Ch 12
-Jin Lian-
Weeks had passed and Iroh and Jin Lian had not spoken a word to each other about what had happened. Instead, they maintained a semi respectful distance from each other in private settings, sending fleeting glances at each other when the other wasn't looking.
They maintained a professional relationship however, and when time came to celebrate the election of United Republic of Nations' new president, they were invited to the celebration as the two highest ranking members of the United Forces.
Jin and Iroh wore their uniforms, as was expected of them; Iroh in his red and gold and Jin Lian in her grey and red. They stood at attention, flanking President Raiko behind the podium as he made his speech. Jin looked out into the audience, spotting Avatar Korra standing next to Tenzin. The Avatar had a neutral look on her face, seemingly uninterested in what this President had to say. Korra caught Jin Lian's gaze, her expression brightening somewhat. Jin Lian bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement. They had sparred a few times after their first meeting, and the water bender was a quick study, much to Jin Lian's pleasure.
Raiko finished his speech, applause filling the room. Jin Lian and Iroh followed the new President down the steps towards the audience, where he greeted and thanked his supporters. She retreated from the wave of reporters advancing on them, opting to grab a glass of Earth Kingdom wine and find a quiet corner. Iroh joined her shortly after, his own drink in hand.
"To the new leadership," he said, raising his glass.
"May it be fair and strong," Jin Lian answered, clinking her glass against his. They drank, eyes never leaving each other. As she lowered her glass, Jin Lian scanned the room. Her bronze gaze settled on a dark skinned man wearing a blue suit. He was loud and talkative, seemingly gaining more attention than the actual man of the hour. She identified him as Iknik Blackstone Varrick of Varrick Industries, a loquacious businessman and inventor. "Fair…" she muttered contemptuously, narrowing her eyes at the business mogul. She knew that a majority of Raiko's financial backing came from Varrick. She would have to keep an eye on that one.
Iroh placed a hand on her shoulder. "I have reservations about Varrick's involvement in the election as well," he murmured softly to her. "However, we have no political influence here, our only role is to protect the peace."
"Of course, sir," she answered sourly.
The night had gone on without issue, Jin Lian feeling a bit of pity for Avatar Korra, who had been wrangled in for photos with President Raiko. Lucky for her, the reporters were much more concerned with the presence of the Avatar than that of the military personnel. Jin Lian took the opportunity to feast upon the delicacies served at the celebratory banquet. There was a variety of foods available here, which was normal considering the diversity of Republic City. Hearty Earth Kingdom fare, spicy Fire Nation appetizers, delicate Water Tribe style seafood, and flavorful vegetarian dishes of the Air Nation filled the tables.
Iroh caught her nibbling on fire flake crusted hippo cow kebabs. "I thought you couldn't handle spicy food?" he asked teasingly, popping a sea prune in his mouth. Jin Lian shrugged and continued to chew, shaking her plate to indicate the ludicrous amount fire flakes she had brushed off the meat before she could eat it. Iroh, in turn, took her plate and shook them over his broiled unagi, effectively coating the flaky fish with spicy red peppers. The action made Jin Lian chuckle with amusement, taking her now empty plate back from Iroh.
"Shall I fetch you more fish to go with the fire flakes, General?" she joked.
"Very funny," Iroh responded wryly. Jin Lian took a gulp of wine from the table she was standing at. An upward glance at Iroh's face told her he had been drinking a bit as well, which may have explained his playful behavior. His lips were curved in a slight roguish grin as he stood before her, boldly eating the over seasoned fish. She could only imagine he must have been a stubborn child, being able to stick to such a foolish act, and still smile about it.
Iroh started letting out a few coughs, prompting Jin Lian to lead him outside onto a balcony with a two glasses of wine in her hands. Once outside, Iroh coughed harder, the lack of an audience allowing him to fully express the consequences of his actions. "Agni above, you're sweating," Jin Lian scolded. She pulled out her handkerchief and started dabbing the cloth at his forehead.
He took a few sips of wine, leaning against the balcony railing. "No one can handle that amount of fire flakes," Jin Lian continued, biting her lip nervously as she wiped away her General's sweat. "Look at you, your face is completely red!"
Iroh laughed, his coughing subsided. "That would be the wine, Jin," he said. His hand caught hers, the delicate handkerchief clenched in her slim fingers. His cheek rubbed against the soft material, purposefully pushing her hand against his face.
"Iroh…," Jin said cautiously. Her shoulders relaxed in relief as Iroh took the handkerchief from her, continuing to wipe the sweat on his own.
"Perhaps you could get me water, Jin?" he asked, rubbing the back of his neck. A sheepish grin replaced his smirk as he let out a few more coughs for emphasis. She smiled, shaking her head as she returned to the party to retrieve the beverage.
