Equivalent Exchange
Chapter 16: From Words to Action
Jeong-Jeong's hideout, 4 months later
Spring along with more than half of summer had passed in a haze of training for Zuko, training so rigorous and intense that the prince found himself faster and stronger than he had ever been in his life. He and the grumpy deserter had arrived at a sort of understanding and followed a morning routine that only changed slightly from week to week. Jeong-Jeong, it turned out was an excellent teacher if a bit rough and with expectations that reached beyond the sky. Zuko had developed a grudging respect for him and followed his instructions now with very little questioning.
After lunch and a brief rest, he and Mai did their own training, some involving their blades and some involving games of stealth in the surrounding forest. They were good now, very good at sneaking in and out, around and about. Iroh and Jee could never see or hear them coming. Poor Chey suffered several near faints at their unexpected approaches. They continued to 'visit' the nearby Fire Nation colony town and take what they needed, leaving money and a lot of broken locks behind.
Their reputation grew, though no one had actually seen them during their midnight jaunts. The curious and slightly frightened townspeople somehow assumed that it was the Blue Spirit and the White Spirit making off with their goods in the middle of the night. No one wanted to set up an actual watch, reminding others that the goods were always paid for, oftentimes with more money than they were actually worth.
The rumors that Chey brought back with him after his trips to town, thrilled Mai and Zuko more than either would care to admit; their 'Spirits' were supernatural in origin, moving with the speed, dexterity and soundlessness usually attributed to those that inhabited the Spirit World or they actually emerged from the Spirit World and performed mischief just for the fun of it and so on.
"I didn't realize our people could be so superstitious," Mai said to Zuko one day after Chey related a particularly funny story about the break-ins.
"When nothing else makes sense, I guess they make up something that does," the prince replied.
"But those stories make the least sense of anything," Mai protested.
"Yeah, you're right," Zuko agreed. "Maybe they're looking for a little excitement in their lives."
The pair sat in the hesitant shade of one of the gnarly and spindly trees that lined the riverbank. They were pressed together, side meeting side despite the tremendous heat and humidity that seemed to settle in their little valley like a smothering blanket. Mai picked up a pebble and tossed it into the water, watching the ripples spread outward from the impact point. She yawned and leaned her head on Zuko's shoulder.
"Your uncle's still ticked at us, isn't he, even though we haven't gotten caught? He gets this look in his eye every time it comes up."
"Yep, he is. But he enjoyed the box of tea we got for him."
Mai smirked and then looked pensive for a few minutes.
"So, just after our birthdays, right; that's when we're going to Pohuai Stronghold?"
"Mmmhmmm," Zuko agreed. "We'll say that we're taking a camping trip to celebrate. Naw, we should just tell Uncle. He's figured it out anyway."
"Let's tell him then. We'll do it later over dinner."
Zuko's fifteenth and Mai's fourteenth birthday were about a month away and they had been secretly planning their expedition for weeks now. The whole thing would probably take a week in itself; a week away from training and a week away from any adult supervision or aid. Both could understand, at least partly, why Iroh objected to the whole idea. It was dangerous and maybe a little bit insane, but the pair was determined. And once Zuko got an idea in his head, it was virtually impossible to remove it.
They waited until Iroh was sated with a delicious dinner that both Mai and Zuko had cooked, and leaning back comfortably with a cup of jasmine tea in his hand. Jee had his own cup of tea cradled carefully and he sipped away looking at the young pair with eager and expectant eyes.
"You've got something to tell your uncle, I take it. Would you like me to leave?" the grey haired man asked Zuko, though it was obvious that he wanted to stay.
"No, it's fine, Jee. Actually, we'd like your opinion too."
"Don't bother," Iroh said testily, sitting up stiff and straight, a stern expression on his normally happy looking face. "I know what it is you've been planning for weeks. Don't insult my intelligence. This, this foolhardy idea of yours upsets me a great deal. If I lost one or both of you, I might not recover. And what of your duty to the world? Dead or captured people can do nothing."
