Chapter 11: Choice
Sokka sat watching the training grounds, a bustle of activity as earthbeding soldiers put Aang through rigorous exercises. Aang's determination was palpable as he attempted, once again, to unlock the elusive power of the Avatar State. His every move was marked by an unwavering resolve, but Sokka could not help but sense a growing unease in his friend.
Sokka had been watching Aang's intense training sessions for days now. At first, he had been all in, believing that General Fong's unconventional methods might be the key to unlocking Aang's latent power. But as he observed the strain on Aang's face and the unyielding pursuit of a goal that seemed increasingly out of reach, doubts started to creep into his mind.
Katara's words echoed in his thoughts, her insistence that Aang should learn earthbending from King Bumi instead of pursuing the Avatar State through extreme measures. Sokka had been reluctant to agree with his sister, but now he could not help but wonder if she was right.
As Sokka contemplated this, General Fong approached him, his expression as stern as ever. "Quite the training session, isn't it?"
Sokka nodded but could not keep the concern from his voice. "Yeah, but is this the way to help Aang? Katara still thinks this is a bad idea, and I am starting to think she is right."
Fong's gaze shifted from Aang to Sokka as he responded. "The fate of the world hangs in the balance, and we cannot afford to waste time. We do not know what the Fire Lord is planning, and what areas he is planning to invade next. The prisoner refuses to give any information or talk at all for that matter. Aang's power is our best chance."
"Why don't you try and get Katara to order him to answer your questions." Sokka's words slipped out absentmindedly as he continued to watch Aang's training. General Fong, however, seized upon them, turning his full attention to the Water Tribe warrior.
"What do you mean?" Fong inquired; his curiosity piqued.
Sokka blinked, his focus shifting from Aang to the general. "What?"
Fong pressed further, seeking clarification. "Why would the prisoner, Zuko, do anything that Katara ordered him to do? He has yet to utter a word, even though we are withholding food and water from him."
Sokka's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, you are starving him?" He could not hide the bewilderment in his voice.
General Fong leveled him with an irate look. "This is war Sokka. We do not have the luxury of coddling a prisoner. We need information and will do what is necessary to obtain it. Now tell me, what would compel the exiled fire prince to cooperate with an order from Katara?"
Sokka's words hung in the air, their weight undeniable. "He swore a life debt to Katara," he admitted with a heavy sigh, "He swore to obey and protect her, though I am not sure how much one can hold the firebrat to his word."
General Fong's lips twitched into a sinister smile. The revelation of the life debt added a new layer of complexity to their predicament. It was a bond that transcended mere loyalty; it was a matter of honor and obligation deeply ingrained in their culture. Now, Fond held a powerful leverage point, one that could potentially break through Zuko's unyielding silence and extract the information he so desperately sought about the Fire Nation.
The generals' calculating gaze remained fixed on Sokka. "Thank you for sharing that with me, Sokka. It appears we may have found a way to make the exiled prince talk."
As the pieces of his plan fell into place, Sokka could not help but feel a sense of unease. The use of a life debt as a tool of coercion blurred the lines between honor and manipulation, and it left him questioning the moral boundaries they were willing to cross in the name of victory.
General Fong wasted no time in acting upon the new information. He made his way to the dungeon where Zuko was held. Two soldiers were interrogating him, dosing the prisoner with ice-cold water when he remained silent to their questions.
Zuko sputtered and coughed, water dripping from his drenched form. It was a new and merciless step in their relentless game of interrogation. They had resorted to dumping buckets of ice-cold water over him at all hours, denying him even the solace of sleep.
His limbs ached from the constant strain of his restraints. He had fought against them in vain, unable to move as the frigid water shocked his system. Bruises adorned his arms and legs, silent testimony to his futile struggles as he gasped for breath.
As he forced his eyes open, he instinctively shrank back in the chair, recoiling from the imposing figure of General Fong standing before him. Fong's cheerful greeting, in stark contrast to Zuko's torment, sent a shiver down his spine.
"Good morning," Fong stated with a disturbing cheerfulness that chilled Zuko to the bone. It was a morning like so many before it, and the relentless cycle of questioning and torment showed no signs of relenting. In this bleak chamber of interrogation, Zuko's resolve was tested with every drop of icy water and every unrelenting question.
"Tell me about your home." General Fong began. "Tell me about the Fire Nation."
Zuko remained silent, his eyes fixed resolutely on the floor. Another brutal deluge of icy water cascaded over him, causing him to gasp and fall into another fit of coughing. The room seemed to close in around him, each drop of water and each unrelenting question chipping away at his resolve.
"You have been quite obstinate." General Fong remarked his words a subtle warning that carried a chilling undercurrent. The general's patience was running thin, and Zuko's refusal to talk only seemed to intensify the methods employed against him.
