Eggar's Island

It is midnight and the sky is pitch black. The seas are heavy, and the Prompt Adjudicator sets sail as it hits several heavy currents. Dade tosses and turns in bed. Dade: "No, no, no!"

The shouting wakes Ruvi, who is on the lower bunk of Dade's bed. Ruvi covers his head. The noise also wakes up Kanna. However, Chestoy is unaffected (who is on Kanna's lower bunk). Kanna: "Dade."

Dade: "No, stop it!!"

Kanna shouts, "Dade!"

Dade wakes up, "What?"

Kanna: "You were shouting in your sleep and woke up your bunk partner."

Dade: "Oh, sorry guys. I had a nightmare."

Kanna: "About?"

Dade: "I dreamed that there were five Earth Kingdom troopers torturing me. They wanted revenge after I killed one of their earthbenders."

Kanna: "Oh, well it's going to be alright Dade. We're here. They won't get you without getting through us first. And you've got the most powerful nation in the world by your side. Those earthbenders don't stand a chance."

Dade: "I know Kanna, I know."

Ruvi: "Is this the only nightmare that you've had?"

Dade: "No, I had another. I saw myself killing an earthbender. Then more came and I just kept killing them. And they kept coming. Then I started getting tired."

Kanna: "You should see the chaplain. There is one on this ship named Reg-Beed. He can help you."

Dade nods his head and goes back to sleep. Kanna takes a breath and also goes back to sleep. Ruvi shakes his head and whispers, "Why did I get stuck with these lunatics?"

Macai waits in his command chambers and is visited by Captain Hazo. Captain Hazo: "Macai, our forces have detected two Sea Guerrilla ships. They likely are their remaining forces, but we believe they have recently allied themselves with another enemy group. A group called the Purple Burrays."

Macai raises his head, "What? Isn't that a real rebel militia group?"

Captain Hazo nods his head, "That's right. They're a terrorist group that has rebelled against the Fire Nation for a while. They are located on Eggar's Island. A Fire Nation Island located on the outskirts of our territory. They overtook the local military defenses about a year ago and have fought all the succeeding Fire Nation invaders since."

Macai takes a breath, "So these guys are legit."

Hazo: "Indeed, they are much deadlier than the Sea Guerrilla pirates. The pirates have been arming them recently. I suppose the survivors have become more fanatical after their recent defeat. They want revenge. The Purple Burrays is another fanatical group. Be careful Macai."

Macai: "Can we bombard them?"

Hazo: "I wouldn't recommend it. We don't know where they are located. Bombardment might not hit them and there are some valuable resources on the island. It was recommended for us to not turn the island into rubble. If worst comes to worst, then Ozai would order a team to scorch it. But since we are supposed to be elite, Kenshin expects us to clear out this island and preserve its resources. Remember that they seek to test our skills to adapt to different situations when such an easy answer is not the option."

Macai: "Do we know who the leader is?"

Hazo: "A man named Raggis Praxus. He is known for using dual yielded swords." Hazo shows Macai a sketch of Raggis. The man appears to have long black hair, a full beard, a fairly strong yet lean body, and dual swords. Hazo: "Raggis is said to be about six feet and three inches tall. He is also very fast and crafty. He never travels alone, he always has guards with him."

Macai: "Does Command want me to capture him?"

Hazo: "No, Command wants Raggis dead."

Macai gulps, "Affirmative, it will be done."

The next day, Macai stands in the conference room with several Fire Nation troopers in the background. He is once again standing on his stage with Cosal and Ronin beside him. Macai: "We will be facing the Purple Burrays, who have allied themselves with the Sea Guerrillas. Our forces have recently detected two Sea Guerrilla ships docked outside of Eggar's Island. We believe they are currently arming the Purple Burrays." Kanna smiles and stands beside Kett and Dade as they watch in the crowd.

Macai continues, "We will take down the ships first. Then our forces will deploy and attack. To my sailors, shoot quickly and take down those ships. This is no great challenge for you, but you know that we must give our all on every mission. Do not underestimate them! To my marines, see you on the battlefield. It's a jungle, so stay sharp and expect unorthodox attacks. They don't have a traditional fortified base. Instead, they have several huts and camps deep within the Island. We will have to fight to locate those camps. To my knowledge, they don't have any archer towers but stay alert."

The Heat of Battle

The next day, the sun is beaming. It is about 32 Celsius (90 degrees) outside. Several crew members are drenched in sweat. Macai has one of his scouts look through the telescope. Macai: "What do you see?"

Scout: "I see two enemy ships, just as our sources informed us."

