Kapitel 51: The Next Solistice
After the fall of Ozai's Dynasty, several Fire Nation administration leaders, generals, and admirals were subject to new global trials. To the dismay of several Fire Nation nationals, Firelord Zuko endorsed these actions and supported the proposition. General Mak dispatched several Fire Nation troopers to apprehend several senior officials from the past administration, but several of them escaped. One of these generals was Macai's father, Eyre.
It has now been a month and Eyre still hasn't been sighted. Furthermore, several of Ozai's loyalists have plotted assassination attempts and mounted underground political attacks against the new Firelord. In a loyalist hideout within the Capital, two men stand outside of a two-story building with grey paint and bright red markings. The guards are wearing black uniforms with red markings.
Guard one: "Wow, Zuko is such a disgrace. To think, they would make a traitor the leader of the Fire Nation."
Guard two: "Have you heard?"
Guard one: "What?"
Guard two: "Many cell leaders from throughout the nation are creating a team of well-trained assassins to execute Zuko and stage a coup. I don't know the details and the plan is still early in progress from what I know."
Guard one: "That will be amazing, then we can reinstate Ozai."
Guard two: "Without his bending, he won't be the same fighter, but his mentality will never disappear and that's what matters."
Guard one: "Speak for yourself, I think we need a new leader. I don't know if Ozai will mentally recover from his loss."
The second guard puts his hands on his hips, "Are you kidding me? Ozai has an unbreakable will; nothing will stop his ascension and now he will be bent on revenge. He is the only one who can restore this nation to its former glory." A girl in a dark green dress, black armor, white and red markup, brown hair, and a green and gold headplate leaps from a rooftop behind the first guard. This girl also has a small nose, medium lips, and round eyes.
The girl hits the man in the center of his back, an odd-sounding pop occurs and the guard falls forward. The second guard backpedals as his comrade collapses. He looks forward and sees a Kyoshi warrior. The girl leaps aand kicks the man in his face. The second guard passes out from the blow and the Kyoshi warrior knocks on the door.
On the other side of the door, there is a room full of Ozai's Remnant forces engaged in a political discussion. The walls are dark red, the ceiling is light brown, the floor is dark grey, there are two large black couches, a clock, and a long bookshelf in the room. Most of them are older officers who served under Ozai in the past. A man with a grey beard, medium-length hair, sharp ears, a pointy nose, gold eyes, and pale skin hears the knocking. His name is Major Kazenko. Kazenko: "Check it out Yedanis."
A tall man and bulky man in his mid-thirties with a receding black hairline walks toward the door. Yedanis, has bronze skin, a thick nose, relatively large lips, attached ears, a heavy jaw, and thin eyebrows. Yedanis has a strong voice, "Who knocks?"
Kyoshi Warrior: "A friend?" The loyalists' eyebrows raise as they hear an unfamiliar voice. Yedanis looks out the peephole and sees the Kyoshi warrior.
A younger loyalist member in his twenties asks, "Who is it Yedanis?" Two widows burst open and two female Kyoshi warriors leap through them. The Kyoshi warriors toss knives into loyalists. A loyalist screams as he is stuck in his chest. Kazenko enters his battle stance and pumps a long orange flame at the Kyoshi warrior right of his position.
The girl leaps right as she evades the flame and the front door is kicked open. Yedanis turns to notice the brown-haired warrior. Yedanis smiles, "I'm going to crush you, you aren't fit for fighting."
The girl taunts, "Well come on then, let's dance." The Kyoshi warrior flips forward and hits Yedanis in the face with a downward kick. Yedanis's face turns red, and he gets irritated. Yedeanis extends his long left hand and swings at her neck. The girl leaps left then hops right of the man's position. The girl swiftly punches the man twice and his right eye turns pink.
Yedanis yells, "I've fought too much in the war to lose to you girl!" Yedanis rushes with surprising speed. The Kyoshi warrior would normally move out of the way, but she bumps into the wall left of her and has limited space to maneuver. Yedanis snatches her and pulls her up. Yedanis starts tightening his grip and her back starts popping.
Kysohi warrior: "Ahhhhah!" Yedanis slams the girl, and she moans. However, the girl quickly gathers herself and knocks the man over with a leg sweep. The girl leaps back on her feet but Yedanis slowly gets back up. The elite female warrior leaps and kicks Yedanis in his face; the large man tumbles into the pavement below. The girl takes a breath.
Meanwhile, Kazenko kicks a flame into the Kyoshi warrior left of his position and she flies into the wall. Kyoshi warrior, "Yaooooo!" Another Kyoshi warrior emerges a few feet left of his position. This Kyoshi warrior has two fans, medium-length light-brown hair, a medium nose, small and thin lips, and a skinny face. She slides toward two firebenders. The firebender on the right pumps two orange flames at the warrior and the girl slides between the two benders.
The female warrior leaps in the air and smacks the man in his face with her right fan. The other firebender turns around but the young woman lunges forward and lays him out with a spinning horizontal strike. Kazenko sees the girl, "You are no match for my power! I killed dozens of Earth Kingdom troopers during the Battle of Kyantu!" Kazenko pumps two rapid orange flames at the girl.
The Kyoshi warrior sprints right then launches herself off a wall and a few feet behind the veteran. Kazenko quickly turns around to attack, but the girl is faster, she dives forward smacks the major in his jaw with an upper swing from her left fan. The last firebender standing is kicked down by another Kyoshi warrior as another warrior helps up the girl Kazenko injured earlier.
The Kyoshi warrior that just defeated Kazenko points her fans a while another warrior handcuffs him from behind. The warrior with the brown hair who fought Yedanis smiles and looks at her friend, "Nice job Suki." Suki pulls her fans in and smiles.
Suki: "Same to you Ty Lee, I'm so glad we added you to the team. You fit right in."
Ty Lee giggles, "Well, every team needs a good scout and this scout needs a good family. You all have given me everything I could have asked for."
Suki looks back at Kazenko, "Zuko is the future, so get used to it. The old way wasn't working and you can forget about this uprising. We have Intel Agents and spies busting your operations throughout the Fire Nation. While we, personally handle the bigger threats out here."
