《The Middle Child of the Fire》Book 1: Chapter 14
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"And that's why we need to stop Zhao."
Tadashi had explained everything he knew so far, from their journey to the spirit library to the pirate's death by his hands. He showed more remorse than he expected, though his Uncle usually had that effect on him. The whole time Iroh had been listening his face didn't change, nor did he speak out until Tadashi had completely finished talking.
"I understand, dealing with the spirits is a very dangerous matter. From what you've told me you already have a plan to stop Zhao so I'll remain by his side. I must say I had my suspicions but this is far beyond what I thought he was capable of."
Iroh seemed to contemplate things for several moments as Tadashi awkwardly waited for him to continue talking.
"As you know Zuko is on his own mission to capture the Avatar, what do you intend to do about that?"
Having been expecting the question for some time Tadashi didn't react to the question, but he couldn't help but feel bad that he was trying to take away the one thing that would allow his older brother to return to the Fire Nation.
"Nothing, for now."
"I see, very well."
Iroh walked off, his hands held together as he normally kept them, making his way to Zhao's private watch room before retiring to his quarters for the night.
The night went on, cold waves battling the heated shell of the Fire Nation warships. As the primary fighting force stayed quiet, waiting for the next day in the skirmish against the Northern defenders, another battle waged on between Zuko and Katara over the Avatar which was currently in the spirit world. Of course under the illuminating light of the moon the prince was outmatched, quickly overpowered and frozen to the wall.
"You rise with the moon. I rise with the sun." Zuko spoke with resolve as he broke out of his ice prison and charged Katara.
The Water Tribe girl was ready but under the warmth of the sun Zuko had the advantage. Her blasts of water were quickly countered by his fire and if it wasn't for a sudden explosion of snow he would have knocked her out.
"What?" Zuko cried out, unable to see anything around him.
Katara shared the same sentiment but acted nonetheless, using the snow in the air to create a wall of the substance and push it against Zuko who hit the wall and was quickly knocked out. As the snow in the air settled Katara gasped as she saw Sikumi with her hands ready to attack Zuko should he wake up.
"What are you doing here?" Katara asked, giving the meditating Aang a nervous glance.
"I'm here to stop Zhao!" Sikumi stated, not moving her eyes away from Zuko.
"You know Zhao? Wait….never mind, stop him from doing what?"
"He plans on killing the Moon Spirit!"
Sikumi then turned around and looked carefully at the room, taking time to observe Aang before noticing the two Koi fish that circled each other endlessly.
"How could he do that….and why?" Katara asked, her worry increasing with every word the other girl said.
"If he kills the moon spirit all Waterbenders will lose their ability to bend." Sikumi gave Katara a hard look, "Not only that but the rest of the world will also feel the effects of such an evil."
Katara didn't know whether she could believe such a claim but it sounded too horrible to be false. However all doubt vanished when she looked into Sikumi's eyes and saw the worry that gripped her soul.
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"Ok, I believe you. But how can we stop him?"
"This may sound crazy but I think the moon and ocean spirits are the two Koi fish here," Sikumi stated, pointing at the small pond.
"Is that possible?" Katara asked.
"I don't know," Sikumi admitted, "It was in something I read and my friends agree but it's the only thing that makes sense."
"We need to warn Aang!" Katara moved to shake the young air bender but knew it would have no effect.
"I guess we need to wait," Sikumi said, looking back towards Zuko who still laid unconscious.
Before another word could be said a huge sky bison descended from the open skies and Sokka, followed by the princess of the Northern Water Tribe, Yue, hopped down.
"What happened? Is that Zuko? And Sikumi, what are you doing here?" Sokka blurted out his questions with haste.
"He tried to take Aang." Katara stated, glancing at Sikumi who seemed full of energy despite her elaborate entrance, "She also came to warn us about Zhao's plan to kill the Moon spirit."
"That's horrible!" Princess Yue exclaimed as she looked towards the fallen firebender with interest.
"You know Zhao too?" Sokka asked, before slapping his forehead, "Of course you do, you're with the bad guys!"
As he said this Sokka looked at Sikumi with a nervous glare and positioned himself between the lone Waterbender and Princess Yue. Katara, one to pick up on her brother's small gestures, quickly stepped towards Sikumi in her defence.
"She came to help us!" Katara protested.
"Even so, what if she's really working for the Fire Nation…" he said, receiving a confused glare from Katara, "You know, more than we think!"
