Chapitre 42: The Vindicated Avenger
In two months, it will be the hundredth year of the war. As Ozai predicted, the Earth Kingdom's remaining forces are depleted. A few cities have gone bankrupt during the war and completely lost their ability to fight. The Fire Nation's enemies seem to be scattered and unorganized. Some cities have outright surrendered before the might of the Fire Nation.
Even so, a few cities, villages, towns, and sub-regions still hold out against the Fire Nation. If the trend continues, it will only be a matter of time before they also are annexed by the Fire Nation. In a recent letter, a famous Fire Nation writer named Devidius Bevoe wrote that the use of insurrectionist groups, rebel cells, and other underground factions will continue even after the nation has taken the world.
Devidius warned that breaking won't be enough with some of the stubborn groups and that their entire populations would need to be wiped out, except the infants who would be taken into reeducation centers. Devidius's brother Tantin, stated that the Fire Nation would need to give members of other nations fair deals in order for the Nation's rule to last.
Tantin called for the Fire Nation to stop breaking its word and to accept the costs of being honest with both its friends and enemies. Tantin stated that they would need to foster some respect among their foes in order to break down the hatred that stands against them. Tantin mentioned, "Hatred overwhelms fear. If we make enough people hate us, fear will not be enough to maintain our global rule."
Tantin said the Fire Nation should put any members on trial who committed war crimes against other nations and that honor was important if the country wanted to sustainably govern the world. These remarks were unpopular and got Tantin a lot of criticism from his brother. Devidius called Tantin a "weak compromiser" who "caved into the intentions of weaker men". Tantin was later blackballed for his actions and monitored by Fire Nation intelligence agents.
Information about Tantin's treatment was censored to the press but several government documents and stories were leaked back to the public. Multiple "truther campaigns" were pushed by an insurrectionist organization called "the United Way". The United Way consists of members from various occupied territories and it receives support from Fire Nation enemies like the Earth Kingdom Remnant forces and the Water Tribes.
Other unpopular stories about the Fire Nation's destruction of villages, use of slavery among captured villagers, harsh torture treatments, and the brutal actions of the Fire Nation Reconnaissance & Enforcement Department (FNRED) have been leaked in several speeches and the posting of copies of classified Fire Nation documents by the organization.
The freedom fighters have also posted information with the names, addresses, and description pictures of several Fire Nation officials who committed war crimes. United Way activity is even more difficult to control in remote Fire Nation territories or in areas that were recently taken by the faction. In areas that are more indoctrinated, like the Capital, such actions are rarer.
In an effort to crack down on the actions of the rebels, several suspects have been arrested and some have been executed by Fire Nation army forces. However, a team of fighters within the United Way called the "Emancipators of Truth" have fought against pursuing Fire Nation forces and rescued several United Way members.
Now a speech takes place with the major Fire Nation city Fahonri, located deep within the Fire Nation core. It is only a three-day carriage ride away from the Fire Nation capital. It is also one of the largest cities in the Fire Nation, a strong industrial complex, and it is a city with a strong political reputation.
Devisdius Bevoe is in a large building called the "Cranium Center". The Cranium Center is a popular location for political statements. Several nobles, military officials, political leaders, university leaders, and newspaper representatives are at the meeting. They are wearing lavish light red, dark red, and violet uniforms at the event.
The walls are white, the tables are gold, the floor is light grey, and the ceiling is silver. People grab several cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at the event. Devidius is standing in a white uniform with dark red and silver markings. Devidius has tan skin, dark brown curly hair, a long nose, pointy ears, and peanut butter brown eyes. Devidius is a relatively tall man (he is six feet and four inches tall).
He is talking to three people. One couple and one elderly nobleman. The couple consists of Robri Ruke and Jiri Ruke. Robri has straight black hair, thin eyes brows, a long nose, extended round ears, and a goatee. Jiri has black medium-length hair, small round copper-brown eyes, and plump lips. Devidius: "So, Robri, remind me what you do."
Robri clears his throat, "Well, I am the Superintendent of Education in the Mani region."
Devidius: "And what about you, Jiri?"
Jiri responds, "I am a leader in the Mani region's Medical Research Division. We work together to develop new technologies to treat different diseases."
Devidius nods, "I've heard about the abilities of the waterbenders. How they can heal people in record time using their natural traits. Imagine if we took some of them and conducted some experiments on them. With their genetics, we could invent new ways to cure many diseases."
Jiri replies, "Or we could just make them work for us."
Deividius: "No, they are too untrustworthy. By then you will have a sea of spies under your nose and they will reveal our secrets to terrorists. It would be much better to take matters into our own hands. The strong must assert their dominance, have you learned nothing!" The other man in the conversation, General Sapphire, passionately responds to the statement.
General Sapphire has pale skin, black wavy yet long hair, a mustache, and a gaunt face. General Sapphire: "Excellent remark Deividus, our enemies cannot be trusted or reasoned with. How do you cope with the shame of your brother's embarrassing and spineless statement?"
Deividius sighs and shakes his head, "There is no way to truly cope with it other than to push on and remember my values. This is why we must be strong and stick to our might. This is why we must make it our best effort to shut down anyone who stands against us. Even our own family members, former friends, or colleagues who do not have our best interests at heart."
