but Kisame keeps attacking with Shark Skin while Ming-Hua fires ice blasts at the Firebender who dodges the attacks and tries to cut the chakra threads with a fire blade but Ghazan throws rocks at Mako sending him back allowing Sasori to make Bolin bombard his own brother with more rocks getting him but as Mako is about to attack he's trapped in a water sphere and it's Kisame's Water Prison Jutsu.

"So sorry, but stay put." Kisame said as Sasori smirks and makes Bolin throw a big rock at Mako sending him against a door.

As Mako gets back up Ming-Hua grabs him with her water arm and she smirks evilly and then slams him to another door.

"Hey, Lava boy, I'm done with this rockbrain! All yours!" Sasori said throwing Bolin at Ghazan who delivers a lava strike sending Bolin to a pool.

Bolin tries to swim back up to help Mako but Ghazan throws more lava into the water but the Earthbender dodges but then Kisame is in the water.

"Hello!" Kisame said delivering a heavy swing with his sword sending Bolin back to the surface and Kisame follows after.

Bolin gets back up and he and Mako stand back up and they're both outnumbered and overpowered as Ming-Hua, Ghazan, Sasori, and Kisame approach them.

"Give up, benders. You can't win." Sasori said.

"We're not gonna give up!" Mako said.

"Yeah, we'll keep on fighting!" Bolin said but then ravens appear in front revealing Itachi.

"Itachi." Kisame said.

"Where is Sasuke?" Itachi asked.

"We're not telling you anything!" Mako yelled.

"Kisame, Sasori, get back to the hideout. I've sent Deidara to find him." Itachi said.

"Fine." Sasori said.

"You two, go after the Avatar. I have them under control." Itachi said.

"Really?" Ghazan asked.

"We're not afraid of you!" Mako yelled as he and Bolin charge at Itachi who makes hand signs.

"I don't think so!" Itachi yelled opening his Mangenkyou Sharingan making the brothers stop in place and they stare into space.

Mako and Bolin are now in some type of dimension and they see ravens flying around.

"Where are we...?" Bolin asked.

"Itachi!" Mako yelled looking at Itachi levitating over them.

"Sorry, but it's time to sleep." Itachi said as the ravens transform into shurikens and they fly for the brothers getting them and impaling their bodies making them scream in pain and more raven shurikens fly for them and attack and then the two fall to the ground.

In Misty Palms Oasis the two brothers are now on the ground unconscious.

"What just happened?" Ming-Hua asked.

"He just performed a Genjutsu on them. That should keep them quiet for a while." Kisame said.

"I'll deliver them back to the hideout. Go, get the Avatar." Itachi said.

"Come on, Ming-Hua." Ghazan said as he and Ming-Hua start moving.

Meanwhile Naga is still running through the landscape to escape.

Sasuke and Orochimaru are still having their conversation.

"I'm not going with you and I never will! No one's gonna turn their back on me!" Sasuke said.

"You don't know for sure!" Orochimaru said.

"If the world, the Shinobi Countries, Four Nations, or both choose to become my enemy, I will fight like I always have." Sasuke said.

"Such bold words, but what will happen when you face change. Change is part of life and it affects us all. I think I'll keep an eye on your 'bond' with the Avatar and we'll how long it will keep up." Orochimaru said.

"Shut up!" Sasuke yelled throwing his chained kunais at Orochimaru who disappears in a pile of snakes while Kabuto disappears in puff of smoke. "Stupid assholes!" Sasuke said but then he sees a giant white clay bird flying for him. "Crap, Akatsuki." Sasuke said.

Deidara finds Sasuke.

"Gothca now!" Deidara said flying for him.

Sasuke dashes off but then he sees Naga trying to escape and so he makes his way for her but as Sasuke is running for Naga she ends up getting trapped by an earth tent.

"Naga!" Sasuke said going for the earth tent but as he gets close another earth tent traps the Uchiha. "No!" Sasuke yelled using Chidori to destroy the earth tent and tries to get to the earth tent but gets trapped again. "Damn you!" Sasuke yelled.

"Tch, you've gotta be kidding!" Deidara said seeing forces coming for the earth tents. "Damn. Earth Kingdom forces! This won't be good." Deidara said as he flies off.

Korra and Zaheer continue to talk in Xai Bau's Grove.

"You know, being locked away for so many years, I was beginning to lose hope, but when I awoke with Airbending, I knew I would be the one to destroy the old world and plant seeds for a new world to flourish." Zaheer said.

"Zaheer, please, as an Airbender, you could help make a positive difference in the world, instead of destroying it." Korra said.

"You're a very smart young woman, Korra, but you must realize that once change begins, it cannot be stopped, even by the Avatar and I doubt your Uchiha friend will be able to stop us." Zaheer said.

"Enough of your philosophical mumbo-jumbo. I want to know one thing; if you do capture me, what're you gonna do with me?" Korra asked.

"You'll have that answer soon enough. The Red Lotus should have you by now and I'm certain the Akatsuki should have Sasuke. See you in the physical world." Zaheer said as he disappears.

"Zaheer!" Korra called running for the tree but later she returns to the physical world and she's now strapped in a strait jacket and muzzled. "Zaheer! You tricked me! Let me go!" Korra yelled but she finds Asami handcuffed against a wall close to her. "Asami, are you okay? Where's the rest of the Red Lotus?" Korra asked.

"What's the Red Lotus? Zaheer didn't capture us. The Earth Queen's forces did." Asami said and just then a door opens showing Sasuke all tied up and thrown into the room.

"Sasuke!" Korra said.

"Where the hell are we?" Sasuke asked.

"I'm not sure. Some sort of camp by the desert. They're taking us back to Ba Sing Se." Asami said.

"Dammit!" Sasuke yelled.

Back at the hideout Deidara returns to it.

"I almost had your kid brother, but those damned Earth forces beat me to the punch and I could've destroyed the tents, but they'd be destroyed in the process and I doubt that was the mission...yet." Deidara said.

"Hmph." Itachi said and Ming-Hua and Ghazan arrive.

"Art boy's right. Ming-Hua and I almost had the Avatar, but the Earth Queen's army snatched her up before we did." Ghazan said.

"How annoying." Sasori said.

"Still, perhaps we could have a use for them." Itachi said looking down at Mako and Bolin who are still unconscious from the Genjutsu and are still beaten and battered.

"What do you say?" Ming-Hua asked.

"Load them in the truck. We're going to Ba Sing Se." Zaheer said smirking.