Chapter Thirteen
Colonel Mongke leaned against the wall of one of towers of the Pohuai Stronghold. He stood with his arms crossed and predominate scowl on his face as he fumed in anger as he watch the two men argue.
"It is out of the question," Colonel Shinu, the commanding officer of the stronghold. "The Yuyan Archers are preparing for a top-secret mission into Earth Kingdom territory and cannot be spared for anything else. Your request is denied Commander Zhao, as is your Colonel Mongke."
Mongke growled in frustration, hoping that being a fellow officer in the Fire Nation Army, Shinu would be more open to allowing some of his Yuyan Archers to assist them on Mongke's mission, especially since the archers would fall under the supervision of Vachir, one of the best Yuyan Archers in the unit's history. Though it was debatable if the other archers would follow Vachir out of respect because he once failed a mission of the highest importance. It did not matter to Mongke; he would have bullied the archers into compliance.
At the same time though, Mongke was grateful that Shinu had semblance of interservice rivalry for denying Zhao's request.
"Colonel Shinu, please reconsider," Zhao said in a diplomatic voice. "The mission I am requesting them for is far more important than some reconnaissance or raiding mission into Earth Kingdom lines. Surely you understand the importance of recovering the Fire Lord's children, along with the Avatar."
"From my understanding, neither of you can even keep up with them," Shinu spat back, growing frustrated by both Zhao and Mongke's presence. "By my assessment, the success of my archers' mission is far greater than capturing the Avatar and recovering the Fire Lord's children. Also rumor has it that both the prince and princess are traitors…"
"They are just misguided," Zhao said with a calm voice. "Surely once they have a long discussion with their father, they will understand their importance and where their loyalties must truly lie." Mongke rolled his eyes at Zhao's desperation. Mongke could not care less if either of the brats could be convinced of their role in the world. All he cared about was the reward for capturing them and the Avatar.
"Either way, I am not giving up my archers for a long shot of a mission," Shinu replied.
"All the more reason to send the archers on my mission for sure," Zhao said, mocking Shinu's choice of words.
"Mind your place commander," Shinu coldly warned. "You are in my stronghold."
Zhao scowled while Mongke barked a laugh at Zhao's failure to win over Shinu; at least the naval officer failed just as much as Mongke did.
Suddenly, a messenger hawk screeched and landed on the tower's railing. Shinu removed the messaged and reads it over carefully, his expression changing from a frustrated scowl to a horrified one.
"What is it Shinu?" Mongke demanded.
"It's… a promotion list," Shinu said with a voice of a beaten man.
"The Fire Lord has finalized the selection?" Zhao said before taking the message away from Shinu. Zhao smirked as he read over the list. "It appears I have been promoted to admiral."
"What?!" Mongke shouted, enraged that the naval officer could finally outrank him. Mongke took the list from the new admiral and found it to be true, while also finding that he was not promoted to general.
Whatever Zhao said to Mongke must be taken as an order.
"It appears so," Zhao said with an arrogant smirk. "My previous request Colonel Shinu is now an order. The entirety of the Yuyan Archers, along with you, are now under my command." Shinu's jaw clenched that Zhao has essentially taken over his command of the stronghold but refusing to comply is akin to treason before the Fire Lord. He bowed before Zhao as a sign of compliance.
"And as for you Colonel Mongke," Zhao continued while adding disdain to Mongke's rank, "I order you and your men to leave my stronghold immediately."
Mongke's blood boiled as Zhao stared at him with the most arrogant smile possible. Mongke bowed most reluctantly before leaving.
But just because Zhao can order him to leave the compound, he cannot order the Rough Rhino commander to stop the mission given to him by Fire Lord Ozai himself.
Sokka sniffled, coughed, and sneezed trice within his sleeping bag against Appa's side. He and the rest of the gang only managed to get in two days of flying before being forced to set down when Sokka's condition worsened. He coughed a few more times before Katara placed a wet cloth on his forehead.
"This should bring your fever down," Katara said in a mild motherly tone.
"You know what I love most about Appa?" Sokka asked feverishly. "His sense of humor." On cue Appa grunted at Sokka, causing the latter to laugh hysterically before it turned in violent coughing.
Nearby, Azula rolled her eyes at how delusional Sokka was becoming. "Figures an idiot like him would catch a cold."
Tending to the fire, Zuko raised an eyebrow at how she sounded. "You do know you were in that storm right?"
"Of course I know," Azula said in an irritated tone. "I hope you know you were there, or else I'll have to-."
Suddenly, Azula began sneezing madly, forcing Zuko to take a step back.
"I think Sokka wasn't the only one to catch something in that storm," Zuko said with concern before raising his hand toward Azula's forehead, causing her to take a step back.
"What are you doing Dum-Dum?!" Azula shouted.
"I'm trying to take your temperature," Zuko calmly said. "You don't sound okay, and a sneezing episode is not like you."
Azula groaned. "And being the concerned big brother is not like you. Leave me alone. Hey!" Zuko ignores her and tried to take her temperature. "Quit it!" Azula shouted before another episode of sneezing overtakes her. When she finally stopped, Zuko took advantage of her loss of focus to plant his hand on her forehead, finding it to be warmer than it should.