General Sapphire responds, "Indeed, we are at war right now. And that war isn't just externally with other nations. It is also internal with the few deviant and yet dangerous citizens who look to instill doubt, hesitation, instability, division, and weakness throughout our nation. We must crackdown against them if our nation is to survive."
Devidius: "Worry not, with a strong leader like Ozai, we will trample them under our feet. And now, we have NO AVATAR to stop us!" A woman in a light pink dress, fair skin, a small nose, a petite body, and small ears emerges; she is the hostess.
The hostess looks at Devidius, "You are up Devidi."
Devidius nods and looks at the others, "Excuse me, I must go." The attendees of the conference are asked to step outside and Devidius walks behind the stage. Several other projective speakers wait behind the stage while the crowd gathers in front of the stage. People chatter as they wait. It is about seventy degrees outside but the cool breeze flows through the sky and the sky is light blue with scattered white clouds.
As the crowd waits for the speech a large man with a dark brown uniform emerges. The man has a black afro, light brown skin, slanted eyes, thin eyebrows, thin yet wide lips, and a long nose. His name is Gifften Bunmi. Gifften smiles, "Gentlemen and ladies, we have a fine event this evening. We will open with a fired-up testament from the legendary Devidius Bevoe!" The crowd cheers and Devidius stands before the podium.
About thirty meters away three Fire Nation archers stand watch. One archer hears something and turns around, the archer notices a woman in green robes. The woman immediately kicks the archer in the face, knocking him out. The archer on the building across from him is grabbed from behind and thrown off the structure.
A Fire Nation archer between the two buildings notices the man fall off, he rushes forward to get a better view of the situation. The woman in the green uniform draws her bow and fires it into the neck of the other FIre Nation archer. On the ground below, three troopers stand guard. One corporal stands a distance away from two privates who are conversing with each other. A female earthbender lands a few feet behind the privates and the Fire Nation soldiers are startled.
No foreign power ever attacks Fanhori! Especially not now! The earthbender tightens his fist and a mound of earth engulfs and restains the Fire Nation troopers. The corporal gets in his battle stance, "Stop!" The earthbender leaps over the restained firebenders and launches a massive chunk of earth into the corporal. The man is knocked two feet back and hits his head.
Corporal: "Oh." The corporal passes out and several crowd members start to pay attention during the scuffle.
Devidius asks, "What is going on? Why are people turning around?!" The hostess and two firebenders at the event look to see what's happening. A firebender uses jet propulsion to descend a few feet in front of the distant earthbender. The firebender has light orange flames, indicating he is a proficient bender since those are hotter than most.
The man has a light blue uniform with several orange stripes and a light grey mask that hides his face. Devidius shouts, "Do not let these intimidation tactics from our fading foes dissuade you. This is our hour of triumph! Be resilient before the storm!" A firebender stands in front of Devidius and cautions for him to stop talking.
Devidius protests, "I am not finished!"
Firebender: "Just wait and get behind the stage. I am doing this for your personal safety."
Devidius: "I don't need protection!" A swordsman and another firebender grabs Devidius and pulls him behind the stage. Devidius: "Unhand me, I will tell Ozai about this." The masked man raises his hands and shoots a stream of light orange fire from his position. The Fire Nation troopers are startled, the range of that attack is greater than what most benders can produce.
However, the attack is not particularly destructive. The beam of orange fire hits the top of the building behind the podium. The entire crowd sees the attack and gasps. A second surge is directed into the wall and a symbol is carved into it. As the smoke clears, the symbol of the United Way is revealed. Devidius turns and notices it, "How dare they! This is OUR meeting! They will pay dearly for this!"
The troopers also turn and look at the symbol. They turn around and notice that the earth and firebender are gone. The two firebenders and three swordsmen troopers close the distance as they work to free their restrained allies. One of the swordsmen looks at a restrained firebender, "Where did they flee to?"
Firebender (left): "They went in a left alley."
Swordsman: "Then we already lost them. They are trying to cover their tracks."
Firebender (right): "They move quickly, none of you would of caught them anyway."
Swordsman: "Who do you think we need to call?"
FIrebender (left): "Either Ozai's Angels or the 31st Company..."
Swordsman: "I'm sure there are other less famous people who can also do it."
Firebender (right): "Maybe some really good bounty hunters. Maybe June or Combustion Man can help."
Swordsman: "Maybe, imagine both of them together."
Firebender (left): "Now that's a duo."
A Different Focus
The next day Macai sits in his chamber of the Prompt Adjudicator and discusses the recent events with Senior Captain Hazo. Captain Hazo: "Do you know who that firebender was Macai?"
Macai shakes his head. Hazo: "That was the Vindicated Avenger!"
Macai: "That didn't help you know."
Hazo: "He has emerged with the four months or so and he has been a big problem. Many of the United Way suspects have been rescued or protected by him."
Macai: "Isn't this the type of mission they leave up to the Intel Troopers, why am I being briefed about this?"
Hazo responds, "Because you completed your last missions, Ozai wants to give you a new challenge."
Macai nods, "There is always a new challenge and we're always ready for it. I wonder what plans the Firelord has for me after the war."
Hazo: "I have no idea... But it has been a pleasure working with you Macai, I look forward to ending this war together."
Macai meets with Rosh, Dade, Basin, and Samira before his official announcement. Macai: "Where is Kanna?"
Dade: "She is resting and she went for a jog earlier."
Macai: "She's still sad about Kett's disappearance."
