artsyelric: to our beloved fans. we are so sorry we have not written in years. for those of you who don't know, this story was sort of the courtship that brought trombe and i together as a couple. while i lived in los angeles, we would write back and forth to each other, and eventually we went from friends, to dating. well, we sort of stopped writing when i moved back to san diego and in with trombe. the need to write the story to build our relationship went away. but all you loyal fans wouldn't leave trombe alone, and your plees have not fallen on a stone heart. finally, after years of pleading, he has decided to get back in and finish this story, and of course, i will be right here with him, because after all these years away from you all, we sort of have an announcement to make. ... :D trombe proposed. :D we're getting married, on oct 11th in san diego.

this story is a large part of what brought us together, and it makes the ending we have planned harder to stick with, since we see so much of ourselves in the characters. but, as our wedding gift to you fans, who helped make our futures possible, we would like to complete it. your loyalty helped bring us together, so we will stay loyal to our story and give you all the original ending we planned - the ending you all deserve to read.

Trombe: A promise is a promise. It took a long time and tons and tons of PMs. Don't think I ever forgot you guys. While Aang's age might be done and Korra's is beginning me and artsy are here to stay. And finish this story we shall.

Besides then I could really work on the story I've been meaning to write from the very beginning, the sequel to this.


Chapter 52:

Journey's End


The ocean had always been a mighty force. Ever changing, ever dangerous; from its turquoise embrace to its deadly tourmaline wrath. It had always provided for man, and at times proved to humble the prideful to strip him of his sin. It was and ever would be the symbol of which Hakoda associated with his people. The connection still stayed within the old warrior's thoughts even now as his ship crossed her azure waves. Deep below the ship's deck his men prepared for the battle of their lifetime. The gravity of their task weighed heavily upon his mind. What was asked of them was impossible; nay suicidal. Yet strangely enough not a single soul aboard his vessel backed away from the task at hand. To siege the capital of the most powerful empire of the world was a fool's quest. And yet here they were. A mere day before reaching its harbors.

Hakoda could faintly hear the sharpening of steel and whale bone weapons alike much like a rhythm of a song. He could feel the small rumbling steps of the colossal man known as the Boulder as he made his way below deck. He could hear the nervous foot steps of the less seasoned warriors of his tribe as they patrolled the upper deck with uncertainty. Hakoda made a mental note about that. He would need to talk to his men before the battle commenced. For now though it was best for them that they occupied themselves with menial tasks. Idle hands lead to idle thoughts after all.

Steadily the blue wolf's gaze reached out into her vast wilderness with only the breaking sounds of the waves to ease him into night's passing. So lost in thought was he that he could barely feel the presence of another. Barely.

"I take it you're having trouble sleeping?" he inquired upon the intruder as he eased his stance to a more relaxed pose.

"How ever did you guess that?" Her monotone voice echoed her discomfort, her arms folded to shelter her body from the windy night's caress. If her voice hadn't been a dead give away, her posture immediately identified her as of Mai of the Fire Nation. The natural way she carried herself was distinguishable even among his many men and fellow prisoners he had rescued. Her deadly grace was unmatched on the ship. "Is it the bags under my eyes or my miserable presence up here on the deck?"

"I did not mean to offend," the chief of the Water Tribe gave off a harmless chuckle. "Mai, isn't it? Come. It is much warmer here by this side. The Captains' quarters shields it from the winds."

The dry-witted assassin did not reply but shifted none the less, standing closer to the stoic warrior as she too shared his gaze of the blue waves.
For awhile the two shared not a word, their thoughts cast out only across the waves. Just two people looking out into the the swirls of night and seas. It was finally Mai who broke the unspoken truce.

"Why did you set us free?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Why did you... set Ty Lee and myself free? I could understand why you freed the rest - they are your fellow Water tribesmen, or earth benders of the Earth Kingdom. But we've fought against yours on numerous occasions. I fought against your son and daughter. I WENT AFTER THE AVATAR." She said the last line with emphasis. "By all accounts Chief Hakoda, we are your enemies."

