Chapter 109: Facing Truth
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Chapter 109: Facing TruthChapter 109: Facing Truth
Important News~
A total of three tiers are finally complete for this ff—
3$= 10 Advance chaps.
5$= 15 Advance Chaps (10+5)
and 10$= 30 Advance Chaps (10+5+15)
The next and final tier will have additional 30 chapters but instead of grinding daily, I will instead go about it slow. I think 30 advance chaps are quite the stock already.
I sincerely hope to grow the patron base so, I'll try to think of some awesome or smutty rewards. If you have any ideas, do let me know. After all, I don't read as much as I pass my time writing so I'm still, after all this time, wet behind the ears when it comes to patron experience.
Anyway, thank you for taking time out of your busy routines to read, vote, comment, review, or any other method of supporting the fanfic.
***
Read 28 advance chapters here—
Patre /Fanharem
You can also support the fanfic by donating powerstones~
***
"And we cannot move past this location," Uti touched the icy walls that divided quite a bit of structure in half with an aggrieved expression, "Because of the segregation, even Princess Yue cannot meet with us and the other side is fairly evacuated. The fire nation soldiers also come here every evening to keep an eye on us."
"Is that all?" Nik inquired with a smile, "I'm sure you don't like talking about the separation and the fight so why not tell us something fun? Like is there a secret corner that you use to hide when playing with other children?"
"Why would I tell you?" Uti pouted.
"Eh? How else will I find you kids when I play with you? You don't want me limping on one leg, right?" Nik grinned as Uti's gaze turned bright, "All of you?"
"Of course," Nik replied for everyone without hesitation. He wasn't going to be the one to strike down a lovely girl's request. He simply wasn't built that way.
With the tour almost over, Katara couldn't help but inquire, "Uti, we have met your father but what about your mother? Isn't she a waterbender, too?"
"Oh... I don't know. Actually, I don't really remember her. I was so little when the fighting started but after Dad and Mom were taken, only he came back. But Dad promised me mom is in a better place so it's fine," Despite the grim undercurrent to her words, the bright grin on Uti's face only managed to make Katara feel worse.
"He is right," Surprising others, Mai was the first to speak, "Your mom really is in a better place," the woman affirmed with an uncharacteristically gentle tone as Uti nodded and led the four of them back.
Although they didn't speak, Mai could feel her 'companions' gaze linger on her for quite a while but she didn't bother with them.
As the noon sun began to set and give way to evening glow, exhausted by playing hide and seek with Uti and a few other curious children, Nik alongside other girls was promptly called by Pakku into a small house by the edge of the segregated region.
As the four of them entered, they found Pakku alongside a few older men and a small group of robust men and women who radiated strength just by existing. Their presence was similar to Yoki and others. Amongst them were Uti's father and the other two guards who they had met this morning.
"Aside from the hunters who are still outside of the tribe, these are all the waterbenders of the tribe. Hahn had managed to marginalize all the waterbenders and tribal warriors due to his actions so aside from civilians, the only fighting force he has comes from the fire nation soldiers staying on the other side," Pakku gestured for the four to take a seat as he continued, "Our best approach is to deal a lasting strike sudden enough that we get the time to bring in Yoki and others awaiting my signal and keep the fire nation off the tribe."
"Considering their main strength is still within that fleet brought in by Zhao, I'd say the tribe's fate will be much worse than before since he is here under the Phoenix King's will and not the Fire Lord," One of the old men adopted an accusatory tone and gruffed loudly, causing other warriors to hand their heads low in shame.
"Zhao has been dealt with blows not once but twice. The first time he lost, the great city of Omashu was freed from the reigns of the Phoenix King and the Fire Lord was quick enough to consolidate the situation with King Bumi pledging his allegiance wholeheartedly. The second time was during the chase of Avatar Aang where he was personally defeated by Mai before she ended up joining our endeavor."
Why do you think I want the four of you inside rather than outside the walls?"