Kazenko frowns, "Zuko is such a traitor, using the Kyoshi warriors to do his dirty work. You are agents of the Earthkingdom, the fact that you support a Fire Nation leader is shameful."
Suki responds, "We owe our allegiance to the Avatar."
Kazenko looks at Ty Lee, "Aw yes, you were once Azula's friend. Now you betray the nation, betray her. For what?"
Ty Lee: "For love, true love, not fear. Azula betrayed Mai."
Kazenko laughs, "And how is that? Mai betrayed the nation for a crush and relationship that won't last."
Ty Lee pouts, "I'm sure it will last. And Azula betrayed Mai because she put the nation over her. She put her own goals over her friends! When you have friends or family, you should be loyal to them and threat them with respect. They were going to kill Zuko, would you let someone kill your brother?"
Kazenko responds, "If my brother betrayed this nation, I'd KILL HIM MYSELF!!" Ty Lee backhands Kazenko.
Suki warns, "Ty Lee, control yourself. We must be better than Ozai and that means we have to treat people civilly. He will go to trial where he will face his crimes the right way."
Ty Lee nods, "I know, I'm sorry."
Another Kyoshi warrior hugs Ty Lee, "It's ok Ty Lee, just work on it."
An Unorthodox Mission
Zuko meets with Macai at a tehop within the Fire Nation capital. It is a sunny day, early in the morning, and the city attracts a relatively light crowd during this time. Zuko sits with a newspaper in front of him. Zuko asks, "Have you read the paper? The loyalists are targeting me. I haven't been able to sleep in the past few days."
Macai reassures Zuko, "Don't worry, you will only die if that's your destiny. Stressing won't help. Accept whatever happens."
Zuko raises an eyebrow, "That's terrible advice."
Macai chuckles, "But it's true. You can't do anything about it. If it's your time to go, it's your time. All you can do is take reasonable precautions but don't let your enemies take your peace from you. Inner peace is just as important as the exterior and superficial peace that exist between nations. One thing I noticed about Iroh was that he was a peace no matter what happened, for the most part anyway."
Zuko puts his right index finger on his lower lip, "Hmm, that makes sense."
Macai: "So try to be like him. You've been around him long enough to imitate him. I wish I had a mentor like that."
Zuko responds, "But you have so many good friends and you've had them for all your life. Before I met team Avatar, I had next to no one."
Macai: "You had Ursa."
Zuko becomes frustrated and throws his newspaper, "But she left or disappeared or died."
Macai's tone drops, "I know the feeling."
Zuko: "Anyway, I have another mission for you."
Macai asks, "Are you sure you don't want my help, to maintain your kingdom?"
Zuko: "I have the Avatar to help me with the political relations and Kyoshi warriors with security measures."
Macai: "I still can't understand why you're using them instead of the 31st."
Zuko: "Because your role is different. Their role is still more political than yours. Although this is a more political time, your team is used to more large-scale and outright battles. Police work and duties are beyond your familiarity."
Macai: "You know we can adapt."
Zuko nods, "I know, but I think the Kyoshi are better suited for it and as a bodyguard unit. It's more tied to their actual role."
Macai: "There aren't many missions to fight on. We were just sent on a mission where we smashed a team of pirates, even though he said we wouldn't be fighting pirates. Don't get me wrong, I like the easy jobs but I could go for a proper tear-up like old times."
Zuko: "Well, if you would LISTEN to what I'm trying to say, then I'd tell you about your mission."
Macai smirks, "Then say it."
Zuko sighs, "You really make it tough on me you know that. You should be more respectful to your Firelord. I brought you into the light you know and you haven't even thanked me. Instead, you just keep complaining about not getting enough glory. You of all people should know how that mindset has caused our nation a lot of trouble in the past."
Macai: "That you did and I'm grateful. On the other hand, I'm really getting tired of all these lectures. You're starting to sound like an old man Zuko."
Zuko: "Well, I've been around an old man for much of my recent life. And I was just undergoing negotiations with the White Lotus, you know a group of old men."
Macai: "Oh, that group that the 31st fought to help protect, I remember them. It's about time I meet these people. Bumi, Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph, Jeong Jeong, and so on."
Zuko nods, "The time will come."
Macai asks, "Are they afraid of me?"
Zuko laughs, "You think the Avatar is afraid of you?"
Macai: "Maybe."
Zuko: "He just beat Ozai, the most powerful firebender. Calm your ego commander."
Macai laughs, "I never said I'd beat him, I don't even know him. Besides, we're on the same team now anyway. But it would have been fun to have fought him. I guess only you and Azula got that glory. But you know I'm a tactical fighter and I'd have my whole team on standby to counter the Avatar's team. Our battle would be legendary."
Zuko: "And I sound like an old man? You sound like an old glory-hunter looking back at the past days. You battered and killed people Macai. For an imperialistic empire, that is nothing to be proud of."
Macai sighs, "I know, but I still miss the fighting aspect of it. What can I say? It's all I've ever known."
Zuko: "You are making me wonder if you're fit for duty with that mindset. This is a different time Macai, you must remember diplomacy. Not everything is about bashing people's heads in."
Macai: "Of course Firelord Zuko, your wisdom is remarkable."
Zuko: "Stop calling me that, just call me Zuko. Anyway, I almost forgot your mission. I don't have all day Commander, I have people to serve. You know how our Nation and the A few days ago, a Fire Nation Diplomat was sent to the Western Water Tribe city Hebaineya. You know how the Western Water Tribe is, it is mysterious and is less known than much of the Water Tribe territories. Especially to us outsiders. The big Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom businesses see opportunities to help develop the region and the Avatar will ensure these projects are not exploitative."
Macai: "What's his name?"
Zuko: "Her name is Casenda Lebanum."
Macai nods. Zuko: "But not everyone thinks this way. The Fire Nation diplomat disappeared along with his escort and an Earth Kingdom corporation owner has also disappeared. From what I've heard, the diplomat's team got lost and went a bit off-course for the route they were using to get there. There is a recommended route for the safety of travelers."
Macai: "Perhaps the locals know more about the hazards."
Zuko: "From what I've heard they're mainly natural hazards that relate to the harsh winter climate and local animals."
Macai: "Leave it to me to see if their story holds true."
