Here is the thirteenth chapter in Book 4, late but getting closer to being back on schedule. If I am lucky, and that is a big if, I will be all caught up this coming week but that may not last so I am not expecting a full return to schedule just yet. If I can get chapter 15 out by the end of the week I will be officially back on schedule, maybe ahead if I find the rare moment to get as far as chapter 16 but chapter 14 is going to be an easy 10k+ chapter post edits so no promises yet. Anyway, that is all I have for now as there were no questions to address here so sit back and enjoy the 13th chapter in the fourth installment of Avatar: The Tale of Harry. Book 4: Family.
Disclaimer : As always I own nothing related to these two great works of fiction.
Chapter 13
Dominique groaned as she slowly regained consciousness as the recent events began to come back to her. Her head throbbed worse than her last bender with the troops, her body was sore all over, she couldn't mover her left wrist which was really painfully and there was a bad taste in her mouth. However she was warm and comfy which was a plus.
It took her a few more moments to open her heavy eyelids and a couple more of blinking to bring the room she was in into focus, albeit a slightly blurry focus that hurt her head. Dominique was in a large, comfortable, wooden bed with a soft, fur covered mattress that felt really nice and many furs over her. She was propped up on a few fluffy pillows so that she was in a reclined position. As the room came into better focus she saw that her clothes were on a chair by the door, complete with her weapons and father's spear resting against the wall.
Dominique noticed that she was wearing a gown of sort for some reason but at least she was dressed. Extracting her right hand slowly from the comfortable confines of the furs, she still couldn't move her left, she raised it to her head and felt a bandage wrapped around her head. It took another moment to remember how she had gotten hurt and when she did she groaned again and sank into the pillows.
"Ah you're awake, good Ginny and Daphne were starting to get a little worried." A familiar, feminine, voice said next to her causing Dominique to jump a little under her furs. "They will be glad to see you up, if still in need of some healing sessions."
Turning her head painfully to the right, any movement seemed to hurt, Dominique looked to her side and saw a tall, stunning, blond woman sitting in a fur covered chair next to the bed a look of concern on her face and book in her lap. The woman was wearing a red and yellow winter outfit cut like the traditional robes of the old Air Nomads and she had an arrow tattooed in gray on her head to further show her nationality. Dominique smiled at the sight of her older sister.
"Hey Vicky, good to see that you are ok." Dominique said, her voice sounding weak and horse as fuck. "Is, is there water? Don't be smart with me sis, I can barely speak."
"I am Dom, much better than you." Victoire said with a small smile as she picked up a glass with a straw in it from a bedside table that Dominique couldn't see and brought it to her. "You look like shit."
"Meh, I've had worse." Dominique said with a painful shrug before draining the cup in three long drafts and sighing in relief as the cold water soothed her throat. "The Crown Princess is not exempt from military hazing; in fact it's encouraged to a point. This will just add to my cred."
"I'm sorry to hear about dad." Victoire said unable to hold it in as she put the glass down and pulled Dominique into a brief hug but let her go when Dominique winced. "Sorry, I needed that after hearing the new."
"Dad knew the risks, we all did." Dominique said as she leaned back in the bed. "At least you weren't there to see it, I will never forget watching dad die."
"True and after all that has happened, we were lucky that we were already here where it was safe." Victoire said with a sad sigh as she stood by Dominique's side and took her free right hand in hers for support that Dominique squeezed slightly to show that she was there for her sister. "Me, mom and Louis were already here preparing for the festivities and your arrival. You and dad had to stay as waterbenders to finish up in the South before coming to the festival."
"What happened to the rest of the family?" Dominique asked with a hint of worry in her voice. "I assumed that most were safe but I had no confirmation."
"For the most part they are fine." Victoire said and Dominique sighed in relief at that. "Fred and George are holed up with their families in their mansions and there are enough supplies there to last years, as well as enough protections, traps and tricks to prevent capture. They got through to us a few hours ago and will try to ride this situation out down there. They're surrounded but for the moment safe."
"That is what I expected from them." Dominique said glad that they were ok. "And the others? I saw Harry, Ginny, Ron and Lily on my way in but that was it. I know a few were here but just tell me about all of them."
"Harry, Ginny and all of Ron and Luna's kids other than Hugo were already here enjoying the pre-solstice celebrations." Victoire confirmed who Dominique had thought was here. "Ron, Luna, Hugo, and Lily all made it from Republic City though they were tired from the flight and Ron was in a fight on Air Temple Island though he only had a minor injury from it. However, we have no idea about Charlie, Percy, Percy's family and Albus. We are worried about all but Albus was they were last known to be in Ba Sing Se according to a message from the Grand Secretariat just before the city went dark."
"Percy is dead as well." Dominique said sadly hating to break the news but she had to tell her sister. "His whole family was killed a few days ago apparently, well all except Molly."
