Avatar: the Last Airbender Fanfiction
Push and Pull
Chapter 1: The Gathering Storm
I am troubled. I have received a letter from the recently promoted Admiral Zhao, requesting forces for an invasion of the Northern Water Tribe. I have since replied that I will visit him to hear what his strategy is before deciding whether or not to acquiesce. Invading the Northern Water Tribe will not be an easy task and I fear the ambitious Zhao has forgotten that in his pursuit for glory. Another thing that concerns me is why at all. The Northern Water Tribe retreated to their icy walls and unhospitable land throughout the war and not once has a Northern Water Tribe vessel been spotted beyond those freezing waters. The Southern Water Tribe, or at least what's left of it, is a different story. There have been many reports of Fire Nation supply vessels being attacked by a small group of sailing ships, bearing the Water Tribe emblem. Hakoda is said to be the leader of this band. To me, despite his tribe on the brink of extinction, Hakoda is a more pressing danger than the North. If these attacks are allowed to continue, it would cripple not only the Navy but the Army for it doesn't matter how many soldiers are brought to battle, it doesn't mean anything if they are too malnourished to fight or too poorly equipped.
Perhaps Admiral Zhao knows something…some advantage over the Northern Water Tribe that will allow a sound victory. With the weapon on our side, this is a possibility but for now, losses must be kept at a minimum. I will not let my soldiers die for one man's delusions.
Knocking metal sounds from the door to his right, echoing in the chamber of that is his room.
"Enter."
A soldier in heavy armor bows before entering. He is an older man, time and experience etched into deep lines on his brow and the beginnings of a beard, speckled with iron-grey. His eyes are deep coal with a hidden ember shining in them.
"Sir, we are about to reach the port. Admiral Zhao and General Iroh await us with a contingent of soldiers."
"General Iroh? Last I heard he was with Prince Zuko, assisting him in hunting the Avatar." The soldier is unsure on how to answer; Yi has begun spreading bits of sand and gently shaking the paper. "Never mind, what of the fleet Admiral Zhao has amassed?"
"We have counted one hundred thirty-seven ships, Admiral." Yi pauses to think on this.
"Thank you for the report, Commander Rao. When we reach port, signal that the other men are to remain on their vessels and check their supplies and weaponry. When that is done, they may do as they please. However, they are to be on their best behavior. That will be all for now," says Yi. Seeing that the ink has dried sufficiently, he closes the book he was writing in and places it aside.
"There is…one more matter, Admiral."
Yi has turned his attention on Rao completely, now seeing the man with three scrolls in hand.
"Oh?"
"Letters from…Lady Ahri and the children."
"Ah, how are mother and the twins? All is well, I hope?"
"I think these letters addressed to you would have the answer, Admiral." Rao approaches Yi's work desk, kneeling as he places the letters gently before him. The seals shine in the torch light.
"Thank you, Commander," Yi says, placing the scrolls on top of the book that he was previously writing in, "I will read them after the meeting with Admiral Zhao."
Both men struggle to barely look each other in the eye. There is the crackle of torch fire, a clearing of Rao's throat, a brush of imaginary dust from Yi's knee, the water as it slaps and jumps against steel hull.
"Ahri…naturally, she worries about you. You are her only son, after all. And the twins, they look up to you as any younger siblings would…or any aspiring youth, for that matter," Rao starts, "And, well, despite everything, I worry about you as well. Ahri would never forgive me if I let something happen to you and even if there is no blood between us…"
There is a long pause as Rao trails off. Yi heavily sighs, not quite knowing how to respond.
"I…understand. I will make more of an effort to keep in touch with our family. Will that be all…Rao?"
"Yes…I believe so…Son," Rao replies, scratching at the back of his head.
Both men stand and salute each other. Rao slowly makes his way back to the upper deck, leaving Yi alone in his quarters once more. Yi turns to his right, facing a small vanity desk, a gift from his mother. A man, no matter how lowly, must always look their best if he is to make the right impression, she said. His father, a slight prayer for his peace recited in his mind, would often snort and say that one's actions define men and a good leader must always lead by example. Be like the dragon, not the peacock, he said. Despite the flaws found in both philosophies, he took both to heart and tried his best to follow them. The face that looks back at him from the oval mirror is a hardened mask of clean-shaven porcelain, set in an expression of neutrality as wine-colored eyes take it all in. His long black hair is tied in a low ponytail that ends at the middle of his upper back. Many criticized him for not wearing the time honored top-knot that many ranking and/or noble men wear but the Admiral disregarded these slights. Convinced that nothing is amiss, Yi stands and makes his way to the main deck.
