The Last Airbender Factions: the Continual War (IC)

[North America Inc]

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Summary:

100 AG, a year unlike any other, like every other year for the past century it was filled with bloodshed, but this is the year of a great change, unfortunately the Avatar is not among those to change it.

The Winter of the New Year showed how the World would be changing with the rogue attack on the Northern Water Tribe by a Commander of the Fire Nation named Zhao. His attack however would prove futile as he lacked the resources and manpower to push into the Northern Capital and his fleet failed, his dream of slaying the Moon Spirit failed and he died away during the attempt. Also during this time small guerilla forces made significant impact on the Fire Nation, groups such as the Freedom Fighters and Jeong Jeong’s Fighters had harassed Fire Nation supply lines and settlements in the Earth Kingdom to no end. It was also at this time that an invasion of Omashu, one of the last great Earth Kingdom Strongholds and second largest city in the Earth Kingdom failed. Putting much more stress on the Fire Nation military in succeeding in the Fire Lord’s Goals before Sozin’s Comet arrives.

During Spring, an attempt at the city of Ba Sing Se using a massive drill was stopped only after piercing the walls due to heavy resistance and having all supplies for their drill and forces cut off. Word did not spread of the drill into the city and the Grand Secretariat and his Dai Li remained firmly in control of the city. During this time, work to free Fire Nation occupied territories still occurred by leaders such as the Council of Five, General Fong and King Bumi. Meanwhile the Mechanist in his Northern Air Temple home still struggled to craft a definite answer to his War Balloon issue.

In the early summer, word was spread by a certain Grand Lotus Master among a secret organization known as the Order of the White Lotus about the Darkest Day in Fire Nation history. Fire Lord Ozai’s plan with Sozin’s Comet was to continue even without the success in Omashu and Ba Sing Se, however before that day did come, the legendary Sword master Piandao was visiting the Fire Lord’s palace to present Ozai with a new blade fit for a Phoenix King. On this day, the first day of the Eighth month, Fire Lord Ozai was assassinated, Master Piandao and his household disappeared, it was later discovered that not only Ozai was eliminated but many high brass officials and leaders were either beaten or in the case of the Dragon of the West, whom disappeared. Azula, Ozai’s second child succeeded to become Fire Lord, however she could not follow through with her father’s plans. Many of her Fire Nation Army and Navy leaders were gone or dead, and those who remained seemed very suspicious to the Fire Lord, especially as more disasters occurred to the Fire Nation military. It was then that War Minister Qin, one of the survivors whom was in Azula’s palm suggested a ceasefire to recover the Fire Nation military and secure her shaky hold over the Fire Nation. On Sozin’s Comet no attack from the Fire Nation came, however word was spread of a Dragon and a Deserter, along with a Mad Genius King and Water Bending Master liberated Occupied Earth Kingdom territories singlehandedly.

Azula agreed and the ceasefire was called. However as Azula worked to give herself control of the Fire Nation she was found paranoid and tyrannical with the idea of agents working against her, capitalizing with the rebellion of the Mechanist and Garzai, a Fire Nation colony seceeded from the Fire Nation. Hakota, chief of the Water Tribe, returned to his home with more than whom left. He had traveled to the Northern Water tribe and reestablished relations between the sister tribes. He returned with waterbenders, spiritualists, hunters, and soldiers, as well as diplomats and those whom want to help their sister tribe.Thus the Southern Water tribe began to be resettled and centralized.

Two years have passed since 100 AG, Azula has regained control of her Fire Nation, the un occupied Earth Kingdom made significant work to recovery and strengthening the military as did the Water Tribes. In the lands of the Air Nomads, long left in ruin, refugees from the globe settled to make a new life free from the old nations. The Earth King is firmly in the palm of the Grand Secretariat and words of Azula’s erratic and tyrannical tendencies are becoming common rumor.

The tune of War is beginning it’s song once again but how will this century long conflict continue from here? 100 years of conflict was stopped in one year, now two years later with the Fire Nation back on it’s feet after that disaster, how will they continue?

-From the Library of Omashu, 171 AG

[Nuxipal]

Kori Morishita
Fire Nation Capital, Fire Nation Mainland

The Governess of Yu Dao stepped off of her Cruiser in the Fire Nation Capital Port. With her were an escort of Elite Fire and Earthbenders ready to protect her. They were here for the official coronation ceremony for Fire Lord Azula. Someone whom Kori owed undying loyalty towards. She had shown this loyalty both by assisting in the purging of anti-Fire Nation elements within the government of Yu Dao and neighboring smaller colonies, as well as, coming to the Coronation to pledge loyalty in person. She was ready for this event, she was almost certain that she would be the first Earthbending Governor to visit the Capital and the first to swear loyalty directly to the Fire Lord. It was an exciting day to be sure.

She didn't expect much fanfare, to most of the people here she was just a Colonial, to accommodate things, she had brought along her close friend, Miyuki Tagachi. A Firebender from a minor noble family in Yu Dao. They had grown up together and Kori trusted Miyuki with her life. "So, do you think that rebels will make an appearance at this coronation? It does seem like the best place for them to strike if they were wanting to do damage to the Fire Nation again." Miyuki asked Kori. This was something that troubled Kori frequently. If fighting began, her group was mixed fire and earth benders. Many would perceive her and the Earthbenders of the group as a threat to the Fire Nation and attack them. So far the plan had been to use Earthbending primarily defensively, but if an opening showed itself, Kori wasn't afraid to lash out. She had been studying other bending styles to learn of their movements and how she could incorporate some of their movements into her own bending. Thus far, she had been able to learn that the jabs and kicks from firebending could send her boulders flying much faster towards their targets.

"I sure hope not. I don't think we need a fight in the heart of the Capital after everything that we have done to restore order." Kori replied. She was certain it would be a peaceful event. They all wore Fire Nation Red, though Kori's Green Eyes were a dead giveaway that she was not from the Fire Nation mainland and that she was an earthbender. Regardless of what those around thought of her group, they were the best trained soldiers with the best weapons available in Yu Dao.

[Esselman]

Mai
Fire Nation, Capital City

Governor Mai had made the voyage from the rebuilt Taku to Capital City of the Fire Nation. Accompanied by Fire Nation soldiers, she found it unnecessary to be accompanied by some large company as if she were royalty. That and Azula was to be the center of attention, not some guest.

"Welcome Governor," said a Fire Nation soldier, arms resting behind his back

"Thanks. Keep a lookout, I might need tissues for all my tears today," she dryly informed the man as she walked forward.

The two armored guards with her while stoic were to follow her all the way to the capital. I wonder where Ty Lee will be today, she wondered, it had been nearly a year since she had seen her in person and hadn't heard much in recent weeks. Mai never liked the formal event like this, though she knew it was of some type of importance, they rarely were interesting to any degree. She was getting more comfortable with life in the provinces, being in charge had its perks but seemed to remind her too much of her dad's work; being the same career and all.

"Feel free to chime in if you ever have a thought. Or sneeze, anything really," she told the guard on her right side. Her hands sheathed in her own clothing as they were clasped together, Mai stood upright and would probably be one of the earliest to the Coronation for the new Fire Lord; Azula. Thinking back to when they were younger it wasn't exactly comforting that she was in charge but as a friend she always overlooked these thoughts. Looking around she didn't recognize too many people, maybe time away from the mainland of the Fire Nation caused this, it was nice somehow, but as soon as this was done she could not wait to return to Taku, her own little seat of power.

[G-Tech Corporation]

Capital City, Fire Nation
The Coronation of the New

With the clank of a gangway unaccustomed to such an emphatic passenger, Commander Makka descended from the prow of the Tempest Scion, the cruiser Na-Narithoth has spared as his transport for this journey. A tall man, taller than even the late Admiral Zhao, Ozamu had a perpetual scowl pasted on his face even as he strode with a wide stance, ready for action at any moment. Though himself not a true bending master, the Commander's precise and practiced strikes had laid low many a foe on the battlefield or duel grounds that had thought a large man could not move swiftly.

At his sides were his escorts, four benders in the deep scarlet and obsidian hues of guards of the Steel City, their faces open and their heads bare with eyes swiveling rapidly to take in any potential threats. Coming here for the coronation was a necessary part of ruling his little fiefdom, and truth told the fleets of the City had yet to recover from the disastrous assault on Northern Water Tribe. If the colony was to expand its holding in to the nearby wild lands through Earthen warlords, they would need backing from the Imperial Court.

