Transcending Passions 2

A Worthy Joust

Director Goshal emerges on the shoreline with five intel troopers. Goshal: "I knew this nitwit Asad couldn't do it on his own, they're fairing too well right now. Gentlemen, it's time for an intervention."

As that happens, the Prompt Adjudicator and the fleet sails across the sea. Hakato looks across the telescope and notices several Fire Nation cruisers. Hakato: "We've got company."

Aiya: "How many?"

Hakato: "Seven cruisers... They're heading straight with the big guns."

Aiya: "Tell the fleet to load up their cannons and sail laterally. We'll fire a barrage of shots from the distance due to our design. Meanwhile, the support ships can keep them busy." The Fire Nation cruiser sails in the center of the Resistance formation and unloads its guns. A volley of powerful shots downs one of the Fire Nation cruisers.

The Fire Nation Admiral Zonju watches from the distance. Zonju has yellow skin, white hair, a short white beard, and hazel eyes. Zonju: "Concentrate all fire on that central cruiser, I want it gone." The remaining six cruisers fire a volley of shots directly at the stolen ship.

Aiya commands, "Launch a dispersed volley of defensive shots to keep that cruiser from going down." The Prompt Adjudicator fires a rapid volley of accurate shots with great precision that intercepts several incoming shots. The earth and water tribe crew fire several defensive shots that intercept several incoming cannons. Still, a fifth of the ship is instantly hit and damaged by incoming cannons.

Several small explosions occur throughout the vessel and smoke flows through it. A fair number of earth kingdom troopers are incinerated by a cannon. Aiya adds, "Load up for the next volley of shots, this time hit another one of those cruisers randomly. Keep one-third of our cannons reserved on defense. They're not ready for our range or accuracy."

The other support ships in the fleet fire their modified cannons into one of the cruisers and blow it in pieces. The other five Fire Nation cruisers go in defensive mode. Admiral Zonju: "Ok, I weapons-free. Fire at will, hit them all!" The cruisers get in a direct firefight with the Resistance fleet and several of the wooden ships are immediately ripped apart.

A volley of cannons fly directly into one ship in front of the PA and blow that ship into several fragments. Aiya shouts, "Look sharp everyone!" The Fire Nation frigate uses its speed to load up on shots against one of the cruisers while minimizing its own damage.

Meanwhile, Rosh extends his hands horizontally and shoots down two Firebenders with two red-orange flames. Rosh looks up and sees a Fire Nation tank. Rosh looks back at Macai, "Tank!" The tank fires a massive fireball down toward Macai and Kett's position. Macai sprints right and dives while Kett leaps left.

An enormous explosion occurs and dust flies everywhere. Rosh extends his arms and fires a large beam of red-orange fire into the tank; splitting it in two. Kett notices another Tank emerge on the left flank and extends his hands. A powerful stream of light orange fire flies into its nozzle and causes the head of the tank to explode. Macai launches himself in the air with a gust of white fire.

Macai extends his hands and fires a white surge of fire into the tank on his far right. The tank violently explodes, and several archers take aim at the rogue commander. Macai quickly doses his flames as a stream of arrows fly toward him. The young man lands roughly on his right knee but doesn't hesitate to stand again.

Macai looks up and notices several Idealist marines charging forward in their robes. One marine firebender on Macai's right extends his hands and blasts a marine loyalist with a gust of orange fire. An idealist spearman on the left throws his weapon into a loyalist swordsman across him. Other marines on both sides clash a few feet ahead of Macai's position. Macai notices three marines rush ahead of him.

Macai takes a deep breath and marches forward. A sharp stream of light orange fire flows into two marine loyalists right of Macai's position. The stream explodes on impact and blows them to bits. Macai looks left and sees an intel trooper leap in front of three loyalists (a spearman and two firebenders). The intel trooper has black armor with several white markings that resemble a skeleton. The intel trooper extends his right hand, and a fire ray fries the bender ahead of him.

The elite trooper rotates his hand right and ignites the other loyalists with a volatile fire whip. The men howl and shake as they are roasted into black skeletons. Another Intel Trooper emerges and fires a flurry of light orange flames into four loyalists (a swordsman, spearman, and two firebenders) across him. The loyalists are shot down in less than a second.

Loyalist swordsman: "Ohhhhuuuaa!!"

Loyalist spearman: "Aiyee!" A large dark orange rod of fire with a bright yellow interior emerges into the chest of a swordsman in front of the commander. The man is blown to pieces. Macai covers his eyes then another flame is fired in a firebender's chest left of Macai. Macai exters his battle stance then the remaining marine in front of him is shot in the head by a dark orange flame.