Zuko nods, "I'm sure you will. You may need a small team to quickly navigate the area and look for the clues."
Macai responds, "This is my specialty Zuko, no worries I've got this."
Zuko: "Ok, ok. Just get out of here and get it done. But congratulations on your last mission, you handled that one well."
Macai: "Make sure that agent gets a medal, he was a great asset."
Zuko salutes the Commander, "Will do."
Macai salutes the Firelord, "You may want to start bringing an escort, it's a bit dangerous coming here alone when people want you dead."
Zuko: "I'm more than capable of handling myself, but I usually stay near the Kyoshi warriors. I just thought you may be able to back me up for now." Zuko makes a hand signal then Suki and Ty Lee arrive.
Ty Lee waves, "Hi Macai."
Macai looks at her, "Oh, Ty Lee, you look different."
Ty Lee grins, "You like it?"
Macai nods, "It suits you." Macai looks at Suki, "And your name is?"
Suki extends her right hand, "I'm Suki."
Macai looks at Suki, "I've not heard of this one."
Zuko smiles, "She is the leader of the group."
Macai: "Oh so you are a commander like me."
Suki shrugs, "I guess, probably more like a sergeant to be honest."
Macai: "Yeah that makes sense. Nice to meet you, Suki."
Zuko: "She's also a part of team Avatar. One of the later members, kinda like me."
Macai gasps, "Oh, a big shot."
Suki: "I've heard a lot about the 31st as well. More like Fire Nation big shots."
Macai: "Yeah, more like local legends. We're trying to get where you are, on that Avatar level."
Ty Lee: "Hey, I'm big time too. I was on Azula's team."
Macai smiles, "Well then I guess I'm big time. I dated Azula."
Ty Lee rolls her eyes. Suki looks at Ty Lee, "She's really lighting up to you right now."
Macai: "No, it's just good to see an old friend from the Fire Nation. We had some fun adventures in our younger days. Things are so different now."
Zuko: "That's life Macai, things change."
Macai: "I see, well you have a good team I can tell. Ty Lee is a very loyal girl, I've noticed that between her and Azula." Ty Lee has self-doubt when hearing the statement, remembering what the loyalist major told her earlier.
Suki adds, "And Mai as well."
Macai: "Why isn't she a Kyoshi warrior?"
Ty Lee laughs, "There is no way Mai would do this and put on all of this makeup. I wanted this because I wanted a family but being in a circus just wasn't it for me. I realized I adore my sisters after a recent adventure but I still need to find my own path you know."
Macai smiles, "You had more courage than I did and found that path sooner than I had the courage to. It took a lot, nearly the whole world crashing down on me to make the right decision."
Ty Lee: "But you are very intelligent Macai. Your mind is so sharp, like Azula's. I wish I could think the way you do."
Macai: "You have a lot of great qualities too. Like your bright personality, I don't know how you stay so motivated all of the time. I wish I had your spirits. You have no idea how often I get down behind closed doors."
Suki: "Alright, alright you have a mission Commander."
Macai shrugs his shoulders. "What I do?"
Suki: "Nothing, but it's time you go on your mission."
Macai looks at Zuko, "It's an honor." He looks at Ty Lee and she nods back. He looks at Suki finally.
Suki: "Bye." Macai grins and departs.
Zuko (to Suki): "Isn't he a character?"
Suki: "Something like that."
Mysterious Adventure
Macai enters the Prompt Adjudicator. Kanna is sitting on a table while playing cards with Jesha and Dade. Dade shouts, "Dang it, I keep losing!"
Jesha: "Well, maybe you should work on your strategy. You don't seem to have one." Dade mumbles in frustration.
Kanna: "I don't have much of a strategy either to be honest."
Dade: "What?! But you win the most, you lucky girl."
Jesha: "Well, you can't count on luck. I can teach you a strategy if you'd like."
Dade: "Kett had a strategy every time he played and he always demolished me. I tried to make up my own but he was always better so I kind of gave up on strategies for Gabishden."
Macai arrives, "I know you all are having a great time in the den, but we have a new mission. This time, we are going to a Western Water Tribe city, to look for some VIPs. If we find them, then our job will be simple, extraction."
Kanna: "Sounds like another mysterious mission. I missed the last one."
Macai: "Well, you'll get to see plenty of action this time. Sonna has been very active recently, so she'll get to stay with the ship this time."
Kanna smiles, "Maybe she can watch over Skippy."
Dade sighs. Kanna: "Don't worry he's just jealous because he doesn't have a pet."
Dade nods, "Maybe I'll get one when we're out exploring in Hebaineya, but I'm kind of lazy so I don't know if I'm up to it."
Macai: "Enough of this nonsense, I'm going to split us up in several small teams as we search for our enemies and our new recruits will get some experience." The Prompt Adjudicator sails across the icy light blue waters outside of Hebaineya before the ship docks outside of its port. Hebaineya is a medium-sized city that has about twenty thousand inhabitants. It is larger than Nyarri which has closer to ten thousand residents.
The sky is an admiral blue color which is moderately dark. A steady breeze of snow flows across the sky, it is about -3.33 Celsius (twenty-six degrees) outside. The windshield is sixteen degrees. Macai exits in a modified version of his armor that comes with fur that covers his neck. The other 31st also have variants of their armor that are slightly heavier to cover them in the winter. In the distance, the team can see several two-story buildings that are made of white stone. The city is illuminated by several lanterns.
Macai, Kanna, Jesha, a swordsman, and a spearman lead the main team as they exit the ship first. Kanna looks at Macai, "Why do we have these heavier uniforms? We can just use our bending to warm ourselves."
Macai: "Because we want to save our energy for fighting Kanna."
Jesha: "I'm starting to get used to the line-of-duty, do you guys remember when I was just a rookie?"
Macai nods, "Maybe you'll get a promotion soon, if you keep delivering."
Jesha points at the Commander, "I'm going to hold you to that."
Macai: "Let it be motivation, but you don't hold me to anything Marine. This is my show."
Kanna smiles, "You really love talking about yourself don't you Macai."
Macai shrugs his shoulders, "What? I'm just being honest here."
Jesha: "So, what are we doing? How are we going to look for the diplomat?"
