Ch.13 The Search for Suki pt.3
"What do you mean Toph's been taken?" Zuko demanded. Iroh and Mai helped Sokka to his feet. "The council wanted to see Aang, so we got separated," Sokka explained wearily. Katara placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I noticed one of Toph's wanted posters, and we ended up getting noticed by the guards. We ran, but they brought earth benders, and Toph threw me out of the fight." There was a knock at the door. "I'll see who that is," Iroh said. As soon as Iroh left, a few guards could be heard demanding to search his shop. "What are you looking for, gentlemen?" Iroh asked. Their voices were slowly getting closer to the room where the others were hiding in.
"We're looking for a Water Tribe boy," the lead guard announced. "He was seen helping Toph Bei Fong evade capture." Iroh shook his head. "I don't think he's here," he said. Zuko could tell he was stalling them. Thinking quickly, he grabbed Sokka and shoved him in a closet. "Keep quiet," he ordered as he shut the door. As he locked it, the door to the room was thrown open. "Firelord Zuko," one of the guards said in surprise. "Of course you are aware that Firelord Zuko is my nephew," Iroh interjected. The head guard nodded. "Of course," he said. He had recieved instructions to bring the Firelord before the council. "With all due respect, Firelord Zuko, you have to come with me."
"On whose authority?" Katara spoke up. She realized she wouldn't be recognized in her Painted Lady face paint. "That is not your business, peasant," the guard replied. Mai grasped one of her daggers hidden in her sleeve. "You will not speak to my servant that way again," she said in a forceful tone. Katara began to look confused, but Mai sent her a look that said "Play along." Zuko made his decision. "You will tell the council I will see them later, and you will remove yourselves from my uncle's tea shop," he ordered. In emphasis of his point, his fists became encircled in fire. The threat was clear. "Yes, of course, Firelord Zuko. My apologies." The guard gestured to his men, and left the shop.
As soon as they left, Sokka opened the closet door and stumbled out. It was clear he was still feeling the effects of Toph throwing him out of the fight earlier. "That was close," he said as he fell forward. Katara and Zuko were quick to catch him. Katara laid him on the bed, and examined his head. There was a large cut, probably caused when he hit the ground. She pulled her water pouch. "I'm fine," he said weakly. No one was convinced. "Shut up and let me do this," Katara ordered. She drew some water, and it glowed light blue. She placed her hands on his wound, and after a brief moment, it disappeared. "Does that feel better?" she asked. Sokka nodded. "Much better," he answered.
Aang looked around nervously. "What are you waiting for, Avatar Aang?" one of the council members asked impatiently. He sent Toph a knowing look. Finally, the male representative of the Fire Nation bellowed, "Strip Miss Bei Fong of her bending, young Avatar. Or shall we prepare the ritual to strip your Avatar status?" A thousand scenarios raced through his head, all at once. None of them ended well. "You don't have to do this, Aang," Toph pleaded. "We can break out of here easily." If she weren't shackled and heavily guarded, Aang would certainly agree. There was no choice. He summoned the strength to look Toph in the eyes. "I'm so sorry," he whispered.
He placed his hands on her the same way he had Ozai, that year ago. His blue light shot side by side with her green. In a few moments, his light enveloped her's completely. It was done, and Aang was not happy about it. "Are you happy now?" he demanded of the council, gritting his teeth. "Release her," the Fire Nation representative ordered. The guards hesitantly obeyed, fearful of her abilities. "Go ahead, Miss Bei Fong," he challenged. Toph focused all her energy into turning the stone floor into the largest boulder possible, with which she intended to throw directly at the entire council. To her chagrin, however, the ground beneath her feet didn't budge.
She couldn't even use her earthsight ability. She was truly blind. "Now that you are powerless," the male council member from the Fire Nation began, "guards, escort Miss Bei Fong to the prison ships," he ordered. Knowing there was no way for her to resist, they reshackled her hands, and began to lead her out of the room. "Enjoy your time in Boiling Rock," he sneered. The guards led her out, and she struggled against their iron-like hold.
As night fell on Ba Sing Se, Katara stepped outside to get some fresh air. She could think of nothing but Toph. She wanted to storm the Council Building and free her, but Zuko, Sokka and Iroh managed to talk her out of it. "We have to wait for Aang," Zuko had said. Katara realized that was true. Even without him, the building was simply too fortified. She was not in her Painted Lady garb. As she stared at the night sky, she heard Sokka come out to stand beside her.
"Are you thinking about Toph too?" he asked. Katara nodded. "I haven't been able to stop thinking about her," she admitted. Sokka seemed like he wasn't paying attention. He saw a vaugely familiar shadow. "Katara look," he whispered. As she followed his gaze, she had the same feeling. "Long Feng," she whispered. "Let's follow him," Sokka said, and moved to follow him. Katara grabbed him. "Wait till he turns his back," she advised.
As he did, the pair silently followed him. Wherever he was going, Suki was sure to be there. They were not as stealthy as they thought, however. As he traveled, his face wore a gleeful smile. He turned a corner, and whispered, "I'm being followed. Do something about it." He continued, not even glancing back to see the three Dai Li agents that sprung out of hiding. As his pursuers rounded the corner, a stone fist shot out of nowhere.
"It's the Dai Li!" Sokka exclaimed. He threw his boomerang, barely missing one. It was hard to see their opponents in the darkness. Katara shot shards of ice in all directions. The sound of ice shattering on rock told her that her targets had blocked it. She barely avoided two fists that were shot her way in return. "Sokka, keep following Long Feng," she ordered. If they lost him, this would all be for nothing. "No way," he replied, drawing his sword. "I'm not leaving you!"
As much as he wanted to find Suki, he wasn't going to abandon his sister to certain defeat and possible capture in the process. He saw this as his chance to make up for his failure in defending Toph, and he wasn't going to screw it up. Katara's thoughts were exactly the opposite. "Sokka, this isn't up for debate! Just go!" she yelled. The clouds began to part, and the full moon began showering the area in the glory of its light. An advantage, Katara realized.
"Dammit Sokka, just go! I'll catch up!" she yelled. He looked at her once more before turning in the direction Long Feng was heading. He was sure she'd be captured. Three Dai Li agents versus one water bender was crazy, even if it was a master water bender. But in his heart, he knew that Katara was right. If they were going to find Suki, this was their only chance. He caught up with his quarry just as Long Feng ducked into a secret passage.
Sokka managed to slide through just as the heavy stone door closed. It was clearly controlled by earth bending. The point of no return had been passed. "If you want to see her that bad, follow me," Long Feng said, as though he was not surprised. Sokka hesitantly followed him down a set of spiral stairs, his hand clutching his sword as he did so. In the darkness he could barely see, but Long Feng seemed to have no trouble navigating.
Finally they came to a circular room. Sokka could hardly believe what he saw. In the center stood Suki, in full Kyoshi Warrior uniform. "Suki!" he called. She said nothing in return. As he rushed to her, he stopped just short. There was something wrong. She seemed to stare blankly ahead, like she didn't recognize her surroundings or who was in front of her. Long Feng sat on a throne like chair outside the circle. He smiled, and said one simple sentence:"The Earth King invites you to serve him." Sokka stared in disbelief. "I am the Earth King's loyal servant," Suki replied in an expressionless voice. "No," Sokka said, his voice breaking.
Without warning, Suki threw a hidden dagger at him. It grazed his shoulder, leaving a thin trail of blood as it passed. She drew her fans, and attacked.