Disclaimer: We don't own Avatar. We're not making any money from writing this.
I hope it's obvious how much I like Ty Lee. She's so much fun to work with, and I hope this is a worthwhile appearance for her.
We're actually almost through to the end.
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Chapter 35: Allies in the Dark
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"I need to see the Fire Lord," Hachiro said to the tall, suspicious looking woman at the door to the guest suite occupied by the Fire Lord. "It's really important."
"It always is," said the woman, shrugging and leaning against the door. "What makes you so important?"
Hachiro scowled at the woman, irritated at being blocked by yet another conflict. "Who wants to know?"
"Topekaia of the Fire Nation colonies. Personal handmaiden, bodyguard and friend to the Fire Lady. She wants to know," the woman retorted.
"Well, then, Topekaia... if you are a friend of the fire nation and the Fire Lord you will let me pass." Hachiro moved to brush her aside.
Topekaia didn't budge. "Don't push it."
Hachiro, surprised at her reaction, stepped back. "Why are you doing this anyhow?"
"Would you be surprised if I told you how many petty and rather selfish people have wheedled their way behind these doors today? Currently, the Fire Lord is very busy and would prefer not to be disturbed."
Throwing his hands up in the air, Hachiro moved away and then swung back, striding towards Topekaia until he was almost nose to nose with her. "You don't understand! I have vital information about a M-Lin who is working with me in a certain earth kingdom nobles home. It's important."
Topekaia stepped towards him menacingly. "If you're lying..."
Hachiro felt as though he could scream. "What is wrong with you people? Why would I lie? I just want to talk to the Fire Lord!"
"What do you know about Lin?" Topekaia interrogated the man before her.
There had been quite a few people claiming to have information about Lin that day as well, but they had, in the end, only hoped for some cash in return for sending Zuko on a wild goose chase.
Or rather, they'd sent Toph, Suki and Sokka on wild goose chases.
Aang and Katara had taken Appa on a flying tour of the city and were making stops to visit the various lords and ladies who had heard they were in the city and wished to be in the Avatar's good graces.
Sura was spending much of her time with Kesuk, who had reluctantly agreed to help her sift through possible jobs Lin would have applied for.
"I know she is actually Fire Lady Mai and that she is emotionally out of balance and that she obeys orders always."
"That's what the last people said." Topekaia hissed, digging the heel of her shoe into Hachiro's toe. "What are you? Is this some kind of scam?"
His eyes squinted slightly in pain, Hachiro replied: "I wouldn't normally do this, but in your case I will make an exception." Without hesitation, Hachiro pushed Topekaia away from him and off of his foot as soon as she was off of him, he followed the attack with a fire ball aimed just to the side of her head so it would not actually hurt her.
Topekaia broke the attack, to his shock, with a simple arm block, and then dropped into a fighting stance. "I would suggest you leaving now," she said calmly.
Hachiro shook his head in bewilderment and confusion, also dropping into a fighting stance. "You just don't get it! All I want to do is see Fire Lord Zuko!"
Suddenly Topekaia straightened up. "So did your comrades."
Hachiro felt himself sink into the floor up to his ankles. "What?" He looked at Topekaia in sheer exasperation. "You're an earthbender?"
"She's not. I am." Hachiro turned to a little girl dressed in earthbender attire, standing to Topekaia's left. "He giving you trouble?" she asked, cocking her head in Topekaia's direction, arms folded. She looked much tougher than would be usual for a girl her age.
"Quite a lot, Toph, though you know I can handle it."
Hachiro fumed, and was preparing to start a full out battle, just so he could get a chance to talk to Fire Lord Zuko when he found himself completely encased in earth from neck downward.
"Agni!" he shouted. "What is wrong with you people?"
Topekaia walked up to him and smiled coyly down at him. "Tell your friends not to try another scam or they will be sorry."
Hachiro was about to reply that he didn't know what she was talking about when Topekaia cut him off again. "Toph, could you escort him out."
"No problem." A smile appeared on the little earthbender's face that sent shivers down Hachiro's spine.
He was suddenly very afraid of what this Toph might do to him.
The girl strode over to him and grabbed him by the hair.
She then yanked him out of the ground. "Walk," she said.
Hachiro started walking. "I'm walking, I'm walking, all right? Cool it!"
Toph nodded, feeling his feet slam into the ground as he walked away. "And don't come back!" she called for good measure.
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Hachiro stormed in to Mai's bed chamber that evening and immediately began pacing. He opened his mouth a few times, but found his words were falling hopelessly over themselves. "Your friends are... are... are...well, they just are plain stupid! I go in to talk to the Fire Lord and this Kaia-something is going on about how he is busy and cannot be disturbed. Then when I insist on talking to him, she accuses me of being involved in some kind of scam, steps on my toe, which still hurts by the way and then, this tiny earthbender bends me into the floor! Why? All because I asked to see the Fire Lord!" He stopped and ran his hands through his hair. "How am I supposed to help you if your very own friends won't help me? Answer that, why don't you! I mean, Agni, all I did was ask to see the Fire Lord!"
"I could do it myself," Mai said with a shrug. "It'd just take longer. If you really want me to I'll do it myself. I understand your frustration, and I appreciate your help."
