Ba Sing Se: Upper Ring, Evening…
Fires have broken out across the Upper Ring, airships were starting to take off, and the people not leaving were ransacking the entire ring. They paid particular attention to the palace, stealing what wasn't nailed down. The brothers saw this as they rushed out.
"I can't believe it!" Mako exclaimed. "The Upper Ring is in chaos!"
Just then, more looters ran for the palace entrance where they were met by a royal guard.
"Don't try to stop us! We're taking back what's ours!"
"Stop you? I want to join you! I know where the good stuff is."
The guard led the looters into the palace.
"Should we do something?" Bolin asked.
"This isn't our battle." Mako replied. "We have to deliver Zaheer's message to Korra."
"Speaking of that, what did Itachi mean about thanking us?" Bolin asked.
Flashback
After Zaheer gave the brothers his message, he took off while Itachi lingered.
"Aren't you going with him?" Mako asked.
"I will join him, but first, it's back to your question." Itachi stated. "You asked why I allowed Sasuke to live."
"Yeah, you going to finally answer that?" Mako asked.
"No." Itachi responded.
"What?" Bolin asked.
"It's my turn to ask a question." Itachi returned. "What do you see in Sasuke?"
"That's a stupid question." Mako replied firmly. "He's our little brother."
Bolin immediately nodded in the affirmative.
"I see." Itachi stated. "Then, allow me another question. What if Sasuke stepped into darkness and betrayed you?"
"That won't happen!" Mako yelled.
"No way!" Bolin added.
"Really? He left the Leaf and let go of his comrades before." Itachi reminded. "What if he did the same to this country?"
"Sasuke will NEVER turn his back on us!" Mako argued. "No matter what he becomes, we'll always be there for him!"
"Yeah, you can't drive us apart!" Bolin exclaimed.
"What if he couldn't be saved and wanted to destroy the world?" Itachi asked. "Would you try saving him, or would you kill him?"
"Stop with the stupid questions!" Mako yelled. "We'd never try to kill him."
"Even if he did step into the darkness, we'd always find a way to save him." Bolin voiced.
To the shock of the brothers, Itachi gave them a smile at that as he closed his eyes. "Then, I thank you for taking care of Sasuke when I couldn't."
"Wait, what?" Mako asked.
Itachi opened his eyes, revealing the Sharingan which he used to put the brothers under a Genjutsu. A lone crow appeared before flying into Bolin's mouth, moving to inhabit his body.
"I have shared with one of you some of my power." Itachi voiced. "Though, I hope the day will never come when you have to use it."
He ceased his Genjutsu, seeing Bolin collapsing to his knees and coughing.
"Bo!" Mako exclaimed, concerned.
"I'm alright." Bolin managed. "My mouth just suddenly feels dry."
That couldn't be all that happened, though neither really had an answer. Part of the Genjutsu was that they would become unaware they'd been under one, and Itachi ensured his eyes were back to normal the second they snapped out of it.
"You had best get of here." Itachi took his leave. "This city is now in total chaos, and you still need to find the Avatar and Sasuke."
Upper Ring: Present…
"I guess, deep down, he still sees Sasuke as his brother, but he's on the wrong side." Mako shook his head. "Forget Itachi. We got to get out of here."
"Find Korra and Sasuke, deliver message." Bolin nodded. "Should we also tell Sasuke about what Itachi said?"
"I don't think that's a good idea." Mako denied. "Let's keep it to ourselves."
"Okay." Bolin agreed, moving on. "So, we get out of the city, move into the desert, and somehow find them in the vast expansive, wasteland that goes on for thousands of miles." He sighed. "This isn't going to be easy."
"We need an airship." Mako reasoned.
The brothers ran to the dock and entered one of the airships that hadn't taken off yet. Inside, they found looters stealingcomponents.
"Excuse me? Can I have your attention please?" Mako asked, getting them to listen. "I'm with Republic City Police, and I need to commandeer this airship to help the Avatar and Uchiha Shinobi."
The looters got back to their business.
"Let me give it a shot." Bolin stated before then calling out to the looters. "Hey! The Queen's gold is on the third floor of the palace, second door on the right!" The looters ran out of the airship. "You just got to know how to talk to them."
