Chapter 2
As night covered the Fire Nation atmosphere, Ama drove on her jet ski all the way towards the Gates of Azulon. She had made several stops on the Fire Nation islands to refuel and get resources such as food and water. It had taken her almost three days to travel from the Jang Hui River to her current location. It had taken her that long because jet skis were created more for traversing rivers and lakes rather than an ocean. It's not like she had a choice. She would have probably taken longer to reach on ships due to schedules and to an extent bureaucracy that slows things down.
As she reached towards the Gates of Azulon, she had heard the ringing of bells. A large net emerged from the water surrounding the statue of Azulon, completely blocking entry. Then fire started to engulf the ropes, creating a huge wall of flames which was made to intimidate those who would dare enter without permission. Ama sure was intimidated, especially considering the message she was currently holding.
To tell the domestic forces of her nation about a metallic monster with metallic minions would put her in a insane asylum at worst. Or she would be ridiculed and punished by her peers at the very least. She didn't understand why they wouldn't at least believe some of her claims. There have been instances where the supernatural has invaded our physical world like the Kemurikage in the early history of the Fire Nation. Although, the ghostly white creature didn't seem to be from the spirit world.
However, It didn't matter where the creature came from, he was still a threat to her nation, possibly to the rest of the world.
She had been retrieved by the domestic forces. They had assumed she was some sort of spy but dropped the assumption when they realized that she was the second in command of General Mung. She tried to explain her reasons for coming but she had been silenced because she had broken protocol. Ama had been sent to a room to question her motives and why she came all the way out here. Commander Shu was the one who took up the job in questioning her.
"So you are the second in command of General Mung?" Shu inquired. She nodded, "So what was so important that you came all the way from the Jang Hui River on a jet ski no doubt?"
Ama sighed and simply told to him, "General Mung is dead and so are half of the factory staff."
Shu was astonished at this new found information. It still did not answer why she even came all this way. "It was very tragic that they died but you could have sent a messenger hawk to tell us about their deaths." Shu informed her.
"But Mung was killed." Ama revealed.
"By who? Rebels?" Shao further inquired. Ama was trying to find the proper words to explain the circumstances of Mung's death. However, she took a little bit of time to come up with great wording. "Well?" Shu asked with impatience.
"He was killed by some sort of creature." Ama said.
"Really? He was killed by some sort of animal? Perhaps Mung deserved it if that was what killed him." Shu retorted.
"No, it wasn't an animal nor was it any ordinary creature. It was some sort of humanoid reptilian creature that was made entirely out of metal." Ama confessed.
"A metal reptile? Is this some poor attempt at humor?" Shu glared at her.
"No, I'm being serious!" Ama snapped, forgetting who she was talking to for a moment. "The creature came from a blue light in the sky. Mung went to investigate but was killed by a simple punch. The creatures minions then killed the crew who went out to assist Mung. He took over the factory and he seems intent on conquering the Fire Nation. Please you have to believe me." Ama pleaded.
"Do expect me believe in such a farfetched story to explain why you broke protocol?" Shu snapped.
"Why would my story be dubious? This isn't the first time something like this happened. The Kemurikage were known to seek vengeance on the living by stealing their children. Maybe the same thing is happening again." Ama rationalized.
"The Kemurikage are just fictional beings created by parents to scare little children so that they do not misbehave. Are you sure that you are not losing your touch on reality?" Shu speculated.
"What? No!" Ama snapped at the accusation, "Please you have to believe me!"
"You must realize that your story doesn't seem credible." Shu explained.
"But I saw it!" Ama said.
"Your word is not enough. You said half the crew died? Where are the other half?" Shu said.
"They went to their respective homes in the Fire Nation after I had evacuated the factory." Ama responded.
"You evacuated the factory?!" Shu snapped.
"But the monster…"
"Is a fantasy!" Shu interrupted, "You stopped production of our resources over some silly story? It seems I have enough. Not only did you break protocol, you have also halted the production of resources that help the Fire Nation cause? I may have to report this to Fire Lord Ozai."
"Please Commander…"
"It would seem that you are not fit to be in your position. You will be sent to a medical ward to be checked for insanity or any mental hinderance. Don't worry about Mung's position, a capable person will be sent to the factory to oversee the operations so that resources come in a timely manner. I'm sorry it has to come to this." Shu finished as he got up and left.