Hachiro sighed wearily and sat down on the edge of Mai's bed. "I know, I know, I just really needed to blow off steam." He looked up at Mai. "Anyway, you know you can't do this yourself. Lin won't go and you aren't physically able."
"Let me make this easier on you." Mai turned to the writing desk. "If I write a personal letter, they'll have to let you deliver it. When you do, you can lead them back here. Does that work?" Mai smiled drowsily, not sure whether she actually looked happy.
Hachiro nodded. "I think the best thing we can do is try getting the letter to Fire Lord Zuko." He stood. "I can't promise anything, but I'll try that. We'll see how it goes." He walked over to the door and then turned. "I guess this is goodnight then?"
"Yeah," Mai turned to the desk and then back to Hachiro. "It'll be easier to write when you leave. See you in the morning…" Mai rolled her eyes. "Good night," she drawled. "Come get this before Lin notices it, please. I doubt she'll let you take it."
When Hachiro was gone, Mai turned back to the paper. "Zuko needs this," she reminded herself.
Dear Zuko,
I miss you, too. I hear what you say to Lin, but never can reply. I know this running away thing was inconvenient to say the least. It's probably by some sick joke that I can do all this moving and thinking only when I'm away from you. It has been both horrible and acceptable here. Hachiro is a good spy and a better friend. Pay him nicely, please. Lin is as crazy as ever. If I could shut her up, I would. She keeps saying annoying things like: "Of course mistress, will there be anything else?" and "I'll stay here forever!" But I digress. Knowing you, around this time, you'd like to hear about romantic things. Very well, I'll oblige. Even Lin misses seeing you, even though all those ear-grating repetitions of "Time to work, Lin!" have wiped her mind clear of your identity. Yesterday, she even imagined seeing you and ran after "you" like a crazy woman. That was before she forgot who you were. It's quite a torturous thought process to repeat. I, for one, miss actively being your wife. When this is over—and it will be over—expect me to jump you. The day Lin pulled her little stunt, she noticed Junior. The wimp nearly fell over. Now, you know me and complaining, but I'll be brief: stop letting Lin catch on! I mean, for as long as possible. She labeled the little one "the intruder." Now, after a poking contest, one tends to feel acquainted with one's offspring, but please: think of something! She gets so paranoid! Sura's absence (explanation, please?) was only half the reason she bolted. So far, she's managed to forget, but I won't hold my breath. After all, that would make me a bad mom. I'm probably making you uncomfortable. Whatever, get used to it. I'm getting tired again, so I'll stop writing.
Remember that whatever nonsense comes out of my mouth, I still love you. Always have, always will. So there.
Mai.
She read through the letter again, made sure it was correct, and then rolled it up.
She shambled over to the door and dropped the note there.
Then she turned and threw herself onto the bed. "Sleep… now…" she ordered herself half-heartedly. "Guess it doesn't work when I'm me…" she muttered.
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Lin woke up late, and tried to hurry herself out of bed.
It just didn't work.
It appeared that there was something wrong with her stomach.
Lin rubbed her eyes, dreading any sort of checkup on herself.
She didn't know why, but something told her she really didn't want to know.
So she rolled out of bed, falling to the ground as the door opened.
"Lin! Are you all right?" Hachiro ran into the room, hauling her to her feet.
Lin's legs were shaky under her. "Mm… hungry…" she muttered.
"Let's get you breakfast, then." Hachiro led Lin out of the room. "You got up late," he said.
"Whatever," Lin sighed.
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The Ty Lee who arrived from Kyoshi Island was not the same Ty Lee who had left the Fire Nation months earlier.
This Ty Lee was grim and threateningly silent, and as she was met at the docks by Suki, Sokka and Katara, she barely spared them a glance.
"Tell me anything new you've learned," she said.
"Nothing. Asking around among nobles and just plain rich people hasn't done us any good," Suki said.
Ty Lee glared at the city around her. "Last time we were here, Mai and I were helping conquer this city. I… thought we were untouchable."
"Nobody's untouchable," Katara said.
"I know," Ty Lee said, not looking at Katara.
"What's happened to you, Ty Lee?" Sokka asked. "You used to be more… fun."
Ty Lee stopped walking midstep. "It could possibly have something to do with my best friend losing her memory and being replaced with a less… Mai-like version of herself. Maybe it's related to the fact that I was called here to help save her life? Gee… I don't think it could be related to any of those factors!"
"Sorry I asked," Sokka said wearily. "We're all stressed over this, mostly because Zuko won't let anyone breathe unless we're thinking about Mai."
Ty Lee shook her head. "Same old Zuko. If it isn't one thing, it's another."
"What do you think we should do in order to find Mai?" Suki asked.
Ty Lee folded her arms. "Hide and Seek was always Mai's favorite game. I hid with her a few times, and whenever someone… Okay, whenever Azula found us, she'd scream. She's scream if I found her, too, so it wasn't just fear of Azula."
"What does that mean?" Sokka asked.
"She's good at hiding, and she's afraid of being found. Even if eventually she wants to be found, she's always afraid. For what reason, I don't know, but it's… something about her. Or who she used to be… I don't know what to call it. Anyway, she'd always go somewhere she thought would be out of sight, reach or the places we'd expect her to hide. You may be searching all the right corners, but you are probably doing it wrong. And that's why you have me."