Macai: "We are going to ask some questions about where they were last seen."
Kanna: "They were trying to get here, but they didn't make it. I doubt we'll find out anything from these people."
Macai: "That's true, but we can ask about the possible routes they took to get here. From there, we'll have different squads search each potential route to find where they went missing." Macai looks at information that he requested from Prince Zuko to the Diplomat's last confirmed location before she disappeared. From there, Macai meets with a local travel official as they discuss where she might have gone.
Macai is sitting in a room with white walls, a yale blue floor, and a white ceiling. Macai sits at a round light grey table and the man is on the other side of the table. Kanna stands behind Macai, along with Jesha. The travel official has a long dark brown beard, thick eyebrows, yellow skin, and long yet thin blue eyes. The man seems to be in his mid-forties.
Travel official: "There is the recommended route, which comes with an important turn that travels must make to avoid traveling past the breakaway mounds. That is important as they travel deeper into the Western Water Tribe before they enter the port city. Not everyone likes the Fire Nation or even the Earth Kingdom in the Eastern Water Tribe but they are a lot more developed. We are one of the larger Western cities so there is less work to be done here, but they'll need to move past some more dangerous areas if they are making routes from the Eastern Tribe to here."
The travel official adds, "Casenda was in the Eastern territory for the last two months as the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation were negotiating with them on some deals. They are more business-minded, like the Northern Water Tribe. While the South and West are more worried about being exploited by these outsiders. The West is divided because some of the cities welcome some level of development but a lot of the people on the outskirts don't feel the same way."
Jesha comments, "I thought the concern was the weather and local creatures."
Travel official: "While both of those present some hazards, it is important to remember there are a lot of tribes that are unknown to your people within the Western regions."
Jesha points at the official, "Then why don't you tell us about them?"
Travel official: "We have a knowledge of them, but even we aren't fully sure of their whereabouts or movements. They have some mutual respect for us and we of them. Rather than to get in conflict with them for some outsiders, we simply recommend outsiders take an alternate route to avoid entering their lands. Where there are more hazards due to the landscape and weather."
Macai: "So you think they got lost and may have been killed by local animals. But are warning us that the locals would also be against them."
Travel official: "Yes, as far as we know the local tribes would simply ask them to leave. Most accounts go that way, but some outsiders have simply disappeared, and this is likely due to the harsh climates."
Macai: "Are all of the local groups that friendly?"
Travel official: "Most of them are. We recommend you travel along the path and exercise caution when traveling near the tribes."
Macai: "If those tribes have taken our official then we have a right to look for them."
Travel official: "The city of Hebianeya can't speak on behalf of any local tribes because we don't represent them. All we can do is tell you about the hazards."
Macai: "What tribes are nearby?"
Travel official: "The Yugano tribe is closest to this location. Your friends may simply be lost, but if they were then they likely froze to death. The Winter is very harsh here."
Macai: "But if that's the case then her corpse would likely be on the main path. It isn't that hard to travel back there."
The travel official becomes uneasy, "It is very easy to get lost in a blizzard. Have you ever been in one?"
Macai: "I've fought in arctic climates, but we never stuck around for a real blizzard in battle. We usually were at the shoreline when those came around and we left before the worst of the winter."
Travel official: "It gets really cold out here and if you stray off the path you can easily get lost."
Macai: "Doesn't the path have a road to follow?"
Travel official: "That road can become covered with snow and ice as the winter becomes difficult. That is why we recommend travelers to have good map readers as they move out to here."
Kanna: "Do you think the Yugano people may have gone on the path?"
Travel Official: "No, they wouldn't do that because they know those paths are open to all. They would only have defended their territories."
Jesha: "Unless they had a change of heart."
Travel Official: "Your official probably just got lost."
Macai: "Even if the official got lost, that official better have died of natural causes assuming she passed away. If she's still alive, we'll find her. If she died simply because she strayed off then these tribes are violating global laws."
The travel official protests, "Why should they be subject to laws when they were never at the table to help create them? You still speak like an imperialist."
Kanna speaks softly, "My Commander means no offense, he's just a Capital noble."
Travel Official: "You're all imperialists to me."
Kanna nods, "That may be, but we just want what's best for our official. If you help us get an idea of where she might be, I promise I'll make sure we show caution and make an effort to not kill any of the locals." Kanna looks at the official with puppy eyes.
Travel Official: "That's not going to work. I'm telling you all that I know." Kanna keeps her innocent and sad look. Travel Official: "Tell her to cut that out." Kanna doesn't stop. The official gives in, "Ok, look. I might know of a few potential routes." Macai and his team travel down a certain route which is along the flat main path.
Kanna: "Wow, it is freezing. Nyarri is cold for a Fire Nation land but it has nothing on this."
Macai: "I forgot what it was like in the freezing cold. This was more of a reminder than I'd have hoped for."
Marine Swordsman: "Look fire, carriage tracks."
Macai looks at the tracks, "Looks like they strayed left." Macai pulls out his map, "And they were supposed to go right instead. They may have crossed into enemy territory."
Jesha replies, "They may have been run off the road as well."
Kanna: "Even if they were forced off, it would be difficult for us to know for certain."
Macai: "The biggest thing is we bring Casenda back home or find out if she's dead."
Jesha: "What happens if she got captured? They'll say she strayed off no matter what."
Macai: "Then we get her back."
Kanna: "Could it start a war?"
Macai replies, "War? It's a local tribe and the public would want us to free our diplomat. If we abandon her, dozens of people from the Fire Nation will fight Zuko more fiercely. They will say we've become a nation of softies."
Jesha: "There is no win with these political situations. If we do nothing we get criticized, if we do something, we get dissed."
Macai: "Honestly, the best solution is getting them to agree to let her go. If they have her."
Marine swordsman: "I think they should have just classified this mission and done nothing."
Macai: "Problem is Zuko is too honorable. We would never leave an official behind without getting to the bottom of things or sending someone he trusts to solve this case."
As they do this, Dade, Arret, Irina, a firebender, and a marine swordsman move across a hilly path that is not the recommended route. It is located several meters right of the main route. Irina: "Do you think this path really leads to where the locals are?"
Dade: "That's doubtful. I think the two paths the travel official recommended are paths that don't lead directly to the locals because he kind of wanted to protect them but they also are outside of the main route."
Arret: "Maybe it's a trap. Maybe he wants us dead."
Dade: "I doubt that. If we die, he'd risk getting more attention from the Fire Nation unless he really thinks we've gone soft. But I get the feeling he's picking a safe path for us that's outside of the local route. From what I read, the city people aren't friends the rural tribes but they won't sell each other out for outsiders."
Irina: "It's kind of hard to protect people that you don't regularly communicate with. I think the city people are relying on the idea that the locals stay within their territorial limits because that's what they have historically done. They don't seem to look past that, even if they commit crimes within their bounds as long as it is only to outsiders. But there is a chance they are getting beside themselves."
Firebender: "A lot of stuff is still uncertain for now. Only time will tell." Dade nods in agreement.
Hakato, Rosh, Hagenko, a firebender, and a swordsman travel across another path left of the main route. Rosh: "Alright that's enough for now. Let's take a break and set up some tents. I'll start a fire because we aren't getting anywhere."
Hakato: "Well, I guess that works. What do you think Hagenko?"
Hagenko: "I'm not sure, I've never been on a mission like this."
Hakato shrugs, "So much for all of that experience." As the marines camp out in the cold, Rosh, a firebender, and a swordsman take a nap. Meanwhile, Hagenko and Hakato stand guard outside. Hagenko holds his spear and Hakato holds his battle sword. Hakato: "What was like fighting in the army?"
Hagenko: "We got to travel, but not anywhere near this much. As marines, I feel like we never get settled anywhere. I'm always moving to another location. There is also a lot more attacking and less defending. This sub-branch is for the bloodthirsty and crazy soldiers."
Hakato: "I take it you're crazy then."
Hagenko: "I guess so."
Hakato: "Are you from the colonies or the original Fire Nation?"
Hagenko: "The colonies, my land was once part of the Earth Kingdom."
Hakato: "I'm from the heartland. The city Fenayizo."
Hagenko: "I've heard of it, that's a pretty small village."
Hakato: "Pretty small but a prime location. We're right between a lot of major cities. Only about an hour commute to them anyway, but we're some days away from the Capital."
Hagenko: "Some days, I'd say about a week away if we're talking a carriage ride." Hagenko hears a panting noise in the distance.
Hakato asks, "What is it?"
Hagenko looks south of his position and notices three snow wolves sprinting in his direction. They have white fur, yellow eyes, sharp claws, and travel at sixty miles an hour. Hagenko: "We've got predators. Check the rear for others." Hakato sprints to the other side of the tents and notices another two incoming snow wolves. They are relatively large wolves weighing about 150 pounds despite their speed.
Hakato: "Two more, we should warn the others."
Hagenko nods, "WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!!" The Firebender and swordsman exit their tents.
Hakato: "Where is Rosh?"
The swordsman shrugs, "Still sleeping in his tent maybe?"
Hagenko: "ROSH!!!! ROSH!!" Rosh is still hard asleep.
Hakato: "I guess he's a heavy sleeper. What a terrible quality to have."
Marine swordsman, "I hear Macai is a very light sleeper. He fusses and grumbles whenever people wake him up at camp and nearly blasts his own marines when woken up. But I'd take that over this, in this situation."
Hagenko: "I love Rosh, but he can handle ourselves. Just split in two groups and get ready because they're coming in fast." Hakato and the firebender watch the rear flank while Hagenko and the swordsman wait on the front flank. Hagenko readies his spear. The panting gets louder as the creatures get closer. One wolf charges directly toward Hagenko but the seasoned marine stays calm as the marine beside him shakes.
The wolf dives at Hagenko and the marine twirls right, narrowly avoiding a slash. Hagenko extends his blade left and slides it through the wolve's midsection. Blood gushes through the creature and soaks in the snow. Hagenko swiftly pulls his spear back as another lunges at him. Hagenko rotates his weapon and extends his spear into the animal's forehead. Snow wolf, "Hmmmmem!"
The bald marine pulls his blade back and dispatches the animal. The other wolf tackles the marine beside Hagenko. The swordsman falls in the snow as it prepares to bite his head off. The swordsman extends his blade into the wolf's stomach. A loud crunch sound is heard before the creature limps over.
Another wolf charges at Hakato and pounces at him with ferocious speed. Hakato pivots right and swings left as he butchers the creature. The other marine waits as the wolf closes in on him. The wolf hops forward but the firebender pumps a flame into the creature's chest, leveling it. Hakato: "Well, that was, easy."
Hagenko: "There is no way a trained military escort lost to any local animals and they know how to survive in a climate like this. Unless they were very poorly trained and I doubt that. I think the locals had something to do with this."
Rosh crawls out of his tent, "What happened?"
Deathtrap
Macai walks with his team as they follow the tracks until they see a destroyed carriage. Macai: "Look, there are no bodies, but the carriage has markings as if it was damaged from something other than the fall."
Kanna: "They must have removed any arrows from their attack. Because that would be too obvious."
Jesha: "Knowing the city people, they'd turn their heads and still say this was a crash."
Macai: "I say we venture out further, they must have a hideout."
Jesha: "These guys are elaborate. There is no way we'll find it. Can you imagine how well they'll hide out here in the snow?"
Macai looks at Kanna, "You remember that mission with Raggus Praxus and his Purple Burrays?"
Kanna nods, "How could I ever forget?"
Macai comments, "We could have surrendered, but we chose to stand and fight because we thought we'd be killed off. Maybe we should lure our enemies to us and pretend to surrender in order to find their base. If our enemies attack us, we'll fight but if they don't then maybe they'll take us to their base."
Jesha: "I don't like this."
Macai: "This group has never fought the Fire Nation directly, they must have hidden from us or ambushed certain teams. I doubt they've dealt with such antics before. Raggis's guerrillas were different, they fought off constant Fire Nation units on their small island for several months. We have a much better chance of pulling off this game plan with this group."
Jesha sighs, "You have more experience than I do, I just don't like staging a surrender."
Macai: "So it is decided."
Jesha: "How will we even lure them in?"
