Avatar: The Last Airbender Fanfiction
Push and Pull
Prologue: The Revival
Heavy steps made their way through the unbearable heat and oppressing light of the Fire Nation Army Factory. Workers scrambled to step aside and pay their respects, bowing at the waist whilst performing the Fire Nation salute. Chains cranked and rattled as they were dipped into the pools to gather the dangerous substance to be poured into molds, assembly lines clanged and shouted as workers tempered the steel to be cooled and put together later; all for the Fire Nation's quest for dominance. Through this productive chaos, he walks in Fire Nation military regalia. He is here for a single purpose.
"Admiral Yi!"
He does not pause in his movements but he turns his head enough to see who marches alongside him: a wide muscular man, his face is set in an eternal scowl; a scar runs from left to right in a curious curve from just below his right eye across his nose to the upper left of his forehead. Small perpendicular lines run along it, remnants of metal staples.
"Good evening, General Mung. I hope that which I have asked for is ready? The blue prints from the mechanist were clear?"
"Yes, Admiral, the weapons that you've ordered are ready," Mung replies, "we would have more ready if the design were more practical, something you insisted upon."
"This I realize. However, I assure you the design serves a greater purpose beyond aesthetic."
They've come to a stop in the factory sectioned off by massive metal doors.
"Tell me, General Mung, you are aware of the ancient practice of killing a dragon, yes?"
"Yes, Admiral, every worthy Firebender is aware of the practice. It is a sign of greatness and skill," he readily replies but his breath catches when he realizes whom he is talking to, "that isn't to say that you are not worthy, Admiral. I just meant…"
"At ease, General, no harm done. Then you know who killed the last of the dragons?"
"General Iroh, the Dragon of the West."
"Indeed," he heaves a great sigh, "something I wish he had never done."
"Admiral?"
"It is nothing. I am just reminiscing about an old dream to see a dragon with my own eyes, to see them bend the element of our proud nation in ways known only to them, to perhaps see…something in those flames. It makes my heart heavy, knowing they're gone forever."
There is a pause.
"That is why I thought it fitting to revive them, however false." So saying, he raises a fist and bangs against the metal doors, the sound thundering.
There is a harsh scraping of metal and a rumbling as the doors slide apart to reveal a warehouse, filled with multitudes of the weapon that the Admiral kept in secrecy. On a tripod of wheels, an iron dragon head is mounted, wide-eyed and fierce as their maws remain perpetually open in a silent roar as the muzzle reaches out like a strange tongue. General Mung can only stare in awe as he lays eye on them for the first time. A masked worker approaches them and bows.
"I trust all is in readiness?" The Admiral asks.
"Yes, Admiral, they are ready to be moved out on your command."
"Load them all onto the ships. You saw the guidelines on the safety of moving the weapon, the blasting jelly, and the ammunition?" He receives a nod in response, "Have it done by first light tomorrow. I will send some of my own to assist and oversee their transportation."
The worker bows before turning to shout at others, rushing to follow the Admiral's orders as teams of ten struggle to push the behemoths out of the factory. With a nod, the Admiral walks away, General Mung following. Swiftly through the factory floor and the cacophony of metal works, the two are then outside just as the sun has begun to set on the Jang Hui river. There is no dance of tiny lights, only dank sludge that absorbs the light and gives it a sickly pallor. Yi stares deeply into the muck.
"Admiral? Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing. Thank you for your hard work, General."
So saying, the Admiral leaves in the prepared speed boat towards the dying light to the open sea.
Author's Note: Still working on the mechanics here...I think I've got it...Maybe. Enjoy.