Fanon:Chapter 20: The Campaign of Two Nations Part 2: A Divided Nation

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Overview[]

Questions are answered, the sixty-year historical ceasefire between both Kingdoms has is endangered, the Qiangda Kingdom and the Northern Water Tribe gather for diplomacy. How will it all end?

Chapter 20: The Campaign of Two Nations: Part 2: A Divided Nation[]

Book 2: Water

Chapter 20: The Campaign of Two Nations: Part 2: A Divided Nation

A bright spring morning had arrived for the Northern Water Tribe's capital city, Aupaluk. While the city was still cold it wasn't as cold as it normally was during the winter. The palace banquet hall and courtyard were trashed. Several servants had woken up at dawn and begun to clean the courtyard and banquet hall before the royal family had awoken.

The newlywed couple cuddled together nice and warm underneath a fur pelt for the first time in their lives. The evening before was memorable something they both cherished for the rest of their lives, it also exhausted them. In the palace, there were a few guards who messed around while the servants cleaned, mostly guards who celebrated the holiday that occurred today.

Captain Sokka crouched patiently behind a railing as he waited for his assistant captain to step out of the entrance of the palace. The middle-aged man called out to his new superior, "Captain Sokka."

Sokka grinned he stood up with a bucket of water and tossed the water out of the bucket onto the poor man below. The water hit the man and he frowned. Slouched in shame he nipped back into the palace.

Sokka fell on his rear and cackled with laughter, today was Torngark's Day of Dupes, the immature holiday celebrated by many in the Southern and Northern Water Tribe where Torngark the God of Tricks was celebrated. People far and wide would prank each other from easy to elaborate pranks throughout the day.

Rong Yan snuck around the halls of the palace the guards who noticed him rolled their eyes he hid behind a tapestry. While he hid behind the tapestry, a groggy Unaraq stretched and clopped out of his chambers after he yawned he shrieked so loud it alerted the guards.

The northern troops held their weapons out and sighed when they saw it was a frightened Unaraq and a laughing Rong Yan. One of the men scolded the Avatar, "Do not prank within the palace please, you'll disturb those who are sleeping."

Ba Sing Se Royal Palace

Meanwhile, in the royal palace of Ba Sing Se, Qiang Zhen was the first to awaken he sat in bed and yawned. Yi'an still slept while Qiang Zhen stretched in the nude before he dressed up in his clothing. The bridal chambers had two doors one that led to the ceremony hall and the other that led to an awning where Qiang Zhen went to.

He rested his arms on the railing as he peered out to the streets of the Upper Ring, he was finally married to his match. Last night was memorable for him something he and his wife could cherish until the day they pass. Yi'an awoke after ten minutes she wore a blush pink robe, she minced out of the bridal chamber to find her husband. Her hair was nappy, she tucked her hands into the sleeves of the robes, her face was pale and unpainted. She came from behind and wrapped her arms around her husband's waist and rested her head on his shoulders.

"What are you doing out here?" she inquired, "I only came for a breath of fresh air, how was last night?" Qiang Zhen replied then returned an echo question.

"It was...a new experience, we should leave the sheets alone. Come on let's get ready we have to meet our family in the banquet hall in a bit," she responded, Yi'an mentioned the sheets had to be left alone within the bridal chamber the parents of the newlywed couple by tradition inspected the sheets the morning after.

Qiang Zhen nodded he turned around and held his wife's hand back into the bridal chamber where they dressed up and exited the chambers. Servants served the Zhang family and the Qiangda family on the long table that was used during the wedding banquet.

Xin'ai and Ting paced toward the bridal chamber before they ate their meals, Youlang jogged behind them. The room had a bowl with a few uncooked dumplings, and an empty bottle of spirits. Both women got over joyous when they saw a tad bit of blood on the sheets.

"Youlang! Youlang look! It happened!" she shouted with excitement as she pointed at the blood on the sheets. The old man was happy when he saw the blood on the sheets as well, Ting was also excited she couldn't wait for what came next.

After their meals, Yi'an returned to the palace with the servants she invited her family over where they spoke about various things. Qiang Zhen and Guwen wandered off to the war room where they were to meet with the Council of Five. Guwen made sure the guards summoned the generals the night before at the wedding ceremony.

All the generals surrounded the world map as one of them picked at his teeth and two others ate a hot meal. Qingbao the leader stood to his feet when Guwen and Qiang Zhen entered the room. He saluted his nation's leader and the Grand Secretariat. Qiang Zhen minced over to the throne on the northern end of the room along with his adviser who sat to his left.

The war room in Ba Sing Se.

"Good morning, Your Highness," Qingbao greeted the Earth King, the others saluted the Earth King and his adviser as well.

"Gentlemen I'm sure you know why you were called here," Guwen brought up.

"To discuss what happens next?" Qingbao guessed, Qiang Zhen nodded, "I've heard the news what's this about Northie troops on our soil?" he questioned the Council. Ren placed a scroll into the earth cubby and sent it to Qiang Zhen.

"According to reports we received this morning the invaders have set up an outpost on the coast of Hankou. Our scouts report a troop of foot soldiers were sent south from the coast, the nearby village of Hanggai is in danger. We believe they want to obtain the village for it carries resources like beds and supplies," reported Ren.

"And what of this naval force?" Qiang Zhen blurted, "I was just getting to that as well, Your Highness. My scouts have reported that it's about ten ships each carrying ten soldiers. With the troop that Shang deployed there were only about twelve casualties from the enemy, leaving eighty-eight alive," responded Ren.

"Hanggai might be gone, we're not even sure if the Northie force will attack anyone at this point. I think we should warn the Northern Council of Elders up in the Gangdise Shan mountains. They should be aware of what's going on," suggested Rongyu.

"I second that. While the Baiyan airbenders won't help us out they should at least be warned to keep an eye out for them," Sudu agreed.

Qiang Zhen approved, "Rongyu send a scroll to R'Kang and warn him of the invasion force he and his airbenders might be endangered. Although I don't know a time where the Tribesmen have ever attacked the Air Nomads."

"What of Hankou province? Soon those men will attack the other villages and take over territory," Sudu asked.

"Tsuyo-sa send deployment orders to Governor Chuan in Jun Lao I want him to deploy a flotilla to the northern Hankou coast. I want this invasion force eradicated from my kingdom," commanded Qiang Zhen.

"Yes, your majesty. I will make sure the Bai Da marines get the job done," Tsuyo-sa slightly bowed his head.

"General Sudu send deployment orders to the Yu, Tuyu, and Houxi provinces I want the northern ocean barricaded within the next two weeks. We end trade with the Northern Water Tribe effective immediately I want all northern tradesmen out of my kingdom. Any Qiangdian boats or ships are told to turn back," ordered Qiang Zhen.

"What of peace talks, my lord?" General Ren inquired.

"They spilled Qiangdian blood not only my cousin but also civilians they don't deserve peace yet. We're not savages their migrants will stay without harm. For now, I want orders sent to Beipan in Tuo and Suzhou City in Duryaja. I need those men to strengthen the coasts of their states to prevent any enemy warships that weasel their way past the blockade to anchor on our lands," replied Qiang Zhen.

"General Qingbao summon Limao from the Oma Kingdom embassy if we want to show the North who's superior we need to be united. I know Gao's adviser will convince the old king to stand by our side," said Qiang Zhen.

"Yes, your majesty, I will work with Ambassador Limao to schedule a meeting with Earth King Gao Zu," nodded Qingbao he saluted Qiang Zhen before he left.

At the same time, Palartok and Senlin traveled through the snow in the morning into the village of Annun. Within they witness several crowds of angry Qiangda Kingdom deportees, the people protested with the soldiers. They waited in line to be processed by the deportation officers, a young man started a conversation with Palartok and Senlin, "What part of the North Pole do you hail from, brother?"

"Aupaluk, we were roommates for seven years, you?" Palartok answered then asked an echo question.

"My wife and I lived in Tuttu for five years before the chief decided to deport us back to the Kingdom. We escaped our former lives from bandits that destroyed our village in the Chongqing province many years ago. We lost our son in the raid and we fled here," replied the young man.

Senlin noticed the pregnant woman and commented, "Congratulations."

The woman smiled, "Thank you."

"Mother Akna has blessed up again I believe she thinks we deserve to be parents. If the protests don't stop, it might dangerous here. I have an uncle who lives here as well he has a cabin two hours from here, if you're willing to make the trip with us I can get him to give us a boat to use," the man smiled again then he offered the idea of a boat to Senlin and Palartok.

"We'd be delighted to travel with you," smiled Senlin, this was the first time Palartok saw Senlin smile in several years. Palartok, Senlin, and the young couple left the crowds for the north where the young man claimed his uncle owned a boat.

Rong Yan, Unaraq, Tanaraq, Tulok and Aloi sat around the table as they consumed their breakfast provided by the servants. A servant entered the dining hall and bowed to the royals, "Princess Tanaraq and Prince Unaraq your father Chief Unirak is departing soon and has asked for you to wish him goodbye," the servant repeated his orders in his own words. Unaraq looked at Tanaraq, she slid her chair out and ran off with Unaraq only to return and give Tulok a peck and then she left again.

Unirak's carriage had been cleaned and inspected by the southern royal guards, Chief Unirak shook Cupun's hands and hugged him. That's when Unaraq and Tanaraq exited the palace and ran over to their father.

"Unaraq! Tanaraq!" he called out to them once he caught the eye of his children.

"Dad!" they both said, they ran to the man and both hugged him, Unaraq let go of his father and inquired, "Have you given a decision to Chief Cupun about the war?"

"I have to return to Iqaluit to give a call to arms to all villages in the South Pole," hinted Unirak.

Tanaraq let go of her father and was shocked, "What do you mean you're readying all call to arms?" he questioned her father.

"Listen cub, the Qiangda Kingdom needs to pay for spilling Tribesmen blood. By treaty and by marriage I have to support your father-in-law," said Unirak.

"We are superior to those dirt people, they might have brawn but they don't have brains," laughed Tanaraq, Unaraq gave his sister the evil eye as if he didn't know how suddenly she snapped back to her old self. He felt disgusted now while he understood war was one of the only ways to resolve what has already happened. The way his sister thought wasn't right, he hoped that Tulok would be her balance.

She held on to her father a bit longer, "Be careful, dad. The Fifth Nation might attack once they learn that Iqaluit is defenseless," she commented.

"I've made strategies with Anuun, we'll be fine. I'll visit before I send men off to war, I promise. For now, the Qiangda Kingdom needs to know I'm still their ally," Unirak replied.

At the same time, while Tulok, Aloi and Rong Yan continued to eat their meals a courier arrived with a letter for Rong Yan. He bowed before the Avatar before he handed him the letter, Rong Yan opened the letter and read before he crumbled it up.

Aloi had witnessed Rong Yan crumbled up the letter and she asked, "What was that about?"

"Oh nothing just Master Naartok wants me to report to the embassy for training," he shook his head and mentioned what was written on the note.

He finished his meal and headed out of the dining hall. He ran through the palace halls and out of the entrance. Unaraq and Tanaraq climbed the long stairs back to the palace.

All three of them stopped, "Where are you going?"

"Training," replied Rong Yan, Unaraq gave Rong Yan a slight nod and both he and his sister headed back into the palace. He continued to jog toward the Southern Water Tribe embassy where his waterbending master waited.

Several minutes later, he met with Naartok the older gentleman greeted the Avatar, "Greetings how was your breakfast?" he wondered.

"It was good I haven't had salmon since we arrived here and now I got it in my belly," Rong Yan smiled as pointed at his stomach. Naartok readied the saddle of another mammoth bustard Rong Yan was curious about this he questioned him, "Why are you preparing the mammoth bustard's saddle?"