"We are thinking of our duty," Zuko insisted angrily, his fists curled and his cheeks growing red. "We're going to hinder the flow of supplies to the Fire Nation military. Someone needs to make things difficult for them for a change. Mai and I can do it. I know we can."
He gave his betrothed a smile that managed to convey love, pride, excitement and a little bit of lust all at once. Mai let the corners of her delicate mouth turn upwards in response, that slight movement saying even more than Zuko's bigger smile.
"The two of you are cocky. Just because you can break into a shop or two in a town full of nothing but merchants and tradesmen, women and children does not mean that you can break into the most heavily guarded and well built Fire Nation fortress in both the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation combined. I cannot stop you from going. You're too old now to turn over my knee or send to bed without dinner. You can make your own decisions. Just know that your choice regarding Pohuai is quite probably the worst one of your young lives."
"We have to do it, Uncle. It's hard to explain."
Zuko looked to Mai for help but she just shrugged her shoulders and took a drink of tea.
"Iroh," Jee began hesitantly. "Perhaps they have the ability. Look at how much the two have developed over the last few months. They are both fine warriors in their own right. I realize it is a daunting task, but I think they're up to it."
Mai and Zuko both looked to the lieutenant, surprised by his support and his contradiction of Iroh. He gave them a wink.
"Really, Jee, I would think that you'd know better."
"I'm certain Mai and Zuko will survey the situation before rushing in and use their heads. Mai has the ability to calm your nephew down and make him see reason. I trust her to do that in this case too. If she thinks it's possible than it probably is."
Flattered, Mai gave Jee a smile and he returned it tenfold.
"See," Zuko said. "We'll be fine and we've got another month to train."
"Jeong-Jeong won't be happy," Iroh stated ruefully. "Prepare for misery."
"You're going to what?" the man in question shouted, the force of his voice driving Zuko back a step.
The prince had chosen a poor location to make his confession. They were near the top of a moderately high and rocky cliff, working their way swiftly upwards and then down again in order to strengthen Zuko's legs and further increase his endurance.
"Leave for a week," Zuko repeated quietly, his face scrunched up in an exaggerated flinch.
"Hmmph," Jeong-Jeong snorted, managing to sound somehow dignified in the offense that he took. "Missing a week of training is not good."
"But, eventually we'll be leaving this place, you know, moving on, um, somewhere. So you'll have to stop training me one day."
"You're just starting to improve and really discover your own abilities. Your confidence and control have grown. I could almost say that you've become a decent pupil. But if you leave, I might not take you back."
"But why?" Zuko spluttered as he struggled to maintain his balance on the steep slope. "I've done everything you ask of me. I've worked really, really hard. I wouldn't be leaving if it wasn't important."
"And this young lady of yours, this Mai, is she going with you?"
"Yes," Zuko replied firmly. "She is."
"So, it's some sort of lovers' tryst. You cannot afford distractions when you train and certainly not when you do battle."
"She is a warrior as much as I am. Have you seen her throw knives?"
They were at the summit now and Zuko concentrated on leveling out his breathing, trying to control his frustration.
"Knives do not interest me," Jeong-Jeong replied dismissively.
The deserter looked off into the distance down at the river far below. His hands were clasped behind his back and he leaned forward a bit, as if reaching toward a thought that he couldn't quite put into words.
"Like I said, it's important," Zuko reiterated. "It's actually part of the fight."
"What do you mean?" Jeong-Jeong snapped. "And stand straight. You're slouching. Firebenders do not slouch."
He wasn't even looking at Zuko but could tell everything about the way the young man held himself. This unnerving ability of the deserter's always surprised the prince. He straightened his body, assuming the posture that Jeong-Jeong approved of.
"Mai and I are planning to cause some trouble at Pohuai Stronghold. We're going to ride down there, observe the fortress and then break in, maybe destroy some Fire Nation army supplies."
