A/N: Hey all thanks for reviewing my fic! It means so much to me! I love you all!
Also thanks to Alabaster86 (AKA Violet Vespertine) for putting her foot up my butt and telling me to write. xD
On with the story!
Zuko was speechless at the sudden events that have taken place. He looked to the group around him to see their expressions of horror and shock. He looked again to the open field that led up to the Fire Nation's side of the lines. He shook his head at the realization of how far inland they were.
"I told ya something wasn't right yesterday, but does anyone listen to the newcomer of the group? No, they never would do that." Shin said sarcastically. He turned to Zuko. "Looks like you were right buddy." Zuko shrugged.
"Well I bet Lieutenant Xiang will know what to do." Sen said hopefully. "I'm gonna go and find him. Lee you're coming too, mainly so you won't kill him where everyone can see." She added sarcastically. Zuko didn't have time to think before he was dragged off by Sen.
The new camp consisted of tents of all shapes and sizes along with structures made of earth. Towards the trees there was an outdoor cafeteria area and next to that were what could be described as training grounds. Further down the line stood the barracks that consisted from simple earth and wood structures to tents. Soon they made their way into a collection of tents where more soldiers were. Soon Sen found Xiang and tapped his shoulder to get his attention.
Xiang turned around to address the pair and smiled. "Oh, why hello there friends, what brings you here?"
"Oh gee I wonder." Zuko sarcastically replied and rolled his eyes.
"What he was trying to say is that you said we'd all be safe, but here we are on the front." Sen said.
"You all will be safe and sound if you follow orders exactly. No need to worry." Xiang quickly reassured.
"I can think of three different ways they could attack us, four if they had airships." Zuko stated bluntly.
"As I said, we are perfectly safe here. We have an advantage over them. We are on high ground that means we can see anything they try to throw at us." Xiang said.
Zuko rolled his eyes. "Metal tanks that keep coming no matter how they are flipped with fire shooting out from them beats earthbending by a long shot."
Xiang narrowed his eyes. "What makes you think that you know anything and everything about the Fire Nation? No one has been on Fire Nation soil and escaped alive."
Zuko sighed. "You're getting really annoying. I feel sorry for the poor fools who are under your command."
"Well for your information private I am your commanding officer, along with that pesky group of friends of yours." Xiang remarked. "Now get out of my face, and that's an order."
Zuko glared and stood where he was. "I only take orders from those who I respect."
"You think I'm pesky?" Sen asked. Zuko shot a quick glare in her direction. "What?"
"The both of you will learn to respect me. If you don't mind me quoting a firebender I will add this to my statement, then suffering will be your teacher. I don't…" Xiang was interrupted suddenly. Zuko's glare turned in a snarl as he tensed then lunged towards Xiang. Sen quickly stopped Zuko before damage was done. Some of the soldiers turned to see what was happening.
"Whoa Lee, calm down!" She screamed. She pushed Zuko back gently. "What I said about killing him was called sarcasm." Zuko glared past Sen at Xiang then turned and stormed off towards the rest of the group. "I'm sure he didn't mean that." Sen added nervously.
"As I was saying was that I didn't remember where it was from." He shouted at Zuko. He didn't reply. "I heard someone say that a firebender said that to someone else, and it sounded suitable for the situation." Xiang told Sen. He shrugged then walked off in the opposite direction. Sen glanced towards Zuko and began to follow slowly behind.
Sen walked by the edge of the cliff to get a good look at the terrain below. She hoped that they wouldn't have to stay in the trenches that seemed exposed to attack. She looked around the camp and noticed a lack of actual soldiers around. The group of civilians wasn't that large but they needed more protection then what was offered. She finally decided that most of them were in the trenches. She made it to the others who appeared to be in disarray.
"Don't tell me, Lee walked through here all mad and grumpy." Sen stated.
"That would be an understatement." Chang said. "He's angrily moping and staring off into space now." He pointed to where Zuko was sitting at the edge of the cliff.
