Before the sun peaked over the horizon, Nikolai was shaken awake by one of his aides. "Your Imperial Highness, the reinforcements are here," he told him, causing Nikolai to spring out of bed.
"How is this possible?" he asked as he got out of bed, put on his jacket and began to do it up. "I thought it wouldn't be for another week?"
"It would seem a division has arrived early," the officer answered as he stood before him.
"Who is it?" he asked as he finished, and the aide began helping him with his belt and sword.
"A division of Cossacks from the Kubani host, Grand Duke," he explained as he tied the knot and stepped back. "They should be here in ten minutes."
Nikolai nodded. "Very well, you may go," he said as the aide bowed before leaving his tent. "Today should be interesting," he whispered as he quickly fixed his mustache and beard before adorning his hat and opening the flap.
After the announcement, the staff of the 10th army prepared to welcome the Cossacks as they rode down the road from the portal to the south of the Ruskian encampment. Of course, this also included the 1st Squadron of the Lifeguard Hussars and the 1st Battalion of the Zlachny Guards. Ivan, as one would expect, was alongside his father when the Cossacks appeared, cresting the same hill his unit had when he first arrived. Interestingly, he noted they wore black Circassian coats with red shirts, which he thought ironic, considering they could be easily mistaken for their Fire Nation allies, at least from a distance. Soon enough, their commanders arrived, led by a man of tall stature with a large brown beard and mustache dwarfing that of his father. Unlike the regular army, the only thing which denoted him as a General was his pagoni (shoulder boards,) which displayed the rank of a Major General. To his flanks were the Colonels, each bearing a distinctly Cossack appearance, save one, who was clean-shaven. "Grand Duke, what a pleasure to see you again!" said the General as he rode up before halting in front of Nikolai while both exchanged salutes.
"Indeed, my friend," replied Nikolai. "Though I must say, I wasn't informed I would be receiving you."
The General gave a mighty laugh in response. "Well, it was a surprise for both of us!" he shouted. "You see, we were on our way to the front when I received a request to aid you in your little adventure. Now, why don't we find someplace more comfortable to talk, eh? I would rather be inside when the sun starts scorching, and our horses could use the rest."
"Of course," replied Nikolai before he turned to Ivan, who was riding beside him. "Also, I don't believe I ever introduced you. Ivan, this is Yaroslav Kazymyrovich, an old friend of mine."
"Greetings, Sir," he said with a nod and a salute, which the older General replied before both lowered their arms. However, as Ivan looked around, he noticed something missing- the rest of the Cossacks. "I apologize, but if I may be so bold: where are your men? You did bring them, didn't you?"
Yaroslav chuckled as he pointed at the young Grand Duke. "You have a bright son, Grand Duke!" he said before recomposing himself. "But yes, I did. They are just scouting out a site to set up camp."
Nikolai cocked a brow in concern. "Where?"
"Oh, don't worry, my friend. I just ordered them to head to the North West so they won't be too close to the enemy city we found to the East," he began reassuringly as Nikolai's, Ivan's, and the other Generals' expressions turned dumbfounded. "That's why you wanted those siege guns-"
"WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING!?" bellowed Nikolai in sheer frustration, leaving the Cossacks bewildered. "Do you have any idea-!?" he shouted again before pausing and turning to Ivan. "Quick, my son! Get to the Fire Nation headquarters before they cause an incident!"
"Yes, Sir!" With a swift salute, Ivan quickly galloped off before his father signalled Pyotr and some Hussars to follow him.
As Azula finished her practice for the morning, she was surprised to see a group of Ruskians led by her favourite Grand Duke swiftly riding toward her. "Ivan, what are you doing here?" she asked with folded arms as he dismounted from his horse. "I don't recall planning a visit."
When he turned to face her, she heard him sigh in relief. "Слава богу, мы не опоздали!" he shouted before turning to the other riders. "Петр, возьми своих гусар и познакомься с казаками!"
With a salute, the hussars rode off in the opposite direction as Azula spotted a column of black-clad riders slowly approaching the Headquarters. "What is the meaning of this, Grand Duke?" she asked as warning bells began to sound and the iron walls filled with soldiers while her detail rushed to her side from the open gate.
