Roku. Research town near Gaoling.
"Check the bindings on the second balloon! And don't forget to inspect the fuel levels!" The loud, commanding voice of the chanist's wife echoed every few minutes.
"She deserves a raise!" Lao whispered with a chuckle. "She's been handling two jobs for so long, no matter how overworked she gets," he lanted. It's true—we couldn't find anyone to take even part of Rin's responsibilities. That wise woman had too many talents!
For the world to see the first steerable balloons, all necessary conditions had to be created. That's how the idea was born: to build a new town near Gaoling, with all the required infrastructure, where scientific research and developnt would take place. This way, students and teachers from Earth University could conduct their studies without traveling long distances.
As Lao once said, "The future belongs to innovation!" His words still carried a hint of hostility toward the Fire Nation—years of war and oppression aren't easily forgotten. Even knowing that in the near future, another version of himself would lead the Fire Nation didn't fully ease his mind. Well, at least I'm glad his efforts don't threaten my plans. Lao simply burns with the desire to show the world that the Earth Kingdom can produce geniuses and lead in technology.
Walking through the newly built town, I saw countless workers and students bustling around ten balloons. They were far from elegant—these hastily made airships were better suited for reconnaissance, as they couldn't reach decent speeds or carry much weight. But plans were already underway to create a full-fledged airship. Slowly, the world would open up to air travel.
"So, a small base is ready to service the balloons?" I asked, hearing important information from Lao. Limited fuel ant direct, nonstop flights to the Fire Nation islands weren't possible—a refueling stop was needed.
"Yes, the staging point is right by the coastline, a stone's throw from the archipelago. They'll decide when to take off from there," he smirked. From what I could tell, Lao would've gladly gone to bomb the Fire Nation himself, but his status and obligations prevented it. "I wonder what their faces will look like when they see our aerial marvel! By the way, your na is listed among the creators! Rin said you inspired her to build the balloon!" Lao happily patted my shoulder. "Let's keep walking. When else will I get to leave Ba Sing Se?" I didn't refuse my old friend. I know how much he does for the country and my plans.
"If only the Sages' people would cluster together nicely..." I thought with so optimism. That way, we could use our limited number of bombs more effectively.
*
Yu Dao. Mayor Morishita's Estate.
Watching the heroic back of the once-Great General, Mayor Morishita recalled a day from the past. As a young boy, he had watched Prince Iroh, still young himself, march off to assault the Earth Kingdom.
"Are you ready to return ho, Lord Iroh?" he quietly asked the brother of the Fire Lord.
"Yes," Iroh replied absentmindedly, seemingly still elsewhere. "Our people face a grave problem," he continued, snapping back to reality. "Ozai asked to gather as many forces as possible. I hope you won't mind watching over Prince Zuko, my old friend?" he turned to his companion, his face softening into a kind smile.
"Zuko can feel at ho here," the mayor chuckled, nodding toward the window. Outside, a well-tended garden lush with greenery was visible.
Near a small pond, Prince Zuko sat with the mayor's daughter, Kori. She was enthusiastically telling him sothing, their laughter ringing out occasionally. Only a blind person would miss the chemistry between them.
"To think how it all began..." Iroh smiled, recalling the battles Zuko and Kori had waged. Such different views on life, such different upbringings—so many differences between them. Perhaps that's why they grew so close? "Forgive , Zuko," he whispered to himself. The loss of Lu Ten had left a gaping hole in his soul. To cope, he wanted to see his nephew embody the aspirations of his lost son.
"You'll make proud, Father! The world will know the greatest Fire Lord Lu Ten!" his son had loved to say, and the old fool had rejoiced at his words... Better if he'd spent his life on pleasures, like most admirals' and generals' children, but he was here. By his side. Alive and healthy...
"I hope Zuko accepts Yu Dao as his new ho," Iroh thought, relieved. He knew all too well what a cesspool the capital truly was, and he didn't wish that fate on his dear nephew.
Soon, the young people noticed their elders, acting as if caught doing sothing improper. Still slightly embarrassed, they followed inside.
"Uncle, are you leaving already? Is it that bad?" Zuko asked, just entering. Of course, few didn't know what was happening on the islands. The withdrawal of troops from the Earth Kingdom borders already demonstrated the depth of the conflict.
"Don't worry, I'll return to Yu Dao soon, and we can travel again," he said, slyly glancing at the lost Zuko, who looked back at Kori. "Youth..." Iroh shook his head. "The lovely Kori can join us too," he added with a knowing smile. Zuko's pale cheeks flushed red, and Kori instinctively hid behind him.
"Yes, it'll be much more fun with three of us," Zuko nodded, inventing what he thought was a good excuse to agree. "Too bad I can't go with you! I'd show them my swordsmanship skills!" he clenched his fists. His parents had unanimously and firmly said "no" to his return.
"There will always be wars in the world. In your lifeti, you'll have your chance to fight," Iroh said.
