Chapter 6

General Fong’s Offer

Haru was the first to break the silence that had ensued after Katara’s announcement. “Aang’s okay?”

Katara nodded. “Yes, he’s fine, although he was out for awhile.”

General Fong seemed to finally process the information. “But the Fire Nation said that-”

“Well the Fire Nation was wrong.”

Haru sighed. “How is this possible? He was attacked in Ba Sing Se, right?”

Katara’s expression turned grave. “Yes, he was. However, it was the Fire Nation Princess, Azula that attacked him, not Zuko. Aang was hit by her from behind with lightning while he was in the Avatar State.”

“Is that why he survived?”

“No… it almost killed him.” Katara’s hands curled into fists and she was quiet for a moment before she spoke again. “However, the Fire Nation underestimated me. I was able to heal him and bring him back.”

General Fong stared at the Waterbender with his mouth agape. “Lightning, but … How could anyone survive that?”

“I’m a Master Waterbender and I had special water from the Spirit Oasis at the North Pole. Still, Aang had been out of commission for weeks, but at least he was alive. Now he’s getting stronger and hopefully learning to master firebending.”

General Fong stood and began to pace the length of the table. “This is big. The Fire Nation is under the impression that Prince Zuko had indeed struck down the Avatar. Most everyone believes that he’s dead, even on our side.”

“Which is why we have the advantage. I’m pretty sure that even if the Fire Nation were to find out about the eclipse, they could never figure out the date. That piece of information is something that only those closest to Aang know. They also think that Aang is dead. Now when the time comes for the eclipse, the Fire Nation won’t know what hit them. The only thing missing now-”

“Is an army.” Haru couldn’t help but smirk. “Now I see why you didn’t want to talk about this earlier. If word got out that Aang was alive-”

“We’d lose the element of surprise.” Katara leaned forward to rest her chin in her hand. “For now, it's okay to talk about the eclipse and invasion plans, but I think it would be best if we kept the truth about Aang’s death a secret. At least until we’re closer to the date of the invasion.”

“So, the Fire Nation won’t have the use of their strongest weapon during the eclipse.” General Fong paused in his pacing and looked back at the Waterbender. “This will still be dangerous, even if the Fire Nation doesn’t have the use of fire.”

“I know; which is why I’m requesting your help. However, if you think it’s too dangerous, tell me now so I can try to think of-”

“Don’t insult the integrity of an Earthbender. If we had always backed down at the first sign of a little danger, then we would have never been able to stand against the Fire Nation this long.”

Haru smiled and nodded his agreement. “We’ve been fighting on Earth Kingdom soil for so long. I think it’s about time we take the fight to the Fire Nation.”

Katara eyes began to tear, but she refused to let them fall. “So then you’re going to help?”

General Fong nodded. “Of course. It’s time we end this war. I assume that from what you said early that there is a plan in already in place?”

“Yes, Sokka has been coming up with an invasion strategy. My brother and another friend are also gathering our allies. We have a rendezvous point that we will be meeting at in about eight weeks from now.”

“That should give us a sufficient amount time to gather any forces we might need.”

“There are still plenty of things left to do. One of them is getting word to King Bumi. He’s been waiting for an opportunity to strike back at the Fire Nation and I think this could be his chance to take back Omashu.”

General Fong sat down again. “We still have some units of the resistance stationed here that can easily navigate the underground tunnels in Omashu.”

“Good. Now there’s only one more thing that I really need to do.”

Haru glanced back at Katara. “What’s that?”

Katara took a deep breath before speaking. “I need to go back to Ba Sing Se.”

Zuko glanced down at the girl sitting next to him. He had always known that Mai had liked him. Perhaps if he had never been banished, their parents might have even arranged for a marriage between them. He had to admit that the prospect wouldn’t have been altogether unpleasing. Mai was easy on the eyes. When she smiled she was the epitaph of Fire Nation beauty.

The Fire Nation had a high regard for strength, but there were also many beautiful things to be found there. Mai had strength, most who have met her could attest to that. Her features were often gloomy, but they weren’t as harsh as his sister's. The way she carried herself was the way any disciplined soldier would. She wasn’t as bubblely as Ty Lee, but that didn’t matter in the Fire Nation. The women of the Fire Nation were meant to be strong, but it was rare to find a woman that didn’t let such strength destroy her femininity.

Unfortunately, most women in the Fire Nation either cared about nothing but power or they were far too pretentious, refusing to do anything that might get their hands dirty. Azula was one of the ones that craved power and would sooner kill a man then ever date him. Ty Lee could be both strong and feminine, but her bubblely personality seemed misplaced in the Fire Nation.

