Chapter 37: The Waning Moon Part 1
Dear Diary,
These past few days so much has happened.
I'm not even sure if I can believe half of it even happened at all.
It was just all so sudden…and it all seemed to happen so fast.
Seriously it feels like only now time has slowed somewhat back down to normal speed, maybe even slower than normal.
Which is terrible considering…
Oh spirits, I'm not sure whether I can say it. It all still hurts so much to do so. But I also feel as if I should tell someone how I feel or else I'll just implode from everything. Which is why if I'd had to choose someone right now, I'd pick you diary…even if you aren't a living breathing thing and just a book.
I guess…I guess then I should start this from the top.
You remember in my last entry that I made the decision to go through with my plan to defeat Zhao and help the Avatar?
…well it was successful…though not quite in the way I was expecting…
… or hoping…
"So…this is your friend from the Fire Nation?"
"Well…kinda…I mean she did try to help us out a couple of times but-"
"Ah…ow…" Jade winced as she opened her eyes, only to come face to face with a ceiling of white and blue shadows.
"Whoa, hey-" She felt a pair of slender hands gently push her back down as she struggled to sit up, her blurred vision slowly clearing enough for her to discern shapes and other colours.
So far, she could tell she was wrapped in something blue and thick and fur lined, and that there were two girls in front of her. One in blue with a dark plait and two thin hair loops and the other in light purple with pure white hair.
Both girls were young, both looked worried, but Jade only recognized one as it spoke worriedly down on her.
"Just relax Jade, we got you"
"K-Katara" Jade mumbled as she was quickly laid back down on propped up pillows by the young waterbender "Where…where am I?"
"In the North Pole." Katara muttered quietly preparing a cup of water and holding it up to her lips. "Aang rescued you from a Fire Nation ship. He said you helped him fight off some firebenders"
"I-I did? But I don't ugh…remember…" Jade frowned spluttering a little on her water, her hand flying up to her throbbing temple.
But no matter how much she tried to fit Katara's words in her head, it just remained black.
"Jade?" Katara leaned in worriedly as Jade quickly sat up, screwing her eyes shut.
"Argh I don't believe this…I have to find Aang…I have to tell him…tell him…" her voice trailed off.
"What do you have to tell him?" Katara probed gently but was only rewarded with a soft growl.
"I-I don't remember… I have to…I have to warn Aang …but I can't remember why…whenever I try to I just…draw a blank…Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!" she cursed slapping her forehead hard.
"Hey, hey stop it's okay, just calm down and lie back, you got hurt pretty bad." Katara tried pulling her hand from her face as the other white haired girl anxiously began edging for the door.
"I'll get Yugoda. Maybe she can help"
"Good idea" Katara nodded as she finally managed to subdue Jade a little and forced her to lie back against the warm furs.
As she did, Jade could not help but cry out as her side throbbed painfully. Though the wound she had gained on it had long since stopped bleeding, it still hurt terribly when pulled in a wrong way. She was thankful for Katara's gentle handling as the younger girl quickly slipped the robe she was wearing upwards made to assess the damaged area of her stomach.
"Just what happened to you?" the Water Bender breathed in horror as she assessed the burnt and scarred skin.
"Explosion" Jade hissed through gritted teeth as she let her head melt back into the soft furs. "When Kira failed t-to kill me…Zhao he…he needed another way to get rid of me, so he hired those pirates you stole that scroll from. They rigged our ship to explode…"
"WHAT?!" Katara spluttered "Zhao hired pirates to blow up other firebenders?
"No..." Jade shook her head "Zhao's an arse but he won't waste good manpower. He'd conscripted the rest of the crew to join the invasion force. They were all long gone by the time the ship went up in smoke"
"And what about Prince Zuko?" Katara's lips pursed as she refrained from spitting the name out.
Jade looked to the girl, not quite sure on how to react to her scorn. On the one hand a small part of her was hissing to join the girl's anger and disgust, (especially since she now knew the prince had faked his own death and had been hiding in disguise beside her all that time). On the other hand, she could not deny that she had dearly missed him and was overjoyed from the bottom of her heart that he was still alive.
Thankfully, she was spared choosing between her emotions as an elderly woman with greying hair and dark skin, (a trait Jade noticed interestedly, that was rather common amongst the water tribe people), bustled in accompanied by the white haired girl from before.
"So, this is your young fire nation friend is it?" the woman eyed Jade imperiously as she strode to her side, but quickly softened as she caught sight of the slight fear in the young girl's eyes and the half healed injury on her stomach.
"I healed the cut on her head, but I wasn't sure if I should start on this one. I've never healed a wound that deep before" Katara explained worriedly, but the elderly Yugoda merely nodded and raised a hand to silence her.
"You did well Katara. Alright young one, let's see what I can do here. Lie back please"
Jade lay back, nervously watching as the woman uncorked a gourd from her hip and lifted her hand gently.
At once clean clear water shot out to hover in the air before wrapping itself around the older woman's hands. Jade watched astonishment overtaking pain for a moment as the water then started to glow pure white.
"What the-ow" she sucked in a sharp breath as the cold water suddenly touched her scarred skin. It was by far one of the strangest things she'd ever experienced in her life.
Her side was both cool and wet, but the water didn't trickle down her skin. Instead some of it just pressed against the scarred skin like a cloth whilst the rest of it seeped into her body. She felt the odd sensation of the tissue beneath the surface, entwine and fuse together, the skin following soon after…
"There." The elderly, Yugoda sighed as she pulled her hands away and Jade craned her head to see the result.
Where there had been a rather raw looking burned and charred area of skin, was now a red but healed smooth scar.
"I've healed the bonds of the damaged muscle. But unfortunately, the skin is far too damaged to ever be fully repaired. The only thing that will make that scar fade now is time and patience" Yugoda explained, her voice gentle but sad as she watched the girl gingerly sit up.
"That's okay. It's already so much better. At least now I can move easily" Jade smiled gratefully as she stretched her arms upwards to the ceiling. It had felt like forever since she had been able to even do that, and she couldn't help but feel immensely satisfied hearing the small cracks as her stiff back righted itself.
"Oh, thank you. thank you so much." She groaned as she brought her head to rest on her knees for a moment before looking up.
