Chapter Text
75AG
Onomu hated the water.
She hated being on it even more.
"This is shit," Onomu growled as she tried to pull the ropes on Kaze's dumb fucking boat. They were in the port docks of Shugeo, and Kaze had taken her to get her 'sea legs' or whatever. Using the riskiest, rattiest, closest to sinking-looking row boat he could find.
Onomu planted her feet; water under her foot said fuck that. Onomu slipped, the rowboat rocked, and she fell flat on her ass.
"Fuck!"
For the third fucking time.
Kaze laughed from the bow. "Ha! You got the sea legs, a baby deer fox, little spitfire."
"Fuck off!"
"Oi! What the fuck do you say to me! I'm still your father, brat!"
"I said fuck off!" Onomu growled and rubbed her ass. Her bruised, humiliated ass as she tried to stand up and grab the dumb gunwale again. She heard Kaze's snickers from the bow. And it pissed her off even more. She glared at the old fucker. "Shut up."
"Make me, shithead." Kaze smiled. His dark grey eyes were twinkling with mischief. He stood lazily, tanned skin, a thinner man with a puffy grey beard and balding grey hair. His right arm was missing, smashed by a boulder in the war. His left arm was still attached, left lazily on his hip. He raised a leg and beckoned Onomu over with his stupid, ugly toes.
"Come on," Kaze taunted, snickering. "If you can even make it to me, I'll let you get a punch in." Kaze's toes flexed. "I promise. Sailor's honor."
"Your honor's shit."
"And your balance is worse. Chop chop." Kaze giggled, and Onomu growled. She grabbed the gunwale and marched over. Her foot fell heavily.
She fell heavily when the dumb, tiny rowboat tilted, and she nearly fell over the side. Onomu's hand sank into the water, and she cursed. "Fuck! This is stupid!"
"Sounds like someone's having trouble."
"I hate you!"
"Want a hint?"
"Fuck no!" Onomu growled and stood back up, nearly tipping over the other side in the process. She grabbed the gunwale before she could get flung off the port side. Her stomach hit the lip, momentum did its thing, and she held onto the boat as she was tilted over the ship's edge. Her head plunked into the water.
She took a second to scream into the stupid ocean.
And when she resurfaced, wet hair matted over her head, and her fingers were digging into the gunwale of the boat. She looked over and muttered. "Tell me."
Kaze's smirk widened, and he cupped his hand around his ear. "What was that? I am an old man, you know? My hearing's not what it used to be."
"Fuck you!" Onomu snapped. "Just tell me how to do it!"
"Alright, alright, Agni." Kaze rolled his eyes and stood atop the bow of the ship. He jumped onto the top of the gunwale's lip, walking along the edge. The boat rocked under his shifting weight. Onomu had to hold onto the dumb bench to not tip over.
And still, Kaze walked easily. Basically tip-toeing around the dumb boat. Onomu glared at him. Kaze laughed and said. "Your feet are too heavy."
"The fuck does that mean?"
"When you plant your feet, it's solid, weighty. Like an earth bender. Good for land." Kaze smirked and got to the bow of the ship and stood on one leg.
"Bad for the sea."
Onomu rolled her eyes. Dumb show-off.
Kaze smirked. "Try to loosen up," Kaze said, tucking his free leg under his knee. "Keep it light. The ship's gonna rock whether you want it or not. You can either rock with it." Kaze smirked and did a little hop; the boat rocked, and Onomu lost her balance.
"Or fall." Kaze laughed as Onomu fell over the edge. She resurfaced a few seconds later, spitting water out of her mouth and cursing up a storm.
"I fucking hate you," Onomu growled. She pushed the strands of hair out of her eyes. Kaze merely laughed and walked along the edge of the gunwale.
He stopped in front of where she was treading water.
"Oh, no. You hate me?" Kaze held out his hand. Kaze smirked. "Really? Cuz I think you're a shitty liar." Kaze wiggled his outstretched hand. "Brat."
"Screw you." Onomu snapped, planting her feet on the side of the boat. She grabbed Kaze's hand and pulled him into the water.
