18 Remnant Reborn Part 1

Ozai sits in a private officer's quarters within his battlecruiser. Major Alev, Captain Ronin, 1st Lieutenant Kedo, and a couple of other officers sit in the room. Ozai holds his hands together as he makes a power gesture and looks down at his desk as he reads his battle plans. Alev: "So Ozai? What is our next move?"

Ozai inhales before he speaks closing his eyes as he looks to display confidence. The former monarch opens his eyes and speaks, "Katara is now under our control and we are well past the borders of the Water Tribe." Ozai briefly pauses as he devises his next statement.

Ozai: "Our enemies in the Water Tribe will be working effortlessly to discover our location and what happened to her. There are several locations that are still protected by the Remnant. Most are in the fringes of the Fire Nation, but some are within the more remote areas of the Earth Kingdom. We will use the less patrolled Earth Kingdom routes to get to our destination. Our area of interest is Kecca Island, it is located at the far northern most edges of the Fire Nation islands, I want Katara sent there and our ship can stay docked."

Kedo: "But sir, why Kecca? Wouldn't it be easier to stay near one of the Earth Kingdom regions or Fire Nation islands bordering the Earth Kingdom?"

Ozai: "We will go to Kecca because it has something other places don't, history."

An officer jokes, "Everywhere has history."

Ozai snarls, "But not A RELEVANT HISTORY! I seek the history of our people, a land where Fire Nation priests once consulted a specific group of spirits that could debate deals and stipulations."

The officer asks, "What kind of stipulations?"

Ozai answers, "All will be revealed in time. Until then, get this ship going as fast as it can. I will not allow anyone to be lax at this moment. But when we get to Kecca, I want to see the girl personally. Then, we prepare our next attack. One that will demand the attention of our enemies and from there I will set the terms on my time! If we wait for our enemies to suspect us, they may move faster than we could hope."

A young male major that is eighteen slams the desk, "Very well sir! But when you are looking to attack the enemy, I want to make a special statement! Special request that I lead a daring charge when it is time for your grand attack!"

Ozai looks at the other officers, "Who is this kid?"

Young major: "I am Taku!" Taku has black spikey hair, pale skin, light gold eyes, a pointy nose, small ears, a thin mustache, and small lips.

Ozai: "Well Taku, your time will come, be patient. And Alev, you have been a great asset to our nation, since your friend Hakon died how would you like to be promoted to the rank of colonel?"

Alev's eyes widen, "Colonel, well sir that is an honor."

Ozai calps, "Excellent but we don't have time to celebrate, not until after our victory. So get back to work everyone and do not disturb me until we reach Kecca unless you have some VERY IMPORTANT NEWS! If you are unsure you would be better to not approach me at all." The officers scramble out of the room.

Seconds later Ozai turns his head left and sees Sozin sitting across him. Ozai: "Oh it's you."

Sozin: "You don't seem pleased to see your grandfather."

Ozai: "It's not that I'm unpleased to see you, but I prefer to have my private time alone."

Sozin: "Well you need the help. You are a great warrior, but your strategy was never like your brother's."

Ozai points at Sozin, "Don't..."

Sozin: "Or even your daughter's."

Ozai punches the table, "I said DON'T."

Sozin: "I'm not one of your subjects that you can boss around."

Ozai attempts to slap Sozin but his hand flows right through him. Sozin: "See."

Ozai: "I know, but you should consider yourself lucky that you aren't here in the flesh."

Sozin: "My time has passed, but now is your shot. And you are quite ungrateful, I didn't have to grant you your powers back!"

Ozai groans, "Of course."

Sozin: "Still I respect that you have that spite in you. That very quality your son lacks. And I can prepare you for the next step, your fight with the Avatar."

Ozai: "I don't need your help, I have put my gameplan together."

Sozin responds, "But I need to make sure your focus is right. And Shakaro will make sure it doesn't have any holes. Gehou will ensure that your plan is intimidating and creates the essence of power it needs. Together, we will make sure you can devise the most powerful and diabolical plan possible. Don't worry grandson, there is nothing wrong with accepting help."

Ozai: "I know, but I usually get the help on my terms."

Sozin: "Still you controlled the people you used. It's time you've dealt and collaborated with other adults on your level to ensure you success. And beings who are willing to question you."