Tears started flowing down Ama's cheeks as she clenched her fists. The fact that he doesn't believed her made her sad and frustrated at the same. The Fire Nation was about to be invaded by some monster and she doubt her nation has the technology to push back this new threat. Ama knows that she should have more faith in her nation but her mind is telling her something different.
"Help us dear Agni." Ama muttered.
General Grievous was currently on the bridge of a CIS capital ship, which was currently cruising in the Fire Nation waters. Grievous was currently studying the maps of the following islands on a holoprojector. Grievous figured out that the Capital was on the biggest part chunk of land, which meant to will be likely be more defended and unlike the fire users he met a few days ago, these ones will be more skilled and organized. Of course this was something Grievous could handle. The metal he had attain from the factory would be very beneficial in creating new droids and technology to assist in his conquest of this planet. At least according to the Geonosian engineer Gizor Dellso.
Contrary to popular belief, Grievous was not the only living being on the capital ship. There were others who decided to willingly join him to continue the Separatist cause. Unlike the Separatist council, he had much preferred these groups of people since they were more war oriented rather than protecting their pockets. They behaved more like warriors rather than politicians. They were people who Grievous respected.
Gizor Dellso was a Geonosian engineer who assisted in building droid armies on Geonosis. After the Republic conquered the planet with the addition of Dooku's death, Gizor went into hiding. He took the schematics of battledroids in the hopes of reestablishing the Confederate Army. It also helped that he was familiar with Grievous' cybernetics, which is a positive.
Gap Nox was a Neimoidian captain who fought in the Neimoidian Gunnery Battalion during The Clone Wars. He later became a bodyguard for Nute Gunray and escorted him to the planet of Mustafar. Unlike the Viceroy however, he managed to escape arrest from the Republic.
Another member is Bunt Dantor, who was a Skakoan scientist who worked at the Techno Union Research and Developmental Wing during The Clone Wars. He was not well liked by the other Separatists due to his controversial ideas, especially his ideas for multiple secret superweapons. And unlike most Skakoans, he had a history of politics and even served as a governor at some point before the Clone Wars. Like the rest of them, he came to Grievous still clinging to the Separatist cause.
Grievous was glad that they were around, even though he would not say it to their faces. He would have likely gone insane if all he had to talk to were droids, even if he liked his MagnaGuards.
Grievous' thoughts were broken when the sound of boots walked up towards him. Grievous looked away from the holoprojector and stared into the eyes of the Neimoidian captain, Gap Nox. Most people would have flinched, especially a Neimoidian. Gap Nox did not seem phased and if he did, he hid his fear very well. Grievous had to admire such a feat.
"General. We are coming up to the Capital. However, scanners have indicated that the gap was protected by some sort of wall, possibly with multiple soldiers and vehicles." Nox reported.
"I see." Grievous nodded at the information, "What do you propose captain?"
"I suggest we send out the Hyena Bombers ahead before we touch the shore. They would soften up the enemy and intimidate them at the same time." Nox suggested.
Grievous was satisfied at that suggestion. It was a very logical move. Intimidating the enemy would break their spirit and concentration, thus making them easier targets. Something Darth Tyrannus had ingrained in his tactics. Grievous nodded at Nox.
"Proceed with the plan." Grievous said.
"Yes General." Nox activated his communicator and informed of the Hyena Bombers of their mission. Rather than speaking in galactic basic, they instead cackled in response. From the window of the bridge, they saw a swarm of Hyena Bombers heading towards the Gates of Azulon.
"Prepare the Multi Troop Transport and the Super Battledroids." Grievous requested.
"But General, the Super Battledroids are lesser in number. Wouldn't the B1's be far more effective?" Nox inquired.
"The B1's will fall easily to these fire manipulators. The Super's will be far more effective as they are more durable and have better programming." Grievous countered.
"That does make sense." Nox understood Grievous' logic, "I shall prepare the MTT."
"Very good. You are dismissed. I shall prepare myself as well." Grievous got up from his seat.
Nox nodded and went into the shipyard to prepare the troops. Grievous on the other hand went in the direction of his quarters.
Grievous walked down the halls and saw the doorway of his quarters. He typed a code on the keypad and the door slide open. He entered and looked around. Unlike most generals, he did not have a bed as he would likely be too heavy or his armor would ruin the sheets. Instead, he had a metallic table were he would sleep. Of course he didn't come here to sleep or take a rest as he didn't need to most of the time.
