The Trouble with Fire

Ch.9: Battle at the North Pole Pt.1

Zuko X OC

disclaimer: I don't own Avatar the Last Airbender. I own my OC


Fang knelt down at the corner of the low wood table. Her all black mourning dress fanned out around her. All a facade. She knew Zuko was alright. He had survived the blast with minor burns and scrapes but she still had to pretend as if he was dead. They had Zuko, at the moment, disguised as a guard on Zhao's ship. "I am deeply shocked to hear about Prince Zuko. Just devastated.", Zhao stated as he poured Fang a cup of tea. Iroh quietly slipped the tea and made a content noise.

It was jasmine tea, no doubt. Fang turned her head to the large map that spread across the wall. They had marked points on the map with darts. It was probably the next points of attack for Admiral Zhao and his squad.

"The Firelord will not be pleased when he learns who was responsible.", Iroh said, as he set his cup of tea down. Fang's fiery eyes turned back to Zhao. "You know who's behind the attack?", Zhao asked, blowing some of the hot steam away from his cup.

"Yes. Pirates. We had a run-in with them awhile back. They wanted revenge.", Iroh answered, balling his hand into a fist. Fang watched Zhao carefully. Her eyes widened slightly as she saw the corners of Zhao's mouth unintentionally turn up but she didn't dare accuse him of anything.

She had no proof but she was sure Admiral Zhao had something to do with the attack on her husband. Zhao drank from his cup and then set it down. "So, have you two reconsidered my offer?", he asked, a large smile spreading across his face.

"Yes, I have and I accept. It would be an honor to serve as your general.", Iroh said as he bowed his head slightly. Zhao's eyes turned to Fang. "Have you as well, Lady Fang?", Zhao asked. Fang desperately wanted to say no but she knew that out of respect.. she had to agree.

"Yes, It would be an honor to be aboard your ship, Admiral Zhao.", she said, bowing her head as well. "Wonderful, your rooms have already been prepared for you. My fleet is ready. We're setting a course for the Northern Water Tribe.", Zhao said, lifting up his cup. "To the Fire Nation's victory", Zhao toasted.

"To the Fire Nation's strength.", Iroh toasted. "To the Fire nation's Prosperity.", she toasted and held up her glass. They had a large fleet, there had to be more then fifty ships. The Firelord must have put a lot of money into Zhao. Despite Fang's belief that the Water Tribe would be able to out best the Fire Nation, the day she saw the fleet in person... all her certainty went out the window.

Fang stood up from the floor. "I apologize for retiring early, Admiral Zhao, but I am very tired and I am still mourning.", Fang said, as she fixed her dress. "I will show you to your room then.", Zhao said, as he stood as well. Iroh started to get up but Zhao put his hand up.

"No need, General Iroh. I will be back in just a moment.", Zhao stated as he held the door open for Fang to pass through. Fang stepped out of the doorway, entering into a long hallway. Zhao walked in front of her , leading her down the long quiet hallway. "Again, I am sorry to hear about Prince Zuko.", Zhao said, trying to make a conversation with her.

Fang shook her head slightly. "Thank you for your condolences, Admiral Zhao.", Fang said, moving some hair away from her face. She hated to thank him but she had to show respects to someone higher up. They approached a door at the end of the hall. Zhao turned it open and held it for Fang to go through. "Here is the chamber we have for you to stay in, Lady Fang. Unless... you want to stay in mine.", Zhao whispered, putting his hands on her shoulders.

Fang's reflexes kicked in as she pulled away from Zhao. "Please, Admiral Zhao. I am a widow in mourning.", Fang whispered, walking away from him and into the room. She heard the door close behind her as she slowly took off her coat. She wished she could speak with Zuko but it would be very suspicious if anyone saw a guard come into Fang's chambers.


The breeze whipped through Fang's hair as they sped forward toward the Northern Water Tribe. Dark clouds had started to gather over them and the smoke that billowed out of the smokestacks made it hard to breathe. "This will truly be one for the history books, General Iroh.", Zhao said as he stood proudly over on the deck of the ship.

He had wrapped himself in a robe to protect from the harsh air. Fang had never been to the north pole and adjusting to the cold was proving to be a harder task then she thought. "Centuries from now, people will study the Great Admiral Zhao who destroyed the last of the water tribe civilization. You're lucky you're here to see it.", Zhao continued.