Mako ran for the controls. "They took everything! I mean, who rips out a transmission radio?"
"Some folks just do not have respect for other people's property." Bolin voiced. "Now, let's steal this airship!"
"You know how to fly this thing?" Mako asked.
"Technically, no, but how hard can it be?" Bolin asked, pulling the lever with his right hand which made the ship skid forward.
"Up! Up!" Mako yelled.
"There is no up button!" Bolin exclaimed. "I see levers and switches! Oh, there it is."
He hit the right one making the airship fly. As they were now in the air, the brothers could see just how bad it was. Everyone was rioting and looting while the city was going up in flames.
"This whole city is falling to pieces." Mako said.
"Mako, our family's still down there." Bolin reminded.
"Move over." Mako took over the seat. "We're getting them out."
"Oh, I see." Bolin stated. "You think because you dated Asami, you know how to fly this better than me?"
"Yeah." Mako said.
Lower Ring
Mako had the airship hover over their family's apartment. He then opened the ship's hatch, and Bolin slid down to enter the apartment through the window. He found the whole family not even attempting to leave.
"Bolin, what are you doing here?" Chow asked.
"I came to get you guys out." Bolin declared. "This whole block is about to go up in flames. C'mon, Mako and I have an airship on the roof."
"We can't." Tu stated. "Grandma won't go."
"This place is my whole world." Yin stated. "I will not leave!" She did get up to now greet the Earthbender. "Oh, but I'm glad to see you, my little Bolin. Come, sit. Would you like some tea?"
Smoke started to seep through the door.
"Grandma, we don't have time for tea." Bolin said.
"Mom, please." Chow added.
"No! I can't abandon the place where I raised my family." Yin argued. "It's my home."
"Grandma, there's one thing Mako and I learned from all our years on the street." Bolin grabbed her hands. "It doesn't matter where you go. If you have your family with you, you'll always be at home."
Yin did tear up but remained firm. "I'm not going."
"Fine! You leave me no choice." Bolin lifted Yin over his shoulder. "We're rolling out!"
"Wait!" Yin grabbed the portrait of the Earth Queen. "Okay, let's go."
Bolin and the family climbed up to the airship, which managed to take off just before the apartment was consumed by flames.
Airship
"Thanks for getting us out." Tu stated. "I mean, I probably could've handled it myself if you guys didn't show up, but thanks."
"No problem, Tu." Mako said.
"You also still owe me a meeting with that Sasuke guy, so I can see how tough he is." Tu reminded.
"Don't worry, you'll meet him soon enough." Mako assured him.
Yin hung the Earth Queen portrait on the wall of the ship. "May she rest in peace." She then looked to the brothers. "This airship is nice. Is this our new home?"
"No, Grandma." Mako answered. "I don't know where we're going to take you, but right now, we need to find Korra and Sasuke."
"Did something happen to them?" Chow asked.
"I'm afraid so." Mako opened a map. "Their airship went down somewhere in the desert. They were coming from a military base near Misty Palms Oasis and heading to Ba Sing Se. If we retrace their route back to the base, we should find the wreckage."
Si Tong Desert: Daybreak
The airship now flew over the desert with the whole family inspecting the land for wreckage.
"Guys, I found it!" Tu called out.
That got the Bending Brothers to rush to their cousin, and they all saw the pieces of an airship.
"That's a Ba Sing Se airship!" Mako exclaimed. 'Where's the rest of it?"
"I don't know, but there's some tracks." Bolin pointed out.
Misty Palms Oasis
The airship arrived and Mako moved to set it down. Druk fortunately noticed them coming in and flew off before the airship had a rough landing.
"See, I told you landing is hard." Bolin said.
"Shut up, Bo." Mako retorted.
The family walked out of the airship and convened near the iceberg.
"Spirits!" A female relative exclaimed.
"Okay guys, we think Korra and Sasuke found their way back here." Bolin declared. "Now, let's split up into teams and scour the town." As he talked, Pabu climbed up his shoulder. "Yes, Pabu, we need your help too, so let's…" He stopped. "Pabu!" He hugged his Fire Ferret. "I'm never letting you go again!"
