-2-
"Through this word
I die, a hundred times,
Contented bones all turn to dust,
very soul exist for naught–
How easily taken, one with mirth towards dusk."
-Puun Liiouk, Earth Kingdom revolutionary
FUJIN ZHAO sat quietly.
The evening breeze rustled long black hair against his cheeks. The sound of leaves moved by calm winds tickled his ears, while the faraway shouts and bells of Altai could be heard dwindling in the far distance.
His estate nearly overlooked the entire sprawling capital city. Altai's black beaches clawed to the southernmost edge of Fujin's gaze. His eyes met wavering waters, then the foreboding imperial fleet. Hundreds of ships lined the horizon.
Each vessel bore the flag of Heikeikou, the Empire of Fire.
Fire Nation.
Fujin closed his eyes.
What did that name mean to him?
Fujin was originally from the Eikaken colonies, faraway lands that border the Earth Kingdoms. As a mixed race bender capable of fire bending, he was a curiosity brought to the mainland with others like him to be educated in the art of war and conquest.
Fujin had proven himself a capable leader during the Puun Liiouk rebellion, a civil war that engulfed the eastern Earth colonies due to subterfuge from the Ba Sing Se eunuch princes.
Fujin, as a captain, commanded a Fire Nation army after the death of its general- a noble named Yuia Fokoromei.
Fujin closed hooded eyes.
It was a night he remembered well.
Legions of Earth Bender levies, using Fire Nation weaponry, formed themselves into a pincer position within the Earth Kingdom's twin northern mountains.
Earth Benders in the fire nation army were not permitted to use their bending if they were able- Only officers had that permission. Thus, they were armed with muzzle loading rifles that took at least forty seconds to load- longer if you were a young, hastily drafted recruit... which most were.
However, the Puun Liiouk rebels were hardened from successive victories. Their aim was true, and from their high position in the mountains, they were able to kill hundreds of Fire Nation soldiers who were forced to charge into flying lead balls and stone. It finally ended when Yuia himself was felled. Fujin, sensing a route, took up Yuia's fallen banner. Instead of rallying into one last charge, Fujin led the retreat himself, astride a black wolfhorse. Yuia's men followed, as did the rebels.
Once Fujin had trapped the rebels into a pursuit that stretched their numbers he whipped thick reigns, rearing a howling wolfhorse maddened with bloodlust-
to attack.
As the wolfhorse's hooves beat against earth, Fujin spouted fire from his mouth in the fashion of the Phoenix King himself.
The Fire Nation soldiers followed.
Those skilled enough mirrored his attack, others simply used fists while riding screaming, cackling steeds.
The sudden reversal shook the rebels, causing a massive retreat. Fujin and Yuia's remaining army were able to kill most of the Puun Liiouk rebels, including Puun Liiouk himself.
This victory granted Fujin land in the homeisles, and the title of Shirei-Khato.
General.
The first of Fujin's kind to reach such a position within the Fire Nation.
His social standing, however, was not a lofty one.
The Heikeikou islands, including the extending Fire nation colonies, were gripped within a cruel and rigid caste system that could not be escaped.
First and foremost were members of the current ruling class- The Jurchi.
These people descended from clansmen that roamed the steppe of the southern Fire Nation mainland. The numerous clans joined under one Kuvan, Temiagur. As legend tells it, Temiagur then went on to conquer the larger northern part of the island.
These northern fire benders, the Yatoi, had a more structured form of civilization and a written language. While the Jurchi conquered the mainland, the Yatoi became the dominant culture. The Jurchi rulers, taking the moniker 'Phoenix King', also adopted Yatoi's script, spoken language, government, and aspects of their religion.
It was not long before the Yatoi became the majority within the Fire Nation mainland.
After the Jurchi and the Yatoi, came the Kyü'in. The Kyü'in came from any of the dozens of islands surrounding the fire nation mainland. While these conquered peoples had been part of the Fire Nation for hundreds of years, they were not considered part of the heartland's blood. They mainly made up the soldier classes and some lesser government roles.
