Book 3: Change

Chapter 10: Fall of the Earth Queen

In the desert Orochimaru and Kabuto watch over the campsite where Sasuke, Korra, and Asami are held captive.

"Are you sure this will work?" Kabuto asked.

"The best way is always to strike at the heart and plant the seeds of doubt. Soon, Sasuke will question his worth and he will soon realize that his time in this country is futile. It's almost perfect. Right now, time is needed." Orochimaru said smirking.

In a building in the midst of the desert a group of people are walking towards an Earth Kingdom airship and soldiers are outside while another soldier pushes the dolly Korra who is still trying to escape but to no avail is restrained on while Asami walks for the airship with her head bowed down while another soldier is escorting Sasuke who is still tied up but he tries to break free but to no avail.

"Let me go, you stupid assholes!" Sasuke yelled.

"You have to let us go! The Earth Queen is in danger from a group of terrorists calling themselves the Red Lotus and a group of ninja criminals called the Akatsuki are with them. I talked to the Red Lotus' leader in the Spirit World yesterday! He's insane!" Korra said but the soldier pushing her dolly up the airship's ramp and into the airship.

"Screaming about terrorists in the Spirit World and ninja criminals? You're the one, who sounds insane and the only ninja I see is that brat." The Captain said in differently going into the airship while the hatch closes.

The engine turns on as the airship starts to fly and inside the ship a young guard places Korra's trolly on a large metal cell and putting her against the wall while tying Sasuke's chains to a railing while chaining Asami to the floor.

"Do I have to be chained to the floor the whole way? It's going to be uncomfortable." Asami said in a sweet-talking voice.

"Sorry, ma'am. I'm under orders." The young guard said.

"Can't you just chain me to the railing next to Sasuke? Where am I gonna go?" Asami asked.

"Do it, you stupid asshole." Sasuke said.

"Well, as long as you're chained up, I guess it doesn't make a difference." The young guard said chaining Asami to the railing next to Sasuke.

"Thank you, sir." Asami said.

"Can I have some water?" Korra asked.

"No water. We're also not gonna give you rocks or fire, so don't ask. Guess there's air, but there's nothing we can do about that. We're not opening your compartment 'till we reach Ba Sing Se." The young guard said.

"Where are my weapons?!" Sasuke demanded.

"Your weapons are confiscated in the next room and we're obviously not letting you go for that and seeing as how you're a good fighter, it would be a nightmare for us. Just stay put until we reach Ba Sing Se." The young guard said leaving the room.

"I hoped Mako and Bolin would have shown up and helped us by now." Korra said.

"I wonder if they're okay." Sasuke said.

Meanwhile at a desert road a truck is moving through and it's driven by Zaheer while P'Li is sitting next to him and at the back of the truck Itachi, Kisame, Sasori, Deidara, Ming-Hua, and Ghazan are watching Mako and Bolin who are tied up and later the brothers start to regain consciousness.

"Ugh...I had a bad dream... We were attacked by those crazy bender criminals and those Akatsuki guys and then we got knocked out." Bolin said.

"Bo, that actually happened." Mako said.

"You were placed under Itachi's Genjutsu. We tied you up and now we're here and we're on our way to Ba Sing Se." Kisame said.

"Really? Well, if you think holding us hostage will give you some leverage against Korra and Sasuke, you're gonna be VERY disappointed." Mako said.

"Shut up! I liked it better when you under that Genjutsu! You were QUIET!" Sasori snapped.

"For once, I agree with Puppet boy. Can't we just enjoy our time together in SILENCE?" Ming-Hua asked.

"I have a question; why did you need Korra alive back at Zaofu? You had her paralyzed. Why didn't you just take her out when you had the chance? Also, why're you guys after Sasuke? My guess is your mission is to get rid of him or something?" Mako asked.

"Look, all you need to know is that the world is about to change, for the better." Ghazan said.

"And as for our mission for Sasuke, well, it's none of your damn business! Ha!" Deidara said.

"So, you guys were like, locked up for FIFTEEN years, huh? It must've been CRAZY boring." Bolin said.

"Actually, it was thirteen years, but it felt like thirty." Ghazan said.

"I mean, what did you guys do with all that time? Did you sing songs, work on crafts?" Bolin asked.

"Are you serious? What part of 'shut up' don't you get?!" Sasori asked.

"Relax, Sasori. He means no harm." Kisame said.

