[Zoryu Hall]
"S-sir...? Do we really have to do this?"
We were standing in the dark backstage of Zoryu Hall when, for the first time ever, the Lieutenant directly questioned my orders. Light green robes and trousers hanging off our frames in place of our armours.
"In what way, Lieutenant?" My deep voice rumbled. "You've already performed admirably in this first act of our operation."
"It's just... when you said that you were looking for volunteers to serve their country on the most important battlefield of the war. I didn't think you'd mean this, sir."
Ah, morale was flagging because my troops did see the point of our objectives. They lacked a feeling of purpose, and an appreciation for what they were doing. They had already done this much without needing an explanation, so I believe they deserve one now.
"Platoon, fall in." I gave the command- that at least was followed without hesitation as they formed a neat square in front of me. "We've come far, men and women of the 41st Division."
My steely-eyed veterans of the 41st Division- also in similar light robes and trousers- stood at attention, hanging onto my every word in serene, martial focus. In stark contrast, all around us in the dim light, hurried footsteps on wood and hushed voices of directions echoed in a panicked rush of activity. Indentured servants hoisted ropes, hauled barrels of weapons and prepared for the next act in what was perhaps the most important operation on the Fire Islands yet. No, this was the one that would seal the fate of the war.
"We have the training that no other branch in the Fire Nation Military could boast. We have the rugged equipment that would make noble heirs green with envy. And we have coffers overflowing with a gratuitous amount of war funds that make our enemies very nervous."
Quest:
OUT OF THE FRYING PAN, AND INTO THE BLIZZARD
Main Objective: Prepare for the Siege of the Northern Water Tribe before the armada departs
Sub-Objective #1: Equip the entire 41st Division for arctic weather conditions (100% Complete)
Sub-Objective #2: Train the entire 41st Division to be competent in Arctic Warfare (100% Complete)
Sub-Objective #3: Double the Fire Nation Army's enlistment rate in this upcoming enlistment season (8% Complete)
Sub-Objective #4: Dedicate 70,000 Gold Pieces in war funds for this campaign (70,000/70,000 Gold Pieces)
Rewards:
Massive bonus exp
Perk Point x4
+ R +
"... But that isn't enough." I told them in no uncertain terms. "This is not a war we can win on our own, without the support of our brethren. The Fire Nation war machine needs new blood to turn its gears, and it is up to the 41st Division to acquire it. When we have full divisions marching across the Earth Kingdom instead of scattered companies. When every Fire Nation soldier has a squad that he can rely on. When our enemies realise that they no longer outnumber us 3-to-1 in every battle. It'll be because of this night. It'll be because the 41st Division gave the people of the Fire Nation a vivid dream of courage and mettle and victory- so close to them that they can almost grasp it. As if to say..."
I extended a bare hand towards the Lieutenant, large palm facing up.
"... Come with me." I whispered as our eyes met, my green with her amethyst. "We're going to win this war together."
"I'd follow you to the depths of the Underworld, Khan." she whispered back, a light blush dusting her cheeks and her hand reaching up to-
An indentured servant approached and prostrated himself on the wooden floor. "A thousand apologies for interrupting, Commander Khan. But everything is prepared for the second act."
"To your posts and your places, we start in 60 counts!" I commanded- loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. Then I turned towards the Lieutenant and the troops, "You've done a good showing so far. Fire Nation High Command and the Noble Clans aren't quite sold on the idea just yet, but we have their attention. Light a fire in their hearts and minds, 41st Division!"
"Sir, yes sir!"
Drums set a steady martial beat as we rushed to our places.
Soon enough, the grand velvet curtains were drawn- revealing the expectant faces of the Fire Nation's upper crust staring intently at us from their seats. There in an armoured booth was the Fire Lord himself along with the Fire Nation High Command. The Fire Noble clans with their young heirs and heiresses already leaning forward, at the edge of their seats.
"We've got a long way to go..." I grunted out loud for them to hear. With a smooth motion, I snatched a rattan quarterstaff from a barrel of weapons, and tossed the rest to my troops.
I looked my audience in the eyes as I twirled the quarterstaff into my hands, then broke into song.
"LET'S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS! TO DEFEAT! THE HUNS!"
The ensuing excited squeals were reassuring.
[Northern Water Tribe Capital]
"The Fire Nation!" Aang woke up in a cold sweat, grey eyes shooting wide open as he gasped, "The Fire Nation is up to something big!"
"Aang...?" Katara yawned from her own bedroll, "Is it another one of your nightmares?"
"Yeah, I'm okay though." He nodded as he wiped the sweat off his face, "Sorry for waking you and Sokka up, Katara."
"Just me, you know how Sokka is." She giggled before looking over to her brother who was still snoring and drooling into his bedroll. She smiled back at him, "Maybe it'll help calm you down if we talk with Chief Arnook right now instead of after relaxing for a few days?"
"That... might just help actually." Aang smiled back, "Thanks for having my back, Katara."
"You're welcome!" She chirped before shaking her brother awake, "Sokka, wake up. We're meeting the chief now."
"Mm, Princess Yue, your hair's so- Wuh?" He looked around blearily, "Oh, Aang got a bad dream again? I'm telling you, it was just a bad cod-flounder sandwich. It'll pass once you digest all of last night's feast food. Man... I was having such a lovely dream too!"
Aang and Katara shared a look before he smirked at Sokka, "Maybe we'll run into Princess Yue on the way th-"
"What're we waiting for?" Sokka scoffed, already climbing to his feet, "Come on, let's go meet Chief Arnook!"
Aang was grateful for it- the walk from their ice cottage up to the Chief's. The brisk night air of the North Pole woke him right up, and Agna Quel'a pre-dawn was a sight to behold. A reassuring one. The distant lit lanterns all along the icy city looked pretty neat: guards patrolling walls, boats traversing the waterways and even little shops that were still open at the dead of night.
"There are a lot more people up at night than in the Earth Kingdom." Aang noticed, and Katara smiled.
"Keep in mind that we waterbenders draw our power from the Moon."
"No wonder you're always more chipper at nighttime when I want to sleep." Sokka said distractedly as he kept his head on a swivel in case a certain princess walked by. "I wonder if Princess Yue has different evening wear to night wear..."
Unfortunately for Sokka, they reached the chief's cottage without seeing the princess.
They made their way inside the humbly-sized cottage where a kindly old servant lady led them to the chief's study. With a slight rustle, Aang pushed aside the curtain-door made of polar bear pelt. And there, The wizened Chief Arnook- the leader of all the Northern Water Tribe- sat on the far side of the ice table from them and greeted them with a serene smile.
"Welcome, honoured guests. It is a beautiful moonlit night tonight, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is. Thank you for having us on such short notice, Chief Arnook!" Aang greeted him happily as he, Katara and Sokka sat down on the colourful floor cushions provided to them.
The chief nodded to them. His wrinkled brow, his brown beard without a moustache, and his calm blue eyes... all indicating that he was a water tribe man who has been leading his tribe for several decades, and will for decades more. But even with all that...
"You honour me with your presence, young Avatar."
