Chapter 20: Ozai's Challenge Part 1
Zuko stands in front of a crowd of citizens in the battle worn city Texeria. Several children cry and older adults look at each other in near despair. Zuko is bruised and his nose is still red from his fight with his father. Zuko: "People of Texeria, I appreciate and adore all of you. When I first arrived, I was amazed by the heart and spirit all of you had. The battle was bittersweet, we defeated our opponents, but an old enemy revealed his reemergence. This is an enemy that threatens everything we have worked so hard to establish."
Zuko continues, "My father, Ozai looks to test the character of our nation. Yet still I stand against him, as some of you have been forced to stand against your own relatives for the good of this country. One of my advisors suggested I cancel this follow up speech, to avoid showing my bruises. But I said, 'No let them see the scars. Like when they first saw my scar which came from that same man, my wounds show my humanity and show the fight that I am committed to.'"
The crowd claps. Zuko: "Nothing comes easy in life. I'm used to being knocked down, but I'm just as used to getting back up. And by rising again, we can knock down the people that floored us. Sometimes the difference between winning and losing is commitment. But our enemies seem equally committed as us, so if we want to win, we have to fight just as hard as them. If we do that, the light will shine over the darkness as it always has."
The crowd cheers. Zuko: "So get out there! Let's rebuild this town piece by piece and be ready to defend it if needed. Today we fought off those who occupy the town, tomorrow we defeat those that threaten this country and our way of life."
Appa rides furiously over the damaged city. Aang rides with a serious face as he looks down at the damaged city. Smoke flows from buildings into the sky. Several Fire Nation Army troopers patrol the town as they proactively rebuild. Multiple citizens take part in the reconstruction.
Aang lands and notices Iroh a few feet away from him. Aang's other smaller white and grey pet Momo sits on his back. Aang: "Iroh, where is HE?!"
Iroh: "Aang, you must control yourself. Do not allow my brother to get into your head. These are his tactics, and he fuels off of your rage."
Aang: "Can you please answer my question?"
Iroh: "I don't know for sure, but I know where he wants you to be. He has challenged you to meet him in the Earth Kingdom territory Yenchi, which is located facing the ocean that leads to the Fire Nation. But you know this is a trap."
Aang: "I know, but Sokka advised me to let the light guide me. There I will find my answers. This isn't the kind of mission you plan for conventionally, but it is one where the mind matters. For me to be right and prepared; I must be of a sound and clear mind. Which I will assure you, I am."
Iroh: "Are you sure about that Aang? I sense tension in you."
Aang: "There is, but I'm doing my best to control it. She's the love of my life, but you must let me try."
Iroh: "Aang, if you linger in your motives or use of dark and light Ozai will overtake you. And he will kill you. You must be set and grounded on how you will fight him. The only way to balance Ozai's immense darkness is to fight him with overwhelming light."
Aang: "But there is another option. If my rage overtakes me, I might overwhelm him with my own darkness."
Iroh gasps, "That is true. But if you do, it will overtake you. The darkness within Ozai that is powered by revenge will then transfer to you if you kill him in bloodlust or revenge. Then you will become the plight that you wish to destroy if that darkness overtakes you. Ozai has channeled powerful dark powers to assist him. This will be a true fight between the Kingdoms of Darkness and Light if you wish to prevail, you must know your side. But know the cost of the alternative."
Zuko steps behind Aang, "And my father's legacy will still be enhanced if you kill him in rage. He will be known as the Firelord who put the Avatar on the edge and made him become a menace to Humanity. I told you if I got out of hand, to end my reign or even my life if needed. But if you make that same mistake, I will be forced to wage war against you."
Aang does not say anything, because he doesn't know how to respond. Instead, he simply nods. Iroh adds, "Ozai said he wants to meet you ALONE."
Aang: "Very well."
Zuko gasps, "Aang, he's so powerful, he might be even stronger than before."
Aang replies, "I beat him before, I'll do it again."
Iroh: "It's not that simple Aang, every challenge is different. Control your arrogance."
Aang answers, "What some call arrogance, others call confidence."
Iroh: "Ozai is already winning against you."
Aang: "Let me define my own solutions, you don't know everything just because you're old."
Zuko points at Aang, "DON'T TALK TO MY UNCLE LIKE THAT!"
Aang realizes his error, "I'm sorry." Macai and Azula arrive. Azula crosses her arms in disappointment.
Azula: "Tsk, tsk, you can do better than this Aang."
Aang: "You shouldn't be one to talk, after all you did."