"You're burning up," Zuko said with concern. "You caught something in that storm."
Azula swatted Zuko's hand away. "I'm a firebender Dum-Dum, I'm always burning up."
"Well you really must be sick then, because that's the most ridiculous thing you've ever said," he countered.
"Not as ridiculous as you saying I'm sick," Azula said defensively.
"Katara, give me a hand," Zuko said. Katara, overhearing the fire sibling's conversation, was already at Azula's side and taking her temperature.
"As much as I'd hate to agree with Zuko," Katara began, "he's right to say you're burning up. You caught the same thing Sokka did in that storm." Azula groaned as Katara and Zuko led Azula to her sleeping bag, propping it against Appa, right next to Sokka.
Sokka smiled goofily at Azula, who recoiled in disgust. "You better hope this thing kills you Sucker," she growled at him. "Because if it doesn't, I will do-!" She did not finish with her hollow threat as she went into another episode of sneezing, causing Sokka to laugh hysterically. Azula collapsed against Appa in defeat. "I hate you so damn much…" she said to Sokka before closing her eyes in exhaustion.
"I know you do, and I feel the same way," Sokka said in a feverish state of mind. Katara and Zuko exchanged looks, wondering what he meant to convey, but they shrugged as they came to the same conclusion that Sokka was just so sick he was bordering on temporary insanity.
As Katara and Zuko do their best to make their respective siblings comfortable, Aang returned with full water bladders. He noticed that Azula is curled up into her sleeping bag while Zuko tried to keep her cool with damp cloths. "I guess Sokka mustn't be doing so good if Azula is sick herself."
"You guessed right," Zuko said with a concerned look.
"Being out in that storm did a real number on them," Katara added before taking the water bladders from him. "Did you find any ginger root for the tea?"
"No I couldn't," Aang said in disappointment. "But I did talk to a traveler and he told me that there's an herbalist institute on the top of that mountain." He points to one of the tallest mountains in sight. "If we can get Azula and Sokka there,-."
"Aang, they're in no condition to travel, and from the look of the clouds, it looks like another storm is coming in," Katara told him. "They just need to rest. I'm sure they'll be fine by tomorrow."
Without warning, Katara was overcome by severe coughing.
Aang's eyes widen in fear. "You're sick too!"
"Calm down," Katara said with reassurance. "It's just a cough. I'm sure I'm-."
She was suddenly overcome by an episode of sneezing, making Zuko take notice. "I agree with Aang; you're sick too Katara."
Katara looked at him and Aang with a mild annoyed look. "And what makes you two think that?"
"Because Azula started sneezing right before entering her near comatic state," Zuko said flatly.
"And Sokka started coughing like crazy just yesterday," Aang said with concern. "And look at him – he think he's sword master now!"
Katara looked over at Sokka, who was making wild motions with his arms as if he was holding a sword while making whooshing sounds with his mouth. She groaned before coughing again, feeling a slight pressure in her chest.
"Alright, I guess I'm sick too," she admitted in annoyed defeat. Sneezing and coughing, she rolled out her sleeping bag and laid down against Appa. "So what are you two going to do? I have serious doubts about your nursing skills."
"Gee, what a vote of confidence," Zuko said with small scowl.
"Well, I'm going out to find some medicine," Aang said as he readied his staff. Just as he was about to take off, a large boom of thunder rocks the skies while bright lightning fills it. Aang sheepishly put his staff down and said, "I think it'll be safe if I go on foot."
"Then I'll go with you," Zuko said as he gathered his twin matchets.
"I'll move faster on my own, and someone needs to stay here to keep them safe Zuko," Aang told him.
"That's what Appa is here for," Zuko said, causing Momo to chitter. "And sure, you too Momo. I'm sure everyone will be fine for the few hours we're gone, as if we would be gone that long."
Aang thought for a moment, feeling that Zuko was right to say he should have someone watching his back. "Alright, let's go." Aang and Zuko take off running down the overgrown trail, determined to find the medicine their friends so desperately need.
General Iroh studied the map closely while also listening to his lieutenants brief him. "Given the chaos of the storm and prioritizing crew welfare and ship repairs," Lieutenant Zoka explained, "we haven't been able to find precisely which direction Prince Zuko went with the Avatar." She paused for a moment, seeing the thoughtful look on the general's face. "My apologies sir. My crew and I-."
Iroh raised his hand, causing her to cease speaking. "Do not apologize lieutenant. It is ultimately my fault that we are in our current situation. Please continue."
"Well sir," Jee said as he continued with the briefing, "we're confident that Prince Zuko is accompanying the Avatar to the North Pole so the latter can find a waterbending master."
"Isn't there a waterbender within that group of children?" Zoka asked.
"Yes, but from reports on encounters with her, it appears she is not as proficient compared to other waterbenders our forces have fought in the past," Jee told her.
"Though I believe she has much potential," Iroh said thoughtfully. "Do not underestimate her."
Jee was not sure how Iroh would come to that conclusion, but he has studied waterbenders before so perhaps he has seen waterbenders much like the one accompanying the Avatar. "Yes sir. So while we can assume that this waterbender will try to teach the Avatar what she knows, they still need a master waterbender to become more proficient."