"And I thought that my dad was vicious when he was mad. I feel so sorry for the poor firebender who gets on his bad side." Shin added. Everyone nodded in agreement.
"That means our stay here is going to be more horrible then it already is." Sen sighed.
"Explain what you mean by that." Chang said.
"Lieutenant Xiang is our commanding officer guy, and Lee already tried to kill him once." Sen explained. "Apparently when Xiang said that suffering will be your teacher, it ticked him off. Some soldiers were there and they saw it all. All because Lee said he didn't respect the guy."
"I would try to kill him too if he said that to me. A good kick in the head should do." Chang said.
"Chang that's rude!" Sen chided.
"I'm starting to hate the guy too. He did lie to us and made us come here so to speak." Chang said. "You agree don't you Shin?"
"Yes I surely do. I knew something was off when he was all vague and stuff." Shin remarked. "Too bad Sen's too lovesick to notice his creepiness." He whispered to Chang. They both laughed and tried to hide it from Sen.
"I heard that!" She exclaimed and threw a rock at them.
"I know how we can get out of here." The sound of Zuko's voice broke the arguing between the others. They all turned their heads towards him, motioning for him to continue. Zuko gestured for them to go to where he was standing. "There's a small break in the tree line on the left side of the valley. See it?" He pointed out the area. They nodded. "When our chance comes, we can make a run for that spot and hide out in the forest."
"That's all fine and dandy and everything but we have one teeny tiny problem. It's called how do we sneak out without being seen?" Chang commented.
"That's why we have to wait. We need to wait until one side makes a move and a massive fight breaks out. Then we stay together and make our way to that spot." Zuko replied.
"It sounds a lot easier said then done in my opinion." Shin remarked. Zuko nodded in agreement.
"Now we can't tell anyone about this." Zuko paused. "Got it?" Everyone agreed and moved away from their place by the edge.
The sound of a gong rang out from across the camp and people started to head towards the collection of tents. The small group followed and gathered in the edge of the bigger mass of people.
""Any idea about what's going on?" Sen asked.
"Why don't you ask your boyfriend Xiang?" Shin replied mockingly.
"Shut up!"
"No, you shut up."
"How about both of you shut up." Zuko said.
Xiang stepped on a platform made of earth and began to speak. "For all of you who don't know me I am Lieutenant Xiang. If you are from the two villages that I recruited you from then you are all under my command. Everyone else, you're dismissed." A large majority of the mass of people began to disperse. Soon there was only a small group of people from the two villages. Xiang began to explain his rules and expectations for his unit, and then everyone was dismissed for dinner.
Everyone lined up to get their food after Xiang's speech was over. The entire camp was lined up in three different columns. The officers and soldiers went first and then all the rest. The wait was long and by the time their turn came it was already cold. The food looked like grayish brownish slop with reddish meat chunks in it. Zuko poked at his cold food, wishing that he could firebend it and make it warm again.
"Aw c'mon, the soldiers get all the good stuff…" Chang was cut off by Shin.
"What good stuff? This looks like gruel to me." Shin said disgustedly. "Yum, yum lets eat." He added sarcastically.
Zuko dipped his chopsticks in the gruel substance to take a bite only to have them get stuck. He made a face in disgust as everyone tried to contain their laughter.
"So how is your first dinner coming along for all of you tonight?" Xiang asked as he made a seat from rock next to Sen who made a squealing sound. "Is it to your liking?"
"It's trying to eat my chopsticks." Zuko stated as he pointed to his stuck utensils.
"It's best eaten when warm." Xiang stated.
"It came to us cold." Chang said. "Unless we can find a way to warm it up somehow, and that might not be possible. Why are you sitting here anyway? I thought you hated us."
"Well out of everyone, I can stand your pesky group the most." Xiang explained. "Even if some of the members have a lack of respect, I'll tolerate it for now."
Zuko held up his food by his chopsticks. The chopsticks were stuck in his food that was stuck in the bowl. "The food is not agreeing with its role in life and it's getting almost as annoying as you." Zuko said to Xiang. Shin and Chang had to try to stop from laughing. "No one invited you here, so leave before I decide to finish what I tried to start earlier."