Some men whispered that Azula was going mad. But madness was a matter of perspective. Makka smiled as he paced in to the central palace courtyard. Being crazy like a fox never hurt any ruler's chances.

[Rannoria]

Four Seas Trading City
"I'm sick of it!"
A man, no older, nor younger than the age of 23, was in his house speaking to his closest friend.
"What's wrong, Kiri?'
"I hate it here!"
The friend stared.
"Pardon?"
"I said, I hate it-"
"Yes, we heard you. But, why do you talk about it so suddenly?"
"Don't you get it, Tarak? You're a waterbender!"
"Mhmm."
"And I'm an earthbender!"
"So?"
"So? So?! So life's harder for me here!"
"Settle down."
"You expect me to settle down?! Do you know what this means?!"
"No, not really."
"It means I am going to be less successful!"
"Nonsense!"
"How would you know, Tarak? You're travelling the world, trading, getting money, hearing stories, making friends, while I'm here in mining outposts, using my 'special powers' to cut out a bunch of rock!"
"That doesn't mean you won't be less successful. You still get money. Loads, actually. I heard Nanol's making a bigger area dedicated to min-"
"Nanol? Nanol? Why would he care about the miners?"
"He's making a center for miners."
"Yeah? We do all the hard work in the mines, while you go prance around on your boat!?"
"You know, it's hard-"
"Hmph. I should've known. You filthy-"
Tarak struck his hand upon the table.
"What?"
"Filthy waterbender."

"Kiri." Tarak said, with a steely voice. "We've been friends for more than ten years. Surely a dumb job won't-"
"Yeah. Easy for you to say. Upperclassmen scum."
"What?"
"Get out."
"Kiri-"
"Get out. I'm losing my patience."
"Kiri, please-"
"GET OUT!"
Tarak stood still.
With a swift maneuver of hand and foot, a fleet of pebbles was sent flying towards Tarak.
Tarak retaliated, using tea to his advantage.
"Kiri-"
"I SHOULD'VE KNOWN! YOU'D NEVER UNDERSTAND!"
"Kiri-"
Another fleet of pebbles came, This time, Tarak dodged.
"YOU LITTLE-"
Kiri was cut off, and was hit by a ball of water, and was knocked backwards.
"Kiri..."
Tarak rushed over to his side.
The ball had hit him in the stomach.
"Kiri..."
Kiri's eyes opened. "Get out."
And with a final fleet of pebbles that Tarak dodged, he left the house, eyes looking wet.

[Kuhlfros]

Ba Sing Se
King Bumi

As Bumi entered the Upper Ring, Bumi who had been suprisingly silent the entire journey through the Lower and Middle Ring, finally spoke, "The Great city of Ba Sing Se, the city of Walls and Teashops..."

One of his attendants groaned Bumi, those who traveled with Bumi included six Omashu Royal Guards and two attendants, dressed in grey robes with the leaf green Earth Kingdom insignia for Omashu in the center of their chest. These attendants were in truth members of his Yinshen Lang, whom had passed numerous unpredictable and witty trials for the King to qualify as one of them. They were not obvious however, they wore no rock gloves and their rock boots were dark as if they were boots.

Bumi himself was wearing blue royal robes and his signature peacock hat, then the other attendant humored him, pretending to have forgotten about the countless lame jokes and puns on the way to the city, saying "Your majesty? Don't you mean City of Walls and Secrets?" To which Bumi snorted and cackled "No, Teashops, you think I am so old and senile I'd forget something as important as Tea shops?! There are more and better...and worse tea shops in Ba Sing Se than anywhere else in the world! Besides, you learn all the best secrets in tea shops anyways, atleast that is what a friend of mine told me." He cackled more as the palanquin which had carried him to the Royal Palace of the Earth King was set down, and Bumi set his feet down with the help of his attendants.

"We need more Teashops in Omashu, leave a note for that...also a Zoo, Flopsy Wopsy must be so lonely back home alone." He said pitifully before smiling again "Oh well let's see what will happen today!" And walked into the Royal Palace.

[Jaslandia]

Buoshu Honging
Northern Air Temple, Republic of Jinzhan

It was just after ten in the morning at the Northern Air Temple. As he walked toward his office, President Buoshu Honging looked around the revitalized Northern Air Temple. Walls that once featured industrial pipes and machines pumping out smoke now featured beautiful and newly-restored murals depicting wise airbender monks, majestic sky bison, and inquisitive lemurs. With the expansion of Jinzhan City causing many factories to move outside the temple, and the government of Jinzhan eager to stir up a sense of national unity by appealing to the temple's Air Nomad history, President Honging had set up a program to move the remaining industrial facilities out of the temple, and to restore the paintings and artifacts once hidden by the factories. So far, the program was a smashing success: the government offered generous compensation to factories that moved, non-industrial facilities like government offices could remain in the temple as long as they did not tamper with the history of the temple, and the people of Jinzhan slowly began to associate themselves with the extinct Air Nomads; unless the Avatar miraculously re-appeared, the people of Jinzhan considered themselves the closest thing to the successors of the Air Nomads.

However, Honging couldn't reflect on Jinzhan's success for too long; much like the rest of the world, the people of Jinzhan were suspicious of the new Fire Lord, and thought a war was only a matter of time. While Jinzhan City was in a strong defensive position, that wouldn't be enough: outside help was needed.

Honging soon arrived in his office in the Northern Air Temple, and he sat down to look at some papers. It was mostly minor disputes: a hippo cow grazed on another man's field, a fence was built without the neighbor's approval, a teenage boy was seeking a pardon for vandalizing an old man's house, etc. One of the downfalls of being the leader of what was basically a city-state, Honging found, was that practically everything was brought to his attention. It was quite a tedious task for a man who once helped run the second-greatest city in the Earth Kingdom, so the President often delegated tasks to his ministers.

Speaking of his ministers, three of them came in along with General Muo as Honging was busy at work. Honging had called a meeting of his Foreign Minister, Interior Minister, Science Minister, Air Minister, and General-in-Chief, and was catching up on work while he waited for them all.

"Excellent to see you all," Honging greeted as the others entered the room. "I have a few seats for you all, so sit down." General Muo, Foreign Minister Gon, Interior Minister Loshal, Science Minister and Council member Hanros (The Mechanist), and Air Minister Chodo all sat down in front of the President's desk. "I wanted to discuss with you all the grave threat of the Fire Nation," Honging went on. "While there may be a ceasefire now, who knows how long it will last? I believe we need outside support. Thus, I am sending a delegation to Ba Sing Se to seek their protection."

For a few moments, there was silence. Then, Air Minister Chodo spoke up. "With all due respect, I disagree with this plan. Going to Ba Sing Se will only bring us further under the thumb of the Grand Secretariat. If we allow Ba Sing Se to protect us, it'll only be a matter of time before we're annexed to the Earth Kingdom. If that happens, I fear our republican traditions and unique identity could be at risk."

Honging nodded. "I understand your concern," he replied, "but we need this help. While I will do everything in my power to preserve our autonomy and republican form of government, and I believe the Grand Secretariat will respect that, I imagine Ba Sing Se will want something from us in exchange, whether it means following them into a war with the Fire Nation, monetary tribute, or we enter into some sort of Earth Confederacy. I will send negotiators that will seek the best terms possible, but you must understand that we need this deal, and we might have to give up a couple of things to make a deal happen."

"I support Honging's proposal," interjected General Muo. "Ba Sing Se's armies would be of great benefit to us in a potential war, and if Ba Sing Se can support us, that may also allow us to gain the friendship, and thus the military support, of other Earth states like Omashu and Gaoling."

"I second General Muo's thoughts," Foreign Minister Gon said. "We need allies, especially in these turbulent times. However, I also want to emphasize that we can't just settle for any terms; at the very least, we should have enough autonomy to continue our good relations with the Northern Water Tribe, even in case of war."

"Very well," President Honging responded. "I shall relay that to the delegation. Is there anything else that we need to cover?"

"Actually, I wanted to bring something up," Interior Minister Loshal spoke up, as he pulled out a hypothetical blueprint of Jinzhan City. "I've been planning a few ambitious projects recently. I've been envisioning Jinzhan having things like a university, a wealthy district, and a Grand Temple to honor the Air Nomads."

"I've also been laying out plans for a new factory," The Mechanist added. "My hope is that if we increase our production and income, we could finally fulfill my dream of building a Zeppelin airship for Jinzhan."

"Those sound like lofty goals," Honging said. "How do you plan to get us to that point?"

