Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar or any of its characters. However, I do own my own characters and the underlying theories of this story. In other words, I own nothing.
Summary: Koh the Face-Stealer threatens to return and finish what he started centuries ago. New alliances will be formed, friendships will be tested, and characters will be challenged like never before.
Providence
Chapter Seven: Betrayals
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Iroh gazed pensively at the sight before his tired eyes. The island was just as untamed looking as it was before. It hadn't changed. It hadn't changed at all. Excellent.
Chen regarded the old general suspiciously. Was it just his imagination or could Iroh see something that he couldn't? "Well?"
The former hero of the Fire Nation broke his intense stare. "This way," he pointed to the right with his shackled hands.
Zuko was standing farther back at the end of their little caravan and couldn't hear the conversation between his uncle and the pirate leader. Despite his inability to eavesdrop he was actually quite pleased with his position in the back. It gave him the opportunity to study the pirates that had disembarked on this escapade.
Twelve, including Chen and Shing, were walking steadily from the rocky shore into the forest. Three of the pirates were staying on board the ship, one of them a waterbender, meaning that the remaining three waterbenders were with them. That could pose a problem. Zuko would have to remember to ambush them first.
Nine pirates left. Chen was, of course, armed with a sword. Obviously a new one, considering the previous blade was very unusable thanks to the prince. The others were armed mostly with swords, although he highly doubted they were anywhere near the level of mastery as their leader. Another held a thick slightly curved blade connected to a long wooden pole, probably a naginata. Another pirate was brandishing a spear and yet another was carrying a large axe.
However, most of his attention was not on Chen, but the young man walking casually behind Zuko. Shing. He was unarmed as far as he could tell. Was he an earthbender? It was the only conclusion the exiled prince could come up with considering his obvious lack of weaponry among a dozen other deadly pirates. Of course, an earthbender on a ship in the middle of the ocean wasn't very useful. Zuko fought Chen once before, so there would be no surprises there, but Shing was another story. No matter how hard he tried he just could not figure the talkative pirate out. Perhaps Shing would be the first man he takes care of as soon as his uncle gives the signal. At least then he could finally shut him up for good. A smile appeared as his thoughts drifted to pulling out Shing's teeth one by one.
- - - - -
"I should have known," Sokka growled. "I should have known that psychotic prince would have something to do with this!"
"Shh!" His sister put a finger to her lips. "Stay quiet or they'll hear us."
Their hiding place was several yards away from the implacable group that was luckily heading the opposite direction. Katara wasn't sure if they were ready to fight them head on. Once again they were outnumbered, but they had the element of surprise. The pirates and Zuko didn't know they were on the island. It was a definite advantage, maybe their only advantage besides the Avatar. She looked back up at Aang, who was still staring intently at their enemies.
"I don't think Zuko is a friend of those pirates," he stated knowingly.
Sokka was stunned. "What makes you think that?"
"Look," he nudged his head towards the prince. "His hands and feet are chained. So are Iroh's."
The Water Tribe siblings peered over the rocks once again. "He's right," Katara acknowledged. "But why would Chen want to capture them?"
"I find it hard to believe that Zuko managed to get himself captured, although it is a perfect irony," Sokka chuckled. "Maybe because they're after the Fire Nation's Houshu they need firebenders to get it."
Aang nodded in agreement. What other reason could there be?
He kept his eyes on the scene in front of him. Images of this hands and feet bound in a Fire Nation base filled his mind. Admiral Zhao's taunting voice, a sick Katara and Sokka miles away from him, feeling so alone and helpless. He was truly about to give up hope until he came. The mysterious blue mask, the ensuing fight, trying desperately to escape those forbidding walls. The Blue Spirit saved his life. He came to rescue him when no one else could.
Zuko rescued him.
The same man who had tried and failed to capture him so many times before had saved him from the Fire Nation. Zuko's own nation. For the briefest of moment Aang thought that he honestly changed. That he would stop his relentless search for the Avatar.
He was wrong.
Zuko hadn't stopped. He persisted with more vehemence than before. Even in the heart of the North Pole he was not outside of the prince's reach. He could have ended Zuko's constant pursuit then and there by leaving him to die in that cold, snowy tundra. But he couldn't. Zuko had saved his life once before and he couldn't withhold mercy then or now.