"But there is something that has come to my attention," Fong stated circling him. "A certain vow."
Zuko felt his chest tighten as Fong's meaning became clear. Outwardly he did not let the general know that the statement had affected him. He clenched his jaw, his eyes narrowing in defiance.
Fong leaned in closer, his tone low and threatening. "You see, Prince Zuko, I have ways of persuading her. To get her to order you to answer all our questions."
Zuko's blood began to boil, his face contorting with a mixture of anger and concern. His loyalty to Katara was unwavering, and the thought of her being used against him struck at the heart of his principles.
Fong continued his words like daggers. "So, Prince Zuko, witness the harsh realities of war tear at your loyalty, I suggest you start talking. Tell us about the Fire Nation. Tell us about your father, the Fire Lord."
Zuko's fists clenched involuntarily within the restraints, his internal turmoil mirrored by the roiling storm in his eyes. The mention of Katara being used as a pawn in this merciless game cut him to the core. He had sworn a life debt to her, a bond of honor and duty to protect her.
Fong, sensing Zuko's inner struggle, leaned even closer until their faces were mere inches apart. The general's voice was a venomous whisper. "You can end this, Zuko. You can protect Katara by giving us what we want."
The room felt increasingly suffocating, the gravity of his vow pressing down upon him with every breath. Zuko's inner turmoil was reaching its breaking point.
Fong continued to circle him, his words like venomous arrows aimed directly at Zuko's wavering resolve. He leaned in, his voice a sinister whisper against Zuko's ear. "How long do you think she could last, in your position? How long would she hold out, strapped to this chair, denied food and water? How many days would it take for her to sing out orders you are compelled to obey?"
Zuko's heart pounded in his chest as the chilling implications of Fong's words sank in. The thought of Katara enduring the same torment he was subjected to, her willpower tested to its limits, was unbearable. The tempest within him raged.
As Fong's words hung in the air, Zuko's starved and sleep-deprived mind raced, torn between two unyielding principles that defined his current existence. On one side stood his unwavering loyalty to Katara, bound by the life debt he had sworn to protect and obey. On the other side loomed his sense of duty to the Fire Nation, an allegiance to his homeland that ran deep, even through his years of exile.
General Fong's whispered threats echoed through the chamber, the idea of Katara enduring this torment gnawing at the edges of Zuko's conscience like a relentless predator. The image of her strapped to the same unforgiving chair, her resilience tested day by day, was an agonizing vision he could scarcely bear. And he knew she would not last long, she had no loyalty built for him. She would probably start ordering him to divulge all the information he knew before they even got her in the chair.
With a heavy heart and a soul in turmoil, Zuko made his decision. It was not just about his fate but also Katara's, a choice that transcended personal honor and duty. In the crucible of that moment, he chose loyalty over betrayal, honor over treachery, and Katara's well-being over his silence.
Taking a deep breath, Zuko turned his gaze upward, meeting Fong's eyes with new-founded determination. His voice, once silent, now resounded with a quiet yet unwavering resolve.
"I'll talk," he rasped out, his voice raw from unused, the words heavy with the weight of his decision. "I will tell you what you want to know."
General Fong's sinister grin widened as Zuko's voice broke the oppressive silence of the chamber. The decision Zuko had made carried immense weight, and Fong knew that he had just acquired a valuable source of information. It was a turning point in their relentless pursuit of victory against the Fire Nation.
"Good," Fong replied with a cold satisfaction that sent shivers down Zuko's spine. "We can start with what you know about the Fire Nation's military strategies, troop deployments, and any weaknesses in their defenses." Turning to a soldier he ordered. "Bring the prisoner some water to quench his thirst."
Presented with the water cup Zuko drank greedily, asking for a second and then third cup before General Fong demanded it was enough and that he begin talking. As the interrogation continued, Zuko recounted what he remembered about the Fire Nation's military, the tactics they employed, and the vulnerabilities he had glimpsed during his time within their ranks. His voice, though reluctant, was unwavering in its commitment to fulfill his promise to Katara while protecting her from the horrors of the interrogation chamber.
General Fong absorbed every word with an insatiable appetite for information, his eyes glinting with anticipation. Zuko's compliance, while fueled by his loyalty to Katara, also carried the heavy burden of betrayal. As the days continued, he answered every question they brought to him, with his cooperation they had started releasing him from the chair to allow him to stretch and eat his meals. But the food seemed to turn to ash in his mouth, and the time out of the chair was too fleeting.
Ten days.
Ten whole days had passed since they had arrived at the military base.
Ten days of General Fong wasting their time with his plans to awaken the Avatar state.
And sadly, only five days of her repeatedly trying to get down into the dungeons to check on Zuko.
Sokka had informed her five days after their arrival that he had told General Fong about the life debt. And that it sounded like Zuko was not being treated as well as she had thought.
