Part 2: March of the Defenders of Caldera
Sokka smiled as he saw Katara's head on top of the trench. He placed his hands on top and lifted himself up. He swung one leg over the top of the trench and was soon standing.
He dusted himself off and continued to try and avoid stepping on the poppies. He was full of smiles from the victory and he was excited to let all his friends know.
He knew something was up when he saw Haiko standing with tear stains down his cheeks and red, puffy eyes.
Katara turned hearing Sokka and he could see that she too was filled with tears. Sokka walked forward faster, wanting to console his sister.
"What…" He looked down and saw the bloody form of Pierre, lying lifeless on the floor. His mouth fell open and quickly turned to Katara and hugged her tightly as he blinked his own tears from his eyes.
He wouldn't say he was the closest to Pierre, but they were all always a close knit group. They all knew each other and Sokka had really gotten to know Pierre. He was kind and friendly. He always laughed and made tons of jokes. He rarely got angry. The one time he did, he slaughtered dozens of Fire Nation soldiers according to Katara.
Katara and Zuko were much closer to Pierre than he ever was. They went through a lot together at Lyon. They all had their inside jokes and laughs. They would console each other when going through a hard time. Whatever happened when they were out fighting the Fire Nation together really brought them together.
"I just wanted to tell you guys." Sokka whispered. "That the remaining Fire Nation soldiers have retreated back through the portal. We've won."
Haiko sniffed and brushed away a few tears. Klaus turned towards Sokka. "Hey Sokka, will you help me get a stretcher so we can carry Pierre."
Sokka nodded silently. The two left to let Katara and Haiko express their grief. It was always a bad idea to hide away your pain and grief. It always has a habit of coming back to bite you in the butt.
A few hours later
Klaus, Katara, Haiko, and Sokka exited the truck. Sokka walked to the driver and smiled sadly. "Thank you for this." He said.
"It was nothing." The man replied in a thick French accent. "Anything for our boys. I'm going to head back out to help ferry them back here. Did you get your friend?"
Sokka glanced back to see his friends grabbing a stretcher from the back of the truck. "Ya, thank you again."
The driver smiled. "He gave his young life away for our cause. I'm happy to be a Charon to him, ferrying him to the next great adventure." The driver rolled up his window and drove away in a cloud of smoke.
Sokka stood for a second staring at where the truck had been before turning to help carry the stretcher that Pierre laid on. They each grabbed one of the handles and gently carried his pronged form forward to the field hospital.
They were solemn on the approach. Silent as they thought of their deceased friend.
Sokka cleared his throat. "What are we going to do with the body?"
Katara and Haiko refused to answer, simply glancing back with their puffy eyes. Klaus, the man who Sokka had just got to know, who had been thrust into this uncomfortable position was the only one to answer.
"We have to keep him from rotting until we can bury him. I thought that was why we were bringing him there. They will have a place for the dead. A coffin at least." The Romanian reasoned.
Sokka nodded and they continued walking to the field hospital. When they got closer, they saw Aang and Zuko emerge with wide smiles.
"Hey guys!" Aang waved cheerfully at them and Zuko cracked a small smile. When they were close enough for the two to see their faces, that cheerfulness disappeared like the wind.
"What's wrong?" Zuko asked walking forward with Aang not far behind. His worst fears were beginning to set in on why they were all sad. He prayed they were simply sad over the death of an animal or from what they had seen. But deep down, he knew he was wrong.
They first saw a stretcher with a body on it. When they got closer they saw lifeless eyes staring up at them. Brown bloody hair and a slightly parted mouth. The bloody chest that stained the brown uniform.
Zuko fell to the ground and stared at the body at someone that was becoming a brother to him. Aang stared in shock and horror at the body before turning away with teary eyes and cursing the spirits. Cursing them for causing this war, for not helping him to end it and letting his friends suffer.
The group continued to carry the stretcher forward like they were ghosts and entered into the building. A nurse came over and led them to where the deceased were to go.
They laid Pierre gently in a dark brown open coffin. Haiko with tears rolling down his cheek closed Pierre's eyes for the last time. He took one last look at the body of his more than a friend before turning away.
Katara bowed her head in remembrance of the French man before she too turned away from his body.
"I'm going to find Cornal. I need to tell him of Alexandru's death. Cornal and I were never very close but we were both very close to Alexandru. I should also probably tell him about Luca's death. I don't think he knows." Klaus told Sokka who nodded. "Do what you have to do."