"That's terrorism, not honourable battle. And besides that, you'll be killed."
Zuko dropped his head into his hands and groaned.
"I want to do something now. I don't want to wait until the comet comes. That's two whole years away. I can't sit back, not after what I saw."
"You've seen nothing, boy. I lead troops for twenty years and have seen every conceivable atrocity."
The prince was angry now, but through great force of will, kept his fire at bay.
"I've seen enough to know that my nation's war machine needs someone to give it some trouble. Mai and I are willing to do it."
Under his breath he added, "And besides that she's bored."
"What does your uncle think of your plan?" the deserted asked, still looking down at the river.
"He's not happy with the idea," Zuko sighed. "But he won't stop us either."
"Fine; then I won't stop you and if you make it back here I will continue with your training. When are you leaving?"
"In about a month," Zuko replied.
"Well, then, the upcoming few weeks will be the most difficult of your young life."
Zuko moaned his protest but Jeong-Jeong held up a hand to stop the flow of complaints.
"Take it or leave it," the old firebender said harshly.
"I'll take it," the prince said.
Jeong-Jeong made good on his promise and worked Zuko so hard that he required an afternoon nap, collapsing onto his bedroll often without lunch. Iroh would tiptoe inside the hut and lie down himself, his nap more a luxury than an actual need. That left Mai and Jee with Jeong-Jeong. The master firebender sometimes watched Mai from a distance; his piercing eyes boring through her back and making her feel uncomfortable.
"Young lady," he called on the fifth day of Zuko's intense training. "Your stance too could use improvement."
"You're talking to me," she replied, mock surprise on her face. "I didn't realize that you were aware of my existence."
"Would you like the benefit of my expertise or not; I don't like sarcasm and I won't tolerate disrespect."
Mai cleared her throat and then bowed respectfully to the old man.
"Show me," she said succinctly.
By the time Zuko woke up, Mai and Jeong-Jeong were busy over by her targets. He was giving her tips on stances and breathing and she was demonstrating her considerable skills. Zuko watched wide-eyed as the two conversed, Jeong-Jeong more effusive than the prince had ever heard him. He looked to Jee and then pointed over at Mai.
"I know," Jee said and shrugged. "It's strange."
The lieutenant was going through firebending forms, trying to keep himself limber and ready for battle along with the rest of them. Zuko stretched then joined Jee, following the same forms, moving in a loose, relaxed way so different from the way he moved just months ago. They began to spar, sending gentle balls of fire at each other, dodging and twisting, making a game out of it and enjoying themselves. After an hour they sat down on the grass laughing, the older man almost losing his breath.
"I didn't think you knew how to play, Prince Zuko," the lieutenant jibed.
"Hey," the young man protested. "Actually, I've never had much of a chance to play. It's, well, it's fun."
"Indeed it is. My brothers and I used to practice like that. That was many years ago."
"I didn't know you had brothers, Jee. I guess I don't really know much about you, do I?"
"Three brothers; they're good men, all of them. One was badly injured in the war. He's back home. The other two are younger and as far as I know they're still fighting."
"What would they think of you now?" the prince asked softly.
'They probably wouldn't understand," Jee replied. "At least not at first."
"I'm sorry," Zuko said, hanging his head.
"While I appreciate the sentiment, you have nothing to be sorry for. You're an honourable young man, one I will be happy to call Fire Lord one day. You're doing what you need to do."
"Thank you, Jee," Zuko said with a smile.
"Eh, it's nothing. I'm going to get a drink of water. I think your girl is finished with Jeong-Jeong. She's headed this way."
Jee got up slowly, flexing his stiffening muscles and left Zuko to talk with Mai.
"Hey," Zuko said. "What was grumpy trying to teach you?"
"He gave me some really good pointers about breathing and my throwing stance. They actually helped."
