Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Legend of Korra.

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Beta: Chaos-PSD.

Book Three

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Chapter X

The Ultimatum.

Ba Sing Se has fallen! After Zaheer and the Red Lotus toppled the Earth Queen, the city descended into chaos. Meanwhile, Korra and Asami tried to escape their captors but crashed in the desert. After getting to safety, they met up with Lord Zuko, Tonraq, and Beifong. Back in Ba Sing Se, Zaheer gave Naruto Mako and Bolin a vital message to deliver to Korra. But will they find her in time?

Ba Sing Se.

"Should we do something?"

Bolin asked as they saw the looting going on. "No time," Naruto spoke up. "We have to deliver Zaheer's message to Korra immediately."

"Right. Okay. Find Korra, and deliver the message. Yeah, this should be easy. We just gotta get out of the city and get to the desert, then somehow find her in the vast, expansive wasteland that goes on for thousands and thousands of miles. This isn't gonna be easy."

"We need an airship," Mako said before running to one that had people breaking the equipment. "Hey, the vault's open with tons of gold still left!" Naruto yelled, getting the people to run out. "This still able to fly?"

"I don't know," Mako replied, walking to the wheel. "They took everything. I mean, who rips out a transmission radio?"

"Some folks just do not have respect for other people's property. Now let's steal this airship!" Bolin said walking up to the wheel as well.

"You know how to fly this thing?"

"Technically speaking? No. But, come on, how hard can it be?" Bolin started the ship as it nosedived into the ground.

"Up! Up!"

"I don't see any "up" button. I see levers and switches… Oh, there it is."

They went to their family's house and rescued them before flying out into the desert. "Let's go to where the SOS came from first," Naruto said as they flew.

Later as the sun rose, one of the cousins spoke. "I found it. There."

They flew to the wreckage as Mako looked at it. "That's a Ba Sing Se airship, all right. But where's the rest of it?"

"I don't know, but there are some tracks." Bolin pointed to the sailing tracks leading toward the oasis

They then flew and landed harshly at the docks. "See? I told you. Landing is hard." Bolin said to Naruto who sighed and rubbed his face with his tattooed right hand.

They all then walked up to a fountain with ice and spirits as Bolin got up to it. "Spirits."

"Okay, guys, we think Korra found her way back here. Now let's split off into teams and scour the town." Bolin said as Pabu jumped on him. Yes, we'll need your help too, Pabu. Now just give me a second while I…" He trailed off before picking Pabu off his shoulder. "Wait. Pabu? Pabu!"

"Why is Bolin hugging that big rat?" Their grandmother asked before Bolin kissed Pabu. "Ew. Now he's kissing it."

"I'm never gonna let you go again."

"Guys, look out! Giant dog-beast thingy!"

Naruto was tackled by Naga who started licking him. "OK, all right, Naga. It's good to see you too. Ahh, stop. You're licking my mouth." Naruto pushed her off as he saw his fiancees walking over.

"Asami! Korra! You guys are OK!"

"Good. You guys aren't dead." Lin said walking up.

"Don't get all mushy on me, Chief," Naruto said before seeing Tonraq. "Tonraq, Sir."

"Oh, my gosh. It's Lord Zuko." Bolin said walking to Zuko, and started geeking out. "I can't believe it."

"Uh, forgive my brother. We're just really honored to meet you, Sir." Mako said bowing with Bolin as Zuko followed.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well."

"You must be the Avatar." The grandmother said to Asami holding her hand, "Mako told me so much about you. You are even more beautiful than I imagined."

"Uh, actually, that's Asami. This is Avatar Korra." Mako said, pointing to Korra. "Korra, this is my grandma, Yin."

"You are very muscular for a woman," Yin said looking at Korra's muscular frame.

"Um, thanks. You too?"

"What lovely young women. Mako, why aren't you dating any nice girls like them?" Yin asked her grandson before Asami spoke up after a moment.

"Uh, so what happened to you three? Where have you been?"

"We were captured by Zaheer and taken to Ba Sing Se. We were there when the Earth Queen was overthrown." Naruto explained crossing his arms as Korra looked surprised.

"What? How did you escape?"