Xiang flinched at that comment. "You wouldn't dare. There are punishments for physically assaulting your commanding officer."
"I really don't care one way or the other. I just hate you." Zuko stated.
"Calm down guys, no need to fight and kill everyone okay? Save that for the firebenders." Sen said, trying to stop another fight before it starts.
"Why are you defending the guy? He lied to us and tricked us into coming out here in the first place." Shin Inquired.
"He said we'd be safe." She defended.
"Yeah, nice and safe for a prisoner is more like it." Zuko added.
"I have to agree with these two Sen. Sorry about that." Chang said.
"There has to be another reason why Xiang is here anyways." Zuko looked to Xiang. "Why is it that you are really here?"
"You are very vigilant Lee. Well my father wanted me to choose a small group to go with out on a scouting mission. You know the sneak around and try to find some plans. You four are the most attentive and observant of the group so you seemed like the plausible answer." Xiang explained.
"So all of us are going?" Zuko asked.
"Yes, that's correct. We are to leave as soon as possible, preferably tonight. So get everything you think you'll need and we'll meet here in fifteen minutes." With that Xiang got up and left. There was a long pause.
"You think the Fire Nation will have better food then this slop?" Shin asked.
"You're more concerned about food then going behind enemy lines, into their base to get plans!?" Sen asked.
"Have you seen Lee's food?" Shin asked.
"That's impossible to go behind enemy lines and get out alive!" Chang stated.
"It's doable when the people doing it actually think before they act." Zuko added. Everyone turned their heads to him. "Plus we can use this as a chance to get out of here."
"What about Xiang?" Chang asked.
"What about him. If things get rough we run, and if not we silently sneak away." Zuko explained.
"Well does everyone have everything they need? Xiang is coming this way." Sen asked. Everyone nodded.
"Well let's go now. It's better to act in the cover of darkness." Xiang stated as he walked up to the group.
They made their way down the ramps and around the trenches next to the trees. They hid and ducked behind trees and other geologically convenient features, ever careful not to be seen. A half hour passed and they made it to the half way point of the field. They made their way deeper into the forest so they weren't easily spotted. There was a line of tanks a few hundred meters away from the reddish wooden wall of the enemy base. Xiang signaled for them to go deeper into the forest as to avoid being seen. Soon they passed the tanks. Xiang began to walk further into the woods before Zuko grabbed him and hid behind a rock. He covered his mouth before he could speak. Suddenly two soldiers walked passed the spot where Xiang was standing. After a few moments Zuko released Xiang. The group let out a sigh of relief before they continued with more caution towards the enemy base. They soon came to a stretch of wall that was within the forest itself.
Sen brushed her hand across the wall to see how it felt. "It feels wood like to me, but Fire Nation-y wood like. You think this is a good spot to bust in?"
"We don't know what's on the other side. The safest bet is, is to sneak in through a side door or something." Xiang said.
"For once I agree with him." Zuko added.
Sen put her ear against the wooden structure. "It sounds like they're really exited about something." As if on cue the sound of tanks moving was heard. "Oh no, they're probably going to attack the base! We have to go back."
"No! If we go in now when everyone's gone we'll have a better chance." Zuko said.
"Like Lee said, for once I agree with him." Xiang commented.
"So we break into the base while everyone's fighting. That's the plan right?" Shin asked. Everyone nodded their heads in a silent agreement.
The walked the length of the wall until they came up to a small opening. Xiang poked his head around and gave a signal for everyone to follow. They ran across the exposed area as quick as they could and made it to the buildings that provided cover for them. They hid and snuck their way deeper into the enemy camp.
"Ok we need to break up into groups, one of three and another of two. I'll lead the first group and Chang will lead the second." Xiang explained. "Sen and Lee you're with me. Shin and Chang, you are with each other, any questions?"
"Nope no questions, but it was smart idea to have the earthbenders in charge. You know, because Chang's an earthbender." Shin said. Xiang smiled and gave the signal for the groups to split up.
