Please note that there is a time skip since chapter four. Enjoy.
She saw her counterparts shrink against the ventilators of the factory. Seeing their signal of being ready, Asami lowered her goggles and checked her weapon before smashing the window and hoping in. Her left hand went straight to the closest worker, shocking him before blocking an attack with her right. The platinum contraption hooked the man's sleeves before she stabbed the man with it. Seven more windows shattered and soon began to sabotage the factory. It did not take long until the Earth Empire's mech suits' factory was crumbling into the lava, made by Bolin.
Glasses clanked together as the 'Resistance' as they began to call themselves, cheered at their latest victory. Their efforts had been aiding the Fire Nation's defense for the past two years as the Earth Empire was losing their precious machines and technology to them. Continued to be led by Mako and Asami, they had managed to raid camps, bases and foil the invasion of the Fire Nation by Bataar's forces. For the past two years since their escape, they brought the war back to the enemy. Now, they were about to head west from Gaoling to make sure that the Fire Nation force could land safely near the former United Nation's capital.
"Who's up for more wine?" Bolin called, holding a bottle up.
Mako put a hand up, stopping anyone from answering, "Hold on bro. Let's make a toast."
About forty men and women, most wearing old Earth Kingdom uniforms, raised their glasses as Mako cleared his throat.
"We had a great victory today. With the last raid of the factory and a dissenter camp, we grew our force's numbers and weakened theirs. Once our newly welcomed brothers and sisters recover from the grueling life of their camp, we will march and meet the Fire Nation. Then, we will take Bataar and his army on for good. For the Earth Kingdom and the Republic City!"
"For the Earth Kingdom and Republic City!"
Bolin slinked his way to Mako, wrapping an arm around his neck, "Short and to the point, I see."
Mako raised an eyebrow, "Yes, unlike you, I don't like rambling on."
"Oh stop it, you two." Asami laughed, "It was great, Mako."
"At least someone likes it." Mako jested back.
"Sure," Bolin grinned. He would soon jump in joy, "Opal's back!"
He ran in between the tables to give the airbender a hug. She later gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. The couple had managed to save their relationship a year ago after many arguments and late nights of catching up.
"Miss me? It was only a day since we saw each other."
"But you never know what could happen? What if Pepper fell sick and you and Jinora were stuck in a tree or something?"
His strange comment earned him a glaring look, "Right, airbender. You could just fly or float down."
Mako shook his head as he watched his younger brother and Opal flirt with each other. He took a sip of his drink before sitting down. He rubbed his chin, mentally reminding himself that he needed to shave the beard off. He was forced to stop when Asami pulled his hand away.
"What are you thinking of?"
"Just how happy they are. I hope this plan works out so they can live together in peace finally."
He looked up to see Asami grin as she teased him, "The rest of us want happy endings too, Mako. This will be the last fight and we'll finally have Bataar in prison to pay for his crimes."
His eyes fell to her right arm, holding her up over the table. A frown gathered.
"You need to stop blaming yourself for my arm, Mako. I survived. I don't hate you for what you had to do."
"I know. I just wish I could have done more," the firebender sighed, "What would Korra do in my position?"
Her brow furrowed forward, "Does it matter? None of this that we have was her helping us. She's been dead for two years."
He was about to retort but was interrupted by a messenger, "Mako sir, a letter from the Southern Water Tribe."
Mako took the letter, opening it quickly. A smile formed before he passed it to Asami.
"Chief Tonraq finally convinced the Water Tribes to help us. I can't believe it." She said, looking up from the letter.
"They're moving what fighters volunteered from the South through the portals to join the North before sailing to the coast. This is perfect." Mako joined her in smiling. He then lit the letter on fire, turning to the messenger.
"Can you send him a letter back that we look forward to him and the Water Tribes' armies?"
"Yes sir."
The next day, the ragtag army separated into their smaller groups to begin their trip to the west coast. For the former Team Avatar, they began to look for more dissenters to join them. The governor of Omashu jumped at the chance to help them, forming a rebel group to chase off the few overlooking soldiers.
The trio later headed into the southern mountains. They stopped at a town near the large haunted swamp as it was told to be. A local tipped them off, telling them that a small mech suit company was hiding near the edge of the swamp. The commander was apparently looking for a witch that lived in the swamp. The soldiers had been complaining about vines moving and attacking the mech suits since they were kicked out of the swamp for gathering spirit vines.
When they found them, they noticed that the Earth Empire soldiers were jumpy and over thinking their attacks. The surprise attack scattered a few of them. Some ran into the swamp.
"We can't let them go." Mako shouted, bringing his knee down onto a soldier's throat. He and Asami soon were arguing about following the soldiers in to put an end to them.
"Mako, if there is really some witch living in the swamp do we want to risk the chance of angering her too?"
"If we let those soldiers go, they could report that we were here."
Blood cuddling screams were heard, sending chills up the spines of the trio.
"I think it's safe to say that we're leaving." Bolin finally spoke.
Mako grunted, "Fine. Let's-"
He was interrupted as the trees by them began to sway. Vines from deeper in the swamp shot out, wrapping and strangling them until they were pulled in. Mako managed to wiggle an arm free, shooting fire out. The next thing he heard was Bolin let out a scream. He looked around, not seeing anyone near him.
"Bolin?" he panted nervously, "Asami?"
"Mako."
The firebender turned, hearing his name. Seeing no one, he continued to search the swamp for anything or anyone.
"Where are you, witch?"
No answer. He swallowed, still searching. Suddenly, two hands hit him hard; one on the forehead and one chest. He collapsed, falling to the ground with a thump. Last thing he saw was a green shape grabbing him by the collar.
Tenzin stood at the bow of a Fire Nation ship, rubbing his temples. It had been sometime since he last heard from Jinora since she joined the former Fire Ferret brothers and Asami. By now, he trusted that the sixteen year old knew what she was doing, but not that did not ease the worry and pain he or Pema had.
The former General of the United Forces and Prince of the Fire Nation joined him at the bow.
"We'll see it soon."
Tenzin looked down at him, "Yes. I hope in a couple of months, we should be able to finish this war. Hopefully, the Earth Empire will gracefully stop and we can continue with life."
"If Bataar was willing to set us up to make it seem like we killed Kuvira, what's to stop him from dragging this out longer?"
"He is losing support of the people. They are tired of being slaves and seeing loved ones sent to camps to die."
Iroh paused to think, placing a finger at his chin, "How odd is it that seventy-five years after the Hundred Year War, the Fire Nation is working alongside the Air Nation to stop the Earth Empire?"
Tenzin looked over with his brow furrowed, "It should be thought of as how the world can unite together to help each other in times of need."
Iroh conceded, "You are correct, though I would feel better if we had an Avatar here."
Tenzin closed his eyes, taking in a breath as he thought about her. He then spoke softly, "I wish she was here too."