"Zaheer let us go."

"Why would he do that?" She asked before Bolin spoke.

"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." Naruto finished rubbing his neck.

"Zaheer's threatening innocent lives, just to get to me."

"He could be bluffing," Tonraq said before Naruto sighed.

"He's already taken out the Earth Queen. I don't think he bluffs."

"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." Naruto said before Tonraq spoke.

"There's a portable radio in the jeep, 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 said before they went to the airship.

"Let's go. We'll radio Su on the way." Korra spoke as they walked. "Hopefully she can get a hold of Tenzin at the air temple by the time we get to Zaofu."

Zaofu.

Later, the group walked out and up to Lin with two guards. "Did you have any luck getting through to Tenzin?"

"No one's answering. What if Zaheer is already up there? I should never have let Opal go."

"It's going to be okay, Su," Lin said to her sister, placing an arm on her shoulder.

"I hope so."

They went to the radio where the operator tuned the radio. "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." Korra sighed before Su spoke.

"I'll ready my airship. With the full force of the metal clan security backing us, we can take them." She left at that before Mako spoke.

"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 in 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 said before Lin looked over.

"We can't protect you in there. I don't like it."

"I'll be fine. I have to try."

"I'll watch over her as she meditates," Naruto said before Asami nodded.

"I guess in the meantime, Mako and I will stay here and try to get through to the temple," Bolin said, sitting at the radio.

"We'll help Su ready the airship," Tonraq said as everyone but Yin walked out.

"I'm going to take a nap."

Spirit World.

Korra appeared by the tree and looked around. "Zaheer, come out! Face me! Leave the airbenders out of this." She turned as a figure walked up through the mist. "There you are."

"Please don't hurt me, Korra. I'm just an old man." The man said, walking up revealing Iroh.

"Iroh? What are you doing here?"

"I was just out searching for a new teapot to add to my collection, but instead I found you." He replied as he got up to her. "In the Spirit World, you always seem to find something you didn't know you were looking for… You look troubled."

"I am."

"Sit." He said, sitting as she followed. "What is on your mind?"

"There's a maniac on the loose, and he's threatening to destroy the new Air Nation. I don't know what to do."

"Just because you are the Avatar doesn't mean you will have all the answers."

"I know many avatars have needed guidance, but after the fight with Vaatu when he tried to get inside me, it's been harder to talk to the others."

"You know, Zuko and Aang were close friends," Iroh said, causing her to blink.

"Lord Zuko, of course."

"Yes, my nephew. Their relationship started a little rocky, but they grew to become lifelong friends. Best friends." He said as she smiled.

"Thank you. Thank you so much. You're right about the Spirit World. I came here looking for someone else, but I'm glad I found you." She said before fading.

Zaofu.

Korra woke up between Naruto's legs before Asami spoke. "Did you find Zaheer?"

"No, he wasn't there. But there's someone I need to talk to." Korra said before walking away as Naruto followed while Asami went to the ship. Korra saw Zuko packing his bags on his dragon. "You're leaving? Aren't you coming to the air temple with us?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't. I'm going back to the Fire Nation. If it's true that the Red Lotus is targeting the nation's leaders, I need to protect my daughter."

"I understand, you have to keep the Fire Lord safe. But before you leave, I was wondering if you could help me with something." She explained having Zuko nod.

"I was often Aang's council, and I'd love to be yours."

"That's just it, you knew Aang better than anyone. I'm having trouble talking to him and I was wondering if you knew what he might do if he were in my situation."

"Hmm, rebuilding the Air Nation was Aang's biggest dream. He would be beside himself with joy with what you've done, and if he accomplished that goal, he might have sacrificed anything to protect it." Zuko explained after a moment of thought.

"So he would give himself up to save the Air Nation?"

"I don't know for sure. The airbenders might have been closest to Aang's heart, but as the Avatar, he was concerned with people of all nations. No one knew better than Aang that in times of turmoil, the world needs its Avatar the most.

"Thanks. Your Uncle was right. It was helpful talking to you." She said, surprising the former Fire Lord.

"Wait, you spoke with my Uncle?"