"Well I trust her and she hasn't done anything to hurt Aang, in fact without her help Zuko would have beaten me and taken him." She admitted, matching her brother's glare.
Sokka continued to look back between Sikumi and Katara before reluctantly sighing in defeat.
"OK, so what do we need to do?" he asked.
Sikumi, knowing that the question was directed at her walked towards the pond where the Koi fish were swimming with Katara quickly following. Although she said she trusted Sikumi, the waterbender couldn't help but feel protective over the young boy who was currently in the Spirit World.
"We need to protect these fish, I know it sounds crazy but it's important we do so."
"That does sound crazy," Sokka admitted, "and why these fish?"
Yue walked towards the pond and dipped one of her hands in the water, finding small pleasure from the cool sensation that the water brought.
"These Koi Fish have been here since I was born, most likely even longer," she said, "I was taught that they were linked to the Ocean and Moon Spirits."
"That's right," Sikumi nodded, "But they really are the Ocean and Moon spirits."
"How could you know that?" Sokka questioned.
Sikumi took a deep breath before explaining how she had found information that Zhao wanted to attack the spirits to gain an advantage against the Northern Tribe. She was careful to avoid mentioning the library of Tadashi's identify but didn't hold back that she still intended to remain with that particular group of Fire Nation people.
"OK," Sokka started, walking with his hands behind his back and head held high, "even if that is all true, why would the Fire Nation allow you here to warn us?"
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"That is true," Katara said with a questioning look in her eyes.
"Not everyone from the Fire Nation is bad," Sikumi retorted, glancing at Zuko who was still unconscious.
"We know. There are those that left the Fire Nation." Sokka admitted, "But what about your so called Fire Nation friends?"
"It's not that easy for them," Sikumi looked away, trying to think of the best thing to say to them.
Sokka remained sceptic but wanted to believe Sikumi, he found it hard to imagine that all this would be some ruse to capture the Avatar, especially with Zuko bound with waxed rope.
"That's not important anyway, what we need to do is-" Sikumi was interrupted when Aang suddenly came out of his meditative trance.
"The spirits are in trouble!"
Aang looked around, barely registering Sikumi's presence as he knelt in front of the pond and stared at the Koi fish.
"These Koi fish are the Ocean and Moon spirits!" he said, his face a mixture of wonderment and sadness. "I think they are in danger."
"Zhao," Sikumi stated, eyeing the young Airbender carefully, "He plans on silencing the moon."
Aang didn't know whether he should question Sikumi's sudden appearance or not but shrugged it off as he listen to Sikumi explain for the second time how Zhao intended on winning the battle with the Northern Water Tribe.
"So all we have to do is prevent Zhao from reaching this room right?" Aang asked, trying to figure out a plan in his head.
"Too late for that."
All eyes turned as Zhao walked into the room flanked by firebenders on either side. To the group were also surprised to see four other firebenders, dressed in black and red dragon armour. Though they were positioned to the side they looked far more intimidating than Zhao ever could. Iroh also followed, trying to be as conspicuous as possible.
"It seems we have a full house…..." Zhao's voice drifted off as he spotted Zuko.
Only now did the elder prince wake up, surprised to see so many people in the room, though to his credit he managed to keep his cool. Tadashi had wanted to rush to his side, if only to check his condition but he was thankful that Iroh was able to unrestricted.
"Zuko, spirits…..what are you doing here?"
No one stopped Iroh as he ran to Zuko, untying him despite Sokka's complaints.
"Uncle…..what's happening, where am I?"
Iroh's eyes concentrated for several seconds contemplating what exactly Zuko was trying to do before turning to face Zhao.
"It seems the Pirates had failed to take Prince Zuko's life. It's a great blessing that he is still alive." He said, challenging the sceptical look on Zhao's face.
"It's only inevitable the Pirates would have failed," Hideki spoke, surprising everyone, "Though they aren't alive to correct their mistake."
"What do you mean by that?" Zhao asked, having only heard this for the first time.
"We just so happened to be in the area," Hideki explained, telling a half-lie, "When witnessing the attempted assassination of Prince Zuko we sought out appropriate justice."
"You mean you killed them all?" Katara spoke out.
Though she still found the pirates despicable, especially for trying to capture and sell Aang, she found it hard to justify anyone killing them. Her thoughts momentarily going back to the scene she had witnessed by the river.
