AUTHORS NOTES: So yeah, good week off, barely wrote, but I got something that I am half proud of done for Chapter 17. Though at this rate, I may not finish writing before this catches up, hopefully I get my butt into gear and get alot more done. I currently have an outline that will last till about 21 Chapters, and I will finish this. I've had this story in my head for more than a year now, I need to get it out. Other than that, I'd like to point out the review I got from Totally Spazz-tastic a while ago, which alerted me to the fact that Shojo is a term for female, something I did not know as I just smashed phonetics together. When I searched it online that it was far worse, look it up if you dare/or want to literally laugh yourself to tears (In my case). I've decided for now to keep that name until I find something better. Thanks and enjoy chapter 12, Locking up the Sun.
I will never, ever turn my back on people who need me!
The people of the camp were busy. Afternoon had settled in and many prepared for leave. Zuko was seated at a table though facing way, using its bench to watch over the campsite. He was no longer in his Fire-Nation garb nor his Earth Kingdom robe, he sat comfortably in a body suit, covered from the neck down in Navy Blue. He sat peacefully and watched the movement, meditating in the haste of it all.
Zuko listened to the chatter that sailed by him, mostly un-noteworthy but reassuring. He scanned his eyes over the group of people, he noticed Chit Sang and Chan talking, with Ruon standing between the two. From there posture, he concluded that there was no argument of any sort, in fact, Chan looked extremely relaxed. The two continued talking but Ruon looked quite uncomfortable between the two.
Zuko smiled to himself and got out of his seat and started to walk. It was about an hour before he would start to head out, and all he needed to do was collect his swords. He made his way to the supply tent, knowing his swords were there. He burst open the flaps and stared at the congregation of boxes around of him. Looking around for a moment, confused on where to start searching he started with a group of boxes in-front of him.
Zuko looked into each box quickly, and assessed their contents before moving on. Zuko knew the box he was looking for held not only his swords, but on top was a group of manuscripts. He searched through each of the boxes before he came to an unusual one. It was small and unmarked and he took no hesitation on opening it. The inside the box was an assortment of explosives, from smoke bombs and firecrackers to a few condensed explosives. Each of the small canisters in the box were carefully laid out, with a small holding belt on the side.
Zuko picked up the belt and tested it around his waist, he fitted it and began fitting some of the explosives to it, some firecrackers and the four condensed explosives in the box. Securing the belt and its contents, he stretched to test his mobility. Upon deeming it secure, he packed up the box. Right then Ruon burst through the flaps of the tent.
"Fire Lord?" Ruon exclaimed, his surprise alerting Zuko but not warranting his immediate concern. He turned back to the boxes.
"Hello Ruon, did you want to talk to me?" Zuko replied, his calm voice put Ruon under more stress.
"No, I didn't expect to find you here. In fact I thought you'd already left, I haven't seen you in hours." Ruon said, "Also, why are you wearing a belt of explosives?" His concern apparent his frail voice, "Are you properly trained in those? What if they when off during your break in? What happens if they go off here?"
"Easy there Ruon." Zuko calmingly said to the panicking Ruon, "It's fine. I am aware what each of these do and their safety measures, I arranged for their implementation of them into our army. I've read what their safety measures are.
Ruon calmed down a little, but not enough to stop his fidgeting, "That's a relief." Ruon paused, "Wait. Read?"
Zuko shrugged, "It will be fine, these people will get what is coming" Zuko clarified, "Now, could you help me find my swords. If I recall, you're familiar with the supplies."
Ruon bowed his head, "Of course, Fire Lord Zuko."
/New Scene
It was late afternoon, and the long shadows of the forest were being cast across the floor. Around a smouldering pot, stood many of the soldiers, feasting on the bland soup. There was an air of tension, many ate the meal without speaking. The only people talking were the advisors Chan and Chit Sang, idly talking about what makes the best field soup they've eaten.
Zuko walked around to them, swords on his back and explosives around his waist. He stood amongst the two and listened, their conversation silent to him, he waited for his inevitable leave. Chan fully acknowledged Zuko a moment later but before Chit Sang could apologise, everyone's attention was grabbed by at the sound of the serving spoon against the pot, four hits fast. Ruon only spoke when he had everybody's undivided attention.