"Guys! Look, a giant dog thing!" Tu declared, causing the relatives to scatter.
Naga rammed into Mako before starting to lick the Firebender. "Okay, Naga! It's good to see you too! Gah, stop! You're licking my mouth!"
"Guys! You're alright!" Hawk cheered, as he flew to them.
"Hawk, I never thought I'd see you again!" Bolin cheered before their missing members of Team Uchiha Avatar walked on out the cantina. "Sasuke, Korra, and Asami!"
"You're all okay!" Mako declared, as they hugged the girls and he then ruffles the Uchiha's hair.
"Yeah, good to see you two are still alive." Sasuke said.
Korra smiled. "It's really great to see you both again."
"Glad to see you're not dead." Lin said.
She, Tonraq, Utakata, Zuko, and Deidara joined them.
"Don't get all mushy on me, Chief." Mako then nodded to Tonraq. "Chief Tonraq, sir."
Tonraq nodded back while Bolin saw Zuko. "Oh, my gosh! It's Lord Zuko!"
"Um, forgive my brother." Mako bowed while his brother followed suit. "It's a real honor to meet you, sir."
"It's a pleasure to meet you both as well." Zuko bowed back.
Tu walked over to Sasuke.
"So, you're Sasuke Uchiha?" Tu asked.
"Yeah, why?" Sasuke asked.
Tu tried to punch Sasuke. The Uchiha grabbed the wrist and spun it around to his back before pinning it there.
"Ow, ow, ow, ow!" Tu said.
"If I let go of you, are you going do something stupid again?" Sasuke asked.
"No!" Tu exclaimed.
"It's okay, Sasuke. That's Tu, our cousin." Mako said.
"Your…cousin?" Sasuke asked, releasing the guy.
"Ugh, you weren't kidding when you said he's tough." Tu stated while moving his arm around.
"Oh yeah, we forgot to tell you after the whole Airbender and you rescue thing." Bolin realized. "We ended up in the Lower Ring where we found our whole family. Family, this is Sasuke Uchiha, Mako and I's little brother."
"So, you're the ninja who's been helping my nephews." Chow smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet such an accomplished young one. I'm Chow, their uncle and now yours. You have already met my son, Tu. He's your cousin."
"Sasuke." Sasuke returned.
"Oh, you're so cute for a ninja!" Yin said, pinching Sasuke's cheeks.
"Let go of my face…" Sasuke said, making the brothers chuckle.
Yin then saw Asami. "Ah you must be the Avatar. Mako told me all about you, though you are more beautiful than I imagined."
Asami smiled awkwardly.
"Uh, that's Asami, Grandma." Mako informed before showing Korra. "This is the Avatar, Korra. Korra, my grandmother, Yin."
Korra offered her hand and Yin took it. "You're quite muscular for a woman."
"Um, thanks…You too?" Korra said.
"Anyways, what happened to you two?" Sasuke asked.
"Where have you been?" Asami added.
"We were captured by Zaheer and the Akatsuki, who took us to Ba Sing Se." Mako informed. "We were there when the Earth Queen was overthrown."
"How did you escape?" Korra asked.
"Zaheer and Itachi let us go." Mako replied.
"My brother allowed you to go?" Sasuke asked. "Why would he and Zaheer do that?"
"Because Zaheer wanted us to deliver a message." Bolin said.
"What message?" Korra asked.
"Zaheer and the Akatsuki are heading for the Northern Air Temple as we speak." Mako replied. "They're going to wipe out the new Air Nation and everyone in it unless you two turn yourselves over, Korra to the Red Lotus and Sasuke to the Akatsuki."
That shocked and worried the pair.
"Zaheer is threatening innocent lives just to get to me." Korra said.
"With the Akatsuki involved, things have gotten worse." Sasuke added.
"He could be bluffing." Tonraq said.
"They've already taken out the Earth Queen." Deidara voiced. "While I don't know the Red Lotus well, I can tell you the Akatsuki would not bluff about this."
"We need to radio Tenzin, warn him the Red Lotus and Akatsuki are coming." Korra said.
