Azula's Bodyguard

Chapter 6: Turning Point

(Shino's pov)

95 AG, Ba Sing Se, day 427 of the siege

So far this year has turned out very bad for us. It has been almost two hundred days since the last major offensive and we have only been pushed back. Our army still controls a major part of the city but we are only losing territory instead of gaining any. Some soldiers are saying that the siege is lost and that we are only extending it to weaken the enemy. Others are saying that general Iroh is waiting for reinforcements. Whatever it is the situation is grim and moral is low. Yet many soldiers are still willing to give their lives for the empire. At the moment my company is stationed in a abandoned house. Our orders are simple, hold the line and don't let the enemy push you back. That's easier said than done. Especially since Hori our officer is still missing, half of the men in our company are replaced with recruits straight out of boot camp and the line is spread thin which makes it easier for the enemy to outflank us. I am currently sitting next to Manzo watching the flank to see if there is any enemy movement.

"Do you see anything?"

Manzo: "Not a goddamn thing. We have been sitting here for hours, I am starting to lose my patience."

"There is not much else that we can do apart from sitting and waiting."

Manzo: "We should be advancing instead of sitting on our asses all day waiting for something to happen."

Kaoru comes our way and leans against the wall trying to join in on the conversation.

Kaoru: "Then why don't we?"

He asks while eating a apple that has seen better days.

Manzo: "Then why don't we what?"

Kaoru: "Advance... do something instead of sitting here?"

Manzo turns towards Kaoru looking slightly annoyed.

Manzo: "I am not sure if you have been paying any attention but we have had a lack of literally everything. Advancing now would be a death sentence and the generals know it."

Kaoru: "Isn't being in this city already a death sentence?"

Manzo: "Stop being a wise-ass, and what are you even eating?! That apple looks disgusting. Stop eating it before you get sick."

Kaoru: "Look, I am hungry and when I am hungry I don't pay much attention to how it looks."

"To be honest I am starving too."

Manzo: "Hopefully soon we get relieved so that we can get something better to eat."

"That's what worries me, it's hard to fight on a empty stomach."

Manzo: "I am hungry too but there is not much I can do about it right now. Just have some patience."

Kaoru and the other soldiers return to their position while me and Manzo keep looking at the line for what feels like hours. I have trouble keeping my eyes open and staring at the same spot until Manzo notices something. He grabs his
binoculars and starts to scout the area.

Manzo: "They are coming this way! Everyone in position! Double time!"

Everyone starts to grab their weapons and armor. Me and Manzo put on our helmets. As everyone is getting into position a soldier next to me gets hit in the head with an arrow and falls on the ground. I look at him but there is nothing we can do, he is dead. We then hear lots of shouting and see hundreds of soldiers running our way.

Manzo: "Here they come!"

Kaoru: "I can't find my sword!"

"Here take mine!"