"It is not to long now everybody. Tonight we take back the men we've lost to these traitorous scum." As Ruon spoke, some of the soldiers cheered slightly, "Tonight will be a deciding blow against these people, no longer are they safe from us by hiding in a different country. We will smite them wherever they are and bring balance back to this world." A small cheer and a round of applause came for Ruon. Ruon then stepped down and walked over to Chan, Chit Sang and Zuko, all of them puzzled.
"That wasn't necessary Ruon," Chan spoke bluntly, "I know you like giving your speeches, but there is a time and place for everything but not now. We need level headed soldiers, in your age, I thought you would have known that."
"It will do them good Chan, They'll fight harder like this." Ruon said with a tone of smugness. He smiled at the three, before dismissing it and moving on. He had walked past a caravan before the three began talking again.
"That was odd," Chan said, "Hopefully the walk will calm them down."
"Hmm," Zuko pondered for a moment, "Chit Sang. I'll ask you again to keep an eye on Ruon. Don't let him do anything stupid again." Chit Sang nodded at his request but Chan butted in.
"Wait, you're spying on us My Lord, using each other?" Chan controlled his outburst, but Zuko laid his hand on his shoulder.
"No, I am not," Zuko said but Chan wasn't convinced, "I only have eyes on Ruon, he's been acting strange since we left Yu Dao." Zuko paused for his reaction, but Chan remained unchanged, "If you wish you can look over him too. I promise I am not spying on my advisors."
Chan sighed, "Alright my Lord." Zuko gave a small nod and removed his hand, "So this isn't the first time Ruon had done something out of the ordinary?"
Chit Sang butted in, "No, but he's been doing his best not to show it. Probably trying to seem unbothered by our attack, but its tolling on him."
"I would suggest not letting him out of either one of your sights for too long." Zuko said, "If you think that he is unable to fight, keep him here. We must cripple their foothold here, then we finally have the upper hand here." Chan and Chit Sang focused on what he said. "Tell the men, you leave just before sundown, I'll be moving out now for the fortress. Look out for Ruon." Chit Sang had motioned a soldier, who brought over a minimally packed Ostrich-Horse. With only a basic saddle and reins.
"Good luck Fire Lord Zuko. Show those amateurs how to do it." Chan said as Zuko took its reins. He made a 120 degree turn, now facing towards the Fortress. Just about to take his leave, Chit Sang held the horse a moment.
"You wouldn't happen to know how to start a prison riot?" Chit Sang asked with a wide smile on his face. Before Zuko could respond, he hit the behind of the Ostrich-Horse and it took off.
/New Scene
Zuko grabbed the swords off the Ostrich-Horses back, fastened them again to his own back. He then released the reins to the creature and sent it back to the camp. After seeing it disappear into the distance without anything happening, he turned and took the first step.
He walked through underbrush, tall trees on every side of him. The orange tone of the setting sun cast upon the sky, Zuko felt the suns energy fade out of the world outside.
Breathe In.
Zuko held his breath. Feeling the breath turn to energy in his body, feeling the orange fire in his body synergize with the suns.
Breathe Out.
He exhaled a small fire, the narrow blaze curling on itself in-front of him. He looked back to the sky, its light fading away as the moon rose.
.
.
.
The cold of nightfall was setting in and Zuko was hearing the faint sounds of an army. He moved slowly towards the sounds, and the underbrush was becoming thicker. He covered his lower face with the guard around his neck, leaving his head exposed from the nose up, with his hair down, left little to see.
He finally come to the boundary that the army had cut the trees. The underbrush here had flourished and even some tree sprouts had started growing. Zuko crouched in one of the bushes, looking upon the barracks.
The place beaconed with light, with so much light the overgrowth of vines on its walls were visible from this distance. Zuko scanned the rest of the structure, from this angle he wasn't able to see anything. He moved north to look at his way in, as Chan had said the structure was damaged on the North-Easterly wall, crumbling away.
The North most tower had a scout scanning over it, however the North East did not. Zuko took that advantage. Slowly moving through the grass towards the North East tower he made sure that nothing was able to see him.