"I agree." Mako stated. "Unfortunately, we don't have a radio on the airship."
"There's a portable radio on the jeep, but the signal will never make it to the Northern Air Temple." Tonraq said.
"We need to get to a place that has a strong radio transmitter." Lin said. "The Metal Clan will have one."
"Then let's go." Korra declared. "We'll radio Su on the way. Hopefully, she can get a hold of Tenzin at the air temple by the time we get to Zaofu."
Zaofu: Later…
The airship and Druk landed on the dock where they found Suyin waiting for them.
"Su, did you have any luck getting through to Tenzin?" Sasuke asked.
"No one's answering." Su responded worriedly. "What if Zaheer and those Akatsuki are already there? Oh, I never should have let Opal go…"
"It's going to be okay, Su." Lin assured her sister.
"I hope so." Su said.
Radio Room
They went to the radio room where an operator adjusted the controls. "We have a strong signal, but no one's answering."
"I can't just sit around while a madman and group of ninja criminals are on their way to the Northern Air Temple." Korra stated. "We must do something."
"I'll ready my airship." Su declared. "With a full force of Metal Clan security backing us, we can take them."
"Keep in mind the Akatsuki are a powerful group." Sasuke informed. "Together, they're a threat."
"I know, yet we can't let these groups have their way." Su responded, leaving the room.
"We'll never make it up there before them." Mako said.
"There might be another way to stop them." Korra reasoned. "It's a long shot, but Zaheer is always meditating into the Spirit World, and I know where he goes."
"Xai Bau's Grove." Sasuke voiced.
Korra nodded. "If I can find him there, maybe I could somehow trap him."
"I can't protect you in there." Lin stated. "I don't like it."
"I'll be fine." Korra assured. "I have to try."
"I'll watch over her while she meditates." Sasuke offered.
"Guess looking over the Avatar beats anything else right now." Deidara offered, drawing looks from some people. "If I weren't committed to hanging around the Uchiha here, I'd have tried to leave or stab you all in the back well before now."
"Still, don't exactly think it's the smartest decision to let you near her with Sasuke alone, not that he's not strong." Asami reasoned.
"I'll go with them, just as a precaution." Utakata offered.
"I guess in the meantime, Mako, Bolin, and I will continue trying to get through to the temple." Asami figured.
"We'll help Su get the airship ready." Tonraq said, as those leaving the room did so.
"I'm taking a nap." Yin said leaving.
Spirit World
Korra meditated from the garden and ended up crossing over with Hawk accompanying her.
"Zaheer, Come out!" Korra demanded. "Face me and leave the Airbenders out of this!"
There was no answer
"Maybe he heard you and left." Hawk said.
The two then saw a figure approaching.
"There you are!" Korra exclaimed.
"Please don't hurt me, Korra." The figure was Iroh.
"Iroh?" Korra asked. "What're you doing here?"
"I was just searching for a new teapot to add to my collection, but I found you instead." Iroh replied. "In the Spirit World, you always seem to find something you didn't know you were looking for." He noticed the Avatar's present state. "You look troubled."
"I am." Korra replied.
"Sit." Iroh voiced as they both did just that. "What is on your mind?"
"There's a maniac and a group of ninja criminals on the loose." Korra explained. 'They're threatening to destroy the new Air Nation, and I don't know what to do."
"Just because you are the Avatar, doesn't mean you will have all the answers." Iroh reminded.
"I know many Avatars have needed guidance, but I'm the only one, since Avatar Wan, that can't get help from my past lives." Korra said. "Wish I could talk to Aang."
"You know, Zuko and Aang were close friends." Iroh stated.
"Lord Zuko! Of course!" Korra declared.
"Yes, my nephew." Iroh noted. "Their relationship started off…a little rocky, but they grew to become lifelong friends. Best friends."
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" Korra stated gratefully. "You're right about the Spirit World! I came here looking for someone else, but I'm glad I found you."
She then returned to the Physical World.
Garden
The three Shinobi looked her way as Korra returned.
"Did you find Zaheer?" Sasuke asked.
"No, he wasn't there, but there's someone I need to talk to." Korra said.
Courtyard
"You're leaving?" Korra found Zuko preparing to mount Druk. "You're not coming with us to the air temple?"
