Gladiator

by Seyary-Minamoto

In a world where the Avatar wasn't found, the Fire Nation took over two nations and they strive to overcome the last one. Water Tribe warrior Sokka seeks to fight for his people's rights, but he's captured by his enemies. His life is no longer in his hands as he fights as a Gladiator, and his fate will eventually depend on the Fire Nation Princess, who needs him for her own ends...

338. Chapter 338: EK Rebels-New Contacts 4

Earth Kingdom Rebels/New contacts

4

Had she been asked years ago if she anticipated that her ancestral home would be as lively and chaotic as it was that night, Toph would have immediately answered negatively. The atmosphere in the largest dining room, packed fully with Toph's soldiers, all eager to make the most of the food and drinks provided by the Beifong estate, had nothing in common with the proper, restrictive and traditionalist place she had been raised in.

Lao and Poppy might not approve of the excitement, but they appeared far more concerned with ensuring that Toph was alright, pointless as it was to worry about it when she didn't bear a single scratch upon her body: everything had turned out perfectly, and most the damage to Gaoling was far easier to amend than what Ba Sing Se had endured. Their concern wouldn't diminish regardless, it seemed, and it took Toph a few circular conversations with them to finally close in on the real problem:

"It's simply so dangerous, what you're doing, Toph… what we're all doing, too," Poppy said, eyeing the nearest gladiators warily. "I… I'm sure you and your friends mean well, dear, it's only…"

"It's only what? Come out and say it, Mom," Toph said, arms folded over her chest. "Worried the Fire Nation's going to come back knocking? They've got bigger problems than Gaoling, actually. Ba Sing Se, Omashu… those two are way more serious threats to the Fire Nation than this one. So, if that's what you were worried about…"

"That's… not quite it. I'm afraid the Fire Nation's victory isn't quite the only worrisome scenario, Toph," Lao said, awkwardly. Toph crooked an eyebrow.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well… you're with the White Lotus, dear. And with all these rebels, for whom… for whom people like us are traitors," Poppy said, nervously. "You know, we became Honorary Fire Nation Citizens when the war was clearly lost for the Earth Kingdom. We escaped the worst of the Fire Nation's conquest, and it's no secret that those who couldn't do so have very strong grudges towards those of us who did, and… and you're working with them."

"If they take power, they might not have enough by getting rid of all Fire Nation occupants of the Earth Kingdom. They're also bound to think that we betrayed the Earth Kingdom and don't deserve to… to live on, even," Lao said. Poppy winced, reaching to clasp his hand over the table they sat at.

Toph frowned, arms folded over her chest. One of her fingers tapped her arm, and she kept her silence for a moment before finally speaking her mind.

"Then… you're worried that they'll think you guys are traitors, huh?" Toph said. Lao and Poppy winced. "Because you're honorary citizens. Huh. Funny thing is… I am one, too."

"You are, and that's what's worrisome, Toph…!"

"Are you sure they won't take out their anger on you, dear? They might just do it if they find out that you are one…!"

"I've never hidden that truth," Toph said, bluntly. "And I have nothing to fear even though I haven't hidden it at all. Wanna know why? Because as an honorary citizen, when the first chance came for me to take a stand for the Earth Kingdom and fight back against the Fire Nation, I took it. Because I didn't side with the Fire Nation just out of fear of the consequences if the Earth Kingdom rebels don't win. We got lucky, all of us, because we're highborn: that's not an excuse to do nothing. If we have the resources, the possibility to house a huge army…"

"W-well, we can't house all of it…" Lao mumbled.

"That's fine, the rest are plundering Kuan's place anyhow," Toph said, waving a hand dismissively. "My point is, though: you're only going to be treated as traitors if you'd rather the Fire Nation stays in power. That's what would really make you traitors. A lot of people in the army were honorary citizens too, some are even trueborn Fire Nation people, and they're all in agreement that Ozai has got to go. That's all you need to believe in for now."

"You're sure?" Poppy said, nervously. "You know that neither I nor your father are, well, fighters like you… we cannot provide much for your army's battles. And frankly, it's still so difficult to grasp that you're at the head of an army, Toph…!"

"Well, I'm only leading this group right now," Toph smirked. "I've got to answer to someone else anyhow. Still… I am at the head of the army, and I can make sure that anyone being stupid at my parents for being nobles will eat their words, as well as a mouthful of dirt if I feel like it. But I don't really think it's going to happen… as long as you guys understand that saving lives is way more valuable than a little discomfort. Things are going to get complicated after we beat the Fire Nation, sure… but a lot of the people you worry might hate you are literally fighting for their lives. A lot of people can't even fight, to begin with. What kind of assholes would we be if we don't take a stand for them, especially those who can't do it for themselves?"

Both Poppy and Lao fell silent at that question. Toph raised an eyebrow, waiting for a response, and it arrived in the form of a fond chuckle in her father's voice.

"You… you truly care for this city and the Earth Kingdom these days, Toph? I… I used to think none of this mattered one bit to you."

"Well… I used to think the same thing," Toph admitted. "But I guess life's got its ways of kicking your ass and making you change your mind about a few things, huh? It's not like I'm going to be a raging nationalist now, but… the Fire Nation needs to be stopped. I understand that… and that's why I'm doing what I'm doing. So, well, give us a place to stay, food and whatever resources we need, if you can. Once we're ready, we'll take off to the next battles, but for now… we'll be staying in Gaoling for a while."

"Then… if the Fire Nation does come back," Poppy said, "you and your allies will still be here to defend the city?"

"For a while at least, yeah," Toph said. "Before the final push against the Fire Nation itself, at least. We'll have to gather ships so we can sail to the Fire Nation, so it's not like we'll just be sitting around doing nothing for a few months…"

"Goodness," Poppy's eyes widened. "This is just… oh, it's too real, and too sudden, and…"

"And it needs to be done," Toph said, firmly. "I get it if you're worried or scared, Mom… but I'm not backing down. Neither will Sokka."

"Sokka? Your friend… the Blue Wolf? The Princess's Gladiator…" Lao said, gritting his teeth. "You were friends with so many people in the Fire Nation, dear… are you sure you'll be alright with fighting against them?"

"It'll be fine. If I have to, I'll just knock them out and then, after everything's over, I'll knock proper sense into them all over again," Toph said, with a smirk. Poppy covered her mouth with a hand, though Lao chuckled.

"You… oh, you truly have thought of everything, haven't you? You've been through so much while we were here, waiting for you to come home…"

"Yeah, uh… I guess so," Toph said, with a shrug.

"You even care for the fate of the Earth Kingdom as a whole and fight for its people… my daughter has grown up to be an extraordinary bender, and an awe-inspiring, wise leader, too," Lao said, with a gentle smile.

Toph froze at first before the color began rushing to her cheeks. It was one thing for people in her army to call her any of those things… it was entirely different to hear such compliments from her own parents. As much as their relationship had improved over time, and they had wrapped their minds around her choices, she had never truly believed they'd speak as highly of her as her father had, just then…

"Oh, you're right Lao, but she's still our baby…" Poppy said, tearfully. "I'm so worried! You'll make sure to send word somehow to us once you leave? Keep someone with you who can write often…!"

"I… I can, sure, but come on, I'm not a baby anymore, Mom! See, I even drink now!" Toph declared, stubbornly: both her parents gasped in utter shock upon hearing those words, and Toph smirked proudly, far more relaxed with confrontational, overprotective parents than with affectionate ones…

Further down the table, Jet couldn't hold back a chuckle as he heard Poppy and Lao panicking quite quickly over their daughter's reckless confession. Seeing her with her family proved gratifying… Toph knew she had been luckier than many, but she wouldn't simply take things for granted. She understood all too well how fortunate she was to have parents who, along with everything else, had finally learned how to care for her while accepting and respecting her. It had proven to be a day of breakthroughs for the extraordinary earthbender, and Jet would have been pleased to talk thoroughly about it with her if she wanted to discuss it at all… but he wouldn't interfere while she was speaking with her family.

Instead, he took his seat across the Sentinel Knight and his partner and former sponsor. Tired and hungry, they had devoured the meal provided by the Beifong estate in a hurry, and now it looked like they were moments away from passing out of exhaustion.

"How long has it been since either of you slept at all?" Jet asked. Ruan hummed.

"I… don't really remember," he admitted. Eri smiled awkwardly.

"Well over a few days. Whatever rest we've gotten lately is just… well, if we dozed off at some point while waiting for the Fire Nation's forces to attack again," she said. "It's a little strange to think it's over now…"

"It is in Gaoling. Not so much elsewhere," said Ruan, frowning.

"There's still so much to be done here, though," Eri said, eyeing him with uncertainty. "There's a fair number of Fire Nation people living here now, and… well, I hoped to keep things from escalating between them and the rebels, starting tomorrow. I'm sure the Blind Bandit's people will want them as prisoners, at least… I just don't want my family to be murdered in cold blood."

"I accept that. I agree with that," Ruan said, nodding. "It's only… this is another step in the right direction and yet it's not enough. The war isn't over: it won't end until the Fire Lord is defeated."

"Take it easy," Jet said. Ruan frowned, eyeing him with uncertainty. "I speak from experience when I say that rushing to fight mindlessly is a bad idea. I don't know what you've been through, just as you don't know what I've been through… but while your heart might be in the right place, you could wind up making mistakes you'll regret if you charge forward without thinking it through."

"I'm not about to charge into the Fire Nation tomorrow…" Ruan said. "But I do think I want… I want to join the Blind Bandit's forces. They're gladiators, too… Sokka is leading this entire army, as well. It feels… it feels like I finally know where I must be. I don't know what will come of it… maybe I'll amount to nothing in your forces, but I can't simply sit back and do nothing."

"Ruan…" Eri said, eyeing him remorsefully. He breathed deeply.

"I think it's fine if you stay and make sure everything is fine for Fire Nation people here, at least until things are settled," Ruan said. "You could even take up leadership of Gaoling if you want and…"

"I don't want that," Eri said, surprising him.

"I… uh. Okay. What do you want to do, then?" he asked. "Do you need time to think about it, or…?"

"Are we really going to do this again?" Eri sighed, eyeing him reproachfully. "I already cast my lot with you when it came to this particular battle, didn't I? I'm not afraid of doing it a second time."