He highly doubted his friends would be so willing to help Zuko, but Aang had made up his mind. He wanted to believe the best in people. He wanted to help others. Enemies included. This thought suddenly caused him to remember the young woman they had met only a short while ago.
"What about Yori?" He asked. "She said she was here to fight Chen, right?"
Sokka looked at the monk as though he had just grown another head. "Are you nuts? Do you really believe that story she told us?"
Now it was Aang's turn to look shocked. "Er…well…"
He shook his head woefully, "Do you really think the royal family of Ba-Sing-Sei would trust such an important mission to one girl?"
Aang blinked. He never thought of that.
"As if her running away wasn't enough to convince you she was liar," he mumbled. "Anyway, we have more important things to worry about than her. From here on out things are going to get dangerous. We need to be very careful. Katara…Katara?"
The waterbender was already moving on towards the forest. "Come on! What are you guys waiting for? An invitation?"
- - - - -
"Such a depressing little island," Shing's voice jolted Zuko from his thoughts. "Not a single sandy beach. No wonder your uncle hid the Houshu here, who wants to come to an exotic island without pretty, skimpily dressed girls having some fun on the sand?"
Zuko didn't honor that with a response.
"Come on now," he said trying to pry a reply from his prisoner. "The way I heard it General Iroh was quite the ladies man back in the day, along with being one of the great firebending masters of our time."
Silence.
This didn't seem to deter Shing at all. "Isn't it strange how certain traits are passed along to some children and others are left with nothing? You don't seem to have inherited your family's popularity or power."
Zuko's fists clenched tighter in irritation, "If you doubt my skills as a firebender why don't you unshackle me and see for yourself?"
"Nice try." Shing threw his head back in laughter, which only increased the prince's annoyance. "With a mouth like that I'm not surprised you were exiled. What's it like Prince Zuko knowing that you're about to lose your throne to a little girl?"
A throbbing vein appeared on the Zuko's forehead. "Shing," his voice bordered on murderous.
"It seems your sister is the one who inherited it all. A little girl who is considered a firebending prodigy. She has already won the favor of her peers and countrymen and I doubt it will be long before she has won your throne as well."
Any self restraint he may have had disappeared with the sound of laughter that could be heard coming from the other pirates. He didn't even hear the voice of his mentor shouting for him to stop as he melted the restraints of his hands in an instant, the shackles of his feet disappearing the next. The combination of adrenaline and rage overpowered most of the pain of his burning flesh.
Shing's eyes widened impossibly as a flaming punch charged towards him. He was able to dodge the fist, but the flames licked the left side of his face. The pirate stumbled back and barely had time to regain his balance before Zuko charged again. Keeping his cool during the fight with Chen was one thing, but somehow this young man managed to push all his buttons. To hell with calm, cool, and collected.
The exiled prince summoned a powerful blast, kicking it towards Shing in a blazing arc of fire. Despite his injuries, his attack was still enough to crush even the most resilient opponent. Except, if said opponent was an earthbender.
Zuko looked before him with little surprise, so his hunch was correct after all. To protect himself Shing created a shield from the earth. The wall of dirt and stone quickly dispersed with a swift motion of Shing's arms, revealing an untouched opponent. That customary smile was back on his face, but with a tinge of malice it resembled more closely of a smirk. "Touchy," he replied. His voice held no humor despite his attempt at a smile. "But I thought you would have learned by now not to challenge an opponent that so obviously surpasses you."
"That's my line," Zuko retorted.
Shing stood motionless, his eyes darting towards his leader in silent question.
Chen nodded, "Go ahead. He's outlived his usefulness. It should…"
A strong blast of fire into his stomach silenced whatever else he might have wanted to say. Iroh followed his nephew's example and quickly rid himself of his chains. A stunned Chen lied still on the ground in shock for a moment before finally getting to his feet.
That was when all hell broke loose.
"Kill the boy! Capture the old man!" The pirate leader barked. The forest erupted into a battleground of swinging steel and hot flames.