Fujin's father belonged to this class.
Fujin, being of partial Earth Kingdom descent, was designated as a Tsuchiku, the lowest class. They were above only undesirables and criminals. Tsuchiku births were encouraged- they found use as cheap labor across the Empire, most of it slavework.
A few Tsuchiku were able to carve out meager livings in ghettos within more tolerant areas, but for most, their life ranged from destitute to brutal. Fujin bore an honorary status, though this still barred him from most aspects of life outside of military matters. Even within the military he was segregated- in most settings, he had to use a proxy to communicate with his Jurchi and Yatoi superiors.
Was this the life he deserved? After fighting so long for the Fire Nation.. Is this his fate? The prospect made Fujin wonder, to tell the truth.
He had killed Puun Liiouk himself. But oftentimes he realized that he and the Earth Bender shared more similarities as kinsmen as opposed to adversaries.
The thought made Fujin chuckle, Altai's bells ringing once more.
This world is cruel.
Fujin's ears twitched at the sound of hooves rapidly approaching.
He raised eyes to cobbled road bordered by tall trees. A black carriage traveled upon it-
Led by three snorting and chittering wolfhorses with red eyes.
Fujin narrowed a cautious gaze.
This carriage.. It carries both Imperial and Yatoi banners...
Fujin did not move. He wished it was a decision born out of ignorant bravery, but it was one of fear. As a Tsuchiku, he knew that most situations involving those of the higher classes were that of punishment.. Which often involved execution.
Fujin knew all too well that despite his relative success, a Yatoi banner personally forcing itself into his estate was a bad omen.
The carriage stopped, wolfhorses snorting as their lips pursed at the cold air.
A door opened, slowly and deliberately.
Fujin's eyes widened.
Within the carriage a man sat, feminine in appearance, with cropped black hair and slanted blue eyes lined with purple shadow. His skin was a light chestnut. He wore a traditional Yatoi haori, painted with a menagerie of flapping birds.
Despite the fact this man was a stranger, Fujin knew him quite well.
After Iroh the Jurchi, the Bird General was amongst the most skilled and loyal of the Phoenix's King's dogs of war.
Ukeikei Fenoyu.
Fujin did move then.
He rose, then instantly bowed his head out of respect. He did not look up to regard Ukeikei, though Fujin winced at the sound of the man's quiet, simple laugh.
"Fujin Zhao.. I come to you in my personal carriage, and then continue to present myself to you. Yet.. you still bow." Ukeikei began.
His voice was deep, yet somehow light and calming at the same time. There was a friendliness to it, however it was a friendliness that was almost untrustworthy in its invitation.
"A show of respect to a superior." Fujin answered.
Another laugh curled from Ukeikei's full lips.
"You will do well, Fujin Zhao. But before that, please, get up. I hate speaking to those whose eyes I cannot meet." The Bird General said.
Fujin rose from his bow, meeting Ukeikei's gaze.
It wasn't long until Fujin learned exactly what Ukeikei wanted from him.
The Bird General had first asked Fujin to dress himself for war. Fujin quickly did so, equipping the red and black Fire Nation armor that was gifted to him due to his cruelty.
Fujin returned to Ukeikei's carriage. Now, the Bird General asked him to enter.
Fujin hesitated.
"I am of the Tsuchiku-," Fujin began.
Ukeikei's smile vanished for the first time. Annoyed, Ukeikei waved his hand in the air.
"And I am of mud and dirt. I have chosen you for a reason, Fujin Zhao. Now hurry, we haven't much time." Ukeikei commanded.
With a heavy swallow, Fujin entered the carriage. It was large, with a black interior and squirrelox fur lining each seat.
The driver was separated by a small wooden wall that had a see through lattice crafted within it.
Windows were to Fujin's left and Ukeikei's right, allowing the smells of Altai to drift into the carriage as they left Fujin's estate.