"But Eri…" Ruan frowned. "Things are only going to get more complicated going forward…"

"Right. So, the more support you get, the better," she determined, with a smile. She turned to Jet next, and he smiled back at her. "Right?"

"I have the feeling you two are the type of sponsor and gladiator who always used to have each other's backs," Jet said. "Not something I ever experienced personally, of course… but if I had, I'd want that person with me on any battlefield. Feels like you can reel each other in properly… and that's exactly what you need in life most times."

"Uh… yeah. I guess it is," Eri said, with a weak smile. Ruan, however, frowned again.

"You've said a few things that make it sound like you're carrying a lot of heavy regrets," Ruan said. "Is this your atonement, somehow?"

"Uh… well, I do have them, though I'm not sure what I did can be atoned for. Even after what I went through as a slave… it still feels like whatever violence and pain I'm subjected to won't compensate for what I did when I was a child," Jet said, shaking his head. "A lot of people made terrible mistakes in their attempts to fight back against the Fire Nation, me among them. I'm here now, working with Toph, because I believe in her in ways I never believed in myself. And as she believes in Sokka, I believe in him, too. They're certain the Fire Nation isn't a rotten, corrupted nation to its core… and even if it's been hard to fathom that after the Fire Nation took everything from me when I was a kid, I've decided to trust them. They can see so much more than what I saw as a child… far more than I can see now."

"When I was a child… it wasn't the Fire Nation that attacked my home," Ruan said. Jet frowned. "Fire Nation soldiers requested help, healing and shelter for some time in my village. They swore not to harm us, and they kept their vow, no matter how scared many of us were. It was strange that they would seem so human then… so much more human than the Earth Kingdom soldiers who decided to destroy the village because we had harbored the enemy. I wouldn't be here now if it weren't for a Fire Nation soldier who saved my life that day."

"Well… guess you learned about life's complications sooner than I did," Jet said, with a sad smile. "I… I was like those soldiers, myself. I believed blindly that I was correct to destroy and take revenge for what had been done to me and my friends. I… I caused the deaths of many innocents, along with the guilty. Then, I even caused the deaths of my friends in my recklessness… and after being captured by Fire Nation forces, those among my friends who survived, myself included, were handed over to the Earth Kingdom authorities for reasons I couldn't fathom. You'd think that they might have been kinder to us than Fire Nation soldiers… but they weren't. I… I spent about seven years being brainwashed, controlled, used as a mindless puppet in the Gladiator Arenas. I fought, received countless injuries, some of which I don't even think healed properly… and I put up with that for years without even knowing it until I met Toph. Seems fitting that she'd be the one to open my eyes by knocking me out, huh?"

Jet chuckled slightly, taking a sip of his drink and sighing as he set it down again. Ruan continued to eye him with uncertainty, though, so he decided to continue.

"I can't get over what the Fire Nation did to me and my family. But I can look back and accept that some of my choices could never be justified… that my recklessness and failure to see ahead caused far more deaths than I could ever have been worth. That's why I don't think fighting now will serve as atonement. Nothing I do can fix the wrongs I wrought… I can't bring back the lives I wasted, I can't turn back time, I can't stop my old self from making the worst choice he ever made. But I can look towards the future… and I can do my best to follow the lead of those who have seen the world far more clearly than I ever could. Evil… it doesn't belong to a certain nation, it doesn't belong to a specific group of people. The Princess of the Fire Nation is Toph's best friend, and she loves her more than anyone: could I ever be so stupid as to think that Toph is wrong to care for her? That Princess gave me a second chance to make something of myself… she allowed me to go free and find my friends who had survived, even if I failed to do so. I joined the White Lotus out of hope that it would help me in that endeavor, as well as thinking it might be an organization that would know what it was doing, you know? That they might be the kind of leaders I'd want to follow… but heh, turns out the leader I needed to follow was the girl who opened my eyes to begin with. And now I'll help her set this world free. I don't know if I'm worthy of standing by her side… but until the final battle is won, I will devote my every effort to ensuring that the world, even the Fire Nation itself, is free from the Fire Lord and his legacy at last. That's why I'm here… that's why we fight.

"So… if either of you feel that way, I think you'll be a great fit for the army. I don't really know what will happen in the coming months, but I've witnessed plenty of things I thought were impossible already. The Avatar is with us… the Fire Nation Prince, too, is fighting against his father. Toph is an extraordinary earthbender and metalbender, powerful enough to bring down the walls of Ba Sing Se… and Sokka is the leader I always wished I could be. If there's ever been a chance to put an end to the Hundred Year War… this is it. I mean it."

Ruan swallowed hard and nodded. Knowing more about Jet's past, even if not too clearly, didn't truly reassure him… but he could tell the man sitting across him was remorseful. He had learned his lessons… he had understood the wrong of his choices. He wasn't shifting the blame unto anyone else, for instance… he knew his own recklessness had carried him too far in his quest for revenge.

"No one can experience life the way others do," Ruan whispered. "In a twisted way… I got lucky to understand many things earlier than you did. Things that cost you a darker toll than you were prepared to pay. I'm sorry for the tragedies that struck you…"

"As I am for yours," Jet said, nodding at him.

"But I guess it's precisely because you went through that, and I went through my own, that we've been able to understand many things that we might not have grasped otherwise," Ruan said, folding his arms over his chest. "The Blind Bandit and the Blue Wolf must have been through their own ordeals to reach the places they are at now… I'm sure it wasn't easy for them, either. But now that we know what we have to prepare for, what lies ahead… we should be stronger than ever as long as we don't lose ourselves to blind vengefulness."

"With this leadership, I doubt that will happen," Jet said, smiling at Toph… who seemed to be proving to her mortified parents that she had absolutely no problem drinking sake these days by downing a bottle directly, without even using a pouring cup. Jet snorted, shaking his head at her recklessness before returning his focus to the other two. "Well, part of why they're great is because they're not haughty, over-the-top people pretending to be better than others. As you can see."

Eri chuckled at the sight of Toph's wild drinking, and even Ruan managed to crook a slight smile. He breathed deeply, closing his eyes as he let himself consider Jet's words anew… and then he reached with a hand to clasp Eri's. She was surprised by the contact, but she didn't pull away.

"You're sure you'd rather join their army with me than stay here?" he asked. Eri smiled, squeezing his hand.

"You've found the place you belong in… and I know my place is at your side," she said. Ruan's cheeks flushed. "Of course, this army won't be necessary forever, right? Once the war ends… we'll be able to think about whatever else we want to do. But for now… if this is the path you choose, I'm going too."

Ruan breathed deeply and nodded, squeezing her hand back. Eri grinned, and Jet smiled too as he picked up an empty cup.

"Well, then… I think I'll leave you two to talk more about your future, if you want, while I try to stop Toph from terrorizing her parents," he smiled. Ruan grew slightly more self-aware upon hearing that, but even so, he didn't let go of Eri's hand.

"Thanks… for sharing what you did," he said, as Jet rose to his feet. "All sorts of different people need to work together to ensure this war ends, don't we?"

"That's right," Jet nodded. "Whatever lies in the horizon… we'll do best to focus on the next steps. The biggest fight's not bound to be too far away, after all."

Ruan and Eri nodded as Jet marched away, down the table and towards Toph. Yes, the largest of all battles, the final one of the Hundred Year War, loomed close… he had to believe that. He had to trust his fellow rebels, to believe that they wouldn't falter, just as Toph had triumphed all across the board today. As difficult as the path ahead might be, this was truly the best chance their world would ever have at freedom, and Jet knew that they wouldn't waste it.

"See? I'm still perfectly sober!" Toph exclaimed once he reached her side of the table. Poppy appeared utterly horrified, reaching with a handkerchief to clean up Toph, only for her daughter to swat her hand away. "No need for that! I didn't let it drip that much…"

"It dripped all over the table!" Poppy exclaimed. Toph huffed.

"No way I was that sloppy…"

"Well, you wouldn't be, if you simply used this," Jet chimed in, setting the small cup before her. Toph grimaced.

"But that's no fun, Jet. Come on…" Toph huffed. Lao raised an eyebrow as Jet, smiling nervously bowed his head towards him and his wife.

"It's good to meet Toph's parents," he said, with an awkward smile. "As I'm sure you already know… your daughter is extraordinary."

"Oh, they know, they know," Toph said, carelessly. Jet couldn't hold back his laughter at her obnoxious response. Lao, however, cleared his throat.

"Why, she is indeed, but who might you be, young man?" he asked. "One of Toph's lieutenants, perhaps?"

"Oh… well, I'm technically a captain, aren't I?" Jet smirked. Toph scoffed.

"I still outrank you, so don't flaunt your title like it's a big deal," she said, stubbornly. Jet shrugged, though both Lao and Poppy appeared impressed to hear that their daughter's companion was highly ranked indeed.

"I'm Jet," he said, nodding towards them. "Your daughter saved my life some time ago… in Ba Sing Se, during a Pairs Tournament, apparently. I remember very little of the fight itself, but she brings it up often…"

"Wait. I knew I remembered you!" Lao gasped. "The guy from that day, from the fight we saw, Poppy! Remember? Remember?"

"Ah! I… I see! Oh, well, you're much more handsome these days than you were back when you fought so recklessly, Jet," Poppy said, with a guilty laugh. "Must be why I didn't recognize you…"

"What? Handsome?" Lao said, blinking blankly and glancing at her in confusion.

"Well, it's true! Come now, don't be jealous, dear…"

Jet blushed, covering his face with a hand as Toph smirked slightly. He seemed moments away from running off and leaving her to drink her sake with the cup he'd brought for her, but Toph ensured to keep him around by pouring some of the liquor and handing it to him. Jet knelt beside her, grateful for the drink… while failing to notice that Toph's parents had stopped arguing now.

"Uh… is that the bottle you were drinking from, Toph?" Poppy asked her daughter. Toph shrugged.

"Sure was. What about it?" she said. Jet sipped his cup slowly… until the awareness struck him: in pouring the bottle for him, Toph had blatantly ensured they'd drink from the same liquor and cup, a bolder display of intimacy than he had registered it as so far.

