Equivalent Exchange
Chapter 39: And so it Begins
Mai and Zuko woke up the next morning tangled together in the small side room that jutted off the main one in their temporary home. Iroh had insisted they stay there together, realizing how much the young couple needed the intimacy the room would allow them. Rubbing at his sticky eyes, Zuko gave Mai a quick kiss before getting up from under the furs and pulling on his clothes.
"There is a lot to do; we need to get ready." He sounded almost panicked.
"Do you think it will start today? Zhao is close enough. Do you think we can defeat him? There are so many ships and so many soldiers." Not quite willing to relinquish the warmth of the furs yet, Mai huddled beneath, pulling them up to her chin.
"I think Zhao will begin the attack today. There's no point in him waiting any longer. We have to defeat him, Mai, but I really don't know how we're going to do it. There aren't that many waterbenders and only a small group of warriors." Sighing, Zuko contemplated the possibilities of this invasion. It could go very, very badly unless they were very lucky or a miracle of some kind happened. But they had to try; Zhao could not be allowed to simply walk into the city and destroy every person inside. That bastard had to know that people would fight him.
The four of them breakfasted together, then went to a meeting that Arnook called, one for all citizens of the Northern Water Tribe as well as its guests. He spoke of impending battle and the bravery that would be required of everyone. He spoke of the inevitable loss of life that would occur and he spoke of sacrifice and duty. Arnook then asked for any other volunteers to join in the fight to save their city and their culture.
Several young men, most around Sokka's age, a few younger, went forward and Arnook marked them as warriors with two red stripes of paint placed on their foreheads. Mai and Zuko could hear mothers weeping, fearful that their boys would not make it home ever again. It was a sobering sound and one that brought to mind just how dangerous and messy and tragic the next day or two might be.
The rest of the morning was spent like the previous afternoon had been; training hard and organizing the warriors into groups which would each be placed at strategic locations in the city. The best and most experienced waterbenders along with Iroh and Jee would defend the outer wall against the inevitable onslaught of fireballs.
It was decided that Aang and Zuko, on Appa, would ride out to meet the ships and do what damage they could. Hahn and his group of men would attempt to board Zhao's ship and assassinate the man. Mai, Sokka and the Southern Water Tribe men, none of them benders, of course, would be waiting inside the city should Zhao manage to breach the walls and enter it. They had no chance against flying fireballs, but once they could see the soldiers' eyes, their skills would come in handy.
There was nothing to do then but wait. The city was eerily quiet, only the occasional grunt of someone blocking a blow or the sound of rushing water as one of Pakku's students completed a move, disturbing the stillness. Mothers and small children were hidden away in the city's bowels, as far away from the upcoming conflict and its dangers that they could possibly be. Expectation hung heavily in the air and by the time the snow turned black and the patrol boats returned with word that Zhao and his flotilla were very near, everyone was ready to finally do something.
"Take your positions," Arnook called in his calm and dignified voice. "May Twi and La guide your hands and protect you from harm."
"This is it," Zuko whispered to Mai. "Be careful, please. I can't lose you."
He drew his betrothed to him, unmindful of the stares, and kissed her long and hard. Breathless, Mai pulled away and quirked her eyebrows at him.
"Just try to get rid of me," she quipped. "Now go. Aang's waiting."
She watched as Zuko climbed aboard the great beast, his first time doing so, and kept her gaze on him until he was nothing but a faint blue speck against the bigger white speck that was Appa. She closed her eyes then and sighed.
"You be careful too, you big dork. I can't lose you either."
Zhao stood with his hands clasped behind his back, cloak flapping about in the cold wind and watched eagerly as his ship grew closer and closer to the Northern Water Tribe's spectacular city of ice. He wore a smug, satisfied look on his face. Occasionally it broke out into an almost lecherous grin as if the city were a woman and he was about to conquer her.
Tanaka stood just behind his commanding officer and slightly to the left. His expression was serious, sad even as he took in the site before him. He'd never been to the capitol city of the Fire Nation, only heard rumors of its glory, but this city before him surely rivaled it for beauty; and they were about to destroy it and its people. Somehow, it didn't seem right, but what choice did he have? The military was his life, the only thing that had ever provided stability for him, and he wasn't about to give it up with a mutinous or treasonous act. He would simply have to live with what they were about to do. But still, Admiral Zhao was an arrogant fool for thinking that he and the rest of the Fire Nation wouldn't be affected if he killed the moon spirit. He hoped that the man would not succeed. He shivered and looked about him, slightly paranoid that someone might know what he was thinking. But, as long as Zhao could not read his thoughts, Tanaka was probably safe.