"What?" Victoire asked surprised, her eyes going wide as she gripped Dominique's hand tightly at the news. "How do you know?"
"It gets worse." Dominique said pushing through it. "There were killed by Molly. At least that's what she said just before dad was murdered."
Victoire just gasped at this so Dominique explained everything that had happened in the throne room to her sister as best she could remember them, her head was still throbbing and it hurt to talk but this had to be said. It was painful but Dominique knew that she needed to tell her sister about how their father had died. Also the more she reminded herself about it, the more she fueled her own desire to bring justice to those who had killed their father and taken the Southern Water Tribe.
"I came straight here, ran Veela ragged doing so but I had to get here." Dominique said when she was done, Victoire's grip had tightened as she spoke but Dominique didn't care, her sister needed it and Dominique would support her as best she could. "Then after what happened when I arrived and spectacularly faceplanted in the Throne Room I only had the energy to tell Harry what happened before I passed out. By the way, what actually happened when I arrived? I kinda hit my head heard on the ice yesterday and it's all little fuzzy."
"Actually, you arrived 2 days ago." Victoire said causing Dominique to wince at the time she'd been out for. "You have been out for a while hence why Ginny and Daphne were getting worried about you. When you burst in, Harry reacted instantly before realizing it was you and stopped Veela dead in her tracks with his waterbending. Veela is fine, a little sore but Harry made sure that she was ok afterwards and she's now in the royal stables being pampered. You weren't as lucky."
"Yeah I can tell, I feel like shit." Dominique said with a light smile. "You were right on that front. So how bad are my injuries this time?"
"Well yeah you have a minor concussion from hitting the ice with your head, you also broke your left wrist and have some minor freeze burn on your legs for some reason though after hearing your story I am assuming it was from freezing yourself to your saddle." Victoire said ignoring the fact that Dominique had been injured in the past due to her training. "So, nothing that Ginny couldn't fix other than the concussion which you will have to let heal naturally. She healed your wrist and legs though you will have to see her for more sessions on both to ensure they are fine and you will be sore for a few days. You should have bed rest but unfortunately right now you are needed so I have some over the counter pain killers to help out."
"Could be worse, could be another torn knee ligament, that one sucked." Dominique said with a shrug before she processed all of what her sister had said and her eyes went wide. "Wait? I'm needed now?"
"Well soon, I am supposed to bring you up to speed on certain things and then bring you to a meeting currently in progress with the other exiled leaders in the Tribal Council Chamber once you have been caught up." Victoire said as she let go of Dominique's hand and pulled a bottle of pills and gave Dominique two and some more water to take them. "You are technically the Chief of the Southern Water Tribe now and that means certain responsibilities, especially in a time of absolute global crisis."
"What's happened?" Dominique asked when she was done taking the pain killers. "We heard of the other nations but I fled as soon as I could so I need to know exactly what happened."
"It's not good." Victoire said shaking her head. "You heard that this was orchestrated by a mysterious man calling himself the Princeps from Molly and those Uniques you ran into but you haven't heard the full news. Five World Leaders are confirmed dead, all killed on the same day making it the worst attack of its kind in history. Another is injured but stable and the last is alive but isolated in his Capital. From our estimates, at least four entire nations have completely fallen and two more have lost territory though there may be one Imperial State still holding out as we haven't confirmed that Cymru has fallen."
"What the fuck happened?" Dominique asked shocked at the extent of what had happened, she'd known it was bad but somehow it was even worse then she had thought it was. "How on earth did someone pull something like this off?"
"I am not privy to certain details that are only privy to the leaders like yourself so you will be told about them when you meet with them." Victoire said. "Actually, this makes me glad I am not in your shoes sis because I don't think I could handle leading a nation during a global crisis."
"Yeah this needs a warrior and you're not that." Dominique said bluntly and Victoire nodded in agreement not offended by the truth of her sister's words. "So tell me what you can."
"Well what I can tell you is that a few days ago, the night before the attacks on the other nations, there was an assassination attempt made on Chief Sirius." Victoire said, something that Dominique knew about but not the details of. "He was stabbed in the side by an infiltrator who was part of the serving staff but survived."
"That is how you would do it if you had the time and patience to pull this shit off." Dominique said begrudgingly admitting that the plan was solid. "So what happened to the assassin?"
"Well there were more than just the one going after Sirius, he was just the first target and the only one injured." Victoire said surprising Dominique as she hadn't heard that there was more to the attempt than just trying to kill Sirius. "They were going after other senior officials here but as soon as Sirius was stabbed they were outed and a brawl ensued. All the assassins were killed in the fight or committed suicide rather than be captured so we have no idea how they pulled it off. Sirius is stable and will survive. Daphne has been tending to him and he shouldn't be running a nation in his state but he has no choice only the Northern Water Tribe was completely spared."
