Chapter 11:

The Party: Part 1

Trapped in a web of lies, Zuko's mind buzzed as he fought hard to make up a plan to attend the party with Katara. She'd be instantly recognized the moment we walk through the door," he muttered to himself.

"Azula would alert father and the Dai Li would arrest her. A disguise could possibly work, but the idea of completely changing her image might be unsettling for Katara. As Zuko continued thinking of ways to solve this problem, a small knock came on the door.

"What is it?" he yelled. He wasn't in the mood for any disturbances.

"It's me," came a faint voice.

"Come in," Zuko said.

The door creaked open and Katara quickly hurried inside, shutting the door tightly behind her.

"So, what time is the party?" Katara asked bitterly.

"How did you know about that?" Zuko asked still pacing the room.

"I was listening to your little chat with Azula just outside."

"You know, eavesdropping is a very impolite thing to do," Zuko said.

"Really Zuko, you are not the person to give advice," Katara retorted.

"Whatever, listen, I got a plan that might possibly work with the party," he said. "Azula is going to expect my date to be very elegant, right? So, I thought I'd steal a Fire Nation dress of hers, along with some makeup, and turn you into a Fire Nation aristocrat."

Katara was skeptical of Zuko's plan. Azula had eyes like a hawk; she'd spot trickery from a mile away. Despite the makeup, and a red dress, she'd still resemble Katara of the Southern Water Tribe.

"Zuko, your plans haven't exactly perfect in the last few weeks. In fact, a majority of them almost got me killed or arrested. What makes you think this is full proof?"

Zuko grew stern. He leaned closer to Katara, with eyes gleaming with avulsion.

"My plans haven't worked to perfection? I got you to Ba Sing Se in one piece, didn't I? I saved your sorry behind when you so carelessly split wine on Azula, didn't I? Don't you dare tell me my plans are worthless. I vowed to protect you Katara, and I'm going to live up to that vow no matter what it takes. We are going to go this party, we're going to stick to the plan that I so meticulously thought of, and we're going to impress my father and his guests."

Katara knew there was no other options. Zuko had already promised Azula he would bring a date to the party, and being that she was the only one available, she realized that she had to fulfill her part in the plan.

"Alright, but don't expect me to dance with you or anything," she said bluntly.

Zuko's anger ceased. He sat up from the bed and walked out the door, leaving Katara behind in the bedroom. A few minutes later, he reentered holding what looked like a long red and yellow dress.

He threw the elegant outfit on the bed and tossed a small box next to it. Katara examined the items with complete awareness for what they were for. She picked up the box and peered inside. She saw it was indeed a makeup kit, complete with everything she needed to disguise herself for the party.

"Better get ready," Zuko said. "The party is in three hours, so we don't want to waste any time."

He left Katara alone in his room while he headed elsewhere to outside to talk to his councilman who was arranging the entire festivity.

In the courtyard, he found him ordering two servants who were putting up streamers what to do after they finished, and shouting offensive comments to them as they worked as fast as their hands could move.

"A little higher," the councilman yelled. "I don't want the streamers to be so low that they're brushing in everybody's heads."

"Councilman Ian, might I have a word," Zuko said as he walked onto the courtyard.

"Zuko my boy, don't you look dashing this evening. What may I do for you?"

"I just wanted to ask you, has my father arrived yet?"

"I am not sure yet, Prince Zuko. But I would assume he has already. I spoke to him earlier this week. He mentioned something about your acceptance speech that you were going to make this evening, after he named you ruler of Ba Sing Se."

Zuko gulped. He hadn't expected to give a speech in front of the entire Fire Nation. Since his arrival in Ba Sing Se, he had been too preoccupied with Katara to even think about ruling the grand city. What was he going to say when his father greeted him? What if he asked about his plans for a new era? There was no legitimate answer he could give. Zuko tried to keep calm in front of his councilman. The last thing he needed was someone to see how nervous he really was.

"Thank you for your time, Councilman Ian," Zuko said. "I should go check up on my date; I don't want to go to the party without her."

"Indeed. One mustn't keep his lady waiting, especially for a grand event such as this."

Bidding farewell to his councilman, Zuko walked out of the courtyard and into the palace. He brushed past several maids as he hurried upstairs. One of them tried to get Zuko's attention, but was cut off when he quickly rounded the corner to his room. When he stepped inside, he called Katara's name softly so that no one outside the room would hear.

"Katara, are you almost ready?" I figured we should head for the dining hall in a few minutes, just so we're present when the guests start to arrive."

"I'll be out in a second," she called. "Just give me a moment to finish my makeup."

A few seconds later, the bathroom door opened, and Katara stepped out into the room to meet Zuko.

The Fire Nation prince was astounded at her appearance. Azula's long red and yellow dress looked gorgeous on her. He almost didn't recognize her when she stepped out wearing it. Her hair was tied up in the typical Fire Nation style, which made her bear a striking resemblance to the Fire Nation ladies, and her face, was beautifully painted with makeup.

There was no denying it, Katara was beautiful. Zuko fought hard to remain uptight, but he couldn't resist the words leaping off the tip of his tongue.

"You look incredible," he said.

Katara blushed. Apparently his compliment flattered her. She reached out her hand and gently took his, giving a pleasant smile.

"Come on your highness," she said encouragingly. "You have a party to attend."

With the final word spoken, Zuko and his beloved date closed the door behind them, to make their way for a party they so anxiously awaited.

Well, you read it right. I am splitting this chapter into two parts. You'll have to wait for the next part to come, which should arrive around next week. Unless school interferes with my writing, and I must postpone the submission for another date. Until then, I hope the suspense isn't killing you, I have a feeling it might be. Hope you enjoyed part 1, because part 2 will uncover a "shocking revelation,"

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