"What are you going to do?"
"Tell Zuko I've arrived, but don't expect me back at the palace all day. Sokka, you're taking my stuff." She dropped the bag she'd slung over her shoulders and pointed down at it.
The look she gave him was enough to convince Sokka to pick up the bag to carry it back to the palace.
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Mai felt along the wall, hoping she was going the right way.
Her eyes stared blindly ahead.
She silently counted her footsteps, the monotonous activity keeping her mind quiet.
Her hand found the door to Lord Zhi's office.
She used her body weight to shove the door open.
The green of Earth Kingdom fire stung her eyes.
"Pleasure to meet you, Fire Lady Mai," Zhi said. He was seated calmly at his desk, hands folded.
Mai's eyes widened to capacity. "You know who I am."
Why hadn't he told Zuko?
Surely someone in his position, if he'd known long enough, would have gotten an audience.
Mai took a step backward, away from this man. "Why?" That one questioning word begged to know more than this man alone could explain or answer for.
"Your beloved Fire Lord dropped by mere days ago." Zhi rose from behind his desk. "The poor, pathetic little boy is obviously falling apart without you." Zhi rolled his eyes. coming closer to Mai. "How he managed to leave you behind at all, I can't fathom."
Mai ground her teeth together, circling away from Zhi.
She looked at his desk, remembering her knives had been there before.
"Do you agree, then? I thought so," he followed.
"You don't know what you're talking about." Mai didn't spare Zhi a look. She began rifling through his drawers. With each empty drawer, her eyes widened and her brows rose, her breath quickening.
"Ah, yes. Your arsenal. Are you sure of your aim in such a state as you happen to be in?" Zhi stood close enough for Mai to hear his breathing and feel his body heat.
The muscles of Mai's back tensed. "If I miss your clothes, it won't have been an accident."
Zhi chuckled. "That's fine. Let's play a game, shall we?" Zhi ran a hand over Mai's shoulders.
Mai knew she couldn't spare a movement to bat him away.
She kept searching, teeth digging into her lip.
"You keep looking for your cute little toys, meanwhile I will try to guess your trigger phrase. If you win, you can pin me to the wall. Shirt, pants, hair, skin, no holds barred."
Mai continued to search a few trunks.
"If I win, Lin Qiang," Zhi paused to watch Mai shudder, "well... I assume you know what will happen."
Mai slammed the lid of a trunk down a bit too forcefully.
She moved to another.
"Is the game on?" In mere steps, Zhi was able to ensnare Mai's shoulder with his hand. "Or will Lin Qiang wake up to find herself mysteriously locked in a closet waiting to be taken... home... forever?"
But she'd finally gotten her memories back!
At least temporarily!
She'd achieved mobility as herself, too!
If she could get back to Zuko like this and actually talk to him...
"I'm waiting," Zhi's hot breath hit Mai's neck.
Mai's shoulder made a soft crunching sound under Zhi's fingers.
Mai did not allow her gasp to escape. She had only this chance to be free. He could control her if given a victory. A popping sound came from her shoulder. Her world was outlined in red. That could wake Lin up! She had no more time. "I'll play!" she rasped.
Ironic that her shoulder hurt more without Zhi's hand putting pressure on it.
Her breathing remained steady. "Let's start now."
"Very well." Zhi put his folded hands behind his back, took steps out of Mai's way, and bowed his head slightly.
Mai began searching shelves, unwrapping parcels, and searching for false wall panels.
"Blue Jade."
Mai ignored him.
"Dark blue jade."
Mai's back remained towards him.
"You have been invited to Lake Laogai."
Mai huffed.
"Oh, no, of course not. Far too outdated."
No reply.
"Tell me, have you been refreshed this week?"
Mai raised an eyebrow.
Of course she'd eaten.
"Has your treatment been refreshed?"
"None of your business."
"If you're not going to play fair, I won't, either."
The wall Mai stood in front of grew hands, and began to reach for her.
"Yes, it has."
"A common phrase applied to servants."
Mai discovered a new package and hurriedly tore through it.
"Oh, I know!"
At the same moment, Hachiro's voice asked if Mai were in the room, and Mai felt a familiar blade under her fingertips.
"Lin Qiang."
Mai wrenched her knife free.
"It's time—"
Mai rose quickly, though it made her dizzy and her abdominal muscles weren't helping.
"—to work."
Hachiro threw open the door in time to see Lord Zhi's arm pierced by Mai's knife.
Just as Mai's head bowed, her body swayed, and she slowly crumpled in a sleeping heap.
"Mai!" Hachiro was more surprised than worried.
From what he knew, Mai was tough.
What had just happened to her, then?
"What are you doing here?" Zhi asked, a hand clamped over his bleeding wound.
"My... she's my friend..." Hachiro stepped closer to Mai, looking her over carefully.
"Oh, her." Zhi took a few steps over to her and nudged her head with his foot. "She isn't your prob—" Zhi's eyes snapped to Hachiro's. "You know her." He stepped slowly towards Hachiro. "For how long?"
Hachiro gulped. "I met her the first night she was here. She said her name was Mai. Isn't that right?"
