The Remnant's Last Stand Part 2

While most of Eyre's unit is dispatched by pure firepower rather than a conventional fight, the battle still is as steady as ever in on the Eastern front. Still, there is no certainty that they are all gone. From the Midwestern front, Sonna, Dade, and Mai continue to press on further east through a path where no friendlies seem to be around. As they search for backup and potentially relief, it becomes increasingly apparent that they have been fighting almost nonstop since last afternoon.

Sonna looks at Dade, "What time is it?"

Dade: "I'd say between two and four hours after midnight. So we've been fighting for maybe 12 hours straight! Perhaps longer."

Mai: "Try chasing the Avatar for three nights in a row with no sleep, I've done that before."

Sonna: "We've had a few late nights before, but come to think of it not many. When we strike at night, we usually rest during the day. Being in a marine company, we really captured territories, destroyed areas, or defended locations. In most cases, we could finish the job within two to five hours, as crazy as that might sound. And the Earth Kingdom followed a code where they didn't attack during certain times of night and allowed both sides to sleep."

Dade adds, "But the Water Tribes didn't, they would attack during any time of day so our forces had to stay on guard whenever. Fortunately, the bulk of our forces were too powerful for them, so they usually stuck to hit and run attacks and we usually didn't have to deal with those. We did when taking territories, but the army was more frequently plagued by their consistent attacks. I'm sure they got less sleep than any of us with their consistent guerilla warfare."

Mai responds, "Well at least you know how it feels now, I guess." Three 727th swordsmen run across the trio. Mai: "Hey, they look different than most of them, they have black armor."

Dade twirls his sword, "Yeah who are you bozos?"

727th swordsman: "We are 727th troopers, General Eyre's personal regiment."

Sonna: "Eyre, that name rings a bell."

Dade concludes, "It's Macai's father."

Another 727th swordsman jokes, "He's a bright one, isn't he?"

727th swordsman: "I guess so, let's kill these clowns and take their weapons as trophies. So, we can at least show the damage we did."

Dade laughs, "Trophies, don't you want to win this battle first or are you admitting you've already lost? Because well to be honest, where we are it isn't looking good for anyone. But from what I can tell, from the naval battle your fleet won't last too long out there." If Dade and his friends weren't cut off from the other national forces, they would know the army is winning the battle and controls around 80 percent of the city.

Mai hears a click noise, swiftly draws a knife, and warns, "Watch out!" A 727th firebender leaps from behind a concealed location and kicks a rod of fire at Mai who rapidly leaps right. The fire explodes and blasts a chuck of the road into black rubble. Mai counters by tossing a knife into the man's left shoulder and a second into his right knee.

The trooper collapses with blood soaking from his armor. Before the trio has much time to think a second firebender come in from the left and punches an orange fireball at Sonna and Dade. Dade rapidly blocks the flame heading towards him and leaps left as he intercepts the second fireball with his weapon.

The firebender snarls at the 31st marine, leaps left, and lodges an explosive orange fire sphere at the trooper. The young man dives left as fire erupts behind him and Sonna launches an arrow into the man's chest before the smoke clears. She doesn't even need to wait for it to dissipate to know as she hears the impact of her hit and his body fall from the shot soon after.

It's no surprise because of Sonna's remarkable hearing that seems to be among the best in the world. Doctors actually tested Sonna's hearing after the war and concluded that she can hear within the top 3% of the world's population. Her hearing is so impressive that it over twice as effective as the average human's.

A third firebender advances from behind their position and prepares to attack the two 31st troopers. Before he can, Mai tosses two knives into the right and left mid sleeves of his garments. This is a display of astounding accuracy because 727th armor is thinner than standard Fire Nation clothing and it is more difficult to see at night because most of it is black.

The soldier falls and is pinned into the ground. Mai follows up with another two knives to his upper sleeves. The youthful infiltrator looks down at the man, "So, why are you here? And what's going on?"

727th trooper: "You thought you wiped all of us out, but some of us still remain. And while some fled and escaped, some of us didn't like leaving the job undone. Instead, we chose to strike and undermine our enemies."

Mai looks at Dade and Sonna, "Hey do either of you understand this moron?"

Dade: "I'm guessing Eyre's unit attacked the city at some point but they came up short. Still a few stragglers are trying to give our teams a hard time."

727th trooper: "Wait, you didn't know?"

Mai: "Here's a tip genius, don't tell us anything. Otherwise, it will be used against you."

The 727th trooper is embarrassed yet unexpectedly replies, "But you shouldn't have told me that. I could have given away more information."

Mai dismisses him, "Maybe, but I just don't care anymore. I'm tired, as soon as we find backup and safety I'm sleeping. Someone else can fight for the rest of the night."

Sonna: "And judging by that, we must be winning the battle. We are just an unlucky bunch to be stuck in a largely abandoned part of the city. Wait, do you hear that?"

Dade: "No Sonna we don't. Not all of us are so blessed."