Zuko was about to unleash another fire attack at his infuriating opponent, but was interrupted by two more pirates closing in on him from both sides. A quick glance to his left and right reveled that he had nowhere to go but down. He shifted his weight and flattened himself against the ground just as their swords swung in a fatal attack. He could hear the clash of steel against steel a hair's breathe above his body. He quickly shifted again and moved his leg around in a circle, the intense fire pushing the swordsmen back. Jumping back to his feet he took advantage of the men's loss of balance and swiftly delivered two incapacitating blows.
"Well Shing," he turned to face the young man only to find he had disappeared. That coward! He twirled around to search for and finally burn the annoying pirate to a crisp, but was met instead by a stream of fast moving water. Zuko shot out a jet of fire, his boiling blood adding to the heat and effectively evaporating the liquid before a drop could reach the prince.
Damn. In his attempt to barbeque Shing he had temporarily forgotten his plan to defeat the waterbenders first. All three faced him, hard-faced and merciless. "Why don't you cool down?" The largest one teased.
Zuko took his stance and let his eyes travel around the wooded area that surrounded him. They were far enough away from the ocean that he was sure they could not summon any water from it. There were no lakes or rivers nearby either, meaning their arsenal only consisted of the large canteens that each of them carried. Once they were empty the waterbenders would be easy prey. This was going to be easier than he first thought.
Iroh looked at the eight armed pirates with a look of utter disappointment. It was one thing to spend the night in a prison cell, but to be challenged by only eight warriors? That was just plain insulting. He had hoped to avoid lifting a finger at all, but they weren't close enough to the Houshu for Skoll to make an appearance. At any rate, he might as well make the best of the situation.
A tall, fierce looking pirate charged, his axe pulled back over his head, then brought it down with both hands aiming for Iroh's shoulder. Before the blade could reach the ex-general he stopped it with a clasp of his hands. The pirate stood paralyzed, unable to believe that this short old man stopped his attack. The axe turned white hot and melted before their very eyes. The next moment the pirate was blown back by a blast of fire and landed unconscious on the ground. Iroh looked out on the others with a bored expression.
"Step aside!" Chen barked. His face was crimson and the vein on his forehead looked like it would burst from his body any second. "I warned you about trying anything. Now you'll be showing us the way to the Houshu with two less arms than when you started." He pulled the new sword from its sheath. Chen found that the sound of metal against wood soothed some of his anger.
"I'll oblige you with a fight if that is what you wish. However, be warned that unlike my nephew I will show you no leniency." Iroh's insult hit its mark. He saw Chen's eyes widen ever so slightly in disbelief before narrowing ominously. His face was close to purple now.
Iroh looked out of the corner of his eye and spotted Shing. He sat cross-legged on the grass, his hands folded in front of him, and his lips mumbling something Iroh's ears couldn't hear. He had seen this before. Earthbenders took this position to focus their energy and pray to the earth for strength. It was the prelude to the more powerful attacks of their people, almost impossible to block or evade.
A small smile graced Iroh's lips, but before he could contemplate this further Chen was making his way towards the ex-general. He brought the sword to his left side positioning it parallel to the ground and then he thrust it forward with the speed and accuracy of a master. But Iroh was no amateur; he quickly stepped out of the way and avoided being impaled. However, Chen immediately turned his thrust into a side sweeping attack, slashing the vulnerable Iroh with a shallow cut across his chest. The older man stumbled back. He was fast. After observing the man fight his nephew he knew this much beforehand, but he realized with a sinking feeling in his stomach that Chen had been holding back in the fight as well.
A fury of jabs and slashes kept Iroh on his toes. Chen delivered his attacks one after another keeping his opponent from doing anything more than trying to stay alive. Iroh ducked and parried with increasing efficiency, careful to use as little energy as possible. The pirate wouldn't be able to keep this pace up for long; he would eventually tire leaving the less exhausted Iroh the opportunity to counter. Just as he had predicted there was a lull after one of Chen's failed stabs and left him open. There was an inaudible cry and a jet of hot red flames burst from Zuko's mentor. Chen's unnatural reflexes were the only thing that kept him from being burned alive. The wind from his powerful vertical swipe managed to deflect some of the fire, but it wasn't enough to escape completely. The sides of his arms and legs were slightly burned. That was too close.