"Our classroom will be outside of the city, there's an islet in Puviak Bay large enough for both us to train on," he answered. Naartok pulled himself up onto the neck of the massive bird Rong Yan slightly nodded at the idea of the field trip and mounted the saddle of the beast. Naartok snapped the reins of the creature and it shot into the air without a second thought.

Senlin and Palartok along with the young couple had made a trek to the young man's uncle's cabin. There had been a small, rickety built dock with a large enough boat with a built cabin. They knocked on the door of the old man who lived inside the cabin.

An older man unsealed the door, he was tan-skinned with a ruddy complexion, his hair was gray and had begun to whiten. He had wrinkles everywhere and his eyes were green-colored, the clothing he wore was a heavy dark purple parka. The only thing that made him different besides his eyes is that he carried a heavy Qiangda Kingdom accent although he spoke the Tribesmen language.

"Yingsu?" he called out to the young man, he opened the door wider "Yun, it's good to see you!" the old man opened the door further he noticed two men behind the young couple.

"Who are those men?" he inquired, "Uncle Shushu we need to borrow your boat, the Northern Water Tribe has declared war on the Qiangda Kingdom. All Qiangdians have to return to the homeland," answered Yingsu.

"As for the men, this is Zhapian and his friend Teji," he mentioned to his uncle.

The old man was suspicious he stared at the Tribesmen. "If you're Kingsmen why is your skin brown, and your eyes blue?" he questioned Zhapian.

"My mother is of Tribesmen descent while my father came from the Qiangda Kingdom, I was born in the Chaopin province. That's why I have to leave," lied Palartok, he did his best to convince the old man as he spoke a mix between the Kingsmen and Tribesmen languages.

"Fair enough, if what you're saying is true, boy. Let me pack my things so we can leave this place," he said to Palartok before he turned his attention to his nephew. He ran back inside to get his things during that time Palartok and Senlin ran toward the boat Yingsu assisted his wife toward the boat. What stopped them is the rope ladder that needed to be climbed for her to get onto the deck. Palartok formed a platform of ice and hovered it over to her. Yingsu helped her sit down on the platform and Palartok gently placed the platform on the deck.

Yun got off the platform while she waited for her husband to climb the rope ladder. Palartok removed the ice platform off the deck before he allowed it to plunge into the water below the dock. The old man carried items in a bag before he hurried onto the dock and climbed the rope ladder. He climbed the stairs of the boat to the upper deck where he stood by the boat's wheel. Senlin and Palartok pulled the rope that held onto the anchor and dragged the anchor onto the deck. Yingsu helped his wife into the cabin built on the large boat.

The inside of the cabin consisted of four walls, a stony firepit with a chimney that allowed the smoke to exit the cabin. The floor was made of stone as well, there had been a hatch hidden underneath a rug that led below deck. It had a single bed inside while the deck below held another four beds. Enough for the passengers on the boat. They knew it'd take at least five to seven days to cross the Miki – Wugou Ocean just to reach the Qiangda Kingdom. Shushu the old man steered the boat south from the shores of the North Pole, he called out to Senlin as he wanted to know where they were headed off too.

"Teji where are we heading off to, anyway?" the old man wondered.

"Do you know where Duryaja province is?" he asked the old man.

"Of course I know I used to be a fisherman that traded occasionally with the Qiangda Kingdom," replied Shushu.

"Why'd you leave the Qiangda Kingdom anyway?" the old man inquired he wanted a bit more backstory on Senlin as he took a liking to the man.

"I came here with my wife, we lived in Ikiruk for many years as of eight years ago the barbarians had gotten bold and attacked my village. She was one of the few that died that afternoon. I met Zhapian while visiting the capital when the chief ordered mass deportations, I felt like I left a part of me Ikiruk," Senlin responded, he was very good at fabricated stories. It proved to be a good skill to lie to others, especially when he was sent off to do undercover missions with Laobing.

"Oh," paused the old man he sniffled then said, "I'm truly sorry for your loss, myself I deserted the Qiangda Kingdom army."

"I know what you're thinkin'...I'm a coward," said Shushu as he contemplated his life a bit.

"Not at all, why?" Senlin asked Shushu.

"Well, in all honesty, this civil war is endless, you know? It's been going on for a long time and its been a waste of resources and men. It's never going to end, it's bigger than you and me, it's even bigger than the Avatar," continued Shushu.

Senlin nodded, "The war is about 1,600 years old if I remember correctly, I'm surprised there hasn't been anyone big enough to end it. Maybe it'll end soon, it has stopped recently while there are still skirmishes in some states. I've heard it's mostly a cold civil war at the moment which has allowed Kingsmen citizens to travel between kingdoms without fear of being killed."

"I don't know if I believe all that nonsense, no war could've lasted more than a few hundred years in my honest opinion. I mean if we look at all the Avatars that I can think of..." disagreed Shushu he pointed at his hand as he counted all the Avatars he knew of that could stop the war.

"Avatar Ku Tei, Avatar Anana, the Avatar who killed the regent lord to take back his throne, and that one that stopped the tsunami from turning the Si Wong state into an ocean," added Shushu.

"You mean Xi and Bhudev, those two are at least five hundred years apart, if you can believe they exist why not a civil war?" Senlin asked Shushu.

"I don't know Qiangdian propaganda I suppose, you don't mean to tell me there wasn't at least one Avatar that wasn't brainwashed from the start by a world leader?" guessed Shushu.

"There was, her name was..." Senlin continued to speak to Shushu while Palartok happened to be below deck where he searched around for useful things.

He thought maybe he could find a weapon, clothing, food, books, etc. Inside a cabinet he found a military uniform of a Qiangda Kingdom soldier, the old man was a veteran of the military. If he knew who Senlin was they'd have to kill him, Palartok rushed up the steps to warn Senlin.

"Oh that's right I forgot about her, Hailiu Dynasty right?" the old man guessed, Senlin shook his head, "Haijun Dynasty, Hailiu was the Earth Queen, they renamed one of the provinces after her," he corrected the old man.

"Sorry my history ain't no good," chuckled the old man, Palartok approached Senlin and whispered in his ear, "Come below deck real quick." Senlin and Palartok nipped below deck where Palartok spoke to him in private.

"What?" inquired Senlin.

"The old coot is a veteran of the Qiangda Kingdom," disclosed Palartok.

"I know that he told me he deserted the army. I don't think he'd care if he knew I was the Great Betrayer," said Senlin.

"We still shouldn't trust him, let's split ways once we reach Duryaja," Palartok advised, "Of course that's the plan. We're going to Han province to meet with Kimaru," repeated Senlin.

Meanwhile, Rong Yan and Naartok land on the islet that Naartok mentioned they'd use for waterbending training. The mammoth bustard rested on the large islet while its riders trained, the creature remained on the edge of the water. If it got hungry all it needed to do was fish for food.

"Capable waterbenders can cross large bodies of water by creating a bubble around themselves and their fellow travelers, maintaining a supply of air for their journey. I'm going to demonstrate and you are going to perform the move," began Naartok, he shifted into the ca bu stance, he swung his arms forward then backward as he grabbed a large amount of water out of the ocean around the islet.

He made the bubble of water around them large and thin enough, he encased both of them inside the bubble. Rong Yan was allowed to breathe air inside the bubble, he was impressed "This is cool," he chuckled.

"Sure is, it proves to be a very useful ability especially if you want to remain hidden during missions," said Naartok, he then destroyed the bubble and returned the water into the big drink. Rong Yan exhaled and concentrated he changed into the ca bu stance and pulled water out of the ocean. He formed a bubble of water around himself and his master he continued to move his arms in fluid movements to maintain the bubble.

Naartok observed the bubble with arms behind his back he did it a quick test and exited the bubble and then back inside of it. He wanted to see the strength of the bubble itself. He congratulated the Avatar, "Well done indeed you've improved quite a bit."

"Next is the octopus form, its essentially a body of water formed around the use of multiple whip-like limbs which can be used to grasp or strike an opponent or to intercept incoming attacks," explained Naartok. Rong Yan rose his hand, "Is this technique's stance as similar to that of the water cloak which uses two tentacles?" he inquired.

"Yes it is similar, the water surrounds your entire body and you form eight tentacles that can be used for various tasks. The water cloak is normally the northerner version of it, however," answered Naartok.

Naartok once again pulled water out of the ocean and took a deep breath he formed an octopus' body from his. Eight tentacles formed around the body of water he used his arms to control the tentacles around. When he dropped the octopus form he also mentioned, "If you can control the water with your mind you can move each tentacle more easily. Mastering that takes understanding and practice of the skill, go on now give it a go."

He copied the very technique and steps used by his master he covered himself head to toe in the water instead of two tentacles he split each tentacle into four smaller ones he danced around inside the form. The tentacles moved up and down as Rong Yan danced inside of the body of water before he dropped it.

"An experienced waterbender can create multiple simultaneous water rings capable of cutting. For this I will form a man of snow, I will create a razor ring that will cut through him. The move is always performed in kai bu, you place one foot forward and the other behind you. Pivot your body to the side and swing your arms in circular motions but counterclockwise, that'll get the water to shoot out as fast you possibly can, enough to cut through things," explained Naartok. While he explained the move and the stance Naartok cut the snowman in half he dropped his arms and then pointed to Rong Yan.

Back in the courtroom of the palace sat Chief Cupun on his throne on the table beneath him sat the Court of Elders. Elder Siku to the far left, next to her was Elder Kinto, Wei, Hasook, and Bato to the far right side. There had been an empty seat next to Bato no one was sure when Cupun would choose the next Elder to take Siku's place.

To Cupun's left was his son Tulok, to his right sat Ashuna his spiritual guidance adviser, Tanaraq wasn't present at the moment. Prison guards arrived with Elder Noa in ice cuffs they forced the prisoner to his knees. He resisted although one of the men kicked him in the back of the knee to hold Elder Noa down.

The middle-aged man towered most of the people there, on his knees he was at Ashuna's height. His hair was oily as well it had been a few days since he had been allowed to shower. He wasn't able to break from ice bonds that held him in place. Noa was the defendant, as the witnesses were sort of the plaintiffs.

The trial of Elder Noa was being held in the courtroom in Aupaluk.

Chief Cupun rose from his seat he rose both hands up to get those who chattered to remain silent. While he already had his punishment for Noa in his head he still had to give a fair trial, he turned his attention to the Court of Elders.

"What happened on the day where you decided to deport Qiangda Kingdom citizens?" he questioned Siku.

"Elder Noa gave us an idea no matter how much we debated he pushed the idea onto the others. I told him that you wouldn't accept this decision..." began Siku she continued while a flash of memories occurred to her where she retold what happened that afternoon.

The court of nobles sat around the meeting table while Elder Noa paced around the table as he cooked another plan in his head. Elder Siku an old-aged woman with short gray hair was calm while a few others panicked. She was aware of Noa's reputation and she still wondered why Cupun had him in a position of power.

"I remember my colleagues were panicking about the events that transpired within several hours. Noa coaxed them into making a decision," retold Elder Siku.

"And so what are proposing to be the next set of plans?" Elder Siku asked Elder Noa.

"There's only one way we can't trust these dirt people, the only thing we can do to protect our people and our chief, is to deport ALL Qiangda Kingdom tourists and migrants," proposed Noa.

"Elder Noa you have to stop calling them that, that's very offensive. And that's a terrible idea we can't go that route! People will start panicking," Elder Siku argued.

"We work with the census to get these people out smoothly through the harbor," Elder Bato added.

"And kill anyone who refuses to obey deportation orders," said Elder Noa.

"While my colleague Bato suggested we get them out smoothly through the harbor, Noa chimed in with his ridiculous opinion to kill anyone who does not obey deportation orders," recalled Siku.

Siku exclaimed, "No! We do not allow the guards to kill civilians! Do you know what this will do, Noa? If we are to approve of this decision, we do not kill the civilians."

