Equivalent Exchange
Chapter 26: For Every Action, there's a Reaction
Zhao's ship, approaching Capitol City
Zhao's thigh was heavily bandaged and the gash beneath was held together with thick, wiry stitches. He lay on the hard, stiff mattress in his ship's cabin and contemplated all that had happened on the Crescent Isle. Even Zhao had to admit that things did not look good for him. But, he would not go down without a fight. And part of that fight was down in the prison hold. Five fire sages were chained up, awaiting their own destiny in the Fire Nation capitol. They were Zhao's offering to Ozai, five traitors to soften him up before delivering the disturbing news about Zuko and the Avatar. Of course, they weren't really traitors. The commander knew that but he didn't care. He would do anything to preserve his life; lie, kill, it didn't matter.
He wondered then just how angry Ozai would be. Zhao shuddered beneath the thin blanket and recalled the Agni Kai that had marred Prince Zuko's face so terribly and been the catalyst for his banishment. Would such a thing happen to him?
He tapped his thick, strong fingers on the bedside table, making sounds that resembled a soldier's march. He needed to convince the Fire Lord of his value, his worthiness, despite the mistakes he had made. A plan began to formulate in his mind, the pieces joining together slowly and almost painfully. The origins of this plan came from a visit he paid, years before, to a library, deep in the Earth Kingdom's largest desert. Yes, he would propose the plan to Ozai, distract him from the disconcerting revelation that his son and brother were very much alive and very much enemies of the state.
It would work. It had to. There was so much left that Zhao wanted to do; capture the child Avatar, lie with Mai while the prince was forced to watch and then kill them both slowly and painfully. The commander believed firmly in goals and ambition. His lips curled upward in an ugly facsimile of a smile.
Earth Kingdom Village
Once back in the small Earth Kingdom village, alive and relatively uninjured, both Mai and Zuko were pulled into a bracing hug by first Iroh and then Jee. The young people were their children now, their hope and their futures. If something happened to either one, both men would be devastated.
After everyone was disentangled, Iroh turned his attention to the Avatar and his Water Tribe friends.
"Did you find what you were looking for?" he asked the grey eyed boy kindly.
"Well, yes, I guess so. My connection with Roku is strong again and he gave me some information. But, as Mai said, you already know about the comet coming."
"Ah, yes, the comet," Iroh repeated. He stroked his long beard and looked at the boy thoughtfully. "You have much to learn, don't you? The pressure, I'm sure, is difficult to bear. And you're alone in the world, despite your fine new friends."
"I'm the only airbender yes, but Katara and Sokka are like family already and now we have you guys too."
"They're hardly like family," Katara interjected sourly. "We don't know them. I'm still not sure that I trust them either. But, they did help at Roku's temple. I'll give them that."
"What's it going to take?" Zuko asked the girl. "We're on your side."
Katara tugged on her long brown braid and examined Zuko through narrowed blue eyes.
"I don't know," she replied softly. "Time, I guess. Can you really blame me?"
"No," Mai stepped in calmly. "You have your reasons and we understand, don't we, Zuko?"
"Yes, Mai," he agreed.
Katara looked at Mai gratefully and a sort of understanding passed between the two young women.
"You're all in luck," Iroh announced, rubbing his hands together. "These wonderful villagers, whom I had a lovely time getting to know while you were gone, are planning a feast for us. They have rooms and baths set aside for all of you. So before continuing your journey, Aang, you can rest up. And I hope that you will allow our little group to help yours in the future. We can follow along behind on our ostrich horses."
"We don't want anyone holding us up," Katara answered quickly.
"You know, sis, there are three firebenders over there and Aang needs to learn firebending too. I think it would be smart to accept their help and maybe bend just a little. Ha, ha bend just a little; do you get it? And how many other Fire Nation people do we know?"
"Oh, I forgot about that," she amended. "I suppose that we do need you after all. But Aang's concentrating on waterbending first."
"So what, we're supposed to magically appear when you need a firebender?" Mai asked.
Her voice was flat but there was a glint in her gold eyes.
"I don't know," Katara replied. "Follow us if you want, help if you want. I don't really care anymore. Look, this whole thing is hard for me."
