Claiming What Has Always Been Their's

Plumes of thick black smoke could be seen on the horizon, seemingly stretching for miles on either direction. One might have thought they were storm clouds bringing an unseasonably bad storm to the island, but these people knew better. Being so close to a particular nation had its advantages. They knew what was coming, yet never had seen it to this extent before. However, the threat would not only be coming from sea, as the sky roared red despite it being midday. This was due to the blimps making the journey as well; things were serious. They numbered around fifteen or so, each holding a fair number of soldiers who could either rappel down or fire from above. Either way, the people of this island had no chance.

With the swiftness of the wind they could control at a whim the lookout was gone, headed to tell his elders of the impending doom. In true monk fashion they did not break out into panic, but simply collected their thoughts and began to talk amongst one another. An order was given to evacuate the women and children, the latter of there numbered quite highly. Brining back a race has that effect.

Large creaks could be heard from the coast, as if the very island was beginning to break apart. However, this was not the case, but instead expansive ladders being thrust upon the cliff face while the clamoring of militia grade boots tapped on each and every step. The Fire Nation had arrived. Large catapults adorned to every ship were loaded with boulders set ablaze before being jettisoned onto the mainland. This was a two-pronged strategy in that it would push back any defenses to give the soldiers enough time to climb, as well as act as mediums for their bending.

In all there were roughly 20 or so ships, each holding a few more soldiers than what the blimps held, and most of them would end up on the main land. As the soldiers from both sea and land ascended and descended, respectively, upon the island that held the Western Air Temple, a single man watched from one of the nearby, not-yet-docked ships. This was Tensei, newly appointed General of the Fire Nation militia whose first task was to take the aforementioned temple and turn it into a naval base. He had most of the military at his disposal for this invasion, but only brought along the number he did as to not spread their forces too thin back on the mainland. It would be a bit before any initial reports came in, and from there he would plan for the takeover, resistance or not.

Multitudes of soldiers now on land dispatched of what early resistance there was, though the airbenders must have been given some credit as they could hold their own. Truly amazing how crafty one could be with the very air at their disposal. However, sheer numbers would be the downfall of the opposition, and they would not live to fight another day. Killing wasn’t the only option these soldiers had, but with everyone fighting all at once, there was none alive that could survive a wall of fire encompassing them on all sides. Perhaps the temple dwellers would stand a better chance. After all, the Fire Nation circus was in need of new attractions, and what child wouldn’t want to see people riding around on little balls of air? Regardless, this was not the time for pleasantries as there was much work to be done.

The ship carrying Tensei docked shortly after word came back that the greeting party resistance had been dealt with, and within minutes the soldier stood in front of his troops who were packed into whichever formation they used. The smell of burnt vegetation filled the nostrils, as black smoke and ash filled the sky. Now came the stuff of legend, the real battle. ”Soldiers, what stands before you will not be an easy task. Nor will it be enjoyable. Even if you follow every direction to the minutest detail and use every ounce of training you’ve ever received, there is a possibility you may not come out alive. However, what I can promise you is that if you fight with the pride of your nation that we will be victorious. This is not a peacekeeping mission. The only survivors we take are women; everyone else gets a one way ticked to the Spirit World. Do I make myself clear? With a rousing cheer and various shots of flame into the air the soldiers rushed past their general en route to the temple, the gripping clutch of war surrounding them.

Tensei, however, had other motives. Schematics showed where the heads of the temple would be residing, and that is where the general was headed. Within moments, flame and wind would collide as soldiers and monks rallied to their own causes: one to save, another to claim. The architecture of the temple was outstanding, to say the least. There was nothing like it in the world, and would prove a useful port to the Fire Nation. The very temple itself had been built from the rock face rather than built on top of it, making its defenses more unique than most. None would be able to hide though, as once again the sheer number of soldiers were able to infiltrate every nook and cranny until all were taken care of, one way or another.