Grievous pressed a button located on the wall. The wall slide open and it revealed a large collection of lightsaber's Grievous kept of his Jedi victims. They were all most standard hilts and consisted of either blue or green Ilum crystals. Grievous looked around trying to pick the four he would be using in the upcoming battle. Grievous didn't pick random lightsabers. Instead he picked his four favorites. These lightsabers belonged to the Jedi masters K'Kruhk, Puroth, Jmmaar, and Nystammall. They were fairly nondescript, with the exception of K'Kruhk's saber which had a set of blade guards on the emitter. He place two on the front of his pelvis with the other two on the posterior of his pelvis.
Grievous headed towards another another wall and pressed another button which revealed his capes. He had multiple capes which comes in colors of white and gray. He picked out a white cape and put it on. The cape covered his neck and body. Grievous sometimes used his cape to surprise his enemy. Now he was ready to lay waste to all of those who would oppose him and he would gladly enjoy a good challenge. He really did hope the Hyena Bombers did not frighten them too much. Surrendering would be very boring.
"Let the games begin." Grievous mused as he walked out of his quarters, going to the shipyard to rally up with the MTT for attack.
Fire Lord Ozai has a love/hate relationship with his position. On one hand, he loved to exert his might over his followers and loved commanding the armies to vanquish his enemies. On the other hand, he had to deal with constant complaining from his subjects and the sycophancy of the noblemen. One may call Ozai the most stressed man on the planet.
It also didn't helped that he was cooped up in his office, forced to read letters from the bureaucrats in the Fire Nation and from the colonies. Most of these letters consist of either mundane things that need to be approved by him, such as funding for roads to reports of Earth Kingdom rebellions destroying Fire Nation property. Ozai sometimes got bored of the redundancy. Not today however. A letter that did intrigue him was a report by Commander Shu of a woman who had broken protocol by trespassing the Gates of Azulon. The fact that General Mung died didn't concern him as there were always other candidates to take his place. That interested him most in Shu's report was that the woman described that he was killed by some sort of ghostly, metallic, reptilian creature.
For once, Ozai was actually entertained while being in his office. The fact that someone could believe such a thing was ridiculous to him. While it was common knowledge that spirits or supernatural entities existed, there was a very small chance for someone to meet them. Not to mention the fact that most spirits do not have any business with the physical world. He was glad that the lady was sent to a mental ward. Such people were not useful his cause.
Several knocks on his door interrupted his thoughts. He always hated interruptions no matter what activity he was doing. Still, he had to respond to whoever was at the door.
"Come in." Ozai said as he set aside Shu's letter.
The door swung opened to reveal War Minister Qin, the overseer of the Fire Nation's military technology. It was no secret to anyone that Qin had a tinge of cowardice but he was a useful coward. However, he looked more frightful than usual.
Ozai frowned, "Whatever do you want War Minister?"
"Lord Ozai. I'm afraid a problem has arise in the Gates of Azulon." Qin reported.
"And what would that be if you would be so kind?" Ozai inquired while raising his eyebrow.
Qin gulped in fear and confessed, "The Gates have been destroyed."
Time seemed to slow down for Ozai. The Gates of Azulon were nearly as impenetrable as the walls of Ba Sing Se. No. This has to be a farce of some sort.
"Do you honestly think your joke is hilarious War Minister? As you know, I am not a subscriber to such manner of jest." Ozai glared at him.
Qin's eyes widen and raised his hands, "I am not trying to deceive you my Lord. Reports have stated that the Gates of Azulon were bombarded by winged metal creatures whose laugh sounded very similar to hyena bats. Please my Lord, you have to believe me!" Qin pleaded.
Ozai eyes widen at the information the War Minister provided for him. Ozai picked up the letter again and reread the section where it described the creature that killed Mung. he had considered that these creatures to be the imaginations of a mad woman. But now that even War Minister was telling him about, made him realize that these creatures were in fact real.
The creatures were real and they are about to invade the Fire Nation. All that he and his ancestors had built for a century would go to waste. Ozai is facing a legitimate threat to his power. Azula, his prodigy daughter and his lineage, could be be in danger. Ozai snapped out of his thoughts and glared at the War Minister.
"What are you doing standing around there? Contact the defense forces and secure the Palace. Send all important personnel into the bunkers." Ozai snarled as he got up to leave his office.