"Do you see that, Tanaka?" Zhao made a sweeping gesture and turned to smile at him.
"Yes, sir, I see it," the man replied dully.
"A little more enthusiasm, man; remember your reward."
"Yes, sir!" As soon as Zhao's head turned forward again, Tanaka rolled his eyes and made a rude gesture at the admiral's back. It was childish, but it felt good.
"I will go down in the history books, Tanaka. Think of it. They'll call me conqueror and Moon Slayer and Zhao the Invincible. My name will never be forgotten and Fire Lord Ozai will regret ever burning me."
The admiral's hand went to his chest, where the scar rested underneath layers of cloth. Every morning and every night he saw that scar, looked at it, examined it and thought of Ozai. That's what the Fire Lord had wanted. But Zhao was positive the feelings of revenge that sparked in his heart were not the ones that Ozai wanted to inspire.
"Is the canoe ready for me, and the paddle?" He barked the question at Tanaka.
"Yes, sir. You simply have to climb in and lower it down to the water."
"Good, good; I'll leave soon. Perhaps a little tour of the city I will demolish is in order." Zhao felt in his belt and pulled out a wicked looking knife then sheathed it again. He took out a detailed map of the city and pored over it for the umpteenth time. "I think I've got my route selected, Tanaka. After the first barrage of fireballs from the trebuchets, I will go. You will take over command then. Follow the instructions that I gave you. Is that understood?"
"Yes, sir. I understand, sir."
"Good, good; now leave me alone and come back when it's time."
Tanaka went back inside the wheel house, glad to be out of the wind. Beautiful though it was, he hated the north and everything about it.
They hung back at first, watching Hahn, along with his men, board his small ship and maneuver through the canals before hitting open water. Zuko was awestruck as the city spread itself out below him. It truly was lovely and the thought of it crushed under Zhao's foot was heartbreaking.
"It's pretty, isn't it?" Aang was watching Zuko closely.
The prince simply nodded and then looked forward, out to sea and the rows of Fire Nation vessels ready to launch death and destruction. The fireballs came then, quickly and mercilessly. Appa swerved in the air, avoiding what he could while Aang and Zuko used their bending to diffuse the fire bombs. It wasn't enough, though, and Aang stood up on the saddle, making wide arcs with his arms, turning the water to ice underneath two ships. They stopped as if grounded, their metal hulls dented and broken.
"That's more like it," the Avatar grinned.
Zuko kept his eyes open for Zhao's ship. Normally it would be at the front of the flotilla but it seemed to have fallen back. When he spotted the ornate prow, he shouted at Aang, grabbing the boy's shirt.
"Down there," he motioned. "That's Zhao's ship."
"What, you want Appa to land on it?" Aang was shouting now too, the sound of the fireballs and the wind too loud for mere talking.
"Yes; I'm going to find Zhao and…."
"And what?" Aang demanded. "Are you going to kill him?"
He stared piercingly at the prince now, grey eyes doing their best to see inside Zuko.
"Not unless I have to. I want to talk to the bastard, try to convince him how wrong he is."
"I don't think Zhao's the kind of guy you can convince of anything, Zuko."
"No, but I have to try." The firebender pinched the bridge of his nose and looked exasperated. "Just land or I'll jump down onto the deck."
Sweeping more fireballs out of their way, Aang took the air bison down. The Avatar's animal guide landed clumsily on the ship, scattering soldiers everywhere. While the men were busy trying to regain their balance, Zuko scanned the deck for Zhao, not seeing the man anywhere. He did see someone familiar though and approached, fists punching outward, ready to shoot flames.
"Where's Zhao? You're his second in command, right?" The prince's voice was harsh and angry. He wanted to grab the man and shake him senseless.
"He's not here," Tanaka replied, raising his own fists.
They both turned their heads at the sound of crunching metal. Aang was happily destroying the trebuchet while Appa continued to hit the deck with his tail, making it impossible for soldiers to get near the Avatar or Zuko.
The Prince turned back to Tanaka, his gold eyes alight with fury. "He's not here; I'm supposed to believe that he left you in charge of the invasion?"
"I don't really care what you believe. I don't care about any of this. I just want to go home or at least somewhere warmer."
"You know that Zhao's wrong, don't you? You realize that he must be stopped. He's going to destroy the moon spirit. Do you have any idea what that will do to the balanced of the entire world? Zhao's a lunatic. He was quite happy to murder me and Mai and my uncle and a shipful of people all because I beat him in an agni kai. He has threatened to, to, do terrible things to my betrothed. And all that is nothing compared to what he's planning now. Who do you want to lead the Fire Nation into the future, people like Zhao and my father or people like me?"
