AUTHORS NOTES: I most certainly need to get my but in gear with writing, still haven't finished 16 but I am at the tail end of it. Though because of the Holiday season, I won't be able to put chapter 11 up until the 8th of Jan, so sorry, yet hopefully I'll be partway through chapter 17 by then, hopefully. Also, I did get a weird review that I would like to address here, there hasn't yet been any Zuko sneaky sneaky action yet that is in chapter 12 if my memory serves me right, and you need to read this Chapter to find out what happened to Jin. So enjoy, Chapter 10, Bent to Fly.
In the darkest of times, hope is something you give yourself. That is the meaning of inner strength.
The knock at the door rung through the room, and interrupted Zuko's breakfast. He opened it slightly to see through and it was the apartment owners. The husband and wife stood there as Zuko opened his door fully.
"Hello," Zuko said, "I, umm, do you want to come in?"
They bowed quickly and walked through the archway, hollowly closing the door behind them.
"Look, My lord." The husband said, his reddish brown eyes fixed on Zuko, "Today is the day you're expected to leave, and well." His wife cut him off.
"Are you going to leave or not. Your displays of extravagance and nonchalance are worryingly… recent." She spoke very forward, not worried at any intrusion, "I get it, you're young and you don't get out often, but there are some things that don't necessarily attract the attention of those you fancy."
Zuko raised an eyebrow of confusion, and her husband looked at her with astonishment and leaned forward towards her ear.
"Dear, you can't say things like that to him, that's treasonous." he whispered but Zuko could still hear him.
"You should know by now, I say what I think." The wife retorted, trying to be as silent, but ended up annunciating better.
"Yes I know..." the Husband trailed off.
"Well," Zuko regained the conversation, "I can't leave yet. Now that my days here have ended, my reasons for being here have changed."
"Well, you mustn't stay here." the husband said, "You're needed back at the palace, you can operate your advisors from there."
"I am sure they are competent, you wouldn't have appointed them otherwise." His wife reassured Zuko sarcastically.
Zuko paused for a moment, before returning to himself, "True," He said, the couple seemed relieved, "but, that doesn't mean that I'll leave Yu Dao so quickly." Their faces changed quickly back to concern.
"I made a promise to my advisors that I'll fight alongside them. I intend to keep it so I won't return quite yet." Zuko spoke with confidence, "If that means I am not here, that's that."
The wife sighed and her husband dropped his head, "My lord," he spoke, "Can I just speak freely for a moment?"
"Don't ask me for permission. If you see a problem with how it is, tell me truthfully." Zuko advised.
"Well," He started, "I think you're a fool for staying, Selfish for fighting them personally and not honourable in the way you've been conducting yourself."
Zuko absorbed the information, doing his best to take it positively, "Hhmp, fair. But it's my choice and I'll live with it." Zuko removed himself from the conversation, "I'll get my things."
/New Scene
Bag slung around his shoulder, Zuko walked out of the apartment building for the last time. He didn't look back as he strode forward. He made it quickly to the Tea Weevil, the open sign clearly presented on the door.
He took a step inside, fully garbed in Fire Nation dress and all eyes were drawn to him, bar two. The useless waiter whom Lee replaced was once again working, however, he was much leaner and actually doing things. He looked up and saw Zuko walking through the middle of the shop.
The waiter trembled, and murmured to himself. However Zuko made no notice to him, he was doing some work for once. He walked right past him, the waiters' hand making a move towards him before cowering back to his body. Zuko walked behind the counter and through to the back, making no hesitation to meet the chef.
He continued working as Zuko stood before him. He leaned over and placed the bag on the floor, the subtle sounds of everything in his bag filling the gap between them. Looking Sensu dead in the eyes, he didn't return the gaze. The objective stare of golden irises was avoided at all costs by his light brown eyes.
"I just wanted to check on you, but you seem to be doing rather well." Zuko said.
