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On with the chapter! Early Happy Mother's Day to those who celebrate
The following day of their capture, Asami, Korra, and Akira are loaded onto an airship for transport. After being put in their cell, Asami gets the airman to chain her to the railing.
After he leaves, Korra asks Akira, "Are you feeling better?"
"Yeah, definitely. Just needed a good night's rest."
Korra nods her head in satisfaction to the answer. The three wait a few minutes for the airship to take off and settle.
After waiting, Korra vocalizes, "I hoped Mako and Bolin would have shown up to save us by now. I wonder if they're okay."
Eventually the airship is over the Si Wong Desert, and Korra is still struggling to get out of her imprisonment. "We have to find a way out of this prison before we get to the Earth Queen."
"Don't worry, I have a plan." Asami says confidently. "These airships that Cabbage Corp sold to the Earth Kingdom are way cheaper than the ones Future Industries built."
To prove her point, Asami uses a bit of force to push the railing off from the wall. She then jumps over it and holds it in her hands.
"Now, that's just shoddy workmanship." She then inspects the dolly and tells Korra, "There's no way I can get these locks off. I need the keys."
"I don't suppose you can get me out?" Akira asks. "I could probably melt the metal though, given enough time."
Asami glances down in thought, and notices the tile on the floor. She uses the railing to pry it up to make an opening.
"That works good, too."
"Give me five minutes, then start yelling for help."
With that, Asami jumps down into the opening and disappears, making sure to put the tile back in place.
Akira and Korra give Asami the few minutes before nodding to each other. Korra then shouts for the guard, who opens the viewing slot to the cell to take a look.
Asami pushes the guard's head into the door and knocks him out. From there she grabs the keys and unlocks the door, entering the cell with a flourish.
Korra and Akira are then freed from their bindings.
"Nice work." Korra compliments. "Now let's take control of this ship."
The three then head to the cockpit and surprise the people inside. Korra bashes the co-pilot into the controls with Airbending, causing them to spark and smoke. The captain quickly goes for the radio.
"Mayday, mayday! The Avatar has escaped. We're going down in Quadrant Four of the Si Wong Desert."
After sending the distress call, Korra throws the co-pilot into the captain. This damages the radio as well as knocking them unconscious.
Asami runs to the controls and says, "I think you might have been a little overaggressive with the Airbending. The controls are busted. Also, you broke the radio."
"Sorry, but it's not my fault this airship's a hunk of junk."
"Just hang on, you two." Akira states, grabbing onto something.
A moment later, the airship crashes into the ground. Everyone is disoriented, and it takes a minute or two for them to get their bearings. After doing so, Akira, Korra, and Asami move to the top of the airship via a hatch. They look out into the vast desert.
"Well, they say any landing you can walk away from is a good landing. But given our location, I'm not so sure about that."
"You're the engineer, what do you think? Can we get it flying again?" Korra asks.
"It doesn't look good. I mean, even if you Metalbend the propellers back into shape, we'd have to dig this whole thing out of the sand."
As Asami is speaking, the crew climb up and stand on the roof as well.
Korra asks them if everyone is alright.
"Like you care." The man previously guarding the cell states.
"What the heck happened?" Another one asks.
The previous man points a finer at Korra and says, "She said her friend needed help. Then they knocked me out!"
"I'm 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."
"More dangerous than being stranded in the desert?"
The captain then emerges from the ship and says, "Don't worry, Kong. I radioed Ba Sing Se before we went down. We just need to sit tight. Someone will be here soon to rescue us."
"Yeah, we're not waiting that long. We're getting out of here." Akira states.
"If we all work together, we might be able to get the ship up and running." Asami suggests.
"Not likely. I just tunneled out of the engine room, it's like a sandbox in there." Kong says.
"This ship isn't going anywhere, and neither are you. You're our prisoners, and it's our duty to transport you to the Earth Queen."
Korra gives him a coy smile responding, "You realize that I'm the Avatar, right?" She then switches to a frown and points a finger at them. "You don't wanna fight me."
"I'm afraid you aren't giving us much of a choice. We have our orders."
Asami suddenly looks out into the desert and sees something.
"Wait, did that sand dune just move?"
"It was probably just a mirage. The desert will play tricks on you." The captain rationalizes.
Getting a better look, Asami notices something actually moving. "That's no mirage. Look."
"I heard that since all the spirits came back, this desert has been haunted by them." Kong states.
"Oh, right, so I guess that's my fault too. Do you want to help us get this ship up and running, or do you wanna wait around and meet that thing?"
"We wanna fix the ship. Right, Cap?" Kong asks.
"Hm, let's get to work."
"Everybody, stand back!" Korra states, using her Airbending to begin blowing away the sand.
The whole crew and trio begin to work double time to get the airship back in working condition.
After a good amount of time passes, Asami stops her wielding and asks, "How's it looking in there?"
"I just Airbent all the sand out of the engine room. I think it's clean." Korra states.
Kong remarks, "It hasn't been that clean since it floated off the showroom floor."
