Avatar:Liberation of Ba Sing Se
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Template:Battle infoboxThe liberation of Ba Sing Se was one of the final battles of the Hundred Year War, fought during Sozin's Comet. The secretive Order of the White Lotus, led by Grand Lotus Iroh, penetrated Ba Sing Se and fought against occupying Fire Nation forces in order to free the city in the name of the Earth Kingdom.[1] At the same time, the city's commoners rose up in a revolution carefully organized by the Silver Fangs, a group with secret ties to the White Lotus.[2]
The large Fire Nation garrison outnumbered the small White Lotus forces, and the arrival of the comet increased their power. However, the Order consisted of the most powerful benders and fighters in the world, including some firebenders of their own. This meant that the White Lotus had a considerable tactical advantage.[1] At the same time, the Silver Fangs spread word to thousands of trusted citizens to prepare for the city's liberation and to avoid areas of danger.[3] This led to the victory of the White Lotus, Silver Fangs and commoners before the comet had even cleared the sky.[1][4]
Prelude
The city of Ba Sing Se was the last Earth Kingdom stronghold after the fortress city of Omashu fell to the Fire Nation several months prior.[5] Throughout the entire course of the Hundred Year War, Ba Sing Se was the country's major source of soldiers, food, equipment, etc. Ba Sing Se was once considered unconquerable due to the Fire Nation's failure to penetrate its walls.[6]
However, roughly three months prior to the arrival of Sozin's Comet, the Earth Kingdom suffered a heavy defeat when Princess Azula and her two allies, Mai and Ty Lee, infiltrated the city disguised as Kyoshi Warriors.[7] Through her expert manipulation, Azula was able to secure control over the Dai Li, the power-hungry cultural enforcers of Ba Sing Se. She was also able to enlist the help of her exiled brother, Prince Zuko, who was desperate to return to the Fire Nation. Together, they overthrew Earth King Kuei and defeated Avatar Aang in a coup d'état that left Azula in total control of the city, denying the country the resources necessary to win the War.[8] Within days, the Dai Li demolished the city walls and the Fire Army occupied the city, securing what seemed like total victory over the Earth Kingdom.[9] A large Fire Army garrison was stationed to secure Ba Sing Se,[10] while a puppet government was installed to oversee the former capital.[11] However, the continuing earthbender rebellions across the country prevented the Fire Nation from achieving absolute control. Fire Lord Ozai therefore planned to end the uprisings once and for all by burning the Earth Kingdom to the ground when Sozin's Comet arrived.[12] The Fire Nation garrison in Ba Sing Se was sent word about this, and made plans to raze the city to the ground.[13]
Meanwhile, the Order of the White Lotus, a secret organization transcending world boundaries, had been covertly aiding anti-Fire Nation forces across the world.[14][15] When ex-General Iroh, a Grand Lotus of the Order, broke out of prison, he decided that the time had come for the White Lotus to openly and decisively take action. He sent out a signal to the most powerful combat masters of the society advising them to gather at Ba Sing Se prior to the arrival of Sozin's Comet.[10][16]
Extensive preparations were also made by the Silver Fangs, a business syndicate with ties to the White Lotus. While previously having tried to counter the oppressive conspiracy in Ba Sing Se, they soon turned their attention to retaking the city after it fell to the Fire Nation.[17] After spending time fully assessing the situation, they decided it was time to strike when the comet arrived. Jin and her allies spread the word of the coming revolution by sending secret messages hidden in savory pastries, which Fire Nation soldiers disliked. The pastries with the messages inside bore the mark of the White Lotus, which was recommended by Patron Wu. Jin and her friends took the deliveries to thousands of trusted citizens, also passing along intelligence about what streets to avoid when the uprising took place.[3] Jin later came to believe that the Silver Fangs' representatives, Aunt Sumi and Patron Wu, must have worked on convincing the gangs of the Lower Ring to all join the uprising when it was time.[2]
The day before the scheduled operation, the White Lotus encountered Prince Zuko and his allies. Iroh and Zuko were reunited and reconciled. The White Lotus and Team Avatar subsequently agreed to a plan, coordinating their actions to strike against Fire Lord Ozai's forces at several locations, with Iroh leading the order to liberate Ba Sing Se and thus fully restore the Earth Kingdom.[16][10]