Yudoga nodded at her, admiration gleaming in her aged blue eyes.
"No need to thank me young one. Truth be told the injury was healing remarkably well considering its severity. Whoever patched you up before knew what they were doing."
"Yeah…Chan's a pretty great doctor" Jade nodded, wincing a little. But if it was because of the stiffness in her bones or the small ache in her heart she could not tell.
The crew…Shen…Father…Lord Iroh…Zuko…Zuko…
She couldn't believe she'd just left them all behind now.
And not just left them behind, but defected to the Avatar's side.
She'd always known in the deepest corner of her heart that she'd leave her nation one day. It wasn't like she really had a choice given her pedigree. But even so never did she think it'd hurt like this, but only because she'd never thought she'd grow so fond of so many people from her nation, like she had become of that small ship crew…
"Jade?" Katara reached out as Jade clutched her head again.
"I'm okay…I just…I need to find Aang and warn him…about…about…"
"About Zhao's plans?" Katara prompted and Jade nodded.
"I know I can't exactly remember them but maybe if I see him it might just come back…" she trailed off rubbing her throbbing forehead.
Yugoda sighed.
"I know you are in an urgent hurry but do try to do anything too reckless just yet. Head injuries like yours are no laughing matter, and forcing yourself might do more damage than good in the long term."
"I-I understand that" Jade grunted torn between irritability and pain "but this is important. Admiral Zhao is planning something and Aang's the only one that can stop it. But if I can't remember what it was that he was planning then how can the Avatar-"
"We'll find a way" the girl with the white hair assured her. "In the meantime, maybe I could take you to my father or master Paku. They're currently in a war council but I'm sure whatever information you can currently give will be of help to them. I-If you're up for it" the girl added with a glance towards a disapproving Yugoda.
But Jade nodded resolutely as she stumbled to her feet, Katara hovering over her
"I'm up for it. Lead the way…uh…sorry I don't think I got your name?"
"I'm Princess Yue, Daughter of Chief Arnook of the Northern Water Tribe." The white-haired girl, Yue, bowed gracefully.
"Jade Shi, Daughter of Lord Ruishi of the Shi Clan and currently traitor to my entire nation"
The situation could've almost been comical, what with the way the two teenagers bowed to one another, had there not been the distant sound of something heavy crashing against something solid.
"Come we must hurry" Yue, hissed as Katara helped Jade slip on a large hooded blue robe lined with thick white fur.
"Thanks" she muttered pulling the furry hood over her head to cover her ears. Katara smirked as they both followed Yue out the doorway and into a large icy hall.
"No problem. Besides beats that thin thing you Fire Nation wear"
"Yeah, though to be fair they're only thin because most firebenders can keep themselves warm with their bending" Jade nodded "I don't think they ever dreamed there'd be an earth bender ever living amongst them and wearing it."
"You're an Earth Bender?" Yue looked back at Jade with wide blue eyes.
"Not just any earth bender" Katara grinned excitedly before Jade could even open her mouth "Jade's mother was the Lucky Jade"
"Are you serious?" Yue gasped "But you said your father was…oh…OH!"
"Yeah" Jade rolled her eyes, feeling her cheeks flare up like the sun "Forbidden romance? Such a cliché no?"
"I was going to say how romantic" Yue gushed, but then quickly caught herself and coughed, cheeks oddly pink "I-I mean-the Lucky Jade was one of the greatest Earth Benders…but to marry a Firebender…that's just wow…are you her only-"
"No" Jade bit on her lip, her chest tightening so much it felt like a giant snake were squeezing her to bursting point "No…I have a brother. But he's a firebender. He's great and all but I had to…leave him behind"
"I'm so sorry. Was…was it because he siding with Zhao?" Katara gulped but Jade shook her head.
"No, neither he or my father are with Zhao…at least not morally speaking. I-I mean, yeah sure he's my uncle but they're not fighting for him because they want to…it's just…they don't have a choice, Zhao was forcing them to fight for him-"
"Your uncle is forcing his own family to fight for him through blackmail?" Yue breathed in horror which Katara mirrored, though her face was more angry than afraid.
"That monster! I just thought he was terrible to anyone who was not Fire Nation"
Jade chuckled, a hollow unnatural sound that shook both water tribe girls to the core.
"Oh please, the day Zhao treats anyone who isn't himself with some semblance of respect will be the day the moo-sows fly."
There was a silence as the three of them quietly made their way towards a balcony that overlooked a vast view of the horizon.
It was not a pretty sight.
The Great white city of the Northern Water Tribe was no longer glistening in the sunlight like how Jade had seen it from the ships. Now the skies above were dark grey with smog. Black sooty snow fell gently down upon all from the heavens making black patches appear over small sections of the city like black ink stains on paper.
In the distance, the once whole and thick white wall of ice, was slowly but surely being chipped away as great fireballs hurtled into it from the line of black ships that dominated the horizon which was getting stained by the deep bloody red of the sunset.
All because of my nation…
Jade felt her heart ache as two conflicting images flashed over her mind's eye. On the one hand, she could see her old crew, smiling, laughing, joking and being affectionate to her and respectful and kind to ordinary people. On the other, she could see her uncle and the faceless Firelord (in her imagination), cruel conquerors, sadistically single minded for dominion over everything else.
"Then you are no better than your monster of a father!"
Her own words echoed as the visions began to fade, to be replaced by a scarred face from which two golden amber eyes gazed tenderly at her.
No. Zuko wasn't a monster. An emotional short-tempered idiot yes. A liar for deceiving her in his death, hell yes (the mere thought made her blood boil hotly). But monster…no…no he wasn't a monster…but he wasn't all good, either was he?
She pinched her nose. She was so confused. By betraying her nation, she was by extension betraying Zuko…and despite his actions so often being contrary to her own when it came to choosing sides, she still found her heart aching to see him again. And Lord Iroh, and the crew, and her family.
Oh, what she would give right now to be back at their village home, listening to her father and brother play paisho in the other room as she made dinner in the kitchen with her mother shut away from the bloodshed of war with no more care or worry for the darkness outside their nation's borders…
"I'm sorry that you have to go through all this" Yue stood beside Jade, her eyes misty as she too looked out over the horizon. "Leaving your family behind to help us. I can't imagine what you're going through. You're a much braver person than most to be able to come this far."