Kaze sputtered and cursed. "Dammit! Onomu! My beard! You're in big trouble, young lady!" Kaze treaded water, shaking his drenched hair
And Onomu laughed. Laughed hard enough she choked on water when Kaze dunked her head under. She came back up sputtering. "Fuck!"
"Ha!" Kaze's laughter rang out. And Onomu growled. She tried to drown Kaze. Twice. She failed. Barely. And at the end of the long day, she still hadn't figured out how to stand on the stupid boat.
She didn't learn the next day either. Or the dumb day after that.
But eventually she got it. She even learned how to toss the dumb rope onto the poles at the docks so she could keep the dumb rowboat from floating away.
Because Kaze was an idiot...
But she guessed he wasn't a totally shitty dad.
92AG
He walked like Kaze.
Akataa, or whatever his name was. The older Jasmine Island protector with tan skin, golden eyes, greying, slicked-back hair, and the Bo staff.
He walked like Kaze.
With perfect balance.
Akataa walked easily up the beginnings of the mountain path, towards the large estate halfway up the hill. He seemed to take the lead, even with Yu Ming, the island's leader, albeit young and naive-looking, in the group. If Onomu had to bet, she'd say off that alone, Akataa was probably the best protector Jasmine Island had.
Lu Ten seemed to agree, because he walked nearby and catted. "Your bo staff is cool. I don't see those often these days." Lu Ten smiled, politely gesturing to the swords on his back. "I prefer my Dao Blade, but I'd be happy to exchange notes later if you want."
"If time permits." Akataa gave an aged and bemused chuckle. "Maybe if you're as good as I think, it'll finally show my stubborn daughter the benefits of using a weapon."
Aiko groaned, "I'm a fire bender dad. I can't use a bo staff without burning it."
"Excuses, excuses." Akataa sighed, and he and Aiko started playfully bickering in the front. Lu Ten smiled and joined in every once in a while, likely enjoying getting the two to argue about nonsensical things like a bo staff's durability and something called Jasmine-style combat.
Onomu rolled her eyes and glanced at Yu Ming.
She was walking along happily, oblivious to the threat just off her island. Agni, she had to be fifteen at the most. Why was she running an island? More than that, actually, she was technically the head of a neutral nation. The Jasmine Isles.
Onomu grumbled. "So how the hell are you, island leader, anyway?"
Yu Ming flinched, looking away nervously. "Um... my parents got sick a while ago. I don't have any siblings, so..." Yu Ming shrugged, smiling slightly. "Guess I'm the leader."
Great. Now Onomu felt shitty.
Onomu grumbled. "Sounds like shit."
Yu Ming stiffened, eyes wide, before she laughed and said. "Yeah, it is... that word."
"You're the leader of an island and can't curse?"
"Qi Guang said it was improper."
"He sounds fucking lame." Onomu rolled her eyes. Yu Ming giggled, and the group continued up the mountain path. Jasmine flowers were in bloom on the side of the stone-laid trail. Farm fields terraced up the mountainside, full of tea leaves and farmers hand-picking their yields.
Eventually, the group made it to the foot of the Ming Estate, halfway up the mountain.
It was grand and elaborate. Gold-tiled ceramic rooftops, bold white exterior. Jasmine flowers lined the path upwards. Their golden petals marked the front gardens, and their image was etched into the front gates and white stone walls.
The place looked fancy.
Way too fancy for Onomu's liking.
She scowled, and Lu Ten snorted beside her. The prince smirked. "You think this is tacky, you should see the Fire Palace. Gold dragons on every pillar."
"You disgust me." Onomu scowled. And Lu Ten laughed. Onomu rolled her eyes. The two followed the Jasmine Islanders up the mountainside. Up a shit ton of steps, until they got to the front gates, guarded by two Jasmine Island protectors.
The one on the left was a Water Tribe man, late thirties, with long dark brown hair and light grey eyes. He tilted his head, mask hanging off his side. He had a spear on his back. He wore standard Jasmine Island uniforms, gold and white fabrics.
