The hour was late when the Zlachny Life-Guards and Life-Guard Jagers arrived in Ba Sing Se. After taking over a complex of abandoned houses within the Lower Ring, they slept through the night, and before they knew it, the dawn was breaking on a new day. Now that they could better see the city, they admitted that, while over-crowded, it still possessed a beauty to it. "I cannot believe it's only been a week and a few days, and we're already here," Pavel said as he took a deep breath before a slight smile adorned his features. He, along with Ivan, Antonov, Dimitriev, Alexeev, and most other officers and senior NCOs, had woken up first, taking the short time they had to enjoy each other's company.
"Ivan nodded. "Indeed, my friend, indeed. It's not every day that such a thing occurs. I mean, look at this place," he said, spreading his arms and gesturing toward the wall further inside. "And to think, this city will soon belong to the Empire, at least, after Father proclaims it so."
In response, Alexeev nodded. "Of course, Grand Duke, but we mustn't rest on our laurels. If things go well today, we'll probably return to the Dobrish Front or wherever high command needs us," all the other men around him nodded in acceptance. Sure, they had only fought once so far, but even on that single day in May, they had lost so many to the point the unit was almost rendered combat ineffective. Which, despite everything, was the primary reason Alexeev allowed men like Antonov to become guard officers, or even the young ensign who'd lied about his age to graduate. Of course, there were many others due to the staggering losses among the officers of the Zlachny regiment, either cannibalized from other units, promoted on merit, or who wormed their way in by taking advantage of the Colonel's need for officers to keep the unit functioning. Regardless, the unit maintained cohesion, at least for the time being, and it seemed his many interviews over the past week and prior paid dividends in keeping the spirit of the regiment alive. Even better, despite the heat and the occasional bouts of illness and fever here and there, this adventure was relaxing for the most part. Yes, he would have preferred to see his family, but he was grateful to be away from the horrors of the Kordish war machine.
Ivan sighed deeply. "Alas, you're probably right," he replied as he turned to the Sun rising in the Eastern Sky.
When Lieutenant Dimitri Amyanov awoke to men knocking on his tent two hours after the initial dispatch, he could tell by their worn faces that something was amiss. When he asked why, they informed him of the unthinkable: Sergeant Han, along with the Lieutenant's younger brother Gregori and Trooper Boris, were found dead alongside their mounts. Wishing to know what happened, he rode out with some of his men to investigate further. They arrived about two hours later, finding the corpses with their mounts standing beside them. When he arrived, he dismounted and began checking the bodies while three of his men took the horses before riding back toward camp. His brother and Boris were side by side, while the Sergeant was more off to the side. Thanks to the horses, it seemed no scavengers had gotten to the bodies, making it easier to identify what killed them. "What do you think, Sir?" Asked one of his men.
Dimitri nodded and got to work despite his sorrow. He had loved his brother dearly, and to see him in such a pitiful state broke his heart. Sure, they didn't see eye to eye at times, but the Lieutenant always saw it as his duty to protect him. Now, here he lay, his chest pushed inward unnaturally- "Wait a minute. What's with this?" He asked as he opened his jacket and pulled up his undershirt. Sure enough, Gregori's torso was a complete wreck: There was bruising around his ribs, and his chest was shallow. Dry blood sat on his lips, and when Dimitri turned him over, he saw his spine in shambles. While he was unfamiliar with the cause, he recalled the aftermath of his unit's charge on Monday and remembered that some of his men received similar wounds. "This was the work of one of them," the Lieutenant whispered before standing up and looking around. Then, he saw a fist-sized stone lying by his brother's side. Feeling his hand shaking with rage and his eyes beginning to water, he shook his head and turned to his men. "Come, guys. Let's bring them back and bury them. Then, we'll find who did this!"
After entering the city the previous day, Toph found herself confused by the lack of action. There was no one on the walls, nor was there any active fighting. It felt like the Lower Ring was a ghost town, save the soldiers who walked to and fro, the people she could sense inside their homes, and small groups of civilians brave enough to walk in the streets. She'd spent the night in an alley in an Earth tent of her own making, and as usual, she'd woken up early and began searching for her friends, although she knew it would be difficult due to the scale of the city. She figured Aang and Sokka would've been back by now, but they'd never stated when they intended to be back, though to be fair, she hadn't either. Regardless, she thought Katara would've likely tried to help with the wounded, meaning she would be somewhere nearby, given the breach's location in correlation to the enemy's positions. Yes, she thought enemy, as, based on the conversations she overheard and their music, they weren't Ashmakers. Which caused her to think perhaps the men she killed weren't Fire Nation either. She shook her head. "I don't have time for this. I need to find Katara," she whispered before disappearing into a back alley and bending her way underground. When she did, she also heard her stomach rumble. "And some food and water, I guess."