"I'm not brave" Jade murmured as she tried searching the black line of ships.
Somewhere on that horizon, her father and brother were standing out of her reach in the clutches of her devious uncle.
And she couldn't go back….
Not now.
Not ever again.
"AANG!"
"Is it not glorious?" Zhao hissed to his brother as they looked out the large window and onto the great destruction before them.
"Oh yes, glorious" Ruishi muttered not even bothering to hide his disgust or his fear.
Zhao's lip curled.
"I suppose you're still worried about your brat? Though I do not see the point of it. She's made her choice to defect, she's just as much an enemy to us now as the Avatar"
"Maybe…but she is still my daughter and I still love her." Ruishi said softly.
There was silence as the two men gazed out the window.
Zhao quickly glanced at Ruishi's profile, gaze softening ever so slightly.
In the past, few weeks since forming and moving this armada, Zhao had to admit he rather enjoyed having his brother back by his side. Whilst in many areas they disagreed, they were still able to slip back into some of their old routines from boyhood.
Even now as he looked upon him he could still see traces of the strong older sibling he'd admired and looked up to in his youth. The sibling who'd be patient with him when their father was not, the sibling that never failed to have faith in his abilities he was facing his lowest moments.
But now all that brotherly love was gone.
Thanks to a certain mud wench and her equally meddling traitorous spawn.
Speaking of which where is that boy.
Zhao scowled as his thoughts turned to his young nephew who had mysteriously disappeared following his sister's betrayal.
"And what of your dear son?" Zhao sneered but was quickly quelled by a very dark glare from his brother.
"He is his own man, capable of making his own choices. But grown or no, touch one hair on his head brother and I will not hesitate to act accordingly"
"Is that a threat I hear brother?" Zhao's lip curled.
"No. Merely a promise"
Zhao opened his mouth to retort but was stopped quickly by the sound of footsteps behind them both.
"It's nearly twilight." Lord Iroh's voice said gently "As your military consultant Zhao, I must advise you to hold you're attack. The water benders' draw power from the moon and it is nearly full tonight. You should wait and resume the attack at daybreak."
Zhao scowled irritably as he caught his brother giving him a small "I told you so" smirk from the corner of his eye.
"Oh, I'm well aware of the moon problem. And I am working on a solution. But for now, daybreak it is." Zhao hissed, his stomach churning as he stalked off.
Behind his back meanwhile, Lord Iroh and Ruishi exchanged nervous glances.
"What do you think he meant by that?" Iroh frowned.
"I don't know" Ruishi narrowed his eyes. "But I don't think it bodes well for any of us"
He turned back to Lord Iroh brow furrowed.
"Your dear lieutenant Lee hasn't yet left for his little excursion yet has he?"
"No not yet" Iroh shook his head, a small smirk curling at the corners of his mouth as he asked. "Why?"
"No reason, I was just wondering…" Ruishi trailed off as he looked back onto the darkening skies
"AANG!" Katara's yell snapped Jade out of her stupor.
Quickly she looked up to the sky just in time to find the shadow of a large flying bison block the light of the setting sun.
Well, she had said she wanted to find the Avatar and now here she was.
She followed Katara and Yue as they dashed down into the white courtyard only to find the small figure of Aang hunched up in a ball by the feet of his steed, panting with exhaustion.
"I can't do it. I can't do it"
"What happened?" Katara asked as the three girls finally came level with him, but the young Avatar shook his head.
"I must've taken out a dozen Fire Navy Ships, but there's just too many of them. I can't fight them all"
"But…but you have to" Yue's blue eyes were full of fearful tears "You're the Avatar"
"I'm just one kid…I…I can't."
Jade felt her heart sting at the sight of the bald tattooed head hung low as Katara pulled her arms around him. He was just a boy, but already he was facing battles fully grown men three times his age were fighting.
"Yeah… you can't."
Aang and Katara looked up at Jade in surprise as she knelt before him, her eyes warm and blazing with a determined green fire.
"You can't do it Aang. Not all on your own. But you've got Katara, you've got Sokka, you got Yue, you've got the Water Tribe and you've got me. And together we'll figure something out. But first thing's first, let's get you rested and fed. You'll need your strength for later, if we're going to beat Zhao"
"But the invasion force-" Katara gulped glancing at the wall.
But even as she looked to the mass of ships, the sounds of the many crashes and balls of fire seemed to slowly come to a stop as the sun dipped below the horizon line.
"They're stopping?" Yue frowned, hope and confusion etched into her pretty face.
"No, they're waiting" Jade corrected her, gravely.
"For what?" Aang asked with a gulp as Jade's eyes hardened.
"I don't know. Unless…"
She turned to Yue.
"Princess where's your father, the chief?"
"My father? He's in the War room with the other warriors" Yue blinked in confusion.
"Would it be possible for me to speak with them?"
She's gone…she's gone…
Prince Zuko moved through a daze as he made to prepare the small bag of gear and the small water craft he was stealing…or rather borrowing for the occasion.
She's gone and she's betrayed us all.
But can you really blame her?
Another small voice in his head piped in.
Zhao did try to kill her, tried to take away everything she cared about. He even ordered her mother to be assassinated and most of the fire nation that follows him has treated her like she was mud. Can you really blame her for wanting to get away from it all?
Quite frankly Zuko found himself marvelling at how Jade hadn't betrayed the Fire Nation earlier given all that had happened. But that only made him wonder, what had kept her staying for so long.
He could only guess it was because of her family that she had stayed, especially since Zhao had threatened their lives. Yes, that sounded a lot like Jade would do. She may not be on her nation's side but she was still devoted to her family and would never have left them unless she was sure they were safe.
But still…did that mean she had to join the Avatar of all people?
The Avatar.
The mere thought of the young boy made Zuko's blood boil like lava in his veins.
It was all his fault.
If it weren't for him, Zuko wouldn't have been banished to search for him. If it weren't for him he wouldn't have been humiliated time and time again before the world. If it weren't for him, the girl he liked wouldn't have left him to betray her nation.