He made it to the wall and sidled alongside it. He looked up and around, guards on either side of him. He started his climb up the wall, slowly choosing his holds, he was nearing the top when on the bricks he grabbed slid out from beneath his grasp. His grip strong enough he held onto the broken piece of wall, with only some small pebbles bouncing to the ground. Zuko threw the rock as far as he could, and it landed on the ground without a loud thud.
He climbed on-top of the wall. Looking over the lay of the land, there was along going on in the courtyard, Soldiers were armed and patrolling, with many of them eating around a large table. Zuko moved himself to the North-East tower and holding himself down against the protecting wall. He opened a trap door on the floor of the tower, and took a ladder to a small landing.
Zuko noticed that the wall had very narrow passages connected the towers, and they were currently unguarded. He looked down beneath him and saw no way to get down off the landing. He looked over the wall width and took a leap, he stretched out his legs and arms and held himself between the two walls, slowly lowering himself and he found himself on the ground. He continued down the corridor, through the narrow gaps preparing for someone to find him.
He made it to the south gate without a hiccup, and made it to the gate mechanism. It was old and rusted and looked easily destroyed by an explosion. He tied one of his grenades so that it was hidden from view and looped some spare fuse around the room. The sound of a door opening forced Zuko to leave the fuse and hide in the shallow corridor.
"Hey, there it's my shift. You can come down now bud." A soldier said in the distance, his voice carried by the halls.
"Yeah, Yeah. These ladders aren't the safest you know." A second soldier's voice was heard but Zuko kept his position.
"I wish Kuron would source some better ladders, one of these day they are going to hurt someone." AS soon as the first soldier mentioned 'Kuron' a small smirk found its way on his face. Kuron was here and Zuko was more than willing for a rematch.
"You know what he would say to that." The second soldier said. "'You're taking advantage'," the second soldier impersonated, "'There are more important things at stake here, and your worried about your safety'."
The first soldier chuckled a little, "True, after a while though, his speeches lose something don't they?"
The second soldier quipped back, "Yeah, Originality?"
The two laughed again and said weak goodbyes, Zuko moved back into action.
/New Scene
Zuko found his way to the western part of the complex. It was easily the early evening by now and it would be a short while before his forces were in position and awaiting signal. The noise outside had also calmed down so He took the opportunity to scout outside for a possible entrance.
He peeked out of the western door and saw a small door to his left. Zuko could hear the faint sound of singing. He came out of the doorway and hide behind some containers watching the door. Not too soon after, chefs' assistant came out of the door and made his way to the containers Zuko was hiding behind.
He opened one of the crates, and the sound of rustling objects queued Zuko to grab the assistant. He pulled him behind the crates and covered his mouth to stop his pleas for help. He held a finger to his mouth calmly, and the assistant stopped struggling. Zuko removed his apron and accessories, tied him and gagged him before putting him in the dark corridors of the walls, not to be seen for now.
Zuko donned the apron and effects and walked through the door into the kitchen. The kitchen was dying down, obviously past dinner and the place was slowing down. Zuko kept his head down as he moved through the kitchen, and emerged through the other side without too much trouble.
On the other side, Zuko immediately found a confined space and disposed of the disguise, returning to swords on back, explosives around the waist and mouth cover. He found a way to a stairwell, and ran up the stairs.
/New Scene
Two men stood guard at the door. Their faces stern and bored. The sound of footsteps drew their attention and they raised their weapons, a shadow appeared around the corner and the two prepared to attack.
Around the corner came Shojo, with a small bowl of rice on a large carry tray. He came up to the two soldiers and stood by them for a moment.
"My superior told me to deliver this rice to the special prisoner. May I pass?" Shojo said without emotion. The two guard looked at him with confusion and smugness.
"No. She is off limits, for everyone." The guard was threatening as he was smug. They raised their weapons towards his throat.
"Alright then," Shojo turned around and took a step. He bent over to put the tray down, after his placed his hand down on the ground, brought up his right foot and sent out a large fire blast. The two guards brought their arms up to shield themselves. Shojo was on the offensive now as he regained his footing and took a run up on then, jumping and bringing a roundhouse kick to the left guards head. He fell to the ground and his friend recovered fully from the surprise attack, going for a straight punch.