"And we can also assume that both Prince Zuko and Princess Azula will also teach what they know of firebending to the Avatar," Zoka said.
"Most certainly," Iroh told her. "And my niece is certainly more than capable of teaching the Avatar firebending."
"Are the reports true about her?" Zoka asked with eager curiosity. "She can bend blue flames?"
"Yes, I saw her doing so myself," Iroh confirmed, recalling his brief encounter with her at the Fire Sages' Temple. He remembers when he was told Azula was bending flames the day she was born; it is of no surprise to him that Azula, a firebender with near unlimited potential, can produce flames hotter than any recorded in recent history. With proper training, she would undoubtably become only second in power to the Avatar in terms of firebending, and just barely second at that.
"Wow," Zoka said in astonishment. "I hope I get a chance to see it. Well, outside of battle that is," she finished, catching her words and correcting herself.
Before Iroh could say anything to curb Zoka's enthusiasm, a large blowhorn sounded and drew his attention. A large ship pulled alongside their starboard and singled for permission to board.
"What could this be about?" Jee asked.
"I do not know," Iroh replied. "But I doubt they are here for a sporting game of Pai Sho."
After the larger ship connected to Iroh's own vessel, a lieutenant from the Fire Navy boarded the general's ship with an escort. They quickly made their way to the bridge, where Iroh and Jee stood with neutral expressions toward their guests.
"Greetings General Iroh," the lieutenant said with a deep bow, followed by his escort. "It is an honor to meet you."
"I am sure it is," Iroh said with disinterest toward the reverence he received. "What do I owe you for this visit lieutenant?"
"An announcement from Admiral Zhao," the lieutenant answered.
"Zhao has been promoted," Iroh said with disdain. "Please send my congratulations to him regarding his promotion," he added with sarcasm. With Zhao's promotion comes more resources; vast more resources for certain, as Zhao and Fire Lord Ozai have traveled together in their younger years searching for the Avatar.
"I-I will sir," the lieutenant answered, seeing the general's displeasure regarding the admiral's promotion.
"What is this grand announcement?" Jee pressed, also displeased for Zhao's promotion.
"The search and retrieval of the Fire Lord's children, along with the hunt and capture of the Avatar, has been given prime importance," the lieutenant stated. "Any and all intelligence regarding them must be reported directly to Admiral Zhao without delay."
"We have nothing as of now to report to Zhao," Iroh said flatly, having no intention of revealing any information to Zhao. "Now please leave my ship."
"I am sorry sir," the lieutenant continued with hesitation. "But Admiral Zhao is not allowing any vessels in or out of this area."
Iroh turned around slowly and stared out of the window. "Then I order you to leave my ship."
The lieutenant recoiled slightly at the sound of the general's harsh tone. "Aye aye, sir," he said before bowing and leaving quicker than he came.
"Ah fuck," a young Fire Nation Army scout whispered as his ankle sank into a water filled hole he did not anticipate being so deep. He dreaded the feeling of the water in his boot that will remain till his patrol's next rest stop, which would be hours away.
A few yards ahead, the scout navigating the patrol called for a halt. The sergeant in charge moved forward to find out why the cause for the halt. "There," the navigator said while pointing toward the trail they are paralleling. "There's two figures running down the road."
The sergeant pulled out his monocular and focused on the pair. He stared in mild disbelief before handing the monocular to his navigator and said, "Do those two fit the description of that admiral's intel report?"
Being the senior scout of the patrol behind the sergeant and his corporal, the navigator took the monocular and focused on the pair of runners, finding that they do fit the description. "Damn," he said, "I can't believe it."
"Yeah, me neither," the sergeant said while pulling out his signaling horn. "Think we can take them?" he jokingly asked his navigator.
"Hell no," the navigator replied after a soft laugh. "I heard that the bald one can create cyclones and run faster than the wind. What chance do we have against that Sarge?"
"We don't," the sergeant answered before blowing into his horn three times, causing the loud sound to echo across the hills. "But we did our part so they ain't our problem."
"Lee's your uncle, they don't stand a chance against those archers," the navigator said as he pitied the Avatar and the Fire Lord's son for their upcoming misfortune.
Zuko took notice of the loud horn, fearing it was a signal of some sorts. "I think we've been spotted."
"Oh come on Zuko, don't be such a pessimist," Aang said in an optimistic voice. "That horn could be some type of celebration."
"Yeah, celebrating us being found," Zuko replied sarcastically. "We better hurry." He pushed himself further, hoping they could get to the herbalist and back to the others before they were spotted again.
After running for several miles, the boys reached the bottom of a long flight of stairs leading to the herbalist. Aang ran up the stairs as if it is a simple walk through the woods, while Zuko strained himself to make it to the top. When they finally reached the top, they found an elderly lady and a white cat.
"Excuse me," Aang said in a hurried voice, "but are you the herbalist I've heard about?"
"That's right," the herbalist replied while stirring a cup of tea.
"Great!" Aang said with relief. "We're sorry to barge in like this but we really need medicine for our friends."
"They've got fevers," Zuko said between labored breaths, "My sister is sneezing nonstop, and-."
"Settle down young man," the herbalist said as she approached Zuko. "Keep speaking so much you'll pass out. Take this and drink it." She handed Zuko the cup of tea, causing him to stare at it in confusion. "It's a rejuvenating tea. It'll help you."