Nikolai had stirred much earlier and began setting things in order. Last night, he'd received three telegrams: One from the Stavka congratulating him on his swift victory. The second was from Mr. Gusev, who informed him the shipment would arrive sometime in the next few days. Finally, the last was from Senior Inspector Uliyanov, the local head of the Okhrana, the state's secret police, on the other side of the portal. His reply was curt: He would meet with him later in the morning to discuss the matter before carrying out his duties in the city. So, there he sat, waiting for the Inspector's arrival. Boskovsky was still in Ba Sing Se, waiting to advance. Alexeev stayed with the siege artillery, and Orlov and Bobrinsky were with Boskovsky. Recalling his meeting with Long Feng, he'd never stated a specific time, but he supposed it would be the perfect time to perform his side of the bargain. Now, when Azula and her Generals had requested that he hand over any wanted persons, he didn't think the list would include old men and children. What could they have done to deserve it, and what would the Fire Nation do once they got their hands on them? He sighed deeply, wiping sweat from his brow. "Why did I agree to this?" He questioned as he pinched the bridge of his nose when someone knocked on the door. "Yes?" He asked as he recomposed himself.
Major Shostakovich opened the door. "Your Imperial Highness, the Senior Inspector is here."
Nikolai nodded. "Send him in."
Shostakovich saluted and left. Then, the Inspector entered, his striking blue officer uniform and cocked hat unmistakable. "I wish you health, Your Imperial Highness," he said, taking his hat and genuflecting.
"I wish you health, Senior Inspector," he replied. "Now, please have a seat."
The man nodded and did as ordered. "Very well, Grand Duke. Now, what exactly do you want me to accomplish?"
Nikolai rubbed his chin and took a moment to think. After a moment, however, he figured the first order of business would be to plan the arrest of the wanted individuals. Yes, it left a sour taste in his mouth, but there was no choice. He had agreed to do it. And if he wanted to keep the peace, he would have to follow through. So, with a hollow breath, he stowed his feelings away. "I need you to arrest these people," he said, pulling out the posters of those he'd located.
Uliyanov gave them a once-over before placing them down. "And why am I arresting them?"
Nikolai sighed. "Because it was one of the conditions of my agreement with the Fire Nation, the allies I hope you've heard about?"
The man nodded. "Yes, the telegram I received mentioned something about that. So, this is a part of some condition?" Nikolai nodded. "I see. Do you have any information about what these people have done?"
Nikolai sighed deeply. "To be honest, I don't know. And considering the Fire Princess is in a coma upstairs, I have no one to ask."
The Inspector gained a thoughtful look. "Hm... So, you wish for me to arrest people who, as far as I am aware, are innocent?" He questioned with a cocked brow. Again, Nikolai nodded. "Very well, Grand Duke. When would you like the arrest to be made?"
"As soon as possible," he replied before standing up. "Once they're in our custody, I want you to accompany me to the negotiations."
The other man followed. "Of course, Sir," he said with a nod. "Now, when do you wish to leave?"
As soon as Iroh had woken up, he stirred his nephew and Katara, and the three packed all the necessities to make a quick escape. However, before they could leave, they had already begun receiving customers. Most were Ruskians, but some he noticed wore different uniforms, and none of these men spoke the local language. They also weren't as keen on herbal teas, instead preferring to order black or green tea. He knew he should have left, but the tea-lover felt it was wrong to leave these people without first giving them what they wanted. Besides, their money, strange though it was, was also highly appreciated. Even surprising was that some locals had popped by as the day progressed. Soon, breakfast passed, and around lunchtime, he received some seemingly prominent guests: The first was a man, who, much like Nikolai the previous day, was welcomed with song, only it wasn't the Ruskians who sang, but one of the foreign outfits, and the second accompanied him, along with his staff. He couldn't understand what either one said, but when a group of Ruskian officers entered the teahouse, one of them walked up. "Y a-t-il un problème, Messieurs ?" (Is there a problem, Sirs?) the young teen asked, his bluish-grey eyes turned toward the two men, the first in plain clothes, and the second wore a dark blue uniform with many decorations.