"Now, I suppose you are deserving of more information." Ukeikei's small grin returned.
Fujin regarded the man for a moment, before looking away.
Ukeikei laughed.
"Good. you're the type who would prefer to remain silent and observe before taking action, it seems."
Ukeikei's blue eyes seemed to glow in hidden mirth then.
"The world is changing, Fujin Zhao."
Fujin glanced at Ukeikei as the General spoke.
"I have received information from one of my spies. A woman you may know, according to the reports I've read of you. Wa-ket Sin."
The Bloodbender?!
Wa-ket Sin had served alongside Fujin during the Ba Sing Se wars. As an undesirable, she bore the Fire Nation cross that was burned onto her forehead. Despite this, her skill as an assassin and infiltrator were unparalleled- leading to her being used rather extensively by the military.
However..
"I thought she was imprisoned after killing General Horu Fukai. You freed her..?" Fujin inquired.
Ukeikei offered a coy smile.
"Horu Fukai was a man who needed to be relieved from his position. Wa-Ket Sin did the nation a great service. I freed her, and allowed her back to the Kita Mizihio, though it seems she has found herself amongst the scarred lands of her southern Nanyo Mizihio cousins." Ukeikei's blue eyes narrowed.
"Are you aware of the task given to our Prince, Fujin Zhao?"
Fujin nodded.
"I know he was given the task of finding the Avatar. A baseless pursuit. A death mission." Fujin replied.
Ukeikei ran a slim finger across his lips.
"Most people wouldn't believe you if you told them the Avatar reappeared. Most people don't even believe in the Spirits that lurk in the dark places within all men... This is something that doesn't apply to the Phoenix King. Nor does it apply to me." Ukeikei said.
Fujin narrowed his eyes.
"I don't understand." He said as their carriage stopped.
Fujin looked ahead to see a caravan of donkeys passing a busy intersection, each animal making sure to circle away from the snapping, muzzled wolfhorses.
"Firelord Ozai wants Prince Zuko dead. Ozai has a new heir from his current consort. Despite this, Azulon's dying protections fell upon Zuko. While the court may not respect the Prince, they would turn upon Ozai if he blatantly disregarded Azulon's legacy." Ukeikei explained.
"But, Ozai could have sent Zuko anywhere. Why did he banish the Prince to a quest of finding the Avatar? Because our Lord believes in imminent return of the Kukigaku." Ukeikei finished.
"So what does that have to do with Wa-ket Sin? What does that have to do with me?" Fujin asked. He looked out his window again, and was surprised to see they were now in the imperial quarter.
Here, only Yatoi and Jurchi resided. The buildings, the streets.. They were all of much higher quality than the rest of Altai. Citizenry walked about in beautiful linens and robes, while the overall industrial stink seemed to now be covered by flowing, sweet aromas.
"As I said, Wa-ket Sin ventured to the Southern pole. It is believed the connection with the spirit world is closer there. She.. has a special link with it, one that not even I can explain." Ukeikei turned his face to Fujin's, moving closer to the now silent and bewildered man.
Ukeikei was inches away from Fujin now, blue eyes boring into Fujin's own.
"Wa-ket Sin saw something. Wa-ket Sin.. Saw the Avatar." Ukeikei whispered.
Fujin contained his disbelief.
He looked away, moving from Ukeikei.
"How can you be sure?" Fujin asked.
Ukeikei smiled as he settled back into his own seat.
"I'm not. But Wa-ket Sin has never failed me before. However, it was then I found out that Prince Zuko himself is in the very same region. If he hasn't captured the Kukigaku yet, he will soon." Ukeikei gave Fujin a deep look.
"I cannot have the Kukigaku falling into the Firelord's hands. Not yet. That is why I have called a Kurultai with the Firelord himself. I intend to nominate you, Fujin Zhao, to lead an expeditionary force to both poles. You are to usurp Prince Zuko's prize, then crush the Northern tribes. Once they are subjugated, we will hide the Kukigaku there." Ukeikei grinned.
