Oh wow an update
Ch 13
~Iroh~
Iroh dreamed of the sparrow again. He was sitting in the garden pavilion of the Fire Nation Palace, watching the little bird flutter around him. It sang him a sweet song, but would fly away when he got too close. There were cookies in his hand, or some sort of pastry. He crushed it in his palm, tossing the crumbs to coax the small bird towards him. The sparrow cocked it head and picked at the crumbs, but turned away. A voice in his head demanded he catch the song bird, to keep it to himself to possess and cherish. He obeyed the voice and reached out quickly when the bird couldn't see him. The soft feathers and small body pressed against his fingers as he closed his hand in victory. The shrill cry from the bird suddenly turned into the screams of a child. The scenery darkened. More voices appeared, booming around him. "What did you do?!" "My child!" "IROH, HOW COULD YOU?!"
Iroh awoke, drenched in sweat and gasping for air. He shuddered, recognizing his grandfather's voice in his dream. A loud knocking on his door made the young General jump slightly. "General Iroh?" Jin Lian called from outside. Iroh looked at his clock, surprised at the time. He never slept late. He jumped out of bed, not bothering to put on a shirt as he rushed to the door and opened it.
"Apologies Strategist Yang," he started to say, before getting interrupted.
"Agni above!" Jin Lian exclaimed, pushing him back into his room. "Are you unwell, sir? You're sweating and you overslept! Captain Zhang had to take over the morning warm-ups since you didn't show up." Her small hands pushed him back towards his bed where he sat at the side. Jin Lian bustled about his cabin, bringing over a washbasin and a cloth.
"You don't have a fever do you? You're burning up!" she chided, placing her cool palms against his cheeks and forehead. Just as she began to wring the cloth out, Iroh stopped her. "Jin, calm down. I'm a fire bender remember? We're always warm to the touch. I apologize for worrying you, but I am fine."
The young woman gave pause and shook her head quickly, as if coming out of a daze. Her eyes examined his face, and then travelled down to his bare chest where the sweat was now evaporating. "Of course, sir, forgive me," she said. She averted her bronze gaze swiftly, now seemingly more interested in the wall behind him. Jin continued to speak. "I was notified that the weapons and bi-planes have been delivered. They are being assembled by the engineers as we speak. We should be able to mobilize and return to the Fire Nation within a month provided all open water tests prove successful."
"Thank you, Strategist Yang," Iroh replied. "I'll make note of this. Please excuse me while I dress." Jin Lian nodded and stepped out of his cabin, saluting before Iroh closed his door. He shivered as the sweat cooled around him, rubbing his face with the palm of his hand to push away the sleep and exhaustion. Now was not the time to dwell on dreams, he needed to do his job. And so, Iroh dressed himself quickly and went about his day as if nothing had happened.
As always, the return home was enjoyable, albeit a bit long. While the Fire Nation could be reached quickly if travelling in a straight line from Republic City, it was also the United Forces responsibility to travel to each country's port to return and exchange soldiers to their respective nation once their assignments were completed. This led to a rather awkward situation regarding the soldiers hailing from the Northern and Southern Water Tribes. In an attempt to keep the peace and to avoid international conflict (as instructed by President Raiko) the soldiers would be deposited at the Northern and Southern Air Temples and travel on their own back to their respective tribes.
From Republic City, the fleet went south to the Southern Air Temple, then around the eastern coast of the Earth Kingdom to a port near Ba Sing Sei. For diplomatic purposes, this trip to the Earth Kingdom warranted a visit to Queen Hou-Ting. Iroh sighed, dreading the visit. The Queen was the epitome of the worst parts of a royal. Arrogant, selfish, and unaware of the state of her people. However, it was "all in the name of diplomacy and international relations", as Jin Lian put it, as she helped him arrange his dress uniform. When they had visited Chief Unalaq, their uniforms were covered by thick, insulated jackets. There would be no hiding from The Earth Queen, though.