Mai, however, was not like her two friends. She didn’t care about making herself look presentable to men, but at the same time she didn’t have an unhealthy craving for power. She was modest about her looks, a natural beauty and Zuko supposed he liked that about her. She wasn’t helpless either. She could easily hold her own in a fight. She also didn’t go out of her way to lie just please others. She was blunt and Zuko did find that to be quite humbling. Such bluntness meant that she wouldn’t lie about finding him appealing even if she really didn’t. She did seem to genuinely like him, despite his past and the hideous scar he wore every day. That in of itself said a lot about her character.

However, Zuko knew that a girl like Mai had her own faults as well. No one was perfect. He might have been able to overlook some of her more… interesting personality quirks. She did have a lot of trouble expressing herself, but that was something Zuko could get used to. However the one weakness in Mai that he could not bring himself to accept was her loyalty to Azula. He had no doubt that Mai was attracted him and maybe even truly cared about him, but that did not mean she would be loyal to him.

Azula had chosen her friends carefully. The fact that Mai was once willing to help Azula hunt down him and his uncle was proof to that. If Azula had chosen to kill him or his uncle during that time, Zuko had no doubt that Mai wouldn't have done anything to stop her. While Mai’s feelings for him might be genuine, they weren’t as strong as her will of not defying Azula or the Fire Nation. Should Mai ever find out what he and his uncle were planning, he didn’t think she would choose to stay with him. It was for that very reason that he could not bring himself to fully accept her feelings.

Zuko knew that Azula was using Mai to get to him. While Mai may not be totally aware of it herself, there was no doubt in his mind that she meant to spy on him. Azula would allow her friend to get close to him, only because it was a window into his personal life. If Zuko allowed himself to grow attached to Mai, it would become a weakness that his sister could exploit. Although he felt bad for leading Mai on, he had to play Azula’s game. It bugged him that he could play such games with his sister because truth be told, he had always admired Mai. She would have been a great friend and perhaps with time, she might have become even more. Zuko could have seen himself happy with her, but the chance for that had passed the day he had been banished. He was a different person now and while he himself had once been very attracted to Mai… that attraction had become duller than what it had once been. Though he suspected the reason, he wasn’t about to admit it to himself.

“What are you thinking about?”

Zuko glanced over at Mai. “The Fire Nation.”

“What about it?”

“How strange it was to be back there after being gone so long and how beautiful it was. I’d almost forgotten.”

“What was it like… those years you were away?”

Zuko sighed and chose his words carefully. “I spent most of it out at sea, searching for any clues about the Avatar. It wasn’t until this year that I actually began to travel more around on land. It was strange because most of those I met believed that all Firebenders were cruel and vicious. Needless to say, I didn’t make too many friends in my travels.”

Mai shrugged. “Those people are just simple fools. They don’t see how the Fire Nation can make this world great.”

Zuko sighed and looked up at the setting sun. “You think so?”

“Of course… Don’t you?”

“I guess, but I don’t think the rest of the world sees it that way.”

Mai smiled a leaned against his shoulder. “They will in time. You’ll see.”

Zuko closed his eyes and took a deep breath. While he once believed that the war was meant to share the Fire Nation’s greatness with the world, he couldn’t believe so anymore. He had seen how much hate and fear the outside world had for the Fire Nation. He had seen many people who had been hurt by Firebenders or had lost love ones to the war. Why did the Fire Nation believe that their way was superior to the rest of the nations? Zuko was more traveled than most of the Fire Nation royalty, with the exception of his uncle. After seeing so much of the world outside the Fire Nation, he didn’t believe the other nations needed the Fire Nation to make them better at all. Each nation was different and it was those differences that made them great.

Katara let out a tired sigh as she followed Haru through the Earth Kingdom base. She had spent a good amount of time explaining her reasoning for wanting to return to Ba Sing Se. Both Haru and General Fong had seemed determined to dissuade her, but she had already made up her mind. Going to Ba Sing Se was necessary, especially if the rumors she had heard on her journey to this base were true. Although she knew that Haru and General Fong were only trying to protect her, there was no time for being overly cautious. However, she kept wondering if the deal she had made with General Fong was the best thing to do.

Haru didn't take his eyes of Katara. “Ba Sing Se is far too dangerous for you to go to. It’s changed since the Fire Nation’s takeover. More Fire Nation soldiers have taken up residency there to keep the general population in check. Ba Sing Se is now crawling with both Dai Li Agents and Firebenders. Why would you possibly want to risk you life by going there?”

Katara drummed her fingers on the table. “I already know that more Fire Nation soldiers have flocked to Ba Sing Se. I have also heard that recently Zuko and Azula have returned to Ba Sing Se from their trip to the Fire Nation. If the Fire Nation were planning anything, then those two would know about it and that would mean that the soldiers accompanying them would know tid-bits of information as well. If I can get into the upper ring of the city, then perhaps I can pick up some information on the Fire Nation's plans or whether they were able to get any information from the Earth Kingdom generals about the eclipse. Such information can help us determine better strategies to counter against their plans.”