Pakku's cold inquiry stunned Katara to silence while Nik couldn't help but shake his head, "I suppose that we are going to be led by the hunters still outside the tribe. They will be responsible for taking them hostage. I will be responsible for disarming anyone that I come across before eventually taking down their important weapons and facilities."
"Correct."
"What do you think?" Nik turned to look at Suki whose face scrunched into a deeply conflicted expression.
"I... I don't know. Taking innocents hostage is just... not my picture of honor even if it gets the work done. Master Pakku is right... no matter what I choose— to assist or not, I end up just as guilty."
The room descended into a sad silence as Pakku's expression couldn't help but turn downcast involuntarily after everything he had said. The fact that Suki felt so conflicted just by the prospect of completing the task showed how green she really was... no pun intended.
"Is it any different from keeping hold of prisoners back in the ship?" Nik inquired.
"Vastly so," Suki nodded, "Innocent or not, they were under the employment of the Fire Nation in some capacity. I don't mean they are essentially wrong but... something just isn't right in taking women incapable of fighting and children hostages."
"I see... well, I'm willing to give this plan a shot," Nik's agreement caused the two girls to instantly look at him with varying levels of discomfort.
"I don't... have emotions attached to my opponents," Nik looked at Suki and Katara, "Of course, what really motivates me still is the thought of healing my knee but even if my knee was completely healed, I would rather help others reclaim their land."
"And what about the innocents?" Katara frowned, "Both from fire nation and the water tribe."
"I won't hurt them," Nik replied, "But I can't promise they won't get hurt. I'm only one man."
"It's not the right thing to do," Suki shook her head as Nik shrugged. He truly didn't share their morals. His morals were loosely related to not crossing a few lines. For instance, taking a life and even these standards were loose since Nik certainly didn't feel any remorse for what he did to Koh.
Pakku was about to intervene but Suki was quicker in questioning Nik with a genuinely concerned look, "Do you think Avatar Kyoshi would accommodate your decisions as honorable?"
Nik knew it for a fact that one of the most major reasons why Suki ended up with him was not only saving her life but also Kyoshi attesting to his questionable character. However... Nik was falling hard, too. It was almost addictive to have someone genuinely concerned for you. To have someone contradict you not to lower your stand but out of respect and the eagerness to understand one another.
For this to work, Nik had to shed some pretenses. One way or the other, Suki, and even Katara would come to know the real him and while it wasn't so bad, it wasn't exactly honorable in their terms either, or so Nik believed.
"Avatar Kyoshi... huh. Suki, I won't lie," Nik issued a genuine chuckle, "I'm still unable to process what honor is. But Avatar Kyoshi, that day, said that I will come to know it naturally... I guess, I didn't regret saving you then...
And I won't regret trying to find a solution for my injury. It's quite out in the open but I think... Avatar Kyoshi might be onto something then. I just wanted you to know that even if you end up not participating... I will look out for myself and return well. Without untreatable injuries, at least."
Seeing the peaceful smile on Nik's lips for the first time, Suki couldn't help but feel shocked. Until now, most of the time, Nik would either devolve the situation with humor or some other witty reply. In reality, it was part of his charm that she fell for and his actions that spoke for him instead of his words.
But this time, those very actions seemed to produce conflicted emotions within Suki yet his words managed to ease her heart by a lot.
"I... see. We still have time until midnight, right? I would like to think things over... Though, I'm sorry. I didn't want to blame you for anything. I can't imagine how much you want to walk normally already," She cast a guilty look towards Nik as he shook his head, "Don't be. If I can't be honest with you then who am I supposed to find? Sokka?" Nik chuckled because it was true. Weirdly enough, Sokka knew more about him than Suki.
"I would like to think things through, too," Katara muttered.
"I'm in. Just make me some knives," Mai looked at Pakku who nodded.
"Hmm, then meet me here in the next three hours. If you're not here then I will assume you don't want to participate. Alright, Mai, tell me the dimensions of the knives you use."
It was their signal to leave the house, too.