Macai looks ahead and notices Director Goshal. Goshal's flames are dark orange like Kanna's which means they are highly explosive but are a bit less hot than most orange flames. However, the core of Goshal's flame is bright yellow making his flames just as hot as most firebenders while also being hotter than Kanna's. Goshal's flames are also larger and more accurate than that of most experienced firebenders.

Director Goshal: "Ahh, Macai, now I finally get to see what you are made of."

Macai replies, "How could you permeate all of these lies for so long?"

Goshal clinches his left fist, "Because I'm strong enough to do what it takes to win. The Fire Nation needs people like me. Every nation needs people like me to stay on top. The word is cruel boy, you've got to push people down to stay on top. I always knew you were weak and I wanted to end you since the moment I read your resume. I was noble but never at your level, spoiled brats like you make me want to gag. Outside of the Phoenix King and a few others, I prefer the regular nobles."

Goshal continues, "The top noble kids are always in over their heads and aren't willing to make the sacrifices to be the best. I'm going to enjoy every minute of this."

Macai enters his battle stance, "I'm done talking Goshal. You killed a lot of innocent people from all nations and there is a price for every action. Your tyranny ends here." Goshal grunts as he presses his hands forward. Two wide streams of dark orange fire flow right and left of Macai's position toward the rogue Commander.

Macai lifts his hands and two streams of white fire intercept Goshal's attack. The Director extends his right hand and fires a large flame at Macai's body. Macai extends his hands and fires his own beam of white fire into Goshal's flame. The flames explode on impact and a gust of light flies toward both benders. Goshal briefly looks down and Macai does the same.

Goshal raises his hands and ignites them in dark orange and bright yellow fire. The Director swiftly pumps two fireballs at Macai. Macai extends his right leg and kicks a white flame into the right ball. Macai ducks as he evades the second fireball. Macai extends his hands and launches a beam of white fire at Goshal and the Intel officer leaps left.

Goshal shifts his hands forward and a shockwave of dark orange and light yellow fire soars toward Macai. Macai slams his hands together and a fire shield absorbs the wave. Goshal quickly rotates his hands horizontally as he pumps four wild fireballs at the Commander. Macai rotates his arms side to side as he blocks the flames.

Macai extends his hands a second time and shoots a beam of white fire at Goshal. The firebending master leaps in the air and extends his legs. A beam of dark orange fire flies at Macai. The teen crosses his arms but the flames explode on impact and send him tumbling three feet backward. Goshal points his right hand at the ground as he launches a stream of fire in Macai's direction. Macai jumps on his feet and stomps his right foot on the ground.

When Macai stomps, a white wall of fire intercepts the shot. Macai extends his hands and pumps a rectangle of white fire at the Director. Goshal crosses his hands and steps forward; dousing the white flames. Goshal ignites his hands and swings at Macai's neck with a straight left punch. Macai shifts his head left past the swing then Macai ignites his right hand and swings horizontally at the Intel officer's left ear.

Goshal ducks then raises his hand while Macai's turned body is exposed. Macai immediately extends his right leg and lunges at Goshal's left leg. Goshal raises his left leg and blocks the attack with a knee. Goshal extends his right hand and shoots a fireball at Macai's face. Macai rotates his left hand and blocks the shot. Macai engulfs his right hand with white fire and pounds Goshal in his face.

Goshal's body rotates right and he bends down in pain. Macai extends both of his hands and presses them against the Director's body. A blast of white fire immediately blows the Director back a second later and sends him tumbling several feet. Stream flows from the officer's position while he is down. The director tries to get back up but he passes out and collapses.

Meanwhile Rosh advances and notices Commander Asad with two firebenders beside him. Commander Asad: "Ah, Rosh, I've been waiting for you."

Rosh: "Give up Asad, the Fire Nation is done!"

Asad frowns, "Not in your wildest dreams fool!" Asad extends his hands and fires a rapid explosive ball of orange fire. Rosh ducks and the firebenders extend their arms. Two flames glide in the rogue Captain's direction. Rosh jumps right and over the flames. Rosh extends his right leg while in midair and kicks a beam of fire into the firebender on the right. A snap is heard as the marine is sent flying.

Asad extends both of his hands and fires a strong beam of fire at Rosh. Rosh crosses his arms and blocks the shot but the impact knocks him back three feet. Rosh quickly rolls backward before standing up. Asad shifts his fists forward and fires two large flames at Rosh. Rosh fires own two red-orange flames into Asad's.