"That's nice," Sensu replied dryly, his eyes still not making contact as he toiled over the pots.
Zuko stood there, finally diverting his eyes to think of something else to say, "I, uh, see that you've got him back." Zuko eased up on his presence.
Sensu just continued his work, simply making a grunt of acknowledgement. Zuko looked at him with frustration briefly, he leaned over again to retrieve the bag again. The sounds of object reshuffling in his bag was between them again. He began walking to the door when he stopped and said one last thing to Sensu.
"Oh yeah, I am off to apprehend a dangerous criminal." Zuko said, slightly sarcastically, "Goodbye Sensu."
He continued through the door and the kitchen held an eerie stillness. Sensu stood, still, watching his pot slowly heat.
"Thank you." He said softly, the chiming sound of the doorbell brought him back to reality, springing back into action with a flat step.
/New Scene
Zuko was bounding up around the courtyard, the high walls taking time out of his busy day. He finally came to the opening and smiled at the sight. People littered the once barren training grounds, everybody from farmers, carpenters and armourers. Zuko walked behind one of the carriages to find Chit Sang helping some servants loading supplies. He noticed Zuko after dropping one more box in the box into the carriage.
"Mornin' my Lord," Chit Sang said as he stretched his arms, "Ruon was hoping you'd arrive, he's just underneath one of those covers." He pointed towards the Town Hall, where two temporary covers were.
Zuko bowed to him and started moving over to the tents, Ruon and Chan were standing over a table, side by side.
"Good morning Gentlemen." Zuko addressed them, the Ruon surprised by his sudden appearance.
"My lord," Ruon said, "How are you?"
Zuko dismissed the question, "Doesn't matter, you wanted to see me?"
Ruon seemed disappointed with the answer, but regained his composure, "Yes I did my lord, please follow me. Chan, please excuse me for a moment."
Ruon walked away from the table, Zuko following closely behind him.
"I am glad you decided to stay, we really do need your help. So this is what we have at our disposal," Ruon mentioned to all the work in the courtyard, "I understand that it isn't invasion force material but this is what we have to work with."
"Do not underestimate our force Ruon, The Force that invaded the Fire Nation was small but it captured the city even with our anticipation." Zuko reminisced and Ruon smiled at his optimism.
"Well then." Ruon said, "In the carriages there are mostly supplies; food, water and such. Otherwise we have procured some armour for all the advisors, and a Navy clad uniform for yourself."
"It is good that preparations are going so smoothly. Has anyone objected to our expedition, especially, that foolish minister?" Zuko asked.
"Well," Ruon thought for a moment, "Just the usual I guess, 'you're crazy this', 'that's a stupid idea' and 'it will never work'. They've yet to be right so far."
Zuko looked over the operation, glad that was met with little resistance. He watched over the courtyard, finding interest in a small pavilion, out of the way and hidden from most views.
"Ruon. What is that tent doing over there, is all of that yet to be packed?" Zuko raised himself at the question, worrying about more labour time.
Ruon searched a moment before finding what Zuko was referring to, "No my Lord, Those are your Quarters for the night. Excuse me, but I need to get back to Chan, please, make yourself comfortable and come back to see us when you are ready." Ruon bowed to him and hastily walked back the way they came.
Zuko found his way to the small tent and pushed away the flaps. There wasn't much there, a simple, comfortable bedroll and a small chest. He placed everything but his portraits in the chest, placing Iroh's and his Families portraits on either side of his mattress, looking back at his mother, Norem and Kiyi.
"Sorry Kiyi, I might be a little while longer." Zuko said before leaving the tent.
/New Scene
Zuko once again walked up to Advisors Chan and Ruon, the table now supporting Jian and Yao, listening in on their plan. The four paid close attention to what Chan was saying, as he directed his hand over the table. Zuko made it to the end of the table, watching Chan's directions glide over the map. Chan looked up to the two Jian and Yao, "Understand, everyone's part in this plan is crucial so if you don't, tell me now."
