A/N
Hello and Compliments of the New Season!
This will be first story to be posted for the year so I have to admit I am a bit nervous and excited.
Thank you all for the comments. I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint you all. (I have a feeling it still just might)
So here's the deal beloved readers, I warn you that despite their young age, these kids are way too mature. At least that's the direction I went and I can't stop. My bad.
For those of you who read the outline of the story before I got to continue it, I should warn you here and now that from here on out, things will more or less be different. I hope you all enjoy it all the same!
Happy Reading!
Zuko and Azula
(A/N This follows immediately after Lu Ten's capture)
"So," began Azula, "what exactly is your 'big plan' once we get to Ba Sing Se?"
The siblings had been travelling en route to Ba Sing Se on a ship scheduled to take them as close to Ba Sing Se as possible; their mission, to save Lu Ten from his scheduled death. They were having a heated discussion on their plan of action in Zuko's room, away from prying eyes and ears.
"We don't know where Lu Ten was taken," Zuko replied, "and right now our best bet is to head to Ba Sing Se and find Uncle. Hopefully he'll have a plan of action"
"You seem to be forgetting about your charming 'Master' Piandao, dumb-dumb. What are you going to do about him?" Azula asked.
"We'll deal with him when we meet him. I had a hawk sent out to Master Piandao to meet us at port and accompany us to Ba Sing Se to meet Uncle"
"Is it a good idea to tell Uncle about Lu Ten? Because the way I see it, it works out well if he successfully captures Ba Sing Se"
"We have to convince him to end the siege somehow because it's not the time for him to do so"
"I'm almost sure you haven't thought of this," Azula stated, "but we have big problem. If I have the facts right about your other life, then we have to make a difficult choice. If we save Lu Ten, not only will Uncle not be the 'Uncle' from your timeline, but the Fire Nation gets Ba Sing Se and the future will have changed completely changed and there's nothing we could do about it. On the other hand, Lu Ten's death means we're back to the way of things from your old life. I'll ask this again, what is your plan for once we get to Ba Sing Se?"
"I don't know," Zuko answered honestly, but the frustration was evident. Azula's revelation was a wake-up call for Zuko in that trying to correct what his nation had done would mean making tough decisions on the hour. Sacrifice the one for the many or the many for the one?
The siblings remained quiet for some time until there was a knock on the door. Zuko headed over to open it and found a guard there.
"You're highness, we have arrived at port. Lieutenant Piandao is outside waiting to receive you," the guard informed.
"Very well," Zuko answered, "we will be out shortly"
The guard left and Zuko closed the door. He turned back to see Azula already standing and giving him a pointed look.
"Let's just go," Zuko finally said.
The Spirit World
Sending Zuko to the past had put the spirit world into somewhat of an imbalanced state. The spirit world had been adjusting to the actions of the young prince. History was erased and written almost every second to put everything into an order of sorts. But this was happening at a slow rate and the spirit world was still in both in the present and the future.
"I knew this would happen," the Earth god (his true name Tudi Gong*) said, "Our actions have caused instability to our realm"
He had known that the moment the Fire-Lord would be sent to the past, every small change that happened before would affect the spirit realm. The universe would do all it could to find balance again. The spirit council had made actions without sacrifice. Or to put it simply, a sacrifice had been chosen, but it was yet to be offered. Agni and La had been selfish in their actions, only thinking of themselves. Now it was up to the boy to make a decision that would either change reality as they knew it and create a pathway for destruction, or by some miraculous step of faith, save it.
Tudi Gong sighed and thought deeply. It would probably take a while longer for the state of the spirit world to reach a sort of balance before the sacrifice is made. In the mean time, Tudi Gong had to send a guide to Zuko to assist in his path. Perhaps peace in the Physical realm would also put balance in the spirit.
"Balance?" Tudi Gong pondered to himself. Balance was something that could appear in all shapes and sizes. The avatar served as the ultimate symbol of balance in the world, but that didn't mean he had to be the only one. Tudi Gong pondered more on this, thinking of the same plan that the other spirits used. Granted he didn't like it, but it was the only solution he could think of.
"Balance of both worlds…,"
Prince Zuko
Once the royal siblings were on deck, they headed down the plank and found Piandao –accompanied by a number of men behind him- in their sights waiting for them on the pier. The master-swordsman bowed before the two (the men behind him following suit) as he said,
"Welcome, Prince Zuko and Princess Azula. It is an honour to be able to escort you to Ba Sing Se to witness the Fire-Nation's greatest triumph"
If Zuko was still his younger self, he would have believed his master's 'skilfully crafted words' and not to mention feel like the prideful prince he was. But given the look in Piandao's eyes, Zuko could almost hear the thoughts in his mind.
This is not a place where children should be…
"Greetings, Lieutenant Piandao," Zuko heard Azula say, "I trust that all arrangements are in order for our journey to Ba Sing Se?"
"Yes, of course, Princess Azula," answered Piandao.