Rosh: "Yeah, she hasn't been quite as cheerful since then. Every now and then we get flashes of the classic Kanna. Then she acts indifferent again, she will be present for our upcoming armory meeting though."
Macai: "Well, she has still fought well, that's all I can ask for."
Basin challenges Macai, "Is that all you really care about?"
Macai: "Um no... I value Kanna, she's one of the first friends I met here. I was just saying..."
Rosh: "Relax, Basin"
Basin: "I'm just asking, I'm proud of our awards but I feel the Fire Nation is using us like cattle. One crazy mission after another..."
Macai: "That's what it's like being on top. No one ever said it was going to be easy."
Basin: "And still, if we were to deviate right now. If we were to even slightly disobey them, all we worked for would be gone."
Macai: "We've earned a bit of leeway."
Basin: "Not much."
Samira looks at Macai, "He has a point."
Macai looks at Samira, "You know more than any of us what it is like to serve. When I first meet you, you told me that all you expected was a bed to rest in and food to keep you alive. Other than that, you said you just wanted an opportunity to gut your enemies."
Samira nods, "I said that, but the point still remains."
Macai asks, "Tell me Samira, what made you so fierce?"
Samira sighs, "I just, I just wanted a chance to prove myself to my nation. I know that sounds corny but.."
Macai: "No, that works."
Samira: "Ok, there is more to it than that."
Dade asks, "Are you comfortable with telling us?"
Samira sighs, "You all are like family. Here goes... I, I was a part of a military family. My mother was hard on me. She constantly made me do chores (Macai nods, relating to this), never gave me any real credit, and always told me to work. I pushed myself even harder to try to impress her, I got nothing out of it. That led to me not really caring much about what others think because if my own mother doesn't care and I had to get used to that; then what other randoms think really doesn't matter."
Samira continues, "My grandfather was the same, but he also was an alcoholic. My grandmother was kind and supportive, but she died of a heart attack when I was six. Now my father, he had my back. He always encouraged me, taught me to take care of myself, and he showed me how to maintain a home on my own. He was a soldier, a sergeant in the army. He fought fiercely and had the respect of his squadmates."
Samira briefly looks down then looks back up, "One day he was deployed during an intense battle. And... Well, he died that day. Since then, I stuck to myself and learned to be tough. I made things work because I learned that you can't rely on others in life. Many will betray you, some just don't care, and others who care will die or leave. In the end, we only have ourselves."
Rosh responds, "You have us.."
Samira: "Thanks Rosh and all of you. I need to get some fresh air for a minute." Samira steps out. Rosh looks to follow her.
Macai: "Wait Rosh, let her reflect."
Rosh: "I just want to make sure she is ok."
Basin comments, "I'll check on her." Basin exits. Samira stands near the edge of the ship and looks up in the sky. Basin asks, "Are you ok?"
Samira: "Yeah, Basin I'm ok. I just wanted to get a breather, that's all."
Basin: "You've come a long way, your father would be proud."
Samira smiles, "Yeah, he would."
A few minutes later, the marines meet in the armory. Cosal pats Jesha in the back as she arrives. Cosal: "You've done well young lady, you are constantly proving yourself."
Jesha smiles, "Thanks, I try."
Cosal: "Have you gotten close to some of the more experienced leaders here?"
Jesha: "I've gotten to know Rosh a bit. He's really cool. Macai, not so much. I've talked to him a little more than most people in this unit, but still not a lot. Kanna seems cool as well, but she is harder to find."
Cosal: "She strays off these days when not in battle."
Jesha: "What's up with that?"
Cosal: "She has been upset since her childhood friend Kett was captured."
Jesha: "Oh, that's discouraging."
Cosal: "She'll be alright. She just needs some time."
Jesha: "I know Basin a decent amount and Dade a bit less. They seem cool. Dade seems compassionate and reserved."
Cosal: "I think that describes him pretty well. Basin always has an interesting point to make."
Macai interrupts, "Alright team, we've got a new mission. We have been tasked with tracking and finding the Vindicated Avenger. A talented firebender who has been essential to aiding the United Way. Apparently, he has given fiery speeches about how he once served in the Fire Nation and about a gruesome atrocity he committed under their guise. I've heard he even got a few Fire Nation members to defect and join the United Way."
Samira: "Where do we think he is and how do we plan on catching him?"
Macai: "From what I've heard, he has started freeing some important hostages when he isn't sabotaging political events. In the Coastal Town Devaria, we are shifting an important United Way Water Tribe Chieftain named Rebo from the Eastern region to our city. He has given speeches against our nation and the Intelligence Department reported that Kett recently interfered with a political event just two hours away from Devaria's location."
Dade: "There is no way the security at Devaria will be top-notch. Does it even make sense to put Rebo there?"
Macai: "Yes it does, while he's important to the Eastern Water Tribe, he is less important than our major Earth Kingdom enemies. Right now, the main push is against the Earth Kingdom anyway. The Water Tribe forces have been tabled for now until we fry the bigger fish."
Rosh pats Kanna on the back. Kanna whispers, "Yes."
Rosh whispers, "Nothing, just making sure your alright."
Kanna pats Rosh on the back, "I'm fine Rosh."
Rosh replies, "I sure hope so." Macai notices the side discussion but ignores it this time. He feels Kanna might need the emotional support.