Jian and Yao looked at each other, a moment passed where they seemed completely confused with the situation, Yao's eyes soon narrowed and a smirk found it's was across his face. Jian smiled and both turned back to Chan, grinning widely and nodded.
Chan looked quite concerned, "Good, you can go now." The two turned and saw Zuko, quickly bowing as they leaved. Zuko bowed back.
"Glad to see you didn't leave us my Lord. This is going to be a very effective strike against them if all goes to plan." Chan said.
"You seem quite excited to see this through. I hope it's not going to go to your head too much." Zuko asked.
"No Sir. I am too all familiar with these kinds of odds, it always puts me in a good mood no matter how many times it happens." Chan smiled to Zuko, Ruon rolling his eyes in jest. Chans voice became stern again, "I am pretty sure you have a general idea of your plan, with some wiggle room, but there is a couple of things I have to suggest."
Zuko nodded and walked towards the table, looking over the map. The map was hand drawn, but was fairly detailed. It showed the hexagonal perimeter of the fortress and each watchtower. Luckily for Zuko, there was only a single wall protecting the inner spire. Around the walls was a large clearing, before the forest begins again.
"These towers here," Chan pointed to the northern and north-easterly towers, "are rather damaged, they have guards still posted on them, but they could be scaled easily. The front entrance is to the south, but carriages carrying food and such only travels through during the day so you can't get in that way. However, you will need to find a way to open that gate to let us in to help you."
Chan looked up at Zuko, who was absorbing the information on the map. "Lastly," Chan's voice was heavy, "We have no clue on where they are being held. These styles of fortifications are some of the first to be built during the hundred year war. There are no remaining schematics, so you are going to have to find them first. The only way is up but I am going to guess that the first two or three floors will be soldier's quarters and other necessities."
"I understand, excellent work Chan. I'll get them out, don't worry." Zuko assured him.
"We have no doubt about it my Lord," Ruon said.
/New Scene
The Sun had set and the world was slowing down. The courtyard was once again quiet except under a high tent, where light and cheeriness seemed to gather along with the clatter of people eating. At a large table everybody sat. Zuko, all of the advisors as well as some other trustworthy scouts and fire benders.
"Could I get everyone's attention please?" Ruon stood to address everyone at the table, the chatter eventually dying out, "Before we continue any further, I want to say whatever happens in the next few days will not be in vain. All of us have been briefed with our rolls, we are prepared and we will bring the fight to them!" Cheers and raised cups followed Ruon, smiling while he waited for it to die back down again, "And I am glad to have our Fire-Lord fighting alongside us, there will be nothing to stop our victory against these rebels. So eat, drink, and be merry, we leave tomorrow in high spirits for the battle that will change this world!" another eruption of cheers came from the table.
Zuko watched as Ruon seated, when Ruon looked back at Zuko, his eyes opened a bit more. Zuko nodded at him and gave the slightest hint of a smile, Ruon warmed up and smiled back at Zuko.
The night continued on with merriment, the subtle glow of the lamps keeping the night bright for the warriors of tomorrow.
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The cell doors lined the cold stone walls, dry air coursing through the dark corridors. Footsteps echoed across the walls, their solid thuds carrying dread through the room.
"How was your dinner poor souls? I know it's not much, but there is only so much left over." The soothing voice of Kuron was heard in the hall, "If you truly want to join us for our meals, you only need to join us fully."
He walked along the cell doors, looking inside each cell. "You've all been abandoned by all of them. You are nothing to them, just pieces to be moved but to me, you are all special. Our great family is always welcoming to new members and are treated with the honour they deserve. Your great Fire-lord knows not your struggles, he doesn't understand your turmoils and he most certainly doesn't care for you, the commoner."
"…No..." a quiet voice came from the cell across the hall, "Fire-Lord Zuko cares very much for his people. Just because he will not start another war makes him less of a Leader, in fact it makes him a better one."