The young Earthbender shook his head. “That all sounds good in theory, Katara, but there is no guarantee that you would actually learn anything there. Best case scenario is you don’t get caught while snooping around. However, with both Dai Li and Firebenders to watch out for, it’s not likely you go unnoticed. Besides, don’t you think a Water Tribe girl among a bunch of Fire Nation people would raise suspicion?”

“No. Ba Sing Se is still full of refugees still. Even if they discover that I’m Water Tribe, that doesn’t mean that they'll know I’m the Waterbender that traveled with the Avatar. I doubt it would even cross their mind. As far as the Fire Nation is concerned, those closest to Aang have probably lost all hope due to the loss of the Avatar. They would never expect me to waltz right back into Ba Sing Se after everything that’s happened.”

“There are others that can do what you’re planning. There is no reason for you to go.”

General Fong began to pace again. “Haru’s right, Katara. You also hold information that the Fire Nation would want. If they were able to get anything out of the captured generals, they would know that you hold the information crucial to any invasion plans against the Fire Nation.”

“I can understand what you’re saying, but it has to be me that goes because of the fact that I know things about the invasion that others don’t. It’s not like there are going to be a bunch soldiers walking around Ba Sing Se talking about information gained during interrogation of the generals. There will only be gossip and rumors. Only I know what’s truth and what isn’t. I’ll know what to listen for.”

Haru sighed. “Katara, it’s too dangerous to go there. I don’t think it’s-”

“No, the Waterbender has a point.” General Fong stopped in his pacing. “There is sure to be much talk among the Fire Nation soldiers. Some information could be crucial, while other pieces of information could be nothing but gossip.”

Katara nodded. “Then you agree with me?”

“Not in the slightest.”

Katara’s furrowed her brows. “Look I know what I need to do and I can take care of myself. I am a Master Waterbender.”

“Which will make you stand out should you get into any trouble and have to defend yourself. If they find out you’re a Waterbender then you’d be apprehended immediately.”

“It’s a risk I’m willing to take.”

“But not a risk I’m willing to take and I’m sure the Avatar would agree if he knew what you were planning.” Katara was about to retort, but General Fong pressed on. “However, there might be a way. How about we make a deal?”

Katara arched a brow. “What kind of a deal?”

General turned to face her. “I agree with you that if you could gain any information about the Fire Nation’s plans, then the risk could be worth it, especially if we want the invasion on Fire Nation to successful. However, while you may be a skilled Waterbender, waterbendering would be suicidal in Ba Sing Se. And Haru’s right, you’d stand out in your Water Tribe clothing. But, if you’re determined to infiltrate Ba Sing Se, then you’re going to need to be trained as a soldier, not a Waterbender.”

“I don’t have time for training.”

“You said you have two months until your rendezvous.”

“Yes, but-.”

“Katara, you were right about one thing, finding out the Fire Nations plans might be crucial to the invasion plan. Not to mention the fact that, even after all this planning, there might still be a chance that the invasion fails, in which case it might be even more helpful to know what the Fire Nation's plans are.”

“I still don’t understand what this deal is you’re trying to make.”

“I was just getting to that.” General Fong cleared his throat. “We have thought to infiltrate Ba Sing Se ourselves, but have had no reason to do so because we didn’t have a plan to work with. However, now that we have a goal, gathering information is crucial. If you really want to participate then you’ll need training in stealth, infiltration and weaponry. I’ll give you three weeks to train and prove that you’ll be able to handle this type of work. If within those three weeks you can prove that you wouldn’t be a hindrance to my men, I’ll allow you to go with them on a mission to gather information within Ba Sing Se. However, if you can’t handle the training, then you have to agree to let my men handle this mission without you.”

Haru looked over at Katara. “It sounds like a fair offer. After all, you can’t do this alone, Katara. If you agree that this is important then you should also agree that only those with a chance of success should be sent, right?”

Katara was silent for a moment before she nodded. “Your right. Okay then, I’ll accept your offer, General Fong.”

General Fong grinned. “Good, then you’re training will start tomorrow morning.”

Katara wondered if she had made a mistake in accepting General Fong’s offer. While she might be used to rigorous training, thanks to Master Pakku, she wasn’t experience in fighting without waterbendering. This type of training would be different then what she was used to. Maybe it would be something like the training Sokka had forced on the young boys back at the South Pole. Katara began to imagine having an instructor like her brother, but the thought only caused her to let out a small chuckle.

“What’s so funny?”

Katara snapped out of her musings and turned her attention to Haru. “I was just thinking about my brother.”