Sonna shouts, "Dade look out!" Dade turns and sees a 727th swordsman sprinting from just a few inches away. The man swings left at the marine's head, but Dade ducks and backs up as he readies his weapon. Another duelist charges from behind Mai but the infiltrator draws two knives and rushes forward yet left toward her enemy.

The soldier is caught off-guard by her boldness. He tries to position his weapon but is holding it at an awkward angle. Mai has a chance to slash his but instead swings her right shoe into the man's face. Another duelist runs after Sonna but she immaculately rotates her bow, loads her arrow, and launches it into the man's right thigh in point blank range.

The man lets out a grunt and cry before falls on his rear. Two enemies charge at the team and seem unarmed. As they close in, one throws two knives at Mai. The young noble knocks both back with her own and tosses a knife into the man's left shin. The soldier lets out an intense scream while the other throws a weapon at Dade that is easily blocked.

The knife tosser turns and hurls a knife at Sonna who runs left. Mai follows up with two knives but the man lips right and Dade attempts to run after him but the trooper turns and runs. Dade tries to keep up but his enemy is faster. Sonna shouts, "Dade, stop, let him go! It could be a trap."

Dade stops and lets the man flee. Dade sighs, "And even if it isn't, maybe I gave him just enough time to learn some since after this battle blows over for them. And after all, I'm getting tired of this pointless fighting. This has to be the most useless conflict we've ever been in. We are fighting simply because some people cannot accept change, but change is unavoidable."

Still one last man remains. A spearman leaps down from a balcony and lands on his thick black boots. He charges at Mai and lunges his weapon at her stomach. Mai leaps in the air and left of the strike. The woman swings right and fast as she slashes his right elbow. Blood flows and his arm is discombobulated.

The man weeps and Mai snarls, "Get over it. You idiots wanted this." Mai, Sonna, and Dade walk until they find a team of twelve Fire Nation army troopers who seem to be on watch duty.

Fire Nation Trooper: "Hey, it's Mai! The girl from Ozai's Angels! And there are two 31st troopers as well, what a scene."

Fire Nation corporal: "Relax soldier, Mai it is an honor. How can I help you all?"

Mai: "Do you have a place of refuge, we need to rest. We have been fighting alone for a couple of hours, after taking down some key enemy positions in the Midwestern part of the city.'

Fire Nation corporal: "I can't speak on all of the Midwestern front, as this is the Eastern-most point of it, but a lot of the area has been completely abandoned by both sides who committed forces to other areas. The few that stayed back largely destroyed each other but we believed there were a few more Remnant troops lurking around."

Sonna: "I think we dealt with a good portion of them."

Fire Nation Trooper: "Great, less work for us."

Fire Nation Corporal: "But anyway, our men and women would be honored to have you all here. Diyana, have three beds freshly made. And two rooms." The corporal looks at his guests, "Don't worry, the rooms have separate beds that is unless any of you are in a relationship."

Sonna: "Regardless, separate beds would be a good idea at this time."

Dade: "I bet Macai and Azula aren't using separate beds."

Mai coldly says, "Riiight."

Sonna: "Well that was..."

Fire Nation trooper 2: "Right this way, I'll show you all here you will be sleeping." As this happens, elsewhere in the city Ronin sits on a flight of steps outside of a large white government building. Kedo stands with his bows strapped and about three Remnant troopers wait on patrol in the middle of the street.

The rebels are waiting within the Eastern area of the city. A Remnant sergeant salutes Ronin, "Sergeant, it's good to see you. Our men are weary and we've taken a beating today. Our forces seem to have pulled back for tonight and they have granted us our peace. They hold up a grey flag with hopes that we will have a cease fire for the night. The other Remnant divisions have also been informed."

Ronin rises and nods, "Very well, let them rest tonight. We can do the same, but keep watch. Tomorrow will be a big night."

Remnant sergeant: "Sir, the men grow weary, and the battle is getting tough. Our odds of success decline with every hour. If we wait tonight, they may be rested, but our enemy also could be reinforced."

Ronin asks, "Then what do you suggest?"

Remnant sergeant: "Nothing sir."

Ronin replies, "Surely you do, be honest!"

Remnant sergeant: "Well sir, perhaps we should surrender if things heat up too much."

Ronin snarls, "Sur-surrender?!"

Remnant sergeant: "There is nowhere to flee?"

Ronin: "Flee??" Ronin walks closer to his ally. The sergeant's eyes bulge in fear. Ronin answers, "No, I won't flee. NONE OF US WILL!!! That is unless, YOU WANT TO DIE BY OUR HAND!!"

Remnant sergeant: "No sir! Of course not!!"

Ronin: "We have come to far to run like cowards. We are given up too much to run now. The whole point was to give it our all, to give our lives if needed!! For glory!! For honor! For principle!! I will not abandon my principle! Not now, not ever!! How dare you even insinuate that!"