"You know nothing of him then." Kuron spoke darkly, "He is a selfish, poor excuse for a man, let alone a leader of a nation. He completely disregarded the needs of the common folk and focused on his own endeavours. The invasion of Yu Dao was one of the best decisions he made, before the Avatar stepped in and corrupted him once more."
"What are you?" The voice spoke up again, "Ozai was worse, have you forgotten one of the most used military tactics they used? Sacrificing young soldiers as bait."
"SILENCE WORM!" Kuron boomed, "And for that you will not receive any food for a week!" Kuron took a moment to control his hair again, "Sorry that you all had to hear had to hear that. It appears that your superior officer has many qualms against our rightful leader. So if any of you don't have anything else to say, I'll see you all tomorrow night."
Kuron started walking down the cell block, just before he turned the corner, another voice cried from an adjacent cell.
"Please take me with you!" The voice was young, cracking under his emotion, "I was forced into this work to support my family, if I can make their lives better by standing beside you, I will do it."
Kuron smiled towards the cell, only turning his attention away when the voice from before began speaking again.
"Soldier quiet. Why do you stray from the path?!" the voice croaking under the strain of yelling, "Your problems won't be solved be Ozai's return to the throne! Why do you listen to his lies?!"
"I'VE," Kuron began storming to the voices cell again, "HAD," He hammered the door with his hand, "ENOUGH," he stood away from the door, "OF YOU!" On his last word Kuron firebent through the small window gap in the cell door, engulfing the cell room.
Kuron stood back from his stance, expecting no retaliation. However from the window came a small blast, catching him off guard enough to topple Kuron over. Kuron was furious at his insolence.
"FIFTY LASHINGS!" He shouted at the top of his lungs, "AT DAWN! I am sorry brother, but I am no longer inclined to hold out my generosity to you tonight. We will collect you after this old man has had his lashings." Kuron began to storm back down the hall, passing the willing soul and left down the dark corridors.
Kuron stopped at a door to his right, a large metal door, well-lit inside and highly secured. He peered inside before stepping away again.
"I'm sorry dear, not in the mood tonight. I'll see you tomorrow." Kuron calmly said through the door, before finding his way to the exit of the prison.
/New Scene
Dawn long since passed, bright lights forced their way through the tent. Collapsed on the beds was everyone at last night's feast, bar Zuko. The slow realization of morning began to sink into them, and groaning and moaning filled the tent.
Chit Sang awoke rather quickly, "Lightweights" he muttered before collecting his gear.
Chan awoke very similarly, however a bit more aggravated. Mumbling inaudibly while getting up.
Jian and Yao ended up somehow head to head, after Jian fell off of his bedroll. The two woke up, eyes barely open and went to look around, before butting heads accidentally while trying to look around. Instantly shocked, the jumped back a little, before hastily grabbing their equipment.
Ruon was the last advisor to wake up, face first in his pillow. Looking up he groaned and held his hand against his head. He pushed himself up, groaning as he moved his legs in place.
"Get up! We have places to go people!" Ruon yelled to the best of his power, but it was enough to startle everyone else that was still sleeping, waking them abruptly.
Ruon walked out into the bright morning, sun blinding him momentarily. He walked around, and after a while, he heard quiet chatter in the distance. He walked towards it and Zuko and the other advisors where sitting around last night's table, waiting and Chit Sang was talking.
He walked over to them, and they greeted him as usual. Zuko had already made tea, serving it out to everybody, Zuko handed him one of the cups, steaming from the fresh tea. Taking a sip, its beautiful infusions soothed his body, relaxed him from the pains from waking up. He sat down at the table and continued to sip at his refreshing tea, listening to Chit Sang ramble on.
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The last crack echoed through the halls, it seemingly lasting forever before fading into the void. Heavy panting came from the chamber at the end of the hall, followed by a masked man pushing through the heavy metal door. He looked right to see Kuron, leaning against the door, half in shadow.