The grizzled warrior gave a glance and followed with a simple satisfied smile. "If you were my enemy young lady, you would have been standing on the other side of those cells. Not locked inside with us. What's that saying? The enemy of my enemy..." He smiled roguishly and rested his elbows on the rail. "Besides, word spreads fast, Mai. I know what you did back at the Boiling Rock. I saw how you risked your life for Zuko, and so..." He shrugged. "I wouldn't want anyone else standing with us now."

Her face contorted slightly in annoyance, presumably at the honest tone of Hakoda's voice, and she shook her head disagreeably. "Whatever."
Once more silence fell between the them. Two people who could not have been more different in stature, appearance, and personality, yet oddly enough they found themselves here, on the brink of battle, as allies.

"Well since you got to ask a question I think its more than fair that I get to ask one too, don't you think?" Hakoda proposed trying to make his voice sound harmless.

"You can... ask," Mai stated with a chilly monotone. "Doesn't mean I'm going to answer though."

Hakoda laughed jovially. "Fair enough, " he chucked, shrugging his shoulders in acceptance. A moment passed before he spoke again. Then, "Do you regret it?"

Mai responded only with a gaze at his direction before turning back into the abyss of night. But Hakoda waited while the silence stretched out. Finally she spoke.

"...I would do it again in a heartbeat," she whispered with conviction as she rested her chin and elbows on the same railings, as if it helped with the weight of her words. "If he needed it, I would." She looked up, defiantly now. "He is the rightful Fire Lord," she declared firmly. "No one knows Azula better than I - I was her right hand. I grew up thinking she would be the perfect leader, and believe Zuko a traitor, a failure. But... When I actually took the time to get to know Zuko I realized that we had all been broken, myself as well. We were all unfit to... rule a nation. But Zuko, he had somehow come back stronger, better. He could do it. He could be the leader we needed. I knew it then and I knew it when I stood on that platform and helped him escaped. Azula was never going to be Fire Lord. The choice was clear."

Hakoda turned his back to the sea. "Well reasoned. That all sounds... very logical."

"I suppose." Mai shrugged. "Mostly."

Now Hakoda smiled knowingly. "Mostly? Yes, I too find the heart a fickle friend."

Mai blushed suddenly. A feat almost unheard of from the stone cold projectile specialist. "No, I-"

"Its okay," Hakoda laughed. "I'm sure your heart was part of the 'logical decision'." Mai blushed harder, increasing Hakoda's laugh. But there was no malice in it, no mockery in the laugh. It was oddly enough the saddest laugh Mai had ever heard. When it ended Hakoda was quiet a moment longer before speaking. "It is logical. You should fight for the people you care about. As you grow you will soon find, you can't go back and change your mind later. You have to take the side of your loved ones, while you still can."

Mai blinked. "Sir?"

Hakoda jerked slightly. "Please, I'm no sir. I may be rambling like an old man, but I've still got some fight in me. And what a fight it is likely to be, yes!?"

Mai nodded firmly.

"So, we fight to usurp the Fire Nation in the name of its rightful ruler, Prince Zuko. We failed once already. We will likely not be able to hold our position if Zuko fails, which will most assuredly mean our own ends. So, Mai of the Fire Nation, are you ready to change history along side my sordid crew?"

"That is the worst battle speech I've ever heard..." Mai dryly stated. But then as if accepting her fate in hand she then lifted her head and gave a Fire Nation bow of respect. "But yeah... I'm in."

Hakoda nodded and turned back to the sea. "To victory then."


Golden beams streamed across the sky, warm rays kissing the earth awake, announcing morning. Zuko felt the dawn stirring inside him, a warmth that meant day - that meant this particular day. Awake with the breaking of the dawn, he was about about to commence the biggest mission of his life. To bring down an empire. To bring one hundred years of suffering to a close.

"Hey!"

"Huh?"