"Yes, in the Spirit World. A couple of times actually." She said as he just stared before Mako ran up.

"Guys, we got through to the air temple."

They ran to see an annoyed Bolin talking to Meelo before Naruto took the microphone. "Meelo I'm not playing get your father now!"

A moment went by before Tenzin spoke. "Hello, this is Tenzin."

"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." Tenzin said before the radio went silent.

Northern Air Island.

"What is it, Daddy?"

Tenzin looks at the airship and then turns to Meelo. "We need to get everyone out of here. Stay close to me." He grabbed his glider and ran off.

Tenzin jumps out of a window and opens his glider as Meelo follows him. Finally, they are landing in a garden where Bumi, Kai, and the other four airbenders look at the flying airship. "What's going on, Tenzin?" Bumi asked his brother who looked at him.

"It's Zaheer. Round everyone up! We need to get to the bison and evacuate immediately!"

Bumi, Kai, and another airbender start running as the airship is flying behind them. They then get to the training area where Daw and another airbender are training until Kai speaks. "Guys, we have an emergency. We're evacuating the temple. Come on." Kai, Daw, and another airbender start running when lava appears underground and blocks their way. "Look out!"

Kai, Daw, and the other airbender eject themselves back as Ghazan smiles.

In the meditation room, Kya is meditating with Opal and three other female airbenders. A door sound disturbs them and they turn toward it as Bumi runs in. "It's Zaheer! We have to leave."

They run outside before Opal screams as Ming-Hua grabs her from behind and creates an ice spike. "No one's going anywhere, or she gets it."

Over at a bridge, Tenzin and his family run across it before Zaheer lands in front of them. "Good. The entire family is here."

All the airbenders are rounded up in the courtyard by Ming-Hua, Ghazan, and Zaheer. "It's a pleasure to finally meet a true airbending master." Zaheer said to Tenzin.

"What is it you want from us?"

"Nothing at all. In fact, if everyone cooperates, you will all walk out of this situation unharmed."

"Then what are you doing here?" Tenzin asks him as Zaheer puts his hands behind his back.

"I want Korra, and I'm tired of chasing her."

"You're using us as leverage."

Zaheer nodded at that as Tenzin stood. "Yes."

"I will never let you get to Korra."

"Unfortunately, you don't have a choice."

"Yes, I do." Tenzin pushes the three criminals away with airbending. "Jinora! Get everyone out of here. Bumi, Kya, help me hold them off!" P'Li shoots near Tenzin from the airship, but he uses his airbending to protect the group. "And stay out of her line of sight! Go, go!"

The airbenders all run away as P'Li fires a beam at the exit, though everyone has evacuated. Kya bends water from a fountain and forms a ring around her. The Red Lotus ready themselves and Zaheer throws a gust of wind. Up ahead, the airbenders reach the end of the sheltered route. They look at the stable and Kai gestures for them to move out, though they are forced to retreat when bombarded with combustion beams.

"It's too dangerous. We'll never make it to the stables with her up there." Pema said as they hid back inside.

With the others, Zaheer somersaults, avoiding Tenzin's air blast. He constantly avoids Tenzin's attacks by jumping to new heights. Before reaching the roof, Tenzin manages to land a hit on Zaheer, but he is still able to run off, avoiding the master's attack. Zaheer makes it to the houses attached to the wall, which Tenzin follows, attacking him with a close-range blast which is then blocked.

Zaheer rises and lands on the protective wall. Tenzin follows and attacks him from behind, knocking him off balance. Zaheer manages to regain his ground and somersaults, kicking a blast of air. Tenzin avoids the attack and fires two quick air blasts, which Zaheer avoids by somersaulting above him and sending an air kick when landing.

With Kya, she attempts to redirect Ming-Hua's water appendages, but to no avail. Ming-Hua leaps up and attempts to land a hit on Kya, but she can dodge the attack. Ming-Hua freezes the tips of her appendages into ice blades and swings them toward Kya, slicing a statue into pieces, though Kya can't dodge the attacks.