... he still spoke to Aang with an uncomfortable amount of reverence, and it made Aang shift uneasily on his cushion. He didn't think he'd ever get used to that. First, it was the people on Kyoshi Island, then it was Senlin Village when they were attacked by Hei Bai, and then it was the many many other Earth Kingdom villages that they visited. While most were restrained, some were more... extreme than others- practically worshipping his footsteps. For him, it wasn't easy. After all, chasing fame and clout was against teachings of the Airbender Monks, and now more than ever, Aang wanted to uphold the teachings of his people.
"And you honoured me with your feast, Chief Arnook." Aang grinned, "That was the most lavish Water Tribe feast I've ever had! Every bite was amazing! Even Katara and Sokka were impressed, right guys?"
Part of those teachings was to be like a breeze and spread lightness to whoever they touched. Which was why Aang always tried his best to make it less about him and more about the people around him. Besides, they deserved a lot more credit than he ever did!
"I loved the sea prune stew! It was like Gran-gran's but sweeter!" Katara piped up with a smile, before not-so-subtly elbowing her brother who was still looking dopey-eyed lovestruck from Princess Yue.
"What? Oh, right! The food was great! Just... beautiful." He said with a longing sigh.
"I will relay your compliments to our chefs!" the old chief laughed, "I'm sure they'll be glad to know their efforts were appreciated by both the Avatar and our guests from our sister tribe. But I must apologise that we did not hold a separate feast in your honour and forced you to share it with my daughter's birthday."
Aang waved his hands.
"Please, just call me Aang!" He just smiled it off, "And I'm just glad that Princess Yue wasn't angry at me for stealing attention away from her on her special day!"
"Yue is a gentle soul- she would never hold something like that against you." Chief Arnook said, wearing the smile of a proud father. "And Yue may not have shown it, but she was thrilled to have the Avatar attend her birthday celebration."
"She was?" Aang's grey eyes were wide before grinning in relief, "That's good to hear! I got to talk to her a bit after the feast and she's really nice!"
"Yeah..." Sokka nodded dreamily, "She definitely was nice... ow! Katara!"
She held her brother by his ear as she smiled sweetly, "Will you please excuse me and my brother? We have to talk outside."
"Agh! Let go of my ear! Ah! You're gonna tear it off! Katara!"
They watched as Katara dragged Sokka outside- past the thick pelt of the curtain door. Through it all, Chief Arnook had the social grace to continue as if nothing happened, his tone still conversational as he asked, "I believe you came here to the North Pole with a purpose, Aang?"
"Yes, I have." Aang replied, looking the older man in the eyes, "Chief Arnook, I need a Waterbending master to teach me."
"Ah, that much was to be expected." The old chief smiled again, "It has already been arranged, young Avatar. I will introduce you to your waterbending teacher later tonight. Afterwards, I believe you will start training at dawn tomorrow in the training square."
"What?! Already? That's awesome!" Aang shouted with a smile. "That was a lot easier than it was with Jeong-Jeong! I thought you'd need more convincing!"
Chief Arnook just gave a good-natured laugh, "The Northern Water Tribe have not been remiss in our duties towards teaching the Avatar waterbending in the past thousand years, and we will not do so now. I believe you have witnessed Master Pakku's waterbending exhibition during the feast?"
"No way... He's going to be my master?!" Aang goggled at that, "That's amazing! He was amazing! I've never seen Waterbending forms so smooth and fluid before!"
"Yes." the chief nodded before continuing in a slightly more serious tone, "But Master Pakku also has a reputation for being a demanding teacher. So please keep that in mind when you speak with him."
"I won't let him down!" Aang bowed, "Oh, and thank you for your tribe's hospitality, Chief Arnook. I really appreciate it."
"You are very welcome." The chief only gave a fatherly smile, "Please enjoy our hospitality for as long as you like, Aang."
"Oh, and uh... Sorry about Sokka." Aang scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
"No need for apologies, I was young once too." the old chief smiled graciously, "And as the father of a little girl who has grown into a beautiful young woman, I have made peace with the fact that just as the tides follow the moon, so too will young lads follow my Yue."
"Thank you for being so understanding, chief!"
"Think nothing of it, Aang. Sokka seems to be a fine young man too." Chief Arnook remarked, still smiling as he glanced to the door where the sounds of the two southern water tribe siblings were bickering, "Chief Hakoda naturally spoke highly of his son, and I'm glad that Sokka has not made a braggart out of his father... I believe I can trust him to be respectful around my Yue."
"Yeah..." Aang looked away embarrassed, "Sokka kinda learned the hard way to be nicer to girls."
"Did he now? We may be more alike than I first thought."
"No way!"
"As I said before, I too was once a brash young lad as well. Too brash." the old chief chuckled.
"Don't worry, Sokka's a fast learner. It only had to happen once!" he grinned, "We were at Kyoshi Island in the South Sea and got ambushed by the Kyoshi Warriors. Sokka didn't take being beat up by girls too well and he sorta challenged their leader- Suki. That second round ended as well as you'd expect too. But Sokka took it gracefully and ended up asking them to train him. I think they even liked each other at the end?"
For the first time, the smile left the old chief's face and the conversation dipped in the mood.
"Ah, the Kyoshi Warriors..." He said, "Some worrying rumours have reached us about a very lethal group of young women wearing facepaint who have helped the Fire Nation cut through Earth Kingdom forts."
"We've heard those rumours too." Aang nodded, pressing his lips together in a thin line before continuing, "But while we were there, the Fire Nation almost burned down their village! I don't think they'd ever join the Fire Nation in a million years! And even if they wanted to, the Kyoshi Warriors even took a vow of isolation, they would never leave Kyoshi Island!"
Aang said all that, but for some strange reason, it was like some part of himself deep down inside him didn't believe his own words. He just shook it off though- now wasn't the time to be a jumpy elephant-rat.
Meanwhile, Chief Arnook simply furrowed his brows, the wrinkles on his forehead becoming more pronounced with worry. He sighed in resignation, "It seems that the blizzard has stuffed our hoods."
"I'm sorry?"
"Oh, it's just a Northern Water Tribe saying." He replied, "It means we have willfully deafened ourselves to the world around us, and we have become too isolated for it- relying too heavily on rumours and second-hand accounts. Would you be willing to share with me your account of your journey thus far, young Avatar?"
"Of course." Aang dutifully nodded. "It's the least I can do."
"Is something wrong, Aang? You look troubled"
"It's nothing..." Aang said with a sigh, "I just keep having bad dreams and feelings that the Fire Nation is up to something big."
The chief nodded sagely, "The Fire Nation has never been lacking in terms of grand ambitions, that is known."
"So, do you think we're in danger?"
"Spirits, no." Chief Arnook chuckled, "The Fire Nation are stubborn, but not stupid. Each time they have tried to invade our waters, we have taught them a harsh, harshlesson. And by the time your waterbending training is concluded, that will only become even more pronounced. The Northern Water Tribe will help you attain the bending and the wisdom to put a stop to whatever they're plotting and scheming. As an Avatar with mastery of two elements, you will be ready for them."
