The Fire Prince slid to a halt. The scene in front of him was worse than he had imagined. Rows of cages spread out to his left. The air was dense, smoky and acrid; there was no way to tell how large this room even was. All the ages held kneeling figures, arms chained outward. Very few of those near him showed any interest in his arrival. Their faces were bleak, haggard and hopeless. "So many..." he breathed the words.
The Prince glanced over his shoulder at the stark faces of the girls. "There's more people here than we thought; not just your invasion force." They could hear booted feet, racing towards them. "Start getting them out, I'll try to hold the guards off. Go!"
Toph didn't hesitate. She began ripping the cage doors off, Katara behind her. Thin, sharp water blades made short work of the chains. They were nearly done the first long row as katara noticed something strange. Few if any of the prisoners had left their cages. Most seemed nearly unaware of their surroundings. It was heart breaking. "Toph. When the guards are all defeated, they'll need help getting out. I don't think many of these people can stand up by themselves." Rage filled her. Where's my father... or Haru's father? Why are they chained like this? Death would have better... The thought twisted inside her. Is the fleet big enough? I won't leave anyone here. Grimly the two women kept working.
Somewhere to the right fire flashed and exploded through the smoke, over and over. A furious and desperate fight. both women hoped the Prince wasn't doing anything foolhardy. He often risked his life to dangerous extremes. Katara glanced in the direction of the sound. Honestly I don't think he cares if he survives or not. It's like he wants to die. She frowned. Maybe he does.
Sokka raced up to them. "This place is creepy. Did you find anyone we know?"
"Not yet Sokka." Katara turned to him, determination on her face. "We'll find them. Everyone's coming with us. Organize anyone you can to help these people out of here."
"Hang on. Everyone? There's at least five hundred people in here." Sapphire eyes glinted at him. He rubbed the back of his neck with a free hand. "Okay... I'll see who I can find."
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Zuko sped along the corridor towards the sounds of running feet. How many would there be? Abruptly he saw them through the cage bars to his left. The group of guards was closing on him fast, he broke into full run to draw them further from Toph and Kataras' rescue mission. He could feel the heat of flame approaching his body. Dropping into a crouch the prince spun his lower body around, flames arcing over him. Rising swiftly to crane position, a wall of fire appeared before him. Zuko moved swiftly through his stances sending the flames towards his attackers, scattering them. I am sorry my people. Zuko leapt in pursuit of the enemy guards, eliminating them one by one.
Scanning the area he could see several more fire nation soldiers staanding in a small group, wary and waiting. Are these freinds or enemies... it's so hard to tell in the middle of a fight. Maintaining a fighting stance the prince moved forward cautiously. There were three of them, two soldiers and one officer. Zuko stood before them; one hand near his heart, two fingers extended two tucked behind his thumb. "Surrender. You have no chance against my fleet."
The soldiers looked to their officer who was sweating and nervous. "I cannot surrender," he looked ill "Prince Zuko..." it was as far as he got. Zuko drew his swords, pouncing on the man. The blades were crossed beneath his throat. The prince was growling.
"You dare! Don't you 'Prince Zuko' me. I know very well I'd be dead if you thought you could manage it!" Zuko's eyes shifted towards the other two. "Stand down!" A wave of satisfaction hit him as they knelt to a prisoner position. "This must mean your force is defeated Commander. Tell me why I should allow to you live after what I have seen in this prison? "
The Commanders' eyes widened in fear. "I... Prince Zuko... I had orders..." The blades pressed forward drawing a small bead of blood above his adams apple. Zukos' face was a mask of cold fury.
"Orders?" The Prince nearly whispered it. "Look around you Commander. You were told to let them die...weren't you?" The officers face blanched. "You didn't question your orders at all? Didn't you wonder if you should follow them? Do you think for your self Commander?" The face of this man trembling against the wall, trapped by his swords, told Zuko everything. Sadness swept through him, replacing all the outrage. The Royal Family and Noble Houses have done this. The whole Fire Nation is taught to obey every order... any order... without question.
Zukos' own men surrounded him now. Slowly the prince lowered his blades. "Tie them up and put them out of the way. Near the back furnace over there will do. They'll be warm at least."
"Sir?"
He rounded on his captain. "I won't kill him if i don't have to. We need to go to root of the problem. My father." With that, the Prince whirled away to find his friends.
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Sokka was overseeing the evacuation of the last of the prisoners onto the ships. Toph was with him.
"How is it going?" Sokka turned toward the sound. Zuko was behind him.
"Well, lets see... there are about ten times more people to take with us than we're equppied to handle. We've got alot of wounded. This place is burning down around us... and I have yet to have a good meal today." Sokka sighed and smiled. "About normal I'd say."
The prince allowed a smile to touch his lips briefly. "Ok. I'll make sure everyone's out." He turned back toward the smoking prison fortress. The fire and smoke began to billow and swirl larger than before. Zuko was nearly to the walls as the ground began rumbling. Toph whirled around. "Zuko! No!" It was enough to stop the prince. Then the whole place exploded.