Shojo had landed with his right side facing the attacking soldier and dodged his hand, grabbing it and bringing him into a hold. Shojo brought him close and drove him down on his knee body down, knocking the second soldier unconscious. He walked over the bodies and took a small ring of keys from one's pocket, unlocking the prison door and swiftly walking through.
He walked through the prison to Jin's captivity, and proceeded to unlock the many locks on her door. Undoing the last one, he took a deep breath and pushed the door on his exhale. There he saw a quite horrific sight, Jin was on the pedestal, chained up and in rags over her Earth Kingdom clothes.
She was seemingly unconscious, her head down and her wrists supporting her entire weight. Blood dripping from her lip freely onto the ground Shojo dropped the tray on the ground and ran towards her.
.
.
.
Zuko ran silently up another flight of stairs and came to the sixth floor. He came to a corner and used his swords to see around. Confused with what he saw he peeked his head around the corner and saw two guards knocked out of the floor, just in-front of an unlocked door.
Zuko moved to the two and searched their possessions, finding a large chain of keys on one he took the two men inside the door and out of main view, he shut the door behind him. He walked through the dimly lit corridors, cell doors on each side. He peeked through the cell bars, seeing a man in an officers uniform he lit a fire in-front of the window bars.
He looked up quickly before looking back down at the ground. Zuko noticing his obvious aversion of his gaze, he shuffled through each of the keys trying to find the one that unlocks this door. Zuko opened up the door fully and once again lit his fire. The officer looked up again at Zuko.
"If you're here to execute me, do it without that mask. I will die with honor for my Fire-Lord." The officer said.
Zuko took down his mask and pulled his hair out of his face, "That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Come on, let's get everyone out of here." Zuko said.
The officers eyes opened wide and he stood to attention. Some of the other soldiers heard this as well and a rustle had started in the corridor.
"Quiet all of you, this is a stealthy breakout. Keep calm till we come over to your cell door." Zuko addressed them all.
The officer walked out of his cell, skin and bone, with only a pair of pants to cover his body, he and Zuko proceeded to open up the cell doors. Zuko came to a cell door on the far end of the prison, when the officer came to his side.
"Leave him. He was willing to turn to their side for food and security." The officer said, "He is not worthy of being released."
Zuko looked down on the soldier huddled in the corner furthest away from the door, "I would like to be able to forgive you. However, I am unable to release you for sympathizing with them. I am sorry."
"However," The officer spoke once again, "There is someone else here that needs to be rescued."
.
.
.
Shojo had finished unlocking Jin from the podium and caught her as she fell into his arms. Shojo eased down as he looked down at the woman in his arms.
"Hey," He said softly, "You awake."
He sat there for a moment before Jin spoke, "Why are you here Shojo. Leave me alone, I tried to be strong, but everyone here is stronger."
"Jin," Shojo said, "What you did was stupid. But I can't stop thinking about you. I've got a way off this rock, and I promise that Kuron won't bother you again." Shojo pleaded to her.
She looked up at him, her left eye blackened and blood on her lip, "Why should I then Shojo? At some time you're going to fail and we are right back in this problem. Might as well save our time and give up now." Her soul sounded crushed.
Shojo looked down at her with tears in his eyes.
"What was that?" A voice from the door, Shojo looked up from Jin to see the officer standing in the doorway, "That's not the girl who gave me her ration of rice. In here my Lord."
Jin immediately recognized the voice of the officer, "I've lost. There's no point anymore."
Shojo looked in horror at both of them, "How could you say that Jin, it's never over." He then focused his attention at the officer and shielding Jin, "And what are you doing out of your cell. I will protect her with everything I have."
"I don't doubt you, but I think we have got a better chance in getting out of here alive right now." The Officer said, before Shojo could speak, Zuko walked into the room, scar showing proudly. Shojo was immediately stunned for words, and he held Jin even tighter.
"You….You…. Why are you… here?" Shojo shook in trepidation.