The waterbender stomped off and sat down on the steps of the village's central building, a community centre of sorts.
"How do you live with her?" Mai asked Sokka. "She's all over the place."
"She's my sister," he shrugged. "She looks after me and now Aang too. I know that Katara can be a little, uh, moody, but she's a good person. She has a good heart. "
"Will she ever accept us?" Zuko asked this time.
"Sure, she will. Just let her figure things out and keep doing what you're doing. The Fire Nation really hurt us. It's hard to forge that."
"Come on now, everyone. Let's go see what's cooking for dinner," Iroh said with a wide grin. "It's been a few hours since I ate."
"Uncle," Zuko began. "We need to talk. It's important."
"Alright then; can it wait until after dinner or do you want to talk now?"
Zuko looked to Mai, willing to accept whatever choice she made.
"Let's do it now," she decided.
"Is it private or shall I stay?" Jee asked Mai as she led the men to a quiet spot in a corner of the village square.
"Um, stay," Mai replied.
She had nothing to hide from Jee. He was dear to both her and Zuko, a loyal friend and another sorely needed father figure in their lives. They sat down on the ground, in a sort of circle, facing each other. Zuko began.
"We flew over a Fire Nation blockade and Zhao was there."
"Oh Agni," Iroh sighed. "That's not good."
"No, it's not," Zuko continued. "Once we made it by the blockade he followed us. He already knew that Aang had a firebender with him. I needed to diffuse some of the fireballs. He had one of those huge telescopes so I'm sure he knew it was Mai and I even before he got to the island."
"He knew," Mai said firmly.
She grimaced and then wiped at herself as if removing the remainders of Zhao's unwanted touch.
"He wanted to capture all of us. Aang was inside the sanctum already but he chained the rest of us up. He must have had twenty men along with the five fire sages who tried to stop Aang. When we were tied up, he, he, um, did things to Mai, he touched her …"
"I think I understand, nephew," Iroh said gently and placed a hand on his arm. "There's no need to say more. Are you alright, dear?" he asked, looking directly at Mai.
She nodded but her hand went to the large bruise on her cheek.
"He did that to you?"
"Yes, after I bit his finger. He had them all over my face. Then his fingers roamed other places. I cut the slimy creep's leg with a blade I kept hidden in my hand. That stopped him."
"Well done," both Jee and Iroh applauded. "Too bad you didn't aim a bit more toward the middle." *
"I know," Mai moaned.
"I'm sorry you had to experience that, Mai. Zhao is lower than a snake and something really needs to be done about him," the former general continued.
"He'll be after us, Uncle, and Aang as well. And he'll be reporting to Ozai. There'll be a bounty on my head now and on Mai's."
"Indeed, your father will be very displeased to learn that you're alive. It's been over two years already. I'm certain that he's grooming Azula for the throne. You're a threat again, to both of them. And Mai, your parents, what will they think?"
"I'm sure my status as enemy of the state will embarrass and humiliate them. They'll wish I was really dead."
She reached for Zuko's hand then and linked her fingers through his. He squeezed letting her know that he was there for her.
"I want to kill Zhao," the prince stated suddenly and viciously. "He doesn't deserve to live just like those Rough Rhinos. He's threatened Mai more than once now and if he ever gets his hands on her, what he would do would be unconscionable. I won't let it happen. I will kill him first."
"I understand that, Prince Zuko," Jee finally said. "We'll do our best to keep you and Mai both safe from any harm. But killing is serious business. You live with every life you've taken for the rest of your own. You're not a murderer, Zuko; a protector, yes, but not a murderer."
"I won't hesitate, not if someone is threatening Mai. I won't," the prince said defiantly.
"Zuko," Mai said. "Don't get all worked up. I'll be fine. Zhao won't get his hands on me. You're not the only one who'll do what it takes."
He knew she spoke the truth. Mai would defend him as strongly as he would her. And she would take nothing lying down. He was so proud of her in so many ways.
"Are your new friends aware of all this?" Iroh asked.
"They heard Zhao. They know he wants us dead," Mai replied.
"Hmm, yes; and traveling together will unfortunately make it easier for the commander and anyone else who might be after us. We're all in one convenient group," Jee reminded everyone.