"I said are you okay?" The pleasant sound of Katara's voice brought him back into the world and away from his wayward thoughts. The waterbender ducked into his tent then placed a hand on his forehead gently. Her slender fingers cool to the touch and seemed to quell the fire that burned within his mind. "You're kinda warm - but then again you are a firebender..."

He gently took her hand and moved it away from his head and closer to his heart. "I'm fine, Katara. Just thinking, that's all."

For a split second it seemed like the whole world was just the two of them again, her slight smile causing his heart to stir. "I mean it, dummy. I know you haven't slept much in the last few days and I need you to be in the best form you can be."

"Like I said I'll be fine," he answered with resolve, unsure whether the resolve was for her or himself, but knowing it was needed.

Zuko could see from the worried look in Katara's eyes; she did not fully believe him. However she said nothing, just held out a hand to help him up. He snatched up his bag, which had been packed and repacked repeatedly the night before, and was ready to go. He strode out of the tent, and Katara slid silently into step beside him. Ahead of them lay the Avatar's magnificent Sky Bison, which he and Katara mounted together. Zuko took first shift driving.

Mounted on a giant eel-hound, Suki held onto an over excited Toph who was avidly attempting to drive the unresponsive green beast. Pian Dao was instructing Sokka that nothing would move faster over land or water than the hound, and giving him directions to the air ships. "You should be able to intercept the fleet within a day's journey."

Sokka bowed, thanked his master, then impulsively hugged the old man. After a half second, the surprised swordsmaster hugged his pupil back. Leaping up onto the eel-hound, Sokka snatched the reigns from Toph, who pouted and smacked him in the back of the head, making Suki laugh.

Iroh approached Appa, and looked up proudly at his grandson. "Remember," he told Zuko, "wait for Hakoda's sign that the air defenses have been disabled before proceeding. If you are shot down before you reach your sister, you will never be Fire Lord, and all this will be in vain."

"I understand," Zuko agreed. "Except for one thing. So if I'm gonna be Fire Lord after the war is over, what are you gonna do?"

Iroh smiled as he pictured his dream future. "After I reconquer Ba Sing Se, I'm going to reconquer my tea shop, and I'm going to play Pai Sho every day."

Zuko couldn't help but smile with his uncle, he seemed so genuinely happy about the Jasmine Dragon. Katara beamed too and reached down from Appa's saddle to shake his hands. "Good-bye General Iroh, and good luck at Ba Sing Se."

He nodded and raised his voice. "Good-bye everyone. Today, destiny is our friend. I know it."

Zuko smiled as Sokka kicked the ell-hound into stride. So long he had hated his destiny, searched for it, cursed it. But today his uncle's words put it into a new perspective. Not only had he found it, he had made his own destiny, and now he would rise up and take it. He knew that he could do it, he felt resolved and confident in himself, in his future. But he still felt mixed emotions. Part of him dreaded to continue the path that lay before him. Another wanted to bring about the resolution he always wanted. And yet it was the tiniest portion of him that spoke just as loudly as the rest that said to enjoy the moment with the girl of his dreams. One days like these, one couldn't help but wonder how many more days any of them would have.

"Hey Katara," the prince whispered, gripping Appa's reigns tightly.

"Hmm?"

"I'm going to win," he simply stated, as if predicting the future. "I need to win. To bring back my people. To reclaim my throne."

The blue eyed girl smiled, "I know. We can do it."

She took the hand that Zuko offered and sat beside him, as his equal, as his partner. With a yip-yip and a small pat the gentle behemoth knew what to do as his massive tail came swinging down providing the lift he needed and took off for the morning skies.

They rode until the camp was but a spec behind them, and then gone. Zuko's eyes turned away from it, and towards their destination, new thoughts forming in his head, the future building itself as he flew inexorably towards it.

"But what then?" His question caught her by surprise, he could tell. "I mean, what's going to happen after we take back the throne?"

"Well I'm sure there's going to be lots of things to do, and diplomacy dictates that-"

"I'm taking about us."