Rosh looks left and notices the other firebender looking to flank him. The teen Captain readjusts his body and extends his palms horizontally. A beam of red-orange fire launches the firebender into the ground. Asad yells as he charges forward and fires two large flames at Rosh. Rosh turns and blocks both of the flames. Rosh extends his arms and a beam of his fire hits Asad in his stomach. Asad moans, "Ooooah!" Asad is knocked three feet back and directly into the ground and he passes out a second later.

Micheal Giacchino- The Master Switch (From "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story/Score) Youtube (Music Starts)

As this is happening, Kanna advances with an idealist swordsman left of her. An intel trooper raises his hands and launches himself thirty feet across the battlefield. The trooper lands about ten feet ahead of the swordsman's position. The intel trooper pumps his right fist and blasts the swordsman back with a light orange fireball.

Kanna gasps then rapidly extends her arms in his direction, launching four flames at her opponent. The intel trooper glides right, avoiding the first two flames. The next two flames fly towards the man's chest but he quickly blocks them. The trooper pulls his arms back then extends them and blows a beam of orange fire at the young lady.

Kanna leaps in the air and kicks a rod of fire at the trooper. The intel commando rolls forward, steering clear of the explosion behind him. The man extends his right hand and fires a beam of fire at Kanna's face. Kanna hops right and pumps two dark orange flames at her adversary. The trooper leaps in the air and kicks an unstable rod of fire at Kanna.

Kanna rolls left and the intel warrior lands a few feet right of her position. The intel trooper turns around and fires another two rapid flames at Kanna. Kanna flips behind him. The elite trooper pulls his right hand back and activates a light orange firesword. In an instant, the intel trooper flips at Kanna with a diagonal spinning strike.

Kanna crosses her arms and generates two dark orange fire daggers. Kanna blocks the strike with her daggers but slides a few inches back from the force of the blow. Kanna immediately charges at her opponent. The firebender extends his left hand and shoots an orange flame at her chest. Kanna slides past the attack then leaps behind the commando and slams her right fire dagger into his neck. Kanna pulls her arm back and the trooper collapses.

Kanna looks right and sees another intel trooper charging at two firebender idealists. The marines quickly fire four torpedoes of orange fire at the trooper. The trooper dives in the air and spins over the shots. The trooper slows down as he is about to descend. The idealists aim at the commando as they prepare to finish him.

Within half a second, the trooper launches himself as a massive orange fireball between his opponents. An eruption occurs upon landing, knocking aside the troopers. An idealist swordsman charges at the elite firebender and he nonchalantly blasts him away with his right palm. The trooper turns around and sees Kanna.

Intel Trooper: "My hands hunger for blood."

Kanna: "Well, they're going to starve today." The intel trooper fires two flames at Kanna. The girl leaps right and forward toward her opponent. The trooper extends his right hand and shoots a beam of orange fire at his opponent. Kanna slides forward then generates a dark orange fire dagger as she gets closer to him.

Within a fourth of a second, Kanna propels herself off the ground and toward her enemy and slams her fire dagger into his chest. The trooper falls and Kanna smiles, "I like these fire daggers, I should use them more in the future." The young woman evaporates her dagger.

Samira and Arret advance on the battlefield. Samira thrusts her spear in a swordman's chest and Arret fires an arrow into the neck of another loyalist duelist. Arret looks left and notices a loyalist archer aiming at her. Like a flash, Arret rotates right and fires an arrow in the archer's stomach. Samira smiles at Arret and Arret smiles back.

An Intel Trooper glides from above and descends toward the duo's position. Samira looks up and Arret takes aim with her arrow. The intel trooper extends his arms and fires a light orange power blast at Arret. The idealist archer leaps left but is knocked two feet aside and in the air from the explosion. Arret falls and hits her head; knocking her out.

Samira points her spear at her descending enemy but the intel trooper points his legs at Samira and fires a beam of flames at her. Samira dives left and falls hard as she narrowly avoids death. A loud explosion occurs and chunks of burnt sand fly around her. The intel trooper rotates his body and lands on his feet just inches from Samira's position.

A sore Samira groans as the intel trooper aims his right hand at her. Arret shakes her head and looks right then notices the situation. Arret rises to her knees then draws her bow and aims at the man. The intel trooper looks right and fires a light orange flame into Arret's shoulder. Arret falls on her back, "Ahhhhaa!"

The intel trooper readjusts his focus at Samira. Samira leaps forward and thrusts her spear into the man's stomach. Intel trooper: "Aaaahhh!!" Samira pulls her blade back then helps her friend up.