Macai: "Good." Macai looks at Dade, " Take over. Hazo and Aiya will assist you. They'll make sure you know what to do. One day, I'll also have Kanna take over. I want several people to know how to run this ship if the time comes, people whom I trust. Hazo is a professional, he'll teach you what you need to know.

Dade: "But I don't have your advanced officer training."

Macai: "No, but I know you'll make it work. That's what you do." Macai leaves and Dade turns and faces Hazo.

Hazo grins, "Looks like we have some work to do. I know Macai has shown you a few things before. The basics, so let me go over a few more advanced concepts with you that might be relevant to this battle."

Macai meets with his shock troopers in the armory. Macai: "Because this is a jungle, we will once again split up in different teams. Kanna, I want you on my team. You will serve as my second in command. Once again, my strike team will move down the center of the island."

Kanna: "Works for me."

Macai: "Kett, I want you with Gammal. He will assist you. Kedo, you will join Kett's team this time. Basin, you're also with Kett. We've got to change things up."

Basin: "Sounds solid."

Kedo: "Finally, some real action."

Macai: "Cosal, you're with Kett this time. How's that arm feeling by the way?"

Cosal replies, "It's feeling much better now. I practiced dueling and swinging and I'm back to normal."

Macai: "Asad, I want you with Cosal, Sonna, and Ronin."

Dade: "What about me?"

Macai: "We have to change who plays defensive duty and who goes out to fight. Stay with the ship."

Dade sighs, "Aww."

Macai: "You know the drill, we will split into eight teams. Standard roles. Three swords warriors, two spear warriors, two benders, and one archer per squad. I'm sending out about five squads to initially engage the enemies. Then another three will come in as reinforcements. If you spot Raggis, know that he is ordered to be killed on sight!" Macai continues to assign roles for other squads. Macai and Kett's teams will be part of the initial attack teams. Asad's team will be part of the reinforcements.

The Prompt Adjudicator takes aim at the two distant pirate ships. One is docked and the other is patrolling the sea. Dade: "Open fire on that ship on patrol, we don't want it giving us any issues." The Prompt Adjudicator propells several catapults and ranged weapons into the cruiser. The cruiser takes heavy damage and sparks fly as chunks of the ship are reduced to rubble.

While the first ship is hit, several Sea Guerrillas panic. One of the captains (Danber) outside of the island looks at one of his lieutenants (Hazman). Lieutenant Hazman: "Sir, the enemy has just leveled one of our ships."

Captain Danber: "It must be that darn special unit! The one that took down our leaders on New Polexia. We're going to have to get creative. Tell everyone to fall back into the island, meet up with the Purple Burrays. They will help protect us. This naval engagement is already lost."

Lieutenant Hazman: "Should we abandon ship then?!"

Captain Danber: "If we ditch the ship, then it will just get leveled anyway. I say he try to slow them down. Have a few men stay and steer the ship in the other direction to buy us time."

Lieutenant Hazman: "Sir we're pirates, not revolutionaries. Who would be willing to do that?"

Captain Danber: "You remember what I told you and the crew two weeks before this don't you? We're no longer normal pirates. The Fire Nation is after us and doing all it takes to destroy us. At this rate, we're going to do everything we can to hurt them. Because we're likely going to get killed. If we can escape, then good. If not, then we'll go out fighting. If you want to run, then leave now and surrender."

Captain Danber continues, "I told you all two weeks ago to leave if you can't handle this. There are plenty of other pirate crews and organizations that are taking lower risks. You don't have to be here. But the Fire Nation will NOT forget you."

Lieutenant Hazman: "I'm sorry sir, I'm just still getting used to this revolutionary stuff. I'm all for the cause. I just didn't fully believe they wanted to take us down this badly. I didn't know this would happen so soon."

Captain Danber: "Neither did I, but I knew one day our time might come. We may live to fight another day, but some of us will need to make a sacrifice. See which men are willing and send them out." The pirate cruiser sets sail with a limited crew and moves at maximum speed rather than focusing on firepower.

The Prompt Adjudicator shoots at will and misses several shots. Only hitting the cruiser, a few times. Dade looks at Hazo, "What should I do?"

Aiya: "Order the men to hold their fire. Then readjust focus. The enemy ship is focused on evasive maneuvers and looks to be trying to escape. They know they won't get away. They're just stalling, but as long as they live it won't be safe for us to deploy our marines. Macai trained the crew for adjusting to swift and agile targets. Tell them to focus their weapons, just as they practiced and focus on where the ship is heading rather than where it currently is."

