Prologue

Air. Water. Earth. Fire. Four elements meant to be in harmony and balance. In the age before this, order persisted with a great peace between the Four Nations of Air, Water, Earth and Fire. But this precious harmony was destroyed when the Fire Nation suddenly attacked the world with a great fury. Only the Avatar, master of all four elements, defender of balance and justice could stop the onslaught, but when the world needed them most, they vanished. A hundred years of death and darkness have passed, and the Fire Nation is nearing victory in the war. Some people believe the Avatar was never born into the Air Nomads and the cycle has been broken. Some people can only fervently pray to the Spirits for guidance and protection. Others still have abandoned all hope and grimly wait for the day of the Fire Nation's victory. But perhaps not all light is lost. Some fight back against the Fire Nation with fury as great as theirs. Perhaps the prayers of the devout will be answered. Perhaps, throughout this romance of war, a better world is just beyond the horizon.

Part One: The Last Airbender

Chapter 1: Radiant Dawn

Solin I

Daybreak. As if drawn by nature, Solin woke in accordance with the Sun. Squinting against the light pouring into his bedroom he arose from his bed, carefully remaking it before leaving his quarters. Simply donning a pair of dark red trousers, he walked through the dark halls of the estate. The obsidian walls glistened, growing in brilliance as the radiant dawn inched higher in the sky. Tall, sinewy and broad-shouldered, Solin cast a long shadow as he sluggishly made his way, drowsily tying his long black hair into a neat top-knot. Half-awake and sore from training, he let out a yawn while stretching. Everyday he made this walk, whether he wanted to or not. After nearly two decades of such a routine, it was as if his body naturally knew the motions, even if his mind wasn't all there. But such sluggishness and fatigue could only plague Solin for so long. He felt his strength swell as the tender warmth of the sunlight touched his side. Like the rest of his clan, he had a deep connection with the Sun, so much so that he felt as if the sunlight reached the very depths of his soul. Eyesight sharpening, mind clearing, and his inner fire growing ablaze, he finally exited into the grand square at the mouth of the palace. As he marched to the centre of the square, his piercing, golden eyes glistened at the splendour before him.

Solin scanned across the glorious city that surrounded the palatial plateau, stretching radially from the west to the southeast. The city of Taiyang was still asleep as the sun's light steadily peered over the eastern mountain peaks, painting the buildings of white brick and red roofs with shades of vermillion. It looked as if the city was bathed in a gentle fire, kindling with warmth and life. At peace, Solin closed his eyes, taking deep breaths as he concentrated on honing his inner fire. He focused on the brilliant sunlight beating down upon his side, feeling the great ferocity that lay behind such radiance. It reached deep inside him, fuelling his soul and inner fire with all its might. Solin could see it clear as day, two twisting flames, crimson and gold, disastrous and beautiful, mirroring one another in an eternal dance. Taking deep breaths, his inner fire surged with each beat. Suddenly, his eyes shot open and he masterfully went through his martial art forms as he had done countless times before. Every movement was full of force and grace, each strike unleashing a brilliant blast of fire. Ever swift, Solin began to move faster and faster, grunting and then yelling as he unleashed his power. At one with his inner flame, he felt exhilarated, as if he had the power of the sun radiating from his heart. While he was first at the square, soon the firebender was not alone, joined by scores of his clan moving through the ritualistic forms in unison.