Zuko responds, "But look at all I did and how I redeemed myself."
Aang: "Well Appa decided you were worthy, and he's been with me the longest, so I get it. And Azula, I'm not trying to condemn you I'm just not in the mood to be patronized."
Azula: "Oooou, feisty, I wish I saw this side in you sooner. I like it."
Aang: "Then maybe I should show you more of it."
Macai: "Aang, you are a great warrior. Watching you defeat Zerrel's army was breath taking, I shouldn't have to tell you how much of a symbol of hope you became for the people. Even when I heard about you from my old enemies, I heard nothing but admiration. Seeing you throw all that away for a selfish miserable man like Ozai would be a travesty."
Aang dismisses the commander, "Save the pleasantries for your next interview."
Zuko comments, "Toph is that you?"
Aang: "No it's Twinkle Toes, are you blind?"
Azula is impressed with Aang's attitude. Macai persists, "Aang, I get that you haven't known me as long. I haven't grown as close to you and we don't work together as much. That's ok, but believe me, I know how bad he is. At least you still have Katara, if you work right you'll keep her. I can't say the same for my mother, he took her from me."
Aang shouts, "SAVE THE PITY STORY! ALL MY PEOPLE WERE WIPED OUT BY HIS FATHER!! If he takes Katara, I'll kill him no question! Even if I have to find him."
Zuko: "Stop this madness, you are the Avatar. Your commitment is to the goodwill of the world, not your own selfish desires!"
Aang is red with irritation, "Oh you should talk. I remember you arrested Mai's boyfriend just because you felt she was your property."
Zuko: "Property, what? No, it's just hard to let go sometimes. I messed up, ok I admit it. But I came through that, I'm a new man now. We all slip up sometimes Aang, no one is condemning you. Just come back please, we really need my best friend right now."
Aang looks back at Zuko. "You're right. Ok, let's take him together. So, what is the plan?"
A loud voice interrupts them, "Wait!!" Sokka sprints behind the team, "Whew, that was quite the hike. I had to take a ship to get here, but I read about the attack recently and Ozai's arrival. So, I knew there would be some sort of reunion. So, EVERYONE ALL GOOD? Looks like it, so I'm ready."
Iroh: "You can't allow Ozai's agents to notice your allies."
Azula: "We could bring a telescope, there is an advanced one within Macai's ship, the Prompt Adjudicator. From there, we can keep tabs on your location. You meet with Ozai's friends and we'll trail in the distance. Keeping an eye on them. If there is a need for an assault we can manage."
Macai smiles, "And I didn't even need to say it this time. I'm fortunate to have such a brilliant wife."
Azula glances at him, "And I to have such a loyal and supportive husband." Macai holds her and Azula preens.
Sokka: "Oh gross." Zuko cringes, Aang turns his head, and Iroh laughs. Zuko adds, "And I'll take Appa."
Aang says, "You'll what?"
Sokka: "Come on, you have your glider. I know Zuko will want to tag along, so he'll ride too. We'll stay in the distance and wait on the Prompt Adjudicator. But we will have an edge of faster travel around land. When the time is right, Zuko and I will exit the ship and we'll find wherever he is holding Katara then rescue her."
Macai nods, "Great plan. Between Azula and Sokka, I'm not even needed for planning. And with all of us together it will be overkill."
Wicked Minds Coming Together
Meanwhile, Ozai holds his hands together as he waits in Kecca inside of the volcano base. Ozai sits in a long room with black walls, a light grey ceiling, and a blood red floor. Multiple leaders sit at a long white table with dark red chairs. Alev, Eyre, Ronin, Kedo, Ardo, Bulat, and other officers are waiting at the table.
Ozai: "So it's simple, Bulat will wait on standby incase I need to change my plans. The other Remnant forces are uniting and will have their own fleet which will hit the Capital's fleet. As this happens, Eyre will attack from a different direction and hit the island with a surprise internal using several members of his regiment. Then the invasion force will siege the city. As this happens, I will deal with the Avatar, ensuring our two greatest victories in one blow and the long term success of our regime change."
Ozai continues, "After this, we will destroy what is left of the Earth Kingdom and the Water Tribe. Their leadership and war capacity is still rebuilding. They are weak and it won't take long for us to get back to the top. Before, we could have expected to win the war in a hundred years but now I'm thinking it will take two or even three decades to fully wear them down."
Alev responds, "Our members are fully committed to the cause."
Eyre asks, "What about the question of loyalty and potential rebellion?"