The sergeant backpedals and trips on the steps behind him. Ronin: "Look at you, what a mess. You absolutely disgust me." Ronin looks at Kedo then looks back at his opponent. Kedo does not react. Ronin ignites an orange fire sword and holds it down over the man's neck. Ronin screams, "WHY DID WE COME HERE?!!!"

The man looks in shock and does not speak. Ronin slashes the ground just inches left of his face, "ANSWER!!" Ronin slashes the ground again slightly right of his face, "RESPOND!!" The sergeant tries to get up but the captain yanks his neck with his left hand and chokes him.

The man coughs and shouts, "For hon-aahhh!!"

Ronin yells a second time, "For WHAT?!!"

Coughing sergeant: "For gloooraaay!!"

Ronin: "Very good."

Coughing sergeant: "Ack!"

Ronin releases the man, "Then remember that, I won't warn you again. It is much better to die by the hands of your enemies than by mine. Because if we have this conversation again, I guarantee you your death will be particularly gruesome."

Ronin postures and thinks, But sometimes it is good for a chance at redemption. I remember when I was embarrassed among several loyalists when we failed to defeat Macai's treacherous band of defectors!

The captain shakes his head, "We were so proud, we thought we were invincible. But we were such fools, lost in our own vanity. But this time, we will have a glorious last stand if Ozai does not deliver us! Oh yes, if Ozai doesn't come then I will do the one thing that I vowed to do if I was able to escape that prison cell. Granting I was not victorious against my foes, I promised myself that I would cause them as much grief as possible and that I would not fall until rivers of blood flowed through this very capital."

Ronin looks and notices a couple dozen of Remnant troopers behind him who arrived after they heard the commotion. Ronin continues his monologue, "If we fall, it won't be easily. If we fall, it will be after hordes of them have. If we fall, it will be done right. If we fall, it will not be until after a lengthy fight."

Ronin: "We swore a path of revenge, now we've been granted it. Do not complain now, do not cry, this is what we wanted. For better or worse, we wanted our chance to get back at them. Let us continue the nightmare as long as possible and if our liberator comes we will triumph as the glorious Children of Ozai!! As the Champions of Power!!"

Ronin concludes, "And if he doesn't come, then you all know what you must do. It is a simple task, it is the only thing that we've ever known how to do. Fight! Fight until the bitter end!" Yet Ronin speaks with a voice of stubbornness. He is unwilling to look beyond his narrow viewpoint.

Kedo stands beside him, "Loyalty is all I've ever known. You've been loyal to me and we to Ozai. I am pledged to stand along with you all during this strike, so there is no question in my mind of what I must do. I hope the rest of you will be true to your promises and finish the mission!!"

A Remnant trooper yells, "For Sozin!"

Ronin nods, "Indeed, the man who started the dream. Let us remember that shared dreams never die, they merely migrate from one person to another." The troopers clap their swords, stomp their boots, and kick flames in the air. Ronin finishes with, "Men of valor, I salute you!"

The Unveiling of Vanity

Just two hours later, the dawn comes, and several soldiers stand guard on both sides as they look up. As another one passes, the sun shines clearly, and the sky turns a mix of yellow and white color. As warriors stroll and look around relaxing before the next impending resumption of battle, the sky begins to also turn a faded blue color.

Mai wakes up and rubs her eyes. She is resting in a room with light grey walls, a light brown carpet floor, and a maroon ceiling. She hears a loud knock on the coyote brown door across her. She ignores the sound and decides to sleep in instead. The knocking continues and unfortunately she is a light sleeper.

Mai gets up and tosses the pillows off her, wanting to see who has the nerve to sit and bang on her door like this. She asked to not be disturbed until she was ready to wake. The woman quickly grabs her dark red and black robes and dresses herself. The knocking still continues.

Mai pulls a knife behind her back, just incase this is some kind of Remnant ploy. She unlocks the door and takes a couple of steps back, "Come in!"

Zuko greets her, "Did you sleep well?" The Firelord is wearing his heavily decked royal out red, black, and gold robes.

Mai turns, "What? Zuko? Where did you come from?" Her dark brown eyes exchange sight with Zuko's gold eyes.

Zuko exhales, "I just stopped by."

Mai: "Is Aang here too?"

Zuko shakes his head, "No, nor is Sokka or Katara. They are spending time together away from battle."

Mai sarcastically remarks, "Well I guess it's the perfect time for a vacation."

Zuko: "This isn't there fight, it's ours. It must be resolved by the people of the Fire Nation at this point."

Mai scratches her head, "But wasn't it the opposite when Aang first fought Ozai?"

Zuko nods, "Yes, yes it was. We needed the Avatar to defeat Ozai but not exactly for the reasons we thought. The spiritual realm moves differently than ours. Had someone else stopped Ozai, they would not have been able to even establish temporary peace. Yet still some of the lingering issues from the past were bound to come up and now it will take our new administration to prove it's might to keep the public's unity for a considerable time."

Mai: "I'm just saying, you could have redirected his lightning back into him all that time ago. But I know, he's your father."

Zuko continues, "That would have messed with my mind and there is no way I'd be stable enough to defeat Azula if I did that. Besides, only Aang was able to defeat Ozai without killing him. His mindset and his wisdom made him the only candidate for the job."

Mai ponders, Well, that actually makes sense. 

Zuko: "So now I'm here for my people. So, they won't think I ran during their hour of need. I will also fight among them, but not in the frontlines. As it isn't my role to take the glory. I will inspire them with my words, but I will also fight with them in the midline of battle as the morale leader. While Azula, Macai, and Mak strategize from the backline."

Mai: "Well that's some plan and what would you have me do your highness?"

Zuko whispers, "You... If it were up to me, I would have you at my side." Zuko switches to his normal tone, "But you have made your choice, for now. Instead, I will let you decide for yourself, as I always should have."

Mai looks him in his eyes and nods, "Alright, then I may do a bit of both. I'll start by checking on the people in the back, but I might make a surprise appearance in the front when the time is right."

Zuko crosses his arms, "Hmm."

Mai points, "Now get out! You have work to do, your people need you."

Zuko exits, "Of course." Mai slowly closes the door but keeps an eye on the Firelord before she does. As Zuko strolls away he looks back at her as well. They both notice each other and smile. Mai sighs and shuts the door. Zuko turns forward and grins looking up in the sky. While he's gone Mai smiles and leans against the door as she considers everything that has happened.

Later that day, a few white clouds form and dissipate over the sky. The 31st commander Macai, his enchanting bride Azula, General Mak, and several army troopers gather in a plaza within their capital. Azula sits in a wheelchair as she still waits for her legs to heal. The princess grunts, "If it wasn't for your stupid father and his stupid guards, I wouldn't be in this predicament but I'm not useless."

Macai: "Well, it's not entirely his fault, he was inhabited by dark spirits."

Azula counters, "And he is a fool for allowing them to possess him."

Macai: "So let's focus on our plan."

Azula: "Oh don't worry about that, I'm more than prepared." A few minutes later Azula, Macai, Mak, and several other leaders sit at a silver table in a government chamber. The room has creme walls, a light grey ceiling, and a white floor. A large window sits behind them where light shines through from the bright day.

Macai straightens his collar and Azula slams her hands against the table during the discussion. An army colonel rolls his eyes at the Princess's gesture. Azula: "We need to shut down their flankers who are using the rooftops to ambush our teams."

General Mak: "We are trying but we need to have enough men and women in formation within the streets to hold back their mass attacks."

Azula: "Might I suggest a great counter?"

Army Colonel: "I don't believe we have a choice in that matter."

Azula ignores him, "We should take a small detachment of our forces and use the sewers to flank them."

An army female captain shouts, "Ewww, sewers!"

Azula: "Ah, set your eyes on the prize captain. If we truly want a decisive victory, we must use unparalleled tactics. I volunteer Macai to lead a sewer ambush."

Macai sighs, "Really?"

Azula points at her husband, "Don't act like a princess now, after all that spot is taken BY ME."

Macai looks at General Mak, "Rosh would have had a field day with this."

General Mak: "I think she is right commander, you need to be willing to get down and dirty for the cause."

Macai moans and looks up, "Aww, here we go." After the meeting, Macai and several army troopers climb down into the sewers. A stream of brown defiled water rolls through the middle of the facility but two light grey sidewalks cover the right and left side of the sewer.

The ceiling is dark green and the walls that cover it are maroon. As Macai finishes his descent, army three swordsmen and three firebenders join him.

Army Swordman Sergeant: "So how does it feel fighting with a group other than the 31st?"

Macai comments, "Weird."

The Army Swordman Sergeant has grey hair, a thick mustache, yellow skin, and a strong nose, "My name's Toku by the way. Gueez, this has got to be the ugliest place in the city." Macai walks silently with the group.

Meanwhile, General Mak waits outside as he sees several troops deploy into battle. Several firebenders make way as a pair of bounty hunters emerge. Mak turns and notices Timur and Reyna. General Mak: "What? You are the two bounty hunters that rescued Ozai!"

Timur explains, "We were a part of that team, but we came here because I couldn't tolerate what was happening. I read a newspaper and saw a picture of your capital burning. After all the pain that he caused my people, I could not allow him to do it again even if it was to the people I always thought were my enemies."

The general crosses his arms, "If you hated him so bad, why did you free him in the first place?'

Timur: "I was desperate for money and a big break. I also liked my team, but things have changed. I knew I couldn't live with myself if I let them do all this damage, without helping stop it. Without righting my wrong."

Mak questions, "And why did she come too?"

Reyna replies, "I oddly ran into Timur while he was on his journey here. I probed him, tried to see how he was doing. He tried to hide his intentions but I eventually cracked his shell and he told me everything. I told him I wouldn't let him go alone, not without a chance for me to right my wrong as well. So while we were once your enemies, we are now your allies. Looking for our opportunity to end the violence that has resulted in his lies."

A Fire Nation lieutenant pokes Mak, "Sir, should we arrest them?"

The general sharply raises his right hand, "No. Team Avatar gave Zuko an opportunity. Macai gave Azula a chance and Kett gave him a chance. Before then, Zuko gave me an opportunity to prove myself! This new era of hope that we've fighting to establish has so far been built on second chances, so we will do the same for them."

As deliberations continue, the battle on the Eastern front continues to be intense. A pack of fifteen Fire Nation army troopers collides with a group of fifteen Remnant soldiers in the streets. In addition to this, three Remnant archers rain arrows down on the soldiers national unit below. An army swordsman is shot in his neck and a firebender's chest is penetrated by a metal arrow.

An army firebender pops a swirl of orange flames into a Remnant firebender across him. A second later punches right and blasts a Remnant berserker aside. As the two teams clash, the sun beams brighter and a mix of bright yellow and orange light buzzes through the sky.

As this happens, a zooming sound is heard and the extravagant noble Alev glides through the sky with glistening orange and yellow fire propelling her body. Her long wavy hair shines light brown as usual, her hazel eyes twinkle in the sunlight, and her tan skin radiates the atmosphere.

The young woman glides down toward her enemies like a shooting star before she punches two rockets of fire into a army troopers below. Five warriors are immediately annihilated. Their bodies turn to skeletons as their skin and organs are burned right off their bones.

A soldier screams, "It's ALEV! Take cover!" The firebender glides lower before she extends her hands and shoots a 75-feet-long ray of heaping light orange and yellow fire into two army troopers. The soldiers are instantly vaporized and the blast travels further as it obliterates another three soldiers several feet behind them.

Another small team of eight army troopers advance from the distance as they attempt to raindown on the Remnant force and Alev's eyes light up as she prepares for another run. But the graceful 31st captain and scout Kanna Foloki leaps several feet behind the three Remnant roof archers.

As she lands, the young lady wastes no time in stretching out a dark orange and gold firewhip with her right hand. The whip extends and hits the right archer's back. The explosive nature of Kanna's flames knocks the man several feet off the structure and through the window of another building across them.

Kanna rotates her hand right and smacks another man far from the building onto another rooftop about twelve feet away. The last archer turns and aims at the marine's stomach before he fires. She jumps right and kicks a fireball from her right leg into the man's gut; blowing him off the roof like the rest of his team, "Awwwwwhaaaaa!!"

The young woman exhales and looks down at all of the destruction Alev caused. There are black craters in the ground and smoke still flows form the surface. She is the single most destructive Remnant asset at the moment and the only thing on Kanna's mind is identifying her location. Afterall, she is a scout, learning about the enemy is her specialty.

The woman turns left and a surge of bright orange and yellow fire reveals Alev who's flames levitate her just a few feet left of Kanna's position. The young woman turns and notices her old teenage rival. Alev smiles, "Well, if it isn't little Kanna."

Kanna shakes her head, "I'm not little anymore and you're only a year older than me."

Alev: "Remember when we were teens? Arguing and fighting about class?" Alev spins and laughs, "Hahaha, you crack me up girl. To think, you really thought you could make a difference. It's going to break a lot of people's hearts when they learn about how I ruthlessly killed you."

Kanna raises an eyebrow, "Alev, we don't have to fight and kill each other. You're from the same town I'm from."

Alev: "And that means so little to me because we aren't of the same blood. I'm nobility and you're just a commoner who got beside herself. Do not let Zuko's lies get to you, he is saying that to appease your kind."

Kanna puts her right hand on her chest, "My kind, Alev we're all the same. We all are of Fire Nation blood and we were all lied to. To create and fulfill some dream built on injustice. And one that cannot stand! You don't have to end like this, you can break the yoke of a path that's lead a lot of our people to delusion and destruction."

Alev points at her, "Don't lecture me peasant! You have no idea what you're talking about. Life has always had conflict and it's always had two sides. The strong and the weak. The users and the used. That's it. There is no common ground. We were meant to fight, since the very beginning."

Alev adds, "You should have learned when I smoked you before. But I see you're as stubborn and foolish as your friend Macai. Fortunately, you will all face the same traitorous death. I'm as genuine as it gets, steady on my path and course unwavering until the end."

Kanna: "Oh, then I feel so sorry for you. All this time and all these years you haven't learned a thing. All because of your pride and vanity."

Alev: "Enough of this talk goofy girl, let's get down to business. Oh, that's right, you're a scout. You are only meant to run and gather intel. You never thought I'd catch up with you this fast. But don't worry I'll send a message to Macai and General Mak after I toss your dead corpse to both of them. And no, I won't spare you or give you mercy so don't ask for any and do not beg before I gut you."

Kanna: "I really don't want to do this, but if you make me, I will put your reign of terror to an end!"

(Music Starts) Spider-Man: Web of Shadows Soundtrack- Boss (HD)

Alev: "So you say, well let's see who's fire burns hottest!!" Alev extends both of her hands and shoots a blaze of light orange and yellow fire at Kanna. The 31st captain runs and flips left as sparks of fire burn a hole through the roof.

Kanna retorts, "It's obvious your flames burn hotter, but I never needed brute force to win fights. No matter how tough the odds, I've always made a way and survived!" Alev punches two wild fireballs at Kanna but Miss Foloki leaps off the building as the entire rooftop crumbles.

As she flies, she turns her body and generates dark orange fire daggers in her hands. Her daggers glide into the building which keep her from falling. Alev pumps her hands and shoots a blast of fire at her rival. Kanna backflips eight feet in the air and onto the roof as the Remnant noble's blast shakes the building.

Kanna stumbles and Alev rapidly rises as she takes advantage of Kanna's lack of balance. The ruthless colonel shoots a beam of deadly bright orange and yellow flames at Kanna, but she leaps left. Though Kanna avoids the shot, she can feel the heat of Alev's strikes even when she dodges them.

Regardless, the young bender regulates her body temperature to reduce any indirect damage that could have been taken. Alev pumps two fire torpedoes at Kanna but the scout sprints forward with impeccable speed, making her body look like a flash. Fragments of the roof pop and dust scatters from the new colonel's shots.

Alev punches another two fire rockets at her but Kanna flips right as the roof shakes again from another devastating hit. Alev aims and Kanna prepares to dodge again when the building leans sideways and the captain slides down toward the surface.

Alev smiles and shoots a stream of fire a few feet below Kanna's position and where she is falling. The young lady generates a dark orange fire dagger in her left hand and jams it into the roof which prevents her from falling. A second later, she swings her body back and then swings herself right and leaps off the building.

Alev swats two light orange-yellow flames at Kanna as she is midair. The scout rotates her body as she sways herself away from the shots before she nearly falls into another wall. The 31st shock trooper generates dark orange and gold daggers again that she thrusts into the wall.

Kanna uses her legs to help brace and reduce the force of her jump. As she does this, her arms and legs still take a hit from the momentum of her dive. Alev soars toward her, still being full of energy. Whereas Kanna has already exerted about a fifth of her vitality.

Still Kanna needs only a few seconds to gather some of it back. She breathes in and out as she notices Alev flying closer and planning her next strike. Kanna may not be capable of fire flying like Alev, but she still has other ways of getting around when fighting in high elevation.

The captain yanks herself a few inches up as she pulls her daggers out of the wall and dissolves them. The scout then fires a beam of dark orange and gold explosive flames from her feet into the air. The highly explosive nature of her flames knocks her several feet up and above the rooftop before she lands in the center of it.

Less than a second later, Alev glides a few feet behind her and shoots a beam of bright orange fire at her. Kanna hops right and the colonel briefly ceases her attack, "I'm getting tired of this marathon! It's about time you fight like a real warrior." Of course, Kanna has learned the hard way in the past, that a direct fight with Alev is suicide for almost any bender, herself included.

Even if she is forced to take such an option, Alev gave her just the response she is looking for. Kanna will need to tire Alev out as much as possible, with hopes that will be enough to withstand her onslaught or time her and land a winning blow. The young scout flips forward and swirls a cascade of dark orange and gold flames before swatting it at her long-time opponent before she lands and completes her front flip.

Alev twirls left as some fire blows beside her, the colonel's wavy hair blows in the wind as both fighters can feel the structure vibrate from the strike. Alev turns and tosses two venomous firedaggers at Kanna. The captain spins left and rotates her arm as she barely avoids the first knife. The second knife almost the woman in her right side but she intentionally falls and hits her head.

As the knife flies over her body, Alev pulls her hands up and generates a swirling ball of bright fire. Kanna's eyes widen and Alev hurls it at her opponent. Kanna rolls left and leaps forward back on her feet. The ball explodes a few inches behind her, but light orange and yellow flames expand and glide toward her.

Kanna sprints in Alev's direction while raising a dark orange and gold flame barrier that intercepts Alev's shots and the collision transfers both flames to smoke. Alev pops two light orange-yellow fireballs at Kanna but the hero hops left. Alev turns and strongly throws a brick of fire at Kanna.

The 31st marine slides left and forward; using one of her signature fight moves that she has developed over the years. Alev raises her left eyebrow as she notices Kanna's improvement since their last fight. The Nyarri commoner leaps back on her toes, rotates her left leg, and swings an orange-gold flame at Alev's left midsection.

The Remnant officer shifts her right hand diagonally and generates a wide light orange and yellow firesword. The flaming blade blocks the shot which scatters but Alev holds her weapon in a way that she is not harmed. Alev looks back at her opponent with a sassy expression.

Kanna is unfazed by her foe's action. Kanna gets low and kicks a firewhip from her right leg diagonally to throw Alev off-guard. The strike is highly tactical and would throw most benders off but Alev is one of the best strikers in the world. The noble rotates her body right and lights her right hand up with light orange-yellow fire.

Alev glides her hand into Kanna's strike and meets it. Both attacks cancel each other out and again turn to vapor. Light grey smoke swirls left and right but as it clears Kanna still stands ready for action. Alev stands across her with a sly face. Alev promptly punches two flames at Kanna's chest.

The captain doesn't waste time trying to block Alev's unpredictable attacks. Instead, she rolls forward but runs the risk of taking on her opponent in close range where Alev is lethal. Alev pulls her right hand forward and shoots a heap of dazzling orange and yellow flames at Kanna.

Kanna gasps and flips forward yet right as she looks to flank Alev with her lateral movement. Alev turns again and punches another pair of gleaming fireballs at Miss Foloki. Kanna leaps in the air and behind the Remnant champion.

Alev turns her face in fury and rotates her body before she hurls a sinister blaze of light orange and yellow fire at Kanna. The 31st trooper leaps again over Alev's attack and she follows up by spinning and tossing two of her own orange-gold fireballs at Alev.

For the first time, Alev backpedals and blocks the shots by generating two protective fire gauntlets around her arms. Outside of using rocket propulsion, Alev is not known for taking steps back, but Kanna's movements make her so difficult to track and pin down.

Still Kanna has Alev to thank for this development and realization that she is more effective when using her speed and agility to set up attacks. Kanna lands just a couple of feet across her with a rather cheerful demeanor.

Kanna's white teeth shine from a partial smile and Alev tightens her mouth as she yanks her right hand forward, stretching an elastic and bulging fire fist at her. Kanna flips over the strike and as she rotates she aims her hands at the ground. Soon after, the young adult pushes dark orange fire from her hands which launches her a few feet further though her shot is just strong enough to send her landing just inches behind Alev.

The colonel rolls her eyes before she rotates her body and counters with an amped left diagonal kick. Kanna spins backward then springs forward as Alev blasts another pair of flames at her enemy. Kanna twirls left and forward, still inching closer to her rival.

Alev pulls her right hand back and tosses a fireball at Kanna's face. The young lady ducks and Alev counters with another two-fireball combo. Kanna blocks the shots with her arms but realizes Alev is setting up counters. The last thing she wants to do is stand in the same area for long because she knows that she struggles to keep up with Alev's attack output.

Alev throws a rising flame at Kanna's gut and another at her right shoulder. Kanna shifts her body and blocks the shoulder shot with her right arm but is hit by the other flame on her right side. Kanna yelps and falls to her knees, "Ahhhhh!"

Alev smiles, "Do you realize now, that your efforts are futile? You are no match for my prowess. But I must admit you have fought valiantly so I grant you a warrior's death. I will tell your family how valiantly you tried before I ended you."

Kanna looks back up at her, her light brown hair and gold eyes also glistering in the sun. Kanna: "Oh Alev, you really give yourself too much credit. But you should know better than to celebrate your victory too quickly."

Alev answers and covers her hands with bright flames, "Then hasten your demise!" Alev extends her right hand and pops another fireball at Kanna. Miss Foloki rotates left and Alev pulls out her left hand as she blows a ray of light orange and yellow fire at her.

Kanna jumps diagonally and lands behind Alev. The Remnant battlemaster turns lightning fast and counters Kanna with two fiery hooks. The scout attempts to step back to avoid the hits, but Alev steps forward and nails Kanna's stomach twice. Kanna puffs, "Oooouf."

Alev's bloodlust kicks in as she swings again with a scorching left hook at Kanna's right cheek but the captain ducks as she maintains her sound mind. Kanna counters as she pops Alev's stomach with a burning right punch. Alev looks in disbelief that she got hit and Kanna is still standing.

Kanna counters again with a blazing left hook. Alev turns from the hit though is not badly hurt. While Kanna is faster than Alev who is pretty fast herself, she is not as physically strong or durable but maybe she doesn't have to be. Kanna lunges forward with a three-punch combo to Alev's body.

Alev latches onto Kanna's arms and the duo push against each other. Alev looks Kanna in her eyes with disdain as she begins to overpower her with her raw strength. The caring captain grimaces in discomfort as she is slowly pushes back closer toward the edge of the roof.

Alev: "This is the end of for you, Kanna!" Though Kanna might not be the most cold-hearted person, she refuses to accept her death. Not yet! If it must come, she has to keep fighting and keep trying until the last second! She is not just fighting for herself but for her family, for her friends, and for her supporters.

Kanna heats her hands up, but Alev does the same. The sparks cause both of their hands to bounce off of each other, as steam flows form their hands. The girls control the heat to avoid being burned. Alev pumps a beam of light orange and yellow fire from her hands.