They thought about that then, the difficulties and trials that certainly lay ahead for all of them. Quiet reigned for a few minutes. The sounds of the village reached them as they mused; children laughing, mothers calling them in to dinner, men talking. It was peaceful.
"I think we need to stick with Aang for awhile at least," Zuko mused. "He's naïve, young. He'll need protection sometimes and we can provide that. They need to make it to the North Pole unharmed."
"Agreed," Iroh said with a grin. "Now let's eat."
Mai turned over on the narrow mattress meant for a child. Katara slept next to her on another mattress. They were in a tiny bedroom at the back of a house that someone had kindly opened up to them. Both the girls had bathed and the village healer had applied an ointment to Mai's bruise. Her cheekbone was very sore and there was a slight swelling as well.
"Very attractive," Mai whispered to herself as she gently pressed her fingers into the tender flesh.
She was restless and couldn't sleep. It was odd having an almost complete stranger lying a few feet away. The men were all in the community centre sleeping in their bedrolls on the wooden floor. She missed having Zuko beside her. Being together at night was routine now, though she never got over the wonder of it; the sound of his breathing, the beating of his heart, warm arms coiled around her, sleepy eyes, kisses and so much more.
Sighing, she sat up and looked over at Katara. The Water Tribe girl looked peaceful. Her breathing was soft and even. Mai took the time to examine her. She was pretty and though a year younger seemed curvier than Mai. Her hair was a chestnut brown colour, long, thick and wavy and her skin was several shades darker than Mai's own. It was obvious to anyone with any kind of observational skills, that the Avatar was infatuated with the girl, in love with her maybe. Well, Zuko probably hadn'tnoticed. But then, his ability to see that sort of thing was limited. Mai smiled at the thought of her sometime clueless betrothed.
She stood up then and left the bedroom, eager to get some fresh air and stretch her legs. Perhaps that would help her sleep. Tiptoeing through the house, she made it to the only door, opened it gingerly and walked outside, closing the door silently behind her. She could see Zuko down the street, standing on the steps of the community building. He looked her way and smiled sheepishly. In his hands were a blanket and his bed roll.
Eager now to feel his arms around her, Mai ran down the wide dirt street that cut through the village's centre.
"I couldn't sleep," he whispered into her ear when she pressed her face into his chest and he encircled her with warmth. "Not with you so far away."
"I was only a few buildings down from you," Mai replied dryly, but she knew exactly what he meant.
"Let's go," he whispered again and began to pull her around the back of the meeting hall and out into the forest that still grew green and strong there.
Once well into the woods, Zuko stopped and pressed her against the trunk of a large oak tree. He kissed her eagerly, his hot tongue poking its way into her mouth and then exploring every corner, every curve, running along teeth and then entwining its way around her tongue.
"Zuko," Mai said hoarsely when they broke apart and gulped in the cool night air.
He began to tug at her clothes, wanting to feel bare skin beneath his hands. She helped, skillfully stepping out of them and then standing naked before him. As always, she literally stole his breath. And as always, he simply stared for a few minutes. Mai was accustomed to this inspection of his now and had even come to enjoy it. She felt powerful and womanly and very, very loved.
The prince touched her everywhere then, his caresses light and gentle, only growing more insistent after Mai made it known that she was ready. Her skin was cool to the touch and little raised bumps covered her body.
"Here, do you feel warmer now?" Zuko asked as he allowed his chi to flow and his hands became like dully burning embers.
He ran his hands up and down her arms and then her thighs. Mai shivered not from cold now, but from delight.
"Feels so good," she finally replied.
Zuko gave her a smirk and then began to kiss her again. They ended up on the forest floor, clothes scattered everywhere and Zuko's bedroll somewhere beneath them. Discomfort didn't matter. They didn't notice it anyway. They were so completely lost in the moment. Their passion burned as bright as any fire Zuko could make and when it was finally sated, for the moment at least, they crept back into their clothing and curled up together, wrapping the blanket Zuko had brought around them snugly. They both drifted into sleep with ease.
The young couple slept deeply until well past sunrise. When they finally stirred and walked back into the village, everyone was waiting for them. Mai's hair was in a mess and Zuko's tunic was on inside out. Sokka stared openly and gave Zuko a sly look as he walked by. Katara glared disapprovingly.