Aang followed the chief's eyes as he looked down to the spread out map in front of them. Aang never knew that a little flag marking a nation's capital could seem so... intimidating. His tattoos ached as if warning him, and Aang clenched his hand in his lap.
Aang felt a shiver of determination rise from his belly. He wasn't there for his people when they needed him, but he was here for the world that needs him now.
"I'm ready. Whatever it takes." He promised in a firm voice- more to himself than the chief. And he settled his eyes on that little fire Nation flag that marked their capital city. "I'm going to master waterbending and that'll put me one step closer to stopping whatever secret weapon or war machine or evil scheme the Fire nation are hatching doing right now."
[Zoryu Hall, Capital City]
"DID THEY SEND ME DAUGHTERS WHEN I ASKED FOR SONS?"
The shout echoed out, bouncing off the posh, velvet-lined walls of Zoryu Hall theatre and into the ears of the enraptured audience who leaned forward in their seats. Every pair of female eyeballs were glued to the scene that was happening before them. Especially when Khan started singing, and especially when he took his spirits-damned shirt off. That combined with his unfairly handsome face that was exposed to the public, and every Fire Nobe Clan girl was practically drooling a river.
Not Suki though, she was still too busy seething - watching the play along with her sisters from their vantage point up in the ceiling of the theatre hall in a manner reminiscent to the one they had in Khan's Abode. Funnily, they watched him walk around shirtless there too.
"YOU'RE THE SADDEST BUNCH I'VE EVER MET."
"Stupid Lieutenant. I should have been Mulan, not her." Suki sat back with a harumph, angrily shovelling those crispy fireflakes in her mouth. "It should've been me on the stage having a love story/training montage with a shirtless Khan, not her! It's not my fault that my chest looks too big to be convincing in chest wrapping!"
Of course, hearing her complain, her sisters naturally pounced- their painted red lips visibly smirking in the shadows of their hiding place and swarmed her with teasing whispers.
"Hehehe~ Busty Suki finally gets her comeuppance!"
"I think it's less about Suki's chest and more because we sorta jumped Khan during the last rehearsal?"
"He shouldn't have given us front row seats then if he didn't want that to happen."
"Whatever. It still should have been me who was Mulan."
"Suki, you tried to pull his pants down and suck him off in front of the entire division!"
"I would have succeeded too, if one of you had just stopped licking his abs and helped me with his pants!" Suki scoffed. "I would have definitely gotten the part then! Besides, if Khan didn't want to be jumped then why did he write this scene where he takes his shirt off?"
"BUT YOU CAN BET BEFORE THIS IS THROUGH."
"MISTER, I'LL MAKE A MAN OUT OF YOU."
Khan grabbed the Lieutenant by her training robes, pulling her face to face with him. If not for her surprisingly delicate facial features, it would have looked like a scene straight out of one of those 'boy love' novels.
Not that it stopped the inevitable reaction.
Immediately, a wave of excited squeals and scandalised (read: aroused) gasps swept through the female portion of the audience seated below. But a surprisingly pretty-faced Lieutenant was still not enough to stop the repressed noble girls with hyperactive imaginations in the audience from creaming their panties to sight. Khan's deep and rumbly singing voice was only the cherry on top.
It was almost enough to drown out the sounds of Suki grinding her teeth. Almost.
"Ugh... that could have been me!" Suki fumed.
But miscasted role aside, she was enjoying the show. The professionally-made scenery and the full cast added to the experience of this story of this 'Mulan' character that Khan had written out. An underdog- played with surprising competency by the Lieutenant- was being driven by a shirtless Khan through boot camp training. Barely trained, 'Mulan' was too weak to keep up with the rest of the unit and was now on the verge of giving up. And yet... she pushed through each time.
Suki realised something then, whispering softly, "Avatar Kyoshi would have liked this play."
"Uh... which part? Are you talking about Khan?"
"But wasn't Avatar Kyoshi into girls?"
"Yeah, I mean... Khan's hot. He's really hot. But is he that hot enough to make her swing that w-"
"Sisters! Have some respect!" Suki snapped with a serious glower on her face. "Speculating on our honoured founder's preferences is unbecoming of her Kyoshi Warriors!"
"Sorry, Suki..."
"Just remember yourselves." Suki sighed, but a wistful smile still found itself on her red-painted lips as she went back to watching the play below.
"A plucky young daughter, from before the emancipation of Fire Nation women, taking up the sword of her veteran father who was now too old and frail to wield it- using it to finish the war and absolutely massacre his enemies. And by the end of it, convinces the Fire Lord to let girls serve in the army... That's exactly the kind of inspiring stuff that makes every dumb little girl want to grab her dumb little girl friends, walk up to the nearest village elder, pledge a solemn oath to fight for their country and start making the other side's dumb little girls die for theirs."
Her sisters laughed softly amongst themselves, smiles on their painted faces.
"Just as Avatar Kyoshi intended!"
"I bet if we started a recruitment drive after the show, every girl in the audience is gonna sign up to fight in the war!"
"Those sextuplets in the front look like they're ready to get the first ship out to war!"
"Hah! That's exactly what we did too! Back on Kyoshi Island!"
"Nah, we got in trouble for stealing all the dumplings and THEN we signed up to be Kyoshi Warriors!"
"Except the first Fire Nation we came across was the final boss himself. So unfair."
"yeah..."
They quieted down at that reminder- that they were still very much on the enemy team.
"... Suki? Do you ever wonder where we'd be if we didn't come across Khan?"
Suki thought about it for a moment, then smiled a bittersweet smile. "It doesn't matter. Not anymore. As much as I wished we could have reached Ba Sing Se and met with the Earth King, we serve Khan now, and that's all that matters."
"I guess... but if you had the chance for a do over?"
"I hadn't really thought about it before." She admitted, looking down to where Khan was, "But I w-"
*Click*
All six Kyoshi Warriors stiffened. Their eyes stared at the locked door that led to their little shadowy vantage point. The door knob rattled subtly as if someone was checking to see if it was unlocked. Wordlessly, Suki scattered her fireflakes to the floor as she eyed the door that was likely being picked by now; and without even glancing at her Kyoshi Warriors, her soft whisper slipped through the stagnant air.
"Sisters, into the shadows. As One."
The quiet rasp of Kyoshi Katanas being drawn in tandem accompanied her sisters' even quieter response.
"As One."
They pressed their slim frames behind the thick roof struts made of ancient woods, and stayed perfectly still.
None of them made a sound, not even as the picked door quietly swung open and not even as whoever picked it silently stalked into their dim vantage point. Each of them knew better than to peek from their hiding places- any assassin worth their salt would spot them immediately. Instead, Suki and her sisters were all waiting for the signal, and that signal was...
*crackle*
...the sound of Suki's crispy fireflakes being crushed underfoot.
As one, they darted out from their hiding spots as shadows. Deadly shadows with painted faces, razor sharp swords and a dozen fallen Earth Kingdom fortresses to their name.