Iroh stared at himself in the mirror in annoyance as Jin Lian fiddled with the decorative pins and cords of his dress uniform. He hated the fact that it took so long to get it "just right" with the necessary distance between pins. Jin Lian was already dressed in her uniform, her only decoration being a cord slung around one shoulder and a small medal symbolizing her status. The woman's uniform was completed with a knee length skirt with low heels. "Almost finished, sir," Jin Lian mumbled, checking her handiwork with a small ruler. Once she was satisfied, the Strategist stepped back and nodded approvingly.
Iroh checked his watch dramatically. "Just enough time to get to the palace," he joked.
Jin Lian scoffed. "More than enough time, sir," she said. "The car will be here shortly. Are you ready for the circus act?"
"Don't remind me," Iroh groaned. "It's even worse here than back at home."
Jin Lian chuckled and turned to leave the room. He followed, staring at the neat bun that sat at the nape of her neck, not a single hair out of place. Jin kept her head high and shoulders back as they entered the royal car, their red (and gray) uniforms contrasting sharply with the green and gold decorations. As they passed through the rings of Ba Sing Se, Iroh noticed the sharp contrasts between the poor, middle class, and noble classes, and it disgusted him. The Fire Nation, while it still had its own class structure, provided more opportunities for social mobility through merit, government service, and education thanks to Fire Lord Zuko. Queen Hou-Ting, on the other hand, seemed to prefer to keep the majority of her populace in check and under her thumb.
The car finally passed through the walls of the royal palace, where a servant was waiting to greet them. "Prince Iroh, the Queen is most pleased to welcome you to her home…along with your…attendant," the servant greeted.
Iroh frowned. "I am not here on Fire Nation business, but the United Forces. You will announce us as General Iroh and Colonel Yang. She is not my attendant, she's my second in command, as well as the Lady of Shu Jing Island and great-granddaughter of Pian Dao." Iroh corrected him. "It would do you well to remember that and to remind the Queen as well."
The servant fussed, as if embarrassed, but Iroh could hear the thinly veiled contempt in his voice. He hurried off, muttering something under his breath about "Fire Nation nobility". Once the servant left, Jin Lian let out a sigh. "Thank you, sir," Jin Lian whispered as they waited to be announced.
"I will not stand for these people diminishing your status," he replied softly. "You are my Strategist, and you are nobility in our eyes. Live up to it." Jin Lian nodded and looked away, but Iroh could see the bashful expression on her face. She knew what he meant. He had purposefully used the royal pronoun to stress the weight of the royal family's acknowledgement of her and the Yang family as nobility. It was one thing to be born to an old and noble family, and another to be acknowledged for exceptional services to the royal family. In Iroh's opinion, being rewarded and recognized by the royal family was far more impressive than simply belonging to a clan.
Finally, they were announced to the Queen with their proper titles, to Iroh's satisfaction. As they entered the throne room, Iroh raised an eyebrow at the other "guests" who were attending this luncheon. It was mostly women, all of whom were eyeing him in a way that brought back memories of the Fire Nation court. There were a few men as well who locked their eyes on Jin Lian's slender form as they approached the Queen.
"A pleasure to see you again, Queen Hou-Ting," Iroh greeted respectfully. He and Jin Lian both saluted in the military fashion.
"Likewise, General Iroh, Colonel Yang," the Queen replied stiffly. "You've had a long journey, and have returned my citizens to their mother land. Please stay for lunch as a token of our thanks."
"Thank you for your generosity, your majesty," Iroh answered politely. "And…who will be joining us?" He cast a glance around the room, scanning the faces.
Hou-Ting waved a hand dismissively. "My nieces and nephews. As you know, the royal family is quite large, but close knit. Come, let us eat. The chef has prepared a lovely bear dish for us."
~Jin Lian~
"Close knit family, my foot!" Jin Lian thought disdainfully. "This isn't a family lunch, this is a hunt!" She sat across from Iroh at a long table, steaming plates of meat and vegetables arranged in front of them. Surrounding her on both sides were the royal nephews, while the royal nieces flanked Iroh, both genders vying for their attention. It also just so happened that Jin Lian noticed they were all of similar ages to her and the General.