"I couldn't sleep," Mai gave by way of an explanation, daring Katara to verbally express that disapproval.
The waterbender kept her mouth shut but followed the couple with her eyes.
"We were worried," Iroh said mildly when Mai and Zuko joined him. "Breakfast has already been served. Go grab something to eat and get ready to leave."
"Alright, Uncle," Zuko replied.
As soon as the couple was inside the meeting hall, Katara pelted Iroh with questions.
"They're not even married, right?" she asked the former general. "Do you condone what they're doing?"
"Young lady, their lives have taken very different paths than the ones set out for them from birth. They've struggled and worked hard and seen a lot. They love each other deeply and that love grows daily. I accept it all as a wonderful miracle for both Mai and Zuko. I will not deny them the comfort they take in each other's arms."
"Comfort," Katara sneered. "I think it's more than that."
"Um, Katara, it's really none of your business," Sokka interjected.
He hauled on her arm, trying to pry her away from Iroh. But she dug in her heels and wouldn't go.
"He's right," Iroh winked. "It is none of your business."
She looked affronted then but ceased her questioning and stomped off behind her brother.
An hour and a half later, clean, well fed and packed, Mai and Zuko mounted their ostrich horses and led the way northward, following the coastline. The prince looked at the startling purple bruise on Mai's cheek every so often and then clenched his hands tightly on the reins. He hated Zhao and he wanted to make the commander pay dearly for all that he had done.
"I'm okay, Zuko. It only hurts a bit," Mai said reassuringly when she noticed his glances.
"He, he violated you, Mai and he should pay."
"I wouldn't go that far," the young woman said reasonably. "But he wanted to and probably still wants to and the thought makes me feel sick. I don't want any man to ever touch me but you."
Zuko blushed lightly and looked up at the sky, his eyes trained on the large bison flying ahead of them.
"It's going to be hard to keep up with them," he observed.
Two days later they were camped by a pretty waterfall a few miles inland. The water thundered down into a river that grew wider and wider until it reached the sea.
"I think Aang and I should practice our waterbending here," Katara informed the Fire Nation group.
"Fair enough," Iroh agreed amicably. "Zuko and Mai can train as well."
"And just what am I supposed to do?" Sokka whined.
Aang handed him a brush.
"You can clean between Appa's toes. He really likes it."
"Oh, thanks," the young man grumbled. "I get all the fun."
Once done with Appa he approached Mai and Zuko, sitting off to the side at first and watching them train with their swords.
"What do you want?" Zuko asked crankily.
"I'm just watching. I love swords and knives. Do you think I could hold yours, or Mai's?"
"When I'm done with it," Zuko replied.
He was true to his word and allowed Sokka to hold the dao. He even gave him a few pointers while he went through some firebending forms.
"Amazing," Sokka said dreamily. "I'm going to have my own one day."
"If you think that's amazing, watch Mai with her blades."
The young woman picked a target and threw knife after knife and shuriken after shuriken, leaving her holstered arrows for last. By the time she finished, the Water Tribe warrior's mouth hung open and he looked at Mai with deep respect.
"You're like my hero," he stated.
Mai gave him a small smile.
"It took years of practice," she explained.
"Mai taught herself," Zuko added proudly. "She's incredible."
"Zuko taught himself the dao," Mai informed Sokka. "We had a lot of time for awhile."
"Cool, and who taught you the sword?"
"Piandao, legendary sword master; he came all the way from the Fire Nation to the Earth Kingdom to teach me and help Zuko," Mai explained.
"Wow, maybe one day I'll meet him."
"Maybe," Zuko agreed.
"Sokka," Katara called. "We're going in to that port town in a few minutes."
"You guys coming?" Sokka asked the couple.
Iroh appeared from somewhere and wrapped an arm around his nephew's shoulder.
"Yes, we are. I'm thinking about buying another sungi horn. I miss making music."
Mai and Zuko groaned.
Fire Nation Palace
Zhao paced nervously outside Fire Lord Ozai's throne room. He'd been waiting for an hour already. The princess had walked by twice, looked at him disdainfully and then continued on. He watched as she moved down the long, wide hallway. At only fourteen years old Azula walked with authority. He could almost smell her power. He wouldn't admit it to anyone, but she frightened him and so did her father.