Suki immediately spotted the black-clad figures before them- her blue eyes counting eight intruders. Typical of assassins, they were dressed to be unobtrusive in a crowd- all of them garbed in the red robes of regular Fire Nation citizens. Suki knew that even she would not have even suspected them to be assassins if not for the fact that they were here- having picked a locked door, having gotten this deep into a very restricted area, and stepping on the remnants of Suki's crispy snack-turned-sound trap. Startled by the crackling sound, their eight targets hesitated- just for a split second... Hesitation was death.
"As One!" their whispers synchronised- for the poor bastards, it would have sounded like it came all directions.
By the time the assassins' were drawing their own daggers out of their sheaths, Suki's and her sisters' blades were already gliding over the assassins' unarmoured bodies. There was no hesitation in their sword strokes. Sword arms made useless by severed tendons, and any attempt to fight back curbed as bellies were cut open. The fine cloths of their eight targets were no obstacle at all for their razor-edged Kyoshi Katanas, sharpened and cared for by Khan himself, and the numbers advantage swung from a 6-versus-8 to 6-versus-2 in a blink of an eye.
Barely three seconds passed since they sprung their ambush; and by then, Suki and her Kyoshi Warriors found themselves standing victorious over the last assassin- on the floor and gurgling up blood from his slit throat. Such were the battles fought in the shadows: No heroic proclamations, no valorous last stands, not even final words before the execution... Just the dead and the victorious.
"Amateurs." Suki scoffed as she wiped the blood from her Kyoshi Katana and locked the door again. She turned towards her squad, "Check the bodies, we might get lucky with intel."
She and her sisters patted them down. Apart from the disguises, there wasn't much. Some throwing stars, odd crystal coins, some spark rocks and... Suki held up an oddly large drinking flask- sealed tight.
One of her sisters also found an identical flask on the body she was checking too- popping the cork off it and immediately winced with a sour expression.
"It's blasting jelly. Really high-quality ones too, going by the strong smell."
"It looks like all of them have one. Pour them all together and that's almost a small keg of the stuff!"
"Yeah, there's enough here to blow a hole straight through a Fire Nation cruiser's hull..."
"... or in an armoured VIP booth." Suki finished the thought. Her blue eyes looked down into the main hall below, to the metal booth constructed right in the centre of the seats. Gilded with brass flames and decorated and guarded by a small contingent of Imperial Firebenders. One such Imperial Firebender discreetly looked up at them and just as discreetly waved a small flame on his fingertip. In response, Suki used her dagger's jewel to signal back that everything was under control. He didn't give any indication that he saw- instead nodding to his compatriots.
"They could have just as easily gone after Khan too..."
"Nah, he would have handled it just as easily."
"Maybe... but he isn't exactly armoured right now."
"Yeah, good thing we're here." Suki murmured, her red-painted lips pressed into a thin worried line at the thought. It was a good thing that Khan believed in their abilities enough to trust them with thwarting assassination attempts; she didn't think anyone else would have been as capable or as precise. She wouldn't know what she'd do if Khan got hurt. But before she could continue that line of thought...
...The door behind them swung open as if someone had the key.
The thick coppery scent of fresh blood spilled forth- flooding into the room like a wave of death. And from the darkness of the open door, a pair of red blood eyes glowed- staring directly at them. Twin brass-plated blades dripped with bits of blood and gore. It was a monstrous sight enough to make even the bravest man stumble back, but not the Kyoshi Warriors.
Suki smiled big as she waved. "Hey, Yor!"
This monstrous sight was their friend. The older woman stepped out of the shadows and into the dim light. Her black dress was covered in blood, but a sheepish smile on her pretty face.
"Sorry about herding them all to your post, everyone!" the blood-coated woman apologised profusely, flustered as if she was a secretary that had misfiled some documents. "I kind of lost count of how many there were after eighteen!"
"Three teams? There were that many of them?" Suki said in an incredulous tone while one of her sisters let out a low whistle at the number.
"It is surprising, isn't it?" Yor laughed innocently at the clearly funny happenstance, "I heard that people usually send only one team of assassins to try and kill the Fire Lord."
Suki was about to ask how the older woman could possibly know that, but she reminded herself that Yor was the former assassin- one of the deadliest at that. If anyone would be familiar with the murderous political underworld of the four nations, it would be her. So instead, she asked, "Do you think that's the last of the assassination attempts for tonight?"
Yor scratched her pale, blood-splattered cheek in thought. "Well... For a formal event like this, it's already rare to have more than one team, three just isn't something you do because any more than that and it would be really, really hard to infiltrate the teams without anyone noticing."
"So, we're done here?" Suki said.
"Yes- no wait!" Yor corrected herself, "How could I forget?! Here comes my favourite part: I need to taste-test the intermission feast!"
"... But what happens if you come across something poisoned?"
"Don't worry about me!" She gave a brilliant smile through the blood covering her face, "Poison doesn't have an effect on me anymore: I trained myself by drinking different poisons everyday!"
"Y-you deliberately poisoned yourself? Everyday?"
"That's hardcore..."
"As expected of Mistress Yor..."
"We've got a long, looong way to go, it seems."
"Want to join me for a bite?" Yor chirped. And as one, the Kyoshi Warriors replied.
"Pass."
"We'll just continue with our watch here." Suki gave a diplomatic smile. "Please enjoy the food for us."
"Ah, I will." Yor said excitedly, "Please keep a watch over Anya for a little longer, okay?"
"About that Mistress Yor..." Suki called out to the older woman, "Do you think it was alright leaving Anya with Zhao and the Fire Lord?"
"But we're already protecting the Royal Booth, aren't we?" Yor asked in a confused tone, her red eyes looking down into the main hall below.
"I mean, aren't you worried that Zhao might be a bad influence on her or something?"
"Oh, I'm sure it'll be alright. Khan said that Admiral Zhao is a really good friend!" Yor gave a brilliant smile, "And he even offered to let her meet with Fire Lord Ozai! I heard that he's good with kids!"
"You think he is?" Suki said incredulously, exchanged glances with her sisters.
"Mhm, Anya thinks she'll get along with him!"
"Spirits..." Suki exchanged worried glances with her sisters.
That can't be good, and not because Anya wasn't making friends with the Fire Lord. No, it was because the Fire Lord was making friends with Anya.
Suki muttered a silent prayer to Kyoshi.
(A few minutes later) [Intermission feast room]
In front of a convenient mirror outside the feast room, Zhao shifted his eyepatch slightly- making certain that it covered the unsightly black eye he had sustained.
"Damned foxes." He growled, "I hope Khan skins all of them alive."
"But Mr. Jao looks so cool with an eyepatch!" the little, pink-haired six-year-old beside him happily proclaimed. Of all the things that he expected when Khan approached him for a favour, playing babysitter would have been near the bottom of that particular list. He would have actually refused if Khan had not told him whose child this was. That of a particularly infamous assassin that had tried to kill him. That tidbit of information was... mildly concerning. But Khan was Khan.
"... Would you know what a 'Hun' is?" He asked the child as they pushed into the feast room. Crowded as it already was with the audience of Khan's play.
Anyas' green eyes momentarily glanced away from the colourful spread of dumplings and sweets to look up at him. "Um, it's Papa's name for the baddies!" She nodded in apparent understanding, "They go like 'Hun!' or 'Ho!' when they do their evil earthbendy stuff."