Zhi cocked his head at Hachiro. He then went to his desk and slid open a drawer. "In the night, it is. She suffers from delirium—"
Would he really tell the truth?
"—at night."
Of course not.
"She believes she is Fire Lady Mai. As you can see," Zhi nodded to the arm he was bandaging, "her knife throwing demonstration failed. At least her delirium ended quickly enough to allow her some sleep!" Zhi laughed the laugh of a kind, open man.
It made Hachiro sick.
"You can go to bed. I'll call someone to take Lin to her room."
Hachiro smiled. "I'll do it! I'm already here, after all." He could get the Fire Lady away from this madman! He'd have to be delicate, though.
"It's no trouble." Even so, Zhi's face was troubled.
"Exactly! It's my honor to serve my master and my poor, sick friend. Why waste time calling someone else in? You need rest! Remember the Avatar is coming tomorrow!"
Zhi's smile dampened. "Of course. I had forgotten."
"I know where she sleeps." Hachiro kept his movements loose and confident. "See you!" Hachiro scooped the Fire Lady's limp form into his arms. He then strode from the room.
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Dark alleys, corner shops, and private mansions.
Ty Lee had explored them all during the day and evening.
If anything were certain, Ba Sing Se liked to hide secrets as must as Mai… Lin… liked to remain hidden.
This was not exactly the Palace, where Mai could be found up a tree or inside an oversized storage chest.
However, it was not impossible to dig up information, especially not for an acrobatic chi-blocker.
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Lin settled behind the decorative screen.
She felt safe there.
Even though the other girls looked at her poisonously, Lin felt like she was home.
Two of her fellow musicians appeared, their arms hanging limply at their sides.
"Girls! What are you doing?" asked the director.
"A girl caught us on the street…" said one, a flutist.
"She seemed like so much fun… Perky, great fashion sense… and then when she asked us for a funny story and we mentioned…"
Their eyes fell on Lin.
"She paralyzed our arms! We can't play!"
The director frowned deeply. "Go and visit the doctors in the infirmary. Honestly, I can't fathom how you find such problems for yourselves!"
The two musicians with limp arms walked back out of the dining room.
"What are you staring at?" the director snapped at Lin. "You have to pick up their slack!"
This was no trouble for Lin.
A smile spread across her face, and she closed her eyes, her fingers finding their places on the strings.
As she played, she poured all her contentment into the song. This simple life was well suited to her.
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Even though Ty Lee had assured Katara and Aang before they returned to the palace from their second round of flight tours that she knew where Mai could be found, Katara could not relax.
There had been enough false reports of Mai having been found that she was leery of even Ty Lee's assurance.
She was… somewhere in the shadows.
Where, she did not know, but she knew that if there were any trouble, Ty Lee would leap out and…
Even though they were allies now, Ty Lee's chi-blocking still sent chills through her.
"Are you all right, Katara?" Aang asked, a hand on her arm.
"I just feel like we're wasting our time here. We should be out searching."
"Ty Lee is probably right. And you have to know how hard it must be for her to go along with this stealth plan."
"Pardon me," said a servant very close to Katara.
Aang and Katara jumped.
"…Yes?" Aang replied.
"I've been trying to talk to you all week! I know—"
"Hachiro, what are you doing? You're needed in the kitchen," Zhi said smoothly.
Hachiro nodded promptly, whispering to Katara, "I have some information that you will find helpful," as he departed.
Katara rose halfway out of her seat. "Wait, he was going to say something!"
"Pay no heed, Miss Katara. He is merely trying to get you to pay attention to him. Lowly servants always want attention."
Katara frowned at this statement, but lowered herself again, deciding to wait for him to come back.
Hachiro slunk to the table behind another servant, Chim. "Chim, you take the Avatar and the waterbender, I'll take Zhi and the lady."
Chim nodded, "Sure."
"Just be sure to give the Avatar this note," Hachiro passed Chim a slip of paper.
"Fan mail?" Chim asked with a smirk.
"No. High priority."
Chim cocked his head at Hachiro. They weren't too well acquainted, but Chim had often seen Hachiro with this same serious, distant face. He nodded and hurried over to the Avatar. Hachiro's discreetly accompanied Aang's food.
"Here is your food, sir," Hachiro placed Zhi's food in front of him carefully, his eyes on the Avatar.
Aang discovered a piece of paper under one of his dumplings. He examined it between two fingers, and stashed it away in his robes, acting like nothing had happened.
Hachiro clenched his jaw, as he watched the Avatar glance nonchalantly at his note. That wasn't going to work. His eyes shifted to that of the water-bender. Perhaps she would prove more observant.
"Delivered your fan note to the Avatar," Chim said as Hachiro rejoined him in the kitchen. "Say thank you."
"I'm gussing that means you didn't tell him it was high priority," Hachiro snarled at Chim.
Chim put up his hands. "Whoa, whoa! You wanted me to talk to the Avatar? I thought you wanted to be discreet! Sheesh, there's no need to act like a Firebender!"
"Never mind, Chim, I'll handle it. When's the next course?"
"Fifteen minutes or so, I think." Chim began to relax, though he watched Hachiro warily.
Hachiro slid a plate to Katara, removing the one from last course. "This is for you, Madam," he said, "it's high priority, but don't call any attention to yourself this time or I won't be able to help you,"he whispered in her ear.