After the morning tradition was completed, the kin of the Yang Clan dispersed from the square to go about their day. A very militaristic clan, for most this meant continued practice and involvement in the martial arts and warfare. For others, it would be a time of leisure, and for others still, it would be a treasured time for enriching their mind in the palatial libraries. Solin was a Yang inclined to the clan's militaristic tradition and would usually continue to hone his firebending expertise or study military strategy during the day. Today however was different. With a heavy heart, he decided to walk down from the walled plateau and into the city. It was a city he had the utmost loyalty to, having seen it rise from nothing. Strolling the streets, Solin could feel that Taiyang had already begun to wake. A chatter stretched across the valley, gradually increasing in intensity as the sun climbed higher into the sky. Like the radiant sun, Taiyang was full of warmth and life. One could feel it emanating through the streets, and it would be remiss to claim that such warmth wouldn't grow in their hearts as well. Despite the darkness of the times, Taiyang stood as a shining beacon of hope for a just and better world, a stronghold of peace amidst the horrors of a seemingly endless war. A smile crept across Solin's face as he watched children run out of their homes, bright-eyed and full of excitement for the new day. He chuckled as parents hastily chased after their overexcited children. Seeing such joys invigorated him. Walking to one of his favourite food stalls, the firebender bought a few dumplings to eat on his way. The vendors were exceedingly courteous, for he was a Prince after all. Appreciating their reverence, Solin flung them an extra gold piece in good faith before continuing his stroll. In minutes he found himself leaving the residential area and entering Taiyang's commercial district. It was now three hours until noon and the district had just gotten its workday started, bustling with business and commerce. In every corner of the district, tradesmen worked hard to make and then sell their goods. Merchants would constantly try to outshout one another to attract customers. Not much of a consumer himself, Solin felt amused by the laughable efforts that some salesmen would go to just to sell even the cheapest item. The merchants and tradesmen were sure to bow to him in courtesy as he passed, only resuming with their tasks after he would give back slight nod of acknowledgement. When it came to the Yang Clan, such were the norms in Taiyang, especially regarding the children of the city's Great Lord.

After leaving the prosperous commercial district, Solin strolled into the impressive military ward. The ward was a reflection of the Yang Clan's rule of Taiyang. It was exceedingly developed, full of barracks, training grounds, armouries, stables, academies, forges and workshops to fuel Taiyang's military might. With a large proportion of its population serving in either the military or military-industries, the army heavily drove the economy of Taiyang. Solin observed nonbender legions practicing in full equipment as they bore sword and shield while donning armour of crimson and gold. At the centre of their chest plates and on their large shields was an insignia of an eight-rayed golden sun against a crimson field, the symbol of both the Yang Clan and Taiyang. Across the military district, firebenders went through their forms, the cavalry drilled their formations, archers perfected their aim, and the earthbending battalion practiced siege protocol. Taiyang's military was efficient and exceptionally trained, and Solin couldn't have felt prouder. Despite their lesser numbers, no army was more capable of standing up against the imperialistic enemy than the legions of Taiyang.

Solin then left the military ward to go to the high outer wall, where he climbed atop the great southern gate. Towering high above the gate was a colossal statue of Yang, the Sun Spirit. The Celestial's likeness stood regally, donning beautifully sculpted armour and with an open palm stretched to the sky, as if to conquer the heavens themselves. Surrounding the plains around the city were villages and farmlands, supplying the food production to feed Taiyang, and its army. Roughly a hundred miles across the plains to the south, the great walls of the Luantu Commonwealth capital, Ba Sing Se, could very faintly seen as a greyish line in the horizon. Letting out a sigh, Solin looked back up to the sun as it neared noontime.

'Yang guide me.' He thought, deeply exhaling. Despite all his training and confidence in his abilities, he could not help but feel a deep nervousness towards what was to come. The city he had grown so attached to, so proud of. The city where his kin and companions all lived. The city in which, out of the his nineteen years in the world, he had called home for the past fifteen. Today he would have to leave it all. Today it was time for him to truly become a warrior. It was time for him to do his duty. He clenched his fist determinedly staring up at the Colossal statue above him. Solin wondered if the statue even looked like the real Sun Spirit. How would the sculptors know anyways? The old legends and scriptures described him as tall, broad-shouldered and fair skinned, with dark hair and piercing eyes. While the statue seemed quite faithful to that description, the sculptors could never truly know, could they? Solin chuckled to himself, imagining the artisan earthbenders frantically trying to make the statue as handsome and imposing as possible to please his father.

