Chap. 10
The Gathering of Fire Part 1
(Song: Wild Horses, lyrics by the Rolling Stones)
"So how close are we to this prison?" Zuko asked, as he placed his pack of supplies down on the ground.
"Should be close." Fuego said, as he placed down his share of the supplies next to Zuko's. "The information from the Earth King said it was located in this area, but I figured we'd see it in the air."
Zuko sighed then, and moved to unload his supplies. The group of four had been on the road for five days now, Zuko flying with Fuego while Chien, their other Earthbender bodyguard, used his Earthbending to propel himself and Pong along. By this point, they were about half a mile from the prison that held Shyu, but first, they had to find Jeong-Jeong. That meant spending time in the forest where the Deserter and his men had been spotted. The group had landed here at sunset and moved in, Chien and Pong going to find firewood and food, while Fuego and Zuko set up camp.
"So what do you think of Chien?" Fuego asked.
"Seems all right." Zuko replied. "He didn't really talk to me much."
"He just needs to get to know you." Fuego said. "The whole "fire prince' thing takes some getting used to."
"I hope so." Zuko said. "I don't feel like gaining another rival on this journey."
"Indeed." Fuego said, just as a rustle spread through the grass. Both swung around, only to see Chien and Pong emerge.
"Sorry about that." Chie said, as he dropped his load of firewood.
"It's all right. How'd you guys do?" Fuego asked.
Shaking his head, Pong took a leather bag from his waist and dumped the contents out- a bunch of nuts, and two fish.
"There's not much around here." Chien said apologetically. "How much food do we have left from the city?"
"Not much." Zuko said, holding out the half-empty bag of food that they'd been proved with upon leaving Ba Sing Se.
"We've got enough for tonight. Let's just get started and work from there." Fuego suggested. The others nodded their acceptance of the idea.
As Pong and Chien laid the wood down, Fuego cleared a space for the fire pit, and then asked for some long branches. Zuko reached into the pile and handed the red man three thick, lengthy branches. Fuego nodded his approval and began to arrange the wood into an upright, teepee structure.
"What are you doing?" Chien asked in puzzlement.
"It's an old trick I learned from a camping trip." Fuego explained, as he continued to arrange the wood. "It'll make the fire last longer."
"Oh good. We'll have more time to roast the chestnuts." Zuko muttered.
"Hey, we got some fish too." Chien said, holding up his catch from the nearby river.
"Two fish for four people. Not exactly a feast." Zuko snapped.
"Hey, it isn't like you did any better!" Chien snapped back.
"It's not my fault I didn't grow up learning to how scavenge for food!" Zuko yelled,
"No, you spent your childhood learning how to destroy all the other Nations!" Chien yelled back.
At that, Zuko sprang to his feet, fists igniting into flame. Chien leaned back into an Earthbending stance, ready to engage the boy. But before either of them could take a step, Pong stepped between them and held out his hands in protest. Zuko and Chien started to say something, but Pong glared at the two of them ferociously, and the both dropped their stances.
"Pong's right." Fuego said, as he finished arranging the wood. "The last thing we need right now is infighting. Arguing and complaining won't get us out of this any faster. Besides, we're all tired and hungry and so we say things we don't really mean. So let's just sit down and eat, so we can start being civil again."
Pong nodded his agreement, and put down his hands. Zuko and Chien glared at each other for a moment, but muttered apologize and then moved to bring their respective foods to the firepit.
"Give me a minute, I'll get my flint." Chien said, as he started to rifle through his armor. But before he could find it, Zuko inhaled, and then blew fire onto the wood. It caught flame instantly, burning brightly. Chien looked at it, then gave a small smile and said, "Right. How foolish of me." With that, the group sat, as Feugo took Chien's fish and nuts, as well as some of the rations from Ba Sing Se, and began to cook them over the fire, using a strange metal table he'd obtained from Hierro.
"What is that thing?" Chien asked, pointing at the table. The small device was made of several metal rods, carefully spaced out over a metal frame and supported by collapsible legs. Fuego had laid the food down over it and was now carefully checking it to make sure it didn't burn.
"It's called a grill." The red man replied. "It's a little appliance from back home. Makes cooking over an open fire a lot easier."
"Indeed." Chien said, watching as the food roast over the open flames.
"Of course, it'll still take a bit before they're ready." Fuego said. "Anyone got any ideas to pass the time?"
"Maybe." Chien said, reaching into his armor again. But this time, he withdrew a small, metal square. Bringing it up to his mouth, he blew into a hole at the end a few times, producing a sweet, high noise. The others watched and listened as he began to play a slow, sad, melody that echoed through the small campsite. As Chien continued to play, the others listened intently, as the melody soared and dipped through its changes. Finally, Chien brought the song to a halt, and removed the small flute, to applause from the others, especially Pong.
"Very nice. What is it called?" Zuko asked.