Kanna performs a front and right cartwheel away from the attack. Alev punches a fire cube from her left hand at Kanna's abdomen but the young lady slides ahead and leaps back on her feet just inches left of Alev. Kanna springs forward and swings at Alev with a left straight but Alev blocks the hit with her left arm and counters with a right straight punch at Kanna's nose.

Kanna ducks and spins right before she near instantly pulls her hands back and hurls a brick of fire into Alev's lower chest. In the twinkle of an eye, the flashy girl falls a couple of feet back and smoke flows from her body. Alev moans and groans as she tries to stand up but initially fails.

(music stops)

Meanwhile, a team of three Remnant firebenders, three Remnant swordsmen, three insurrectionist glaive troopers, two rebel spear warriors, and a Remnant ax soldier patrol a street corner. Between them is a sewer manhole. Macai stands on a later under the manhole as he listens to the steps of his enemies, sensing their location and position.

This ability is partially due to his distant Earth Kingdom ancestry. A shake briefly occurs before the manhole is blasted over twenty feet in the air by a beam of white flames. The fire blinds several the soldiers who look up at the position and many yells as they react to the event, "Awwww!!"

A Remnant firebender warns, "On your guard!"

Soon after, Macai flies through the opening with a beam of white fire. The firebender punches a gust of orange fire up in Macai's direction but he easily knocks his own surge of white fire through the man's attacks which knocks him back into a building behind him.

Two streams of white flames glide down and demolish four of the Remnant troopers. Soon after, three firebenders leap from the sewer and thrust flames into Remnant soldiers while they are distracted. Three army swordsman follow up with the attack and run into battle alongside them as the team causes chaos for the Remnant unit.

Elsewhere, Kanna looks across Alev with confidence, "See Alev, it's over! Zuko's administration stands!"

Alev coughs, "N-n-no! Never!!" Alev rises to her knees and Kanna lights her hands up.

Kanna extends her hands, "Come on Alev, stop! This is your final warning!"

Alev yells, "Diiiiiieeee!!!" The officer blitzes forward with a stream of light orange and yellow fire propelling her as she rams her body into Kanna and they fly off the roof at 120 miles an hour. Kanna looks in terror as she feels the wind swoop again her body, knowing only her enemy may be holding her from certain death.

Kanna's legs also dangle in the air but she decides to remain calm in spite of immense danger. Kanna rotates Alev's body so that she hangs over her and smacks her twice with hooks. Alev latches her arms around Kanna's throat then launches her body in the opposite direction, carrying both of them right as Kanna struggles to hold on.

Kanna realizes that Alev is not fighting with reason anymore but is just brawling at this point. For Kanna's safety, she has to hope that this madness will continue because it may be the only thing that can prevent her from falling to her death. Kanna struggles as she tries to break free of Alev's hold but she knees Alev twice in her stomach.

Kanna is then able to wiggle her right arm free and pulls herself onto Alev's back. Kanna latches her right arm around Alev's neck and wraps her legs around Alev's. As Alev begins to lose oxygen she steadily descends, and they both begin to glide headfirst toward the ground.

Soon they are only 20 feet from the ground. Kanna kicks Alev off her, hoping the move will break their momentum and cause the fall to become less painful. As Kanna glides closer to the surface Alev falls with her back facing the ground. As Kanna's body rotates, she points her hands at the ground and shoots a blast of fire into the ground right before her hands hit it.

The fire blasts the captain another five feet in the air, allowing her to land on her feet. Though much of the momentum was broken by Kanna's moves, the fall still was harder and faster than she is used to. Kanna's legs buckle, and she stumbles from the landing, "Uhh!"

As Alev falls she notices what is happening and slowly descends. While she lands well, the hit from Kanna's shot begins to catch up with her as well as the fatigue from her recent stunt and Kanna's grasp of her neck. Alev also stumbles.

Kanna turns and looks at Alev as they are just 15 feet apart. Alev yells, "Nooo!! You haven't won, I will destroy you!" Alev lifts her right hand and tries to generate a flame but falls on her face from exhaustion. Kanna uncontrollably laughs.

Kanna: "You haven't grown much." A few seconds later three army troopers stand behind Alev. One firebender handcuffs her while another firebender and swordsman stand behind her.

The troopers carry Alev away and she complains, "Unhand me you clowns! Let me go!! You will pay dearly for this!! I WILL NOT BE A PRISONER AGAIN!!"

An army trooper counters, "Deal with it. And you better hope Zuko doesn't repeal the execution laws, you really deserve it. But if not, we'll make sure you rot in a cell this time without a way out."

Kanna looks around and notices several Remnant troopers walking away in chains. Dozens have been captured. Army troopers stand triumphantly throughout the streets. An army captain salutes Kanna, "Kanna, it is an honor, good work up there."

Kanna replies, "Thanks, looks like we've won."

The army officer nods, "Indeed, nearly the entire city is secured. Perhaps less than 5 percent remains under Remnant control, but our allies are breaking that up as well now."