Alrighty. Gettin' into battle this chapter. Stat Chart:

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Not everyone's making it out of the coming battle. Read on.

Everyone is gathered around the radio, having made contact with the Air Temple. Unfortunately, they got Meelo. Fortunately, Korra quickened the pace of things.

"Meelo, this is your commanding officer. Go get your dad, now." She commands.

"Yes, sir." He responds, the line going quiet for a moment.

"Come on, come on." Korra mutters, nervous.

"Hello, this is Tenzin." The radio announces.

"Tenzin, listen to me carefully. Zaheer is on his way to the temple. He's coming for the Airbenders. You have to get everyone out of there immediately. Drop everything. Leave now!"

"Oh, no."

"What? What is it? Tenzin! Tenzin, what's happening?"

"It's too late. He's here."

Everyone wastes no time in moving out. The last piece of preparation are made before the Zaofu Guard are ready to go. Kuvira leads them onto the Airship and soon everyone is off.

Su places a piece on the map, signifying the airship.

"I say we make our approach from the West, drop down from the airship on cables. Ambush these Red Lotus lowlifes before they know what hit them." She suggests.

"Apollos should be meeting us around the same time." Hao states. "I'll get on the radio and let him know about the plan in a bit."

"Even with his help, it will never work. That Combustion Lady will pick us off one by one. Apollos may also be a Combustion Bender, but even only he can do so much."

"You have a better idea how to save the Airbenders?" Su asks.

"Yeah. We come up from the valley, scale the side of the mountain, and take them off guard."

Tonraq says, "That could work."

"And give them the high ground? No! If their Lavabender spots us, he'll melt the mountainside and us with it."

"I could have Apollos scale the mountainside with his men. That way we can close in on them in a pincer attack."

"It doesn't matter." Korra declares. "None of these ideas will work. The second Zaheer realizes we're up to something, he'll wipe out the Airbenders."

"And Opal is one of those Airbenders. Believe me, I understand what's at stake." Su inputs.

"Then I think you'll agree. The only plan that will work is for me to give myself up."

This statement causes different reactions.

"What?"

"Korra, no."

"We'll figure out another way."

"I talked it over with Lord Zuko, and I've given it a lot of thought. I have to do this."

"You can't just expect me-expect us, to sit by and just let Zaheer take you." Akira protests.

"The World has been out of balance for far too long. It needs the Air Nation back again. I can't let Zaheer destroy it and everyone we love. Help me save the Airbenders. Then you can worry about saving me."

The elders exchange a brief look before Tonraq says, "We're with you, Korra."

"Yes, whatever you need. We're here."

"I'll go radio Zaheer."

With that, Korra leaves the room.

A bit of time passes before she returns.

"Did you speak to Zaheer?" Tonraq asks her.

"Yes. He told me to come to the top of Laghima's Peak at noon. Alone. Once he has me, he'll release the Airbenders over to you at the temple."

"I think I figured out a way to play this so the Airbenders and Korra all come out in one piece." Su states.

"How?"

"Zaheer doesn't know how many of us there are. So we have the numbers advantage. I say we split into two teams. Mako, Bolin, and Asami will take the airship up to the temple. Meanwhile, my Metalbenders, Tonraq, Lin, Hao, Apollos, Akira, and I will get into position below Laghima's Peak."

With the plan made, everyone breaks for the night. Akira goes to Tamayo's room to tell her the plan.

"So, where am I going to be?" She asks.

"On the ground. Making sure no one surprises us from below. You'll have a few members from Wild Fire to help."

"That's boring."

"I know. But we need someone covering our rear."

"Fine. At least I'll be near the action."

Akira gives Tamayo a kiss on the forehead before leaving. He steps into his and Korra's room and sees the young Avatar laying on the bed. He joins her, and the two hold each other close.

"We'll get through this." He mutters.

Korra nods in agreement. Within moments, they're fast asleep.