"It'll have to be slow at first," Loshal explained. "We can start with a Wealthy District, which will rapidly increase our tax base by attracting a new upper class to Jinzhan City. From there, we can build a university, then a Grand Temple, then an airship."

Honging nodded. "Very well. I shall do everything in my power to assist you in these plans, but our budget is currently strained at the moment. Once we have the money, I'll consult with you on how to best distribute the money, and hopefully we can complete all your projects in due time." The President looked across the room. "Now then, anything else that needs to be brought to my attention?"

"Well sir," Loshal began. "Old Man Han has been complaining about..."

"I don't want to hear it!" Honging interrupted. "That old man complains to my office every other day. Tell him to bring it up to the Justice Minister, because I have more important things to do."

"Noted."

"Now then, I assume this means everything is covered." President Honging stood up. "Good day, gentlemen, and keep up the good work." The ministers and General Muo then left the President's office and returned to their own offices, while Honging continued looking at reports and papers. "Why can't people control their own livestock?" Honging muttered after everyone had left.

[La Cancion de Guerra]

Protectorate of Gaoling, Southern Earth Kingdom
Beifong Estate

As the sun had risen over the skies of the Earth Kingdom illuminating her glory, in Gaoling Xin Fu and the aristocratic council held their monthly meetings to discuss goals and promises for the upcoming times. Though they did not fear the strength of the Fire Nation or the tide of nearby Water Tribes, they had more important matters to discuss. Xin Fu arrived, the Boulder following close behind, as they entered a room accompanied by guards donning white and green uniforms. With a nod to the guards Xin Fu sat down at a wooden table decorated with carvings of a map in it that detailed only the Earth Kingdom. Allegedly it had been carved a decade ago for the Beifong family and worked as a nice centerpiece to political discussions.

Lao Beifong, followed by several other wealthy landowners of Gaoling entered the room. Lao grazed a hand on the table as if to check for dust but was simply pointing at the familiar landmark of Ba Sing Se. Deep grooves in the table made the land mass of the great city entirely evident to anyone who looked at it, and it only spoke to the craftsmanship of the table.

"So Xin Fu, we have originally spoken about improvements to the city and its districts. We all can agree that the expansions of land are greatly appreciated to many in the community, but we have heard news of a, er, tournament?" he asked.

"Correct. As you should know Rumble Tournament VIII is coming and-"

Before he could finish audible groans from the others began. Lao already personally didn't care for The Boulder being there even though he'd recently joined the military of Gaoling.

"Yes but must we devote resources to this, it is fake is it not!" asked one councilwoman

"The Boulder takes issue with that comment!" reacted The Boulder as he almost pounded a fist on the table to the wide eyed dismay of everyone watching him.

"The tournament will take place." said Xin Fu sternly. "And there is something more important going on, the Earth King has had interesting developments as of late and I think it would be of good faith to send a delegate from Gaoling to the city. I will remain here so now it is a mere matter of which of you will go."

Silence took over the meeting room, everyone was completely comfortable in their daily lives and having to act as delegates was near foreign to them.

"I shall," said Lao

With nods and a few short matters, the meeting was over. Xin Fu began to leave but not before bumping into a young girl, eyes covered by hair except for a brief moment. She stumbled backwards at the opening of the door so suddenly and could only respond with an ow!
"Excuse my daughter Xin Fu, have you met Toph?" Lao asked.

"I, don't recall" he said looking at her as Toph looked away

As Xin Fu and the Boulder left, Boulder carrying a bowl of snacks that were being heaved into his mouth, Lao returned into the meeting room. Toph walked into the room with him as he sat in a chair, almost beginning to slouch before he saw her entrance. "I'm going." Toph said sternly rather than ask as she had been for years about things. Lao only nodded before looking to the table map and placing a hand on Ba Sing Se again.

[Ironsbad]

102 AG,
Misty Springs Oasis, Kingdom of Si Wong

For the past two years, the Desert has been transformed into a desolate arid place full of scavengers and raiders that wouldn't mind picking the shirt off your corpse for a few coppers, into a trading hub that weeps its power off the backs of beetles and mining. The Desert Kingdom had became one of the most profitable places in the Earth Kingdom for mining and has brought wealth to he once nomadic beetle-headed merchants that called the Misty Springs Oasis home. Because of this, the crown had sanction and invested in the works of guilds that provide a sense of organization to the once unorganized landscape. Guilds had rose to become the main mediators of trade and business in the Kingdom that allowed for the city and the crown to get a good deal.

The capital of the Kingdom is the Misty Springs Oasis, once a town that was center around one of the few Oasis spots of the Si Wong, now a bustling trade hub within the center Earth Kingdom. Traders come from east of Ba Sing Se, west of Omashu, and south from Gaoling to peddle their wares while also wandering how the people in the Desert Kingdom can even stand the heat, let only make a kingdom here. The aren't many high towers in the capital as there are merchant tents in the downtown area, but the palace is still the tallest building in the center. Inside the palace was decorations of sculptures and scrolls, each lined with a golden beetle emblem that became the kingdom's flag and their national animal.

Crystal clusters lighten the palace, as with everything else in the Earth Kingdom, giving it the colors of green, blue, and violet. The center of the palace laid the throne room, where the decisions of trade and state are dealt with on a daily basis. Today was no exception, three representatives from two of the mining guilds in the Kingdom and one from the upstart craftsmen guild that had been gaining a lot of influence the past few months. The King was not here as he was going to Ba Sing Se for the conference that was being held by the Earth King. They tried to ask for the General since he was second-in-command of the Kingdom but the regents said that he left south to Gaoling for something about regional politics and the Earth Bending Tournament.

Gaoling, Protectorate of Gaoling, Southern Earth Kingdom

The city itself was home to some of the richest families in the Earth Kingdom. The General usually came alone or with a representative of the court that was down-to-earth as he could never stand politics and had a strong distain for Ba Sing Se but respected what they were trying to do. He came carrying three cords full of sand with him since it was his favored type of bending. He walked barefooted and had a bandana wrapped around his head while his clothing was short-sleeve with a desert brown camouflage that everyone in Si Wong wore ever since the first idea of Independence Movements started to sprang up among the tribes only five months ago.

" Are you sure you understand what the guilds want?" The representative questioned Gao as they started to move into the city. " Yeah, yeah, Guilds want to increase the mining output of our side of the mountain range. On top of that, I have given my approval for industry to start up in the capital, starting to think we need more industry in Wei Qi on top of more propaganda for people to join the army." He went over as he found a tavern that have alcohol that he can get behind. He paid for a private room as he drank in peace with his representative.

" Now, I thought you cared about maintaining the strong cavalry policy for the army or are you thinking of something else entirely?" Gao gave it a thought for a second," trust me, we have the most extensive beetle husbandry in the Earth Kingdom, the beetles can breed more larva than any riding animal that I've ever seen. Not to mention that they can fly as a head-on charge that smashed through the lines of firebenders when we were nothing more than nomadic tribes."

" We still are nomadic tribes for the most part. Not many gave up the old lifestyle on the account of sparse lakes and lack of farming." Gao smiled, " yeah, can't be the classics. Still, I'm sure we earthbenders can think of something out. Got to be some springs or something out there. Will even invade the Spirit World to bring some magic seeds back to feed a nation." They both were laughing as the Sandbender continued," but there are some good sides to being able to survive out there, we could've never sank as many Fire Nation tanks and even show the common Fire Nation not to mess with the People of the Desert or giant beetles charging at them."

The drinking finally died down and they went out after they paid as they walked to the main center building of the capital of the Protectorate. Gao was actually happy to meet the man who made Earth Rumble what it was, Xin Fu. Though he was also quite angry that he had to talk to the aristocrats that pulled the strings of the people and he knew that it just wasn't his thing. In Si Wong, the Guilds are usually restrained by the Crown so that they won't get out of hand.

He walked up to the center building," hey, my name is General Gao Ho Pok of the Kingdom of Si Wong. I'm here to talk to Xin Fu and the Council about diplomacy between our two nations in the Earth Kingdom, are they in today?" He asked one of the guards to see if he can get in despite looking like a commoner. He didn't care how he looked anyway since he wasn't in any majorly important meetings, the uniform can get cumbersome, and he would like to see what the Protectorate was personally before making any deeper relations.

[Rannoria]

???, Four Seas Trading City
"We all here?"
It was Kiri who spoke to a crowd of at least 2000 people.
"Good." Kiri continued.