"Not a lot of craft supplies in a volcanic prison cell." Ming-Hua said.

"I must've renamed the constellations about a thousand times. When it rained, that was a big event." Ghazan said.

"Ugh, I would've KILLED for some rain. Mostly, I made up stories about the guards; one, who was having trouble with his girlfriend and another, who secretly wished he'd become a pastry chef." Ming-Hua said.

"Ooh, okay! That sounds like fun! Lemme try! YOU were raised by an older sister, your mustache grew in when you were ten, and I'm sensing, just sensing, an unspoken attraction between you two." Bolin said making Ming-Hua and Ghazan glance at each other awkwardly but the Waterbender looks away.

"Two out of three. Not bad." Ghazan said smiling.

"Look at us, knowing each other." Kisame said.

"Bolin, will you STOP making friends with the bad guys?" Mako said annoyed.

"Sorry." Bolin said.

"But there's something I wanna ask and it's about you, Itachi." Mako said.

"Oh? What question do you have for me?" Itachi asked.

"Sasuke told us you were responsible for killing everyone in the Uchiha Clan, except for him when was little. Am I wrong?" Mako asked.

"So, Sasuke did tell you." Itachi said.

"So, it's true. If you were able to kill everyone, then why didn't you just kill Sasuke? He was little, defenseless, and inexperienced. You could've gotten rid of him from the spot, but instead, you allowed him to stay alive and that allowed him to train a lot and now he's a pretty strong kid for his age. So, why let him go?" Mako asked.

"That question...I cannot answer." Itachi said.

"Hey!" Mako yelled but Sasori kicks the Firebender's face.

"I said SHUT UP!" Sasori yelled.

"Ghazan, gag those two! We're almost there." Zaheer said still driving as the truck is nearing the earth wall of Ba Sing Se.

Back at the airship which is now flying over Si Tong Desert at the interior Korra continues to struggle against her restraints but still no use.

"That's not working." Sasuke said bluntly.

"We still have to find a way to get out of here before we get to the Earth Queen." Korra said.

"I have a plan. These airships the Cabbage Corps sold to the Earth Kingdom are WAY cheaper than the ones Future Industries built." Asami said as she stands against the wall and struggles pulling off the railing allowing her and Sasuke to jump to bring their hands in front before throwing the railing to catch upright.

"That's some shoddy workmanship." Sasuke said.

"Agreed." Asami said.

Sasuke and Asami go for Korra and start trying to unlock but to no avail.

"No use. We can't get these locks free." Sasuke said.

"We'll need the guard's keys." Asami said and then looks down at the floor and pries a panel open with the railing.

"Give us five minutes and then start calling for help." Sasuke said.

"Got it." Korra said as the two crawl down.

Meanwhile in Ba Sing Se at the Royal Palace at the throne room the Earth Queen is sitting on her throne and is talking to Gun.

"When are the Avatar and that filthy Uchiha Shinobi scheduled for delivery?" The Earth Queen asked.

"The airship has already left Fort Bosco and should be arriving in a few hours." Gun said.

"Excellent. Bring it to me as it lands." The Earth Queen said.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Now, first, there are some...people here, who have captured two of the Avatar's and Shinobi's friends. They would like to present them to you personally and some of them are more ninjas." Gun said.

"You know I don't meet with bounty hunters! And WHY are there MORE ninjas in MY kingdom?!" The Earth Queen demanded.

"I don't know and of course I told them that, but they say they have some information that might interest you; about the location of your stolen Airbenders." Gun said.

"Really? Fine, send them in, and I suppose including those ninjas." The Earth Queen said slightly disgusted and later the Red Lotus and the Akatsuki are in the throne room and throw the tied and gagged Mako and Bolin in front of the throne. "Ah, yes. I remember those two. We'll find an acceptable home for you IN PRISON, with the rest of the dissidents." The Earth Queen said and turns to the Red Lotus and the Akatsuki. "Now, I'm told you have some information for me. I hope this isn't just some ruse to increase your bounty." The Earth Queen.

"We're not interested in your bounty." Itachi said.

"You can consider these two a 'thank you' gift for simply taking this time to talk to us." Zaheer said.

"How very magnanimous. So, where are my Airbenders?" The Earth Queen asked.

"I'd be happy to tell you, once you hand over the Avatar to me." Zaheer said.

"And you bring me Sasuke." Itachi said.