"W-wha…? Toph?" Lao said, with an awkward grin. "My dear… uh, is this a common practice then, in this army of yours? Subordinates drink together with their figures of authority this way? We can get him a bottle of his own too, of course we can…!"

"Sure you can. Then I'll nick it from him and then it's more for me," Toph grinned deviously: her father's offer was withdrawn at once as he scowled at her for her recklessness.

"I'm quite sure what your father is, uh, trying to get to, even if he's failing at getting the point across," Poppy started, biting her lip as she eyed Jet with uncertainty, "is that we would like to know what kind of, uh, relationship there is between you, if there's any? Drinking from the same bottle this way is, well… something spouses do."

"Pfft! Ha! Spouses?" Toph cackled, grabbing her belly. "Oh, Mom, come on! You wish!"

"I wish? Do I wish it?" Poppy said, glancing at Jet with uncertainty. "I don't really know anything about him… is he a good man? Is he an appropriate match for you?"

"Oh, we're the most inappropriate match there is, I can tell you that much," Toph snickered: Poppy gasped, and Lao eyed Toph with disbelief. "Marriage? I've got no intentions of dealing with that until I feel like it. For now? I'm sleeping with him when I feel like it, and that's enough for me. Got it?"

If he had been red in the face before, Jet certainly appeared moments away from passing out over embarrassment. If Toph had meant to find out if there were boundaries for his shamelessness, she certainly had found them at last…

"Y-you…?!" Poppy gasped, glancing between her daughter and her lover in utmost disbelief.

"Sleeping with…?!" Lao nearly yelped.

Acutely aware of Jet's awkwardness, Toph patted his head and smirked, taking a cookie from the table and biting on it with utmost confidence. Jet's helpless shyness was so out of place, so unusual that she couldn't help but thrive in it, laughing as her parents took to asking a thousand questions regarding what their relationship truly meant, whether she was serious about what she had said… and of course, if they were serious about each other, too. A bashful Jet tried his best to respond to everything, only for Toph to persistently tease him by interrupting his answers, giving away no shame in acknowledging him as an intimate, important part of her life.

It had been a strange day in Gaoling, starting with a major battle that seemed to end too fast, to a major revelation Toph had boldly given away that night… and the strangest part of it all was that Toph felt unusually free and unburdened. She had chosen her path, committed to it… a path where she had learned to build rather than destroy. A path where she could see countless things others could not. A path where shame no longer held her back, for she lived her truths sincerely… for she finally had attained true freedom.

---

While the hot-air balloons were fast, the group traveling to the North Pole didn't push them to their highest speeds. Instead, the balloons hovered carefully over the Earth Kingdom's northern mountains across the first days since they had set out from Ba Sing Se: they reached the ocean by the third night, finding a rocky cliff where they could land safely. From where they stood, there were no signs of Fire Nation forces anywhere nearby: Sokka suspected the siege on the North Pole was happening to the west rather than the east.

"We're almost there, huh?" said Aang, nervously: he and Katara were working together to set up camp for the night, much like the rest of the group took care of building up their own tents. She offered him a weak grin, reaching out to squeeze his hand.

"For all we know, this won't be that bad," she said. "The waterbenders from the north have kept the Fire Nation at bay for a long time. And we stopped the airships' operation too before the Fire Lord could set up those weapons in all his airships, so… things aren't that scary, I think."

"Maybe you're right, but… I guess it feels like there's not enough of us," Aang said, gritting his teeth. "I shouldn't underestimate what we're capable of, but we don't really know what's going to happen next, and I just have this weird feeling in my gut…"

"What kind of weird feeling?" Katara said, frowning as she stopped working on the tent she had been building up with Aang's help. He winced.

"I guess… an unpleasant feeling? Like… like I'm going to have to do exactly what I've been grateful that I never had to, so far?" Aang said. Katara eyed him sympathetically and sighed.

"The Avatar State," she concluded. Aang gritted his teeth and nodded. "So far you haven't needed it…"

"I know. So why does it feel like I will this time?" he said, with a groan, a hand on his face. "I don't want to summon them. I don't want to talk to them. I know why they did the things they did… but I don't believe they've changed their minds about me, no matter if I've made my peace with their disapproval."

"Do you really think they wouldn't approve now, though?" Katara asked, raising an eyebrow. "You're in the thick of the war, fighting to save people's lives and protect this world. Even if they thought you were too late… you've proven by now that you can do this, haven't you? Well, all of us have proved it… my point is they shouldn't judge you so harshly after you've already played an important part in protecting the Southern Water Tribe and setting the Earth Kingdom free, and you're about to do the same for the Northern Water Tribe. They can't be this thick-headed, can they?"

"I don't really know," Aang said, with a weak grin. "But I'm scared I might need them when they're not ready to help me. I guess I'm just feeling paranoid because… because this time, the Fire Lord knows we're coming. It's not like everything else we've done before. I'm afraid he might be more prepared to fight us than we thought he would be…"

"I guess so, but… you are the Avatar," Katara said, with a reassuring grin. "I believe you can do whatever needs to be done. I know it must feel like the fate of the world rides on your shoulders… but it won't. We'll fight alongside you, we'll protect each other, and we'll be ready to face Ozai's forces when the time comes."

"I know. I'd rather rely on you guys than on the Avatars," Aang said, with an earnest smile. Katara grinned back.

"We'll have your back," she said. "But… if you really think about it, we went through opening our chakras so you'd be ready to call on them if you needed to, right?"

"Uh, right. But I guess after everything that's been happening, it feels like some of them might have closed up again," Aang admitted. Katara bit her lip.

"Then… guess it's a good idea for you to meditate and clear your mind?" she said, with a shrug. "And your chakras, of course. Maybe ask Kino to help?"

"Huh… I might. I should, I guess," Aang said, with an awkward smile. "Could be a good idea to do it once we set out tomorrow…"

"I'm sure it will be," Katara said, reaching out to clasp his hand gently once more.

Aang smiled… though his eyes lowered to their joined hands. He blinked for a moment, acutely aware that this didn't have to mean more than it looked like it did… but he dared caress the back of Katara's hand with a thumb, in case he was mistaken.

"Thank you," he said, with a soft smile. "You're always trying to make sure we're all okay… I hope you are, too."

"Oh, me? I… guess I'm just being weird again," Katara said, with a guilty grin of her own. "It's kind of exciting to think I'll be in the Northern Water Tribe… that I'll see what a waterbending society looks like. I wonder if it will be as incredible as I'm imagining it."

"I hope so," Aang said, with a gentle smile. "I never went to the North Pole either, myself. So, I guess we'll discover it together, huh?"

"We will," Katara nodded. "Though… I guess you're the only one who would feel as excited about that as me. You're a waterbender too, after all…"

"Well, hopefully the others are looking forward to it too, but I know I am," Aang chuckled. "We can see if there's anything like penguin sledding, too…"

"I don't think there are penguins up there, unfortunately," Katara smiled. Aang pouted.

"Really? That's a disappointment," he said, stubbornly. Katara chuckled.

"We can see many other things, I'm sure. Maybe we'll find other fun places in the Northern Water Tribe that you can be excited about," she said. "Other creatures we could meet, more games we could play if you really want to. We can… check out the city together, once things are in order. Right?"

"Oh… right," Aang said, blinking a few times. "We could… we could do that. You and me. And, uh… just you and me?"

Katara bit her lip, failing to stifle a smile. Aang's cheeks flushed, reaching up to hold her hand in both of his own.

"Katara…?"

"Look, I just…" she said, with a guilty smile. "I don't know if I'm crazy. Maybe I am, maybe I've let our successes go to my head and I'm too enthusiastic about all this. But I… I guess my fears from when I put our relationship on hold have somewhat waned, after all this time. I'm not saying we should bounce back but… maybe after we sort out the defenses for the Northern Water Tribe, we could talk about it some more? Or…"

Aang smiled kindly. Katara bit her lip as he leaned closer to her, pressing his brow to hers. Her heart started racing, much as it had when they had first allowed their relationship to take a romantic turn…

But this time, his lips didn't meet hers. He stayed there, indulging in that gentle moment of intimacy, foreheads linked, as he breathed slowly, as though to soothe himself.

"We can do whatever you want," he finally said. "I… I've tried to put it out of my mind so I can focus on what's going on, but I… I miss you."

"I miss you too," Katara smiled sadly. "And I guess it… it doesn't feel like it's impossible anymore, you know? I thought we'd have to wait until the Fire Nation was defeated, but… maybe we don't have to."

"Maybe we don't have to," Aang agreed.

He opened his eyes, finding Katara's azure gaze set on his. They shared another gentle smile, and Aang pulled back, still stroking her hands gently.

"We'll figure it out after we get there, then," he said. Katara nodded promptly. "Then, uh, I… I'll try to meditate now. If I can. Well, maybe this is a good thing because I feel like I have something good to look forward to, and that means some of the heaviness I felt isn't that bad anymore! Kind of?"

Katara chuckled at his rambling, leaning close to hug him tightly. Aang smiled, hugging her back and rubbing the spot between her shoulder blades…

"Uh… are you ever going to finish pitching that tent?"

Katara nearly leapt ten feet in the air upon hearing her brother's voice. Aang froze on the spot, face red, as Katara turned on her axis to meet Sokka's clearly judgmental stare.

"W-we were just… talking!" Aang explained, nervously. "I'll get to it, I'll get to it…!"

Sokka raised an eyebrow as Aang went back to work on the tent, whipping it into shape with his airbending while Katara, blushing darkly too, stared at her brother apprehensively.

"What? I can hug Aang if I want to…!" she mumbled, as a guilty child being scolded by a parent. Sokka's eyebrow raised even higher, somehow. "Sokka…"

"I'm just wondering… are you guys setting up two tents or one?" he said, with a slow, sardonic grin. Katara nearly shrieked as she shoved him away from her.

"Ugh! Get back over there with the others and leave me alone!" she huffed, shoving him away towards the central fireplace of their campsite.

Sokka couldn't hold back a few chuckles as his sister stormed off again, to finish pitching the tent with Aang. Most others had finished their work at setting up the campsite by then, and Sokka had been helping at it so far… until Kino had wisely pointed out that something appeared to be happening with those two.