Ivan pinched the bridge of his nose as he walked toward her. "Как мне это объяснить?" she heard him whisper to himself before he sighed and took off his headdress. "I apologize, Your Highness, but due to a miscommunication, our newly arrived reinforcements decided to ride your way to set up camp. I came to ensure the peace between us remains, as Cossacks are not known for being well-mannered."
Azula cocked her brow as she continued to watch as the strangely attired cavalrymen stopped when the Hussars reached them. "Who are these Cossacks?" she asked as she focused back on Ivan.
"Some of the best warriors of our Empire," he said as Azula and her guards relaxed slightly. "Note, I said warriors, not soldiers."
"What's the difference?" she asked, curious as Ivan smirked before turning towards the incoming riders.
"A warrior fights as a group of individuals. Whereas soldiers fight as an organized unit," he explained as the hussars returned while the Cossacks began to retire toward the Ruskian camp. "Well, since I'm here anyway, could I and my men stay for breakfast?"
Azula and her guards relaxed as she snorted and gestured for him and his men to follow her as the hussars dismounted. However, as they entered the gate, she saw Mai and Ty Lee waiting. "Hey, what's going on? Are we under attack?" Ty Lee asked as she ran up to her.
Azula sighed. "No, it was a false alarm," she replied as Ty Lee and Mai caught sight of Ivan and the hussars. Interestingly, she noted one of the hussars looking at Ty Lee with a curious expression. "Oh, and the Grand Duke and his men will be joining us for breakfast."
Mai folded her arms as she reached the group. "Is that so?" she asked in her typical monotone.
Azula nodded in affirmation. "Yes, now come," she commanded as she gestured for her and Ty Lee to follow. But as she and Mai carried on, Ty Lee felt someone tap her shoulder, and she turned to find one of the Ruskians standing before her. He stood a good head taller than her at least and looked to be at least seven or eighteen. Upon closer inspection, she realized she'd seen him when Ivan came the morning after his arrival. "Здравствуйте, меня зовут Петр. Ты?" he asked as he offered her his gloved hand.
Ty Lee, ever the romantic, chuckled into her hand before she gave him her hand, which he kissed. "I'm Ty Lee, and while I gotta say you are one of the most handsome guys I've met, I can't understand you. What did you say your name was?"
The man cocked an eyebrow in response before he shook his head and pointed to himself. "Петр," he said before gesturing to her.
"Ty Lee," she answered with a grin. "And your name is Petr?" the man nodded but jolted as Ty Lee took him by the arm and began pulling him where the others had gone. "Well, come on, Petr, let's go!"
Ivan was relieved by this turn of events, though, as he walked behind the Princess and her friend, he couldn't help but feel the negative energy surrounding them. But, when he glanced behind him, he noticed Pyotr and Ty Lee stayed back. By itself, this wouldn't be a problem, but when he realized they were linked arm-in-arm, he couldn't help but shake his head as he bumped into the other girl in Azula's entourage. "Oof- Oh, pardon me, Miss-"
"Mai," she replied emotionlessly, slightly putting off the Grand Duke. "And you're Ivan, right?"
"Indeed I am," he replied as the two continued following Azula. "So, you and Azula are friends, yes? One of her guards informed us you requested her to spend time with you and Ty Lee on Sunday."
Mai gave him a sideways glance before sighing. "Yeah, you could say that. We've known each other since we were five, same with Ty Lee," the gloomy girl replied.
Ivan chuckled slightly. "Ah, I can understand that. After all, I've known most of my friends from my youth as well."
"So, you are a non-bender?" she asked, taking Ivan by surprise.
"Yes, and the same is true of my countrymen," he stated before turning to her. "Are you?"
"No," she replied as Azula turned back and gestured for Ivan to walk beside her. "Looks like she wants you."
"Probably. It was nice speaking to you, Lady Mai," he said with a nod before catching up to Azula.
"I see you met Mai," she stated without facing Ivan.
"Yes, she seems interesting," he replied. "But, I must ask, why exactly are she and Ty Lee here?"
