Another One Book 3: Another Dawn
Ba Sing Se has fallen, and Alec fell with it. She is betrayed by Prince Zuko. Instead of escaping with her friends she is taken to her home land in chains. Her feelings from Ba Sing Se are still there, but no longer does she know what to make of them. When she comes down to her lowest point she might have to trust, and forgive the one who betrayed her to survive.
Book 3
Chapter 1: Another Dawn
The dark consumed me. It was the only thing I saw because I couldn't see anything at all. There was no light in this cell that caged me in. Even if I put my hand in front of my face I wouldn't be able to see it. There was no sound either. Just ear numbing silence that filled my ears. I was blind and deaf to the world with only my thoughts to keep me company. There was nothing to do but think, but after days of doing that I was surprised I hadn't gone crazy. For over a week I had sat in this cell just thinking. Not once did I see light or hear voices that reassured me of my sanity.
My thoughts were dark as the room as I was in. They went to dark places about my future because there was only one future I had. It was called death. There was no question about it. Ever since I was eight I knew I would be killed for who I was. Now the whole world knew I was an abomination. I was the blemish to the Fire Lord's ideal world. I was the last airbender.
Aang was dead. I denied it for the first few days. I told myself that he wasn't dead. That he wasn't shot down by Azula and thrown out of the Avatar State, but every time I tried to deny it my mind replayed his death over and over again. His lifeless form and his unmoving chest were just a reminder that he was. Once I finally accepted that my friend was killed I felt cold. I felt like all the hope I had for ending this war and for fighting were gone. I had no reason to believe the world would make it without its savior.
Then my mind went to my other friends; Katara, Sokka, and Toph. Were they even alive? Had the Fire Nation found them and killed them as well? These were just a few of the unanswered questions that would probably never be answered. I would never see them again and it pained me to think about it. I only had the memories of them that would die along with me.
Agni, I was an idiot.
Over a week ago I never thought this would happen, but I should have known that I was living a fantasy. There were only two reasons as to why we went to Ba Sing Se. To find Appa and to gain allies for the invasion on the Day of Black Sun. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would find Prince Zuko and Uncle Iroh working in a small tea house in the Lower Ring. I should have told my friends, but I didn't. Instead I kept a secret believing I was doing more good than harm. Then something happened that flipped everything around. I developed feelings for Zuko. I wasn't prepared for any of it, and I fell for him. I let him come in and convince me he had the same feelings.
Every day and every night that I spent in this cell I felt the undying guilt eat me alive. I was reason for all of this. I put my trust in to the Fire Nation Prince. The banish Prince that only cared about his honor and restoring it. Why did I do it? Why did I not tell my friends that Zuko was in Ba Sing Se when I had the chance? Was I worried about Uncle Iroh being taken prisoner as well? I really didn't understand my whole reason behind it anymore.
All I knew was that I was going to die, and that maybe, just maybe, I was better off dead. I was ready for death. I had prepared myself for it if that was even possible. I slowly tried to accept my fate, but there was something in me telling, that I should fight. I wanted to laugh at that feeling, but there was no humor in me. I couldn't laugh or smile, but the very thought of fighting was tempting yet futile. I was so very weak. I didn't have the energy to do anything.
It's not that I didn't want to it's that I physical couldn't. Only once a day I got a bowl of rice. It wasn't sufficient enough to keep up my strength, but enough to keep me alive. I tried to keep track of the days by the meals I got, but some days I didn't even get any. So I tried to keep track by my sleep schedule, but there was some nights or days where I wouldn't sleep at all. It's not like I could tell the difference. I had no dreams and all I saw was black when I slept. Sometimes I played back the good memories just to pass the time, but that only led to the bad ones.
I could have been thinking about me and Sokka disguised in red to go in to the Fire Nation colony, but then it led to Azula taking away my tunic.
She stood in front of me. The door was opened, but she stood in the way of my exit. The red smile on her lips made the malicious glint in her eyes sparkle. She wore the green disguise that I last saw her in during the battle. I had no clue as to why she was here. I didn't go in to my fighting stance, but I did stand on defense. My muscles were tense and ready to strike if need to.