'I hope to make you proud.' Solin mused. It was a strange thing, to stare at his ancestor from millennia past, to know that the blood of a man that he'd never meet flows through his veins. Not even just any man, but a Celestial, the Spirit of the Sun. Solin knew that there were those that were sceptical of the Yang Clan's claimed lineage, but he never doubted it. The feeling that he would get upon even the faintest glimpse of the sun, the strength, hope, and comfort that it filled him with, it was something special. It was real. The history books, and family trees had to be true, he just knew it. Staring high upon the statue, the firebender couldn't help but feel inspired. Deep inside him, Solin hoped to honour his forebear and accomplish even a fraction of what the Sun Spirit had achieved in the legends.

Watch me Yang. I'll be remembered, same as you.

Gripped with a sudden fervour and determination, Solin retraced his steps back through the city as if in a trance. The bustling life around him blurred and passed like shapeless figures in the background, shadows before the Sun. His destination was clear. Destiny was within reach and he would be sure to seize it. Today would be the dawn of his mark on history.

It was noontime when Solin arrived back at the palatial plateau, nodding to the guards that hailed him at the palace gates before resuming their stoic stances. Walking into the large courtyard Solin saw three figures, tall and fair, approaching him. At the centre was his own father. Zuhong was around his son's height and with golden eyes to match. His black hair was neatly bound in a top-knot, ordained with a headpiece depicting narrowing rays of the sun. His sharp features exuded a ferocity, further accentuated by a well-kept beard framing his keen jawline. Adorned in fine robes of crimson, black and gold, embroidered with patterns of dragons aflame, Zuhong had a resonance of majesty about him. After all he was not only the head of the Yang Clan, but Great Lord of Taiyang.

To his right was Solin's mother, Sheniang the Great Lady of Taiyang. She stood half a head shorter than her husband. Like him, her features were well defined, though her heart-shaped face bore an heir of elegance rather than ferocity. There was both a deep wisdom and an unflinching determinedness in her amber eyes. Her dark hair wasn't quite as obsidian as her husband and son, shining with slight hints of auburn when struck by sunlight. She wore her hair rather modestly, preferring simplicity to extravagance, with a tidy top-knot adorned with a golden crest of abstract fire while the rest of her finely combed hair draped down to the middle of her back. Her robes however were made of the finest quality, vermillion in shade with gold and crimson accents, as if she were wreathed in the nurturing light of the Sun.

Upon Zuhong's left was a more imposing figure. Militantly postured upright, Shuyan stood just a hair shorter than her father and younger brother, radiating divinity and strength. The beautiful heir of Taiyang closely resembled her father, with sharp features and spirited golden eyes. While her hair was jet black, hints of auburn glistened in the sun, just like her mother. She opted for practicality, keeping it in a neat high ponytail, flowing gently in the soft mountain breeze. Wrapped around her head was a crimson headband, proudly bearing the golden eight-rayed sun emblem of the Yang Clan upon the centre of her forehead. The armour she wore was exquisitely crafted, consisting of black and maroon plates with golden accents layered over a crimson tunic. Engravings of twisting dragons and raging flames adorned her shoulder plates, boots, and bracers. At the centre of her breast plate, the golden Yang Sun emblem brilliantly shone. Draped across her back was a straight sword, whose hilt alone exhibited craftsmanship that rivalled her armour. Even while encased in such fine armour, Shuyan's athletic figure was plain to see. Resembling a Goddess of War, the very sight of the Yang heir would intimidate even the most hardened and experienced of enemies.

"Back at noontime, just like you said," Shuyan smiled. "How very punctual of you little brother."

Solin grinned. "You should know by now not to doubt my word."

"Of course," Shuyan chuckled, stepping forward and reaching out to clasp her brother's shoulder. "You must be excited. I know you've been waiting for this day since you were a boy."

"You know me best." Solin nodded. "I've been ready for this. I could barely sleep last night just thinking about it."

"You've been very vocal about how ready you are my son," Zuhong laughed at his son's enthusiasm as he drew him in a quick embrace. "The time has finally come for your baptism by fire."