Macai: "Oh that's easy. Kanna fire your flames in the air."
Kanna asks, "Why me?"
Macai: "If I do it, it may be too obvious. It may throw them off, but if you do it then maybe they'll just think firebenders were here and caused some trouble." Kanna pumps two dark orange flames in the air. About twenty meters away, a man stands in a cave with blue paint markings all over his body. The man has yellow skin, dark brown curly hair, pale blue eyes, and a long nose. The man has a long dark grey fur coat and dark grey fur pants.
Another man emerges with a white fur outfit, "Chieftain Yuzanlik, we have discovered firebenders in the outskirts of the pathway. They are likely looking for their friends."
The Chieftain has a chilling voice and is in his late thirties, "Good, I had a dream last night. We are going to have a great sacrifice this moon night. I've been waiting for a full moon to make amends of our hostages. Now our time has come and they will be a part of the great feast."
Macai, Kanna, Jesha, the swordsman, and spearman continue to advance but stay near their previous position. Macai: "We must keep moving, we can't make it seem like we want to be caught. But we can't be too cunning either, so we can ensure they capture us. This is likely a less civilized group, so I doubt they'll immediately recognize us."
Kanna: "Don't be too arrogant Macai, we can't afford to make miscalculations."
Macai: "Well, we really don't have a lot of intel here."
Jesha: "As usual."
Macai: "So we have to take risks and make assumptions. When you're the Commander, you can decide what risks and assumptions to make." Macai's team starts walking across an elevated pathway when two Yugano spearmen emerge left of Macai and Kanna's position. A swordsman and axman emerge right of Jesha and a marine swordman's position. A waterbender with dual ice swords and a spearman move behind the marine spearman in the squad. Chieftain Yuzanlik and two warriors emerge beside him.
The warriors have light grey fur coats. One of them has dual short axes and the other has a curved light-grey warsword. These warriors are called warmasters. Chieftain Yuzanlik: "Well, we have guests. As you can see, you are clearly outnumbered. It would be best to surrender."
Jesha gulps at the idea of being captured by this team. She notices that several of the members have dark grey tattoos on their arms, legs, chests, and backs. Macai: "Please let us negotiate. We just want our diplomat."
The chieftain laughs, "We have your diplomat and will bring you to her. But you must surrender."
Macai asks, "Can I at least move freely? Isn't it fair that I be able to defend myself, you know the land and have the numerical advantage."
Yuzanlik: "Very well, but we will restrain the rest of your team."
Macai nods. Jesha regretfully drops her short swords, "You know I love these Commander. How am I going to find them after this mission?"
Yuzanlik: "Don't worry, you won't need them to complete this mission." The swordsman and spearman also drop their weapons.
Spearman: "I'm not a bender, I'm going to be very vulnerable now."
Yugano Swordsman, "Also drop your knives." The 31st members' hands (other than Macai) are tied together by dark grey ropes.
Macai: "One more rule, my team stays with me." Yuzanlik laughs and his team does the same. Macai: "I won't ask again."
Yuzanlik gives Macai a death stare, "I could kill you right now."
Macai: "At least my team would be ready to fight at this moment, even while cuffed. Like I said, they stay with me or no deal. If I lose track of them, they're not safe. We just want to negotiate the release of the diplomat. I let you handcuff them so you would feel safe. Does a big bad chieftain really need to do all of this just to protect himself?"
Yuzanlik: "My team would kill you all even without the cuffs. We have the numbers edge and have your team surrounded. So come, I will show you what you seek Commander." The tribe members take Jesha and the marine weapons by strapping them to their backs or belts. Macai and his team are escorted across the pathway into a massive cave. Two guards stand at the cave (one with a sword and another with a spear).
Yuzanlik shows Macai's team several ice-cell chambers. There they notice the diplomat and two marines. The diplomat has light brown hair with a touch of grey, pale skin, brown eyes, and a small nose. Casenda runs to the cell, "Macai, let us out of here. This man is crazy."
Yuzanlik blasts Cansenda against the wall with a stream of cold water, "Silence! Or your fate will be worst than the last two guards who challenged me."
Macai points at Yuzanlik, "I challenge you to a fight. If I win, your people will let her and her guards go."
Yuzanlik grins, "Very well, we'll fight at midnight. In the meantime, your team can wait in the cell."
Macai: "We won't wait in a cell, we aren't your captives. We'll leave then return."
Yuzanlik replies, "We may have gotten you here, but you will surely be lost on your own. A great blizzard is coming, look outside. No outsiders will survive it this deep in the forbidden lands. You will be easy prey to the local predators which are more dangerous at night."
Macai: "Do you really think we're scared of animals?"
Yuzanlik: "It also gets colder at night and you won't get your weapons back." Macai knows Yuzanlik's forces will likely attack them at night when they leave rather than waiting for a one vs one duel. They want everything to be to their advantage. Macai could go back and get assistance from the rest of his team, but it will likely take a while to find them before that happens. But an immediate fight in the area could risk the prisoners. It would be more ideal to fight them outside with room to maneuver.
Macai: "Fine, we'll wait and I'll fight you at midnight as long as we stay in the same cell."
Yuzanlik: "You can stay in the same cell with two of your friends. The other two will be in another cell, but they will be separate from the diplomat."
Macai: "No, two cells one for the diplomat and the other for my team."
Yuzanlik: "Fine but you will be cuffed unit the fight." Macai nods and is also handcuffed. The marines are escorted to their cell.
Kanna: "I don't like this plan Macai. Why did you decide to go through with this?"
Macai: "He wants captive, I can tell but I'm not sure why."
Jesha: "Do you think he'll honor the deal?"
Macai; "Possibly, I knew he'd officially take the deal because of his pride and 'honor'. I'm not sure if he'll honor that when push comes to shove. But there is something more to this. Did you see their tattoos? Something is different about this place. As we were being taken into this place I noticed a cave room with two men praying, they have some sort of religion."
Jesha: "Do you think they want to sacrifice us?"
Kanna: "What? That doesn't make any sense. They would have already killed the captives."
Macai: "Maybe not, remember when Casenda said he was crazy. He mentioned a midnight fight, maybe that's around when they sacrifice people. Be ready to fight, we can burn right through these ice bars if needed."