"Yes, indeed they are gone." Hideki replied.
Tadashi, covered by his helmet and mask, tried his hardest to remain emotionless during the exchange but the rising guilt kept eating away at him until Naoko noticed he was starting to shake. A quick nudge however brought him out of the dangerous and destructive train of thought he was going to, a nod showing his appreciation was all they shared before their attention went back to the present situation.
"That's not important, Zhao wants to kill the moon spirit!" Sikumi stomped the ground, surprising everyone especially the would-be moon slayer himself.
"How could you possibly know that?" he asked in a half-growl.
"A spirit told me," she retorted, putting herself into a stance followed by Aang and Katara.
"Is this true?" Iroh then asked, eyeing the two groups with caution.
"Yes, I hadn't said anything because of our….guests," Zhao stated, eyeing Hideki, "but many years ago I stumble upon a great and powerful secret, the identity of the Moon Spirit's mortal form. I was a young lieutenant serving under General Shu in the Earth Kingdom. I discovered a hidden library. Underground, in fact. I tore through scroll after scroll. One of them contained a detailed illustration, and the words "moon" and "ocean". I knew then that these spirits could be found and killed. And that it was my destiny to do so."
"Zhao, the spirits are not to be trifled with!" Iroh growled, readying himself to fall into a firebending stance.
"Yes, yes ... I know you fear the spirits, Iroh. I've heard rumours about your journey into the Spirit World. But the Ocean and Moon gave up their immortality to become a part of our world. And now they will face the consequences."
Zhao stepped forwards in an attempt to reach the oasis but was forced back as Sikumi threw a soft punch of water in his direction which Hideki instinctively blocked. Before the Admiral could do anything Tadashi stepped out, followed by Naoko, Yaki and Hideki. With a tiny nod to their speaker Hideki addressed the group.
"Unfortunately Admiral Zhao we are well aware of your….exploits in the Earth Kingdom as well as the information about the Ocean and Moon spirit. We've already consulted the Fire Lord with this information and he's informed us that it is in the Fire Nation's best interest to detain you if you decide to carry on with this plan."
"What!" Zhao stepped back again in shock.
"Destroying the moon won't hurt just the Water Tribe. It will hurt everyone, including you. Without the moon, everything would fall out of balance. You have no idea what kind of chaos that would unleash on the world." Aang added, hoping it would appease Zhao.
"He is right Zhao." Iroh nodded.
"General Iroh, why am I not surprised to discover your treachery?" Zhao sneered, motioning for his firebenders to get ready, "I should have known there would be treachery from the moment the Fire Lord's puppets stepped aboard my ship!"
"I'm no traitor, Zhao, and neither are they. The Fire Nation needs the moon too, we all depend on the balance. Whatever you do to that spirit I'll unleash on you ten-fold. So leave now!"
Zhao grimaced, calculating his odds before showing an expression of defeat and taking several more steps back.
"I always plan ahead and brought plenty of reinforcements." Zhao sneered.
Everyone tensed, waiting for the group to rush in and attack but nothing happened. The guard that was standing furthest away peered back before speaking to Zhao.
"Sir, I don't think anyone is coming."
"That's not possible!"
In reaction to Zhao's statement Hideki laughed, his voice even creeping out Tadashi.
"You say you stay one step ahead but did you really think we'd also come unprepared?"
As he said this several figures dropped down from the ceiling, all wearing the same white armour meant to camouflage the user in the snow. Tadashi could sense that Aki was with them which brought a sense of relief to the boy's mind, his worry for his team mates having constantly been increasing since Kuro's demise.
"It's over Zhao." Hideki nodded, indicating that the others should slowly approach.
Taking the initiative Yaki, with his large body, stepped up first and spoke in the most authoritative voice he could muster.
"Under decree of Fire Lord Ozai any firebender found aiding Admiral Zhao with the intention to kill the Moon Spirit will instantly be declared an enemy of the nation and will be dealt with as a traitor on the spot."
The four firebenders that had made up Zhao's advance party didn't know what to do. They had been promised riches and advanced promotions if they went through with this but they also knew not to question a decree by their Fire Lord. All it took was for one to crumble under the pressure and run for the rest to follow, leaving Zhao alone against three separate forces. Unfortunately with the way everyone had been moving the Koi Fish were left exposed and Zhao, not one to let a good opportunity go to waste, poured all his energy into a last-ditch devastating attack.