Arret: "I thought I lost you."

(music stops)

Samira: "I was starting to think the same thing." On the right flank, Cosal, Sonna, and Dade continue their push against loyalist forces. Sonna fires an arrow into the neck of a female firebender. Dade leaps forward and vertically cuts down a marine. Cosal charges at a spearman and the spearman lunges at Cosal's left rib.

The veteran rotates his blade left and knocks the spear left. Cosal readjusts his blade and holds it out to the left. The idealist swordsman runs forward and slides his blade into the upper region of his enemy's chest. The man gasps and Cosal kicks him down. The two warriors look ahead as they notice Captain Basin and Lieutenant Trenko.

Basin draws his sword and Trenko's gold eyes shine in the sunlight. Dade notices that Basin's blade is stained with blood. Dade points at Basin, "I'm so sorry it had to come to this. Stand down now and call a cease-fire. It doesn't have to end this way."

Basin shouts, "No traitor, you will face the wrath of the Fire Nation! It is only a matter of time before the Phoenix King destroys the Avatar and all our enemies kneel before the might of our nation. A nation you no longer wanted part of, you will just be another victim of the cleanse."

Dade retorts, "No Basin, Ozai's going down and this old system will never come back. A new age of true peace and justice has come!" Dade charges at Basin and Basin enters his battle stance.

Trenko looks at Cosal, "I can somewhat understand while a spoiled Macai abandoned his nation, but you... A seasoned veteran who knows of the blessings of the Fire Nation more than most of us, had given all up for his emotions. You put your personal bias and favorites over our nation's destiny!"

Cosal: "Our nation's destiny has yet to be revealed Trenko and it might not be what you think it is. Whatever destiny it may have, I want to be on the right side of history. The right side isn't just about winning, I used to think it was. One day I learned it's about values and those values never change. They aren't dependent on ups and downs because values and ideas never die. You can kill us, but the truths that guide us will always live on. You can keep trying to defend a lie but the truth always wins in the long run."

Trenko's veins pop out of his neck, "No you lie!!" Trenko extends his arms and fires a surge of orange flames at Cosal. Cosal leaps right and grunts.

Cosal: "I really am getting too old for fighting firebenders." Trenko shifts his body and fires a massive torpedo of fire at the veteran. Cosal studies Trenko's movements to predict his attacks before they happen and uses his timing to match Trenko's physical advantage. Cosal does not hesitate to dive left and roll back on his knees.

Trenko turns and Cosal rises. Trenko extends his arms and fires a rectangle of orange flames at Cosal. The elderly man rolls forward but collapses in the dirt just an inch away from Trenko. Trenko laughs and aims his left hand at Cosal's face. Trenko: "You are pitiful." Cosal leaps on his feet and grabs Trenko by his legs.

Cosal pulls Trenko up and slams him on his head. Trenko gasps and blinks as he hits his head. Cosal quickly pounds his right fist into Trenko's face and a snap is heard as Trenko is put to sleep. Meanwhile, Dade charges at Basin. Dade swings diagonally at Basin's right shoulder. Basin shifts his sword left and knocks Dade's weapon left.

Basin counters and swings horizontally at Dade's neck. Dade ducks and backpedals. Basin steps forward and swings vertically at Dade's head. The Nyarri-born idealist raises his weapon horizontally and locks blades with his old friend. Basin looks at Dade intensely and Dade looks back at him with a sorrowful face.

Basin: "I once trusted you, but now I must end you." Basin kicks Dade in his stomach with his right leg, knocking the marine on the ground. Basin readies his sword and leaps down at Dade's chest. Dade rolls left then stands back up. Basin runs at Dade and swings at him with an upper strike. The idealist leaps right and lunges at Basin's left side.

The loyalist shifts his weapon left and butts the sword away. Basin hops at Dade with a vertical leaping strike. Dade hops backward and the Captain swings at him again horizontally. Dade ducks and the lieutenant leaps forward; thrusting his blade into Basin's left abdomen. Basin: "Haa!!" Dade grabs Basin and lays him down.

Blood flows from Basin's armor. Dade gets teary-eyed, "Basin, I'm sorry. Let me try to stop the bleeding." Dade pulls his blade back then takes off his shift. The late teen places it on his friend's wound but blood continues to flow. Dade shouts, "Someone, get a medic!"

Basin shakes his head, "You're so weak. I just tried to kill you, you should want me to die. You should be happy. That kind of thinking could destroy our nation."

