Meanwhile, Sokka, still dismayed, stood on the cliff side and Aang flew up to him.

"We've been looking everywhere for you. The boats are ready to leave." Aang said.

"I messed up, Aang." Sokka sighed.

"What?"

"The invasion plan was my moment of truth and I completely flubbed it. I just fell apart." Sokka said very sadly.

Aang approached, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Sokka, that speech wasn't your moment of truth. That was just public speaking, and nobody's really good at that."

"My dad is! He explained the plan perfectly and inspired everyone, like a real leader should." Sokka grouched.

"Look, your moment of truth isn't gonna be in front of some map; it's gonna be out there on the battlefield." Aang reminded.

"You seem so confident about everything, how do you know we're gonna win?" Sokka asked.

Because I already failed the world once at Ba Sing Se. I won't let myself fail again." Aang said firmly.

Xxx

The fleet of ships traveled across the sea. Bato looked through his telescope.

"There they are, the Great Gates of Azulon." Hakoda said.

Kurai gasped, looking upon the entrance to the Fire Nation. She stared into a nearby torch. "I'll see you soon."

"I don't see any gates." Reiko interjected.

Kurai stood next to Hakoda, and the Swamp Benders were next to her.

"You swamp benders whip up a fog cover." Hakoda ordered.

"We'll sneak by them statues just like we sneak by that Fire Navy blockade!" Tho shouted.

Due and other swamp benders waterbended a thick fog cover.

"Keep it up, we're almost through!" Kurai cried encouragingly.

Suddenly a bell rang as a huge net rose out of the water and is set on fire. Sokka and the others are shocked to see patrol boats racing toward them.

"It's alright." Kuri told them. "I got this."

"Everyone below deck!" Hakoda cried as everyone went into the boats; then he turned to Sokka. "Let's hope your invention works."

Several Fire Nation soldiers climbed onto the boats. They searched the boats thoroughly, but found no one.

"No one's on board, sir." A soldier said.

"Where'd they go?" Another replied.

Kurai came forward, smiling at them, bending fire hypnotically between her hands. "The Queen of Ice and Fire seeks an audience with the Fire Lord."