"It's called 'The Ballad of Omashu.' It's an old song written in memory of the first Earthbenders." Chien said. There was some furious scribbling for a moment, then Pong handed Fuego a piece of paper, which he read aloud- "I've always liked it too. It reminds me of home."
"It is a nice song." Fuego agreed. "I heard the story of Oma and Shu a while back with the Avatar. Tragic love story, if you're interested, Zuko."
But the Fire Prince shook his head, and so the red man said, "Well, if this what we're doing, I'd like to add something." With that, Fuego held out his hand, and a burst of fire shot out in both directions. Suddenly the flames vanished, revealing a strange, hollow-bodied string instrument.
"Darya, you've been hanging out with Uncle too long." Zuko said. "First you settle an argument, then you restart Music Night."
"Could be worse." Fuego answered, as he strummed the instrument a few times. Finally, he gave a wink, and began to sing, strumming along as he did so.
Childhood living is easy to do
The things you wanted I bought them for you
Graceless lady you know who I am
You know I can't let you slide through my hands
Wild horses couldn't drag me away
Wild, wild horses, couldn't drag me away
I watched you suffer a dull aching pain
Now you decided to show me the same
No sweeping exits or offstage lines
Could make me feel bitter or treat you unkind
Wild horses couldn't drag me away
Wild, wild horses, couldn't drag me away
The others watched intently, as Fuego crooned his way through the rest of the song, stopping only to pluck the strings in a strange, but soul touching solo. Finally, he brought the song to an end, whispering the chorus one last time as he strummed the final chord to passionate applause from Chien and Pong. The red man smiled and gave a mock bow, as he placed his instrument to the side. As he brought his head back up though, he noticed Zuko sitting there quietly, looking off to the side with a melancholy expression on his face. For a second, Fuego was puzzled, then realized what was up. He immediately regretted his choice of song, and opened his mouth to apologize. But before he could, Chien said, "Looks like dinner's ready."
Fuego looked over to see the fish and nuts shimmering to perfection on the grill. Mentally cursing the timing, he moved over to the firepit and quickly removed the food, placing it on the large plate the Earth King had supplied them with. Arranging it with some of the food they'd been able to ration, he presented it to the group and asked, "So who's hungry?"
It was some time later, when Chien and Pong were concerning themselves with food, that Fuego was finally able to speak to Zuko. He placed his own plate down and moved over to where the Fire Prince sat.
"Not hungry?" the red man asked, as Zuko played with the food that had been sitting on his plate for at least twenty minutes.
"Not for this." Zuko replied, finally putting his plate down.
"Well, I think I saw the white jade plant near the river." Fuego said with a weak smile on his face. Zuko responded with a soft chuckle, but that was all.
"Look Zuko, I'm sorry about the song." Fuego said. "I just wasn't thinking."
"It's all right." Zuko said. Reaching into his vest, he withdrew the pendant Jin had given him. As it gently spun in the air, Zuko said, "Frankly, I've missed her since we left."
"You'll see her again." Fuego replied. "You know that."
"But how?" Zuko asked. "As the Fire Lord? Come on Fuego, we both know that the Zuko that left Ba Sing Se is never coming back."
"What, because of a crown and a title?" Fuego asked incredulously. "That's not going to change a thing about you. When you get your father's crown, you'll be the same person you are now, you'll just have a fancy piece of headgear."
"And a whole country to worry about." Zuko said back. "I never thought about it all when I was exiled, but I'm actually going to be responsible for an entire Nation. How am I supposed to do that? I could barely manage my own life. And it's going to be hell trying to atone for all the things my father did. How can I ask Jin to leave her home and come with me into that?"
Fuego was silent a moment, then said, "Zuko, I can't answer all that. But I can say this. You will do the best you can, because you will not allow yourself to do any less. You're right though, it will be hell getting everything back in order, and no one will envy you. But even if that's the case, isn't it Jin's choice to accompany you on that journey?"
Zuko had no response to that. He sat in silence, reflecting on this new option. It really was her choice, wasn't it? He'd been so concerned on how hard it would be he hadn't even considered that. But it was going to be so hard for him, for everyone. Should he let it be her choice? Would the more honorable thing be to not let her make it, not let her suffer alongside him? Zuko's mind whirled with thoughts, so much so that he did not notice Pong watching him intently from the corner of his eye.
Suddenly, Chien dropped his plate and sprang to his feet. "Someone's coming." He said.
"What? How can you tell?" Zuko asked, breaking out of his fugue.
"I can feel vibrations in the earth. Something is moving towards us."
"How many?" Fuego asked, as he and Pong grabbed their weapons.
"I can't tell. The vibrations are very light. It could be one or ten at the most, I think."
"Great. Everybody, keep your eyes open." Fuego said, as he began to scan the landscape. The others began to do to the same, looking over the dark forest, trying to see any sign of movement. But whatever it was that Chien sensed, it didn't approach. All they saw was trees and the dark shadows thrown on them by the light of the fire. Finally, after nearly fifteen minutes, Pong lowered his weapon and shrugged at Chien, indicating that maybe he'd misheard something.