Klaus turned and left followed by Sokka. He had to find Toph and tell her of Pierre. He thought it would be best if she heard from him rather than someone else.
It wasn't very hard to find Toph. You could hear her bemoaning about how she had to go bash some more heads rather than being confined to a bed.
"Toph." Sokka called. Toph stopped her tirade and turned toward Sokka. "What is it Sokka?" She grunted.
"Toph, I don't know how to put this lightly." Sokka said, his gaze unwavering.
"Spit it out boomerang man. Cut to the chase. What happened? Did we lose. Did we win. Or am I still able to bash some more Fire Nation heads."
Sokka breathed out and closed his eyes. "Pierre. He…he's dead. Pierre's dead Toph."
Toph stopped talking and stared at him before laughing. "Your just messing with me Sokka. Good one, good one. But really what's up?"
Sokka sighed and kneeled down next to Toph's bed. "You know I'm not lying Toph. It's best to just accept it." Sokka laid his hand on Tophs. "It's just as hard for me to believe than it is for you. Pierre is gone." Sokka said quietly.
Toph stopped smiling and laid back in her bed. "He really is isn't he?" She asked. Sokka nodded, a single tear rolling down his cheek.
Toph took in a shaky breath. "Things really have gotten tough haven't they."
"Yeah, they really have recently. Everything's just going crazy."
"And I'm stuck to this bed because of some stupid weapons." He could hear her beginning to try and choke back tears. "And because I wasn't there I couldn't do anything about it."
Sokka saw the tears beginning to roll down her cheeks. He gently patted her on the back as she cried. "I…I couldn't do anything to help."
"You have no one to blame but the man who stabbed him and from what I believe, that man is already dead."
Toph sniffed and leaned against Sokka who just consoled the young girl. If he was her age, he would be doing the same.
There was deep cry of anguish coming from the other side of the hospital. He looked up to see Klaus and Cornal embracing. He shook his head. This is why they all had friends.
Japan
Zim I fear is still extremely loyal to his nation. I wonder how he would react if he realized that Anza and I were beginning to question our loyalty. Would he in a fit of anger kill us? Or would he recall our friendship and hear us out.
I really have no clue about the man. He's young, maybe a year older than Anza. He's honorable, that's for sure. When it was cold one night and Anza was shivering, he took off his coat and placed it around her shoulders. I always see the lovey dovey eyes that he shoots Anza on occasion. Does Anza feel the same, I do not know.
My satisfaction with my own government is rapidly falling. I have seen what the Fire Nation has done in both the Earth Kingdom and here. I can't say the Japanese are better however.
When we went to town the other day, I heard the locals muttering about events in a land faraway in China. The Japanese I heard committed atrocities that I dare even write about.
I fear what would happen if we were captured. Would we be killed instantly? Beheaded? Tortured? I won't let myself think about it. If I do, then maybe it will happen.
At one point we all must learn about the intricacies of life. The works of the spirits and their actions in causing change to us. How the Avatar comes for balance, Koh comes for the face. Another spirit may try and create karma. I'm sure there is one.
It is for this reason that I have a deep respect for spirits. They influence everything in life from birth to the afterlife. They with their spindly hands that guide us towards nefarious or beneficial ends.
Japan is so similar in our ways. They believe in Shintoism, a belief that has a pantheon of spirits. I know that Sozin outlawed believing in spirits but I've become disillusioned with his ideals more and more recently.
We might possibly need a constitution. To withhold absolutist rule from being overstepped, a constitution will be needed. If we have a constitution, their power could be curtailed and a war similar to the one we have now.
I know very few who actually wanted this war. Everyone that did want it was a higher up that didn't want to anger Ozai! No one wanted this. If we had a constitution, Ozai wouldn't even be in the throne anymore.
"Souza! Look!" Souza heard Anza scream at him. He looked up to her shoot fire into the ground and propel herself through the air. "I feel like I'm the Avatar."
"He's an enemy of the Fire Nation. He wants to kill us all. Put an end to our nation!" Zim cried. Anza rolled her eyes, "Pish-posh."
Anza has really been coming along. Her firebending has gotten much better. We eventually told Zim that she was firebending. We didn't tell him that she had lied about being one when she enlisted. Spirits know how he would react.
How long would our empire had lasted if we had never invaded this dreaded place. Now that we have, I believe our days are numbered. New weapons will destroy our classic weaponry.
