Alrighty. So, let's start with our basic Stat Chart:
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NinjazNeverDie (Yeah. I made him as a plot character. His place in the story was to die, which will spur on different events in Book 4.)
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5,654+
Glad to see this got so much attention. Not my best work, but not my worst.
Here's the part where I have the unfortunate news that I'll have to put this story on a brief hiatus. This is my last complete chapter. With life being what it is, I haven't gotten much written for this story. I will continue it though, but I need time to do so. So, this will unfortunately be my last update for a while. Enjoy, dear readers
Mako, Bolin, Tenzin, Su, Lin, Hao, Tonraq, and Akira climb onto Oogi's back while Kai stands on his own bison.
"I wanna come with you." Kuvira says.
"No, Kuvira. Stay with the injured. We'll meet back in Zaofu once we have the Avatar."
With everyone ready to go, Tenzin gives Oogi a, "Yip yip," and they're off.
Kai takes front position, leading the group to the caves.
"The place where I saw them taking the Airbenders is around here." He tells them.
"That's gotta be where they took Korra." Mako declares.
After flying a little bit further, they all see a large buddha statue with a sizable cave entrance.
"That's it! Down there, Lefty."
The two bison land, and the riders disembark.
"Find the Airbenders and my family." Tenzin asks them, planning on staying with the bison.
"Don't worry. I'm not coming out without our children and the rest of your people." Su reassures him.
Sans Tenzin, everyone runs into the opening, ready to free their friends and allies and rescue Korra.
After searching for a short while, they get a seismic reading one where the captives are. Lin breaks through a wall, and they immediately notice she had knocked down a guard. The other swiftly retaliates though, using the debris and throws it at them.
Su brings up a rock barrier and the two stones launched at them break against it. Asami then jumps over the cover and slides under the guard's arms, electrocuting him.
With the guards taken down, the Bei Fong mother and daughter reunite with a hug. Only for Bolin to push his way in and embrace Opal.
While the others get the handcuffs off the Airbenders, Hao pulls the guards away and stomps on their necks, breaking them. There was no need to be taking prisoners today.
He returns to see Lin holding up Bumi and Kya being supported by Otaku.
"We have to get these two out of here now. They don't look so good." Lin remarks.
Bumi lets out a weak cough as he says, "What are you talking about? I feel great." Another weak cough follows.
"You guys get everyone out of here. I'll search for Korra." Tonraq declares.
Mako, Bolin, Jinora, and Akira step forward, with Mako saying, "We're going with you."
"You don't have to search for her. I know exactly where she's being held." Jinora states.
After running through the tunnels once more, they arrive to see Korra flying away via fire after Zaheer.
"Korra! We have to help her!" Tonraq exclaims.
"Look out!" Bolin cries out, quickly stepping in front of Tonraq to block a boulder flying their way.
"You help Korra. We can handle this." Akira says.
Tonraq turns back and rushes away, leaving the brothers and friend to prepare for the fight.
A moment later they all surge into combat. Mako faces off against Ming-Hua, Bolin fights Ghazan, and Akira begins picking off the Red Lotus supporters that are still around.
At one point in the fighting, Bolin asks Ghazan, "What are you smiling about?!"
"I was just remembering the last time we fought."
As Ghazan bends the ground into lava, Bolin stops it and throws the lava back at his opponent.
"So that's how you got out of the temple. Not bad. Let's see what you've got." Ghazan decalres, a bit impressed.
To the side, Akira bats a flame aimed at him away and rushes the opponent. With a few swift blocks and blows, he manages to send a small burst of flame into their face. With the distraction a success, Akira kicks his legs out and slams a hard fist against their throat.
With his latest enemy dead, Akira surveys the area and sees Mako emerging from a hole, giving him a grim nod of the head. Not seeing Ming-Hua anywhere, he quickly gets the message. With only one main threat left, Mako and Akira help Bolin in surrounding him.
"Give up, Ghazan! You can't win!" Bolin exclaims.
"I'm never going back to prison. If I'm going down today, you're coming with me!" He shouts in response, slamming his fist into the ground. The rock begins to glow red with magma, and Bolin quickly gets himself and the Firebenders away from the danger.
With one last look at the crumbling area, the three move to leave through a tunnel.
They emerge out in the open and shield themselves from the large gusts of wind coming from an Airbender-made tornado.
A moment later, Korra comes soaring down and slams Zaheer into the ground below.
As the tornado dissipates, Akira immediately runs to his girlfriend. He climbs up the lip of rock and sees her laying down in the crater she made when landing.
He barely registers Su and Lin securing Zaheer, running to kneel beside Korra and take her body in his arms. Jinora kneels beside them, and the others are right behind him.
"She's still in the Avatar state." He states obviously, signified via her glowing eyes. "Korra…just hang on. Your Dad's here, he's alive. Just hang on, please."
Korra looks towards her father, who's kneeling beside Jinora, and tries to raise her hand to him. It falls though, as she closes her eyes in exhaustion.
To the side, Zaheer begins laughing.
"The hell are you laughing about?" Hao asks.