"So? Going to be an uncle anytime soon?" asked Kino, wiggling his eyebrows at Sokka. Sokka sighed and shrugged.

"I… suspect I might be," he said, dramatically. The others laughed at his reaction as he took his seat by the fire, warming up with it quickly.

The weather was bound to grow more ruthless the further north they progressed… though winter would soon be over. Spring was set to begin in the North Pole within a few days, much like it had been days away from beginning in the south when they had set out. Sokka breathed deeply, letting the thought sink in: this journey had been shockingly fast, and yet it felt too long at times. He knew he had to be patient with himself, to take as much time as was needed… but over nine months had gone by since he had last been in the same physical space as Azula. Letting himself think about that felt like someone was stabbing his chest repeatedly, and as much as he might bleed out his grief and misery, there was always more ready to take its place when it came to how badly he missed her.

"Well, then… once those two decide to join us, if they do, we'll have to discuss our plans going forward," Sokka said, forcing himself out of his dark reverie.

"Guess you've already thought of everything that's next, huh?" Fei Li asked, sitting on the ground, knees flexed and held up by his folded arms.

"Uh, not everything, I'm sure. I'd love to have enough insight to do that," Sokka said, with a sigh. "Unfortunately, things are going to be way more unpredictable in the North Pole than they were in the Earth Kingdom. It's not to say that we can't help the Northern Water Tribe win… but there are a few elements that will make things more complicated now."

"The weaponized airships," said Haoren, frowning. Sokka nodded.

"And Ozai's altogether awareness of our army," Sokka said. "I'm sure he wants all of us hunted down and killed… so let's not give him the chance to see that ambition of his fulfilled, shall we?"

"Heh, we've spent over half a year making sure he can't pull it off. We'll keep that up," said Qiang, smirking.

Sokka nodded, breathing deeply. This would be the second time the guards would join him in battle… and precisely because of that, he hoped to ensure that this would be a strong enough plan to protect all his allies and friends as best as possible.

Katara and Aang rejoined the group around five minutes later. As flustered as they were, however, no one said anything as they took their seats – by then, Sokka had already spread his world map on the ground before himself, and all attention was centered on him.

"Alright. We don't know what's going on right now in the North Pole, but unfortunately, due to our difficulties in preparing for this trip, we'll be arriving briefly before the equinox," Sokka said. "As many of you will no doubt guess, this is unfortunate because, if things drag out any longer, it means the Fire Nation's forces will be empowered by the sunlight while waterbenders might struggle…"

"That's one good reason why there's so many firebenders in our group, then," Kino said, with an enthusiastic grin. "We'll be stronger too, even if the enemy is scary. Right?"

"Right," Sokka nodded. "But as we don't know what's going on, there's a pretty big chance that the Fire Nation forces will be gathering for a very dangerous strike once the equinox begins. I don't know for sure if they're attacking right now, they might be… but there's a big chance that they're not, and that they're biding their time to throw their full power at the Water Tribe once the sunlight strengthens them. We need to confirm that theory, first of all… and we need to warn the Northern Water Tribe of whatever's coming and ensure they trust us to help them defend their territory."

"So, we'll go scouting first, then go to the Water Tribe's chief…?" Fei Li asked. Sokka breathed deeply.

"That last thing would be dangerous," he said.

"Why?" Zuko asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Because we're going to be a group with a lot of firebenders, like Kino pointed out," Sokka said, with an awkward grin. "And they have no idea we're coming to help. If they've developed any defenses against aircrafts, all our hot-air balloons will be at risk if they spot us approaching from the direction where they expect the Fire Nation's troops to attack from."

"Appa isn't a balloon, though… wouldn't they notice something's different if Appa leads the balloons?" Aang asked.

"They might… or they might think the hot-air balloons are hunting down Appa," Sokka said. Aang grimaced. "Even though the fabric of the balloons doesn't bear the Fire Nation colors or insignia, it's still going to be dark when we arrive, and if they see moving fire above their heads, if the moonlight shines upon them and gives the balloons away… well, I suspect the outcome isn't going to be pretty. Therefore… I think the hot-air balloon group needs to handle the scouting while Appa takes this route into the Northern Water Tribe."

With that, Sokka traced the path between their current position and the back of the city: a light curve would lead them into the area where, according to those who knew the Water Tribe, stood the Chief's Palace. It wouldn't be easy to land there, they were bound to come under serious scrutiny, but Sokka hoped Jeong Jeong and Anorak's letters would serve as credentials to prove their identities quickly.

"Appa's group will take care of settling who we are and why we've arrived," Sokka said. "We'll check what the conditions of the Water Tribe are, what needs to be done to help them hold their own… and of course, we'll also tell the Chief to expect a group of hot-air balloons and not to shoot them on sight. I think that should suffice to ensure that all of us can enter the Tribe safely…"

"That is, provided everything's under control," Rui Shi pointed out. Sokka frowned. "Your ideas make sense, don't get me wrong… but there's a chance the battle is ongoing, and that it didn't truly stop over the course of winter. In that case… what are those of us on the hot-air balloons supposed to do? Should we sabotage the Fire Nation's forces from afar, somehow?"

"That would be risky," Sokka said, frowning. "For safety's sake I wouldn't advise it, but… if you find a way to do it without putting your group at risk, that could help a lot. Make sure to keep a good distance from the Fire Nation's air forces, too, I don't want them to single you out as a hostile party…"

"That might be difficult to achieve… but if we stick to scouting from higher altitudes, maybe it won't be," said Fei Li, looking at Rui Shi. He breathed deeply and nodded.

"Fair. We'll hold back from doing anything risky unless the situation truly calls for it," he said, nodding at Sokka, who offered him a tight-lipped grin. "How long do you expect it will take you to convince the Chief that we're part of your group?"

"Uh… maybe we could fetch you guys on Appa after that's settled?" Aang suggested. Sokka nodded.

"Not a bad idea," Sokka said. "If things are dangerous, if the Fire Nation notices you guys, come back to the Earth Kingdom as fast as you can. As much as I know sacrifices need to be made in war… I'd rather not make any just by traveling to the Northern Water Tribe. I need the whole lot of you alive and safe, we have no idea how difficult this battle is going to be once it's time for us to fight in it, so…"

"We'll be cautious," Jianghuo said, nodding firmly. "And I hope you will be, too."

Sokka smiled and nodded: so far, he had traveled with the guards on the hot-air balloons rather than on Appa, but that would change in the next few days. Appa might not be too pleased with the extra weight, maintaining flight for such a long distance wouldn't be easy for the sky bison, but Sokka hoped he would be able to cross the ocean without much trouble all the same.

"Then, you're joining us again?" Kino asked, eyes wide. "I mean, you kept saying 'we' just now, but I wasn't sure…"

"I'm assuming the messages Jeong Jeong and Anorak sent are meant to be delivered by him," Zuko said, arms folded over his chest. "It's better if Sokka comes with us to talk to the Chief. Aang by himself might be able to convince them that we mean no harm, but Sokka brings proof that we're involved with the White Lotus, too."

"Exactly," Sokka confirmed, with a deep breath. "It's for the best if I'm with you guys once we get there. I know, I know, the saddle will be busier now, but…"

"Oh, it'll be the same as when we set out from the South," Katara said, with a weak grin. "It'll be fine, I'm sure."

"Well, we are bringing a few more things now," Kino said, biting his lip as he eyed his tsungi horn, as well as his jian blade.

"Appa's strong. He'll be fine," Aang said, smiling kindly at his animal companion, sitting by the cliff with a napping Momo on his saddle.

"Then… we're clear on the first steps forward," Sokka said, breathing deeply. "As for whatever will happen later, it hinges on what the Chief will need us to do. The balloons will have to be ready to return to Ba Sing Se in case we need to call for more backup. I'm not sure how many people we'll be able to bring in, but Yu Dao's group shouldn't be setting out for another week and a half. Some of them could join us if we need them to."

"Like Anorak," said Kino, with an enthusiastic grin. Sokka nodded.

"But let's hope the Northern Water Tribe's been holding up as it always has," he said. "I know there are reasons to worry… but they've held their own for over a decade. As much as Ozai might amp up his efforts now, there's a chance his best still won't be enough to defeat them."

"And we'll increase those odds further," Aang said. Sokka smiled.

"We will," Sokka said. "And after we ensure the Water Tribe survives… we'll be ready to begin coordinating the final push on the Fire Nation."

Everyone nodded, their hearts burning with anticipation upon hearing those words. The end of the war seemed to be just around the corner… or it would be, once the Water Tribe's forces joined their own.

The group enjoyed a proper dinner, where they shared stories and talked about their expectations going forward with this battle. There was a comfortable atmosphere as everyone prepared to rest for the evening, some chatty and cheerful, others placid and quiet, and the stars spread their light upon them as, one by one, people began turning in for the evening, tucked away in their tents – Sokka couldn't help but notice that Aang had chosen to sleep on Appa's saddle, no doubt self-aware over Sokka's taunt from earlier.

"You'd think I've been too much of a jerk…" Sokka mused, stirring the fire lightly with a stick. "I probably should be way more grossed out by my sister's love life, but if he makes her happy, why would I get in their way?"

"I suppose I ought to learn from that mentality," Zuko smirked. Sokka huffed, folding his arms over his chest.

"What, you're trying to say you're still not over it? Even now?" he asked. Zuko chuckled, shaking his head.

"Like I've always said… suits her just fine to fall for the one person in the world who annoys me more than she does," Zuko said.

Sokka smiled, ever feeling a gentle warmth in his heart at the thought of Azula's more mischievous side. Zuko yawned then, though, and pushed himself up to his feet.

"I'll take second watch, if no one else will," he said. "You two should rest as well, though. Make sure not to stay awake too late, Sokka."

"Sure thing, sure thing," Sokka nodded. Sitting near him, Rui Shi nodded at Zuko as well.

"Rest well, Prince Zuko," Rui Shi said. Zuko bowed his head towards him in a respectful gesture before marching to his tent.

With that, only Sokka and Rui Shi remained awake, sitting by the fire. The Gladiator drew in a deep breath as his ally and close friend stirred the flames, both silent for the time being as dusk took hold and all movement ceased in their campsite.