Their guns will outshine our spears and firebending. One of their ships can take on ten of ours and come out victorious if they have a good captain. Our airships stand no chance against planes.
I believe we need to find another enemy camp. If we do, we can figure out where we are and where the portal is. If we find a camp, I'm sure we'll reap the benefits.
It's getting late in the evening. Someone has to make dinner, the other two are unable to and I'm the only one who has ever cooked before. We have some birds we can cook so we'll eat that. Until next time.
Germany
Franz clapped loudly as the Kaiser wrapped a medal around both Michael and Paul's necks. Peter whooped for the two.
He heard the Kaiser say a few words but he didn't really care. It was something about patriotism and defending the nation.
How shocked had the crew been when both Paul and Michael both were to receive the Medal of Honor. Paul for what happened at the Battle of the Rhine. Michael for what happened all the way back in Lyon.
Soon the Kaiser's words were over and with a final handshake, Michael and Paul left the stage. They had been right when they said that Paul would be moved to a new tank to command in a new unit. They were notified a few days ago of the change.
But, so was Michael. There was a new tank unit. A special unit dedicated to tanks. A special unit that would get the best tanks of the line.
This special tank unit, part of the much larger KSK or Kommando Spezialkräfte was meant to be the spearhead of German armor advances. They were made of the best tankers around.
They would be the great fighters and defenders of the freedom and justice that Germany stood for. They would never lie down and die. They would always fight! For the good of the German Empire!
Western Earth Kingdom
The sun glared in Han Zou's eyes making him wince. The heat made him sweat bullets. He was luckily hydrated from his canteen of water that hung at his side.
"Colonel are you sure you don't need anything to ease the heat?" The soldier next to him commented. Han Zou shook his head. "It is usually best if the one commanding the troops understands what said troops go through."
The soldier nodded in understanding and continued to ride forward. Han Zou along with two other that War Minister Qin assigned as bodyguards were riding to a friendly encampment about ten miles away from the portal. From there, Han Zou would take control of the forces in the area against the Japanese.
As they were riding, he took note of his surroundings. Mountain passes were common in this area, great for ambushes. All he had to do was wait for new armor technology.
Once the new armor was provided, he might be able to launch ambushes with the trees as cover. Maybe with a bit of air support, a well armed advance could be stopped with little casualties.
"Sir we're almost here." One of his bodyguards called to him. Han Zou nodded and wiped some perspiration off his forehead.
He could begin to see the camp. It was very large, surrounded by wood walls and with Fire Nation flags flying on each peg. Outside were a few guards holding rifles.
The soldiers upon seeing Han Zou saluted at him. Their faces solemn as they gazed at their new commander who had entered on a commoners vehicle.
"At ease soldiers." Han Zou commanded them. The soldiers lowered their hands and bowed down.
Han Zou entered the fortress and looked around at the many soldiers bowing down at him. They formed a pathway for him to go forward. He waved for them to stop and they did.
He walked forward, his head held high and he reached the commanding officers building. He pushed open the door and saw some stairs. He walked up and found a captain sitting at a desk writing something.
The captain looked up at Han Zou and placed down his pen. He stood and leaned over his desk and unwaveringly gazed at the young colonel.
"Colonel Han Zou. Welcome." The captain said, his beard blowing in an invisible wind. "Good day to you officer?"
"Ruke. Captain Ruke." Han Zou nodded. "Come over here." The captain beckoned.
Han Zou walked over and looked at what the officer had been writing at. It was a large map of the Western Earth Kingdom with parts shaded in red. He could see the Mo Ce Sea and the mining village where they Fire Nation used to get fuel from. Now it was in red. What's this?" He asked.
"The Japanese advance. This is what you will be dealing with Colonel. They have taken the mining village here where we receive coal. Luckily, we're starting to rely more on oil in the past few months so it isn't exactly of vital importance to recapture it. The Japanese also took that desolate forest where it's rumored the Spirit of Hei Bei is." The officer whispered jokingly, causing Han Zou to chuckle.
"Maybe it will give the Japanese some trouble." He offered. The captain laughed lightly and continued to point at various places on the map. "We hold the mountain passes at the moment. We can't let them fall or they will freely move across the kingdom and reach the Ruins of Taku by marching along the Great Divide. From there they could take the stronghold at Pohuai. If that's taken then Yu Dao shall most surely fall."
"And if Yu Dao falls, it's all over for us in the Earth Kingdom." Han Zou said. "Exactly. It's the largest port we could use to supply our forces. We must hold the Japanese here in this plain. They can not cross these mountain passes. At the moment, they are quickly overpowering all our forces in the area."