Fang tried to contain herself as best as possible. Her eyes desperately wanted to roll as he continued to boast about himself. It was very unbecoming and shallow of him. "Careful what you wish for, Admiral. History is not always kind to its subjects.", Iroh stated, his eyes still staring forward at the open ocean. A small smile formed onto Fang's face at Iroh's words.

"I suppose you speak from experience... but rest assure, this will be nothing like your legendary failure at Ba Sing Se.", Zhao retorted, he reached over and to Fang's shock, placed his large hand over her shoulder. Fang frowned at Zhao's words and touch.

This man had no respect for his superiors, his elders, or anyone for that matter. What part of a lady in mourning did he not understand? Iroh's eyes flashed with anger but quickly went back to normal. "I hope not.. for your sake.", Iroh said, folding his arms into his sleeves. "I assure you, I have a plan.", he said, moving his hand to Fang's back. She tried her best to remain still but was slowly losing her patience.

"Tell the Captain's to prepare for the first strike.", Zhao ordered Iroh. Fang didn't miss the opportunity and stepped away from Zhao, quickly following Iroh back into the ship. Her skin practically crawled from where his hand was. How many more days were they going to be on this ship? How many more days was she going to be subjected to Zhao's advances? As they turned the hall they came across a guard that they knew to be Zuko.

As Iroh passed him, he stopped and put his hand on the guards shoulder. "We will be landing soon. Do you have a plan?", Iroh asked. Fang watched as Zuko slid the mask off and turned to both of them slightly. "I'm working on it, Uncle.", he whispered back, slightly nodding his head.

Iroh passed him and continued walking down the hall. Fang didn't move as she stood by Zuko. He looked at her out of the corner of his eye, raising an eyebrow. Fang desperately just wanted to hug him, they had spoken one sentence to each other in four days. She couldn't take it anymore.

Fang glanced behind her to see if anyone was there, nothing. Seeing that there was no one, she quickly walked in front of Zuko and placed her lips to his. He stiffened a little, surprised by her sudden affection but slowly kissed her back.

Fang quickly ended the kiss before any guard could appear. "I'm sorry, I just miss you.", she whispered, looking at up at him. Zuko smiled softly, her kiss giving him a boost of confidence. "This will be over soon.", he reassured her. Fang nodded slowly and turned, walking after Iroh as Zuko slid his mask back on.

Now was the time for her to be a strategist. She didn't agree with anything Zhao was doing. The stillness before battle was the most awful thing she ever felt. The first strike was starting and she couldn't bare to think of the genocide that was about to take place before her eyes. She could hear the sounds of the catapults firing large fireballs toward the gate.

They would have to break that gate before they could even dock their ships. She desperately hoped the Avatar would be their to protect the water tribe. She did not wish anything bad on them or any nation for that matter.

Fang could hear shouts as they started the attack. Iroh had already informed the Captain's by the time that Fang had caught up to them. "Iroh, we have to stop this.", she whispered to him. "Patience Fang. We might not be able to save everyone but we might be able to halt Admiral Zhao's progress.", Iroh stated as he walked quickly back up the ramp to the cabin.

Fang silently hoped that Iroh had a plan because she couldn't see how the water tribe would be able to defend against their large fleet. As they approached Iroh cleared his throat. "It's almost twilight, Admiral. As your military consultant, I must advise you to hold your attack.

The water benders draw their power from the moon and it is nearly full tonight. I suggest you halt and resume at daybreak.", Iroh said, looking out toward the water tribe. Fang's eyes gazed upon the large fireballs that descended on the gate, the homes, and the people inhabiting them.

"Oh.. I'm well aware of the 'moon problem' and I am working on a solution... but for now.. daybreak it is.", Zhao said, folding his arms behind his back. Fang eyes traveled to Iroh's. She silently mouthed a thank you and turned to go back to her cabin.

She wanted to rest and prepare for the next coming day. Especially the issue of what Zhao had just said. What did he mean he was going to take care of the 'moon problem'? How did he intend to shade the whole Northern Water Tribe from the moon. Whatever his plan was... it could not happen. The water benders would be powerless if Zhao was successful.


Fang was shocked awake by a knock on her door. She wrapped herself in a thin red cover up and slowly opened the door. "Zuko has a plan.", Iroh stated. Fang's eyes widened and she quickly walked outside, closing the door behind her.