GAINING SOME INSIGHT

Iroh sits in his room as he sips on a cup of hot tea rubbing his stomach. A second later Iroh hears someone knock loudly on the door. Iroh puts down his cup, "Oh my, it better be something important. I haven't gotten a chance to drink much tea all day. Every time I try to sip something happens."

Iroh opens the door and notices Zuko with Aang behind him. Iroh: "Oh, ZUKO! How have you been? Come on over here!" Zuko walks forward and Iroh snatches him with a powerful hug. Iroh turns and looks at the Aang, "Oh, Aang, just because you are the Avatar doesn't mean you are immune to hugs, come and get one!"

Aang: "We don't have time for this."

Iroh: "Oh, you seem troubled. What could possibly be wrong?"

Aang: "My love, Katara has been kidnapped."

Iroh: "Oh no."

Aang: "I wanted to draw from your wisdom to discover how I could possibly find her."

Iroh: "Well, then come in and sit down. I'll make you both a nice warm cup of tea and I'll see what information I have."

As Aang and Zuko sit and Iroh hands them both warm tea cups Iroh goes in one of his rooms shuffling through files. Iroh returns to them and puts a basket of papers on the desk. Aang: "What is that?"

Iroh: "Well, these are several locations, including ones they might value and places they might attack."

Aang: "So these are known Remnant locations?"

Iroh: "No, any places known for Remnant activity or suspicious activity is something Zuko or the Intel Department would already have. These locations are places that have been historically known, for strange practices and occurrences. Focus on the one's within the Fire Nation or at least somewhere near it. The Remnant can't afford to operate too far in the borders of the Earth Kingdom or Water Tribes."

Zuko: "What is their goal uncle?"

Iroh: "Zuko I am not all-knowing, but one of their goals is obvious. They want to use the Avatar's emotions against him."

Aang asks, "To retake control of the Fire Nation."

Iroh answers, "Perhaps, but perhaps also to make you suffer. Sometimes that in itself is a goal. Depending on who is leading this attack."

Aang: "Only Ozai would be so motivated to get revenge against me, well him or maybe someone I've screwed over in the past. Like that Warden from Ba Sing Se."

Zuko: "Or Combustion Man, maybe he wants revenged against Sokka apparently killing him."

Aang: "There is no way he's alive."

Iroh counters, "You never know."

Zuko shouts, "YES, I KNEW IT."

Iroh: "Let's not jump to conclusions so quickly."

Aang: "Whoever it is, I'm sure this will give me some insights."

Iroh: "I also can meditate with you, see if we find any hints."

Zuko: "Can I join uncle?"

Iroh: "Absolutely. Let's go in the backyard, meditation is always more endearing in nature." Iroh, Zuko, and Aang sit in the backward as they concentrate. Aang closes his eyes and opens them. He sees himself with Zuko and Iroh. They are surrounded by darkness, but they look forward and see a long white scroll, within the scroll is an image.

An angry man sits outside and punches the ground. He vows to dominate his world. The man rises and builds a house but it has a shaky foundation. Despite having a decent home, he is not satisfied. The man pushes others down that stand in his way as he looks for more resources to enhance his home. As he continues to build the home it looks nicer and nicer.

A storm occurs and destroys his home. The man returns from work. his hair falls out, he grows frail, and he cries. The man gets up and goes in a graveyard. There he takes soil from the ground and lays it on his head. He pleads with dark spirits to bring his hair back at any cost. One of the spirits cuts him, showing that the deal came at his own cost. The man's hair regrows, he regains his physical strength, and his eyes turn red as they are fueled by hatred.

The trio wake up from their daydream. Aang: "Well that was, interesting."

Zuko: "Well, not sure what any of that meant. I just wanted to find the location of our enemies but our hint didn't seem to have anything to do with that."

Iroh raises one of his fingers, "Sometimes, the best answer is not always what you are seeking. Perhaps the location of your enemies will come to you. Maybe there is something else you should be preparing for. Make sure you are spiritually, mentally, and physically ready for this ordeal before you take it on. If you go in there brash and emotionally vulnerable the darkness may overtake you. Your battle is more than physical so it must be fought differently."

Zuko looks at Aang, "He's right. Aang, I think you need to spend some time alone to train your mind for this battle. While you do that, I'm going to put some more logistics together with my administration. Come back in three days or a week if you need it."