"You're too late! The poison's been in her system too long. The Red Lotus has won."
Hao takes a few seconds to run through poisons in his head. With one idea in mind, he points to Su. "Su, quick. Check Korra for traces of a metallic substance-uh…mercury!"
She nods her head and quickly runs over to do so. One quick check later and she begins moving her arms and hands as if pulling something towards her.
Everyone waits with bated breath. A moment later, she pulls a generous amount of mercury from Korra's mouth. Su then discards it, throwing the substance to the side.
The young Avatar then slowly opens her eyes and looks at her father.
"Dad? You're alive?" She asks in a weak voice.
"I'm here for you. I'm never going to let you go." He says, giving her a hug.
As Zaheer begins to rant, Hao puts an end to that quickly by knocking him out.
From there, Hao calls in the airship and loads Zaheer on first, chaining him up and throwing him in a cell. The Airbenders are loaded up next, and as they're walking into the airship Korra realizes something.
"Akira. I…I can't move my legs." She tells him, a panic looked in her eyes.
Akira prods at her legs carefully. "Can you feel this?"
"No. Maybe? I don't know."
"Let's get you back to Katara ASAP." Akira says, lifting her up and carrying her to the airship. He almost forgets the chains and metal cuffs, which Su and Lin manage to break off. Afterwards, Akira carries Korra bridal style to her room.
He lays her on the bed and sits beside her, holding her hand.
"You're safe now. We'll get you to Katara and have her take a look at you. You'll be alright. I promise."
Korra sleepily nods in acknowledgement.
"Get some rest." He kisses her knuckles and rubs them.
The young Avatar falls asleep immediately, with soft breaths signifying it.
One lengthy airship ride later, the airship arrives at the South Pole. Akira carries Korra to Katara, who has him lay her in a healing pool. One scan later, and Katara has a sullen look on her face.
"This reminds me of…never mind. The good news is that, Korra, you will be able to walk again. The bad news, I have no idea how long it'll be until you can."
"So…where do we go from here?" Akira asks.
"If you wish, you may return to Republic City for a while. Take it easy, spend time with friends and family." She then addresses Korra. "We can work on getting you back on your feet at a later date. Is that alright with you, Korra?"
"Yes. That's fine."
Akira lifts Korra up and Katara bends the water out of their clothes.
Following the check-up, Akira fills everyone in on the news. With an ample amount of exhaustion, they all begin their voyage back to Republic City.
Time seems to pass quicker during this journey, and without realizing how much time had passed, they all arrive back at the city, finally safe.
Upon landing, Apollos throws Zaheer onto the ground and gives him a hard kick.
"I should kill you. My brother is dead because of you." He growls at him.
"We all made our choices. Killing me won't bring him back."
"Why you little-!"
"That's enough. Just get him out of here." Hao says.
Apollos nods his head and lifts Zaheer up to his feet, giving him a rough shove forwards. The Wild Fire soldiers follow behind, having recovered from their fighting, and work in an escort capacity.
Everyone sans Tenzin, the Airbenders, Korra, Su, and Akira get off and disperse. Now back on solid ground, Tamayo begins the walk back to her home.
After stepping into the house, she's grateful to see no one around. The pregnant woman moves to her bed and falls onto the mattress in exhaustion.
Well, this was certainly a huge adventure. Let's hope the next one doesn't come for a while.
Tamayo lightly rubs her large belly, a smile coming to her face.
This is a strange wonderful world you're being born into. I can't wait to meet you.
With thoughts of the future, Tamayo falls asleep.
[1 Week Later]
A few days ago a funeral service had been held for Cain. It was kept small and brief though, with only a handful people attending. Those who came include Apollos, Hao, Yumi, and Tetsu.
Apollos once again returned to the Fire Nation, officially going on vacation. Hao stayed with Lin in Republic City, trying to take it easy and manage his health.
Tetsu comforted Yumi, and the woman was handling the passing of Cain as well as possible.
Getting back into her normal life, Tamayo returned to the Burning Heart and handled the business side of the company. As the week came to an end though, she would stop going in to work and focus on having a healthy pregnancy.
Akira had his hands full. His focus was on tending to Korra, helping move her around, occasionally bathe her, and keep her company. She had also decided to spend more time at Akira's House, making it so he didn't have to keep travelling back and forth constantly.
Naturally, she had some good days and bad days. Today, is a good day. Good enough to allow Akira to visit some family.
"I'll only be gone an hour, tops." He tells Korra as he's putting his shoes on.
"I'll be fine." Korra responds with a smile.
"I know. I know. But, remember, we have sushi in the fridge, plenty to drink, and some chicken as well. Just in case you get hungry."
"I know. Just go. The sooner you leave the sooner you get back."
"Right. I love you." He says, giving her a kiss on the cheek before running out the door.
Korra shakes her head in amusement as the door shuts. Now alone, she wheels herself over to a bookshelf and grabs a book to pass the time.
"It was so nice to see you again, Akira." Jun says, having just finished their discussion.
"You too, Grandma."
"Be sure to send Korra my regards."