"Ever since this nation was founded. Or city, I should say. The first guildmaster has bestowed each element their own jobs and roles. Though airbenders are extinct, they would've had a purpose. Earthbenders. I, am an earthbender, and if there's any other earthbender who says their job is great. They speak lies. Only true and proud earthbenders who are aware of their capabilities know the truth. And the truth is enslavement."
Nods and murmurs emanated from the crowd, and they turned their attention back to Kiri.

"Waterbenders. The lucky ones. They get to travel the seas, learn stories, meet people, and feel the fresh air. Something earthbenders don't have. Firebenders, they also feel the pain of the earthbenders. Forced to work in the forges, where some earthbenders could also create weapons of metal for the nonbender soldiers. Oh yeah, not to mention, while we firebenders, earthbenders, and nonbenders risk our lives out on battle, half the waterbenders stay back and only heal!"
A same response as earlier happened again.

"The point is, the waterbenders have the upper hand in society, and even though nonbenders have freedom of choice, they have to suffer harder in each job they do, for they do not have our gifts. But soon enough, we shall rise against the filthy waterbenders-"
"Hey!" Someone in the crowed yelled.
"Sorry. Those who accept their way of life and boast of it to others. We shall see the demise of them, and those who sympathize with Nanol Dokam! We will bring a golden age of enlightenment to the Four Seas Trading City! Long live the revolution!"
The crowd cheered and yelled, all in agreement, until a man in the middle yelled, "No!"

The crowd stopped, and silence rung through the chambers. The man moved towards the stage where Kiri was standing.
"A fool approaches. Clearly you have no idea what it is like to live in these conditions."
The man summoned fire in his hand.
"You are no true firebender, you."
Kiri jumped down, and faced the man.
"No." The man said. "You're just wrong."
The man swung his hand, and a wave a fire bolted towards Kiri, which hit him. Kiri was knocked back, but got up and retaliated with a boulder. The fight went on back and forth, with the occasional hit.
"Your power..." Kiri panted, dodging a swing. "Is... strong. Join us-" He grunted, and retaliated. "And your abilities shall be harnessed correctly."
"Wrong." He said, with no expression or tire on his face. "My abilities are being used well enough. It's just you, who is jealous."
Kiri's eyes widened, and was filled with rage. But before he could attack, he was blown back.
"Farewell." The man said, then leapt his way through the crowd to the exit.

[G-Tech Corporation]

Apex of the Eastern Military Spire, Ferrat Foothills, Colony of Na-Narithoth
Wars of Pretend

Out from the heights of the watchtower he looked, brows furrowed as the long line of tanks grumbled it's way through the broken mounds and outcroppings below. Next to the General stood a variety of functionaries, some observers from other military units, some attaches representing the battalions engaged in the exercise. Kharhao didn't even really register their presence, despite the muttered words behind him and the steady clack as scribes in unconfining battledress moved tokens here and there behind him on the topographical representations.

No, his eyes were trained far in the distance, near a small wadi on the near treeless hillsides, where he knew some of his men on the secondary force had prepared an ambush. These war games kept the soldiers tough, ready for war, and occasionally provided insights to the military planners. This was just the sort of terrain that populated the nearby Clique of Wufan, a warlord foolishly hostile to both the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation. He had soldiers aplenty, but few benders; with the right plan and the proper tools, Wufan was a rotting structure just ready for a boot to kick in her door.

So the Commander said, and so the army trained. The tank column had now passed almost out of sight, moving at a rapid pace with armored supply trucks capable of keeping up with the light tundra tanks. That was one of the virtues of the armored column, mobility, something the Earth Kingdom's rigid infantry formations struggled to understand. Kharhao gestured to his adjutant, a strapping lad from the respected colony of Yu Dao with hair so dark as to be almost blue in appearance. Having served the General for two years, Zifang understood what was needed, and promptly produced a crystal spyglass inlaid with stylized golden flames.

Through the instrument the military man peered with alacrity. The ambush was near at hand, and indeed in a matter of moments gouts of flame spouted in the distance, forward elements of the fast-moving column encountering the 'enemy' ambush. With a few twists of his oracular tube Kharhao brought the battlefield in to focus, and after another moment he smiled predatorially. Just as they had been trained, Earthbender irregulars had deployed from the armored transports in seconds, throwing up walls to block incoming "Wuhan" projectiles, with the firebending tanks and archers swiftly taking up position behind the barricades to afford themselves cover. It was not a strategy without risk- benders of great strength could toss those barriers aside as if they did not exist. But no such benders were often in numbers to assail a column of dozens of powerful war-machines.

The men performed flawlessly, tagging 'enemy' elements with low intensity flames and chalked arrows one after another, even counterbalancing two tanks which were almost disabled by 'enemy' units bending rocks and soil up under them. With Earth elements trained and loyal, countering the enemy's primary advantages was simply a matter of detail, allowing the strength and discipline of his trained Fire Nation troops to carry the day.

As the battlefield was cleaned up and casualties rose from their "death" positions, Kharhao noted some of the Earth and Fire soldiers smiled and laughing while exchanging tales of their own individual parts of the exercise. That was a good sign- though more conservative elements of the Steel City opposed the integration of worthy earthbenders, Kharhao and the Commander saw otherwise. Just as metal was stronger than earth when smelted with fire, the Steel City was stronger when it made use of all its resources.

[North America Inc]

Grand Fire Sage Hinri stood idly by, watching the crowd continue to gather in the Palace Square. Standing on the elevated stage overlooking the courtyard, he stood around without much to do. Everything was running smoothly, everything was on scheduled, and that's what he intended to keep. He had technically crowned Fire Lord Azula before, but that was a dark time filled with despair and gloom. It was time to set that event to the far corners of his mind, freeing him to think of the progress his nation was and will continue to make. Lets hope nothing goes wrong... Hinri thought as he saw two more Royal Guards pass him by. Of course he was just being paranoid, as he should be, but it was never comforting to think like that. Another Fire Sage turned a corner and came to him dressed in the ceremonial red garbs, like all Sages, with a pleasant smile on his face.

Xih came forward to his superior, and dear friend, hoping to catch up after all this time. Both men were older, nearing their sixties, but their age never prevented them from having a good time. "Hinri, its been a while. Still moping around I see." Xih said with a sarcastic undertone.

"Xih, why must you pick on old, frail men?" Hinri said with a stoic facial expression.

"Old men are the only ones who let me get away with it. Younger men are too prideful and may respond back with clever puns." Xih showed no emotion, matching Hinri's face.

No one said anything for some time just staring at each other, hoping the other would crack. Hinri, however, would be the one to break, cracking a smile. Xih followed suit, and both men shook hands and shared a hug. "Xih, its been too long."

"Yes it has Hinri, yes it has." Neither exchanged a bow, that was too professional for them.

"How has Roku's temple treated you?" Hinri inquired.

"With boredom and some stretches of incontinence I fear." Xih said with a laugh and gentle elbow to Hinri's stomach.

"So like your first marriage I presume?" Hinri retorted.

"No...at least someone at the temple made me dinner."

Hinri chuckled as he turned his gaze toward the the sky, enjoying the light blue color and the few clouds seen on the horizon. This was a sign of providence, today would be a peaceful day Hinri noted. He had been alive for three different Fire Lords and he hoped Azula would be his last, he can not bear the thought and pain of an old man living longer than the young goddess. The anxiety, while misplaced, was growing inside of him. He continue stop thinking about it, and it bothered him. Perhaps age had really made him a moper as Xih said.

"What's wrong Hinri?" Xih said as Hinri as he removed his mitre, wiping his sweat off on this too humid day.

"Oh nothing, just my heart palpitations." Hinri was only partly lying.

******** *********

Two Hours Later...

The courtyard was filled to the brim with people with varying occupations and importance from the governor to the Admiral to the noble, anyone of true importance was here at the royal palace. Royal Guard and an agent of the Kempeitai, Lt. Odik, walked around in his organization's infamous red, masked uniform with little regard for everyone's position. His only mission and duty was to protect the Fire Lord and no one would ever dare stop him from doing that. He failed with Ozai and he swore he would never fail with Azula, lest he commit suicide due to the shame he would bring on his family again.

There was still another hour and half until the ceremony began and all the guests were busily talking with each other or enjoying the performers that littered throughout the palace. From dancers to magicians, everyone was having a good time, with the possible exception of the Royal Guards. As Odik walked through the hall, he continued his mundane security checks that he had done multiple times over. He checked on his men, each performing their missions to the best of their duties, and of course he checked on his young wife at the Royal Bakery who snuck him a piece of warm bread and a small kiss on the cheek. Perhaps I should calm down Odik thought as he walked through the palace.