-Iroh-
As soon as Jin Lian turned and entered the building, Iroh inspected the handkerchief. It was hand embroidered with a small, yellow lotus flower motif on the corners. He raised it to his lips, feeling the soft fabric and smelling a lingering scent of perfume. He frowned in disappointment, as the smell of his sweat overtook the sweet scent. He drained his glass of wine, grimacing at the poor combination of sour and spicy flavors mixing on his tongue.
"Is there something wrong, Iroh?" Jin Lian asked, returning with a glass of water in hand.
He huffed. "I made your handkerchief dirty," he said apologetically. Iroh took the proffered glass from Jin Lian's hand and drained it in one go. "I can buy you another one to replace it."
Jin Lian gently took the cloth from him and inspected it. "A bit of water and soap will do the job," she said. "And I'm afraid this can't be bought. I made it myself." She returned it to him, pressing it against the side of his neck that was still drenched with sweat. "Keep it, Iroh. Perhaps it will help you remember not to over season your food."
-Iroh-
Six months had passed since the dinner, and the United Forces ships were up and running even better than before. Iroh walked about the ship's deck, observing the engineers perform their finishing touches and fine tuning of new equipment. The prospect of shipping out once they were operational was exciting to him, as the troops had lost valuable time on their tours. Jin Lian, who had been accompanying him, left momentarily to address strategic positioning with the commanders. Prompted by the memory of his now absent Strategist, Iroh pulled out her handkerchief from his pocket. The weather was muggy and hot today, and he dabbed his sweat with the delicate fabric, taking care not to stain the embroidery along the edges. He looked at the unassuming cloth and smiled with the knowledge that Jin Lian held some affection for him.
It wasn't hard to see the signs, as subtle as they were. He could see her lingering glances out of the corner of his eye, the minute softening in her facial expression when she spoke to him. Her speech faltered ever so slightly if he stood too close to her. Iroh remembered the way she looked at him when he held her in his arms on the Air Temple Island ferry, her face flushed and gaze heated. He knew she would stare, entranced, as he trained in the morning with the other Fire Benders.
"General Iroh," Jin Lian's voice called out. "The Avatar would like a word with you." Iroh quickly pushed the handkerchief into his pocket and turned around. Jin Lian approached from the stairwell, squinting and pulling the brim of her cap over her eyes as she exited the dark interior of the ship. Behind her was Avatar Korra. The young girl's face was worried and apprehensive as she approached. Jin Lian moved to stand by his side at attention.
"Thank you for seeing me, General Iroh," Korra said.
Iroh smiled. "What can I do?" he asked, hoping to find out what was bothering the Avatar.
"The South needs military support before Unalak wipes them out completely, but President Raiko is refusing to give the order. So I decided to come to you directly." Iroh heard a slight hitch in Jin Lian's breath, but gave it little thought.
He rested his chin on his fist, thinking aloud. "I see, well suppose we were to take the fleet south on some routine training maneuvers, and let's say we were to run into a hostile Northern blockade…we'd have no choice but to defend ourselves, wouldn't we?"
Korra's cerulean eyes brightened, her expression hopeful and delighted. "I guess you wouldn't…thank you!"
"Absolutely not," Jin Lian barked out firmly. Korra and Iroh turned to her, their expressions confused. Just as the Strategist opened her mouth to continue protesting, another voice decided to enter the conversation.
"Swapping old war stories?" President Raiko asked, his voice and face both displeased.
"Mr. President," Iroh and Jin Lian greeted, saluting.
"I hope you're not planning to take any military action without an order from your Commander in Chief," Raiko asked sternly.
"Of course not, Sir," Iroh answered, his face frozen.
"Good, because if a single vessel leaves this harbor without my say so, you'll be court martialed. Am I clear?"
"Crystal…Sir" Iroh paused contemptuously and bit his cheek.
Turning to Korra, Raiko said, "Your activities here are bordering on insurrection. The Avatar does not command the military of the Republic; don't go behind my back again." Returning to Iroh and Jin Lian, he said, "As you were, General Iroh, Strategist Yang."
As the door closed, Korra fumed angrily. "I hate that guy!"
"Sorry," Iroh said apologetically. "My hands are officially tied."
"I understand," Korra said, her tone falling sadly. "Thanks anyway."
In an attempt to be somewhat helpful, Iroh said, "But you should talk with the Fire Lord. My mother and grandfather have always been good friends of the Avatar, and the Southern Water Tribe. I'm sure they'll be willing to help." He flinched slightly as Jin Lian surreptitiously pinched the back of his arm.
Korra smiled. "Thank you General." As she turned to leave, Jin Lian stepped forward.
"Let me escort you off the ship, Avatar Korra," the ebony haired woman offered.
"Thank you, Strategist Yang."
