Avatar: Lingering Tensions

Chapter 15: The Bronze Table

It is a muggy day. The sky is yellow and a few thin white clouds float about. Multiple soldiers proudly march around Zenego in brown boots and their classic red and brown Remnant uniforms. Unlike the 31st forces during the Hundred Year War, Remnant warriors do not wear masks. Instead, they have helmets that dome their heads but leave their faces uncovered.

In the past, masks were often used to instill fear in enemy forces and to force the troops to assimilate. But they became an unnecessary extra provision to many Remnant officers when the war ended. Deep within a wide brick building, Ozai sits in his new throne room. It is a dark, bleak, and multiple scattered torches give it some light. The ousted Firelord didn't waste a lot of time decorating it, but a few pictures of past warriors were mounted on the walls.

His new seat is silver, making it bright than much of the area around him. He often would read books about war, power, and manipulation in his past. But now, things are different. Having learned almost everything there is to learn in those areas, his attention has shifted. Two Remnant troopers kneel before him and hand Ozai background information pertaining to Avatar Aang and his team.

Ozai specifically reads information about his lover Katara, he circles her picture. But he also reads about his relationship with Zuko, Toph, and Sokka. Ozai reads about each character's relationship with each other as well. Ronin steps in the room. Ozai glances at him. Ronin salutes Ozai, "Sir."

Ozai: "I haven't requested you."

Ronin: "I know sir. But I just wanted to make sure I understood your war strategy. We need to be prepared if we want to make a dent in our enemies. With your might, we could take the Capital next. Once you kick Zuko off his throne, thousands more will rally to our cause."

Ozai dismisses the soldier's gesture, "No! Ronin, I admire your loyalty and ambition. But I have my own plans and the members of the Remnant must follow MY WILL."

Ronin: "Your majesty, the Capital defenses are weak. We can take them."

Ozai: "I care not about if we can take them. I said go!"

Ronin: "But surely for my loyalty, will you explain to me what we are waiting for?"

Ozai: "You surely have gotten bold."

Ronin: "We put everything on the line for you sir. But we've been waiting for weeks now. Training with no update on our direction. And as we speak, Hepeski continues his search for us."

Ozai stands up, "Don't worry about him, I'll handle him. But if were not for your contributions, I wouldn't be so kind to you." Ronin kneels. Ozai: "Rise." Ronin stands up. Ozai: "If we attack now, our victory is guaranteed over my people. I'm not worried about them. I've ruled my nation much longer than Zuko, I understand how it works. I know how the people think, their weaknesses, and how to control them."

Ozai continues, "I ruled with an iron fist, until that Avatar stopped me. And if I take over again, he will always be there. As long as he lives, what I have will be compromised. If we get too comfortable, he will strike when we least expect and take everything away from me again. If we wish to win this war,I must win. And if I am to win, I need my subjects to be completely obedient trusting in my will. Think of the Remnant as a body, you are all like cells and I am the brain. The body cannot function unless we move in unison."

Ronin nods, "I see."

Ozai: "If we are to kill Aang, then we must strike him in a vital organ. The Avatar is hard to beat in a direct fight, not because of his skill. But because of his cursed Avatar state. When fighting him like that, I'm fighting every Avatar before him. Even with my powers restored, I don't have that kind of help. If I want to win, I'll need to take that away from him. Just as he took my bending away."