She tried her best not to choke on her food while listening to the list of estates, riches, and qualifications these men had. She nodded and smiled politely as she screamed internally, begging for this lunch to be concluded swiftly. Jin Lian cast her gaze towards Iroh, who was doing a remarkable job fielding and avoiding questions about his personal and love life. Their eyes met, silently acknowledging the mutual pain and discomfort they were both in right now.
Finally, the luncheon came to a close. The disappointment was visible on all of the royals' faces when they realized they had made no progress with the two, while Iroh and Jin Lian maintained tight smiles and militant composure. Once in the safety of the royal car, and well out of sight of the palace, Iroh and Jin Lian slumped down into their seats and simultaneously let out exhausted sighs. They looked at each other and chuckled.
"Tell me, Jin, did any of those nephews catch your eye?" Iroh teased. "I think the one with the desert estates would be perfect for you. You'd never leave the mansion."
"I'd ask the same of you, Iroh," Jin Lian shot back good naturedly. "I'm sure you'll be receiving plenty of letters once we return to the Fire Nation. Especially from the one who was practically climbing onto the table to get a chance to speak with you."
Iroh laughed. "One of them did that? I couldn't keep track of them all." Jin Lian joined in, covering her mouth with one hand to contain herself. She sighed, finally composing herself and cleared her throat. "That was probably very rude of us," she stated.
Iroh continued to chuckle. "Possibly," he agreed.
A few more weeks had passed since the luncheon, and the fleet had finally arrived back in the Fire Nation after dropping off the Northern Water Tribe members off at the Northern Air Temple. The fleet was greeted with excitement and joy, as the remaining soldiers exited and reunited with their families. Jin Lian and Iroh, however, found themselves escorted in yet another royal car and taken to the Fire Nation Palace.
The blistering heat and bright sun reminded her she had returned home, but Jin Lian wished she was exploring the cliffs and waterfalls of Shu Jing island instead of standing in a crowded hall filled with government officials. She could feel the sweat run below her tight collar, but self-control and decorum prevented her from adjusting the fabric. They stood before Fire Lord Izumi, reporting on the happenings of the world as it related to the Fire Nation. Jin Lian stood beside Iroh, focusing her attention solely on the regal forms of Fire Lord Izumi and Lord Zuko. The audience surrounding them, however, did not escape her gaze. She could feel those hypercritical eyes appraising her, making her stand straighter and raise her chin in an authoritative fashion.
As Iroh recounted the ambush to the Fire Lord, he added, "Our soldiers would have all been victims of Amon and the Equalists had it not been for the quick thinking and protection of Strategist Yang." Jin Lian felt her cheeks heat up, unused to this quite public level of praise.
Once the report finished, Fire Lord Izumi spoke. "Thank you for the information, General Iroh, Strategist Yang," she spoke. "I thank you both for your service in defending the Republic City, and your ingenuity in protecting your brothers and sisters at arms. Welcome home."
Jin Lian bowed her head silently as Iroh formally replied to his mother. Thus ended the court, and the courtiers milled about, trying to catch Iroh in a conversation. Jin Lian, on the other hand, sought out her father. She scanned the crowd, searching for the large, dark skinned man, and nearly jumped out of her skin when a heavy hand landed on her shoulder. "Father!" she exclaimed, turning around swiftly. Ji Won Yang let out a hearty chuckle and pulled his daughter into a tight hug.
"Getting sloppy, Jin," a quiet, gentle voice piped from behind them. "Your reaction time got slower."
"Mother?" Jin Lian asked, surprised the matriarch of the Yang family found time to leave the island. Suda Yang was a wisp of woman, slender and graceful like her daughter. She had a pale, heart shaped face with smooth graying hair, thin defined eyebrows, full pink lips, and bright golden eyes. She wore a red silk, short sleeved top and a matching skirt that cinched into a pleat at the front. Much like Jin Lian's court dress, a black bolt of silk with white embroidery wrapped Suda's small frame and draped over a shoulder. Despite her delicate and refined appearance, Suda Yang was a master fire bender and swords woman. She also had a knack for blacksmithing, and could be found in the estate's smithy when she was not helping manage the home, practicing her swordsmanship, or participating in the various charitable and social organizations on the island.