The other was a shorter girl with brown eyes and basic brown hair. She looked a little fidgety, full of energy. She had two knives at her waist, and her uniform looked like she'd overslept and put it on five minutes before she had to get to her shift. Her mask was o also a little crooked.
Yu Ming waved. "Siku." She greeted the water tribe man. "Fu Meili." She greeted the brown-haired girl. Yu Ming smiled and pointed to their group. "We have guests. They want to see Moonlight peak. I'm going to take them up the mountain, okay?"
Siku's eyes flicked towards Onomu and Lu Ten. His eyes narrowed, but he sighed and said. "You might want to run that by Qi Guang first."
"He's here?" Yu Ming asked. "I thought he wasn't coming in today. I didn't see him at the council hall this morning."
"Arrived just a few minutes ago." Siku shrugged. "Said he wanted to stop by for a moment and make sure you were ready for Monsoon season. Since travel between islands will be impossible once the rainy season starts."
"Fu Shin's still at home, though." Fu Meili sighed. "Big brother's such an idiot sometimes. Getting sick right before monsoon season. Idiot."
Yu Ming nodded. "Alright, I'll talk to Qi Guang first. Can you open the gates for us?" She nodded towards the rest of their group. Siku and Fu Meili pulled the golden handles and opened the large looming gates to the Ming Estate. The large and heavy stone doors creaked open. A courtyard of jasmine flowers and a decorative stone pond lay on the other side.
Akataa and Aiko followed behind Yu Ming.
Lu Ten and Onomu followed behind them. Fu Meili gave them a friendly smile and a wave as they passed. "Hope you enjoy your time here." Fu Meili smiled and started talking faster than an Ostrich Horse could run. "You're going to love it. Jasmine Island has the best tea. Ooh, and the best flowers. Ooh, and Ming's estate is gorgeous. They've been running the main island for generations. They were the first ones to figure out the recipe for golden Jasmine tea."
Onomu blinked and just nodded. Hoping that would be enough to keep the hyper guard at bay. Lu Ten smiled and said, "We're looking forward to it."
Fu Meili grinned and gave a final, chipper wave as Onomu and Lu Ten walked past.
Siku's eyes narrowed at Lu Ten as he passed by.
Siku said, "Don't linger." And closed the gates behind them. Shutting it with a loud click.
Onomu scoffed as the gates closed. She muttered. "What's his problem..."
Lu Ten shrugged, "Who knows?" He continued further into the Yu Ming estate and all its Jasmine filled glory. He glanced at Aiko.
Aiko noticed his gaze and fell back as Yu Ming and Akataa talked up ahead.
Aiko said quietly. "Yeah, sorry about Siku. He came here only recently. And he's not really..." Aiko winced. "He's not a fan of the Fire Nation."
"Why?" Lu Ten asked. "The Fire Nation doesn't come to the Jasmine Isles often. At least not from the reports I've looked at."
"Siku isn't from the Jasmine Isles." Aiko sighed, "His mother was apparently southern water tribe." Aiko mumbled. "His father was a fire nation soldier. A prison guard or something."
Lu Ten and Onomu stiffened.
Aiko scoffed. "Yeah, I think you can guess the rest."
They could. Onomu and Lu Ten could guess the rest.
And suddenly neither felt the need to touch the topic again.
So they followed in relative silence. Glancing around the lavish estate. Gold and white decorated curtains. Jasmine flowers decorate the interiors. A few other Jasmine Island locals traversed the main hall of the estate: servants, other residents, and workers.
One man, a gangly earth-kingdom man with a thin mustache, seemed to stand tall, his pristine gold fabrics and hands hidden behind his robes.
The man's green eyes flicked towards the group.
His eyes narrowed on Lu Ten and Onomu.
And the next second his face was plain.
He glanced at Yu Ming. "I was unaware we had guests."
"Sorry for not informing you, Qi Guang. But they stopped by to get tea for one of their superiors." Yu Ming said, rubbing her neck sheepishly. "He's Officer Lee. And she's Private Onomu. They want to see Moonlight peak before they leave."
