Chapter 20: Tales of Ba Sing Se Part Two

Alright let me clear something first before we continue and as much as I enjoy giving people cliff hangers. This time, I'll clear something up for everyone and if you ever watched the show Beyond Belief: Fact or fiction, you will get this next one.

So, is Azula pregnant with Sokka's child?

Nope. Fiction, we made it up. Just a ruse to mess with Sokka's brain. In fact the guard might not have said exactly what Sokka made himself to believe, and its possible that Suki heard something different. As you know, Azula definitely left some mark on his mental state.

Anyway, Don't believe everything you hear, especially from a foot soldier.

What we do now is that Azula is going through some kind of fever but nothing Tuka can't fix and its been quite a while since then.

Right then.

Hope you enjoy this one and feel free to point out any mistakes.

Sokka and Suki moved carefully through the ruined building, their footsteps light as they navigated the crumbling interior.

They had lost their pursuers—for now. The Fire Nation soldiers had been relentless, but the wreckage of the city had provided enough cover to slip away. Still, Sokka knew better than to assume they were safe. He gripped the handle of his sword tightly, eyes scanning every broken doorway and collapsed archway they passed.

Suki, slightly ahead, glanced back at him. "I think we're clear."

Then the building trembled as something heavy smashed through one of the exterior walls, sending bits of stone and wood scattering across the floor. A Fire Nation tank rumbled forward through the opening, its reinforced treads crushing debris beneath its weight.

Sokka's stomach dropped. Great. Just what they needed.

A tank.

They darted across the room as the Firebender inside thrust his hands forward. A massive fireball erupted from the tank's firing mechanism, barreling straight toward them.

The fiery projectile struck the building to their left, and the explosion sent debris flying. They dove behind a toppled pillar just in time, shielding them from the blast.

Sokka gritted his teeth. Of course. "You just had to say we were clear."

"Not the time, Sokka!" Suki snapped, pressing herself against the rubble as another shot whistled past them.

They needed to move. Fast.

Sokka peeked over the rubble, eyes locking onto the metal tank slowly rolling toward them. He counted its movements, watching how the turret adjusted between shots. They had a small window—seconds at most—before it fired again.

Suki coughed, shaking off bits of rubble from her armor. "You'd think they'd run out of tanks by now."

Sokka peeked over the beam. "Trust me, they have way more."

The tank rumbled forward, its treads crushing everything in its path. The Firebender inside was already preparing another fireball.

They had seconds.

Sokka grabbed Suki's hand and yanked her to her feet. "We need to—"

Boom!

Another fireball exploded, this one hitting the floor just behind them. The force sent both of them flying forward.

Sokka hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the wind out of him. Through the ringing in his ears, he registered Suki beside him, groaning as she tried to push herself up.

But before she could, the tank's turret locked onto her.

No.

Sokka reacted without thinking.

He threw himself at her, grabbing her waist and rolling them both out of the way just as another fireball incinerated the spot where she had been.

They crashed against a pile of broken stone, Sokka's arms still wrapped around her. For a moment, neither of them moved, their breathing ragged from the near-death experience.

Suki's hands clutched his tunic, her face just inches from his.

Sokka swallowed, his heart pounding in his chest—not just from the adrenaline, but from the way she was looking at him.

And then For a split second, something twisted in his gut. A memory—not of Suki, but of someone else. Fingers gripping his collar. Lips crushing against his. Fire in her touch.

His breath caught. He pushed it down.

"Thanks," she whispered.

Sokka gave a breathless chuckle. "Anytime."

The moment lingered a second too long. Guilt gnawed at the edges of his mind, but before it could sink its claws in, the tank's treads screeched against the floor, repositioning.

Sokka tore his gaze away, erasing the memory entirely. "Not to ruin the moment, but we need to go."

Suki nodded quickly, pushing herself up.

The Firebender inside the tank was already charging another attack. The barrel glowed red-hot, crackling with energy.

But just as the fireball came screaming toward them, another blast of flame intercepted it mid-air, exploding in a burst of heat and light.

Sokka blinked through the smoke and dust, his vision adjusting to the sight of a familiar figure standing atop the wreckage.

It was Zuko.

The smoke still hung heavy in the air as Zuko and two White Lotus waterbenders descended from their vantage point, moving swiftly toward them.

"You two sure know how to get into trouble," Zuko muttered as he reached them.

Sokka let out a breath. "it's a gift."

The waterbenders wasted no time, one of them pulling a small jar from his belt and bending a thick, black substance from within it. With practiced precision, they sent it flowing through the air, directing it straight into the tank's firing mechanism.