Aang asks, "What if something happens before then?"

Zuko: "Then you'll know, that's how these things always work. And remember what Toph said..."

Aang: "That she'll be back in a heartbeat if anything goes down."

Zuko: "Right." Aang steps outside and Appa lands directly behind him. Meanwhile a carriage waits for Zuko. Aang salutes his friends then backflips on top of Appa who takes off. Zuko looks up at his friend in the sky and looks back at his uncle. Zuko: "I'm going to miss you uncle but I'll be back."

Iroh smiles, "Good and bring all your friends. Let's have a great big celebration then!"

Zuko laughs, "Sure thing uncle." Zuko embarks his carriage and rides away.

Iroh wipes a tear off his left eye, "Oh, they grow up so fast."

Captivity 

The Bustling Rhino stops across the shoreline of Kecca. Three villagers stand across the beachhead in light red and beige garments. The islanders stare in the distance but they are known for having no real forms of communication with those outside of their island. A restrained Katara steps down with two Remnant spear warriors and two firebenders guarding her. Ronin stands behind them, "Come on, take her toward the Great Volcano in the center of the island!"

As the troopers continue their march away from the villagers on the outskirts of the island, they move deeper into the jungle. Ronin comments, "The predators can get feisty at night, come on!" A steel armored transport emerges and opens its rear. Katara is taken in and the troopers enter as well. The transport rides at 30 miles an hour for nearly forty-five minutes as it just reaches the exterior of the volcano.

Several Remnant archers stand guard outside of the volcano as the carriage rides into a facility within the lower part of the natural structure. One of the spearmen asks, "How did they make this, volcano habitable?"

Ronin: "No one knows. There is a legend, that some ancient beings made it by bending magna, earth, and even metal to make barriers between the more dangerous parts of the volcano. They also made it larger, to take in extra room where people could live. It was made like a temple, but the Remnant has re-designed it to look like a base. One where we could engage in covert operations, it was a well kept secret since Sozin's time, but Ozai's loyalists hid it from Zuko's administration when he took over."

As they step inside of the volcano, one of the troopers is impressed by how well the heat is regulated. It doesn't seem any hotter than anywhere else in the island. The floor is covered by a light grey metal, showing an extension the Fire Nation made to modernize it. The walls are still dark brown but the ceiling is painted dark red to fit the theme of the Fire Nation.

Ronin: "The armory in uses a small portion of the volcano's lava to create metals and to forge unique weapons." Ronin walks with the men until they notice a metal cell that Katara is placed inside of.

Ronin looks at Katara, "Two guards will always wait directly outside of this facility, you will always be monitored. Waterbenders cannot break out of these cells."

Katara answers, "But I know someone who can."

Ronin: "Well I seriously hope they are smarter than that. I've been ordered by Ozai to inform every trooper in this facility, that IF ANYONE attempts to rescue you and makes it within this facility, you are to immediately be EXECUTED!"

Ronin continues, "And your cell is near the very center of this facility, and we have a second place we can put you if anyone comes close. A location far less pleasant than this one. So I hope they try, because I promise you, the keeper of this facility is far more frightening than me. And he takes pleasure in the pain he inflicts on others." Ronin walks away.

Preparing a Counterstrike

Macai and Azula are in a room reading several files. The room has light brown walls, a dark yellow ceiling, and a dark grey floor. They are sitting in wooden chairs with just enough light to see and focus. It is nearing sunset as they investigate. Azula: "If anything, our enemies will want to hit where Zuko is. And he will be touring this city."

Macai and Azula are not in their normal home. They are investigating in a rented home within Texeria, a medium sized Fire Nation city that is known for its heavy impact on the press and its intelligence facilities. It is located within a particularly large island that has a sandy surface, palm trees, having many bananas, and thick shamrock green bushes. The clouds outside look gold as the sunlight buzzes through them.

Azula: "Afterall, Zuko is visiting here and is expecting to stay for the next four days."

Macai: "Agreed, it will be important that we stay within Zuko's proximity until we learn our enemies next move. I can't imagine there would be a greater target within our country than him."

Azula: "But I can't help but wonder if Toph would also be a target or Sokka by other agents."

Macai: "I'm not sure, the Remnant are not as large as Zerrel's Disciples of Justice were. Attempting some grand attack on all of them would be a waste of time."

