The time was nearing. Soon the eclipse would arrive and soon it was about to break up the camps and send people to their different destinations.
Water benders would concentrate on prison ridges holding earth benders as they would be stationed in the middle of the ocean. An obvious station to put their water benders.
They only had two earth benders. Toph and Haru, they would be going to each their mining camp. A place made from rocks and earth and ones the guards lost their fire bending, they would be defenceless against a single earth bender.
Especially the worlds greatest earth bender who had made it her mission to train Haru for the last week. The poor boy was sore all over his body.
The most secure prison was the boiling rock and they would send an elite team there. Mai who knew the layout the best and even knew some of the guards working there, Sokka whom insisted he should be the one to free Suki. And Aang, their bending power house.
Zuko would have liked to go where Mai was going, but fact is he would have no bending at that time and they had decided that each team they send out should have at least one bender with them. That was their big advantage after all. They would have benders. The fire nation would not.
Also…. Zuko knew he had to choose his own position carefully. Not only were they freeing potential allies. But they were also making a statement… A big one.
This wasn't over…. Perhaps they had thought that the fall of Ba Sing Sai signalled the victory of the fire nation… But it wasn't over.
This attack would send a message across the world, to all corners of the earth kingdom, water tribes and fire nation.
This… Was not over.
Zuko sat at a cliff facing towards the ocean with closed eyes as he tried to meditate on this question… Where should he put himself?
He would like it to be within the fire nation itself. Not the earth kingdom colonies. Aangs job was to fight for the world… His job was to fight for the fire nation!
If Iroh had not gotten a message out that he would handle himself. Zuko would have gone to the capital for sure! Perhaps even brought Aang with him and found another bender for boiling rock. But if Uncle wasn't an issue, there was no reason to go there.
Or maybe there was…. To send a message.
Zuko held his chin as he frowned deeply. Was it worth the risk though?
Just then Zuko peered up, to squint his eyes. And object seemed to come towards them at break neck speed… A boat?
Zukos eyes widened. Had they been found by the fire nation? Everyone who was supposed to come had arrived right?
Zuko turned around as he jumped down from the cliff. "A boat!" he shouted. "A BOAT IS HEADED OUR WAY!"
Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked up.
Then Piandao held up his hand. "Wait." he asked as he stepped forward shadowing his eyes as he squinted.
"Master Piandao?" Zuko asked.
Then Piandao smiled. "So he came. I honestly didn't think he would."
"Oh… One of your friends?" Zuko asked.
"Yes." Piandao assured. "And it looks like he brought a couple of his own friends as well."
"Wait a minute." Sokka ran up. "That looks like… Swamp benders!"
"Swamp what now?" Zuko asked honestly confused.
"And…. JEONG JEONG!" Aang screamed.
"Who?" Zuko asked. "I only ever heard of one Jeong Jeong and that's ages ago."
At that Piandao smirked at Zuko.
"Wait…" Zukos eyes widened. "You don't mean?"
Piandaos smirk only broadened.
"Are you serious?" Zuko asked. "The Jeong Jeong?" he asked. "Admiral Jeong Jeong?"
"Oh. You heard of him?" Aang asked.
"Yes! He was the only admiral able to match my uncle when it comes to strategies and just raw power!" Zuko said. "One of the greatest fire benders of all time! Potentially as great as the fire lord! Though of course even suggesting that is considered treason. Especially after Jeong Jeong deserted the army, which you know. Is punishable by death."
"That's neat! He was my first fire bending teacher!" Aang grinned.
Zuko looked at Aang. "Seriously?" he asked.
"He wasn't very good though. I like your teaching a lot better." Aang beamed sweetly.
"He didn't even want to teach Aang." Sokka then informed. "He kind of just wanted us to leave him alone."
"Oh." Zuko blinked. "Really?"
"Jeong Jeong has become a bit of a hermit in his older years." Piandao said.
Sokka snorted. "A bit?"
Piandao shrugged. "He dislikes people."
"Sounds like Jeong Jeong all right." Aang nodded.
Just then the boat finally came on shore and Zukos eyes widened as he looked at the people onboard.
It was easy to spot Jeong Jeong! The older refined gentleman sitting in the centre of the boat. In spite of his scrappy appearance with the mop of messy hear and wearing just rags he still looked impressive just because of the way he held himself… Also he looked pissed.
Honestly Zuko was a bit scared just looking at him and took a step back… Yeah that had to be Jeong Jeong. Kind of obviously as all of the rest were odd looking men who's clothes seemed to be made out of big leafs and little else.
