Fight 55: The invasion
It was the day of the invasion. Toph and the Water Tribe siblings had forsaken their Fire Nation disguises to once more don their own clothes with color themes specific to their respective countries. Time for hiding was over. Now was time to proudly show their identity, and fight as themselves. Chenlian was meditating. Sokka was bent over maps, very focused, and busy refining his strategy. His sister handed him a drink. Aang cheerfully greeted them. He had obviously slept well, and felt ready to face the Fire Lord. Toph was hoping for some Avatar State action but it was impossible. When Azula had shot him with lightning, his 7th chakra had been locked, cutting off his connection to all the cosmic energy in the Universe... though all Toph heard was gibberish.
Katara saw fog approaching and feared it was going to delay the invasion but her brother reassured her. THAT WAS the invasion. In a small bay at the foot of the cliffs, Aang and Toph bended six piers. The six Southern Water Tribe vessels docked. Hakoda came down and his daughter embraced him. Sokka asked if he had been able to locate everyone. Hakoda had managed to bring everyone, thanks to that Linshen guy. Linshen had also given him command of his personal earthbender corps (Dai Li agents disguised as Earth Kingdom soldiers). But he was a little worried, as some of these men were not exactly the warrior type... more specifically those swampbenders... Due mistook a rock for 'some sort of exploding Fire Nation exploding trap that would eat ya ' but Tho corrected him. That was JUST a rock. The skeptical Water Tribe chief wondered if those fellas were a little loose in the leaf head . Bato just wished they would wear pants.
"Pants are an illusion and so is death." Hue scratched his abdomen, causing Hakoda, Bato, and Katara to be even more confused and worried. Only Sokka grinned widely. Since it was their first meeting, Chenlian came to introduce herself and express her thanks and respect for having raised wonderful children, and having fought all this time without giving up... and for having come today too. It was thanks to people like him who kept resisting and supporting others that the world hadn't completely fallen yet. He also thanked her for her participation and understood how difficult it must be for her. He had heard much about her from his children and Bato and he had always wanted to meet her as she helped open a path and gave them hope for the future of the Fire Nation and this world. He had also wanted to thank her for always taking care of his kids, for being their friend... though the way they talked about her, more than friends, they were talking about family.
Haru, who had grown a mustache, greeted Katara who ran to hug him too. It was so good to see him. Aang introduced him to Toph and Chenlian and told them the circumstances of their meeting. Haru said Katara had inspired him and his Father to take back their village. The Water Tribe girl blushed. Tyro came and placed a hand on his son's and the waterbender's shoulder. She had helped them find their courage, so now they were here to help her. Then, Toph, surprised, got in her bending stance. She had recognized people that she used to fight and defeat... The Hippo and The Boulder. The Hippo picked her up, hugged her, and held her at arm length, saying he was happy to see Blind Bandit again. She asked if they were here for a rematch.
"Negatory. The Boulder and The Hippo no longer fight for others' entertainment. Now, we fight for our Kingdom!" The Boulder punctuated his speech with strong gestures.
"Sweet." The Blind Bandit grinned.
Suddenly, there was an explosion on one of the ships and the group ran to it. The mechanist appeared from the lower deck, coughing, his face covered with orange goo. In his wheelchair, Teo came down the gangplank, followed by his father, The Duke and Pipsqueak. Sokka inquired about the new invention . Unfortunately, the incendiary capabilities of peanut sauce proved to be a failure. The Water Tribe boy was shocked they'd actually try to use peanut sauce. Although skeptic too, Chenlian nonetheless smiled and recognized their constant challenge of preconceptions. Pipsqueak and The Duke quite liked the destructiveness and deliciousness of these peanut sauce bombs. Both proceeded to lick sauce off their faces, and Teo off his fingers. More importantly, Sokka wanted to know if the machinist had been able to complete his work on the plans he had sent him.
"Yes, I was and I think the Fire Nation would be quite surprised."