"Oh." Four little words left the waterbender speechless.

"...What about... us?" She quietly repeated, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

A nervous tick. Zuko observed. One that he loved about her. It was then and there he decided.

"Stay with me."

His hand clenched on the reigns of Appa. The other found its way towards hers and held her tight.

"Zuko, you know I'm with you til the end."

"I mean it Katara," he insisted. "I'm not talking about this battle. I'm talking about when this is all over. Not the end... the future."

"Zuko..."

"I need someone to help me put the pieces of my country back together."

She laughed nervously before stating the preposterous thought that swirled her mind. "Are you asking me to marry you?"

"Marry?! Wait- No! I mean-"

"Can't you hear how crazy that sounds?" The blue eyed girl prattled continuously.

"Katara-"

"I mean you and I married. It's-"

"Katara-"

"I can't even picture that; its so far in the future. I-"

"I'M ASKING YOU TO BE WITH ME!" Zuko's voice sizzled with the fiery tone and confidence fit for a prince. "You're... you're the only one who truly understands me..."

He could see Katara was taken aback as she slipped her hand out slowly from his. An action he corrected by firmly seeking it once more as he held her hand close to his chest letting her feel the accelerated beating of his heart.

"I've never met anyone like you. I don't know whats in store for the future, and honestly I could care less what trouble it will bring. All I know is I want you there. At my side. I want this..." He squeezed her hand gently, as if he was starved of affection and needed her touch. "Whatever this is, I don't want it to go away."

Katara's eyes darted quickly, avoiding his at first. They she looked away, up at the sun, for a time, and her eyes shone like water sparkling in sunlight. She met Zuko's gaze. "Tell me about it," she prompted. "Your future, in the Fire Nation. Tell me?"

Zuko hesitated. Talking about it was sort of like... baring his soul. It felt like giving a piece of himself up, like exposing a vulnerability. But he looked at Katara, and he knew he could tell her. Cautiously, he began. "There's a lot of work to do to... fix the Fire Nation. They are used to a strong martial rule, but... they are probably also a little sick of it too, especially if half the rumors about Azula's command are true. Many will be resistant to change - they think themselves better than the other nations, and they will have to learn the hard way that is not true. For some this will come naturally, with a sigh of relief, for others there will be great resentment. And that resentment will be directed at me. Even if I win against Azula fair and square there will always be those who challenge the fight, and question my beliefs.

"I will have to be strong, firm, and unbending with those who refuse to forget the old ways, who would stand against me. But for those who seek change, but take time to learn it, I will need compassion, and forgiveness. I think I have learned a thing or two about that. It will be hard to tell the difference, but I will have you there," he smiled, "to help decide where to show compassion and where to demonstrate strength.

"I cannot apologize and bend knee to nations we have harmed either, or I will show weakness and my own people will turn on me. But I can change things. I can re-station our colonies as war relief outreaches and return lands to their rightful rulers. I can open up trade routs between nations, share technology and spread unity across the land, with Aang's help. We can rebuild what we destroyed, starting with my people."

He looked up at Katara at his point. "On my arm will have to be a woman I trust beyond any other, who will have my back, who will not fear my enemies, and who will support my ideas. I need someone who will know when to show mercy and when to display vengeance, who can support me publicly and defy me privately, question my decisions and make sure we go down the best path at every junction. I need someone they will respect, who can make them listen, and who has traveled the world and knows that all men are equal. I need you, Katara. Your strength, your courage, your compassion, will be the light that guides us to a new era."

Katara smiled, as if she too could see this future stretched out across the sky, and Zuko felt it burning bright within him. He knew that this would be the light at the end of the tunnel, the thing that he fought for as he went up against his sister, the thing worth risking all, worth fighting his family for. This was his destiny, these were his people, and this would be his world.

But then Katara's smile turned sad. "That sounds... Like nothing I ever thought I would hear you say when we first met." She snorted. "Your uncle is right. You have come so far, and you are without a doubt the right man to take your country down their new path. You will always have my support, but..."