Azula comments, "But they could still send assassins as a distraction against Toph. And Sokka's not even a bender, they might succeed against him."

Macai: "I wouldn't underestimate his competence, I've heard he can be quite crafty."

Azula: "Still we should alert a messenger of that possibility. A warning could be the difference between their survival and deaths; especially Sokka's. And he would be emotionally a wreck with what happened to his sister; they are very close. Much closer than my brother and I used to be.."

Macai holds Azula's arms, "Don't worry about that, your past is behind you."

Azula looks at him, "I know, I was just saying. I'm fortunate to have such a loyal brother. I would have been done with me so long ago. And it would have taken much longer to consider forgiveness. He has more admirable qualities than I once imagined."

Bleed Them Dry

The next morning, a large crowd of citizens waits outside. Several Fire Nation soldiers stand on rooftops and near the local government building. People of all ages from children to teenagers to young adults to middle aged adults and even senior citizens. A young boy shouts, "Hey, Zuko is coming!"

Several balloons hover in the sky during the celebration. Most of the buildings in Texeria are a medium brown color and are roughly three stories tall. The main government building is a pale tone and is wide yet two stories tall. A tall national flag reigns over the structure.

As the people wait several men play harps and blow flutes to engage the citizens. Some performs perform fire tricks to engage the people and large boys beat drums. After several minutes multiple soldiers play trumpets boldly.

The local governor is a short and heavy-set middle-aged man with a receding hairline. The governor stands before a podium with a microphone. Governor: "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, your fearless leader! Firelord Zuko!"

Two firebender guards, step beside Zuko as he emerges in his cape and robes. The crowd passionately cheers. Zuko smiles and looks back at the governor, "Wow, the people really like me here. It's more pleasant than my mixed reactions at the Capital."

An elderly citizen shouts, "We believe in the dream Zuko."

Zuko smiles and steps up to the mic, "I love you all!"

A woman moans, "And we love you Zuko!"

Zuko blushes, "And, it means so much to me to see you all here. I want every one of you to know, that your hope, your passion, your love, and hopefulness is what inspires me to be who I am. Without such guidance, people like me would have given up long ago. But it's not just me. It's leaders like General Mak who are willing to lead by example or administrators like Governor Aiya who has relentlessly helped her city since she left the 31st Company."

Zuko continues, "Or even Commander Macai and his 31st company who are becoming a key example of the new roles that our military plays. Moving away from being conquerors to being beckons of freedom, reconstruction, and public empowerment! Or my sister who put everything she did for evil and flipped her talents to serve the greater good. Or my uncle Iroh who taught me to be caring and compassionate for those different than me."

Zuko: "And while we speak hope, others look to encourage fear, intimidation, hatred, and domination. It is important that we stand tall in the face of such acts! It is important that we don't lose our love, no matter how nasty our enemies get. And as we work harder, they will slowly become less and less common."

The governor smiles and then looks to his far left. His face suddenly exhibits horror and shock. The governor points and several soldiers draw their weapons. Citizens behind to turn around toward the edge of the crowd but Zuko is enjoying himself so much that he hasn't yet noticed the commotion.

The Fire Nation major Taku shouts, "That is what you tell yourself! But I hear nothing but LIES!!" Four Remnant troopers stand around him. Two are firebenders, one has a curved sword, and another has a thin yet long axe. Several Remnant warriors emerge in the distance. Taku: "Now is a new age! A chance for power and structure to remerge."

Zuko: "That age is over, that's why my father lost. Those ideas are dated. You talk about a new age but are stuck in your old ways."

Taku: "Then maybe the debate is about what needs to change!"

Zuko redirects his focus as the crowd behinds to scatter and panic. Zuko looks at the soldiers, "Get the citizens out of here, I'll deal with this fool myself." Zuko looks back at his challenger: "Unfortunately, I still have a bit more cleaning up to do than I'd like. But if you think you are worthy, prove it. I challenge you to an Angi Kai!"

Taku smiles, "Of course." Zuko puts down his mic and alerts for one of the troopers to take away the podium.

Zuko looks at the governor, "Get out of here. We'll debrief after this." Zuko steps toward Taku and Taku signals for his troopers to make room.

Zuko: "If I win you will call your troopers off and if you win, what do you want in return?"