"Who told you that we have those two?!" The Earth Queen demanded.

"How we know is not important, but if we found out, others will too and that will put you in a difficult position." Zaheer said.

"Is that so?" The Earth Queen asked.

"Your Majesty, imprisoning the Avatar and the Uchiha Shinobi will cause not only the other nations to turn against you, but that will increase the hatred of the Shinobi Countries and both countries will demand their freedom. Before long, we'd be in the midst of a sticky international incident and that will cause another war between benders and ninjas." Zaheer said.

"If you allow us to take Sasuke Uchiha and the Avatar today, no one will need to know they were here and you can get your stolen Airbenders back without any interference. We all win." Itachi said.

"And what do you plan to do with the Avatar and that Uchiha Shinobi should I see fit to grant your request?" The Earth Queen asked.

"All I can say is: I have business with the Avatar and these ninjas have their own business with Sasuke Uchiha." Zaheer said.

"All you need to know is Avatar Korra will never bother you again and Sasuke will be delivered back to the Shinobi Countries with the Akatsuki and we'll decide what to do with him." Itachi said making Mako and Bolin glance at each other worried.

The Earth Queen taps her nail against the arm of her throne and then smiles.

"I find these terms agreeable. Gun, escort them to the antechamber until the Avatar's and Uchiha Shinobi's arrival." The Earth Queen ordered as Gun escorts the two groups away. "Send these two to the dungeon." The Earth Queen ordered as two Dai Li agnets bend the floor open sending Mako and Bolin down the hole.

Back at the airship the young guard stands guard in front of the cell and in the cell Sasuke and Asami are on the ground and Sasuke gives Korra a nod.

"Guards! Get in here! Quick! Something happened to my friends and they need help!" Korra cried.

The young guard rushes in to find the two.

"Where are they?" The young guard asked but then Sasuke gets behind and uses Chidori to knock him out.

Asami takes the keys and uses them to unlock the locks to free the Avatar.

"Nice work, you two." Korra said.

"Take control of the ship. I need to find my weapons." Sasuke said.

Korra and Asami rush out while Sasuke goes for the next door being guarded by two other guards and so he sneaks behind them and bashes their heads against each other knocking them out and then goes for the room and finds his weapons.

"Perfect." Sasuke said taking the weapons and rushes out to meet the two girls.

At the cockpit of the ship Korra barges in with Metalbending and the co-pilot runs over but Korra uses Airbending to knock him back against the steering wheel making the air ship lose control and the Captain goes for the radio phone.

"Mayday! Mayday! The Avatar has escaped! We're going down quadrant four of Si Tong Desert!" The Captain informed on radio but as the co-pilot gets back up he charges at Korra again but Korra delivers another air blast sending the co-pilot against the Captain knocking them both out.

Sasuke feels the ship losing control.

"Dammit, Korra!" Sasuke said rushing through.

Asami runs for the steeling wheel and tries to control it but nothing.

"I think you might've been a little over-aggressive with the Airbending. The controls are busted." Asami said and examines the radio phone which is now broken in two. "Also, you broke the radio." Asami said.

"Sorry, it's not my fault this airship's a hunk of junk." Korra said.

Sasuke arrives at the cockpit.

"What happened?" Sasuke asked.

"The airship's out of control." Asami said as the airship crashes for the desert sand dune. "Hang onto something." Asami said as the ship crashes.

The three get out of the airship from the roof and look around the desert.

"Well, they say any landing you could walk away from is a good landing." Asami said.

"Yeah, but given our location, our landing is anything but good." Sasuke said.

"You're the engineer, Asami. What do you think? Can we get it to fly again?" Korra asked.

"It doesn't look good. Even if you Metalbend the propellers back into shape, we have to dig this whole thing out of the sand." Asami said.

"So, in other words, we're screwed." Sasuke said and the crew climbs out of the airship.

"Is everyone alright?" Korra asked.

"Like you care." The young guard said.

"What happened?" Another guard asked.

"She said her friends needed help, then they knocked me out." The young guard said.

"We're sorry, but I couldn't let you take me to the Earth Queen as a captive. There are dangerous forces at work that you don't know anything about." Korra said.

"More dangerous than being out stranded in the desert?" A guard asked.

"Don't worry, Kong. I've radioed Ba Sing Se. We just need to sit tight. Somebody will be there to rescue us." The Captain said coming out.