"I should've suspected we'd have to split up," Rui Shi spoke, after several minutes of silence. Sokka glanced at him. "Somehow, though, it didn't really occur to me until you said it."

"Might not be the best idea, huh?" Sokka said. Rui Shi shook his head.

"It will work. I believe it will," he said. "The more information we can bring to the Northern Water Tribe, the better. If the sun will finally rise within a few days of your projected arrival in the North Pole… then we need to exploit every advantage within reach. It's as simple as that."

"It is, but… to be fair, it also feels dangerous," Sokka said, breathing deeply. "I don't think the Water Tribe will cause you guys any trouble once we talk with them… but I do worry that the Fire Nation troops will notice you're scouting them from a distance. Be very careful, alright?"

"I will be," Rui Shi said, nodding.

"I trust that you will be. Heck, I'll have you in charge of that group altogether," Sokka said. Rui Shi offered him a weak grin.

"Sounds unreasonable to give a seat of command to a man who has only been involved in your army for a short time," he said. "You're certain?"

"Well… someone once gave me command over lots of people who thought I was a measly slave," Sokka said, with a weak smile. Rui Shi tensed up. "I didn't think it made sense, either… but she believed in me. She trusted my judgment, she thought I'd achieve what she hoped I would. I guess in a way I did, but… my point is, simply, that I know who to trust. People's expectations aren't my concern, much like they weren't hers: you'll be in charge."

"If you're sure," Rui Shi said, with a nod. "Sokka… we haven't really had enough time to talk about what Qin revealed. Not besides the very day when he revealed it all, anyway…"

"True," Sokka acknowledged, with a deep sigh.

"How are you faring?" Rui Shi asked. "Are you holding up alright?"

"Knowing she's being coerced to help Ozai? No, I'm not alright with that," Sokka said, shaking his head. "Worst of all is… a stupid, needling part of me keeps trying to break my resolve. The part that… that still believes she abandoned me, I guess, when she left me in the South Pole. I don't… I really don't want to resent her for it. I know why she did it, but… I'm so fucked up that I can't help but think she chose her nation over me, and the damn thought keeps popping up in my head more often than ever after what happened with Qin."

"Well… I fear that's how all of us were raised in the Fire Nation," Rui Shi said, eyeing Sokka remorsefully. "The Fire Lord's will is supposed to be what matters most. The Princess mustn't have done it for that reason, she did it to protect the Fire Nation people… which means you're right to say she chose them over you, in a way."

"In a way," Sokka agreed, sighing deeply. "I'm terribly unfair to her for feeling this way and I know it. She's been through too much as it is, and I refuse to give her more hardships. The stupid things I've done since she left… she'd never forgive me for them, and she'd be right to."

"Stupid things?" Rui Shi repeated. "Like… joining General Iroh and the White Lotus?"

"Yeah… as well as fighting in all these battles, putting myself and her people at risk," Sokka said. "Doesn't help either that I basically just… dropped flat on the pier after you guys left that day, and I nearly died frozen there because I couldn't accept the reality that she'd left. If she knew I nearly died that day… I think she'd be very cross with me."

"She would be," Rui Shi said. "But… you don't know what kinds of things she's had to do, either. Stupid or no, the sacrifices she has made have surely taken a dark toll on her as well. I wouldn't be surprised if she had been tempted to give up altogether at some point, too…"

"She was," Sokka said. Rui Shi flinched. "I… I kind of brought back her will to live through our spiritual encounter, though. But now… she's stuck in a horrible conundrum, isn't she? She wants to save her people from her father, save the whole world if she can… but the things she needs to do to protect others from Ozai may be destroying her on the inside. Starting with leaving me behind, and now helping Ozai fight these battles… she must think herself a monster all over again after all those things. If she attempted to save me again, to fight for me, to protect me… even if she simply sides with me, agrees with what I've been doing, everyone she's been trying to shield from Ozai will be at risk again. He wouldn't hesitate to aim his rage at those she cares for and are within his reach… just like he did with Xin Long."

"Indeed," Rui Shi said, frowning. "And… and it's possible Song is with her, too."

"Yeah," Sokka said, breathing deeply and leaning back against the rock he sat at, elbows on his knees. "Which makes it all the worse for me to feel the way I do. Azula… she had to leave. She had to do what she did, I know it, but… it still hurts most days. And knowing I'm about to fly into the Northern Water Tribe, that whatever the Fire Nation might be doing there right now might be a strategy she devised… that hurts even more. I… I love her. I'll always love her. I don't want her to be my enemy… I stopped wanting that so long ago that on most days I can't even remember I used to despise her back in the Amateur League. I can't even bring myself to think that I might have to contend against her battle plans… this isn't the way I want to come home to her. It's not the way it should be, Rui Shi…"

"But it's all we can do right now," Rui Shi said, sadly. "It's all she can do. The Fire Lord wouldn't be likely to allow her to sit out these conflicts when… when she's the only person with an intellect that can keep up with yours. She knows you better than any of his advisors, too. He needs her… and it's terribly twisted that, for as long as he does, she will be safe. She can keep others safe, too, in serving him. So…"

"So my goal is to set her free, as it always has been," Sokka said, folding his arms over his knees. "Until Ozai's hold on her is broken… she'll remain his puppet, even if a knowing one. She can't fight him… and that's why I have to fight him for her. She might not forgive me for how I'm going about it… she might resent me deeply for it. But this is all I can do to protect the world and save her. I… I won't believe this war is over unless I can save her. If that were impossible, then…"

"Your efforts wouldn't be worthless even if it were," Rui Shi said, but Sokka shook his head.

"Maybe… but I feel like I wouldn't have it in me to keep going anymore," he said. "If she were beyond my reach… I don't think I could be as strong as my father was. I've spent years trying to help her, standing by her, opening her eyes to so many truths the Fire Nation has been hiding from its people… I can't fail now. I can't let Ozai's greed and malice consume her. If she falters… if she loses all hope, I have to bring it back to her. I have to do anything I can for her. I'm fighting to build a world where she and I can live together without fear… I'm not about to lose faith in my purpose, even if she's fighting alongside Ozai, in whatever capacity. It hurts… but I've long learned how to set aside my pain. How to push it along and weed it out until I'm ready to heal. This wound might take a while to recover from… but I have to keep going. I'll do it for her sake… no matter what it takes."

Rui Shi breathed deeply and nodded. His eyes rose towards the sky, and he breathed deeply as he let himself build up his own resolve, just as strongly.

"Sometimes… I let myself think about the future we almost had," Sokka continued. Rui Shi frowned. "You know… when Ozai wanted Azula to be High Governor of the colonies. So much would be different… fighting against him wouldn't have been so difficult and painful. She'd be able to stand with us… she knew she'd have to confront him eventually, Rui Shi, we talked about it sometimes, but she wasn't ready to do it. As much as she knew he was a piece of shit, she couldn't help but hold back because… because he's her father. If things hadn't turned out way they did, everything would have been less painful for her. We could've lived freely, set the stage to change the world… we could have carried on without as much fear, Ozai wouldn't have been strong enough to destroy us as he did. Maybe I'm just wishful to think about that, but…"

"But it would have been a far more pleasant, beautiful future than the one we're dealing with now," Rui Shi said. "With less uncertainties… with less strife and struggle."

"We could have helped people all across the Earth Kingdom anyway," Sokka said, breathing deeply. "They could've had better lives…"

"They could have," Rui Shi said, closing his eyes. "We could have done it. You and the Princess could have done it. And yet… you know, just as I do, that you would've felt as out of place ruling over these lands as you do right now, when you've conquered by force."

Sokka gritted his teeth – that thread of reasoning never failed to put a stop to his careless thoughts. Of course Rui Shi was right to bring this up… and he closed his eyes as he nodded in acknowledgement.

"It'd never truly feel right. Even if we were better than Ozai ever was… that's not our place," Sokka whispered. "In the end… once Ozai was dethroned, we would have had to leave the Earth Kingdom anyway. It… it could never be a home to us in that way, not for good. We're outsiders… we don't get to choose their rulers, their government, for them."

"We shouldn't, no. If we did… we'd be following on the Fire Lords' footsteps," Rui Shi sighed. "I know it's blissful to think of such possibilities, Sokka… I do it too, more often than I should. But in the end… the truth is that this is the one path forward we could take. And as difficult as it has been for all of us, especially you… I believe you've made the right choices. They might hurt her in some ways, yes… but her choices have hurt you, too. Neither of you are stupid enough to let that stop you, are you?"

"No… we never have been," Sokka said, with a weak smile. Rui Shi nodded.

"You understand why she's made her choices, no matter if you wish she had chosen anything else. She likely understands yours too, no matter if she disagrees with them. One day… one day you'll talk everything through, Sokka. You'll have a chance to do that and clear the air, confirm your beliefs, understand her thoroughly all over again. But for now… we commit to our cause, to the course of action you've charted for us, because it's the right choice. I know it is."

Sokka breathed deeply, nodding and smiling at his friend. Rui Shi nodded back at him.

"It's never going to feel right for you to respect me and my leadership this much," Sokka said, teasingly. Rui Shi smiled too.

"It's never going to feel right for you to question me about it every time, either. You'd think I've spent all our acquaintanceship dismissing you as a reckless fool who thinks with his loins and… huh. Maybe I have, come to think of it…"

"No maybes about it, you ass," Sokka smirked, and Rui Shi chuckled. "Not to say you didn't trust me, but… well, there were times when you didn't. And I wouldn't even say you were wrong to… in the end, things did fall apart badly. You thought Azula and I shouldn't have been reckless and you weren't wrong for it."

"No… I was wrong. I long learned as much, Sokka," Rui Shi said. Sokka eyed him helplessly. "I don't think I should have used you two as an example to follow… but I don't think I truly understood love, let alone that I felt love for Song, until I finally learned what love was thanks to the two of you. I never set out to make the same reckless mistakes you did… but I understood all too well why you'd make them once my heart's mandate finally made sense to me. Whatever you may think, whoever you may blame for the Fire Lord's discovery of your relationship… the truth is your bond was never wrong. The two of you made each other better every day… and I'd daresay you still do exactly that, even if you're apart."