Dade comments, "Basin I don't care about any of that. In this life, we only have so much. People die every day on the battlefield. It ultimately comes down to what you want to be remembered for. We can try our hardest to maintain some empire, but if it fails then we have nothing. I'd rather live to be content whether it rises or falls because everyone has their season."

Basin: "I see you're still spouting the ideological babble of the resistance. Maybe there is more knowledge to that than I gave credit for. Maybe I was wrong after all."

Dade: "Then you can make it right now." Basin looks down and see that his stomach is soaked in blood. Basin shakes his head and tears flow from his eyes.

Basin: "No Dade, it's too late for me."

Dade starts weeping, "No Basin, you're gonna make it. Just fight Basin, fight! Come on Basin, you're too young to die like this."

Basin takes a breath, "Young people die every day, but we hardly cared when it was the other side. I knew this may one day be my fate, to die for my nation. I thought it would be an honor. But now, as my body gets colder and my muscles get numb, it doesn't feel so good. Whatever you do Dade, do it with passion and sincerity. You have fought hard for this, so I hope that you at least stay true to it. Remember what you have seen here today. If you get to talk to the bank commissions, tell them to send my little brother everything."

Dade's face is soaked in tears and he starts shaking, "Basin, no! Don't do this your brother needs you." Basin pulls his head back and closes his eyes. His body falls completely still and cold. Dade cries heavily as the battle still goes on in the background as he stands over his deceased friend. While Dade is crying and completely out of it Sonna notices an intel trooper land a few feet away from her.

Sonna shouts, "Dade!" Dade looks back and the intel trooper aims his palms at the idealist. Sonna fires an arrow at the man's head. The trooper ducks and hurls a beam of fire at her. Sonna leaps left as she dodges the explosion.

Dade rises with his sword drawn, "Hey!" The trooper extends his right hand and pumps a flame in Dade's right abdomen. Dade flies three feet back and passes out. Sonna aims at the trooper again but he is fast and fires two light orange flames at her. Sonna ducks and leaps left; dodging the first flame but the second one hits her right elbow and she collapses. Steam flows from her armor as she is down.

Cosal emerges next, "You forgot about this old fart." The intel trooper looks up at his opponent then extends his left hand. A powerful rocket of fire soars at the loyalist veteran. Cosal runs and leaps left but the explosion knocks him three feet forward. Cosal rolls in the sand and starts coughing. The intel trooper ignites his hands again when Samira notices the fighting.

Arret is a few feet away from Samira, but Arret hears two loyalist troopers charging at her. Arret turns forward and sees a marine swordsman on the left and a spearman on the right. Arret launches an arrow at the swordsman but the swordsman swats the arrow aside and the spearman moves in closer. Arret's attention is held up while Samira decides to act to save her friend Cosal.

Sonna throws her spear at the back of the intel trooper's head. The intel trooper hears the spear coming and quickly spins right. The spear lands a few feet in front of Cosal's position. Although Samira acted rashly she used her skill to ensure she didn't accidentally kill her friend. Samira draws her dagger. The intel trooper leaps five feet forward and pumps a flame into Samira's stomach.

Samira falls and drops her secondary blade, "Aaaah!" While this is happening, Arret looks right and the spearman throws his blade at her. Arret rolls right and fires her arrow into the marine. The swordsman runs toward her and Arret fires another arrow at the man's stomach. The loyalist knocks the arrow aside and charges at her again.

The loyalist turns just inches away from the teen as he prepares to strike. Arret aims at the man's chest, but he swats her bow out of her hands. Arret turns left and shouts in fear. The loyalist charges at her as he moves in swinging range. The man starts to swing diagonally at the archer, but Arret leaps forward and grabs onto his left hand with her left hand.

The loyalist is stronger, but she briefly holds him back as she thrusts a knife into his stomach with her right hand. The man falls over and Arret's hand is covered in his blood. Arret drops her knife and gathers herself. As this is happening, the intel trooper aims his hands at an injured Samira. The wounded Cosal looks up and notices the scene but the trooper fires a brick of fire into her chest while she is recovering from the first shot.

Samira: "Ahhhaya!"

Cosal rises and shouts, "Samira!!" The intel trooper extends his right hand and fires a flame into Cosal's right shoulder. Cosal falls a second time and coughs out blood as he struggles to stay conscious. The veteran suddenly becomes dizzy and tries to get up by his legs give in.