Macai: "I don't know how long we'll wait for the rescue attempt, but stay sharp. We aren't sending everyone, but we aren't even bringing the Prompt Adjudicator. We don't want him to know we're coming. So instead, we are going to dock with an army ship. Not all of our crew will be coming either, just a select team."
Rosh: "Am I on the team?"
Macai nods, "Rosh, Kanna, Sonna, Jesha, Kedo, and Ronin will be on this mission. The rest of you will look after the ship."
Dade: "Ah, I kind of wanted to go on this one."
Macai: "Look after the other members, I figured Jesha could get a chance to show us her new skills. This is a high-stakes mission."
Dade nods, "Very well, commander."
Three days later, Macai's team docks on a beachhead of Devaria. Macai, Rosh, Sonna, Kedo, Kanna, and Jesha are all wearing helmets to conceal their identities. Army Captain Adouger introduces himself. Adouger has curly light brown hair, light skin, hazel eyes, medium attached ears, and a thick neck.
Adouger: "Macai, it is an honor."
Macai smiles, "You noticed already?"
Adouger: "Yes, you stand out with or without armor. However, that uniform will be good enough, it's not like you guys will be standing out in the open. Plus, assuming none of them know you, they wouldn't probably recognize any of you."
Rosh: "I've got a weird feeling about this mission."
Kedo: "Tell me about it."
Adouger: "Let me take you to the cell of the prisoner, that way you can get a look at him." The team enters the city streets. It is a small city and the buildings are all one-story clay huts. They walk to a long metal building with a Fire Nation flag on top of it. This city is a relatively poor one, but it has been part of the Fire Nation for centuries.
The 31st team enters the prison and notices several men contained behind bars. Most are linked in groups but, the most dangerous convicts and prisoners of war are locked up in private cells. Captain Adouger points at a cell, "There he is."
Macai looks at Adouger, "I see why this building is metal, they can't bend their way out of it."
Adouger smirks, "Exactly."
A fatigued and underfed chieftain looks at them. Rebo points at Macai, "We will never stop fighting. NEVER!"
Macai: "You can fight all you want behind the bars of this cell because you're not going anywhere."
Rosh: "Ooooh, good one Cai."
Macai: "I don't answer to that."
Dade pats them on the back and they step aside, "What are you idiots doing? You just blew our cover."
Macai: "Actually Rosh did and I'm just rolling with it. Besides, it doesn't matter that he knows because he can't communicate with our enemy. We just need to find him. He probably doesn't know what Cai means anyway."
Dade: "It's not that hard to guess, you are famous and it comes right out of your name."
Rebo shouts, "You will never break my spirit!"
Dade looks at Macai, "Do you think there is a risk that he'll communicate with his prospective rescuers?"
Macai: "That depends on his ability to share letters with other United Way members and on how well that prison operates. At this point, he would see us and already be suspicious."
Kedo comments, "Now that I think about it, that army captain introducing us to the chieftain was a bit stupid. He didn't need to know we were here!"
Rosh: "But if he started to escape, we might struggle to identify him."
Macai: "We had picture descriptions, those would have worked."
Rosh: "Macai you know those pictures aren't that good."
Macai: "What's happened has happened, for better or worse... Now let's deal with the situation. At this point, his team either comes or they don't. They most likely won't know about this."
Rosh: "A victory over us would boost the team's morale."
Macai: "There is no way they would risk it if they knew any better. I also hear the group moves quickly, if they don't attack within the week, the odds aren't high of them doing it anytime soon. Chances are, they wouldn't have the time to wait for another letter anyway." The next morning, the sky begins to rise as two guards wait at the prison front entrance.
One guard is standing and the other is sitting in a chair outside.
Guard (left): "I hate these early shifts. Nothing ever goes on during this time of the day."
Guard (right) yawns, "Man, I am getting tired."
Guard (left): "Then stand up, that will wake you up." The right guard stands and paces around. Guard (left): "I wish we got paid extra for these shifts."
Guard (right): "Yeah, that would be nice." The guard sits back down.
Guard (left): "Do you feel better now?"
Guard (right): "Meh."
Guard (left): "Then stand back up!" The guard on the right falls asleep at his chair.
Guard (right): "Hey, wake up! Wake up! Ok, whatever, if you get caught it's on you. What a sloth." The guard is yanked from behind by an earthbender and the bender tightens his grip. The guard passes out and the earthbender sits him in the left chair.
The earthbender grabs the metal door but is unable to open it. Another earthbender and a female waterbender emerges behind him; the waterbender is Sada. Earthbender: "It's locked and it will be difficult to get through this door." The Vindicated Avenger moves behind them.
The Vindicated Avenger has a compelling voice and dominant demeanor, "I have an idea. Sada, fire a stream of cold water into the door." Sada steps back and takes a breath then she blasts a stream of freezing water into the door. The Vindicated Avenger charges his hands with light orange and yellow fire and launches a flashing stream of fire into the door.
The door becomes loose and chunks of metal fall off the door but pieces still remain. An earthbender replies, "Now what?!"
Vindicated Avenger: "Now we have some progress, but I have another idea. Moriana, you know how to sandbend?" Moriana shakes her head. She has medium-length straight brown hair, emerald green eyes, thin eyebrows, yellow skin, and a moderately skinny yet strong frame.
Moriana: "Yes, I'm pretty good at it. I've practiced it on and off the last three years."