"Aang, my dad and I made this for you." Teo handed an object to the Avatar. It was a new glider, moreover, a snack compartment had been added as a special feature. If you just moved the handle, nuts tumbled out of the compartment into your mouth.
"Oh well, I'm sure that will come in handy." Aang replied politely, though he clearly wasn't convinced.
"Chenlian, I'm happy we can fight side by side again." The disabled boy took both her hands in his and squeezed them. She too was happy that he was here with them, with her. And they also had something for her. They had made her wings too. It was a device attached to her back. She could fold or unfold them with a small lever. Her arms and legs were free. That machine only helped her glide when she was airborne. It improved the lift and reduced the strain on her body. It was particularly useful when she needed to fly for a long time and/or over long distances... and in such battle, as part of the efforts normally required to sustain flight could be redirected towards the battle. And certainly, they could use some air power. Touched by their warmth, the firebender thanked them deeply, though the old mechanist (sounding like a doting and all-knowing parent) told her he had barely participated. It was his son who had practically done everything. "Dad!" Teo blushed.
As Warden Poon was filing his nails, and pointlessly taunting Iroh as usual, the female guard Ming came with a tray of food. She was bringing breakfast. Poon stood up, warned Ming to be careful and not get too close, or that old man's stench would knock her out and left, cackling. The woman glared at him. He didn't have to be this meaninglessly nasty. But with Chenlian gone, he no longer had anyone to answer to. He didn't need to hold back anymore and could do whatever he wanted. And so, that put him in a good mood, and he was reaffirming his authority by being nastier than usual. Ming gave Iroh his breakfast. She had snuck in some white jade tea since she knew he liked rare teas. The elderly thanked her. She had been very kind to him ever since he had been put in here. He had noticed that since Chenlian was gone, her attentions had increased. She had obviously been trying to comfort him. Before that, she had also given him regular updates on Chenlian's condition... and since Ming had been the same with Chenlian as she was with Iroh (maybe even more caring as the girl had been gravely injured), she had been the only guard with whom Chenlian had been truly sincere and kind, without spitting any sort of venom or cynicism. The woman smiled.
The invasion forces had gathered before a stage to listen to the battle plan. Next to the stage, Hakoda and the Gaang were facing them. Since it was Sokka's strategy, it was up to him to explain it, but as it was his first big operation, and facing all those adults, he was overcome with stage fright and all the pressure. His dad reassured him and his friends and sister smiled encouragingly. However, right after Sokka climbed on the stage and greeted the troops, he tripped and fell. After that his explanation was a confused mess that bored everyone. Noticing that, he tried to calm down and start from the beginning. However, he went way too far back in time... to the moment when he and Katara had found Aang frozen in the iceberg. The chief of the Water Tribe closed his eyes and looked down. It was no good. So he went to help his child.
"Thank you, Sokka. It's okay, why don't you take a break ?" Hakoda interrupted the needless naration and placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder. He was going to take over from here. Sokka obliged, looking rather disappointed in himself. "Let me just clarify a few points for everyone. Today is the Day of Black Sun and I want to thank you all for your self sacrifice and your courage." He drew all the fighters' attention. "They're two steps to the invasion. A naval stage and then a land stage. To gain sea access to the Fire Nation capital, we have to get past our first major obstacle here." He pointed at a map. "The Great Gates of Azulon. Next-" He flipped to another map. "We hit the land and we hit hard." He hit the map with his fist to emphasize his point. "We must fight past their battlements and secure the plaza tower." He pointed at the tower drawn on the parchment. "Once we do that, it's up to the royal palace." He moved his finger up on the paper to the palace. "At that point, the eclipse will begin." The seasoned military commander explained, all in concision and precision. The Boulder was confused though. Wasn't the point to invade during the eclipse when the firebenders were powerless ? "The eclipse only lasts 8 minutes. Not enough time for the whole invasion and the royal palace is heavily guarded by firebenders. So that's where we'll need the eclipse advantage the most. When this is finished, the Avatar would have defeated the Fire Lord. We would have control of the Fire Nation capital... and this war will be over!" He threw his fist in the air. Everyone cheered. The Avatar's party joined in too, except Sokka who had been looking downcast ever since his father had taken over. "Now, I want to thank Chenlian. Although she's a firebender and Fire Nation noblewoman, she provided us with vital information that made this invasion possible. And she also has a few words for you." He stepped back and Chenlian came onto the stage.