Xiang's group hid and ducked until they came to a fairly large tent. "Lee, see if anyone's in there." Xiang ordered.
Zuko sighed as he ducked and slowly made his way to the tent. He noticed that there was a light coming from the inside and stood still to listen for any sounds. He paused and held his breath but heard nothing indicating anyone was in there. He opened the curtain slightly to peek inside. It was large and had a map of the world on the back wall. He noticed there was a map on the desk with scrolls on top of it. Zuko slunk inside the tent to get a better look around. He went directly behind the desk to see what was on the map and scrolls. He noted that the map had marks signifying the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom's lines. He looked at the scrolls and noticed that they had battle plans written on them. He took the scrolls and map and tucked them away in his cloak. Suddenly he heard a gong ring and the sounds of people saying 'intruder intruder' outside the tent. Zuko quickly looked around for a place to hide but found nothing. He knelt down on the ground and lifted up the wall of the tent slightly. Seeing that the cost was clear he made the gap big enough to roll out of. Just as he was outside he heard sounds of surprise within the tent. Zuko ran to try and find his friends.
oOoOo
"Xiang why didn't we wait for Lee, he could still be in that tent!" Sen exclaimed.
Xiang quickly looked back at Sen. "We didn't because for one he went inside without orders thus putting all our lives in danger, and secondly because they ran inside the tent before we could go in and help."
"But he didn't set off the alarm the others must have been spotted." Sen argued.
"Here's your first lesson of war and it is to cut your losses and move on. Lee's probably being held prisoner now and there's nothing we can do." Xiang explained. He grabbed Sen and turned a corner into an equivalent of a small alley.
"You never liked Lee anyway. It's not fair to him that you're so biased." Sen stated.
"I'm just doing what's best for the group as a whole. There's no point in risking many lives just to save one." Xiang pointed out. They ran into a dead end. Sen and Xiang turned around to see a small group of Fire Nation soldiers ganging up on them.
"Uh oh…"
oOoOo
Chang and Shin were running from a group of soldiers that were in hot pursuit. They turned and hid in allies before getting discovered again and continuing to run for their lives.
"You just had to run right into that big tent with all the guys in it, didn't you?" Chang said sarcastically.
It's not my fault that they were in there just sitting around!" Shin stated.
"Well never mind that now but we have to find the others and run for our lives." Chang said.
"Run for our lives before they kill us and eat us alive." Shin added. Chang rolled his eyes.
They turned down a collection of side allies and took every turn they saw to try and evade the soldiers. The duo ran down a long alley and came to a side street that went either right or left. They ran out only to be met with fireballs coming from the right. They quickly turned left to evade them. Chang and Shin collided with Sen and Xiang.
"Well hi, fancy seeing you here, and how are you?" Chang sarcastically greeted.
Xiang rolled his eyes and motioned towards the soldiers. "What do you think?"
The soldiers' group doubled in size as the ones who were chasing Chang and Shin joined. Xiang jumped in front of the group and made a think wall of earth that divided the soldiers he then split the wall in half and made a path. "Run!"
The group ran through the path and out of the alleyway. They made it into the clearing where they entered the camp. Xiang led them all out of the camp and into the safety of the forest.
"What about Lee?" Shin asked. Chang looked around to see if Zuko was hiding anywhere but failed to see anything.
"Most likely he's a prisoner or dead. It's best if we cut our losses now and see what's going on at the base." Xiang declared.
"It's not fair! He could still be in there." Chang protested.
"What do you expect us to do? Wait here until morning and see if by the very slim chance that he escaped, when our base is under siege by crazy firebenders?" Xiang asked. Everyone nodded their head. Xiang sighed. "Fine we'll wait, but if he doesn't come out by sunrise then we're leaving with out him."