Then his heart stopped as he turned a corner...he saw one of the private guest's security member earth-bending. He could assume that it was an innocent show as the kids in-front of him were enjoying the flying little stones, but he could care less. "Hey you, stop right there!" Odik shouted as he ran towards them.

The guard seemed confused and surprised by the reaction, and the kids ran away to their parents. Odik continued as he yanked the man's arm, "Why the hell is there an earth-bender here of all places!"

******** ********
The servant speed walked as fast as she could, the Fire Lord demanded that she did. She was looking for a personal friend of the Fire Lord, a woman named Mai, and she would perform the task of summoning her to the best of her ability. She was young, her family had served the Royal Families for a couple generations and she was following in those foot steps. Wearing a traditional, yet vibrant red Kimono for the ceremony, she tried to ensure that her clothes were not dirtied in any way. Her face was pure white, courtesy of powder, her lips were bright red to match her garment, and her long hair held a single flower facing the side of her head.

She was a servant, and thus not allowed to look at anyone of this class straight in the eye without first being allowed too. She had to always face the ground and be prepared to bow, it was tiring but she was happy to do it. She would do quick glances to see if she was going the right way. She couldn't find Mai however and feared that Azula would be angered at her if she took too long, she was demanding like that. Luckily, she found Yoto.

Yoto was standing around, wearing a Kimono dress, but as supervisor of the female servants she was well respected. She was middle aged, with more than a few grey strands showing, but it fit well with the motherly persona she held. The servant walked up to her and Yoto grabbed her hands, "What's wrong Vikonna?"

"I'm looking for the Governor of Xin, do you know where she might be?" Vikonna asked truthfully.

"Hmm." Yoto scanned the room around her, trying to remember the last place she might of seen her. "Let me think... oh yes, I believe I saw her nearing the 'Love Amongst the Dragon' performance I believe."

"Oh thank you Yoto." Vikanno bowed with haste.

"No problem". Yoto replied with a smile with a smile and a bow.

Vikanno took off,looking for the performance. With a little luck, she saw the performance and used that as a guide to look around. The two leads, Noren and Noriko, chosen personally by the Director of the Ceremony as they wowed him with their acting in their little city of Hira'a , were in the middle of the climatic kiss of the play. As Vikanno looked around she saw Mai in the corner of the play, guarded by two men. Mai was feigning interest, not really caring for what was going on. Vikanno approached her and bowed to the ground, "Esteemed Governor, the Fire Lord would like an audience with you."


******** ********

Across the room, the charismatic scientist Gaman continued on his stories of discovery and achievement. He seemed to have a few screw loose and some of his experiments he went on and on about seemed downright amoral. Scratching his well-trimmed Go tee, he stated to the people around him, "...So yes with just a few bolts of electricity I was able to power a bulb that was able to light the whole room...until it caught fire. NEVERTHELESS in a few short years, the age of the torch will be long over!"

One man snorted, "Ya right, that's hogwash."

"No I am telling you the truth, this bleeding next generation development. With the power of lightening, we should be able to usher in a new age for the Fire Nation after we unite the world, a true Golden Age." Gaman rambled on and on with the group, entertaining them with eccentric stories and such, each man with varying degrees of interest.

Soon enough they left, and he was left alone to his thoughts and his wine. Then he spotted him across the room he spotted the man he wanted to see. He ran across the room to grab his attention, pushing more than a few people down. He quickly straightened his hair, only to make it worse, and forcefully grabbed the man's hand. "Ahh Commander Makku, I have a proposition of a life time for your city." Gaman said with a big grin on his face, and shaking Makku's hand for too long. "I'm Dr. Gaman, please to make your acquaintance."

[Rannoria]

Several days after the first revolution meeting...

Luong's Noodles, Four Seas Trading City
"Father! I'm home!"
Luong's son, Hasrok, has entered his father's noodle soup shop. As he entered, a small bell sounded, but caught no attention of the five or six people dining there. The room looked Octagonal, with four sides filled with spice jars, two sides with noodles, one where the counter was and one where the door was. Behind the counter there were stairs, leading to the elevated area of the house. That is where Luong and his son lived. The shop smelled like a lake and was also very aromatic.

"How was work, Hasrok?"
"Fine, dad." He replied, but with that, he grabbed his arm.
"Son?"
"I'm okay. Just got into a little scruff today. Tanzi started whining about his job, and it somehow escalated to a full fledged fight. It's strange, more of these things keep on happening. All of these protests and fights, all related to jobs."
"Well, I'll make you some soup, then I'll treat the injury. Go upstairs, rest."
"Thank you." Then Hasrok headed up.
Luong started preparing a meal until a man burst into the restaurant, slamming the door open. This caught the attention of the customers.
The door was slammed shut, and a man burst in.
He was limping, wearing a torn cloak. On that cloak, was a symbol of a Kitsune, with the colors of navy blue and brown replacing the white and red respectively. He came towards the counter.
"Luong, please."
"Meet me upstairs. We'll talk there."

After closing his shop early, and after all the customers had left, he brought two bowls of noodle soup upstairs. And they discussed. While his son slept, they talked about the revolution.
"We need you, Luong."
"I cannot, Hiyoki. This is my life now. I have a son..."
"But the Masked Order calls for you! Nanol Dokam calls for you!"
"I am sorry, Hiyoki, but I cannot. This... this is how I live. Here, in my shop, looking after my son."
"Your son is sixteen-"
'HE IS STILL MY SON!"
Hasrok was still sleeping.
"Luong..."
A silence filled the room.
"I will think about it, but don't count on me."
"Thank you, Luong."
And with that, he headed downstairs and out the door, leaving an unfinished bowl of noodle soup. Luong's head turned to the end of the room, where a bronze Kitsune mask and a hood similar to Hiyoki's stood.

[Nuxipal]

Kori Morishita
Fire Nation Capital

As one of her guards was entertaining a few of the local children as Kori and Miyuki ate at a cafe before the ceremony. It was a peaceful meal until a local guardsman grabbed her own escort. She leapt out of the cafe and used her own earthbending to move herself quickly towards the scuffle. As well as the rest of her guard regiment. Meanwhile, Miyuki paid for their meal and followed them out. Her guards took defensive poses. Small pointed rocks orbiting a half while flaming daggers were in the hands of the others. "You there, by the Orders of the Governess of Yu Dao, release my guard or you will be scrubbing the stables for the rest of your career."

She stood ready, her spiked meteor hammer in full rotation at her side. Miyuki joined her and added, "You really should just stop before this gets worse for you. We were invited by Fire Lord Azula for the Coronation, if you wish to remove us, speak to her." She then lights a small fire in her hand.

[Esselman]

(Image)

******** ********
The servant speed walked as fast as she could, the Fire Lord demanded that she did. She was looking for a personal friend of the Fire Lord, a woman named Mai, and she would perform the task of summoning her to the best of her ability. She was young, her family had served the Royal Families for a couple generations and she was following in those foot steps. Wearing a traditional, yet vibrant red Kimono for the ceremony, she tried to ensure that her clothes were not dirtied in any way. Her face was pure white, courtesy of powder, her lips were bright red to match her garment, and her long hair held a single flower facing the side of her head.

She was a servant, and thus not allowed to look at anyone of this class straight in the eye without first being allowed too. She had to always face the ground and be prepared to bow, it was tiring but she was happy to do it. She would do quick glances to see if she was going the right way. She couldn't find Mai however and feared that Azula would be angered at her if she took too long, she was demanding like that. Luckily, she found Yoto.

Yoto was standing around, wearing a Kimono dress, but as supervisor of the female servants she was well respected. She was middle aged, with more than a few grey strands showing, but it fit well with the motherly persona she held. The servant walked up to her and Yoto grabbed her hands, "What's wrong Vikonna?"

"I'm looking for the Governor of Xin, do you know where she might be?" Vikonna asked truthfully.

"Hmm." Yoto scanned the room around her, trying to remember the last place she might of seen her. "Let me think... oh yes, I believe I saw her nearing the 'Love Amongst the Dragon' performance I believe."

"Oh thank you Yoto." Vikanno bowed with haste.

"No problem". Yoto replied with a smile with a smile and a bow.

Vikanno took off,looking for the performance. With a little luck, she saw the performance and used that as a guide to look around. The two leads, Noren and Noriko, chosen personally by the Director of the Ceremony as they wowed him with their acting in their little city of Hira'a , were in the middle of the climatic kiss of the play. As Vikanno looked around she saw Mai in the corner of the play, guarded by two men. Mai was feigning interest, not really caring for what was going on. Vikanno approached her and bowed to the ground, "Esteemed Governor, the Fire Lord would like an audience with you."

