"So that's what we'll do..." Arnook broke into a cold sweat upon hearing Thorian's plans and agreed to everything. Truth be told, what he had heard left him stunned; he couldn't imagine that the young man in front of him knew so much about combat tactics.
Pakku, on the other hand, remained silent. He had memorized the plan they would execute with the fleet currently in the seas, and knowing the enemy's troop numbers, it was appropriate for them to prepare from now on.
As soon as the meeting ended, the entire city began to prepare according to the orders that had to be followed, taking into account all the issues they would face.
Thorian had reached the highest icy mountain to overlook the northern city. His thoughts at this point began to cloud because the plan he wanted to achieve was too ambitious.
"Beautiful view, don't you think?" A boy who arrived at this place, manipulating the wind, stopped next to Thorian.
At that moment, Thorian began to observe this boy seriously, who carried a great weight on his shoulders, and said, "You've suffered a lot, haven't you? You're someone many people can trust. I have a good plan that can bring peace to this world torn by war."
"What do you have in mind?"
"To proclaim myself as the emperor of all nations, where each nation would be like a house governing its respective rules, and in my case, I would manage a city where people can coexist without killing each other." Thorian's tone was very calm as he expressed what he truly wanted to achieve.
"There should be another way." Aang didn't seem convinced by these words.
As someone who would bring stability to the world, Aang had to consider all the details. He had to stop the war and put an end to all these years of suffering. He sensed in Thorian the pain and perseverance to follow that path, which meant it was absolutely impossible for him to convince Thorian that another path could exist besides that kind of government.
Thorian smiled slightly at being in the presence of someone so incredible and said, "Let's suppose you manage to stop the war. Do you think the Earth Nation will be satisfied when the colonies that tormented their people withdraw without impunity? Do you think that can happen again in some five hundred years?"
"Our nature is cruel; humans are guided by emotions... Those who control fire claim that this invasion was due to the ambition they have for power and control. Their nature makes them behave that way." Thorian didn't know what would happen in the future, but he wanted Aang's support as someone who would serve as a pillar for his rule.
Thorian's eyes fell on Aang, who was holding a bamboo umbrella. His tone was soft as he said, "To achieve world stability, we need a man of character who rules all nations equally. How will we accomplish that? You could be the supreme commander of the coalition army, where humans who wield all the elements can be a part; as long as we are fair in our governance, no internal war will break out."
Not seeking to be the most powerful man, Thorian found things like power or wealth insignificant. He just wanted to ensure that his effort wouldn't be in vain when he died.
"That sounds quite good. To be honest, I also have no idea how to stop this war and ensure world stability, something the previous Avatar couldn't do."
"The previous Avatar was an intimate friend of the emperor who started this war. He trusted his friendship with the emperor and deeply believed that he wouldn't start a war for world dominance. That condemned the air nomads and you, who couldn't do anything back then," Thorian said, expressing what he truly felt.
Aang felt good hearing Thorian out; it reminded him of the decisions his superiors made, and he thought it wouldn't be bad if he just ruled as a figure of power that would maintain the world in peace. Any mistake he made would be devastating for the world's future, so he had to prepare everything, and being with Thorian, maybe they could achieve something different.
Additionally, if for some reason Thorian was deceiving him, which he didn't believe, Aang had the help of his ancestors to stop him, and this would continue to be the case for many years.
"This city is weak, Aang; you must understand that we are at war, and that means killing or being killed. Even as the Avatar, you don't have the right to take sides; you just have to do what's right no matter how many have to fall." Thorian held his sword with both hands and watched as the civilians of this city were evacuated.
Aang finally asked, "So, what's the plan?"
"There are many colonies on this side of the world that belong to the Fire Nation. If I create a city where everyone is allowed, perhaps not now, but over the years, those affected will tolerate each other more and more. With our guidance, we'll put an end to bloody battles."
To achieve this, Thorian knew he mustn't mistreat civilians; that's why he had changed his rules of conduct.
"You should rest; we have plenty of time to talk and form a solid plan if you're truly interested. Tomorrow, this city will be attacked, and many will need you," Thorian said as he stood up and climbed onto the back of Doki, who was resting nearby.
"You should do the same..." Aang fell silent shortly afterward, lost in his thoughts.