"I'm sorry, but I can't." Zuko replied. "I'm going back to the Fire Nation. If it's true the Red Lotus are targeting leaders, and that the Akatsuki are helping, I need to protect my daughter."
"I understand." Korra nodded. "You must keep the Fire Lord safe, but before you go, I was wondering if you could help me with something."
"I was Aang's counsel, and I'd love to be yours." Zuko returned.
"That's just it." Korra said. "You knew Aang better than anyone. 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." Zuko informed. "He would be beside himself with joy at what you've done, and if he accomplished that goal, he might have sacrificed anything to protect it."
"So, he would give himself up to save the Air Nation?" Korra asked.
"I don't know for sure." Zuko replied. "The Airbenders have been closest to Aang's heart, but as the Avatar, he was concerned with people of all nations." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "No one knew better than Aang that in times of turmoil, the world needs its Avatar most."
"Thanks." Korra smiled. "Your uncle was right. It was helpful talking to you."
"Ah yes, my uncle." Zuko nodded as he teared up. "Thanks to you opening those portals, I got to see him again when I never thought there'd be such an opportunity." He brought the Avatar in for a hug. "No matter what others think, I thank you for keeping the portals open."
They parted with smiles as Mako ran to them. "Guys, we got through."
Radio Room
The trio ran to the radio room where Bolin was using the radio.
"Who is this?" Meelo's voice came through.
"I told you, it's Bolin!" Bolin replied irritated.
"Bolin's not here right now." Meelo returned. "Can I leave a message?"
"No! I'm not looking for Bolin!" The Earthbender exclaimed. "I AM Bolin! Gah! Look, I need to talk to your dad."
"He's outside with the bison." Meelo answered. "By the way, did you know we found a whole herd of baby bison?"
"A whole herd?" Bolon lost the topic. "Really?"
Korra shoved him aside before taking the radio. "Meelo, this is your commanding officer! Get you dad NOW!"
"Yes, sir!" Meelo declared instantly.
"Come on, come on…" Korra said, waiting.
"This is Tenzin." Tenzin finally stated.
"Tenzin, listen to me!" Korra spoke quickly. "Zaheer and the Akatsuki are on their way to the temple. They're coming for the Airbenders. You must get everyone out immediately!"
"Oh, no…" Tenzin said.
Northern Air Temple: Radio Room
Tenzin looked out the window horrified.
"Tenzin! What is it? What's happening?!" Korra asked worriedly.
"It's too late." Tenzin could see the Red Lotus' airship arriving. "They're here."
"What is it, Daddy?" Meelo asked.
"We need to get everyone out of here." Tenzin opened his glider. "Stay close to me."
He then jumped out of the window with Meelo following.
Garden
Tenzin and Meelo landed at a garden where they found Bumi, Kai, and other Airbenders looking at the airship.
"Tenzin, what's going on?" Bumi asked.
"It's Zaheer." Tenzin replied. "Round everyone up because we need to get the bison and evacuate."
Training Area
Daw and other Airbenders were training, but they stopped as Kai ran to them. "Guys, emergency. We're evacuating the temple." They went to leave as lava burst forth to block their way. "Look out!" They launched back and looked up to find Ghazan smiling evilly. "We got to go!"
Suddenly, each of them were held by Chakra Threads as Sasori was behind them. "You're not going anywhere, stupid brat."
Meditation Room
Kya was mediating with Opal and three other female Airbenders when Bumi barged in. "Kya, it's Zaheer! We must leave!"
They ran outside, only to hear a scream and turned to see Opal being held captive by Ming-Hua.
"Leave?" Kisame stepped out beside her. "I think that'd be rude since we just got here."
"No one's going anywhere, or she gets it!" Ming-Hua added, pointing ab ice blade close to Opal's neck.
Bridge
Tenzin, Pema, Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo were running across the bridge when a flock of crows blocked their way before revealing Itachi "I'd stop right there."
"Who are you?" Jinora asked.
"Itachi Uchiha, of the Akatsuki." Itachi replied.
"Itachi!?" Tenzin exclaimed, shocked.