Esteemed governor? thought Mai, her eyes looking around before slowly coming to the realization that it was her. Moving one of the soldiers away from her she noticed the woman who called her, seemingly frantic, she decided to nod in agreement.

"The Fire Lord? What an honor," she responded plainly as always.

Being the governor of the Hu Xin provinces hadn't fully set in, she had only been somewhat recently appointed by Azula anyhow, and still felt to how she felt in this moment. That at any time Azula would yell for her name and she'd be back to being a bit of a sidekick for the princess. Though hopefully with a new title she wouldn't act like the little princess she always had been. Her guards followed closely, though they were no fancy firebenders, they would do, no need to parade around with an entourage as if any of the people present were going to be deemed more important than Azula herself. By now they approached large doors no doubt leading to her old friend.

[G-Tech Corporation]

Inner Samctum, Court of the Flame, Home Island
Birds of a Feather

As a disheveled man burst through the thin ring of bureaucrats, military men, and guild masters that surrounded the lord of Ha-Harothoth, Commander Makka's eyebrows drew together precipitously. His guards immediately stepped forward to apprehend the man, but just before they laid hands on him, the wild-eyed scientist babbled out his name; Gaman. A flicker of memory from reports on affairs at court stirred in the governor's mind, and with a barely perceptible motion of his hand the soldiers arrested their motions towards the bedraggled intellectual.

"The opportunity of a lifetime, Doctor?" Makka smiled conspiratorially, a politician's trick of drawing in even those they didn't know as if sharing a secret. Though he couldn't exactly remember the man's forte, the scientists of the capital had many and varied interests. Any knowledge was good knowledge, as the Kharbarinth's researchers often asserted.

With a gentle hand placed on the scientist's elbow, Makka nodded to his second, Sarkar, to make excuses to the many social equals ringed about the ruler of the Steel City. Guiding the eccentric away in to a less populated part of the courtyard, he nodded, face taking on a more serious mien.

"I am always interested to hear the ideas of men of science."

[Yuzhou]

102 AG
Southern Union of Tribes

Chono Usvak

Chief Chono took a deep breath of the frigid air as he stepped out onto his balcony in the newly built palace. The purely cold wind stung the side of his face as it dashed by. There was no greater feeling to him in the world. The cold was clean and awake, it made warmth more comfortable and strength stronger. But he knew from his past that the cold could only be enjoyed if one could easily escape it.

Out across from him sat the southern capital. A dense city of both wood in ice, where one could find buildings of both round and square shape. Built by both northern and southern hands, the city stood as a testament to resilience and survival. The thick walls of ice ringing the outer edge was proof of a dark and dreary past. Chono had been a part of that past.

He came to his balcony often to look across the city. It was one way he thought and cleared his head. These days, he found himself looking across the vast distance of the frozen wastes beyond the walls, or the dark sea beyond the harbor, more and more. The chieftain gave a sigh as he rested against the icy railing. Had he not the right to stand out on this balcony as much as he wanted?
It was his balcony, his palace, his capital and he had been the one selected by the other chieftains to run it.

In truth though, he often wondered whether he took the job to control them, or they elected someone they could control. There was after all, little reason to elect him of all people. Sure, his father had been chief of his own tribe, and he himself had been one of the last remaining southern waterbenders alive. In fact, he could only recall another that wasn't imprisoned. Hakoda's daughter. But, he had been told they found others like him.

The greatest stress that gnawed at him was that he was getting older, thus far four sets of ten and an extra five years to his life, and that he would have to lead his newly built nation through troubled times. Only a fool would believe that brat Azula will keep the truce for long. War is coming, and it will turn to snows to ash once again.

Preparing has been the top priority since his election, and he had been devoting much to ensuring they were ready. Firstly he saw that the defenses of the capital would be ready in the event of attack. Secondly, he placed Hakoda as warchief, so that the man's inventiveness and experience could be put to good use. Thirdly, he had trained with master Pakku after his rescue from the barren wastes to restore much of his bending skill lost during his isolation. He was powerful before, but now he could do much more with his ability. Still, something was holding his progression back greatly, and the search for it continues.
The dire hope is that he will find out before the Fire Nation attacks.

[Neadar]

She was shaking. Her body quivered at even the slightest touch of air that brushed against her exposed skin. The cold had overwhelmed her in its icy grip. She tried to move her legs but her boots were firmly frozen in place, the inner fur lining quickly losing to the fridges damp snow and her cotton, cream colored tights were moist and bruised her feet and legs. Her fingers twitched ever so slightly but her long thick gloves had been soak through and her palms stung with every movement. Her coat was torn exposing her much thinner shirt and skirt to the near Arctic winds.

She was going to die here. There was nothing to be done for it, the fall had taken her a great distance but the mountains were still well above ground level and the air was incredibly thin. She was light headed and even the attempt to move her neck caused her skull to throb against her temples. Soon she would freeze to death, a cold, painful, and then numbing death. Her mind slowly faded from the blinding white powder that whipped across her face to the empty darkness of eternity.

Kalthmar felt the young woman shiver against his arms. He closed them tightly against her breasts and she pulled closer to him his body filling the warmth that she had lack all those years ago. It had been hard for them when they first made the pilgrimage to this place. The road had been long and cold, many had died to the fridged winter and even more to starvation. Many had abandoned the exodus entirely and became the bandits of the north, pillaging and plundering all who passed. But for those who made it here, great wealth and freedom lay. For them this hell would become a salvation. For many of them it was the first taste of freedom and dignity they had ever had. For others, it would be their death.

-------------

Kalthmar stepped out across the upper balcony of the Court District, he looked out over the railing of marble at the glistening city below. The buildings had been forged into the mountain itself and glowed a low white in the fall sun light. Between the great spires ran a number of large boulevards and walkways for travel and commerce. Fat merchants sitting in their chairs growing rich from the acquisition of trade and commerce. He stepped past the guards clad in Crimson and gold, their heavy shields in their left hand and long spears in their right. Both of the veterans of countless battles, both of them friends of his past.

"Kalthmar," the voice called from just beyond the door, "how are you my old friend?" His hand grabbed his and slammed him against his body in a great hug.

"I am well Horran," he said breaking away and looking at the Primarchs grin, "but it has been too long since I last had to opportunity to grace your halls".

Horran laughed heartily and said, "and indulge in one of my feasts," he grabbed Kalthmar by the arm and led him through the room. "So tell me, how is your wife"?

"She is well," he said, "in fact she is to be tested this afternoon at the University".

"That is excellent knees, I am sure she will do well she has always been very talented", he lead them to a couple of dark wooden chairs and they sat down, "and what of your son"?

Kalmarth looked down before speaking," he has started his Initiation... I know it is our custom but none the less I still worry".

Horran placed his hand upon his shoulder, "Malik is a strong boy, he will do well trust me". He sat back in his chair, "do you remember our first time in battle together. It was against the Alkians, they had sent a raiding party against us. Remember the massive ram they brought with them and how they struggled to bring it up the mountain side. Do you remember the thrill you felt as you stood there with me side by side, our shields interlocked on the front lines with the other men? Do you remember when the benders first struck at us with the rocks and quacks and how they shattered uselessly against out shields and phalanx? Right now, you son is experiencing real combat for the first time. Plunged naked and cold into the mountains with his orders, come back with its head or not at all. Your son will make a great man soon, it is just a matter of time".

"Thank you Horran," he said sitting up right, "but you did not call me here for small talk. What is it that I can do for you"?

"It has happened Kalmarth, just as the Oracle said it would".

"What do you mean," he ask leaning forward?

"I have seen it my good friend, a vision that is the answer to everything," he paused, "I know where it is".

"It," he asked looking confused, "you can not mean"?

"Yes," he said excitedly, "Furies Banishing. With it I can finally claim my rightful place as the Lord Primarch of all Sturnguard". He grabbed Horrans head and brought it close to his own kissing him on the forehead, "Horran... You will march on the city of Telthia and retrieve it for us".

[Jaslandia]

Buoshu Honging
Earth Kingdom Royal Palace, Ba Sing Se

Not long after President Honging met with his cabinet, word arrived from Ba Sing Se of a grand conference being held there, and the Republic of Jinzhan was invited to attend. Originally, it had been planned for General Muo and Foreign Minister Gon to go to Ba Sing Se to meet with the Grand Secretariat, but when news of the conference arrived, Buoshu Honging arranged for himself to attend the conference along with Muo and Gon, as Honging was eager to introduce himself to the world. In Honging’s absence, Chairman of the Legislative Council Liu Yang was left in charge.