Zuko felt like his heart stopped. "But?"

She shook her head. "I don't think it's my future."

"No! Katara I need you there! You... you're the one who taught me about compassion, and forgiveness. You taught me. You showed me what it means to be a true leader - to be respected, not feared! You... you taught me to... to care. To love." He held her gaze. "It has to be you."

Katara's breath caught. "Zuko, it... it sounds incredible, a truly marvelous dream, and one you and you alone can achieve. But... until now I guess I never thought of it, but... Zuko, that's not my future. That's Mai's."

She said it firmly, but her voice cracked a little. Zuko felt like his soul was shattering. But he also felt anger. "Mai!? Mai's future? You think Mai can make the people of the Fire Nation love her? She doesn't know what love is!"

He doesn't mean that. Katara sadly thought to herself.

"And yet, she betrayed Azula for you."

"You don't understand," Zuko protested. "She's nothing - a big blah! She always has been. I dated her and never once felt anything close to what I feel with you. You make me feel real - alive! You drive me crazy, and you make my heart stop, but you make me feel like a real person. Like I can be something great - like I am someone great. You... you're so different from her. She could never..." He felt like he was chocking on the words. Like a desperate man drowning in the seas he was grasping to any logic or reason he could to make her see.

Katara sighed. "Zuko, you feel that way. You've learned it. Just like you've learned to forgive, and to listen, and, well everything! I may have been the first person to show you, but those feelings won't go away now. They're yours, they always were, and they always will be. Maybe... maybe you should show Mai how to feel too-"

"It won't be her!"

"She knows the Fire Nation, she has traveled the world, she fights beside the water benders today, she lived in earth kingdoms - Zuko she gave up everything to be with you-"

"Forget Mai!" he yelled. A part of him hurt when he said that but damn the pain. "Why won't it be you!?"

He looked up to see tears in her eyes, and he felt like he should have some too. But he didn't. He might as well feel empty.

"Zuko," Katara whispered, reaching out to touch his cheek. He almost drew back, but didn't. "Zuko, I love you." His heart beat so hard in his chest he thought he'd explode. "I know I haven't said it, but I do. I see it now, how much you needed to hear it - and its true. I love you. And you have taught me as much as you say I've taught you. You've taught me courage, and intimacy, you've taught me honor, and you've shown me what it means to be a man. But... I won't live in the Fire Nation as yours...queen or otherwise. I was meant for something else."

How could a person be so close as to feel their breath yet be so far away? Idly the prince's thoughts swirled with his emotions.

"There's a reason why we haven't talked about this subject, Zuko. Because then we'd have to come back here, to reality." Katara's voice was weak, laced with sadness.

"There is still so much I have to see. I have learned so much about bending, and my people, they have lost so much of their own arts. I need to teach them. I need to help raise my tribe up. And I need to go back to places I have left behind, to fix things. And..." Her voice caught. "And I made a promise, to Aang. I promised, a long time ago, that I would help him fix the world. This, putting you on the throne, and ending the war, is our greatest victory, but we haven't won. You have much work to do with the Fire Nation after this. But... I have much work to do in the world."

"There are people like my father who won't know what to do without war, and there are vigilantes like Jet who have lost everything and can't live with themselves. They need healing. They need someone there to hear them, to stand up for them, or to show them a better path."

Zuko shook his head. "Can't Aang do that-"

"For the entire world? All by himself?" Katara shook her head. "No, there are people out, people who are loyal to me - who fought for me, and died for me. People who I owe my future too. And I can't help them from the Fire Nation. My people need me, just like yours need you. My tribe is almost dead. I am the last waterbender of the Southern Water tribe. I alone know the secret arts of my people, and it is my responsibility to teach it to the next generation. To make sure there is a next generation. I need to rebuild my home, and so many others. Don't you see Zuko? I can do so much good - but I can't do it in a palace, surrounded by fire. I need to be out there," she waved around them into the sky and and earth. "I... I need to be... free to pursue my own destiny."