Hazo: "That's right. Scatter a third of your shots to the left flank of the ship. Another third to the right flank of the ship. Then fire a third where the ship is. If you do that, the ship will have nowhere to go. Remember that the spread maneuvers Macai taught the crew will cover some territory behind and in front of the ship's location." Dade nods his head and gives the order.

One of the pirates looks up and notices several shots flying from every direction. Pirate: "Wow, these guys are good." The ship is ripped apart and explodes in a blaze of flames. The Prompt Adjudicator's crew cheers.

Hazo: "Well done, Dade."

Dade: "You and Aiya did all of the work."

Hazo: "But you learned something and that's something to be proud of."

Aiya: "You're also going to get the credit."

Dade: "The veterans will know better, but the younger recruits might be impressed."

Aiya: "It's still more clout. Use it to your advantage. On the other hand, more clout comes with more haters."

Hazo: "Very true Aiya."

Dade retorts, "I don't care for clout for that very reason."

Aiya: "It also comes with more girls."

Dade: "What?"

Aiya: "More girls will like you. I've already seen some of the crew looking at your while you were training. This will get you some attention. That is assuming you are attracted to females."

Dade: "Don't worry, I am attracted to females. That's exciting then. Never mind, I like getting credit. Don't tell them that you helped me. It was all me." Aiya smiles and Hazo laughs.

Macai looks at his marines in the armory, "I've been informed that the sea is clear. It's time, for battle." Macai's marines put their helmets and armor on. Macai then puts his gold striped armor on and helmet on. The Prompt Adjudicator moves up on the shore and the shock troopers disembark. Macai: "Move out, search the island!"

Macai's forces advance across the beachhead. One squad stays at the beach to monitor the area. Kett's forces move down the right flank and another team moves across the left. Macai has two marines scout ahead. One has a sword and another has a spear. The squad's archer, Aito has straight black hair, pale skin, brown eyes, a long pointy nose, and a thin frame.

Macai: "Aito, cover our rear." Aito nods his head. Aito is a timid, moderately short, and quiet archer. He is one of the younger warriors, only sixteen. Kanna moves beside Macai as she scans the area and the squad moves into the tropical jungle. Kanna waves her right hand side to side as she swats away insects.

Macai wipes sweat off his face then uses his firebending to regulate his body temperature. Kanna comments, "You would think we wouldn't get hot, with our firebending and all."

Macai: "Well, I think my heat tolerance went down a bit living in Nyarri."

Kanna chuckles, "Well I don't know anything else. That's the only place I've lived my whole life."

Macai: "Well, you're going to experience different stuff now. So, we'll see if it changes."

Two arrows fly forward. One lands in the neck of a Fire Nation soldier and the other flies right between the eyes of another. The soldiers collapse. Macai: "Evasive maneuvers!" Macai and Kanna dive behind some trees. The other marines get down.

Macai: "Aito, what are we dealing with?"

Aito sneaks behind a tree, then peaks his head out of that tree. An arrow is immediately fired at his head and Aito leaps back behind cover. Aito: "Looks like we have two archers directly across us."

Macai: "Ok, I have an idea. Kanna, on my signal, fire a flame in the air to distract them. Meanwhile, (looking at a male soldier) I want you to take your helmet and put it in your hand. Slowly raise it from cover, to expose your position. While this is happening, Aito will open fire and dispatch the archers. Is everyone ready?" The shock troopers nod their heads."

The archers have green and brown colored uniforms. They also have several leaves scattered throughout their uniforms. The archers even have green and brown paint on their faces.

Macai: "Code Yellow." Kanna pumps her flame in the air. The archers watch in the distance and are briefly distracted. The Fire Nation marine raises his helmet in the air, and it is immediately shot out of his hand by an arrow. Aito rises from cover and shoots his arrow through the skull of an archer. Then he shits aim at the other archer. The archer immediately takes cover.

Aito: "He's at cover."

Macai: "Then just wait for a second, he's going to have to raise his head sometime. We will slowly advance on his position, just keep an eye on him Aito." As Macai says this, three Purple Burray Guerrillas advance on the left flank of Macai's team. Another three guerrillas advance on the left flank. They have camouflaged uniforms with several green and brown markings.

Macai has three marines on his left flank. One swordsman, one spearman, and Kanna. On his right flank, he has one swordsman and Aito. On the left flank, two guerrillas have swords and one has a spear. One of the guerrilla swordsmen charges at one of Macai's marines and thrusts his short sword through the marine's stomach. Marine: "Ahh!"

