Avatar - Conquering the Elements-Chapter 120. The Rift.

*Fire Nation. The Fire Lord's Throne Room.*

The Throne Room was packed with government officials today. Officials of various ranks, admirals, generals, and leaders of the most influential families waited tensely, their eyes occasionally drifting to the massive double doors as if expecting news. Many of them were firebenders, and the pressure they felt was immense. The moon, blocking the sun's light, had become a catalyst for unease. Their faces, weathered by life, now showed discomfort. It was as if, in an instant, they had become crippled. Losing their bending abilities was worse than losing a limb for many. Some tried to summon a small flame, but it was futile. The energy still flowed through their channels, warming their bodies, but they couldn't produce fire. Those measly eight minutes felt like hours of psychological torture. Unwelcome thoughts crept in: *What if their bending never returned?*

"Unpleasant," thought Wan, whose abilities were also inaccessible.

"Reporting! No enemy movements detected!" a soldier announced, rushing into the room just as the eclipse ended.

The relief of regaining their powers was compounded by the good news. Most doubted the Fire Sages would attack the well-fortified capital, but with such fanatical individuals, nothing could be certain.

"Let's continue the meeting," Ozai's commanding voice echoed. Those familiar with the Fire Lord noticed a change in his demeanor, though they attributed it to war preparations and related stresses.

"The main forces of the Fire Sages are entrenched on Crescent Island, where most of their fleet is stationed," began the newly appointed admiral. As tensions rose, many of the Sages' followers had abandoned their posts, taking loyalists with them. "The remaining troops are split between Island Forty-Three and Waterfall Island."

"We should attack the enemy forces before Sozin's Comet arrives!" another official interjected. "Each Sage's power surpasses that of masters. They'll likely grow even stronger. We have the advantage now—we shouldn't risk it!" Those who'd faced the Sages nodded. A single Sage could fight five or six skilled masters. What if they gained more power?

For hours, high-ranking officers and officials spoke, each responsible for their domain. Soon, everyone was briefed on the enemy and the attack plan. The final point received the most attention. Every detail mattered, as the fate of their nation hung in the balance. Only a few times in history had the Fire Nation mobilized all its forces. Ships blockading the Earth Kingdom's waters were recalled, border fortresses abandoned, and only a small contingent remained in the oldest colonies.

Propaganda against the Fire Sages intensified. Everywhere, people denounced the spiritual authority. Retired soldiers were recalled to duty. Each influential family was unilaterally required to contribute warriors, funds, or materials.

The Order of the White Lotus would attack Waterfall Island, with only a few Fire Nation citizens joining. The Dragon of the West, already coordinating with the Order, led the operation. The Fire Nation would handle the other two islands. Once a mission succeeded, forces would assist elsewhere.

The sun dipped below the horizon as the meeting ended. People began to leave, but Wan's words froze them in place.

"My Lord, I hope you'll forgive my actions!" Wan said, dropping to one knee. "In my travels, I found a Sea Dragon who followed me. Knowing it could be hunted, I kept silent... In this critical situation, I can't hide it any longer."

"A Sea Dragon? Do they even exist?" whispers erupted.

"My great-great-grandfather killed one. His records say it breathed massive steam streams!" someone boasted.

"Concealing such valuable information is punishable," Ozai said, his tone softening. Fire Nation law required reporting dragon sightings. "But given your service, you may keep the dragon. If it aids in war, it'll become a national treasure, protected by law!"

*"By then, power will be mine,"* Wan thought, feigning gratitude. He and Ozai had already discussed this privately.

The scene was staged to strengthen Ozai's authority. Some in the army doubted his decisions, and no one wanted betrayal. Such displays minimized risk, showcasing Ozai's authority and generosity.

After the formal exit, officials bombarded Wan with requests to see the dragon. Dragons were near-mythical; no one had seen one in ages.

"Alright," Wan relented. "Follow me to the port!"

Soon, they stood by the water's edge. Passersby, curious about the procession, joined the crowd.

For a moment, reality faded. Against the setting sun, the dragon's massive, graceful form was breathtaking. Many became fascinated with dragons, later forming a movement to protect the creatures that gave their nation firebending.

*

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*Fire Nation Capital. Wan.*

Azula's coronation was rushed. Ozai had other pressing matters, but the event still needed attention.

Crowds packed the Palace Square, puzzled by the Fire Lord's decision to pass the throne to his daughter. They knew the upcoming battles would be difficult, but was this necessary? Only a few knew Ozai's struggle. Foreign thoughts in his mind blurred with his own. A proud man like Ozai, who controlled both his subjects and himself, wouldn't become a puppet.

"I, Fire Lord Ozai, pass my power to Princess Azula, the next Fire Lord!" his voice boomed across the square.

Azula's cold expression didn't change. Already, she projected an aura as commanding as her father's. The crowd's initial doubts about a female ruler faded. They couldn't afford dissent. If Ozai died, they needed an undisputed leader.

*"It feels like yesterday you sat alone under that tree..."* I thought, standing apart from the ceremony.

The crowd cheered their new ruler for five minutes before dispersing. The capital never slept; their main base was here.

"Don't be reckless. Azula will need a capable advisor," Ozai said, passing by me.

*"Unexpected..."* He'd almost directly asked me not to risk my life. We weren't friends, but he valued my skills. My actions had always benefited the nation.

After the ceremony, sycophants swarmed Azula, vying for favor. It wouldn't work with her.

I briefly returned to my estate to feed my golden dragon hatchling. Gently stroking the egg's intricate patterns, I wondered when it would hatch. Ran and Shao might know how long golden dragons took to emerge.

"Hatch soon," I whispered. *"I might be an old man by then..."*

After hiding the egg, I returned to the Palace. I'd been sleeping there, ready to assist at any moment. Unfortunately, the Sage Temple's interference blocked Drii's listening devices. Infiltration was impossible; every corner was watched. Drii's ear had grown tiny legs to enter the pagoda.

"Lord Van, Princess—er, Fire Lord Azula awaits you in the small throne room," a young guard stammered.

"Many aren't used to the new title yet," I said, patting his shoulder.

Walking the main corridor, I noticed a new painting. Tradition dictated each Fire Lord's portrait be displayed. Azula's cold, golden eyes stared from the canvas. The previous Lords' portraits already weighed heavily on passersby; Azula's added to the pressure.

In the throne room, those same cold eyes lit up with warmth.

"It's you," she said, slumping on the throne. "I thought it was another sycophant. They're exhausting..."

"You're in charge now. Ban flattery legally," I teased, moving behind her. Silence fell as she considered it seriously.

"No, sometimes I enjoy their groveling... Ah," she sighed, leaning into my touch.

"You're too tense. Let me help," I said, massaging her neck.

"Do you think I'll be a good ruler?" she asked suddenly.

"The best!" I replied firmly.

"Thank you," she whispered, placing her hands over mine. Silence filled the room—the kind where words aren't needed.

"Why did you call me?"

"I forgot," she lied, her pulse giving her away. *"I won't admit I needed his strength..."*

"Don't overwork yourself," I said, stroking her hair, sending shivers down her spine. "I have errands. See you at dinner."

The next days were hectic. Ships were loaded with supplies and repaired. I trained intensely! Ursa refused to let me go, pushing herself to exhaustion daily. She likely wanted to conceive, keeping a part of me with her. I didn't plan to die, but her persistence was endearing, so I silently accepted her challenges!

*One day later. The Port.*

Countless ships of all sizes filled the harbor, leaving only patches of blue water visible.

"It begins," I muttered, hearing the departure signal.

Thick black smoke billowed from the chimneys as the fleet sped across the water, scattering sea creatures.

Soon, an island appeared on the horizon, its five-tiered pagoda—the Sages' stronghold—rising in the center. The enemy fleet awaited us. But everyone's attention was on the sky, where a loud, grating screech echoed.

Ozai, emerging from his cabin, was no exception. Something was about to happen...

The screeching intensified. Suddenly, a rift opened above the pagoda, radiating menace.

*"Yuki, plans change. We'll need your help! Roku, balloons won't work. Attack the other islands!"* Swarms of low-level spirits, many flying, emerged from the rift. *"Stronger beings can't pass,"* I thought, relieved. The barrier between worlds shouldn't allow this, but someone had clearly aided the breach.

*

*Same time. Temple of the Fire Sages.*

A black energy sphere hovered on a stone pedestal, shimmering as a Sage clung to it, aging rapidly.

"Your death serves our Lord's plans!" a fanatic Sage declared.

"Yes..." the dying Sage whispered before disintegrating into nothing.

Ten Sages had sacrificed themselves, creating a small rift. Spirits quickly exploited it.

"The passage can't widen further. Prepare to show the enemy their doom!" the fanatic's voice was now inhuman, devoid of light.