Iroh carefully laid the lotus tablecloth (one he specifically commissioned a workshop to make!) over his serving tray, along with delicate tea cups with a beautiful design of a dragon interwoven with jasmine. He had received the invitation to serve tea to the Earth King the previous day; naturally, he was ecstatic! As he prepared his best pot of tea, Zuko rounded the corner. One glance from Iroh confirmed his suspicion and hope: he would not be coming.
"So…" Iroh prompted.
Zuko sighed. "I've decided to confront the Avatar." After a pregnant pause, he clarified. "To apologize to him."
Iroh gave him a gentle grin and embraced him. "Zuko, I am so proud of the man you're becoming. What you are doing requires much courage and temperance and, more so, a love for justice." He chuckled. "Even when justice rules against you!"
Zuko gave a small, lopsided grin. "Well, that certainly describes us well."
Iroh laughed and clapped him on the back. "Go! I can serve tea to the King by myself; I would be surprised if he didn't want us to return!"
"Getting a little prideful, hmm, Uncle?"
Iroh gasped, clutching his stomach as if offended. "I'm just stating what the trend seems to be, nephew! Nothing more."
Zuko's face settled into a more serious, determined expression.
"It is time."
He nodded to his Uncle, who smiled and began to carry his tray towards the Palace. Their paths followed the same route for most of the journey, so they walked in a comfortable silence, enjoying these last moments of peace before Zuko stepped into what might literally become a storm. At last, they arrived at the (recently renovated) steps in front of the Palace.
They didn't say a word. Zuko bowed to his Uncle, who nodded to him. And they parted ways.
Azula's day was going wonderfully. Only a few days ago, the silly Water tribe girl had fallen into her trap and now rested a hundred feet underground; all she had to do was wait for the return of the Avatar later that day.
But, in the meantime, there was tea to drink. She sighed.
"Alright, girls, let's get this over with."
Ty Lee cartwheeled past them, excited to drink the finest tea that Ba Sing Se could offer; Mai walked behind them, sullen in everything except her bright green, white and gold clothing. Azula worked to suppress a frown and only partially succeeded. This is going to be terrible.
How right she was.
They were told that the fellow serving them tea was waiting in a conference room; the ladies and their Dai Li guards would enter first, as the Earth King was running a tad bit late. So they could enjoy some tea as they waited.
However, any thoughts of tea were swept out the door as the girls stepped into the small room. There was a low table set out, with a gorgeous tea set already prepared for five or six people. And sitting there, calmly pouring tea, was General Iroh, proclaimed traitor by the Fire Lord, Uncle to Prince Zuko and Princess Azula.
Azula stopped short. Iroh glanced up and, seeing them, raised his eyebrows. "Azula! What a pleasant surprise!" He smiled at Ty Lee and Mai. "Ladies, would you like some tea?" He sniffed a cup, a wide grin stretching across his face.
Ty Lee started forward, excitement written across her face, but Azula held her back. "Why, Uncle," her lips curled, "it's so nice to see you again. Where's Zuzu?"
He shrugged. "Working."
She ground her teeth. "With you?"
He smiled. "Tea?"
She snapped at him. "This isn't the time for tea!"
Iroh, of course, had noticed that the Dai Li agents had surrounded him quietly. He was outnumbered at least twenty to one. He slowly stood. Azula sneered.
"Do you think you have any chance, now that Zuzu isn't here to help you?"
Azula had expected many responses from Iroh; some gratifying, many infuriating, but none horrifying. Iroh began to cackle.
Azula knew this cackle well. It was the laugh she would make when she had an enemy cornered, with nowhere to hide; it was the laugh her father had made when his plan for Sozin's comet had been announced; and she was sure it was the same cackle that spread across Ozai's ancestors as they slowly crushed the resistance in the war.
Now her uncle cackled.
Azula's sharp, stinging laugh cracked the air around them. "You must be bluffing. There's nothing an old man like you can do."