Taku: "Your head!"

Zuko: "Fair enough." Zuko enters his battle stance."

Taku shouts, "Sike!" Taku leaps left and an explosive arrow flies toward Zuko. Zuko crosses his arms to protect himself but is blasted several feet back and through the wall of the government building. Taku laughs, "Ha, THAT FOOL! Do you see now! He is limited by his nobility! Now is a new era indeed, one where ruthlessness and brutality will prevail! Brutality is what made us AN EMPIRE and if we wish to remain one, we will need much more of it. We can no longer be limited by the honor of the past."

In the distance, Kedo takes cover on a rooftop as another archer launches an arrow into the stomach of an advancing Fire Nation swordsman. On a rooftop across him a Fire Nation archer is shot in his neck by a remnant sharpshooter. The sharpshooter shoots another arrow at a swordsman, but the trooper swats the arrow away. The two firebenders who were guarding Zuko pump orange flames at the Remnant officer.

Taku lowers his hands and a shockwave of dark orange and yellow flames block the incoming shots. Taku extends his arms and splits the fire in two as he incinerates the benders across him. Taku's face is filled with malice as he turns his head and pumps two flames into Fire Nation troopers right of his position. A fire nation swordsman and spear warrior charge at Taku's left flank.

Taku raises his left hand and signals for two of his troopers to engage. The Remnant firebender pumps a beam of flames into the swordsman across him. The rebel swordsman charges at the spearman and swings right as he knocks the spear in the right direction. The spearman rotates his weapon and slashes the remnant duelist's neck.

The Remnant firebender promptly kicks a fireball into the spearman's kneecap, flooring him. The firebender follows up with a flame to the face, finishing the national soldier. An archer on a left rooftop shoots a fiery arrow at Taku. The Remnant Major backflips, turns, and shoots a ray of flames into the building; knocking chucks of stone in multiple directions.

Taku encourages his other troopers to continue their assault and push further into the city. Meanwhile, Macai is washing his hands as he talks to Azula in their rented home within the city, "Maybe we should take a break, get some fresh air."

Azula looks outside of the window, "I think now is a good time to redirect our focus, but not for a break. Looks like we have more serious work ahead of us."

Macai looks behind her, "Oh, yeah, I see what you mean. Too bad I don't have my 31st troopers nearby."

Azula: "Oh, do you really need them to do everything?"

Macai answers, "No, but it is more pleasurable working with my men and women. We have that bond."

Azula: "I had to leave everything behind for a better life, so I'm sure you can go on a mission without your unit."

Macai shrugs, "I guess I don't really have a choice."

Azula: "But you have me, that's fifty times better."

Macai: "I always said it was my unit or solo, but now it's my unit or my wife."

Azula: "That's right, but you did attack my shadow warriors with just that lunatic Rosh at your side. Think he's as good as having no help."

Macai: "It's good to know you're just teasing him at this point."

Azula responds, "Am I?"

Macai: "Well, I sure hope so."

Back To Work

Zuko raises his head from the rubble and notices intense fighting outside. Zuko sighs and leaps outside of the building. He looks left to right for Taku but doesn't notice him. Zuko: "Why that coward!"

A helmetless and beefy Remnant warrior with a chain blade calls Zuko, "Looking for Taku?! You'll have to deal with us to find him!" Left of the man is a trooper with dual short swords, further left is a masked female spear warrior, right of him is a firebender, and further right is a tall man with an axe and a round shield. The lanky man seems to be six feet and four inches tall.

The dual swordsman shouts, "My tongue thirsts for blood."

Zuko responds, "Then it'll have to drink from itself." The chain warrior whips his heavy steel chains around and hurls the sharp blade at the other end of it at Zuko's neck. The Firelord spins backward and pumps him right hand forward; launching a thunderous beam of rainbow fire into the man's chest.

The chain warrior rolls three feet back, "Oooooffuu!!!" Zuko shifts his body and pumps two multi-colored flames into the dual swordsman's lower abdomen. A loud crack is heard as the terrorist falls. The spearwarrior tosses her blade at Zuko but he shifts his body and catches the spear then spins and throws it into the firebender's chest.

Firebender: "Auuuuuaahahahahah!!!"