Zuko bowed in greeting, "It is good to see you again, Master Piandao. I see you're still in good health"
"You honour me, Prince Zuko," Piandao laughed, "We are scheduled to leave within two hours for Ba Sing Se. We have a rest area set up ashore. If you would follow me"
The royal siblings followed Piandao to a large tent that had been pitched a little-ways off from the port. Once they were inside, Zuko said, "Except for Lieutenant Piandao, Princess Azula and myself, can everyone leave the tent"
The soldiers that had followed them in gave a short bow and filed outside. Once Zuko was sure they were alone, he said, "Master Piandao, between here and Ba Sing Se, are there any confirmed Earth Nation Camps?"
"If it is a matter of safety, my prince, we have a secured route from here all the way to Ba Sing Se," Piandao answered.
"I'm afraid safety is not the basis of my question. Last night, we received word that there was an attack on one of our camps where Prince Lu Ten was stationed. When we reached that camp to investigate, we found the camp in disarray, bodies of soldiers, and worst of all, Prince Lu Ten nowhere in sight," narrated Zuko. Zuko watched Piandao as the said swords master's eyes widened at the news.
Zuko continued, "We have reason to believe that he may be held in one of the Earth Nation camps near Ba Sing Se. Our priority is to rescue Prince Lu Ten before continuing with any plans to head out to the battlefield at Ba Sing Se. What are the numbers and ranks of the men we have at this camp?"
Zuko was greeted with a stunned silent. He could imagine that Piandao was surprised both by the information and the manner of delivery. Not to brag, but Zuko had been a Firelord for a time. A glance in Azula's direction surprised him. She looked at him as though she were seeing him for the first time, like truly seeing him for the first time. Piandao coughed to gain Zuko's attention before proceeding,
"Prince Zuko, this is admittedly grave turn of events. No doubt a rescue for the Prince Lu Ten must happen as soon as possible…"
"Seeing as you agree, how soon can we depart?"
"…however, I cannot allow you to proceed beyond this point," stated Piandao.
"Why not?" demanded Zuko, his composure slipping.
"If what you say is correct, then even you and Princess Azula are not safe. I must remind you that you are still children who are not experienced in the art of war. War is not a game where children go out to play and leave with a slap on the wrist, it's much more than that. I therefore cannot allow you on the rescue mission of Prince Lu Ten. In fact, I am of the view that you both shall return to the firenation immediately," answered Piandao.
"Are you defying the orders of your prince, Lieutenant Piandao?" Azula growled, "We were sent personally by the Fire Lord to protect Prince Lu Ten"
"On the contrary, Princess Azula, I am under strict instructions of the Firelord and Prince Iroh that your safety on this journey is our topmost priority and taking you on the rescue mission for Prine Lu Ten is dangerous and a threat to your safety"
"But…," protested Zuko, only to be cut short by Piandao.
"I share your concerns about Prince Lu Ten and I will act accordingly; however your journey to Ba Sing Se will be cut short and you will be returned to the Fire nation. Guards!" shouted Paindao, "Escort the Prince and Princess to the ship. They will be returning to the Fire Nation now"
A month after Lu Ten's capture
In the darkness of his cell, Lu Ten contemplated a lot; his life in the Fire Nation, his journey as a soldier of war, and his time confined in this cell. The war campaign instigated by his great-grandfather Sozin, continued on by his grandfather Azulon, and still carried on by his father, the Dragon of the West, Crown Prince Iroh. He had been taught that the Fire Nation needed this war in order to share its greatness with the rest of the world that was ignorant of moving forward towards civilisation.
Yet, with the time he spent here in this cell, he couldn't help but wonder why. Why did they have to resort to war when they could have engaged peace talks? What did the Fire Nation have to gain sending her people to war time and time again? It hit Lu Ten like a rock that this was more than just "sharing greatness and civilisation", this was world domination at its best, and it was wrong. His conversations with the Old Hag revealed that no nation was perfect. Even if it was wrong for the Fire Nation to invade the Earth Kingdom, the Earth Kingdom was no better either. But how could he change it all? He was just one man who happened to carry the title of prince and was imprisoned in a cell.
Lu Ten held his head in his hands, frustrated at his helplessness. He was not fond of the actions of his nation, but that didn't mean he wanted to change sides and betray his nation. It occurred to Lu Ten that there were only three ways to end the war:
1. The Fire Nation won the war
2. The Fire Nation lost the war
3. The Avatar ends the war.
The last option was impracticable for obvious reasons. No one had seen hide or hair of the Avatar in years. The first was not all that challenging to figure out given that his father's siege on Ba Sing Se is close to seeing victory for the Fire Nation. But this wasn't right. He had to find a way, a way to end it all. Unless…
A sudden string of tremors broke Lu Ten out of his train of thought. He got up and ran to the door, shouting, "Hey! Hey! What's going on out there?!"