"We're excited for you Solin. It's one thing to master combat through training, but only in battle can you truly be tested." Sheniang said a little more seriously as she embraced her son in turn. "We are confident that you will prove yourself. But first, come! Let us discuss your task a final time before you leave."

"Mother…" Solin muttered. "Do we really need to discuss this again?"

"I'm afraid we do little brother." Shuyan's eyes narrowed. "While you were down in the city this morning, new messages from the front arrived. The situation has…changed."

Solin looked at his sister's sudden grim expression with surprise. Shuyan for all her grace and dignified aura was typically a jovial person, a light he could always look for in dark times. It was surreal to see despair flash across her face.

"What has happened?" Solin's gaze moved from his sister to his parents.

"Come my son, we'll discuss it in the war room." Zuhong interjected, beckoning at his son to follow him into the palace.

The quartet hastily entered the palace and made their way through sunlit halls to a grand chamber. The war room was a large space with high ceilings supported by thick pillars painted black. Each pillar was carefully ornamented with engravings of twisting dragons, red and gold and cloaked in flame. An intricate map of the world spanned across the entire floor of the chamber. Across the map were figures representing armies of the Fire Nation of Liehuo, the Earth Commonwealth of Luantu, the Two Water Tribes, and Taiyang. Liehuonese forces were littered across Xibei and Xinan, the northwestern and southwestern continents of the Luantu Commonwealth, controlling most, if not all of the territory there. Dongbei, the northeastern Luantese continent was the only landmass free from great Liehuonese incursions. Solin noticed a new development, a collection of Liehuonese pieces gathered west of the Serpent's Pass, a narrow isthmus bridging Xinan to Dongbei.

"What has happened here?" Solin asked his father, pointing at the pieces.

"It seems that our allies felt overconfident." Zuhong pointed to the stronghold city of Lu Se at the western end of the Serpent's Pass. "The enemy hasn't had a major offensive since the Dragon of the West lead their armies. The Commonwealth garrison at Lu Se had grown accustomed, comfortable even, with the situation. They sallied forth with a host of nearly 150,000 in a great offensive westward, to try to liberate the rest of the State of Lu from the invaders."

"Their expedition ended in blood when they were met by a Liehuonese army, over 100,000 strong," Shuyan continued, arms crossed as she stared at the map. "They were crushed."

"What of our forces stationed in Lu Se," Solin asked. "Did they help?"

"They marched alongside our allies and held their own." Sheniang answered. "When it was clear that the Luantese forces were routing, they had to cover the retreat to save them army from slaughter. Thank Yang that our losses weren't too great."

"The whole thing is a bloody disaster." Shuyan shook her head in frustration. "Our allies should know better by now than to directly take on the enemy in the field. Their leadership is simply not ready for that! Have they not learned from the past? Now the enemy knows that Lu Se's garrison will be depleted, and that the stronghold is vulnerable. And this is just half of it."

"Indeed. We've also heard more grave news." Zuhong stepped closer to his son, an urgency in his voice. "Our spies have given us word that another great host of the enemy marches to join the army near Lu Se. They report that it is roughly 125,000 strong. It's been years since they attacked with a combined force of such a size. It can only mean one thing. The enemy is emboldened, and it seems that they seek to accomplish what they did once before under the Dragon of the West."

Solin gasped, realising the gravity of the situation. "They seek to conquer Lu Se."

"And afterwards, the road to Ba Sing Se will be open once more." Sheniang said gravely. "We cannot allow this to happen."

"So, there's even more of a reason for me to go to Lu Se now." Solin said determinedly. "My power could be of use in the battles to come."

"You're not entirely wrong." Zuhong replied sternly. "But you still aren't ready. You haven't experienced real battle, real warfare yet.'

"With respect father, it seems like the situation is a bit dire for that," Solin argued. "I'm ready, I know I am."

"No Solin, you are not." His mother interjected. "When the siege comes it will last for months. Even if Lu Se is more vulnerable than before, it still is one of the greatest strongholds under heaven. Once you get some experience, you will go to help."