Fire Nation spearman: "Freaking cowards!" The Fire Nation spearman notices an enemy swordsman advance toward him. The warrior lunges and thrusts his spear through the stomach of the advancing guerrilla. The spearman rips his blade out as the spear-wielding guerrilla advances.

The Fire Nation spearman swings vertically at his opponent. The guerrilla extends his spear horizontally and blocks the strike. The spearman rotates his blade and horizontally swings at the Fire Nation trooper. The Fire Nation trooper springs backward then swings low with a lunge through the guerrilla's upper abdomen.

Kanna turns and kicks a dark orange flame into the chest of an approaching guerrilla. The guerrilla flies several feet backward into nearby bushes. On the right, two guerrillas with spears and one with a sword advance. One guerrilla with a spear lunges forward and thrusts his blade through the stomach of a Fire Nation trooper. The Fire Nation trooper screeches, "Yaaah!!"

The guerrilla rips the blade out of the trooper's body, and he trembles while holding the bloody hole in his stomach. The Fire Nation trooper collapses in the dirt. Kanna advances and hurls a ball of dark orange fire into the guerrilla's chest. The guerrilla sighs and instantly crumbles.

Macai turns his head right and notices a spear-wielding guerrilla advance toward Aito, "Aito, look out!" Aito turns his head and rapidly propels an arrow into the guerrilla's chest. Displaying his elite training and skill. Macai pops a white flame into the chest of the remaining sword-wielding guerrilla. The guerrilla falls on his knees then collapses.

Aito turns his head to see if the archer has taken aim at them. An arrow immediately flies through Aito's chest. Aito says nothing, he is simply in shock. Macai: "Aito!! No!" Kanna says nothing and is briefly in shock.

The archer takes aim at Macai and fires at his head. Macai senses the attack and ducks. The archer propels a second arrow at Macai and Macai weaves behind a tree. As this is happening, Kanna wastes no time and sprints across the left flank of the archer. The archer doesn't immediately notice until Kanna has already moved about ten feet toward him.

The archer is only about fifteen feet away from her now, he turns his head and shoots an arrow directly at Kanna. Kanna leaps left past the arrow. The archer launches another shot at her, but Kanna dives right behind a tree. The archer aims at the tree and Kanna uses her flames to launch herself several feet to the right. The archer can't get a clear shot on Kanna, and she sprints toward him.

Kanna is now only about six feet from the archer. The archer readjusts his aim and bolts his arrow directly at Kanna's stomach. Kanna gracefully flips behind the archer. The archer turns around and Kanna roundhouse kicks him in the face. A loud snap is heard, and the archer falls back unconscious.

Macai and catches up to her. It takes the spearman a bit longer. Macai: "Wow, I've never suffered so many casualties from one attack. We lost most of our squad. Now only three of us remain."

Kanna: "We can only hope the others are having more luck than us. Hopefully, we're getting closer to their camp. I heard several of their forces are scattered across different territories. With the timeframe we set, reinforcements will eventually pour in. We could wait for them or attack right away."

Macai: "I say we move a bit ahead to see if we detect any enemies. Have our flanks strongly guarded and run through them."

Beneath the Trees

Kett's squad advances. Gammal, Kedo, Basin, and four Fire Nation troopers. As they are walking, one Fire Nation swordsman immediately falls into a hole. Fire Nation trooper: "Ahhhh!" Kett rushes to the trooper's position and looks down in the hole. He notices the trooper's body is mangled because he fell into a pit of sharp blades.

Kett: "Poor Joji."

Gammal pats Kett on the back. Gammal: "We must keep moving. They must be somewhere close."

Kett: "Very well, watch out for traps and stay sharp!"

As they are advancing, Gammal stops in his tracks. Gammal: "Do you hear that?"

Kedo: "Hear what?"

Basin affirms, "Wait, I hear it. It's coming from the left." The squad turns and notices several boulders rolling down a nearby hill toward their direction.

Kett: "Move or you'll be crushed to bits! It's another trap." The team sprints, but one of the spear-wielding troopers is too slow and is crushed by several boulders. They hear multiple loud snaps as his bones are crushed. Kett snarls, "Darn guerrilla scum!"

As Kett's team continues to advance, Kett signals for everyone to take cover. Kett peaks from cover, "Look ahead. About twenty meters head, there are two guerrillas. One with a spear and another with a long ax. Further ahead, there are a couple of sheds. Looks like this is where their camp starts, let's burn it down and let them know that we mean business. Kedo, take point. Basin and Gammal, cover Kedo in case guerrillas try to flank him."