"Ah, a slang word for Earthbenders. I see."
"Uh, Mr. Jao? Can you please pass Anya a flame cake?"
"Don't say 'uh' or 'um'." He told her firmly, "You're embarrassing the commander and your mother with such hesitation."
"Anya understands!"
Nodding, Zhao sat a slice on the four-year-old's plate- only for her small hand to grip her head. His brow raised in concern, "Is something a matter, child?"
"Head hurts." Anya groaned, swaying unsteadily, "So many people 'round. Voices and stuff. Just need ta focus on not listening..."
"Agreed." Zhao held the child steady as he scanned the room with his good eye, "The idle chatter of others does get tedious very quickly."
True enough, the upper crust of the Fire Nation was in attendance tonight: Fire Clan nobles discussed the play over wines- giving subtle envious glances over the medals of the military officers who talked with shrewd ministers. It would seem that Khan's play has already had an effect on them. Zhao was ambivalent towards that- Fire Clan nobles joining the military meant their clans would invest more resources into the military's success (and their clan member's survival), but at the same time, having to accommodate the whining of untested noble brats was less than ideal. Regardless, the room was filled with all these men and women of power in the Fire Nation. Even Fire Lord Ozai had decided to grace the event as well. And yet...
His eyes turned towards the child accompanying him, now happily chewing away at her piece of flame cake.
... this girl carried herself with a casualness that indicated that she was either very stupid or she was utterly fearless. Zhao was inclined to believe it was the latter. He could only guess what kind of blood-soaked childhood this child experienced being the daughter of an infamous assassin. Suddenly, he watched as she stiffened before immediately turning around to execute a perfect curtsy.
"F-Fire Lord Ozzy! Your honourableness!"
Brows raised in surprise, Zhao did an about-face just in time to see the Fire Lord and War Minister Qin walking up to him. "Fire Lord Ozai, sir!" Zhao gave a tight navy salute, and also sent a subtle glance back at the child. What immense instincts she has to be able to not only sense someone's presence, but identify them as well.
"Admiral Zhao." Ozai greeted evenly- looking hale and hearty in his grand, flowing robes of red silk and gold thread. "It is good to see that you survived that attempt on your life."
"Thank you, my Fire Lord. That assassin grossly underestimated my resourcefulness." Zhao said, tracing a finger along his eyepatch. The truth can never come out. He had Khan swear to tell no one that a plank of wood had bested him, and that he had to be carried away unconscious from the fight by a squad of Earth Kingdom girls. Certainly not his finest moment.
"Regardless, it is good to see that you were able to arrive ahead of time despite the large fleet."
"Naturally, sir." Zhao coolly replied, "I have been entrusted with the rank and authority to command your navy, so I have. Be it a single squadron of destroyers or the greatest fleet ever assembled across the Four Nations, you will find no other naval officer who will be as capable in commanding your naval forces."
"As you should." Their head of state nodded in approval before gesturing an elegantly-sleeved hand to the aged man standing beside him, "War Minister Qin here was just sharing his estimations on the effectiveness of the siege on the Water Tribe."
"Don't worry, admiral, I was optimistic with my estimations." War Minister Qin said, bowing just enough to be polite, and not a hair more. "A naval invasion of the nation that controls the water? An audacious move no doubt."
This bastard...
Zhao smiled tightly, "War Minister Qin, you have my thanks for extolling the effectiveness of my fleet. While many would be critical of your meagre contributions to the war effort, I have always been of the opinion that taking Ba Sing Se is always an admirable goal. I'm sure others would estimate your drill project just as optimistically."
"It is named 'The Great Piercing Drill of Ba Sing Se', Admiral. And it will succeed." corrected the War Minister with just as fake of a smile. "But you should expect more inventions from me. Ones that would overshadow whatever achievements the navy have claimed in the past decade."
"I have faith in you, war minister. Your recent failed altercation with some Earth Kingdom vagrants squatting in the Northern Air Temple notwithstanding of course." Zhao said flatly, He relished the moment when that smile disappeared from the war minister's face.
"My next invention will change the course of the world, you'll see. You can say that it will soar so high that all the world would see it."
"Waku waku..."
The child's comment caught Fire Lord Ozai's attention, his golden eyes briefly glancing at the pink-haired child. "Admiral, whose child is this?"
"Khan's administrative secretary, sir." Zhao supplied, before leaning forward to speak in a quieter voice. "She is the master assassin from the Garden who Khan had... recruited."
"I see." Ozai stroked his dagger-beard as he looked at Anya.
"A master assassin?" the War Minister looked outright spooked, already subtly glancing around for said assassin, "I trust you have thoroughly vetted such an individual, Admiral?"
Zhao kept his snort of derision to himself. The War Minister apparently didn't understand Khan's reasoning for keeping an assassin's beloved daughter close. He didn't waste time explaining it to him. Instead, he chose to address the Fire Lord. "Anya here has been enrolled at Toujin Island Academy for the past year and has proven her loyalty to the Fire Nation. She had another child burnt at the stake when the child's father was caught selling Fire Nation secrets to pirates."
Now that seemed to catch the Fire Lord's attention, golden eyes shone with interest as he looked down at the child. "Did she now?"
Despite being under the scrutiny of the most powerful man in the Four Nations, the pink-haired child nonetheless replied, "Hide deserved his steak burnt and eaten by ostrich-horsies! He was a bully and his dad was working with the earthbenders!"
"Indeed." Ozai graced her with a small nod of approval, " It is always pleasing to hear about a Fire Nation citizen doing her part."
"T-thank you, Fire Lord Ozzy!" Anya bowed low.
War Minister Qin protested, "But my Fire Lord, the master assassin in our midst is-"
"Not a concern. Her child is one of my loyal subjects, and you will treat her as such."
"... Yes sir."
The corner Zhao's lips tugged in a smile. It was good to know that the War Minister may be intelligent in some ways, but still so ignorant in the darker side of politics.
This little pink-haired girl was clearly the reins through which Khan controlled that Garden assassin. Raising her to be a loyal Fire Nation citizen would in turn would make her mother loyal to the Fire nation. It was not an uncommon tactic- flipping an assassin's loyalty, but it was always a happy occurrence when the option arose. Moreover, it was flattering that Khan chose him over everyone else to handle her- no matter how brief it may be. As long as this child was by his side, he had the determined protection of a world-class assassin. Yes, his friendship with Khan only continues to pay dividends.
"Khan has taught her well, sir." Zhao readily supplied to the Fire Lord. "I doubt Toujin Port will forget this child's... vivid lesson about loyalty anytime soon."
"I did good?" Anya sounded so child-like innocent as she searched for validation of her brutal execution of another child.
"You most certainly did." The Fire Lord said with a nod, "Even adults stand to learn from your display of loyalty, and we can only hope your peers will do the same. Dealing with traitors is every Fire Nation citizen's duty. Why, even the navy has a particularly amusing way of dealing with them on their ships. Don't you, Admiral?"
"You do, Mr. Jao?" Anya looked up at him expectantly.