Zuko, wanting some respite from his run, sipped the warm and felt like he can run for miles again. "Thank you."
"I appreciate you helping my friend here, but our other friends-," Aang said before being interrupted by the herbalist.
"Are going to be fine. I've been up here for almost fifty years and seen just about all of it," she said calmly. "Even Miyuki here has seen her share. Isn't that right my kitty?" Without pause, the cat meowed a response. The herbalist smiled and went about gathering ingredients.
"Are you getting the stuff to cure our friends?" Aang asked anxiously.
"No," the herbalist said flatly. "I'm making Miyuki's dinner. What your friends need are frozen wood frogs. There's more than enough down in the valley swamp."
"How are frozen frogs suppose to help our friends?" Zuko asked skeptically.
"Your friends suck on them," the herbalist replied as if was an ordinary occurrence.
To which Aang cried out, "Suck on them?!"
"I think I'm gonna be sick myself now," Zuko said with a woozy tone.
"The frog skin excretes a substance that will help your friends get through their sickness," the herbalist told them. "But plan on getting several of them; good luck to your friends if they try to hold on to those little critters once they thaw."
"You're insane, right?" Aang asked, causing Zuko to cover his eyes in embarrassment.
"After fifty of shit like this and worst, wouldn't you be insane?" the herbalist told him. "Now get going you two!"
Wanting to get their friends' cure - and to get away from the herbalist - Aang and Zuko took off running down the flight of stairs then toward the swamp.
Unknown to them, they were being watched by a deadly group of soldiers.
As the boys ran toward the swamp, the last remnants of the storm they faced was still powerful enough to drench them. Undaunted they continued toward the swamp…
That is until an arrow pinned Zuko to the ground by his pants. Aang halted and just in time deflected an arrow aiming to pin him down. He swatted a few more away until they stop.
Just as Zuko removed the arrow pinning him down, he looked toward the direction it was fired from and sees several camouflaged soldiers with tattoos around their eyes. They were brandishing bows, full quivers, and determined expressions.
"Watch were throw these pals," he shouted in anger before burning the arrow with a fist full of flame.
Aang looked at Zuko in panic that he used his firebending openly. "What are you doing?! You'll give yourself away!"
"They know who are already so shut up and run!" Zuko shouted and took off while pushing Aang to move, who quickly complied as arrows flew dangerously close by.
The boys continued to dodge, dip, dive, duck, and dodge dozens of arrows. Both boys would occasionally turn to deflect arrows with their respective bending elements, which in turned increased the intensity of the hostile archers' assault.
Eventually the boys find themselves ankle and then knee deep in the swamp. Aang tripped and caught himself before landing face first into the dirty water. He felt a familiar shape beneath his hand and picked it up. "A frog!" he shouted as he tucked it into his shirt and proceed to look for more.
Zuko turned around and destroyed several arrows before they could reach Aang. "What the hell are you doing?!" he roared.
"The frogs! We need to grab them!" Aang shouted back as he tucked more into his shirt.
"We need to go Aang!" Zuko shouted as he grabbed Aang and pulled him up out of the water. The firebender dragged his friend past a downed tree trunk, where an arrow and pinned Aang's sleeve to the trunk. Zuko turned to remove it, only to have his shirt pinned to the trunk. Several more arrows fly into their shirts, pinning them to the trunk.
In desperation, Zuko attempted to bend fire from his month to burn enough of his shirt to free himself…
Only to feel the impact of a blunt arrowhead made of animal hide against his head, knocking him unconscious.
"Zuko!" Aang shouted before a net ensnared him and his friend. Aang struggled as several camouflaged archers with rageful face tattoos quickly approached them…
Sokka groaned at the feeling of his throat being dry. "Katara, please, water," he groaned.
Katara attempted to get up but felt so comfortable in the position she was in. Seeing the water bladder nearby, she focused and rotated her arms and hands. To her amazement, the bladder lifted off the ground and she guided it toward Sokka, placing it gently on his chest.
But to her dismay, he said, "I can't feel my arms. Can you hold it up to my mouth?"
"You have got to be kidding," Katara said with chagrin.
"Pleaseeeee," Sokka begged with pleading eyes.
Katara sighed in annoyance but resided in the fact that at least she gets some practice with her bending. She focused and lifted up the bladder back to her, removed the cap, and gently lifted it back to her brother. She concentrated as she tilted the bladder with her bending until it was over Sokka's mouth. He gladly opened his mouth and let the water pour in.
After a few moments, Katara tilted the water bladder back and said in horrific annoyance, "Are you happy now?"
"Yeah," Sokka said groggily before closing his eyes and half-mindedly said, "Thanks mom…"
Katara groaned in disgust and floated the bladder back to her. She looked over at Azula, who had her back turned toward the siblings. Hoping she was asleep and did not witness the awkwardness yet felt compelled to do so, Katara asked, "Azula, do you need any water?"
When Azula did not answer, Katara breathed out in relief and drank some water before closing the bladder and setting it down.
But little did she knew that her best friend was having a nightmare. No matter how many times she told them to shut up, Azula's great-great-grandfathers continued to argue over her destiny.