"But…" Solin turned to Shuyan for some sort of support. "You know my abilities better than anyone! You know what I can do. Do you agree with them?"

"Sorry to say it little brother, but I do." Shuyan said firmly. "When the time comes, you'll come to Lu Se to aid in the battles to come. But for now, hone your skills, experience the world, acclimate to battle. Lu Se is a bit much for now."

"A bit much?" Solin shouted incredulously.

Unflinching, Shuyan nodded.

"So…where am I to go?" Solin glanced at his father for answers.

"Here." Zuhong pointed to the mountains and valleys in north of Taiyang. "The Kingdom of Sanguk. Alongside Lu Se, it is one of Luantu's great barriers between the enemy and Ba Sing Se. While it seems that Liehuo's focus is on Lu Se, the enemy has deployed some forces to raid and pillage Sanguk's countryside. Our spies believe that they are trying to destabilise the region before invading with larger army."

"Attacking from the west through Lu Se," Shuyan pointed at the map, gesturing at the paths to the Royal Capital of Luantu. "And the north through Sanguk. It's clear now why the enemy has seemed dormant the past few years. They've been biding their time, securing control over their colonies and preparing to land the killing blow upon our alliance. They seek to end this war."

"Must be," Solin nodded. "So I'm to go to Sanguk then?"

"Your father will send word to King Sanwang. Head to their capital and meet with him to discuss the incoming attack." Sheniang instructed. "You must help defend them."

"Yes mother, father." Lips tightened in dissent, Solin bowed slightly to his parents. While disappointed with the change in plans, he understood that he must do his duty.

"Shuyan." Zuhong sternly turned to his eldest child and heir. "I'm appointing you to be General of our forces in Lu Se. You're to go there and take charge from your Aunt Cheng. The city cannot fall, do you understand?"

"Yes father," Shuyan bowed.

"You are my heir. The fate of our clan, of Taiyang, and of the world rests on the battles to come," Zuhong stepped closer to his daughter with a poignancy, as if to ensure that the weight of his words would not be lost in the space around them. "Only twenty one years of age and you have already proved your leadership and strength. You are the future of our clan Shuyan. These coming tests will be fiercer and more challenging than any you have ever faced, but I trust that you will rise to the occasion."

"You will not be disappointed father." Shuyan unflinchingly faced Zuhong, fist in her palm in a high salute before her eyes. Solin couldn't help but feel small standing next to his older sister. She was always so brave, so strong. So perfect. He knew his father loved him and his siblings all the same, but it always seemed as if he gave extra care to his treasured heir. Solin never resented her, in fact he loved his sister very much, but he could never deny that there was a hint of jealousy within him. Mindfully catching himself, Solin subtly shook his head and furrowed his brow, focusing on ridding his mind such bad thoughts.

Shuyan noticed the change in his demeanour, and softly nudged him with her elbow. "You all right Solin?"

"Yes…I am." Solin quickly composed himself. "I just wasn't expecting such changes is all."

"You will be fine my son." Sheniang assured him. "We're confident in your strength. But enough dire talk. You two must quickly prepare to leave as soon as possible. We will escort you to the gate when you're ready."

Solin clamped his right fist in his left palm, saluting his parents before leaving the war room. As he hastily walked through the palace to his quarters, he struggled to purge the deep feeling of dissatisfaction that hung heavy in his heart. Taking deep breaths, he focused, suppressing his emotions to find some sort clarity in reason. He should look to the optimism of the situation. This change of plans wouldn't get in the way of his destiny. No, this would be just another chapter, a precursor to greatness. It didn't matter where he would be, Solin was determined to be sure to make a difference. Suddenly a second wind of will burst within his being. A fiery excitement stirred in his gut, and a grin slowly crept onto his face. Finally, after all these years of training he would begin his adventure. Glory waited. Honour waited. Victory waited.

'I will fight. I will bring victory. I will see to this. I promise you Yang.'