"That's wonderful for tourists." Qi Guang said flatly, head tilted and eyes twitching slightly. "I hardly see how that matter involves you, Milady."
"I'm going to take them up the mountain."
"Before a storm?" Qi Guang raised a brow. Lips twitching down. "Have you seen the sky outside. It's grey and cloudy. Not to mention the rain earlier."
"I know, but I want to show them." Yu Ming pouted, pleading. "Besides, I haven't gone to Moonlight Peak in forever. Please. I'll be back before dusk."
Qi Guang frowned. "I'm not sure if that's the best idea." Qi Guang said. "Is today truly the best day. When Fu Shin has fallen ill. Why not invite your..." Qi Guang's lips curled down. "Uninvited guests to see the mountain tomorrow morning."
"But they might not be able to stay that long." Yu Ming pleaded, bouncing up and down on her toes like she really wanted to go to Moonlight Peak.
"Please." Yu Ming tried again. "I'll have Aiko and Akataa with me."
Qi Guang's brow twitched. "You were supposed to have Basalt guard you tonight."
"He can take a break."
"Milady..." Qi Guang's voice clipped, and he held his head in his hand. Like he just remembered he was talking to a 15-year-old and was already sick of it.
Qi Guang clicked his tongue and sighed.
"Fine." He said, "I suppose as long as you take Basalt, it should be fine. Just ensure you're back at your estate before dusk. Midnight at the latest."
"Yes!" Yu Ming said excitedly. "Thank you, thank you, thank you."
"You're welcome, Milady." Qi Guang's voice sounded exasperated. He rolled his eyes and turned to leave. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I was here to ensure you were ready for the stormy seasons, but it seems you will be occupied for the rest of the day. I'll come back tomorrow to discuss proper arrangements."
"Of course, I'll see you tomorrow, Qi Guang." Yu Ming bowed politely, and Qi Guang gave a huff as he moved to leave the Ming estate.
He walked past Onomu and Lu Ten.
His lips curled in a slight frown.
Onomu rolled her eyes.
Lu Ten's face brightened, and he reached out and grabbed Qi Guang's shoulder. "Actually, I'd like to talk to you after we get back from the mountain."
Qi Guang's eyes narrowed. He shrugged off Lu Ten's hand. "Whatever you have to say, I'm sure it can wait until tomorrow. You seem busy as it is."
"But the Fire Nation has trade interests in all the Jasmine Isles, not just Jasmine Island." Lu Ten smiled. "You sure you can't wait a few more hours?"
"Positive." Qi Guang's voice sounded clipped. He brushed past Lu Ten. He almost made it to the doors, his foot at the threshold of the estate.
Yu Ming spoke up hesitantly, "Actually, Qi Guang." She said, and Qi Guang let out an exasperated sigh. He turned. Yu Ming chuckled nervously and asked. "I uh... I was supposed to meet with members of the Southern Water Tribe today to talk about new trade deals. Is there any chance you could meet them instead?"
"Milady." Qi Guang sighed, "If you were supposed to meet them today, I hardly see why you agreed to go galavanting around with Fire Nation soldiers."
"I..." Yu Ming winced. "Forgot?"
"Clearly." Qi Guang's voice was bland and annoyed. He sighed and said, "Fine, I suppose I can meet with the Southerners. However, I'll only entertain them for an hour or two. I plan to be back on my island tonight and sleeping in my bed. Is that clear, Milady?"
"Crystal." Yu Ming giggled, and Qi Guang huffed and turned back into the Ming estate. Heading down a separate hall of the manor, Onomu caught a glimpse of the supposed Southerners waiting in a large foyer. Two men, well-equipped and dressed in Southern Water Tribe blue coats. The doors closed behind Qi Guang before she could catch anything else.
Onomu scoffed and whispered under her breath. "Guess even savages like the dumb tea here." She muttered. "Surprised they know how to trade."
Lu Ten rolled his eyes and said. "Oh, relax, Onomu. We haven't had to raid the Southern Water Tribe in decades. I'm sure they're civil by now."