Kanna: "Oh, I remember hearing a full moon is coming tonight. Some of the locals study astrology and are really into it. Maybe they know what's happening and are preparing for it."
Later that day, the Chieftain stands with his cult members inside of an icy room. Several men beat long drums while others blow horns as they prepare their ritual. Chieftain Yuzanlik: "My brothers, our time is coming. Soon we will feed our foes to the moon spirit. For so long our nation has been plagued by the sins of the Fire Nation and the damage they have caused to our land. We fear the Earth Kingdom officials are just as bad, we will give them all up to you because we know that you will give us the victory over them after we end these fools."
The followers chant in their native languages, called Gungetta. While this is happening, Dade's team is scouting for an enemy position but finds nothing. Dade: "Wow, I haven't heard from Macai's team in a while. I think he said keep searching for the day then take it easy in the morning and wait to hear from them."
Arret asks, "Are you worried about him?"
Dade: "I just have a weird feeling about this mission."
Irina: "I heard you always have a weird feeling about missions."
Dade: "I have a weird feeling about the weird missions and I can tell this is one of them." The mean hears strange horns being blown. Dade starts shaking, "See!" Two Nagano warriors in white fur uniforms (one with a club and another with a sword) rush right of Irina and a Firebender's position. Another two local warriors (one with a sword and another with dual swords) move left of Dade and Arret's position. A waterbender leaps behind the marine firebender and another waterbender moves in front of him.
The sky gets darker as it becomes navy blue. Dade looks at Arret, "You're the archer, why didn't you notice them?"
Arret: "This isn't my element. It's cold and snow is everywhere. They know this land and I don't. Sorry for not being perfect."
Dade apologizes, "Aww, you're right."
Local waterbender, "Zeen pumele vodda!"
Arret launches an arrow into the man's neck. The waterbender falls forward as he chokes on his own blood. The other waterbender fires a stream of cold water at the marine firebender. The firebender claps his hands together and shoots his own blaze of orange flames into the water. Smoke emits from the collision and the firebender extends both of his hands. The waterbender is consumed by a surge of orange fire.
The marauder with dual swords charges at Arret. Arret quickly turns and fires an arrow at the man's neck. The tribesman smacks the arrow aside. Arret runs backward but slips on the snow and falls face-first into the snow. Dade prepares to assist his friend as the swordsman behind him swings down vertically at him. Dade turns and shifts his sword horizontally as he blocks the attack.
As the two lock blades, Dade notices the tribesman has remarkable strength. Dade struggles to hold the blade back and can see his breath flow from his mouth in the cold. Dade uses finesse to glide his and his enemy's blades left. The marine promptly knees the cultist in his stomach then Dade thrusts his sword down the man's back before swiftly ripping it out.
The warrior with dual swords stands over Arret as he prepares to finish her. Arret swiftly slides right as she narrowly avoids being cut down. Arret gets back on her feet and backpedals as the fight ensues between the two factions. The marine firebender kicks an orange flame into a clubsman across him. Irina slams her spear into the stomach of a watertribe swordsman. Yugano swordsman, "Guuuaaahhh!"
Arret propels another arrow at the marauder who easily swats it aside. Dade rushes the duelist from behind and vertically swings at him. As the night gets later and the sky gets darker, the duelist swiftly reacts to the attack with greater speed than before. The man rotates his body and easily blocks the strike. Dade's eyes widen because his opponent nearly looks like a blur as he strikes.
The duelist rotates his body horizontally as he swings at Dade's legs. Dade swiftly leaps up as he avoids the attack. The tribesman swings his right sword diagonally at the lieutenant's neck. Dade shifts his sword diagonally to the left to block the strike. The duelist extends his left sword and lunges at Dade's neck. Dade dashes right.
Meanwhile, four snow wolves sprint toward the other marines and encircle their position. The footsteps of the wolves have dampened, their vision and reflexes have improved, and now they run up to seventy miles an hour. Arret turns around as a wolf rushes behind her. The wolve lunges at Arret with impeccable speed but she swiftly flings an arrow into its neck.
The lifeless animal flies into Arret and knocks them both over but does not hurt her. Another wolf unexpectedly tackles the marine firebender and sinks its massive teeth into his neck. Firebender: "Awwwwwwaaahaaaahu!" Irina readies her spear as the marine swordsman behind her prepares for another wolf charging at him.
The marine swings at the wolf but is too slow. It swiftly tackles the man and mauls him. Marine: "Aahhahahahaah!!" Irina readies herself as the two wolves encircle her.
Irina taunts, "Come on!" The first wolf lunges at Irina and she thrusts her weapon into its nose. The second wolf gallops behind her. Irina quickly pulls her blade back and bumps the back of her spear into the wolf's neck flipping it over. The snow wolf howls and swiftly flips itself over.
Snow Wolf: "Spoooowwlllll!" The wolf dives at Irina but she thrusts her spear into its stomach.
Irina shouts in defiance, "Aahahahahhahaha!!" She pulls her blade back and it collapses. The duelist is still pushing Dade back when a snow wolf suddenly knocks him over. The man drops one of his swords and falls on his back which makes it more difficult to defend himself.
Tribesman: "Ahhh, segundu!" The creature sinks its teeth into his neck then Arret shoots it in the back.
Dade sighs, "Let's get back on the main path." Irina and Arret nod in agreement. Chieftain Yuzanlik confronts Macai as he waits in his cell.
Yuzanlik: "It is now midnight. The time has come, are you ready fireman? Your end has come."
Macai yawns, "Enough of the talk, let's fight so we can settle this already. But let my team come and watch me."
Yuzanlik: "If you succeed, my men will escort you back to your team."
Macai responds, "I don't trust you. Let them watch me. If you are so good, you shouldn't be worried."
Yuzanlik shouts, "FINE! Let them free, so they may watch our moment of triumph!"
Macai warns, "Don't be overconfident." Yuzanlik and his guards walk as they escort Macai to the traditional battle area. It is located outside of the cave on a floor of snow. The battle area has a square area with purple paint to show the battle area. The sky is nearly black now. Macai: "Why can't it be indoors? Even though it's freezing in that cave, I'd still take that over this."