Daybreak comes too soon. Lin hands Korra a radio before stepping outside. As Team Avatar says their goodbyes, Apollos arrives in an airship, landing near the others. He steps out with a group of twenty Wild Fire soldiers.

He walks over to Hao and bows to him. His leader does the same.

"I was only able to bring these few soldiers on such short notice. And an extra."

Apollos nudges his head at Cain, and he steps forward.

"It's an honor to be working alongside you two once again. I hope I can redeem myself, here and now."

Apollos scoffs before walking away.

Hao steps towards Cain and says, "Prove it then. Do good work here, and maybe…maybe I'll start to believe you're turning over a new leaf."

Cain bows in acknowledgement.

With heartfelt goodbyes said, Mako, Bolin, and Asami take off.

"Korra." Tonraq says.

"Don't worry, Dad. I'll be all right."

"I just want you to know how proud I am of you. The risk you're taking to save the Air Nation will be remembered for generations."

"I love you, Dad."

"I love you too, sweetheart."

The father and daughter embrace before Tonraq walks over to the gathered force.

"And, Dad. Watch out for Zaheer. He's not very fond of world leaders."

"I can handle him. Just stay focused on your mission."

With that everyone begins their climb, sans Tamayo and ten Wild Fire soldiers. Akira gives Korra an encouraging smile before doing so, though. They climb with metal, ice, and fire.

After a brief climb, they all wait in position to attack. Things seem quiet at the moment, until they get a panicked radio call from Mako.

"Chief, get Korra out of there now!"

"Go! Go!" Lin orders.

Everyone quickly lunges themselves upwards, ready to attack.

Within seconds, everyone is topside and charging towards Korra. They're intercepted by P'Li though, who Combustion Bends at them, causing them to scatter.

Apollos and Cain counter attack, sending the other Combustion Bender dodging their blasts. Hao runs behind a boulder and uses it for cover. Akira joins him and the two watch as Lin and Su send boulders at P'Li, covering Apollos and Cain as they find their own cover.

"From what I remember, she curves her shots. We need to be careful." Akira reminds Hao.

"Right. We'll play the long game. Tonraq should be securing Korra by now."

Hao and Akira both send flames at P'Li, who dodges them with ease and sends a blast towards them.

Apollos then orders some of the Zaofu Guards to erect large boulders for extra cover.

"She's better than I remember." Apollos comments, leaning against the rock.

"Despite being pretty powerful, she's also light on her feet and has a good rate of fire. Bad combination for us." Cain responds. "I can send plenty of shots at her, but that'll mean nothing if she dodges them."

"I know what you mean. I could get a shot on her and end this, but doing so would be the end for me if she also sends a blast. We're at an impasse."

Both brothers take a side and launch another round of blasts. Once again, P'Li dodges them and sends her own attacks in response.

They both return to their cover and catch their breaths. Cain looks to his brother, a smirk on his face.

"This reminds me of the old days. Our grand adventures."

"You have a very different way of remembering the past than I do."

Before Cain responses, he notices the quiet pause. It only lasts a heartbeat, and is broken by the sound of a sonic boom. Cain looks out from his cover sees a blast curving around towards them. Without thinking, he calls out his brother's name and grabs his shoulders. With one hard heave he pulls Apollos aside and uses his body to protect him. With a feeling of immense pressure, pain, and heat, Cain falls into his brother's arms, twitching and scorched.

"Cain? Cain!" Apollos screams, holding his dying brother in his arms. "Cain, wha…what did you do?"

"Are…you ok little brother?" Cain gets out, his voice strained.

"I'm fine."

"Good…good. My back is feeling a bit sore. Guess I'm…getting too old." He says with a coughed laugh.

Apollos looks at his brother's back and sees burnt and smoldering flesh, with a generous indent.

"You'll be fine. Just a burn."

"Right…yeah. I'll just…get some rest in the meanwhile…."

With his last words, Cain slumps against his brother, dead.

Apollos lets out a shaky breath, holding the body close.

"Damn you, you bastard. You're not supposed to die here. You still need to atone! Don't you dare die!"