Zuko comments, "I hate to do this! Stop!" The spearwoman switches to a sword and charges at Zuko. The Prince extends his right leg and kicks a fireball into her right side. The woman flips over and moans as she passes out.

The axman charges at Zuko at great speed then leaps after him with a spinning diagonal strike. Zuko flips left and shoots a beam of varicolored flames at his opponent. The warrior extends his shield but the flames still knock him several feet back into the back of a building. The trooper hits the back of his head against the stone wall behind him and loses consciousness. Zuko looks around at the destruction in the city in disgust then rushes to assist more of his allies.

Meanwhile a team of five Remnant troopers takes on a team of five national soldiers. The Remnant team consists of two swordsmen, a firebender, an axman, a dagger thrower, and a swordsman. The local team consists of a team of a two firebenders, a swordsman, a swordswoman, and a spearman.

The national firebender pumps a brick of orange fire at the Remnant swordsman but the rebel leaps left while the Remnant firebender pumps a flame into the Fire Nation swordsman across him. The Remnant axman rushes forward and horizontally smacks a Fire Nation trooper's spear out of his arms. The man immediately runs in terror. A local swordswoman swats two incoming daggers away, "Fall back!"

The government swordsman looks right and notices a Remnant swordsman impale a Fire Nation bender across her. The Remnant firebender rotates his body and kicks a flame into the other government firebender. A second later a dagger flies into the stomach of the government swordsman and she drops her blade. The trooper collapses as parts of the city burn.

The Remnant axman laughs, "Hahaha, now that was domination!" Azula leaps down and hurls a rod of light blue fire from her legs into the axman, blowing him to ashes before she smoothly lands.

Azula asks, "Want to see true domination?"

Remnant Firebender: "You'll pay for that!" The young woman rapidly rotates her legs and kicks a barrage of blue flames at her enemies. One of the fireballs immediately impales the firebender, "Arrragh!" Another flies at the dagger tosser but the Remnant killer backflips and throws two of his daggers at the princess.

Azula rolls forward and a swordsman charges at her from behind. Azula flips back on her feet and blasts the man away with a rear flame kick. A swordsman runs from her front flank and swings horizontally at Azula's left shoulder. Azula catches the man's arm, stopping him in his tracks and proceeds to counter with a fiery right hook and kicks the man down with her right leg.

The dagger thrower hurls two spinning objects at Azula. The royal spins right and kicks a blue flame at the man's right side. The raider spins left and Azula rapidly punches a fireball from her right fist into the man's upper chest. The warrior collapses and smoke flows from his corpse.

Macai runs behind Azula, "So I've got an idea."

Azula: "I'm listening."

Macai: "Since you're more agile and I'm more well direct, you should hit the enemies on the rooftops while I directly smash the troopers in the streets. We can make short work of whoever is in our way."

Azula: "Agreed." Azula immediately leaps in the air and launches fire from her legs as she propels herself on top of a building right of Macai's position. A second later she blasts a Remnant swordsman off a roof and hurls a stream of blue flames from her legs into two firebenders across her.

Macai watches in amazement, "Oh, I love that woman!" The 31st Commander then presses forward. A team of two remnant firebenders, two spear warriors, two swordsmen, and two glaive troopers charge at the 31st commander. Macai smiles and enters his battle stance. Macai flips forward and throws a swirling white fireball into a firebender across him. The ball immediately explodes and dispatches a spear warrior and a swordsman.

A glaive trooper is subsequently blinded by the white light emitted by the attack and Macai follows up by kicking a fireball into the soldier's stomach. Glaive trooper: "Ah!" A spear warrior hurls his weapon at Macai but the commander leaps left and rolls in the dirt before he rolls back to his feet.

A swordsman swings horizontally at Macai's neck but the young man swiftly ducks and rapidly uppercuts the man twice in his stomach while amping his punches with white flames. Macai's opponent immediately crumbles in the dirt. The spearman switches to a dagger but Macai swats a small white fire sphere into the soldier.

The remnant firebender punches two dark red flames directly at Macai but the tactical expert punches his own two white flames into his enemy's. Macai shoots thin white beams of fire from both of his hands into the ground facing the Remnant firebender's legs. Sparks immediately disperse capable of blinding the bender but the man looks down to prevent this.