~Jin Lian~
The two women walked down the stairs and through the corridors. As they approached the gang plank, Jin Lian caught Korra's arm. "Avatar Korra," she said. "I understand your concern for your tribe and family. But I strongly suggest you exercise an immense amount of caution, lest you cause more trouble than is necessary. Being the Avatar does not give you the right to rise above the government."
"What do you mean?" Korra became confused and angry. "I'm TRYING to keep the balance between the tribes!"
Jin Lian sighed. "Actions are not without consequences. You are like a tsunami; what you do affects people far beyond your immediate circle. For your safety and others', look before you leap."
Korra snapped back at Jin. "If you're so smart, what should I do then, Strategist Yang?! Should I sit around and twiddle my thumbs? Wait for the Northern Water Tribe to fully exert their power over the South? What should I do?!" The young Avatar's voice rose and took on an accusatory tone.
The older woman flared her nostrils and took a deep breath. Getting mad was not the answer, as Korra was young and inexperienced. "Gather information. Find allies and make a convincing argument. Statesmanship is a pai-sho game, not a fist fight. That's all I will say. The rest is up to you, Avatar Korra."
"Wow, thanks," Korra sneered sarcastically. She stormed off the boat, leaving Jin Lian troubled. She returned to the upper deck, where Iroh was waiting for her. His face, too, looked displeased. "Jin, come with me to my office," he said authoritatively.
"Yes, General." She followed him into the ship, passing through the familiar hallways. The smell of new paint lingered in the air as their steps echoed on the hard floor. He opened the door to his quarters, allowing her through first.
"Iroh –," Jin Lian started to speak. She was abruptly cut off by Iroh's glare.
"What was that, Jin?!" he exclaimed. "You undermined my decision in front of the Avatar!"
Jin Lian took a step back, surprised by his outburst. "I was doing my job…sir," she said calmly and evenly. "As your Strategist, I am to advise you on military matters and foreign affairs."
"And is defending the Five Nations' peace not a matter for the United Republic to address?" Iroh asked coldly.
"It is, when we are ordered by President Raiko to do so," she replied. "However, this is a Water Tribe issue. They have not involved the other nations yet."
"What of the bombings at the cultural center?" Iroh shot back.
Jin Lian frowned. "The Northern Water Tribe has not claimed responsibility. We do not know who the culprit is. It would be unwise to act rashly." She paused. "Tell me, sir, do you remember the story of Avatar Aang? How did the opening line go?"
"Years ago, the Four Nations lived together in harmony," Iroh started. "How is this relevant?"
"Everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked," Jin Lian completed. "Think, Iroh. If we, the United Forces, followed your plan and encountered 'hostile' Northern Water Tribe forces, how would the rest of the world react? First of all, our 'routine training maneuvers' are unsanctioned by President Raiko. It puts holes in our legitimacy for being down there. Second, you and I are the highest ranking members of the United Forces. We are also Fire Nation nobility...royalty in your case. Any unauthorized action conducted by us will allow the Northern Water Tribe to assume the Fire Nation is, once again, attacking the Water Tribes. Don't you remember reading about the old propaganda? That the Fire Nation was spreading their innovation and knowledge to the world? Who will believe that an unsanctioned attack on the Water Tribes is in the name of world peace? This would make you no better than Fire Lords Sozin and Ozai. We could spark another Great War and throw away whatever achievements your grandfather and mother worked so hard for!"
Jin Lian saw the fury rage in Iroh's eyes. "That's also why I pinched you," she continued softly. "Fire Lord Izumi will probably reject Avatar Korra's request for military aid for the same reason. I didn't want you to give her false hope."
"The Fire Nation supports the Avatar!" he growled angrily at her. She flinched slightly as Iroh slammed the desk, the sound reverberating throughout the cabin.
"The Avatar is young and hot headed!" she retorted fiercely. Now it was Iroh's turn to be surprised. This was the second time he saw Jin's ferocious temper, but now it was aimed at him. "I don't know who she is associating with, but seeking military aid through underhanded methods is not how peace is achieved! And you, so eager to live up to the name Iroh, were sailing into a trap!" Her chest heaved up and down as she finished her angry tirade.
She bit her lip, realizing what she had said. Iroh's golden eyes were wide and burning angrily, his lips held in a tight line as he breathed heavily through flared nostrils. "I apologize, General Iroh. That was uncalled for. I am simply trying to protect the interests of the United Forces," Jin said quickly.
"Leave," Iroh said coldly. His voice was strained and his fists clenched.
"Yes, sir," Jin Lian replied, saluting and exiting the cabin. She closed the door and walked away slowly. Rapid bangs, muffled by the thick wall, made it clear how Iroh was feeling.
-Iroh-
The young general hissed in anger and pain as he removed his fist from the wall. The skin of his knuckles were split and bloodied, leaving his hand in excruciating pain. But his pride is what hurt more than his hand. He had prided himself in being a skilled strategist in his own right, and a good leader. But Jin Lian was right. He jumped at the chance to help the Avatar, just like his grandfather had done in the past. But he was not an exiled prince, and there was no common enemy for the rest of the world to rally against. The times were different.