Vindicated Avenger: "I hear the devaria sand can be explosive when it is touched by fire. Shoot a stream of sand into the door and everyone get back." Moriana swirls her hands and sprays a stream of sand into the door. Clacking can be heard as the sand hits the door and the right guard wakes up.
Guard (right): "Wha?" Sada pops a brick of ice in the guard's face, knocking him out. The United Way (UW) earthbender pulls the earthbender back up and sits him back in his chair.
The Vindicated Avenger peeps at Moriana, "Please, continue." Moriana shoots another and a bigger body of sand into the door for several seconds then the Vindicated Avenger paces right and kicks a flame into door. The sand explodes on impact and knocks the remains of the door off its hinges.
Smoke flows from the entrance and Sada launches a stream of water on the door to make the entrance safe. Moriana: "Sada, how do you manage to waterbend in a location like this?"
Sada: "There is water in almost everything, even the air."
Vindicated Avenger: "Come on, we have limited time." The freedom fighters rush into the facility. Two firebender guards notice their enemies.
Firebender: "It's the Emancipators of Truth, stop them!" Sada leaps right and pours a stream of water into the firebender on the right. The other firebender pumps a fireball at Moriana but she blocks it with her right arm. The Vindicated Avenger stretches his left leg and pounds a bright flame into the guard's chest, knocking him back several feet.
The four benders arrive in front of Chieftain Rebo's cell. Two swordsmen and one firebender stand in front of the door. Sada diagonally leaps forward and slaps them aside with a large whip of water. The Vindicated Avenger looks at Rebo's cell. Rebo asks, "How do you plan on getting me out?"
The Vindicated Avenger grins, "I have someone on that right now."
Rebo: "There is only one problem."
Vindicated Avenger: "What's that?"
Rebo: "They are onto us."
Vindicated Avenger: "The local defense?"
Rebo replies, "Worse." The Vindicated Avenger hears footsteps, looks out of Rebo's window, and views his operative Captain Donyer with his hands up. Rosh and Jesha escort the man outside.
Vindicated Avenger: "I see."
Sada: "Donyer must have gotten the key, but he got caught before he made it out. There is no way to rescue Rebo without the key."
Moriana: "But they wanted us to see them. That's why they left across the other side of the hallway. They are luring us into a trap."
Vindicated Avenger: "We can't abandon Donyer. He is a dedicated veteran and important ally. His experience is invaluable to our team."
Rebo responds, "She is right, it's a trap! That famous Commander Macai has a team here."
The Vindicated Avenger declares, "I'm not afraid of them. We've been running long enough, it's time we fight! With the Avatar gone, the people need new heroes."
Rebo: "You are an inspiration, especially with how you fight against your own people."
Vindicated Avenger: "My people are lost, but I will help them find their way." Five Fire Nation troopers charge from the rear entrace.
One sergeant shouts, "Get them!"
Rebo comments, "This mission is more important than me, find out what they are planning. It is more important that you are not captured or executed by them. Keep the rebellion alive! Keep the dream alive, my friend!" Rebo stretches his hand across the cell and the Vindicated Avenger holds his hand in endearment.
Vindiacted Avenger: "We will come back for you and all those held in bondage. Eventually, as long as we still live I pledge that."
Rebo: "Go!"
Sada leaps behind the team and directs a stream of ice knives at her enemies. She tactically shoots down the two firebenders beside the sergeant and the two swordsmen around him are startled. Sergeant: "What are you waiting for? After them!" Sada slaps her hands together and blasts the sergeant out of the building with a fountain of water and the swordsmen run out of the door.
Sada comments, "I'm really not impressed."
The Vindicated Avenger remarks, "The 31st regiment would have gone out swinging, these are the local army troopers."
The male earthbender comments, "Which way should we go out?"
Vindicated Avenger: "They will have both sides covered. We need someone experienced to go out of the rear, Sada go with Tyson." Sada nods and the male earthbender follows her outside. Tyson has thick black hair, a long nose, pale skin, dark green eyes, and a muscular yet somewhat short stature.
The Vindicated Avenger looks at Moriana, "We must be quick if we are going to get out of here, fortunately, I have a counter team at the ready." The Vindicated Avenger sprints outside with Moriana by his side. When they exit they notice Commander Macai with Ronin at his right and two army firebenders (one left of him and the other right of Ronin's position).
TFoCost- 02- The Great Exodus ~ Till All Are One [Youtube] (Music Starts)
Macai: "Aha, just as I estimated. You are clever but not a genius. I knew you would try to do the bold and honorable thing and face us directly. I read about your official bio for the last three days. Your story is truly fascinating but the Fire Nation doesn't tell the full picture. There are still some things missing that I'd like to find out so I'll try to keep you alive for questioning."
Macai continues, "But your friends, I'm afraid I'll have to kill them. We have too much dead weight as it is." The Vindicated Avenger looks up and notices Kedo on a right rooftop with a sizzling arrow aimed at Moriana and Sonna on a left rooftop with an arrow pointed at him.
Vindicated Avenger: "Commander Macai, I presume, your reputation serves you well. You are brilliant indeed, but I always keep a few friends on reserve so I wonder if you caught them all."
Macai's eyes widen, "Oh, we caught them all."
Vindicated Avenger: "Oh really? Well, we will see."
Macai: "Surrender now or die! There are no other options."
Vindicated Avenger: "Well, this is tough then because surrendering isn't in my nature."