She screamed in despair, hoping against hope that they will stop one day.
But she also feared that it will be of a great cost to her. A price she will pay to no benefit for herself.
"-ko!"
He groaned at the sound; his head aching worst than when he fell into the ice.
"Zuko!" he heard the voice again, prompting him to open his eyes and raise his head.
He suddenly remembered what happened when he took in the sight around him, gasping for breath and struggling to move.
"Oh, thank the spirits you're okay!" Aang cried out.
Zuko looked about himself and saw both he and Aang's extremities were immobilized by heavy chains. Zuko groaned and stated, "We got captured. Again."
"You guessed right," Aang told him.
"Any idea by who?" Zuko asked.
"Uh, the Fire Nation," Aang answered. "You, your country."
"I can figure that out for myself Airhead," Zuko spat before taking a breath to calm himself. "I meant who specifically. Zhao? Mongke?" He hesitated before adding, "My uncle?"
"Well, if your uncle did capture us, you should have a serious discussion about his means to start a conversation with you," Aang pointed out, earning an unamused scowl from Zuko. "Okay, it probably wasn't your uncle. So it had to be Zhao or Mongke who caught us."
"I'd say it was Zhao," Zuko answered bitterly. "Knowing his connection to my father, he'd have access to more resources than Mongke could ever hope to have."
"How is Zhao connected to your dad?" Aang asked, though he regretted that his month worked faster than his brain in this moment.
"They went hunting for the Avatar years ago together," Zuko answered. "In fact I think my father was about my age when he started his fruitless quest. Makes me think that if my mom didn't take me and Azula away, one or both of us would be sent after you at some point."
"Yeah," Aang said, dreading the idea of Zuko chasing after him; even more so by the idea of Azula doing it. "But there is an irony of sorts here," he said to ease the tension.
"What irony?" Zuko asked.
"That your dad failed to find me when giving his best effort, while you found me without even believing I was still alive!" Aang said with a bright smile.
Zuko barked out a laugh. "Yeah, but unlike my father I'm trying to help you survive rather than offer your head to the Fire Lord."
Aang laughed nervously at that notion, though he still believed that Zuko was helping him for all the right reasons.
After several minutes of assessing and struggling to escape, the hatch to the prison opened and a Fire Nation naval officer stepped through to approach the boys.
"So this is the great Avatar," Zhao said with an unimpressed expression. "Master of all the elements. I have no idea how you managed to evade the Fire Nation for the past one hundred years, much less how you didn't age in that time. Perhaps your predecessor managed to survive for a time before passing," Zhao finished with a thoughtful look.
"Avatar Roku passed when you believed he did!" Aang shouted. "And I've never hidden from you! Untie me and I'll fight you right now!"
"Oh how I wish I could test myself against the Avatar," Zhao said thoughtfully, "but necessity demands that you remain chained as you are."
"Well if you won't fight him, maybe you'll fight me," Zuko challenged.
"Oh?" Zhao asked before walking over to Zuko. "What would you say that would motivate me to fight you?"
"An Agni Kai," Zuko said without a hint of hesitation. "If I win, you set us free. If you win, you keep us prisoner."
"Tempting, but I have to refuse your challenge," Zhao said nonchalantly.
"There's more at risk than our freedom Zhao!" Zuko challenged. "Refusing an Agni Kai is a stain on your honor!"
"Perhaps," Zhao said thoughtfully, impressed by Zuko's quick thinking and remembrance of the Fire Nation's noble customs. "But any honor lost in refusing your challenge would be greatly outweighed by the honor of bring you and your friend before your father." He paused before adding, "Unless you want me to challenge you. If you win, I set you two free and cease chasing you. But if I win, you stay my prisoners and tell me where the rest of your little gang is."
Once feeling confident and sure of himself, Zuko lost any willingness to be in an Agni Kai. He bowed his head in defeat and remained silent.
"I thought so," Zhao said with arrogance. "Now, tell me Avatar, how does it feel to be the last airbender? I'm sure you miss your people." Aang looked at the ground sadly before Zhao continued. "But don't worry, you won't be killed like they were." Aang looked back up at him in rage. "Because if you die," Zhao continued, "you'll be reborn into one of the Water Tribes and we can't divide our forces to adequately attack both the North Water Tribe and the Earth Kingdom at once. Of course, the Southern Water Tribe would be easy to search, but it would easiest to keep you alive… if just barely." Zhao smirked arrogantly at Aang…
Who blew a large gale of air at Zhao, knocking the admiral onto the deck. With a growl, Zhao stood up and shouted, "Blow all you want child! Your situation is futile. There is no escaping this fortress, and there's no one crazy enough to attack. Not even your friends would be insane enough to rescue you two boys." Left with little else to taunt, Zhao left the brig, leaving the boys to themselves.
After a few moments of silence, Aang asked, "Do you think our friends wouldn't come for us?"
"They would, without hesitation," Zuko said confidently. "But the problem is, they're in no condition to do so, and even if they were, they have no idea where we are exactly, making it dangerous at best." After a moment, he sighed and added, "We're on own kid."
Aang's heart dropped that no one would be coming for them and they would have to find their own way out of here to get back to their friends.