"What about the portal a little south from Gaoling? They could help break out the Japanese." Han Zou pointed out.
"It's best not to worry about how things shall go in the south. General Mak in the southwest and General Bujing in the southeast should be able to hold them off. We have a bottleneck between Omashu and the swamp in the west and near the old town of Tu Zin in the east. The only way to get around would be either to naval invade somewhere else which would take a long time or cross through the desert."
"No one would be crazy enough to pass through the Si Wong Desert, it's the hottest place on Earth. Sand stretches for hundreds of miles in all directions. A troop train wouldn't even be able to keep an entire army sustained."
"It is insane to do so but then again, these men surprise us at every turn. I heard we have a small force at an oasis slightly to the north of Gaoling named Misty Palms Oasis. They have about twenty new tanks and a small garrison. But enough of that, let's keep the focus on where we are in the west."
"Yes, who am I subordinate to? General Tazu? I heard he was leading the charge in Japan." Han Zou asked.
"After the failure of the invasion, he was recalled back to the Fire Nation. Probably will be demoted or get a desk job. No, you'll be under the jurisdiction of General Shinu."
"Not as bad as it could be. At least it isn't Bujing. I know General Shinu cares for our lives."
"That is indeed true. He rose up the ranks like yourself for a reason. He's a ruthless man in a good way."
"So what area am I in charge of. Which sector?"
"This area right here." Captain Ruke pointed at the middle of the west. "Sector two. It's the fastest way to Senlin village. Senlin is vital to our efforts in the region. It has become sort of a junction for supplies. High command is going to be building train tracks to help ferry supplies. Senlin is at the center of this plan. Construction is already underway. Senlin falling would be disastrous."
"So I'm in charge of one of the most important areas in the region?"
"Yes colonel, you are. If Senlin falls, this region falls. We just need to hope we can conquer the world through the portal in the east."
Han Zou nodded silently. Yet he knew that this was false based on War Minister Qin's words. The portal in the east would fall like the rest, they always did. It was really a question of when the portal would fall. Would it be within the next few month or the next few years? Would they industrialize before the Soviets passed through? He really hoped so. He wouldn't voice these opinions however in fear of being executed.
"Do you want to see the men that are now under your command?" Captain Ruke asked breaking Han Zou from his thoughts. He nodded simply. Captain Ruke turned and pushed open a door and outstretched his arm for Han Zou to walk through.
Han Zou walked through the door onto a balcony bathed in the sunlight. He opened his mouth in shock as he stared at the masses of men in front of him bowing. He leaned forward on the the rail and stared ahead.
He felt like the Fire Lord as the blessed spirit of Agni shined upon him. He could feel himself basking in the glory of Agni as he sent his long tendrils to bless the young man.
But as quick as the moment had been there, it was gone. Things returned to normal and he took in a deep breath. He felt like a new man, a man capable to doing whatever was ahead with the interest of those under his command at the forefront of his mind.
"You may all go back to what you were doing." He called to them with a wave easing them from their bow. The soldiers got up tentatively and then turned to continue with what they were doing.
Captain Ruke came up from behind him. "A new taste of leadership eh?"
Han Zou chuckled. "I suppose so. What am I, your subordinate now?"
Captain Ruke shrugged, "I honestly have no idea where I go now. Maybe I'll stay, maybe I won't. I'm getting old. In my late fifties you know. I've served my entire life. It might be time to finally stop fighting and rest. Sadly, it's a bit hard for me to do that."
"You'll get there eventually Captain Ruke."
"Yeah, I know. Come inside when your done standing out here." The captain said once more before returning inside.
"Don't worry, I'll come in soon." Han Zou mumbled as he basked in the glories of Agni once more.
Spirit World
Yue felt the giant pulse run throughout the Spirit World. Her eyes shot open and she stood. She recognized the signature. She quickly turned into her spirit form and traveled across the plain of existence she now resided in.
She appeared in front of a man meditating on a rock. His red hair waved to the side as sat deep in thought.
"Agni! What did you do?!" She screamed at the older spirit. Agni cracked open one eye before closing it.
"What is it you speak of young moon spirit?" He asked calmly.
"Don't play dumb with me! I know what you did. Now who did you bless?" She berated Agni who merely sighed.
"I should've known I couldn't get away with such a stunt. Sometimes even the elderly forget things." He said in annoyance. "Stop deflecting the question Agni! Why did you do it. You know we're supposed to have minimal interference."