A few tears run down Apollos's face, but he quickly wipes them away. With renewed vigor, Apollos lays the body down and jumps out of cover.

"Hey! Yeah, I'm talking to you! Kill me you bitch!" He screams, dodging and sending Combustion Blasts.

From his position, Hao watches the scene unfold.

"What the hell is he doing?" He asks generally.

"Come on!" Apollos goads. Behind P'Li, Su and Lin come up with a plan. They wait for the right moment to strike, which presents itself a moment later.

As P'Li goes for another attack, Su Metalbends her armor over the Combustion Bender's head, causing her to blow herself up.

Apollos watches with grim satisfaction as the smoking corpse falls to the ground with a thud. He spits on the body before moving to his brother's.

Hao, now seeing this, lets out a heavy sigh.

Damn it. I hated him but…still. To lose a brother…

He respectfully keeps his distance, letting Apollos mourn his brother in peace. The others follow his lead, deciding to check the wounded and catch their breaths.

As Apollos kneels beside the body, a memory coming to his mind.

[Flashback]

Apollos runs through the corridors of the building, searching for Cain.

That bastard better not have hurt Chūji

Eventually, Apollos stops near a wide open door and looks inside. After doing so, he freezes in shock. He sees Cain standing over two dead bodies, one robed and the other clearly Chūji

With a scream of rage, Apollos rushes his brother and quickly incapacitates him.

[Present]

Apollos has Cain's body wrapped up to be buried later. He's then updated on the situation, hearing that Zaheer escaped with Korra, and that he can apparently fly now.

"You gonna be alright?" Hao asks him.

"Yeah…yeah. It's odd. I've hated him for so long…and yet…I feel empty now that he's gone."

"He was your brother. Even if you hated him, you still have that connection."

"Right. Changing the subject, what's our next move?"

"Re-group and re-deploy. I'll give you some time."

With Apollos given time to continue his vigil, Hao check on the others. He goes to Akira first.

"You doing alright kid?"

"Yeah. I'm fine. How's Apollos?"

"He'll be ok. I was just going to head down and gather the others. Wanna come with me?"

"Sure. I could use the distraction."

The two then use their Firebending to hover down. Upon reaching the group, Hao informs them on what happened. After informing the others, they all gather into their airship to bring it topside.

While going up, Tamayo pulls Akira aside.

"Are you ok? Any injuries? Potential scars?" She frets.

"No, I'm fine. Just a few bruises, but otherwise fine."

"Are you sure? You look…sad."

"You heard Hao; Apollos lost his brother. I might have never known the man, but losing a family member like that…"

"Hey. Look at me. Everything will be fine. Let's just focus on getting Korra back, ok?"

"Yeah. Focus on the mission."

"Exactly."

With the conversation settled, the two rejoin the others on deck. Hao is nowhere to be seen though.

"Soldier, where's Hao?" Akira asks.

"He said he was going to tell your family about the news, sir."

"He's probably going to tell Mom. I hope she'll be alright."

"I see…thank you for telling me, Hao." Yumi says, having heard everything from the Wild Fire Leader.

"Are you going to be alright, Lady Yumi?"

"Yes. Tetsu is here with me. I'll be fine."

"Alright. I'll…keep you and the others updated on the situation best I can."

"Thank you."

Hao hangs up first, letting Yumi slide the phone away from her ear and place it on its spot.

"Come here honey." Tetsu says, wrapping Yumi in a hug.

"He's dead. And so is my daughter."

"I know. I know."

"Is this all I can expect from my life now? Learning that my children are dead, one by one?"

"No. Akira will not die, and Apollos has experience in surviving difficult experiences."

"I shouldn't have to outlive my children. It's not fair."

"I know. You're right."

Yumi sucks in a shaky breath as her eyes water.

"I don't want them to die too. Please. Please, don't let them die."

Tetsu holds his wife close, letting her cry into his chest.

He says nothing, letting Yumi let out her sorrow and stress.