The battle seemed to drag on for quite some time, as the various advantages of the air nomads came into play, whether it be knowledge of the land, or their mastery over the wind they could put up a fight and intended to die doing so. There was no denying the inevitable, however, as in due time the last remnant of defense would fall, and those wise enough not to fight back would be captured… women, of course. Now it was up for the green General to pull his weight as his soldiers had done and take care of the elders. This would be no easy feat, and one Tensei could possibly seen as the underdog in. With him were a group of six highly talented soldiers handpicked by the man himself to aid should there be any fight left in the old nomads.

The structure housing those Tensei sought was grand in stature and easy to spot, as were the people standing outside it. Both parties knew before hand that fighting inside a stone structure would probably cause the death of them all, and as such they would meet in the open. Tensei and his men stopped roughly fifteen feet in front of the targets, three in total who looked no younger than sixty-five. ”Why have you come?” One of them asked. ”To procure this land for the Fire Nation.” Tensei answered, obliging the men in conversation as to his intentions. That particular question had been answered the moment the smoke clouded the horizon, though it seemed more a test of integrity to see if one would truthfully answer their opponent. Wise until the very end, these nomads were. ”As you very well know by now, your people have been decimated, and any female survivors taken captive. It would be wise to surrender now and accept what judgment fate has laid upon you.” He wasn’t one for philosophy on a regular basis, but it seemed appropriate for this situation. Tensei didn’t want to kill when it could be avoided, and actively gave his opposition a chance to keep their lives. In this case, however, even if the three men did surrender they would still perish as per orders of the ones above even Tensei himself. So in essence, the General had said it just to put his conscience at ease.

”Even if we were to willingly submit you and your men would still strike us down, no?” One of them asked, already knowing the answer. ”This is true.” He answered, no longer needing to hide behind a façade. An eerie silence would take over the land as much contemplation began to take place. None spoke, but it was simple to tell that every man on that patch of land was in one way or another communicating. ”Very well. We are aware that even if we were able to get past you, there would be many more than even our power combined could handle. However, we request that you lay us with our people.” Extremely wise until the end these men were. With a nod both signifying his agreement to their request and instructing his men, a large wave of fire would shoot from their hands engulfing, and ultimately ending, their lives.

Multiple Fire Nation flags and banners would be hung from the buildings on the island, signifying that the land now belonged to the Fire Nation. Near one of the coasts laid a mass grave for the once inhabitants, complete with a few of the air nomad necklaces strewn across the land. As per their request the three elders would be put to rest with their fellow nomads, a final act of peace between the two people.

Other officials would deal with how to split up the troops between who would stay and those that would return as various scrolls of information were loaded onto the ships set to return to the Fire Nation. In his hand lay a very important scroll filled with any pertinent information about the invasion the Fire Lord needed to know, though Tensei would also be giving a report once he returned.

(OOC: I suppose I'll cut out the last two and a half paragraphs from my first post to account for this.)

The very air itself seemed to shift with the proclamation of the new arrivals, and given sheer looks they were probably some elite task force deemed with protecting the temple should any trouble arise. They had failed miserably thus far. The General would raise a single hand to signal his men to halt their strike on the elders, at least for now. Though he had already made a rough assumption of the group, Tensei still was unsure as to their methods, though the lead woman seemed to enjoy speaking. She rattled on about nobles, treaties, and the such that quite frankly bored the soldier, as he was under orders from the Fire Lord himself to take this temple, though the method used could have been much aesthetically pleasing. There was now a proverbial fork in the road for the man, as he could have either responded like a complete asshole and incite some near global conflict, or take the high road and talk it out with the woman. He was surprised, however, that after the day's events that she had even considered talking an option.

As 'X' took a step forward the General would as well to show that no matter the height difference or tone of the voice that he would not falter. Again, there would be more words coming from the woman, though these seemed to hint at the true nature of the air nomads who often sought peaceful resolutions regardless of what had just befallen their people. Tensei definitely had to give them credit for this mindset, but at the moment it was going to be their undoing. For a moment, the thought of not even responding and continuing on with the invasion crossed his mind, but that thought was quickly shattered as the voice of another rang his eardrums.

A quick glance to his side revealed it to be none other than Yumi Ai and her Phoenix Core; apparently word traveled quickly throughout the fleet. Tensei sighed as he had not one, but two nagging women to deal with. "Guarding? I have no idea what you are talking about." He replied, just now noticing how Yumi's group was armed to the teeth and ready to fire, no pun intended, at the drop of a hat. "Tell your group to stand down, Yumi. We've done enough for one day." Tensei added as he contemplated what actions to take next. Yes, the simplest route would be to take these new forces head on and continue with the orders, though there seemed to be another glaring option: spare the temple and simply set up base elsewhere on the island. After all, it was large enough to stay clear of the air nomads while still accomplishing the task at hand. Now came the time for diplomatic ramble, as he would have to appease these nomads in one way or another as to avoid a global pandemic; though they had repopulated once before and could do so again as far as Tense was considered.

"Yumi. Release the prisoners, both on the island and the ship." He began before focussing attention on the air nomad. "Your fellow nomads will be set free momentarily, and as for invasion of Fire Nation lands we are not concerned by the air nomads. Simple collateral is all. We will be setting up encampment on the side of the island closest to the Earth Kingdom, far away from your people and with my word that no further harm will come to your people. Though, I fully understand if the last part isn't quite believable at the moment." He would wait to make his exit until a response from the woman was given, and he hoped that Yumi would be able to keep her temper in check for the remainder of this confrontation.

He was not surprised to hear opposition to the deal laid out moments ago, it was to be expected. Even nomads had to have some kind of backbone, right? Then continued what seemed to be her speciality: talking. If they hadn't shut themselves off from the world the air benders could have made great politicians. Tensei's fist clenched, his foot moving forward ever so subtly in response to 'X''s out of the blue movement, though she seemed to wise up and send her demonstration high into the air. Loud, yes, but something that the General could only be so surprised about. They would have to be pretty idiotic to have the very wind at their finger tips and not find powerful ways to utilize it.

The demonstration of skill surely must have been an intimidation tactic, as the woman surely had no desire to trade military exercises for Tensei could have simply pointed towards the temple for his response. No, that would be rude, and he had no intentions to spit on the recently departed. However, orders were orders and it seemed a few more would be lost in the struggle. Unfortunate. Then yet another one popped out of the gopher hole, older, but an air nomad all the same. More talking would come from the old one, something that nearly bored the General to tears. Though this woman had a decent way with words, and though she kept her calm the anger could be heard from miles away. Her insults meant little, Tensei had heard worse during his infantry training to prepare him for moments such as these. There were many before him who would have attacked for the rough words, but not this one. If at all, he would have liked to cease with the bloodshed for the time being.

Even after the two had finished their spiels the mood was unchanged, as orders were orders and a base had to be established on the island. Another would soon join the fray, but this time he was of Fire Nation descent; a messenger. In his hands lay a scroll that was marked for Tensei himself. "Sir, this message just came in via hawk." Stated the soldier as the General began reading over the parchment. "Hm, well isn't this interesting?" He chuckled to himself as a small grin adorned his features. "Inform the troops of our new directive and mobilize at once." His orders were strict, yet had a tinge of humor in them. To say he was intrigued would be an understatement, as Novai's new orders would bring about a radical shift in the world. For now, these nomads would be spared; what was left of them, anyway.

"It seems we will be parting ways. Our forces are required... elsewhere." With that, Tensei and his men would be on their way back to the ship an en route to their new directive. He wasn't sure exactly what the Fire Lord had in mind by these actions but assumed that it was for the greater good of the nation. There were no need for parting threats or things of the sort as the main message had been made very clear by the massacre in the temple below. Assuming Yumi and her group finished their task of releasing the prisoners in a timely manner, the island would be devoid of Fire Nation presence in a little more than an hour; every second of it being probably being watched by a group of air nomads if the General's assumption was correct.