A ferocious grin spread across his features as he lazily closed his eyes. "Do you know why they call me the Dragon of the West?"
Azula rolled her eyes. "I'm not here for a long, boring anecdote, Uncle!" She replied snappily.
Then his eyes snapped open. "THEN PERHAPS YOU'LL ENJOY A DEMONSTRATION!"
Iroh, though he never mentioned it, kept his power restrained around Zuko. He did not want to terrify his nephew, or really anyone for that matter; and the kind of bending he could do in his prime was purely destructive and difficult to control, albeit beautiful. There was little need for it in their journeys.
But now, he faced monsters threatening the peace of the world. And, for once, total control was no longer necessary. Innocent civilians were nowhere to be found.
He leaned back, inhaling deeply before suddenly leaning forward, opening his mouth. Instead of a mere breath of fire, an unearthly roar pierced the ears of all those in the room, as a literal column of fire billowed forth from his mouth. Three Dai Li immediately pulled forth stone barriers to defend the Princess; but the column of fire detonated the stone, exploding in spectacular fashion and knocking all those behind the barrier to the floor.
The next few minutes were blurry for Azula. Her Uncle spewed forth multicolored flames around the room, wreaking havoc on the Dai Li. The columns of fire were strange; they were not solely the typical burnt orange color, but held hints of other colors throughout. It was, frankly, reminiscent of dragon fire–for those few old enough to remember it, or those who have seen the artist depictions from ages past. But the shocking thing to Azula was the sheer force behind it. The column could destroy many of the earthen walls that the Dai Li bended; in fact, the world would see Iroh use this same firepower to destroy the Inner Wall of Ba Sing Se in a single strike, when Iroh held the full power of Sozin's Comet.
When it caught one of the Dai Li agents, it spread across their clothing and skin, consuming them in fire; they would have to cover themselves in stone to put out the flames. Iroh made an effort to cull the flames beyond the room, so the columns didn't pierce through the Palace. Though, from what she saw, Azula began to think that he could. If he wanted to.
Dai Li shot forth their stone hands to secure him; but even as they locked his hands and feet together, he would turn his mighty breath against himself, immolating himself in multicolored fire, which would heat the rock enough for him to merely break it apart. Somehow, his skin did not suffer a single burn.
The whole battle was, in a word: incredible. If dragons could take human form, Azula would have believed Iroh to be one. A significant change, considering what she used to think of him.
Iroh turned and burned a hole through several stone walls to the outside of the Palace. Grabbing an unfortunate Dai Li agent near him, he fled the Palace, heading towards the Avatar's humble abode. Even the Avatar might be hard-pressed to stop the Dai Li and a lightning-casting Princess alone.
Zuko wrung his hands. He really didn't want to do this. He paced back and forth in front of the Avatar's home. He wasn't back yet, nor were any of his friends home (almost a relief, thought Zuko). Now his job was simply…to wait. And hope that what he waited for was freedom from his heavy conscience. Not a swift death.
He chewed his lip as he waited. What would he say? "Hey. Zuko here. Uh, so…I'm not trying to capture you anymore. Or your friends." He paused. "I'm changed now! I'm a good person! So…we're good, right?"
He sounded lame. He sighed. Even if he couldn't speak very well, at least he wasn't going to attack them. That'll probably send a pretty clear message in itself. And surely the Avatar, of all people, is willing to have peace and balance?
He nodded. That sounds right! Aang spoke to him about friendship many moons ago, after Zuko had rescued him from Zhao (and Aang returned the favor). So surely he'd be open to discussion?
He began to grow in optimism as he suddenly heard the familiar whoosh that the flying bison generated as it landed. He whipped around to see the Avatar and two of his companions (the Water tribe boy and the Earthbending girl) descending to the ground. Aang leapt from the saddle to the ground, his face red with anger. I am so screwed. Zuko idly thought, as a wind current bent by Aang flung him against the wall of Aang's house.