"At least he will live, we will need his leadership and experience in these troubling times." Dominique said. "What about the other nations?. I know that dad and Zhan are dead but who is still alive?"
"Firelord Druzok was the other survivor and he is unscathed, though Royal Caldera City has been cut off from the rest of the nation as the fighting continues there." Victoire said. "Fortunately, the United Marines were on maneuvers with the United Navy and the Northern Water Tribe's naval forces up here in the Northern Waters at the time of the attacks. The immediately came here to bolster are defenses and ensure the North won't be attacked anytime soon. Commander Ursa was with her Marines so she is safe and while maintaining her rank, she is also the temporary representative of the Fire Nation in her father's stead. The other World Leaders weren't as lucky."
"What happened to them?" Dominique asked, she needed to know the extent of the attacks to help her aid in their plans for the coming war.
"As you know, Ba Sing Se was hit hard, the hardest of all the capitals." Victoire said. "Zhan is dead, at least that is what the reports are saying but it is all but confirmed. His son was studying at the Northern Air Temple at the time and is safe there as the Northern Air Temple was attacked but they fended off the attack before it could reach him. It seems to have been a halfhearted attack at best but that is the only free Air Temple."
"That's good, it can serve as a useful outpost for us and a safe refuge on the way to the Northern Water Tribe." Dominique said grateful that at least one of the Temples survived. "And the others?"
"The other Temples have fallen and the news isn't much better." Victoire said sadly and Dominique understood it, her sister had chosen the Air Nation over her birthright so losing the Temples would hit her hard. "Grandfather is dead, killed when the Western Air Temple fell. So too is Archabbot Filius, he was murdered in the Southern Air Temple by a Unique called Arncliffe. Abbot Remus survived her attack and confirmed the Archabbot's death when he arrived this morning. He has temporarily taken over the Air Nation as the most senior Abbot and will likely be elected Archabbot as soon as possible."
"He was destined to be the next Archabbot anyway." Dominique said with a slightly painful nod supporting the choice and moving on to the next World Leader. "What about President Romilda? How did she die?"
"An explosion." Victoire said and Dominique couldn't help but wince, that was a bad way to go. "Lily was outside of the RCPD Headquarters when several bombs went off in the United Republic that marked the beginning of the attack there. One of those bombs was in the Chief of Police's office and that was the one that took out both Chief Beifong and President Romilda who was meeting her at the time. One of the other bombs went off in Romilda's office, and another in the cabinet chamber where the cabinet had gathered to wait for Romilda, so she wasn't going to survive regardless."
"Wait, so if Romilda and Beifong are dead then…" Dominique said as she remembered the line of succession for the President of the United Republic. "Then that means…"
"Yup, Teddy was sworn in by the Avatar as the 16th President of the United Republic yesterday when Lily confirmed Romilda and Beifong's deaths so for the first time that the second in line has risen to the office without the position without it being temporary." Victoire said with a nod. "So, I am now the First Lady of the United Republic, well First Lady in exile. Teddy was here to represent the United Republic at the Summer Solstice before joining the Generals of the Northern Military in some joint training exercises. That was what saved him and given the situation he's the best person to lead the United Republic in exile. He plans to lead from the front but he has officially resigned his commission on ascension to the Presidency."
"So if he's no longer in the military, who has been promoted to General of the United Forces?" Dominique asked curious as to who she would be working closely with on the defense of the Northern Water Tribe. "I know that the most senior branch commander takes that job unless there are very good reasons to not promote that commander but I can't remember who it is."
"That would be Quirke and her rank is Marshall not General." Victoire told her. "She's now in charge of the United Forces subject to Teddy's orders as President though he will only get involved if absolutely necessary. She will be your primary point of call for the United Forces when it comes to defense."
"The airbender who is the Commander of the United Air Force?" Dominique asked to confirm. "The one who is slightly nuts when it comes to flying? I've never met her but I've heard of her reputation."
"Yup, she is the first leader of the United Air Force who has risen to the top position to take the title of Marshall out of respect to her branch the same way the Commander of the Navy would take the rank of Admiral." Victoire said confirming who Quirke was. "She is also the first airbender to hold the position and first former fighter pilot, which yes she was a little insane with when she flew."
"Wait, wasn't the United Air Force grounded near Republic City?" Dominique asked. "I remember reading a report on it a few days ago, this is the time of year for mandatory maintenance on the planes."
"That is true." Victoire said with a nod. "Quirke was near the United Republic when the attack happened and mobilized her forces to both aid the evacuation and try to fight the invading forces but they were quickly outnumbered, though not completely out classed. She made the tactical decision to retreat to the North to preserve the forces for when they are truly needed as by that point the United Republic was lost. Only the Commander of the United Army was killed though I'm not sure how that happened."