"Yes, we launch those mutineering scum from our trebuchets." Zhao said, "Such... modifications to the ammunition usually cause them to explode in mid-air, but they certainly make a spectacle if we light them at night- looking much like shooting stars."
"Waku waku!" Anya exclaimed with an awestruck look in her eyes. "Mr. Jao, Anya wants to make a traitor into a shooting star and hit the moon with one!"
The Fire Lord graced her with an approving smile, "You will go far in the Fire Nation with that kind of attitude towards traitorous elements, child. They deserve nothing less."
"They don't?" Anya asked with a confused tilt of her head, "Are traitors just as bad as airbenders or waterbenders?"
"Much worse." Fire Lord Ozai nodded gravely. "That is why I mandated that they be executed first before any enemy prisoner, earthbender or otherwise."
"They're even worse than earthbenders?" The little girl gasped- unable to comprehend such a thing, but as the realisation dawned at her, her green eyes narrowed. "We should burn them at their stakes twice."
The Fire Lord blinked owlishly. Then laughed, actually threw his head back and laughed. "Oh, I forget the intoxicating innocence and enthusiasm of children! War Minister Qin, we should have the youth of the Fire Nation participate more in our endeavours. If this child is any indication, then children all across the Fire Nation are all yearning for more public executions- no, they should have an active part in public executions! The first to throw the torch even!"
"... I'll find Law Minister Yan and tell him to draft the legislation, my Fire Lord." Qin said in a bewildered tone.
"You'd really do that, Fire Lord Ozzy?!" Anya bounced on her feet- looking up with a starstruck expression, "Mm! The last one with Hide was sooo fun! Steak for everyone, and burnt stake for all the traitors! Anya thinks that all her friends would love that! Can we do shooting stars too?!"
"Of course, Of course! I am a generous Fire Lord." He graced her with a fatherly smile, "Executing traitors should be an activity enjoyed by the entirety of the Fire Nation! I will personally see to it that we have multiple methods of public executions available at all times. In every town and in every schoolyard. The children of the Fire Nation shall know the joys of burning traitors at the stake as you do!"
"Fire Lord Ozzy is the best Fire Lord ever!" She shouted.
"Naturally." Ozai chuckled, "So, I am counting on you to root out those traitors, Anya."
Zhao and the war minister shared concerned looks at Fire Lord Ozai even mentioning the child's name. He hated children, and believed that remembering their names was a chore that was far beneath him. But evidently, this tiny pink-haired girl standing before them was no ordinary child. She wasn't even as bad as Princess Azula.
"Yes, Fire Lord Ozzy!" the little girl gave an amateurish salute, "Anya's gonna find all the traitors and burn them all at their stakes and make the ostrich-horsies eat their crunchy, black meat and make them fly to the moon and everything!"
She wasn't like Princess Azula. No, Anya was clearly so much worse.
"I'm sure you will, Anya." Fire Lord Ozai chuckled fondly before turning towards Qin, "See, War Minister? The youths of our nation could learn a thing or two from this child. She's barely old enough to talk, and yet she already speaks nothing but truths. And so passionately too."
"Yes, My Fire Lord."
Bells chimed like the fluttery call of a toucan puffin cut their conversation short, and an excited murmur swept across the crowd as the fine wood doors leading back to the theatre swung open by their attendants.
"Ah, the play will be resuming soon. Splendid." Fire Lord Ozai smiled, "I wonder how Mulan will slay those wretched Earth Kingdom 'huns.'"
"Oh, it's gonna be awesome!" An excitable Anya threw her little arms in the air. "She's gonna get the baddies good!"
"Will she now?" he chuckled, "Come, you may sit beside me and give me hints."
"Uh, Papa Khan said not to spoil anyone, but if it's the Fire Lord... I guess he won't mind."
War Minister Qin coughed nervously, "My Fire Lord, seating a commoner in the crown princess' chair- however vacant- may send the wrong-"
Ozai's scathing glare made him snap his mouth shut. Meanwhile, Anya was looking outright ecstatic by the development.
"Really?! I get to sit in Princess Azoola's chair?! Thank you, Fire Lord Ozzy!"
Zhao quietly followed behind the two. Never had he felt so fortunate to have Khan on his side. Everyone associated with the man was getting their careers furthered, even a six-year-old girl was currently closer to the Fire Lord than their own Crown Princess! Khan was truly a fearsome character.
The corners of his mouth quirked. Khan was right about one thing: It certainly was good to have reliable friends.
(A week later)
It had been a flurry of mindless merriment these past few days.
Ostrich-horse races that wowed the crowds as they raced through the streets, various contests that drew in drifters and hopefuls from every corner of the Fire Nation, and a colourful festival lit by a hundred thousand lanterns. Suki and her sisters had a knack for organising festivities. I heard that they were as much of the toast of every tavern as I was.
High morale is always good.
Also, I don't know why Fire Lord Ozai congratulated me for raising Anya so well. But I guess, I'll take what I can get.
After Fire Lord Ozai and Fire Nation High Command approved of my play, I had sent letters to all the theatre groups I could find including the infamous Ember Island Players. A sizable grant for any who would perform my play, all thanks to the funds that the position of Chief Coordinator of the Great War Commemorations granted me. Nevertheless, people were going to be watching Mulan plays for a long, long while. But even now, the effects have been amazing. Finally, something that wasn't the tired old Love Amongst the Dragons or terribly dry like Azulon's Legacy. Something new and exciting. It was just the Fire Nation population wanted! And it showed.
[Quest - Out of the Frying Pan, and Into The Blizzard] Completed!
OUT OF THE FRYING PAN, AND INTO THE BLIZZARD
Main Objective: Prepare for the Siege of the Northern Water Tribe before the armada departs
Sub-Objective #1: Equip the entire 41st Division for arctic weather conditions (100% Complete)
Sub-Objective #2: Train the entire 41st Division to be competent in Arctic Warfare (100% Complete)
Sub-Objective #3: Double the Fire Nation Army's enlistment rate in this upcoming enlistment season (100% Complete)
Sub-Objective #4: Dedicate 70,000 Gold Pieces in war funds for this campaign (70,000 / 70,000 Gold Pieces)
Rewards:
Massive bonus exp
Perk Point x4
+ R +
Level up Achieved!
Name: Khan "The Giant"
Level: 10 - 11
Level exp: 44/5000
Rank: Commander. 41st Division, Fire Nation Army.
HP: 168/1050
Strength: 89 - 103
Dexterity: 86 - 100
Constitution: 88 - 101
Intelligence: 12 - 14
Spirit: 57 - 77
* 5 Perk Points Available.*
(Increase Intelligence to earn more Perk points per level!)
+ R +
Lvl 100 Strength Perks Available:
[Lvl 2] Power Move (Passive): You don't 'run.' You kick the ground until it takes you where you want to go. On top of your Dexterity, add (25% - 50%) Strength to your running speed and jumping height.
[Lvl 3] Furor of Furious Fury (Active): Angry caveman powers, activate! For the next 4 strikes you make, your strength is doubled. Can be activated (2 - 3) times a day.