He stiffened as in the middle of hooking up the small raft to the lowering mechanism he heard the door creak slightly.
"If you're going to be fishing for an octopus my dear nephew-" A soothing voice washed over him and he quickly relaxed "you will need a tightly woven net or he will squeeze through the tiniest hole and escape"
"I don't need your wisdom right now uncle" Zuko clipped, eyes set on the wall of white ice stretched out before him.
"I'm sorry" Lord Iroh said softly, and Zuko was disturbed to hear the slight break in the older man's voice "I just nag you because…ever since I lost my son…"
"Uncle you don't have to say it" Zuko shut his eyes trying to ignore the growing ache in his chest as his uncle shed a tear and said hoarsely.
"I think of you as my own"
"I know uncle. We'll meet again-" Zuko turned back and bowed, only to get his arms and ribs crushed as Lord Iroh engulfed him in a tight hug.
"-After I have the avatar" He quickly pulled away, afraid of the sudden flash of a blur of brown hair and green eyes threatening to overwhelm his mind's eye as he clambered into his boat and began to lower himself down the side of the great ship.
But even as his body sank lower and lower his uncle could not help himself as he cried out.
"Remember your breath of fire! It could save your life out there"
"I will" Zuko nodded, unable to stop the tiniest of smirks as he heard his uncle yell.
"And put your hood up! Keep your ears warm!"
"I'll be fine!"
His uncle really could be such a worry wart sometimes.
"Father! Father!"
Jade gulped as she was all but dragged into the large Water Tribe War room by a very frantic Princess Yue.
The room was large and, like every single room in this ice palace, white with animal hides and furs draped over walls and floors. The table in the middle was made of white icy snow, compacted into a tight circle around which several water tribe men were standing.
Jade felt her stomach drop a little as two of the men who stood in the centre of the huddle quickly looked up in alarm at the sudden entrance. One was around was an old man, with a stern thin face, long white hair. The other was a man her father's age, with dark black hair and beard and wearing a neck ornament with a moon and several fangs over his thick dark blue robes.
It was he who frowned in confusion at the two girls who were quickly followed into the room by Katara and a still very worn out Aang.
"Yue, my dear what's wrong. Are you alright?" Chief Arnook frowned as he strode forwards to his daughter, worry etched into every line of his face.
"I'm fine father." Yue puffed quickly bowing as she tried to catch her breath. "But we had to see you straight away."
"We?" Chief Arnook quirked a brow as Jade stepped forwards.
"And who is this?" the old man behind the chief asked sternly.
"Jade Shi. Daughter of Lien Yuetu, the Lucky Jade." Jade straightened up removing her hood to reveal her pale, green eyed face and brown hair.
"The Lucky Jade?" the chief's eyes widened in shock.
The old man however was not convinced.
"Preposterous. The Lucky Jade vanished nearly twenty years ago. Now who are you really girl?"
"No, it's really true Master Paku" Katara piped in. "She is the Lucky Jade's daughter."
"And her father?" the man, Paku's eyes narrowed.
"Lord Ruishi Shi, the brother of Admiral Zhao who's currently trying to attack you and the son of General Ryuutaro Shi-" Jade began but was cut off by a warrior that stood by Paku's side.
"You mean the son of the Dragon General? The slaughterer of the Shan mountains?"
"Yeah…Him." She ran a hand over her hair "listen, I know it sounds crazy…but my mom and my dad were…well they were together, and long story short, they eloped got married and well they had me. I can't explain how or why it happened, all I know is that I'm here now and I can help you. My father helped Admiral Zhao make his battle plans-"
"And you know those plans?" Paku sneered.
"No…not all of them" Jade admitted, feeling her cheeks pinked with slight embarrassment but she soldiered on "But I do know my father and how he thinks. And if Zhao's using all his tactics then I should be able to figure out how to counter at least some of his moves. It might not be much but ..."
She trailed off looking down at her toes as Chief Arnook assessed her closely. His gaze was not unkind, merely calculating and thoughtful.
"Chief you can't possibly be considering this? She's from the fire nation what if it's a trap? She could be-" another warrior stated behind him but was quickly silenced by a small glare from Paku.
"It is not our place to question or disturb the chief, Sabu. Especially whilst he is making an important decision"
Chief Arnook nodded in thanks to Paku and turned towards Aang.
"What say you Avatar Aang? Do you believe her? Can you vouch for this girl's validity?"
"Yes" both Aang and Katara stated boldly, the latter quickly adding.
"She's helped save our lives before when we were travelling up here. We know she's not lying. Ask my brother Sokka, he'll tell you the same thing"
Despite the severity of the situation, Jade could not help but feel touched by the certainty in both the younger friend's voices. She barely knew them and yet they'd both vouched for her honour and trust.
Doing her best to keep herself from looking too pleased she faced Chief Arnook and returned the bow he offered her.
"In that case Lady Jade, we would be glad for your assistance. But first if you would please answer me just this one question, to assuage my men's curiosity "
"Of course sir" Jade nodded.
"Why now? You claim your father is in the Fire Nation and that he has made these battle plans. So why now have you decided to betray your own nation?"
"Because…because…" Jade felt her cheeks redden as all the spotlight turned uncomfortably onto her.
She bit her lip, shutting her eyes and doing her best to keep herself stoic as a vision of a woman with long brown hair, slightly lighter than her own, and bright green eyes smiled down upon her in her minds eye.
She sucked in a deep breath and opened her eyes.
"Because I want to save it"
"I beg your pardon?" Paku quirked a brow.
"I want to save the Fire Nation…from itself" Jade repeated swallowing down her fear as she forced herself to look directly into Chief Arnook's eyes.
"I love my Nation. I know everyone else sees the Fire Nation as pure evil, and I understand why they see it like that. But I grew up surrounded by many kind, wonderful fire nation people who all taught me how to be a stronger, better person. It's those people I want to fight for. It's that kind of nation I want to see returned to the world. A peaceful, honourable Fire Nation like we had in days of old. And the only way I can see that happening is if I can help the Avatar end Fire Lord Ozai's tyranny once and for all. Spirits knows how many people in every nation have suffered enough because of him and his predecessors."