Agni sighed again. "Tell me young spirit, have you heard of Harmonic Convergence?"
Yue nodded her head. "In the short time I've been here, I have heard of the term. Many spirits are excited for it. Isn't it when our world and the mortal world converge?"
"It is indeed. Many are excited for the event. But sadly, it will be another millennia before it occurs."
"What! Why?"
"This new event. The convergence between the mortal world and another dimension has thrown everything into chaos. Harmonic Convergence won't occur for another millennia now!" Agni complained.
"Then what did you do to fix that Agni. Who did you bless?" Yue snarled.
"You don't understand moon spirit." Agni said shaking his head. "I've seen things that one should never wish to see. I knew I had to make things better. I couldn't see so many suffer!"
"That still doesn't answer my question." Yue pointed out.
"I'm well aware. Things, I can't speak of the, will occur."
"What are these things that you saw Agni?" Her voice was softer now. She was beginning to realize that whatever pushed Agni to this was something beyond them. Something much more divine than they were.
"Horrible things. Stuff worse than the Air Nomad Genocide. It will be worse than anything we have ever before seen. Unimaginable death and suffering is going to happen." He looked up into her eyes. "Worse than what happened to your tribe. So many are gonna die and we're powerless to stop it."
"So you blessed someone so that the world wouldn't be doomed." Yue surmised.
Agni shook his head, "The world was never doomed but turmoil is ahead. A multitude of wars and conflict is ahead. I chose the person who I think could help both the world and his nation."
"Who was the last person you blessed?"
"I blessed the first Fire Lord and Fire Lord Zoryu. Those are the only two I have ever blessed."
"Then why bless someone out of the Royal line?"
"I think that Zuko will be the last of the great Firelords. After him, I fear the capability of their leadership. I feel they would be unprepared for this new world that we're coming into. It's a new age moon spirit. And I feel most are unprepared for it."
"So you blessed a random dude that you hope will lead the Fire Nation into a new age."
"Not just any random person. It was a young man who has risen through the ranks. One who cares about each of his soldiers. He is a perfect leader."
"So you want him to rule the Fire Nation?" Yue said in shock.
"What?! No! It will be his choice. I gave him a push along the right path towards the castle. He'll be a major player in the Fire Nation. Maybe not necessarily a ruler, but perhaps an advisor."
"Should I expect to see some action with him taking power soon?" Yue asked causing him to laugh.
"That man will not make a power grab. He is too honorable. The only way he'll do so is if the entire people hate the ruler and love him. If he believes what he'll do will save his nation, he'll do it. It doesn't matter if he rules, is a general, or an advisor. He would even go into self-imposed exile if it meant helping his nation. My blessing merely strengthened his belief."
"Plus," Agni added. "You won't see any action for a long time. It won't be in this war. Nor the next. But in the next few decades, we'll see the man come into his own and bring our world into a glorious age, either from behind the scenes or in charge."
Yue plumped herself next to the sun spirit. "How did these visions occur?"
Agni closed his eyes. "It was very confusing. I was meditating right here when suddenly I was transported to this dream like world. A man with golden eyes, called himself a 'son of the sea' was there in front of me."
"Could he be a spirit?" Yue asked.
"No, he explained how he was from another dimension, seventy years ahead of the world whose destiny we're intertwined with now. He said he was doomed to travel time and space forever. But he mentioned that his case was unimportant. What mattered was our world and the hell we were about to go through."
"What did he do?"
"He brought me through time and space. The amount of death there was is unimaginable. I have trouble speaking of it. I saw murder, genocide, civil war, and betrayal. Nations that will rise and fall. I saw a single sphere destroy a city. But then after it all I saw utopia. A time where disease are eradicated and there is peace on the horizon. The man told me that 'Things will get much worse before it gets better.' He then showed me the man who I had blessed. A kind, young man, a strategic mastermind. The golden eyed man showed me the exploits of this mastermind. Then I saw the mastermind in the present. The golden eyed man nodded at me and I knew what to do."
Yue nodded, "I hope you know what your doing Agni." She said before she disappeared leaving Agni to return back to meditating.
France, May 9th, 1940
Haiko felt the tears threatening to fall as they lowered Pierre into a grave. He wasn't the only one being buried at the moment. It was a whole mass burial.