"I know what Hakoda said, but each of you is a vital part of this invasion, therefore, don't die! Life will only truly begin once this war is over. And now, we have a chance to end it all! But, you must know that Ba Sing Se fell because Princess Azula had infiltrated the place and become the Earth King's aide, so they certainly know of the invasion. But it's still a chance! No civilians means you don't need to hold back! If we can secure all the key locations and cut the serpent's head, then it'll be our victory, it'll be the world's victory! Fire Lord Ozai intended to use me as a weapon that would not be subjected to nature's laws, he intends to destroy the world and create it anew... But we all live here! We must protect our families, our home, our freedom, the future of the children! As a member of the Fire Nation, I know, because of the megalomany of a few individuals, a whole nation lost its way and forgot that simple truth. We must restore the truth, justice, and we must restore the four nations! So as a member of the Fire Nation, I'll fight! I'll fight for my country! And I'll fight for you! I will protect you! I'll destroy the battlements and cut open a path for you! This hundred years of pain, let's end it with our own hands!" Chenlian raised her hands that she balled into fists and extended before her, like she was bumping fists with all the people gathered here. She was treating them all as comrades in arms for whom she could give her life.
And confusedly, all the listeners felt the same as Linshen; they heard it in her strong and clear voice that resonated deep inside them, they felt it from every pore of their skin... that girl was a great blaze, like her spirit, her soul were made of fire, and too big to be contained in her body... her soul was radiating heat, touching their hearts and setting them ablaze too. They didn't want to fight for her... they wanted to fight ALONGSIDE her. Even those who didn't know her and had never talked to her felt her passion, her sincerity, they felt like they could entrust their everything to her, that it would be an honor to fight side by side with someone like her, and they wanted to answer to her feelings. She possessed the captivating strength, fierceness and majesty of a lion, but coupled with the gentleness and closeness of a sheep that would unhesitatingly give out their wool to anyone shivering from the cold.
And then, the final preparations took place. Katara bended water into two pouches strapped to her back. Toph put on leg and arm bracers. She also had an Earth Soldier's hat. The Water Tribe warriors had head gears resembling a wolf's head. Appa was fitted in his own custom made armor. Teo and his father helped Chenlian equip her wings. She too had donned bracers on her arms and legs. After her speech, many people had come to her to ask her questions about the offensive or simply because they wanted to get to know her more. Aang shaved his head, revealing his tattoed arrow, marking him as an airbender, the last one. He had kept his Fire Nation pants and boots but was now wearing a yellow and burnt orange toga reminding of his air nomad robes.
Zuko removed his hair ornament and armor and placed them on the bed. He reached in his shirt and took out a hairpin and a pouch. That was Chenlian's lotus hairpin that she had given him as a memento. A memento... back then she had spoken figuratively, but it had really become one... He stared at it. It was warm because it was always against his chest and had taken his body heat. He clutched it tighter and closed his eyes, fighting back the tears. Then he emptied the content of the pouch in his hand. It was lotus seeds. They had the ability to stay hundreds of years, waiting, until the conditions were finally right before sprouting. One day, he would plant those lotus seeds, and when peace had returned due to his efforts and she had forgiven him, they would surely bloom.