"A Jurchi would betray me to the Firelord. A Yatoi would betray me himself for personal gain. But you.. A Tsuchiku with nothing.. A Tsuchiku with controlled ambition.. You'll do exactly as you're ordered. Your choice is simple, Fujin. Either you help me, or you continue to live in your destitute estate on the blessings of a people who resent your very existence. Now, you must decide." Ukeikei eyes crossed over Fujin.
Fujin remained silent for a moment before answering.
I have no choice. No doubt, Ukeikei is prepared to kill me if I refuse.
Fujin Zhao offered Ukeikei a guarded smile.
"I'll help you."
Ukeikei returned the motion.
"You are a wise man, Fujin Zhao." He said with gleaming blue eyes.
AANG pressed bruised wrists away from the circling embrace of cold shackles.
He found himself in a cell that was freezing cold. The floor of the ship seemed to waver uncomfortably as it roughly cut through half-frozen ice. Aang was given nothing but a simple blanket. Hours ago, he was given a bowl of steaming soup.
In protest, he refused to eat it.
The sound of a door rattling brought Aang to a raised position. Light erupted from the opposite side of the hallway, before footsteps were heard approaching.
Aang glared at his visitor.
"You lied."
The young fire nation boy nodded readily.
"Your friends are more likely to be safer here than amongst their own people. No doubt they would have been captured and brought to me regardless."
"You said they wouldn't be harmed. You said you'd let them go!" Aang jumped to his feet, anger brimming behind dark brown eyes.
"You will find that lives are often more accurately described as commodities. However, I promise you that as long as they are on my ship, they will not be hurt." The boy turned away from Aang.
"You are my main reason for being here, Kukigaku." He said softly.
"What do you want with me?!" Aang shouted.
The boy's shoulders slackened as he released a heavy sigh.
"You are the key to my future…I will have one of my servants provide you with another meal. You would do well to eat. We will not reach the next Imperial outpost for another three days." The boy turned, giving Aang a sideways glance before slowly making way free of Aang's sight.
In seconds, silence took Aang's cell.
I have to escape- Katara and Sokka can't be held that far from me. Appa is here too- I can hear him roaring in the lower decks. It's just a matter of how to get out of here..
Aang coolled himself, allowing anger to dwindle into a flame that would aid innovation, not recklessness. He could easily escape from these shackles-
But he would then need to be able to free the others, and then somehow escape the ship. Aang felt that at the very least, they would spare him and Appa. Katara and Sokka though..
I need to be careful. If I do even one thing wrong, they both could die!
The hall door once again creased open. This time, the footsteps were far quieter. Aang leaned forward, eyebrows furrowed in curiosity as a shadow approached.
It was a young woman with dark brown skin and tattered black robes. In bandaged hands she held a new bowl of soup. This soup however, smelled like an actual meal.
The woman had long black hair that curled at the ends. She possessed dark blue eyes that were as mysterious and severe as the ocean they sailed upon. As the woman came closer, she smiled.
It was then Aang noticed a brand on the woman's forehead. It was some sort of bent cross- circled by a ring of black ink.
"Who are you? You don't look like a Firebender." Aang blurted while the woman placed the soup down, sliding it to him from a slot within the bars of the cell.
The woman smiled.
"Many people serve those for whom they themselves don't belong." She said.
Her voice was kind. Aang felt as if he was drawn to instantly trusting her.
Despite this, he didn't really understand what she meant.
He frowned, but quickly followed up with a smile.
"Did you make this? It looks better than what they tried to feed me before." Aang said, picking up the soup with chained hands.
He looked down at the soup- before dragging his eyes from the key that hid underneath lentils, tomato, and wavering leafy greens. His breath quickened, regarding the woman as she rose to her full height.
She said nothing, instead placing a finger before her lips. She graced Aang with one more smile-
And then left the way she came.