"I have a better alternative Elder Noa," a younger man raised his hand.

"Yes, Elder Hasook?" Elder Noa questioned him.

"Instead of killing the civilians if they refuse deportation orders, that's breaking the law. Just arrest them and lock them up as prisoners of war," said Hasook.

"Even Hasook the Younger thought this was too radical he hinted that those who disobey the deportation orders are breaking the law. He suggested that we keep them alive but as prisoners," she claimed.

"You are likely turning into your father, young man. I like that idea," complimented Noa, he pointed and smiled at the young man. His father just died of natural causes and he was anointed the patriarch of his family. And as such by law he's allowed to join the court in his father's place.

"No we shouldn't do any of this, the civilians have done nothing wrong!" Siku argued with the court of nobles they all disagreed with her. It's like Noa ignored her opinions simply because she disagreed with everyone else.

"All in favor?" Noa smiled as he rose his hand in the air, Bato, Hasook, Kinto and Wei, all except Siku.

"Elder Bato?" he asked the older gentleman.

"Yes," the older man replied.

"Elder Hasook?" he questioned the young man.

"Yes," the young man answered.

"Elder Kinto?" he inquired to the middle-aged nobleman.

"Yes," agreed the nobleman.

"Elder Siku?" he asked the woman.

"No," she shook her head, she felt disadvantaged in this and she knew that Chief Cupun would have not agreed to this either.

"Elder Wei?" he wondered if the man joined them or joined Siku.

"Yes," he nodded.

"It is final then, five yes, one no. We will begin deportations soon," Elder Noa concluded.

"You're all dismissed," said Elder Noa, Elder Siku was the first one to stand up.

"After they voted five to one, I stormed out of Noa's estate, whatever happened after that I wasn't sure. But we know by reputation that Elder Noa is not to be trusted with decisions that affect the freedoms of the people," Siku reminded the chief.

"Thank you for your testimony, I would like to know if you remember what happened at the palace when the Horn of Anguta went off?" he thanked the lead elder then inquired about what happened as soon as the horn had gone off.

"Certainly I remember everyone in the court arrived into the throne room before you did. We were all there, Thod and Dashi, you and your son, the Avatar and a few of your royal guards," she recalled.

Rong Yan entered the throne room a court of nobles, two ambassadors, Prince Tulok and Chief Cupun were inside. Cupun wept on his throne while Tulok was held by a noblewoman he knew, one of his court. Elder Noa had called the shots while Chief Cupun composed himself.

He yelled at Ambassador Dashi, "You! I knew I couldn't trust you! You dirt people are conniving and backstabbers!"

The woman was in disbelief and baffled at the elder who accused her of having been involved in Amak's assassination. This woman was light-skinned, she had brown eyes and long light brown hair with short bangs that covered her forehead. She gasped while Ambassador Thod defended her he countered the argument that Elder Noa started, "Noa this isn't the time to accuse others! You're being ignorant to what's going on!"

"I'm being careful! This dirt person had to approve an assassin right under our noses! Seize her!" shouted Noa he then commanded the royal guards to arrest the ambassador.

"Stop! There's no evidence against her!" yelled Rong Yan.

"And who in Torngark's name are you?!" shouted Noa angrily at Rong Yan.

"I'm the Avatar! You need proper evidence to arrest this woman, look at her she's just as shocked as you are!" responded Rong Yan.

"I held Prince Tulok tightly calming him down and comforting him during his time of need. That's when Elder Noa began accusing Ambassador Dashi. He claimed that she approved an assassin's entry into our city to complete their mission without evidence. Thod defended her as did the Avatar, he threatened to arrest her while Thod ordered a guard to get him the scroll that was found near Amak's body. Noa argued with Thod and eventually did arrest Dashi," retold Siku.

Ambassador Dashi of the Qiangda Kingdom.

"Elder Noa, I had nothing to do with this. Amak's assassination is effecting me too I need to send a letter to the Earth King. I need to know why he's broken the treaty, with a response we will work on this accordingly. Throwing everything into disarray is not the way we should handle ourselves," cautioned Dashi.

"It'll take weeks for a letter to get to Qiang Zhen, by then Qiangda Kingdom troops will march on our city!" maintained Noa.

"No we can send a letter via albatross crane it'll reach Ba Sing Se in three days," stated Dashi as she tried to calm the elder.

"I need to see the letter, I can examine it further and if the signature matches up while we wait for a response, then we can send it as well," added Dashi. Ambassador Thod ordered a royal guard, "You bring us the letter that shows the Earth King's signature."

A guard nodded, "Right away, sir," the guard ran off to find the scribes were the letter was taken to.

"Under no authority do you have the right to order these men around, I and the elders have that power. You don't," said Noa.

"Arrest Ambassador Dashi, she has committed treason until proven innocent," commanded Noa, a waterbender wrapped her wrists with ice.

Rong Yan tried to stop them then Noa broke in, "If you try something you will be arrested as well, Avatar Rong Yan." Rong Yan sighed and stopped, "Don't worry I'll try to find someone who can send that letter," he told her.

"Ambassador Dashi suggested that she could fly on an albatross crane to Ba Sing Se with the scroll and speak with her king. But Noa didn't want to hear any of it, he screamed about the Qiangda Kingdom marching on our city within a few days. It's been a week now nothing's happened, realistically they might be preparing but his claim was false. He tried to panic everyone!" she continued.

"Stand against your tribe again, Ambassador Thod and I'll have you arrested for treason. Do you understand?" warned Elder Noa, Thod bit his teeth in anger and lowered his head, "Yes," he muttered.

"I remember after Dashi was hauled out, Noa threatened Thod he would arrest him as well for treason. I spoke privately with Thod about sending him to Ba Sing Se so he can work with Dashi and figure what the heck is going on!" Siku disclosed.

"If the Northern people would like a second witness, you could call forth Princess Tanaraq she arrived shortly," mentioned Siku.

"Good idea, call forth the princess," ordered Cupun, two guards ran off toward the palace while the court continued.

"Elder Kinto, what directed you to vote yes for the deportations?" Cupun asked the nobleman.

"Elder Noa's attitude and handling the situation honestly has panicked all of us," answered Kinto he glanced at his colleagues they all nodded their heads in agreement.

"I wanted to be like my father so instead of having those people killed I suggested arresting them instead, I honestly feel guilty of those who were killed in Uvliruk village within Anugi," interrupted Elder Hasook. .

"Liars! They're all liars!" screamed Noa, "Silence!" shouted a royal guard.

Tanaraq was brought before the court Cupun spoke, "Good afternoon my dear, could you tell us your side of the story as well. What happened after you entered the palace?" Cupun questioned his daughter-in-law.

Rong Yan walked over to her, "I need your help." She looked up, "What is it?" Rong Yan exchanged looks with her and then begun the request to her in the Nationalist language.

"Rong Yan wanted to ask me a favor but because Elder Noa was there he requested me to speak to him in the Nationalist language. It was the only Noa could not understand us. He told me what transpired within the last twenty minutes, when the guard gave us the scroll Rong Yan, Thod, and I ran to the prison," Tanaraq recalled.

"Elder Noa had Ambassador Dashi from the Qiangda Kingdom arrested without evidence. He accused her of treason to the North and probably will have her executed. We need to save her life but bringing her the scroll with Earth King's Qiang Zhen's signature so she can examine it. We need to prove that it is indeed his signature."

Tanaraq nodded, "I can do that for you."

Tanaraq stood up and whispered in Thod's ear, "We need to meet at the prison with the scroll where they'll be holding Dashi," Thod nodded to Tanaraq's idea. Rong Yan, Thod and Tanaraq ran off. Elder Noa calmed the court of nobles while others attempted to calm down Chief Cupun.

They have arrived at Dashi's cell, she sat in a corner while she stared at the wall as she sobbed. Warden Sangok called to her, "Ambassador Dashi, you have visitors." She wiped the tears from her eyes and was glad to see Thod's face along with the Avatar but she didn't know who the girl was. She didn't care and ran up to the bars, "Thod I knew you'd come."

"We brought you the scroll with Qiang Zhen's signature I need you to check the authenticity of the scroll," requested Thod.

"Certainly," smiled Dashi. Rong Yan handed the middle-aged woman the scroll she took it and then opened it. As she read the scroll she said, "It's fake."

"How do you know?" asked Tanaraq.

"The scroll's seal doesn't have the insignia of the Qiangda Kingdom crown, therefore, it isn't official, while the signature looks like Qiang Zhen's, its also missing the stamp," she stated.

"Before Qiang Zhen has a scribe send out an official document or letter he has his scribes stamp it with the family seal. That is the only way we know for sure its official," she disclosed.

"We visited the ambassador in prison we gave her the scroll to examine it, and she told us it was fake. She described the details that made the scroll fake and not authentic, it seems to me like Noa acted on racism and hatred for the Qiangda Kingdom," said Tanaraq.

"Damn it! I knew Noa was just being an ignorant racist! We need to bring this to Cupun before we can get you out of this prison, Dashi. You have my word," exclaimed Thod. Sangok was right, Noa had a reputation for being ignorant and racist.

"Ambassador Thod and Warden Sangok were correct Elder Noa did this based on personal issues," added Tanaraq.

"Bring in Sangok I need to speak with him," Cupun told one of his royal guards, the man nipped out the door and returned with the warden a few seconds later.

"I was told you had Dashi, and the Avatar in holding cells were you aware of their suspected crimes and how long were you supposed to hold them there?" Cupun asked Sangok.

"Yes, apparently Noa charged Dashi with treason even though she's not a citizen here. It should have been espionage but even then it wouldn't matter. She has diplomatic immunity, that's an international crime if you arrest diplomats or their families. I only held her because it was orders. As for the Avatar, the guards arrested him for assaulting one of their co-workers. From what the paperwork said, he assaulted the guards because a woman refused deportation orders and he defended the woman. I let them ago as soon as you gave orders to release them," Warden Sangok explained.

"Is there anything you heard from Noa about these specific prisoners?" inquired Cupun.

"Yes, we were to return Dashi's head in a bag, and imprison the Avatar for twenty-five years and never speak of it to you or the royal family," responded Sangok. The crowd gasped as did Chief Cupun and his court.

"I didn't say that! You're all working against me!" shouted Noa.

Chief Cupun snapped his fingers this was a signal for a waterbender to slap a gag of ice on the prisoner. The waterbender pulled water out of his waterskin and wrapped it around Noa's mouth, he froze the water into a gag.

"You will be allowed to speak when it is your turn," commented Chief Cupun.

"Bring Captain Sokka in I want to know more about the deportations," said Cupun, a guard nodded and Sokka minced inside a few minutes later.

"How do you explain the deaths?" Cupun asked him.

Captain Sokka knocked on the door to the meeting room, a guard opened the door and announced the arrival of the Captain, "How goes the deportations in other regions?" questioned Elder Noa.

"There have been ten casualties in the Anugi region, criminals of the Qiangda Kingdom not willing to go were killed by the guards. But all in all, we've deported half of the Pole back to their country. Deportations of Nuvuya start soon, elder," reported Sokka.

The guard knelt to someone who remained unseen, "Chief Cupun what a pleasant surprise," gasped the guard.

"Where is the Avatar?" asked Cupun.

"I sent him with Ambassador Dashi to Ba Sing Se, I thought maybe if Dashi went with the Avatar they could help the Earth King figure this all out," Noa lied.

Cupun nodded, "Thank you for helping me out, Noa. You're a trusted individual. Did Thod leave too?" he wondered.

"Thod? I haven't seen Thod, no," Noa shook his head.