Ozai answers, "Don't worry, I've already proven I am the worthiest to lead in our nation through my might. From there, killing the Avatar will bring many who were waiting on the edge or who actually agree with me but are too afraid to share their views or act on them due to fear to my allegiance. I will promise the people a new robust economy and a return to their previous riches if they join me."
The Awakening
Macai, Azula, Aang, Sokka, Appa, and Zuko are waiting in a hotel within Texeria as the Prompt Adjudicator sails to get closer to the town to plan their next move. While is happening, Iroh suddenly wakes up from his bed and gasps. Iroh sleeps in the nude, so he is shirtless.
The next day, Iroh sits in brown robes alongside Zuko, Azula, Macai, Aang, and Sokka. Sokka: "Eyre is going to attack the Capital?"
Iroh: "That's right or at least that's what I dreamed."
Zuko: "Iroh, do you believe this dream?"
Iroh: "I think it's a pretty big deal. I don't dream often, so whenever I do it matters."
Macai responds, "That's the opposite of me, I remember a dream every night."
Zuko: "Oh really, I dream even less than Iroh."
Azula: "I remember my dreams that much, so it definitely doesn't matter."
Sokka points at Macai, "High-five I'm a high recaller too! Recaller squad over here!"
Macai high-fives him, "Guess that means we're more creative."
Iroh: "Well, my creativity sparks more when I enter the spirit realm."
Sokka: "Nope, that's cheating."
Iroh: "But as I said, I don't care to remember mundane dreams unlike some people."
Sokka: "What? Keep hating, I dreamt I was flying on a giant banana!"
Macai looks at Sokka, "Oh, lucky. I bet you have the whackiest dreams. Mine are strange but in a different way."
Aang nods, "I remember dreams every night. I get a mix of spiritual, important, and weird."
Iroh: "Enough of this dream talk. This is serious, as I have stated my dreams are important. The Capital will be attacked, someone must defend it."
Macai: "The last time I had a dream like that, I ended up getting knocked out by Toph."
Azula glares at him for losing, "Don't remind me."
Macai: "I admit my defeat, she was a great warrior."
Iroh points at Macai, "Now that is a great quality."
Zuko: "Uncle, what were you saying?"
Iroh shrugs, "I already said everything."
Zuko: "Then I must go to the Capital to defend and rally my people."
Sokka replies, "I thought you were going with us to help me save my sister."
Zuko: "Oh yeah, that's right."
Azula answers, "No worries, Macai and I will go. We'll assist the forces there and make sure the Capital doesn't fall. Zuko, you know Aang and Katara well. Go assist them, they need you."
Macai adds, "And take my ship, the Prompt Adjudicator. Kanna will take lead of the military operations. But she will not be alone. Our new administrative specialist Xido will be there.
Zuko: "Wait, I thought that was Aiya's position."
Macai: "Nope, she left to become major of Joshugo and she won her election." Zuko changed the process of appointing leaders to allowing public elections for city majors and local governors.
Zuko: "Oh that's right. They couldn't have picked a better leader."
Macai: "I know, I'm so proud of her."
Sokka: "But wait, that means Macai will have to face his father. Maybe it's better you go Zuko with your sister Azula and deal with them. Now that I'm thinking about it, Macai can go with me. We're both crafty tacticians. He brings the big guns, with his firebending and I bring the special finesse. Together we'd free Katara in no time."
Macai answers, "But if Zuko and Azula go and they kill my dad; then I'll feel bad that I didn't finally face him. We haven't communicated sense the war ended. I've wanted to block it out my mind, like I did with Azula at the asylum. Doing that before caused me to almost lose out on a big person in my life, I don't risk that again."
Azula looks at her husband, "Macai, just know that we may need to kill him. And if he threatens your life too greatly, I will end him."
Macai looks back at her, "Fair enough but I have to try, I have to be there. We always had a strange relationship, but if anyone can reach him, it's me. Eyre was never prefect, not the kind of man that one person can change. But this, this isn't like him."
Sokka: "That's what people try to tell themselves all the time."
Macai: "I know, but when my dad ran away it was like him. He doesn't run from most things but certain problems he never faced. This, this is different. I need to see him, even if it's the last time. If I can, I know I should Sokka. Please allow me that honor."
Sokka nods, "Very well your greatness."
Macai sighs, "Please don't call me that."
Sokka jokes, "I mean your excellent-ness or whatever title you prefer."