"And what of his successors?" Paku asked sternly. "Will they cause similar problems for us?"
Jade's heart stilled in her chest. In the corner of her eye she could see both Aang and Katara shifting uncomfortably on their feet, but thankfully neither said a world.
To Jade's immense relief Chief Arnook raised a hand to silence all who opened their mouths to speak.
"Such questions can be answered later. Right now we have an army on our doorstep and we know not when or where they will strike next. Lady Jade if you wouldn't mind having a look at the council table-"
And so diary, that was how I roped myself into a war meeting.
I know, crazy right?
A fifteen (almost sixteen) year old girl with very little experience in the art of war (let alone fully trained in her natural bending art) teaching basic Fire Nation battle tactics to some of the best Water Tribe warriors and their chief.
If my grandfather Lord Ryuutaro were dead, he'd be rolling in his grave.
I personally think I didn't do much, I still couldn't remember that important thing I had to tell Aang about, but at least it was better than nothing. It's my brother Shen who has more of a head for these sorts of situations. In that way, he's a lot like father, though thankfully he's inherited my mother's sense of humour to balance it out.
With help from Master Paku (who turns out is Aang's Waterbending Master) and Chief Arnook I was able to create a basic battle plan that would at least fortify the great wall of ice long enough for the civilians that lived closest to it, to get away to safety.
I warned them too, that if the Chief wanted to send out a special stealth force it would have to be during that very night, for if the Fire Nation was waiting for daybreak like I suspected, they (the water benders) wouldn't get another chance.
All the while, amidst the planning, Katara, Aang and Princess Yue all hovered about curiously. But where Katara and the princess stood up with the men, the Avatar took advantage of an furry rug in the corner slumped in it to catch a couple of much needed z's.
The poor boy. I don't know how he does it. He's so young, but he's got more responsibility on his shoulders than all the leaders of all the four nations put together.
The meeting lasted well into the night and it was a couple of hours past midnight when the Chief finally adjourned the war council and everyone scattered to carry out their respective duties.
I meanwhile, decided to stay up with Aang, Katara and Princess Yue, who was very curious and excited to know more about my life in the Fire Nation.
Despite my own tiredness, I didn't have it in my heart to refuse her. She was such a sweet and kind girl. Graceful, elegant, innocent but not naïve and disarmingly intelligent. Katara likewise was very shrewd and smart.
Even with the impending siege, for that was undoubtedly my uncle's plan, it felt nice to be able to talk to two girls around my age again…even if such a moment of peace was not to last for long…
Prince Zuko shivered and puffed as he broke through the surface of the almost frozen water.
He was inside what seemed to be an icy grotto, dark but noisy as a school of Seal-turtles barked and called to one another all around him.
I-I-I s-should be u-under the Ice wall now
Even in his thoughts his internal voice was shivering.
Quickly he turned on his side, puffing out bursts of fire from his mouth.
Almost instantaneously he felt his chest warm up as he kindled his inner flame with each new puff, renewing him with small bursts of energy as he struggled to sit up.
The Seal-turtles all continued to bark noisily at him, some of them curiously loping their rather adorable faces at him.
But their sweet features did nothing to lighten his mood.
"Be quiet!" he snapped and instantly the animals silenced, all of them stiffening as their aggravated visitor who stalked past them waspishly.
He could almost hear Jade's voice scolding him for treating them like that. She always was rather fond of animals. He winced as a memory flashed over his mind of the young kitchen maid fussing with a Komodo Rhino like it were a tame house kitten.
Yeah…she would love those noisy blobs of blubber and shell. No. Don't think about her now! just remember why you're here.
Zuko gulped down on the lump in his throat as he approached the sound of running water that was spurting out from a hole in the wall.
From what he could see of it, it seemed to be travelling upwards.
That's my best shot then.
And with a huge jump he leapt forth into the icy cold spray.
Of all the people they had to-ugh! Why did it have to be me? Why is it ALWAYS me?
Sokka couldn't believe it. He was off the mission.
Him?! The one guy on that team who had actually seen Admiral Zhao and had actually fought against a Fire Nation soldier…and even the Fire Nation prince.
And speaking of royalty…
"Is something wrong Sokka?"
"Oh no" Sokka rolled his eyes, his hands still moving the stone over the slowly sharpening blade of his boomerang. "Hahn's out there on the top-secret mission, while I'm here sharpening my boomerang. Everything is fine."
Chief Arnook sighed softly, but regained his composure. He was after all the chief and he had to look strong no matter what. Even if he did somewhat like the young Southern Water Tribe boy.
He was not yet a man and still a bit rough around the edges, but he had the makings of a fine warrior in the future. He wasn't just strong he was smart and resourceful. In truth, Arnook was rather disappointed Sokka had not arrived at the Northern Water Tribe sooner. He'd much rather have him for a son in law than that overly proud peacock Hahn, if only because Sokka was one of the few people to make his daughter really smile for once.
And if what that Fire Nation girl said was true about Admiral Zhao's ruthlessness…
"Listen to me." The Chief began relieved when the young warrior stopped to listen "I took you off the mission for selfish reasons. I have a special task in mind."
"What? You want me to scrub the barracks?" Sokka scowled.
"I want you to guard my daughter. Princess Yue"
"S-sure. That shouldn't be too hard"
The shining hope that had ignited in Sokka's face was enough to light up an entire planet. That was, until he realized one thing.
He had absolutely no idea where Princess Yue was.
"So the Fire Benders get their strength from the sun?" Princess Yue asked as she, Jade, Aang and Katara all made to stop and look out over a balcony from which they could see the entire Northern Water Tribe and their enemies on the sea in a distant black lin.
"And the breath." Jade nodded glancing up at the sky. "Father always said that the heat of the fire comes from the sun and the dragons, but it is the breath of the soul that truly turns a spark into a flame"
"But you're an earthbender. How come you know so much about Fire-bending but not earth-bending?" Aang piped in as he walked along the white compressed snow that made up the balcony railing.
"Obviously because she was raised in the Fire Nation" Katara rolled her eyes fondly and Aang looked slightly sheepish. Jade however just smiled softly, her green eyes glimmering sadly in the white moonlight.