Yuzanlik: "Silence, the time to talk is over. Now it is time to fight. After I defeat you in ritual combat, I will sacrifice your friends to the moon goddess Gevenica. Your people will never trade here again."
Macai responds, "That's not how the future works."
Yuzanlik enters his battle stance, "When you hear the horns the fight begins. Stay within the battle area." Yuzanlik pulls a cup and drinks a dark purple liquid. His eyes suddenly have a strange purple color.
Macai: "Umm."
Yuzanlik's voice deepens, "Now, you will be a testament of my ancestors' rage! Let this be a lesson to your kind."
Macai shakes his head, "That doesn't scare me. I've found a new peace, and the light will always shine over the darkness. You can try that somewhere else, because those tricks only work on the lost."
Yuzanlik: "We will see." Two warriors blow horns and Yuzanlik lengthens his arms. Rapid streams of chilling dark blue water flow toward the commander. Macai slides left against the snow then leaps back on his feet, though nearly stumbles. Macai yanks his hands right and hurls a cascade of white fire at the mighty chieftain. Yuzanlik raises his hands, and a surge of snow hits the flames.
The snow is immediately vaporized by the hot fire. Macai: "This may be my weakest element at the weakest time of night, but my white flames are hotter than anything you can throw at me."
Yuzanlik: "You aren't only fighting me; you battle my lineage!" The warrior swiftly raises his hands and hurls a massive chunk of ice at the commander. Macai launches himself in the air with white fire over the small iceberg that breaks below him. The chieftain lifts a second ice object, but Macai extends his left hand and knocks a beam of white fire through the massive block of ice; breaking it into several fragments.
Macai hurls himself toward Yuzanlik like a white comet and Yuzanlik launches himself straight with a stream of cold water to avoid being destroyed. Macai lands and an eruption of white fire flows around his immediate position. The Yugano chieftain rapidly punches two bursts of freezing water at the commander. Macai leaps over the water and kicks a white rod of fire at Yuzanlik.
The chieftain lifts his right arm, and a block of ice takes the shot. The ice block breaks in half and melts seconds later from Macai's hot fire. Yuzanlik extends his hands and fires several two-foot-long ice sickles at Macai. The 31st commander rolls right and zaps a beam of white fire at the Yugano leader. Yuzanlik raises his hands and propels himself with a stream of cold water.
Macai frowns in rage and swiftly extends his right hand. Macai uses remarkable technical and extra emphasis as he strikes. A powerful stream of energy flows from Macai's right and but it isn't fire. Instead, a beam of blue lightning flows into Yuzanlik's chest while he is airborne. Macai's eyes widen because he has never used lightning before. Yuzanlik: "Aahahahaahahaahahahahiiieeee!!!"
Yuzanlik flies five feet backward before he crashes into a cave wall and goes spiraling down. Macai looks down and sees steam flow from his right hand. Macai: "What?" Unlike Azula or even Iroh, Macai was not formally trained to use lightning. Although the Commander has used it, he doesn't have much of an understanding of the ability nor control over it. It took no time at all for Macai to fire his lightning, but this doesn't seem to be an attack he can regularly or easily perform.
The tribesmen tremble in fear at the sight of their dead leader and the use of lightning attack. Seeing Yuzanlik fall like that, was a sign that with all their extra and added power they were still no match for Macai. Macai looks at the tribesmen, "Your leader is dead, stand down and I won't hurt any more of you."
The tribesmen rush to free the 31st squad members. Macai: "And the diplomat." The diplomat and her team are also released. Macai looks further right and notices an Earth Kingdom corporation leader and his bodyguard in another cell. Macai: "Also release him."
The Earth Kingdom Corporation representative looks at Macai, "Why did you rescue me, commander?"
Macai: "I would want someone to do the same for one of mine in a situation like this."
Jesha looks at a water tribesman, "And give us our weapons back, now!"
Kanna looks at Macai, "If we leave now our mission is done, but there is a good chance these people will fight other Fire Nation members again. They are still a threat."
Macai: "If we wipe them out now, people won't forget, and we'll have new enemies to stand against us another day. Cults even crazier than this one perhaps."
Kanna responds, "Oh Macai, you know I wouldn't advocate for that."
Macai: "Well that's really the only other option, but we'll let them live to fight another day. Hopefully, they'll learn from it and if they don't, we'll be back. Besides, we'll be justified if they don't, but I really hope they do." Macai looks back at the chieftain's corpse and notices two locals standing next to them.
Jesha: "I also hope they ditch these odd traditions. They're giving me the creeps."
Marine: "Honestly not our problem, I don't mind avoiding bloodshed."
Kanna: "Do you think we'll get back?"
Macai: "We'll figure it out." Macai's team walks in the blistering cold. If it wasn't for the firebenders, they wouldn't be able to see anything. Macai lights his path with a white flame, Kanna does with a dark orange flame, and the other non-benders stand near them. One of Casenda's guards uses an orange flame to help her navigate. They wander for several hours but fortunately no animals attack them. The team grows more and more tired as they wander around aimlessly.
Kanna: "They were right, outsiders will get lost in this land."
Jesha: "I bet they're hoping we'll freeze to death out here."
Marine spearman: "We just might." Rosh emerges, with his own red-orange flame lighting his way.
Macai: "Do you know how to get back?"
Rosh notices the Fire Nation diplomat and two earth kingdom members with them, "So you cracked the case but didn't have an exit plan?"
Macai: "I knew you or another team might find us. Let's just say this plan was very complicated."
Rosh: "Yeah sure it was. Maybe you're just getting rusty. Good thing you have me to rescue you. My team kept a trail for how we got here."
Kanna: "Well to be fair, you guys probably didn't do that much fighting."
Hakato: "We fought a little."
Jesha: "Well, to be honest, we didn't fight at all this mission."
Kanna puts her finger over her lip, "Shhh."
Macai shares, "I just LIGHTNING BENT."
Rosh: "Really, how?"
Macai: "I don't really know. I have an idea of how, but not for certain."
Rosh: "So you can't teach me?"
Macai shakes his head, "I barely know-how."
Rosh: "Maybe you need to get a teacher."
Macai: "One of these days I will."
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein