The Return

Ozai, Timur, Reyna, Akira, Cosmos, Kota, and Aten wait outside during a usually chilly morning in Yoruba. The battleship the Bustling Rhino soars ahead of them. The ship is dark grey in color. It is enormous standing at 270 meters long and 50 meters wide. Ozai grins and rubs his hands together seeing the behemoth of a ship.

Timur gets chills looking at it. The team hovers toward a ship in a small boat before they are pulled up into the big vessel. The bounty hunters look around in awe as multiple Remnant troopers respectfully bow at Ozai. An older man with wrinkles, dark grey hair, thick eyebrows, pale skin, yellow gold eyes, and a gaunt body looks at Ozai. Officer: "Hello Ozai, I am Captain Bulat, this is my vessel. You will find that we have everything you want."

Captain Bulat walks with the crew down the halls. They notice a dark grey floor, a black ceiling, light grey walls, and red highlights throughout the facility. Bulat: "This ship carries thousands of soldiers and is capable of firing around three dozen torpedoes at an enemy at any time in addition to being able to carry up to six catapults on top of the ship at once. We have a lot of REAL firepower. We also have an extensive gym that has a range of weights, machines, mats, a sparring ring, and training staffs."

Ozai smiles, "Impressive. Do you have any spas or massage services?"

Captain Bulat: "No."

Ozai sighs, "Then I want my personal ship to be acquired, The Rapacious Fortress." While Ozai had his own airship, he also had a cruiser. It was a deadly vessel made to incredibly durable, have high firepower, and to have comfortable services. Ozai's ship has advanced engines making it travel faster than most large ships but not as fast as some other ships like Macai's Prompt Adjudicator or Princess Azula's royal cruiser which was badly damaged during the final battle of the Hundred Year War.

Ozai played a massive role in the design of his vessel and sacrificed some speed for comfort, firepower, and to make his ship look fierce. Captain Bulat: "Of course sir, Remnant forces have taken that ship and still have it hidden from Zuko's watch. Unfortunately, it isn't under this sect of the Remnant's command. Admiral Venti has control of it and he is an ally of General Hepeski who was against the mission of searching for you."

Ozai raises his eyebrows, "What?! How dare he! I'd love to speak with him in the near future."

Captain Bulat: "All will become clear in time, your majesty."

Reckless Ambition

A man walks in Zenego, a region that is technically part of the Earth Kingdom and consists of multiple boreal forests and cold rivers, lakes, and ponds. This area is north and east of the captain Ba Sing Se facing the Northeastern edge of the Earth Kingdom's continent. Two soldiers stand in front of the door of a large chocolate brown wooden facility. One guard has a sword and another is a firebender. The roof of the building is painted red and a Fire Nation flag is planted on its center.

The man walks across the grassy field in front of him as he moves closer toward the newly constructed outpost. The troops step aside and salute him. Ronin enters the facility and steps inside the large cabin. Ronin walks toward the training facility but as he is he notices another warrior with a black outfit that has a mixture of dark red, orange, purple, light red, and dark pink markings. It is none other than Alev who also has two golden wrist guards.

Alev's long light brown wavy hair, heavy makeup, tan skin, and gold eyes make her easy to identify. The Remnant major crosses her arms as the captain confronts her. Alev: "What the bounty hunters arrived yet?"

Ronin: "Not yet, but I've read plenty to articles about Ozai's rescue. We've certainly earned a lot of attention. I have no doubt Hepeski is mobilizing all his resources to track us down."

Alev: "If only he had half the will to fight Zuko's minions in this same way. If he had, we might be more feared and less ignored as a faction."

Ronin: "The Remnant is more than just a faction or at least it will be very soon. When we get Ozai his powers back our rivals will swoon." Alev grins.

Alev: "But seriously, what brings you back then. I know you've recently been reflecting... Usually I'd blast someone for wasting their time in such an unproductive manner but I have a feeling you might actually be onto something."

Ronin: "I've been meditating and reflecting on what I want. I'm not like you, I need time away from the spotlight and attention."

Alev: "Yeah, that's a bit boring for me. I'll take the spotlight, vices and all."

Ronin: "I've come to train with the men. I have a feeling Ozai will be here soon and I want to make sure I'm ready. Enjoy this moment of peace, I sense great violence looms ahead." Alev crosses her arms, extending her long light pink fingernails. They've recently been done again; they were previously dark pink, and she is known for steadily changing them to different bright colors.

Alev: "Go ahead, the training room is open." Ronin walks across the hall. The walls are light brown, the floor is dark brown, the ceiling is a red-brown color, and several swords are mounted across the walls. There are even pictures of Fire Nation warriors and leaders scattered throughout the room. Ronin turns right into a room of dark yellow wooden floor, white walls, and a dark grey ceiling.

There is a sparing ring as well as an extended area with a dark grey mat. There is a room full of about twelve men training. Ronin announces, "Excuse me, can I have everyone's attention!"

A Remnant soldier turns and barks, "What makes you special?!"

Ronin briefly stops and thinks then nods, "Hahaha (grinning) what makes me special? You know that's a good question." Troopers look in confusion. Ronin becomes serious, "Some would say that I am special because I served in the 31st company."

Another Remnant trooper comments, "So what? Rute fought in Ozai's royal guard."

Ronin continues, "But I don't claim to be special because of that. I don't claim to be special at all, I don't care if I am or not. I remember when I was initially taken, captured, and thrown in the Gokolee Prison. All I could do was stare up at the ceiling. At that moment it seemed all my dreams were killed but I never stopped planning, I never trained training, I never stopped pushing myself, and I made a promise that I'd either break out of that prison or die trying."

Ronin: "You all may be down, hurt, stressed, depressed, bitter, whatnot. Some of you are only trying to get by or take a petty knock at the enemy. But I'm looking to STRIKE BIG."

Remnant objector: "Oh, so wanna strike big and get yourself killed."

Ronin nods, "So what?! Yes, I want to strike big but there is a price that comes with ambition. I'm more than aware of that, it doesn't bother me. I embrace it. I'd rather die on the frontlines making a difference than live in mediocrity scrapping by to survive like some petty criminal, doing small hit-and-run attacks against a nation I used to be a part of. Only now to be some minor terrorist."

Ronin: "No I say it's time we give them a fight they've never seen. I say we show them the cost of going against tradition. When those men turned their backs on their fateful brothers and sisters who were only doing their duties and threw them in prison. Treated us like ANIMALS. I could only eat two small meals a day and I had squid for three days in a row. Now I say we go out and hunt our OWN STEAK!"

Remnant trooper: "Yeah!"

Ronin: "I say we take it straight to their nation's best and punch them right in their jaws! Zuko thinks we are a nuisance a mere distraction. It's time we show him just how important we are. While he is meeting and lounging with leaders from the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes, we will be preparing for a legendary assault. While he is wasting taxpayer money on programs to fund and finance different countries, we will be strapping out resources together for a real fight."

Ronin keeps going, "And while HE is preparing propaganda to encourage cultural destruction and assimilation into some artificial global culture we will make sure that we are in prime condition. Fully trained, fully motivated, and fully ready to give everything we have to the battles ahead. I won't be full, I won't be satisfied until all their bases, outposts, and political centers are blown to dust!!"

Multiple troopers clap. Remnant trooper: "So what was the purpose of this speech. This you just want to pump us up while we trained?"

Ronin: "That was one purpose, but I want the twelve of you to join me for some special festivity. I want all of you to help me train." The twelve warriors stand around Ronin, five are firebenders, five have batons, and another two have staffs. Ronin: "Ready." The warriors ready their blades and one firebender grins.

A remnant trooper mutters, "This is going to be easy."

Ronin screams, "Now!" Three flames are fired a him from multiple directions. The rogue marine crosses his arms, blocking the flame in front of him. Ronin turns his body and blocks a rear flame with a knee. Ronin backflips to dodge the third flame. Ronin horizontally sweeps his left hand and blasts three warriors aside with a hurls of flames (a baton warrior, a staffwoman, and a firebender).

Another flame is fired directly at his head but Ronin ducks and extends his arms; blasting two men back at once with orange fireballs (a baton warrior and a firebender). A firebender shoots a beam of flames directly behind Ronin's back. The marine rolls right as sparks scatter beside him. Ronin turns and sees a baton warrior charge at his right as a staff warrior leaps in the air toward him.

As the staff warrior flies down beside him Ronin spins backward and a baton warrior horizontally lunges at him from his left flank. Ronin kicks a flame into the baton wielder's stomach and pops a brick of fire into the staff warrior's chest. The staff warrior's feet are lifted two feet in the air by the heavy blasts and he tumbles two feet back in the ground.

Two flames are simultaneously fired at Ronin's back. Ronin backflips and a third flame is shot at him while he's airborne. The veteran spins in the air to avoid the blow then lands about four feet behind his last position. Ronin intuitively rear kicks a flame at the firebender behind him who blocks it. Another firebender across him kicks a flame at Ronin's legs but the young warrior leaps in the air and kicks a swirl of fire into that man's chest before he lands.

A firebender kicks a spinning ball of fire at him and Ronin turns sideways to evade the shot. An unseen baton warrior lunges at Ronin and slams his club in his face, knocking him out. When the sparring began there were twelve warriors and when it ended only four stood (two baton warriors and two firebenders). Ronin's performance definitely earned the respect of all involved.

As Ronin woke up, multiple people in the gym were treating their wounds. Remnant trooper: "Not bad, you did better than I expected."

Ronin: "It all starts in the heart. We all have physical limitations, but you'd be surprised how a daring mind can reduce those."

Remnant trooper: "So was that just some kind of stunt to show us that?"

Ronin shakes his head, "No, that was real training." Ronin stands up, "And I'd like to do more of it this evening. I know there are usually more people in the gym later in the day, maybe I can try taking on sixteen people next time. I'll be working on my tricks."

The trooper smiles. Ronin: "And you were the one who doubted me before, what was your name?"

Remnant trooper: "Kip."

Ronin: "Well Kip, I hope to see you in my next session." Kip has dark brown eyes, straight yet thick dark brown hair, dark brown skin, thin eyebrows, and a small nose. Kip looks at Ronin in amazement.

The next day, the Bustling Rhino emerges on the freezing beachhead. The hatch lowers as Ozai steps down with various guards around him, Bulat at his left side, and the B Team behind him. A row of troopers stand on the right and left side while Alev stands between them. Ozai looks across at Alev and stares her up and down. He immediately smells her perfume.

Ozai: "So I take it you are Alev." Ozai sniffs, "And is that cherry blossom?"

Alev smiles, "Indeed it is. I see you have a fine nose and can distinguish your scents."

Ozai: "I grew up in the palace, I had a chance to take in all the different scents my mother prepared. She reminds me a bit of you. She liked to dress up, loved her different scents, and she was a proud and strong woman."

Alev: "Oh, but just a bit like me."

Ozai: "Nods, just a bit. She was a hardworking and wholesome mother. From what I've heard you are a fierce woman of war and one who enjoys her independence. My mother was selfless, she had to give up so much for our household. I hope you will do the same for your country."

Alev: "Your honor, I've given up so much already. I've risked the unthinkable to bring you here today."

Ozai: "And to restore my powers?"

Alev: "Yes."

Ozai: "Then take me wherever I need to go to start the process."

Alev: "My lord, it will be done." Alev, Ozai, the B Team, and multiple troopers march toward Eyre's cave. While Eyre lives in a cabin, there is a cave where he keeps important artifacts, plans, and studies information. An area that was once isolated is now being used more regularly by the Remnant.

Five troopers stand in front of the cave with black armor that has red and silver markings. Ozai looks at Alev, "What now?"

Alev: "We wait."

Ozai states, "I wait for no one." Two of the guards point their fists at Alev and Ozai. Another two draw their swords and a captain in the center of them steps forward. The captain has bronze eyes, lemon yellow skin, coffee brown wavy hair, and a patchy beard.

Captain: "I am Captain Yinchen and I only to Eyre."

Ozai: "Have you lost your mind? I am Ozai!"

Captain Yinchen: "That may be so, but since you've fallen our men have become incredibly loyal to him. We only returned to this war for him. Eyre might not be a perfect leader, but he rewards and promotes the loyal and faithful. Until he advised other actions from us, I will answer to him faithfully. Once he arrives you will be allowed in which should be very soon."

Ozai looks at Alev. Alev: "We don't have many allies sir, we should choose our battles."

Ozai shouts, "I don't care!" The guards enter ready themselves and Captain Yinchen enters his battlestance.

Yinchen states, "So be it."

A second later a man shouts, "Stop! Stop this madness!" It is General Eyre. He steps forward in his black armor which has intricate red and yellow stripes. The troopers clear the path on Eyre's request.

Yinchen steps aside, "Yes sir."

Ozai looks at Eyre, "It has been some time General, what brings you back?"

Eyre answers, "I got drug back in this game."