The group made there way into the forest where they could see the opening without being seen themselves and set up a small camp. Each person was assigned to stay up and keep watch for either Zuko or any firebenders while the others slept.
oOoOo
Zuko ran and ducked behind buildings to avoid being seen. He went back to see if Xiang and Sen were still in the spot before the soldiers found out. He made his way back to where they were only to see that they were gone. He ran down an alley to try to find a solid wall to get on top of so he could get a better look at the terrain. He found a tall wooden wall and began to climb towards the top, when there he was met with fire from below. He ran on top of the wall to try and find an easy way out. He quickly noticed a fireball coming at him and unsheathed his swords to block it. The force of the fire against his swords sent him stumbling off the wall and into the alley.
He made a beeline towards the wider streets of the camp to try to find a way out. He ran to the solid outer wall and tried to find the way out from which he came. He finally recognized the area but ran away from the entry so he wouldn't expose his friends if they were hiding near by. He found another solid wall and jumped off that and grabbed the top of the outer wall. He scrambled up and ran further away from the entry. As soon has he made far enough distance between him and the soldiers, he jumped off and ran into the forest for cover.
He looked around to see if the group was anywhere near by. When he couldn't see anything he walked towards the entry hoping that they were safe there and out of sight. He walked slowly and stealthily pausing at any sound he heard. When the supposed danger had passed he would continue on towards his destination. He heard familiar voices up ahead and made his way towards the sound.
oOoOo
"I am not doing the watch next! I need my beauty sleep!" Sen cried out.
"It'll take a lot more then a few hours of sleep to help that mug of yours." Chang laughed.
"Oh that's it!" Sen threw a rock at Chang. "I bet Lieutenant Xiang thinks my face is beautiful. Don't you Lieutenant."
Xiang smacked his forehead and groaned in annoyance. "Right now I'd rather be captured than listen to your bickering! If you keep this up, the Fire Nation will easily locate us."
"Well then tell my brother to leave me alone about being the next watch!" Sen argued.
Shin just sat on a stump trying to keep track of where the argument is going. "Why don't we all just stay up?" A rock painfully met with his head. "Ouch what was that for!?"
"I have two words for you, beauty sleep!" Sen argued.
Just then a rustling sound came from the bushes. The group stared in horror anticipating at what it was. Sen picked up a rock and threw it while letting out a war cry.
"Ouch!" said a mysterious voice.
"Lee?" Chang asked. Just then Zuko walked out of the bushes.
"Lee!" Sen shouted ecstatically. She ran up and hugged Zuko which took him by surprise. Quickly after Shin and Chang joined in on the group hug. Xiang just rolled his eyes.
"Well now that everyone is back safely, we should see what's left of the battle." Xiang ordered. "Lets move everyone."
The group started to walk back towards the battle field while still hiding and ducking incase a Fire Nation soldier came and spotted them. They soon came to the field and peeked out through the trees. They saw that the field was torn up from the fighting and that the tanks were past the trenches. They looked up the cliff to see that their camp was ablaze and with no chance of saving it. They noticed that a Fire Nation flag was being raised in place of the Earth Kingdom one.
"Well I guess it was a good thing we stayed longer, or else that would have been us." Shin noted. The group stared in awe as the base continued to burn.
"We should head west." Zuko stated.
"Why west? You were the one who was complaining about heading west in the first place!" Xiang remarked.
"We're already behind enemy lines. The villages are too easy for the Fire Nation to take over. Also if we head west, we can hide out in already conquered towns and not be noticed. It's the safest thing I can think of." Zuko looked to Xiang. "That is unless you want to fight legions of firebenders just to head east."
"I'm with Lee on this one. We can easily sneak pass the Fire Nation base and head to safety then go exposed right in front of them." Shin declared.
"So west it is. Right into Fire Nation lines, it sounds like a good time." Chang added. The group started to head deeper into the forest.
Xiang stared sorrowfully back at the burning base. "Father…" He mumbled softly. He bowed his head and stared at the ground.
"Are you coming or not?" Zuko softly asked. Xiang shrugged. "Don't worry. Your father's a general, he's probably being held prisoner which means he's alive."
Xiang looked to Zuko and mumbled his thanks before following the others. Zuko took one last look at the defeated base and sighed, hoping for the best. Soon the small group was heading west, deeper into conquered territory.