Kedo fires a scorching arrow through the spear-wielding soldier's neck. The guerrilla bursts into flames and the ax-wielding guerrilla looks ahead at the archer's position. A Fire Nation swordsman moves to flank him, but the vanguard notices him and rotates his body. The vanguard swings his ax diagonally and thrusts it into the trooper's chest.

Fire nation trooper: "Noo!" The vanguard tosses his body aside.

Purple Barray vanguard: "Pathetic. You can't sneak up on us, we own the shadows."

Kett advances toward the vanguard. Kett: "Is that so? Because I don't need the shadows! I have light to brighten my way."

Vanguard: "We'll see, boy. I smell blood." The vanguard charges toward Kett and vertically swings at him. Kett hovers left and hears a loud snap as the hammer hits the ground. The vanguard rips his blade out of the ground, sending dirt flying everywhere. The guard swings again, horizontally at Kett.

Kett rolls behind the vanguard, but he quickly turns to face Kett. Kett pulls his hands up and throws a surge of light orange flames into the vanguard's chest. The flames send the vanguard flying several feet backward. Several of Kett's soldiers move in to reinforce him. One sword-wielding woman moves on his right flank and a younger spearman (in his early twenties) moves on his left.

Kett notices several guerrillas approach from the distance. They are armed with short swords, long swords, and spears. Kett: "They want a fight; well, they've got one. No more hiding. Let's show these scrubs how it's done."

Fire Nation spearman: "Affirmative."

Kett raises his arms and creates a massive ball of light orange flames. Kett chucks the ball into five enemy soldiers. The ball explodes and burns them to oblivion. The guerrillas scream and shout as they meet their demise. Kett immediately follows up by firing several rapid flames at his enemies. Dozens of guerrillas charge and fall as Kett's fire overtakes them.

Steam flows through the area as the ground is littered with bodies. While this is happening, a few enemies close in. One spear-wielding guerrilla closes in on the Fire Nation swordswoman. Guerrilla: "You are no match for me."

Fire Nation swordswoman: "That remains to be seen."

Guerrilla: "Let's see then." The guerrilla charges in an erratic motion and dives in the air. As the guerrilla descends toward the woman, she skips right to avoid a deadly strike. The Fire Nation trooper charges and smacks the spear to the right as she looks to land a lethal blow. She raises her blade and horizontally lashes at the guerrilla's neck.

The guerrilla ducks and thrusts the back end of his spear into the woman's stomach. The swordswoman bends over and stumbles backward. The guerrilla readjusts his spear and lunges it toward her neck. The swordswoman gathers herself and swats the spear toward the left direction. The woman jumps and shouts in rage, "Raaaah!"

The woman thrusts her sword through the guerrilla's chest. His eyes widen and she rapidly rips it out of his chest. A guerrilla with a short sword dashes toward the Fire Nation spearman. The Spearman braces himself and lunges his spear through the guerrilla's stomach. Another guerrilla with a long sword closes in behind him.

The spearman rips his spear out of the guerrilla's corpse and rotates his body to engage his new opponent. The spearman lunges his blade at the guerrilla's right shoulder. The guerrilla swats the spear left. The guerrilla moves to close the distance. The spearman spins backward and lunges again at the guerrilla's stomach.

The Purple Burray swordsman manuvers right and charges closer toward the spearman. The spearman twirls his blade and vertically cuts down the guerrilla. Guerrilla: "Ugh!" As Kett continues his onslaught on the enemy, Kedo shoots an inflamed arrow through the neck of an advancing female guerilla.

Gammal: "Look, there are two advancing archers in the distance. Kett has his hands full blasting enemies. Take them out, before they shoot Kett."

Kedo: "Got it." Kedo takes aim and launches a superheated arrow through the skull of the Purple Burray archer on the left. The other archer takes aim Kedo's head and opens fire. Kedo ducks.

Basin shouts, "We've got company!" Three guerrillas charge from behind Gammal and Basin. One has dual short swords, another has a long sword, and the other has dual short axes.

Gammal: "They're trying to flank Kedo. Let's handle them." Gammal throws a ball of fire into the long sword-wielding warrior. The warrior with dual swords dives at Basin with a leaping vertical attack. Basin tilts his sword horizontally and blocks the strike. Basin backpedals and swings low horizontally at the guerrilla's stomach.

The swordsman leaps backward and pounces forward toward Basin. Basin steps forward and lunges at the guerrilla's stomach. The swordsman shifts right then charges at Basin. The guerrilla swings diagonally at Basin's neck with his right sword. Basin leaps backward. The guerrilla pivots again with a sweeping horizontal blow from his left sword.

