Captain Zhao walked among the soldiers in his command. They were all eating their daily ration of food, taking camp a few miles away from the entrance to Serpent's Pass. His commander was leading a separate unit to the north of the city and Zhao was tasked with leading his unit along the treacherous Serpent's Pass. Their mission was to capture the great city of Ba Sing Se.
Zhao looked up ahead and smiled. A massive dust storm was on the horizon.
"Lieutenant Liko, inform the men that we will now march; feeding time is over." Zhao said to man at his hip.
"Yes, sir." The lieutenant said. "Men, Form the ranks!"
The men all had a nervous look on their face, but quickly dropped their bowls and stood, rushing to form rows.
Once all of the men were in position, Captain Zhao turned and faced them. "A storm is coming upon Ba Sing Se." He chuckled slightly.
In Ba Sing Se, General Soa approached the great wall of Ba Sing Se. He lifted his arms and a pillar of earth emerged from the ground, ascending him to the walking platform of the wall. He smiled at the soldier who greeted him.
"Lieutenant, how are you today?" He stepped onto the walking platform, his hands behind his back. The general's green armor glistened in the sun and his smile was even brighter.
The soldier bowed his head, "I am well, General."
"Any news today?" Sao asked. He began walking towards one of the many turrets along the wall and the soldier followed.
"Sir, we have stopped someone from smuggling illegal weapons into the city."
"Good...good! Where is this person, now, Lieutenant?" Sao asked, still walking past the wall turrets, examining them and smiling as he passed.
The lieutenant became uncomfortable. "He has been given to the Dai Li."
The general faltered in his step and cringed at this. He hated the Dai Li. They sent a shiver up his spine.
Without anyone really taking notice, he switched his face back to his pleasant smile and continued his pace. "Anything else, Lieutenant?" They reached the last turret on the stretch of their path and Sao turned to look at the soldier.
"Yes, sir." The man replied. "There is one other thing; a storm is approaching from the south. They say it will be very violent. We have moved the defenses to shelter."
Sao turned to see the massive dirt cloud approaching the city. "Ah, yes." He smiled, "Very well! Good job, Lieutenant. Have you heard anything from the scouts?"
"No sir." The man replied curtly.
General Sao smiled and nodded. "I will be awaiting any reports you have once you get them. I will be in the ground bunker." He smiled and turned, "You are in charge again, Lieutenant. Do not fail the city."
The soldier bowed, placing his fist in the cup of his hand. "With honor, sir."
General Sao smiled and left.
The scout was running, two Fire Nation soldiers shooting balls of fire at him as he ran. The scout yelled.
"Help! Someone help! Sound the Alarm!" But no one heard his cry. A large fire ball hit the man in the back and he was engulfed in flames. The man let out a short scream before he died a quick death. It was Captain Zhao who had produced the flame. Zhao, still in fire bending position, approached the burning man cautiously. Seeing that the man was dead, he relaxed his form and glared hotly at the two Fire Nation soldiers.
"That was too close! You almost ruined the mission!"
The two men were bowing their heads in shame and fear.
"We ar-ar-are sorry sir." One of them said, stammering. "He was just too quick."
"Too quick?" Zhao repeated harshly, disbelieving. "Too quick? Too quick for two well trained Fire nation soldiers? You disgrace the Firelord!"
"We-we-we are sorry, Captain." The stammering man spoke again.
"Save your excuses for Fire Lord Azulon." Zhao said, disgusted, contempt in his voice. "Lieutentant Liko, take these men into custody. Bind and bound them and leave them hidden. Once the battle is complete, we will escort them to a prison where they will await reconditioning and punishment."
"My Lord!" The second, non-stammering Fire Nation soldier exclaimed. ""We will surely die if you-"
"Silence!" Zhao screamed, fire erupting from his fists.
Both men coward and fell back on their rears.
A brief moment passed and Liko's men took the initiative a brought chains forward to bind and bound the men. Zhao turned back towards the direction of the city. The storm was catching up to them.
Liko approached Zhao as Liko's men carried the bound soldiers away. "Sir, our scouts report that we have eliminated all of the Earth Nation scouts. We are ready to march on your command."
Zhao's now smiled evilly; this would be his chance to prove his worth, to take command of his destiny. After the city fell, Zhao would be made general and would be paraded through the Fire Nation as a hero. He would answer only to the Fire Lord and all would fear and respect him.
"We march to the city."
AN: This is just the first chapter; the others will be longer. Also this is linked to the actual siege of Ba Sing Se by General Iroh (I will include that part later on). Hope you like it! Reviews are appreciated!