Azula folded her arms behind her back. "They are useful to me, and we work well together," she stated plainly, causing Ivan to raise his eyebrows. "Mai, despite her looks and personality, is the most skilled knife thrower you can find, and Ty Lee is an incredible acrobat. But not only that, I've seen her take down several earth-benders at once. Does that answer your question, Grand Duke?" Ivan attempted to find a reply, yet he found himself speechless before he gave up and continued following Azula.
Once they arrived at the Headquarters, Azula found General Xang absent while the War Minister had started eating without her, much to her chagrin. "War Minister Qin, I thought you would have slept in?" she asked as she rested her hands on her hips.
War Minister Qin nearly choked when he turned his head and saw her and her entourage enter. "HAck," he coughed as he put down his drink and bowed before her. "My apologies, Your Highness," Qin replied as he stood up and took his food before leaving.
Swiftly turning to one of the servants who attended to the staff, she whispered for her to bring food for her guests before she turned to address the others. "The food will arrive shortly. For now, please be seated," she said as she took her throne, with Mai and Ty Lee making for the cushions beside it before Azula raised her hand and gestured for Ivan to take the seat to her right.
Ty Lee shrugged before sitting beside one of the Ruskian Hussars she'd met earlier while Mai took the seat to her left, and Ivan nodded before taking the cushion to her right. Of course, this was highly unusual, as the positions beside the throne were reserved for her most trusted advisors, at least until she had heirs. But, as Ivan was her guest, Azula could do whatever she pleased.
However, she recalled that, as this was the Headquarters of the 1st Army, their map displayed where all their units were. But, after a quick sweep, she sighed in relief as she recalled the servants put away the symbols the previous night. "Is something wrong?" Ivan asked, catching her slightly off-guard.
"No, I was just ensuring everyone has a seat," she lied as she turned to face him. "After all, it's not like I had time to prepare for your visit."
"Of course, I understand," he nodded before turning to face her. "Thank you for allowing us to dine with you, Your Highness."
Azula waved her hand in dismissal. "Think nothing of it, Grand Duke," she replied as servants entered carrying platters of food, which they set on the table after removing the map and setting down a tablecloth.
Pyotr couldn't think himself more lucky than he was at this moment. Beside him was the most beautiful girl he'd ever met, her voice music to his ears as she went on about something or other while he nodded and continued to eat what looked like rice mixed with meat and vegetables. If only I could understand what she was saying. He thought as he carried on with the meal as the other Hussars watched him with envy or encouragement, at least in the case of those who already had girlfriends or wives. Well, at least most of them, since two had to stay back with the horses, as it wasn't like the Fire Nation knew how to care for them.
"-But you know, it's fun... Oh, who am I kidding? It's not like you can understand a word I'm saying," Ty Lee said before sighing as she continued eating. Well, Ivan can speak our language. Maybe he can translate? No, no. Later.
Nikolai chuckled in reply as Yaroslav continued telling his stories. "You think I'm not serious? I have the scars to prove it!" he shouted as he rolled up his sleeve and displayed a massive scar. "The beast nearly bit my arm clean off! Thankfully, I severed its head first!"
The others continued to laugh as Nikolai shook his head before tapping his teacup with his spoon, gaining the attention of the other commanders. "Alright, gentlemen, I believe that is enough!" he began as the room went silent. "Thank you. Now, as you have yet to be informed, here is what we know about our enemies and our allies so far," he said before they briefed General Mazurenko and his colonels.
"I see," Yaroslav said once they finished. "It is surprising, though I've heard stranger things in my time. So, what will you have us do? Unfortunately, the siege artillery won't be here for another few days, delayed due to all the traffic on the rail network."
Nikolai stroked his beard in thought. "That is troubling. We will only have a few days to capture the city before our troops return to the command of the Stavka," he stated as he studied the map. We'll have to attack earlier than planned, but where? But, as his eyes moved south, he focused on the wall defending the coast of the nearby lake. Perfect. "Gentlemen, if I may have your attention for a moment, I believe I have the perfect target in mind. See this wall? It's cut off from the rest of the city save this bridge."
General Alexeev grinned as he crossed his arms. "My men can get it done, Your Imperial Highness. When do you wish to start?"