"Good, the more military minds we have up here will allow us to be as prepared as possible because the Princeps almost certainly has extensive training himself." Dominique said firmly as the pain killers finally began to mitigate her headache at last. "That is the only way to he could have pulled something like this off so well. He had to have contacts within the military at a minimum, possibly even be military or ex-military himself."
"That is the governing theory regarding him." Victoire said. "And though you didn't ask, Chief Kartik of the Foggy Swamp Tribe was killed when they were attacked though we aren't sure why it was targeted at all."
"Oh yeah I forgot about him." Dominique said feeling bad she'd forgotten to ask about the third Water Tribe. "That is a surprise that it was targeted though."
"There will be a reason that we aren't seeing but that is all I know." Victoire said as she went over to get Dominique's clothes. "Now that you are all caught up, other than what Ursa knows about the Fire Nation which she will share with you personally, it is time to get ready and go to the meeting, they will be glad to see you are up. We will go through the Throne Room so you can pay your respects and then meet with the War Council, they will tell you the plans at the moment regarding what we know and seek your input as well."
"Respects?" Dominique ask as she tried to get out of bed but Victoire pushed her back down with a gentle but firm jet of air before getting her clothes. "To who? The body I saw when I arrived?"
"Yes, but Sirius wants you to pay your respects without knowing who is laying in state." Victoire said as she then went over to a wooden cabinet and removed a wheelchair. "Now aunt Ginny has ordered you to use this until she can take another look at your legs and clear you to walk again. Remember she is the only person with the authority to order the Chief of the Southern Water Tribe to do something providing it is medical based unless you decide that someone else should be our acting Head Healer."
"Fine if Auntie Gin says so, I will listen to her medical advice so as to not incur her wraith." Dominique said with a slight growl but didn't resist Victoire as her sister helped her out of bed, get dressed, which was an ordeal in and of itself, and into the chair before adding as they left the room. "And Vicky, if you have to use my title then address me as Princess, not Chief. While our people suffer under the yoke of this new enemy I will not take the title of Chief until I am there to lead our people in our fight for freedom. Until then, there is no Chief of the Southern Water Tribe."
"Wu doesn't take his title until the Earth Kingdom was liberated and now every damned exiled leader refuses to use the title until their people are freed, or at least until they can actively lead their forces." Victoire grumbled to herself as she pushed a smirking Dominique out of the room and into the corridor. "Now let us go through the Throne Room so you can pay your respects and then attend the meeting."
Dominique didn't say anything, though she felt that the wheelchair was a bit much especially with a blanket that Victoire had insisted on putting over her lap, as she was pushed through the vast Palace towards the Throne Room. They didn't see anyone along the way but given what had happened Dominique had a feeling that it was all hands-on deck in the Northern Water Tribe so few would be out in the hallways unless they had to be there.
All the way to the Throne Room Dominique was wondering who it was that had been laid in state there but she couldn't think of who it could be, especially because everyone who she had heard or knew had died hadn't had their bodies recovered. Plus only someone who had reached hero status would be granted such an honor by Chief Sirius. That was why she gasped in surprise when her sister wheeled her into the Throne Room and she saw who it was who had died.
Lying on a waist high, flawless crafted, block of ice with flowers and weapons laid around its base in tribute and dressed in the finest royal robes of the Northern Water Tribe, his personal sword clasped in his hands on his chest, was Prince Regulus, the Chief's now deceased brother. Victoire slowly rolled Dominique in silence towards the sight as the Crown Princess took in the sight of the only former Death Eater to be considered a true hero of balance.
Regulus looked peaceful in death as he lay on the ice block. His eyes were closed as if he was sleeping. The only sign of any damage was a small cut on his left temple. However Dominique had a feeling that his death had not been peaceful. Dominique had to know how a man who had once been a mentor to her during her days at the Elemental Academy, especially in teaching her how to be more than just a fighter by teaching her healing as well as stealth tactics.
"What, what happened?" Dominique squeaked out, a question she was asking a lot at the moment after a respectful silence. "He was the High Chair of the Elemental Academy; how did this happen?"
"Luna said that he had been at the Academy with Neville and his wife when they were attacked by one of these strange Uniques that keep cropping up at major locations during the attacks and a squad of soldiers loyal to the Princeps." Victoire said softly, respectfully as they approached the body where there was no tributes at the base of the ice block so that they could be close to it. "He drew several of them away so that Neville and his wife could escape the Academy. It is believed, but unconfirmed, that he took out 6 of them but was killed in the process. He suffered multiple wounds but it was an arrow to the chest that ended him from what I've heard. Alas, his sacrifice was in vain, one last pain for Regulus to suffer in this life."
"Vain?" Dominique asked as they reached the body and she carefully laid a hand on a man who she respected immensely for everything he had been through and taught her. "He didn't succeed?"