"What did you do with Katara?" Aang yelled, advancing on the fallen Zuko with wrath plain in his eyes. Zuko, frankly, was surprised that Aang didn't go all blue-y on him and kill him outright in the Avatar state. "Where is she?!"
"I…what? I don't know!" Zuko yelled back. "I didn't come to capture her or you."
Aang yelled, thrusting a fist into the air. Zuko was hit by a pillar of earth that jutted up from the ground, bended by Aang. "I'm not playing games, Zuko! I don't care why you're here! TELL ME WHERE KATARA IS!"
Zuko laid on the ground, stunned. This was going horribly–perhaps in the worst way he imagined. Well, not the worst way; he wasn't dead. Yet. Anger began to rise in his heart. I came here to apologize and all he does is accuse me? Why am I trying to help him?
"I don't know!" Zuko yelled. He leaped up, assuming a defensive posture. "I just came to–"
Aang smacked him another ten feet with a flying rock. "Get out of here, Zuko!"
Zuko picked himself up, holding back the anger that curled his heart. At least you tried… A quiet voice in his heart spoke. A much louder voice urged him: don't bother with the Avatar. He doesn't care about you; you shouldn't care about him. He turned his back on Aang and walked away, quickly picking up the pace to a jog as his anger grew. What was the point of this? Why am I wasting my time? They're never going to see me as anything but the banished Prince who wants to ruin their lives.
Part of Zuko's heart felt wounded. His attempt to be reconciled–which was also an attempt to verify and make real the fact that he'd changed–failed. His enemies seemed determined to remain his enemies. And his friends…
He only had one friend; he was serving tea to the Earth King. A desire grew in Zuko's heart to see his Uncle. He smiled, pushing out of his mind the experience with Aang, and remembered what his Uncle had told him: you are a good man, Zuko. You are a changed man!
Zuko felt hope lift his heart once more.
Iroh flew down the street towards the Avatar's house. He had seen the bison swoop down just minutes ago from the Palace steps. There was only a little time left, he felt, before Azula made her move. Especially if she had the combined power of the Dai Li.
As he rounded the bend, he saw that the trio had entered the house. He took a deep breath, calming himself. Zuko was nowhere to be found. Worry rose in his heart, but he quelled it and knocked at the Avatar's door.
He heard footsteps approach and a young girl say, "Oh! I know him!" Opening the door, he caught sight of Toph, who smiled at him. He smiled back. "Good to see you're OK!"
Aang and Sokka yelled, assuming defensive postures. "YOU KNOW EACH OTHER?!"
"Yeah!" Toph smiled, hugging Iroh, who chuckled. "I tripped him in the forest, but he made me some excellent tea and gave me great advice."
"Thank you for your kind words!" He smiled. "May I come in?"
Toph motioned for him to enter, much to Sokka and Aang's confusion. Before they could say a word, he had entered and turned a serious face to them both.
"Princess Azula is in Ba Sing Se, and plans to take over the city with the help of the Dai Li."
Aang gaped at him. "She must have captured Katara!"
Iroh frowned. "And she may have captured my nephew, as well."
Aang grimaced. "Well, about that…"
Iroh's heart fell. As he feared, Zuko's meeting with the Avatar had not gone well.
"We kind of…beat him up and accused him of capturing Katara." Aang sighed.
Sokka interjected. "But how do we know he wasn't involved?"
Iroh shook his head. "My nephew has been lost and confused, but there is good in him!"
"Well, why isn't the good outside of him too?!" Sokka snorted. "I'll believe it when I see it."
Iroh looked sternly at them both. "You did see it. He came here to apologize to you both for his actions." His grey eyes slowly closed. "He was becoming a new man…"
Aang's face fell. "I'm so sorry." He looked at his feet. "I judged Zuko before he said anything because of my worry for Katara. And…"
Empathy stirred in Iroh's heart. He placed a heavy, yet gentle, hand on Aang's shoulder. "We all make mistakes–my nephew more than most!" He laughed. "We cannot change what we did, but we can change what we will do. And who we will become."