Battle
Just before the comet arrived, a large procession of Fire Nation soldiers and tundra tanks started to roll down Banner Lane in the Lower Ring. As soon as the air grew hot, the tanks started sending blasts of fire in every direction. Several colorful banners were burned, signaling that it was time to raze Ba Sing Se to the ground.[13] Meanwhile, Longshot gave his own signal for the Silver Fangs' forces to rise up around Banner Lane, using his arrow to strike explosives and disorient the tundra tanks. Soldiers crawled out of the tanks and signaled for backup, but the Silver Fangs were already gone. Earth Kingdom citizens rushed in from the next street through gaps the explosions made, and started waving makeshift weapons. Soldiers prepared to launch a new blast of fire, but were repelled by Jin and Xuan, who channeled their earthbending into the rubble of a collapsed house. Many Earth Kingdom citizens raised their weapons and cheered.[13][2] Similar uprisings broke out in several sectors of the city, throwing the occupation forces into chaos.[2]
At the same moment, the White Lotus started to lay siege to the city. With a single, comet-enhanced blast, Iroh breached the Inner Wall. The Order promptly advanced toward the wall and entered the city. Dozens of firebenders from atop the walls rained fire down at the invading White Lotus forces with no effect, and the Order broke into Ba Sing Se.[1]
Elsewhere, Jin and Xuan met up with Smellerbee and Longshot and made their way to Pine House in the entertainment district, making their way toward the Middle Ring. The group despaired when they realized just how powerful the comet was making the firebenders, but resolved to keep on fighting, as they knew that the comet had to pass eventually. However, before they could leave the entertainment district, Xuan was shot down by the Yuyan Archers as he was making his way across a makeshift bridge between two theaters. The Rough Rhinos emerged before the group. Kahchi immediately moved to restrain Jin, while Colonel Mongke held Xuan as a hostage in an attempt to try to force Longshot down from above. The Rough Rhinos were disoriented when Jeong Jeong started flying inside a pillar through the city. This led the Silver Fangs to counter and defeat the Rough Rhinos, with Mongke angrily allowing Vachir to take him to safety.[2][4]
Heavy fighting continued in several pockets all around the city, with various regional gangs working to fight back and cause chaos. Parts of the city were ruined by fire blasts, as well as various blasting jelly explosions.[2] This allowed the White Lotus to advance to the center of Ba Sing Se without centralized opposition.[4][18] Armed with captured Fire Nation equipment, revolutionaries gradually cleared areas of the Middle Ring of Fire Army soldiers.[4]
Not long after, Iroh reached the Upper Ring and burned the Fire Nation flag that hung over the Earth Kingdom Royal Palace, symbolizing that the Earth Kingdom was free once again.[18] By morning, Ba Sing Se had been fully liberated.[19] The remnants of the Fire Army garrison fled the city, whereas the White Lotus had suffered no losses during the entire battle.[10]
Aftermath
Though much of Ba Sing Se was damaged in the battle and the walls needed extensive repairs, the city was freed from Fire Nation rule.[18] Work quickly began on reconstruction, and life in the city started to return to normal. A week after the battle, news reached Ba Sing Se that Zuko had become Fire Lord, and had promised a new era of respect between the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation. The city also learned that the Avatar was still alive, and had been the main actor in restoring the four nations back to balance.[20]
The Council of Five organized a grand celebration at the Autumn Equinox to celebrate the new era of peace. Jin, Xuan, and Susu were invited to attend the party as thanks for their contributions to liberate Ba Sing Se. Smellerbee and Longshot were also invited, but declined, wanting to move on from Ba Sing Se and reorganize the Freedom Fighters.[20]
Appearances
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Book Three: Fire (火)
Avatar Legends novels
City of Echoes
References
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de:Befreiung von Ba Sing Se es:Liberación de Ba Sing Se fr:Libération de Ba Sing Se nl:Bevrijding van Ba Sing Se pl:Wyzwolenie Ba Sing Se ru:Освобождение Ба Синг Се