"But I was so sure…" Chien said in confusion as he looked around.
"It was probably just some sort of forest animal. Easy enough mistake with the stakes we've got." Fuego said, as he relaxed his grip on his spear. Even Zuko nodded, and started to relax.
But the red man was wrong. Just as the group started to relax, something flew into the fire and exploded with a bang. The bright flash shone into the group's eyes, blinding them. As they staggered around in shock, dark figures leapt down from the trees they'd hidden in after finding the group and began to attack. The group tried to fight back, as Fuego and Pong swung their spears around, while Zuko and Chien tried to battle back hand-to-hand. But the figures were too fast and simply un-seeable in the dark and with their opponents unable to see. Moving quickly in the dark, the figures withdrew heavy clubs from their persons, and quickly knocked out the group. As they hit the ground, the figures then withdrew rope and began to restrain them. Once everyone was tied up, four figures hoisted the unconscious group members back onto their shoulders and began to trek back into the woods.
"I still don't know…"
"Did you not see him? What other explanation could there be?"
"But maybe they caught him."
"Then why was he not chained? You know he is one of the savages the Master speaks of."
"I'm not saying he isn't, but… wait look!"
"Unhh." Zuko moaned, as his eyes slowly opened. Colors danced before him, but slowly began to fade. Eventually, Zuko was able to see two men standing before, dressed in ragged, dark clothing. He attempted to get to his feet, but found himself unable rise. It was only then he noticed that he was inside a large tent. More importantly, he noticed he was tied to a large post in the middle of the tent.
"What is this? Release me!" Zuko yelled, as he struggled against his bonds. But before he could do anything, he felt a blade pressed to his throat, as one of the two men stepped forward.
"One more word, and I stick this in your throat, Firebender." The man snarled, as he gripped the handle of his blade.
"Do you really have to do that?" the other man asked.
"Silence Chey! How I wish you hadn't been able to follow us from our last spot, fool." The knife-man snarled. "This scum will be judged by the Master, and until then, he is mine to do with as I please."
"Not exactly." A voice said from the other side of the tent. Chey and the other man turned to see a ragged red figure walk through the entrance, followed by two Earth Kingdom soldiers.
"Fuego, Chien, Pong! Get me out of here!" Zuko cried out.
"Don't worry Zuko. You'll be out soon." Fuego said. "But first, you have to be judged."
"By who?" Zuko asked. Fuego moved aside then, revealing an older man, dressed in dark red clothes. His hair was bushy and white, a contrast to his pointed beard. His face was fairly non-descript, but his eyes blazed forth intently, catching everyone within their gaze.
"Master." The man said, bowing to him. "I was just instructing Chey on how to deal with prisoners."
The old man gave no response, but merely looked over at Zuko. The Fire Prince opened his mouth to speak, but before he could get a word out, the old man said, "Release him at once!"
"What?! Master this is…"
"I know who he is! Do you think I am blind? But he has grown from that. It is obvious in the way he carries himself. Now release him."
The man gaped at his master a moment, then turned to release Zuko. But Chey had already done so, the ropes down at his feet..
"Thanks." Zuko said as he rubbed his wrists.
"Don't mention it." Chey said.
"Sorry about that Zuko. Looks there was a bit of a mix-up." Fuego said sheepishly.
"Apparently, this man's troop saw us and assumed you had captured us." Chien said.
"I apologize for that." The old man said, stepping forward. "My men have had to learn to be careful in this woods."
"I'm sure. And if these are your men, then you must be…"
"Zuko, Jeong-Jeong. Jeong-Jeong, Zuko." Fuego said, moving through the introductions quickly.
"I am glad to see that you have taken after your uncle rather then your father, Prince." The old man said. "Iroh was truly a man of honor."
"You knew my uncle?"
"I served under him in my time in the Fire Army. He taught me much." Jeong-Jeong said simply.
"I see. Have the others told you why we're here?" Zuko asked.
"Yes. My men and I would be proud to serve in an Army devoted to the cause of the Avatar and the gods. Too long has firebending been my curse. If I can use it as a blessing, I will do so gladly."
"And why didn't you before?" Chien asked.
Without batting an eye, Jeong-Jeong replied, "There is little chance of a lone man changing the course of a country so descended into savagery, especially a man that is wanted by that same country, as well as the one he hides in. Do you think that you could do it Earthbender? I think not!"
Chien quickly backed off, and Fuego asked, "Jeong-Jeong, about this plan for the prison break?"
"Of course, Firelord." The old man said. Turning back to Zuko and his men, the Firebender said, "The place where they hold the Fire Sages is nearby, but heavily guarded. My men and I have the stealth needed to get through the defenses, but not the manpower for a full-scale prison break. That is where you will come in…."