Sokka smiled at Rui Shi, nodding appreciatively at his words. The guard grinned back, closing his eyes and breathing deeply.

"We've come a long way, however, you and I," he continued. "From thinking you were a completely nonsensical whim by the Princess… you've become the second person I've truly trusted as my leader all across my life. You've certainly earned my respect as much as you've earned my mockery…"

"I guess I did, huh?" Sokka said, skeptical. Rui Shi smirked.

"All this being said… be careful in the Northern Water Tribe, Sokka," he said. Sokka raised his eyebrows. "We don't know anything about them… we don't know what to expect from this. So… keep your eyes peeled, make sure they don't screw you over like Jeong Jeong has tried to do multiple times. See things as clearly as you can and ensure that they understand how far you're willing to go to see the war finished. I believe you can pull this off, Gladiator, so… don't prove me wrong this time, alright?"

"I… I won't. I'll do my best not to let you down, or anyone else," Sokka said, nodding firmly. Rui Shi smiled and nodded.

"Likewise… I'll do my best to keep the hot-air balloons out of peril. While I can't guarantee a perfect operation… I'll work as hard as I can to make sure all of us survive and meet again once the Water Tribe is ready to receive us."

Sokka smiled and nodded. He reached out with a hand, clapping Rui Shi's shoulder firmly.

"Who knew we'd end up standing by each other in this way, after all this time?" Sokka said. Rui Shi smiled.

"I suppose Song might have known. The Princess, too. I think they'd be proud," he said, with a fond smile. "Though… they might just think we're scheming behind their backs without permission again, huh?"

"They'll get over it this time too, the first time we did it was way worse than this one," Sokka said, teasingly. Rui Shi laughed, shaking his head. "It's true! I disguised myself as you, you skipped over work, Song had to fret that you'd lose your job, I taunted her for being filthy-minded when she warned me off of discouraging you from sleeping with her…"

"Right," Rui Shi chuckled, shaking his head as Sokka laughed too.

"Damn, what weird lives we've had, huh?" Sokka said. "What crazy friendships, too…"

"Indeed…" Rui Shi said, smiling melancholically as he let himself reminisce on the golden days he and Sokka had shared with Azula and Song. "We're getting everything back, though. Even if it's difficult… we will."

"Nothing's going to stop us," Sokka said, letting his eyes travel across the sky again. "Whatever comes our way... we'll come out on top, Rui Shi. It's what we've done thus far… it's what we'll continue to do, going forward. I'd say we'll go wherever destiny takes us… but I think we'll take destiny and bend it to our will, instead."

Rui Shi nodded, breathing deeply as he let himself gaze north. Speaking like this with Sokka had helped him build his own resolve, just as he aided Sokka in strengthening his. The next battle for the sake of the world seemed to be barely a few days away, after all… and they'd be ready to wage it once it began.

By the next morning, if it could even be called that when the sun hardly rose above the horizon, the group was ready to set out once more. All tents had been picked up – they wouldn't be likely to be used again for a long time. Both groups prepared for their upcoming challenge, and Zuko ensured to tell his firebenders to follow Rui Shi's command, going forward – they obeyed promptly, looking to the former guard captain for leadership. Aang and Katara bid farewell to everyone politely, especially those they had met during the Northern Air Temple's rescue, while Kino tried not to be too emotional as he said his goodbyes to the guards with whom he'd been delighted to bond across the past months.

"Well… the path ahead might not be easy, but few things worth fighting for ever are," Sokka said, speaking to the whole group before each side departed – the hot-air balloons were already up and running, waiting to be populated by their respective crews. "The Northern Water Tribe has been under siege for a decade, and I want to believe they will continue to show the same resilience than they have throughout all these years. With our aid, they may finally break this battle's stalemate before Ozai can send his most dangerous forces for a deadly final assault. If we prove this battle is lost well before he can commit his weaponized airships to it, we will ensure to protect the Northern Water Tribe from the worst of his threats. So… let's do our best to put an end to this siege and set the stage for our final push as soon as possible."

"Right!" Fei Li exclaimed, throwing a fist into the air. "The Fire Nation's not going to know what's coming their way! Let's turn our fire against theirs, everyone!"

His enthusiastic words garnered him a few amused smiles from his fellow former guards, but it wasn't long before a sentiment of pride began to echo across their group. Sokka smiled, nodding in his direction.

"Then… best of luck to all of you," Sokka said. "We'll end this battle and claim a definitive victory for the Northern Water Tribe… and soon afterwards, we'll also finish the Hundred Year War."

A louder cheer ran across the group then, and some of the fighters clapped each other's shoulders and back encouragingly. Afterwards, they began climbing aboard their hot-air balloons, though Rui Shi waited on land for one more moment, stepping up to Sokka once again: he offered him his hand, and Sokka clasped his forearm, as he often did. Rui Shi smiled for it, as did Sokka.

"Lead with strength and valor, General Sokka," Rui Shi said, his voice bereft of mockery this time around. "We will ensure to follow you into this battle and all the ones you may need to fight beyond it."

"And our forces will be all the stronger for it, Rui Shi," Sokka said, with a confident smile. "Do your best out there… I will, too. See you in the Northern Water Tribe."

Rui Shi smiled and nodded, squeezing Sokka's arm slightly.

"See you in the Northern Water Tribe, my friend."

He let go then, raising a hand to wave at Sokka's allies, already aboard Appa's saddle. Kino, as expected, waved back more enthusiastically than the others, and Rui Shi spared him an earnest smile before turning his back on Appa, marching instead towards the hot-air balloon that awaited him.

Sokka breathed deeply as he watched his friend leave… as he watched the hot-air balloons prepare for their new operation. This foreboding feeling seemed out of place… marching into a battlefield that might just expect their arrival was surprisingly daunting. They would be reinforcements, rather than the main or only wave of assault, like they had been in the past… they would be challenged by the Fire Lord's strongest legions, and they had to come out triumphant. Balance wouldn't be restored easily… but ensuring that the Northern Water Tribe survived would be a powerful step towards preventing the collapse of the elemental harmony in their world. They had to ensure the waterbenders and warriors of the Northern Water Tribe would win this battle.

He turned then, making his way to Appa: Katara helped him up, and Sokka found a seat among the luggage. Aang gave the command, and Appa took flight… leaving behind the Earth Kingdom. They had crossed the world within less than a year, and they finally made their way to the North Pole.

---

He had never stood before those curtains before. His hands trembled as he watched them with uncertainty from a distance, flanked by guards. They weren't the only menacing elements around, of course: the paintings of the Fire Lords towered over him, as though judging him unworthy, as it felt like the Fire Nation ever did… Aonu shivered, trying to still himself. He wasn't sure yet why he'd chosen to do this… why he thought he'd prove whatever he needed to prove by taking up this role. His anxiety flared, his nerves were threatening to tear him to shreds as they squeezed and turned in his stomach…

A hand fell upon his shoulder, startling him out of his thoughts.

Aonu nearly jumped as he turned around: it was no surprise to find his one and only ally in the Palace standing beside him.

"Princess," he said, swallowing hard and bowing his head towards her. "I was on my way inside, I just… needed a moment."

"Well, you're not late. Take that moment if you need it, provided it doesn't take too long," Azula said, with a weak smile. "Frankly… the sooner this is over, the better. Even for me."

"Your daughter needs you, I take it?" Aonu said. Azula nodded, somberly.

"I'd rather not be away from her for too long, and I've been torn from her side far too many times as of late," she said.

The Princess wore a sober, but still elegant dress that fit her figure smoothly. She wore no hairpiece, no armor… none of the ornaments she usually carried with great pride and that signaled her true identity. Aonu had picked up on the simple elegance of her attire twice on that week, on the day of his arrival and then on the next day, when they had reunited with Ozai privately and he had explained everything Aonu would need to know, and do, on today's war meeting. This was solely the third day of Aonu's arrival in the Capital, and his nervousness seemed moments away from getting the better of him.

"Then… we ought to go inside," Aonu said, swallowing hard. "Though… you should go first. I doubt it'll look good if you walk in with me…"

"It won't look good for me to walk in there at all," Azula said, with a resigned sigh. "If you're nervous… well, I can't tell you not to be, I wouldn't be so foolish. Just keep it in check as best as you can."

"Is that what you do? Or are you not nervous at all?" Aonu asked, curious. Azula sighed.

"I've only been more nervous in one other war meeting… the last one I attended, if you must know," she said. Aonu grimaced, immediately remembering which meeting she meant. "But that doesn't mean I was always comfortable while attending them in the past. There's always something ominous and dangerous about them. Therefore, I reiterate: the sooner they're over with, the better for us all."

"Right," said Aonu, breathing deeply. "I understand. I suppose you just… find a way to keep your true feelings hidden, huh?"

"I have a lifetime of experience doing that. I suspect you do, too," Azula said. Aonu gritted his teeth.

"Not at the Fire Lord's court," he admitted. Azula smiled a little.

"Well… for what it's worth, you've earned your place here. Should anyone judge you or dismiss you over the color of your eyes, feel free to rely on your connection to myself or my father to silence them. It'd be one thing if you were here as my associate or ally… it's a whole different one when you're here as War Minister, personally appointed to your role by my father. Keep your chin up and focus on the task at hand, and it won't be long before even the most skeptical of them forget their petty misgivings over you."

Aonu swallowed hard and nodded. Azula squeezed his shoulder gently before marching forward, leaving him behind for now. He would join the war meeting shortly after she did, there was still time… so the Princess drew in a deep, calming breath as she stepped up to that curtain, alone. She had asked Renkai to remain by her bedroom's door – rather, she had demanded it, having sensed Seethus's presence unnaturally closer to her room than usual as of late. Even if Song, Rei and Hotaru were safely tucked underground, with sufficient food, water and light to spend a few hours there, she had to hurry back to them as fast as possible.

She slowed by the curtains, receiving the approval of her father's guards before stepping across that threshold and entering the Throne Room.

There were a few members of Ozai's council already sitting at their spots. Some spoke quietly among themselves… her sudden entrance saw those voices drifting into silence, however. Their eyes fell upon her frame, confused by her presence, and no doubt remembering that the last time they had seen her, she had been heavily pregnant.

