Avatar: Two Brothers

Showdown in the Temple

After narrowly surviving defeat against Sonoor and Ruvnia, Isabelle thought she could finally relax after seeing them disappear. However, just as she was about to sit down, Chloe came rushing in to scold Isabelle. “Are you crazy, bringing the other sister up here!? What if your plan backfired? We would be finished!”

Dilraj couldn’t help but laugh out loud. “Hey! What do you find so funny?” Chloe demanded an answer. “You two are both insane. The crazy ideas you come up with…” Dilraj replied.

Chloe had no reply. She was just glad to see both her comrades Isabelle and Dilraj alive and able to fight another day. But they knew it wasn’t over yet, the most vital battle of all still loomed ahead.

“Da-Wei will need all the help he can get. You should go to him.” Isabelle told Chloe.

Chloe didn’t want to leave Isabelle and Dilraj behind but they both insisted that she continue. Neither of them would be much help in their current condition. So without time to spare, Chloe made her way towards the temple where she hoped to find both Da-Wei and Ruthar.

After making his way through, Da-Wei finally arrived at the entrance of the temple. As he was about to place his hand on the door, he took a deep breath, bracing himself for what he was to come. When he stepped into the temple, the first thing he saw was Master Ruthar, who was completely unharmed.

Da-Wei was relieved to see his master alive and well. He ran up to him with excitement but for some reason, his master didn’t share the same enthusiasm. Ruthar was completely silent and his face showed no expression. Da-Wei kept asking him questions to try and get him to respond but someone else was also in the room.

“Da-Wei, you have finally arrived.” Laghima welcomed the young airbender. Immediately, Da-Wei was on the defensive. “Please settle down Da-Wei, I have no intention of fighting you.” But Da-Wei was ready to spring forth and land the first hit but as he was about to initiate his move, a hand reached out to stop him and it was someone he didn’t expect.

“Master Ruthar?!” Da-Wei said in disbelief as his master grabbed his arm.

“Da-Wei, listen to what he has to say.” Ruthar said with a stern voice. Da-Wei still wasn’t sure what was happening but Ruthar seemed to be moving to his own will and so he decided to listen for the time being.

Laghima explained to Da-Wei the state of affairs the world was currently in. Because of everything that had happened, the Fire Nation, Water Tribes, and Earth Kingdom all saw the Air Nomads as the primary threat. Any airbenders regardless of their affiliation with Laghima’s regime or not, would be seen as an enemy and dealt with accordingly.

After what Laghima told him, Da-Wei began to worry about his parents. Through all the chaos, he wasn’t sure what their current status was. That was when Laghima stepped forward and spoke directly to him. “I know you are worried about your parents and I will assure you there is nothing to fear. So long as we see each other as allies, our enemies will not stand a chance.” He stood offering his hand to Da-Wei.

Da-Wei’s head began to be filled with thoughts. He considered taking the offer as he wanted to assure the safety of his family. Even Ruthar had seemed to side with Laghima. With what information he had to work with, he slowly motioned his arm to accept Laghima’s offer.

However, before he could accept, a rush of memories ran through his mind. He was reminded of the journey he had gone through with Dilraj, Isabelle and Chloe. All the crazy adventures they've been through and all the tough battles they had to endure. But most importantly, he was reminded of all the efforts everyone had put in to get him to this point. So when he came back to his senses, he immediately shot a huge gust from his palm to separate himself from his opponent. Laghima jumped back and waited to see what the young airbender would do next.

“This all happened because of you! Everyone fighting against one another, and you forcing the air benders to follow you. It's all been your doing!”

Laghima laughed before replying. “Ha, all I did was plan seeds. How everything blossomed was completely up to them.”

His answer frustrated Da-Wei who swore that he would never join Laghima, even if it cost him his life. He then used his air bending to give him a quick boost as he launched himself towards his opponent. Laghima was more than ready to counterattack Da-Wei but instead, Ruthar jumped in and used his airbending to send Da-Wei slamming against the other side of the temple.

As Da-Wei pulled himself back up, he was met with an opponent that was once his master. He could see Ruthar ready to fight but he could also tell from his last attack that he held back.

“Master Ruthar!” Da-Wei called out and his master listened attentively. “I know the decision to protect your own family was tough for you as well. That is why I bear no hatred towards your decision. All I ask is that you battle me with everything you got!”

It was a long awaited fight. They both knew one day they would have to face each other in battle, they just didn’t expect it to be now. Both air benders engaged with great fervor trading air blasts against one another without either one giving up the upper hand.

Knowing he had the advantage in speed, Da-Wei pressed the attack using his gale slices techniques but Master Ruthar carefully deflected them away with his air shield. Da-Wei then used his air bending to enhance his speed and began running circles around Ruthar, hoping to surround him in a massive gust of wind. However, Ruthar patiently watched the direction of the wind and countered Da-Wei’s plan by twisting the wind in the opposite direction.

The two air benders were still evenly matched but it was clear that both their stamina was beginning to drain. They both halted their attacks for a moment to catch their breath.

“You have been training hard Da-Wei, your speed and endurance have improved drastically.”