"Or waiting to ambush us and eat our bones."
"You know that cannibal stuff was probably exaggerated, right?"
"I don't know, Kaze said they had sharp fangs for teeth," Onomu smirked, wagging her fingers under her lips. Lu Ten snorted and rolled his eyes.
"You're impossible." He said. "Come on, we might as well go before we stir up trouble. Not like they'll do anything on a neutral island anyway."
"Yeah..." Onomu said, mood dropping slightly. She glanced around the Ming estate. The people and workers who were milling about, minding their own business. Doing their jobs.
"Neutral."
Onomu frowned slightly, ignoring the twist in her stomach. Lu Ten glanced at her, but didn't say anything. Simply kept walking. They left with Yu Ming and the others to grab this Basalt person. Hopefully, afterwards, they could climb this stupid mountain and be done with everything.
Onomu didn't want to be on this island any longer than necessary.
Meanwhile...
Qi Guang stepped into the side foyer of the Ming Estate. Closing the doors behind him, he sighed and took a seat at the table.
"Apologies. Yu Ming has other priorities as of the moment." Qi Guang said, flipping through a small set of papers detailing the point of these talks. He said. "It says you've been here since this morning." Qi Guang said. "Who let you inside Ming Estate?"
"A man with a beard and a woman with long black hair." The Southern Water Tribe man sitting across from Qi Guang said, leader of this impromptu delegation, obviously. He had blue eyes, light chocolate skin, and dark shaggy brown hair pulled back in a wolf's tail.
He had weapons on his back.
The warrior he brought with him, his bodyguard if Qi Guang were to take a guess, was the same. The bodyguard was standing nearby. He had narrower eyes, lighter blue eyes, and the same light chocolate skin. Long, silky brown hair hanging halfway down his back.
Qi Guang sighed, "I heard you came here to talk trade deals. I am remiss to inform you that I find it unlikely that Jasmine Isles will change our rates anytime soon. Especially with the monsoon season just around the corner. Perhaps if you were to schedule another visit in a few months?"
"We'd love to." The man across from Qi Guang said, "But I have a family at home and don't want to keep them waiting months for some of your island's world-famous tea. I promised my daughter after all." The man smiled politely. "Not to say everything has to get done today. Or even before the Monsoon starts in the coming weeks. We'll be happy to come back after the monsoon season is over and pick up right where we left off."
Qi Guang scowled as he watched the body gaurd pull out a few parchments, old trade agreements the Southern Water Tribe probably had with Yu Ming's parents before they died so... tragically last year. Qi Guang scowled and scanned the documents.
The Southern Water Tribe man smiled. "But getting the grunt work done before then would be beneficial to both parties. Don't you agree?"
Qi Guang scowled and shifted the papers to the side. Great. He can see why that little brat Yu Ming didn't want to deal with this. The Southern Water Tribe had come prepared to negotiate, right before the monsoon season, when the Jasmine Isles were obviously busy and focused on the coming monsoon season.
Yu Ming would have been eaten alive if she had tried to take these negotiations upon herself.
So instead, she took the first opportunity she saw to pass it off to Qi Guang.
She was more cunning than he'd given her credit for. He was almost proud.
Almost.
Qi Guang sighed, "Very well. Let's begin." He shifted the papers aside. He introduced himself properly as common political courtesy demanded. "My name is Qi Guang. I am head of Jasmine Isles' second island, Lua, and will be standing in for Yu Ming for these negotiations. Are there any problems with that arrangement?”
“None.” The southern Water Tribe man smiled slightly and stuck out his hand. "My name is Hakoda, and this is Lieutenant Bato. I'm the chief of the southern water tribe, and have come here to renegotiate our current trade deals with the Jasmine Isles."
Qi Guang's eyes widened slightly before his face fell flat.
He sighed and pinched his nose. "Then let's not waste another moment..."
Qi Guang ordered some Jasmine Tea from the Ming Estate servants.
"Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe."
Qi Guang had the annoying feeling these negotiations would run longer than most.