Katara stared at Hachiro. "What's for me?"
Hachiro shook his head. "I'm sorry, Madam, I'm not sure what you're talking about," he said as he walked away.
Katara looked down at her food again, and saw a note. She read it quickly, pretending to be preoccupied in thought. It said:
"I am a Fire nation spy working for the new order. The Fire Lady is being held here and will be one of the soloist performers tonight. I will do what I can to assist you both, in making sure she returns to the palace."
Katara's gasp caught the attention of everyone at the table.
"What's wrong, Katara?" Aang asked.
Katara's cheeks filled up with red. "Nothing. I just realized something." She waved Aang off, watching Zhi carefully through periphery vision. Mai was being held here? That implied Zhi knew who she was! Katara's jaw trembled. She had half a mind to freeze that man to his seat.
"Do you feel like telling me what it is, Katara?" Aang whispered.
"Mai…" Katara's eyes darted around the room, looking at each face.
Aang's eyes followed Hachiro.
"We have to get him to give us more information." He, too, shot covert glances at Zhi.
"Excuse me, Miss Katara," Tai Mu said. "Did you hear me?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, Tai Mu," Katara returned to normal, "what was that again?"
"What do you think of the music?" Tai Mu asked excitedly. "I hired a new musician. Her name is Jade."
"She plays very sad music, but as if it were… good to be sad… it's rather confusing…" Katara shot these comments off the top of her head, hoping they sounded as if she'd mulled them over for a few minutes.
Tai Mu nodded. "Jade tends toward the melancholy. It could be why the other girls don't like her." Tai Mu sighed and shook her head. "I don't personally understand. She's such a sweet little thing."
Katara frowned toward the musicians' screen. This was a good clue. "When did Jade get here?"
"Oh, maybe a week or so." Tai Mu was beginning to relax in the face of more familiar topics. It had taken longer than normal in the presence of the Avatar.
Katara and Aang looked at each other in shock. "A week!" they repeated.
"That's right! And I know a secret about her!"
"What is it?" Katara asked.
"Jade is her stage name! But she told me her real name!" Tai Mu said proudly.
"And?" Katara prodded, leaning forward.
"Well, it's a secret if she doesn't want anyone to tell!" Tai Mu said innocently.
"Avatar Aang! May I introduce to you Lin Qiang?" Hachiro drew aside the screen revealing a stunned Lin mid-note.
Aang and Katara grinned. "Mai!" they shouted.
Lin stared at them. "What?" she asked.
"Lin!" Katara gave Lin a hug when she reached her. "We missed you!"
"Huh?" Lin asked, laying her Erhu aside.
Aang used airbending to reach Katara and Lin more quickly. "We really did miss you," he said seriously.
Lin frowned in confusion.
"Lin, get back to work!" the director called.
Lin nodded, deeply bowing her head. She picked up her Erhu again.
"Mai—Lin!" Katara scolded. "You're coming back home with us!" Katara grabbed Lin's playing hand. "No more of that!"
Lin cringed, looking from Katara to the director. "But… she told me to…"
"You don't work here anymore," Aang said firmly.
Lin looked at Aang in horror. "Hachiro!" she cried.
Aang and Katara were taken aback. "Hachiro?" they repeated.
Hachiro came running. "Yes, Lin? Going home? That's great!" he smiled. "See you there!" He waved, hoping Lin would allow herself to be taken now, and he could visit in the morning.
"What are you all talking about?" Lin asked, her breathing starting to hitch.
"You're coming with us," Katara said.
"What do you mean about her home?" asked Tai Mu, standing for a better view.
"This is Fire Lady Mai," Aang declared.
Tai Mu put a hand over her gasping mouth.
The director and the other musicians who'd spent so much time with Mai unknowingly felt rather stupid at this revelation.
They may have noticed something if they'd actually been looking.
"How is that possible?" Tai Mu asked.
"She's been brainwashed," Aang explained.
"Who are you?" Lin asked Katara.
Katara rolled her eyes. "Oh, stop that Lin! We're bringing you back to Zuko. You've practically killed him with this stunt!" Katara studied Lin disapprovingly for a moment. "You know, Zuko has lost sleep over this. It was a selfish thing to run away."
"What are you talking about? And who's Zuko?"
Hachiro shook his head. "She has been repeatedly brainwashed since she got here. She doesn't remember anything until around one in the morning."
Katara bit her lip, looking from Hachiro to Lin. "Oh, I'm sorry, Lin!"
"Are you feeling okay?" Aang asked.
"I…" Lin leaned away from Aang and Katara. "Sure… just.. confused… and… scared… and… can I just get back to work, please?"
Hachiro sighed, his arms falling limply at his sides. "Lin, would it make things easier if I went with you?"
"Yes!" Lin focused on her friend, Aang and Katara getting blurry in her periphery. As long as there was one person she could trust, she didn't have to be afraid.
Aang and Katara exchanged glances.
"Hold on a moment," Zhi rose from his chair. "Can you prove that's the Fire Lady? I don't want you taking my servant away."
"Your servant!" Katara's voice went shrill.
Aang put a hand on Katara's arm. "He has no idea, Katara. He just needs to be shown."
