Suddenly, the Fire Princess ceased her now amicable conversation with the young Grand Duke over when it was appropriate to smile when her eyes fell upon a formation of tractors similar to the one she saw earlier in camp. On their carriages sat men in uniforms little different to the infantry, though their cords were red, and the badge on their headdresses differed. However, as her eyes landed on the rear row, she found herself intrigued when she realized that the drivers were women, or at least, she presumed them to be judging by their "uniform," which only consisted of a basic white dress and a red head-covering, with a single white belt worn across the chest, with a weapon, similar to those of the cavalry, carried on their shoulders. On their left sleeve, they also wore a red armband. "Excuse me, but who are these?" Azula asked as she gestured to the tractors and their drivers.

"Men and women of the supply companies. As you might have guessed, they pilot the wagons and tractors," he answered.

In response, Azula hummed in approval. "And here I was beginning to think you had no female soldiers."

"Well, I wouldn't call them soldiers per se, more akin to helpers and logisticians. Their weapons are for emergencies only," the young Grand Duke explained. "Also, considering your statement, do you mean to tell me it is a common practice in your country for women to enlist?"

Azula allowed herself a moment to think before forming her reply. "Why, yes, as they compose a third of our internal troops, though very few enter into regular service, and even then, most become officers," she said before continuing. "However, I should like to know why you don't consider those women soldiers. They are a part of the army, are they not?"

"Indeed, that they are. As the women receive pay for their service. However, in my eyes, while they are a necessary part of the army, that does not make them soldiers. And if they have to fight, it is for their survival if threatened, not for military purposes."

"Wait, what do you mean?" Azula asked in confusion. "Surely you need every citizen to fight for their nation, so why not have them fight?"

Ivan gave a light chortle. "But you see, that's not the problem. We have more than enough young men to fight for Ruskia. However, many of these women volunteered to be with their husbands, while others- Well, I refuse to speak for all of them, as each has varied reasons. But either way, we will not put them on the frontline of combat if they do not wish to be," he relayed before his attention turned to the latest units in the parade. "Ah, here comes the guns."

As much as she wished to continue the previous line of conversation, finding his thoughts interesting, she followed his gaze to see the "guns" move forward. These were the same as those she'd seen lined up earlier, with the horses hauling these peculiar devices as men steered the horses while others marched beside them. "Pardon my asking, but what exactly are these?"

"These, Your Highness, are 4-pounder Field Guns. Though, I must wonder, have you heard of cannons?" he asked to which she nodded.

"Indeed I have, though, historically speaking, we abandoned them early on due to firebenders proving themselves superior in practically every way," she explained. "Why do you ask?"

In response, a slight grin formed on his face, though he still faced away from her. "You shall soon see, Your Highness," he paused, and for a moment, she considered questioning him before he continued. "Though you may not have understood, General Alexeev has planned for a demonstration after the parade."

Internally, she sighed as she took another sip from her water can. Azula truly wished she could kick back in her tent and give herself time to relax. However, as her thoughts turned to her camp, it took all her mastery of her emotions not to show the fatigue she felt upon remembering she would need to write to her father the moment she returned. Rather than getting frustrated, however, Azula attempted to regulate her body heat and cool herself down, reducing the amount of sweat on her forehead. "What sort of demonstration?"

"As I said before, you shall see," he replied as his smirk grew, if ever so slightly.

Soon after the parade concluded, Azula and her companions found themselves led away from the main camp, and they arrived at a barren patch of desert to the south, along with the 1000 men with them, where they dismounted. Here, the Ruskians had erected a large pavilion with a comparatively small detachment of soldiers, eight "guns," and the same tractors as the one she'd seen pulling the cart earlier.However, unlike before, the guns were attached to the tractors in a row with their horses under several other pavilions. She could also vaguely make out several large wooden boards, with one much further than the other, though for what purpose, she could only speculate. "Now, before we begin, I warn you: What you are about to behold may compromise your hearing abilities. So, when I tell you to cover your ears, I suggest you listen." he began. "Now, would anyone care for refreshment?"

Soon several soldiers came with a long folding table and placed a white tablecloth on it. Then, they served an assortment of dishes stacked atop the other using a system of layered porcelain plates on a metal frame. The refreshments consisted primarily of various cuts of meat, some strange imitation of dumplings, and some form of sweet rolls, though darker with a coarse appearance, and cut into smaller pieces. Aside from this were served tea sets of fine-patterned white porcelain, with strange utensils placed before each of those seated. "What's this?" asked General Xang as he examined the thing before him.

In response, Ivan seemed to be stifling a chuckle while his father looked at him as he held up his own. "This is a fork, Sir. You use it to eat. However, before we begin-" he said as he turned to his son. "Не могли бы вы благословить еду?" (Would you please bless the food?)