"It's true I don't know much. I used to learn the earth-bending basics from my mother when I was younger. But after she died I never found another teacher to continue my training. But I always remember she used to say that the first earth-benders were two forbidden lovers who learnt earth-bending from badger moles, and that our connection to the earth comes from feeling its heart beating through us"
"That's really beautiful" Yue sighed dreamily as she turned to look up towards the full moon in the night sky.
"The legends say the moon was the first water-bender" she explained "Our ancestors saw how it pushed and pulled the tides and learned how to do it themselves"
"I've always noticed my waterbending is stronger at night" Katara noted absentmindedly petting a very alert Momo who chirruped softly under her affection.
"Our strength comes from the spirit of the moon. Our life comes from the spirit of the ocean. They work together to keep balance."
"
It happened in a split second, one moment Jade was looking out over the calm ocean, the next her head throbbed as something flashed over her vision.
A darkened cell. A hissing voice.
"If you think me ignorant of the ways of the spirits my dear, you are sorely mistaken…"
There was something else that the voice said but it was muffled. The only thing that was clear to her was her own voice as it shook and trembled.
"You're insane…"
The voice and it's owner sneered.
"Maybe…but I've outsmarted you."
She clutched her forehead righting herself quickly just as Aang raised his drooping head, face alight and excited.
"The spirits! Maybe I could find them and get their help"
"Good idea" Jade grunted, avoiding Katara's worried glance in her direction as Yue turned to the young Avatar.
"How can you do that?"
"The Avatar is the bridge between our world and the spirit world. Aang can talk to them"
"Maybe they'll give you the wisdom to win this battle" Yue smiled, hope rekindled.
"Or maybe they'll unleash a crazy amazing spirit attack on the Fire Nation?!" Aang exclaimed delightedly, only to pause as all three older girls quirked their brows at him.
"O-or wisdom. That's good too" he quickly straightened up. But Katara once again looked worried.
"The only problem is, last time you got to the spirit world by accident. How're you going to get there this time"
"I have an idea. Follow me" Yue nodded and quickly she began striding off, her three companions and Momo following swiftly in her wake.
Their journey to their destination was quick and quiet. But as they moved through the giant ice palace, Jade could not help but shudder at how tense the air was.
It was so thick and heavy it was almost suffocating.
She was grateful when Princess Yue quickly brought them out a back entrance and outside again into what appeared to be a long courtyard. At the end of it was a round circular wooden door.
Wait wooden? But there aren't any trees in the North Pole?
Jade frowned as she followed an excitable Aang towards the door.
"So is this the way to the spirit world" he asked.
"No" Yue giggled as she leant down and opened the door "You'll have to get there on your own. But I can take you to the most spiritual place in the entire North Pole"
They all quickly crawled through and Jade couldn't help but cry out in amazement.
They were standing at the edge of a very large, very warm watery pool.
Right in the middle of the pool and in front of a large waterfall was a small island with fresh green grass growing from earth, accessable via two bridges that connected it to the small paths to their sides. In the center of this island was another very small very deep pond that reflected the perfect replica of the tall wooden arch that had been erected at one of its ends.
With a whoop of joy Aang all but flew forwards, Jade following hot on his heels.
"I never thought I'd miss grass this much" Aang grinned as he flumped down on his back in the soft warm earthy ground.
Jade hummed in agreement as she just let herself fall face first, caressing the earth with her fingers. Modesty and dignity be damned. She was back on Earth for the first time in several weeks, she was more than allowed to hog it all she wanted.
She could vaguely hear Yue and Katara talking about how the warmth came from the spot being the center of all spiritual energy, but Jade could not care a hoot.
She was too busy bending a small piece of earth and enjoying the rush of chi through her system.
Oh yeah that feels good.
She quickly shed her outer blue coat, her red servants robes of the Fire Nation starkly standing out against all the tall white icy cliffs that surrounded them. It was so warm here that it felt like a lovely spring day. Even the frosty wind didn't feel that cold here.
"You're right Yue. I can feel…something. It's so…tranquil" Aang said as he contentedly made to sit down under the wooden arch and assume a meditative pose.
"Hey, what are those?" Jade whispered as she saw something white and something dark, flicker in the surface of the small pond before them.
"Just fish. They live here in the pond" Yue assured her quickly pointing to the two marine creatures as they briefly swam just under the water's surface.
"See, there's a white one and a black one"
"Do they always circle one another like that?" Jade frowned. She wasn't a fish-whisperer or anything, but she found it very odd seeing the two fish continuously swim round and round in the same pattern repeatedly, and in the same spot.
Again she felt her head throb slightly as another memory flashed over her mind.
She held the scroll up to the light of the nearly dying light source.
The scroll was filled with very strange characters, some of them barely decipherable as parts of their brush strokes had faded and smeared and stained with time.
All of them save one passage in the middle in which several black strokes had been painted over the original in her uncle's neat hand.
She couldn't recognize much of symbols, they were too archaic even for her classical kanji which her father had drilled into her from a young age.
Only two of them really stood out to each other, both of them side by side.
"Ocean" she breathed tracing the character to the left, her hand quickly flowing to the one next to it.
"Moon…ocean and moon?
Argh! What does that even mean?
She grunted softly pinching her nose. Beside her Yue and Katara where whispering in hushed voices.
"Why is he sitting like that?" Yue's brow furrowed.
"He's meditating." Katara explained "He's trying to cross into the spirit world. He needs all his concentration"
"Uh, guys" Jade tried quietly piping in as she caught sight of the slightly cross look flashing over Aang's face as his large ears pricked.
"Is there any way we can help" Yue persisted only to jump back as Aang burst out irritably:
"How about some quiet?! Come on guys I can hear every word you're saying"
After some quick muttered apologies, all three girls fell silent and Aang turned back to his meditation.
Alright…he looks good to go.
Jade quietly took a step back and made to examine the bush behind her. It was flowering like it were in a spring meadow and not a frozen tundra.
She wondered just how this place was able to keep so spiritually charged. It was almost exactly like when she had visited that bear's shrine or the temple on Crescent Island.
This place was just brimming with Spiritual energy.
I must sound insane
She rolled her eyes to herself.