"Someday, I'll leave this place and join back with the Avatar. I'll teach him firebending, and I'll help him defeat the tyrant ruling this nation, and trying to rule the world, Fire Lord Ozai. I'll wait for you until that time. Because I don't want to think that the man I fell in love with is one who could actually bear for so many people to be sacrificed for his own sake. I want to believe the true you to be kind, and meant to be a righteous ruler who helps and protects not only the Fire Nation, but also the world as one of its citizens."
"Zuko, won't you take my hand? You know how despised the Fire Nation is. But if we stop this war, if our nation plays a key role in the reconstruction, if we contribute to creating a new era of peace and kindness, we will no longer be the hated Enemy but one of the four pillars supporting this world... So let's get away, Iroh, you, and me. Let's stop this together."
Chenlian might be gone, but not without a trace. He still remembered her, her words, her will. The seeds of doubt she had planted in him had budded into ideas, grown into convictions, and bloomed into decisions. He had inherited her will. That was how he was going to keep her alive. He would accomplish the things she couldn't do because of him. He would walk in her footsteps... That was the only way he could feel her presence at his side and atone for his sins. But that was his own choice too. He had seen, heard, felt, and as a result, decided she had been right. Or rather, he had finally gathered the courage to remove the wool covering his eyes? Right now, their hearts and beliefs would have been as one and they could have walked hand in hand in the same direction. But he had been far too slow.
For the first time in his life, he felt he could see everything clearly... The reality he had kept running away from was now obvious to him... whether it be about his family, country, the state of the world, or himself... and his feelings for Chenlian. He loved her. She had tried to confuse him saying it wasn't love, or maybe she had been trying to convince herself, for which he couldn't blame her. He had liked her as a child. He might have become emotionally dependent on her in the wilderness of the Earth Kingdom. Those were times full of fear, doubts, insecurities and instability, when he was trying to find his way, and she had simply been at his side, so reliable, warm, and comforting.
But in Ba Sing Se, he could tell his feelings were changing into true love. He was healing, mellowing, and the happiness made him so comfortable he was starting to feel like it would be alright to keep living like this. He was forgetting his grudges, forgetting his goals... and that scared him. What had he fought for all this time? Wasn't it to claim his place at his father's side back?! So when he had seen his chance, he had pushed her away while he still could. And to lessen his own guilt and pain, on one hand he'd try convince himself that it was all her fault for not having loved him enough... she hadn't loved him enough to choose him, and she hadn't loved him enough to feel truly hurt by his betrayal. He had closed his eyes and ears and clung to that life he had regained thanks to her sacrifice.
Still, he had been unable to completely sever their bond. The more apart they were, the more he could feel that bond pulling the lid on his heart, eyes, and ears, forcing them open until he could no longer ignore the truth glaring at him. He had enough of living a lie and trying to please a father who didn't love him or anyone. He had sacrificed far too much for that lie. Enough was enough. Now he could see what, and WHO was really important. He had to protect them...
Then, he stared at the painting of him and Mai on the wall. He took it off, and gathered all the souvenirs of his relationship with Mai. He had been trying to give this relation a tangible form, to anchor it in reality, since he was fleeing forward... and on the other hand he had lacked the courage to make a clean cut with the one he truly loved and entirely betray her. He had made pretty souvenirs to give shape but with half-assed feelings... But now, he had taken his decision. Even if it was hypocritical and far too late, he wanted to be faithful to Chenlian, because she was the one his heart had chosen. So he was going to put everything away. But he must not destroy them. If he did, if he denied his relation with Mai, he would be denying the pain he had put Chenlian through. And he could not do that. He could not forget. He could not run away. He had no right to. So he placed them in the lowest drawer of his bedside table, face down. Now, he had to face and accept his true feelings, as well as the truth of his actions and their consequences... and do everything in his power to right the wrongs he and his country had done. And like this, for the first time in his life, he felt that he was truly following his heart.
Then he sat at his desk and wrote a letter to Mai. He had to clearly break up with her.