During that moment several things had happened.
Zuko had quietly slipped away, knowing that in this situation there was nothing he could do. Iroh, noticing his nephew's absence also followed because he didn't quite know how the other Navy officers would do regarding Zhao's capture, even with a verbal message from the Fire Lord himself. Aang, Katara, Sokka and Princess Yue all watched helplessly, as well as Tadashi and his team as the fire approached the small bond. Even if the water would dissipate the majority of the attack the energy that Zhao had poured could potentially be enough to cripple the fish. In fact the only person that had reacted appropriately was Sikumi, who threw her body over the incoming blast and took the impact, plunging into the pond where the fish's activity was disturbed but not ended.
"Sikumi!" Tadashi quickly forgot about Zhao and started running towards Sikumi's body only to be held back by Yaki. "Let me go!"
As he struggled Hideki quickly came up to him.
"We're in enemy territory, you need to calm down."
But Tadashi didn't listen, or rather he couldn't as he could feel the fire within Sikumi slowly dying. Whether it was the fire that allowed one to bend that element or simply the fire of life, Tadashi had learned that he'd become more sensitive to it than the average master. Of course that didn't matter to him now when Sikumi was dying and his own team were holding him back.
"Let me go!" Tadashi shouted again, throwing small bursts of smoke and fire which made Yaki drop the young prince.
As soon as he was free Tadashi was by Sikumi's side, having barely noticed that Katara had brought her out of the pond and was already attending the worst of the wounds. Before he could get too close Sokka stepped in the way and was about to say something but Tadashi pushed him aside and knelt down, watching Katara in anticipation. The waterbender, having sensed the desperation in Tadashi despite his mask and uniform, gave him a grave smile and nodded towards Sikumi.
"She'll be OK, but we need to get the other healers here."
"I'll go get them," Yue then said, her eyes a mixture of pain and relief.
Sokka, realising that his assigned charge was leaving quickly chased after her, spouting that it was still too dangerous to move unattended. Aang didn't know what he should do and started pacing back and forth before realising that Zhao was still here.
"You see what you did!" Aang shouted, pointing his staff at Zhao who seemed flabbergasted. "All you do is cause pain and suffering."
In that moment several more things changed in the room. It was said that firebenders had the innate ability to sense the anger of those around them, more so in the past hundred years due to the source of their power coming from anger. Because Tadashi came to terms that Sikumi may survive and he realised Zhao had almost killed two people he cared about he then drew forth from whatever pool of anger he had and turned to face Zhao. His mask hid his face but the way the golden disguise started steaming ever so slightly was more intimidating than anyone could imagine. Enough so that even Hideki and Yaki knew not to approach the angry prince.
Zhao, for once in his life, was smart enough to know when he wasn't wanted and immediately ran off, quickly followed by Tadashi who had produced fire daggers. The others were too stunned to do anything until Naoko snapped out of her surprised trance and started giving out orders.
"Everyone after Zhao," she then pointed at Aki who nodded, "Stay behind and make sure she's okay, we'll start setting up channels now."
As part of an initiative that Tadashi had come up with, it was thought that by making friends with the Avatar in Northern Water Tribe territory would give the group some credence when they claimed to be on the side that wanted the war to end. Aki watched the others go before turning to Sikumi who was unconscious. Her face as well as her clothes were badly burnt, thought the water from the spirit pond and Katara's quick reactions meant that a lot of the scarring would fade. Unfortunately Aki had seen something that she knew Katara wouldn't be able to heal. Zhao's fire had cut through part of eyes, effectively blinding her. These sort of wounds were permanent, far worse than the scar Zuko bore on his face.
"Sorry," she murmured, looking away from Katara and her healing abilities.
With half a mind to leave, knowing that Sikumi would be of little use to them in this situation the captain took several steps backwards but was stopped when Aang suddenly spoke to her.
"Hey, you're her friend right?"
The question was simple and Aki would have easily answered yes but the situation was still so tense that she could barely make out a nod.
"So there still are good people within the fire nation then?" Aang asked, his eyes lighting up with hope.
For the longest time Aki thought of the best answer she could give. An answer that wouldn't jeopardise Tadashi, paint her as a traitor or ruin any chances of an alliance with the Avatar.
"I…... well that's not something I can answer." She admitted.
