Chapter 46.3- And so the Dragons Danced

I heard the sound of drums and noted that the process of evacuation had begun in earnest. We had a complex system of sounds and symbols to be used for different parts of the process while I sat in my office and waited for what would happen when the Avatar arrived. I arranged the kettles and cups over and over again before taking a set of herbs from the top drawer in my office, mixing them in hot water, straining it and then gulping it down in one swig. It tasted rank, but it would work. I set the tea leaves, tainted as hell into the kettle and poured the water over it, leaving it to infuse.

Another trumpet sounded out. The Avatar was now within the walls. I walked to the windows of my office and noticed the fire Nation banner spread out across one of the towers on the innermost wall. The evacuation was done now. Azula would be on her way to secure vast military resources on our behalf. I just had to do my part.

A set of drums rang from somewhere close to the palace. That meant that the Avatar had landed now. If all went well, he would ne escorted by a skeleton crew of guards here. The rest of the army was being loaded on to ships with different missions- each being spread out in different directions. Even if he somehow managed to defeat me quickly, he would have to pick one of three sets of ships, each headed in a different direction. That gave Azula a further 30% chance of escape. I was doing my best with the options opened to me.

There was another set of drums, much closer. I had about two minutes until the Avatar would be led in. I put my game face on and prepared myself. I hated this plan. I hated it a lot, but Grandfather was right.Winning the war was more important than proving myself against the Avatar. I could find Aang’s successor and train them to the best of my ability and then see if I could beat the bridge between the shirt world and the physical one. I didn’t have to do it now.

When the door was knocked, I counted to three, and then it swung open. Hiroshi and Aiko led them in with Takeshi bringing up the rear.

It wasn’t just Aang, I could see Katara, and Soka as well. There was also a man I didn’t recognise but he was dressed in the water tribe manner so some sort of warrior of theirs. They even had Jeong-Jeong here as well. How….interesting.

“My first impression Avatar, is that you are somehow taller than I expected” I said to kick things off, watching the shock appear on his face. On all their faces.

“Surrender Natsu. You are beaten.” He said, bringing his staff to bear.

“I agree. May we sit down for tea and discuss the terms of my surrender?”