"Alright you low-life slum of the earth. I have only got one question for you: What proof do we need she is the fire lady, she looks like the Fire Lady for Agni's sake! You knew all along and you're connected with the Order and I have proof, but since you need to be shown—" Hachiro slammed a packet of various papers onto the table. "Here it is. I suggest you come with us, sir," he sneered.
Lin fell out of her chair, staring at Hachiro as if she'd never seen him before. "Ha—Hachiro?" she stuttered, staring at him as he went into his rage.
Hachiro helped Lin up off of the floor, "Come on, Lin, let's go." Looking to Katara and Aang, he said: "Someone has to hold him, he's coming with us."
"Hachiro? Why were you so mad? I don't understand!" Lin cried.
"Don't worry about anything, Lin. They were trying to hurt you but now you'll be fine. You are going somewhere you'll be safe again," Hachiro patted Lin's hand awkwardly, his voice gentle.
"But… Lady Tai Mu was so nice to me!" Lin stared at her mistress.
"If you're the Fire Lady…" Tai Mu contemplated, staring at her fingernails, "we'll be friends later."
Lin's mouth dropped open. "But I'm… I'm not the Fire Lady!" she began to cry.
Hachiro gently pushed Lin along. "Let's go, Lin."
"Okay," Lin sobbed.
"You think I'm going down without a fight?" Zhi asked.
"It's you against the Avatar, a master waterbender, and a firebending spy," Hachiro said.
"Still, I'd be without honor if I—ah!"
Zhi fell limply to the floor, arms and legs paralyzed.
Ty Lee stood behind him, hands on hips and a wicked catlike grin on her face. "You heard the man. You're coming with us."
The dinner guests, all staring mouths agape at the view before them, at once broke into applause.
Blushing, Aang and Katara led the others away.
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"Are these chains really necessary?" Zuko asked his friends.
"I think so," Topekaia said, sharing a victorious stance with Sura. "They keep you from running off to your paperwork again!"
"The longer I sit here, the longer it'll be until we get Mai back!"
Everyone shook their heads.
"Zuko, what will you be like when we find her? Will you go crazy and run at her?" Sura scrutinized Zuko, hands on her hips.
"Probably," Zuko muttered.
"Then you'll scare her silly! You need to calm down," Sura said, and sat neatly at a Pai Sho table and began playing with Sokka.
Zuko stared at the chains. Maybe he could unlock them somehow?
Who had the keys?
He was sure it was either Topekaia or Sokka.
Although, Sura could be hiding it in her cape… shawl… thing… huh…
What was that thing Sura wore?
It was worn like a shawl, but it was made like a cape…
Mai would know.
She'd laugh at him for even wondering!
But he was just so… bored.
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"This is the place," Aang said, laughing nervously. "I think Zuko is going to be really excited."
Katara huffed. "That's an understatement. I think he's going to be crazy!"
Lin clung to Hachiro's sleeve. "Who are they talking about?" she whispered.
"The Fire Lord," Hachiro whispered back.
"Why are they making me meet the Fire Lord?"
"Because you're the Fire Lady, and the Fire Lord misses you."
Lin pressed her face into Hachiro's shoulder. "But Hachiro, I'm not—"
Ty Lee glared ahead, arms folded.
She was supposed to be Mai's best friend.
She was supposed to be confided in.
At least she still had a chance to earn her place back.
"We're back!" Aang announced as he walked into the room.
"Hi, Aang," Sokka said. "How was the food?"
"It was good!"
Katara nudged Aang.
"Oh, yeah, and we brought something back!"
Sokka leapt up from the Pai Sho table, running up to Aang and Katara. "Is it meat? Did you bring me back fancy meat?"
Aang shook his head.
"Where's Zuko?" Katara asked. "He'll want to see this!"
"Fell asleep about fifteen minutes ago," Toph announced. "I think we bored him." She would have laughed, but a shadow passed across her face.
"Wake him up so everyone can stop being depressed!" Aang said.
Katara didn't wait, locating Zuko and marching up to him. As soon as Zuko was within reach of her Katara tugged on his hair. "Wake up!" she called.
Zuko's eyes flew open. "What is it, Katara?" he snapped, shifting in his chains.
"Aang, go get them!" Katara said, her eyes glinting.
Aang ran into the hallway. "Bring her in," he said to Hachiro and Ty Lee.
"Come on, Lin, time to see all your friends!" Hachiro simply walked forward, knowing Lin wouldn't be relinquishing her grip on his sleeve.
"My… f-friends?" One silver eye opened to stare at him.
"Your f-friends." Hachiro chuckled quietly, and turned back to the room full of impatient heroes.
"Mai!" Zuko cried, struggling against his chains with all his might.
"Agni be praised!" Topekaia leapt up and ran at Lin.
Sura did the same, though she didn't scream anything.
Lin, on the other hand, did scream. "Hachiro! What are they doing? Don't let them near me, please!"
Hachiro sighed. "I'm sorry, everyone. We'll just be a moment." He tugged Lin back into the hallway, though her legs seemed to be made of stone.
"Let me out of here!" Zuko demanded, watching Mai disappear again. "She's getting away!"
"I'll bring her back, Fire Lord!" Hachiro called over his shoulder.
Zuko blinked. Lin was clinging to a man this time. At least Sura was a woman!