"We're not waiting around for that crap to happen. We need to go, NOW!" Sasuke said.

"If we all work together, we might be able to get the ship up and running." Asami said.

"Not likely. I've just tunneled out the engine room. It's like a sandbox in there." Kong said.

"This ship's not going anywhere and neither are you. You're prisoners and it's our duty to transport you to the Earth Queen." The Captain said.

"Not sure you've noticed, but I've kicked asses more times than I can count. Do you really think you can take me?" Sasuke asked smiling cockily.

"You aren't giving us much of a choice. We have our orders." The Captain said.

Just then the dune starts moving.

"Did that sand dune just move?" Asami asked.

"It was probably just a mirage. The desert will play tricks on you." The Captain said but the dune moves again.

"That's no mirage. Look." Asami said pointing at the dune still moving and something is moving within the sand.

"I heard that since all the spirits came back, this desert has been haunted by them." Kong said.

"Oh, right! I guess that's my fault for that too!" Korra said sarcastically.

"Look, assholes, do you want to help us get this damn ship back up and running or do you wanna be food for whatever that thing is?" Sasuke asked.

"We wanna fix the ship. Right, Cap?" Kong asked and the other crew members nod making the Captain sigh in defeat.

"Let's get to work." The Captain said.

"Glad you have a brain." Sasuke said.

"Everyone stand back." Korra said as she prepares herself and bends a large air spout at the sand dune.

Meanwhile in the palace dungeon Mako and Bolin are now in a cell as Earth guards are patrolling the dungeon while knocking on the bars with their batons and one of them inadvertently hits Bolin's head as the Earthbender is leaning against the bars making him grunt annoyed.

"We have to get out of here before Zaheer gets his hands on Korra and the Akatsuki get to Sasuke." Mako said but then a mirror appears in front of the cell and it shows a reflection of an older man.

"Take me with you. I haven't seen my wife and five kids for four years." The prisoner said.

"FOUR years?" Bolin asked.

"The first few moments were great. I could finally get some sleep, but...now I miss them..." The prisoner said.

"Look, Bo, this is up to you. You have to Metalbend." Mako said.

"You can Metalbend?" The prisoner asked.

"No." Bolin said annoyed.

"Yes, you can. I believe in you." Mako said.

"I believe in you too, Bolin." The prisoner said.

"I appreciate that, Mako and...fellow prisoner man, but I've been trying and trying and trying and I've never been able to do it. Not even a little." Bolin said downcast.

"You've always had the ability deep down. You just haven't had the motivation. This is your time! Get us out of here to help Korra and Sasuke! You can do it!" Mako said. "Bolin! Bolin!" Mako starts rallying the other prisoners.

"Bolin! Bolin! Bolin! Bolin!" The prisoners cheer for Bolin.

"You're right! Here I go!" Bolin said readying himself and tries to Metalbend the bars but nothing. "I can't do it!" Bolin said kneeling down sadly and starts crying.

"Awww..." The prisoners moan as they get to what they're doing while Mako face palms.

"Hey, you guys didn't happen to bring toilet paper with you, do you?" The prisoner asked.

Meanwhile Lin is driving a jeep down the landscape but she sees tire tracks and so she reverses and drives up to the abandoned jeep and gets out of her jeep and as she goes to inspect it Naga leaps from behind and barks aggressively startling the police chief but Naga recognizes Lin and then licks her face much to Lin's annoyance.

"First you scare the life out of me and now you want to lick my face." Lin said bluntly as Pabu gets out of the jeep and runs for the Metalbender and runs around her until she catches the Fire Ferret and puts him on Naga's head and then takes out treats. "Here, chew on this and leave me alone." Lin said throwing the treats at the animals while walking for the jeep and then finds the radio phone. "Tonraq, you read me?" Lin asked through the radio phone.

"Yes, we copy." Tonraq said through the radio.

"I've found Korra's jeep, but the kids aren't here. Meet me at Misty Palms Oasis." Lin said.

Meanwhile at Si Tong Desert at the crashed airship Asami wields the rest of the rudder while wearing a welding mask and starts working on the rudder while Sasuke is sitting at the ship's side and has a lot on his mind.

"Damn that Orochimaru! He's obviously wrong about me leaving Korra! I don't give a damn about this stupid rivalry between ninjas and benders! There's no way I'll turn my back and they wouldn't do that to me after what we've been through together! I don't want us separate. I want to stay with my new family." Sasuke said in his mind.