The man in the plainer clothes nodded while gesturing. "Oui, nous ne pouvons pas le comprendre, grand-duc." (Yes, we cannot understand him, Grand Duke.)
"Je comprends, Prince Régent," (I understand, Prince Regent) he said before turning to Iroh. "Pardon me for asking, but would you like me to translate?"
Iroh nodded with a smile. "I would appreciate that, young man," he replied sincerely.
The young officer nodded before turning to the six men seated at their table. "Qu'est-ce que vous aimeriez commander, messieurs ?" (What would you wish to order, gentlemen?) He asked.
The men answered in the same tongue before the boy turned to him and explained their orders. "Thank you. I shall get right on it," he said before turning and leaving. As he did, he realized the boy's eyes were uncannily similar to Nikolai's.
Once they finished lunch, the officers of the Zlachny Guards Regiment decided to visit what was quickly becoming one of the popular spots for Ruskian officers to socialize. After the Jasmine Dragon fell into their hands the day before Yesterday, it had already begun gaining notoriety, which exploded in the aftermath of his Father's visit. As such, it was only a matter of time until the Officers of the Guard decided to get in on the action, and since they had to wait anyway, they figured it was the perfect time. When they arrived, Ivan noted the appearance of both Kossuth and Haller speaking with what he presumed was the elderly owner of the establishment. After clearing up the communication issue, he found his fellows and sat beside them, though he was sure to keep his distance from Antonov. Of course, the young Grand Duke still felt guilty for his jab the other day and genuinely wanted to apologize. The only problem was that he couldn't think of any easy way to approach the issue without making things worse between them. So, Ivan bided his time, waiting for the right moment to resolve the conflict between himself and Antonov before their duel. True, he could tell his Father. However, since he'd been the offender, he didn't want his reputation to be that of a spoiled brat who couldn't face the consequences of his actions. "And what would you like today?"
Suddenly, Ivan snapped out of his stupor, and he turned to see a young man, a little older than himself, with a nasty burn mark over the left side of his face, with short black hair and surprisingly familiar amber eyes. On his person, he wore a waiter's apron. "I think I would like turmeric, please," Ivan answered, taking a moment to look at him while the young man jotted down the others' orders. He didn't know what it was, but somehow, he reminded him of Azula, and the way he carried himself did not speak of a mere waiter.
"Pardon me, Sir," Ivan said, causing the teen to turn back to him.
"Yes, what can I help you with?" He questioned, still keeping up the appearance of a humble waiter.
Ivan thought a moment before deciding upon a course of action. "I must say, you have rather unique eyes," he said, but as he did, he recalled the old man had practically the same colour as well. Now that he thought about it, almost everyone from Azula's circle had amber-coloured eyes save Ty Lee. However, unlike everyone else's, his eyes matched her's to a T.
However, as he was mulling it over, he noticed the older teen begin to look slightly nervous. "Uh, thanks, I guess?" he replied, slowly backing away.
Curious, Ivan continued. "You know, they remind me of the Fire Princess's-"
Suddenly, the door burst open, blue-clad armed soldiers of the Gendarme entered the establishment, and all heads quickly turned to the commotion as an Officer entered, the click of his spurs ringing out against the silence. After looking around for a moment, he stopped. "Now, I will only say this once," he began before clearing his throat. "By order of his Imperial Highness, any individual wanted by the Fire Nation shall be taken into custody and questioned-" he didn't even get a chance to finish before a spurt of hot tea flew across the shop in the form of a liquid whip and struck him across the face, sending him to the floor. The next thing Ivan knew, he leapt from his chair as the waiter punched his fist forward in a familiar motion and turned his seat to splinters with a fireball before turning and running toward the back. "He tried to kill the Grand Duke, get him!" Alexeev cried as all the officers in the room drew their swords. Alas, as per the gentlemen's agreement, no one had taken their firearms, meaning the only ones fully armed were the men of the gendarme.
Katara made a mad dash for the rear of the building, bending what tea remained and throwing it into the faces of the patrons turned enemies in an attempt to distract them while she and Zuko made their exit. However, as she leapt over a table, she heard a shot ring out from the entrance, and her ear rang as something blew past her cheek and hit the wall in front of her. Now, if she was in her right mind, she might have been terrified that her life had flashed before her eyes. But the Waterbending master had no time to think about such things as she leapt over the awkward swings and thrusts of the Ruskians, most of whom just stood up and drew their weapons. Still, she ran, reaching the door to the back room soon after, just behind Zuko. Once they made it, Iroh shut the door and locked it. "What happened?" he asked.