"My palace isn't a cage," he protested weakly. "It's a home. You can come and go as you please."

But she shook her head. "That isn't fair to you. You need someone - You must have someone who can stand by your side always. Who can have your back when you least expect danger. You need someone who's focus is the Fire Nation, not the waterbenders." Her voice broke, and two tears fell. "You... I can't... I'm sorry." Her head fell on his chest. "It's not me. It just isn't."

Despite himself he felt his arms go around her. It was as if a heavy weight suddenly attached to his heart. He was afraid Appa would fall from the sky, it pulled so strongly. His arms shook and he held her tighter. He wanted to say he didn't accept it, that he wouldn't let her go. He wanted to tell her that she could do all that and be his queen. He wanted to say these things, but he knew it wasn't true. And he couldn't bring himself to lie.

"...Our days were always numbered, huh?" he whispered, and he felt her gasp against him.

"I'm sorry," she whispered again. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." She felt like she was breaking, coming apart in his arms.

He held her tighter as if doing so might put them back together. "Well," he managed. "We... we still have one day left. Can we... can we pretend a little longer?"

She nodded, her hair sliding beneath his chin and tickling it. Then she looked up, eyes full of tears, and kissed him, harder and stronger than she ever had before. Her hands pulled him up into the saddle, and he no longer cared which was Appa was flying. There was only Katara. Only Katara, and a day that he wished would never end, but knew had to.


The Magnificent city of Li Ming Dhu Shi, the crown jewel of the Fire Nation empire stood before his eyes. Undaunted by her beauty, Hakoda watched the guards rotation. He could tell she was strongly guarded, her harbors closed and colossal Fire Navy ships patrolled her waters like steel sentinels on the prowl for danger. He had taken the Harbor once before. The Blue Wolf's thoughts lingered back on the day of the black sun. But that was when the city was at its weakest, with the aide of the elite forces of Ba Sing Se to help provide the artillery to break down her defenses. And it had still been at great cost.

Now it seemed impossible as he continued to survey the city through his spy glass.

The City's defenses were immaculate. Catapults and ballistas littered the walls of the harbor, guards patrolling every sector of the wall, ships to block any attempted naval invasion. It was enough to repel the largest of armies.

Yes, no army would lay siege to this city, Hakoda agreed. A small elite force on the other hand...

He smiled to himself as he collapsed the stolen Fire Nation spy glass and surveyed his forces. Their goal this time was not the city. Their goal this time, was possible. For a time.

Along with his ship came four others who managed to answer his call in time. A meager force at best, but in the hands of the greatest guerrilla fighter in the world, it was more then enough. Confident with the superior skill of his forces, he knew they were capable of robbing the enemy of their greatest strength. He was sure, this time, they could complete their mission. Last time the Fire Nation had been prepared for them. It had been a disaster. This time he would give no warning to them, let nothing slip. Many of his men were still paying for the last mistake, and he was not about to let it happen again.

The wolf pack fights hardest when they were cornered, for they have no where left to go. If all went to plan this time, that is what would happen. Then the rest depended on Zuko and his daughter. But if they lived or died would be a small thing in history. What mattered today was getting those two into the city. That, and only that, was their goal.

"Ok listen up!" He commanded with authority as the men aboard his ship straightened up and listened intently upon their brave commander. "You all know me. I have never been one to give in to sentiment and give these speeches-"

"Says you!" a voice called out. "We all know you love your speeches, Hakoda!"

The statement brought about smiles and laughter through out the crowd as the joke helped alleviate the tension in the air.

He was their brave commander yes, but he was also one of them.

Hakoda smiled back and gave a small chuckle himself.

"Aye, but not as much as you love to eat, Sanut," he rebutted to more chortles, and the man called Sanut patted his rotund belly proudly.

