Avatar - Conquering the Elements-Chapter 181. The Approach

171 years after the Air Nomad Genocide. Ba Sing Se. Roku.

*Leaves of the vine swirling in the wind,*

*Autumn has come to our quiet garden.*

*A young soldier returns home,*

*A brave soldier returns home.*

These lyrics echoed in my mind as I climbed a small hill crowned by a solitary tree. At its base, near the mighty roots, stood two portraits. One belonged to the long-departed Lu Ten, son of the Dragon of the West, and the other, fresher, depicted General Iroh himself.

Soon, small offerings—apples, rice wine, and a pair of lit funerary candles—were placed beside their images. A year ago, Uncle Azula passed away. According to Zuko, he had longed to join his son but refused to miss his beloved nephew's firstborn grow up. Zuko named his first child Lu Ten in honor of his cousin, and Iroh adored the boy. Perhaps, without him, Iroh would have departed this world much sooner. It's worth noting that Iroh never severed ties with Azula or Ursa and often played with little Tomoko.

Few from the "old guard" remain today. Bumi, who ascended to the level of the ancient spirits twenty years ago, embarked on a new journey. Five years ago, Master Waterbender Pakku and his wife Kanna—Sokka and Katara's grandmother—left this world together, a small but strong family. Perhaps belatedly, Pakku finally made Kanna his wife. The Fire Nation's famed swordsman, Piandao, died with a smile, having met a hardworking young man to whom he passed on his mastery.

Only Jeong Jeong survives, though his former subordinates refuse to let him rest. He could be called a grandfather countless times over, as his comrades became his children and brothers. Their doors are always open to him, and not a day passes when he isn't busy, surrounded by children of all ages.

Altering my features slightly, I descended into the lower ring. I was once again met with a depressive, somber atmosphere. Everywhere, tears and wails filled the air as families clung to their fathers, sons, daughters, and brothers. This very mood led me to the hill, the resting place of the Fire Nation's royal family.

"Son, maybe they'll manage without you this time, huh?" a middle-aged woman said, tightly embracing her only son as tears streamed down her face.

"I can't do that, Mom," the young man firmly shook his head. He had been to the Spirit World many times and witnessed the evil that could break free. Only by taking up arms could they preserve the world's peace—and he was ready to pay with his life for it.

"Listen to your older sister, and don't forget to eat your fruits and vegetables, okay?" On the next street, I encountered another family—a battle-hardened woman and several children of various ages. "I've already been to the Air Temple Island. Your Aunt Shaya will be living nearby. If you have any problems, don't hesitate to ask her for help."

For emergencies, some practitioners and mages must remain with the people on the islands. But troop deployments have already begun. Dark spirits are gradually gathering at the Tree of Time, no doubt summoned by Vaatu. In a week, the Harmonic Convergence will finally occur. The barrier holding back the spirit of darkness and chaos has grown faint, making it exponentially harder to stand near it. Thankfully, people understand there's no turning back—they must endure this battle at all costs.

According to Wan Shi Tong, creating the barrier of the four elements should take about two minutes. For a full 120 seconds, Rava and I must hold Vaatu in place, preventing him from harming the preparing mages. That time could stretch much longer, as our practice sessions were under ideal conditions—no malevolent, omnipotent spirit before us, no other dark spirits ready to devour us from behind. I hope the light spirits and our warriors can repel the dark attacks. For a better outcome, I've spent the past few years killing enemy spirits. True, their numbers haven't dwindled, but at least the ancient spirits have been reduced significantly.

Listening to the city's residents, I quietly gathered resolve. Not that I lacked it, but the weight of responsibility pressing on my shoulders had kept me from thinking clearly. Now, I realized I wasn't alone. Hundreds of thousands of brave souls stood ready to fight by my side.

A moment later, I appeared at the main headquarters in the Spirit World. Countless people in military uniforms bustled around, no division by nation or energy type—all united for one Great Purpose. Even spirits unlike humans fit harmoniously into the scene. Wherever I looked, towering, formidable walls of genemite rose, bristling with artillery of predatory steel, subtly radiating safety.

The air crackled with anticipation from Vaatu, countered by the sheer determination of everyone present. The mesmerizing starry sky was sliced by planes ready to drop our latest creation—hydrogen bombs. Though devoid of magic, they destroyed spirits as effectively as a simultaneous strike from several ancients. Sadly, their numbers are limited, or we wouldn't risk the lives of people and friendly spirits.

Inside the main building, all tacticians and strategists had gathered. They seemed so absorbed in their discussions that they didn't notice me. A detailed map of the area lay on a massive table, marked with figurines of the strongest spirits and humans—our trump cards, so to speak.

From their conversation, it was clear they'd divided the defensive circle into four zones, each with its own commander. In the east, Lao Beifong would lead—his experience alone surpassed that of everyone else in the room combined. The west would fall under Chang, son of the famed Admiral Chang, who once commanded the Fire Nation's eastern fleet. Apparently, the scolding his father gave him years ago worked, as the once-hopeless son had turned serious. His presence here proved he deserved it. He had been responsible for defending a human city in the Spirit World.

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Off to the side, an older, slightly graying Zuko and Sokka conversed. The chief of the Southern Water Tribe would defend the north. His resourcefulness and tenacity were unmatched; otherwise, an ordinary man couldn't have raised the South Pole. Their development pace nearly rivaled the North Pole. I think Sokka's strength lies in his weaknesses—if he's bad at something, he'll methodically improve until he reaches his ideal. Honestly, I deeply respect him.

Zuko would take the final zone. Genes prevail; despite less experience in large-scale battles, Ozai's son proved there was no better choice.

With time to spare, I decided to spend it with my family. As much as I wanted to keep them safe, my wives and daughters wielded considerable power—each could play a decisive role. Even little Opal, the youngest and most beloved, had reached the level of the ancient spirits. Before I could fully enjoy our family warmth, an obnoxious alarm blared, signaling an enemy attack.

"They're early..." Six and a half days remained. Though their numbers were vast, they could attack our walls for those six days...

*

Spirit World. Several hours later.

Gazing at the horizon, it seemed the spirits were endless. A massive wave of diverse creatures surged forward, trampling slower, weaker spirits.

"You wouldn't guess they're your more malevolent 'relatives'..." a weary fire mage muttered, leaning against a wall. Beside him stood several other spirits, their appearances cute and harmless.

"Never mind, I get it—you're not very talkative," he waved, eagerly watching the battle below the walls.

Practitioners were hard at work, giving mages time to replenish their reserves. Their green blades felled countless spirits. But his focus was on a specific figure—a powerful back he knew well.

"You know, my father always thought I'd awaken a talent for life energy. Imagine his disappointment when my mother's blood emerged—a gift for firebending. Honestly, I couldn't face such horrors. Maybe that's why I doubled down on lightningbending, wanting to stay as far from dark spirits as possible," he rambled. Battles always made him nervous, and nervousness made him chatty. Still, this habit helped him regain control.

At sixteen, he never imagined participating in such a massive battle. History lessons showed the world was never stable: constant local wars in the Earth Kingdom, the Fire Nation's aggressive expansion, the intrigues of the Fire Sages. But it all felt distant, far away.

"I hope they defeat Vaatu," he sighed, feeling a wave of dark energy crawl down his spine. Once, he would've trembled with fear, but one gets used to even being near the primary dark spirit.

Soon, the "heavyweights" joined the fray. A massive golden dragon unleashed blinding white fire on the disorganized spirit ranks. A giant spirit in archaic armor caused minor earthquakes with each step. A comical monkey spirit wielded a wooden staff, effortlessly sweeping aside dozens of spirits. Most striking was a towering anthropomorphic spirit, his body pure fire. His scorching flames blocked every spirit, so deadly they couldn't pass. All that remained was to finish off the small groups that slipped through.

The dark spirits never ceased their assault, seemingly infinite. More and more ancient spirits appeared, causing losses to spiral. Thankfully, their side tried to lure such powerhouses away from the walls. Sadly, it didn't always work quickly.

On the fourth day of relentless battle, when all were morally and physically exhausted, the enemy nearly breached the barrier. Senator Yo saved the day, sending a long wave of vibrating air with a single hand gesture. It cleared several kilometers, killing thousands of dark spirits instantly. This restored their fighting spirit, refocusing them on the battle. They knew—just a little longer, and they could return home to their loved ones. Defeat was unacceptable; only victory would do!