บท 34: The New Republic
P'Li looked at Toph's ashes with pride stamped on her face. The great legend who discovered metalbending was dead, all because of her.
Few people in this life will be able to say they defeated great legends like Toph Beifong. She was a legend in this world, and even in old age, people couldn't help but praise how strong she still was. But there she was, or rather, where she wasn't. Her ashes mingled with the battlefield soil, blending with the dirt.
The Republic soldiers continued advancing ruthlessly, while the Zaun soldiers displayed defeated looks. Many just sat on the ground, waiting for death.
***
So the whole world trembled upon hearing the news that Zaun had fallen, one of the last walls the Republic would have to overcome to emerge victorious in this war. Toph Beifong was declared dead by the hands of one of the Republic's generals, named P'Li.
While the news terrified the world and made people lock themselves at home out of fear of the impending war, the Republic's capital was celebrating. Many citizens celebrated Zaun's fall, drinking and dancing, imagining their enemies' bodies decomposing on the battlefield.
Gale's war propaganda had worked very well, creating an enemy in the eyes of the population and gaining enormous support. Almost everyone in the Republic supported this war, convinced of the righteousness of their cause. Of course, there were always those who were against the war and senseless killing.
Gale established a reeducation camp for these people. There, they were "lovingly" taught to understand the importance of not going against their supreme leader. Conversations were conducted, sometimes subtly, sometimes more forcefully, to persuade them to support the Republic's cause and believe in the necessity of the war against Zaun.
Meanwhile, in the capital's streets, lively conversations echoed among the citizens:
"We finally defeated Zaun! Now we're one step closer to securing peace for our nation."
"The Republic soldiers are unstoppable. There's no resisting our power."
"Did you hear about Toph Beifong? A true legend... It's sad, but necessary for our victory."
"That reeducation camp doesn't seem right to me. Where is freedom of speech?"
"Hey, keep quiet. Do you want the soldiers to hear what you're saying?" The man whispered as he pointed towards a soldier leaning against the wall.
The Republic police had long been disbanded by the Supreme Leader, and a new organization specializing in citizen security emerged. Their mission was to protect citizens from themselves.
These agents wore innovative technological armor created by genius Hiroshi Sato. The suits, in shades of blue, were equipped with lightweight, flexible metal plates, providing protection without compromising mobility. The armor featured sleek, aerodynamic lines, standing out for the fusion of aesthetics and functionality.
Each piece of armor displayed a shiny metallic hue, contrasting with luminous details in sparkling blue. The helmets were equipped with transparent visors displaying vital information and offering advanced peripheral vision. Small Republic emblems adorned the shoulders and chests of the armors, symbolizing authority and commitment to public safety.
A soldier far in the crowd, unlike most who were celebrating and pretending to work, remained distant, observing as if expecting the worst to happen. Anyone who could see behind his helmet would notice his expression of discontent.
"Mako, you're still a killjoy," teased a colleague as he approached.
Taken from his internal thoughts, Mako smiled inwardly behind his helmet. "Bolin, unlike you, I'm here to work. You should do the same."
Bolin held his helmet in one arm and a piece of cake in his hand. "I enjoy while I can," he retorted casually.
Mako smiled at seeing his brother enjoying the piece of cake, remembering the difficult times when they barely had enough money to survive. Thanks to the mass recruitment promoted by the new Republic, they managed to rise again.
Upon becoming a Republic soldier, you received various benefits, such as government-paid housing and an above-average salary. The organization sought new members, and the benefits were attractive to newcomers. However, the reality of war could not be escaped.
One of the requirements to join the organization, the new city police, was to serve on the battlefield for at least three months, fighting for the country. Those who survived could return home as new Republic police officers, with lower risks of death.
Mako and Bolin witnessed the cruelty of war; their hands were stained with blood. However, they were alive, and to them, that was the most important thing.
Suddenly, a voice resonated in Mako's ears, pulling him out of his thoughts. A serious expression appeared on his face.
"Come on, General P'Li is almost flying over the city. We need to greet her," said Mako as he headed towards his brother and slapped his chest to wake him up.
Bolin quickly swallowed the piece of cake, put on his helmet, and ran to join his brother.
And then, it happened. A huge dragon hovered majestically over the Republic, its imposing presence dominating the sky.
"It's General P'Li's dragon, incredible. It was the same dragon that killed Toph," exclaimed a citizen, his voice filled with astonishment.
Soon, all the citizens began to crowd, trying to surround the immense dragon descending from the sky, its wings beating powerfully.
The Republic soldiers arrived shortly, skillfully dispersing the crowd. As P'Li commanded her dragon to land, everyone noticed her elegance, especially her armor tailored by Satoshi, at Gale's request.
Although some soldiers briefly glanced at her curves, they quickly composed themselves. The vision of the bald psychopath, P'Li's husband, invaded their minds, reminding them of the grim consequences of getting involved with such a woman.
It was better not to entertain improper thoughts, for destiny held a bitter path for those who challenged it.
As she descended from the enormous dragon, P'Li's first words were obvious.
"Where is Zaheer?"
The question caught no one by surprise; they remembered being warned to answer this possible question.
"General Zaheer is on a diplomatic mission in the Fire Nation," the soldier said as he bowed.
"Diplomatic mission?" P'Li quickly understood the so-called diplomatic mission.
Advancing towards the crowd, she decided to return to her quarters when she was stopped again by the same soldier.
"The President requests your presence at the palace," the soldier said as he tried to bow even more, trying not to provoke the anger of the woman in front of him.
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