"Good, you've got a good head on your shoulders brother. Leave to your regular duties." Kuron said, the masked man not questioning him as Kuron walked into the room he just left.
The clack of his shoes echoed in the large chamber. The dome was empty and bright, all lit by torch, not a single window in the room and small air ducts in the wall. On the podium was a man, Shirt ripped open, hands holding his body up and head hanging as low as his spine would allow. Kuron looked under his hanging hair, and grabbed him by the stubbly chin, holding his head to see him.
Kuron looked into his angry, maroon eyes. "Have you learnt anything today friend?" Kuron asked, his tone calm and inquisitive. The Soldier didn't speak a word, breathing heavily through his nose. Kuron backed his head away, mood changing with it. He raised his free hand and brought it down on the man in a hard slap. His head recoiled violently and the chains in his arms rattled with his movement.
"Stop it! Can't you see he's had enough?" a woman's voice was heard off to the side, Kuron turned his head to see her clearly.
"Ah Jin, your awake," Kuron addressed her, "That must have been traumatic, but it was necessary to punish this man."
Jin was sectioned off to the left of the door, her long chains gave her freedom of movement, surrounded by a bedroll and small table. She had regained her original body weight again, no longer as frail as she was a few days ago "Necessary? You had him lashed fifty times. That isn't punishment, its torture."
"Oh" Kuron said as an idea popped into his head, he walked around the chains and behind the soldier. Jin couldn't see what he was doing behind the man.
"You think I should torture him? Alright." He raised his right hand, conjuring flames in it and bringing them down on the man's back.
He screamed in agony as Kuron brought open flame against his back. Jin looked on, horrified, unable to turn her head from the scene, whereas Kuron revelled in it, smiling wider as he continued. He at last removed his hand, and looked over at Jin, on her knees and her eyes tearing, overwhelmed with what just happened.
Kuron walked over to her and dropped down beside her. He looked at her with caring eyes, and wiped away the tears on her left cheek.
"Where are my manners? So sorry you had to see that Jin," Kuron stood up, once again towering over her, "but that was necessary for you to learn too."
Kuron walked towards the door, his resolve to great to look back. Jin still just sat there, not fully comprehending what had just transpired. Once the clacking of Kurons boots left the room, there was only the panting of the soldier to hear.
/New Scene
Zuko sat in the Ostrich-horse drawn cabin. Opposite him was Ruon and Chan, both still trying their best to recover from their headaches. He looked out the window, some were still moving boxes and other things in the other cart. Zuko pushed on the side door, and got out of the stationary cabin.
"Is there a problem?" Zuko asked as he walked towards the few movers.
"No Sir." One of them said, "We were just ordered to pack one more container at the request of Master Ruon."
"Hmm," Zuko pondered, "very well. Keep going." He doubled back to the cabin, passing Chit Sang on the way back.
"What was it my lord?" Chit Sang asked.
"Apparently Ruon ordered another container to be loaded before we left." Zuko said.
"Hpm, I thought it would be a bit more interesting than that." Chit Sang responded with disappointment.
"Well, not everything can be as interesting as we would like it, whether it's more or less, we can't control." Zuko said, "However, I think that is something that you can keep an eye on Chit Sang."
"My Lord?" Chit Sang, "Are you saying that I should spy on Ruon. That could make this whole advisory on edge."
"No," Zuko was quick to dismiss that, "I would just like you to keep an eye on him. He is a smart man, I just hope he is handling this well. Not all of us are combat veterans."
"I understand." Chit Sang said, "I'll look after him." Chit Sang bowed on his Ostrich-horse and Zuko bowed in turn. He climbed back into the cabin and closed the door behind him. Chan looked at Zuko, acknowledging him once again. Zuko looked over at Ruon, staring him blankly back. Giving a quick smile Zuko, turned to face out the window again.