"I will. Love you Grandma."
With a loving hug, Akira leaves the room, closing the door behind him gently.
Left to her solitude, Jun recalls the discussion. They had talked about Korra's condition and it's progression. One thing Jun took note of was how Korra would have nightmares. Feeling drowsy, she things on her memories.
[Flashback]
Having woken up earlier than usual, Jun lights a candle and does some light reading. As she does so, she notices Kensho squirming in his sleep, sweat pouring from his forehead.
She marks her spot and puts the book down before gently nudging him.
"Kensho? Honey?"
His eyes burst open as he gasps for breath. "Jun?" She gently shushes him, resting her palm on his chest.
"You're ok. I'm here."
The two stay as they are for a few minutes before Kensho takes her hand.
"I'm alright. Thank you." He says softly.
"Another nightmare?"
"Yeah. I'm sorry if I woke you up."
"I was already awake. I just woke up and was reading when I noticed you having your nightmare. …Do you want to talk about it?"
Kensho lifts himself up and sits over the edge of the bed. Jun scoots over and embraces him from behind. He adopts a thoughtful expression, with it soon turning into a sad one.
"You couldn't feel your legs, then they were gone. Blood started flowing, and…"
Jun can feel Kensho's tense muscles and squeezes his shoulders a bit.
He's too stressed. I'd offer sex but…I don't think that'll do any good right now.
"Thank you…for staying with me." He mutters.
"Of course. I'm yours."
Kensho turns around and tightly embraces Jun, startling her a bit.
"Kensho?"
"Thank you…"
He stays like that until a few minutes pass and his grip loosens. Jun sees that he'd fallen back asleep, and gently lays him down. Following that, she cuddles up to him and holds him close.
We'll be alright. We'll be alright. I promise.
[Present (1 Day Later)]
Alone in the Fire Nation, Apollos goes through routine training exercises, swiftly punching and striking the rotating wooden posts.
Ever since the tragic day, he'd been feeling…mad. Mad at Zaheer, mad at his brother's death, and mad at himself for not being able to kill P'Li faster.
With one rage induced kick, the post breaks into splinters.
Apollos heaves in deep breaths, trying to calm himself. After a few minutes, he manages to do so.
A nearby soldier waiting patiently steps forward.
"Commander, a report has come in about potential Red Lotus remnants."
Apollos lights a cigar before asking, "Where?"
"The west-most island near the Southern Air Temple."
"Has Tenzin been informed?"
"Yes, sir. He told us that he'd head there personally with a contingency of Metalbenders."
"Get an airship prepped for flight and a group of twelve soldiers ready. I'm going there to lend my assistance."
"Yes, sir."
The Wild Fire soldier rushes off to accomplish the tasks. As he does so, Apollos leaves the area to change.
Around 15 minutes later the ship is ready for launch and the troops are gathered. Apollos starts on the bridge as the pilot steers them south-bound.
As the airship flies, Apollos takes a seat and uses the time he has to think.
Tenzin will probably want to have the Red Lotus members arrested. They were idiots for trying to hide near an air temple.
He then takes a gulp of water from his canteen, wishing it were good Fire Whiskey.
I could let Tenzin take them. Or I could kill them. I'm starting to get tired of all of this. Best get it over and done with.
"Sir, we're approaching the island." A soldier tells him.
Apollos nods and sets the canteen down before following the soldier to the ramp. The soldier stands at his mark while Apollos moves to the head of the two lines. Six on each side.
"Alright everyone. You know the drill. Cover your flanks, watch your ally's back, and don't get killed." Apollos declares. The ramp drops down and the thirteen rush out. Apollos can hear the sound of fighting a good 25 meters away and makes a beeline towards it.
Getting close enough to see the fighting, Apollos sees Red Lotus Members, of various bending degrees, fighting Tenzin and a group of Metalbenders.
Without hesitation, Apollos lets loose a basic single-fire combustion blast, stunning the remnants. Wild Fire troops quickly incapacitate or kill them following the surprise, ending the fighting swiftly.
After gathering what remaining prisoners there are, Tenzin approaches Apollos.
"Apollos. I didn't expect to see you here." Tenzin greets.
"I heard there were remnants here. Thought I could have a piece of the action."
"I see."
"Oh don't worry. The prisoners are yours. I'm still on vacation, technically, so you're welcome to take them."
Tenzin nods his head in appreciation before signaling for the Metalbenders to arrest the remnants.
Apollos leaves with his men without another word, travelling back to the Fire Nation in silence.
Upon returning to the Fire Nation, Apollos enters a meditation room inside his compound and sits down, relaxing himself.
I probably should've just killed them. When did I start getting merciful. Must be getting old.
With his meditation concluding, Apollos continues his vacation in peace.
And that's it for now. No idea when I'll post the continuation to this chapter, but I'll probably do it on a weekend like usual. And worry not dear readers, I've put too much effort into this story just to abandon it. I'll be sure to give this story a complete ending, whether it be good or not is to be decided, ha ha
Reviews would be appreciated
Anyways stay awesome guys and gals of the world, and I'll see you next chapter