"Is everything okay?" Asmai asked taking off her welding mask.

"Huh? Oh, yeah." Sasuke said.

"You've been sitting there quietly. Don't worry, we'll get out of this." Asami said.

"I know. Just have a lot on my mind." Sasuke said and they see Korra and Kong walking out of the ship.

"How's it looking?" Asami asked.

"I just Airbent all the sand out of the engine room. I think it's clean." Korra said.

"Hasn't been this clean since it floated off the showroom floor." Kong said.

"How's it going up there?" Korra asked.

"Well, the ship's still banged up, but I think it'll be fine." Sasuke said.

"Kong, you want to see if you can get the engine started?" Asami asked.

"Aye-aye, Ms. Sato!" Kong said saluting walking back to the airship.

Soon the propellers start spinning.

"Alright!" The young guard cheered.

"Finally." Sasuke said.

Just then the sand starts rumbling and then starts to rise revealing what looks like a giant brown-colored shark shocking the group and the shark creature grabs the airship with its mouth snapping it in two and the group run away from the shark's dive attack as it goes back into the sand.

"That's no spirit." Korra said.

"Looks like it's gone for now, but it'll come back for us." Sasuke said and he sees Kong on the helms unharmed but paralyzed with fear.

"Kong's fine, but what can we do? All of our supplies are on that ship. We're doomed! We have no food or water!" The young guard panicked.

"Is he really THAT whiny?" Sasuke asked annoyed with the young guard's panicking.

"Arik's just easily anxious." Kong said.

"Easy, Arik. Another ship is on its way. We just need to hold our position for a few hours." The Captain said.

"We don't have a few hours." Sasuke said.

"How far are we from the edge of the desert?" Korra asked.

"Too far to walk, if that's what you're thinking." Captain said.

"We can't just for that THING to pick us off ONE by ONE!" Arik said slumping.

"You'll do as you're told, Airman. Get a hold of yourself!" The Captain ordered.

Asami examines the parts of the ship.

"Hmm, maybe we can still build something to get us all out of here." Asami said.

"You want to make some wings out of scrap metal and flap real hard?" The Captain asked sarcastically.

"At least she has an idea!" Sasuke barked.

"And we might have enough material to construct a makeshift sand-sailer. Like the Sandbenders use to get around. All we need is a sail and some kind of sled to attach it to." Asami said.

"And THAT is why she's the boss of her own company." Sasuke said.

"Worth a shot." Korra said.

"Gather around every piece of metal you can find. We'll give that sandy beast a run for its money." The Captain ordered.

Back at the palace at the Red Lotus' and the Akatsuki's chamber where Ming-Hua is sitting on a chair while Ghazan crosses his arms waiting while P'Li is drinking a glass of a green drink while Zaheer is waiting patiently while Deidara is preparing his detonating clay while Sasori is using parts to make more puppets while Kisame is petting his sword while Itachi is also waiting patiently a Dai Li agent walks past the chamber getting their attention.

"What's his hurry?" Deidara asked.

"I'll go see." Itachi said.

"Wait here." Zaheer said as the two leave the chamber.

The two follow the Dai Li agent without notice and the agent is going for the throne room through the door and so the two leap up against the wall with Itachi's chakra and Zaheer's Airbending and they get on the ceiling lattice and arrive at the upper part of the throne room eyeing at the Dai Li agent who is talking to the Earth Queen.

"Your Majesty, we received a distress signal from the airship carrying the prisoners. We believed the ship crashed in Si Tong Desert and the Avatar and the Uchiha Shinobi escaped." The Dai Li agent informed.

"This is outrageous! Send another airship to retrieve the Avatar and that Uchiha Shinobi immediately!" The Earth Queen commanded.

"It's already on its way, Your Majesty." The Dai Li agent said.

Itachi and Zaheer leave the throne room and return to the chamber and Itachi explains to them about the situation.

"You have got to be kidding me!" Sasori said.

"The Leader's not gonna like this news." Kisame said.

"What are we going to do now?" Ming-Hua asked.

"There's no way we can track them down in the desert before the Queen gets to them." Ghazan said.

"My art can track them down and capture them before Her Royal Pain-In-The-Ass can." Deidara said.

"I don't think it'll work. They'll be long gone by the time we arrive." P'Li said.