"No because Neville's wife Hannah was killed by the Unique at the Academy just before Luna could reach them." Victoire said and then dropped the biggest bombshell of the day, which was the saying something, it was so big that Dominique wasn't pissed off Victoire had kept it from her as she had to process it first. "And then, after they got clear of the Academy, Neville stayed in Republic City as the forces of the Princeps closed in on them. He stayed so that Ron and Lily could escape and coordinate the refugees in the Spirit World. We, we don't know what has happened to him."
"Losing the World Leaders is one thing but a member of Team Avatar, that is unheard of." Dominique said as she gave Regulus on last look taking in the honors that had been laid out on his chest before she was pushed away but not before removing a knife from her belt and laying it next to Regulus as her own tribute to the man. "That's never happened before as far as I am aware, at least with the last 3 Avatars."
"Neville wouldn't take no for an answer and Ron understands why he did." Victoire said sadly as they left the body, Dominique vowing to return later for a private viewing of him. "Still, Harry wasn't pleased but he has accepted it in the end and believes that Regulus succeeded because he was the one who allowed Neville to get that far. Neville was the best person to do this and he may have taken out a Unique in the process, or at the very least wounded him."
"That would be good." Dominique said as her sister pushed her out of the Throne Room and into another side corridor that led back into the bowels of the Palace. "One less fucker to worry about."
Again they fell into silence until they reached an ornate ice door guarded by four soldiers in the uniform of Sirius's personal guard. They also had the bearing of special forces soldier and Dominique knew that under normal circumstances they wouldn't be here but they had to be given what had happened and who was in the room they guarded. The soldiers nodded and opened the doors to the official Council Chamber of the Northern Water Tribe as they approached.
Normally only the Tribal Councilors and the Chief would be in the room but given the situation that rule was gone and the room was packed. The curved table that Dominique knew was here had been replaced with a single large table one in the center of the room and people were sitting around it. The only space free was an empty space in the center of one side right opposite Commander Ursa who sat rigid, her hands folded on the table in front of her and looking pristine in her full-dress uniform but who gave Dominique a small smile upon seeing her.
"Thank you from bringing Dominique to the meeting, Victoire, it is good to see that she is up." Sirius said with a strain of pain in his voice from the seat at the head of the table, his son sat to his right and his wife to the left who was clearly there just to keep an eye on him. "Are you going to stay as well?"
"No, I was waiting for Dom to get up and get her up to speed before resuming my own duties." Victoire said with a shake of her head as she rolled Dominique into her place at the table while Dominique just sat there mentally preparing for the meeting. "Luna needs me in the Spirit World to make sure everything is ok there and all refugees have made it safely. That is where I am best right now."
"Make sure that there are no forces of the Principate on the way through the Spirit World and then return." Teddy said to his wife. "I plan on moving to the Northern Air Temple to take over the forward command there as soon as we know more and I will need you by my side."
Dominique looked to the new President of the United Republic who was still wearing his dress uniform. He sat at the end of the table that had Avatar Harry at the head and immediately to the Avatar's left-hand side. Her uncle Ron at his usual place at Harry's right hand.
"I will be there." Victoire said giving her husband a nod before she turned and left, the door closing behind her without another word.
With Victoire gone, Dominique looked around the table to see who else was present on the War Council. It was clearly a mix of the most senior leaders of the now defeated nations and the military commanders who were present. Clearly these were the best people available to coordinate their defense and Dominique had to admit it was a good group of people, with them working together they had a good chance.
On the other side of Teddy sat the newly minted Marshall Quirke, a wiry and in shape woman in her early 40s with keen eyes and wearing the dress uniform of her with Ursa to her left. Next to Ursa and Daphne was a squat but muscular and deeply tanned man that Dominique recognized as Commander Bhupen, the head of the United Navy and the only other representative from the United Republic.
On Dominique's right, between her and Crown Prince Altinak, Sirius's son, was a noble looking man in the light blue dress uniform of the Northern Military with the insignia of a general on his shoulder. Dominique had met General Xander on a few occasions, all formal events between the Tribal Militaries, and found him to be a pompous asshole whose views bordered on the Purist but was a competent man who was loyal to his nation and his Chief and would give his life to protect both.
On Dominique's left, between her and her Uncle Ron and the last person at the table was a tanned man in the formal green winter robes of an Earth Kingdom diplomat. Dominique only knew the man from her studying of important political figures in the world who she had a high chance of meeting. Ambassador Yamazaki was the Earth Kingdom Ambassador to the Northern Water Tribe which made him the highest-ranking Earth Kingdom figure present and as such their representative at this meeting until Zhan's son made it to the Northern Water Tribe.