He knew these men. Not just the men who fought with him since leaving the South Pole either; he knew ALL these men. Over the course of their long arduous voyage he had gotten to know all the people he had help rescue from the rock. For it is a foolish commander who does not know his troops. Yet with that familiarity comes a grave consequence. He was responsible for their lives. Every decision he made from here on end could cost him dearly, and he knew beyond doubt that many if not all of them would fall today.

An idealist he may be, but the price of war demanded to be paid. If he was to pay let it be with as little lost to human life as possible. They would fight, believing that Zuko would win and they would live, and they would do whatever it took to stay alive that long.

He forced a smile onto his face. "But we can joke, and eat and smile as much as we want when this is all over. For now you all know the task at hand." Hakoda took up a spear on hand and pointed at the capital. "There she lies, the strongest city in the world. Home of Fire Lord Ozai. There lies the single greatest threat to our people and our very lives. Today...WE END THAT THREAT!"

A hearty bellow echoed from ship. A cry so mighty the very city itself could have heard it.

"My brothers and sisters... We failed once. I'm not going to lie, " Hakoda stated with simplicity. He needed to be honest with these men if they were to trust him with their very lives. "However we cannot afford to do so again. I don't know about you, but I have grown tired and weary of losing..." His grip on his weapon tightened with conviction and anger. "I am not coming home once more to a burned village and a loved one taken! Our goal today is different. Today we end this war by putting our faith in new allies - in Zuko, in Mai and Ty Lee; in our firebending allies from the Boiling Rock - today we fight with earth and water... AND FIRE! This is how we end the war. We HOLD! We hold this place with everything we have, until the Avatar comes, until the Prince comes, until we are no more, or the war has ended. Today, we go home free, or we die trying!"

"TODAY WE FIGHT WITH EVERYTHING WE HAVE!" A unison cry of swords and arms raised up.

"TODAY WE TAKE BACK WHAT WAS STOLEN FROM US!" Once more they cheered, comrades in arms.

"TODAY WE STRIKE BACK AGAINST THE TYRANT OZAI!" The third shout was deafening.

"And if the history books say this is the day we fall... Well, Hell! LET IT BE KNOWN THAT WE CHOOSE TO DIE ON OUR FEET, RATHER THEN LIVE ON OUR KNEES!"

The last shout from the crowd was ear shattering as their battle cry mingled with the clashing of sword and shield, bone on bone, and the rumbling feet of a legion.

If Hakoda had any doubts they were banished from his thoughts as his spirit soared as high as a condor-shrike. If there was to be war his men were ready.

From a corner of his eye he could spot the scarlet clad figure of Mai, who was leaning against the ships railings, away from the crowd. Her tiny smirk on her face said, Nice speech. Now can we go?

Spotting the key figure to the start of his invasion he made his up towards her before giving the signal to his men to get into positions. They turned to others, who in turn signaled the other ships. Not as a trained military force executing matching orders, but as a legion of free men from every nation, gathered for the same cause. They moved with strength, and pride, and deathly determination.

Through the glints of steal came his secret weapon. No, steal, no weapons, no armor. Just a girl in pink, with rosy cheeks and an out of place smile. He bowed to her. "I'm asking a lot. You don't have to do so if you don't want-"

She shook her head vigorously, tossing her braid. "I want to do it. No, I feel I have to do this. We can't send in Mai, she'll just turn it into a blood bath." Her airy voice was soothing to hear among all the masculinity and death; it embodying the free spirit that was her.

"Yeah," Hakoda agreed, looking at the dark assassin, "I could believe that. But are you sure you want to go alone? I could send two of my best-"

She placed her hand up, stopping him mid-sentence. "Please, Chief Hakoda. It's already going to be dangerous enough as it is. You're going to need all the men you have. I can do it alone." She smiled to assure him, before playfully turning her back as her single long braid swayed behind her. "Besides, they'll probably just slow me down anyway, no offense."

The martial master in pink known as Ty Lee happily made her way back to her friend as she too prepared for her very special mission.

As if destiny herself called forth the appearance of a flying Bison in the sky would set the winds of change. The plan was now.