He remembered what his mother had said. This was not the time for war tactics. Iroh sighed, feeling guilty about taking his frustration out on Jin. He sulked in his cabin, meditating and cooling his head after washing and wrapping his injured knuckles.
It wasn't until late at night that Iroh decided to apologize to Jin. He had cleared his mind and was ready to speak to her again. He exited his cabin and went to the neighboring door. He knocked, but with no answer. "Jin?" he called out. "It's me." Iroh knocked again. Nothing. Maybe she wasn't in her room? Iroh wondered where she could possibly be on the ship. He wandered up to the main deck and took in the cool, salty air. The General was met with a vision of a woman going through the motions of what he recognized as the Fire Benders' training steps. A slender frame and porcelain white skin stood out against the dark grey metal of the ship under the full moon. She was dressed in grey training trousers and a red halter styled sports brassiere. The pink, branching scar on her upper back revealed her identity to Iroh as he approached. Her long black hair was tied neatly in a ponytail and swung freely, no longer hidden by her officer's cap or her headscarf. He watched, entranced, as she followed the motions exactly and deliberately, with the addition of a sword in her right hand acting as an extension of her arm. Lean muscles shifted below her skin, her scapulae winging outwards every time she raised her arms up.
Iroh stepped closer, and Jin paused, cocking her head towards him. Despite her back facing him, he noticed she was blindfolded. The young woman pulled the fabric down her face, allowing it to rest around her neck. "Iroh?" she gasped, surprised. Her body stiffened nervously and refused to turn towards him. Iroh figured she was mad at him, for good reason as well.
"Jin…," Iroh said. "I'd like to apologize for my behavior today. It really was uncalled for."
"It's fine," Jin replied a bit too quickly. She still did not face him. "I overstepped as well." Iroh was not convinced, feeling like Jin was holding something back, or she was forgiving him out of duty.
"Your words and body language don't match up," Iroh said. He placed his hand on Jin's bare shoulder, turning her gently. "Is there something bothering you…what is that?!" Jin stepped back from him quickly, attempting to hide her torso from him using her arms. But it was not enough to cover the twisting, pink scars that spread across her stomach and up her chest.
"Don't look!" she begged him, twisting her body away again.
"When did this happen?!" he asked, coming closer. Jin flinched away from him, attempting to hide the markings from him. However, he had seen enough to know what they were. The scars were older, more faded and stretched, than the fresher one on her back. It looked like a gnarled, old tree with twisting branches spreading over her skin, possibly towards her heart. The fabric covering her breasts occluded his view of the extent of the scarring.
"Jin…" Thinking quickly, Iroh removed his overcoat and placed it over Jin Lian's shoulders. "Will you face me now?" he asked gently. The cold air raised goosebumps on his skin, but he did not feel it. Instead, his chest burned angrily and a lump formed in his throat just thinking about the kind of person who would inflict this kind of wound on a woman.
Jin Lian clenched the fabric around her tightly, looking down at the ground where her sword lay abandoned. "Come with me," Iroh coaxed softly. He reached down and picked up the sword, taking a brief moment to marvel at the craftmanship. Iroh handed the weapon to her, turned around, and said "Come on."
He heard the sliding of steel into the scabbard, and the soft footsteps of Jin following him. Iroh turned around, seeing the larger coat hanging limply on her small frame and billowing in the breeze. They returned to Jin's quarters where she hurried in, shutting the door before Iroh could enter as well. A few short moments later, Jin opened the door, now sporting a long sleeved shirt.
"I would like an explanation," Iroh said. "Would you like to come next door? I have tea, you know."
Jin sighed. "Tea would be nice," she relented, entering his cabin.
The raven haired strategist held a steaming cup in her hands, staring at the swirling tea leaves. Iroh sat across from her, waiting patiently.
"It's not much of a story to tell," Jin Lian said finally. "It was a training accident. I got too close to someone who was practicing lightning bending. My metal practice sword acted as a conductor and drew the lighting towards me."
Iroh frowned, feeling dissatisfied with the answer. She seemed so…dismissive...for a serious wound like that. "How old were you?" he asked.
"10 years old…but the other person was 14," Jin answered. "We were both children. It was an accident." Her hands fell to her stomach, resting over the thickest part of the scar.
"If your training sword was the conductor, then your arm would have been affected too," Iroh stated. "That scar looked like a direct hit."
Jin Lian rubbed her face tiredly. "It was a long time ago…General Iroh. That is all I remembered. Please excuse me, I am going to bed now." Iroh nodded, letting Jin return to her room. He wouldn't press the issue if she wasn't comfortable. He didn't want to lose her trust, not when he had worked so hard to gain it.
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!