Azula: "Then it's settled, Macai and I will go. Any communication you have leave out for Captain Kanna. Meanwhile Zuko and Sokka can save Katara as Aang faces Ozai." Kanna, Dade, Sonna, and Irina emerge. Irina holds her spear as her long black hair blows in the wind. Sonna walks with her bow strapped to her back. Dade walks with his sword strapped behind his back.
Macai asks, "What is the meaning of this? You all got my letter, right?"
Kanna: "We did, and we overheard the last bit of your conversation. We can't stay behind; we are going with you commander."
Macai: "This is the part where rank trumps your opinion."
Kanna: "It won't just be Eyre, which could be enough to keep you and Azula busy. He's a sound tactician where do you think you got it from. He won't be alone; he has his own loyal unit of troops and personal guards. But in addition to that, he's been reported working with Alev, Ronin, Kedo, and others. What if they all gang up on you two?"
Macai: "We are the two greatest minds in our nation, we would beat them all."
Dade responds, "Maybe if you both were fully focused, but you won't be Macai. That's your father. And while you'll be off your game Azula will be hampered too because she'll be trying to protect you and pick up your slack. You both will be defeated."
Azula looks at Dade, "You are quite bold."
Dade: "What can I say, I beat the Fire Nation Princess at a game of cornball and made her rage quit."
Azula laughs, "Are you serious?"
Dade adds, "Don't ever forget."
Sonna comments, "More importantly, it is better to not risk your safety. The death of either of you could offer a massive boost to the Remnant's followers. Besides, Xido is responsible and Dengo has agreed to keep the troops in line. But he won't be alone, Gammal and the others will be with him. We only ask that we come as one squad of trusted friends to help our friends on a very important mission."
Macai: "Ok, but I really hope you all come out in one piece. I lost too many friends during my last set of wild rides. I lost Samira and Kett during some notable adventures. So please, come back out in one piece."
Kanna: "We will the same for you commander, that's why we won't allow you to walk into your own death. The Capital only has General Mak, outside of that the greatest assets of our nation are outside of it and scattered about. I know you hoped history wouldn't repeat itself after Zerrel's stunt, but it has."
Macai sighs, "Bureaucrats never learn, but hopefully they will after this."
Zuko groans, "Hey! They won't slip behind us this time our defense is tight. Zerrel's team came by surprise."
Iroh answers, "But they will be caught off-guard. While they prepared themselves for a terrorist or internal attack, they are not ready for a direct military assault. I saw dozens of Remnant ships in my dream. Ranging from corvettes to frigates to battleships."
Zuko: "Battleships? Where are they getting all of this from?"
Macai: "They are committing everything to one meaningful attack."
Sokka: "That sounds like a strategic mess, what are they going to do after that? They are risking a lot. They are risking derailing everything they worked to create and destroying what they preserved since the birth of their movement."
Macai: "They don't care, they're betting everything on this attack. All their chips are down like a bunch of deranged gamblers, Ozai is making his strike so they will make theirs. They know they might fail but this is their last hurrah for every zealous maniac that didn't get to have one when Ozai was defeated so suddenly and unexpectedly by Aang. They aren't fighting for longevity or honor anymore now it's about revenge, glory, and a dream."
Sokka: "Sounds more like a nightmare."
Irina, a woman of few words speaks, "Macai, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have grown into the strong woman I am now. You have me an opportunity to find myself in ways I never imagined. Please, let us assist you and your legendary wife. This is our chance to be a part of history and your legacy. You are like a family to us and family don't leave each other hanging."
Macai nods, "Very well."
Kanna: "So commander, there is only one way to make this all official."
Macai instinctively answers, "With a hug." Kanna nods.
Sokka comments, "Bring it in big fella."
Dade looks at Sokka, "Um sorry, this is a 31st exclusive hug."
Sokka pouts, "Ah fine!" Macai, Dade, Kanna, Sonna, and Irina hug each other.
Azula grinds her teeth, "Can you believe them? Having a hug session without his wife?"
Sokka looks across at her, "I know, it's despicable. And I helped them our team took them in like family. Not main family but like cousins, first cousins. But they treat us like, maybe associates at best. It's outright shameful."
Macai shouts, "Alright now let's have a big group hug!"
Sokka sprints to the group, "YEAAAAHAHAHH!!" Aang cringes and joins. Iroh cheeses and participates. Zuko joins. Azula hugs Macai but scoots Irina and Dade away to do so.
Irina looks in surprise and Dade huffs, "Gueez..."
Zuko comments, "Don't be distracted, enjoy the hugs."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone