Flying Bisons [2] Bolin

Chapter 54

We all stand around a large table with a map resting on top as we fly towards the Northern Air Temple. I bite my lip nervously as Suyin starts placing a small figure on the map to show our position. I am not looking forward to when we land because that means facing Zaheer, but I know we have to. For the airbenders. I cross my arms over my chest as I look at the map, and as I do, my hand lands on Bolin's that is resting against my waist. My head lifts up to look at him and he shoots me a smile. I struggle to return it and look back at the map, and as I do I feel Bo move his hand ever so slightly so that my thumb is resting under his. 

"I say we make our approach from the west. Drop down from the airship on cables. Ambush these Red Lotus lowlifes before they know what hit them." Suyin says and I stare at the map in doubt of her plan. 

"It'll never work." Lin says.

"She's right. The combustion bender will take us out easily." I say.

"You have a better idea how to save the airbenders?" Su asks and I go to reply, but Lin beats me to it. 

"Yeah, I do. We come up from the valley, scale the side of the mountain, and take them off guard." Lin says. 

"That could work." Tonraq says in agreement, but I shake my head. 

"No, it's that same as if we dropped down. The lavabender would catch us and melt the mountain." I say. 

"Okay, then what's your idea, Princess?" Lin says and I narrow my eyes on her. 

"Ulazu." I correct her before releasing a sigh and turning to Korra who looks out of the window. "Zaheer is smart, the only way he will not attack is if he sees Korra." I say which causes the Avatar to turn to face me. 

"So, you're saying we should just hand her over?" Lin snaps angrily. 

"No, she's right. The only plan that will work is for me to give myself up." Korra says and I lower my arms to my side. 

"What? No, we're not giving you up." I start to say to carry on my plan, but she cuts me off. 

"I talked it over with Lord Zuko, and I've given it a lot of thought. I have to do this." Korra says and I groan ready to carry on, but once again I'm getting cut off. 

"You can't expect us to sit by and just let Zaheer take you." Asami says. 

"That isn't the pl-" I try to say, but I get stopped as Korra talks. I furrow my eyebrows in frustration. 

"The world has been out of balance for far too long. It needs the Air Nation back again. I can't let Zaheer destroy it and everyone we love." Korra says. 

"Look, it will be okay becau-" I start again, but once again I'm forced to stop which only angers me more.

"Help me save the Air Nation, then you can worry about saving me." Korra says.

"Spirits, can you let me actually say my plan?" I ask loudly gaining everyone's attention. I sigh and put my hands on the table. 

"Ulazu, this is the only way-" Korra starts and snap. 

"Just shut up and let me speak!" I shout as I glare at her. "I get that you've given up or whatever, but that doesn't mean the rest of us have to!" Her eyes widen as I stare at her angrily and her features soften. I take a breath as I turn away from her and to the rest of them. 

"Korra is going to radio Zaheer and say she is going to giver herself up in return for the airbenders. Lin, Suyin and Tonraq, will stay close to her. You and the metalbenders will stay out of sight, ready to get Korra out of there as soon as we get the airbenders." I explain.