It takes a while for her to calm down, but eventually Yumi does compose herself enough to make coherent sentences.

"I…should lie down." She says, feeling extraordinarily tired.

Tetsu nods in agreement before lifting her up bridal style.

"Tetsu!" She exclaims.

"I'm joining you. The last thing I'm going to do is leave you alone."

A couple steps later and Tetsu drops Yumi onto the bed with a squeak. Tetsu laughs at the look of indignation Yumi is giving him as he climbs into bed.

"You'll pay for that later, mister."

"I look forward to it."

Now calmed down, Yumi cuddles nice and close to Tetsu, who wraps her in a loving embrace.

"When they all get back, I'm going to cook us all a huge feast." Yumi declares.

"Akira, everyone else, please get back home soon." Tetsu mutters humorously.

Yumi chuckles a bit before closing her eyes, getting some well-deserved rest.

Having hung up, Hao wipes his eyes and composes himself before leaving the room. Luckily, the airship had reached the top of the cliff.

As the reinforcements get off, they all see the second task force returning on a baby bison, with Kai.

The landing is a bit rough, with poor Bolin falling off as a result.

The others quickly rush over to help them.

"Hey, everybody. There's something I gotta tell you." Kai blurts out. No one is listening though, too enraptured by the fact that they made it out alive.

"How did you guys make it out of that temple alive?" Lin asks.

"It was all Bolin." Mako answers. "I thought we were done for. Then out of nowhere, he Lavabends."

"I knew you had the potential for something big. You just had to believe in yourself." Su tells Bolin, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"You're right. Being moments from death was a pretty good motivator too. Of course, we never would have made it back without Kai."

"Glad I could help. So anyway-"

Tenzin interrupts the boy, asking, "Did Zaheer get away with Korra?"

"I'm afraid so."

"Apparently, he can fly now."

The others looks surprised.

"What?"

"How?"

"Are you sure?"

"I wouldn't believe it either if I hadn't seen it for myself." Lin states.

Tenzin then brings up an old legend. "I've heard the legends about Guru Laghima's ability to fly. But I never imagined they were true."

"So what's our next move?" Tonraq asks.

"I have an idea." Kai says, only to be ignored.

"Not right now, kid! We need to figure out where Zaheer took Korra."

"And find the Airbenders." Tonraq adds.

Having enough, Kai screams out, "That's what I've been trying to tell you! I know where the Airbenders are, and I bet it's where Korra is too!"

"Well, why didn't you say something?" Mako asks.

Kai just frowns and sighs in frustration.

"Where are they? How did you find them?" Tenzin asks.

"After I got blasted out of the sky, I woke up on the side of the mountain, where this little fellow found me." Kai begins, resting his hand on the baby's head. "I tried to sneak back into the temple to see if I could rescue everyone, and that's when I saw the airship leaving. I followed it to some caves a few miles from here. That giant lady met up with some people who took the Airbenders into the caves."

"Was it Ghazan and Ming-Hua?" Hao asks.

"No, there were four more of them. Didn't look familiar."

"Must be more Red Lotus members than we thought." Mako states.

"Fantastic." Hao responds, crossing his arms together.

"I couldn't fight them all on my own. So I came back here, hoping you guys would show up."

"We need to get to those caves."

"How? I don't think we can all fit on my bison."

"We could use the airship, but that may give us away, since it's not all that stealthy." Akira says.

A shadow then passes overhead, causing the gathered people to look up and see Oogi.

"Oogi." Tenzin utters. The sky bison lands and Tenzin gives him a pat on the head. "I'm glad to see you too, old friend."

With Oogi landed, a strike force is assembled. Their goal: retrieve Avatar Korra and defeat the Zaheer.

Alrighty, Cain died. Yeah. Got a lot planned in the future with Apollos. Still writing that stuff though, so...yeah. May be a wait in the future

Reviews would be appreciated

Anyways stay awesome guys and gals of the world, and I'll see you next chapter