Azula's Bodyguard

Chapter 7: It Is Over

(Shino's pov)

95 AG, Ba Sing Se, day 632 of the siege

It has been a few months since I returned back to my company. They were glad to see me back but that was the only positive thing that happened. We have been pushed back even further, so far that we only have a few kilometers of city left under our control. To make matters worse, me and Manzo have been summoned to the colonel's tent. He has something important to tell us which most likely won't be a good thing. Me and Manzo are waiting in front of the colonel's tent until we get permission to enter. A guard walks out of the tent.

Guard: "The colonel will see you now."

Me and Manzo enter the tent and see the colonel sit behind his desk writing on a piece of paper. We bow in respect before Manzo begins the speak.

Manzo: "You wanted to speak to us, sir?"

The colonel stops writing and looks at us.

Col. Mutsohito: "Yes, it is good that you two could be here in such short notice. I'm afraid I have some bad news. Prince Lu Ten was killed yesterday."

Me and Manzo are shocked by this news. The future crow prince is dead, this not only damages morale but the entire nation.

"How did that happen?"

I say a bit too loud but I have to know.

Col. Mutsohito: "He fought bravely with his company but unfortunately got badly injured in the fighting. He died of his wounds before they could treat him."

Manzo: "What now, sir? What about general Iroh?"

Col. Mutsohito: "After the general got word of his son's death he ordered to end the siege as soon as possible. He said that we lost too many men and resources and that there is no point to go on any longer."

"The siege is over?"

Col. Mutsohito: "Yes, a contract has been signed by the general himself which states that all military personal has to leave the city in two days at precisely 9 o'clock in morning. This has to be done as silent as possible and as quick as possible, to make sure that the enemy doesn't notice it until we are long gone."

Manzo: "Sir, there are still thousands of our men inside the city it will be difficult to get them out quietly."

Col. Mutsohito: "I don't care how the rest of the army gets out of the city but I want you two to make sure the remainder of my company gets out alive."

Manzo: "And go where, sir?"

Col. Mutsohito: "We retreat back to Azulon's line."

He places his finger on the map in front of him.

Col. Mutsohito: "I want to see you two and the rest of the company there by the end of the week."

Manzo: "It will be done, sir."

Col. Mutsohito: "It better be..."

The colonel gets up from his chair and putts on his coat.

Col. Mutsohito: "The remaining high ranking officers including myself are retreating today, so it's up to you two now."

Manzo & Shino: "Yes, sir. "

We leave the the tent.

"I can't believe that Lu Ten is dead."

Manzo: "He was brave for a prince to fight with his soldiers. But what I find harder to believe is that the siege is now truly over."

"Yeah.... it has been almost two years. All those deaths, all that time and energy feels wasted. Kaoru died for nothing."