Mei Rong's Story

Sotaro looked over the tank before him with a roving eye. He had not said a word throughout the entire inspection, and his expression was indecipherable.

“The air intake has been cleared,” he asked.

“Yes, sir,” answered the metalworker in Earth greens beside him.

“And the track has been entirely replaced,” Sotaro added, more as a statement than question. He could see very well that it had been, but was trying to make a point.

“Yes,” said the worker again. He did not sound particularly enthusiastic. He had seen for himself what those tanks could do.

“Good,” answered Sotaro with a small (and not entirely insincere) smile. “I expected nothing less from the forges of Yu Dao.”

With that, the Fire Nation Captain placed a heavy coin purse into the metal worker’s hands.

“If I find that the metal doesn't hold up to the legendary standards your forefathers are known for, you’ll hear about it,” he added, then dismissed the man in his usual military fasion. “Dismissed.”

Some habits were hard to break, and Sotaro had already turned his mind to the task at hand. Facing the line of uniformed and armored men alongside the heavy tanks, he addressed them. Those in front stood shoulder to shoulder in standard formation, while those further back stood beside their trebuchets and Komodo Rhinos.

“You have all served with great courage and conviction to take this city for the glory of our Nation. While stationed here, none under my watch have abused their power. I could not ask for better troops. Today I ask you to do it again. By order from the Fire Lord, we march on one of the great cities of the Earth Kingdom. He and I both trust that courage and skill still have a place in war. If you do at Omashu what you did at Yu Dao, we will be enjoying drink and rest before the moon is out!”

“HAI,” came the ringing response or the soldiers.

These were the sorts of words he used to keep morale up in what looked like was going to be a long fight. He may not have understood Sozin’s reasoning for using such overwhelming force on the Air Temples, but he understood that it was absolutely foolish to act with the same bloodthirsty vengeance when he was taking Yu Dao. Why burn a city to cinders if you’re going to occupy it? Especially if it famed for its metallurgy?

So on his part, Sotaro tried to keep needless bloodshed to a minimum, and meant it when he said that he was proud of his soldiers for showing restraint and some semblance of Fire Nation honor when dealing with the citizens of Yu Dao. Yes, he had to make some difficult decisions in the beginning, but eventually the Earth Kingdom residents got used to his presence. There had even been some level of integration. Sotaro hoped that the next governor would have the clarity to continue that.

“Mount your rides,” commanded Sotaro as he took his station at the foremost tank.

“March formation!”

Then, a short pause after everyone was ready, he gave the final order. “Onward!”

On Captain Yuan’s command, the Fire Nation battalion marched forward towards Omashu.

*-*-*-*

Mei Rong entered the inner council chamber dressed in her usual naval uniform. Her gray-streaked black hair was tied in a bun as severe has her weathered features.

“My Lord,” she said to Sozin in greeting as she bowed from the waist.

The other advisers were already at their places and nodded in acknowledgement of the noble lady’s presence. Sozin was seated at the head of a low table, and Mei wasted no time taking her seat on the right side closest to him.

"Forgive my lateness, Lord," said Mei calmly. "There have been reports of raids on our agents off the southern Earth Kingdom shores. Our troops coming in to Omashu are fully intact, and have not been affected by these . . . hijackers."

Sozin's eyes flew open as the screams of thousands tour at his soul in his sleep. His hands and feet flashed red and fire flew out from all around, fueled by his own anger and pain, the fire quickly permeated the room. It set everything around him ablaze, it began to eat away at his bed sheets, at his walls. Then it stopped and Sozin regained a semblance of control, the anger and pain still flowing from his, even heating the room, but the flames were extinguished.

Two of his personal guardsmen were at the edge of his room, despite the fire show being a daily occurrence they always checked up on him with haste and genuine worry. "Are you alright, sir?" the elder soldier with burns that encapsulated his years of service asked. "Yes, Lu I'm fine. I appreciate the concern, as always... Please have an attendant replace my bedspread."

They both snapped to attention and left the room.

Sozin followed after them by just a few moments, just enough time so they wouldn't feel awkward having their backs turned on him. In Sozin's elder years he had done away with much of the old kingly traditions that he had experienced in his youth. His people respected him, feared him and loved him, he didn't need them to show it by bowing and slowly backing out of the room or waiting for him to pass, he didn't have time at his age for such superfluous shows of respect.

He checked on his wife, they couldn't sleep in the same room any longer given his fiery out bursts, but he still loved her and saw her every day. He entered her room, she like him awoke long before dawn. They spoke for about a half hour, which was their morning ritual. It calmed Sozin's mind, steadied it, she made him a stronger leader. They both took a quick bath together and soon the sun rose. Sozin couldn't help bet flex his muscles and inhale slowly, with purpose as the sun increased his already immense power. His wife smiled and he smiled back, "I'll see you soon my sweet."

He hadn't always been so sweet to her and she hadn't always been so sweet to him, but after he murdered Roku, which he had come to accept that it was murder, he couldn't help but soften, if he hadn't he would have become a monster. He regretted nothing more than the murder of his friend and nothing more than the murder of the air nomads, he realized now that the comet had made him angry, had made his people angry. It morphed them all for a time, made them monsters, as only humans can be. He couldn't stop the war now though, something good had to come of all the world's destruction, he and his wife had decided that after the comet's power had left his veins.

He entered the council room and took his seat long before any other person had entered the room as was his personal custom. Any leader should be the first in and the last out, lead by example, not from a seat. Slowly his council trickled in and he lit his fires behind him, the heat filling the room. The flames harmonized with his steady breathing, up and down, in and out. He didn't think about them for he didn't need to, the flames were apart of him like a third arm or second head.

Everyone arrived in a timely manner, which always made Sozin happy. It's not that he was angered by lateness, least not when it was excusable. It just showed that his people respected him and in turn it caused him to return said respect. Then Mei, his right hand entered and told him of the insurgents. She was late and that bothered him a bit, he was sure she noticed and he wanted her to.

"I don't like the name 'Hijackers' Mei, so far they have shown themselves capable adversaries. They may be small, but the smallest of problems can quickly snowball into a massive obstacle to our conquest. They should be treated as a serious threat and for that matter I believe they are. I want counter-insurgents sent to combat them, propaganda printed and distributed to counter their recruitment and I want them to be treated fairly when we capture them, as in fair trials and fair punishments. We need to show that we are not tyrants and that life is truly better under the fire nation flag. And from now on when ever you mention them, call them insurgents, that's what they are." Sozin's voice was calm, commanding and kind, the fire behind him still rose and fell with his every breath.

"I also want a commendation sent to Sotaro for his conquest Yu Dao, he did well, make sure it's clear to him that I want him commended for his treatment of the people of Yu Dao just as much as his conquest of it." Sozin continued on.

He then looked at Mei, ready for her agreement or rebuttal or whatever else she had to say. He always encouraged discussion in his war room, his word was final, but it wasn't the only word.

"My Lord," Mei nodded in acknowledgement.

Mei had begun to wonder about Sozin's change in character. He had been a force to reckon with for decades, instilling both fear and admiration in the hearts of his people. The comet increased the strength of all fire benders, but had brought out both strength and rage most intensely in the Fire Lord. But as the comet passed, so had his forcefulness. Many grew to respect Sozin for his change. Others – Mei among them – were not so sure what to make of it.

“The insurgents have increased their activities along our southern supply routes,” Mei continued. "I suggest that we dispatch with them quickly to deter any who might want to join their ranks."

In the back of her mind, Mei had already begun to compose the message Sozin requested . . .

Captain Sotaro Yuan,

Your long service has been commendable. Your conquest and integration of Yu Dao has not gone unnoticed by Fire Lord Sozin. We understand the hazards of your mission, and will send a bonus in your pay and extra rations of drinks. You and your regiment will be granted extended leave upon the capture of Omashu to enjoy them.

We have also received reports of insurgents in your area. Should your paths cross, I ask that you bring as many as possible to me. You can expect an increase in your rank.

- Commanding Officer Mei Rong

Mei knew that anything as rich as gold and grog would attract these mysterious attackers, and purposely did not specify whether she wanted them dead or alive. She trusted that Sotaro would at least bring the leader alive. What happened to the rest en route – well, that was beyond her