Dade wakes up and emerges like a ghost. The intel trooper looks at him and Dade chucks his sword into the man's left shoulder. The man briefly flinches then he pulls the blade out, leaving a large bloody gash behind. The trooper drops the sword and aims his right hand at Dade. Dade backpedals, not knowing what to do. Arret fires an arrow in the back of the trooper's head, finally killing him.

Wrapping it up

Meanwhile, Rosh gets up and sees Kanna. Rosh: "Hey Kanna, how is it going? It looks like our men are pushing the enemy back, but we've faced a lot of resistance."

Kanna: "Yeah, that we did. But we're winning Captain, I think we might even win this war. I have a good but bittersweet feeling in my bones right now." Asad suddenly rises and aims at Rosh. Kanna hears the commotion then turns and fires a dark orange flame into his forehead. The impact of the flame fries Asad's brain and leaves a black hole in his forehead.

Rosh widens his eyes and backs up. Rosh: "Thank you. Asad wasn't my favorite guy, but it's too bad we had to kill him."

Kanna frowns, "He was too stubborn. It was the only way." As the battle is wrapping up and loyalists are being pushed back one of the sergeants looks at his squadmates.

Lieutenant: "Retreat, retreat, they are too powerful." An angry Ronin looks at the officer head-on.

Ronin: "No retreating, we still have a job to do. The battle isn't over yet and we have our orders."

Lieutenant: "Orders? Whose orders?! I haven't heard from Asad or Director Goshal for over an hour!! They will understand."

Ronin exclaims, "Ozai will NOT understand nor will they if they still live. You shame the Fire Nation with your cowardly talk." Ronin fires an orange flame into the man's forehead, killing him. Several loyalists pause around Ronin. Ronin: "We will not retreat men, we will make our last stand right here, for the glory of the Fire Nation!"

Several loyalists cheer but one marine mutters to his friend, "This guy has lost his mind." Ronin charges forward and pumps two orange flames into a loyalist firebender ahead of him. Then Ronin turns right and blasts away another rogue firebender with a beam of orange flames. One marine firebender marches right of the promoted lieutenant and another marine with sword marches left of his position.

The firebender extends his arms and blasts away a loyalist swordsman ahead of him. Ronin shouts, "That's it, take it to them!" A light orange beam of fire flows left of the loyalist's position and blows the swordsman away. Then a swift light orange flame nails the loyalist firebender in his chest. Ronin looks ahead and notices Kett land a few feet in front of him.

Kett: "Your forces have lost the battle. You're the last one in command Ronin, stand down."

Ronin points at Kett, "First off, why should I believe you? Second off, I don't take orders from you."

Kett declares, "Look around Ronin, the battle is going downhill for your side. You lost the tanks, lost the intel troopers, and lost your leaders. If not, then tell me where they are?"

Ronin: "Burn you Kett, I'll die before I surrender!" Ronin extends his hands and fires a cascade of orange fire at his old friend. Kett rolls right and fires two swift flames at Ronin. The lieutenant rolls left, dodging the first flame. Ronin blocks the second one. The young loyalist extends his arms and directs a beam of fire at Kett.

Kett shoots his own stream of fire into his opponent's. Kett presses harder and pushes Ronin's flames back. Ronin groans as he struggles to hold Kett's fire back. Kett: "Last warning, surrender now before I hurt you."

Ronin shouts, "No chance!" Ronin quickly leaps right as he narrowly avoids an explosion from Kett's fire. Kett immediately fires a barrage of bright orange flames at Ronin. Ronin slaps his hands together and creates a fire bubble around himself to block incoming shots. Kett pulls his hands back and generates an explosive fireball. Kett shifts his hands horizontally and launches his ball into Ronin's fire dome.

Ronin's dome cracks and he is knocked three feet back in the dirt. Kett marches toward him. A loyalist swordsman tries to charge a Kett but Kett extends his right hand and shoots the man down. Kett readjusts his focus at Ronin and Ronin quickly fires four orange flames at Kett. Kett moves his hands side to side as he blocks each flame with little difficulty.

Kett taunts, "You're good Ronin, but I taught you everything you knew. You can't beat me."

Ronin vexes, "Shut up!" Ronin extends his right hand and fires a beam of orange fire at the Vindicated Avenger's stomach. Kett leaps over the flame and behind Ronin. Ronin turns around and Kett wraps his arms around him. Ronin grunts as he tries to shake himself free. Kett promptly slams his forehead against Ronin's nose. A loud snap is heard as blood flows from Ronin's nostrils.