Three streams of water curved and twirled around Zuko creating a watery cage. Just as the prince was about to unleash an attack the water turned into three strips of ice, binding his arms to his torso and his legs together. A blinding pain shot through his body. The pressure from his restraints was a cruel reminder of his injuries, the pain outweighing his adrenaline rush. It took great strength of will for him to focus, every breath was a challenge. The ice finally melted under the heat emitted by Zuko and he struggled to keep his vision focused. He had pushed his body too hard and now he was suffering the consequences.
The waterbenders surrounded him now, unleashing the last of their water in a final devastating attack. Three more streams of water aimed for Zuko and he desperately tried to summon enough fire to shield himself, but knowing that it would fail. He braced himself for the impact. None came. He opened his eyes to see the water had stopped just inches from his body. The waterbenders eyes were staring incredulously at the prince and then moved to each other as though trying to see which comrade had betrayed them.
A child clad in the red and yellow clothing of a monk appeared from the shadows. The water shifted course and returned to its sender, knocking all three benders to the ground. Zuko looked at the child with shock clearly written on his face, "You!"
The Avatar met his gaze with an even look. Behind him the Water Tribe siblings emerged, both seemed as surprised by the monk's actions as Zuko.
"Why are you here?" He demanded. If the Avatar expected a thank you he was sadly mistaken.
Aang relaxed his fighting stance like a peace offering. "We're here to protect the Houshu. That's all."
The sound of his prized jewel awakened Chen to the fact that visitors had arrived. Three children had emerged from the forest and they seemed to be allies of the firebenders, more by their actions than by the look on the prince's face. Iroh had noticed this as well, but if he was shocked he hid it well under his impenetrable warrior's mask. The pirate leader condemned all the newcomers to death as well as Zuko. His order was met by a fierce fiery attack from his opponent that was barely evadable. Chen frowned; he couldn't take his eyes off the old man for a second!
Just beyond the battlefield Shing sat calmly in a lotus position. His hands were clasped in front of his chest, his fingers interlocked except for this two index fingers pointing towards the sky. Kuji Kiri was an ancient art created centuries ago by the priests of the Earth Kingdom. It was originally used as a way for the religious to summon the wisdom and strength of the Earth, but after being discovered by earthbenders they found it dramatically increased in their own power.
"Rin, rin, rin, rin…"
The Kuji of strength of body and mind. Shing's skin felt as though it would burst at the seams from the sense of fullness his body was experiencing. His strength was enhancing, reaching beyond physical limitations.
"Kyo, kyo, kyo, kyo…"
The Kuji of the direction of energy. His spirit's aura was changing; it was no longer simply the spirit of an earthbender. He felt like the energy of the Earth around him was gathering and graciously lending him its power.
"Zai, zai, zai, zai…"
The Kuji of nature. Shing was one with the Spirit of Earth. He was human and nature incarnate and no power could stop him now. This incredible energy that he had summoned emitted from the young man and ceased the sounds of battle.
Friend and foe alike could feel the awesome power radiating from Shing. Sokka was in mid swing, about to knock a pirate unconscious when he felt an ominous presence numb his limbs. Katara found her own body unresponsive and her bending abilities failed her. Aang watched as the energy from the environment flowed like a river toward a single bender. Was this the power like his own when he entered into the Avatar state? No. This was different. Not as strong, but somehow equally dangerous.
Chen stared at his subordinate with disbelief. He knew Shing was strong, but this was beyond his wildest imagination. He gave a satisfied smirk, he could practically feel the Houshu in his hands he was so close to victory! But then, why did he feel so weak and drained? His heart was pounding and his lungs couldn't draw enough air.
Zuko stared in awe as Shing stood to his feet. His entire spirit had changed; he could hardly believe that this was the same talkative pirate that he had tried to roast just a few moments ago. The Earth was trembling with increased intensity, edging closer and closer to what would surely be a spectacular finale.
Iroh turned to Zuko, Aang, Katara, and Sokka. "Quickly! Get in the trees!" They didn't stop to think, just obeyed.