"He is here to rescue us prisoners," he stood proudly beside Zuko, "You should address him as Fire Lord Zuko, The rightful leader of the Fire-Nation."
"I would do nothing more than curse that name." Shojo yelled, "In fact, now that you're here, my plan for freedom has changed."
The group was in a standoff, Zuko and the officer eying down Shojo and he held Jin.
"Zuko?" Jin's faint voice could be heard through the silence, "I know him by another name."
Zuko focused his attention to Jin, who now moved from behind Shojo, in full view of Zuko.
"Oh no Jin…" Zuko said.
/New Scene
The three stood in the vast hall, Shojo now standing over Jin, Zuko and his officer were now walking towards the panicking Shojo.
"You have to relax now son. We have this under control." The officer said.
"You say that now, but when you're caught, I will laugh over your screams as you are lashed in the yard." Shojo said manically.
"We don't want to end this in fighting. You can still leave with your honour." Zuko said to him, holding up his arms, preparing for an attack. "You mustn't let expectations rule over you."
"That is easy for you to say usurper." Shojo angrily said, "I have broken the mould by choosing to save Jin."
"The why not go one step further?" The officer let his guard down and held out an open hand, "Join us and we can guarantee both of your safety. There is no shame in thinking of others."
"I will not join the usurper." Shojo said.
Zuko's officer regained his guard and his gazed narrowed, Shojo saw the obvious aggression.
"Sorry, but we are on a deadline, and we are getting her out of this prison." Zuko decreed.
Zuko launched the first fire ball at Shojo. He was able to block it well and disperse it, taking a step forward away from Jin, he sent a few fire balls from a rigid position. Zuko and the officer split up, circling around Shojo, smiling as he changed his stance.
Circling his joints, he rapidly propelled accurate fireballs at the two, Zuko and the officer were forced on the defensive. Shojo used some spinning kicks to send some fire waves to the both simultaneously, Zuko was easily able to control the stream however the captive officer was overwhelmed quite quickly. He collapsed on the ground, still conscious luckily.
Shojo focused his attention now to Zuko, the two now in an unofficial Agni Kai. Shojo rushed Zuko down, leading his attacks with his legs. Zuko noticed his strategy and met his rush down and the two fought close quarters. As the two exchanged attacks, blocking each attempted hit, Shojo seemed comfortable in close proximity to Zuko, so Zuko decided to change it up a little.
Zuko drew the Broadswords on his back and went back to attack Shojo. Zuko kept his wrists flexible as he danced with Shojo and now that Zuko was both moving fire and deathly proficient with his swords, Shojo was visibly stressed. Zuko baited a high kick out of Shojo and he was left vulnerable to Zuko's devastation. Zuko brought the swords over and around him for a devastating single fire blast.
As Zuko brought down both against Shojo, he sent out a wave of fire, just strong enough to overpower him and topple him to the ground. Shojo hit the ground on his side, stunned for a moment he was turned ono his back by Zuko's swords, there he stood over him with a single broadsword at his throat.
"Cheater." Said Shojo sarcastically.
Zuko didn't respond to his comment, "On your feet." Zuko ordered.
Shojo slowly came to his feet and he was surprised when the officer came from behind him and put him in a lock.
"Let's go everyone, our window is narrowing." Zuko went over to Jin and awkwardly offered her his hand. She lightly hit it aside and got up on her own.
They walked out of the cell and saw all of the scouts prepared and ready to roll out.
"Um, Sir?" The officer asked, "What are we going to do with this one?" Referencing Shojo.
Zuko looked immediately at the scout in charge of the cell keys and pointed to a certain door.
He opened the door and the officer immediately threw Shojo in with the other prisoner. Before he was able to recover, they shut the door.
"This isn't over usurper. You will fall, just you wait." Shojo said, gritting his teeth.
"If I wait, then it will happen. I don't intend to wait on anything." Zuko said to him, "But hear me when I say, just because you believe it, does not make it right. "
/New Scene
The small insurgent group moved through the building, Zuko overlooking them all as they all descended through the stairs. Zuko looked over to the officer, who was carrying Jin as they moved as quickly as they could. They came to the bottom floor of the tower all grouped behind the door before the outside world, with Zuko gripping at the door handle, other hand holding a single sword.