The liquid oozed inside the cannon, seeping into the internal gears before hardening into a sticky, sludge-like resin. The tank let out a grinding, mechanical groan as its weapon system seized up.

Inside, muffled shouts could be heard.

Sokka and Suki scrambled to their feet as Zuko reached them, brushing soot from his tunic.

"You really pulled through," Suki said, breathing heavily.

Zuko gave a small shrug. "No thanks to Sokka."

Sokka smirked. "Guess that means the plan worked."

Zuko crossed his arms, nodding toward the immobilized tank. "It did—but don't get too excited. That resin has a low boiling point. It can be evaporated easily and its only a matter of time before the Fire Nation discovers that."

Sokka frowned. "Right. Guess that's what we get for shopping at a convenience store."

Zuko almost smiled.

Suki, still catching her breath, turned to him. "Did everyone make it out?"

Zuko looked down for a moment before answering. "Not everyone," he admitted. "But now it's just the two of you left. We need to move."

There was no time for questions, no time to dwell on the weight of those words. Sokka and Suki simply nodded and fell into step behind him as they made their way back to the forward base.

The forward base was in ruins.

The once-secure perimeter was overrun, the hastily fortified structures reduced to burning wreckage. Bodies—both enemy and ally—littered the streets.

Through the haze of battle, Sokka spotted Jeong Jeong. The old master stood in the midst of battle, fire illuminating his weathered face as he deflected attack after attack.

Zuko, Sokka, and Suki hurried toward him, ducking behind remnants of stone barriers as fireballs streaked past them, scorching the air with their blistering heat. The forward base was crumbling around them, already beyond saving.

Jeong Jeong barely glanced their way before barking an order. "Stay down! We're holding them off until the last group clears out!"

Sokka and Suki immediately pressed themselves against the remains of a half-collapsed wall, watching as Zuko and the White Lotus members fell into defensive stances beside Jeong Jeong.

The Fire Nation kept coming. Their ranks moved in coordinated waves, their firebenders unleashing volleys that crashed against the defenses. The White Lotus fighters countered each attack, redirecting or extinguishing the flames where they could, but it was clear they were being pushed back.

The ground shook as a fireball exploded nearby, the force sending a gust of heat through the battlefield. One of the waterbenders staggered, barely managing to shield himself in time before another barrage followed.

And then, in an instant—

A direct hit.

Sokka barely had time to react before one of the White Lotus waterbenders was engulfed in fire, the blast sending his body flying. He landed hard and didn't move again.

For the briefest moment, everything stopped.

Then the Fire Nation charged again.

fireballs raining down from all sides. They weren't letting up this time. There was no chance to regroup, no opportunity to strike back.

this battle was lost.

And Jeong Jeong knew it too.

The old master's gaze flickered toward the fallen White Lotus member. His jaw tightened, his hands clenched into fists. He inhaled sharply, closing his eyes for a fraction of a second—then suddenly thrust his arms outward.

A massive wall of fire erupted before them.

The sheer force of it rattled the battlefield, a roaring inferno cutting them off from the advancing Fire Nation. The heat was suffocating, the flames twisting and curling like a living beast. It was a technique that should have been impossible now that Sozin's Comet had passed—a feat of power only Jeong Jeong could summon in sheer desperation.

Zuko's eyes widened. This level of firebending… was impossible.

Suki, and Sokka stood frozen, staring at the towering inferno in awe. The fire consumed the space between them and their enemies, swallowing the incoming attacks before they could reach them.

On the other side, the Fire Nation soldiers hesitated, momentarily blinded by the blaze.

The heat made it difficult to breathe, sweat gathering at Jeong Jeong's temple. Then, as quickly as it had been summoned, the fire began to die down, So the old master with his remaining strength, moved the wall straight into enemy lines, leaving only smoldering embers and scorched ground in its wake.

For a moment, no one spoke.

The battlefield was silent.

Then Jeong Jeong finally turned to them, his breath steady despite the immense effort it must have taken. He met Sokka's gaze before speaking.

"Let's get out of here."

No hesitation. No second thoughts.

Sokka and Suki fell into step behind him, following the others as they retreated toward the tram station, leaving behind what remained of the battle.

Sokka and Zuko, their arms hooked under Jeong Jeong's shoulders, half-carried the exhausted firebending master into the medical tent. His breathing was heavy, his body drained after the massive fire wall he had summoned to give them time to escape.

Inside the tent. Only a handful of injured soldiers remained, most either unconscious or too weak to move. Katara stood near one of them, instructing two nurses as they finished tending to a wound. The moment she spotted them enter, her eyes widened in relief and concern.