"Come with me, I haven't seen you in so long. We should spend some time together in the capital, just us women," Suda stressed, sending a glance towards her husband. Ji Won grumbled, but acquiesced to his wife's wishes. He wandered off to speak with another minister. The two women started to make their way out of the hall, but were intercepted by Iroh.
"Jin, good thing I caught you. I forgot to ask you, but would you like to have dinner together sometime this week?"
"General Iroh…I'm flattered at the invitation…," Jin Lian stammered. She shifted her eyes in her mother's direction, drawing his attention to the woman at her side. "May I introduce my mother, Lady Suda Yang?"
"Your Highness," Suda greeted, bowing gracefully at the waist, fist to palm.
"L-lady Yang!" Iroh exclaimed nervously. "A pleasure to meet you!"
"Likewise," the Lady of Shu Jing replied coolly. "Excuse us, your Highness, but I have not seen my daughter in many months, I'd like to spend some time with her."
"O-of course, my Lady. Forgive me," Iroh responded respectfully. "Lady Jin Lian, I hope to see you again soon, before you return to Shu Jing."
"Certainly, sir," Jin responded, bowing her head.
As they walked away, Suda glanced behind her. To her daughter, she whispered, "Of all the men at court, you picked the one that would stir up the most rumors and press?"
Jin Lian sighed. "Believe me when I say I had no intention of picking anyone, mother." The younger Yang woman looped arms with her mother as they retired to their rooms.
~Iroh~
Iroh stepped aside to let the two women pass, impressed at the uncanny resemblance between mother and daughter. He also had a feeling that he had seen Suda Yang before, despite meeting her formally for the first time. As Jin Lian and her mother passed by, Suda locked eyes with him, sending a nervous bolt of electricity down his spine. Was it a female trait in the Yang family to have such piercing stares?
He walked back towards his own family, smiling warmly at his mother and grandfather. With the court adjourned and the nobles returning to their respective capital city homes, all was left was the royal family. Fire Lord Izumi embraced her son, and then held him at arm's length, inspecting him over with her sharp gaze.
"Mother, you won't find any scratches on me," Iroh joked. "We have water bender healers, remember? The best in their field." Iroh paused for a moment. "Speaking of water benders, have you been contacted by the Avatar yet? She was quite distressed over the inter-tribe conflict. She came to me asking to provide assistance."
Izumi furrowed her brow. "And I hope you rejected her?" Iroh stiffened, ready to speak in up in his defense. Zuko coughed, breaking up the tension. "Perhaps this would be better discussed over tea, instead of in the throne room," the elder suggested. "You never know who could be listening."
The current Fire Lord huffed, but nodded in agreement. "Come, Iroh," she ordered.
"Yes, ma'am," Iroh answered, following the other two into Lord Zuko's private tea room. They settled down around the low table and nodded their thanks to the servant who provided the tea. Iroh reached over to pour the tea, but was swiftly waved off by Zuko. "You and your mother discuss, I don't want this lovely brew to spill if things get heated." He chuckled lightly at his own joke, which was met by rolled eyes and groans.
Iroh shook his head and faced his mother. "I was ready to support the Avatar, just as Grandfather did in his time. But President Raiko forbid it, and Jin Lian was adamant about turning the Avatar down as well."
Izumi hummed thoughtfully. "The young Lady Yang was wise in doing that, I made a good decision in assigning her to the Strategist position. Even if the Avatar had come to the Fire Nation seeking assistance, I would not support her in this, as much as I would like to help. It is not in the Fire Nation's interests to poke our noses into another nation's conflict unless it affects us."
Iroh tilted his head in confusion. "What do you mean, 'if the Avatar had come'? She must have left Republic City weeks ago! She should have made it here in no time!"
"Just as I said, the Avatar has not made an appearance in court," Izumi clarified, taking a sip of her tea. "Nor have I heard of her landing on any of our islands. Perhaps the girl came to her senses and decided to find another solution."
Iroh frowned, worry evident on his face for the young Avatar. Zuko noticed the look on his grandson's face, and decided to change the subject. "How is the young Lady Yang doing, my grandson? If I remember correctly, she sustained multiple wounds during the ambush. It must have been a relief to know the medics in Republic City are so adept at their craft."