Now, after a journey south, the delegation of three arrived at the royal palace with their staff and bodyguards. Honging and Gon, who had never so many grand and beautiful buildings in one place, held their mouths open in amazement. Muo, however, seemed unfazed; not only did his years in the army teach him to be stoic, but Muo actually had experience with Ba Sing Se; he had served not only in the drill attack of Ba Sing Se, but he also served in 600-day siege of Ba Sing Se, where he lost two of his brothers. That experience was a turning point for Muo, and ever since then, he had his doubts and skepticism about the Fire Nation’s actions, and which became full-blown disgust when Muo was purged by Azula. Needless to say, it felt odd for Muo to return to Ba Sing Se not as a conquering soldier, but as a diplomat meeting with other states Muo once dreamed of subjugating.

The Jinzhan delegation were soon escorted inside the main palace by the guards, and led to a conference room. Inside were King Bumi and the Omashu delegation. "Your Majesty," President Honging said as he bowed before King Bumi. "I am Buoshu Honging, President of the Republic of Jinzhan. Before I came to Jinzhan, I was a mid-level civil servant in your government, so it is truly an honor to meet you. This is my Foreign Minister Gon, and my military commander General Muo." Gon and Muo lightly bowed before the King.

[North America Inc]

Kori Morishita
Fire Nation Capital

As one of her guards was entertaining a few of the local children as Kori and Miyuki ate at a cafe before the ceremony. It was a peaceful meal until a local guardsman grabbed her own escort. She leapt out of the cafe and used her own earthbending to move herself quickly towards the scuffle. As well as the rest of her guard regiment. Meanwhile, Miyuki paid for their meal and followed them out. Her guards took defensive poses. Small pointed rocks orbiting a half while flaming daggers were in the hands of the others. "You there, by the Orders of the Governess of Yu Dao, release my guard or you will be scrubbing the stables for the rest of your career."

She stood ready, her spiked meteor hammer in full rotation at her side. Miyuki joined her and added, "You really should just stop before this gets worse for you. We were invited by Fire Lord Azula for the Coronation, if you wish to remove us, speak to her." She then lights a small fire in her hand.

He turned to face her, noting that she was another Earth-bender, "My, my what do we have here?" Odik pushed the guard to the ground, seeing the small posse that was gathering around him. "I am an agent of the Kempeitai..." Odik pulled out a small scroll with the mark of the agency, "I can detain anyone that I believe is a threat to the Fire Nation's security. I am loyal to Fire Lord Azula above all else, now tell me governor why are you and your men earth-bending in my city?"

Inner Samctum, Court of the Flame, Home Island
Birds of a Feather

As a disheveled man burst through the thin ring of bureaucrats, military men, and guild masters that surrounded the lord of Ha-Harothoth, Commander Makka's eyebrows drew together precipitously. His guards immediately stepped forward to apprehend the man, but just before they laid hands on him, the wild-eyed scientist babbled out his name; Gaman. A flicker of memory from reports on affairs at court stirred in the governor's mind, and with a barely perceptible motion of his hand the soldiers arrested their motions towards the bedraggled intellectual.

"The opportunity of a lifetime, Doctor?" Makka smiled conspiratorially, a politician's trick of drawing in even those they didn't know as if sharing a secret. Though he couldn't exactly remember the man's forte, the scientists of the capital had many and varied interests. Any knowledge was good knowledge, as the Kharbarinth's researchers often asserted.

With a gentle hand placed on the scientist's elbow, Makka nodded to his second, Sarkar, to make excuses to the many social equals ringed about the ruler of the Steel City. Guiding the eccentric away in to a less populated part of the courtyard, he nodded, face taking on a more serious mien.

"I am always interested to hear the ideas of men of science."

Gaman smiled a small grin at the emotionless guards, almost to show off that he was able to make it through their 'VIP'. As they approached the courtyard, the sun still hanging high and the ceremony still an hour away, Gaman waltzed his way to Makka's center view. He certainly had his odd mannerisms, were they an act or something else entirely was something that even Gaman didn't even know. Twirling the little stubs under his neck, "Well Commander, I have a few propositions that I would like to shoot by you, to see if you would be...."

Gaman trailed off, looking around the courtyard, confused for a second. "Pardon me for a second..." Gaman began to shout with almost a shrill, "Riko get over here KNOW!" The whole courtyard turned the face the two men, before going back to their own mundane conversations. Nothing moved for a second until, from a far door to the right of the men, a young woman rushed over to them. Riko, while dressed in a kimono like all other female servants was not covered in powder, bowed herself to Makku before turning to face Gaman. "Yes, sir?"

"Oh good your here..." Gaman replied before going on about his plans, "So with your Iron CIty export being known for its mines I, we, were wondering if we could shoot some investments, NO, INNOVATIONS you were interested in investing." Holding a big smile, Gaman held himself unnaturally stiff.

"Its just you sir." Riko replied

"Of course it is..." Gaman held the smile for another five seconds before continuing, "My Venture Company, I coined the term myself... I think, was interested in helping the future war effort and we believe your Iron City was the key!"

"Steel City, sir."

"Ah yes, your Bessemer City is the KEY!" He wrapped his left arm around Makku and extended the other to the sky, "Our third generation tanks still rely on old, combustible engines...imagine with the power of electricity what they could do. Or,or, or I was thinking of a quick moving vehicle that moved on a track from point A to point B, no sir, when I went to Ba Sing Se this last year I came up with the idea. They use their earth-benders, my invention will use SCIENCE to power itself. I call it...a roadrail. So what do you think Makku, old sport?"

Esteemed governor? thought Mai, her eyes looking around before slowly coming to the realization that it was her. Moving one of the soldiers away from her she noticed the woman who called her, seemingly frantic, she decided to nod in agreement.

"The Fire Lord? What an honor," she responded plainly as always.

Being the governor of the Hu Xin provinces hadn't fully set in, she had only been somewhat recently appointed by Azula anyhow, and still felt to how she felt in this moment. That at any time Azula would yell for her name and she'd be back to being a bit of a sidekick for the princess. Though hopefully with a new title she wouldn't act like the little princess she always had been. Her guards followed closely, though they were no fancy firebenders, they would do, no need to parade around with an entourage as if any of the people present were going to be deemed more important than Azula herself. By now they approached large doors no doubt leading to her old friend.

Servant after servant were rushing to take care of Azula's many demanding and excessive needs, crowding even the rather large private quarters of the Fire Lord. Everything was expected to be perfect, and no one would dare fail her. Oddly minimalist in decoration, at least for Fire Nation standards, the room held many staples of the palace such memorabilia of numerous campaigns to a rather large portrait of the dead Fire Lord Ozai, Azula's father. Only the most keen observers would notice a small picture of the whole family, taken at a much peaceful and quieter time for the young woman's life.

Two Royal Procession Guards came out to escort Mai into the room, forcing her own personal entourage to stay put outside the door, each wearing the ceremonial red and white uniform of their position. As Mai walked through the door she would of seen Ty Lee laying the Fire Lord's bed, bored out of her mine waiting for the ceremony to hurry up and just happen already. To the left of the Ty Lee, however, would be Azula. Well Azula surrounded by an opulent and absurdly high mirror, and of course a whole plethora of young girls tailoring everything about her performance. Everything about Azula's appearance was perfect from the appliance of make up to the lack of any noticeable wrinkles on her long black robe. Wearing the ceremonial coronation attire, a traditional Fire Nation Military Uniform overlaid by a black robe that was held together by shoulder plating, everything looked as if everything was in place. Of course it wasn't enough for Azula.

"I see both locks of hair are not the correct and equivalent length." Azula said as the servant prepared to put the final touches on the Empresses' hair.

"They aren't...aren't the same length...ma'am?" The servant asked nervously, stuttering to get each word out.

"The lock on the left side is two centimeters longer than the one on the right, can you not see it?" Azula responded with her own brand of wittiness.

The servant looked at both and could now spot the difference between the two locks of hair, "Yes... I see Fire Lord."

"Then why did you not fix the glaring mistake, if you already saw it?"

"No, Fire Lord,...I meant...to say that..."

Another servant, applying Azula's vibrant scarlet lipstick, watching her friend's own indecisiveness was getting the best of her, responded with haste, "She meant to say, Fire Lord, that she notes the difference now."

