Chapter 10: Suspicion
That night at the feast, no one could stop talking about the Painted Warrior. The only two people who were quieter than usual were Sokka and Sangok. However, no one except for Katara noticed. Everyone else was too busy discussing the day's tournament and guessing the mystery warrior's identity.
Katara took a sip of wine as she listened to her father's friend, Bato, talk about the day's events.
"Whoever that waterbender is…I know that he's not from the Southern Water Tribe. I'm very familiar with our tribe's waterbending masters and students. Not one of them would ever give back the money like that." Bato shook his head, smiling.
Hakoda agreed. "It was very unusual behavior."
"He's likely to be a commoner, since he seemed very passionate about the way commoners are treated." Bato suggested.
"Possibly." Hakoda glanced at his daughter and Sangok. Could it be…no, it's not possible. Shaking his head, he asked a servant to bring more wine.
"I'll unmask him." Jet announced confidently. He rested an arm on the chair behind Katara's shoulders. "I'll challenge him to a swordfighting duel. I'll win, and he'll have to reveal himself."
Good luck with that, Katara thought, stopping herself from smirking.
The warriors at the tables around them joined the conversation. "I'll be the one to unmask him!" An earthbender yelled. "And I'll find out exactly why he's picking on earthbenders!"
"Perhaps he's a former criminal," A firebender suggested. "That's why he's hiding his face."
"There's no way a former criminal would be invited to the tournament." Another person argued. "They wouldn't even be allowed in the Upper Ring."
Taking another sip of wine, Katara's mind wandered back to the afternoon's events. She had never felt such a thrilling feeling as she did when she was in that arena, fighting and winning against her opponents. She would never forget the sound of the people cheering for her. When the announcer had declared her the winner, her heart had felt like it would burst from happiness. It was an amazing experience that she knew that she would always remember.
Firelord Ozai suddenly stood up from his seat. The dining hall quieted down immediately. All eyes were fixed on the Firelord as everyone waited to hear what he had to say.
"As you all know, there is a mystery warrior among us." Ozai's tone of voice showed that he was displeased. "Why do you think he is hiding his face from the highest of nobles and kings? It is because he has a lack of honor and respect."
There were several murmurs of agreement around the room. Katara was careful to keep her face expressionless, but her heart was starting to beat faster out of nervousness. She was also slightly stunned. How could he say something like that? Lack of honor? Are you kidding me?
The Firelord continued. "It is most likely that this mystery warrior is plotting against rulers such as I. People who wear masks are usually dangerous criminals. When the Painted Warrior comes to compete tomorrow, I urge all of you warriors to challenge him. Defeat him and reveal his identity. Whoever is underneath that mask is no friend of mine."
Great. The most powerful person in the world doesn't like me. Katara thought. She wished the Firelord would stop talking. She wanted the Painted Warrior to have a good reputation, and the Firelord was ruining it with his paranoia.
"Whoever defeats the Painted Warrior will be greatly rewarded. It is an opportunity to bring honor and abounding riches to you and your family." Firelord Ozai concluded, and sat back down.
Katara stared down at her lap as she heard people cheering. After hearing Ozai's speech, dozens of warriors were now inspired to challenge the Painted Warrior. She listened as the warriors began discussing strategies on how to take down the mystery warrior.
"Charismatic as always." Bato spoke, referring to the Firelord.
He's charismatic, but he's crazy too, thought Katara."Do people really think that a mystery warrior, or anyone for that matter, would plot against the Firelord?" She spoke out loud, skepticism lacing her voice.
Bato shrugged. "If that's what the Firelord believes, it's best to go along with it."
Katara glanced towards where Firelord Ozai sat. There was a deep frown on his face. It made her feel uneasy. I've heard people say that he's going mad, but I didn't know whether to believe it or not…Standing up from the table, Katara excused herself. "I'll be going to bed early." She quietly left the dining hall, heading to her room.
It was no surprise when she heard someone follow her. Standing in front of the door to her room, she turned around and saw Sokka.
"Can we talk privately?" Sokka glanced around, making sure no one else was around.
Katara nodded, opening the door to her room. "We can talk in here." She and Sokka entered her room. Toph was still at the feast, so the room was empty.
Closing the door, Katara looked at Sokka, waiting for him to speak.
Sokka took a deep breath. "The Painted Warrior is you, isn't it? Those earthbenders from those three cities…their apprentices were the ones who were bullying Sangok, and you chased them away."
"I expected you to figure it out." Katara replied. "And I know you won't tell anyone."
"Of course I won't." Sokka let out a sigh. "I'm just worried that someone else will figure it out. Others may have seen you when you fought the bullies."
"They won't have proof that it's me, though."
"They'll still be suspicious." Sokka told her. "And you heard what Firelord Ozai said! He's not very fond of the Painted Warrior. That could lead to trouble." Shaking his head, Sokka went on. "Don't compete tomorrow. It'll be dangerous for you. A lot of benders are now motivated to defeat the Painted Warrior."
"…I know. I guess I wasn't really planning to fight again tomorrow. I already accomplished what I wanted to accomplish." Katara said, keeping her voice quiet.
After a pause, Sokka asked, "Why did you decide to do this? It's really risky for you. If you're found out, then…it really won't be good. And you could've gotten hurt!"
Katara exhaled deeply. "Sokka, this…this was my dream. I've always wanted to compete in a tournament. It was absolutely thrilling. I wasn't scared, because I was confident in my abilities. And I also did this for Sangok. I meant what I said…commoners should be shown as much respect and honor as anyone else. It doesn't matter what position someone has, or if someone's a powerful or weak fighter. Everyone should be treated as equals."
Sokka was silent for a moment, then gently said, "I understand. I don't think it's fair, either, that female waterbenders aren't allowed to fight. But…promise me that you won't compete tomorrow. It's too risky. I don't want you to get injured, either."
Katara hesitated. For a second, she imagined herself fighting again in that arena, and winning…Sokka is right, though. The competition will get extremely tough. Even if I beat all my challengers, I'll eventually have to fight against Prince Zuko. I'm pretty sure I'm even slightly close to that level yet. "…Okay. I won't."
Looking relieved, Sokka let out a deep breath. "For someone who has never had a waterbending master, you fought incredibly well. I was really impressed. But…let's try to enjoy the rest of the tournament without drawing attention to ourselves."
"Okay," Katara agreed. I'm satisfied with the way things turned out. I achieved my goal. Now I just have to make sure no one finds out the Painted Warrior's identity.
The next morning, Katara decided to take a walk outside by the training areas. They sky was clear and there was a gentle breeze.
"Katara."
Turning around, Katara saw Sangok walking towards her. "Hey, Sangok. What's up?"
"I, um…I was approached by the earthbending apprentices last night. The ones who were beating me up before you saved me, remember?" Sangok awkwardly rubbed the back of his head. "And…they apologized to me. And they promised to never to beat someone up again."
Katara smiled. "That's great, Sangok."
"So…I just wanted to thank you." There were very few people outside, but Sangok kept his voice low anyway, not wanting people to eavesdrop on their conversation.
Her smile growing, Katara replied, "You've already thanked me. Right after I came to your rescue."
"Yeah, uh, I know. I meant to thank you for…what happened yesterday…what you did…" Sangok stammered.
"Shouldn't you be thanking the Painted Warrior instead?" Katara couldn't help but tease him.
Sangok stared at her in confusion. "But I thought…the costume…aren't you…"
Holding back a laugh, Katara went on, "I could've given the costume to someone else and told them what to say if they win. Do you really think a lady such as myself would fight like that?"
"Well…you fought those bullies." Sangok reasoned.
"It was for defense. Challenging three earthbenders in a tournament is completely different." Katara responded, grinning.
Sangok looked completely baffled. "It really wasn't…you?"
Katara patted him on the shoulder. "Remember, Sangok…not a word about it."
"Of course not!" Sangok quickly said. "I don't know anything…costume, what costume? I've never seen it. Painted Warrior who? I was, uh, asleep when he was competing."
Katara burst into laughter. "Did you eat breakfast yet? Let's go get some food, so maybe the food energy will help you stay awake during today's matches."
Sangok eagerly agreed. Like Sokka, he had a love for food. As they walked inside together, Sangok couldn't help but be inspired by the girl beside him. Thank you for protecting me, Katara…I promise I'll work hard to become a better bender so that I could protect you as well.
Author's Note: The next update will probably be sometime next week! Thanks for reading!