"She…," Iroh started, but paused. He still felt guilty about the ambush, and that so many of his soldiers were injured in the process. The pink lightning scar that fanned over Jin Lian's back was still fresh in his mind, leading to the glimpse of the vicious scarring on her torso. How had he not seen it when she first danced? The clothing she wore revealed quite a bit of skin, yet he remembered seeing an unblemished midriff.
"Iroh?" Izumi spoke, breaking him out of his reverie. "Is something the matter?"
"Jin…Lady Yang was indeed injured in the fight, but like you said, Grandfather, the water benders healed her. She's gained much respect from all of the crew, even as a non-bender. Perhaps she could train them in martial arts should we encounter a similar situation."
Zuko smiled and nodded in approval. "A wise decision, Iroh. Everyone has something to contribute to the group, even those with less power than others. Chief Sokka, Master Ty Lee, and your late grandmother were all exceptional people in my day who made their mark in history without being benders. Your mother continues to do great things as well. Her ascension to the throne was unprecedented as the first non-bending ruler of the Fire Nation, but look at what she's accomplished."
Izumi waved her hand, as if brushing off her father's praise and changed the subject. "Have you seen the young Lady Yang fight, Iroh?" Izumi asked. "Are you aware of what she's capable of?"
Iroh nodded. "I've witnessed her spar on one occasion, and train the Avatar in some martial arts on another. She's quite impressive and effective."
Izumi nodded. "Father, didn't Lady Suda ask permission to use the indoor training grounds tomorrow? Perhaps it would be best for Iroh to watch two masters train."
~The next day ~
Iroh made his way down the airy hallways of the palace, admiring the paintings of Fire Lords and Ladies of the past. He paused at the large portraits of Fire Lord Sozin and Ozai, wondering why his grandfather had chosen to leave these more shameful and traumatic pieces of history up on display. Across the hall was a portrait of his great grandmother, Lady Ursa, whose kindness and gentle nature provided a stark contrast to Ozai's cruelty. After Ozai's portrait was a smaller painting of Fire Lord Azula, who had ascended to the throne for a short period of time. After that was a portrait of a younger Fire Lord Zuko and then finally, his mother. He contemplated the reasons why his royal grandfather wished to have reminders of a harsher time in his life, and why he would even commission a portrait of his manipulative, younger sister. Brotherly love? Obligation? These thoughts filled his head until the sounds of clashing metal drew his attention to a simple set of painted wooden doors.
He pushed past the doors, surprised at what he saw. Inside were three people, two women and one man. Jin Lian Yang was dressed in her training clothes consisting of a loose, short sleeved shirt and training pants that cinched at her ankles. The cotton material was soaked through with sweat and stuck to the young woman like a second skin. She rested against her tall halberd as she breathed heavily on the sidelines. Suda Yang wore a similar outfit, albeit with longer sleeves. It was the man, however, who surprised Iroh. His own royal Grandfather, Lord Zuko, was engaged in combat with the elder Yang woman.
Suda Yang wielded a straight sword, while Zuko used double broadswords that Iroh recognized as the weapons hanging in the old man's tea room. Suda thrust and slashed with her sword in a most elegant manner, as if she were dancing instead of attacking, while Zuko blocked and parried with slightly less ease. It was evident to Iroh that the two were simply practicing the motions, and that Suda was allowing Zuko time and space to counter. Finally, they finished their set and parted, bowing respectfully to each other.
"You are much easier to train with than your grandfather, Lady Yang," Zuko commented, a lopsided grin on his face.
"I dare not insult his Majesty by injuring him in a spar," Suda replied smoothly, her head bowed down. "Your Highness was just a boy when you trained with Grandfather, lessons were harsher when he was younger, I presume."
Zuko laughed and nodded. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Iroh. "Oh, Iroh!" the older Fire Lord called out. "Good timing, come here!"
Iroh kicked off his boots and stepped onto the training surface, bowing respectfully as he entered. "Grandfather, you did not tell me you were training here as well."