After reconnoitering the perimeter of the Pohuai Stronghold, he waited patiently in the brush for the daily mail convoy to pass by. Right on schedule, the wagon rolled to his front, allowing him to dash underneath it and grip onto the frame. His hands cried in protest from the awkward way he clung to the frame but he channeled his breathing and pushed the pain from his mind.
It was not long until the mail wagon reached the main gate of stronghold.
"Alright, you men know the drill," a corporal called out, prompting his soldier to inspect the wagon for stowaways; or more accurately infiltrators such as him. His heart raced as the soldiers checked back of the wagon.
"All clear," a soldier answered nonchalantly, causing the infiltrator to breath in relief…
"Not yet," the corporal barked. "Check the underside." The infiltrator's heart rate spiked again, but he remained calm as he thought of a new place to conceal himself.
"What?" the soldier asked. "There's no way someone crazy enough to hang on to the underside of a moving wagon."
"Your last squad leader was canned because he was sloppy," the corporal berated. "That won't happen on my watch. Now check the underside of the carriage, now."
"Yes corporal," the soldier complied as he checked the underside…
To find nothing out of place.
He stood up and said, "Now it's all clear." The wagon driver nodded in appreciation as the gate was opened, leaving a soldier to his fate as the latter is chewed out by the new corporal.
As for the infiltrator, he took advantage of the willful soldier to sneak into the carriage itself. He waited patiently before finding an opportunity to leap out and proceed to the main building, where the Avatar and the Fire Prince were being held captive.
The building was lightly patrolled, as Admiral Zhao intended to give a grandiose speech to the stronghold, leaving only a team of four firebenders to guard the entrance to main prison cell.
The infiltrator thought for a few moments when an idea came to mind on how to draw at least one of the guards to him.
Aang continued to struggle against his restraints when he felt movement in his shirt. "What?" he said as he looked down.
"What?" Zuko asked as he looked at Aang, who began to panic as the thawing frogs leapt to freedom from Aang's shirt.
"NO!" he shouted. "Don't thaw out, my friends need you!"
"Let them go Aang," Zuko told him. "When we get out of here we'll get more."
"When will that be?" Aang asked as the last of the frogs fell from him and began crawling away.
"Well after those things fully thaw out," Zuko said to Aang's dismay, as the former watched a half-frozen frog crawl against the ground. He thanked whatever it was that prevented him from becoming sick like his friends.
A sudden bang sound erupted from the door.
"What was that?" Aang asked nervously.
"I don't know," Zuko said as he strongly considered firebending his way out of his restraints, regardless of the injuries he would likely inflict on himself. "But I got a bad feeling about it."
A helmet came bouncing from around the corner, making a loud banging sound as landed at the feet of the guards. The lead guard frowned and pointed to one of the others then down the corridor. The guard understood the meaning and proceeded cautiously, though part of him thought it was a prank of some sorts. He rounded the corner and felt someone land behind him. He bended a flame but was knocked over with a loud yelp then knocked unconscious.
Hearing his soldier fall, the lead guard and another move with more caution toward the corridor where the first guard went. When they rounded the corner, they found him on the ground passed out. The moved down the corridor with extreme caution, only to find their helmeted heads slammed together, knocking out the second guard.
The lead guard remained on his feet but was seeing bright spots in his vision. He spun around to find a man dressed in dark colors rush him.
The lead guard only managed to summon a flame before a bucket crashed into his face knocking him out cold.
Hearing the commotion and not his comrades', the last guard stood resolute at the prison door. From the corner where his comrades went came rushing a man in dark blue clothing carrying a bucket. The guard launched a fireball only for it to be dodged. The man in dark blue then tossed the bucket forward, soaking the guard in flammable fuel. Knowing it would be suicidal to try firebending, the guard launched a series of hand-to-hand attacks against the infiltrator.
Being trained in a higher quality of hand-to-hand combat, the infiltrator expertly dodged, countered, then gained the upper hand in the fight before slamming the guard against the wall, then struck his head to knock him out.
Aang and Zuko, after hearing what sounded like a fight, continued to struggle against their restraints and only stopped when the door to their prison was opened. A man in dark blue clothing and wearing a blue mask stood there. He took a few steps forward before drawing twin dao swords.
He rushed toward Aang with blades drawn, causing the Avatar to scream in fear.
"NO!" Zuko shouted as he tried to breath fire but only ended up coughing over himself.
When he finally stopped, he saw Aang was free and looking at the man in confusion.
"What?" Zuko asked in a hoarse voice, drawing the man's attention. When he approached Zuko, the Prince's eyes widen as he recognized the mask.
It was the same mask wore by the Blue Spirit in the play Love Amongst the Dragons.
The Blue Spirit slashed at Zuko's restraints freeing him, yet Zuko could not believe what he was seeing.
"Who are you?" Aang asked him. "What's going on?"
"The Blue Spirit…" Zuko finally managed to say while the man walked back toward the door.
Aang looked at Zuko in confusion. "'The Blue Spirit'?"
"It's a character in my mom's favorite play," Zuko said in disbelief, wondering if there was a connection.
"So is it a spirit or…?" Aang asked.
"It might be," Zuko said. "Are you a spirit?" he asked the man, who stared at him for a moment before nodding. Aang and Zuko looked between each other in confusion and disbelief.