***
A/N: Do leave an honest review as many viewers would be looking up to your experience with the fanfic~
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 109: Facing TruthChapter 109: Facing Truth
Important News~
A total of three tiers are finally complete for this ff—
3$= 10 Advance chaps.
5$= 15 Advance Chaps (10+5)
and 10$= 30 Advance Chaps (10+5+15)
The next and final tier will have additional 30 chapters but instead of grinding daily, I will instead go about it slow. I think 30 advance chaps are quite the stock already.
I sincerely hope to grow the patron base so, I'll try to think of some awesome or smutty rewards. If you have any ideas, do let me know. After all, I don't read as much as I pass my time writing so I'm still, after all this time, wet behind the ears when it comes to patron experience.
Anyway, thank you for taking time out of your busy routines to read, vote, comment, review, or any other method of supporting the fanfic.
***
Read 28 advance chapters here—
Patre /Fanharem
You can also support the fanfic by donating powerstones~
***
"And we cannot move past this location," Uti touched the icy walls that divided quite a bit of structure in half with an aggrieved expression, "Because of the segregation, even Princess Yue cannot meet with us and the other side is fairly evacuated. The fire nation soldiers also come here every evening to keep an eye on us."
"Is that all?" Nik inquired with a smile, "I'm sure you don't like talking about the separation and the fight so why not tell us something fun? Like is there a secret corner that you use to hide when playing with other children?"
"Why would I tell you?" Uti pouted.
"Eh? How else will I find you kids when I play with you? You don't want me limping on one leg, right?" Nik grinned as Uti's gaze turned bright, "All of you?"
"Of course," Nik replied for everyone without hesitation. He wasn't going to be the one to strike down a lovely girl's request. He simply wasn't built that way.
With the tour almost over, Katara couldn't help but inquire, "Uti, we have met your father but what about your mother? Isn't she a waterbender, too?"
"Oh... I don't know. Actually, I don't really remember her. I was so little when the fighting started but after Dad and Mom were taken, only he came back. But Dad promised me mom is in a better place so it's fine," Despite the grim undercurrent to her words, the bright grin on Uti's face only managed to make Katara feel worse.
"He is right," Surprising others, Mai was the first to speak, "Your mom really is in a better place," the woman affirmed with an uncharacteristically gentle tone as Uti nodded and led the four of them back.
Although they didn't speak, Mai could feel her 'companions' gaze linger on her for quite a while but she didn't bother with them.
As the noon sun began to set and give way to evening glow, exhausted by playing hide and seek with Uti and a few other curious children, Nik alongside other girls was promptly called by Pakku into a small house by the edge of the segregated region.
As the four of them entered, they found Pakku alongside a few older men and a small group of robust men and women who radiated strength just by existing. Their presence was similar to Yoki and others. Amongst them were Uti's father and the other two guards who they had met this morning.
"Aside from the hunters who are still outside of the tribe, these are all the waterbenders of the tribe. Hahn had managed to marginalize all the waterbenders and tribal warriors due to his actions so aside from civilians, the only fighting force he has comes from the fire nation soldiers staying on the other side," Pakku gestured for the four to take a seat as he continued, "Our best approach is to deal a lasting strike sudden enough that we get the time to bring in Yoki and others awaiting my signal and keep the fire nation off the tribe."
"Considering their main strength is still within that fleet brought in by Zhao, I'd say the tribe's fate will be much worse than before since he is here under the Phoenix King's will and not the Fire Lord," One of the old men adopted an accusatory tone and gruffed loudly, causing other warriors to hand their heads low in shame.
"Zhao has been dealt with blows not once but twice. The first time he lost, the great city of Omashu was freed from the reigns of the Phoenix King and the Fire Lord was quick enough to consolidate the situation with King Bumi pledging his allegiance wholeheartedly. The second time was during the chase of Avatar Aang where he was personally defeated by Mai before she ended up joining our endeavor."
Why do you think I want the four of you inside rather than outside the walls?"