“You bet I have been training hard. That Rice wouldn’t let me rest a single day.”

“Ha, it seems he has been a good teacher. I knew he would be a good fit for you.”

“He’s definitely taught me much but most importantly, he also taught me this secret move that will win us this battle.”

When Ruthar heard those words come out of his apprentice’s mouth, his eyes widened. “What? No! Don’t tell me he actually told you… You mustn’t!”

Ruthar warned Da-Wei but he ignored his master’s order and prepared his body to begin the secret technique. Ruthar was full of hesitation and wasn’t sure how to react. But, before anything else could happen, Laghima suddenly appeared in front of Da-Wei without any warning. He placed the palm of his hand in front of Da-Wei, who was now unable to move.

Slowly the air throughout Da-Wei’s body began to be pulled out from him because of Laghima. Once he drew out all the air from the young bender’s body, he dispersed the air into the open space and Da-Wei fell to the ground, pale skin, and completely lifeless.

At the entrance of the temple, someone had just arrived to witness the horrific events that had just transpired. “Da-Wei!” Chloe screamed as she ran swiftly towards her friend. She placed her hand near his airway but she never felt anything on her hand. Both Chloe and Ruthar had tears falling from their eyes as they both witnessed the loss of a close friend.

“What did you do to him?” Chloe demanded from Laghima.

“If a human doesn’t like where they live, they can find another place on the Earth more suited to their liking. They might have trouble without fire, but they don't need it to survive. And even water, a human can go three days without. But air is the essential life force for all life forms. Without it, it could take seconds before that life comes to an end.”

“Laghima, why did you use that technique on Da-Wei? He still had so much to live for.” Ruthar said in anguish.

“The boy was a fool. He couldn’t see the potential power we possessed. The power of three of the strongest air benders right here and he threw it awa…” As Laghima was about to finish, earth columns shot up from the ground nearing crushing him but he avoided them at the last second with his nimble reactions.

Chloe was completely enraged by Laghima’s words that she attacked Laghima hoping to catch him off guard but she didn’t succeed. She followed up her attack by launching herself from the ground and continuously threw giant rocks towards her enemy. Laghima was able to dodge all the projectiles with ease so Chloe changed her strategy by forming a rock armor on her body and engaging Laghima head on.

The armor forced Laghima to use stronger attacks which took more time allowing Chloe to strike back but at the same time, her own attacks were much slower because of the extra weight. They seemed to be a stalemate until Chloe went for an attack that left the weak side of her armor vulnerable. Laghima saw the opening and was about to strike it with full force but Ruthar used his air blast which forced Laghima to separate himself away from Chloe.

“Ruthar!” Chloe shouted in excitement seeing Ruthar assisting her. Ruthar returned a smile back to her but his expression changed as he turned to face his brother.

“Tch, I thought you weren’t going to fight against your family.” Laghima said smugly.

“These kids have treated me with love and respect throughout my life. They are more family to me than you ever will be.” Ruthar directs his comments without regret.

“Fine. You will join that foolish air bender boy soon enough!”

Ruthar and Chloe engaged Laghima simultaneously, hoping their combined strength would be enough to overpower the lone airbender. They continuously pressured him by bombarding Laghima with consecutive jabs and kicks but somehow, Laghima was able to evade or deflect away all their attacks.

When Ruthar and Chloe both saw an opening, they both attempted a kick from opposite sides but Laghima repelled them back with a massive outburst of wind. The two benders were sent far back but they managed to land on their feet. Seeing as their combined close combat wasn’t effective, they changed up their strategy.

Chloe used her earth bending to conjure up her stone gauntlets to charge against Laghima. Then as she was blitzing towards her target, Ruthar focused all his efforts and encased Chloe within an air sphere.

Laghima was staring down a giant air sphere charging towards him so he reacted by using his wind attacks to try to stop the air sphere from a distance but it wasn't working. At this moment, Chloe could sense that this might be their opportunity and with reckless abandon, continued running towards Laghima.

Noticing that he could not stop the air sphere from a distance, Laghima waited for Chloe to get closer. When the sphere was near, Laghima reached out with both his hands and began to counter the flow of the sphere up close. The air sphere was incredibly powerful and it tore apart the sleeves on Laghima’s garb.

It took much effort from Laghima but he succeeded in nullifying the air sphere but what he couldn’t stop was Chloe’s continued assault. Without fear, Chloe leapt forward and delivered a right punch and it connected against his left shoulder. The strike had Laghima’s head looking down and completely motionless.

Chloe wasn’t sure how to react as it seemed her opponent was unresponsive, but from a far Ruthar immediately yelled, “Chloe get out!”. However, when Chloe heard Ruthar’s message, it was too late. Laghima suddenly grabbed Chloe’s extended arm with his right hand.

Now Chloe was caught within Laghima’s clutches and couldn’t escape. Laghima instantly turned the earthbender around and slammed her body to the ground. Then he used his air bender to propel him forward while holding Chloe against the ground. As Chloe’s body was being dragged against the ground, Laghima was quickly making his way towards Ruthar.