Each of her attempts was thwarted by a wall of soldiers, their excuses growing more elaborate each time.
"He's currently being questioned."
"He is amid a cleansing."
"The prisoner is sleeping."
"He is meditating, it is not a good time."
The last one was the most recent excuse and the most unbelievable to her, and Katara's patience shattered like glass. She stormed through the echoing hallways, her steps resounding with determination. The soldier guarding the dungeons were resolute, their expressions a mix of apologetic helplessness.
"I demand to see Zuko." Her voice was fierce, her eyes flashing with determination.
One of the soldiers cleared his throat, unease tugging at his stance. "I am sorry, but we have received strict orders not to let anyone near the prisoner."
Katara's hands clenched at her side, frustration boiling within her. Without another word, she turned on her heel, her resolve unfaltering. Her next destination was clear – General Fong.
She located him in a makeshift strategy room, maps, and plans strewn across the table. Aang and Sokka stood alongside him, their brows furrowed in deep concentration. Katara's arrival was like a crack in the façade, and Fong's eyes met hers with a mixture of curiosity and expectation.
"General Fong," Katara's voice was firm, her gaze unyielding. "I demand to see Zuko."
Fong's expression tightened, his authority bristling against her demand. "Princess Katara, I assure you, the prisoner is under close watch."
"It's Master Katara," stated, her fist clenched at her side, eyes narrowing. "He is my responsibility. I need to see him."
"Apologies, Master Katara." Fong's gaze held a mix of calculation and reluctance. "I cannot allow that. Now if you excuse us, we were doing something important." He finished turning his attention to Aang and Sokka.
Katara's heart pounded with frustration. "General Fong-"
"I am afraid, Master Katara, I cannot grant your request at this moment. The prisoner is a danger, and we are still struggling to extract information from him."
"Zuko is my responsibility. I will not let him suffer in silence any longer. I need to see him. Now!" Katara demanded.
"You will have to wait." General Fong replied with a dismissive tone as he turned his attention back to the maps.
Katara decided and a few hours later she found herself down by the entrance to the dungeons. She had been observing the guards stationed near the entrance to the dungeons for some time, contemplating how she could slip past them unnoticed.
As she hid in a shadowy corridor, the wheels in her mind spun rapidly. She needed a diversion, a way to divert the guards' attention long enough for her to slip through the cracks of their watchful gaze. It was then that luck seemed to shine on her.
A woman appeared down the corridor, balancing a tray in her hands. On the tray lay a cup of water and a small loaf of bread. Katara's heart raced as she saw an opportunity unfold before her.
"Hello," Katara greeted cheerfully. "Is that for the prisoner?"
The woman gave her a small nod. "I have to hurry and take it down then get back to assist the cook with the dinner meal."
Katara seized the moment, her eyes glinting with hope "Would you like me to take it so you can get back to your duties? I am sure you have a lot on your plate."
The woman hesitated for a moment, seemingly torn between her responsibilities and the offer of assistance. Finally, she relented, handing the tray to Katara. "Thank you. That would be a great help. Just be sure to give this to the prisoner and not anyone else."
Katara nodded in agreement, with her heart pounding and determination burning bright. She had taken the first step in her daring mission to reach Zuko and ensure his well-being.
Katara gave a grateful smile as she accepted the tray, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety. She watched the woman rush away, disappearing around a corner and back into the bustle of the military base. Now, she had to move swiftly and cautiously.
With the tray in hand, Katara approached the entrance to the dungeons where two guards stood watch. She made sure to appear casual, her movements measured and unthreatening. The key to her success was to avoid arousing suspicion.
"Hey there," she greeted the guards in a friendly tone as she neared them. "I am just bringing some water and bread for the prisoner. He must be hungry.
The guards exchanged a glance, seemingly unsure of what to do. Glancing between each other and the tray in Katara's hands. She could see the doubt in their eyes, and she knew she had to act quickly.
"Look I just need to take this down then return the tray to the kitchen," Katara explained.
"Ok." One of the men said. Then bended the wall opening a door for her to walk through. There was a guard on the inside. "Can you lead her to the prisoner's cell?"
The second guard hesitated for a moment, still sizing up Katara. Then, with a begrudging nod, he motioned for her to follow him, "This way."
Katara followed him through a labyrinth of tunnels, deviling deeper into the belly of the base. The temperature deep underground began dropping drastically in the tunnels. But they continued walking. The guard eventually stopped before a wall. Katara stared at it in confusion. Until the soldier began bending and the door appeared.
"I will leave the vent open." He explained, motioning for her to enter the room. "They did not release him so you will need to feed him this time. Then just holler when you are done and I will let you out. Understand?"
"Yes," Katara stated though she was confused. But the soldier motioned for her to enter, and once inside the door closed to a smooth rock wall but with the addition of a three-bar vent.