Still, despite all the important people present, Dominique's eyes fell on her uncle and the most powerful man in the world, Avatar Harry. She hadn't seen Harry in a few years and he looked more ragged than she remembered. The Avatar was still a strong, fit, man despite being 60 years old as he continued to train daily. The main change was that his hair was longer than before with more gray than black in it at this point, and tied back with a ragged, wore, and familiar green headband. Harry hadn't shaved in a while and now sported a full but scraggly beard to match his hair.
Dominique knew why the Avatar looked this, his son. Ever since James's crimes 7 years ago, the Avatar had been punishing himself for what happened and his shame, grief and remorse for it had led to him not really paying attention to his appearance. Still, Dominique knew that Harry was a man of duty and honor and he would see this through until the end to the best of his abilities, it was his job. The world needed the Avatar again and Harry would step up for the world.
"Thank you for being able to make this meeting Dominique." Harry said with a weary smile at her, clearly he'd been up for a while dealing with the recent events. "Ginny expected you to wake today so we called this and went over a few things we had to deal with while waiting for you."
"I am glad to be up and ready to help." Dominique replied. "I may not be fully fit yet after what happened but I will be. Where is my aunt? I would like to thank her."
"Unfortunately Ginny can't be present in these meetings." Harry said shaking his head. "She apologizes for not being here but right now we need all competent healers to deal with the refugees that are still staggering in and Ginny is one of the best. We think all are here but several airbenders are in the Spirit World both finding stragglers and making sure that the forces of the Princeps are not coming for us that way. Daphne is the only healer not helping out because she needs to be close to Sirius to keep an eye on him."
"Well I am here to represent my nation in this, the darkest hour the world has known for years." Dominique said with a bow to the Avatar before turning to look around the table and adding. "And for the record, I am still the Crown Princess until the South is freed and I earn my position as Chief."
"I wouldn't expect anything less of you, Princess Dominique." Sirius said with a nod. "We understand and respect your decision. Now onto business. We are still in the process of gathering information and reports on what is going on so this is more to catch you up with what is going on since your arrival the other day. Bluntly, the situation is bleak."
"I heard that all fallen but the North, the Fire Nation and the Northern Air Temple have fallen." Dominique said looking at her the longest tenured World Leader in the world. "But Victoire didn't say much more."
"I can give you and the rest of the War Council an update on the Fire Nation, I spoke with my dad on the radio this morning." Ursa said drawing Dominique's attention to her Fire Nation counterpart and old friend thanks to their fathers. "As of this morning the attacks have stopped and an uneasy stalemate has occurred. The Princeps' forces only attacked the Capital and Fire Fountain City. They failed to take the former but took the latter and managed to isolate my father in the Capital."
"So how much of the Fire Nation is lost?" Dominique asked.
"About 60% based on best estimates." Ursa said her military composure not breaking. "The southern half of the country is occupied by the forces of this Princeps and been declared the Fire Province of the Global Principate. The northern lands and islands are free for now but that could change at any moment. It seems that no Uniques were present in attacks on the Fire Nation, it was more to destabilize my father and keep the Fire Nation busy and out of the other fights. My dad can't help or offer aid unfortunately. That is the update from the Fire Nation."
"Wait, where is Abbot Remus?" Dominique asked as she looked around the room and noticed that the acting head of the Air Nation wasn't present. "Victoire said that he had arrived this morning, why isn't he here."
"He was but left for the Northern Air Temple an hour ago once the area between here and the Temple declared clear of the Princeps forces." Quirke said for the first time, her accent cultured and implacable that was at odds with the traditional more simple tones of airbenders. "As an air nomad and member of the Air Nation I am serving as his representative in addition to my representation of the United Forces."
"Why is he not here?" Dominique asked looking at the new Marshall of the United Forces. "Not to be rude but this feels like something the acting leader of the Air Nation should be at."
"The complete report of the Air Nation is in and it is not good." Quirke said not fazed by Dominique's rudeness. "We have lost 4 of the 5 Air Temples and the Head Abbots of both the Eastern and Western Air Temples, as well as the Archabbot himself are dead. Under Air Nation law, after the death of the Archabbot, the most senior living Head Abbot or Abbess takes over as acting leader and calls a conclave of the 7 eligible air nomads, those being the 5 Heads of each Temple's Council of Elders, the Head of the Air House and the Marshall of the Air Nation Defense Force, to elect the new Archabbot. Remus has done that, the third in our history."
"And he needs to present for that." Dominique said understanding that this was more important than anything else for the Air Nation in the wake of Filius's death. "He needs a mandate to rule."
"Correct though the traditional formalities of funeral, waiting period, and Temple choice have been waived given the circumstances." Quirke said with a nod. "The election traditionally occurs in the recently passed Archabbot's home Temple but Filius was from the Eastern Air Temple which can't be used. The Northern Air Temple is the only one available so that is where it will be. Abbot Remus and Abbes Sybil, the Head Abbess of the Northern Air Temple, are already there though the latter isn't full competent it seems so not sure if she will be eligible for the position. Abbess Luna will head there as soon as she is done in the Spirit World."