She wondered whether they realized she had given birth, or if they, much like Aonu, worried that she might have lost the child. The way they stared at her offered her very little room for interpretation, as they simply appeared shocked to see her attending her second war meeting in a row after months of absence. Considering how the previous meeting had turned out, surely they expected her to be here for more humiliation at her father's hands…

Hence, their shock increased further when she began to march down the room, head held high with the confidence of her past self, when she hadn't carried the weight of a thousand mistakes on her shoulders. Even if her attire hardly seemed fitting around so many armored men, Azula marched towards Ozai's dais, where his usual flames already flickered powerfully, daunting his council.

Every set of eyes followed her as she reached the curtain of flames… the right side of it, too. The confusion of the present generals was apparent to the Princess, but she paid them no heed, no matter if her heart churned with uncertainty too: said sensation intensified once her father, sitting at his throne, raised his hand and tightened it into a fist.

The flames at his right side diminished in size until they were extinguished. Azula climbed the steps, walking across the extinguished embers before Ozai restored the flames, and she stepped up to that right-hand seat… the seat that had belonged to her ever since she had been thirteen, joining her father's war meetings and serving as his heir, even if she hadn't been officially named thus yet.

It didn't feel like a return home. It didn't feel like a triumphant achievement. Even so, Azula showed none of her apprehension as she turned towards her father, performing a proper reverence, lowering her torso as deeply as she could now that her pregnancy belly wouldn't get in the way. Ozai responded with a deep nod.

"Welcome, Princess Azula," he said, his voice as stiff as his words. Azula rose back to her full height.

"It is an honor to seat by your right side, Fire Lord," she said, solemnly. Ozai tensed up, but he didn't protest upon hearing her refer to him by his title rather than his relation to her.

"If so, go on and take your seat. The rest of the council should be arriving soon," Ozai said, simply. Azula nodded, obeying his command at once.

She made certain not to meet the eyes of any of the council members still confused by her sudden arrival, let alone by how smoothly she took her former place at her father's right hand. Perhaps they'd believe she was representing Ozai's current heir in his absence… perhaps they already suspected that Zhao wouldn't retain the position of Crown Prince for much longer, by Ozai's design. She still didn't know how to feel about that, in truth… but as distressing as it might be to reclaim her role, ultimately, the Fire Nation would be better off with her as Crown Princess anew.

The attention shifted away from her, however, when someone else entered the room, passing the guards without a hitch, proving that he was supposed to be there. At first, most of them didn't pay attention to the man in the appropriate, traditional clothes of the War Minister… until they realized the young man with the top-knot and the layered, ornate capes upon his shoulders was not, in fact, War Minister Qin.

Aonu's heart raced so fast he dreaded the members of Ozai's council would see it beating hard under the fabrics he wore. Nevertheless, he reached his seat at the center of the table – those near him eyed him with confusion, but Aonu gave away no hesitation as he sat down at War Minister Qin's usual spot, just as Ozai had instructed him to, on their encounter during the previous day.

Some members of the council glanced back at Ozai, confused, but he made no display of disapproval over Aonu's presence or seating choices. If anything, his serene silence sent the message that no one should question what had happened… no one was allowed to claim that either Azula or Aonu didn't belong in this council.

Within fifteen more minutes, the Throne Room was fully occupied by perplexed military leaders: once Ozai gave the command, the entire council rose to their feet, bowing respectfully towards him, reciting the Fire Nation Oath. Azula did as much without the difficulties she had endured the last time she had recited the words. Once the protocolar matter was out of the way, Ozai raised his voice anew.

"Our situation has changed since we last assembled," he spoke, loudly enough for his voice to echo across the chamber. "While Colonel Shinu and Admiral Zhao's absences are related to their duties in the warfront, I must inform the council today that War Minister Qin's absence is, instead, the consequence of an enemy ambush in the Northern Air Temple."

A collective gasp rushed through the group, but no one dared speak and interrupt the Fire Lord. Ozai breathed deeply before continuing.

"While our soldiers have survived the ordeal, the enemy has taken War Minister Qin as their prisoner," Ozai explained: another gasp, this time with a few horrified yelps. "We have strong reasons to suspect that he may have revealed vital information about our plans and strategies to put a stop to the rebels. No ransom has been demanded. As it appears that we won't have any opportunities of retrieving the War Minister in the near future, I have found myself with no choice besides naming a new War Minister in his absence. War Minister Aonu, please, rise."

Slowly, Aonu stood up in a single, fluid motion, rising among the sitting members of the council. Astonishment followed him as he bowed deeply, respectfully, towards the Fire Lord.

"Serving the Fire Lord in this capacity is the greatest honor I have ever been bestowed. I thank you for this opportunity," he said, his voice as steady as he could make it.

"From this day forward, let it be known that War Minister Aonu shall take charge of all matters of the war beyond the Fire Nation's immediate borders," Ozai said. "Begin with the latest reports, War Minister."

"Yes, my Lord," Aonu said: the theatric exchange between them seemed to have floored all the military leaders around them… though some dared glance at Azula, perhaps suspecting she had something to do with this, and this time, she glared fiercely back. They never failed to turn their gaze away once their eyes met hers. "As the Fire Lord has explained, an unexpected attack in the Northern Air Temple has caused complex problems in the production and implementation of weapons for the armored airships. Solutions are being sought at the time, but for now, I can report that only five airships in our power are fully armed with the weapon of the Mechanist's design. As we have blueprints, we shall ensure to prepare installations to assemble the weapons and adjust them to the remaining airships as soon as possible. War Minister Qin is, for the time being, beyond our reach. Most our soldiers survived, save for those who were victims to the enemy's initial attack: they have poached three of our airships, and they won't hesitate to use them against our forces."

"They took three airships…" repeated Commander Gon, running a hand over his hair, anguished.

"This is a hazard we shall keep in mind for future battles," Aonu said. "Along with this, a report by an agent loyal to the Fire Nation confirms that the Mechanist and his people have begun assembling hot-air balloons in Ba Sing Se for the rebel army. They lack the infrastructure and resources to create airships, therefore, their flying vehicles will be considerably weaker than ours.

"Along with this, a report from Fire Nation citizens in the city of Gaoling has revealed that another group of rebels have attacked this colony," Aonu continued, gritting his teeth. "The initial report suggested that the stationed forces might succeed at keeping this rebellion under control, but the Gladiator's forces, unfortunately, arrived to strengthen the enemy. The presumed leader of this operation appears to be Toph Beifong, also known publicly by her gladiatorial name, the Blind Bandit."

Azula's heart clenched: she already knew of this, for Ozai had shared the news with her and Aonu on the previous day. How troubling it was to confirm that Toph, too, was part of Sokka's army… Azula had wished her friend would be safe and sound, as far away from the White Lotus as possible. Knowing she was out there, that she was fighting, would have been a great relief if only the circumstances were different… even so, she drew what joy she could in confirming that her father's forces hadn't caught up with Toph, and that she was strong enough to lead operations of liberation if she felt like it.

"The Blind Bandit is a considerably dangerous individual with extraordinary earthbending abilities that branch out into metalbending," Aonu explained. "Her presence in the Gladiator's army is unsurprising, yet deeply concerning. We would do best to develop means to defeat or contain her, if possible.

"Beyond this, there's news of enemy agents approaching docks, harbors and shipwrights in the western colonies. It's to be expected that they intend to harness a fleet, should the Northern Water Tribe fail to provide one for them. It's entirely likely that the Gladiator's next attacks will happen closer to the Fire Nation if they succeed at securing vessels – he may attempt to strike at our outer islands before he attempts to close in on the Capital. The Earth Kingdom's fleet has long been dismantled, but it remains to be seen if the Gladiator will find sufficient support in the locals, or in the Northern Water Tribe, to commit to a direct attack on the Fire Nation. The sooner we act to prevent this, the better."

His professionalism and effectiveness didn't go unnoticed by the rest of the council. Even if he added more personal thoughts to what he spoke of than War Minister Qin used to, it seemed that Aonu's quick rundown of the most urgent matters that required solutions had been effective.

"Gaoling… has been lost too?" asked General Mak. "Do we have news from Pohuai Stronghold?"

"No attack has been launched to the northwestern colonies thus far, though it is expected that it will happen before long," Aonu confirmed. Mak released a heavy breath.

"We as good as gave up on Gaoling… it was indefensible to begin with," said Commander Tsong, shaking his head. "I suppose it's why they targeted it first."

"We have yet to build up the means to deliver a crippling blow at the Gladiator's army, however," said General Ling, frowning. "What of the Northern Water Tribe? Are there any news from…?"

"There are news indeed, General Ling. Fresh news that I was hoping to convey to the Fire Lord and War Minister in private… but I have only just arrived in the Palace to learn a war meeting was in full swing."

Azula's stoic semblance changed for the first time since she entered the war meeting: even Ozai reacted with surprise as a familiar face, that of General Bujing, approached the map at the center of the Throne Room. The General performed a deep reverence before speaking the mandatory words to join these meetings:

"My life I give to my country. With my hands I fight for Fire Lord Ozai and his forefathers before him. With my mind I seek ways to better my country, and with my feet, may our March of Civilization continue."

"General Bujing. Quite the opportune arrival," Ozai said, raising an eyebrow. "You have only just returned from the North Pole's siege, have you?"

"Indeed, my Lord," Bujing said, standing upright anew. "Admiral Zhao has retaken his post at the head of the army. I strongly advised him to wait for the sun's rise in the north before charging to battle the savages, but I suspect he has his own strategies in mind, more so thanks to the arrival of the armored airships fashioned with these new weapons…"

Azula tensed up: Zhao was already up north… and he had the airships with him. The sun would rise soon, too. As soon as it did, the stalemate would be likely to break… in the Fire Nation's favor.

Could Sokka face off against this? Could he defeat these threats successfully? Would he bring enough of his forces to counter the new scourge Zhao would bring upon the Water Tribe…?

"Have our forces sustained any significant losses as of late?" asked Ozai. Bujing shook his head.

"We have withheld our attacks while we awaited Admiral Zhao's arrival. I was sent back here at once by him… he believed I would be of more use in battles on land than at sea, regardless of my performance across the past years."

