(This is another work set in an alternative universe in which Bolin is the Avatar. Team Avatar (Mako, Bolin, Korra, Asami) argue over how Bolin should confront Zaheer.)

"None of these plans will work. Zaheer will kill the airbenders if he suspects we're up to anything." Bolin shook his head and looked around at those assembled before him: Su and Lin to his left, and Mako, Korra and Asami to his right.

"Bolin, we have no other option," Mako began reasonably. "We either attack from above or below—that's it. Now we have to focus on creating the best possible offensive strategy."

"I agree," said Asami. "Zaheer might have taken out the Earth Queen but he isn't going to murder innocent children in cold blood." Mako nodded concurringly.

"You don't know that!" Bolin exclaimed. He had raised his voice, a rarity in itself. Everyone was giving him their full attention now. "Zaheer is insane. We have already seen that he's capable of murder, and he has practically every airbender in the world captured and at his mercy. All of these plans result in their death."

Suddenly Mako knew what Bolin was going to say before he spoke. He widened his eyes and stepped forward to stop him, but it was too late.

"The only plan that will work is me giving myself up to Zaheer."

A pin dropping could have been heard in the ensuing silence. It was almost immediately disrupted by a slew of protests.

"We can't guarantee your safety…" began Lin.

"No, Bolin, we will find another way…" started Su.

"That doesn't even make sense!" Korra exclaimed, Asami nodding at her side.

"ABSOLUTELY NOT!" bellowed Mako, overpowering them all with a furious shout. Everyone turned to stare at him. "Bolin, this is NOT HAPPENING. I don't want to hear anymore about this ridiculous self-sacrificing nonsense. You are NOT giving yourself up—I forbid it!"

Bolin's expression softened and he spoke in a gentler tone of voice to his brother. "Mako, I have to. If the airbenders are killed then the world will be completely thrown out of balance. There are dozens of lives at stake—including those of Tenzin's kids, and Kai. This is the only way—I have to do this."

"NO IT'S NOT AND NO YOU DON'T!" Mako retorted, raising his right hand in frustration. An involuntary fireball burst from his fist, narrowly missing Lin as it shot across the tight cabin. Lin dunked reflexively and glared at him reproachfully, the wall behind her charred and smoking.

"Mako…" Bolin started again, but he was interrupted by the seething firebender.

"NO! YOU'RE NOT GOING—PERIOD! Case closed, end of discussion! I can't…I can't lose you…" Mako's voice broke at his last utterance, and he looked away. He took a steadying breath, willing himself to calm down, forcing back tears of frustration and anger that were threating to spill over.

Bolin stared at him, a strange expression on his face that Mako couldn't quite place and a long moment of silence ensued. "Okay, Mako," he said reassuringly. "You're right. It was…a stupid plan. We'll attack from above, instead. I think it makes more sense to gain the high ground early on."

Mako breathed a sigh of relief and pointed towards the map that was spread out on the table over on the side of the room. "Good. I agree; attacking from the air makes the most sense. If the airship comes up from the south, like this, I think we will have our best chance of surprise…"

The discussion of strategy carried on long into the night.