She hurried over as they carefully lowered Jeong Jeong onto a cot. "You've all made. Is he hurt?" she asked, already moving to check him over.

Jeong Jeong raised a weary hand, stopping her before she could do anything. "No, I'm fine," he muttered. "I just need some rest." His breath was controlled, but the exhaustion was plain in his face. After a pause, he looked up at Katara, his expression suddenly more serious. "Where is everyone?"

Katara sighed, glancing toward the entrance of the tent. "We evacuated them to the rural areas as planned."

Jeong Jeong's brow furrowed. "Already? Didn't we plan to do that after the prisoners were set free?"

Katara hesitated before responding. "We did, but Master Akee warned of an attack on the tram station. He said everyone needed to be evacuated."

Jeong Jeong's frown deepened. "No, that can't be right."

Before Katara could respond, Zuko stepped forward, confusion flashing across his face. "Wait, what prisoners?"

Jeong Jeong exchanged a glance with Katara, then exhaled through his nose. "After the retreat from the forward base, there was still a rescue mission that needed to happen."

Zuko shook his head. "There's no time for that. If the Fire Nation is launching an attack, this place won't last long." He turned to Katara, urgency lacing his voice. "How far is Toph?"

"She said they're almost done. Just adding the finishing touches," Katara answered quickly.

Jeong Jeong gave a rare, small smirk. "Well, look at that. With Toph almost done and Sokka's disruption, we'll have more than enough time to rescue the prisoners."

Sokka, who had been listening quietly, raised a finger. "Uh, I wouldn't exactly call it a 'disruption.'" He glanced at Suki before looking back at them. "More like… we removed one brick out of a really tall tower."

"Thank you for that analogy Sokka." Jeong Jeong said sarcastically. "Okay then, we'll just have hold them here until you two return."

Sokka blinked. "Wait. Who's You two?"

Jeong Jeong's gaze settled on Suki and him. "The two of you." he clarified. "I know of no better infiltrators."

Sokka let out a short, sarcastic laugh before shaking his head. "Master, if you'll excuse us, I need to speak with Zuko, real quick."

Jeong Jeong gave a slow nod and motioned for one of the nearby soldiers. "Send word to Master Akee," he ordered before turning his attention back to resting.

Without another word, Sokka, Zuko, Katara, and Suki stepped out of the tent.

Sokka stepped up to Zuko. Suki and Katara stood just behind him, watching the conversation unfold.

"There's not going to be any offensive, is there?" Sokka asked.

Zuko exhaled, meeting Sokka's gaze. "No, there isn't," he admitted. "The city is lost."

A heavy silence settled between them, broken only by the distant echoes of battle still raging beyond the tram station.

Sokka sighed, crossing his arms. "Well, then we should scrap the rescue mission and escape with everyone else and whatever dignity we still have left. How are we even supposed to reach your uncle?"

Zuko shook his head. "I don't know… but I'm staying here." He took a breath before continuing. "After this is done, you guys should take Appa and go find Aang."

Suki stepped forward, disbelief written across her face. "Are you crazy?!"

"Yeah, I think he is," Katara added, crossing her arms. "That's suicide, Zuko."

"It is, but its worth a shot." Zuko replied simply. "Unless you have a better plan, I'm all ears Katara."

No one answered. The question hung in the air.

Katara sighed after a beat. "It's that bad, huh?" she muttered, almost to herself.

Before anyone else could speak, a familiar voice cut through the silence.

"It doesn't matter," Toph said as she approached from behind them, arms folded.

Everyone turned to look at her.

"We didn't come here expecting an easy win," she continued, her tone sharp and unwavering. "We came here because it was the right thing to do. And guess what? We still saved lives."

Her words carried weight, something grounding in the midst of so much uncertainty.

"Have you guys forgotten what we did before we thought of taking down the Fire Lord?" she asked, glancing at each of them. "Or before we did something 'important'?"

The group remained silent, listening intently.

Suki's brow furrowed before she answered. "We were helping people."

Toph nodded. "Right. Going from place to place and stomping the crap out of the Fire Nation—" she paused, glancing at Zuko before adding, "No offense."

"None taken," Zuko replied dryly.

Toph smirked before turning back to the others. "Wherever we could, we fought, and it's the same right now. We're not just here to win battles," Toph continued, "We're here to make sure they don't get to keep everything they've stolen. So yeah, they're taking the city. But we're making sure they pay for every inch of it."

For the first time in a while, a flicker of determination reignited in the group.