"Good," Zuko replied. "So you're even better now?"
"Yep, even better; the Yu Yan Archers had best beware of me."
Zuko wasn't sure if she was kidding or not. He had a feeling that she wasn't.
Their birthdays came and went. Zuko and Mai enjoyed a private picnic a little further up the river and Iroh prepared a special dinner for them. Even Jeong-Jeong made an appearance, wishing the pair well and giving each an in depth analysis of their skills, reminding them of things they needed to work on.
"Um, thanks," Zuko told the gruff firebender. "I'll keep all that in mind."
"Yeah, thanks," Mai added.
"More tea anyone?" Iroh asked.
He picked up the plain porcelain pot and refilled everyone's cups. A simple cake, bought by Chey in town followed dinner and then the pai sho board came out, Iroh setting up a sort of tournament. Zuko, who had little patience for the game, was knocked out first, followed by a reckless Jeong-Jeong and a mediocre Jee. Mai and Iroh played the final game and it went on for more than two hours, with Iroh finally defeating the newly fourteen year old.
"I'm impressed," Iroh declared. "Your strategies are sound and you're patience unfailing. You could be an expert one day."
"Now there's something to look forward to," Mai said with a slight roll of her eyes.
"Now, now, Mai; Pai sho is an ancient game and you should be proud that you have such a good grasp of it already."
"If you say so."
"I do, I do," Iroh chuckled. "I hope you use that fine mind of yours wisely when you and Zuko go to Pohuai Stronghold. I'm depending on you to keep my nephew in check."
"Come on," Zukjo objected. "I'm not some little kid, you know."
"No," Iroh agreed, "but you do tend to act without thinking things through. Mai is your counterpoint; she balances you. Listen to her, please."
"I will," the prince replied with a heavy sigh.
Mai moved to stand behind him, giving his shoulders a quick rub and placing a kiss on his cheek.
"Yes," she whispered into his ear. "You will."
With summer officially over and the signs of early fall starting to appear, Mai and Zuko packed economically for their brief journey, bringing only what was absolutely necessary. Iroh hovered, looking on anxiously and still trying to talk them out of what he saw as a blatantly foolish enterprise.
"We're going, Uncle," Zuko said firmly, gazing at the old man with molten gold eyes. "We can handle it."
"You're confidence has certainly improved in your year and a half of banishment," the former general observed. "Just don't be over confident."
"Stop," Zuko shouted. "I'm sick of you trying to talk us out of this. Just leave us alone."
"I won't say another word," Iroh replied sadly. "I wish you good luck."
With that he walked away, leaving a still fuming Zuko alone with Mai.
"That was harsh," Mai stated.
She frowned at her betrothed and gave him a little smack on the arm.
"I know; I feel terrible enough. But, Agni, he was driving me crazy."
"He cares," Mai stated simply.
"Yeah," Zuko groaned. "I know. Look, let's just get out of here so we can get back."
"I'm ready," Mai declared and tied her bag onto the back of her favorite komodo-rhino.
"So am I," Zuko added.
They left, giving everyone a brief wave. Iroh paced the hideout for the rest of the day. His entire body thrummed with upset nerves. Not even tea could calm him.
The couple rode steadily, stopping for a brief lunch, letting the animals rest and eat as well. By the end of their first day, they set up camp in sparsely wooded area, ate and then went to bed early. They didn't bother with the pretense of sleeping apart, rather spread their two bedrolls on the ground, snuggling together, a thin blanket pulled over top of their bodies along with Zuko's heat to keep them warm.
At the end of their second day, Pohuai Stronghold came into view and it was every bit as impressive as everyone made it out to be. Built on the bay that the river they lived near flowed into, a bay filled with three Fire Nation vessels as they looked on, it was made of stone and had several levels. Each had its own set of guards pacing its own parapet and one huge pagoda styled tower that dominated the entire structure. A wide road busy with wagons bringing goods led up to the main gate which was also heavily guarded. Nothing moved beyond the gate without a close inspection first. It wouldn't be easy to get inside and maybe harder to get back out. Mai and Zuko watched, hidden by thick brush at the side of the road, saying nothing, just sizing the situation up.