He looked back at his forces with a stern face, he nodded at them all and every one of them nodded back. Zuko let go of the door and motioned with his free hand. He pointed at the door than at then to the left. Just before he was able to grab the door handle, it opened wide. Standing there was a female officer, standing there shocked at the group in front of her, Zuko grabbed out with his free hand and threw her into back into the group.
They all ran through the hall, halting at Zuko's command, they came to the kitchen door and burst it open, luckily no-one inside. They regrouped and barricaded the kitchen door.
"Is everyone prepared?" Zuko asked them all, the physically weak soldiers nodded in agreement, "Jin?" Zuko focused on her.
She looked sourly back at him, "Yes…" She said with bitter agreement.
"Alright then," Zuko said, "in through the door and fight our way to the front gate, let's go!"
Breathe In.
Breathe Out.
He made a strong push through the door and it opened for him. Zuko sprinted out the door, took an immediate left. Now facing south and looking at the two watch towers above the gate, he jumped into a low stance and held his hands close. Releasing it outward, Zuko released a strong fire blast towards the top of one of the towers.
The courtyard fell into chaos, those few who understood what was happening began to react, however with the help of the freed prisoners, and they were quickly outpaced. Zuko judo flipped sideways and rotated his joints, similar to how Shojo was fighting before. He held a strong stance before releasing a second blast at the other tower.
He bent over and panted from the exertion. Regaining his breath, he stood tall and re-joined the main assault to the main gate. Over the sound of shouting and fire-bending, Zuko could hear the faint battle cries of his reinforcements.
"Move forward!" Zuko ordered and the group travelled to the south exit.
A great bell began tolling, alerting the whole compound to their presence. A large door opened to the main gate of the tower and armed soldiers were moving out of it. Zuko noticed this and threw any explosive he had at the groups.
He aimed the Firecrackers in their general direction, expending that supply before throwing a single condensed explosive at the door. His efforts didn't go unnoticed, and some of his current forces were able to rest from the constant barrage. The group was camped out near the front gate and Zuko made his way back to the gate mechanism.
A loud voice boomed before he made it.
"STOP!" Kuron shouted.
/New Scene
A cease fire had been called and Kuron stood before all of his troops.
"It has been a while," Kuron said, "Zuko". He hesitated to say his name.
"Didn't think you'd see me so soon Kuron?" Zuko speech unimpeded, "Not that it mattered. I knew exactly where you were."
"Unfortunately for you, this is where your journey ends. You're not making it through that gate" Kuorn said.
"Who is to say what I can and cannot do?" Zuko declared, he walked forward and his hand flicked to his belt, unpinned and threw one of his explosives. He threw it towards the door leading to the mechanics room. Zuko was a better throw than he thought and he was able to get the explosive in between the grate in the door.
Kuron and many of his men had prepared for combat again, they'd raised their hands to respond to the threat, but were surprised when he didn't throw the grenade in their direction. Kuron still stayed on edge as the rest of his forced laughed at him.
Shortly after an explosion set off in the room, the sound of wood breaking was the main sound. Zuko Still stood still with confidence. However this time, Kuron was moving slowly towards him.
"I guess your idea has failed prince." Kuron chuckled, "I don't think that you know what's in that room do you? Like most of your proposed ideas."
Some of his forces were now looking at Zuko in disbelief. Some even fretting so much they let their guard down entirely. Zuko smirked as a second explosion went off. This time everybody but him crouched for cover as the hideous sound of the entire gate winch breaking apart. The metal crashing against the wall and the chains flailing as they passed through their guides.
Zuko stood tall as the gate behind was pulled apart from the outside as many of the soldiers outside forced, staring down Kuron, looking as shocked as everybody else in the courtyard. The gate opened enough to allow people to pass through and his reinforcements came pouring in. In pairs they took a perimeter around the escapees with Yao and Jian standing to the right of Zuko.
The courtyard again erupted into chaos as Zuko's forces clashed with Kuron, this time Zuko's forces were easily able to keep par. The fresh reinforcements pushed the resistance soldiers back, Zuko looked over his shoulder and saw the prisoners being funnelled through the narrow gateway to their freedom.