Sokka let out a small, almost amused breath, shaking his head. "That's true," he said with a faint smile. "I guess we are bent but not broken." Though his words held a lighter tone, his thoughts were elsewhere.

Toph crossed her arms. "As for General Iroh, I'll be staying here with Zuko to find him."

"Same," Suki added, glancing at Sokka and Katara.

Katara gave a small nod, her expression soft but resolved. "It's probably what Aang would want as well."

Sokka sighed, shaking his head in resignation. "Oh well. If we're going to die, we might as well do it together."

The decision was made. They would see this through—together.

Dawn had barely broken over the Earth kingdom Palace. The massive double doors groaned open, and two figures stepped forward—General Iroh and Governor Uruso, flanked by two Fire Nation guards. They walked only a short distance beyond the palace entrance before stopping.

Before them, a table had been set upon the marble floor of the palace grounds, positioned just high enough to overlook the vast lower ground.

Awaiting them at a grand table was a man Iroh knew all too well—General Bujing. The aging war strategist still carried himself with ruthless precision, his gold-trimmed armor polished to perfection, every detail reflecting his pride in the Fire Nation.

Bujing had built his career on brutal efficiency, never hesitating to sacrifice soldiers for the sake of victory. His obsession with winning had long been known, but Iroh was more familiar with him than most. This was the very man Zuko had once spoken out against, challenging the cold logic of sending inexperienced troops to die for a strategy they barely understood. That moment had cost Zuko everything—his honor, his place in the Fire Nation, and very nearly his life.

And yet here Bujing sat, unbothered, as if none of it had ever mattered.

Standing beside him was a younger man—his son, Colonel Raike.

He was young, far younger than most officers of his rank, likely only in his early twenties. But despite his youth, his posture was rigid, his chin lifted with an air of unwavering confidence. He was lean, almost lanky compared to his father's broad-shouldered build, but his armor was just as decorated, his rank displayed proudly on his chest. It showed that while he was young, he had already seen his fair share of battle. His amber eyes, though sharp with focus, held a quiet ambition.

But what truly caught Iroh's attention was the overwhelming force gathered below.

Stretching across the lower grounds, stood an army. Rows upon rows of Fire Nation soldiers stood at attention, their formation flawless. Tundra tanks lined the edges of the square,

The message was clear—he was surrounded.

After a brief pause, General Bujing rose from his seat and offered a formal bow, his movements precise and deliberate. "Dragon of the West," he greeted, his deep voice steady. "It has been far too long."

Iroh returned the bow with a warm smile. "Indeed, General. It is good to see you have not yet grown weary of war."

Bujing smirked slightly but did not rise to the remark. Instead, he gestured toward the table. ""I hope you don't mind," he said, his tone almost conversational. "I recall this being a favorite of yours."

As Iroh and Uruso approached, Iroh took notice of the table itself. There, between them, was a Pai Sho board, already set for a game.

Iroh's smile widened as he lowered himself into the seat opposite the general. "You recall correctly. How could I resist?"

Iroh carefully moved his first Pai Sho tile across the board, a small smile tugging at his lips. "It has been a long time since I've played a match like this, General. A pity we don't have jasmine tea to accompany it."

Bujing chuckled as he made his own move. "Consider yourself lucky I even provided tea, Iroh. You are, after all, surrounded by an army that would rather see you in chains."

Iroh gave a lighthearted hum as he placed another piece. "And yet, here I am, playing a game instead of sitting in chains. That tells me you have something else in mind."

Bujing smirked, shifting another tile into place. "Pai Sho is no different from war, wouldn't you agree? A game of positioning, patience… and sacrifice."

"The key to victory is knowing when to strike and when to withdraw," Iroh mused.

"Exactly," Bujing said smoothly. "But there comes a time when withdrawal is no longer an option."

Raike, who had been standing silently beside his father, finally spoke. "With all due respect, General Iroh, the order of the White Lotus has done more withdrawing than actual fighting."

Iroh glanced up at the young colonel, studying him for a moment before his smile returned. "Ah. You must be Raike. Your father spoke of you the last time we met."

Bujing smirked. "Of course. My son is the youngest colonel in the Fire Nation's history. A prodigy, just like our Fire Lord."

Iroh arched an eyebrow. "Then I suppose the my question isn't whether or not you are talented—but how you intend to use that talent."

Raike's lips twitched upward slightly. "By surpassing my father, of course."

Bujing nodded approvingly, placing another piece down. "Indeed. But his ambitions have already exceeded my own."

Iroh leaned back slightly, watching Bujing with quietly. "Oh? And how so?"

Bujing's smirk widened. "My son dreams of asking for the Fire Lord Azula's hand in marriage."