Iroh could tell there was still a burden on Aang's heart; Aang, however, pushed those thoughts away for the moment. His face turned serious. "I think we should team up against Azula and rescue Zuko and Katara; otherwise, the Earth Kingdom will fall. Along with our friends."
"Assuming Zuko has been captured." Sokka noted.
The group turned silent. Where is Zuko? He had left maybe ten minutes before Iroh arrived; where would he have gone?
"He might have gone back to the tea shop." Iroh stated. "But before we go there, I have someone who might help us find your friend…" He led them outside. On the porch, bound and gagged, a Dai Li agent lay.
Toph cracked her knuckles. "I love this part." She smirked. The Dai Li agent's eyes went wide.
Iroh laughed gently. "No need for that, young one. He'll tell us all we wish to know." He removed the prisoner's gag, who stared in horror at the old man. Iroh grimaced; this was precisely why he hated using his full power. He preferred to be seen as a wise friend. Not like a fearsome dragon. Though it did bring much good, in this case.
"Where is Katara being held?" Sokka asked, getting up close to the prisoner's face.
"The girl was stashed in the glittering crystal caverns not far from the Palace." The man responded quickly.
"And where is Zuko?" Aang asked in a more gentle tone.
"Zuko?" The agent looked confused. "We didn't know Prince Zuko was here."
Aang exchanged a glance with Iroh. Both good and bad news. If Zuko finds out that Azula is here, he might do something rash.
"Let's go to my tea shop and see if my nephew is there." Iroh turned and began to walk. "We will need his help if we are to stop Azula."
Zuko was jogging past the palace steps when he heard a familiar voice that made his blood run cold. Azula? Here?
He stepped back and, leaping over the side of a nearby stone fence, he hid. Azula, with a small cohort of Dai Li and her two trusted operatives, walked past him, whispering.
"What happened to the Water tribe girl?"
"We threw her into one of the glittering caves, Princess." The Dai Li agent responded. "The Earth King will be held in the Lake Laogai facility, along with any other intruders we find."
"Excellent."
Zuko raised his eyebrows. It seems Azula was staging a coup. His eyes widened.
If Azula took over Ba Sing Se, then I would become a refugee again. Uncle and I would need to hide and move away, starting our lives over. Again. But this time, nowhere would be safe. Anger began to grow in the pit of his stomach. I'm tired of running! I'm tired of being an outcast from my own country–my own people–my own birthright!
One of the Dai Li approached Azula and whispered in her ear, "Princess, there's a young man eavesdropping on us. He's kneeling behind one of the fences."
Azula raised an eyebrow. "What's he look like?" She whispered. Could it be…?
"Young man, coming of age; dark hair; a burn mark across his face…"
Azula's eyes widened. Zuko! And, she thought with venom, his uncle is nowhere to be found.
A thought began to form in Azula's mind. She smirked. "Very well." She addressed the Dai Li agents. "Move ahead of us; we will rejoin you all shortly."
"Yes, Princess." They bowed to her and moved away, leaving Azula alone with Mai, Ty Lee and a hidden Zuko.
Azula sighed dramatically. "There's still one element in this equation that we haven't accounted for." She paused, looking at Mai and Ty Lee. "Zuko."
Mai shrugged nonchalantly. Ty Lee pursed her lips, cocking her head as she looked at Azula, who continued. "Uncle is too powerful for us three to handle, and I would rather avoid sending a Dai Li army after him. They are needed elsewhere. But Zuko is the perfect plant. If he were to betray his uncle, I have no doubt that Father would restore Zuko as Crown Prince." She sighed. "But I fear that Zuko has too great an attachment to the old man."