Seeing Laghima moving at an incredible speed, Ruthar was ready to use a gale strike to take him out. Unfortunately, Laghima knew exactly what his brother would do, so as he was about to launch the gale strike, Laghima picked up Chloe from the ground and held her in front of him as a shield.

When Ruthar saw Chloe, he couldn’t stop the gale strike, instead he had to forcefully redirect his attack away from Chloe and Laghima. Because Ruthar did so, he was completely vulnerable and Laghima struck him with an air punch that sent him falling to the ground. With Ruthar down, Laghima followed up by launching Chloe with his airbending, causing her to slam into Ruthar.

Ruthar and Chloe were severely injured but they both attempted to get back up into the fight. However, as Laghima saw their struggles, he caused a massive current of wind to crash down against the two benders. Not only did the strong downdraft force them to collapse back onto the ground, it also made it difficult to breathe.

“I gave you one chance brother and I really thought you would understand this time. But it seems you are too far gone. Your feelings for these kids have made you weak. Now watch, for the second time I will take another one away from you.”

Laghima had his sight set on Chloe and was ready to unleash his technique. There was nothing Ruthar could do, he could only watch as his brother began to slowly take the air away from Chloe’s body.

As Ruthar closed his eyes to look away, he heard the sound of someone being struck in the lungs. It was not the sound he was expecting to hear, so he opened his eyes and he could not believe what he witnessed. Da-Wei had reappeared and delivered a deadly blow right at Laghima’s lungs.

After taking a devastating hit right at his lungs, Laghima was forced to distance himself away from Da-Wei. He was gasping for air but the wound in his lungs made it difficult. As he tried to regain his regular breathing, he began questioning Da-Wei with a raspy voice.

“How? How is it possible that you are still alive?”

Da-Wei revealed that when everyone was on their way to Zuan Shi, he had a moment with Rice where he taught him a forbidden technique. He warned the young air bender that it was an extremely risky maneuver and should only be used as a last resort. Da-Wei was filled with fear waiting for Rice to reveal what the special move was called. “Play Dead!”

“What?! That is absurd. How could such a move have any practical battle use?!” Laghima spoke with anger.

“That’s what I initially thought too. But the more I thought about it, I realized that it would probably be the only way to land a crippling strike against you.”

“Tch. But that still doesn’t explain how you are alive. I removed the oxygen from your body!”

“No you didn’t. I did.” Da-Wei’s answer caught Laghima by surprise. “Right as you appeared between me and Ruthar, I bended the air out of my body right before you got the chance. Because I was the only who did it, I made sure to leave a tiny amount of oxygen within my body. Small enough that you wouldn’t be able to detect.”

“But going that long without much oxygen in your body could be extremely fatal. Your brain could have been excessively damaged, not to mention you might not have had enough oxygen to wake up again.” Laghima argued.

“You are right, the margin for error was extremely thin. If I kept too much oxygen, you would have known I was still alive and if I didn’t have enough oxygen, I wouldn’t be standing here right now. It was a risk I had to take against an opponent like you.”

Laghima was silent for a moment and then he bursted into laughter. “It seems I was wrong about you. You are an extremely crafty air bender but don’t think you have won just yet!”

Even with his lungs damaged, Laghima could fight and he used his air bending to propel himself towards the young air bender. Da-Wei countered with his air bending to hold Laghima back but he wasn’t anywhere near full strength from all the oxygen that left his body earlier. Laghima was pushing him back but then Ruthar appeared on his right and Chloe on his left, and they both delivered a roundhouse kick that sent Laghima jumping back.

Chloe, Da-Wei, and Ruthar looked at each other and were extremely happy to see one another. They then turned to focus their efforts on their common enemy. This was their final chance, the three benders from Zuan Shi were ready to reclaim their home.

Da-Wei and Ruthar advanced towards their opponent first. Laghima saw them approaching and attempted to use his gale slash to stop them but Chloe created two large rock columns that blocked Laghima’s attack. That allowed Da-Wei and Ruthar to appear right in front of Laghima and they began pummeling him with a barrage of air punches.

Even though he was outnumbered, Laghima still kept up and was on even ground with the two air benders. Both Da-Wei and Ruthar landed a punch on him but then Laghima countered by knocking them both away with an air blast. Laghima was about to follow up and strike them again but Chloe launched herself and tackled Laghima right at his abdomen.

Laghima then elbowed Chloe in the back, forcing her to loosen her grip so Laghima threw Chloe back towards Ruthar and Da-Wei. As Chloe was about to slam into the two air benders, they both stood their ground and used their air bending to catch Chloe. Once they caught her, Chloe surrounded her whole body with all the earthly materials around them.

Da-Wei and Ruthar, combined their air bending and eventually created a massive air vortex with Chloe right in the middle. They sent the vortex right at Laghima who couldn’t stop the attack. As he struggled to protect himself, Chloe jumped out of the vortex and rocketed herself at Laghima, landing both her fists at Laghima’s chest.

Somehow, Laghima could still move and he was about to grab Chloe but Ruthar and Da-Wei both appeared on his left and right and simultaneously struck him with their combined air punches, right in the abdomen. Finally, Laghima's body seemed to finally give out, as he fell to the ground, completely powerless.