Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar. Also, this is a collaborative work done with an individual who goes by the name of Marry Kozakura or Cherry, and an individual who prefers not to be named here. We have decided to publish this under my account.
A Patriotic Traitor
Jang hui was always a small town, and business was rather slow. Naturally, they capitulated when soldiers appeared to take advantage of their city. Unfortunately, both the factory and the war were taking a toll on the isolated area. When Yuki was discovered to be a firebender, the city was in awe.
Yuki was already quite a popular kid around the town. Her father worked with the great Commander Zhao and was currently a commander himself. Expectations were high for Yuki to be an amazing firebender. She had heard stories of the child prodigy Azula and vowed to be as good as her.
Her mother, however, was concerned. After her years of watching the war, she knew what happened to talented individuals. She allowed Yuki to blossom, but only out of sight from the factory workers. Hopefully, her daughter would have many years before she would have to serve their country.
Yuki's father wouldn't be back for another few days, so decided to improve her firebending by seeing a master. Sadly, the only master who taught firebending had only come for a short stay, and had left the village a long time ago. She heard rumors of "The Deserter" and how he left the army, but could not remember his name.
She decided to practice with her best friend, Ming. Yuki knew Ming most of her childhood and the two were close. Ming always wanted to be part of the army, but sadly she came from a bloodline of prison guards.
"I'm so happy for you!" Ming exclaimed, "Your father's going to be so proud." Although Ming couldn't bend, she was quite agile and could dodge Yuki's fire blasts easily.
As Yuki grew up, conditions became rather atrocious in her beloved village. She wanted to be rid of the factory, but she had promised her mother she would take no aggressive actions. When the new troops arrived, she decided she no longer cared. The moment she saw captain Zhao, she knew her world would change.
He was bullying a young boy, who was attempting to stop him from stealing goods.
"Stop it! " yelled Yuki.
Zhao turned to the girl and laughed. "Mind your own business, girl." He snickered. He lit his hand with a dark red flame. "I don't like to hurt children."
Yuki suddenly felt a rage burst and shot a blast at Zhao. Zhao, while surprised, was able to dodge the blast.
Yuki's father suddenly ran up. "YUKI, WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING?!" He yelled. He turned to Zhao. "Commander, I am terribly sorry for this. She will be punished."
"No need. Where did she learn to firebend like that? She has to be self-taught. Perhaps she should consider the army. " Zhao responded.
"She's still so very young," replied Yuki's father. "Perhaps the domestic forces when she's a bit older. "
"She's eighteen, isn't she? And I wouldn't recommend her for the domestic forces. Her talent would be much better served in a specialized unit, as mine is" Zhao suggested.
Yuki was too shocked in awe to make sort of comment. This was her dream, right? To be recognized by a higher up person in the army? This is what she wanted all her life. So why... Did she feel like she should say no. "We'll think about it." Her father remarked.
"I will await your decision eagerly."
The two men bowed and Zhao left.
Of course Yuki would want to go. Her parents had always known this day would come. Their daughter was talented, yet Zhao seemed too eager almost. Perhaps he had ulterior motives. It would be much safer to send her to another branch, but how could they refuse? They would have to accept, or they would jeopardize the whole village. The others did not deserve that. There was only one answer to the question.
Yuki didn't even have any say in the matter. Her father sent a messenger hawk to Zhao conforming the offer and she had to start tomorrow. She packed her things and looked at the village.
There was a knock on her door. "Ming!" Yuki exclaimed. The 2 hugged. A tear ran down Mings face. "I'm so happy for you. I'm stuck as a prison guard but you have a future to look forward to. Make me proud. I'll miss you."
"Make our town a better place. I'll meet you here, in the same spot in exactly three years. Don't fail me." As Yuki said her last words to Ming, the shadow of the ship loomed over them. It was time for the young firebender to say farewell to her entire world and approach the new.
The boat ride was quite short, as the Fire Nation was a tiny nation. She arrived in the city and gazed in awe at the massive palace. Just think, the Fire Lord! So close! Along with his two children! She felt like it was her birthday and this was her present.
Zhao noticed her awestruck glance and smirked inwardly. If she was so easily pleased, this was going to be easier than he realized. Once he showed her what he could do, she would be captivated. Yet it bothered him that she seemed more powerful than he would ever be.
The young woman admired the city, yet she saw the hidden meaning. Everything had to be the best, or it was nothing. She was no exception to this rule. From this moment, Yuki would strive to achieve. All this was not just for her country, for it would be fine without her. This was for her.
Yuki was taken to her new home, paid for by the military. While it wasn't close to the palace or expensive, it was quite a nice place, and she was content with it. Besides, it was way nicer than the small barn of a home she used to live in.
"Enjoy your new home," Zhao said. "I will return later in the day with your first mission. Rest up for now." Zhao felt generous that day, and wanted to please Yuki, so he gave her 20 gold pieces. "Go into town and buy whatever you like. There's a lot to see." Yuki thanked Zhao and he left.
Yuki was beside herself with joy. She could finally buy a messenger hawk! She had always wanted one for herself, but her father said the one he had was enough. She took the gold pieces and bought a messenger hawk for herself. Seventeen gold pieces left.
While she wanted to indulge herself, she somehow felt there would be a cost beyond this. Perhaps the Painted Lady had blessed her and her life would be good. Yet, it disturbed her to even think of a possible mission. She had never fought anyone but Ming. If she told Zhao, he would surely send her back. At the thought of being sent back to her small village, she became inwardly downcast. Although she missed Jang Hui, the outside world was rich with waiting opportunities. She could finally join her nation in its quest for world peace. On the other hand, Yuki was now alone in a warzone. Since Fire Lord Sozin had started the war, the entire country had been tense. Supplies were constantly being taken from smaller towns for use by the army. Although this was all for the greater good, the Fire Nation was not currently a kind place.
This hawk would be her anchor in the harsh world. Yuki would have to move on from her past and embrace her future. Yet, she could not but wish that she had her mother to comfort her, her father to support her, and Ming to talk to her. No, it would not do to think like this. It was time to focus on her upcoming mission.
