Author's Note: Hey guys! Sorry the chapter is late this week and just a little shorter than usual! I honestly had the busiest week I've had all year. First off, you guys are amazing. I officially made it over 100 follows on this story. That is absolutely MIND BLOWING. And to have 93 reviews to date and over 90 favorites is insane. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart who have continued to read and encourage me over the years. Without any further delay, onto the next chapter!

It was the moment that Aang was least looking forward to, returning to the Northern Water Tribe City. His heart and mind were in conflict. He was shocked to see Katara but also worried at the same time. What did she think of me? He pushed those thoughts aside and guided Appa towards the barracks to debrief with the rest of the warriors and to plan for the next phase of the attack.

Making his way towards the barracks common area, Arnook seemed to already be talking; emotion clear in his voice.

"It is with great sadness that I must inform you that we lost many warriors today in the initial skirmishes that took place in our not so distant waters." Arnook began. At this, everyone within the room took on a sobering look. How many had they lost? Who did they lose? Were they friends? Family? These were the questions that were circulating their minds but Arnook pulled them from their trains of thought. "They were Water Tribe Warriors, do not pity them, value their sacrifice and make their deaths meaningful. The world is at a tipping point. We may be pushed back but just as the waves do, we will batter them until they break under our constant pressure." Everyone nodded their agreement at this. Arnook continued: "We must plan our attack." At this, Arnook gestured for a man to come up to the front of the room.

Aang had never seen this man before. He looks so familiar… Arnook began speaking: "This is Hakoda, chief of the Southern Water Tribe." He began. Aang's face paled, making brief eye contact with the man before averting his gaze. "He has fought the Fire Nation in the Earth Kingdom for years, we will lean on his knowledge of their fighting tactics and utilize this to our advantage tomorrow. Hakoda." At this Hakoda took a step forward.

"The Fire Navy ships will attempt to barrage the front wall with as many fireballs from their trebuchets as they can before utilizing their heavily armored ships to ram into the weakened structures. This will allow ground troops to storm the city."

One of the men spoke up: "how do you know this will be their strategy? Our walls are thick from the ice."

Hakoda stood straight at this: "I know this will be their strategy because they utilized this tactic at the Southern Water Tribe during their raids. It was as successful as it was devastating."

With no further questions, Hakoda continued: "Our objective is to limit how many entry points they can make in the wall, affectively causing a choke point."

Brilliant. Aang spoke: "We were able to take out a good number of their trebuchet during their initial attacks today. If we can focus on taking out the remainder of the trebuchet tomorrow, we may be able to limit the number of holes they can punch into the outer wall."

At this Arnook nodded: "Aang, we would like you to lead the advanced strike team again tomorrow to take out those armaments. Though they will be heavily guarded."

Aang thought for a moment. "We won't be able to fly in on Appa again, they'd be expecting that." The room went silent.

Hakoda spoke up: "What if you didn't go by air but by the water?"

Yianna shook her head: "The impact of the fireballs would create waves that may negatively affect our ability to advance on the ships quickly."

Hakoda nodded at this: "How about UNDER the water then."

Aang smiled: "Perfect! We could slip past their defenses and strike while they aren't expecting it!"

"It is decided then, the advanced strike team will pursue the destruction of the remaining trebuchets while the remaining forces bolster the wall's defenses and establish ground defenses in preparation for the impending ground campaign."

Yiana spoke up: "My only problem is that we won't be able to send in a whole team like we did today, this plan would be more effective as a smaller operation… With any hope, we can limit the number of Water Tribe Casualties by sending a small group in to strike… say just me and Aang."

Hakoda nodded: "Only two fighters would allow for quicker strikes and faster escapes into the water… I agree with that plan."

"It is decided, tomorrow at dawn, you will begin your attack." Arnook said.

As the meeting ended, Aang still remain seated, contemplating what was inevitable tonight and what was to come tomorrow. Yianna placed a reassuring hand on Aang's shoulder: "We can take em." She said with a grin forming on her face.

Aang rolled his eyes at this, "But there are so many ships! How many more trebuchets do they have and what if we don't get them all?" Aang sighed in defeat.

Yianna furrowed her brow in contemplation: "You're the Avatar, of course we can take them!"

"But I'm still just a kid! One kid!" Aang practically yelled out.

"You are wiser beyond your years and stronger then you give yourself credit. Every trebuchet you take out tomorrow will be one less point of entry for Fire Nation solders. Don't focus on taking them all out. Take one out at a time." Hakoda finished with a smile.

Aang and Yianna were stunned at his response. "See Aang, what he said!"

Aang sighed: "Thank you."

"Thank you for protecting my children while they were in your company. They miss you." Hakoda said as he walked over to where Aang had been sitting.

Taking her cue, Yianna left the room to give Aang and Hakoda some needed time alone. She squeezed his shoulder one last time with a reassuring smile and left the room.

"Walk with me." Hakoda said with an outstretched arm.

Aang nodded in agreement. They walked towards the courtyard which provided a view of the entire city. When they had reached the terrace they stopped and leaned on the balcony edge. "You know. I had considered for a long time whether to thank you or to be angry at you with regards to my children."

Aang had not expected this from the Chief. "Why would you thank me… I don't know what they told you but…"

"They told me everything. I saw their frustration and sadness, the hurt… the betrayal… and it made me want to make you feel the same hurt that they had experienced."

At this, Aang flinched. Prepared for the Chief to continue his verbal scolding but it never came. "I never meant to hurt them." Aang said softly, tears forming in his eyes.

"I know. Which is why when my children shifted from feelings of hurt to feelings of remorse and regret. I knew you were special to them. You were their family. Just as much as I am theirs. Being separated from you broke their spirit but the chance of finding you again gave them that spirit back. Something I have not seen in many years."

Aang was stunned. He didn't know what to say. He could barely process what was being said to him.

Hakoda continued: "And now that you are here, in front of me, all I can say is thank you. Thank you for bringing back hope and life to my children. Something they had lost when they lost their mother those years ago. I was a coward, so caught up in my own self that I left them to lash out at the Fire Nation. To take from them what they took away from me."

"This city has remained untouched by the Fire Nation for generations." Aang mused aloud.

Hakoda nodded at this. "We must keep it that way, they can't lose all that the Southern Water Tribe has lost from our years of raids. But Aang, be careful. This mission tomorrow will be dangerous. Tonight, make things right with my children. Find piece and go into tomorrow with a clear head and clear conscience. For both you AND them."

Aang nodded: "I need to talk to them."

Hakoda smiled at this: "They'll be at the dinner tonight."

"I'll talk to them beforehand; I have a feeling dinner wouldn't be the appropriate venue to clear the air." Aang concluded.

"I think that's a wise choice. We are staying in the guest hall near the palace, I'll take you to them." Hakoda said.

With this Aang bowed respectfully to Hakoda who shook his head and reached out to shake the Avatar's hand.

Aang smiled at this and took Hakoda's hand in his.

Thanks for reading this week!