"Well, sir. The orders were given by Elder Noa, we were to arrest any who didn't comply with orders. Casualties happened in Uvliruk, the village in the southwestern area of the Anugi region. Ten if I remember correctly, we could have prevented their deaths but they seriously injured three guards. Village defenders killed them instead," Sokka disclosed.

Cupun stood up once again, "Ungag Noa and raise him to his feet he can now defend himself," he ordered the guards who stood by the knelt prisoner. Water melted off his mouth and the two royal guards lifted him to his feet.

"Four witnesses have given the same testimony against you, now's your chance to defend yourself," Cupun commented.

"Every decision I've made is for the tribe, I don't care about any other nation. I don't care about the Southern Water Tribe, all that matters is the Northern Water Tribe. Dashi was arrested for conspiring against you, Thod should've been arrested. All those migrants were arrested for disobeying orders, you're going to allow the Avatar to break laws?!" argued Noa.

"Your decisions were made against the tribe, your stupid decisions killed ten Qiangda Kingdom civilians how do you think the Earth King thinks of this?! My ambassador is missing because you decided to do all this camelephant excrement," countered Cupun.

"A decision will be made soon," sighed Cupun, he huddled with Ashuna, and his son they discussed what they heard before they split.

Cupun rose to his feet again and concluded the trial, "Kinto, Wei, Hasook, and Bato have been found innocent of the crimes they were held against. They're free to go, while Noa has been found guilty of treason, ten counts of involuntary manslaughter, and three counts of intimidation. Punishment for intimidation is one year in prison, punishment for manslaughter is death, punishment for treason is death. You will be stripped of all ownership of lands, resources, and money, this will all be given to your family's second in line, Gilik. You will be escorted to the palace grounds for execution, you may spend this time to say your final goodbyes to your family."

The court of nobles that decide new laws or proposals.

Noa's family gasped, his wife and Gilik had begun to sob for the sentence given to their family's patriarch. Noa lowered his head in anger he shouted something no one ever thought he would say, "I challenge you to Atanerkugia!"

The crowd gasped again, Cupun, Tulok, Tanaraq, Captain Sokka and the Court of Elders were shocked and taken aback to Noa's challenge. Atarnerkugia was a sacred ritualistic duel in the northern and Southern Water Tribes. Where the challenger would challenge the reigning chief for the throne, some chiefs would be killed in honorable combat and the challenger crowned chief.

Noa challenged Cupun for the throne in a ritualistic duel to the death called the atarnerkugia.

The crowd stared at Chief Cupun they wondered if he honored his ancestors and accept the challenge or decline the challenge and be called a coward. Chief Cupun responded, "Fine you want the throne? You're going to have to pry it from my cold dead hands. Take the challenger to the palace courtyard and summon Hasook the Younger's mother, Kiggagaa."

"Father you don't have to do this," whispered Tulok.

"Look Tulok there comes a time in a chief's life where he has to accept challenges from fools and prove to them why you're still superior. I'm fit to lead my nation, your inheritance to the throne is safe," said Cupun.

"There's a popular saying from an Earth King, 'No King rules forever, my son'," Cupun quoted a quote made by an Earth King although he didn't remember which one or from which kingdom.

At the same time, Rong Yan trapped Master Naartok in a bubble of water before Naartok himself burst the bubble and gasped for air. He gave a slight nod to Rong Yan he approved of the Avatar's skills to quickly having mastered each move. .

"Skilled waterbenders can create a gimbal or two rotating rings of water around their bodies. This has both defensive and offensive capabilities, such as being used as a cannon," described Naartok about the next move known as a water gimbal.

He continued to describe the move as he demonstrated it as well, "Low cha bu stance then when you have the water pulled out you form rings around you.." he paused, he bent his knees extended his dominant foot forward and extended his back foot backward. His dominant arm extended out to his side while he had his back arm raised in the air.

He pulled water out of the ocean below them and formed two rings of water that rotated around him at the same time he switched stances to a gong bu stance while he held the water gimbal for ten seconds then he used two fingers on each hand to shoot a projectile of water and then one of ice before he dropped the rings, "As you're forming the rings you're switching to gong bu stance and I want you to hold it for ten seconds, proper breath control will maintain the rings leaving your hands free to shoot out bullet of water or ice," he explained.

Rong Yan nodded this one seemed sort of confusing to him but he tried his best he started at the low cha bu stance as he pulled the water out of the ocean he shifted into a gong bu stance and concentrated on breath control. He then spun around on the xu bu stance as he released several projectiles out into the open. Naartok applauded the Avatar he was proud of his student.

Meanwhile, back at the palace's courtyard stood Chief Cupun on one side with Noa on the other end. Noa's guards and the royal guards surrounded both men with their spears out Elder Bato stepped forward before the battle began and he explained the rules and how traditions are to be met.

Elder Bato.

"Welcome one and all, this is an Atarnerkugia, a challenge to the throne. Where the challenger challenges the current chief to a duel to the death. The rules are simple if the battle is between a bender and a non-bender the bender is chi-blocked and must fight like a warrior if they're both waterbenders or warriors they duel it out to find who's more skilled," began Elder Bato, the old man signaled for the royal guards to bring forth Hasook the Younger's mother Kiggagaa. She was a known chi-blocker she used her abilities for her alchemical profession and the ritualistic duel. .

"Chief Cupun is non-bender and will not be chi-blocked, however, Noa is a waterbender and will be chi-blocked. Kiggagaa you may go ahead and sever his chi paths," announced Bato.

The older woman neared herself toward the challenger she balled her fists and lightly punched the middle-aged man in all the pressure points of the body. He fell to the ground in pain before the guards forced him to his feet. .

"Noa you are now unable to bend, choose your weapon," declared Elder Bato a rack of weapons stood there.

On the rack were whale shark jaw blades, a shield made of wood from the forest region of Niptaktuk, a bow and a few arrows, a club made from a walrus bear's jaw, a walrus bear's tusk designed into a dagger, a fist weapon made from a polar bear's paw, and a few other weapons. Noa grabbed a large sword made of a whale shark's jaw bone.

"Chief Cupun, choose your weapon," said Elder Bato, the same weapons that were offered to Noa were given to Cupun to choose from.

Both men stood at the ready as they waited for Elder Bato's signal, Unaraq, Tulok, Tanaraq, and Aloi watched from their elevated seats as did the crowd those who supported Noa mostly his family and his servants. And those who supported Cupun which were largely royal guards, city guards, and citizens.

Ashuna, Misu, Yakone, and Yugoda grabbed their drumsticks and had begun to beat the drums as part of the tradition. Elder Bato announced the commencement of the duel, "Anguta's presence is here with us this afternoon he takes one soul with him to the great beyond. The duel begins now!"

Noa and Cupun were ready to fight, Noa rushed at Cupun but Cupun dodged the rushing attack. He rolled to the side, he found himself against the spears of his men when he felt a slight poke by one of them. The guards who surrounded them were there to prevent either one of the duelists from wanting to escape the battle. All of these duels ended in a victor and dead opponent.

Cupun clopped forward as he made quick decisions both men clashed swords against each other's. He parried Noa's sword and saw an opening he kicked Noa in the chest, the middle-aged challenger staggered back with a few seconds in Cupun had attempted a killing blow but it was met with the blade again. Noa elbowed Cupun back, Cupun staggered a bit. They both regained themselves and circled a bit the drums beat louder.

Yakone was in charge of the signal which told all the spearmen to walk a few steps forward which made the circle smaller. As time went on it would eventually be small enough but for now, Yakone did a sequence of five quick beats then he paused for a second before he beat again another five beats, the royal guards and Noa's estate guards paced forward, the circle shrunk a bit.

Noa panted they went for another clash and met blades again. Cupun tried to overpower his opponent Noa disarmed Cupun. The crowd gasped, Cupun dodged and rolled under every swing of the sword in Noa's hand and uppercut the nobleman. It gave Cupun time to grab his weapon he stood his ground and taunted his opponent.

Cupun beat his chest twice and rose his free arm and roared, it lifted the spirits of the citizens. Unaraq and Tulok bit their nails as they watched the duel. Tanaraq had been frightened about the duel, while Aloi watched with her mouth open.

Yakone repeated the sequence of drum beats the circle grew smaller. While both men were still able to run a bit freely. Noa sought a plan to kill the chief in his head he cackled at Cupun, Noa tightened his grip on his sword's handle. He charged at Cupun as did the chief, he sliced Cupun's waist, the chief fell to one knee. The crowd had a mixed reaction, the drum sequence went off again the circle got smaller Noa felt the pokes from the spears on his backside. This was it he was going to be crowned chief.

Cupun gripped his fresh wound and panted he looked at the faces of everyone in government. Noa charged at him again to give the killing blow. Noa had gone into a frenzy because he knew he was now the victor. As he neared Cupun he gasped for air, he realized the chief's blade had impaled him. He was still shocked blood poured from his mouth. Tanaraq buried her face into Tulok's chest while everyone screamed. Cupun winced in pain as he pushed Noa's body off of his weapon, he rose to his feet again and raised his sword arm the crowd roared the chief had won the Atarnerkugia. "NOOO!" screamed Gilik, son of Noa.

His mother shrieked when she saw her husband lost the duel. Noa laid there his vision had begun to dim someone towered over him he extended his arm he thought it was his son. But when he looked it was Anguta himself. By tradition and law Noa's estate guards knelt, their leader was killed in combat. Noa's son ran from the stands and rushed over to his father, tears in the young man's eyes.

"F-father..." he uttered.

"Gilik take care...of y-your mother for m-me..." muttered Noa, "Anguta towers o-over me as we speak. It's t-time..." murmured the nobleman, Gilik's mother rushed over she sobbed. Noa's hands trembled but he took his wife's left hand and gently kissed it.

"R-remember who you are, s-son," he said on his final breath before the air left his lungs, Anguta had taken his soul to the Spirit World.

Gilik whispered, "I am Gilik, son of Noa," he sobbed on the body of his father.

Cupun cried out in pain and fell to his knees, "Father!" Tulok cried out. Ashuna rushed over to Chief Cupun she extracted water from the snow on the ground and hovered her hands over Cupun's wound. He screamed in pain again while Ashuna healed the chief.

"Shh..shh..it's okay Cupun I'm here," Ashuna shushed the chief as she tried to calm him while she healed his wound made by Noa's sword.

Her hands glowed the wound was being healed when she dropped the healing water the wound was sealed shut she knew it would scar. The bruising would remain and he'd have to visit Ashuna in the temple for healing therapy to continue.

Captain Sokka and a few other guards lifted Cupun to his feet where he declared, "Gilik son of Noa, you are now the patriarch of your family. However, because your father was arrested for treason your family's seat on the Court of Elders has been stripped. My coffers will pay for your father's burial." The young man didn't say a word his captain of the guard accepted the declaration for the young man though.

Back on the islet in Puviak Bay, Rong Yan's water vortex collapsed and he fell into the water. Naartok dove into the water and burst out of the ocean as he formed a water spout and spun he maintained the vortex and moved around in it.

Master Naartok demonstration of the water vortex to Rong Yan.

"Come on proper breath control will maintain the water vortex you can do it!" shouted Naartok as he gave Rong Yan words of encouragement. Rong Yan shot out of the ocean and started the water spout again he spun around with it. It sort of was unbalanced as it swished around a bit before he contained the vortex and moved it around himself.

"Good! Now move around on it, the water is your resource!" yelled Naartok once he saw the Avatar contained the water vortex. Rong Yan used his legs like if he slid side to side and he moved around on the water vortex around his waterbending master.

"Now bend it over to the islet to drop you safely down!" shouted Naartok, the old man used the water spout to drop him on the islet while he waited for Rong Yan to do the same. The vortex fell apart before he could land safely on the way down he blasted the ground to break his fall because an air cushion would take too long.