Zuko quickly turned back to deflect a fire blast.
The crossfire continued, when Jian was tapped on the shoulder. He spun around and sent fire in both directions, arcing around to hit the walls on either side of the door. Yao took a low stance and stood tall, bringing the inferno to the sky.
The two finished creating the wall of fire, Zuko pitched his energy to the barrier and the three held onto it. Jian released his grip first and scuttled behind the two remaining, he tapped Yao on the shoulder, who waited a short while before releasing and moving back. As Yao relieved his energy, the flame turn a more pure orange colour and soon Zuko was patted on the shoulder.
As Yao and Ruon retreated as Zuko brought his hands close, as he was holding an imaginary ball. The fire around him arced around like a wave and with a strong breath he expelled the wall of fire in a large shockwave.
Not having time for his body to respite, Zuko ran weakly for the exit. He ran through the gate towards his freedom, though he couldn't see Yao and Jian ahead of him. Soon after, the two rode past him on ostrich-horses, and Zuko was able to leap onto the rear of Yao's saddle. With everybody finally secure the three rode into the woods.
/New Scene
Once the three were a decent way away from the fortress, Yao and Jian slowed their Ostrich-Horses to a hastened walk. They caught up with the caravan that was transporting most of the prisoners shortly before they reached base camp again.
Zuko looked upon the camp, smaller than before he left with a few forces on patrol. The whole group of assailants exited the caravan and was sorted immediately by Chan, being located to temporary bedding, Zuko jumped off the animal and walked towards Chit Sang, before noticing Jin walking slowly over to Chan. He stopped pursuing Chit Sang and made his way over to the two.
"Umm, Hello ma'am" Chan was a little surprised with Jin's sudden appearance.
"Hi…" she said softly, trying here best to have eye contact.
Chan was a little confused with her request, "Do you need a bed?" he said rather slowly.
"Do you have one that's not so… open?" She asked, where Chan began looking around the camp.
Zuko made it close enough that the two could hear him, "She can sleep in my tent for as long as she needs." He proclaimed.
"Hello, you." She said begrudgingly. Her attention immediately turning back to Chan.
"My lord, if you're willing, that can be arranged. Where will you sleep though? Do you wish me to clear you a bed under a tent?" Chan asked.
"No need," Zuko said, he took off the swords on his back, "If there are any free bed rolls, I'll take that, or just a comfortable place on the ground will do."
"Of course sir." Chan bowed, and Jin looked back at Zuko.
He had released the belt as well, fully expended of explosives and began walking towards his tent, "Follow me Jin." He said.
She stayed put, not moving her feet with him. Zuko looked over his shoulder and noticed she wasn't following, he turned around fully and faced her.
"No." Jin said, her mind holding the words that she wanted to say, "I don't know who you are," Jin walked forward angrily, "and I don't care really. There is so much that I've been through and I have absolutely no reason to believe anything you say." Jin had made it to Zuko, and was now pushing her index finger against his chest, her voice getting louder. "You are a fraud, a liar and most dastardly, a heart-breaker. I never want to see you again and to be honest, I wish I never met you!"
Many eyes around the camp looked at the two and the prisoner officer had quickly gotten out of his bedroll and ran to the two.
"Sorry my Lord for this. I feel like I've egged on this behaviour out of her." As he bowed Jin looked at him with disgust, the officer was going to continue talking, before Zuko cut him off.
"It's alright, stand down." Zuko held his hand out for him to stand back.
He stood straight again and looked at Jin, "Do you wish to use my bedroll ma'am?"
She sighed and looked at him, "Fine."
"Very well," Zuko said with little hints of optimism, "I am going to retire for the night, soldier."
Zuko walked off as the officer guided Jin to where she would be sleeping.
.
.
.
Zuko pushed back the flaps to his tent, his small bag sitting next to his bedroll. On the other side of his makeshift pillow was the two portraits of his family. He lightly dropped the swords and belt at the foot of the bed and collapsed into the comfortable mattress. He rolled himself over and faced the roof. He turned his head to the portraits, smiling at them before falling into the black of sleep.