"Look what we have here. The airbender has fallen in to the hands of the Fire Nation. It was too easy," She drawled. She examined her nails in a satisfactory, and I clinched my fists. I just wanted to wipe that smug little look on her face with my fist. If she just came here to mock me I was going to do it.
"I shouldn't have expected a lot from a low life trying to pass as one of us though," She said, and her eyes ran up and down my tunic. It was the crimson long sleeved one that Dad had given me when I was eleven. She seemed to grow an interest in it the second she saw it. I stepped back and grimaced at her. That's when she corrected her perfect posture and narrowed her eyes.
"Take it off," She ordered. The shock I felt betrayed on my face as my jaw dropped. She already knew that I knew what she was talking about. They had already taken my daggers while I was unconscious there was no way they were taking my tunic.
"No," I hissed. My voice came out clear and steady. She was crazy if she thought I would give it up, but then she tilted her head to the side.
"What did you say?" She asked sweetly, but it was just a cover to hide the threatening tone underneath. She was just as evil and terrifying as the last times I saw her, but I refused to be terrified. Fearing her would just be an advantage she could have over me. Something I wouldn't give her.
"I said 'no'," I repeated, but then her eyes grew in amusement as the smile became sadistic. Her joy in my defiance took me back. Why was she happy? I asked myself, but with a piercing snap of her fingers three Dai Li agents walked in. Slowly while looking at the floor they stopped behind her. There shadow casting over me as I tried to back up.
"You're not worthy to wear our colors," She told me before sending the men behind her after me.
I reached up and placed my hand on my jaw, but flinched as I touched one of the many bruises. I fought back like my life depended on it, but it was one fourteen year old girl against three grown men. The odds were against me. They attacked me as much as I attacked them; sending violent blows to my face, stomach, and sides. One of them actually tried to choke me in hopes that I would pass out, but they regretted it as soon as my foot made contact with his gut. It was a violent exchange, and by the end of it I was on the floor without my tunic in my breast bindings. I wanted revenge, and I wanted my tunic back. Even though I knew I would die before I could do any of those things.
Another day in the dark passed me by. I started sweating from the heat, and tried to wipe some of it off. The days were hot and it felt like an oven in this metal cell. I was basically swimming in my own perspiration. It was disgusting. With my hand I glided it across my forehead, but all I did was add an extra layer. I tried to wipe my hands on my pants but the fabric was soaking wet almost. If I wasn't going to die in the hands of the Fire Nation, then I was going to drown from my own sweat. After a few minutes I gave up with a sigh.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
What was that? I thought. Really what was it? Was it noise? Was it my mind playing tricks on me? It sounded like something gently hitting against the metal. I strained my ears that hadn't been used in ages to try to hear it again.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
There it was. Joy filled me. I hadn't gone deaf, but then I heard it again. It was getting louder and sounded like it was getting closer. The soft tapping turned in to something that sounded like footsteps. I was surprised to hear this. Even though someone always came to drop off a meal I was always sleep when they did. That's when a loud banging struck the door. I covered my ears at the loud noise, and turned towards the sound. I wondered what was happening, but I didn't have to wonder for long because the door swung open.
The over whelming light blinded me, and I couldn't see a thing. I felt like my body was burning from this light, but I knew it wasn't. I forced my grey eyes to adjust to my new surroundings, and once I could see I gasped. Two Fire Nation soldiers stood in front of me. I tried to back up but before I could even move one of the men in front of me grabbed my arm. That's when my panic sunk in and I began struggling. I tried to pull my arm out of his hold, but it was like a small tug. With my other fist I began hitting him, but the other soldier caught my wrist.
I was easily pulled up, and pushed against the metal wall. My face was smashed against the warm surface as both of my hands were restrained behind my back. I kicked and moved but that's when I realized how weak I was. My struggling was done in vain because it was like a small child trying to escape. When they finally had my hands tied I was spun around. I only got a glimpse of their uniforms before a bag was placed over my head.