As a blade nearly slices her, she breaks it off and throws it to Ming-Hua. Ming-Hua grabs the blade and throws it back to Kya, sending two more ice spikes in the meantime. Kya manages to break off two of the ice, though is knocked against the wall by the last fragment. Ming-Hua bends a water vortex and charges toward Kya, but she can send a large wave of water to Ming-Hua, knocking her off the cliff.

Kya walks up to Ming-Hua but is taken aback to find her bending the directed water into multiple water arms and returning to the top. "No."

Ming-Hua smirks and uses her appendages to knock Kya back into the hall. Bumi jumps down to the first floor with Ghazan giving chase, melting the floor above. Once on the same floor, Ghazan erupts the floor into lava, forcing Bumi to land in the hall. Ghazan bends the floor beneath Bumi into lava, but he can jump out of the way before it erupts.

Ghazan directs the lava to Bumi, but he leaps to the wall and charges toward Ghazan with airbending, sliding beneath his legs behind him. He pounces atop the lavabender, grabbing him by the neck and pulling his hair before biting him on the shoulder. Ghazan screams in pain before launching Bumi off with an earth pillar.

With Kya, she evades Ming-Hua's attacks before being thrown toward her brother. Both siblings gather in front of a statue of an Air Nomad to catch some breath. "I see you're having as much fun as I am." Bumi panted as he held his fists up.

Over at the bison stable, P'Li bombards the area with combustion beams as the airbenders hide in the stable. "I can't wait any longer," Kai said, picking his staff up.

"Wait, what are you doing?" Jinora asked him.

"Whatever I can. Get to the bison! Get out of here!"

P'Li fires a combustion beam at Kai, who narrowly misses the attack. The next combustion beam throws Kai off the cliff, though he can open his glider and take flight, avoiding multiple combustion beams. As he flies past P'Li, she turns her attention to the fleeing airbenders. Kai flies back to the airship, sending an air swipe to P'Li, causing her to misfire and blast the cliff above. P'Li turns her attention to Kai and fires a combustion beam. Kai protects himself with an airball but is knocked out.

"Kai! No."

Kai plunges down the mountain as the bison take off without the airbenders when confronted with a combustion beam. The airbenders turn to look at the airship.

Over with the siblings, Bumi is knocked back with a water blast. His sister retreats to cover him, freezing her water to block Ghazan's rock, though the next attack shattered the ice. Bumi steps back and nearly loses his footing. Ghazan bends a large earth fissure, throwing the siblings off the temple. Bumi airbends and holds on to the ledge while grabbing his sister. "I got you." Bumi groans before turning to see P'Li.

"Bumi, let go!" Kya said, looking up.

"But we could die!"

"We're gonna die if we hang on!"

P'Li directs a combustion beam toward Bumi. Bumi hangs on before letting go, narrowly missing the combustion blast. Both siblings plunge down the cliff before their fall is cushioned by trees, and they land on the cliffside, unconscious.

Up with Tenzin, he's attacking Zaheer with an air blast, which Zaheer dodges. Tenzin jumps behind Zaheer to avoid an attack and counters by arching his back to throw another blast, knocking down Zaheer. Tenzin charges toward Zaheer but is knocked off by a combustion blast. He cushions his fall with airbending, preparing for another attack, but is struck by Ming-Hua on his right and Ghazan on his left.

He dodges barrages of attack by Ming-Hua, Ghazan, and Zaheer, though was knocked down. As the Red Lotus surrounds him, he braces himself up and blows off Ghazan and Zaheer. He protects himself in an air sphere but is blasted against a wall by P'Li. He props himself up, his clothing badly tattered and his face bruised. "Give up. It's over."

"As long as I'm breathing, it's not over." Tenzin strikes Zaheer with a close-range air blast but misses before the Red Lotus launch assaults against Tenzin.

Over with Kai, he's licked in the face, causing him to regain consciousness. He opens his eyes and sees he's hanging upside-down on a tree and the bison calf that licked him awake."Whoa!" Kai frees himself and lands on the bison. "Thanks, buddy. Yip, yip!"

To Be Continued.

A/N: Thanks for reading and let me know of any mistakes.

Beta: Chaos-PSD.

Remember to vote if you haven't!

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Talk To You Later,

Lone Wolf Out.🐺