His disdain upon speaking the words was likely warranted: the battle remained in as much of a stalemate during Bujing's stay in the north as it had been during Zhao's. Still, no one had expected the general to claim a victory: Bujing's area of expertise was, indeed, among the occupation forces that had taken the Earth Kingdom long ago.

"I see," Ozai said, making no attempt to mask his displeasure. "We welcome your counsel, General Bujing. You may take your seat with the council to offer further information on the battle in the north, if you will."

"Thank you, my Lord. Gladly."

Azula clenched up as the meeting continued: the subjects were discussed one by one, solutions brought up for each possibility, some doable and seemingly harmless, some irrationally violent and cruel. Ozai seemed to waver upon each choice presented before him, electing to leave Gaoling to its own devices for the time being, unconcerned even with learning of the Governor's fate – not that Azula would have been too cross if Toph had given Kuan plenty of grief upon retaking her hometown. New attacks by the remaining forces in the Earth Kingdom would be staged and organized upon each pier and port that the Gladiator Army's forces attempted to contact to build up their fleet: some even suggested the cooperation of pirates, and Ozai implied that naval warfare to block the area would be a tactically sound approach to prevent the Gladiator Army's successful transportation, especially once the North's battle had been won…

And it might be. It really could be if Zhao used his resources correctly. Ten thousand ships… the bulk of the Fire Nation's army had been sent to the north, including all ships that were part of the blockade that served, nowadays, to stop pirate raids across the colonies, more than anything. Numerous ships formerly stationed in the south had been redirected to the north, too. All the airships, the hot-air balloons… the strongest of Ozai's forces would gather there for a final, ruthless massacre of the Northern Water Tribe, by Zhao's merciless hand.

The weight of it all continued to wear Azula down. To fill her with guilt and with conviction that her only outcome, the only possibility ahead for her, was the one Song had refused to accept… the one Rei had begged her not to take. The one she knew Hotaru would never forgive her for, once the child grew up and learned of her mother's terrible choices…

She returned to her room once the meeting ended, leaving Aonu to discuss matters further with other members of the council if he so pleased. Her interventions in the war meeting had been minimal, but no one had questioned her presence in it. No one had dismissed her. Everyone had understood that Ozai wanted her there… that he trusted her to be there. That he knew her worst sins could never be purged, and he would take advantage of that for his benefit: after aiding him wage war against the Gladiator Army, she had become too corrupt now to ever hope for salvation at the hands of the man who was fighting all across their world for her.

Would he fear he had given his all for nothing, once he realized that she was responsible the Fire Nation's latest choices? That question tormented Azula for hours that night, well after she had ensured to bring Song, Rei and Hotaru out of the trapdoor, once she was certain that Seethus was gone. She hadn't shared much of what had happened in the war meeting… she simply had picked up Hotaru in her arms, holding her closely, letting her feed when she needed it, and then simply embracing her warmly to remind herself that she had brought one good thing to this world, if nothing else. That her child was already here… whatever she did, going forward, had to be a matter of ensuring her survival. Of ensuring the world Sokka wanted to build would welcome her…

But would he be able to build it? Would he have a chance to do so at all? Had her worst choices condemned him to failure, as Zhao readied himself to destroy the Northern Water Tribe?

---

To the esteemed Crown Prince Zhao.

We have been cordial for years. Our personal acquaintanceships with Fire Lord Ozai have not brought us any closer, much as they haven't pushed us apart. I have long watched him, and those around him, from the shadows. Among his closest advisors, you have always stood out as a man of greater integrity, in whom the values of Fire Lord Sozin are exemplified far better than in the weakness Fire Lord Ozai has succumbed to over the course of his adult years.

I suspect you shall agree with me that his loss of sense began with his wife. He failed to understand the dangers that woman represented for the stability of the Fire Nation, entrusting even the most deadly of tasks to her. Surely you, of all people, are aware of what transpired on the night of Fire Lord Azulon's demise? If not, I shall be pleased to share the tale. I'm sure you will be quite amused to confirm how low our seating Fire Lord, false king that he is, has been known to sink over the charms of a wretched woman.

Unfortunately, her disappearance did little to change his weakness: now, that weakness has moved on to his daughter. You were shackled to her for months, and I offer my sincerest condolences for such a dark fate. I would not wish it unto my worst enemies. She is a fiend of the darkest intentions, ripe and ready to commit the same sins her mother did before her. Ozai, naturally, continues to be blind to that truth. He displays a weakness, a lack of insight, that has cost him even your friendship.

Thus, I come to you with an offer of friendship of my own: there is but one solution to stop Fire Lord Ozai's bumbling, foolish mistakes from utterly annihilating the Fire Nation's valiant quest to unify our world. One solution to ensure that his wretched daughter doesn't seize power either, right after he's gone: you are that solution, Crown Prince Zhao. Once you return home triumphantly from the conquest in the Northern Water Tribe, my forces will be ready to take up arms for you. Together, we can engineer the downfall of Fire Lord Ozai and ensure that a new dynasty shall renew this nation and truly spread its greatness across the world. Your devotion and dedication to Sozin's cause has never wavered, and I'm certain it shall not do so now, either. The revenge you deserve to wage upon Fire Lord Ozai and Princess Azula is nigh, and I shall be delighted to provide it to you.

If you agree to my offer, meet my envoy in the northernmost hills of the mountain range of Bahjang before your triumphant return to the Fire Nation. I urge you to think on it, deeply: Princess Azula has already insinuated herself into her father's good graces anew, and she appears intent on spreading her corrupt influence across his administration. She has even been asked to appoint his new War Minister, as well as to find inventors to replace the Mechanist's services. At this point, it's only a matter of time before she delivers the murderous blow that we have all but dreaded, and the helpless Fire Lord shall simply succumb to her treachery.

Heed my warnings. It is up to us alone, Admiral Zhao, to save the Fire Nation from its downfall and restore the dream of greatness that guides those of us with true hearts and stalwart conviction in the superiority of our nation. Stand with me, and I shall support you with every man under my command so you may overtake the Fire Nation and serve as its first worthy ruler in well over fifty years.

I wish you success in your campaign of conquest.

There was no signature on the long letter that lay spread open over the metal table of Admiral Zhao's current abode… the one room with grandeur in the airship of his choosing. Captain Zhen had prepared the cabin for his use, reiterating multiple times that he was deeply honored to serve him once again. Zhao would have accepted the compliments far more enthusiastically if his mind weren't constantly bogged down by the wrath he could barely control, that appeared to control him, instead.

He would exteriorize it soon. He was ready to do so at last: all five weaponized and armored airships were ready. The fleet had begun its assault weeks ago: while they had sustained losses, this time the Water Tribe's navy had proven insufficient to stop the vastly superior numbers the Fire Nation had brought. For the first time in years, the battle's stagnancy had shifted into action as Zhao's forces progressed gradually towards its destination: even in the dark, the lights of the distant Northern Water Tribe were visible through the red windows of the armored airship.

Zhao smirked despite himself, body trembling with ungodly anticipation. He meant to continue using their fleet to wear down the enemy before unleashing the full power of the airships upon them. The sun wouldn't rise yet… but if it did after the waterbenders had wasted their strength, his victory would be inevitable.

Most of all, however, his goal was to reach that place at the heights of the city. Even from afar, he could see it through his spyglass: the Northern Water Tribe's Palace. Behind it stood the oasis... within that oasis, the spirits of the Ocean and Moon. And there they swam… in the pool where their spiritual powers provided water with unnatural, extraordinary properties.

The properties of eternal life, should Hahn be believed.

"The scumbag had better not have fooled me," Zhao hissed: he would slay the Moon Spirit for good measure regardless… but his sights were set on that water, the singular treasure through which the promises by General Shaofeng might be fulfilled.

For that letter could have been written by no one else, seeing as it had arrived along with a letter by Ozai that Zhao had been quick to burn without so much as reading it. Whatever instructions Ozai had attempted to give him were of no matter to Zhao. He had sent Bujing away as soon as he had rejoined the fleet: this would be Zhao's victory. This was his territory. This had always been his battle… and his pride would never allow anyone else to claim it for themselves.

Shaofeng's promises, however, urged him onwards to fulfill his ambitions even more eagerly: he could take the water, he could raze and melt the city… and then he could take that power with him to the Fire Nation. Ozai's reign would come to an abrupt end… and Zhao would rise in his stead, empowered to extend his lifespan, to prolong his existence on that throne for as long as he wished. Azula would pay for her sins with her life, just as Ozai would…

And Rei would finally be free. She'd finally understand. She would see Azula for who she truly was. She would come around… she would even become the next Princess, under Zhao's rule. Yes… it would be her, rather than whatever child Azula had already given birth to, for he'd sooner acknowledge Rei as his own than ever pretend that treasonous spawn of Water Tribe blood was his own. He would set things right so Rei would open her eyes to the truth. She would see that he had done his best to keep her safe all along, ever since he had learned of her existence…

He breathed deeply before marching out of the room, leaving the unfurled letter in place, carelessly so. His crimson-and-black armor was neatly in place, his golden hairpiece, too. Clad in a warm, elegant burgundy cloak, he marched into the command center of his airship, at the head of the fleet.

"The fleet has reassembled after the last attack," Zhen reported immediately upon Zhao's arrival.

"Casualties?" Zhao asked.

"None on our side. Five sunken ships on theirs. I wager they don't have many more left after the ones we've destroyed over the past weeks," Zhen responded.

"Very well. Are all preparations for the final assault complete by now?" Zhao asked, point-blank. Captain Zhen nodded, bowing his head towards him as he entered the airship's cockpit.

"We are ready to strike at your command, Crown Prince Zhao," Zhen said.

Zhao smirked derisively at him: he wouldn't address him by that title for much longer, if Shaofeng had his way. He already looked forward to claiming the power he had believed would never be within his reach, ensuring that no one would ever trample over him again…

He was ready to take the first step towards that glorious end goal immediately, and so he did.

"Very well: begin. Now."

The loud, prolonged cry of a horn broke through the night. It was echoed by the neighboring airships, whether those with deadly weapons or those without them. The sound spread down to the ships sailing the frozen seas: that thunderous, deeply unsettling war cry heralded the beginning of the Fire Nation's final assault on the Northern Water Tribe.