Basin slips then thrusts his blade into the guerrilla's gut. Basin quickly pulls his weapon back and the corpse falls. While this is happening, the guerrilla with dual short axes rushes Gammal. He swings twice, swiftly and diagonally at Gammal's neck.

Gammal swivels backward both times and the guerrilla dives toward Gammal with a spinning diagonal attack. Gammal rolls left. Gammal fires a stream of flames at the guerrilla. The guerrilla rapidly spins his blades, which absorb the fountain of fire and douses it. Guerilla axman: "Nice try, these axes are fireproof."

Gammal: "A neat trick, but it won't save you." The guerilla axman jumps toward Gammal with a diagonal strike. Gammal rolls left. The guerilla readjusts. Gammal taunts, "Come on!" Gammal sprints toward the axman.

The axman swings his blades horizontally at Gammal's midsection. Gammal jumps in the air and kicks the axman in his upper chest. The axman stumbles three feet backward then readjusts and twirls his axes. Gammal knocks four flames from right to left at the guerrilla. The axman shifts his blades from side to side and blocks the flames.

Gammal raises his right hand and throws a sphere of flames from an unorthodox angle into the axman's stomach. The axman rolls several feet backward asleep. Gammal smirks. Basin: "Nice." Meanwhile, Kedo tilts his head up and fires a blistering arrow through the neck of the other archer.

Kett notices another three guerrillas charging toward him. One has a sword, another has a spear, and the other has a glaive. Kett pushes a rapid beam of light orange fire horizontally into the soldiers. They all scream in agony as they are burned to a crisp. Their scorched bodies are pitch black, from the impact of blows. Kett extends his hands and pops two flames into the nearby sheds. Burning them to leave a message to any remaining Purple Burray forces.

Taking out the Trash

As Macai, Kanna, and the spearman advance. Macai gives a signal for them to get low. Macai: "I see distant fires. It looks like one of our teams has made it deep within enemy territory. That will lure most of their remaining forces into a fight. But that doesn't mean they'll all go there. These guerrillas are smart, some of them will wait or try to pick off our forces in less dominant areas."

The Spearman nods his head, "They are bloodthirsty hunters. They'll want to do as much damage as possible."

Macai: "Which is why we should stay alert. Our smartest option would be to link up with those other forces. We have strength in numbers. Our enemies like us weak and scattered. Especially in a small squad like this. I wanted to go right through the middle of our enemies because I thought I could handle it. But guerrilla warfare makes it where any unit that does this is going to have a very tough time. Still, someone had to do it to provide a better opportunity for our other forces to make a difference."

Kanna: "Then it's a good thing you also have my help."

Macai: "Indeed." Macai then looks around, "Did you hear that? Stay sharp!"

Macai, Kanna, and the spearman spread out and watch each others' flanks. A massive net falls toward Macai, Kanna, and the spearman's direction. Macai and Kanna dive out of the way, but the spearman is caught in the net. Macai turns and notices three guerrillas move behind the spearman. Two with swords and one with a spear.

Kanna looks and notices five guerrillas move toward her. Two have swords, one has a spear, another one is unarmed and is wearing a camouflaged mask, and the other is Raggis with his dual swords. Raggis: "Well, well, well. It looks like we have some unwanted guests." Kanna gets in her battle stance.

Raggis continues, "You don't have to fight. I have a proposal. You all surrender and tell your forces to retreat. If you make good on that agreement, then I'll release you after I know your forces have departed. If you lie, I'll kill you."

Macai: "And what's to stop our ships from bombarding this place to rubble after we leave?"

Raggis: "By the time you leave, another fleet will be waiting for you. Your ship will be exposed." Macai doesn't know if Raggis is telling the truth or bluffing. But he imagines that Raggis's forces do not have the resources to bring in a second and unexpected fleet. Macai also imagines that he and Kanna will be executed on the spot if they surrender.

Macai: "Why do you want us to leave? How much longer do you honestly think you can hold this island?"

Raggis: "The longer we hold this island, the more hope we give others. For the entire year that we defeated Fire Nation invaders, we have noticed an increase in the amount of resistance group recruitment in distant territories. We also have been supporting and arming nearby Earth Kingdom forces in their fight against your nation. Every moment we hold out, the Fire Nation grows weaker."

Macai: "Then how do I know that you'll honor your agreement and set us free?"

Raggis responds, "You don't. But it's better to be my hostage than it is to die. Don't you think? Don't worry I'll feed you well." Macai has no fear of Raggis and his forces. But he does not know how dangerous this particular team is and he also wonders if he could have a false surrender to use as a reason to escape and have his enemies transport him to their base. That way they all can be destroyed at once.