Author's Note – Regarding changes of country names for those interested/confused

If you'd prefer the reading experience of going your own interpretations/inferences regarding the countries just skip this little bit

The Earth Kingdom has been renamed The Luantu Commonwealth in this story. Luantu is Mandarin and it's literal translation into English is roughly 'Imperial Earth'. This is due to the political organisation of the country, which plays a significant role in the story and will be developed upon as the story goes on. Without getting too specific yet, the Commonwealth is a collection of States and Kingdoms held together in a federation loyal to a central, hegemonic, imperial authority: The Kingdom of Ba Sing Se (which is also a megacity as I'm sure most readers know). The States and Lesser Kingdoms have varying degrees of autonomy, depending on their history with Ba Sing Se, the nature they were brought into the political union, or their own history of governance. This allows for a lot of opportunity in fleshing out the vastness and diversity of Luantu. So to avoid any confusion, Luantu and the Commonwealth is one and the same.

For example, The Kingdom of Sanguk mentioned in this chapter is a Lesser Kingdom and is loyal to Ba Sing Se. They have relatively high autonomy compared to other states, with their own hereditary monarchy, feudal system, and has more control over their own laws and armies. The State of Lu on the other hand is regarded as a Royal State, and is less autonomous with leaders directly appointed by the central government in Ba Sing Se. More states will be introduced as the story goes on of course. The demonym of a Commonwealth individual generally depends on the specific state they're from (i.e. Sangukin from Sanguk, Luren from Lu, etc) otherwise they can also be referred to as 'Luantese' or 'Earth Peoples'.

Almost called them the Earth Empire since it operates very much like historical Chinese Empires as well as the former British Empire. However, I wanted to avoid confusion, particularly since the Fire Nation not only behaves imperialistically, but will be also be referred to as Imperials/Imperialistic throughout the story. So, I went with Commonwealth instead, inspired by the broad similarities to the former system of the British Commonwealth, wherein the Queen of the United Kingdom was also Queen of the Commonwealth Realms and Empress to the British Empire. As such, the King of Ba Sing Se is also the Earth Emperor.

The Fire Nation has been renamed to Liehuo with the demonym Liehuonese. The name Liehuo is derived from Mandarin, in which it means 'Raging Fire'. The original series also referred to the Fire Nation in written form as 烈火國 (Lie Huo Guo), literally translated to "Raging Fire Country". I chose to go with Liehuo rather than Huoguo, mainly because the former sounds better. Additionally, the Fire Nation Capital is named Huoshankou in this story. It can be translated from Mandarin into 'Caldera'. More lore and info about this rendition of the Fire Nation (Liehuo) will become apparent as the story goes on.

The two Water Tribes are given names in this as well. The Northern Tribe is called Juhegurun and is a tribal federation that is similar to the Commonwealth with how power is centralised in a single hegemonic tribe that holds dominion/authority over the others. Juhegurun is derived from Manchu, in which it means 'Ice Tribe' (Juhe – Ice, Gurun – Tribe/People/State). The Northern Water Tribe we see in the original show in the form of a stronghold-city is given a name as well. It is called Juheda (Juhe – Ice, Da – Base/Root), also derived from Manchu and can be translated as 'Base/Foundation of Ice'. It serves as the capital of Juhegurun. Demonyms for those from Juhegurun include 'Northerners' and 'Juhans'.

The Southern Tribes are less organised and centralised compared to their Northern cousins. They are named Mukegurun, derived from Manchu and meaning 'Water Tribe' (Muke – Water, Gurun – Tribe/People/State). Demonyms for those from Mukegurun include 'Southrons' and 'Mukans'. 'Tribesmen/Tribeswomen' can be used to reference both Juhans and Mukans. More lore and info about both of Tribes will surface as the story goes on.

The biggest change to the original Avatar World in this story is probably the most central so far, the city-state of Taiyang. In Mandarin, Taiyang literally means 'Sun'. But how did such a place come about? Why did the Yang Clan defect/betray Liehuo? I won't give that away just yet, I guess you'll have to read 😊