Shing raised both arms over his head, his fists clenched tightly. The air around them seemed drawn toward the earthbender and silent vibrations echoed through there bodies. The rest of the world dissolved into darkness as though the pale aura emitted by Shing was absorbing the light from the sun. A horrible deafening cry shattered the silence and Shing's fists flew towards the ground. There was a crash. Another cry. The earth quaked with a power so strong it must surely be punishment from the spirits. The onlookers could only stare in horror as the Earth split open beneath them, cutting deep into the earth and stretching for miles. They swallowed up the pirates who stayed on the ground despite their attempts to escape, but their movements were sluggish from the draining effect of Shing's Kuji Kiri. Only Chen seemed able to escape being buried alive by the terrible earthquake. He followed the example of his enemies.
Iroh, Zuko, Aang, Katara, and Sokka clung desperately to the trunk of the tree they took refuge in. It was especially large with several thick branches to support their weight, but fear did not subside. Aang doubted even the might of this ancient tree would escape the wrath. He took control of his terror and opened his gray eyes ready to do whatever he could to protect his friends. Amazingly, the crevasses created by Shing did not damage the trees of the forest; they seemed more intent on the humans than nature. How is it that an attack could be so wildly powerful and yet so controlled?
The tremors subsided as the darkness lifted. Shing collapsed on the ground. It was over. The ominous presence was gone. Zuko's head throbbed and his heart still pounded in his chest. He looked around him to see his uncle, the Avatar, the Water Tribe brother and sister, and Chen were the only ones left.
Chen was beyond words. His men were gone. The only one left was a traitor. All the planning, all those months of work was ruined! How would he ever find the Houshu when he was so clearly outnumbered? Logic told him to retreat to his ship and rethink the situation. His plan may have been delayed, but he still had two of the four jewels. This wasn't over. But something else was overpowering his logic; a blinding rage had formed within him. No one betrayed the great Chen and lived.
He swiftly leaped to the ground and made a path towards his weak ex-comrade. "Traitor!" He unsheathed his sword. "You'll pay for your treachery! Your head belongs to me!"
- - - - -
Author's Notes: Finally, after all the stress and the time put into this I finally finished chapter seven. And yet for some reason I feel strangely unsatisfied. I wanted Shing to hit a sore spot and enrage Zuko enough to temporarily abandon his and Iroh's escape plan and try to burn Shing to a crisp. When I wrote this I assumed Azula was a sore spot and after watching "The Avatar State" I now know she is. With good reason. But still, the dialogue just makes me feel unsatisfied.
Zuko: Shut up Shing!
Shing: Oh you did not just tell me to shut up!
Zuko: Oh you know I did you scrawny ass little pansy!
Shing: You kiss your momma with that mouth? I think you need a beat down bi-atch!
(Cat fight ensues filled with lots of hair pulling and face scratching)
Or maybe I'll just leave it the way it is.
Anyway, I must give credit where credit it due. Firstly, the attack used by Chen against Iroh was inspired by the hirazuki (left-handed thrust) used by the Shinsengumi. My obsession with Rurouni Kenshin continues to aid me in these action scenes, expect more inspiration from it in future chapters. Secondly, the Kuji Kiri was first brought to my attention by reading something in "The Samurai's Wife" by Laura Joh Rowland, called the kugi goshin-ho. After a Yahoo search I found a website with this to say. "Kuji Kiri were not only used by ninja, it was practiced by the Samurai during wartime, it was known as kugi goshin-ho. These nine ideograms were believed to drive away evil forces." I only used three of the nine ideograms and invented a different purpose for it, but like I said, I must give credit where credit it due. The website is: http/ www. angelfire. com/ gundam/ manji/ page37. html (minus the spaces).
And last, but certainly not least, credit to my wonderful friends me-obviously and Hotspur who have helped me through this rough patch. I have a general idea of where I'm going with this, but the finer details and dialogue (which I have discovered to be the hardest parts) are just being made up as I go along. Although, I have a sneaking suspicion that this story is writing itself. I honestly don't now where some of this stuff comes from.
Shing: You just broke my nail! Now it's personal!
Zuko: Bring it on bitch!
Fangirls: Oooo, I wonder if they'll take off their shirts and mud wrestle!
See what I mean?