"Are you here to rescue us?" Aang asked, to which the Blue Spirit nodded again. "Well, Blue Spirit, lead us out of here."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Zuko asked, remembering that the Blue Spirit was the antagonist of the play. There is no knowing whether this Blue Spirit in front of him was really a friend or leading them to a trap.
"What choice do we have?" Aang asked in turn, causing to Zuko to sigh.
"Alright," Zuko said in defeat. "But we've got to be quiet, or else we'll have to fight an entire fortress to get out of here."
After delivering a rousing speech to the soldiers under his command, Admiral Zhao was followed by his adjutant as he led the way to where the Avatar and the Fire Prince were being held. "I want a full transcription of my speech sent to the Fire Lord along with glowing testimonials from all ranking officers present."
"Your speech has been transcribed sir, and your scribes are gathering testimonies as of now," the adjutant reported.
"Good," Zhao said with a smirk. "Now onto more important business; any words that the Avatar or the Prince would like delivered to the Fire Lord before they-," Zhao did not finish conveying his order when he noticed the guards were absent from their post. With a scowl, he marched over to the prison door and opened it…
To find the guards restrained rather than the Avatar and the Prince.
With a deep snarl, Zhao turned and runs to sound the alert himself, with his adjutant close behind.
"I'll hold off sending word to the Fire Lord sir," the adjutant said.
Under the cover of darkness, the Blue Spirit led Aang and Zuko through the stronghold, carefully avoiding patrols and other soldiers. They stuck closely to the metal wall to avoid being spotted from above. During that time the boys both wondered how exactly they would escape.
"What's your plan to get out of here?" Zuko whispered to the Blue Spirit.
The man did not respond but pointed at the sewer drain nearest to them. Zuko and Aang were confused but quickly understood what the man implied.
"Lovely," Aang whispered in dread.
As the moved and began removing the grate, a horn resounded throughout the stronghold, followed by a familiar but unwelcomed voice.
"The Avatar and the Prince have escaped!" Zhao shouted. "Lockdown the stronghold! All soldiers man your posts!"
"Here we go," Zuko said in dread as he centered himself to fight. He turned toward the Blue Spirit and said, "Try not to kill any of these soldiers. They're my people and it will look bad if I allow any of them to die here."
The Blue Spirit nodded, much to Zuko's surprise. He knew Aang would refuse to kill but this man appeared to share the same sentiment.
The worked faster but still tried to maintain stealth as they tried to remove the grate, only to be stopped when a soldier shouted he found them. The Blue Spirit drew his dao swords and preceded to disarm and knock back the soldiers while Aang did the same with his bending; Zuko focused on the firebenders, finding them well trained and despite having an excellent teacher, no one can bend forever.
"We have to get out of here!" Zuko shouted.
"I've got an idea!" Aang shouted back as he knocked back a half dozen soldiers in one air blast. "Come on!" He took off running with Zuko close behind toward the Blue Spirit, who was caught in a melee with a dozen soldiers. The boys used their bending to route them but more will return. Aang took the Blue Spirit's left arm and shouted, "Zuko, takes his right arm and use your bending with mine to propel us onto the wall!"
"Will that even work?!" Zuko shouted.
"What choice do we have?!" Aang shouted back, while the Blue Spirit sheathed his swords and nodded in understanding. Zuko grunted and followed Aang's plan.
"Okay!" Aang shouted. "One, two, THREE!" He and Zuko sent a blast of their respective elements into the ground, launching themselves and the Blue Spirit into the air…
And overshot the stronghold's inner wall, landing a couple hundred yards away from the main gate. The Blue Spirit recovered quickly and forced the boys onto their feet as they run to the closing gate. They were just about to make it when a large blast of fire from above stopped them…
Forcing them to miss their opportunity to escape. Aang and Zuko used their bending to protect themselves and the Blue Spirit.
"Hold your fire!" Zhao shouted, causing the firebenders to cease their attack.
Aang and Zuko breathed deeply as they looked around themselves, finding they were surround with their backs toward the gate.
"Prince Zuko," Zhao began, "is this how you wish to be known as? A traitor? Your father wants you and your sister by his side. How could you deny the opportunities that come with that? Just imagine the power you can have."
"After seeing what the Fire Nation has done to the world, and what he was going to do to me as a kid, I don't want anything to do with him," Zuko said with a scowl.
Zhao stood there for a moment before sighing. "If that is you wish, so be it. Remember soldiers, the Avatar and the Prince must be taken alive."
Before anyone can move, the Blue Spirit unsheathed his swords and pushed the boys together…
Then held his dao swords to their throats. Neither of the boys dared to say anything much less move as they can feel how close the blades were.
After a tense few minutes, the now scowling Zhao relented and said through gritted teeth, "Open the gate."
His adjutant looked at him in confusion. "Sir?"
"I said, open the gate," Zhao said again. "The Fire Nation cannot allow those boys to die."
At least not yet, he thought to himself.
The adjutant nodded and signaled for the gate to be opened. Once it was wide enough, the Blue Spirit began moving with the boys slowly. Once they reached the tree line, they would be free to run…
Zhao climbed the tower where the best of the Yuyan Archers waited. "Do you have a clear shot?" The archer responded by nocking at arrow and taking aim.
