(1 month after the fire nation attack on the Kau province).

The war had dramatically turned against the fire nation after the failed campaign into Shou-long a campaign that had cost the fire nation 300'000 men either killed or captured.

When Azula read the unfiltered report she was horrified not only was the day of black sun coming in 3 weeks but it now seemed the Shou-long war machine was truly unstoppable and It seemed Tanya was dead set on crushing the fire nation for betraying the treaty.

Right now Azula was headed to speak with General Mak The fire nation's overall commander of their eastern forces. Boarding a carriage She set off for the good general's estate.

The journey took roughly an Hour and Azula could already see the preparations for the imminent invasion Taking place evac drills were being organized soldiers with guns being directed to key defensive positions and the navy being gathered along with their powerful airship fleet.

Arriving at the General's estate Azula was granted entry and guided to the living room where General Mak was waiting.

"Ah princess Azula a pleasure to see you. Your Highness." The general greeted her while bowing.

"Thank You General now onto Business. I want your unfiltered Opinion don't hold Back do you think we can defeat Shou-long at all."

The General was silent for a few minutes before responding.  " NO princes I don't think we can win for a variety of reasons. 1. Shou-long posses immense amounts of better war technology then we do our tundra tanks and infantry are a true marvel yes but Shou-long's cannons can easily counter that even our airships would be almost useless against them Due to Shou-longs new air war machines.

2. our supplies are being strained to breaking point our colonies and main land are producing only 70% of the food supplies our armies need to feed themselves. The rest came from Shou-long and true we may have cut ties with them but teh earth kingdom posses the raw materials the Shou-long war machine needs and they seem to have no trouble conquering new earth kingdom territories especially since most of the earth kingdom hates us.

3. the Guerrilla and rebel campaigns in our conquered lands are making it nearly impossible to deliver supplies or reinforcements to the front lines. Further more our armies are also being to spread out we barely have teh necessary soldiers to patrol our vast conquests and against the Shou-long Guerilla army that's been hammering us for months patrols and small divisions are easy pickings."

Azula was silent she knew the war effort was going badly but she didn't think it was that bad.

"So even if we gave you men from the western forces you don't think that would be enough to stop Shou-long at all."

Mak simply shock is head.

"I see thank you General I'll take my leave now." Azulla replied politely to the General who nodded in respect to her.

In the carriage Azula began to have disloyal thoughts in a way.

'The fire nation must be preserved with at least some of it's dignity intact and continuing a senseless war will not ensure our greatness. But father won't see reason until Shou-long comes banging on the door with their armies. But there may be another way for the most part the fire nation resects strength above all else and sozin's comet is about a month and half away from now. If I send a message to Shou-long and express my support Tanya may be able to take my father down in duel for the throne and restore our nation to greatness like she has done with Shou-long.' 

Her thoughts solidified Azula prepared for her last gamble at saving her beloved nation.

(With the Gang).

The invasion was in 3 weeks and Aang was just informed by sokka the response Shou-long gave to giving them support.

"How can Shou-long be so selfish the only care about themselves and what they can win in this war." Katara ranted in anger.

"Normally I would disagree with sugar queen but I think she may be right why would Shou-long refuse to back us up with an opportunity to take down the most evil man in the world."

"Because Shou-long still holds a grudge against us personally." Aang replied sadly. " some months ago we went to Shou-long and requested the freedom of Jet and his rebel leaders from a Shou-long prison they refused so we broke them out." 

"Oh that's why we keep having bounty hunters chase us."

"Yup The princess put a massive bounty on our heads." Sokka replied sarcastically. "Also we did in a way support the earth king who Shou-long loathes due to their history with his ancestors."

"Fortunately we still have the rebel army who will back us up and with teh eclipse we should have a chance." Aang stated determined.

"Yeah Twinkle toes we'll crush the fire lord."

The gang was in agreement and they would stop at nothing to achieve their goal.

(Shou-long palace).

"King Virden are you certain this plan propose d by your daughter will work. "

"Yes General Kahn. Our armies have grown significantly since we began fighting the fire nation and we have already regained control of the Akizo fields and Zigren port. Gentlemen this will be our greatest offensive yet if we succeed we can make the 200 mile dash to ba sing se and liberate it form both the earth king and fire nation on the day of black sun. Make no mistake gentlemen this war will be over soon and our nation once forced to submit to the tyranny and hypocrisy of the earth kingdom will stand triumphant once and for all." 

The generals nodded their heads many determined to win in the name of their king, others for the sake of putting their enemies in their place.

AN: The end is coming soon my friends.

Quote: a strong plan must be worked at piece by piece until it succeeds.