Macai: "I don't care about your nature. This is your final warning Avenger. Killing you is still a win for our nation, but perhaps we could find another use for you if you reveal yourself and face the music you coward!"
Vindicated Avenger: "Did you take this personally?!"
Macai: "I take EVERY betrayer personally. Anyone who is willing to take arms against their own country is less than human. Leaving is bad enough, but trying to dismantle the Empire of your heritage is just.... I can't describe with words how distasteful it is."
Vindicated Avenger: "That moral blindness is exactly why the Fire Nation must fall."
Macai shakes his head, "I've had enough of this." Macai raises his hand for his archers to fire. A volley of fireworks is suddenly launched in the air between the archers. Macai tilts his head as he glances backward then an earthbender leaps on the building that Kedo is on. Another earthbender leaps on the building that Sonna is on.
Macai: "Fire!" The earthbender lifts his hand and the part of the rooftop that Kedo is standing on caves in. Kedo falls a level down and hits the ground. He shakes side to side from the pain, but is still alive. Two army firebenders on the rooftop leap to intercept the earthbender but he extends his arms and launches a brick into both of them.
Sonna launches an arrow but the waterbender immediately blasts it away with a stream of water. Two firebenders on the rooftop immediately blast flames at the bender. The waterbender raises her hands and blocks the shots with a water bubble. The waterbender extends her hands then breaks the bubble and knocks both of the firebenders off the roof with two water tentacles.
Sonna bolts an arrow at the waterbender but she rolls forward. Sonna rushes ahead and kicks the waterbender in the face, knocking her out. Sonna turns and looks back at the Vindicated Avenger but the earthbender at the rooftop notices her. The earthbender raises his right hand and causes the part of the roof that Sonna is on to collapse.
Like Kedo, Sonna falls and hits the level below. However, Sonna is immediately knocked out from the fall after hitting her head. Macai hisses at the Vindicated Avenger and extends his left arm. A white flame is blown at the man's face and the Vindicated Avenger pounces left while lowering his shoulder to avoid getting hit.
The Vindicated Avenger lengthens his hands and shoots a ray of light orange fire directly at the commander. Macai shifts his hands and blocks the beam but slides a few inches back from the shot. An enraged Macai charges and pumps a volley of flames at the Avenger. The Vindicated Avenger raises his hands and rockets himself in the air with bright orange flames.
The Vindicated Avenger comes back with his own volley of light orange fire orbs. Macai rolls forward and under his opponent. The commander raises his hands and propels a stream of white fire directly at his adversary. The Vindicated Avenger douses his flames and rotates his body so that he lands directly across the prodigy's position.
The Vindicated Avenger turns his body and blasts a beam of light orange fire at Macai's chest. Macai tilts his body left to evade the shot, the Avenger horizontally shifts his hand in Macai's direction to blast him. Macai bobs right and below the beam. Then the marine immediately rises and launches a barrage of white flames at his opponent.
The Vindicated Avenger raises a wall of bright fire which blocks the blasts. Macai leaps over the wall and kicks his left leg at the masked man's position. A deadly swirl of white fire flies toward the Avenger. The Vindicated Avenger pulls his hands back and launches himself diagonally left from the beam. The freedom fighter lands a few feet closer to Macai as he does this.
(Pause Music)
Meanwhile, Moriana extends both of her hands and two stone logs diagonally extend from the ground below. Both of the logs hit the army firebenders around her and knock them away. Another firebender zips a few feet behind her position. Mariana rotates her body and horizontally swings her right hand left.
A mound of earth rises and knocks the firebender down. Mariana notices a distant army swordsman and an army spearwoman emerging in her direction. Mariana raises her hands and picks up the mound then launches it into the spearwoman. Mariana then pulls her left hand down and sinks the swordsman into the sand below.
Fire Nation swordsman: "No!"
The Hunt Continues
Samira and Rosh are leaving with Chieftain Rebo as they look to escort him to a Fire Nation army squad for extraction. Rosh: "A carriage isn't far from here." They have some fast animals on them, some cheetah hounds. Cheetah hounds are strong and can run up to fifty miles an hour when sprinting. When they walk they are relatively slow but they can run for up to ten minutes.
The animals have dark grey skin and no fur but are shaped like large cheetahs. The animals also have thick bones that make them very strong but they move fluidity. These creatures are not known for their agility and they can't jump. Jesha points, "I see the carriage, it's just about a minute walk from here."
Five Fire Nation army troopers stand outside of the carriage to protect it. A waterbender launches himself across Rosh's position. An agile swordsman in a brown uniform leaps behind Jesha and an earthbender emerges from the ground below between Jesha and Rosh's position. Waterbender: "It's over, unhand the Cheiftain!"
Rosh (to Jesha) "Are you ready?" Jesha nods. Rosh elbows Rebo in the face, knocking him out. The earthbender immediately fires a stream of sand at Rosh but the 31st officer launches himself in the air and on top of a building right of his position. Jesha turns and sprints at the swordsman behind her. The swordsman swings horizontally at Jesha and she slides under him.
Jesha draws her right sword as she leaps back on her feet and the swordsman raises his left leg but his right leg is slashed by the quick maneuver. Jesha hops forward and swings vertically at the duelist. The man twirls backward and readjusts his blade. Jesha draws her second sword.