"Kill the thief, then knock out the boys," Zhao ordered.
The archer responded by pushing the air out of his lungs before releasing the arrow toward its intended victim…
But was suddenly knocked out of the air by another arrow.
Both Zhao and the archer stared in confusion, frozen by confusion.
Which gave the Blue Spirit the chance to release the boys and toss a smoke bomb to the ground. When it exploded, he motioned Aang to airbend and cause the loose dirt to fly into the air, allowing them to escape.
"Nice shot Vachir," Kahchi said to his comrade.
"Thanks Major," Vachir replied. "Are you sure you don't want to chase after them?"
"The Colonel didn't want the Avatar or the Prince to fall into the Fire Lords hands," Kahchi told him. "It appears they did most of the work for us. Beyond that we're going back to the ship."
"Now I know why you put me on watch," Vachir said as he and his superior began jogging through the dark forest. "You needed me to make that shot."
"And you did incredible," Kahchi complimented again. "The Fire Lord was rather foolish when he dismissed you from the Yuyan Archers."
"Yeah," Vachir said bitterly. "All because of some creepy forest killed my mark instead of me."
"And you couldn't confirm it," Kahchi surmised.
"Yep," Vachir told him. "I was on the fast track to become a platoon commander with the Yuyans but Ozai put a stop to that," he finished with more bitterness.
Kahchi raised an eyebrow, wondering just how loyal Vachir was. It was not the first time Vachir spoke of Fire Lord Ozai with a strong sense of bitterness.
"If it's any consolation," Kahchi began, "I'd make you the commanding officer of all Yuyan Archers."
Vachir barked a laugh. "You think that highly of me?"
"You're the most dependable of the Rough Rhinos," Kahchi said with a smile. "That's why I rely on you the most."
Vachir smiled at his superior. "Thanks Major. I appreciate that and you can always count on me."
You have no idea how much I will do that for now on, Kahchi thought to himself.
After running for miles back toward the swamp, the boys stop to take a breath while the Blue Spirit scanned the area for threats.
"I think- I think we're clear," Zuko said between breaths as he looked at the Blue Spirit wondering who he was and what was his motivation.
"Thanks for saving us back there," Aang said earnestly. "But really, who are you?" The Blue Spirit remained silent. "Not gonna tell us?" The Blue Spirit shook his head. "Well alright. Thanks again!"
"Yeah thanks, but I wish we could've gotten my twin machetes," Zuko said in grief. "Hakoda gave those to me before he left."
The Blue Spirit watched the young Prince carefully, finding him full of remorse and sentiment. Perhaps his time in the Southern Water Tribe was truly beneficial for his well-being, despite one had to face hardships unimaginable to most of the world.
Feeling generous, the Blue Spirit unholstered his sheathed dao swords and handed out to Zuko, who looked at him in surprise.
"Are you giving those to me?" Zuko asked wide eyed.
The Blue Spirit nodded and set it on the ground. Before either of the boys moved, the Blue Spirit took off running, intending to separate himself from the situation.
"Wait!" Aang shouted but was stopped by Zuko.
"Let him go," he told Aang. "I think he needs some space." Aang relaxed and watched the path the Blue Spirit took, wondering why someone would risk their life for someone then run away.
An hour later, Aang and Zuko had retrieved more frozen frogs and returned to their friends, where they told them to suck on them to feel better. The boys collapse against Appa, exhaustion taking them over.
"So guys," Sokka asked with the frog in his mouth, "did you make any new friends?"
"We might have," Aang answered sleepy.
"Might have?" Sokka asked.
"It's complicated," Zuko said before drifting off to sleep.
"Complicated how?" Sokka asked but received no answer as Aang and Zuko had fallen into a deep sleep.
A sleep so deep that they did not hear the disgusted revulsion of the others when the frogs thawed out.
In fact, even an enraged Azula could not wake them up.
Iroh waited nervously through the night. He even dismissed the officer of the watch, citing war dreams were troubling him.
Though the real reason came into view.
"Jee," Iroh said urgently. "Are you okay? Is my nephew-?"
"You're nephew is safe sir," Jee reported after taking off his mask. "And the Avatar too."
Iroh breathed out in relief. "Good, good," he said before sitting down.
"You would be proud of your nephew sir," Jee said as he took off his boots, his feet protesting from the pain. "He fought bravely and spared everyone he fought. He's even mastered some basic forms of firebending. But the strange thing was-," he stopped when he noticed the General was passed out in the chair.
Jee smiled softly, realizing that Iroh stayed up worried out of his mind about his nephew.
And quite probably, Iroh was also worried about Jee too.
"I'll finish my report in the morning sir," Jee said before setting out for his own quarters.
A/N: Hello my readers. I know it has been far too long since my last update but so much has happened since then. I was recently diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and been struggling with that. I am currently attending therapy for it but it will be a long recovery I think. I also was working overnights causing my sleep schedule to be in chaotic flux, either I sleeping too much or not enough. It got so bad that I had to go to the emergency room for it.
Anyway, I'm taking better care of myself and will try to use my skills I am learning in therapy to keep this story going.
Thanks again for reading and Happy New Year!