"Then I'll chase after 'em!" Deidara said.

"I'd say chasing after them is no longer an option." Itachi said.

"I agree. It's time to make them come to us." Zaheer said.

Later the throne doors burst open by Zaheer's Airbending as the Akatsuki and Red Lotus enter the throne room.

"What is this riff-raff doing in my throne room unannounced?!" The Earth Queen demanded standing up angry.

"Apologies, Your Majesty, but I couldn't help but overhear that the Avatar and Sasuke Uchiha won't be joining us today." Zaheer said.

"The Avatar and that disgusting Uchiha ninja are still in my custody!" The Earth Queen said but Itachi's face grows cold at the insult but keeps it to himself. "However, eavesdropping on royal conversations will land you in a cell right next to those boys you brought in! Now, if you value your freedom, you'll tell me where my Airbenders are right now!" The Earth Queen demanded.

"That wasn't the deal." Itachi said coldly.

"I will NOT bandy words with bounty hunters and I will NEVER bandy words with you four disgusting ninjas!" The Earth Queen yelled raising her hand making Dai Li agents arrive at the throne room and surround the two groups. "Seize these hoodlums and throw them in prison until they decide to show proper respect for the crown! As for the ninjas, execute them!" The Earth Queen commanded.

"Big mistake, Hag Queen." Sasori said.

The Dai Li agents throw their rock gloves at the groups but P'Li fires a combustion beam at the agents knocking them back but three more Dai Li agents fire more rock gloves at Ghazan who redirects them with his Earthbending sending them back at the agents but a Dai Li agent delivers an Earthbending attack at Zaheer who Airbends to leap and avoid the attack and counters with an air blast but another Dai Li agent uses attacks from a pillar but Zaheer uses his air blasts to send him against it but more Dai Li agents try to attack Zaheer but Ming-Hua uses her Waterbending to freeze them against pillars.

More Dai Li agents fire rock gloves at the Akatsuki but Deidara throws his detonating clay in forms of tiny birds and they destroy the rock gloves and then sends out detonating clay in forms of two snakes and they slither for the agents and as they get on the agents Deidara uses his jutsu to blow them up but two Dai Li agents attack Deidara from the pillars but then something grabs hold of them and they're being controlled by Sasori's chakra threads and he uses the agents to throw rock gloves at the other agents knocking them down and then Sasori uses flames from his sleeves to burn the puppet Dai Li agents and as more agents try to use Earthbending to attack Kisame creates a water clone of himself from behind and together they slash at the agents with their swords and then delivers a powerful swing from his sword at two more agents sending them away but four Dai Li agents try to attack Kisame who disappears in water allowing Itachi to stab one of the agents with his kunai and behind Itachi is another Itachi who breathes flames getting the other agents but another Dai Li agent fires a rock glove at Itachi who disappears in ravens and they fly past the agent and Itachi reappears and delivers a slash with his kunai sending the agent down.

With all the Dai Li agents defeated Gun looks horrified and runs away screaming from what he just saw.

"Gun! Get back here and lay down your life for your queen, you coward!" The Earth Queen yelled but she sees Itachi and Zaheer walking forward.

"It seems you have lost." Itachi said.

"You wouldn't DARE attack a queen!" The Earth Queen yelled.

Zaheer leaps up to the throne and stands at the top of it while Itachi disappears in ravens and reappears behind the Queen herself and then stabs her with his kunai.

"I don't care if you're a queen or not. The minute you had Sasuke in your custody, you paid the price. This is your fate for daring to try and take him." Itachi said in the Queen's ear.

"L-Let me go... I'll g-give you a-anything, just release me..." The Earth Queen begged weakly.

"A change of colors, I see. That won't save you." Itachi said pressing the kunai deeper into the Queen making blood come out of her mouth and Zaheer sees this and smiles.

"There's one thing I forgot to mention, Your Majesty; I don't believe in queens." Zaheer said as he moves his arms swiftly making something come out of the Queen's mouth and it's air and then Zaheer bends the air around the Queen's head in a vacuum sphere while Itachi releases the kunai from her as she kneels down struggling to breathe and her eyes are now bloodshot. "You think freedom is something you can give or take on a whim? To your people, freedom is just as essential as air and without it, there is no life." Zaheer said as he stops bending and makes the air get away from the Queen and into the air as the Queen desperately tries to catch it but to no avail. "There is only...darkness." Zaheer said as the Queen's body falls to the ground and not moving.