"Did any of the Council of Elders from the other Temples get free?" Teddy asked looking at Quirke. "I haven't had a chance to see the reports yet."
"One from each with the exception of the Southern Air Temple which had two survivors." Quirke confirmed. "Abbot Lockhart of the Western Air Temple Council was present in the Northern Air Temple at the time getting medical care. He is in the advanced stages of dementia and will likely pass soon so can't vote. Abbot Egwu managed to flee the Eastern Air Temple, though he was wounded in the process and is not expected to live much longer. Lastly Abbot Davies, the most junior member of the Southern Council of Elders also survived and is in the Northern Air Temple. He will likely be named to the acting ruling Council but won't vote for the new Archabbot"
"That isn't good." Harry said with a sigh. "What about the others? Are any at least alive?"
"According to our reports, all other Temple Councilors are either dead, in custody, or in the case of Abbess Marietta were in league with the Princeps." Quirke said. "At least according to the survivors, we aren't sure about the Western Air Temple. This devastation is why they need to hold conclave right away. We need a new Archabbot and temporary ruling council that only he can create and we need one now. Once Remus is officially elected, and that is a foregone conclusion given his status, he will return here to represent the Air Nation."
"Ok, that explains the full situation with the Air Nation as well." Dominique said having listened careful to Quirke's report. "I heard about the United Republic, is it as bad as expected in the Earth Kingdom. The ISEK is the largest of all nations by landmass so surely some of it has avoided falling to the Princeps."
"It is bad." Yamazaki said in a distinctive accent that Dominique couldn't quite place other than that it had the clear upper-class undertones expected from a high-ranking diplomat. "King Zhan is dead but his son his alive and will come here as soon to represent our nation as the Prince in exile. It appears that Imperial States have fallen with the exception of the State of Cymru which has somehow survived though Governor Robards doesn't know how long he can hold out once the Princeps consolidates his power and attacks."
"That is why I will be heading down to the capital of Cymru to assess the situation as soon as this shit dies down and we know more about our latest enemy." Ron said leaning forward. "It is the front lines and where I need to be right now. Robards was my mentor in the RCPD and my predecessor as Chief, I need to be with him in this time of need, we cannot lose the only free state in the ISEK without a fight."
"Your presence and council will be missed but I understand that that is where you need to be." Harry said with a nod to his best friend. "You hold no official rank as of right now so it is best to have your tactical mind where it is needed the most and that is the front lines. Just promise me that you will retreat if it comes to it, do not let yourself be captured or killed down there."
"Luna would kill me if I didn't retreat as soon as I could." Ron said with a smile. "In fact she will be there with me to ensure that, though she will not be fighting. I will make sure that I make it back Harry."
"Good, I don't want to lose another friend to capture or death at the hands of this new enemy." Harry said with a nod before turning his gaze to Yamazaki. "Ambassador Yamazaki, what of the other States? Thankfully my parents are safe as they were here for the Summer Solstice and are helping but what of the Governors?"
"Dead, captured, unaccounted for or were working with the Princeps all along." Yamazaki said simply with the detached manners of someone from his station in the Earth Kingdom. "Most States have fallen and been subjected to the Princeps' forces. There is a large underground, anti-government, movement in the State of Xidi but that's not new to this situation."
"No, it's not." Harry agreed. "And for once those paranoid, backwoods fuckers are actually prepared for a prolonged fight. They have been a thorn in the ISEK's side for years but they may be of some use to us now. The anti-governmental militias there are prepared and hard to find, we will have to keep an eye on them and decide what to do with them if anything. I have some contacts there that I will look into as best I can."
"That would be a good idea." Ron said with a nod. "The Xidi Militias could come in handy if handled properly which is the problem."
"Precisely which is why I will take a little time with them." Harry said before turning to look at Dominique. "Dominique, that basically sums up what we know about the world right now. The South has fallen but other than you, we have no other refugees who managed to flee from the Southern Water Tribe. What happened?"
Dominique took a deep breath painfully recounted what had happened in the South again. There were gasps at the betrayal of her cousin Molly and what her actions meant for all involved. To kill a member of the Royal Family was a mandatory death sentence as it was a crime against the Tribe in the South and under Southern law only one person could carry out the execution; the Chief.
"We will make sure that Bill didn't die in vain." Ron said seriously the anger clear in his voice bit under control. "Don't worry about it."
"I'm not worried." Dominique said darkly as she steeled her resolve. "If we win the I will march into Harbor City at the head of the liberating force and fight until either my nation is free or I am dead in the snow. Should we prevail, I know my responsibilities and I will personally take Molly's head for her crimes, blood be damned."
"Understood." Ron said with a nod clearly glad that Dominique had no hesitation in her voice.