Two men stand by an empty dock, observing the thirteen war ships that approach. Admiral Zhao looks onto the ships with a neutral expression on his face while General Iroh surveys the ships with interest, especially since the oncoming ships lacked trebuchets. Instead, they saw massive objects obscured by tarps from which heavy chains could be seen, ensnared onto the decks. When the flagship docks and the metal walkway lowered, Admiral Yi, followed by the Commander Rao, exit the ship alone and approach. Once at a respectable distance, the four bow and salute to each other.
"Admiral Zhao, I have received your message asking for assistance in your campaign against the Northern Water Tribe. While I am in agreement in seeing their subjugation, I have held off on committing fully to this until I have heard your reasons and strategy for this endeavor, considering we have more pressing matters at sea and in the Earth Kingdom," says Yi.
"Of course, Admiral Yi. Rest assured though, I would not have asked for your help if I didn't believe you would want to be a part of this moment in history."
There is a raise of an eyebrow at this statement.
"You are…supremely confident, Admiral Zhao. You have discovered a crippling weakness perhaps?"
"All in good time, Admiral Yi. If I am to say anything, let it be said where we are more comfortable," replies Zhao, chuckling as it turns into smirk.
"Very well," Yi says. He then turns towards Iroh, bowing deeply with slow reverence. "General Iroh, it is an honor to finally meet the famed Dragon of the West in person."
"It is an honor to meet you as well, Admiral Yi. Stories of your success and compassion towards the people have spread far and wide; many would do well to emulate your example," Iroh replies, returning the bow.
"I must admit some confusion to your presence. Were you not with Prince Zuko in his hunt for the Avatar?"
A look of sadness overtakes Iroh as Zhao frowns, a harsh glint in his eyes.
"I was with Prince Zuko…until he was killed."
Yi and Rao are taken aback at this news.
"I…I am sorry to hear that. The Fire Nation will mourn deeply for the loss of its Prince. But, who is responsible for this?"
"Pirates. We once allied ourselves with them in order to capture the Avatar but it ended in failure and bad blood between us. They sought vengeance later, blowing up the ship Prince Zuko was in…," Iroh explains, pausing to wipe his eyes and sniffle.
"Any distinguishable features?"
"I'm afraid not, Admiral. Other than the Captain seemed very fond of his Iguana-Parrot."
"Even if that was anything to go off on, pirates of all kinds roam these waters," Zhao interrupted, "what do you plan on doing? Scouring the seas for them? Besides, it's no loss to us."
Yi's fists are clenched, not quite able to believe the callousness the Admiral disregards the death of a royal. Iroh casts a disapproving glance.
"You would do well to hold your tongue, Admiral Zhao," Yi growls, "banished or not, he was still your Prince and is still deserving of your respect."
A scowl grows on Zhao's face and the two stare intently at the other. Despite being at port with the sea breeze blowing, there is a rise in temperature.
"Thank you for your kind words, Admiral Yi, but I am afraid we are getting off track. We do not wish to waste any more of your precious time and Admiral Zhao wishes to depart as soon as possible," Iroh intervenes, "Perhaps we can discuss this over tea?"
The tension rises for a few moments before one of them breaks.
"You are right, General Iroh," Yi replies, closing his eyes with a deep sigh, "Tea does sound rather good at the moment. Please, lead the way."
In Zhao's war tent, the three are kneeled before a low table as steam from the tea pot wafts upward. It is a simple space with carpets to provide more cushion than the harsh stone beneath, lit only by the torches ensconced in key places to provide sufficient light. Yi observes the map of the four nations laid bare on the wooden wall divider opposite of him. Removing his attention from it, he then serves the tea; one hand gripping the steel handle of the black pot as the other gingerly takes hold of the bottom. He pours one for the elder general before serving the older admiral, nary spilling a drop. Once he fills his own cup, the three bow before partaking of the tea; a small sip.
"A fine brew," Yi comments before turning to Zhao, "Why the sudden interest in the Northern Water Tribe?"