"Да, конечно," (Yes, of course) he answered before he and the other Ruskians took off their headdresses, closed their eyes and bowed their heads.

"О Боже, наш вечный Отец, я прошу в это время, чтобы, когда мы идем в этот день, у нас был Твой дух, чтобы быть с нами. Мы также просим в это время благословение на эту пищу и добрые и любящие руки который приготовил его, чтобы он укрепил и напитал наши тела. Я говорю это во имя Твоего сына Джошвы, аминь." (O Deus, our eternal Father, I ask at this time that as we walk into this day, we may have Your spirit to be with us. We also ask at this time for the blessing of this food, the kind and loving hands that were waiting for him, so that he would strengthen and nourish our body. I say this in the name of Your son Joshwa, amen.)

Once again, Azula's mind returned to that uncomfortable moment at their headquarters. However, though she hadn't noticed it before, she realized then, much like now, when they performed these actions, they always did so with such reverence and sincerity that they spoke: Low, quiet, and gentle, like a prayer. However, unlike the situations in which she'd attended to the sages and their temples:Thiswas far from a mere display. To some degree, she was disgusted, as the very idea of royalty displaying such open humility without ceremony was jarring. Yet, for some reason, as the young Grand Duke spoke, she felt almost compelled to join him. Of course, she was equally curious about what he was saying, though she assumed it to be the typical things heard in prayers to Agni.

These thoughts she pushed aside as Ivan ceased praying, and the Ruskians began eating and drinking. In response, Azula tried one of the cuts of circular meat, taking after the Ruskians and poking through it with her fork. When she lifted it and took a bite, she was mildly surprised by its coarse texture and salty flavour before taking another. "What is this?" asked General Chi as he took a piece of the sweet roll, only to recoil slightly.

"Oh, that's rye bread. You're supposed to eat it with the meat and butter," answered Ivan as he finished what he'd eaten before doing as he suggested, spreading butter and placing a piece of meat on it before taking it in his hand and eating it.

"This is quite interesting," said Qin as he took a bite of a dumpling. "Though I can't say it's to my liking."

Nikolai, despite this, appeared in good humour. "Understandable," he replied before turning to one of his attendants. "Скажи им, чтобы начали демонстрацию." (Tell them to start the demonstration)

"Немедленно, великий князь," (Immediately, Grand Duke) replied the man, snapping to attention before running off toward the assembled Ruskian soldiers. Once whatever he'd said was relayed and various commands given by their commanders, the entire formation shouldered their weapons and turned perpendicular to where they sat. Then, they marched forward until they stood where they could see the distant wooden boards before stopping.

"НА КАРАУЛ!" (On guard!) Came the ear-wrenching shout of an officer on horseback as the soldiers swapped their weapons to the right before bringing the bottom to their shoulders, facing what she now presumed to be a target. Just what are they-

"Now, before-" began Nikolai, only to be interrupted by-

"ОГОНЬ ПО РЯДАМ - ОГОНЬ!" (Fire by ranks - fire!)

"BANG! BANG! BANG!"

For what felt like an eternity, Azula found herself; for probably the first time in her life, genuinely speechless. She could only stare blankly as the distant target became shrouded in a thick fog. Her ears rang like nothing she'd ever experienced before, causing her momentarily deafness as she held her hands to them in discomfort. She turned to see her commanders had reacted in the same manner as herself, if perhaps less violently, though the Ruskians were another story.

They had remained unfazed, though she noted the slight frown on Nikolai's face as he shook his head. Ivan, however, seemed to be looking at her in concern and asking something, though she couldn't make it out. For some reason, she felt. Good. Soon, however, she recalled her compromising position and lowered her hands as her hearing began returning. "Azula, are you alright?" she heard him ask, though faint, due to the ringing.

"I'm fine-" she paused as she recalled that Nikolai said he would give a warning, so she stood and glared at him. "Wait, I thought you said you would warn us! Were you trying to make me deaf!"

"My apologies. It would seem I gave it too late," Nikolai said, standing up and giving her a slight nod. "Though I promise I shall not make the same mistake twice."

"Yes, I should hope-" It was then that Azula paused. As the fog dissipated, she spotted what remained of the target. "How did you..." she trailed as she stared blankly at the shattered, hole-ridden thing.

"What do you-" he paused as he turned to face where she was looking. "Oh, the target. Yes, they shot it."

"B-But, that's impossible! That must be two Li at least!" she shouted in accusation.