Kett picks up Ronin and pounds him into the sand. Kett wraps himself around Ronin and puts his left arm around Ronin's neck. Ronin struggles and shakes himself as he tries to wiggle free. But Kett tightens pressure and isolates Ronin's limbs. Ronin becomes increasingly tired until he falls unconscious.

Kett rises and looks ahead at the battle. A body of loyalist troopers falls back as idealists charge them. A massive beam is fired from Kanna into a pack of three loyalists, blowing them apart. An idealist firebender hurls an orange flame into the chest of a loyalist swordsman killing him. The remaining lieutenant sees the carnage and looks up in the sky.

The officer looks right and sees his comrades screaming as their former brothers and sisters slaughter them. He looks left and sees the dispair in his team members' faces. The lieutenant looks forward and sneers at the horrible sight of battle. He sees corpses lined up from both sides and rivers of blood flowing through the beachhead.

Loyalist lieutenant: "Stand down, all remaining forces stand down! I'll take the blame if Ozai returns!"

Marine loyalist: "No, we'll all be executed!! Ozai will never tolerate this!!"

Marine archer: "Yeah, we've got to keep fighting."

The loyalist lieutenant kneels, "Do as you wish, but I will not fight anymore." Several marines drop their swords, spears, bows, and kneel. A few still stand.

Loyalist spearman: "Get up!! I said get up you idiots!"

A loyalist firebender looks at him, "I've seen enough of my friends die today, on both sides. Just because we don't agree doesn't mean I have to hate them and even if it wasn't them, I wouldn't stand for this anymore. How many more have to die for you to make your point?" The firebender kneels.

The spearman pouts then slams his spear in the sand and kneels. Soon the entire Remnant of the 31st Loyalists have kneeled and Macai steps forward. Rosh marches at his right and Kanna at his left as they take the captives one by one.

In the distance, loyalist lieutenant Kedo holds his own against incoming idealists with a spearman on his near right and a swordsman on his far right. The spearman lunges his blade forward and thrusts it into a loyalist swordsman's stomach. The loyalist swordsman swings up and cuts down an incoming idealist duelist.

Meanwhile, Kedo ignites an arrow and thunderously fires it into an incoming swordman's neck. The man's body graphically crashes into the sand. Kedo looks up and sees a loyalist firebender coming at him then fires an enhanced arrow into the firebender's chest. Kedo readies another arrow, prepared to die on the battlefield.

Then the loyalist swordsman looks left and says, "They're surrendering. Everyone is standing down."

The spearman comments, "What?" Kedo looks left and sees his allies kneeling before their enemies. Kedo looks up again and sees about seven loyalists move upon them. Kedo sighs and drops his bow.

At the center of the battlefield, Kett stands over as several idealist marines take the captured Director Goshal and put him in chains. Director Goshal: "How dare you!! I am Director Goshal of the Fire Intelligence Department!! The Phoenix King will have your heads."

Kett comments, "Then he'll have your head after he remembers you failed. After all, you know too much and he doesn't know if you'd betray him or not. He'll have you killed for safe measure." Goshal looks back at Kett in utter fear knowing he is right.

Kett notices another group of captives coming forward in cuffs as several idealists escort them. It includes one loyalist swordsman, one firebender, and Kedo. Kett looks at Kedo in his eyes, "Kedo."

Kedo stops marching in his tracks, "What do you want from me traitor?"

Kett: "I just wanted to say hi."

Kedo: "Permission to go to my round-up location? I have no word for you."

Kett: "Kedo, I'm sorry it had to come to this but I don't regret it. I hope one day, you will be able to move on from this and see things for what they really are. When that day comes, you may be welcome to join the United Way." Kedo sighs and continues his walk.

On the right side of the battlefield, a wounded Dade looks up. He notices silence, which is a sign the fighting has stopped. Dade slowly and cautiously emerges then looks around him. Dade notices a wounded Cosal rise to his feet. Dade wonders if Cosal needs a medic, Cosal gives Dade a thumbs-up as a sign that he is not in critical condition.

Sonna helps Arret up in the distance then Dade walks toward an injured Samira who is holding her arms over her upper stomach. Dade looks her in the eyes, "Samira, you are so bold. What would we do without you? We've got to celebrate after this."

Samira smiles then starts coughing. Dade hugs Samira, "Samira hold on, we'll get you some help." A tear flows from Samira's eyes and she pats Dade on his back.

Samira asserts, "Keep fighting soldier. It's been an honor." Samira pulls her head back and dies in peace. Dade stands and his mouth starts wobbling. Dade looks back, he is stunned. Dade looks at Samira again and tears from his eyes again. Dade starts shouting, he can't handle it. Dade has taken too much pain in one day.