Sokka was staring at his helmet. He was standing on a cliff, a distance away from the makeshift port. Aang flew up to him with his new glider. They had looked everywhere for him. The boats were ready to leave. But Sokka was still dejected from his failure. The invasion plan was his moment of truth, and he had completely botched it. He had just fallen apart.
"Sokka, that speech wasn't your moment of truth. That was just public speaking and nobody's really good at that." Aang tried to comfort him.
"My dad is. He explained the plan perfectly and inspired everyone... like a real leader should. And did you hear Chenlian? We're about the same age, even younger than me, but the way she talked... it was like she was born to command..."
"The Fire Nation is military-oriented, she comes from a prominent military family, and had been raised to become a military commander. Her circumstances are special."
"You can't talk like that and touch people like she did with just special education. That was natural talent."
"Look, your moment of truth isn't going to be in front of some map. It's going to be out there, on the battlefield."
"You seem so confident about everything. How do you know we're going to win?"
"Because I already failed the world once at Ba Sing Se. I won't let myself fail again. Also, you have a message from Chenlian: a strategist's ability is not the same as a general's ability, but that doesn't make him any less. Do not confuse them. I don't really get it though." The monk cluelessly scratched his temple. But Sokka's eyes widened. He understood. A general's caliber could also be ascertained by their voice and how much they inspired people. And certainly, Chenlian was a great commander, like she was born to lead. She instinctively knew how to rouse people. Sokka was different. He didn't have that natural authority, that charisma, that strong and clear and captivating 'voice' of a general... He was a pure strategist. An army commander could be a strategist too, but a strategist did not necessarily have the capacities of a general, nor did he need to have them. Often battles could not be won on martial valor alone. That was why many generals in the past employed strategists. Strategists made battle plans leading the generals to victory, they could give orders, but they did not need to know how to inspire and lead armies like generals did. His father and Chenlian were commanders and refined tacticians, but he was a strategist...
"Aang, I'm really, really glad Chenlian is back with us." Sokka sighed with a relieved smile. Chenlian had noticed his condition and heartened him again.
"... Yeah, me too!" The Avatar grinned. She was really considerate, strong, reliable, and she was just the best at comforting, encouraging, inspiring people. She was really the best ally, the best friend one could ever have.
The Water Tribe vessels sailed out. It wasn't too long before they arrived in view of the Great Gates of Azulon... though Katara couldn't see any gates. Chenlian told her she should see them soon, if their approach was detected. There was a giant statue of Azulon, as tall as the cliffs themselves, with his arms outstreched in the middle of the passage. A dragon statue, turned towards Azulon, was at each of the north and south coast. Hakoda told his daughter and the swamp benders to whip up a fog cover. They were going to sneak by that statue just like they had snuck by that fire navy blockade. The small fleet was engulfed in mist. However, their advance was still detected. An alarm rang. Smoke emitted from the dragons' snouts and the nets attached to the dragons' mouth and the Fire Lord's hands rose. The nets were set alight. The pass was entirely blocked by a titanic flaming wall. The fleet stopped and the invaders were awed. The sound of jet skis snapped them out of it and they all went below deck. Soon, Fire Nation guards jumped aboard and proceeded to search the ships, only to find them all empty, to their shock. Where could those attackers have gone?! Each crew had actually transferred to a submarine hiding in their boat, and those six submarines had safely slipped by the gates. Appa was swimming alonside them with an air bubble over his head. Hakoda praised his son for this invention. Toph praised him too, sarcastically since that way of travel made her nauseous.
"Well, I just came up with the idea but the Mechanist did all the work." Sokka modestly (for once) replied.
"Don't sell yourself short, my boy. It was your idea to use waterbending to make the subs sink and float. Brilliant, though your original designs were a bit difficult to decipher." The machinist unrolled a scroll VERY childishly depicting a sort of fish/whale swimming with people inside it. "Unfortunately, there is one problem I couldn't fix." He put the scroll away. "The subs have a limited air supply. Before we land on the beaches, we'll need to resurface."