"You're the jerk who killed Sasuke's clan!" Jinora yelled. "You're his brother!"
"Correct." Itachi said.
Zaheer landed next to him. "Good, the entire family is here."
Courtyard: Later…
All the Airbenders were rounded up in the courtyard by the Red Lotus and Akatsuki.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet a true Airbending master." Zaheer said.
"As well as the family who has been taking care of Sasuke." Itachi added.
"What do you want from us?" Tenzin asked.
"Nothing at all." Zaheer stated. "In fact, if everyone cooperates, you will all walk out of
this situation unharmed."
"Then, what are you doing here, and why did you bring these rogue ninjas here?" Tenzin asked.
"I want Korra while the Akatsuki want Sasuke, we're all tired of chasing them." Zaheer answered.
"You're using us as leverage?" Tenzin asked.
"Yes." Zaheer answered.
"You're NOT getting to Korra and Sasuke!" Jinora declared firmly. "Whatever you're planning, it won't work! They'll…"
Jinora was cut off by a slap to the face by Sasori. "Shut your mouth, filthy Airbending brat!"
"Jinora!" Pema cried, holding her daughter.
"Leave her alone!" Kai yelled, only for Sasori to slap him.
"Don't talk out of turn, boy." Kisame stated. "It's not good for you."
"I will NEVER let you get to Korra and Sasuke!" Tenzin stated, standing up.
"Unfortunately, you don't have a choice." Itachi said.
"Yes, I do." Tenzin used his air to push them away. "Jinora, get everyone out of here! Bumi and Kya, help me hold them off." Then, a combustion blast came down which Tenzin created an air shield for as he lept back. "Also, stay of her line of sight! Go! GO!"
The Airbenders ran away with P'Li firing another combustion shot. They just made it through, prompting the airship to trial after them. Kai, who was bringing up the rear of all the Airbenders, stopped to look back.
Zaheer, Itachi, Ming-Hua, Kisame, Ghazan, and Sasori stood against the three siblings. Kya bent water from the fountain to form a ring around her, Kisame unsheathed Samehada, and Sasori
readied his palms.
"What would Sasuke do?" Kai thought, torn between escaping or attempting to use whatever he could to even help just a little here.
Upon Zaheer throwing out a gust of wind, the younger Airbender firmed his resolve.
Stables
The rest of the Airbenders reached the end of the sheltered route before Jinora gestured for them to stop. She looked out before ultimately gesturing for them to move. Then, combustion blast hit the ground and had them all scurrying back into the sheltered route.
"It's too dangerous." Pema said. "We'll never reach the stables with her up there."
Tenzin vs Zaheer & Itachi
Zaheer somersaulted to avoid Tenzin's air blasts before jumping to different heights. Tenzin followed suit and before he could land on a roof, the master managed to bend air which hit the leader's foot. He came crashing down as Tenzin landed.
Itachi snuck behind Tenzin and attempted to strike with a kunai; however, the master ducked before throwing out an air sweep. Itachi disappeared into crows which flew past Tenzin, having bought enough time for Zaheer to reach the houses attached to the wall.
He was already leaping to the second, prompting Tenzin to leap to the first. Itachi appeared on that first roof and attempted to kick Tenzin off, only to be blown back himself. The Uchiha used the Substitution Jutsu, so Tenzin refocused on Zaheer.
Said Airbender reached the protective wall, but Tenzin blasted air up as he landed. Zaheer was knocked off his feet while Tenzin lept on up there. Upon landing across from him, the leader had gotten to his feet and delivered a somersault air blast kick at Tenzin.
The master avoided him before firing a quick air blast at Zaheer who dodged as he lept over him. As Tenzin's gaze followed the Red Lotus member, the Akatsuki member appeared before him. Itachi threw shuriken while Zaheer delivered an air kick.
Kya vs Ming-Hua & Kisame
Kisame confronted Kya alongside Ming-Hua. "Finally, I get to fight a Waterbender."
"Lucky you." Kya retorted sarcastically, throwing water blast at the two.
Kisame and Ming-Hua dodged. The armless Waterbender then swung out her water whip while the former Kiri Shinobi rushed in with Samehada. Kya dodged the sword before attempting to deflect the water tentacle, which came with greater force the longer she held it.