"Hi there partner!" One of the strange man grinned holding up a hand. "How's it holding? Hey you're the water tribe boy aint ya? That's great. FELLORS! We got the right place this time!"
"HURRAAAAH!" sounded the call.
Jeong Jeong… Looked like he was about to set fire to the entire boat, and murder everyone aboard it. Then he glared at Piandao who smiled kindly in return.
"It's great see you old friend." Piandao stated.
Jeong Jeong snorted. "You wouldn't leave me alone! Don't you ever run out of paper?" he asked.
Piandao shrugged.
"So where is that wonder child?" Jeong Jeong asked as he stood up. "Who have you and Iroh raving like madmen!"
"Here you go." Piandao said as he pushed Zuko in the back making Zuko nearly fall forward in surprise.
"WOAH!"
And then Zuko halted, and realized he was right in front of Jeong Jeong whom had stepped out of the boat. Then slowly Zuko stood up, and had to look up to see Jeong Jeongs eyes above him, squinting down at him.
"Errhm…" Zuko hesitated. "Hi." he tried.
Zuko didn't get another word in as Jeong Jeong grabbed his chin and then harshly turned Zukos head from side to side while giving him a stern look.
"You given me a lot of grief." Jeong Jeong informed as his eyes scanned Zukos face. "Your uncle and Master Piandao wont shut up about you! Day and night. War Hawks in my house who wont leave me alone! Prince Zuko this. Prince Zuko that! Prince Zuko is the one we have been waiting for. I gotta say, you don't quite live up to expectations." he said as he finally let go and Zuko hissed as he stumbled back. Then had to rub his chin which honestly felt kind of sore.
"I'm… Sorry my uncle has annoyed you." Zuko tried as he took a deep breath, getting his temper back under control. "That does seem to be a habit of his. To pick out people he likes to annoy."
Jeong Jeong lifted an eyebrow at him. "That's some respect you have for your uncle."
"I owe my uncle everything." Zuko said. "And I respect him more than you would know. Please don't make assumptions about me." he asked.
Jeongs Jeongs eyes narrowed.
Then Zukos did the same. "I appreciate that you would lend us your aid. I would though like to ask that you don't insult me."
Jeong Jeong kept looking down at Zuko. "I am here for one reason." he said. "The one thing that swayed me to go. I want to know what makes you so different from all the others!" he said. "I served Azulon like I served Ozai! I watched youthful soldiers become merciless killers. Seeing their untamed, unbridled ambition destroy the lands they put their eyes upon! People who seek power for powers sake and burns what-ever stands in their way. What makes you so different? Prince Zuko?" he asked.
At that Zukos eyes widened as he looked up at Jeong Jeong. Then he glanced down.
"Hey don't be like that!" Aang exclaimed. "You can shout at me. You don't get to shout at Zuko! He's working so hard!"
"So did all the most vicious generals and admirals in the fire nation army. They worked hard. Which is how they got their position. And then they used their position of power to burn any obstacle in their way!" Jeong Jeong said. "Right now you are collecting an army. What do you intend to use that army for?"
Aang opened his mouth about to reply with an annoyed retort.
"I'm not an idiot General Jeong Jeong." Zuko huffed. "We are at war! And war is ugly and destructive and just horrible! People die out there every single day! Mothers, fathers, children. Everyone has lost someone in this stupid war! That's why it needs to stop!"
"And then you sit on the throne and intend to reshape the fire nation in your own image." Jeong Jeong commented. "Just like Sozin, Azulon and Ozai before you. So what makes you so different?"
Zuko halted, his eyes wide as he stood. "I…. I…" he stammered.
"Zuko doesn't have to answer that." Aang huffed.
"Yes. He. does." Jeong Jeong said. "I served two fire lords who did nothing but spread death, fire and misery. Why should this third one, the grandson and son of these two be any different?"
Zuko glanced down.
"Zuko isn't Azulon or Ozai!" Aang huffed.
"Quiet!" Jeong Jeong demanded and Piandao put a hand on Aangs shoulder.
"Young Avatar. This is indeed something Prince Zuko must figure out on his own." Piandao whispered. "Though Zuko. Remember what I told you? Back at my mansion."
Zuko nodded as he swallowed. "I shouldn't forget my humility. But also own my accomplishments." he whispered.
Piandao made a gesture, pretty much inviting Zuko to stand taller.