Ming brought General Iroh his lunch. And this time, she had brought him an extra bowl of rice. The old man thanked her again. Her little gestures of kindness had made his days in prison bearable. But then, concerned, he advised her to take the rest of the day off. She didn't look well. Maybe she should go home and rest. The woman felt fine though. However, the former general insisted and asked her to trust him. It was better that she was not here this afternoon. Ming nodded and complied as she reluctantly left the room. Because she was so kind, he didn't want to cause her any trouble.
The submarines had surfaced and stopped. Everyone took advantage of this break to get some fresh hair, stretch, warm up...
"So, this is it huh ?" Aang joined his friends on a deck. Sokka asked if he was ready for the Fire Nation to know the Avatar was alive. "I'm ready." He replied resolutely. Sokka grasped his arm, wishing him luck. The gang and Momo gathered around for a group hug. Toph told 'Twinkle Toes' to kick some serious Fire Lord butt.
"Don't forget Aang, they surely know we're coming. The Fire Lord must be hidden deep inside the palace, certainly in an underground chamber. Though of course, you should still check the throne room. I gave you a plan of the palace but I can't guarantee anything about the underground. If you feel you need it, don't hesitate to come back to us. We'll help you find him. We're here for that." Chenlian reminded him. But then Hakoda called for attention.
"The next time we resurface, it'll be on the beaches. So stay alert and fight smart. Now break time's over, back in the subs." He ordered. The firebender jumped over on Appa. Toph and Sokka walked back but Aang and Katara remained behind. They stared at each other, looked away, and started speaking simultaneously. The monk courteously let the girl speak first.
"We've been through so many things together and I've seen you grow up so much. You're not that little goofy kid I found in the iceberg anymore. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm really proud of you." She praised the boy, making him blush. Chenlian was observing them.
"Everything is going to be different after today, isn't it ?"
"Yes, it is."
"What if... what if I don't come back?" The last airbender was suddenly uncertain.
"Aang, don't say that. Of course you'll-" However, she was interrupted when Aang pressed his lips against hers, silencing her. She was surprised at first, but then closed her eyes. Even if she didn't kiss him back, she had still accepted his kiss. She didn't reject him. She even blushed when they withdrew. And then, the Avatar resolutely took flight. She watched him go with a confused expression on her flushed face. Her brother called her over. It was time to submerge. Snapped back to reality, Katara used waterbending to join Chenlian (who was grinning, thinking Katara's reaction boded well for Aang) on Appa's head and surrounded the bison's head in an air bubble. And the fleet descended underwater.
Aang was gliding over plains when his stomach growled. He moved the handle and nuts dropped into his mouth. That new feature did come in handy after all. He was nearing the Fire Nation capital.
A periscope rose slightly above the water surface. Hakoda spotted the gate to the port and commanded everyone to get in position. He sent the earthbenders into their tanks. This was going to be a rough ride. The Earthbenders obeyed. As the submarines passed between two watchtowers to reach the second gate protecting the port, their shadows were spotted and another alarm sounded. Battlements shot harpoons that were narrowly avoided... except for one that managed to pierce its target. Due froze the water pouring in but the submersible was reeled in and pulled out of the water. Appa emerged and Katara sliced the chain with waterbending, allowing the submarine to fall safely back into the water continue like nothing had happened. The second gate was made of concrete that reached down to the ocean floor. However, three large gridded holes had been made to permit the flow of water. Ice-encased torpedoes were launched and blew the gratings, and the fleet entered the harbor. As soon as they surfaced, shells rained on them, but the hulls resisted. The submersibles landed on shore and their base retracted, revealing a team of caterpillar tanks. The soldiers and warriors emitted battle cries and rushed out to attack.