From behind Tanaka, dressed in old Fire Nation uniforms, something Zuko had seen illustrations of in history books, Hahn and two other men prepared to strike with their clubs.
"Admiral Zhao!" Hahn screamed, the name sounding like a war cry, and charged.
With nothing more than a few quick punches, Tanaka sent them flying over the ship's side. He grinned. "Is that the best the Northern Water Tribe has to offer?"
"Forget about that; where is Zhao?"
Tanaka considered for a moment. "You're right; the man is crazy and cruel. I hate him. In fact I hope that he doesn't make it back. But he isn't here, Prince Zuko. He took a canoe and a map of the city and paddled away. He wants to kill the moon spirit tonight. The man is impatient too."
"Wait, he has a map?" Despite himself, Zuko was curious now.
Aang, having taken care of the soldiers on Zhao's ship, climbed back on Appa, took to the air and created more waves of ice, freezing several ships in place. It was the proverbial drop in the bucket though, and as the Avatar looked further out to sea, he knew in his heart that he alone could not stop the invasion. He couldn't even come close.
Zuko looked up at the bison then gave his attention back to Tanaka. "The map?" he repeated.
"Yes, he discovered it in a library in the Earth Kingdom, a library in the middle of the desert. That's where he found out about the moon spirit and ocean spirit taking physical form and living in the Spirit Oasis here too. The map shows everything, sewers, back entrances, everything."
"Agni, he could be there already." The prince pushed thick bangs back from his forehead and pinched his nose again. "Thank you for telling me."
"I'll deny it and I'm still going to continue with the invasion. I don't agree with it but it's my duty to carry out my orders. Now, get off my ship, Prince Zuko." He looked around at the soldiers regrouping themselves and then lowered his voice. "And good luck." Yelling then, Tanaka called out to the men. "What are you waiting for? Attack this traitor."
Zuko backed away from Tanaka, assuming a firebending stance again. Before Aang finally swooped in with Appa, Zuko experienced a few close calls; the sleeve of his blue parka was badly singed and he could feel the burn beneath, stinging madly. He paid it no mind, however, and climbed aboard the bison, eager to track down Zhao.
Mai darted out of the way as a fireball, one of the few that managed to make it by the first line of defense, sped by, the heat making her cheek warm, and landed in one of the buildings behind her. Ice, melting now, collapsed in big chunks and tumbled downward. She caught Hakoda's eye and shrugged. There really was nothing much they could do except keep the area clear.
As the minutes passed more and more fire passed by the outer walls. Either Zhao had stepped up his attack or their defense was growing tired. Either way it didn't matter. The inner city began to look like a war zone and there were wounded now too, even casualties; some had been hit by falling ice and others burned. Yue prowled the streets, Sokka tagging along behind her, and helped get the wounded to Yugoda's healing hut. Her parka was smeared with blood and ash and her hair was disheveled. But she shook off Sokka's panicked hand and continued to work.
"I won't just sit around and do nothing when my people need me." Her words were firm and strong. Sokka whined and wheedled, begging her to go somewhere safer. "Where would that be, Sokka? The city is under siege."
"Mai, help me out here. I'm supposed to protect her; Chief Arnook asked me to." He approached the black haired girl with wide, hopeful eyes and put his hands together, the tips of his fingers resting under his chin.
She looked over Sokka's head, she was slightly taller, and watched the princess. "I think I'll help her instead of trying to talk her out of actually doing something. If you were smart, you would help her too, Sokka."
"Wow, thanks a lot, Mai. That's the last time I ever ask you for support."
"Is that a promise?" Mai retorted smartly.
She approached Yue, introduced herself quickly and then helped her tend to a man with a wide gash on his head.
"Thank you, Mai. Sokka's very over protective. It's sweet, but I need to be with my people."
"Sweet, you're calling my sweet?" The young warrior looked horrified. Strong, brave, and handsome were more favorable adjectives.
Yue giggled and nudged Mai who began to laugh too. They managed to get the man to Yugoda's and then stood together for a few moments just watching as more fire rained down. Sokka stood off to the side, club in his hands, as if he could deflect a huge fireball with it.
"So you are betrothed to the prince of the Fire Nation; I'm betrothed as well." The princess said the words as if not expecting Mai to reply.