I couldn't see anything except for the brown cloth blocking my vision. It became hard to breath, but I needed to stay calm. With a shove I was directed towards the door. I had no idea where I was, but with every push and shove I knew I was going somewhere I didn't want to go. I could barely walk from the little strength I had, and I was surprised I hadn't collapsed. My legs were shaking under my weight, and I almost fell down when I was pointed towards a flight of stairs. Carefully I took every step up until I was at the top.
I was relieved that I didn't fall, but as soon as I stepped on the new surface my blood ran cold. Finally after weeks of wondering where I was I knew, and I wished I hadn't. The familiar metal under my feet, the blazing sun on my skin, and the smell of sea water was all I needed to know that I was on a ship. This was bad. For weeks I've been on a ship. I thought I was in a cell in Ba Sing Se not a ship. It all made sense now. The heat in the cell wasn't from the changing season. It was from the changing climate. I was no longer in the Earth Kingdom, but in the Fire Nation.
I was back in my home land, but in chains. This was the same place I grew up, but left almost a year ago. Memories of the hot summers skimmed through my mind, but were pushed away when I was pushed forward. One of the Fire Nation soldiers grabbed my arm and led me down the gang blank. I wanted to resist and run away, but I knew without my sight I wouldn't get far. I would most likely end up running in to the water and killing myself.
Once I made it off the gang blank I stepped on to dry land. I forget the rush that came with standing on land for the first time, and I felt like everything was swaying back and forth. I still wasn't sure how I didn't know I was on a ship. I never heard the sounds of water slamming against the walls or felt the sway of the ship, but that's what I get for passing out. My legs felt like jelly and they really started shaking. It was hard going in a straight line, but I kept walking.
I walked forward in to the unknown until I was pulled to a stop, but then I was roughly pushed. I landed gracelessly on to a metal surface, and I heard a door slam shut behind me. Great another cell. I thought to myself but right after I did it started moving. Fear crept up behind me and began to move back. That's when I realized I was not in a cell. I couldn't find a name for it, but whatever it was it was taking me somewhere I didn't want to go. I gulped and tried to calm myself.
For an hour, I think, I sat down in the corner. Mentally I prepared myself again for my ending. I told myself I couldn't do anything about it, and if I was going down I was going to do it with the last of my pride and honor. As I thought about everything I realized something; Mom and Azzan would be waiting for me in the Spirit World. I could see them again. I can wrapped my arms around my mother, and finally meet my little brother. The very thought brought tears to my eyes, but I didn't let them fall. There wasn't any way I could wipe them off due to the fact that my hands were tied behind my back.
I was getting used to the movements of the box I was in when I heard the door that I came in from open. It made an awful screeching noise that was followed by loud footsteps. A hand wrapped itself around my arm with a painful grip, and I was pulled on to my feet. From there I was shoved out and made to walk again. I was so confused. I wanted to rip this bag off my head. My feet and legs hurt from all the exercise they had not been given in a while, and I had to force myself to keep going.
Every once in a while I was pulled to a stop, but this time as I stood there waiting to be shoved again I heard something. It was as if something big was being moved. A gust of air hit me and sent a chill down my spine. When the sensation ended I was signaled to start moving, but everything changed. I no longer walked on earth, but on a hard surface, the blazing sun didn't touch my skin, and I knew I was in a building. I clinched my eyes shut wishing I could disappear as I took a step closer to my death.
Calm down. Hold yourself together. You'll be with Mom and Azzan soon. I told myself. The thought was comforting and it gave me enough energy to put on an emotionless mask. I was ready, but that didn't stop the fear I felt eat my alive. I felt light headed, but I walked steady. Maybe it was from the lack of food and water. The idea was juvenile know because as I was pulled to another stop the bag was brutally ripped off my head.
My eyes shut in defense, but snapped open as I gasped for air. The overwhelming light blinded me once again, and it took a second to regain my vision. All I saw was red and gold in front of me. A red curtain with a gold Fire Nation insignia made as a door to where ever I was going.