"You may enter now, Commander Zhao," a servant announced.
The young man held aside the thick curtains that covered the room's opening and then left, leaving Zhao alone with the Fire Lord. As he walked, not too slowly and not too quickly, he kept his eyes on the shape partially hidden by a wall of orange and red flames. He bowed deeply when he stood directly in front of Ozai and waited for permission to speak.
"Go ahead," Ozai finally said, somewhat dismissively. "Give me whatever news you have. Since the Avatar is not in one of the basement rooms hanging from chains, I assume that what you have to report is not good."
Commander Zhao cleared his throat.
"Have you heard, my lord, of the destruction on the Crescent Isle?"
"Yes, yes, I heard. The volcano erupted and the temples were drowned in lava."
"I brought you five traitors, five fire sages who serve you no longer."
"Yes, yes, a pittance. Go on."
Zhao gulped; so much for the traitors softening up the Fire Lord.
"The Avatar was there, my lord. He caused the destruction. Well actually it was Roku's spirit. You see the boy traveled to the Crescent Isle to communicate with his past life on the solstice."
Ozai raised a hand and the flames went down. He peered at Zhao now, his eyes narrow and cruel looking.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, Commander Zhao; were you not in charge of a blockade around our islands?"
"Yes, my lord."
"And yet, the Avatar managed to get behind that blockade."
"Yes, my lord. But he had help."
"Really, two Water Tribe children outwitted you?"
"You see, the bison managed to dodge a lot of the fireballs and, and your son, Prince Zuko, took care of the rest."
For a moment, Zhao was certain that Ozai hadn't heard. He thought about repeating the last dreadful words, but the flames rose then, almost touching the ceiling and the heat that came off them was suffocating.
"My son is alive?" the Fire Lord roared. "You assured me more than two years ago that his ship exploded and he along with it. Did you lie to me?"
"No, no, I was certain that he died along with Mai and Iroh and the crew. I don't know how they did it. Perhaps they escaped in one of the smaller boats."
"Perhaps, you say; you disappoint me, Zhao. I promoted you to Commander for killing the damnable pest. And he's been walking around the Earth Kingdom, free as a bird, gathering forces against me."
"We don't know that, my lord."
"He's joined forces with the Avatar, my biggest threat. What does that tell you?"
Zhao hung his head and said nothing.
"And you couldn't capture my weak son either or his girlfriend? My faith in you is waning, Zhao. I think you need to be punished."
"But my lord, Zuko, he's changed; he's stronger now, more sure of himself."
"Surely, not stronger than you?" Ozai asked mockingly.
"Roku, he helped them, my lord. It wasn't my fault. I tried my best. All I want to do is serve you well and bring honour to the Fire Nation."
"That," Ozai said, "that I believe. Because of your loyalty, I will spare your face and the humiliation of a public agni kai. But for your failure and your incompetence I will burn you. Open your tunic."
With shaking fingers, Zhao bared his chest.
"Move closer," Ozai ordered.
The commander inched his way forward. He had to force his feet to move. When the blast came, quickly and without warning, Zhao lost consciousness for a moment. When he awoke, he was on the floor, his chest a mess of seared and blackened flesh. The pain was mind numbing.
Ozai stood over Zhao. He knelt down to whisper in the man's ear.
"Now, when you dress every morning, think of me, think of my power, my rage. Do not make any more mistakes. I will not be so kind next time. You have three days to recover. I'll provide a room and a healer. After that I want you gone. You will capture the Avatar and you will capture my son and my brother along with the girl. Do you understand?"
Zhao blinked, trying to focus on anything but the pain.
"Y,yes, my lord. Wait, I have a plan. You must hear it…the Northern Water Tribe… I can destroy it. I need a flotilla of ships. Give them to me and everything that you want will be yours."
"Hmmm," Ozai replied coldly. "I'll need to hear more. I'll come to see you tonight, after dinner with my daughter. Really, Zhao, you could take a lesson from her."
* a few of you mentioned that in reviews so I thought I would mention it here.