Well friends, I finally stopped procrastinating long enough to finally write this chapter. I realize I am dragging this out a bit much, but I believe in having narrative that is clear and concise. But, any critism or ideas are still accepted.
I stare out over the clear water across the harbor at the brightly colored shore on the far side, cautiously examining any sign of what had caused the two explosions. A few moments earlier I had ordered the crew to battle-stations. Not just for my sake, but theirs as well. For I believe if they had to stand at formation a moment longer they would collapse from anxiety. Aang stands beside me, his gangly frame twisted on the ships railing, looking casually off into the distance. I turn from my telescope and look at him with perplexity. Then I ask in a half serious tone "What are you looking at?"
"Nothing."
"Nothing?"
"Just the waves and the trees and the ocean."
"Well that certainly isn't nothing is it."
He shrugs, "I suppose not."
The engines rumble vibrates underneath. After months of being on a ship that's constantly moving, its easy to ignore the perpetual sound. But now that you become aware that something might be wrong, its hard not to notice it. In a few moments though, I will never have to fear that infernal machine ever again; or the ocean crashing against the ship; or the ceaseless smell of spray and salt; or thundering wind and hail. I would finally be home.
The coastline gradually became larger and larger as our gallant ship, fully ablaze with colours, steamed in the harbor. On shore a crowd of on-lookers cheer and wave as we past by. They yell out encouragements and greetings. And for once, I let the soldiers yell them back. I'm not in any kind of mood to be hated right now. It's a joyous time. A time worth celebrating. So I let them cheer and wave and shout. Why not? It's much their excitement as it is mine.
Finally, the moment of truth had arrived. There, only a few meters away, was the royal precession on the pier. Filled with noble lords and ladies of the realm, each with his own merit, trying to rise in position by being in the Fire Lord's good graces. Their decadent attire shined splendidly in the sun. Fanciful scarlet robes and dresses did adorn them. Over the caravan there were many boys who held large fixtures on poles to keep the sun off them. The nobles looked on with blank stares, hardly enthusiastic. They carried themselves with pomp and dignity but certainly didn't have the heart of the commoners. I raise my nose at them. What a shameful display of character.
But it was there I noticed out of the corner of my eye a strange site. Sitting on the pier to the farthest left, stood a strange ship that I had never seen before. It was a sailing craft, made of wood and rigged with canvas, but I had never seen a design like it before. The crew were foreign as well. They were pale skinned and shabby, wearing what appeared to be woolen pants and shirts radically different from any apparel know. They stared grimly at us, and I stared grimly back. Other ships eventually blocked them from view. How odd, though to find new foreigners. I made a mental note inquire about the origins and dealings. There's so much I need to catch up on...
The ship gradually came to a stop, and a loud trumpet sounds. The front latch of the ship descends as the ship is moored to the pier. On the pier, a herald stands erect and shouts in a booming voice, "Announcing, the return of her most Imperial Heir: Princess Azula!" The large crowd of people who had gathered around then let out a cheer that shook the earth underneath it. Never before had I heard such a cry of joy. It was then I felt the realization of what was taking place, the gravity of the event, and allow myself to cry one bitter tear of joy as I descend the stairs in as graceful a manner as I can carry myself.
And there, standing before me, is my father. His hard features half covered by shadows. I don't want to look at his eyes, but he is looking straight at me. I try to hide the cringing feeling in my stomach, that awful nausea. I approach him and regally bow before his feet. A slow moment of tense anxiety passes, and he places his hand on my head and says with a voice of affection "Rise, my princess, rise. For you return in honor." It was then a cry rings out that was louder than the first and I feel myself swooning in the heat of the early morning sun.
He keeps a coldness about him; a sternness. He doesn't want to seem weak, and I understand why. I graciously rise as he himself stands to his feet. "I am glad you have returned, my daughter."
"It makes me most joyous to be back father." I stress my sincerity with such prolific words.
"You have the Avatar on hand?"
"Yes, my lord." I answer. "He has agreed, to help us in our endeavors."
His face lightens. A faint smile appears across his lips. "Excellent" he says, " The Avatar will be a strategic tool, if we are ever to win this fight." He strokes his beard and ponders very deeply " We must take extra care to make sure he continues to fight for us. It is wise that I give him all kindness I can afford. He shall be a guest in my house. You may announce the arrival of our guest."
I bow graciously. "As you wish my lord."
Amidst the crowd, I climb upon the small platform that had been erected in the center. I hold myself above, until the rumble of the boisterous crowd recedes into a quiet whisper as all voices silence.
"Loyal subjects! For the last 100 years our nation has risen to heights unimaginable in the history of the world! We have created wonders that men have only dreamed of. We have made countless sacrifices in the wake of disaster. Overcome a thousands of challenges. Nothing has ever stood in our way!"
The crowd cheers briefly, I have built them into a frenzy. "It is our citizens who have contributed the most, time and time again. You have given your sons and daughters on the holy altar of our nation, a humble sacrifice, that your nation may prosper! Make no mistake, there can be no greater glory than this. And it is because of your steadfast devotion that has made our empire strong. This day you shall long remember. For today, the sacrifices of countless people has finally paid off.
"For four generations, our armies have done battle with Earth king, and those petty despots who serve him. He has used every trick, every lie, every foul means to crush us and has brought shame upon his kingdom!" There is a roll of booing erupting from the crowd. "But his trickery has never extinguished the fire in our soldiers hearts. No earthly force can crush our spirit. For our honor, makes us resilient. And honor never dies"
"It has been the absence of the Avatar, that has caused his turmoil to occur. But no longer! The Avatar has returned!" A frenzy of joyful shouts gush forward as the sentiment and emotion and hope finally break forward like a tidal wave.
"He has agreed, to aid us in our cause, holy and noble in our righteous quest. He will write the wrongs of this world! He will deliver your salvation! Cheer you noble comrades! For the hour of glory is upon us!" I turn to the ship, and I raise my arm high above my head. "Hail! The Avatar"
Suddenly the crowd's cheers turn into one voice, one pulse; like a beating heart. They chant "Hail! Hail! Hail!" over and over with their arms erected forming one unbroken mass of hands.
The Avatar slowly descends the steps of the ship. His demeanor is humble, if not recessive, as he stares into the thousands of adoring spectators seeing their savior step into their ranks. He makes his way to the platform, with his glider by his side, and thousands of hands grabbing at his clothes. He tries to greet each person, and walks doggedly, smiling and shaking people's hands. He climbs the steps and stands beside me, and looks out into the mass of people. He intuitively takes to speaking.
He starts out humbly enough. "I am the Avatar. The emissary of peace. I am willing to do I can to bring peace. If it is what you want, let peace reign! Let us put aside the sword; in exchange for the hoe and till, let us abandon the border watch; and instead look within ourselves; let us have a new destines together. A destines in which men are free from the terror of war, and all of its evils." He lets his last words come up with much emphasis, "Let us have peace!"
He raises his arm and the crowd goes wild. The crowd and the speaker were one, the people had become our apart of us, body and soul. And for one brief moment the focus of the universe was directed at us. And as my father gazes on us from below, we held ourselves mightily from on high.