Nikolai hummed as he considered his options before nodding. "We attack at dawn tomorrow. Your Pioneers and the Cossacks will capture the wall," he explained. "For now, get your men into position near the hills here. The rest, I shall leave to you."
The six men bowed before they departed, leaving Nikolai with Boskovsky, Orlovsky, and Bobrinsky. "Pardon me, Grand Duke, but what would you have us do? Our men are starting to get frustrated at the lack of action," stated Boskovsky.
Nikolai began to ponder, only to realize he had no easy solution, as starting the siege now would only lose him the element of surprise. "No, we can't begin until the reinforcements arrive," he sighed as he slicked back his hair. "Is that all?"
"I believe so, Grand Duke. Although your son has yet to return," Boskovsky replied before he and the others bowed before they departed.
Nikolai shook his head as he chuckled slightly. "Ah, I should probably make sure he's alright," he said as he stood up and took his hat before heading out of the tent. "Major, inform the others I am going to the Fire Nation Headquarters," he said as he passed the officer in question.
"At once, Your Imperial Highness," he replied as he walked down the path to the stables and took his horse before gathering a small bodyguard and departing the Ruskian encampment.
After breakfast, the group stayed inside and conversed until one of Azula's guards walked in and bowed before her. "Princess, Ivan's father is here. Should we let him in?"
Azula gestured for him to rise. "No, we'll just meet him at the gate," she replied before turning to Ivan as the guard stood and left. "Well, I suppose we shouldn't keep him waiting."
"Indeed," said Ivan as he stood and turned to his hussars. "Come on, men, let's go."
Pyotr nodded before turning to Ty Lee. "I'm sorry, I have to go. It was nice meeting you," he said as he took her hand and kissed it.
She chuckled in response. "我想我會這樣說再見," she said as she leaned forward and pecked the hussar officer on the cheek before grabbing his arm and pulling him along with the others. I'm in heaven! he thought as he recovered from his bliss to the point he could walk with her.
Soon after they arrived at the gate, Ivan found his father and his men waiting just inside the wall. "Ah, there you are, my son," he said as he embraced him before turning to Azula and Mai. "Thank you for keeping him company, Your Highness. I am sorry about the misunderstanding this morning."
"Oh, think nothing of it, Grand Duke," she replied as she turned to Mai. "Mai, this is Grand Duke Nikolai."
Nikolai extended his hand to take Mai's, but she refused it. "No thanks," she said before she turned and walked away, with Azula glaring at her in response while Nikolai and Ivan looked toward each other in confusion.
"What was that about?" Nikolai whispered in Ruskian as Ivan shrugged before turning back to Azula.
Azula sighed as she turned to regard the Ruskians. "Don't worry about her. Mai's been in a foul mood these past few days. Anyway, there are some things I must attend to..." she began but paused as both parties turned toward Ty Lee and Pyotr, who'd only just caught up.
Ivan shook his head as he saw they were linked arm-in-arm once again. "Sorry we took so long," Ty Lee said once she arrived, while Pyotr quickly slipped out of her arm at the curious look Nikolai gave him. "Oh, who is this?" she asked as she gestured toward the Grand Duke.
"I am Grand Duke Nikolai Vladimirovich Asimov, Ivan's father," he said as he gave her a confused gaze. "And who are you, young lady?"
Righting herself at Azula's annoyed glare, she quickly righted herself. "I'm Ty Lee. Nice to meet you," she said with a nod.
"You are Azula's friend?" Nikolai asked as Ty Lee smiled and nodded. "I see. Well, I can say the same, Ty Lee. But I'm afraid Ivan and I must be going," he said before he turned to Azula and inclined his head. "Ty Lee, Your Highness," he said before he, Ivan, and their bodyguard departed before mounting their horses and riding back toward the Ruskian encampment. "So, Ivan, did you learn anything interesting about the Princess today?" Nikolai asked as they rode across the scorching desert plains.
"No, save that she has a very peculiar taste in friends," he replied. "Now, what happened with the Cossacks? Did they get back?"
The elder Grand Duke nodded. "Yes. But I've sent them on an errand, and they won't be back for at least a few days, or how long their supplies last," he explained as Ivan gave him a curious look.