She just stood there for a moment blinking to try and get her eyes to adjust to the dim light in the room. The small room offered nothing much for her to look at, save for the chair in the middle of the room. As she approached it she began to notice the form bound to the chair.
Coming around to the front she took in the sight of him as he glanced up into her face. His once-vibrant amber eyes now dulled with exhaustion and despair. He was bound by thick cuffs at his wrists, biceps, and ankles to the chair, and they had some contraption around his head and neck holding him immobile. Metal on the device rested on his temples and she could see where the metal had dug into his skin causing blood to run down his face.
Her heart ached at the sight of him. She had expected him to be worn down, but seeing the toll the past week had taken on him was gut-wrenching. And he had glanced up with surprise, his expression a mix of confusion and disbelief.
"Katara?" Zuko's voice was a hoarse whisper as if he could not quite believe she was real.
Yeah, it's me," she replied softly, setting the tray down on the floor to crouch before him. Reaching out to touch his bruised cheek gently.
"What are you doing here?" His voice was barely a whisper.
She explained. "General Fong has been keeping me away." She reached for the tray she had brought and offered him the cup of water. Zuko hesitated before taking a sip.
"He knows," Zuko whispered.
"Who knows what?" she asked him as she tried to get him to take another sip of water.
"General Fong knows about the life debt," Zuko said before taking the offered sip. His jaw tightened and he looked away. "I don't want him to keep using you against me."
"What do you mean Zuko?" Katara stopped perplexed.
"He tells me you will order me to talk," Zuko whispered.
Katara leveled him with a look, "He can't make me do anything Zuko."
"He threatens you," Zuko continued. "Threatening to put you in my place, make me watch, until you order me to give up all information I know about the Fire Nation. He knows I would be compelled to obey."
Katara's eyes widened with a mixture of anger and concern. She could not believe that General Fong would stoop so low as to use her against Zuko like that. The very idea of being used as leverage in such a way made her blood boil.
"That would not happen, Zuko," Katara told him firmly, her voice unwavering. "I will not let him force you to do anything."
"I have already been telling him what I know," Zuko admitted.
"Well then," Katara began, "Let's get you out of here before you say anymore."
She looked at him with a small smile. "I need you to play dead."
His brows furrowed in confusion. "What?"
"Play dead." She reiterated, placing her fingertips on his brows and slowly running them down over his eyelids to close his eyes. "Do not make a sound." She whispered. And then she started screaming. "HELP, I NEED HELP IN HERE!"
Katara's desperate cry for help echoed through the dungeon, causing the guards outside to panic. The wall collapsed down and guards rushed inside, their faces filled with alarm.
"What is happening in here?" one of the guards demanded, his eyes scanning the room.
Katara was kneeling beside Zuko, her expression a convincing mix of fear and despair. "I don't know! He just… he just stopped breathing! Please, we need help!"
The guards exchanged worried glances before one of them hurriedly left the room, presumably to fetch a medic. Katara continued to feign distress, her heart pounding in her chest as she prayed that her performance would hold up.
Moments later, the medic arrived, rushing to Zuko's side with a sense of urgency. He checked Zuko's pulse, his face growing more serious with each passing second.
"What happened here?" the medic asked Katara.
"I… I don't know," she stammered, her voice trembling. "He was fine one moment, and then he just kind of slumped down and was not breathing."
The medic examined Zuko more thoroughly, his brow furrowing. "We need to get him to the infirmary right away. This does not look good."
Katara nodded, her acting skills still in full force. "Please do whatever you can to save him."
With a sense of urgency, the guards removed Zuko's restraints and carefully lifted Zuko onto a stretcher. They went through several tunnels before coming out at another exit. This one is close to the infirmary.
Once inside the infirmary, the medic and a nurse immediately set to work examining Zuko. Katara watched anxiously, keeping to her role.
"Will he be alright?" Katara asked.
The medic glanced at her briefly, his face somber. "It is hard to say for certain, but it seems like severe exhaustion and dehydration. We need to rehydrate him and let him rest."
Once Zuko had been given fluids and was resting more comfortably, Katara approached the medic. "Can I have a moment alone with him?"
The medic hesitated before one of the soldiers spoke up. "I can not allow that. He is still a prisoner."
Katara gave the man an annoyed glance. "He is unconscious. What do you think could happen?"
The soldier exchanged a glance with the medic, who nodded reluctantly. "Alright, but make it quick. We will be right outside."
Katara nodded her thanks and waited until they had left the room. She then strode across the room to Zuko's side and whispered. "Alright, I think you are in the clear. You can wake up."
Zuko blinked a few times, his eyes adjusting to the light in the room as he asked. "Where are we?"
"In the Infirmary," Katara answered. "I think you should be ok to take it easy and just rest. I need to go speak with General Fong"