There was a gasp behind her and she wheeled about to see Katara and Yue both staring at Aang. Only Aang was sitting stock still, rigid…and his blue arrow tattoo was glowing a bright hot white.
"Whoa…" Jade's eyebrows rose so high they threatened to fly off her head.
"Is he okay" Yue tried balking forwards but was quickly held back by the calm hand of Katara.
"He's crossing into the spirit world. He'll be fine as long as we don't move his body, that's his way back to the physical world"
"Maybe we should get some help-"
"No. He's my friend. I'm perfectly capable of protecting him" Katara assured the princess but Jade shook her head.
"No, Yue's right. We need to secure this sanctuary. Zhao may not know Aang's here but he'll probably still make a beeline for it during the siege. If he gets here and captures it, this place's symbolic significance will help him cement victory over the Water Tribe. We can't let him do that no matter what"
"I guess you have a point." Katara admitted but still stubbornly puffed her chest out "but I'm still staying here and protecting Aang"
"Well…aren't you a big girl now?"
The voice that had spoken, was cold and deadly. And yet Jade knew the sound of every single vowel and consonant so clearly.
"No…" Katara breathed in horror as all three girls turned around just in time to see a young man in white polar gear, with a pale face, dark pony tail and a blazing scar over his left eye.
"Zuko…" Jade breathed, quickly pushing Katara and Yue behind her protectively as she faced him.
"Yue get out quick. It's not safe" Katara hissed and Yue, despite hesitating, quickly retreated.
It was just as well. The princess was no bender and had no weapon. She'd only get hurt if something horrible happened. At least this way she could be safe and get help.
But Zuko didn't care about the fleeing princess. He only had eyes for Jade.
He could feel his blood pounding in his ears as he looked her over.
She looked strong, healthy even as she stood defensively before the meditating Avatar and the determined waterbender. It was a far cry from the despondent, helpless woman he'd watched over barely two nights ago.
"What are you doing?" He growled as he readied himself into a fighting stance. Yet even as he took it, he could feel his hands hesitate of their own accord.
He knew that she had defected. Knew that she was now a traitor but still...this…This was wrong. It was all wrong. She should not have been standing there opposite him like this. She should've been beside him. Or behind back at the fleet, waiting for him in the warmth and safety of their ship.
She should NOT be standing opposite him, preparing to fight against him to defend the AVATAR AND HIS FRIENDS!
"I could ask the same of you, Zuko." She said softly.
"Stand aside Jade. I don't want to fight you" he hissed but Jade shook her head.
"Sorry Zuko. Not this time"
He felt his chest constrict painfully when he saw the hurt and pain mirrored in her own green eyes.
This was hurting her just as much as it was hurting him. But the realization only made the anger in his gut burn hotter.
"Why?" he breathed, the fury bubbling to the surface and breaking forth as his voice grew higher and higher in volume with each word "WHY are you doing this? Why are you betraying me?! I thought you understood! I thought you cared-"
"I do care Zuko!" Jade yelled back. "I really do care about you a lot. But…But I can't…"
"You can't what?" Zuko sneered, fists shaking as steam began to rise from them.
"I can't do it anymore." Jade sighed, tears falling from her eyes as she tried her best to focus her energy on the earth beneath. "I just can't sit back and watch my Nation continue to destroy itself like this. This war has gone on long enough, it has to stop-"
"It will stop when I have the Avatar! When I've captured him and he's secure then you and I can go home Jade. We can both go home. You would be a hero, you wouldn't have to hide. We could both have everything we wanted with both our honour restored-"
"There is NO honour in denying the world a chance at true peace and harmony Zuko! None at all!" Jade yelled over the top of him "You may think that your honour comes from serving that-that BEAST of a father but it doesn't. Only YOU can restore your own honour. Just as only I can restore my own. By doing the right thing."
"You really would choose him… Over me?" Zuko's voice broke a little but he quickly gulped it down as he glared at Aang's very still, comatose form. "You-you said you would stay with me. That you were mine"
"No, I did not" Jade snapped and at this her eyes blazed hard with a green fire. "I said I would stay. I care for you Zuko. Truly I do from the bottom of my heart. But do not think for one second that I belong to you"
Despite all the horrible insults she wanted to hurl at the Fire Prince, Katara could not help but feel pity as she caught sight of the bright amber eyes in her enemy's face.
She could almost see the heart breaking in them. She could see the hurt, the betrayal, the grief and the sorrow. She could also see the same thing in Jade's eyes, though the Earth Bender was quick to steel herself as Zuko muttered under his breath.
"Then so be it"
"Look out!" Katara yelled as a blast of fire burst forth towards Jade. However, she was able to dodge out of the way in time.
"Quick! Cover Aang!" Jade yelled as she thrust her arms forwards and a spray of earth shot straight at Zuko. He managed to dodge most of it, but was briefly blinded by a few stray bits of dust and lost his footing.
"Now Katara!" Jade yelled moving back to cover Aang as Katara shot forth to defend them from another blast of fire.
"I see you've learned a new trick or two." He sneered at Katara "but I didn't come this far to lose to you."
Despite his best efforts, Zuko could feel his body failing him as the inner fire in his chest severely dimmed down, even as he made to strike fiercely and wildly with all his fiery might.
He wasn't sure why it happened. Jade's words had made him angry, and he was always stronger in his anger. So why wasn't his fire hot enough.
I'm too fatigued…Swimming in that icy water was too much for my body after all
He reasoned, ignoring the horrible hollow feeling that was seeping through his chest as he punched, kicked and thrust out all his fire at the two girls.
But it didn't work.
With a grunt he was thrown backwards by a wall of rock that hit him squarely front on sending him flying back into the shallow waters that surrounded the back of the island.
He tried to regain his footing but found his feet stuck oddly in place. Looking down he saw that both his boots were encased in ice.
"What the-ah!" he cried out as a great globe of water swirled around him, solidifying quickly into its cold solid state.
"Don't worry it'll just trap him" Katara yelled to an alarmed Jade as she finished swirling her arms to finish the move.
"It's not that I'm worried about" Jade gulped and sure enough she could see through the slightly transparent surface of the icy globe a sneering scarred face.