Jesha advances and swings up and right at her opponent. The swordsman vertically shifts his blade left and blocks the strike. Jesha lengthens her left blade and slides it into the man's stomach. The man looks down in surprise and Jesha glides her blade back. The duelist collapses as the other two benders focus on Rosh.
The earthbender sways his hands and launches a large boulder at the captain. Rosh flips off the building and extends both of his hands; firing two red-orange streams of fire at his opponents. The earthbender raises a barrier of earth, which blocks the shot. The waterbender twirls his hands around and blocks the shot with a swirl of water.
Rosh lands between his opponents. The waterbender extends his hands and fires a stream of water at the marine. Rosh dashes right and the earthbender fires a volley of stones at the captain. The marine raises a stream of red-orange which intercepts the stones. Rosh rotates his body and elongates his right hand; directing a stream of red-orange fire at the waterbender.
The waterbender is overwhelmed by the flames but the earthbender readjusts his focus. He raises several boulders in the air and spams them at Rosh. Captain Rosh gallops forward as he avoids a massive boulder, which knocks a hole through a nearby building. The earthbender suddenly decides to drop his other boulders and they slam into the ground; then he swiftly pumps his right hand.
Several rocks fly at Rosh. The noble extends his left arm and blocks multiple rocks then is hit in the face by one of the rocks. Rosh backpedals and the earthbender sends more rocks in the captain's direction. Rosh twirls right then leaps right as the earthbender continues his barrage. The viscount pops two fireballs at his opponent and the bender raises his right arm.
A wall of earth blocks the shots. The earthbender didn't notice that Jesha was analyzing him the entire time. Jesha has slowly been moving closer and closer but now sprints in his direction. The earthbender turns and blasts Jesha away with a stream of sand. Rosh jumps on the boulder and the earthbender turns in his direction.
As soon as the earthbender notices Rosh he is caught off guard and Rosh flips behind the man. The earthbender grins, "Wrong answer." The earthbender generates a stone wrist blade on his right hand then lunges forward and swings at Rosh's midsection. Rosh leaps backward but the earthbender raises his left hand a wall emerges behind Rosh.
The earthbender pulls his hand back and launches the wall at the young captain. The marine springs left and the earthbender's wall flies into his own face. A loud crack is heard and Jesha rises with her eyes wide. The ground thumps as he hits the floor. Rosh smiles with the realization that the skilled earthbender knocked himself out.
Rosh and Jesha successfully transport the Chieftain to the carriage and they take him away. Jesha asks, "Now what?"
Rosh: "We join the others."
While this is happening, Tyson and Sada flee from the prison center. Five Fire Nation troopers move to intercept them. A swordsman (at the center), a spearman (on the right), and a firebender (on the left) rush toward them. Tyson zooms left and extends his hands. Two earth walls slam against the spearman and firebender.
Sada sweeps her arms and blasts the swordsman away with a spout of water. Sada launches herself in the air with a stream of water and neutralizes a firebender with a snow surge. A few feet beside the firebender an army archer pounds an arrow at her. Sada propels left and glides back on the ground with a strong water stream.
The archer adjusts but Sada stretches her hands out and blasts the archer away with a blistering stream of water. Sada douses her stream and Tyson meets her. Tyson: "Should we link with Kett, to make sure he's safe?"
Sada looks back and notices the Prompt Adjudicator dock in the distance with 31st marines arriving on the shore. Sada's eyes widen, "Oh there is no time. If we stay here, we'll be overwhelmed. The 31st company is also very efficient and aggressive. We must flee."
Tyson: "But the Vindicated Avenger?"
Sada: "If he doesn't escape by the time we get there, it will already be too late. They are tactical, they will cut us off when we arrive and use their numbers to flank us."
Tyson: "Fine."
Sada looks at Tyson, "He knew the risks, they are here to get as many of us as possible. There is a time to fight and a time to run. Keep the movement alive!"
Tyson pumps his fist, "Keep the dream alive!" Kanna suddenly leaps in front of her enemies. Two army fire benders leap behind them.
Kanna smiles, "Leaving so soon? The party has just gotten started."
Sada nods and Tyson extends his hands. A stream of earth flies at Kanna, the marine scout darts left of Sada's position. Sada rapidly turns and pumps a ray of water at Kanna. Kanna slides left, "You'll have to be faster than that." Kanna extends her right leg and kicks an explosive rod of dark orange flames at Sada. Sada exhales then rolls left and Tyson dives right.
The flame explodes on impact and knocks chunks of sand in the air. Tyson raises his left hand and shoots two stones at Kanna's face. Kanna does a left cartwheel then Kanna rotates her body and fires a beam of dark orange fire into Tyson. The beam hits Tyson and violently knocks him into a building behind him.
Tyson cracks the building on impact and falls unconscious. Sada looks back at Kanna and the Nyarri commoner glares at her. Sada launches herself towards Kanna with an outpouring of water. Kanna extends her hands and missiles a beam of dark orange fire at her opponent.
Sada spins left then readjusts her body and pours a massive wave of the water she was riding into Kanna. The water blasts Kanna away and out of visible sight. Sada runs in front of Tyson, but notice he is still unconscious. Sada grabs a hold of him and swats them away with water propulsion.