"Lady Yang was gracious enough to train with me, it brings back old memories of my younger days," Zuko replied. "I also hoped to give young Lady Jin Lian some respite from her mother's lashing."
Jin Lian rubbed her lower back and thighs with an embarrassed grimace on her face. "Her technique has been wanting," Suda sniffed. "It is not how she left the island when I saw her last. The United Forces have softened you."
Iroh took some offence to that, and opened his mouth to begin defending Jin. Jin Lian shrugged in indifference. "Mother, I've done well enough, considering the length of my absence?"
"Not enough to keep yourself from getting injured," Suda bit back angrily, the slight wrinkles on her face deepening as she frowned. Iroh bit the inside of his cheek, feeling guilty and angry at himself as the Yang matriarch's words pierced him.
Zuko placed his hands on Suda's shoulders. "The concern you have for your daughter is admirable, I think she understands where you're coming from. Let us rest, and let the young ones train. Anyway, Iroh has been wondering if he could have Jin train him and the crew members in martial arts. You wouldn't be opposed to it, would you?"
Suda nodded. "Grandfather Pian Dao was secretive with his teachings during the war, for good reason. In the spirit of self defense though, I am sure he would not mind if his old student's grandson learned as well." To her daughter, Suda ordered, "Jin, put down the guan dao and demonstrate the basics to Prince Iroh."
"Yes, Mother." Jin Lian put aside her weapon and stepped back onto the concrete. "I am assuming we are training with the assumption that Prince Iroh has had his chi blocked?"
"I suppose it would be a good place to start, Lady Yang," Iroh replied, removing his dress shirt and revealing the white undershirt below. He stretched his shoulders and his legs as Jin Lian approached him.
"Shall I block your chi for real, your Highness, or shall I trust that you won't fire bend?" Jin Lian asked, a small glimmer of humor in her bronze eyes.
Iroh gulped. "I promise not to fire bend, Lady Yang," he said nervously. "I admit I am very much afraid of the thought of losing my bending."
Jin Lian laughed softly. "Even the brave General Iroh would not dare lose his bending, even only temporarily. Very well then, on your honor, do you promise not to fire bend?"
"I promise," Iroh said, raising his right hand over his heart. His chest thrummed with anticipation, having already seen her in action before. She smiled gently, an action so disarming that he had nearly allowed her to strike him in the chest. He leapt backwards and placed his hands up in a defensive form.
In an instant, the gentle woman turned into a warrior, and she attacked him, using every possible tool at her disposal: her hands, elbows, knees, and feet. Iroh grunted, surprised at the speed and accuracy of each of her movements. The forms she executed were so similar to fire bending that Iroh had a general idea of how to defend himself, dodging and pushing her hands and legs to the side. Eventually, they got into a rhythm of a sort, a dance, so to speak. Iroh felt at ease, quickly understanding how to counter someone in hand to hand combat. That is, until Jin slipped under his attack and began to return the blow with a counter of her own. Iroh stumbled, and for a split second recognized the technique as water bending. He saw her hands close in on him, as if ready to block his chi, and reflexively moved to block her. He defended, but in a state of panic and exhilaration, fire exploded from his fist.
Jin yelped and dodged quickly. Iroh felt quick punches batter his arms and torso, and he suddenly went limp and fell to his knees. The concrete was cold and hard against his legs, and he let out a short grunt in pain. He looked up at his sparring partner, and with regret filling his stomach, realized his mistake. The smell of singed hair and fabric floated between them, a clear betrayal of trust hanging in the air.
"You promised…," Jin Lian whispered, her eyes wide with fear. A lock of hair that had come loose from her ponytail was smoking gently, while a sleeve of her training shirt burned away to reveal her bare shoulder.
"Jin, I'm sorry!" Iroh apologized. "I didn't mean to…"
However, the prince was unable to finish his sentence, as Jin Lian backed away from him and dashed out of the training hall. He looked towards the elders who had been watching this whole time. Suda Yang quickly rose and followed her daughter out of the room, not sparing the prince a single glance. Lord Zuko, on the other hand, shook his head at his grandson with a look of disappointment and disapproval on his face.