Taking another glance at Sikumi she noticed that the girls breathing had normalised, Katara having been working on her non-stop since Zhao's failed attack on the spirits.
"The boy who was shouting earlier, who was that?"
This time Aki panicked as she knew that giving away Tadashi's identity was bad, especially since she knew that Tadashi's existence was barely even commonplace amongst the Fire Nation people. But something within her pushed the information out like a dam bursting.
"That's Tadashi, he's…Prince Zuko's brother."
Zhao was exhausted, having run away from the Fire Nation intelligence soldiers and avoiding Water Tribe soldiers on his way back to his ship. Not one firebending soldier was left alive, the paths that the invasion forces had taken were destroyed from below, trapping some and preventing others from progressing whilst the waterbenders were able to move about more freely.
Cursing his luck, Zhao couldn't help but wonder how things would have gone if the water tribe girl didn't get in the way of his fire. He could imagine the waterbenders powerless as his men conquered the Northern Water Tribe.
However the admiral didn't have time to consider such thoughts in detail when he ran into Zuko who was preparing to make his escape whilst it was still possible. The two stared at each other for several moments before Zuko shouted.
"You tried to have me killed!"
Without giving Zhao time to reply he threw a wave of fire at the Admiral who cleanly dodged and responded with his own blast.
"Yes I did and for good reason. You're the Blue Spirit, an enemy of the Fire Nation! You freed the Avatar."
Zhao used the now uneven terrain to try and outpace Zuko but the younger firebender was already moving faster than Zhao could handle.
"I had no choice." Zuko replied.
"You should have chosen to accept your failure, you're a disgrace. Then at least, you could have lived!" Zhao sneered, using his surroundings and blasting a chunk of ice near Zuko who dodged out of the way but was caught by the blast.
"It's over."
Zhao walked up to the fallen prince ready to strike. If he was going to lose this battle than at least he'd have the satisfaction of taking down Zuko. The banished prince himself held a stricken face as he waited for the impact but none came. In fact he was more surprised when the sensation of a cold fire swept past his body and engulfed Zhao, the screams of the Admiral halting the advance of both the Northern defenders and the Fire Nation Intelligence officers.
When Zuko turned to see who did it he was met by a masked soldier, his armour practically steaming with rage and his fingertips letting out small whiffs of blue flames. His mind tried to picture who could be behind the mask, or rather he tried to image anyone but his brother but having heard his screams earlier there was no denying the truth.
"Tadashi!"
Zuko wasn't sure if he should be happy or not but he also knew that wasting time would endanger the two of them.
"Director we can't stay long!"
The voice that Zuko had heard earlier spoke from a distance whilst another slowly approached him, placing a hand on his shoulder to try and calm him down. Zhao had quickly been silenced, his throat no longer able to let out noise and the pain of the blue flames more terrifying than anything he imagined. Any thoughts he had were questioning why he had to suffer such a fate for he firmly believed that he deserved to rule over the others.
Zuko stared at Tadashi, his face a firm grimace but his eyes seemingly hurt. The banished prince had seen a lot in the two years he'd been away from home and experienced many things boys his age shouldn't but he expected Tadashi also experienced the same and even worse. Even now as Tadashi was still trying to calm down Zuko could only image what pain he was going through and that was something he wouldn't never have wished on his brother.
With no time to think about Tadashi, the Avatar or his failure in capturing him again Zuko ran, somehow finding Iroh by the boat he set out for himself and escaping with his uncle. The older man held a grave face yet was still relieved that the spirit had not been hurt in the exchange of elements.
"Tadashi was really there the whole time?" Zuko asked, looking to his uncle.
"I suppose he was, but isn't that what family should do?" Iroh questioned in response.
"I don't know…..is he on m….our side?"
Iroh paused for a second but a warm smile took Zuko by surprised.
"I believe he asked his officers to let us go, I spotted one of those soldiers in dragon armour by your boat moments before I arrived."
Zuko took a moment to take that in before nodding.
"I'm tired."
"Then rest," Iroh stated, taking the oars from Zuko's hands," Every Man needs his rest."
The invasion was a failure. Since Hideki was made to write a report under Tadashi's instruction he specifically stated that Zhao acted against orders multiple times, including his want to endanger his own men and use them in a less efficient manner. There was talk about the Northern Water Tribe and their methods to deal with the invasion, including the destruction of key paths and targets that the Fire Nation Intelligence officers had covertly sabotaged. He also made mention that Zuko was seen at the battle, although stated the Prince helped saved lives and was unseen after the retreat signal was given out, nothing that he likely escaped with General Iroh.