"What errand?" he asked as he paused.
"Oh, don't worry, my son. Now, let's get back."
As the sun began to set, five men stood in green and beige textile armour, watching the valley below them from the windows of their fortified watchtower. Or at least, that's what they were supposed to be doing. "Got any Earth crests?" asked one as he held his wooden cards close to his chest.
"Damn it! How did you know!" yelled the younger soldier facing him as the other three watched from the sidelines.
"Gotta give it to you, Ring Re. That's the third time in a row," said another of the soldiers as the man in question put down his last card and took the remaining coins on the table for himself.
"Well, what can I say? I have a talent for this. Now, wanna play again-" he began to say before he was interrupted by the sound of the door downstairs opening.
"It's probably the Lieutenant. Quick, hide the game," whispered the fourth man of the group as each quickly put away the pieces and moved the table as silently as possible before putting their helmets and standing at attention. But, rather than their superior marching up the stairs and giving them an earful, there was complete silence.
"Uh, hey, Sir, aren't you here to inspect the watchtower?" called the final man of the group. After receiving no response, he turned to the others as they readied their stances. "You think it might be the Fire Nation?"
The fourth man shrugged. "How should I know? They've never shown interest in cutting off the port before," he stated, which all of them knew to be true. After all, even during the Dragon of the West's six hundred days, the Fire Nation had never attempted to cut the connection between Ba Sing Se and Fullmoon Bay.
"Well, whatever it is, we're soldiers, not defenceless children. Now, let's get them before they burn this place down!" whispered Ring Re as he turned to the others and pointed to the windows. "We'll use the windows to get to their level, then bring down the watchtower on top of them."
The other Earthbenders nodded as Ring Re approached the window and bent it open before turning to his cohorts. "There, now you should-"
"Там есть один! "BANG!" and right before their eyes, their colleague fell backward, his helmet flying off as his head rocked back, his face a mangled mess of blood and gore.
Terrified, the others quickly took shelter as several more "bangs" echoed outside, with small metal "things" whizzing about as they struck the wall opposite them. "Прекратить огонь!" came a shout, and suddenly it all stopped. "Hey, do you understand me!?" The four men turned to each other but said nothing. "Очень хорошо. Пионеры, возьмите их!"
Suddenly, the hatch leading to the stairs blew open, and men in dark green uniforms wearing strange metal helmets and chest armour stormed in, wielding weapons they'd never seen before. "РУКИ ВВЕРХ!" shouted one as he and his men pointed their peculiar weapons at them.
One of the Earthbenders suddenly attempted to raise his arm to bend, only for one of these alien soldiers to raise his weapon and fire it, blowing his arm clean off and sending the Earthbender against the wall as his comrades looked in horror as their ears rang from the noise. "РУКИ ВВЕРХ!" another shouted, his eyes cold as he and one of his fellows took the arms of another Earthbender and raised them above his head and began leading him out of the watchtower, his eyes glued to the corpse of Ring Re as the men led him down the stairs and outside, where he came face-to-face with one wearing ornately decorated armour and a crested helmet standing beside at least ten others. Now that he had time to examine these men, he found their skin unnaturally pale while their eyes appeared wider, with colours ranging from brown to blue.
Soon enough, the rest of the Earthbenders, save the one who'd lost his arm, arrived and were forced alongside him. "Сколько их было?" asked the gilded man as he turned to one of the others.
"Всего пять. Один мертв, другой серьезно ранен, сэр," the soldier replied.
The gilded man shook his head. "Я понимаю. Вы уволены, Сарджент," he said as the two exchanged hand gestures before the other man turned and marched off. "Now, as for you. Explain yourselves," still shocked by everything that happened, the Earthbenders found themselves unable to answer. "Отвезите их обратно в штаб-квартиру," he said with a sigh as he gestured for some of his soldiers to take them.
Hey everyone, I hope you enjoy this chapter. Be sure to watch as next time, we'll get to see the first major engagement of the Russo-Earth Kingdom War. Don't forget to share and review. Also, if you enjoy, please don't forget to fav and follow, as it will encourage more people to read.