Chapter 120. The Rift.
*Fire Nation. The Fire Lord's Throne Room.*
The Throne Room was packed with government officials today. Officials of various ranks, admirals, generals, and leaders of the most influential families waited tensely, their eyes occasionally drifting to the massive double doors as if expecting news. Many of them were firebenders, and the pressure they felt was immense. The moon, blocking the sun's light, had become a catalyst for unease. Their faces, weathered by life, now showed discomfort. It was as if, in an instant, they had become crippled. Losing their bending abilities was worse than losing a limb for many. Some tried to summon a small flame, but it was futile. The energy still flowed through their channels, warming their bodies, but they couldn't produce fire. Those measly eight minutes felt like hours of psychological torture. Unwelcome thoughts crept in: *What if their bending never returned?*
"Unpleasant," thought Wan, whose abilities were also inaccessible.
"Reporting! No enemy movements detected!" a soldier announced, rushing into the room just as the eclipse ended.
The relief of regaining their powers was compounded by the good news. Most doubted the Fire Sages would attack the well-fortified capital, but with such fanatical individuals, nothing could be certain.
"Let's continue the meeting," Ozai's commanding voice echoed. Those familiar with the Fire Lord noticed a change in his demeanor, though they attributed it to war preparations and related stresses.
"The main forces of the Fire Sages are entrenched on Crescent Island, where most of their fleet is stationed," began the newly appointed admiral. As tensions rose, many of the Sages' followers had abandoned their posts, taking loyalists with them. "The remaining troops are split between Island Forty-Three and Waterfall Island."
"We should attack the enemy forces before Sozin's Comet arrives!" another official interjected. "Each Sage's power surpasses that of masters. They'll likely grow even stronger. We have the advantage now—we shouldn't risk it!" Those who'd faced the Sages nodded. A single Sage could fight five or six skilled masters. What if they gained more power?
For hours, high-ranking officers and officials spoke, each responsible for their domain. Soon, everyone was briefed on the enemy and the attack plan. The final point received the most attention. Every detail mattered, as the fate of their nation hung in the balance. Only a few times in history had the Fire Nation mobilized all its forces. Ships blockading the Earth Kingdom's waters were recalled, border fortresses abandoned, and only a small contingent remained in the oldest colonies.
Propaganda against the Fire Sages intensified. Everywhere, people denounced the spiritual authority. Retired soldiers were recalled to duty. Each influential family was unilaterally required to contribute warriors, funds, or materials.
The Order of the White Lotus would attack Waterfall Island, with only a few Fire Nation citizens joining. The Dragon of the West, already coordinating with the Order, led the operation. The Fire Nation would handle the other two islands. Once a mission succeeded, forces would assist elsewhere.