"How's it going out here?"
"Well, she's still pretty banged up, but I think she might be able to limp out of the desert. Kong, you want to see if you can get the engine started?"
The man gives a salute and an, "Aye, aye," before leaving to accomplish his task.
A few seconds later Kong starts up the airship. It looks like it's back up and running.
Before they can celebrate though, a massive Sandshark jumps up from the ground and bites the aircraft in two. Everyone is knocked down and stares in astonishment. They quickly gain their senses though, getting up and running away from the falling debris and creature.
"That's no spirit!" Korra remarks as it sinks into the sand.
They give the sand a moment to dissipate before breathing a sigh of relief.
"I think it's gone for now." Akira states.
The crew run to their friend, shouting, "Kong, are you all right?"
With everyone regrouped, an Airman asks, "What are we gonna do? All of our supplies were on the ship. We've got no food, no water."
"Easy, Arik. Another ship is on the way. We just need to hold our position for a few hours." The captain tries to reassure.
"We might not have a few hours." Asami states.
"How far are we from the edge of the desert?" Korra asks.
"Too far to walk, if that's what you're thinking."
"We can't just wait around for that thing to pick us off one by one!" Arik exclaims, sitting on the ground.
"You'll do as you're told, airman. Now get a hold of yourself!"
"Maybe we can still build something to get us all out of here." Asami suggests, taking a look at the debris.
"You wanna make some wings out of scrap metal and flap real hard?"
"No, but 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."
Akira nods his head while Korra says, "It's worth a try."
"Gather every piece of metal you can find. We'll give that sandy beast a run for his money yet."
After some scavenging and wielding, the group manage to make a decent looking sand-sailer.
"She ain't pretty, but I think she'll do the job." Asami says.
Korra notices the sand dune moving towards their position and says, "No time for a test run. Let's move!"
They all load on and Korra Airbends them forward while Asami steers them.
As they sail down a hill the Sandshark jumps at them. Akira throws a few flames at it, and the creature sinks back into the sand.
"I think he's gone. We did it!" Arik exclaims.
"Hm. It couldn't be that easy-!"
Akira quickly cuts himself off as the Sandshark jumps at them from below. The sand-sailer is even in the creatures mouth for a second, but Korra and Akira quickly unleash two torrents of flame and escape from the creature's jaws.
That finally seemed to deter the creature. With confident smiles, the crew continues sailing forward.
After good amount of travel, the group finally arrive at the Misty Palms Oasis. They park their makeshift sand-sailer next to a proper one that a few Sandbenders are sitting around. As Korra stops the Airbending, the mast breaks and falls.
"You want to buy a slightly used sand-sailer?" Asami asks them humorously.
Everyone then disembarks from the broken wood onto the dock.
"Thanks, Asami. You've got a good head on your shoulders." The captain compliments.
"I'm sorry for getting us stranded out there. I didn't mean for that to happen." Korra apologizes.
"You know, whatever the conflict between you and the Queen is, I'm sure it's above my pay grade." He says, extending a hook out for a handshake. Korra accepts it, shaking the hook. "You got a tough job. Good luck, Avatar."
"Captain, have we been in the desert too long, or is that really a dragon over there?" Arik asks, pointing to said dragon.
"Ugh. Let's go get a drink."
"Huh. That must mean Lord Zuko is here." Akira deduces.
Korra is then surprised by Naga, who jumps her and knocks the Avatar to the ground affectionately. "Easy, girl. Did you think we weren't coming back for you?" She asks, giving her polar bear dog an Eskimo kiss with their noses.
The three then step into a tavern and look around. They quickly spot Lin, Tonraq, Zuko, Hao, and Tamayo. Quite a big party. The group approach them and Korra asks, "What are you all doing here?"
Tonraq stands up and states, "Korra, you're safe." The two then share a fatherly hug.
Korra replies, "Yeah, we made it out of the desert, thanks to Asami."
Zuko then stands up, and Tonraq asks his daughter, "Do you remember Lord Zuko?"
"I met you when you were a very young girl. It's good to see you again, Avatar Korra."
"It's good to see you, Lord Zuko."
Lin is next to speak, giving Korra a glare in annoyance. "Thanks for ditching us back at Zaofu."
"Yeah, sorry about that. But how did you all find us?"
"I am a detective, you know."
Asami then asks, "Did you find Mako and Bolin?"
"Some people at the inn saw them get captured by Zaheer's crew. We don't know where they are."
"Did you hear about the Earth Queen?" Tonraq asks.
"What about her?"
With good timing, the radio begins to speak up.
"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 Red Lotus." Korra utters.
"What's that?" Tonraq asks.
"The name of the group that's been trying to capture me and just took out the Earth Queen. I'm afraid this is only the beginning, Dad."
Now that he's able to sit down and breathe, Akira sits with Tamayo at a separate table.
"I didn't expect you to be here. I thought you'd be back at Zaofu." He says.