Pakku's cold inquiry stunned Katara to silence while Nik couldn't help but shake his head, "I suppose that we are going to be led by the hunters still outside the tribe. They will be responsible for taking them hostage. I will be responsible for disarming anyone that I come across before eventually taking down their important weapons and facilities."
"Correct."
"What do you think?" Nik turned to look at Suki whose face scrunched into a deeply conflicted expression.
"I... I don't know. Taking innocents hostage is just... not my picture of honor even if it gets the work done. Master Pakku is right... no matter what I choose— to assist or not, I end up just as guilty."
The room descended into a sad silence as Pakku's expression couldn't help but turn downcast involuntarily after everything he had said. The fact that Suki felt so conflicted just by the prospect of completing the task showed how green she really was... no pun intended.
"Is it any different from keeping hold of prisoners back in the ship?" Nik inquired.
"Vastly so," Suki nodded, "Innocent or not, they were under the employment of the Fire Nation in some capacity. I don't mean they are essentially wrong but... something just isn't right in taking women incapable of fighting and children hostages."
"I see... well, I'm willing to give this plan a shot," Nik's agreement caused the two girls to instantly look at him with varying levels of discomfort.
"I don't... have emotions attached to my opponents," Nik looked at Suki and Katara, "Of course, what really motivates me still is the thought of healing my knee but even if my knee was completely healed, I would rather help others reclaim their land."
"And what about the innocents?" Katara frowned, "Both from fire nation and the water tribe."
"I won't hurt them," Nik replied, "But I can't promise they won't get hurt. I'm only one man."
"It's not the right thing to do," Suki shook her head as Nik shrugged. He truly didn't share their morals. His morals were loosely related to not crossing a few lines. For instance, taking a life and even these standards were loose since Nik certainly didn't feel any remorse for what he did to Koh.
Pakku was about to intervene but Suki was quicker in questioning Nik with a genuinely concerned look, "Do you think Avatar Kyoshi would accommodate your decisions as honorable?"
Nik knew it for a fact that one of the most major reasons why Suki ended up with him was not only saving her life but also Kyoshi attesting to his questionable character. However... Nik was falling hard, too. It was almost addictive to have someone genuinely concerned for you. To have someone contradict you not to lower your stand but out of respect and the eagerness to understand one another.
For this to work, Nik had to shed some pretenses. One way or the other, Suki, and even Katara would come to know the real him and while it wasn't so bad, it wasn't exactly honorable in their terms either, or so Nik believed.
"Avatar Kyoshi... huh. Suki, I won't lie," Nik issued a genuine chuckle, "I'm still unable to process what honor is. But Avatar Kyoshi, that day, said that I will come to know it naturally... I guess, I didn't regret saving you then...
And I won't regret trying to find a solution for my injury. It's quite out in the open but I think... Avatar Kyoshi might be onto something then. I just wanted you to know that even if you end up not participating... I will look out for myself and return well. Without untreatable injuries, at least."
Seeing the peaceful smile on Nik's lips for the first time, Suki couldn't help but feel shocked. Until now, most of the time, Nik would either devolve the situation with humor or some other witty reply. In reality, it was part of his charm that she fell for and his actions that spoke for him instead of his words.
But this time, those very actions seemed to produce conflicted emotions within Suki yet his words managed to ease her heart by a lot.
"I... see. We still have time until midnight, right? I would like to think things over... Though, I'm sorry. I didn't want to blame you for anything. I can't imagine how much you want to walk normally already," She cast a guilty look towards Nik as he shook his head, "Don't be. If I can't be honest with you then who am I supposed to find? Sokka?" Nik chuckled because it was true. Weirdly enough, Sokka knew more about him than Suki.
"I would like to think things through, too," Katara muttered.
"I'm in. Just make me some knives," Mai looked at Pakku who nodded.
"Hmm, then meet me here in the next three hours. If you're not here then I will assume you don't want to participate. Alright, Mai, tell me the dimensions of the knives you use."
It was their signal to leave the house, too.