"This is one of the few moves that will take a year or two to get down, don't worry about it. It took me a solid two years to master the water spout. You have to focus on controlling it, and maintain breath control if you don't you'll plunge into the big drink," advised Naartok.

The skies had begun to darken, "Come on it's getting dark we better head back to Aupaluk!" added Naartok.

One Week Later

Two men discussed something inside a large throne room, the adviser was a middle-aged man with tan skin and brown eyes, he had a light brown queue and he wore lavish dark green robes. The tall, hunched old man who sat on the throne had wrinkles everywhere, his oily skin was sunkissed, he had liver spots on his ring-filled hands, his eyes were dark green, he had a bald crown with a few liver spots here and there. The sides of his head carried short, bushy white hairs, his mouth had only a few rotted teeth inside, his breath wreaked of vegetables and rum. The old man sat impatiently on his throne, the guards allowed a courier into the throne room.

The young courier rushed in and knelt before the Earth King, the arrogant old man twiddled his right hand's fingers on the armrest. The courier raised the scroll above his head with both hands the old king's adviser approached the courier and removed the scroll from his hands. He examined the seal and recognized the insignia of the Qiangda Kingdom.

The old man guessed who the sender was and commented to his adviser, "Naoren, if it's Governor Nanzi complaining about the daofei in Taku again I'll remove him from office. Taku has a substantial amount of soldiers to combat the criminals."

Naoren De shook his head, "No your Majesty, it's actually from Earth King Qiang Zhen."

"Qiang Zhen?" he questioned his adviser, he paused before he continued, "I thought the Earth King was Ta Po?" he hypothesized, it's been two years and the crazy old king thought Ta Po was still the Earth King of the Qiangda Kingdom.

"No sir, Ta Po was assassinated two years ago, his grandson was crowned the forty-second Earth King of the Qiangda Kingdom," mentioned Naoren.

"Assassinated? Are you sure? That guy was older than me, he probably got assassinated by Yama," joked the old king. He giggled about the assassin being the god of death himself.

"What's the scroll say? You know my peepers aren't as good anymore," the Earth King of the Oma Kingdom cackled.

"Earth King Qiang Zhen seeks to speak with you in Ba Sing Se, he didn't say more just that he wishes to speak with you with his Council of Five," answered Naoren, he held a nonchalant expression. The slightest reaction could anger the old unpredictable king.

"Bah! I'm not going to Ba Sing Se, I wasn't born yesterday meeting Qiang Zhen in the heart of the Qiangda Kingdom? No, if he wants to be a legendary Earth King like his grandfather he'll meet me on neutral territory. Tell him to see me in a week in Huang He in the Hami tribe territory. I'll be waiting for him," declined the centenarian king.

"Yes, King Gao Zu," nodded Naoren.

"Have the scribes make it seem like it was his idea!" added Gao Zu.

"Don't forget to notify Chieftain Daj that I'm coming to Huang He," ordered Gao.

Three hours later, Gao Zu remained seated on his throne in came Naoren De was his bags full of clothing and other essentials for the old king. The arrogant bastard stood up as he was ready to leave and he grabbed his things.

"Naoren watch the kingdom while I'm gone. Just don't do anything I wouldn't like..." said the old man.

He paused for a moment then changed his mind, "Actually nevermind you're coming along you're the kind of person who would do something I don't like!"

"Hui front and center!" Gao roared, a tall and fit young man darted out of nowhere and stood tall and proud and saluted his father.

Prince Hui of the Oma Kingdom.

The young man's skin was a toasted tan color, his hair was long, bound and dark brown, his eyes were dark green. Instead of robes, he wore white spider-silk pants, and a dark green spider-silk tunic fastened by a black studded leather belt, he wore dark green slippers with gold lining on them as well. His topknot was held by the prince's traditional sangtuwan crown.

"Hui you're running things while I'm gone, I trust you more than Naoren. I remember last time he established some weird Northern Water Tribe holiday where a goblin was worshipped," he told the prince.

Prince Hui moved his hands in an assortment of hand signs. His father pointed at him, "That was you?!"

The young man slightly nodded his head and said nothing he sat down on the throne and rested one leg on top of the other, then he switched positions again and a few more times to find a comfortable position on it. Once he was settled he grinned.

Miki – Wugou Ocean, North Pole-Qiangda Kingdom

It was dawn a light fog had settled in, Shushu, Yingsu's uncle woke up early and continued to steer the boat north toward Duryaja province. The old man yawned Senlin and Palartok were also awake the only ones who slept soundly were Yingsu and his pregnant wife Yun.

"Zhapian! Teji! Do you see that?" he called out to Palartok and Senlin, Palartok peered into the fog and could barely make out the small ship that patrolled the Qiangda Kingdom waters. They neared the Kingdom's water as they came toward the end of international waters.

"Shushu go below deck let us handle this, they're going to be Qiangda Kingdom sailors," said Senlin.

The old man ran down below deck and hid while Palartok knocked on the door of the cabin, Yingsu creaked the door slightly opened. The young man rubbed his eyes and asked the man, "Zhapian it's early right now, what happened?"

"Qiangda Kingdom soldiers are coming close to our vessel, wake up your wife and use the hatch to get below deck now," he suggested the young man who nodded and closed the door again to rush his wife awake and get her down the hatch. Senlin pulled the anchor down and anchored the large boat they used. The wooden vessel had a mermaid creature carved underneath the bow of the small ship. Three men were aboard they anchored their ship while the other place a wooden slab across both ships. The soldiers crossed safely across the slab over to Senlin's ship.

All three soldiers wore olive green uniforms with the Qiangda Kingdom coin insignia on the center of their chest armor. Two men wore no helmet while the middle one wore a helmet, the other two on his sides had weapons one with a pole, and the other had a sword. The one in the middle had a small mallet on his hip as well, he wore bracers on his wrists and ankles. It was clear to Senlin by the way these men dressed that the leader was an earthbender while the men to his sides were non-benders.

"Turn back now you shall not pass further by order and decree of Earth King Qiang Zhen all Water Tribes citizens must turn back," ordered the leader of the fireteam.

"We're Qiangda Kingdom citizens, sir," interrupted Palartok, Senlin remained silent.

"You look like a Northie not one of us, let me see your identification papers," the captain assumed Palartok was of Tribesmen descent just as he looked at the man. He carried every feature of one as well, Palartok handed him his fake identification papers. .

"Zhapian, ahh it's rare that you meet someone who's of mixed race. You are excused, brother," the captain commented as he handed Palartok his papers.

Senlin handed his papers while he remained under a conical straw hat the glare of the sun had slowly began to rise from the skies. The soldier captain read Senlin's papers he muttered to himself, "Teji."

Senlin scanned the enemy boat he noticed the men carried a supply of earth discs piled onto the ship, he slightly grinned. The navy captain handed Senlin his papers then he recognized the fugitive when he gave a good look at his eyes.

"The Great Betrayer! Men attack!" shouted the captain Palartok slapped the spearman with a water whip.

The captain grabbed his mallet, Senlin rolled backward and extended his arms out while in Ma Bo stance. The earthbender ran over to his supply of earth and shot a few discs at both men. Senlin redirected some of the discs back.

Two discs knocked one warrior on his bum while they knocked the other out of balance. Palartok submerged half his body in water and formed two tentacles, while the earthbender stomped down two discs hovered in front of him he kicked one with his left foot then he pivoted a full-circle and used his right foot to kick the other at Senlin.

Both soldiers slowly rose to their feet Palartok used the tentacles to block the discs who flew at Senlin. Senlin ducked under one that plunged into the ocean while Palartok caught the other and lightly tossed it with the tentacles to Senlin who crumbled the disc up instead of having it redirected at the captain.

The captain crumbled up two discs into a large rock and shot it at Palartok he shifted into a kou bu stance and windmilled his arms in front of him. A large wave of water rose to stop the rock from hitting Palartok, he directed the wave to form large tentacles that grabbed each non-bender by their ankles. One was slammed against the hull of the wooden vessel and he fell into the water.

The earthbender instead launched discs at the hull of Senlin's boat to sink the boat. The small rocks struck the earthbender but didn't cause much damage. The earthbender shot out five discs Palartok used the tentacles to catch more and lightly tossed them near Senlin's feet. The other non-bender had been thrown into the air he screamed on the way down and landed in the water.

The ship had been sinking Yun's scream was unheard by the captain on the other boat but Yun and Yingsu along with his uncle rushed to the first floor of beneath the deck of the ship. Shushu held his nephew and his wife, "No it's too dangerous out there let them fight the soldiers!" he piped.

The swordsman screamed as he struggled in the water he couldn't swim his comrade swam over to him to calm him down. Senlin crumbled up four discs while the fifth hit Palartok in the stomach it knocked the wind out of him.

Senlin released small rock shards out at the captain of the small ship, a wave of shards were blasted at the soldier. He fell dead Palartok gasped for air as Senlin ran below deck where he met face to face with the three refugees.

"Run over the bridge to the enemy ship before the boat sinks. Now!" he barked at the three refugees.

Yun, Yingsu, and Shushu darted across the bridge. Palartok nipped across the bridge as did Senlin, Yingsu and Shushu pulled up the anchor of the ship. The soldier who couldn't swim held onto the anchor so he could be pulled up.

Senlin picked the dead body of the captain up, Yingsu covered his pregnant wife's eyes from the gore. Both men shrieked when their superior's corpse was tossed on top of them, the soldier let go of the anchor as the body landed on him.

"AHHH!" both men cried out.

Palartok composed himself he ran down below deck with Yingsu and Yun, while Senlin and Shushu focused on setting a course toward Duryaja again undisturbed. A week's trip was still left before they reached Qiangda Kingdom shores. Palartok rummaged through the crates in the storage room below deck he found uniforms and clothing, in the kitchen, Yingsu found dried meats, vegetables, fruits, spirits, and drinks. .

"The soldiers have plenty of food I'm glad we won't have to starve!" he beamed, his wife Yun placed her hand onto her belly and took a deep breath.

The young man paid attention to his wife, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, the baby's kicking is all," she replied he paced toward her and she grabbed his hand and placed it gently on her belly he felt the light kicks from the baby in her womb.

They both laughed with joy he gave her a peck on the lips and dug into an apple. He offered his wife bread and she took it. Palartok grabbed a hold of the clothing and uniforms he entered the mess hall where the young couple ate.

"Here put these on when we enter Qiangda Kingdom territory you need to look the part, the uniforms are for us and Yingsu's uncle," he offered them the clothing.

"I'll leave you two to your privacy," he added before he grabbed the uniforms again and headed out. Yingsu removed his parka and shirt and put on a Qiangda Kingdom tunic on.

Palartok lumbered out from below deck Senlin turned to face him, "I found a uniform and a helmet for you. While I got the old man and I non-bender uniforms."

"Thanks," said Senlin he grabbed the mallet and clopped over to the old man, he extended out his hand with the mallet, "Here you're going to need this," he told Shushu.

"I haven't used a mallet in a long time," the old man said.

"Are you an earthbender?" asked Senlin, Shushu shook his head and declined, "No I can't bend but just give me a few days and I'll get used to this again," smiled Shushu.

"Good we could use your experience in battle against any more enemy soldiers who attack us," Senlin said.

One Week Later

The arid springtime sun beat down on the sands of the Si Wong state. The heated temperatures have killed many people who didn't take care of themselves. A large dark green carriage with the Oma Kingdom insignia on painted on both sides had been pulled by an elephant mandrill. The Earth King of the Oma Kingdom used exotic creatures as his mounts and animals of burden. The elephant mandrill was faster in his opinion and would've smashed anything which could have caused harm to the old king.

The Si Wong state is split into four territories each one ruled by the four biggest tribes.