"Uh… Zuko… are you going to be okay?" Sokka asked.
"No, he's gonna blow!" Toph shouted as she ran behind Zuko, metalbending his chains a fraction tighter.
Ty Lee cartwheeled across the room, stopping in front of Zuko. "Zuzu!" she said sharply, "Do I need to chi-block you?"
Zuko's shoulders rose up near his ears. "No. Please don't."
Ty Lee sighed. "At least I'm useful somehow. Hachiro's been doing all the work."
"None of them are going to hurt you," Hachiro said.
"Are you sure about that, Hachiro?" Lin asked.
"Yes, I'm absolutely sure they're all perfectly harmless."
The room turned orange, and Fire Lord Zuko's enraged yell echoed through it.
Lin screamed and hid behind Hachiro. "Get me out of here!"
"Lin… really, it's all right…"
Water flowed into the hall, Sura and Katara's scolding coming in short bursts.
"Zuko, you idiot!" Katara yelled.
"You'll burn the room down!" Sura said.
"You could've hurt someone!"
"How are you supposed to make Lin feel more comfortable here if you do that?"
Zuko yelled something about a man stealing Mai.
"Who's he talking about?" Lin asked.
"I don't know, probably Lord Zhi." Hachiro shrugged. "You want to go in there now?"
"Oh, sweet badgermoles, he's loose!" Toph's announcement was quickly followed by the sounds of earthbending.
"Can we please just escape?" Lin tugged on Hachiro's hand.
"This is where you belong, Lin. Your husband is just excited to see you and everyone else is trying to calm him down."
"My husband?" Lin's voice got all high and squeaky.
"Didn't you see the way he looked at you?" Hachiro tried to free his hand.
"Of course, I did! It was like he'd finally found the answer to a difficult puzzle."
Hachiro frowned. "That was… deep."
"Uh-huh… Can we go now?"
"No. You need to talk to the Fire Lord."
"What if he kills me?"
"He wouldn't do that."
"You swear?"
"Of course I swear!" Hachiro pulled Lin back into the room.
Zuko bared his teeth at Hachiro. "You give her back now," he said.
Hachiro frowned. "What are you talking about, my lord?"
"Oh, don't my lord me! Just give her back."
"I… never took her… I was the one who brought her back."
"Back?" Lin stared at Hachiro in genuine confusion. "What do you mean?"
Hachiro sighed. "She's been thoroughly brainwashed this week. I only know who she really is because she used to wake up at night and be herself. She wrote you a letter."
Zuko was thrown off-guard for a moment. "Where is it now?" he asked once he'd begun to breathe again.
Hachiro looked sheepish. "I, um, don't know."
Zuko took a steadying breath, straightening his back and folding his arms. "Did she say how important the letter was? Do you think there's something written in it that someone—were they to find it—would take advantage of?"
"No, not at all I made sure of that."
Zuko's eyebrow arched. "Then you've read it?"
"Of course."
Zuko cocked his head, barely able to focus on Hachiro when Lin was standing right next to him. "And then what?"
"I was sending you a letter of my own so that I could give it to you, and we could devise a plan to get Lin here."
Zuko nodded slowly. "… And what was Mai's letter about?" His eyes darted to Lin's for only a second.
"Mai's letter was about my failed attempt to talk to you, and explaining the situation." Hachiro leaned in the direction of Zuko's gaze, unwiitingly cutting Lin off from Zuko's sight.
Zuko blinked rapidly at Hachiro's sudden appearance. "Oh. Is that all?"
"Hachiro…" Lin tugged on Hachiro's sleeve, "are you two talking about the letter under my bed?"
Hachiro turned to Lin. "What letter under your bed?"
Lin shrugged. "The one I hid from you. Remember?"
Hachiro sighed heavily and patted Lin's shoulder, "It's fine Lin, I don't know that it really matters now."
Lin looked at her feet. "Well, it was under my bed. Should I give it to him?"
"You mean...you have it?"
Lin nodded. "I thought you knew it was under my bed… so I was keeping it with me so you wouldn't get it… but if it's for him… I guess I shouldn't keep it… right?"
Hachiro smiled, "Sure, go ahead Lin."
Lin fumbled in her sleeve and drew out the paper, which had been wrapped around her arm. She backed away from Zuko and handed it to Hachiro. "You do it," she said quietly, not daring to look up.
Hachiro shook his head. "You do it, Lin. Didn't you believe me when I said he wouldn't hurt you?"
"Well… yeah…" Lin frowned up at Hachiro as if she were a child being told by her elder brother that a snapping turtle wouldn't bite off her finger if she tried to feed it. "Here you go," Lin held the letter at arm's length, glancing at Zuko only to gauge the distance.
Zuko ground his teeth together, but accepted the letter on the end Lin offered him, without reaching for her hand.
"I hope that clears things up," said Hachiro, hoping that this would be the end of his interrogation. The next problem would be leaving Lin...
Zuko nodded. "I might have been a bit harsh… sorry…" he offered a sheepish grin. "Where are you planning to stay now?"
Hachiro glanced at Lin. "Where ever is most convenient for you, Fire Lord Zuko."
"This is about where you're staying, not about where I end up vacationing. Are you able to keep living where you've been posted?"