In response, Nikolai grinned slightly. "Would you like to see how we did it for yourself?" he asked as he turned to one of his soldiers and gestured for the man to come closer. He did as ordered and handed him his weapon, which he took in both hands.

Seeing it more closely, Azula noticed the strange bolt mechanism near the back of it, which connected to the long metal tube running the length of the device, with the blade at the end appearing interlocked rather than fully attached like a spearhead. However, she quickly refocused on his offer. "What exactly do you mean?"

"Simple: Would you or one of your commanders wish to shoot?" Nikolai asked.

In response, she heard someone stand up, and she turned to see it was General Xang. She also noted General Chi's mouth agape while the War Minister furiously wrote something down with a pen and a pot of ink. "Your Highness, if you would allow me the honour, I wish to test this weapon for myself," Xang said with a bow.

In response, Nikolai nodded. "Very well. Would you follow me, please?" he asked as he gestured for the man to follow him.

Though slightly vexed that Nikolai ignored that the General had asked for her permission, Xang followed as Azula watched with rapt attention. However, her vision changed focus to the unit of soldiers as one man suddenly fell to the dirt, presumably from overexposure to Agni's rays. Two soldiers quickly removed the man's headdress and dragged him toward the nearest source of cover, which, unfortunately, was the canopy she was standing under. "Excuse me but-" she was going to say to Ivan, only to discover he'd jumped out of his seat, grabbed a glass of water and ran over to them just as one of the soldiers was retrieving his water container from the pack on his back. The other, she noted, was removing the man's boots when he arrived on the other side of the table.

"Эй, не забудьте расстегнуть пальто, ребята," (Hey, don't forget to unbutton your jacket, guys) Ivan said as he sat down beside the barely conscious man before slowly pouring the water into his mouth as she watched in confusion at his actions. Why should he care? This man was just another soldier who couldn't take the heat, and Ivan was the 2nd highest-ranked person in this army. Yet there he sat, giving water to a commoner as the man fiddling with his pack gave up and began unbuttoning the other soldier's jacket and removing his belts.

In the meantime, Nikolai had stopped moving toward the field and instead turned toward the unit used for the demonstration. "Майор, уберите своих людей с солнца, СЕЙЧАС!" (Major, get your men out of the sun, now!) he bellowed as the man on the horse turned and shouted at his soldiers, who quickly began marching away. Then, the elder Grand Duke marched over to Ivan, who he patted on the shoulder, gesturing for him to move as Nikolai knelt beside the man and touched a hand to his forehead. "Он должен быть в порядке. Вы двое, отведите его к медикам." (He should be fine. You two, get him to the medics.)

"Немедленно великий князь," (Immediately Grand Duke) the soldiers replied before picking up the man and carrying him to a nearby tent with a red cross on it.

For her part, Azula was speechless as she watched this display of practically everything her father warned her against: "Show no emotion, trust no one, though fear they will learn respect." These words echoed through her mind as she watched these two men of status aid a lowly soldier. However, she was shaken from her thoughts when Nikolai turned to a confused General Xang, with the weapon still held in his off-hand. "I apologize, General. Now, let us go," he said as he stood and continued toward where the soldiers had demonstrated.

Then, she watched as Nikolai began moving some mechanisms at the base of the weapon before placing something into it- "Это должно быть хорошо," (This is going to be good) said the familiar voice of the younger Grand Duke as he stood beside her with his arms behind his back and a slight grin on his face. Then, without warning, he took off his headdress, exposing his short, curly brown hair before placing it on the table and turning to Azula.

"What did you say?" she asked as she turned to him, trying to keep from staring at his now-revealed hair.

"Just watch," he replied, gesturing to his father, demonstrating his weapon. Suddenly, Nikolai brought it to his shoulder, the same way the soldiers had, and activated it, causing it to emit a loud bang as the end flashed brightly, leaving a small cloud of smoke. However, this was not the only effect it had, as she saw the target shake slightly as a new hole appeared on its surface. Unlike last time, Azula was not nearly as shocked as she knew what to expect.

Azula then watched as Nikolai pulled back the bolt, and a brass cylinder flew backward before he turned and shouted to the same soldier who'd handed him the weapon. She was just about to turn and ask the younger Grand Duke what had happened when he chose to speak. "Our "vintovki" are impressive, no?" he asked without turning to her.

Azula pondered his meaning before her mind lit up in understanding. He meant the weapons, of course! "Well, how do I know that these "vintovki" of yours work?

"What do you mean?" Ivan asked with a cocked brow as he looked at her in mild confusion.

"Well, for all I know, you somehow timed explosives to match when your little thunder sticks go off," she explained, giving him a critical look while folding her arms. Of course, this wasn't how she truly felt, as she was merely hoping he'd give her a better look if she appeared skeptical.