[Lvl 3] Flex it off! (Passive): You feel a lot better after you pose and flex your muscles. On top of your Constitution, add (50% - 75%)Strength to your Health points and Resistances calculations.
[Lvl 3] Overpower (Passive): Hit 'em hard when they're not looking, but hit 'em even harder when they are. Gain (40% - 60%) bonus Strength against enemies that you're not outflanking.
Chainbreaker (Passive): Because safe words are for the weak and puny. Double your strength bonus when resisting any physical attempt to restrict your movements.
Inventory Expansion (Passive): Carry all the crap you could ever want and never need! Gain 4x more inventory space.
Lvl 100 Dexterity Perks Available:
[Lvl 2] Parkour Prodigy (Passive): Running? On the ground?! Like some peasant!? (Double - Triple) your Dexterity bonus while performing parkour.
[Lvl 2] Riposte (Passive): A skill distilled from a billion hours in Soulsborne games. Attacking directly after a successful parry now carries a guaranteed crit. (The window to trigger the crit is 2 seconds from parry.)
Pickpocket Prodigy (Passive): Yes, you can actually steal equipped items; yes, that includes their underwear. Double your Dexterity bonus while pickpocketing.
[Lvl 2] Bullet Time (Active): Dodge the bullets that haven't been invented yet. Three times a day, slow time to (80% - 70%). Bullet Time duration in seconds is equal to a tenth of your Dexterity stat.
Dodge Expert (Passive): Combine with Bullet Time for sick slo-mo scenes! Gain 25% to your Dexterity bonus for dodging attacks.
Prise de Fer (Passive): Swing your sword around enough and you become an expert in touching tips. Gain 25% to your Dexterity bonus for all your parry attempts.
Lvl 100 Constitution Perks Available:
[Lvl 2] Iron Gut (Passive): Not to be confused with iron abs. (Double - Triple) your Constitution bonus to resist Poisons, Toxins and illnesses.
Clench! (Passive): Brace your glutes! You gain 10% damage reduction for all attacks that you see coming.
[Lvl 2] Relentless (Passive): Be the Party Animal as told in the legends. You no longer require sleep, and all physical fatigue gain is now reduced by (25% - 50%).
[Lvl 2] Berserker Rage (Passive): Your incredible anger is your weapon, you are... Karen Incarnate. Gain bonus Strength, Dexterity and Spirit proportional to your missing HP. Up to (200% - 225%) bonus stats more at 1% HP.
Bulwark (Passive): You're like a penis- you get harder when you plant yourself somewhere nice. While standing still on a stable surface, gain 20% damage reduction for all attacks. Stacks multiplicatively with other damage reduction perks.
Second Wind (Active): The Kyoshi Warriors are never going to win over you in bed. Once a day, all physical fatigue is removed and you recover 5% of your missing health.
Lvl 50 Spirit Perks Available:
It's not a Dance! (Passive): ... But it just might be a sex position. Double your Spirit bonus when learning/experimenting new bending styles and forms (and sex positions).
[Lvl 2] Spirit Rush (Active): Yes, overconfidence is now a power! Once a day, gain (20% - 40%) bonus Spirit. Spirit Rush' duration in seconds is equal to a half of your Spirit stat.
Greater Chi Paths (Passive): For when it takes you too long getting your 'bending' up. Your Chi flows 25% faster. Allowing bending with fewer wind-up movements, or more powerful bending with normal wind-up movements.
Audacious Spirit (Passive): Is something draining the metaphysical life energies of your body? Just walk it off, lol! Whenever you're suffering from a debuff that affects your Spirit (e.g. Poison, blocked chi pathways, nighttime, cold temperature, etc.) Reduce that debuff's effectiveness by 33%.
* 5 Perk Points Available.*
+ R +
... I neglected my Spirit stat so badly. But there was no helping it, it was going to be the least useful at the North Pole after all.
People were signing up in droves. There were lines forming out of the Enlistment centres, just as many girls as did boys. All in all, a very successful propaganda campaign.
As Chief Coordinator of the Great War Commemorations, Azula had been strict but terribly out of touch. She had intended for the commemorations to be a solemn and strictly military affair. As a royal all her life, the mindset has been ingrained in her that the common folk were more productive only when commanded by their betters. It was only partially true- people chafed under being compelled to do something, but cajoling them into it? Convincing them that what you want was what they wanted too? Graciously giving them a chance to do what you want? Now that was much more effective.
The Fire Nation was a people of passions after all, and propaganda loves strong emotions. Everyone saw what I wanted them to see.
To the civilians and the new recruits, I sold it as the reason why Fire Lord Sozin started this war- sharing the prosperity of the Fire Nation to the world. That if the whole world was Fire Nation, they'd enjoy all these things as well. That we were the good guys.
The veterans- the demographic that I really wanted to cater to- saw the propaganda for what it was. But a few nights on actual Fire Nation bed, eating Fire Nation food, prepared by Fire Nation hands... that was enough for most of them to stop bemoaning the blood on their hands just long enough for them to listen to the choice I gave them: Stay and melt their swords into ploughs, or to join us at the final push.
It was a false dilemma.
I had reminded them that the end was in sight. A glimpse of the peace and prosperity awaiting them after the war. We were finishing this war, with or without them. Everyone knew it. What were they supposed to do? Throwing in the towel and quit when they were so close to finishing things? Leave things unfinished and their sacrifices made meaningless? Miss out on the glory and honour? Regardless of their reasons, it lit a fire in their bellies.
I had expected about forty or so to take the easy way out to be honest. But out of the forty thousand veterans... no one did. No one could bear the thought.
For this force of forty thousand, they were ALL determined to see this war to an end with their own eyes, and by their own hands.
[Agna Quel'a]
The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a gentle silvery glow over the Northern Water Tribe capital of Agna Quel'a. The cool ocean breeze carried a hint of salt, and the tranquil waters of the Northern Sea glittered under the moonlight like a million diamonds floated in it.
Sokka barely noticed any of that- too busy stealing a glance at Yue. Her silvery white hair shimmered in the moonlight contrasted with her smooth caramel skin, and her serene expression mirrored the calm air around them. He couldn't help but smile. He was never the kind of guy who could just sit still in the quiet like that, but right now... he'd never felt as in peace as he did now. Just the two of them in their winter thick winter coats, standing close enough together that they could faintly feel each other's warmth. It felt so... personal.
"Copper piece for your thoughts, Yue?" he asked, leaning on the railing of their designated meeting bridge.
"Honestly?" Yue smiled playfully, "Can you keep a secret, Sokka?"
"Sure can!" He nodded eagerly, "I'm a great secret keeper, I keep all kinds of secrets for my sister, all the time!"
She frowned slightly before looking away, "On second thought... you'd think I'm being silly..."
"And that's totally okay!" He reassured her, glad that she hadn't been frowning from something he said, "Have some fun in your life instead of being stuffy like my sister. Not that you are stuffy, but- uh..."
Yue just laughed, a genuine laugh that tinkled like a perfectly tuned icicle-xylophone. It was the kind of sound that Sokka thought he could never get tired of hearing.