"Is there anything else you need to know Dominique?" Sirius asked. "There is a lot to cover but you need to be caught up first, it is only right."
"Yes, but first, my condolences for your loss Sirius." Dominique said softly looking the old man in the eye as she spoke. "I respected Regulus for all that he accomplished in his long life, the amends he made for his youthful transgressions and all the mentorship he has provided me over the years. His loss to the world is great, as is Lord Neville's."
"The fate of Lord Neville is uncertain but we are not holding out hope that he is safe." Sirius said sadly. "The fact that he appears to be have been defeated and captured caps off everything that has happened recently and shows the serious nature and skill of our enemy."
"After the death and devastation they wrought on the world they can't be taken lightly." Dominique said. "Too many good people have been lost lately."
"Alas that is true." Sirius said with a painful sigh. "As for my brother, I mourned his death once before back when I thought that I had lost him over 50 years ago, even if our relationship wasn't great back then. I never expected that he would see the error of his ways, then for him to survive after he left the Death Eaters, and lastly to fight bravely by his side against the forces of darkness during the Battle of the Elemental Academy. I never dreamed he would be around for 45 years more years after he disappeared but I did and after reconnecting with him I am glad that I had those decades."
"We all are." Harry said seriously. "Regulus was a brave and noble man who had his flaws in the past but overcame them thanks to his good heart. His aid in the Second Purity War was second only to Pyrites's in our victory and since then he has striven to make up for his past. Without his tips Team Avatar might have failed when we freed the Fire Nation from Hermione's tyranny."
"Yes, despite never believing that he had done so, Regulus more than made up for his past and it was a pleasure to have him around." Sirius said with a sad smile at his brother's memory. "Thank you Dominique, Regulus was fond of you when you were in the Water House and he got to teach you. He knew that the South would be fine in your capable hands even before Victoire abdicated her claim to the Throne. He will be laid to rest in our Hall of Heroes and remembered as one the great heroes of the North."
"A fitting place for a hero of his caliber." Dominique agreed with a nod, pleased that she had impressed Regulus as he had always been one of her favorite teachers at the Academy. "Now that that is over, all I need to be caught up on is what defenses we are putting in place against this mysterious Princeps cos he will come for us at some point."
"I can speak to the current state but I would like your assistance after this to help tweak the plans." General Xander said in a cultured accent typical of the affluent old families of the Northern Water Tribe. "Your tactical acumen is needed right now. However, a quick overview of what we have done so far is that the combined navies available to us, augmented by the United Marines, have been deployed to the nautical boarders of the Tribe to prevent an invasion while our walls are being reinforced as we speak. After this, Commander Bhupen will take charge of them while I stay here and coordinate with you and Marshall Quirke regarding the land defense."
"As this is going on, I will be on the front lines as well with my Marines." Ursa said taking over the explanation from Xander. "Meanwhile the newly promoted Commander Fenwick will be on standby with the combined Air Force in the command airship, where he is right now. They will be sent to the Northern Air Temple once we know more and be the first line of defense. We are well defended on all fronts but having you will be nice, a new mind never hurt."
"I will do my best." Dominique said as she began to think about how she could help out. "And unless I am needed elsewhere I will aid in the defense as best as possible. The only thing left then it the Spirit Portal. It is a weakness that the Princeps could exploit to get behind us."
"That I will deal with as soon as Luna reports that all stragglers have been recovered and the Spirit World is clear." Harry said causing all eyes to go to him. "As the Avatar I am the bridge between the worlds, therefore the Spirits are under my protection. I have already spoken with Korra and the Spirits and we have agreed that it is for the best for me to temporarily close the Northern Portal. The other two Portals will remain open but the one here will close so as to protect us. Once this war is over I will reopen it."
"It is for the best." Ron added and all Dominique could do was agree with the Avatar's decision. "We do not know much about our enemy other than that he has to have some military ties, has recruited at least 8 dangerous and skilled benders who are masters of the rarest bending sub-arts, and he has respect for the Spirits but it is always safe to be precautious."
"Agreed and that brings me to my last question." Dominique said as she looked around the room.
Dominique didn't get to ask the question because the Avatar said it for her but it was the one that they all wanted to ask. The one question that had been burning in all of their minds since the attacks started.
"So, who the fuck is the Princeps?"
Ah the burning question that is about to be answered in the next chapter, though I am sure many have guessed who it is by now. For once there isn't that much to address here other than the usual points that all names, other than Ursa who is a legit OC, are from the wikia in corresponding Hogwarts Houses. The next chapter is the last of the long Principate creation arc and will include the reveal of the last two Uniques and of course the long awaited reveal of the Princeps, the antagonist of Book 4. That is all for this post chapter note, as always please follow and favorite both this and myself so that you can stay up to date with new releases (chapters and stories) and please keep the reviews coming. Until next time.
Stringdog