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Somehow, Aang manages to be up as the sun rises, as always. Leaping up and off of Appa, he goes to the dwindling fire, pokes it with a stick, and then decides to get firewood.
Appa grunts.
Aang whips around and puts his finger to his lips to shush Appa, but it's too late. Katara is already stirring in her tent.
She opens her eyes blearily. She is looking up at him and smiling.
Such an innocent and sincere smile.
Rubbing the sleep from her eyes though, she quickly remembers that she probably shouldn't be happy. There are too many things to worry about, even if she does enjoy seeing Aang first thing in the morning.
"I'm going to get firewood," he says quickly and then, just as quickly, leaves.
Soon, they eat breakfast together.
Katara turns her head to survey the surrounding mountains that the river cuts through. Hundreds of tents are spread out along the river and the surrounding forest area. It is Aang's army.
Sokka's army is not far away. And Toph's elite earthbending forces are camped further down in the valley.
The huge numbers of ready soldiers are going to meet the Water Tribe forces in the next port town. From there they will go to the Fire Nation. They will be traveling all day and attacking by the time night falls. The full moon that will rise with the fall of the coming night will play a pivotal role.
They have planned an all out assault.
Now that they have regained all of the territories that the Fire Nation had taken by force, they are going to put an end to it all, or everything else is just simply going to end. There is no strength left in the world to keep fighting.
After breakfast, Aang's generals meet with him around the campfire. They discuss how the invasion will be executed for about the hundredth time. Then, the order is given to their subordinates to pack up and march.
Soon thousands of people are making their way across the land.
Katara and Aang walk next to Appa in silence.
When they reach the town, the sun is high in the sky.
Aang, Katara, and a couple of the highest ranking officers of their division go to meet with the military leaders of the other armies. They gather in a large canvas tent by the beach.
As soon as Katara steps through the tent flaps, Hakkoda greets her with a sudden hug.
"It's so good to see you Dad." She smiled into his shoulder.
Master Pakku and the Northern Water Tribe admirals bow to them. They return the courtesy.
Then, Toph Bei Fong walks in with her fists planted firmly on her hips and a wide smile on her face.
"Toph!" Katara gleefully hugged the young woman.
"I missed you too Sugar Queen, but I can't breathe."
Katara reluctantly released her.
Then Sokka strolled in with Suki and another Kyoshi Warrior. Katara gave them a smile.
The Earth King of Ba Sing Se then cleared his throat and his five grand generals stood at attention.
King Bumi cackled slightly, seemingly for no reason. His own generals gave him a strange look.
The Earth King then proceeded to speak.
The meeting lasted too long, or at least, to Katara. We've already been through all this…
They went through all the little details of the battle plan again. They discussed 'what ifs' and 'just in cases'.
They were then dismissed and given instructions to set sail immediately.
All the divisions were assembling and boarding their respective ships.
Toph ordered her elite company onto the largest and sturdiest crafts before accompanying 'Captain' Katara on a smaller and swifter vessel.
Aang went to his own similar ship. Master Pakku did the same, along with other master waterbenders.
Fifty ships captained by master waterbenders and crewed by waterbenders pulled out of the Earth Kingdom harbor and gathered in the formation of a giant 'V' that pointed west. Aang was at the front of the spearhead.
Katara was to his left. He could see her standing at the front of her ship, looking out at the ocean.
She turned to look in his direction. She saw the orange and yellow figure standing next to the white bison. The figure walked below deck.
Katara looked to the rear of the ship.
Following closely behind the waterbenders was the ship carrying Toph's company.
Behind them came Hakkoda's and Sokka's fleet of non-benders. Amongst them were the Kyoshi Warriors.
Then the hundreds of vessels carrying the Earth Kingdom's troops followed. King Bumi led them with a crooked smile.
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On the shore, the Earth King patted the top of Bosco's brown fury head, "I hope they'll be alright."
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