"We could always destroy the wagons," Mai suggested. "That way, supplies would still be compromised but we would be safer."
"Yeah, that's an option," Zuko agreed. "It wouldn't make as much of a statement, though."
"Fine, we'll keep watching, but I suggest we put our masks on just in case."
The pair slipped their masks on, tying the cloth at the backs and readied their weapons. They were crouched down low, heads beneath the level of the surrounding scrub. They moved their attention from the road to the fortress itself and watched as the shift changed and a new set of guards took over.
"We need to find out exactly when and how often the guards change," Zuko whispered. "That would be the best time to infiltrate. Either that or we ride in on a wagon."
It turned out that the guards had four hour shifts, giving them six changes in the period of one day. And wagons seemed to roll in constantly.
"What about capturing a wagon way back there and just riding in as if we were the drivers?" Mai asked. "Trust me; no one really looks at the hired help. Once we're inside we slip away and do our thing. It can't be too hard to find their supply depot. It's getting back out that worries me, though. It may be a fight. And what exactly are we going to do to the supplies? Burn them? You can't bend in front of anyone or does it matter anymore? Maybe thinking that one of their own is working against them will be a bigger blow."
"No bending," Zuko said firmly. "If we go in during the evening, there will be lots of torches we can use to burn things. But I think you're idea is great."
Settled on a plan, they left their perch by the rode and rode back to their hidden camp. They observed for one more day, watching from early morning to late evening and vowing to do the deed the following evening, but only if everything remained exactly the same.
They slept long and hard, not waking up until well past sunrise, had a leisurely meal and then sparred for a few hours. By the time evening of their fourth day rolled around, both Mai and Zuko were ready to take on the challenge of Pohuai Stronghold.
They left their rhinos tied up well back from the road and in a spot they would recognize and remember. A solitary tree, spindly and half dead looking grew at the road's edge directly in front of where they left the animals. That taken care of, they put on their masks again, checked over each other's appearance and trotted alongside the road, away from the fortress. Sure enough they came upon a lone wagon, with a lone driver; easy pickings.
In complete silence, they took the driver out, Mai pinning him to his seat with her blades and Zuko quietly threatening with his duel swords. The man, about Jee's age, almost collapsed from fright and they had no trouble gaining control of the ostrich horse that pulled the wagon, unpinning the man again and dragging him off into the brush where they tied him to a tree with his own rope and gagged him with a piece of his own robe, one that Mai neatly sliced off.
His eyes were full of terror and Zuko felt a twinge of guilt. He hoped the Fire Nation didn't punish him for screwing up. He patted the guy on the shoulder and could actually sense Mai rolling her eyes behind her mask.
They left the man behind and then slipped their masks off again, tucking them into small satchels that both carried across their chests and over their hips. Mai put a large makeshift bandage over Zuko's left eye, covering his scar. They hopped up into the wagon and urged the ostrich horse forward. Keeping a steady pace, not too fast and not too slow, they made their way to the gate. Once there, two guards approached the wagon.
"Where's Sun," the first guard immediately asked. "And why are there two of you?"
Zuko could feel his face turning red. He reached for a reply and found nothing. Mai, cool as ever, saved the day.
"Sun has a stomach ailment," she stated emotionlessly. "He's throwing up everywhere. In fact, I think I may have a bit on me. It was really dis….."
"Alright, alright," the Fire Nation man said, raising a hand as if to deflect any more words from Mai. "Let me check the back."
He took a quick look and then waved them on. The huge gate swung open and they were inside.
A/N: So they're in the belly of the beast now. I sincerely hope you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for reading and for the reviews which I can never get enough of.
Alabaster