"By rights, I should be heading back to the fire nation, but there is a place in the city where I can stay tonight."
"Good, then that's taken care of. Anything you want me to do for you?"
"No. I will be fine." Hachiro turned to go, "Wait, may there is something," he turned back to the Fire Lord, "I would like to be allowed to assist you in rebuilding the Fire Nation, but not doing espionage."
Zuko smiled wearily. "If you'd like, you may speak with Miss Topekaia. She has already launched her own campaign of helpfulness, and I'm sure she'd be glad to help you start your own."
Hachrio turned to Lin. "Goodbye Lin. I have to go now."
Lin started as if she'd been shocked. "Go where?"
"I have to go to my home, silly," Hachiro smiled.
"Why do you look so happy?" Lin asked, backing away.
"I am going home. Why shouldn't I be happy?" Hachiro's eyes narrowed in thought, he had hoped she wouldn't react this way.
"But… where will I stay?" Lin's voice got very quiet.
Zuko gulped and backed away slightly. He didn't want a repeat of Sura-separation-syndrome… nor did he want to frighten Lin with over-eagerness to have her back.
"You'll stay here, with the Fi-um, with Sura."
Lin shook her head. "Do you see any Sura here? I don't."
"Uh, she's actually out right now, but she's coming back," Zuko said. "I saw her this morning."
Lin forgot herself and looked Zuko right in the eye. "Prove it."
Zuko blinked. "I can't physically prove it… sorry…"
"Well you'll be with, um Topekaia, and Aang and Katara...There are lots of wonderful people here. You don't need me."
Lin folded her arms. "They aren't my family."
Hachiro sighed. "Neither am I, so why can't I leave here. It's not like I won't see you again."
Lin raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it? You have no idea what these people plan to do if I stay with them. And you're the closest thing I have to family, so stop arguing."
Zuko cleared his throat. "I can assure you we'll all take care of you, Lin."
"Shut up!" Lin shouted at Zuko. She then smacked herself over the mouth. "Sorry."
Zuko bit his lip to hold back his laughter. "No problem…"
Hachiro pinned Lin with a firm gaze. "Listen Lin: these people are the closest things to family you've got, and it you are my friend you will trust me and stay with them."
Lin's jaw trembled. "If I have to."
"Don't cry Lin." Paying no heed to Zuko, Hachiro hugged Lin tightly, "I have to go now, but I'll be seeing you, promise."
"You'd better," Lin said, hugging him back. "Or I'll just have to hunt you down with a knife."
Zuko turned away so he could get himself under control. Lin had behaved just like Mai for about two minutes, and he was finding it rather funny. But he didn't want to spoil the moment.
Hachiro raised his eyebrows at Lin's comment, but said nothing as he turned to Zuko and bowed before leaving.
Zuko's ears began to ring as he realized he was alone in the room with Lin. "I can show you your room, if you want. Or, you can go out there and spend some time with the rest of our friends…"
"Our friends?" Lin rolled her eyes. "I'm not so sure about that."
Zuko forgot for a moment that Lin was any different than Mai. "Well, you should be. They've been following us all over the world just hoping to help you."
"You've still got the wrong girl. Enjoy your letter." Lin turned to leave Zuko's office.
Zuko didn't let her get very far. He darted up to her and hugged her tightly. "Don't ever leave me again, you got that?"
Lin was shivering inside and out. "Uh-huh…"
"Good." Zuko kissed the top of her head. "Now let's go out there and you can be friendly, all right?"
"Uh-huh…"
"Are you all right?" he asked, finally noticing the shaking.
"Uh… Maybe…"
Zuko laughed gently. "Come on, Lin," he said as he practically carried her out the door.
"Sura! You didn't leave!" Lin leapt over and hugged Sura.
Sura hugged Lin back, feeling the tell-tale lump in Lin's abdomen she hadn't noticed with just her eyes. "You need me too much for me to just leave you," she said reassuringly.
"Suki said you might go home."
"Only when you don't need me anymore." Sura realized that day might never come. A fleeting image of home with Lin and Kesuk living at the North Pole as if Lin were the younger sister that had to be taken care of flashed through Sura's mind.
Perhaps they could send the Fire Lord's child to the Fire Nation and restart Lin's brainwashing afterwards so she wouldn't remember it.
Possibly, Lin would be happy.
Eventually.
But the little prince or princess, if he or she ever met Lin, would have to be so careful.
Sura bit her lip at the image of tiny gold eyes brimming with tears as they looked up at Lin, who could never be a real mother.
"Then, where were you? When I left?" Lin asked as she pulled back.
"I met with an old friend from home… Kesuk," Sura smiled dreamily.
"Oh! I see it! You're in love!" Lin hopped up and down, clapping. "How wonderful! How beautiful! I hope he does! I hope you do!"
"You'd like for me to be in a romantic relationship?"
"Of course!" Lin giggled. "Romance is wonderful! And it would make you make you happy!"
Sura showed Lin the betrothal necklace she'd hidden behind her shawl. "This means someday he wants to marry me."
Lin gasped. "That… looks like…" Lin's hand flew to her throat. She ran her fingers over the apple shaped gem.
"We match, Lin!" Sura said quickly.
"Yes… we match!" Lin nodded excitedly.