The invasion force marched on under the projectiles. The cliffs on both sides had two pathways lines with battlements at different heights. A truck loaded with large stones made its way through the battlefield, dropping rocks that Toph, The Boulder and The Hippo earthbended towards a battlement, destroying it. Appa landed and Katara dismounted. On Appa, Chenlian headed to the highest line of battlements on the right and started slashing and shooting them. Her power was perfect for that situation. Shooting fire, Fire Nation tanks came to intercept them the ground force. Teo was driving a caterpillar tank that crawled up a battlement on the path and crushed its top half. Another caterpillar tank crushed a Fire Nation tank and moved on.
More reinforcements arrived and took the small ragtag team of invaders in a pincer attack. Chenlian came back and having spotted the entrances the tanks had used to get behing her allies, she shot lightning above those entryways, causing rockfalls that blocked them. The swampbenders bended water from barrels on a truck to shield themselves from enemy fire, and hit the the sides of the Fire Nation tank with balls of water, making it spin uncontrollably and crash into another tank. Tho and Due hurled another armored vehicle into the bay. A large green monster came from the sea, blocked a fire, before, with its elongating viny arms, it grabbed a tank and threw it in the water, crushed another, and tossed yet another one into a battlement. Hue had had trouble collecting this much seaweed (and communing with nature), hence his lateness. Next, a squad of komodo rhinos, and foot soldiers came charging. The riders fired at the Water Tribe warriors but missed. Sokka jumped on one of the animals' horn, sliced the spear, kicked the soldier off the komodo rhino, and took the reins. His firebending friend came on Appa and the bison knocked number of rider with a strong gust of wind from his tail.
"Dad, look out!" Sokka warned as his father blocked a fire blast with his shield and was attacked immediately after by a Fire Nation soldier. Hakoda had his shield knocked away but his fighting skills outclassed that of the infantrymen, and his stole his assailant's weapon. He quickly dispatched two people with his supplementary spear before throwing it at two others, knocking them down. Then he jumped onto Sokka's komodo rhino.
However, as they were going deeper, the invasion force became prey to a higher number number of battlements, and was attacked from all sides, dividing their attention and making them lose some of their momentum. Chenlian went to take care of the high line of barbicans on the left. A truck lost its cargo of rocks to a bolt, the seaweed monster lost an arm after having swiped two more Fire Nation tanks. A caterpillar tank was toppled. Seeing all that damage, the Southern Water Tribe Chief and his son understood that their only chance was to take out those battlements. And there were too many for Chenlian alone. Sokka had an idea.
Some time later, Chenlian, her wings unfolded, propelled by her firebending, was soaring through the air while Appa flew up with Katara on his head, Sokka on his flank holding his horn, and Hakoda on the saddle. They would take one line of battlements and Chenlian the other. The boy cut off the head of a giant arrow from a battlement. His father threw small grenades inside another that blew up (after the soldiers had escaped). Katara broke the barrels on the bison's flanks and used the water to freeze a female guard and the crossbow in another barbican. The animal landed between two battlements and all three dismounted. Hakoda sent his children to a fortification while he would take out the other. They headed to their respective targets. The siblings displayed magnificent teamwork. Sokka cut through the metal door, Katara froze the guards inside, and her brother destroyed the weapon. As they left, they saw their father entering his battlement through the roof with his club. Sounds of swords clashing and grunts were heard. There was an explosion and Hakoda came out through the door, holding his wounded side. He staggered a few steps and collapsed. His worried children ran to him and checked his condition. Having heard the commotion, Chenlian came to see what had happened. She noted the Water Tribe Chief's state and told her friends to take him back to the submersibles. She would finish her job here and wait for them.
Zuko left his letter in Mai's room. Of course, no one was there. He looked at the picture of himself with Mai before looking away. It was the same as the one in his own room.