"If you expect me to sit back and let the others do the searching, then you're dumber than you look."
"Alright, alright. Guess I shouldn't be that surprised. Ours is a family of fighters after all."
Suddenly, Naga runs out of the establishment.
The others notice this too, as Asami and Korra follow after the polar bear dog. The rest of the group follow them. Stepping outside they see Mako and Bolin, as well as a large group of people nearby. Akira leaves Tamayo's side to join the others, giving Bolin a firm bro hug.
"Good. You guys aren't dead." Lin states.
"Don't get all mushy on me, Chief." Mako replies, bowing politely to Tonraq. "Tonraq, sir."
Tonraq nods in acknowledgement as Bolin slides over to Zuko.
"Oh, my gosh. It's Lord Zuko. I can't believe it."
Mako pulls his brother back and says, "Uh, forgive my brother." Both brothers bow to Zuko. "We're just really honored to meet you, sir."
Zuko bows as well, replying, "It's a pleasure to meet you as well."
To the side, an old woman greets Asami, mistaking her for the Avatar. "You must be the Avatar. Mako told me so much about you. You are even more beautiful than I imagined."
Mako then approaches with Korra saying, "Uh, actually, that's Asami. This is Avatar Korra. Korra, this is my Grandma, Yin."
Yin holds Korra's arm with both hands and examines the muscle.
"You are very...muscular for a woman." She observes with a smile.
"Um, thanks. You too?"
Akira chuckles to the side, taking Korra's hand and giving it a kiss. "There's my favorite awkward muscular Avatar."
Korra just scoffs and smirks at the humorous remark.
"What lovely young women. Mako, why aren't you dating any nice girls like them?" Yin asks.
"Well, I am. I'm actually dating Asami right now."
Asami gives Yin a pleasant smile before asking, "So, what happened to you two? Where have you been?"
"We were captured by Zaheer and taken to Ba Sing Se. We were there when the Earth Queen was overthrown."
"What? How did you escape?" Korra asks as Bolin appears.
"Zaheer let us go."
"Why would he do that?" She asks Bolin.
"Because he wanted us to find you and deliver a message."
"Zaheer is headed to the Northern Air Temple as we speak. He said he's gonna wipe out the new Air Nation and everyone in it, unless you turn yourself over to him."
Korra's eyes widen in horror as she takes in the information.
The others then gather around to discuss the news.
"Zaheer's threatening innocent lives, just to get to me." Korra states.
"He could be bluffing." Tonraq suggests.
"He's already taken out the Earth Queen. I don't think he bluffs." Mako reasons.
"We need to radio Tenzin and warn him that the Red Lotus is coming."
" I agree. Unfortunately, we don't have a radio on the airship."
"There's a portable radio in the jeep," Tonraq says, "but the signal will never make it to the Northern Air Temple."
"We need to get to a place that has a strong radio transmitter. The Metal Clan will have one." Lin suggests.
"Let's go. We'll radio Su on the way. Hopefully she can get ahold of Tenzin at the air temple by the time we get to Zaofu."
Zuko rode his dragon while the others took the airship, and they all arrived to a worried looking Su.
"Did you have any luck getting through to Tenzin?" Korra asks.
"No one's answering. What if Zaheer is already up there? I should never have let Opal go." Su worries.
"It's going to be okay, Su." Lin encourages, resting a supportive hand upon her shoulder.
"I hope so."
Everyone then gathers in the radio room. The operator tells them, "We have a strong signal, but no one's answering."
"I can't just sit around here while a madman is on his way to the Northern Air Temple. We have to do something!"
"I'll ready my airship. With the full force of the Metal Clan Security backing us, we can take them." Su leaves to complete the task.
Hao then steps forward and says, "I already radioed Apollos and the others. We're expecting reinforcements to arrive soon."
Despite the promise of reinforcements, Mako says, "We'll never make it up there before Zaheer."
"There might be another way to stop him. It's a long shot, but Zaheer is always meditating into the Spirit World, and I know exactly where he goes. Xai Bau's Grove. If I could find him there, maybe I could somehow trap him." Korra suggests.
"We can't protect you in there. I don't like it." Lin states.
"I'll be fine. I have to try."
"Akira, Tamayo, and I will watch over her as she meditates." Asami offers.
"I guess in the meantime, Mako and I will stay here and try to get through to the temple." Bolin says.
"We'll help Su ready the airship." Tonraq states.
As most of the people begin to leave, Yin is apparently there, who then says she's going to take a nap.
After leaving the room, Korra, Asami, Akira, and Tamayo go to a small tree. The four sit down, and three of them wait for Korra to enter the Spirit World.
A few minutes pass before Korra returns.
"Did you find Zaheer?" Asami asks.
"No, he wasn't there. But there's someone I need to talk to."
With that, Korra leaves to see Lord Zuko, hoping to gain a bit of wisdom.
And that's were we'll end it. The gang's all reunited and there's a coming battle to...well, come.
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Anyways stay awesome guys and gals of the world, and I'll see you next chapter