***
A/N: Do leave an honest review as many viewers would be looking up to your experience with the fanfic~
Chapter 109: Facing TruthChapter 109: Facing Truth Important News~ A total of three tiers are finally complete for this ff 3$= 10 Advance chaps. 5$= 15 Advance Chaps 10+5 and 10$= 30 Advance Chaps 10+5+15 The next and final tier will have additional 30 chapters but instead of grinding daily, I will instead go about it slow. I think 30 advance chaps are quite the stock already. I sincerely hope to grow the patron base so, I'll try to think of some awesome or smutty rewards. If you have any ideas, do let me know. After all, I don't read as much as I pass my time writing so I'm still, after all this time, wet behind the ears when it comes to patron experience. Anyway, thank you for taking time out of your busy routines to read, vote, comment, review, or any other method of supporting the fanfic. *** Read 28 advance chapters here Patre /Fanharem You can also support the fanfic by donating powerstones~ *** "And we cannot move past this location," Uti touched the icy walls that divided quite a bit of structure in half with an aggrieved expression, "Because of the segregation, even Princess Yue cannot meet with us and the other side is fairly evacuated. The fire nation soldiers also come here every evening to keep an eye on us." "Is that all?" Nik inquired with a smile, "I'm sure you don't like talking about the separation and the fight so why not tell us something fun? Like is there a secret corner that you use to hide when playing with other children?" "Why would I tell you?" Uti pouted. "Eh? How else will I find you kids when I play with you? You don't want me limping on one leg, right?" Nik grinned as Uti's gaze turned bright, "All of you?" "Of course," Nik replied for everyone without hesitation. He wasn't going to be the one to strike down a lovely girl's request. He simply wasn't built that way. With the tour almost over, Katara couldn't help but inquire, "Uti, we have met your father but what about your mother? Isn't she a waterbender, too?" "Oh... I don't know. Actually, I don't really remember her. I was so little when the fighting started but after Dad and Mom were taken, only he came back. But Dad promised me mom is in a better place so it's fine," Despite the grim undercurrent to her words, the bright grin on Uti's face only managed to make Katara feel worse. "He is right," Surprising others, Mai was the first to speak, "Your mom really is in a better place," the woman affirmed with an uncharacteristically gentle tone as Uti nodded and led the four of them back. Although they didn't speak, Mai could feel her 'companions' gaze linger on her for quite a while but she didn't bother with them. As the noon sun began to set and give way to evening glow, exhausted by playing hide and seek with Uti and a few other curious children, Nik alongside other girls was promptly called by Pakku into a small house by the edge of the segregated region. As the four of them entered, they found Pakku alongside a few older men and a small group of robust men and women who radiated strength just by existing. Their presence was similar to Yoki and others. Amongst them were Uti's father and the other two guards who they had met this morning. "Aside from the hunters who are still outside of the tribe, these are all the waterbenders of the tribe. Hahn had managed to marginalize all the waterbenders and tribal warriors due to his actions so aside from civilians, the only fighting force he has comes from the fire nation soldiers staying on the other side," Pakku gestured for the four to take a seat as he continued, "Our best approach is to deal a lasting strike sudden enough that we get the time to bring in Yoki and others awaiting my signal and keep the fire nation off the tribe." "Considering their main strength is still within that fleet brought in by Zhao, I'd say the tribe's fate will be much worse than before since he is here under the Phoenix King's will and not the Fire Lord," One of the old men adopted an accusatory tone and gruffed loudly, causing other warriors to hand their heads low in shame. "Zhao has been dealt with blows not once but twice. The first time he lost, the great city of Omashu was freed from the reigns of the Phoenix King and the Fire Lord was quick enough to consolidate the situation with King Bumi pledging his allegiance wholeheartedly. The second time was during the chase of Avatar Aang where he was personally defeated by Mai before she ended up joining our endeavor." Why do you think I want the four of you inside rather than outside the walls?" Pakku's cold inquiry stunned Katara to silence while Nik couldn't help but shake his head, "I suppose