Sonna and Arret look dismayed as they watch in the distance. Cosal runs up to Dade and hugs him. Dade: "Noooo!! I can't... I can't take it anymore."

Cosal: "It's ok Dade, it will be alright. It will be alright."

While the ground battle is resolved the fleet battle rages on. A Fire Nation loyalist cruiser is blown to bits but the other three continue their bombardment. Two wooden ships next to the Prompt Adjudicator are incinerated and the Prompt Adjudicator struggles to blast several incoming cannons.

A volley of two cannons shacks the lower right side of the ship and it stutters. Aiya and Hakato stumble as they witness the carnage of the battle. Hakato: "I don't think we're going to survive this." A barrage of cannons hits the annexed Fire Nation cruiser in the center of the fleet and the ship is blown to pieces. It was the most powerful ship in the fleet.

Hundreds of men are burned to earth but a few stragglers dive in the water and attempt to swim away. One of the Fire Nation Captains notices the scene and looks at one of his lieutenants. Captain Ramonai: "Open fire on those stragglers."

Lieutenant: "But they are defenseless, are you mad?"

Captain Ramonai: "Do as I tell you!! Let their deaths be an example to all who stand against our nation!" The cruiser fires a barrage of shots into fleeing crew members and dispatches them. Dozens scream as they are mercilessly butchered. Aiya, Hakato, and the other PA crew watch in shock in the distance.

Aiya commands, "Fire a third of our cannons at that ship while it is exposed. Do it now!" Hakato dispatches the order, and a volley of strategic shots crack the ship in half and kill the captain. More incoming shots fly, and two wooden ships are shot down. Three corvettes emerge to reinforce the remaining Fire Nation cruisers.

Hakato asks, "Can we retreat now, we won't survive this!"

Aiya looks up and says, "Look in the sky."

Hakato looks and notices the Avatar in the distance. He is just a thirteen-year-old boy, and he is flying in a bubble of air. Aang extends his left hand, and a massive ball of fire hits the center of the Admiral's cruiser, cracking it in half. The Avatar raises his hands, and a massive wave of water flips the entire Fire Nation defense fleet over.

The impending waves rock the Resistance fleet, but don't destroy any of their ships. Aiya and Hakato look in shock at the carnage around them. About seventy percent of their fleet has been wiped out and it feels like a pyrrhic victory. Had it not been for the Avatar, they too would have been wiped out.

The Avatar flies away from the battle and out of sight. Hakato: "He must have defeated Ozai, if he's here now."

Aiya mans the telescope and looks at Ba Sing Se, "The Fire Nation flag is gone and the wall is broken!! It has been liberated!" The crew cheers.

Hakato: "I never thought we'd be celebrating Ba Sing Se's liberation, but I'm so glad Ozai's Reign of Terror is over. But now what about us? What is our future?"

Aiya: "The future is unclear, but we'll have each other." Hakato pulls out a box. Aiya asks, "What are you doing?"

Hakato opens the box and reveals wine bottles. Hakato: "I think it's only right that we celebrate, would you like a glass?"

Aiya nods, "Absolutely."

Hakato: "Oh this is cherry wine, gross."

Aiya comments, "I love cherry wine, the only one better is raspberry."

Hakato shakes his head, "That's even worse."

Aiya raises her glass, "Cheers."

Hakato proclaims, "To freedom."

Aiya smiles, "To freedom." Hakato and Aiya tap glasses and sip their wine.

Better Days Ahead

Times have changed so drastically in a few days. With the help of his friend Katara, the former prince Zuko has defeated and captured princess Azula. Zuko is now the New Fire Lord and has promised to help the citizens of the world achieve everlasting peace with the help of Avatar. While some are skeptical of this peace, the change has presented opportunities to start again and build a better world.

Macai, Rosh, Kett, Kanna, Aiya, Sonna, Hakato, Arret, and several other 31st members stand outside in the desert as they bury their dead. Macai: "May we always remember the people who sacrificed their lives so we can live the way that we are living now. While things might not be perfect in the future, we have to fight for the best and most fair world we can achieve. Even if it costs us our lives, we owe that to our heroes."

Macai continues, "I'll never forget their names. Kenshin, Yosari, Rosier, Samira, and so many others. So many great warriors who gave us their all. They lived in love, sincerity, and virtue. I can only hope to live half as good as them as I continue my journey. I ask you all to help me, the heroes of every nation, and the good people who are fighting for righteousness. The path isn't clear but if we give it our all, I know we'll find the right road."