When Aki returned to the Dragon Inferno she reported that Sikumi would have to stay with the Northern Tribe until she got better, confiding in Naoko alone about her eyes because Tadashi would only react negatively to the news. Although the Avatar and his friends were apprehensive about working with Tadashi they did acknowledge that they weren't bad people and that their actions helped mitigate some of the negative light the Northern Water Tribe council held over the Fire Nation.
Strangely enough their actions had actually resulted in several requests for the Avatar to team up with these people but there was also the opinion that such a union would be hazardous for their chances to end the war. For the group their plans had not changed, deciding to leave the Northern Water Tribe once Sikumi was better. However Sokka and Princess Yue got a lot closer than anyone imagined. As it turned out her betrothed had been killed in the attack on Zhao's ship which Sokka had indeed warned him about, though it left Yue in a tough situation.
The chief, noticing that the two were indeed close and that Sokka was technically the heir to the Southern Water Tribe confided in him his plans for an arranged marriage between the two. At first the he was hesitant, especially if Yue didn't have a say, but when the princess herself exclaimed that such an arrangement wouldn't go against her will he accepted, stating that he'd marry her once the war was over.
Tadashi listened to all these reports from the spy they'd left behind, someone to keep an eye on Sikumi and Water Tribe activity. The invasion giving them the perfect opportunity to replace one of the many fallen warriors.
"I've made up my mind."
His sudden sentence surprised those that were leisurely seated in the meeting room. The boy had been quiet, whilst Naoko was still actively reading reports and giving orders. The group was to head back to HQ where they would reorganise but it seems things were changing.
"I'm leaving."
"What!?" several people said at once.
"Let me explain." Tadashi said, putting his hand up, "I plan on finishing my mission regarding the Avatar, but I can't do that within the Intelligence organisation. With only two or three more people I plan on travelling using mounts, we'll track their movements and rendezvous with Sikumi at the same time. Knowing her, she'll convince them that we're good people so this will make things easier. The sooner I do this the sooner we can end this war and help Zuko at the same time."
Hideki listened but he wasn't happy, this was a completely different plan to what Tadashi had outlined before the Invasion.
"And what about this organisation you've built up?" As Hideki stood up Tadashi could feel the anger coming from him, a sense a betrayal filling his eyes.
Tadashi laughed, further surprising those in the room, but his voice was nothing but happy.
"Don't worry, I plan on leaving you in charge Hideki. From the moment I leave you'll be the new Director. If you keep up what we've been doing so far than I'll be grateful."
"Of course," Hideki muttered, considering the surprise promotion.
"Make sure to tell my father I'm going after the Fire Lord, I'd write to him myself…but I don't think I can."
Naoko gave Tadashi a sad smile as he spoke, trying to understand his pain. She continued to be confused when he suddenly approached her, the young boy facing both her and Aki who was seated next to her.
"I hope you two will come with me, I realise it's asking for much but….."
"Of course!" Aki chuckled, shaking her head. "I wouldn't expect anything else, although I don't know if Naoko can handle the open country?"
Naoko grimaced as Aki nudged her, folding her arms in defiance.
"Of course I can! I'm a lot tougher than you think."
Their bickering lightened Tadashi's mood slightly, but enough to bring a genuine smile to his face. Though his mind continued to fight several battles, whether he'd even escape this rage that's building up within him, whether he could really deprive Zuko of the Avatar or whether anything he was doing was right or not. He already knew that Azula would consider one option and stick with it, no matter what happened, so he mentally promised himself to learn from that aspect of his sister in the future.
Whilst the officers were cooling down from the battle, things were still heated in the Fire Lord's hall as he spoke to Azula, more grownup than the last time Tadashi had seen her. Ozai was reading the report that Hideki had given him, his scowling deepening with every line he read.
"It seems that Iroh is nothing but a traitor, and your brother Zuko is a failure as well. The only person who seems to be gaining results is Tadashi, but even that is not sufficient enough to win this war therefore I have a task for you."
"Yes, father." Azula smirked.