Each soldier, Fire Nation included, had white crosses as their tombstones. Some of the Fire Nation soldiers were identified. Some had dog tags or pieces of paper that identified them. A few though were buried in unmarked graves. The graves were surrounded by poppies.
They were in a red field, with a few trees scattered throughout. Like giants among armies of men.
There was a Canadian ahead, standing on a white platform. In his hand, he had a piece of paper. Many were looking upon him, waiting for him to speak.
"This is an adapted version of John McCrae's poem, 'In Flanders Fields'.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
The dead were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields, in Flanders fields"
Haiko could feel the eyes of the dead on him as he stared ahead lifelessly. He remembered the good times, when all around him were alive. When they lived and breathed. When they ate and slept. When they felt the good and the bad. Now they felt nothing.
"And now we lie in Flanders Fields
Take up you quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high
If he break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields, In Flanders fields
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields, in Flanders fields"
The Canadian finished his poem and placed down the paper. He looked up at the teary and solemn faces of the people in front of him.
"That was a poem written during the Great War." The Canadian began. "But I think it applies perfectly to now. We find ourselves in similar situations amidst this war. So many died in this battle with the Fire Nations new weaponry now being on par with ours. This is a good way to remember our fallen comrades. Those that gave their lives defending the freedom of our world. If you simply replaced Flanders with Frances, you would have what happened yesterday. But now we stand here amongst our friends and family when they were living. I beg you all to never forget their memory. Never forget their ultimate sacrifice for our nations and you. So we'll keep on fighting so that their death wasn't in vain. Thank you." The Canadian then stepped off the stage with a wide arrange of applause.
They lowered the coffins next, including Pierre's mahogany one. Haiko and the rest of his newfound friends watched as it was lowered into the ground.
Aang was the first to turn away, wiping away a few tears as he walked away slowly. Haiko watched with cold eyes. He knew that Aang couldn't take all the death. He was surprised he lasted this long.
Toph turned her back towards Pierre and her shoulders began to shake. Sokka went to console her and gently led her away.
That left Haiko, Katara, and Zuko. The three stood together, looking at one of the men that they had journeyed with through Lyon. Lyon had really brought them together into a close-knit group Haiko thought. He was extremely cautious of knowing the rest of their friends and most likely wouldn't have if Lyon had never happened.
"Someone should go console Aang." Katara whispered before turning away and walking in the direction Aang went. She didn't realize that it wasn't just Aang that needed help. They both did.
Both Zuko and Haiko stood, heads hung low as a few soldiers began to cover up the grave. The two remained silent, not exchanging a word or noise. There was nothing to be said as they remembered Pierre's laugh, his jokes, his smile.
When the grave was half covered, Zuko sighed. "Haiko it's time to go." He said.
Haiko nodded. "I know. I need to let go. There's no way of him coming back. But it's hard you know."
"I was the same way when my mom disappeared, then when my cousin died. It's always bad to put off your grief."
Haiko nodded, "Come on, let's go find the others."
The two walked silently across the only path not obscured by poppies. Their steps were the only sound, there was no wind, no birds chirping.
That was until Zuko spoke. "That was a nice poem."
Haiko nodded again. "It really was. Never heard of it. I'm sure Pierre would have. It was written by a Canadian in 1915. It's more of a commonwealth thing. Canadians especially get very emotional when they here it. It reminds us of all the sacrifices soldiers made during the Great War. My nation didn't lose that many taking Germanys southeast colonies."
"Your nation was lucky. Not having to go through that horror from what I've heard."
"Yeah, it really was a terrible war. Stuff happened during it that I won't even speak of."
Zuko nodded and they entered into their silent walk again. They found their friends sitting around a radio.
Aang turned to them, they could see the tear streaks on his cheeks. "President Lebrun is speaking on the radio."
Haiko and Zuko lowered themselves to listen. They could hear the distorted voice of the French President over the radio. Katara handed Haiko a bottle to drink from.
"The Fire Nation has been purged from our lands. By the workers and people of France." President Lebrun said ecstatically over the radio.
"How can he just ignore all who died?" Katara asked in horror.
"He's a politician, that's why." Zuko replied with a slight frown on his face. Haiko took a swig from the bottle. It was great French wine.
"We have taken some losses but France stands strong against its opponents. We are unbreakable, infallible. This is because of the workers. The workers of France have helped us succeed in our goal of ending the Fire Nation. It has been by the call of these workers, that I now declare an end to the French Third Republic and a beginning to the First Commune of France!"
Haiko dropped the wine.