"I'm sorry, Mai." He left the place. He could not lie to his own feelings anymore. He loved Chenlian. He had always loved her, and he always would. Chenlian was the only one, he couldn't use Mai as a substitute anymore... And only now did he realize just how cruel he had been to Mai and to Chenlian. Then he returned to the palace, packed some of his belongings and went to Ursa's room.
"I know I made some bad choices." The prince knelt before his mother's portrait at the foot of the bed. "But today, I'm going to set things right." He stood up, grabbed his broadswords and backpack before looking at the portrait for one last time, throwing his hood over his head, and walking away.
Appa landed on the beach next to the submarines. Hakoda grunted as he was being laid on the ground by Sokka. Katara bended water from her pouch and started healing her father. As he was feeling a little better, he wanted to get back to the troops but he was obviously too badly hurt to fight. The chief, however, refused to listen to reason. Everyone was counting on him to lead this mission, and he couldn't let them down. He tried to get up before falling back to the ground in pain. Sokka asked his sister if he couldn't heal him any faster but she was already doing everything in her power. So the young man took the decision to lead the invasion force. He acknowledged being a little crazy but the eclipse was about to start and they needed to be up that volcano by the time it did.
"You can do this. I'm proud of you, son." Hakoda entrusted everything to him.
"I still think you're crazy but I'm proud of you too." Katara also encouraged him with a smile. The boy put on his head gear and mounted Appa. They ascended. As she kept destroying battlements, Chenlian was also observing the situation. Indeed, the invasion force, despite their small numbers, was fighting well and dealing significant damage, but they were still getting bogged down due to fresh enemy troops regularly streaming in. And with no one to take charge, the outcome was obvious. She doubted Hakoda could do it in his state so it all depended on Sokka. If he wouldn't do it then she'd have to be the one to assume leadership. But then, she saw Appa land and knock a tank back with his head.
"Listen up everyone, I want the tanks in wedge formation!" Sokka yelled, opening his arms in a V-shape. "Warriors and benders in the middle! We're taking that tower and headed for the royal palace!" He pointed at the tower overlooking the Royal Plaza. From the balcony on that tower, Zuko and Azula had once greeted the crowd upon their glorious return after their victory on the Earth Kingdom, the Avatar, and Chenlian. The invaders moved as instructed, with the sky bison at the point of the wedge. "Chenlian, I want you to-"
"Blow up those walls on your path and take care of those battlements ahead! I'm on it!"
"I'm counting on you!"
"You can!"
"Charge!" The son of the Water Tribe Chief grabbed his sword and pointed forwards. Appa flew up.
Aang was crouching on the rim of the volcano, observing the city. There didn't seem to be any movement. He took flight and landed on a roof. The streets were really all empty. He didn't hear anything either. How strange. He burst through the palace doors, ready to fight, yelling that the Avatar was back. But except for the light streaming in from the doors he had just opened, everything was plunged in the darkness, and no one was there to receive him. He couldn't feel a single presence. He slowly walked forwards and called. It seemed that, like Chenlian had predicted, the city and palace had been evacuated.
Chenlian fired her lightning and blasted holes in the walls on either side of the middle tower. A few soldiers here and there tried to stop the advancing caterpillar tanks but their fire could do nothing about the armored vehicles and they had no choice but to retreat further and further back, up the stairs. The invasion force charged forward through the blasted walls. The Fire Nation troops withdrew slowly while still firing to keep the enemies at bay.
"The Fire Nation is falling back!" Tyro yelled. Appa landed.
"Sokka, we're on our way to victory." Bato said confidently. Sokka looked at the volcano, and the way to it. They had no strong opposition. And the path was about clear. But they couldn't get overconfident.
Inside an air bubble, Aang burst into the throne room. However here too, everything was dark and empty.
"No... no, NO!" The child shook his head. "Fire Lord Ozai, where are you !" His angry voice reverberated. He had hoped to finish it then but like Chenlian had forewarned him, the Fire Lord had eluded him.
Author's note: finally got this one out. Next one will be 'Black Sun'.