Iroh, who had just taken a sip of his tea, immediately spat it out, coughing as he wiped his mouth. "That's… quite ambitious."

Bujing chuckled at Iroh's reaction. "Fire Lord Azula is young, powerful, and she is of perfect age. Sooner or later, a suitor will be considered, and my son intends to be first in line."

Iroh arched an eyebrow and took a slow sip of his tea, carefully schooling his expression. "Interesting." He set his cup down. "Though I imagine ruling alongside Azula is not for the faint of heart."

Raike's voice was calm. "Only the strong should stand beside the strong. Fire Lord Azula will need someone equally capable, someone who understands the burden of leadership and the necessity of sacrifice. My father built his legacy through strength, and I intend to do the same."

Governor Uruso, who had remained unusually quiet during the conversation, suddenly spoke up, his voice coated in forced admiration. "Oh, but of course! A match of such caliber would surely strengthen the Fire Nation even further! To stand beside a ruler as formidable as Fire Lord Azula, why, it is an honor beyond measure." He forced a chuckle, dabbing his forehead with the sleeve of his robe. "And surely, Fire Lord Azula would see the wisdom in such a union. A strong leader must choose a strong consort, after all."

Iroh cast a sidelong glance at Uruso, the faintest trace of amusement flickering in his eyes. "You flatter so effortlessly, Governor. I almost envy it."

Uruso gave a nervous laugh, shifting in his seat. "I only speak the truth, General Iroh. The Fire Lord's will is absolute, and it is only natural that those who stand at her side must be equally exceptional."

Bujing smirked at Uruso's eager attempt to appease. "It seems, then, that we are all in agreement." He leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "A future secured in honor and strength. But enough talk of politics—there is another matter at hand."

Iroh gave Raike a long, measured look, amusement flickering behind his golden eyes. "You haven't brought me here to ask for my blessing, have you?"

Bujing let out a hearty laugh. "No, of course not. I brought you here to offer your unconditional surrender."

Iroh set his cup down, his easygoing demeanor never faltering. "Ah, now, you see—I could have given you my blessings but surrendering...That will be a problem."

A tense silence settled over the table. Colonel Raike's hands moved to his sides. The soldiers nearby straightened, sensing the shift in atmosphere.

Iroh exhaled, glancing at Uruso, who was already beginning to look uneasy.

"Just so you know, The tea wasn't that bad."

Then, with a swift kick, he flipped the entire table.

The Pai Sho pieces scattered as the wooden table flipped into the air, the sudden movement startling the soldiers nearby. In the same instant, Iroh grabbed Governor Uruso, yanking him close like a hostage.

Colonel Raike immediately stepped forward, ready to strike, while the surrounding Fire Nation soldiers aimed their weapons at the retired general.

General Bujing, however, remained seated, barely reacting beyond a slow, amused blink. "And what now, Dragon of the West?"

Iroh tightened his hold on Uruso. "I'm taking the governor with me. If my terms aren't met, I will keep him as my prisoner."

Bujing let out a slow, rumbling laugh. "Look around you, Iroh. Are you in any position to negotiate?"

Iroh's eyes flickered to the vast army standing at the ready. The odds were impossible. But impossible odds had never stopped him before.

Before he could move, however, Bujing suddenly attacked.

A blast of fire erupted from his palm, not at Iroh—but at Governor Uruso.

The flames consumed him instantly.

The force sent Iroh flying backwards, skidding across the ground as Uruso's charred remains collapsed to the marble floor. The soldiers roared in alarm, but before they could react, the palace doors burst open.

Two White Lotus Earthbenders stormed out, slamming their feet into the ground. The earth split apart, sending several Fire Nation soldiers off balance.

Colonel Raike and his men retaliated immediately, sending fire blasts toward them. One of the Earthbenders was struck directly, engulfed in flames. The second barely managed to grab Iroh, dragging him back into the palace just as more attacks rained down.

"After them!" Bujing commanded.

The Fire Nation forces surged forward, chasing them toward the palace doors—only for the entire structure to begin changing before their eyes.

The walls shimmered, the stone shifting and hardening into solid, strange-like metal. The soldiers stopped, watching in disbelief as the palace fortified itself piece by piece, sealing them out.

General Bujing stood at the foot of the staircase, staring up at the transformed palace. He exhaled through his nose, unimpressed.

"Hmph," he muttered. "How annoying."

Colonel Raike stepped forward, fists clenched. "Your orders?"

Bujing watched the last pieces of stone turn to metal before finally speaking.

"Bring this whole wretched structure down!"