If he had to guess, there was a battle going on at the top. Did someone finally come to rescue him? Would he make it out alive and see his father and cousins? Lu Ten was about to rejoice then paused. There was shouting and chaos going about, which was somewhat testing Lu Ten's patience to be free. He began to shout in hopes to gain attention of whoever was on the other side of his cell. Footsteps headed in his direction, and before he knew it, the door exploded. Lu Ten covered his face with his arms against the debris and dust. When he lowered his hands, he saw five fire nation soldiers before him.
"Thank goodness," said Lu Ten, relieved, "How did you find me?"
One soldier answered, "We were informed of your capture by Prince Zuko. Lieutenant Piandao is leading your rescue"
"Then let's head out," directed Lu Ten.
However, the men in his path did not budge. Lu Ten's instincts screamed at him to escape, because, well, something wasn't sitting right with him about the men before him.
"Well, are we not leaving?" Lu Ten asked.
"Yes we are," replied the soldier, "but I'm afraid you won't young prince"
"What is the meaning if this?" demanded Lu Ten, "Are you not on Lieutenant Piandao's orders? Where is he?"
"The lieutenant is busy dealing with the earth troops. But as of this moment, we're acting on higher orders"
"You…You're here to kill me?"
"The Fire Nation is on the brink of a marvellous victory led by the Dragon of the West. However he is not fit to rule as Fire Lord. He is after all a man of war. Eliminating you, will eliminate his claim to the throne"
"On whose orders are you acting on?" Lu Ten asked, but he already had a name in mind; the one person that would benefit if his father denied his claim to the throne if he were to die.
"Now now, we can't divulge that information here. But take heart, young prince. Your noble sacrifice will inspire the people of the Fire Nation and prove that the rest of the nations in the world are savages in comparison to our people. Now die!"
The other four men advanced in an attack formation. LuTen defended himself valiantly, but with little food and no proper connection to Agni to strengthen his firebending, he was soon brought to his knees. One of the men pierced his abdomen with an Earth Nation sword, forcing Lu Ten to the ground as he bled.
"Today you die a hero. We will be taking our leave and blowing up this cell. We have to make the Earth Nation assassination on the Prince of the Fire Nation convincing," the man laughed as he signalled his men to leave, "Farewell, Prince Lu Ten. Because of you, I, Zhao will be the hero who tried to rescue the Prince"
All the thoughts he had had proved to Lu Ten that there was still more about the world that he had to learn.
My life can't end here!
There's still more I have to do!
Zuko…
Azula…
Father…
As his vision got blurry, Lu Ten couldn't help but laugh to himself as he felt tremors on the ground. Is this the end? Has Ozai finally won?
The Fire Nation
Zuko was not happy.
Sure his foul moods were no surprise to anyone that knew him, but this time, he had all good reason to feel the way he did. Piandao had forced Azula and himself on a boat to the Fire Nation; and because of their rebellious intentions, ordered that Azula and Zuko be knocked out constantly in order for the crew to have a peaceful journey to the Fire Nation.
Piandao had sent a letter ahead to the Fire Lord, and at port, Prince Ozai and Lady Ursa were there to greet their children. Zuko had been quick to ask for an audience with the Fire Lord, but his father instead had both him and Azula confined to their rooms under the pretence of recovering from their experience at the frontlines. Ozai even kept Ursa from seeing them, keeping her with him at the palace while they remained at their statehouse. It frustrated Zuko to no end that he was here in the luxury of his home while Lu Ten could be in danger.
As weeks passed, Zuko got more and more antsy. No news came from the Earth Kingdom about Lu Ten and it was driving him to the edge. He was able to get together with Azula at long last, and both siblings equally shared their concerns. Azula asked him a question that shook him to the core.
"What if it's the spirits that have destined him to die?"
Zuko couldn't answer her question and only bowed his head. He never really knew the details around Lu Ten's death other than the fact that he died in battle. He hoped that at the very least, given the situation, Piandao would keep to his word and rescue Lu Ten. He didn't come this far to fail. He just couldn't. Otherwise, why would Agni send him in the past to fix his regrets only to come to this?
To keep his mind busy, he meditated, practised with the dao swords and his firebending katas. Azula joined him in these practices, even asking Zuko to teach her how to both wield a weapon and fight with hand-to-hand combat, to which she was rewarded with a dumbfounded look.
"Well I can't be completely useless in a situation where I can't use my firebending," Azula reasoned, which sounded sensible to Zuko, but still left him surprised.
So that became their past time, to train and meditate from sun up to sun down. Zuko had to make sure that he didn't push Azula too far; she may be a prodigy, but she was still his little sister who hadn't even reached age ten. All the training helped the siblings further solidify their bond. Zuko had to meet that he had never imagined he would be this close to Azula ever again, and it brought him peace. However, that peace ended when their mother walked through the door with a solemn face, and Zuko knew. His mother didn't have to say anything because he knew…
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
…Lu Ten was dead.
A/N This concludes Chapter 6 of Back Without Regrets.
All comments and criticisms are welcome of course.
*Tudi Gong is the name of the Earth God according to Chinese mythology (Courtesy of Britannica)
Until next time!
Jiang-sama