"Y-yes my lord." Qin stammered as he followed behind Ozai, "What about the princess in the Earth Kingdom? You know she will attempt to return to help fight these creatures."
Ozai stopped walking and turned to Qin, "Send a messenger hawk to her and all important personnel in the colonies. I request… no, I demand she stay in the Earth Kingdom until the threat is defeated. We cannot risk the bloodline of the royal family. I will not have my failure of a son and traitor of a brother seize the throne for themselves."
"Yes my lord." Qin replied.
"After you are done with your task, you are to enter the bunkers. Understood?" Ozai said,
"I will do as you ask me Lord Ozai." Qin bowed and went towards the message room of the Palace. Ozai heard footsteps and saw at least 20 of his Imperial Firebenders run up to him. They all bowed down to Ozai with respect.
"My lord," The head Imperial Firebender said, "we are here to escort to the bunkers and protect you."
Ozai nodded, "Very well, let us proceed."
"Yes my lord." The leader bowed. The Imperial Firebenders encircled the Fire Lord and they guided him towards the bunker.
General Grievous trekked across the streets of the Capital on his way towards the Palace with his MagnaGuards while the Supers occupied the city. In his wake were the dead bodies of Fire Nation soldiers who had tried to prevent his advance. Unfortunately for them, they were no matched for the blue and green blades of his lightsabers.
Grievous of course had a huge advantage over their military. Technologically, they were not advanced. He could tell that even their tanks were in the early stages of development so it was no wonder that the Super Battledroids defeated them with ease.
Another advantage Grievous had over them was psychological warfare or better known as Dun Moch by the Sith. Tyrannus had always told him to make use of psychological warfare against his enemies, especially the Jedi. He had always remembered one of the final lesson Dooku gave him prior to his death.
"Remember what I taught you General. If you are to succeed in combat against the best of the Jedi, you must have fear, surprise, and intimidation on your side. What if any one element was lacking? It would be best for you to retreat. You must break them before you engage them. Only then will you ensure victory and have your trophy." Grievous reminisced Dooku's instruction.
An instruction that had proved useful in this very battle. Most of the soldiers were far too stunned to do anything and the ones that were able to fight back couldn't properly react to his speed. They were simply overwhelmed.
As he and his MagnaGuards continued towards the Palace, he noticed the general population hiding from him, clearly scared of him. He even saw a mother comforting her crying child. Of course this wasn't anything new to Grievous. All of the planets he had conquered had the civilian population being very fearful of him. He couldn't blame them of course considering his face looked like a human skull. Grievous was used to people fearing him. From the lowest of peasants to people with vast riches and power, like the spineless Viceroy Gunray.
Grievous would soon be their ruler and they would simply have to accept it, whether they like it or not.
Eventually, Grievous and the MagnaGuards reached the gates of the Palace doors after walking on the hills. The entrance had a very tall, thick walls and a very tall gate. Grievous simply activated K'kruhk's lightsaber. He stabbed the gate with the green blade and manipulated the direction to create a circle. Grievous kicked the circle and a hole in the gate created, which was large enough for he and his guards to go through.
As he expected, the Royal Palace was extremely large and grand, something that was common in monarchies. However, it was very empty. There wasn't even any guards to protect the Palace from any intruders who dared entered. Grievous suspected that the Palace had been evacuated when they heard about the invasion. It seemed that his MagnaGuards also came to the same conclusion.
"It would appear that the Palace had been evacuated master." Ig-142 reported.
"Do a scan of the area. It is impossible to relocate the entire personnel of the Palace outside of the Capital." Grievous said.
IG-142 used his red optics and scanned around the area. He finished scanning turns towards Grievous, "It would appear that there are multiple tunnels underneath the Royal Palace. Perhaps there are bunkers where they were sent to."
Underground bunkers did make sense. After all, Chancellor Palpatine, or Darth Sidious, was sent to a bunker by an Ithorian and a Talz Jedi Knights during the Battle of Coruscant. "Are there specific entrances to the tunnels?"
This time IG-123 was the one who scanned around the area for an entrance into the tunnels. His red optics flashed for a bit, "They seemed to be located in the Royal Palace itself."
"Let's move." Grievous commanded as he began walking towards the Palace.
"Yes master." Both IG-123 and 142 followed behind him.