"Okay, but you have to promise not to laugh!" Yue said, hands on her hip and aiming a pretend pointed look at him.
"P-Promise." Sokka stuttered with a blush. Yue was just too cute when she was being playful.
She smiled, "Good... Because nothing's on my mind." Yue looked back up to the starry sky and clasped her hands as if in prayer, "Some nights, I just lose myself staring at the moon, just drinking in how beautiful the moonlit nights are. Do you think that's silly of me?"
"What? No, that's not silly at all! I mean... It's a pretty view after all. Very pretty."
Yue's blue eyes glanced at him for a moment and found that he was looking right at her when he said it. She turned away with a heavy blush across her cheeks. "Sokka... you're incorrigible!"
"I don't know what that means, but I'll take it!"
Then she laughed again, soft and pretty in all the ways that made his heart flutter. She smiled at him, "Thank you, Sokka. I think I'll sleep well tonight due to your company."
"Wait... does that mean that you haven't been sleeping okay?"
"It's just some bad dreams, nothing to be concerned over." She reassured him.
"True. Aang's been having bad dreams too, and I keep telling him it was just a bad cod-flounder sandwich."
"The Avatar has bad dreams too?" Yue echoed as if she couldn't believe it.
"Mhm." Sokka nodded, "It's always about the Fire Nation coming. But just look at this place. Who doesn't feel safe here?!"
An army of skilled waterbenders who could kick his butt patrolled the dazzling white ice walls, Towering, study pagodes of solid ice in white-blue hues stood in the cold air. From the Temple to the walls, the Northern Water Tribe Architecture had a grandeur that not their gran-gran's stories could do justice to. And flowing in between them all, an expansive network of flowing waterways snaked, making it seem as if they possessed all the water in the world.
"It does offer some feelings of security." Yue smiled, her warmly-gloved hand finding Sokka's. "But for me, what makes me feel the safest are capable people who care about me."
Sokka blushed at the contact before trying to brush it off with a joke, "Yeah, and then there's us. We can be like the protectors of this place, you and me. Team 'Sokkue' keeping watch over the North."
Yue giggled, "Team 'Sokkue'? Really, Sokka?"
"Hey, I thought it sounded cool!" Sokka grinned, "But, you know, we are a good team. Like the moon and the tides, always in sync."
Yue squeezed his hand, "I like that. And with you by my side, I feel like... safe. It's a comforting thought, Sokka."
"And for what it's worth, Yue... you make me feel the calmest and at peace I've ever been."
Again she blushed, but didn't say anything more this time. They just stood there together, the soft sound of waves below creating a peaceful atmosphere. The moonlit night felt like a comforting hug, and Sokka liked how simple and nice everything was. No big gestures or fancy words, just them enjoying each other's company.
While they kept looking at the Northern Sea, Sokka felt this strong sense that being in the city, with the calming water sounds and enjoying each other's warmth... that was exactly where he were supposed to be.
"Do I really?" Yue finally asked in a small voice, "Do I help you feel calm and at peace?"
"More than you know, Yue." He looked into the glittering Northern Sea. "This entire place does actually. I know that I have to leave someday. Back to Aang learning the elements, and back to the war. But for now... I can let myself relax knowing that in the following weeks at least, we're safe here. No worrying about shelter, no foraging for food while my stomach grumbled, and most important of all, no Fire Nation."
Sokka looked back and smiled at Princess Yue.
"For once, I feel completely safe."
[Fire Nation Capital]
"41ST DIVISION! ONWARDS MARCH!"
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the Fire Nation Capital City. It was a day of great celebration, a grand military parade that would go down in history. The people of the Fire Nation had gathered in the streets, their eyes fixed on the imposing procession that was . The heart of the city echoed with the thunderous beat of war drums, setting the rhythm for the armoured troops marching in perfect unison.
HONK! HONK! HONK!
Atop bloodthirsty ostrich-horses barded in red and black, my mounted scouts in their crimson armour glinting in the sunlight with their feathered helmets and gleaming guandao glaves. Astride them, my 41st Division Raiders marched, swords drawn and shining with their deadly edges. With a single armoured hand, I raised the 41st Division's banner high, and the crowds looked upon us in undisguised awe at the armoured giant that led the Fire Lord's greatest elite warriors.
"WITH CRIMSON BANNERS UNFURLED AND HEARTS ABLAZE, WE DECLARE OUR DOMINION TO THE WORLD!"
Following behind us, the 3rd Army marched. Their synchronised footsteps resonated through the cobbled streets, and the earth quaked slightly at our passing. But where the Fire Nation citizens lining the parade route was awed by my division, they wept in bittersweet pride as the 3rd Army marched by. Their brothers and sons and daughters and fathers and uncles and mothers. All Marching off once again for war. And these were their entire families who had sailed from their islands to see their loved ones for what could be the last time. But right now, there was little fear, practically burned away by the pride they felt for their family members.
They knew we were going to win, no question about it.
"THE WORLD SHALL BEAR WITNESS TO THE INDOMITABLE SPIRIT OF THE FIRE NATION!"
Children perched on their parents' shoulders, their eyes wide with wonder, as they watched the tundra tanks adorned with crimson banners rumble by. Firebender tank commanders on their cupolas displayed their mastery of the element, sending fiery streams into the air, so hot that they warmed the faces of onlookers.
"OUR ENEMIES TREMBLE, FOR THEY KNOW NOT THE FURY OF THE FIRE NATION'S WRATH!"
The crowd's energy was of infectious, feverish patriotism. They screamed and they cheered, waved little flags in their hands with the Fire Nation emblem, and chanted slogans in support of their troops. The air was electric with an all-encompassing fervour, as if the entire city was one beating heart, pumping for the Fire Nation war effort.
"THROUGH THE FIRE AND FLAMES, WE SHALL RISE! CONQUERING ALL WHO DARE STAND IN OUR WAY!"
My division reached the town square. There on the balcony of the city keep that was practically covered in grand tapestry of red and gold, the Fire Lord stood in his grand red robes. His entire cabinet including Admiral Zhao was with him. High above them, Shadows seemed to move from rooftop to rooftop. Suki and her Kyoshi Warriors keep watch over the parade.
As I marched by the Fire Lord's balcony, Zhao and I shared a nod before the Fire Lord raised his hand in acknowledgement, his eyes like molten gold with determination. As the crowd roared in approval, he made it clear that the Fire Nation had set its sights on a new conquest- the capital city of the Northern Water Tribe, Agna Quel'a. After a few weeks of the 41st Division doing its part, Admiral Zhao's armada shall follow and set sail; and for the first time in eighty-five years, war will come once again to the North Pole.
"IN AGNA QUEL'A, THE NORTHERN WATER TRIBE'S ICY GRIP SHALL MELT BEFORE OUR MIGHT LIKE THE MORNING DEW!"
The cheers grew even louder, and the people of the Fire Nation knew that their destiny was forged with fire of our hearts and ashes of our enemies. We were going to be one more conquered city closer to our Final Victory.
Agna Quel'a was going to burn.
...
"And I'll keep you safe too, Yue."
"... You promise?"
"I promise."
- A Grand Departure End -