Avatar: Lingering Tensions

Chapter 24: Remnant's Last Stand Part 1

Ozai has been defeated, yet again at Kecca. Still, word hasn't yet spread to the invasion force at the Fire Nation Capital. Not that it would matter, they will fight on regardless knowing that things can only end in two ways victory or death. Most of them believe that if they fight relentlessly, they will have done their job. Afterall, this battle is bigger than any one of them.

This fight, to the members of the Remnant is more about legacy, revenge, and glory. If they fail, then at least they can say they fought valiantly which is expected of a warrior. But for the national forces defending, the fight is very different. They also are unaware of the outcome of Aang's battle but, many have faith that he won. All they known is what is at stake; their homes, the people their family, and innocent civilians are counting on them to keep their capital intact amidst the chaos.

So, while both sides fight for different reasons, one result remains. The blood and corpses of Fire Nation descendants flows through the heart of what was once a bitter empire all in the conflict that will decide what image this nation will continue to live with for generations to come. Will it be known for change, perseverance, and new ideas or will it be remembered for domination, power, and wrath as it has for the last three generations.

On the island of Kecca, the answer seems obvious but perhaps it isn't. Aang has decided to not intervene in the remainder of this conflict. While his mind could always change, he alone can't change the mind of the people of this country. If the Remnant wins, then Aang putting it down will just lead to more issues further down the line. Because of this, the stakes are still massive and the battle at this stage seems uncertain.

Night fall hits and the sky over the city looks pitch black but orange flickers of light buzz through it as they make a twirling sound before they clash with buildings or the ground below. Smoke pumps in the air, though barely recognizable due to the intense darkness outside. The moon is hardly perceivable as only an 8th of it lights the sky. Wind from explosions knocks several lanterns out darkening several portions of the city.

Residents hide in their room, under their tables, and in other places of shelter as they pray for the bombardments to cease. The streets are filled with the foul smell of burning rubble and flesh. Perhaps even worse, is the fact that being within the city for a couple of hours is enough for people to have become somewhat numb of the stench.

Deep within the center of the municipality, Commander Macai and Princess Azula boldly take on Remnant forces. A few feet behind them are two army swordsmen, a spear warrior, and a firebender. Macai looks ahead cautiously as a seven-foot-tall bald man with dark skin, brown eyes, a massive yet long hammer, and thick battle armor charges after him. The brute swings down vertically at the commander's head, "Beeeeeerrrrrraaaaaahhhhhhhaaaaaah!!'

The twenty-one-year-old young man rolls right then leaps in the air, brightens his right foot with white fire, and pops the man in his ear drum. The heavy trooper's ear does beyond the ringing faze, as Macai's white fire immediately bust it altogether and he unintentionally makes him half deaf. The man turns in even greater rage and lunges at the officer with a horizontal sweeping strike.

Macai rolls yet swiftly springs back up but this heavy trooper is fast and meets him face to face. Macai rolls his eyes in annoyance as the man swings down again at his face. The officer leaps back as the vanguard lunges forward and swings at him again. Macai leaps back a second time but this time he jumps further due to the length of the attack.

The commander pops two flames into the man's arms but that doesn't stop him. Macai follows up by kicking a flame from his right leg into the man's knee and continues by spinning forward and pushing a beam of flames into the man's stomach. The brute flies several feet back before he crushes a rebel swordsman behind him.