Eventually, the buildup of water popped drenching Kya and Kisame, though the latter felt rather refreshed by it as he wove hand signs. "Water Shark Bomb Jutsu!"
It took some effort on her part, the Chakra inside it resisting her, but Kya managed to bend the Water Shark Bomb into a water ring. She then pushed it out, knocking the two water users back. Though Ming-Hua collected the remaining water and froze it before bending it at Kya.
As she was pushed back, Kisame rushed in and got a heavy slash with Samehada. Fortunately for her, as opposed to Mako, the blade was still wrapped. That meant it was just a blunt hit, though one that saw Kya slamming back first into a wall.
Ming-Hua surged forth atop a wave of water, her arm changed to a water spear, while Kisame ran alongside her. Kya drew on the water from the nearby fountain and bent it as a massive wave at the two. Kisame disappeared into it while Ming-Hua was knocked off the cliff.
"Is it over?" Kya asked, as she walked towards the cliff.
Ming-Hua rose up while having multiple water tentacles and attacked Kya again, pushing her back. As she stumbled into the courtyard, Kya was trapped in a water prison.
"Caught off guard, were you?" Kisame asked, having come up behind her.
He delivered another heavy swing with Samehada, cutting through the water at an angle to the point where Kya was lifted into the air. Even though she attempted to bend the water, Kisame swung her down into the ground hard enough that she was rendered unconscious.
"Hehehe." Kisame felt satisfied, even though this wasn't a one on one. "Always figured fighting a Waterbender would be fun, and you sure delivered."
Bumi vs Ghazan & Sasori
Bumi was on a higher floor, running as Ghazan bent the earth into lava and sent it after him. He lept down to the ground floor, but the Lavabender erupted the section he stood on. Fortunately, Bumi managed to leap out of the way before getting caught up in that.
Ghazan directed the lava to Bumi, who lept to the wall before using it to launch at his opponent. He used his Airbending to slide under the Lavabender before then pouncing on his back. He bit into the man's shoulder, making him scream in pain.
Then, Chakra Threads attached to Bumi's back, and Sasori pulled him off before tossing the new Airbender into a wall. "Pathetic. A Bender's only worth comes from serving as my puppet, yet you're not even worth that."
"You have a problem with Benders?" Bumi asked.
"A huge problem." Sasori declared. "You're all weak to the point using my puppets would be a waste."
Suddenly, a gust slammed into Sasori at full force knocking him off his feet. Kai, using Airbending, sped in to catch up. He lept while spinning, intending to put what Sasuke used on him to good use. He came down with a powerful axe kick sending Sasori into the ground.
"We're not as weak as you think." Kai lept back, standing beside Bumi. "Especially when the odds are a little more in our favor."
"Kid…" Bumi began.
That was all he could say as Ghazan unleashed an earth pillar, forcing the pair back. Kisame and Ming-Hua, having finished binding Kya's unconscious body, grouped up with Ghazan while Sasori stood up to join them.
"They beat Kya." Bumi said.
"Focus Bumi." Kai stated. "They beat her, but we're still in this."
Stables
P'Li unleashed more of her combustion blasts as the Airbenders remained hidden.
"Waiting here isn't going to achieve a thing." Jinora grabbed her staff.
"What are you doing?" Daw asked.
Jinora looked back at the other Airbenders. "Whatever I can."
"Jinora, no!" Pema exclaimed.
"Mom, we can't stay here." Jinora argued. "Besides, if Sasuke was here, he would've done whatever he could to protect us."
"You're not Sasuke." Pema argued back.
"I know, but someone has to do something." Jinora stated firmly. "Dad's back there while Sasuke, Korra, and all their allies aren't even here." She ran out before Pema could retort. "Get the bison and get out of here!"
As Jinora ran for the edge of the cliff, P'Li fired combustion blasts. The young Airbender managed to avoid them and leap off the cliff while opening the glider. She took flight, avoiding more combustion blasts before flying past the Red Lotus member.
P'Li was about to attack her again until she looked down to see the Airbenders rushing to the Bison. Jinora looked back and saw this before flying in. As P'Li tried firing at them, the young Airbender threw out an air slice that forced her back.