"Damn... I know Airbenders were nothin' but pansies, but to ACTUALLY bend someone's air from their body like that... Remind me not to piss Zaheer off." Deidara said.

"Remind yourself. The Hag Queen is finally dead. She's not worth being a puppet." Sasori said.

Itachi looks down at the Queen's dead body and closes his eyes.

"You won't be a problem to Sasuke anymore. Let that be a lesson to you." Itachi said to himself as Zaheer jumps down.

"Well done, Itachi." Zaheer said.

"That was you." Itachi said.

"Yes, but you delivered the first strike and you did it with no remorse. You impress me by the minute. I know you're only here for you mission, but I ask for one thing; will you and your Akatsuki partners help the Red Lotus show the world what true freedom is?" Zaheer asked.

"Only if you agree to help me get to Sasuke. Do this and then all of the Akatsuki members will make your dream a reality." Itachi said making Zaheer smile.

"That's all I need to hear." Zaheer said offering his hand and Itachi takes it.

Later at a radio control tower the Red Lotus and the Akatsuki arrive at the control room and find a radio operator.

"Hey! You can't be in here!" The radio operator said.

"No need for alarm. I just need to make an announcement to the entire city. How do I do that?" Zaheer asked.

"Who do you think you are?!" The radio operator asked but Ming-Hua grabs him with her water arm while Sasori uses chakra threads.

"He's the man, who took down the Earth Queen." Ming-Hua yelled.

"You want to be next, you miserable dog?!" Sasori demanded.

"Ming-Hua, Sasori, please. We're here to help citizens like him, not hurt them." Zaheer said.

"I never agreed to that!" Sasori yelled.

"Sasori, stand down." Itachi said.

"Hmph!" Sasori said releasing his chakra threads.

"Thank you, Itachi. Now, can you help us?" Zaheer asked and the operator nods fearfully as Ming-Hua roughly throws him to his seat.

The operator sets up the control and bows to them allowing Zaheer to take the seat and starts using the radio microphone.

"Attention, citizens of Ba Sing Se! I have an important announcement to make. Moments ago, the Earth Queen was brought down by the hands of revolutionaries, including myself and a powerful ninja group called the Akatsuki assisted in this feat. I'm not going to tell you my name, because my identity is not important. I'm not here to take over the Earth Kingdom. I think you've had enough of leaders telling you what to do. It's time for you to find your own path. No longer will you be oppressed by tyrants. From now on, you are free! I deliver Ba Sing Se be into the hands of the people!" Zaheer said through the radio as Ghazan is standing in front of the wall while Deidara is on his clay bird over the wall and Ghazan punches the floor melting it into lava while Deidara takes out a small detonating clay and drops it turning it into a big weird looking creature and it falls at the top of the wall and together with Ghazan's lava and Deidara's clay which explodes the wall crumbles.

Many bystanders brace themselves for the impact and running away from it but as the dust and the explosion is clear there is no longer screaming but joy and many citizens start running out of the wall past Ghazan who has a smile of satisfaction while Deidara watches.

"Enjoy your freedom, little idiots." Deidara said smirking.

In the prison cellmates start rioting in joy upon hearing the news of the Queen's death while Mako is using a small flame dagger to try and melt off a section of the bar.

"We have to get out of here, Bolin! Zaheer and the Akatsuki came here to take out the Earth Queen and now Korra and Sasuke are next!" Mako said.

"You know that guy? He's my hero!" The prisoner said.

"Shut up!" Mako snapped at the prisoner. "Bo, you have to Metalbend us out of here! C'mon, I know you can do it! This is your time!" Mako said.

"You said before 'was my time'." Bolin said.

"I know, but now it's REALLY your time! Do it!" Mako said.

Bolin readies himself and tries to Metalbend again but then the bars open except the brothers' allowing the prisoner to laugh and run free.

"Did you see that?! I did it! I mean, not for us, but I Metalbent all the other cells open!" Bolin said.

"I don't think that was you." Mako said face palming.

Zaheer and Itachi arrive and the brothers try to attack but Zaheer Airbends at them knocking them back.

"Listen to me. I'm going to set you two free, but I want to talk to you first. I have a message that I need you to take to Korra and Sasuke." Zaheer said.

Back at Si Tong Desert the group work to make a sand-sailer and Arik welds finishing touches to the sand-sailer.