"Yeah, I am and I have been since I was quite young. Fortunately, we want to be together. It all worked out." Mai continued to stare ahead. She thought about Zuko and their very first meeting. It had been awkward and mostly silent but somehow the two of them were drawn to each other and from that first day, a bond began to form.
"You're very lucky. And Prince Zuko is lucky too." Yue's voice was sad now and she wiped discreetly at her huge blue eyes.
"I take it that you don't care much for the man you will marry."
"My feelings aren't important. My people, my tribe, and my duty are."
"They are important, but I think you deserve happiness as well, Princess Yue." Mai glanced over at Sokka who listened to the conversation with his own sad eyes.
"Serving my people does make me happy. Now, let's get back to work, all right. Come on, Sokka, I'm leaving now."
Mai watched the pair walk back out into the streets and contemplated her own life. Despite being declared a traitor and being on the run from her own nation, at least her decisions and choices were her own now. She wouldn't give that up for anything. Still, there was something admirable about Yue's stoic devotion to her people, though Mai was very glad that she wasn't her.
The Avatar's face was sad as they flew away from the ships and Zuko was almost certain he saw tears in the grey eyes. "Zuko, we can't do it. I can't do it. I'll never stop all those ships. I need help."
"You've already got all the help there is, Aang. Where are we going to get more? Out of thin air?"
"I don't know, Zuko. Let me think, okay."
"Yeah, you think and the rest of us will fight," Zuko snapped.
"That's not fair, Zuko. You saw me fighting out there." The boy looked genuinely hurt, as if Zuko's opinion really mattered to him.
"Sorry," the prince apologized. Yes, Aang was not afraid to get into the thick of things and do his part. Zuko knew that well enough. "Oh, we need to pick up that Hahn guy. Tanaka pushed him into the water." That was a good way to change the subject.
They flew close to the ocean's surface, looking for the men, dodging more fire as they moved. When they spotted Hahn, Appa landed in the water, his six legs paddling quickly. The men deftly scrabbled onto the saddle, grateful to be out of the frigid waters.
"Where's your boat?" Zuko asked sharply.
"It's probably drifted off now. We should get back to the city." Hahn really didn't want to search for his boat amongst the huge Fire Nation ships and never ending barrage of fire.
"Fine, whatever."
As they got close to the city again, Zuko and Aang took in the heavily damaged outer wall. Great, gaping holes pockmarked the structure and one corner had been completely eroded. The fire flew over the wall and into the city proper too, damaging houses and other buildings. The first line of defenders, Iroh and Jee among them, looked exhausted and were covered in ashy charcoal coloured snow.
Zhao's flotilla moved closer and closer to the city walls and would break through soon, spilling their soldiers into the streets, where hand to hand combat would occur. Zuko thought of Mai briefly and hoped she was all right. Katara was in Aang's thoughts. He looked down at her, gamely standing on the wall and beating back the fire. He flushed with love and pride and hoped that she would be all right.
"Zuko, I know what to do!" the boy exclaimed as they landed in the snow. "Spirits!"
"What are you talking about Aang?" Zuko looked around for Mai but couldn't find her amidst the chaos. He blocked a fireball with a graceful movement of his hands and then turned his attention back to the Avatar.
"The spirits; I can ask them for help. Why didn't I think of that before?" The boy slapped a hand to his forehead and then looked at Zuko as if waiting for his approval.
The prince sounded dubious. "And just how are you going to ask the spirits for help?"
"Well, I need to meditate and then leave my body and enter the spirit world."
"Just like that?"
"Well…."
"Aang!" They both turned to see Katara running toward them at full speed. "What's happening out there?"
She put a hand on the boy's shoulder and looked deeply into his eyes.
"It's bad, Katara. I can't stop the ships. There are way too many."
Pakku joined them as well and Arnook, Iroh and Jee.
"Nephew, did you talk to Zhao?"
It was confusion then, with everybody asking questions and trying to answer others. Arnook raised his hand and shouted, "Enough." Everyone was silent immediately. "One thing at a time; Aang and Zuko, what happened out there?"
The prince spoke first. "There is no way that Aang and I can battle all those ships. There are simply too many too close together. The assassination plan didn't work, mainly because Zhao wasn't on his ship. He's probably in the city already."
"What do you mean?" Arnook questioned the prince. He stood rigidly and leaned forward a bit so that he could see Zuko's eyes.
"I mean Zhao took a canoe and paddled his way to the city. He's got a detailed map that will help him get inside."
"Hey." Zuko felt Mai's warm breath against his cheek as she moved to stand very close. "I saw Appa and came as quickly as I could."