Zuko closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. Then exhaled slowly clearly getting his body under control. "I have travelled the world. And seen many things… I was in Ba Sing Se, and was horrified over the way the earth king would treat his own people. There is something I think… many leaders have forgotten these days." he swallowed. "The people are not there to serve the leader. The leader is there to serve the people." Zuko glanced up. "This war… It doesn't serve anyone. It's stupid. No one is gaining anything, not even the fire nation. As for what I will do when I'm on the throne.. I… I'm not sure yet. I think the people should have a bigger say… A much bigger say. I do have this list I started writing, about things to fix."
"It's a really long list." Sokka smirked.
Zuko rolled his eyes. "General Jeong Jeong… I have no fight I wish to pick with you." He said. "I understand your feelings. The fire nation has… Corrupted the very nature of fire itself. I can't even imagine what it must be like, being in the front lines and see it up close… The fire burning away the innocent. I've only seen the aftermath and that's horrible enough. I even felt it on my own body." Zuko whispered as he touched his scar. "I don't want other people to go through such pain if it can be avoided…. Though I am fully aware that sometimes it just can't be avoided. And though the war ends there will still be conflict. I guess that's the hard part, always looking for a better way even though you know conflict will never really end." Zuko sighed deeply. "Still… I still think there are things worth fighting for. People are good, I met them. They are so nice, they don't deserve this. I think it's important, to actually look those people in the eye you know. And realize we are all equals as humans regardless of rank. If you are unable to do that, you have no buisness leading." Then he looked back at Jeong Jeong and blinked.
Jeongs Jeongs eyes didn't seem that angry any more, more they seemed to be more thoughtful.
"Erhm…" Zuko hesitated.
"You sound like Iroh." Jeong Jeong commented.
"Oh… Thank you." Zuko replied.
Jeong Jeong frowned. "When the war is over. What do you wish to do?" he asked. "What do you want?" he asked.
"Well honestly…" Zuko hesitated. "I want to drink tea with my uncle!" he said which made Jeong jeong blink surprised. "And go to the beach with Mai! And go see if I can find those missing sky Bisons with my friends! There are these refuges I met in Ba Sing Se. I promised them I would make sure they can come home to the fire nation and help rebuild! I would love to see what they would build! And then we could all have tea together!"
Jeong Jeong was stunned quiet.
"Was that…. The wrong answer?" Zuko asked.
Jeong Jeong frowned. "You really are Irohs." he commented.
"You… You think so?" Zuko asked.
"Oh yes." Jeong Jeong commented. "You are not him. But you are his."
"That's the greatest compliment I ever gotten." Zuko smiled very sincerely.
Jeong Jeong exhaled deeply. "Fine. You have my aid." he said. "How-ever. Doing the eclipse I wont have any fire bending either. Obviously."
"I'm sure we can find something for you." Sokka smirked. "As back up in one of the get aways and additional intel never hurts."
Jeong Jeong groaned. "I was done with war. Why Piandao?" he asked.
"Because it was either this or you being stuck in your swamp until you died of old age." Piandao said.
"The swamp was fine it was the company that drove me insane!" Jeong Jeong huffed as he glared at the swamp benders whom was already busy making their own camp.
"How did you even meet those guys?" Sokka asked.
"That swamp was the only place the fire nation wouldn't go in the last couple of months!" Jeong Jeong ranted. "I had no choice! And then the stupid birds would still find me!"
Piandao looked away.
"You owe me for this Piandao!" Jeong Jeong huffed.
"My mansion has plenty of spare rooms and its own hot spring." Piandao said. "I'm sure ones Prince Zuko takes the throne you will be a free man. And a mansion should be a lot nicer than a swamp."
Jeong Jeongs eyes narrowed.
"My butler cooks the most excellent steam buns and my wine cellar is exquisite." Piandao continued.
"No one is to disturb me in my rooms! And I want free access to that cellar." Jeong Jeong said. "Then we have a deal!"
"It is indeed a deal." Piandao nodded.
"Good." Jeong Jeong huffed. "Now where is my tent?" he asked.
"You will have to share with someone." Piandao said. "You could share with me or perhaps Pakku."
"Pakku!" Jeong Jeong snapped. "He at least knows how to keep quiet and be respectful."
"Oh boy Pakku and Jeong Jeong." Sokka commented as Piandao lead Jeong Jeong away. "why am I even surprised those two of all people would be getting along."
"I erh…" Aang halted. "I'm just going to stay way from those two." he said.
"Yeah me too." Zuko sighed deeply.