(Music Resumes)
Meanwhile, Macai faces off with the Vindicated Avenger. Macai slides forward and pumps a barrage of four white flames at his foe. The Vindicated Avenger ignites his hands with light orange flames and blocks each white fireball. Then the Vindicated Avenger tightens his arms and shoves a stream of light orange fire at the commander. Macai forces his own stream of white flames back into the VA's blast. A enormous explosion occurs revealing blinding light. Macai pivots left and the Avenger turns right to avoid being blinded.
The Avenger looks forward and sees nothing but smoke. Macai runs through the left side of the smoke and the Vindicated Avenger jabs a ray of light orange fire at him. The young officer hops forward and right of the attack. Macai extends his hands and fires his own beam of white fire back at the rebel.
The Vindicated Avenger slides forward then leaps back on his feet just inches from Macai's location. Macai amps his hands with white flames and swings horizontally at the Avenger's face. The Avenger pulls his head back and swings at Macai's chin with an amplified uppercut. Macai backpedals and kicks a white flame at the VA's stomach.
The defector lowers his arms and blocks the shot. Macai pulls his hands up and fires two swift white flames at the Avenger's face. The Vindicated Avenger pulls his head down, leaving himself in an exposed position. Macai smirks and extends his left hand as he prepares to blast his opponent away with a white stream of fire.
However, the Vindicated Avenger makes an unorthodox move, he diagonally flips and latches onto Macai's wrists. The Avenger is using a grappling move, something that is rarely done by benders. The Avenger flips Macai over and slams him into the ground. The Avenger raises his right hand and enhances it with light orange fire.
Macai extends his left hand and flicks a white flame in the Vindicated Avenger's face. The hero is knocked back on his knees and his mask flies off. Macai stands defiantly with his hands engulfed with white fire. The Avenger rises and meets Macai face to face. Macai looks and sees Kett.
Macai: "Kett?"
Kett: "That's right, I am the Vindicated Avenger!"
Macai: "You traitor!! How could you do this to your NATION!!"
Kett: "Because I am not brainwashed like you. Maybe there is something you nobles could learn from the rest of us."
Macai: "And what is that?"
Kett: "Humility... The arrogance you have to think we can just take and drain everything. That other people's cultures, livelihoods, and experiences are only secondary to our own. That our pleasure is more important than their needs. It is so disgusting and appalling. I can't stand by it anymore."
Macai: "Listen to yourself."
Kett: "Maybe you should listen to yourself and the Fire Nation zealots. Maybe you should listen to Ozai and all those idiots!! Do you really think this is what your mother died for?!"
Macai points at Kett, "Don't you talk about my mother."
Kett: "Do the right thing Macai. She'd be rolling in her grave."
Macai: "I SAID DON'T TALK ABOUT HER!!" White flames expand around Macai's body and engulf his surrounding environment.
Kett: "I feel bad for you. Everything you and your nation built up is going to go crashing down. Watch, anything built on hate won't last. Love is the answer and I mean true love. Not false love. But honestly, fairness, and acceptance of what is not bad."
Macai: "You allowed those Waterbenders to defile your mind, until now you have become something you always stood against."
Kett: "Defile? Defile my mind?! No Macai, this is who I always was. I wasn't sitting in a place of privilege. I always saw our nation's contradictions. I just never stood up against it, I thought I had to accept this imperfect world for all its flaws. But I learned that life is what we make it and I'd rather die fighting for what is truly right than live lying to myself as a slave every day."
Kett continues, "You have material wealth, a reputation, and all that hallow stuff but you're really dead inside. But I have good news, it's never too late to change."
Macai shakes his head, "I won't regret killing you." Macai raises his right hand but an earthbender emerges left of Kett's position and hurls a colossal rock at Macai. The young commander readjusts his focus and blasts the rock in half with a burst of fire. Kett turns and shoots a stream of light orange fire at Macai but the noble raises his arms and blocks the shot.
Steam flows from Macai's hands and Kett blows himself away with rocket propulsion. Several 31st marines charge beside Macai and Arret extends her arrow as she looks to aim for Kett. Arret flings an arrow at Kett, but the Avenger launches himself left and behind some buildings.
Asad shouts, "Route him out!" Multiple marines sprint in his direction but Macai shrugs knowing Kett has gotten away.
Basin looks at Macai, "I heard we got the chieftain, that's a victory right?"
Macai: "But we let the Vindicated Avenger get away."
(Music Stops)
Basin: "You mean Kett." Macai's heart sinks when he hears the statement.
Macai: "Don't mention that name. Not right now. I don't want to hear it again until he is in front of me and I sink my fire into his dead cold hands." Basin stops responding. Macai looks at Asad, "Asad, I want all the data and information you can get on the Emanicaptors of Truth. This isn't over!" Macai marches off in defiance across the beachhead toward his ship.
Rosh and Jesha look in the distance. Jesha: "That's not good."
Rosh: "Looks like we are in for a really wild ride."
Jesha responds, "You always say that."
Rosh: "I know, but this will be our most wild one yet and I have no doubt about it."
Jesha asks, "Do you think Kett can redeem himself?"
Rosh sighs, "I don't think there is any way he'll ever come back to this nation. At least not with Ozai in charge and if he came back, our people would execute him."
Jesha: "I wonder how Kanna will react to this announcement." Rosh doesn't answer and they get back in the Prompt Adjudicator. Kanna watches in the distance, having seen the last moments of the fight. She takes a deep breath and sits down on a rooftop. Kanna tries to focus and take everything in, but she just can't. It's all too much, she breaks down and cries.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone