13 operation clipped wings

~author note ~

I recently found some motivation to actually do something and thought hey why not right a new chapter for this Fan fiction. My idea is basically just to try and get to the point where the main story starts since I won't have to be as creative.

Funny that it almost took me a year to finally start writing it again. It's just one of them I suppose ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Earth kingdom command centre

Third person pov

On a board surrounded by multiple high-up military officials of the earth kingdom two paintings are being shown. As a rugged older man approached the front all voices began to lower.

"Attention all! Welcome to operation clipped wings. The purpose of this meeting is to remove Iroh the dragon of the west from his position as general. Behind me are two portraits, these individuals are the sons of that bastard!" Taking a moment to view those he was addressing and for them to understand the purpose of todays meeting he noticed a cruel glint flash through the eyes of those present.

"Moving on these are Lu Tian and Mael Sol. Tonight we must discuss their assassination, our target priority is Irohs younger son Mael. He has shown to be a prodigal fire bender and is fast approaching the level of his farther, the earth nation cannot allow this" many of his officials and military aids showed a more serious demeanour after this announcement. Clearing his throat the general continued.

" the recent fast progress of the fire nation can be contributed to new tactics, from out scouts we have discovered that Mael and lu ten are leading in recent small assaults on our defensive line" his facial expression crumpled in distain. The meeting carried on and a plan to enacted death on Irohs children came to fruition. As the meeting ended Malicious smiles etched all their faces.

"This is our plan moving forward. On the 589th day of the siege operation clipped wings will be carried out. During this time we'll be aissted by the water benders from the swamp. A small team of elite from the northern water tribe will also be coming to assisted and in return they will be given relief aids"

After this the meeting came to a close and Mael was unaware of how his presence and already altered fate. Albeit slightly.

POV change Mael

11 days until lu ten is assassinated. Thinking about it I can't help but grow nervous. Will I be able to save him? If I save him how will the worlds destiny be changed? Should I let my brother die for the greater good? Or can I do it by myself. Azula is different, so is Zuku. We could change the fire nation form its roots from within the royal family.

Closing my eyes I released a deep sigh before refocusing. "Mael what has you thinking so hard" turning to Lu ten I couldn't help but show a week smile. " well brother I'm just thinking about the future and our place in it, how our actions could greatly change things on a small or larger scale"

Lu ten looked at me seriously for a moment before breaking out into a laugh " hahahaa little brother you think to much. I thought like that when I was your age I very much doubt I'd be around right now." Lu Ten paused before giving me a sly smile " or are you thinking about azula. You two get on greatly I can already imagine smaller versions of yourself running around the palace in the future hahahaha"

Giving my brother some strong side eye we continued moving down a thin passage within this valley. A passage which was much to thin for my liking.

Our current assignment was to attack a camp which is guarding a supply route between the two Major city's in the earth kingdoms. Like normal the operation is carried out by myself, Lu Ten and a small team of elites.

Making our way the the valley our target appears. The camp appears to have around 50 soldiers stationed compared to our 10 most would retreat.

Locking eyes with my brother we prepared a most basic pincer maneuver. The element of surprise will allow for a devastating attack.

Once in position we immediately engaged in our attack. Fire sprouted from our fists burning the ends of the camp and anyone caught in its way. Pushing through the camp I began to notice a certain lack of earth benders.

Once my team made it through and met lu ten something wasn't adding up. " Lu ten did you have to deal with any benders. For a camp of supposed importance theirs basically nothing here." At my words it immediately dawned on everyone " retreat! It's a trap!" As Lu tens words fell the ground around us began to move quickly opening up and swallowing 3 of our comrades.

"Damn! Quickly defensive formation" at Lu tens command we all moved into a formation designed for defence against the earth nation. Looking at our surroundings we couldn't yet see the earth benders. However that quickly changed.

The earth benders moved out of the ground encircling us whist from coming out of the valley came a small team of swamp benders cutting of all safe escape routes.

Noticing a lack of earth benders facing towards the east going further into the valley I silently signalled everyone of my intentions.

Slowly we started moving towards the east but before we could make any real progress more benders appeared. A small team of water benders came through truely blocking of most escape routes.

From the north 25 swamp benders, in the south and the west 50 earth benders. Finally covering the east 10 northern tribe water benders.

"Brother our situation is critical, however our only option is east further into the valley. Hopefully we can lose them." My tense yet quite voice was heard by all fire nation present.

My words seen to cause a change within the soldiers. Instead of panicking their auras flared as if preparing for their final battle.

Lu ten broke the silence. "On the count of three hit the east with all we have and make a brake for it. Don't be disorganised, we can survive"

Lu ten spoke in a tone rarely heard but we all steeled ourselves.

"1" it was barely audible however are bodies tensed and prepared to strike.

"2" slightly louder then before we began to compress our chi.

"3" as the number feel all 10 of us release a wave of fire from our body whist making a dash for the clearing. The fire we released from our fists was devastating and we where able to instantly incinerate most of the water benders.

As we ran in formation the others started to attack yet we kept running. As we arrived at the entrance further into the valley a soldier to my side was struck by a cluster of vines dragging him to the floor before ripping him to pieces.

Another had his ankle crushed by a lucky rock send by the earth benders. We had no choice but to keep running or we'd soon join them.

The narrow entrance forced us to change formation. The soldiers quickly shoved me and lu ten into the passage. Quickly I shared a look with brother his wasn't happy about their choice but they made their choice.

" my princes go quickly we shall buy you as much time as possible!" The voice echoed through the valley. The remaining 6 soldiers stood their ground for us.

Receiving a nod we quickly back to pass throug the valley however our pursues were hot on our tail. Our soldiers against such a force only gave us a few extra seconds.

For the next few minutes we ran until we came across a deep ravine.

At this we shared an a look, our expression both grim. " Mael it looks like this will be our last stand. Being so young I'm sure you have some regrets but don't worry as your elder brother they will have to step over my corpse before taking your life. For tonight if I die before you I have failed as a brother."

" Lu ten, I am proud to have been your brother. If tonight ends with our deaths so be it. Let's at least take some of them with us" my words hung in the are for a moment before a slow clapped came out of the tree line.

"It's so touching to see the young princes bonding over their imitate death. Before your put to the sword I think it be funny to tell you how we knew where you be." A cruel smile was plaster over the face of the earth nation soldier before continuing.

" your uncle, prince ozai sold you out. His manipulations have played a hand in your deaths. Although I dispise doing his dirty work the opportunity is simply to good to miss. Hahhaahhaaa" as the man broke out into a manic laughter I couldn't help but grimace.

However before I could react Lu ten started laughing as well before lashing out at the earth bender. Out of everyone here only they appeared to be masters.

However before the flames could reach him the other soldiers blocked the attack. whist they where all distracted Lu ten turned around and kicked me in the chest sending me falling into the ravine and river below.

Before reaching the bottom I hit my head on a rock and started losing consciousness as the sounds of battle raged on in the background.

Before I could do anything more I was washed away by the waters. My body felt heavy and hard to move before everything went back.

~~~~~~

Back on the cliff

Lu ten pov

'Oh Mael I'm sorry, I hope you survive and one day find it in your heart to forgive give me'. Closing my eyes for a breath second I steeled myself for the fight to come. " if I must die today so be it! I will go down as a warrior and one without regrets!"

Targeting the weaker benders focusing on support i made my way over quickly with a burst of fire form my feat. Approaching low I condensed my fire in my palm before causing a small explosion of fire blowing his head and neck to smithereens.

An earth bender threw a large boulder blocking my vision. Sliding under it I found my way towards the remaining water benders before burning them with 3 quick jabs.

Before I could turn to face my next opponent a sharp spear made of earth stabbed me through the chest making me fall to my knees.

My breathing grew heavy and my sight blurry. Before I could fully pass I felt the leader of the attackers approach. " oh my little prince it appears you do have some fight in you. However ignoring me was your own downfall" the smug tone was practically radiating from him.

'Once last man that all I've got left in me' I moved my lips pretending to speak. The leader of the earth benders took this chance to come closer to my face and mock me.

" what did you say, if you've got any last words I'd be glad to pass them over to general iron" you could hear his contempt seething through.

As he brought himself face to face I mustered my last ounce of strength. "You should've gone for the head" before he could react I grabbed his head and used all my remaining chi to ignite him practically destroying the top half of his face body.

As he feel limp to the side i couldn't help but smile. I've done all I can for Mael and maybe one day we will meet again with the spirits.

~~~~~~

Irohs tent.

Here I am writing the reports of the latest operation. Just as I'm about to finish a lighting strike goes of shaking the ground.

In turn it spills ink over my finished documents.

" what time of omen is this. Right before I finish all my work." Heaving a sigh I couldn't help but begin to reorganise my papers before a voice shouting my name came barreling through my tent door.

" general iroh! Awful news. The unit led be Lu ten and iroh was ambushed!" As the poor man caught his breath I felt my heart drop into my stomach. " their where no survivors general" the man's voice was practically a whisper at this point. To me however it was as if can ball shot past my face.

"Out" was all I could muster. The soldier gave a quick bow before leaving with haste. Once he was gone I couldn't help but crumple into my chair.

Tears fell done my cheeks as I began to sob. It felt as if my world was breaking apart that nothing was right. Perhaps this was my punishment, my punishment for the lives taken during my time as general.

I don't remember how long i sat their crying. But once I stopped i had come to a decision, the best way to honour my boys was to make sure no more parents lost a child to war.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

One more chapter in this volume. The next volume will be pretty short. Mainly him going to the library and learning lightning bending whist also going to that swordmaster. And finally visiting the dragons. After that the main story will start.