Naoren De and King Gao Zu were inside the carriage, the old king slept while his adviser stared out the aperture of the carriage. He could see the structures that towered over the carriage made of finely cut limestone blocks. The outskirts of the city held various large tents where the low-class caste of the sandbenders resided in. The Oma Kingdom soldiers were abundant around the carriage as they protected it from all sides from bands of sandbending raiders.

There were lines tied from one tower to the next, these lines held the flag of the Si Wong state, other flags had writing on them written in Si Wong dialect of the Kingsmen language. As the carriage passed by toward the estate of the chieftain. Lines of people who wore layered rags on their bodies strolled by the dirt roads of the vast city of Huang He.

The men wore blue-colored cotton garments imported from the Qilian province southwest of the Si Wong desert. Where some of the cotton farms in the Oma Kingdom operated, imports came from Qilian across the large desert state to all four capital cities of the tribe territories.

The women also wore soft-colored garments like yellow and pink there were different fashion styles for women. Some women were completely covered head to toe to avoid getting skin cancer but also the way their outfits were worn were a part of their religious journey.

Other women even covered their faces save for the eyes, as they believed only their husbands should be allowed to see their bodies. As Gao Zu's carriage continued down the streets Naoren saw an auction being held for slaves being sold. These men were left without clothing or armor only a cotton loincloth. Their hands were bound by rope while the upper-class caste of the Hami bid on the men who stood on the stand.

It took them about two hours to reach the heart of Huang He where the estate of the chieftain was built. The chieftain's warriors stood in a formation, a warrior notified the chieftain because he stood on the courtyard grounds of his estate as he waited for the Oma Earth King. The door to the carriage opened one of the Oma Kingdom royal guards assisted Naoren out, then Gao Zu who awoke after the carriage came to a halt.

Some of the sandbenders that roamed the outskirts of Huang He, Hami territory.

The old king hunched down he was still tall with his regular posture, the chieftain wore royal blue silk robes with gold exterior lining and a gold collar. His hands were filled with rings that contained expensive jewels native to the Si Wong desert.

On his head he wore a royal blue turban, a ruby decorated the front side of it and the feather of an endangered bird who finds the desert its natural habitat. His skin was a medium brown color and easily tanned, the chieftain was short and heavyset, his beard was long and kempt, his eyes were a light green color. He bowed before the old arrogant king and greeted him, "Lord Gao Zu we are so glad you could make it here."

"Thank you Daj, the trip was very dry and hard after we left the Si Wong oasis settlement near the Taku province," said the old king as he slightly smiled.

Chieftain Daj gestured for the old man to set foot inside his home. The inside of the building was also constructed of limestone, braziers filled the large home and the halls were lit with torches. Tapestries were hung, and a large Oma Kingdom insignia flag hung near his throne.

Out of the left-wing minced out a young woman with medium brown skin, she was short but thin, her hair was long, wavy and black. She wore blush pink robes, the gold lining of the robes came from real gold. She wore golden coin shaped earrings and a golden headdress with feathers that decorated the top of it. Her eyes were a hazel color and she carried a nose chain, she did a curtsey bow when she saw the old Oma Kingdom king.

"It is a pleasure to see you again, Lord Gao," she smiled.

"Wow look at you! The last time I saw you, you were just below my knee," smirked Gao Zu, he was shocked to see that Daj's only daughter Amira was finally a grown woman.

"How's Hui?" she inquired about the king's son.

"Still unable to speak, Yun gave us a powerful earthbender but cursed him with the inability to speak. He speaks with his interpreter more than I do, but I'll admit it makes tutoring easy because I don't have to teach him," replied Gao Zu.

Prince Hui of Zu was born a mute and was never able to develop speech as a boy, but Gao spoke to his son through sign language and verbal words. Eventually, Gao Zu hired an interpreter for his son so that his son's hands signs could be translated into words.

"Daj where's the Qiangdian King?" asked Gao Zu, Daj shrugged and shook his head, "We've not received word from the Earth King of Ba Sing Se." A warrior entered the home of the chieftain and bowed his head, "Chieftain Daj, the Qiangdian King has arrived he will shortly join you," announced the warrior.

"Thank you," said Daj, a squad of Qiangda Kingdom soldiers waltzed into the home of the chieftain as they surrounded the Qiangdian Earth King. They split apart and a young man with light tan skin, black hair covered by a light green crown with the Qiangda Kingdom coin insignia decorated the front side of the crown. His eyes were green, he was tall, and fit as well. He carried many rings on his hands, his intricately detailed robes were made of spider-silk and dyed with light green pigments.

King Gao gazed at the young king of the Qiangda Dynasty, he held a stare. Chief Daj bent a large crescent-shaped table out of the ground where Earth King Qiang Zhen, General Qingbao and Guwen sat on one end while Earth King Gao Zu and Naoren De sat on the opposite end. Chief Daj and his daughter Princess Amira sat in the middle as mediators of the entire diplomatic meeting between the two kings.

Gao Zu glared at the young king, Qiang Zhen simply ignored him though, Gao Zu raised his voice and questioned the young Earth King, "What's this about, Qiang Zhen?"

"General Qingbao was just getting to that," answered Qiang Zhen.

General Qingbao rose from his seat and paced around in the middle of the table. He began, "It is an honor meeting you again, King Gao Zu, the matter we have at hand that we're meeting here today is about war. I'm sure you've heard rumors about Earth King Qiang Zhen's cousin Baotong was assassinated while visiting Kunlun City by the Northern Water Tribe?" he questioned the old man as he assumed news from his kingdom reached the Oma Kingdom.

"People die every day, there's no need to start a war over it," Gao Zu responded, Naoren facepalmed and frowned while he shook his head. Qiang Zhen sighed and lumbered out of the building for a moment. He was in disbelief to hear the old bastard king was cold and heartless. Guwen followed behind to speak with the king.

"That is true, as you know the blood of our brothers and ancestors have been spilled in our split kingdoms for generations. What outraged us besides the assassination is the Northern snowbacks broke the treaty and have deployed an invasion force on our northern territory. Pillaging and killing Qiangda Kingdom civilians," summarized Qingbao.

"And what does this have to do with me?" Gao Zu questioned the general, the general answered his question, "I'm glad you asked as part of the treaty that was made between you and Ta Po, we have to agree upon the offer of aid in case there's a war. You remember what the Water Tribes are capable of when they're united, Lord Gao Zu."

"I don't care what the Water Tribes have in common or what power they hold together! I am at peace with the two tribes and I want to stay that way. Don't involve me in your wars with the Tribesmen!" Gao grumbled in anger.

"Lord Gao Zu! Please let us reason about this first, you haven't heard all of it! Your people could die, the blood of your people on your hands, milord," Qingbao reasoned with the old king.

At the same time, Qiang Zhen sat with his head between his knees, Guwen knelt beside Qiang Zhen and placed his arm around the young man. A tear fell from his eye the death of his cousin happened about two weeks ago. The remains of the Earth Prince haven't even come to the city-state as of yet. .

"There's something you need to know about that wrinkled grizzled king he's a self-centered, arrogant, insolent dunderhead. You need to be tough around him. He'll throw jabs at you but if there was one thing I remembered about your grandfather, is that he never let Gao Zu beat him up like that. Show him your strength, Qiang Zhen," said Guwen.

He knew Gao Zu and the reputation the old world leader held. Gao Zu while an evil man he was fearless and powerful that's why many of his enemies feared him. He carried an entire nation on his back while his military wasn't as big as the Qiangda Kingdom's, he still taught his soldiers to be fearless killing machines. .

"Are you ready to show that old scrote the might of the Qiangda Kingdom?" Guwen asked Qiang Zhen, he hoped that whatever he told his king would have empowered and inspired the young king to take the fight to the Earth King of the Oma Kingdom. Qiang Zhen entered through the curtains again he held a determined look on his face. The face of a king in a cold civil war with the enemy.

"The baby returns," smirked Gao Zu.

Qiang Zhen ignored the jab that was thrown at him by Gao Zu, he told Lord Zu, "We must stand united as the almighty Earth Kingdom, we can't allow these primitive snowmen to have victory over us!"

"United?" cackled Gao Zu, "We're a divided nation and have been divided for centuries and we will always be. This is what I think of your filthy treaty!" shouted Gao Zu as he spat at the ground.

Earth King Gao Zu of the Oma Kingdom.

Gao Zu signaled Naoren that they were leaving. Qiang Zhen grinned at his next few words and mentioned the Thirty Year War.

"The stories my grandfather told me about the old legendary Earth King of Omashu were nothing but fables. The old arrogant bastard is nothing but a coward, he pulled out his troops in the middle of war because he was too afraid to fail!" yelled Qiang Zhen.

Something snapped within Gao Zu, he quickly turned around in Jik Kiu stance. He swung his left arm upward a rock lifted out of the ground. He punched it forward with his right fist at Qiang Zhen, Qingbao smashed it to bits with his head. Suddenly, both of the kingdoms' troops stood in defensive stances. Right then and there a small skirmish could've gone down between the two Earth Kings and their soldiers.

Princess Amira hid behind a pillar while her father convinced both parties to stand down. Daj stood in between both enemies. He signaled with his arms for both parties to drop their weapons, "Please let's not fight, stand down and drop your weapons," he said.

"I knew coming to Oma Kingdom territory would be a bad idea for the king!" Qingbao retorted, Gao Zu spat in Qiang Zhen's face and shouted, "Get out of my kingdom! Now!" The young king frowned in disgust he wiped the spit from his face. He was disrespected by the centenarian king but at least he knew that when he called Gao a coward it struck a nerve.

Guwen had his eyes glued on Qiang Zhen and made sure the king was safe, he glowered at Gao Zu in anger. At this moment, he knew the ceasefire between both nations ended and now they were back in active war with the Oma Kingdom.

"Daj secure your coastal borders with double the men, don't allow these pieces of garbage to invade your territory!" barked Gao Zu. Daj slightly bowed his head, "Yes, milord."

"You heard the Earth King send word to the general I want men deployed at the coast!" yelled Chieftain Daj.

"Your majesty are you sure you want to make this move?" inquired Naoren.

"Tell the men outside to ready the carriage, we're going home and mobilizing the border states to deploy a twofold presence of soldiers. If any Qiangda Kingdom soldiers set foot on our land I'll tell those men to spill their blood!" replied Gao Zu.

Aupaluk, Northern Water Tribe

It was another breezy afternoon Cupun sat on his throne with his adviser Elder Siku. The old woman sat down on a resting chair that was placed inside for her. She was a senior member of the council and wasn't able to stand for long periods. A courier rushed into the throne room he knelt before Chief Cupun, Elder Siku rose from her seat and took the scroll from the courier. She examined the scroll and was surprised when she noticed the seal was marked with the insignia of the Air Nomads.

"Who's it from, Siku?" inquired Chief Cupun.

Elder Siku.

"The sender must be one of the leaders of the Air Nomads," answered the old woman she minced over to the chief and handed him the scroll.

"Oh you're right," commented Cupun, he broke the seal on the scroll and unrolled it.

"Chief Cupun of the North,

This letter was sent by Hegumen R'Kang by the request of Earth King Qiang Zhen of the Qiangda Kingdom. He's asked us to be the middle-men in a meeting between you and your most trusted advisers along with him and his government officials. I'm hoping we can come to an understanding and even a deal. We are hoping that you join us in ten days here in the Gangdise Shan mountains in the Hankou province.

Faithfully your friend.

Hegumen R'Kang, Baiyan Council of Elders"

"What's it about, chief?" asked Elder Siku.

"R'Kang the Hegumen from the Northern Air Temple requires our presence in ten days, peace talks between us and Earth King Qiang Zhen. I'll finally get the answers I seek, and I hope Thod is with them as well. He's been missing for two weeks and I think the worst," responded Cupun.

"I will require you at my side, although I will be without my ambassador to the Qiangda Kingdom I fully entrust you can assist me in making a deal with the Earth King," added Cupun.