Macai: "Why do they call your team the Purple Burrays?"

Raggis: "In Eggar, the color purple represents bravery. It is used for many of our nicest medals, rewards, and purple objects are the most expensive in our villages. Obviously, burrays refers to the hats my troops wear."

Macai had taught his marines an emergency Grey Code for creating a false surrender and how to deal with the situation. But Macai wonders if it's worth the risk. Especially with the unarmed trooper, he might be a chi blocker. Chi blockers are advanced fighters who know how to temporarily disable a bender's ability to control elements.

If that's the case, then Macai and Kanna will likely be stripped of their greatest weapons after being captured. Macai responds, "Interesting offer." Macai points his hands at the ground and launches himself ten feet in the air with his white fire. Raggis looks up, "Take him down!"

Macai extends his right hand and swiftly jabs three white flames at Raggis's team. The flames hit a guerrilla swordsman, a guerrilla spearman, and one flies directly at the unarmed warrior. The masked warrior rolls right past the incoming white flame. Macai then aims his left hand at Raggis and zaps a beam of white fire at him.

Raggis uses his sharp reflexes to cross his swords to block the strike. The ray of white fire sends him sliding several feet backward. Kanna looks behind her and notices a spear-wielding warrior preparing to throw his spear at Macai. Kanna: "Macai, look out."

The spearman chucks his spear at Macai and Macai swiftly douses his flames to evade the spear. As gravity pulls him down, Macai uses a white flame to launch himself into another position between the unarmed warrior and Raggis. The unarmed warrior ignores Macai and charges toward Kanna.

Macai points his hands at the masked warrior but, hears Raggis approaching. Macai tilts his head and notices that Raggis is only a few feet from him. Macai: "You're fast." Macai shifts his hands toward Raggis and throws a stream of white fire at him. Raggis rolls and tumbles several feet right as he narrowly avoids Macai's attack.

Meanwhile Kanna notices the spearman switch to a dagger after throwing his primary weapon. A guerrilla with a sword moves on the left side of the dagger-wielding terrorist. Another guerrilla points his blade at the Fire Nation spearman and looks to finish him. Kanna presses her right hand and pushes a dark orange flame into the swordman's chest.

Kanna hears the unarmed warrior leap behind her. Kanna turns around and the unarmed warrior presses both of his arms forward and pokes Kanna with both of his hands into her stomach. Kanna bends in reaction to the move. Kanna takes a backstep and returns to her battle stance.

Kanna shifts both of her hands to fire a massive ball of dark orange flames at the masked martial artist. But only a speck of smoke flows from her hands. Kanna looks down at her hands and her eyes widen, "What??"

The masked warrior is a Chi blocker indeed. He has disabled Kanna's ability to bend. Kanna looks back up and frowns. The masked warrior leaps and swings his right toward Kanna with a spinning diagonal motion. Kanna ducks then rolls forward and swings at the chi-blocker with a vertical sweeping right kick.

Kanna's leg scrapes against the nose and forehead of the masked warrior, causing him to stumble back two feet. Kanna gives him a beckoning call, "I'm still not out yet. It'll take more than that to beat me." The warrior springs and slashes at Kanna with a swift right hook. Kanna ducks her head and leaps backward.

The masked warrior swings his left hand at Kanna's face and Kanna blocks the strike with her right arm. Kanna strikes low and thrusts her left fist into the left side nonbender's abdomen. Kanna presses forward and swings her right first forward with an uppercut. The masked warrior leaps backward and evades the blow.

The chi-blocker horizontally swings his right leg at Kanna's face. Kanna pulls her head back, avoiding the kick. Kanna bobs and tackles the nonbender. Kanna pops the masked warrior twice in the face with two rapid hooks. The masked warrior pulls Kanna and kicks her off him with both of his legs.

Kanna hops back on her feet but hears two guerrillas behind her approaching. The first one has a dagger and charges on Kanna's right flank. Kanna braces herself then swiftly turns her body around and hits the guerrilla flush in the face with a roundhouse kick. A snap is heard as the guerrilla falls. Kanna tilts her head left and notices an incoming Purple Burray swordsman.

Kanna rotates her body to meet the swordsman face to face. The swordman shrieks his battle cry as he lunges at Kanna with his sword held high. The swordsman swings diagonally at Kanna, she flips backward. He charges at her again and swings with a second sweeping diagonal attack. Kanna hops back again.