"You little peasant. You found a master haven't you"
There was a blast of white hot light as the ice dome practically exploded with heat.
"Watch out Katara" Jade called only to yelp as she felt herself get shoved aside by a rough push.
Painfully her head thudded against the ground, making her vision spin as now both her old injury and new one throbbed painfully.
"Damn you princess" she snarled as she struggled to her feet.
Katara was busy being forced back by Zuko's heavy hits and was leading the prince dangerously close to the Avatar who throughout the entire fight had not moved one atom.
"No!" Jade called out as Katara was flung aside and Zuko stormed forwards, reaching towards Aang's yellow collar.
Finally…I've got him
Zuko could feel the fire in him ignite with a renewed vigour, which quickly paused as he felt the point of something like smooth rock suddenly press itself against his throat.
He turned his head slowly, his eyes narrowing as he looked down the brown blade of the earth-bent sai and straight into a pair of angry, wet green eyes.
"Let him go Zuko" Jade whispered hoarsely, ignoring the ache in her chest and the throbbing of her head.
"Or what?" Zuko spat, yet he couldn't help but shiver a little at their proximity.
This was the first time in a long time they'd been close to one another, at least when Jade was awake.
He'd almost forgotten how green those eyes were, or how soft her skin looked.
But where the sight of those traits had once filled him with warmth, now he only felt anger and agony.
For once he didn't care when he felt the great blast of water hit him and secure him high against the icy wall, solidifying until it had bound him in place.
Anything to get away from that girl that had (in his opinion) so callously torn him apart, he welcomed with open arms.
He shut his eyes and let himself relax against his icy bonds. From the greying of the skies above it must've been nearly dawn.
Just a bit longer…
He sucked in a deep calming breath.
Just a bit till the sun rises, then I'll have the power to escape.
He shut his eyes, sighing with relief as he felt the rays of light hit his head, bathing him in its deliciously warm embrace.
He felt his chi surge through him, felt his inner fire grow hotter with every passing second.
"Oh no…" Jade breathed from below as she saw the steam begin to rise from the now melting icy structure.
"What is it?" Katara asked but no sooner had the words left her mouth then was she blasted back into the wooden archway by a ball of fire.
"KATARA!" Jade yelled, her hand blocking instinctively upwards as Zuko charged her.
He slammed her into the other pole of the archway, banging her injured head so hard against it that she saw stars even as he pressed his forearm against her throat, applying just enough pressure to make her squirm.
"Zuko…" she spluttered, dropping her earthy sai to the ground where it crumbled back to dust.
But Zuko only applied more pressure to her already constricted windpipe.
"Zuko…please…please…" Black dots began to obscure her vision.
"Zu…ko…" her eyes began to roll back into her head as darkness crept over the sides of her sight.
Then suddenly the pressure on her neck was gone.
With a gasp she fell forwards to the ground, choking and rasping as she battled with holding onto consciousness.
She could faintly see the tall shape of the prince as it stalked over towards the still comatose Avatar and grab him by the scruff of his clothes.
"You rise with the Moon. I rise with the Sun" He spat as he aimed a small kick at an unconscious Katara's ribs.
"Zuko" Jade breathed as he turned to face her, but as she saw those booted feet approach her, her vision turned to black.
Meanwhile a long way away, within the line of distant Ships, Admiral Zhao welcomed the rising of the sun.
"It's day break at last. Let's write history" he sucked in a deep breath as he felt the first golden rays hit his and his brother's backs.
"Yes…lets…" Ruishi Shi muttered, though his eyes remained stern and trained on the city.
Somewhere beyond that white wall, was his daughter. His lonely, scared but very brave daughter.
He reached into his uniform pocket and fingered something flat attached to a thin rope.
He had meant to give it to her yesterday just before they launched the attack. But given the whole incident with Kira and her running away he hadn't had the chance.
And now he might never have the chance.
No!
He shook himself mentally.
No, he shouldn't think like that. Lord Iroh had been right. Jade may have been his daughter but she was also a strong young woman. Strong and smart like her mother.
If there was anyone who could help the Avatar it was her. She was born to do so. He'd known it since the moment he'd first held her as a newborn. Her destiny was to end this war.
As his brother turned around to address the ship captain, Ruishi pulled out a dark thin cord on which was hung a green jade pai-sho tile with a white jade white lotus set into its centre.
Such a beautiful thing. And yet so strong.
"You're giving it to her then?" Lord Iroh spoke from his side.
Ruishi nodded, not fazed by the older lord's sudden close presence.
"She's ready" he said finally after pocketing the trinket again. "I'm ready." He added softly.
Lord Iroh smiled and patted his friend on the shoulder.
"She'll be alright"
"I know" Ruishi smirked softly. "Lien and I didn't call her lucky for nothing"
He turned back to face the horizon line.
Yes. Yes he would find her and give this to her.
The last piece of the puzzle.
And then she truly would be the Lucky Jade.
He could only hope he got to her before his megalomaniac brother.
AND TADAA! It's finally up. the long awaited chapter 37 is up.
Thank you so much for being patient with me. It took me forever to write because i had absolutely no idea of how i wanted it to go and i hit a horrible block. on the one hand i didn't want Zuko and Jade to meet at all and have NO CONFRONTATION until later. but then i also wanted them to fight and have a confrontation. eventually option number two proved the stronger of the two versions i wrote.
So yeah, Jade's finally betrayed Zuko. Zuko snapped (mostly out of hurt and a broken heart) and Jade's struggling to remember something VERY important (wink-wink nudge nudge, you guys know what i'm talking about). Oh yeah and also about the fight between our two lovebirds, Jade does care for Zuko still, she just can't be with him if she wants to stay true to herself and do the right thing. also given her rebellious attitude i personally don't think she'd like the idea of being "owned" by someone even in a romantic context. Poor Zuko i never give him a break do i?
And so here is my extra large chapter for my extra special readers. I hope you enjoy and review for more. :) We are coming to the end of Book 1 and yes i do think that once i finish water i will post up a sequel for Book 2 - Earth (the story of which i am currently planning out ;) IT's gonna be a doozy)
hopefully i should start getting the next few chapters up soon now that the block has mostly passed.
Cheers
Fuzzy-Beta