They stepped into the hallway and quickly walked toward where the extra lifeboats were docked. Was Zuko going to dock off of the ship? It was freezing out.. how was he going to stay warm? Iroh approached one of the steel doors and opened it, allowing Fang to step into the room.

Zuko was dressed in all gray and he had thermal clothes underneath to help him keep warm. "You're fishing for an Octopus, my nephew. You need a tightly woven net or he will squeeze through the tiniest hole and escape.

"I don't need your wisdom right now, Uncle.", Zuko stated. Fang frowned and placed a hand on Zuko's back. He turned his head toward her a little but didn't move. She finally understood what his plan was. He was going to disembark while everyone was asleep and sneak into the Water Tribe village. He would have to stay hidden so he didn't get captured.. let alone just fighting the harsh elements.

"I'm sorry, I just nag you because... ever since I lost my son...", Iroh stammered, tears welling up in his eyes. "Uncle... you don't have to say it.", Zuko assured him, not liking to see his Uncle upset. "I think of you as my own.", Iroh finished, making Zuko fully turn around to look at his Uncle.

"I know, Uncle. We will meet again.", Zuko said, bowing a little. Fang felt her heart drop. She couldn't bare to think of her husband leaving... especially in such a dangerous place. She smiled as she watched Iroh run forward and give Zuko a hug, one filled with love and protection.

"After... I have the Avatar.", Zuko whispered, pulling away from the hug. Iroh wrapped his coat around him tighter. Fang grabbed onto his arms before he could climb onto the boat. "Please be safe, my prince.", she whispered, wrapping her arms around him tightly. She felt him place a kiss to the top of her head, his arm squeezing her tight against him. A few quiet moments passed before he slowly pulled away from her.

She wanted to stay in his arms forever. Her heart fell heavy as she watched him climb into the small lifeboat. Fang slowly wrapped her arms around the ropes and began to lower her husband into the water. "Wait! Remember your breath of fire. It could save your life out there.", Iroh whispered, giving Zuko some final advice.

"I will.", Zuko stated, his eyes meeting both of them. Fang continued to lower the ship into the water. Iroh walked toward the edge and looked down at him. "Put your hood up and keep your ears warm!", he hissed out. Fang smiled softly and she heard Zuko sigh at his Uncle.

Fang watched as he rowed the boat behind large glaciers, hiding behind them as he slowly made his way toward the village. Fang turned to Iroh who looked just as sad as she did. They both wanted the person they love to be safe.

"We have to return to our cabin now, Fang. Zhao will start his attack again at daybreak.", Iroh said. Fang didn't move but she knew he was right. Once she was sure Zuko was out of sight, she turned and walked back to her room.


Fang's thoughts were filled with the thought of Zuko freezing to death out their in the cold. Even worse thoughts of him being captured had filled her head as she had struggled to sleep. Admiral Zhao was once again, boasting about his intentions of winning this battle.

"It's daybreak. Finally. Let's write history.", Zhao stated, as he looked proudly out toward his fleet. He turned to Fang and motioned for her to come stand beside him. Her heart sank a little as she stepped towards him, standing beside him uncomfortably.

They had pushed the water tribe was no match now that it was daybreak. She held onto the railing as they slammed into the gate, preparing to dock into the enemy village. "The Water Tribe can resist all they want. They won't deny the inevitable... their city will fall today.", he continued.

"I don't need to remind you... we do have a time limit. You must defeat the water tribe before the full moon rises. If not, they will be undefeatable.", Iroh stated as he watched the rhino's descend onto the village. Zhao smirked and shook his head slightly.

"I assure you... I have everything under control. I intend to remove the moon as a factor.", Zhao stated. Fang's eyes widened. Remove the moon? What on earth was he talking about? He couldn't do that... it would throw off the balance for everyone... not just the Water Tribe.

"Remove the moon? How?", Iroh asked, surprised by his answer. "Years ago.. I stumbled upon a great and powerful secret. The identity of the moon spirits mortal form.", Zhao said, a smirk still plastered on his face. "What?!", Iroh asked and yelled in surprise. Fang couldn't believe it. The moon spirit had a mortal form? ...And Zhao knew what it was?

It was only a matter of time before he killed the moon spirit. Fang looked pleadingly at Iroh. They had to stop him. Nothing could happen to the moon spirit.


End of Ch.9