The combustion blast was sent off course into the side of a cliff. That got P'Li focusing exclusively on her and firing a blast. Jinora noticed it too late to dodge, so she generated air around herself in a bid for protection. Ultimately, she was rendered unconscious and fell.
"Jinora!" Pema cried.
Meelo/Ikki teared up. "She can't be gone…/Nooo…"
The Airbenders reached the stables, but P'Li fired down a combustion blast that saw them fly away in fear. There was nowhere they could run now.
Bumi & Kai vs Kisame, Ming-Hua, Sasori, & Ghazan
Bumi was forced back by fire from Sasori before being knocked back by Ming-Hua's water blasts.
Kai was about to help him when Kisame finished his hand signs. "Water Shark Bomb Jutsu!"
Kai was forced to dodge back, ending up on the balcony with Bumi. Ghazan threw a rock, but Kai utilized Airbending to deflect it. With both now firmly on the balcony, he then bent up enough earth to the point it slammed into and sent the pair off the edge.
Bumi was the quickest to act, Airbending to the ledge while grabbing hold of Kai's hand. "I got you kid!"
They then saw the Red Lotus' airship coming into view.
"Bumi, let go!" Kai shouted.
"We could die." Bumi said.
"We'll die if we hang on!" Kai yelled.
P'Li directed her combustion blast their way. Bumi closed his eyes and let go, the two of them falling avoided the blast. They ended up landing through trees, which broke their fall, but both hit the ground unconscious.
Tenzin vs Zaheer & Itachi
Tenzin and Zaheer traded air blasts which the other would deftly dodge. Eventually, he got behind Zaheer and dodged low to avoid him before sending out an air blast which knocked Zaheer down.
Itachi came up behind Tenzin and threw multiple shuriken before weaving hand signs. "Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
The shuriken he threw multiplied, but Tenzin was able to deflect them with a massive air dome. He then rushed at Itachi, only for the nearby cliffside to be blasted by Combustionbending which sent him falling to the ground below. The master managed to catch himself with Airbending.
Almost immediately, Kisame had rushed in and grabbed him by the throat before throwing the master away. As he tried to salvage it with more Airbending, Ming-Hua delivered a water blast which impacted the Nomad.
Ghazan then sent out rocks which hit his gut while Sasori attached his Chakra Threads to ensure he couldn't slip away, essentially it made the rocks hurt that much worse as he was prevented from being pushed all that far back by the impacts.
Sasori then threw his battered body against the nearest wall with as much strength as he could muster. Tenzin fell to the ground; his clothes were ruined while his body was bruised. Even still, he slowly rose to his feet while panting heavily.
"Give up." Itachi said.
"It's over." Zaheer added.
"As long as I'm breathing, it's not over." Tenzin retorted.
He tried to air blast Zaheer, but Itachi had already been running in. He slammed his fist into Tenzin's gut before kicking him up against the wall. The older Uchiha then lept back as everyone else bombarded the master with their attacks.
Cliff
Jinora was still unconscious, but she felt her face being licked which roused her. The young Airbender found herself upside down, hanging from a tree, as a bison calf floated before her.
"You found me?" The calf floated down, so Jinora got free of the tree to drop down on him. "Thank you!" She pet the bison calf before locking eyes with the distant Red Lotus airship. "C'mon. Yip, yip!"
Guest: Es decir, veremos qué pasa. La historia es solo una idea en este punto.
roggerlopez99: Thank you. The original version, from the prior author, of what Sasuke was told could be fine, but that was more predicated on that author putting Shinobi above Benders in terms of strength. As always, I tend to view them more on as equal a footing as possible. Of course, they tend to have certain advantages but not enough to the point they absolutly dominate.
Instead, I set that as more a form of prejudice some shinobi could have about Benders. We also never really got a time frame of this war from the prior author, so I just set it during Kyoshi's time as an Avatar. Given she lived for 230 years, that's a lot of wiggle room for the last big war between Shinobi and Benders without impeding too heavily on the events of the 100 Year War and Warring States Period both halves of the world found themselves in.