Kanna skips forward and latches her right hand onto the swordsman's left hand (which is holding the sword). She also grabs onto the swordman's right arm with her left hand. The swordman uses his greater strength to steadily push Kanna back and he gradually starts to overpower her. Kanna knees the swordsman in his groin and the man kneels in desperation. This causes him to loosen his grip and lower his sword.

Kanna flips behind him and pushes the man down. Kanna stomps her left leg into the back of the swordsman's head, knocking him out. The chi blocker immediately tackles Kanna, knocking her into the dirt. Kanna shouts, "Hey, you got my hair dirty!" Kanna elbows the chi-blocker in his stomach. Kanna then latches onto the chi-blocker's right arm and pushes him off her.

Kanna rises back on her feet and backpedals. The nonbender leaps back on his feet and rushes forward. Kanna swings a right jab at the nonbender's neck. The chi-blocker swiftly tilts his right elbow and blocks the strike. The elbow block hurts Kanna's right hand. She shakes it in pain, "ah!"

The chi-blocker pounces closer again but, Kanna hits him with a swift left hook. Kanna steps toward her opponent and uppercuts the chi-blocker with an upper right kick. The man's head snaps back, and he falls asleep. Kanna takes a deep breath.

Meanwhile, Raggis gets back on his feet and looks at Macai. They are four feet apart. Raggis: "Not bad, but I'm not done yet." Macai rolls his eyes and pumps his right hand forward. Macai hurls a beam of white fire at Raggis's head. Raggis ducks his head and runs at the captain. Macai then rapidly punches a flurry of four white flames at Raggis's gut. 

Raggis quickly moves to transition to his block stance. He immediately tilts his left sword and blocks a white flame. Then his chest is hit by a white flame and his right shoulder is smacked by another white flame. A third white flame pounds Raggis in his left shoulder. Raggis: "Ah!" Raggis rolls over with steam flowing from his armor.

Raggis moans, but is still alive. Raggis is impressed, by the young man's sharpness. Raggis: "So what now?" Macai points his right hand at Raggis's head. Raggis: "Ahhh, I see. Very well then. I knew what I was up against. Finish it!" Macai briefly hesitates. Raggis: "Ahh, you might have some humanity in you. You are not as vile as some of your brethren."

Macai fires a white flame into Raggis's forehead. A hot black hole burns through the man's forehead and fades into dust. Macai takes a breath. Kanna takes a dagger from a fallen guerrilla and uses it to cut the net bounding the Fire Nation spearman.

The spearman gets up and recovers his weapon, "Thank you, Kanna."

Kanna regroups with Macai, "I briefly lost my bending against a chi-blocker. But I still dealt with them."

Macai: "Well done, your bending should return briefly. Until then stay behind me. Hopefully, the enemies are almost dealt with."

Kanna: "Do you hear that?"

Macai turns and gets in his battle stance. Kanna gets in her battle stance and keep hold of the dagger she grabbed. The Spearman also gets in his battle stance. Macai commands, "Stay behind me." Macai looks up, but notices Asad's unit coming. With Sonna, Cosal, and Ronin. They still have seven members, meaning only one casualty.

Macai: "Looks like your team did fairly well."

Asad: "Well, we did come later. It looked like the initial guerrilla attacks were already attempted. Casualties were higher than normal. However, we came to help clean up the mess and Sonna helped a lot. I've never seen someone fire arrows so quickly."

Macai: "I told you she was legit." Sonna blushes.

Asad: "Well done Macai, you made a believer out of me. You handled yourself well in this mess. I had a couple of friends who lost their lives in this island. One unit was wiped out entirely on this soil."

Macai: "We just neutralized Raggis, but I'm not sure about their camp."

Asad: "No worries about that, Kett has decimated their main camp and reduced it to ashes. His forces left rivers of their corpses throughout their camp and burned down several sheds. Several citizens have been arrested for harboring terrorists and the pirate cowards have been captured. The battle is won, Macai."

Victory Lap

Macai returns to the Prompt Adjudicator. The sun is beginning to set. The sky is a mixture of light blue and gold light. He meets with Dade, Aiya, and Hazo. Macai: "How did it go?"

Dade: "It went really well. We demolished them. I mean, I barely needed any assistance."

Macai smirks, "Oh, really?"

Hazo: "Yeah, he was a natural."

Macai looks across at Aiya to see her reaction. Aiya smiles, "He did great." Macai nods his head and pats Dade on the back.

Macai: "See, I told you, you can do it."

Dade: "I see, it's not that hard but it is a gradual learning process."

Macai nods his head, "It is."