"I am here for you, Cupun," said the old woman.

Wugou Ocean, Duryaja, Qiangda Kingdom

The evening Qiangda Kingdom skies were very dark, a fog had settled in around the stolen military vessel that was occupied by Senlin, Palartok, Shushu, Yingsu, and Yun. Inside the warm cabin slept Yingsu and Yun cuddled together while a small fire burned inside the fire pit. Half a mile away atop of a watchtower sat two soldiers, one of the soldiers carried a scope on him through which he saw the vessel as it approached the shore.

"Do you see anything?" asked the other one as he held on two spark rocks.

"I see a small Qiangda Kingdom ship set the signal bonfire ablaze!" he barked to his comrade. The man quickly rubbed the spark rocks together as sparks flew to the large bonfire. The bonfire set ablaze with a small fire. It was large enough for Senlin and Shushu to see without having to squint their eyes.

Senlin looked upward, he signaled Shushu to run into the cabin and awaken the young couple. They tossed their parkas into the firepit and watched as the clothing burned. They grabbed their identification papers while Shushu, Palartok who had been awoken by Senlin, and Senlin himself used their uniforms as identification.

Senlin and Palartok jogged out from below deck, Shushu dropped the anchor as they came toward the docks. Senlin, Palartok, and Shushu lumbered forward first. Yingsu hid the small dagger he found earlier inside his boot, the young man hoped he didn't have to use the dagger at all.

The air of Duryaja was breezy and it had been a little chill, the two soldiers from the watchtower stood on the docks and stepped forward when Senlin slid the wooden ramp onto the docks. Down from the boat were Palartok and Shushu in non-bender uniforms and Senlin in an earthbender's uniform, behind them was Yingsu and Yun. Yun tried to hold her fear back as she thought the Qiangda Kingdom soldiers might want to kill them.

The soldier who held the scope said, "Report," to Senlin.

"We downed a Northern Water Tribe vessel and rescued these refugees, they kept them locked up and the girl's pregnant. I promised I'd take them to Chu Shi," answered Senlin. .

"Where do you have hail from, brother?" questioned the other.

"We're from a naval command of the Yu province, we split when our commander told us to patrol international waters. We then rescued them," responded Palartok.

"You gentlemen are a long way home then. Welcome to Duryaja you're free to go," said the soldier who held the scope. Everyone bowed their heads as a form of thank you and they headed west past the bluffs near the ocean in Duryaja. Just seven miles west was the town of Chu Shi where Senlin said he'd take Yingsu, Yun and Shushu.

"Teji, you told them you downed a Northern Water Tribe vessel, what was that all about?" Shushu questioned Senlin.

"Don't you remember why you're here?" Senlin returned an echo question.

"Uncle, the Northern Water Tribe government ordered all Qiangda Kingdom citizens to return to their homeland. We were deported remember? The Northern Water Tribe is at war with the Qiangda Kingdom," explained Yingsu.

"How did this escalate to war?" he asked everyone.

"From what we know the Qiangda Kingdom sent to an assassin to kill a northie royal," Palartok replied.

"Northie. I haven't heard that slang in a long time, that slang term is way past your age, Zhapian!" laughed Shushu. The small group continued as they carefully traversed the bluffs and kept on their way toward the town of Chu Shi.

Two hours later, they reached the outskirts of the large town of Chu Shi Shushu, Yingsu, and Yun stood by the outskirts just a few feet from town limits. Guards patrolled the outer town limits as they made sure no enemies or wild animals approached the town to injure any citizen. Yingsu held onto his pregnant wife Yun while Shushu gave a farewell to both Palartok and Senlin.

"Thank you, for helping my nephew and his wife and I getting to safety, Teji. We owe you one, you don't think you can stay and hunker down a bit longer?" thanked the old man, he asked them to stay a bit longer so they could rest.

"No Zhapian and I have to reach an old friend of ours out in the Pingyao province. We thank you for the company though," Senlin related as he returned the formal farewell.

"Good luck, you guys," smiled Yingsu, Palartok returned the smile, "Luck to you and Yun as well." Palartok shouldered a pack over his left shoulder. Senlin and Palartok began their trek southeast to Han province where they planned to meet with Kimaru.

Ten Days Later

The nomad flew over the northern coast of Hankou, Cupun peered down below to see Northern soldiers had built an outpost on the shores. These were the men that Elder Noa had deployed he thought later they needed to pass by so he can order those men to go home. Noa lied again he never mentioned that he deployed soldiers on northern Qiangdian shores.

The other soldiers peered down below as they too saw the outpost and the men who marched beneath them. His adviser Elder Siku's gray hair glided in the wind the old woman was asleep the flight took them a good amount of days to reach the northern Hankou province coast.

Three hours later, Chief Cupun, and Elder Siku and five northern soldiers arrived in the northern courtyard of the Baiyan Air Temple on the back of a sky bison. It was one of the few times in Cupun's life where he visited the Northern Air Temple for diplomatic peace talks with the Qiangda Kingdom with the previous Earth King when he was just a young teenage boy.

The nomad helped Elder Siku down from his sky bison while Cupun hopped off the saddle of the large beast. He bowed his head to both leaders from the North Pole, an elderly man waited patiently for them to arrive. He was short, lanky, and his skin was a bronze color, his skin had tanned very easily, he was bald and had a few liver spots on the crown of his head. His eyes were dark gray, and the arrow tattoos on his body were a cyan color. He was shirtless, and he wore dandelion yellow trousers, with orange shoes.

He stood up from the bench and extended his wrinkly frail arm out to the chief of the North. He greeted both the chief and his adviser, "Welcome to Baiyan Air Temple, it's always a pleasure to see you Cupun. And who's this?" he asked the chief.

"This is Elder Siku, my new adviser she assumed the position after a train of events that occurred about two weeks ago," Cupun introduced the old woman before he explained why she became his new adviser.

The old airbender lowered his head to the one, he shook her hand, "I'm Hegumen R'Kang it's nice to meet you," he smiled.

Siku gave a friendly and heartwarming smile in return, "It's an honor to meet you, hegumen."

"Let's get this started then shall we?" he asked the chief, Cupun nodded, "Where is Qiang Zhen?" he wondered.

"The young Earth King awaits you in the western courtyard where the diplomatic meeting is being held," answered R'Kang, Cupun placed both of his hands on his head and exhaled some air. He was nervous for what's to come. He needed Thod to return. Siku and Cupun were escorted to the western courtyard where Qiang Zhen, Guwen and Dashi awaited for the arrival of the Northern chief and Siku.

There was a large table in the middle of the grass field in the middle of the courtyard where Dashi and Guwen sat to the left and right of Qiang Zhen. Cupun sat in the middle on his side, to his left was Elder Siku while his right seat was empty. R'Kang took his seat in the middle of the table as the mediator of the peace talks between the Qiangda Kingdom and Northern Water Tribe.

"Now that everyone's here we can begin," R'Kang began as he glanced to his left and right where Qiang Zhen and Cupun sat across from each other. Qiang Zhen's encounter with Gao Zu hit him he was a bit more assertive and aggressive about things. .

"The only reason I came here is to seek answers, but there's something you need to know we have a common enemy that needs to be dealt with," Qiang Zhen said.

"And who's that?" questioned Cupun.

"General Senlin, the Great Betrayer," answered Guwen.

"He's not my enemy, he's yours," disagreed Cupun. .

"Then I guess you wouldn't like to hear that the admiral who betrayed you is alive. Fleet Admiral Palartok lives and commands a force of naval ships," claimed Qiang Zhen. Cupun sighed and was shocked to learn that Palartok lived.

"Your deserter has ran rampant in my kingdom killing my ministers along with the Great Betrayer. You should be ashamed of yourself for letting that man join my enemy," hissed Qiang Zhen.

"And you should be ashamed of yourself and your justice system for allowing an old general to escape the most inescapable prison in the Qiangda Kingdom. He escaped Ba Sing Se, the heart of your kingdom and has been allowed to walk freely, what does that say about you?" countered Cupun.

"Let us proceed, gentlemen. Chief Cupun I have brought you here by request of Earth King Qiang Zhen. If we'd like to have everlasting peace between the Qiangda Kingdom and the Northern Water Tribe it will be here. I ask that you respect each other on Baiyan Air Temple grounds," R'Kang declared.

"Who would like to open negotiations?" R'Kang inquired, Cupun rose his hand first and stood up.

"I didn't come for Admiral Palartok or General Senlin, where's my ambassador?" hollered Cupun. Qiang Zhen raised three fingers as a signal two Qiangda Kingdom soldiers walked forward both with Minister Iglaak and Ambassador Thod in earth cuffs.

"You arrested my diplomats?!" shouted Cupun, the soldiers removed the cuffs from Thod and Iglaak. Iglaak was shoved he lost balance and fell to the ground. He winced in pain before he stood up slowly with the help of Thod.

"You arrested mine first, you deported my civilians who had nothing to do with this, you imprisoned those who refused orders, and even your men killed ten of my civilians. Do you think yours deserve to be treated fairly? If you're fighting fire with fire, you'll get the inferno," commented Qiang Zhen.

Guwen whispered in Qiang Zhen's ear, "You need to bring down the aggressiveness a bit, we might be able to make a truce here and allow the Avatar to kill the general."

"I did not approve those orders, the traitor in my tribe has been dealt with," stated Cupun.

"You judge me for not killing Senlin but you permitted someone to cause so much damage to your nation, laughable," smirked Qiang Zhen.

Thod and Iglaak were finally returned unharmed by Qiang Zhen.

"I don't believe you, you're pretending to be civil your ambassador and your minister of diplomacy lied in my face. You've deployed soldiers on the coast of the Hankou province," yelled Qiang Zhen as he accused Cupun.

"I already told you I didn't deploy those troops, after this, we're landing there and telling them to go home. You have my word," promised Cupun.

"No," Qiang Zhen shook his head, "Your petty excuse doesn't cover what your men did, they killed forty-five of my soldiers. It doesn't cover the blood of those men, it doesn't cover the blood of my cousin. Your excuse is not enough," declined Qiang Zhen.

"I had to tell forty-five families in this province that their kin fell in battle. My family mourns for my heir," grumbled Qiang Zhen.

"We all lose someone, young king. You must learn that I too lost a nephew. The scroll that was found by my nephew's body came from you but was proven fake. I'm trying to prevent a war from happening, and you're being stubborn. Listen to me, someone wants us at each other's throats," said Cupun.

"Your Majesty, the chief of the Northern Water Tribe speaks the truth. The scroll found by his body was fake and whoever made it framed you. You need to listen to him," mentioned Dashi.

"Silence, ambassador. These Northern dogs will learn their lesson," he commanded Dashi to stay silent.

"My armies are large enough to fight you and the Oma Kingdom," claimed Qiang Zhen.

"The blood of our enemies will repay for the lives of Prince Baotong and those men. I hope you're ready for when my army marches on your shores, Chief Cupun," taunted Qiang Zhen.

"Raiding my city will be the biggest mistake you'll ever make, boy king. You're nothing like your grandfather. You're acting more like that barbarian who hides in Omashu," retorted Cupun.

"You're wishing ill on my people, Tiandi has set this stone, Anguta will take many of your soldiers. You're declaring a war that your grandfather-" Cupun stopped he knew he said too much at that point and he held his tongue.

"THAT MY GRANDFATHER WHAT?!" yelled Qiang Zhen, he was infuriated, he trembled with rage now as if older world leaders attacked him over his family. First Gao Zu with his cousin and now Cupun with his grandfather. Guwen stood to his feet while Dashi stayed in her seat, she let Guwen handle the situation with the Earth King's emotions.

"Qiang Zhen look at me, you need to calm down. You're letting these jabs affect you, your grandfather was great at ignoring taunts. Be like Ta Po, he's right here with you, you can do this," whispered Guwen. The young man nodded, he sighed.

"This meeting is over, R'Kang tell one of your monks I'm ready to leave. From this day forth we're no longer allies with the Qiangda Kingdom. Tonight I pray to Tiandi, may he have mercy on you," Cupun concluded.

Elder Siku rose from her seat and lowered her head to Dashi, Dashi as well was saddened that both world leaders declared war on each other. They were to be enemies now. Thod and Iglaak nipped away with Cupun. Dashi jogged toward Siku and gave her hug, "I'm sorry this happened I hope we can end this soon."

"Tiandi will do what is right, child," said Siku, Dashi shed a tear and then let go of the old woman.

Satkut, Kauk, Southern Water Tribe

A small light tan-skinned boy with hazel-colored eyes and a shaved head walked through the halls of his home with a man in leather armor. The boy held the man's hand as he directed the boy to a room. The boy lightly pushed the door open in a bed filled with animal skins laid the centenarian pirate lord, for someone who was known to be ruthless and wicked was now feeble and on Anguta's door.

The old man had a cough so vile it shook his body and caused him to sweat heavily. A bloodbender just finished his attempt to heal the lord but no avail. He hasn't gotten any better in the past week and has been bed-bound.

"Iminaurak I bring forth your boy just like you asked," said a pirate, the man gently pushed the ten-year-old boy a few steps toward his father's bed. The dying old man coughed a few more times, it was a dry cough that caused pain in his chest. Iminaurak's wrinkled and bony hand slowly extended out to touch the boy's recently shaved head.

"...m-my boy..." he whispered, the back of his hand slid across the boy's head he stopped his hand on the boy's right cheek. His lips quivered to a slight smile this was the final time he'd see his son for sure.

A beautiful boy that he created with his pirate consort who died during childbirth, he was given an heir. One who will carry on the legacy of Iminaurak and the Fifth Nation for generations to come, at least that's what he dreamt of when he prayed to Torngark.

"Daddy, what's wrong?" the boy asked curiously he was unaware of the situation around him he only knew something was wrong with his father but the boy was kept away from death. Iminaurak only wished to keep his consort's promise which allowed the boy to have a childhood free from debauchery, death, and plunder.

"I..g-go onto the Sp-pirit World-d my s-son...I will b-be with y-your..mommy again..." smiled the old man. A smile was rare from the pirate lord, he never smiled he only grinned when immoral things happened.

The boy shed some tears because he knew his mother was with Tiandi in the Spirit World. The young boy cried a bit and clutched his father's hand. The old man whispered again, "You will...make a f-fine...pirate l-lord one d-day...I love y-you, M-makotok," he leaned in bit by bit and gave his son one final kiss on his forehead. When he laid back down his fingers hugged the young boy's hand, and delicately let go of his hand. The boy cried after he tried to move his father's arm several times and the old man was unresponsive.

A pirate came forth to a bald man with an eyepatch and a nasty scar underneath it. The man carried tattoos written in Kingsmen language across his face, the Fifth Nation's code. The pirate lowered his head and notified his superior, "Lord Iminaurak has passed Captain Sao Feng, I thought you should know. Makotok isn't taking it well. The boy's too young to lead the Fifth Nation. What should we do?" Sao Feng drank from his wooden cup and placed the empty cup down from his seat within his home.

The pirate captain replied, "We throw a party in honor of our fallen Pirate Lord. Make sure you poison the drinks of every pirate captain who attends. Captains from all four corners of this world will fight one another to lead our nation."

Dahongpao, Wuyi, Oma Kingdom

Governor Cha Lundu sat up after she had awoken from slumber a messenger bird squawked as her alarm. She yawned and rubbed her eyes, she was annoyed and irritated as to who dared bother her in the wee hours of dawn. When she inspected the pack on the harness of the avian creature she saw the Oma Kingdom insignia etched onto it. She assumed it was one of the governors from a neighboring state but it was Earth King Gao Zu himself.

Her eyes widen as she read the contents of the scroll she then slightly grinned. She quickly got ready and exited her home and toward the military district in Dahongpao. The admiral in the barracks had been frightened when he saw the woman he cowered a bit.

"Good morning, admiral," she smiled as she greeted the man, he was confused and horrified at the same time. .

"Good morning...Governor Lundu," he greeted her.

"News from the heart of the Oma Kingdom, Earth King Gao Zu has ended the sixty-year ceasefire between the Oma Kingdom and the Qiangda Kingdom," she announced to the admiral.

Governor Cha Lundu and her soldiers.

"What?" he said he was surprised because for the longest that he's remembered Dahongpao's port traded with the Qiangda Kingdom and also transported citizens across its international waters with the enemy kingdom.

"You heard correctly, Admiral Ying. Mobilize the men I want a blockade near Chuan Bay by tonight, we cease all transport and trade with the Qiangda Kingdom effective immediately. I want vessels in the Qin river protecting coastal borders. If there are any Qiangda Kingdom seamen, you attack on sight and take no prisoners," commanded the governor of Wuyi.

"Yes, Governor Cha. For the Oma Kingdom and King Gao Zu, long may he reign!" approved Ying he saluted the woman and ran out of the barracks.

Omashu, Oma Kingdom

A general knelt before King Gao Zu, the general had been summoned to the palace, "General Fu, send word to the governors of Huangpu and Tanghai. I want them to work together to invade Shouchun and assassinate the governor. I want Chu back in the Oma Kingdom," ordered Gao Zu.

"And one more thing make sure they leave enough men behind to enforce the borders," added Gao Zu.

"I will make it happen, Lord Zu," said General Fu as he saluted the Earth King and jogged out of the palace.

Three Years Later

Rong Yan's long dashing brown hair flowed in the air as he surfed around on a disc of ice, he swished left and right. He leaned a bit down to throw a wave of water at Naartok as he continued on his way. The wave that was supposed to stop his waterbending master in his tracks froze then Naartok used the frozen wave as a ramp for some air time. He flew over Rong Yan's head and landed a few yards in front of his student.

Naartok used the water around him to boost him forward, he skipped across the ocean like a rock skips across the water. The finish line was on the beaches of the Aupaluk region just outside of the capital city named after it.

Rong Yan rode past him on a large wave that roared as it consumed everything but his master on its path. The Avatar's ice disc shattered on impact with the hard ground. Naartok was not pleased he brought it up, "Hey that's not fair you cheated!"

"You said I had to stay on the ice disc, you didn't say I couldn't enhance it," chuckled Rong Yan, Naartok rolled his eyes.

Then he commented, "Your traveling skills with waterbending have gotten better, I'll admit."

"Oh I almost forgot Chief Tulok wishes to see you at the palace, you should stop on by," mentioned Naartok he remembered about what Tulok told him.

"Sure I'll go after I speak with Aloi and Unaraq, it's been a few weeks since we last spoke," responded Rong Yan.

Naartok nodded, both men strolled back to the city's gates. Rong Yan recently moved into the Fire Nation embassy about a year ago, when Cupun stepped down to fight the war with his men. Tulok assumed the throne as chief. Chief Tulok and Chieftess Tanaraq were the latest power couple in Aupaluk, they 'kicked' Rong Yan out for more privacy.

The decision didn't deteriorate their friendship as he understood well, Tanaraq and Rong Yan have met on occasion to speak about the politics between the Northern and Southern Water Tribes. Recently her father joined the good fight with Cupun. He left Suluk as regent chief of the tribe as he trusted him more than he trusted his royal guards.

After a carriage ride through the city, Rong Yan entered the Fire Nation embassy and headed off toward his room. The building had to be built out of snow to keep the heat inside, much to the disagreements of the Fire Nation architects with that of the Northern Water Tribe architects. A building made of solid metal would have frozen everyone inside.

Rong Yan removed his hairband which permitted his hair to get air then he also had taken off his parka he sat down nomad style and cleared his mind. His eyes opened up and glowed he found himself somewhere in the Oma Kingdom, Unaraq laid down on the sandy beach as he enjoyed the sun. He screamed when Rong Yan appeared before him.

"Hey, whatcha doin'?" Rong Yan inquired curiously.

"AHHH!" Unaraq screamed, he jumped off his blanket.

"I hate when you do this to me! You already know I'll never get used to this!" he scolded the Avatar. Aloi ran from out of their tent she covered herself in a towel she jogged over to Unaraq concerned because she heard her boyfriend scream like a girl.

"Don't step on that poor crab spider!" she shouted, she stopped when she saw that Unaraq screamed because Rong Yan's spirit floated in the air and made Unaraq freak out every time his finger went through Unaraq's palm.

"Oh Rong Yan, you...uh caught us at a bad time.." she mentioned, "My bad, just wanted to give you a heads up. I'm going to Tongren's capital Han Tui soon to meet with my earthbending master Sun Wu. If you guys want to join me after you're done traveling the world, you're more than welcome to," apologized Rong Yan then he offered to have their company again.

"Yeah..." paused Aloi, "...yeah we'll see you in Han Tui when we're done...h-here.." she giggled nervously as she clutched onto her towel.

"Okay well, I'll talk to you guys in a week, have fun," he gave them a farewell and popped out.

Aloi was just about to remove her towel when Rong Yan popped back into existence, "Oh! I almost forgot y-"

"LEAVE!" they both yelled at him, he replied, "Sorry!" as he faded away again. Aloi lowered her head and sighed then dropped her towel. Unaraq's smile spread from ear to ear.

Rong Yan opened his eyes again, he tittered he felt ashamed that he popped in on his friends at the wrong time. He remembered when his dad talked to him about the toucan puffins and the flutterbats when he was fifteen. He stood up and headed out of the embassy toward the royal palace.

After several minutes, he finally arrived at the palace he ran into his good friend Tanaraq in the halls of the palace. She stopped him and asked him, "Notice anything different about me?" She placed both of her hands under her belly she gave him an obvious hint.

Rong Yan stood there as he wondered, he then guessed, "You're wearing your hair differently."

"What? No, I'm expecting," she said, he was surprised and excited for her although she didn't show. It wasn't large enough yet but what would he know.

"Congratulations! This is exciting, does Unaraq know?" he questioned her, "Not yet, he and Aloi are traveling the world so I can't get a direct spot of where he's at," she answered.

"Well they're meeting me in Han Tui in a few weeks, you could send it there," mentioned Rong Yan, she nodded to what he said. A servant right behind her, Rong Yan nipped into the throne room where Tulok waited for Rong Yan.

"Ahh Avatar Rong Yan what a pleasant surprise, I'm glad Naartok notified you that I wanted to speak with you," began Tulok.

"As you may know my wife and I have been watching your progress here with Master Naartok for the past three years. We have evaluated your skills and your master believes you are ready, and so I went on ahead and sent a letter to your earthbending master Sun Wu in Han Tui. Although we haven't gotten a response from him yet we believe he's expecting you," continued Tulok.

"We don't want to rush you but in all seriousness, we need you to end the war between the Qiangda Kingdom and the Water Tribes. Those men should be in the workforce not dying in a foreign land," finished Tulok.

"Don't worry I plan on visiting your dad and the unified armies soon, I could get a diplomatic meeting set up with one of the air temples. But I'll try to balance diplomacy while mastering earthbending," said Rong Yan.

"I wish you well on your way to the Oma Kingdom, Avatar Rong Yan," Tulok bowed his head.

Rong Yan left the throne room on his way out Tanaraq embraced him, "Good luck, I hope we see you when this over," she smiled. He returned to the embassy and packed his things within an hour he flew south toward the Earth Kingdom.

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Fanon:Chapter 20: The Campaign of Two Nations Part 2: A Divided Nation

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Chapter 20: The Campaign of Two Nations: Part 2: A Divided Nation[]

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