Avatar: Macai's Journey

Chapter 33: Willa Ambush

A lot has happened since Macai's victory at the Ember Mounds just a few weeks ago. Commander Zhao has been promoted to admiral after capturing the Avatar, who escaped yet again due to the interference of a mysterious Blue Spirit. The admiral set a trap and apparently killed the spirit.

In reality, Zuko pretended to be a spirit so he could prevent his rival from gaining victory over him by freeing the Avatar. Zhao eventually discovered this before he apparently killed the spirit. Zhao later discovered Zuko survived the encounter.

The admiral subsequently hired pirates to destroy the prince's ship, but Zuko managed to survive. Now a starving, wounded, and tired royal relentlessly hunts for the spiritual icon as Zhao prepares for one of the most important battles the war can offer.

Rosh waits outside of Macai's chamber in the halls of the Prompt Adjudicator. Rosh came to surprise his friend, but he quickly realizes Macai has been locked in his chamber longer than usual. He hears muttering from the room.

Macai slams open the door and marches ahead with Hazo. Rosh follows them. Macai turns around and hears his friend's footsteps. Rosh smiles, "Hey Macai, what's up my man?!"

Macai: "The Siege of the North is in motion! Admiral Zhao's forces are ready. Iroh agreed to be his supervisor after a team of pirates attacked the Prince's ship, killing him."

Rosh frowns, "Wait what?! Prince Zuko??"

Macai nods, "Apparently, Zuko is dead."

Rosh shakes his head, "Wow, maybe Azula will learn from this and change. Zuko was a good man, an underrated warrior. He went through so much." Rosh struggles tocome up with a sensible response.

Macai: "I know Rosh, I know. It's ok. We will AVENGE HIM."

Rosh asks, "Are we joining the siege?"

Macai: "Not exactly, but our attack will be pivotal to making it possible. Zhao's forces are going to let us strike first. We will hit the Willa Region. It is an arctic pathway that leads to the Northern Water Tribe. This pathway has been used by Eastern Water Tribe forces to assist and aid the Northern Water Tribe during their recent joint efforts. The Eastern Tribe can add supplies, weapons, and other things to assist Northern forces from the area."

Hazo adds, "We will need to shut the region down, to make things easier for our forces when they hit hostiles. This will allow Zhao's forces to wear the Water Tribe army down sooner."

Macai replies, "There is more. There is another smaller location called the Sulto region. It is located about forty miles west of the Northern Water Tribe. It could be used as an evacuation route for Northern Water Tribe forces or important figures such as Princess Yue. It links the Western and Northern Water Tribes."

Hazo: "Remember, the Western Water Tribe forces specialize at guerrilla warfare. They are great at running and hiding. We struggle to find them in the cold Western Water Tribe valleys and forests. They also have a decent amount of dangerous Waterbenders who can assist them."

Rosh asks, "So what are we going to do?"

Macai: "You're going to lead a small force with Kanna, Samira, Basin, and Kedo to hit the Sulto region. While Kett, Sonna, Dade, Desan, and will take on the Outer Willa forces."

Rosh: "How will I get there?"

Macai: "You will take a small, yet fast corvette called the Faded Avenger to loop around enemy forces. Once you make it ashore, you will take a small force and march up the Yinshu Mountain which is a three-day walk from the shoreline. After you make it there, you will move down across the mountain into the Willa valley. Stay there, then Fire Nation army forces will eventually reinforce you."