"Zhao's in the city somewhere. We need to find him, Mai."
Zuko'e eyes were focused only on his betrothed now. He scanned her body looking for marks of any kind.
"I'm fine." Mai rolled her eyes. "But you got burned. Let me look."
"It's okay, really. I've had a lot worse." He jerked his arm away remembering that they were not alone.
"Can we get back to the topic at hand, please," the chief suggested snidely.
"Um, right, Zhao's second in command gave me the information."
"And, can we trust this man?" Arnook asked.
"Zhao wasn't commanding his ship and yes I think we can trust Tanaka's words. Zhao is here." Zuko's voice was dark and heavy sounding. He wanted nothing more than to seek out the man and do him in.
"We need help, Chief Arnook; I was thinking of asking the spirits." Aang looked at the man hopefully. "I need a quiet place to mediate, a place like the Spirit Oasis. It's the most spiritual spot in the north, right?"
"That's a great idea, Aang. I'll need to go with you and protect your body. You're completely vulnerable when you're in the spirit world." Katara looked around at everyone.
"What if Zhao's there already?" Mai brought up the negative possibility. "That's definitely where he's headed."
"If he's there, we'll stop him and protect Aang," Katara replied simply. "Does everyone agree?"
"It can't hurt," Chief Arnook nodded. "Go! Prince Zuko and Mai, will you look for Zhao? We need to get back to the outer walls now."
They nodded and ran after Aang and Katara in the direction of the Spirit Oasis. Zuko gave his uncle and Jee a quick wave.
"Good luck and be careful," Iroh shouted after them. "Zhao is a dangerous man."
As the words fell off Iroh's tongue, the first of the admiral's ships breached the outer and secondary walls. Its huge gangplank heaved and creaked its way down onto the ice streets. Men poured out, some on foot and some on rhinos. Tanks rolled down the gangplank as well and the battle for the city took on a new, more terrifying tone.
The Southern Water Tribe warriors attacked with a vengeance, Hakoda leading the way with his club. He broke knees, and cracked helmeted skulls, swept feet from underneath soldiers and crippled rhinos all while managing to evade the constant outpouring of fire. He was a wonder to watch and Iroh and Jee joined in, taking care of the fire much more easily than the warriors could. They made a good team, but as another ship broke through the ice and more Fire Nation soldiers disembarked, the job became much more difficult. They couldn't hold out for long.
Admiral Zhao hummed as he paddled his way around to the back of the city. He was cold but didn't care. Any discomfort he might endure would be well worth it. He stopped for a moment and checked the map. Yes, a huge water flow pipe should be right around the corner, jutting out from the massive wall of ice that made up the city's outer structure.
It was there and wide enough to fit Zhao. He stood up in the canoe and reached for the pipe's outer edge. The small boat wobbled under his feet and he almost fell into the freezing cold water. But Zhao was nothing if not determined. He clung to the edge, kicked the canoe away and heaved himself up inside. Moving quietly, he made his way along the pipe and stopped at the other end, observing his surroundings.
He could hear the sounds of battle coming from the front of the city. The walls had indeed been breached. Zhao grinned. It wouldn't be long now. Patiently he waited until a man walked by, a man on his own; easy pickings. The admiral took out his knife, darted out from the pipe and grabbed the man from behind. Pressing his knife to the man's throat, Zhao dragged him backward and into the pipe.
"Take off your clothes," he ordered in his most imperious tone.
The man, not a warrior, made a move now. He saw murder in Zhao's eyes and he did not want to die. Making a lunge for the opening, he tried to push by Zhao but failed, and fell down instead. Looking at Zhao's red and black boots, he was filled with dread.
"Take off your clothes and I'll let you live," Zhao repeated. The man hesitated again but then stripped off his parka and dropped it. "The pants too, and the tunic. And don't forget the boots."
He was shivering now both from cold and fear.
"Turn around."
The man turned around. With one swift motion, Zhao cut his throat and pushed him down the pipe and out into the sea. Humming again, the admiral took off his own clothes and replaced them with the blue ones pooled at his feet.
"Warm," he acknowledged but couldn't restrain a little exclamation of disgust.
Zhao bent down and cleaned off his knife, using fine quality Fire Nation clothing as rags. He hid the blade inside his new parka, pulled up the hood, and stepped out into the city. Making his way forward and to the right, he walked through maze like streets until he reached a busier area, filled with warriors and the cries of wounded. No one paid him any mind and Zhao checked his map, looking once more for the entrance to the Spirit Oasis.