ATLA, In A Darker World

Chapter 21 Wrong Choice

The sun shone high in the sky, while down below on a prison rig of the Fire Nation, clear chaos had erupted.

Large rocks shot towards the metal structure, causing widespread devastation wherever they landed.

Fire Nation soldiers screamed, with those capable of bending shooting flames at the massive rocks in an attempt to destroy them before they landed.

Others who couldn't, took to their heels and ran for cover.

“Oh my spirits .......”. A running Fire navy officer turned his head briefly only to see a large shoulder fall over him. He exclaimed, only finishing his words halfway before he was squashed by a giant rock.

Facing the unexpected attack of the earthbenders, no one was prepared hence the chaos that unfolded.

“Retreat. Get to your stations ......”. Warden Jin yelled while shooting a stream of fire at an incoming rock.

“Everyone, take cover inside the rig. That's an order”. The Warden yelled at the top of the lungs while backing away at a rapid pace.

Anyone who paid attention to his actions would see that he began retreating long before he gave the order.

His actions clearly represented his cowardly nature and his goal to keep himself from harm's way.

“Abandon the catapults. Secure the rig, defend the entrance. Don't let those boulder bouncers get inside”.

Hearing the words of the warden, the soldiers immediately abandoned their siege weapons and began retreating immediately.

The four captured ships docked at the shipyard, following which the invaders rushed out to press their advantage.

Fire Nation soldiers who hadn't retreated in time had no choice but to be entangled with the militia who comprised not just of Earthbenders but also regular people and skilled fighters as well

However, due to the overall retreat, the soldiers of the Fire nation were just too few. Facing the numerous invaders, the few who hadn't retreated were quickly subdued, defeated or outright killed.

Blood was spilled as earth and fire were tossed in all directions.

“Ugh ..... Argh!” A firebender groaned in pain as his body was enveloped with stone. Each one pressing against his bones and weighing heavily upon him.

With his hands and feet subdued, the Firebender had already lost his ability to resist as only his head remained out of the Earth trap.

In the distance, Haru could be seen with his center of gravity lowered while assuming a bending posture.

His two hands were outstretched, one several inches in front of the other as his palms tightened into fists. The stronger his grip, the tighter the rocks on the subdued fire bender.

Haru's actions were meant to incapacitate the enemy until he could no longer pose any threat even if he was released from his bindings.

Crack! Crack?

“Arghhh!” The sound of breaking bones resounded followed by the soldiers screams. Haru continued with a cold face.

'I'm sorry ..... But this is the best I can do'.

Years of suffering were fully vented during the initial prison break. Now, his goals were much bigger than simply freeing his people.

His father, Tyro had clearly stated their purpose before they came here. To put an end to this prison's operations for good.

The Mo Ce Sea Prison rig wasn't just a place to imprison earthbenders. Instead, it was a strategical location that held great importance to the fire nation itself.