"In that case, do you wish to try?" he asked as he turned to her.

"As interesting as that sounds, I'm afraid I must decline," Azula replied politely. Even though she was curious, she would not allow herself to stoop to the level of a common soldier before her commanders.

However, just when it seemed Ivan was preparing to respond, a familiar boom echoed. Then, Azula turned to see General Xang staring wide-eyed at the target as the "vintovka" fired before he slowly lowered it. The General remained in place as Nikolai took the weapon from him and opened the bolt at the back, causing another brass cylinder to jump out, landing behind him where she realized there were many others. Suddenly, the General shook his head before turning to the elder Grand Duke and spoke with him, and the two began walking back toward the pavilion. "-Your Imperial Highness. These weapons of yours are like nothing I've ever seen," she heard him say as they came closer.

In response, Nikolai chuckled lightly before grinning at him. "Well, wait until you see what else we have in store," he said before turning to Azula. "Now, Your Highness, what did you think?"

Azula, interested to see what he thought, turned to General Xang instead of directly answering the Grand Duke, though he seemed confident. "General, what did you think?"

The General stiffened and paused to consider his words carefully before the man began explaining his thoughts. "To be honest, I've never in my life thought it possible. Yet, despite never having used these weapons, I hit the target and penetrated it on my first try."

"And how do you know that you did?" Azula asked, curious.

Seemingly more comfortable, General Xang continued. "The Grand Duke explained that the projectile it fires is composed of two parts, the "pulya" and the "obolochka," but when the trigger on the "vintovka" fires, the "pulya" explodes out of the "obolochka" and hits the target at devastating speed. Then you pull the bolt back, and the casing ejects without the main projectile before you insert a new "pulya" and push it back into place. Of course, I don't know how it all works, just what he showed me."

Azula nodded, satisfied by his answer, though she presumed he was hiding his true thoughts until they were back at camp. At the same time, she tried to keep herself from imagining the repercussions such weapons would have when used by those who'd trained with them. "Indeed, General. I couldn't have said it better myself," said Nikolai with a slight smile. "But, we're not done yet. So I would suggest you sit down and finish. After all, it would be a shame to waste all this food."

Curious and slightly concerned, Azula followed his instructions and sat back down, taking several things and placing them on her plate. She found the other food strange, and while there was no comparison with her meals back at the palace, it was nonetheless passable. However, after roughly fifteen minutes of silence, as the two parties involved finished breakfast, there came distant shouting, followed by the distinct sounds of machinery as tractors towing the "guns" Ivan mentioned earlier made their way forward. Soon the crews unloaded them and got to work turning them so that the tubes faced the hole-racked target. Then, the soldiers opened the doors on the back of the carts, and they fetched several of the large cylinders she'd seen before loading them with practised ease into the back of the large tubes through breeches which they closed once they were inside. "Please, cover your ears," Nikolai stated as he and everyone else did so before he turned to a man holding his arm up while the others held ropes attached to the "guns," seemingly preparing to pull on them. "Батарея, огонь!" (Battery, fire!)

"Батарея, огонь!" (Battery, fire!) The man with his arm up repeated before he swung downward, and the men pulled the ropes-

"BOOM!"

Even though Azula understood what was happening, this felt worse than the "vintovki." The earth shook as the business end exploded back as something flew out of it at incredible speed while the deafening boom echoed over the plain. She wouldn't have been surprised if the sentries on the great outer wall of Ba Sing Se could hear it. Then, as the projectiles fired from their "guns" started arching downward. Azula now realized their target had been the one further off, and now she knew why: As soon as they landed, they exploded, throwing up sand and earth as they impacted. When the dust cleared, there was nothing left but debris and craters. When she lowered her hands, all she could hear was that incessant ringing, though at least it was better than the first time. "How is this possible?" the War Minister said, and she turned to find his mouth agape, his eyes wide as he stared toward where there was once undisturbed land and a wooden target.

As much as she would have loved to give him a snide remark, Azula found she could say nought at all, as her mind was far more concerned with figuring out if what she'd seen had occurred. But when she blinked, and the destruction and ringing were still there, she realized what she had beheld was real."From what I've seen, you might even take Ba Sing Se outright." Her words rang in her mind. At the time, she hadn't truly meant it, as even when the Fire Nation had deployed several hundred thousand men, it still hadn't been enough, as her uncle's failure had shown. However, her prediction may have proved correct for one of the few times she could recall throughout this whole escapade.

I apologize for not uploading in a while. But here it is, the end of the first act (don't worry, we still have about five or six to go). I hope this chapter is to your liking, but if you think there is a way it can be improved, I ask that you leave a review.