Zuko grunted angrily. "They found us out. That's what happened!" The wanted Prince shouted before taking a breath.
Iroh nodded before rushing to the apartment and grabbing what he could. However, when he peaked outside, he was horrified to see the entire building surrounded by men in blue uniforms, armed with Ruskian weapons. Quickly turning around, he fled back downstairs to find Zuko melting the lock to ensure it couldn't be easily uncoupled. "So, what's the plan?" Katara asked as she turned to him.
"We're surrounded," he informed them, shaking his head as Zuko gave the I told you so look. "But, we can still get out. All we need to do is-" Before he could finish, a blue-clad Officer flew through the wall, a stone crushing his torso as he splatted against the back wall, his innards slowly pouring out from the point of impact. Then, when they turned to look out of the hole, they found none other than Toph squaring off against the men outside.
After hearing the explosion, Toph quickly honed in on the location. However, when she got close- "Excuse me, little girl, but this is a restricted area," she heard a man say, his accent similar to the one she killed.
"Oh, I'm sorry, but-" before he could react, she stomped her foot, pulled up a boulder, and sent him packing before facing the other dozen men surrounding him. "-WHAT IF I DON'T CARE!?" She bellowed before she heard a crack from her right, and something whipped past her foot as she bent a wave of Earth backward toward the six on that side. She could feel them try to avoid it, but each flew off his feet as she turned to face the number opposite. As she did, she was surprised to hear the wizz of fireballs, only these weren't directed at her.
After widening the hole, Iroh sprung into action before the Ruskians on Toph's left side could raise their weapons and fire. Unfortunately, he wasn't fast enough, as the man farthest from her aimed and fired. "Toph!" Katara shouted from his left just as she left the breach.
Toph felt another man raise his arms the same way as the one who'd cracked earlier and began raising a shield. Unfortunately, she hadn't predicted the speed at which he'd be ready to fire his weapon. That horrible crack echoed out, and something fast and metal grazed into her incomplete shield before pain erupted in her face, and she could feel liquid pouring down into her eyes. "AHHHHH!" she shouted as she doubled over, bending herself a shield from all sides as she did.
Not long after, through the pain, she felt the Ruskians fleeing, so she lowered her barrier. When Katara saw Toph's face, she was horrified. "Toph, what happened!?" she asked as she knelt beside her, followed by Zuko and Iroh.
Toph took a breath before sitting up. As she did, the Earthbender noted small bits of metal in her face, which she quickly bent out, causing further pain. "Ah! That hurts!" she shouted before tossing the metal to the side. "Just clean this up for me, would you? It's not as bad as it looks. Probably."
Katara nodded, quickly bending from her waterskin and cleaning the blood from Toph's face. At the same time, she also made sure to clean the tiny wounds. "There. Feel better?"
Toph nodded, but the party turned as they heard a stampede of leather boots on stone coming from every side. "Uh, any ideas?" Zuko asked as he got into a fighting stance.
As if to answer him, he felt something shift beneath his feet, and he turned to find Toph standing in a hole. "All of you, get down here!" she shouted. With no apparent options, the group nodded in agreement before entering the hole, which Toph quickly covered. "Now, let's get back to the house. It's probably a lot safer there than here. Just stay quiet, and they'll never know we were here."
Iroh nodded and lit a small flame in the palm of his head. "And you know where we're going?" after getting a nod from Toph, he smiled. "Then please, lead the way."
As Aang soared over the clouds on Appa, he couldn't help but feel conflicted about his time at the Eastern Air Temple. On the one hand, he had mastered the Avatar State and even learned to Firebend on his own. Yet, for whatever reason, the Last Airbender felt a strange sense of foreboding, as though something terrible was about to happen. "Come on, boy," he said, petting the bison to cheer himself up. "Just one more stop, and we'll be with the others," he said as they flew over Chameleon Bay, and he began descending toward the Watertribe encampment below. Once he picked up Sokka, it would be only a few hours before he arrived in the city.
And so, it has begun. Tune in next time for the end of the third arc. Anyway, as always, thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this newest installment, and please let me know what you all think!