This is it, Alec. Hold your head high and show no fear. That was my last piece of advice I gave myself before I was pushed forward. I lifted my head and stood erect as I made my way through the curtain. When I walked in I was sure what to expect, but it was nothing like I had in mind. The room was huge with wooden floors and many large pillars. A path was made towards a blazing fire which lit the area. Behind that fire I could faintly see three figures, but I was too far to make them out. As I walked towards the fire I caught a glimpse of green, and snapped my head towards the left.
Uncle Iroh stood there in chains with four Fire Nation soldiers next to him. He wore the same thing he had in Ba Sing Se and looked relativity healthy. Even though he looked unharmed he looked tired. His eyes had dark shadows underneath them from days without sleep. He was surprised to see me as much as I was to see him. The tired expression turned to one of shock and concern. Did he even know I was taken during the battle? It was very likely. I had crashed into the wall in the catacombs obviously it was noticeable.
I took my last glance at Uncle Iroh before turning my head around. I really wish he wouldn't see here. I didn't want him to witness my death. I had no control over it though as I walked closer towards the flames. The figures became clearer with every step and when I came to a stop I saw it. I was standing in the throne room in the Fire Nation Palace. Fire Lord Ozai sat on the throne looking down on me as I glared at him. He looked exactly how he did in the pictures. From the corner of my eye I glanced to his left and right. There sat Azula. Princess of the Fire Nation on his left. She had a very satisfied smirk on her face as she looked at me. I still wanted to choke her.
Then there was the Prince of the Fire Nation.
Prince Zuko sat to the right of his father. He was cladded in royal Fire Nation armor, and his hair was up in a Fire Nation top knot. He looked like the perfect prince, but behind that image I knew who he was. I knew the lies he told and the act he played. I knew who Zuko was. I glanced at him and our eyes caught each other's. Inside his amber eyes were shock, concern, and sadness. Those eyes used to captivate me, but now they added to the fire of anger I felt. I averted my gaze forward and watched as Fire Lord Ozai stood up from his throne.
"Bow to your King," The soldier next to me ordered. I didn't listen. Instead I glared at Ozai as he stepped down from his throne.
"Bow to your King!" The solider demanded again, and again I refused to listen. That's when I was struck. The Fire Nation soldier walked in front of me and slapped me across the face. My neck craned to the right, and my left cheek stung. The impact was heard throughout the Throne Room and silence was left behind. My eyes began to water from the harsh blow, but I refused to move. I was not going to bow at the feet of Ozai. The soldier finally understood, and grasped the back of my neck. I tried to push him off, but he shoved me down. My knees slammed on to the wooden floor, and I could've sworn I heard something crack. The soldier then moved away from me. I would have stood back up, but I was too weak to.
With the little energy I had I sat up straight, and tried to hold my pride together. It was hard to when you were just back handed in front of everybody in the room, and shoved on to your knees, but I still tried. I gave in icy glare to the Fire Lord as he took his last steps towards me. He looked amused. Just had Azula had when I first met her, and just had Zuko had when I first met him. For some twisted reason I amused them. They were all sick in there twisted heads anyways so that was a reason.
"So this is the airbender?" He asked emotionless. He seemed to examine me with him eyes, and I felt dirty. I had no tunic, vest, or shirt to cover my chest except for my bindings, and I knew what he was looking at. Without looking behind him he spoke to his children.
"I am proud of you two. I am proud because you two have conjured Ba Sing Se," He began to explain as he slowly circled me.
"I am proud because when your loyalty was tested, you did the right thing and captured your Uncle; traitor of the Fire Nation. I am proud not just because you captured the traitor, but also a prize. You brought back the last airbender," He continued but finally stopped in front of me.
"So what do you suggest we do now, Father?" Azula asked wickedly and Ozai looked down on me. This is where it ends. I was going to be sent to my death. A picture of Mom and Azzan flashed in my mind and it gave me strength for what was to come. This is where it ends because with a snap of his fingers I could be executed on the spot.