"Master Wan said the sa thing," Zuko rolled his eyes. He hadn't hesitated to write to Wan, asking him to persuade his parents to change their minds, but in return, he received several pages filled with philosophical ramblings. "Then I hope you can protect Mom and Azula!" he said, his expression turning serious.
"You can count on ," Iroh replied just as seriously.
*
The Northern Water Tribe.
The war in the Fire Nation islands seed to affect everyone. I even considered joining it. For future cooperation between nations, the groundwork needed to be laid. Years of enmity left few good mories—building is better than destroying. So, I devised a relatively simple plan.
Using the spirits' limited ability to alter appearances, I wanted to participate directly on Ozai's side. What could be better than a representative of an oppressed people daring to co to the aid of their enemies? Especially if he actively used healing skills, saving soone's father, brother, or son. But the world didn't want to align with my wishes.
A week ago, in my office, I was handling routine paperwork. So docunts simply couldn't bypass , but it's quite pleasing that over ti, there are fewer and fewer of them. Midway through this "exciting" process, unexpected visitors arrived.
After knocking and waiting for my permission, the extrely serious Jong Jong and Pakku entered, accompanied by several other young n. Raising an eyebrow questioningly, I waited for them to speak.
"We ask the Chief's permission to go help the Fire Nation!" Jong Jong said directly, bowing low. The others repeated after him, remaining in a pleading posture.
My mind raced with countless thoughts and questions—none of them pleasant. The Order of the White Lotus's information network is starting to seriously concern . While in the city, I hadn't noticed anything suspicious, but how do they communicate with each other? Alongside the two masters of different elents stood several of the forr admiral's n, as well as a couple of promising young benders.
"You may raise your heads," I said, waving my hands, showing neither in my voice nor face my true emotions. "Overall, I know the situation in the archipelago," I continued. "But the Water Tribe can't afford to lose people," I added—compared to other nations, we truly are few. "Give ti to think," I concluded thoughtfully, making it clear the conversation was over.
"That's all we ask," Pakku bowed again.
Watching the guests' retreating backs, I began formulating a new plan. Of course, it's deeply disappointing that I couldn't find their communication channels, but it's sowhat comforting that the mbers of the secret order ca to ask for permission. They could have simply left to restore their "balance and order."
"Ozai has already been inford that the Order's forces will co to help," I thought, knowing the secret society includes different nations. He'll definitely be prepared to see water and earth benders.
A few days later, I inford Pakku and Jong Jong that I was ready to et them halfway. Only I would join them. They tried for a long ti to persuade to stay, but I remained firm. The effect would undoubtedly be much greater if the leader of the people fought tirelessly, side by side with those whose hands were stained with the blood of our brethren. And besides, I could act at full strength without hiding—what else would be expected of a Chief? Why go there at all if I'm weak?
Several more days passed in preparation for departure. The ship was packed to the brim with food and healing potions.
"Are we ready?" I asked Chay, Jong Jong's eternal right-hand man. Only a few of the admiral's n were sailing with us—not that the others didn't want to follow him, but he himself forbade them to join. The rest already had families here, so even had children. Jong Jong didn't want to expose the n who had been through fire and water with him to unnecessary danger.
"We can set sail," Chay nodded, giving the final orders.
The ship's sails bore the Order's symbol—a white lotus. We had to replace the old ones so our future allies wouldn't attack us.
None of the crew noticed the cold glint that flashed and disappeared in Yuki's eyes as he looked at the white lotus.
"Such independent organizations shouldn't exist," he thought, "unless they're under my complete control... It's ti to bring them into the light."
*
Fire Nation. Shu Jing.
"Honestly, I thought you'd wear the clothes sent by the Order of the White Lotus," said his constant assistant and friend, Fat.
"It wouldn't be entirely appropriate," Piandao shook his head, turning away from his old armor, which had served him faithfully for many years. Such models were no longer produced—in a way, they could be called collector's items. "The last ti I took them off was when I beca disillusioned with our nation's politics," he delved into mories of years past. "I thought I'd never wear them again..." Fat listened silently, giving his old friend the chance to relive those distant tis. "How's the gathering of Order mbers going?" he asked after a brief silence.
"Over a thousand people have already arrived at the base, about seventy percent of the entire military contingent," he reported quickly. "I think in the next few days, the percentage of arrivals will reach ninety. The Order understands the danger of the Sages' growing influence..."
"I hope Ozai doubles his vigilance tomorrow. After all, the Day of the Black Sun would be the perfect mont for an attack," Piandao muttered anxiously.
"They're unlikely to risk it. On the day of the Eclipse, they'll also lose their main weapon—firebending," Fat thought differently.
"Alright, keep coordinating with the Order. I'll contact my old army friends to find out Ozai's plans," Piandao said, glancing once more at the burgundy-colored armor. "Soon, you'll be bathed in foreign blood again..." But this ti, the enemies deserve to beco one with the earth once more.
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