Ozai asks, "By who?"

Eyre: "You'll see soon enough."

Alev: "While you two handle this, I will resolve my unfinished business with the bounty hunters." Alev confronts the team. Alev: "Thank you all for your actions. You all have done the impossible and prevented me from looking like a complete and utter fool. Two soldiers will escort you to claim your reward."

Cosmos pumps his fist in the air, "Yes! We're rich! Pretty much."

Timur stares at Ozai, "Wow, well I guess that's it."

Reyna rubs Timur's right shoulder, "It's ok Timur, at least we made it out." The bounty hunters are taken to a spot in the forest where three troopers stand in front of six chests. one for each prize hunter. The troopers open each chest revealing the silver shekels.

Aten: "Can we count them before we leave?"

Alev: "Sure, the soldiers will count them for you, but the number is exact. After they complete the count, you will all be escorted out in a carriage to a nearby town. There you can be dropped off at any hotel, can pay transportation to take you home, or whatever else it is that you want. Best wishes." Alev salutes them.

Eyre and Ozai walk into the center of the cave. Eyre naturally uses an advanced form of firebending to light the torches without even moving his arms. Ozai: "So what now?" Eyre points at two stone columns in front of him. The stones have several black markings on them.

Eyre: "Touch them." Ozai touches the stones and the markings glow yellow.

Ozai hears Sozin's voice, "Gooooooood. The heir to the throne has returned."

Ozai: "What? Who is that?"

Sozin: "Oh Ozai, you don't recognize your grandfather's voice?"

Ozai: "But you're dead!"

Sozin: "Death can bring about abilities that are somewhat unnatural." Sozin hovers down in front of him. Ozai looks at Eyre and Eyre doesn't react. Ozai looks back at Sozin who starts walking toward him.

Ozai: "No, stay back! You ARE NOT MY GRANDFATHER, you can't be."

Sozin smiles, "I am what you need me to be."

Ozai: "What do you want?"

Sozin: "I want you to live back up to OUR family legacy. I didn't start this war just to have the Avatar ruin it! He is our wretched enemy. The bane of our plans and destiny. If it wasn't for him this world would already be ours. I want you to destroy him once and for all. But first, we will take from him just as he has taken from us!"

Ozai: "How will I regain my powers?"

Sozin: "You will regain firebending but everyone has their own unique chakras. This won't be your own, you will take mine which will be inserted into you. This means the essence of your flames, their temperature, and their weaknesses might be slightly different but will be related since we are related."

Ozai: "I was the greatest firebender of my time, no offense but this might be a slight step down. How can I expect to defeat the Avatar with lesser abilities."

Sozin: "The best win no matter what! If you want to be trained, leave that to others."

Ozai: "I don't need others to be strong."

Sozin: "Humble yourself, you need to do whatever is possible to win. Overreliance on your own strength is what gotten you beaten the last time! And I won't be the only one to do it."

Firelord Shakro steps in the room. He was known for being his skill and unpredictable fighting style. Shakro existed over a thousand years before Ozai. Shakro: "I too was defeated by an Avatar." Another firebender steps in the room, this one is a Hun. Gehou was a deadly hun who ravaged the Earth Kingdom about seven thousand years before the Hundred Year War. Gehou was known for his ruthlessness, resilience, and hatred.

Sozin: "Now you see what is on the line. With Shakro's skill, Gehou's brutality, and my selfish ambition, no one will be able to match you. On top of that, your personal style will still blend with this and knowledge of your past use of your own bending powers. But before you attack Aang, I recommend you take a moment to test your new abilities."

Ozai extends his arms, "Good, let's get on with it!"

Sozin: "Not yet, you aren't worthy." The figures disappear.

Ozai shouts, "What?! How am I not worthy! How?" Ozai notices they are gone. Ozai: "Where did they go? What do they mean? My bloodline..."

Eyre: "I think they want to make sure you are ready." Eyre looks at Ozai and notices his body is flabby. Eyre: "You were once in excellent shape with a stunning physique. Perhaps you should regain that and prove you are the animal you once were."

Ozai: "You question my resolve?"

Eyre: "You have been inactive; I just think you should train like in your younger days. Reinvented yourself. More importantly, humble yourself so you are ready for battle."

Ozai sighs, "Will you train me?"

Eyre answers, "Perhaps everyone here can contribute to your training. I can also play a role in your development."