"So I suppose you know what your friend was going to say through your own predilection?" Azula asked, slithering in the grass watching her prey.

"Yes, Fire Lord, I know my friend well. I know she might say the wrong words at times. It's an honest mistake"

"You know your friend well? How well?"

The other servant was a taken aback by the odd question, "Yes ma'am, I have known Kimi for many years."

"You know Kimi's mannerisms and general failures as a person, that is how you were able to predict her words?"

"Yes..."

"Then why if you were knew her as a person, knew her short comings, knew where should would falter, then why didn't you tell her that was going to fail at perfecting my hair? You should of seen it, you should of seen the signs...yet you didn't. Why is that?"

The servant was know the one struggling with her words, "Yes, but...No, no that's not what I meant..." She trailed off before being cut off by Azula.

"I am forced to come to two conclusions then: you were either too lazy to address the issue or it was done on purpose. You don't believe your Fire Lord deserves the best, you think she has to be stuck with a sub-par hair salonist... on the day of her coronation no less. Do you know how important this day is?"

"Yes, Fire Lord, it is very much important."

"Then why didn't you stop your friend from committing such a gregarious lapse in judgement?"

"It wasn't, it wasn't something I thought about."

"Do you know what all the important guests of this coronation would of thought, seeing their dear Fire Lord...groomed like a buffoon?"

I didn't mean...please forgive me Fire Lord. I failed you." By this time, the servant had fallen to the floor, with a few tears dripping from her eye.

"Oh very well. Since it is a special day, I will show mercy..." the servant breathed a sigh of relief, "You are banished, leave this palace immediately." Azula spoke with a little sadistic glee as she watched the guards escort the crying woman out of the room. The other servants had not done much in a while, they were stunned silent. "What are you looking at...." Azula demanded, "there is a coronation in a hour."

[Kuhlfros]

King Bumi of Omashu
Royal Palace of Ba Sing Se

Bumi giggled and nodded his head in recognition and respect towards the man greeting him before asking "Precedent? What precedent are you setting? A respectful and good man from Omashu? You have done that well."

He glanced over to General Muo and moved far quicker than anyone aside from Bumi's own attendants and guards could ever expect right in front of his face, eyebrow raised quizzically as he scanned the military man. He grinned crookedly "A firebender...excellent truly..." He cackled again and asked, "Tell me, is it true that Turtle Ducks are among the most fearless creatures of the Fire Nation?"

He spun back to President and grasped his hand, "We have much to discuss President of Jinzhan, but as fair warning, not many have as keen as eye and nose or mind as I, but it's best to keep the homeland and element of your general a secret." He grinned crookedly and snickered, "Some of the people here if they discover who he is might just get a little....heated" He snorted and cackled before saying, "Come with me President Honging, you and your people should walk with me for a time before the meeting starts...It's best you get the fresh air you know...all it will be in there is men yammering on in a hot room and arguing until they run out of air...and all of them seem to sit away from me." He pouted before his tone turned serious, "This war has turned people of the Earth Kingdom's minds against what their true nation is, they no longer wait and listen..."

[Nuxipal]

Kori Morishita
Fire Nation Capital

"Your city? YOUR CITY?" Kori was mad, "My family lived as nobility in this city before your family crawled its way onto dry land. My family has been loyal to the Fire Nation for centuries and was rewarded with a governorship over the FIRST colony. I would dare say that this is MY City before it is your city." Kori looked very angry. Miyuki added, "We are here on invitation by the Fire Lord herself." She presented two invitations with permission for guard escorts. "In Yu Dao, we aren't as biased against other bending types so long as they are loyal to the Fire Nation. Each and every person in Yu Dao is a loyal Fire Nation Citizen. Now, if you don't mind, move aside and release this lady's guard so we can be on our way to the coronation."

[La Cancion de Guerra]

Protectorate of Gaoling, Southern Earth Kingdom

General Gao Ho Pok, of the Kingdom of Si Wong, had walked up to the City Hall like building in Gaoling. Though he was wearing regular clothing, his face was at least somewhat recognizable. The guards did not care for Xin Fu's open door policy, but had to adhere to it for now and allowed the general inside the premises.

Inside the council room Xin Fu was with The Boulder as they were traveling together earlier. In the room a citizen was making a formal complaint to the council who was out of session currently.

"You can't just move my shop! I don't even like these tournaments!" argued the man waving a paper around.

"I understand but such is the new way of Gaoling, we have to give the people what they wish. This is what is best, I can assure you that much." he responded, looking over the man's shoulder.

"As you'll see a line is forming. If you'd like further action please file a report and the council will address it during the next monthly meeting." Xin Fu said waving his hand as if to shoo the man.

"Monthly!" he complained as a Council Guard, dressed similarly to that of an Earthbending soldier but with a white under mesh.

"Ahem, we have a visitor from the Kingdom of Si Wong to speak with you Head Councilmen" announced the soldier who bowed and then stepped back towards the door, not leaving.

"Si Wong? What business do we have?" asked Xin Fu a bit nicely but also gruntled in tone.

[Ironsbad]

Protectorate of Gaoling, Southern Earth Kingdom

General Gao Ho Pok, of the Kingdom of Si Wong, had walked up to the City Hall like building in Gaoling. Though he was wearing regular clothing, his face was at least somewhat recognizable. The guards did not care for Xin Fu's open door policy, but had to adhere to it for now and allowed the general inside the premises.

Inside the council room Xin Fu was with The Boulder as they were traveling together earlier. In the room a citizen was making a formal complaint to the council who was out of session currently.

"You can't just move my shop! I don't even like these tournaments!" argued the man waving a paper around.

"I understand but such is the new way of Gaoling, we have to give the people what they wish. This is what is best, I can assure you that much." he responded, looking over the man's shoulder.

"As you'll see a line is forming. If you'd like further action please file a report and the council will address it during the next monthly meeting." Xin Fu said waving his hand as if to shoo the man.

"Monthly!" he complained as a Council Guard, dressed similarly to that of an Earthbending soldier but with a white under mesh.

"Ahem, we have a visitor from the Kingdom of Si Wong to speak with you Head Councilmen" announced the soldier who bowed and then stepped back towards the door, not leaving.

"Si Wong? What business do we have?" asked Xin Fu a bit nicely but also gruntled in tone.

The guard allowed the General and his representative of the Court inside the Council room. When Gao took a look at Xin Fu and was started to get excited," by the spirits! It's Xin Fu and the Boulder of the Earth Rumble Tournament! Man this is a bit of dream..." The representative did a stern cough and he stopped in place. "Right, back on track."

He extends his hand, "my name is General Gao Ho Pok of the Kingdom of Si Wong. I'm also the Earth Kingdom's foremost expert in Sand Bending and Desert fighting. I come as a diplomat of the Desert Kingdom and a personal fan of the Earth Rumble Tournament, been there since you were just a fighter Xin Fu. Now, the reason why I'm talking to you is that Si Wong will like to have an alliance and common trade between us. Within this year alone, we will be expanding our state mining network and are looking to export to try and fund our economy and help build some relations. I think you know how it is, what we like to import from you is water to try and help build infrastructure and boost population. That sounds fair so far?"

[La Cancion de Guerra]

Gaoling, Earth Kingdom
"Water, yes, that us doable." said Xin Fu, perking up at the mention of his prized Rumble Tournaments.

"The Boulder concurs!" chimed in Boulder as he flexed an arm briefly

"And what would the prized Gaoling receive from this deal? We have little need for resources and raw materials, but sandbenders... that sounds promising." smiled Xin Fu as a small smile crept across his face as the words left him

"Perhaps soldiers shall be here to participate in the tournaments and protect our construction of docks in the future. Not to mention protecting the shipments you so desire," he continued on.

"If we have a deal, I think we can begin productions as soon as possible. By two months time our trade relations will be perfect."

Arriving in Ba Sing Se

Lao and Toph Beifong, arrived to the illustrious city of Ba Sing Se. Though Toph had never been before, Lao had been multiple times on business and even once lived there as a young child.

"Toph, you are to stay with me or the security detail at all times. Though Ba Sing Se is by far the safest place of the Earth Kingdom," Lao said as if he were a tour guide. Toph only nodded, wanting to go off on her own but deciding to listen since he was there with her.

Arriving upon the Royal Palace they spoke to a guard who allowed the Beifong family inside quickly. The Earth King will no doubt be looking for all the delegates sent to Ba Sing Se and hopefully they would not be arriving late.