“I see.” There was a moment of awkward silence before Haru glanced back over at the girl walking beside him. “Katara… are you sure you want to do this?”

The Waterbender nodded. “Yes. I know that this mission is dangerous, but I know I can do it. Besides, if I can gather anything useful about the Fire Nation, then maybe I could be of some use to Aang.”

Haru gave her a small smile. “You saved his life. You’re already useful to him.”

Katara’s gaze fell to the ground. “It was my fault Aang was injured to begin with.”

Haru cocked his head to the side. “What do you mean?”

“I trusted someone I shouldn’t have. I knew that he was a threat to Aang, but instead of doing something about it I ended up feeling sympathy for him instead. It was because of my stupidity that he was about to get close enough to hurt Aang in the first place.”

“Everyone makes mistakes.”

“The only difference is mine almost cost me the life of one of my best friends.”

Haru stopped and placed a hand on her shoulder, causing her to stop as well. “Don’t allow yourself to be consumed with guilt, Katara. I know that you might feel as if you’ve failed Aang somehow, but you were also able to save him when he needed you the most, right? I’m sure Aang wouldn’t want you dwelling on the past like this. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, learn from your mistakes and do something about it. After all, that’s the only way such experiences can make you stronger.”

Despite herself, Haru’s words brought a smile to her face. “I guess that makes sense. When did you become so wise?”

“Pft.” Haru waved a hand dismissively and continue walking. “What are you talking about? I learned that from you, silly.”

Katara’s stood there stunned for a moment by Haru’s words. When had she taught him that? She brushed it off with a smile and continued to follow him. He led her out of the central tower and across the courtyard. She could see a lot of activity ahead of them. Tents were lined up at the far end of the courtyard and she could see a few cooking fires as well.

Haru follow her gaze and decided to explain. “The tower rooms are full of Earth Kingdom soldiers and members of the resistance that was formed after Omashu fell. The tents ahead of us are used to house the refugees that have come here for protection. The majority of them were from Omashu. We had to send many of them to another base further north of here since space is limited. The ones that have chosen to stay here are helping out however that can, since most are the wives and children of the soldiers here. We do have a few refugees that have come from Ba Sing Se that were forced to flee because they were wanted by the Fire Nation. The rest are those too sick or too old to travel.”

“I didn’t think that there would be so many.”

Haru’s expression became grave. “With the fall of Ba Sing Se, many refugees that were left behind by the Fire Nation in other places now have no place to go. It’s starting to seem like no where is safe anymore.”

Katara nodded, understanding the truth in his words. “Do you stay among the refugees too?”

He shook his head. “No, there are a few buildings lining the walls of this fort. General Fong had set up his soldiers' barracks there. It’s better to watch over the refugees that way. Being stuck in such close quarters can cause irritation among the refugees. We make sure they don’t get too out of hand. There are a few extra rooms in the barracks I share with the men I scout with. They rooms are not all that luxurious, but at least it’s a place you can stay for now that offers a little more privacy.”

She smiled up at him. “It’s fine, Haru. I’m sure I’ve slept in worse places. I was in prison with you after all. Remember?”

“I remember you being to busy planning a riot to sleep.”

Katara blushed gave a nervous laugh. “Yeah, well, I did get some sleep, for your information.”

Haru grinned at her. “I don’t think I’ve ever been around you when you’re not plotting something.”

“Hey, that’s not exactly true.”

“Really, then name-”

“Katara?!”

Katara paused at hearing her name. She turned around to see who had called out and her eyes widened in shock. Running toward her was someone she recognized immediately. She couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face as she ran forward to meet the girl half way. As soon as Katara was close enough, she pulled the girl into a tight embrace.

“Smellerbee!”

The young girl gasped for air. “Katara… can’t… breathe…”

Katara’s eyes widened and she immediately let go. “Sorry, but I’m just so glad to see you safe. I never was sure if you had made it out of Lake Loagai.”

“Che. Of course we made it out. It would take more than a couple of Dai Li agents to take us down.”

Haru arched a brow. “I take it you two know each other.”

Katara beamed at him. “Of course, Smellerbee was a member of a group of rebels called the Freedom Fighters.”

Smellerbee’s expression became pained. “Katara… there’s something you should know.”

Katara glanced back at her tomboyish friend. “What?”

Smellerbee shifted her weight and her gaze fell to the ground. “It’s about Jet.”

AN- A little cliffhanger. Anyway, I hope you're all enjoying is story. I promise that soon Katara and Zuko will meet face to face once more. Also, I'm going to try my best to update again next week, but I'll be going to Idaho for the rest of the summer and I'm not sure if I'll have much access to a computer. However, once I can get to one I'll be sure to post the next chapter.