that we are going to be led by the hunters still outside the tribe. They will be responsible for taking them hostage. I will be responsible for disarming anyone that I come across before eventually taking down their important weapons and facilities." "Correct." "What do you think?" Nik turned to look at Suki whose face scrunched into a deeply conflicted expression. "I... I don't know. Taking innocents hostage is just... not my picture of honor even if it gets the work done. Master Pakku is right... no matter what I choose to assist or not, I end up just as guilty." The room descended into a sad silence as Pakku's expression couldn't help but turn downcast involuntarily after everything he had said. The fact that Suki felt so conflicted just by the prospect of completing the task showed how green she really was... no pun intended. "Is it any different from keeping hold of prisoners back in the ship?" Nik inquired. "Vastly so," Suki nodded, "Innocent or not, they were under the employment of the Fire Nation in some capacity. I don't mean they are essentially wrong but... something just isn't right in taking women incapable of fighting and children hostages." "I see... well, I'm willing to give this plan a shot," Nik's agreement caused the two girls to instantly look at him with varying levels of discomfort. "I don't... have emotions attached to my opponents," Nik looked at Suki and Katara, "Of course, what really motivates me still is the thought of healing my knee but even if my knee was completely healed, I would rather help others reclaim their land." "And what about the innocents?" Katara frowned, "Both from fire nation and the water tribe." "I won't hurt them," Nik replied, "But I can't promise they won't get hurt. I'm only one man." "It's not the right thing to do," Suki shook her head as Nik shrugged. He truly didn't share their morals. His morals were loosely related to not crossing a few lines. For instance, taking a life and even these standards were loose since Nik certainly didn't feel any remorse for what he did to Koh. Pakku was about to intervene but Suki was quicker in questioning Nik with a genuinely concerned look, "Do you think Avatar Kyoshi would accommodate your decisions as honorable?" Nik knew it for a fact that one of the most major reasons why Suki ended up with him was not only saving her life but also Kyoshi attesting to his questionable character. However... Nik was falling hard, too. It was almost addictive to have someone genuinely concerned for you. To have someone contradict you not to lower your stand but out of respect and the eagerness to understand one another. For this to work, Nik had to shed some pretenses. One way or the other, Suki, and even Katara would come to know the real him and while it wasn't so bad, it wasn't exactly honorable in their terms either, or so Nik believed. "Avatar Kyoshi... huh. Suki, I won't lie," Nik issued a genuine chuckle, "I'm still unable to process what honor is. But Avatar Kyoshi, that day, said that I will come to know it naturally... I guess, I didn't regret saving you then... And I won't regret trying to find a solution for my injury. It's quite out in the open but I think... Avatar Kyoshi might be onto something then. I just wanted you to know that even if you end up not participating... I will look out for myself and return well. Without untreatable injuries, at least." Seeing the peaceful smile on Nik's lips for the first time, Suki couldn't help but feel shocked. Until now, most of the time, Nik would either devolve the situation with humor or some other witty reply. In reality, it was part of his charm that she fell for and his actions that spoke for him instead of his words. But this time, those very actions seemed to produce conflicted emotions within Suki yet his words managed to ease her heart by a lot. "I... see. We still have time until midnight, right? I would like to think things over... Though, I'm sorry. I didn't want to blame you for anything. I can't imagine how much you want to walk normally already," She cast a guilty look towards Nik as he shook his head, "Don't be. If I can't be honest with you then who am I supposed to find? Sokka?" Nik chuckled because it was true. Weirdly enough, Sokka knew more about him than Suki. "I would like to think things through, too," Katara muttered. "I'm in. Just make me some knives," Mai looked at Pakku who nodded. "Hmm, then meet me here in the next three hours. If you're not here then I will assume you don't want to participate. Alright, Mai, tell me the dimensions of the knives you use." It was their signal to leave the house, too. *** A/N: Do leave an honest review as many viewers would be looking up to your experience with the fanfic~