"Prince Zuko. For showing courage and restoring your honor I give her to you," Ozai announced, and everything stopped. My heart stopped, my mind stopped, I couldn't breathe. What did he just say? I asked myself, but with no answer. I wasn't going to die? I wasn't going to die. Realization hit me hard, and I felt like I was going to collapsed. I wasn't going to die, but instead I was given a sentence worse than death.
"She is yours to warm your bed and do as to what you wish. I want her broken in to nothing. I want her as a symbol to what the airbenders are. They are nothing," Ozai declared, and my eyes widen. Zuko was silent. His eyes were as wide as mine, even his scarred one. Ozai noticed his son's silence, and turned around to face him. Zuko quickly hid the shock, and stood up.
"Thank you, Father," That was all he said before bowing. He gave a signal to the guards I did not understand, but they did because I was pulled up from my spot. I was frozen in pure shock trying to register what was happening. I was then dragged out of the Throne Room, but as soon as I stepped out I understood everything. No! My body screamed to fight, but it was futile struggling. This couldn't be happening. I would rather die. As I fought I was dragged down the halls I didn't bother to pay attention to. It was only a matter of seconds when we stopped in front of two large doors.
I barely noticed them from my kicking, but as soon as they were open I was thrown in. I didn't hurt myself as I hit the stone floor, but before I could get up the door was slammed shut. I stumbled towards it, and pulled on the handle, but it was too heavy.
"No," I squeaked. My voice hadn't been used in such a long time I was surprised I still had one. I slammed my fist on the door again and again. After a good five minutes of constant hitting I fell to my knees. I buried my face in my hands but refused to cry. My chest heaved up and down in attempt to control myself, but I was going in panic attack.
I had to get out of here. I had to get up. I had to do something, but I was frozen. I was expecting death. I wasn't expecting this. I had just become Zuko's concubine. I knew what it meant. I might have been sheltered a bit as a child, but I knew a lot more than I should have. Concubines were women that served the needs of their masters. I was a concubine and Zuko was my master. Ozai gave me to Zuko. He wanted me broken, and it was Zuko's job to do. I shook my head back and forth.
I needed to do something. So with that in mind I stood up on my shaky legs and turned around. I observed my surroundings before diving in to them. The left and right walls were windows hidden behind blood red curtains. Only one big window was uncovered to let in light. In the back of the room was a door that led to what I believed to be the bathroom. In the far back right corner was a large dresser, and from where I stood I could faintly see an outline of something that looked like a sword. I walked as fast as I could toward the back wall and once I saw the swords my jaw dropped. A pair of dual dao swords hung on the walls.
I wanted to smile, but I couldn't. I reached for the sword, but as my hand touched the handle I realized it would be too heavy for my weak arms to hold. I felt like kicking the wall in frustration, but instead I turned back around. There had to be something I could find. Other than the dresser there was a desk next to the wall on my left. I walked towards it, and saw draws. I didn't hesitate to start looking.
I wasn't sure if it were Agni and the Spirits looking over me or pure luck, but the first draw I opened held a knife. It wasn't small, but it wasn't big either. Carefully I took it out and as I picked it up I noticed it wasn't a knife but a dagger. There was a sheath over it and I slide it out. I examined the blade and saw it had writing on it. Never give up without a fight. Was this a cruel joke or an amazing coincidence? I didn't care.
I turned around to see if there was anything else in the room. In the middle of the whole room was a large bed. My face went pale at the sight, and dark thoughts. I didn't trust Zuko. He lost it all when he chose his honor over me and Uncle. I didn't know him anymore. He wasn't that same person he was in Ba Sing Se. I looked down at the dagger in my hand. The sharp silver blade shined in the light. I was going to do something drastic. Something that could have me killed. I didn't have any second thoughts because I would rather die than be dishonored by Zuko.
I'm back...
I hope you guys liked it.
I'm sorry that it was late, but my computer wouldn't let me go on .
A few days ago I fell down a flight of stairs
And its been hard typing because my shoulders really hurt.
I'm just glad to be alive and to have this chapter in.
Please. Please. Tell me what you think, and tell me your predictions.
Til next time
- Alec