Zuko had begun to grind his teeth in anger when Azula spoke, but when she said that he could be restored as Crown Prince, his heart leapt in his chest. If a slight betrayal were all it took... He angrily reigned those thoughts in. Betray Uncle? He scolded himself. How can I even consider that?
Ty Lee spoke up with excitement. "Azula! You do care about Zuko!" She hugged Azula, a grin stretching across her face. "I knew it!"
Azula grumbled reluctantly. "Yes, I suppose I do. He is my brother, after all. It would be a pity to see him lose his chance at redemption."
Zuko closed his eyes, forcing himself to breathe slowly. The desires in his heart were becoming more pronounced; it was harder for him to clearly and calmly focus on one.
Azula began to reminisce on life in the Palace; the food, the servants, the luxury…
Mai and Ty Lee were rather surprised; Azula speaking about home and Zuko? Certainly not normal. Azula smirked as she spoke. She could only imagine the effect she was having on Zuko.
"Well, we better get moving. Uncle can't possibly hope to stop the coup so long as we hold that Water tribe girl prisoner; the Avatar won't be focused on anything else."
Azula captured the Water tribe girl? Zuko furrowed his brow. If he had to guess where she was held, it would be Lake Laogai near where the flying bison was imprisoned. He pushed all his other thoughts to the back of his mind: he can work through all those emotions and decisions later.
But as he prepared to leave, he heard Ty Lee whine. "Do we really need to go back to those caves? Why couldn't they hide her somewhere warmer and…"
"Pinker?" Mai finished, a smirk on her face.
She and Ty Lee shared a laugh as Azula snorted. So she isn't in Lake Laogai. Zuko frowned. This was getting more complicated by the minute. Uncle won't be there, then; I doubt he knows where she is captured. Zuko decided to follow the trio; they appeared to be going to guard the girl from the Avatar. His initial thought was to rescue the girl and prove that he was a changed man to the Avatar.
But a different voice suggested that he team up with Azula and lead the Avatar into a trap.
He pushed those thoughts away and followed her.
Iroh walked into his tea shop. Unfortunately, Zuko was nowhere to be seen. He sighed.
Walking back out to the porch, he shook his head at the questioning look Aang shot him. Sokka spoke up.
"Perhaps we should split up. Iroh and Aang can go rescue Katara; Azula probably knows we'll try to rescue her first." He shrugged. "Zuko might even be down there. In the meantime, Toph and I can go warn the Earth King about the impending coup by the Dai Li and hopefully mobilize the army."
The Gaang nodded their heads in agreement and went their separate ways. It seemed to be a solid plan.
Sokka and Toph soon arrived at the entrance of the Earth King's Palace to find a strange scene: one of the generals in the Council of Five was fighting with chains, linked to his wrists and feet. Dai Li agents crawled amongst the columns, pinning him to the ground.
"The coup's already begun! Hurry!" Sokka whispered to Toph and pulled her along a side corridor to the Earth King's throne room.
Unfortunately for them, the room was already occupied by the enemy. It was not long until Sokka, Toph and the Earth King found themselves locked in a steel room in the Lake Laogai prison facility.
Katara sat on the floor of the cave. The gentle lights pulsed around her. The cave was quite serene, actually; she could hear gentle flowing of water from somewhere and could feel a peaceful solitude beckon her.
Of course, she couldn't be at peace. Not here, when she was imprisoned. And likely bait for Aang. This was a trap or a distraction.
She hugged her legs to herself, uttering a quiet moan. She began to go back over what she had done, trying to see if she could have improved her situation any. But it all happened so fast! The Dai Li had kidnapped her as easily as they could have a child.
And, as she thought, she wondered whether Aang could even find her. She was deep underground, presumably; there may not be any way for him to find her...
Her shoulders began to shake as she silently wept. She was alone; and her hope began to waver.
A/N: I would have liked to spend more time on the epicness of Iroh...but that will have to wait for some chapters down the road. See you all in five or so days!