"You are aware of the return of the Avatar?" Zhao asks, the reply being a nod, "I have been tracking the Avatar since his reappearance and through various reports have learned that he is now in the Northern Water Tribe to master Waterbending."
"Then why not wait until he leaves the Northern Water Tribe and ambush him while he is unprotected? Why take the risks and resources for a massive invasion? You would fight two enemies at once when all it would require is patience to fight one enemy at a time."
"The Avatar is nothing but a child, "Zhao says derisively, "While he may be tricky and hard to pin down, he is no threat to our soldiers and won't play a huge part of this campaign."
"What do you mean nothing but a child?" Yi asks.
"Exactly as it sounds. The Avatar is just a child, a twelve year old. He is not a hardened warrior and can be dealt with easily enough," Zhao replies, taking another sip of tea.
"General Iroh, what do you think?" Asks Yi, turning to the wise man.
"I cannot say for certain for I have not personally fought him but Admiral Zhao is correct in that he is a child and not a warrior," Iroh pauses to take a sip of tea, "that does not mean we underestimate him. What he lacks, he makes up for in his friends and own ingenuity. Many a time, he has been captured but managed to escape. Who is to say that he will not be a key part of the Northern Water Tribe's defenses?"
Yi scowls.
"Once again then, why not wait for the Avatar to wait until he leaves the Northern Water Tribe?"
"Now is the best time because the Avatar's location is known. Ever since he was discovered, he has been all over the Earth Kingdom and we've only been to encounter him a handful of times due to sightings from villagers and luck. But now, we know his location and he will be there for some time to master Waterbending. The fleet you saw is ready to leave and with it, we will not only crush the Northern Water Tribe as well as capture the Avatar at his weakest." Zhao says, confidence brimming.
"Then why ask for my assistance if your fleet is battle-ready and the Avatar so weak? You already have General Iroh acting as your advisor, his experience and skills ought to be enough, no?"
Zhao smirks, gulping down what is left of his tea.
"Rumor has it you developed an interesting weapon, behind War Minister Qin's back."
Yi's scowl deepens.
"I would hardly call it going behind his back. It was only through him that I was able to give my idea to the mechanist, even if Qin was dismissive of my idea. Unfortunately, the Avatar freed the mechanist before he could fully complete it. Luckily, there are those with a head for engineering and weapon design within our ranks."
"It's just interesting that you were able to plan, find the resources, and bring alive a weapon that it's completion escaped not only Qin's eye but the Fire Lord's as well. One might even say that there are other reasons for such a recent breakthrough."
Iroh cuts Zhao a sharp look of reprimand as Yi's grip on his tea cup hardens.
"Is that so?"
There is a pause; a sharp exhale. The scowl softens to a mask once more.
"Very well, you have my support, Admiral Zhao." Yi says with a small smile. Iroh looks to Yi in confusion as Zhao takes on his own scowl, not quite believing the reaction.
"The ships that arrived with me all bear the weapon and should be more than enough to assist in this campaign. If anything, this battle will make the perfect testing ground for the weapon's effectiveness." Yi says as he takes another sip of tea, outrage begins to show on Zhao's face.
"You are willing to risk going into battle with a weapon that you are unsure of?" Iroh asks.
"I've had my soldiers use the weapon in target practice but yes, I've never used it in battle before. I am confident in not only the weapon's capabilities but the soldiers operating it," Yi's smile is full-blown, warm and confident, "In fact, it would be my honor if you and Admiral Zhao were to travel on my ship and experience the weapon's power in battle firsthand."
Zhao and Iroh are surprised now, not quite sure how to handle the extreme change in demeanor and tension. Zhao schools his features from outrage into a pensive frown.
"Very well, we accept your invitation."
"Excellent, I will be sure to inform the crew of your arrival and stay. I'm sure we can iron out any other details as we make our way to the Northern Water Tribe," Yi says, "If it's not any trouble, I will take my leave now, preparations and announcements to make after all."
All three stand up facing each other and salute before Yi makes his way out. Yi is greeted with the darkness of night as the moon shines nearly full. Rao, waiting outside, follows swiftly after Yi.
"Commander, gather all crewmen of our thirteen ships and prepare two guest chambers on our ship. We head for the Northern Water Tribe.
Author's Note: I know I tagged Drama but sometimes I get the feeling there might be some whiplash that makes readers go, "Da fuck did I just read?" Anyways, enjoy.