"She's not pretty, but I think she'll do the job." Asami said.

Sasuke sees the sand approaching and sees a dorsal fin.

"No time for a test run." Sasuke said.

"Let's move." Korra said.

They get on the sand-sailer as Korra readies herself and bends an air blast moving the sand-sailer but then the beast approaches them and jumps out to attack but they dodge and the shark tries to attack again but the sand-sailer manages to get away from it and the sand trail disappears.

"I think he's gone! We did it!" Arik said.

"Don't celebrate just yet!" Sasuke said.

Just then the sand shark emerges from beneath the sand-sailer ready to devour the group but Sasuke uses Fireball Jutsu while Korra sends out a flame blast into its mouth making the shark return to the sand and Korra continues to Airbend at the sailer to make it move still.

It's now evening and the sand-sailer arrives at Misty Palms Oasis and they park the sailer next to onlooking Sandbenders as the mast falls off.

"You wanna buy a slightly used sand-sailer?" Asami asked.

"You just gotta put the mast back on." Sasuke said.

They get off the sailer and get on the dock.

"Thanks, Asami. You got a good head on your shoulders." The Captain said.

"Sorry for getting us stranded out there. I didn't mean for that to happen." Korra said.

"You know, whatever the conflict you and the Queen have, I'm sure it's above my pay grade." The Captain said shaking his right hook with Korra's hand and then uses his left hand to pat Sasuke's hair much to his annoyance. "You two have a tough job. Good luck, Avatar and Uchiha Shinobi." The Captain said saluting.

"Captain, have we been in the desert too long or is that a dragon?" Arik asked pointing at a red dragon on the ground while two camels avoid it in fear.

"Let's just go get a drink." The Captain said as they leave.

"Well, that worked out nicely." Sasuke said and then Naga tackles both him and Korra and starts licking their faces.

"Easy, girl! Did you think we weren't coming back for you?" Korra asked snuggling Naga.

"Sasuke!" Hawk cheered flying for Sasuke.

"Oh, you're still around." Sasuke said slightly annoyed.

Sasuke, Korra, and Asami arrive at the cantina and they find Lin, Tonraq, and Zuko.

"Dad!" Korra said running for Tonraq.

"What are you doing here?" Sasuke asked.

"Korra, Sasuke, you're both okay!" Tonraq said hugging them.

"Yeah, we made it out of the desert. Thanks to Asami." Korra said.

"Thank you, Asami." Tonraq said. "Do you remember Lord Zuko?" Tonraq asked addressing the former Fire Lord.

"I met you when you were a very young girl. It's good to see you again, Avatar Korra." Zuko said.

"Nice to see you too, Lord Zuko." Korra said bowing.

Zuko then sees Sasuke.

"And you must be Sasuke Uchiha. I've been dying to meet you." Zuko said.

"It's a real honor to finally meet another member of Old Team Avatar." Sasuke said.

"To think, a ninja fighting alongside the Avatar. Destiny is such a funny thing, just as my uncle once said." Zuko said.

"Thanks for ditching me back at Zaofu." Lin said annoyed.

"Yeah, sorry about that." Korra said.

"Just be glad we're back here and we found you guys." Sasuke said.

"Did you find Mako and Bolin?" Asami asked.

"Some people at the inn saw them captured by Zaheer's crew and those Akatsuki people. We don't know where they are." Lin said.

"Did you hear about the Earth Queen?" Tonraq asked.

"What about her?" Sasuke asked irritated about the mentioned of her.

"Once again, the Earth Queen's reign has come to an abrupt and violent end. Ba Sing Se has descended into chaos. Rioters and looters have overrun the palace." The man in the radio announced.

"The Earth Queen's really dead?" Sasuke asked shocked.

"The Red Lotus." Korra said.

"What's that?" Tonraq asked.

"That's the name of the group that's been trying to capture me and just took out the Earth Queen." Korra said.

"And it looks like the Akatsuki was involved in this." Sasuke said.

"This is only the beginning, Dad." Korra said fearfully.

"Dammit, dammit, dammit! Now Ba Sing Se, no, the Earth Kingdom is thrown into total hell! With the Akatsuki with the Red Lotus, there's no doubt in my mind Itachi was also responsible! How low can he possibly go? What's going to happen to the entire world if this keeps up? This has gotten more serious by the minute." Sasuke said in his mind.