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When the first derelict alien spacecraft fell to Earth, humanity took what was found in it and propelled themselves to new heights. In their new Golden Age, humanity developed technology that they had only dreamed about. The following years saw hundreds more ships crash into the planet, spurring even greater technological leaps. An unassuming spacecraft, one of the dozens that fell yearly, descended on Siberia in 2021. The world took no particular notice of it. However, this one contained something beyond the miraculous technology that had made humans so prosperous. Three years later, in a top-secret underground facility in eastern Colorado, the automated construction of an army of Paladin Mobile Infantry Suits was underway. With this new, state-of-the-art weaponry, the military would turn the tide against the alien incursion that was consuming the planet. Humanity fell before that could happen. Sam was an engineer responsible for overseeing the facility. Now alone, he lives in utter boredom and near insanity, his only company the base’s pseudo AI and an army of empty Paladins. With the world gone to hell around him, and the things that caused it still living above, he decides that he is much better off staying exactly where he is. Unfortunately for him, that is no longer an option. This is the first novel I've written. The first fifteen or so chapters are going to be a little slower. I want there to be time to get to know the characters before they start blowing stuff up. Also, though the MC will be strong relative to the world, he won't be OP, and won't win every fight. Not every fight will be physical either. Currently, I'm aiming for something like 5 fairly short chapters a week, after the introduction part is done, but we'll see how that goes. Thanks for reading, and please let me know if I've made mistakes!
8 55A Gentleman's Curse: Arc 2
Moving forward from his past wasn't easy and the world of magic he has accepted continues to be drawn deeper and deeper into turmoil. Finally turning of age, the Mage Academy and all it holds awaits Damien, ready to turn his expectations upside down while the ones he loves must decide what it is they want in life. This is the second Arc of my series. Find the first part at https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/15983/a-gentlemans-curse. The unedited versions of these chapters are also up there after chapter 27, if you can't wait for the edits, and I will be posting my edits there and here. I'm making this in an attempt to separate the two arcs in the future, and pave an expectation for arc three later this winter. Thanks for your support!
8 166I was bored so I made a Secret Organization
Earth year 2196, the world changed at the year 2110 when the first ability user was discovered in India. The government calls those ability users 'Esper'. Since then, at age of 12, children will be tested if they have power or not. The esper population increased every year until 40% of the population has been proved as Esper. Akasa Naomi, a young Esper was bored in this world with abilities user. She decided to make her own Secret Organization in order to relieve her boredom. What will happen to Naomi in her adventure to build a Secret Organization. Will it get destroyed or will it caused a change to the world? ************This story has slow romance, it focused on the MC Akasa Naomi and her daily life as the secret organization's leader. She will plan and do anything she wanted to do. A lot of short battle and plan at least until the late arc because the enemy is not introduced yet. So the pace will be slow or fast depending on the arc. Also, english is not my first language, so the grammar is still rocky. I am still learning about it so expect a wrong grammar (most of it are tenses) here and there************ Disclaimer :I commissioned the character on the cover!!Commissioned from @justdit_id (Instagram)
8 479I want to play this deadly game again.
CONGRATULACION!!!!! You are the first one to finish this hardest, deadliest, most brutal game and bigest game that I have ever created!!!! (???) .... (???) I know that you are happy. But lets go to business. What is your wish? (???) .... .... I want to play this game again. It is my first ever doint this kind of thing and it will probably be realy bad (or good lets hope so) so dont punch me to bad. Also anglish isn't my first language. Story contains: Gore Mature content (not detailet for now) Mature language And ofc pridefuls young masters (not a lot)
8 150THE DAILY LIFE OF THE AUTHOR
MY DAILY LIFE WITH MY OC OTHER AUTHORS AND OUR DAILY LIFE
8 157The Way It Should Be
oh the appeal of two gamer bros who kiss and make each other better peoplei wrote this two years ago and finally decided to clean it up and finish it, so here it is on wattpad for the first time! I'm not super proud of it and would definitely write something much different if starting from scratch, but I know some people still read and enjoy it, so I decided I'd rather fix it and finish it than delete it or leave it as is. so here you go! a dumb gay knickle fanfiction with a premise from a much younger me. enjoy! or don't! whatever!also for the pictures I just put solid colors that i thought were suitable. idk how wattpad works uhhhEDIT: I WROTE THIS IN 2018 AND IT IS NOT CANON IN ANY WAY JUST BECAUSE I WORK ON II im glad you like it but OH GOD
8 148