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Silence had finally fallen on the cell. The midday light making its way through the small windows, torches keeping the rest of the room lit. Jin sat at the table with her rice and chopsticks, ready to eat, but unable to go through with it. She looked over to the man in chains, before pushing herself out of the chair.
Her chains slowed her, he legs unable to move fully, the jingling of the chains was the only thing audible. She made her way to the base of the pedestal, where the soldier hung in his own chains.
"Here," Jin offered the bowl of rice, "You'll need some strength."
He turned his head, and looked at her. He closed his eyes and nodded slightly, she took the chopsticks and sat down on the pedestal, her chains keeping her from moving closer. Jin took some rice with the chopsticks, and carefully reached forward, trying not to drop any. In turn he too reached his head forward to catch the meal, and both reaching a little more, he swallowed the rice of the chopstick, almost stealing them of Jin in the process.
They repeated the process a little more, before Jin became comfortable talking again.
"Hey, are you feeling alright? I mean, I know you're hurting, but are you feeling any better?" Jin felt uncomfortable asking the question and her smile was awkward. She began the stretch again for another feed. He ate that rice before saying a word.
"With that smile of yours, I'll be fine. I am more concerned about you." The soldier said, "You are very distressed that you even saw that, and I worry for you."
"Please there is no need, you're the one who was lashed and scorched." Jin tried to keep her voice down as best as she could while still conveying her point. Most the bowl was empty, so she put it to the side, "You need it more than I do, and I'm given enough to get by on one less bowl." She said as she stared into the nearly empty bowl.
"Even if I am done worse by, I will hold onto myself and what I think is right. That is something they will never take from me no matter what they hit me with." He looked over at the girl sitting next to him, "Do you have a certain something that will keep you going in here?"
Jin didn't respond, he was about to move the subject when she finally spoke, "I don't think I know anymore." She said, the soldier turned back to pay more attention, "The only person I latched onto turned against me, as if I meant nothing at all. So I don't know why I am here, I guess I am here to help you at the moment." She plastered a smile on her face as she said the last sentence.
"Well, then. Is there any chance that you have a key to these chains?" He asked jokingly.
Jin's face genuinely lit up, "Unfortunately not, no."
"Doesn't hurt to ask now does it?" the soldier jangled the chains as he said, "Don't worry. Someone will come for us, and I will make sure that you walk out of here with us."
"That's awfully kind of you, but there is no-where I would go." Jin worried
"You'll think of something when you get there. For now, sit tight and stay strong." His burning optimism piercing through his pain.
Loud knocking came at the door, and the multiple locks were being undone. Jin moved as quickly as she could away from the opening door. She made it half way to the table before the guards opened the door.
She had turned to them, and the soldier had went limp, as if he was sleeping or still unconscious. The guards moved immediately to the Soldier, slapping him to wake him. Pretending to come to, he shuddered and mumbled. They released his shackles and he fell to the floor, and put immediately put under duress with spears to his throat and forced him to walk to the door. Kuron came through the door as soon the two guards had exited with the barely functional soldier.
He noticed Jin, who still hadn't moved from when the guards entered. His feet furiously clacked as he walked, he grabbed her by the collar.
"What did he say to you!" he was as angry as he was the other day when he threw the soldier in here, "Because I swear if he threatened you at all, I will have him thrown into the yard and…"
Jin cut him off before he said anything more, "He didn't do anything!" She yelled over the top of him, "He was out the entire time. I just got curious."
Kuron let go of her collar and took a step back, still staring angrily into her eyes, "Very well." He said calmly and started to walk back out of the room before stopping again, "Where is your rice bowl? I'll take it before I go."
Jin panicked a little brought the bowl out from behind her back. Kuron gave it a weird look, before taking it and looking her in the eyes again.
"Have a good afternoon." He said abnormally quietly, before the metallic thud of the door shutting behind him, and the clicking of multiple locks left her in solitude once again.