Still more normal orange and red flames are generated from Macai's attack. A gust of them spread from the ground. The firebender runs left and redirects incoming flames away from his body as he can avoid the attack. While he is doing this the remaining glaive warrior charges at Macai and lunges his sword at the officer's stomach.

Macai pivots right then quickly latches onto the man's weapon with his left hand before he transfers white heat into the weapon. The heat burns the warrior's hands, making him yelp in agony. Macai proceeds to blasts a white brick of fire into the man's center body. The warrior flies two feet back and two feet in the air before he heavily hits the surface.

The firebender can hear his crony's back pop. The firebender gasps from mental fatigue as a heap of smoke flows in front of him. The man waves his face and a second later Macai's right fist nails him in his nose. The bender falls asleep with blood running down his nose as if it were snot.

While this happens, Azula kicks a long rod of blue fire into an archer that is about fifteen feet left and ahead of her position. The soldier is outright pulverized by the shot. Another archer that was beside him shoots a burning arrow at her, but Azula flips in the air, extends two fingers from her right hand, and pops a flame into the other archer before she lands.

Two archers take aim several buildings left and across Azula's position, but Azula notices them with her hindsight. A second later she turns and shoots two calculated beams of blue fire into her foes. One of the archers looks in shock before he meets his demise and another shouts before he is blown away, "NO!!"

It Gets Real

The Remnant Major Taku walks with an escort of two firebenders and two swordsmen. Firelord Zuko soars from above and lands a few feet in front of them. Dust and rocks scatters as Zuko glares at his opponent, "You still owe me that, Agni Kai."

Taku shouts, "Beat it loser! Destroy him!" The swordsman immediately charge at Zuko. Zuko extends his right hand and blasts one swordsman away then rotates his arm and pumps a bright flame into the other duelist.

Taku yells, "Benders, do you job!" The firebender on the right punches a beam of red-orange fire at Zuko while the firebender on the left punches an orange-yellow fireball. Zuko lifts his right hand and a rainbow, but mainly orange wall of fire blocks the fire stream then Zuko ducks to avoid the other flame. Zuko extends both of his arms and pumps two fireballs into the firebender.

The other firebender punches a barrage of flames that breaks Zuko's firewall. Zuko's firewall explodes but the firelord waves his hands and turns the explosion to vapor. Zuko punches a rainbow flame into the other firbeneder's gut. Taku comments, "Well, looks like you made good use of that dragon fire! That's right, I heard the tale of the creatures that taught you."

Zuko: "You really talk too much."

Taku stretches his arms and shoots a gust of dark orange and yellow fire at Zuko. Zuko extends his arms and puts out Taku's flames. Taku gasps, "Wha!" Zuko subsequently kicks a multi-colored fireball from his left leg into the man's right side. The Remnant Major falls to his knees.

Taku: "No, how can I be so easily defeated?!"

Zuko: "You were never a match for me. But perhaps if you had more love and humility, you could have been a great warrior."

Taku: "Save me the pity and useless dogma. It's a shame that this breed of Firebenders lie to appease their enemies. This is why you'll never be as great as your father, the strong survive."

Zuko: "There is a reason my father will never be a firebender again. And unfortunately you leave me no choice but to imprison you."

Taku: "Hahaha, I'll be busted out before you know it, your administration will soon come to an end. And the true and rightful ruler will take his place at the top. I've only rewarded myself in the long run, choosing the right side. The strong side. The strong will always thrive and dominate over the weak. Your mercy and love for them will be your undoing and as I've shown before it makes you weak."

Zuko: "Enough of this." Zuko backhands Taku, knocking him out and proceeds to handcuff the Remnant officer. A squad of Fire Nation troopers slowly step behind Zuko.

Fire Nation captain: "Sir, what should we do with him?"

Zuko: "Have a couple of men take him in but focus on pushing the Remnant forces back. Most of their movement is losing momentum. I've broken their lines and apparently so has my sister and her husband. They didn't bring a large force, so this fight should soon be over. Our next goal will be figuring out why they did this."

Fire Nation captain: "Yessir, the good news is most of the damage in the city is only short term and is repairable. A few citizens will need to be relocated in the near future though."

Zuko: "I've burned down a village before, it really sucks seeing the other side of that."

The captain looks back at Zuko, "Sometimes our actions come back to haunt us, so I can only imagine what's next in store for these oppressive maniacs."