Zuko couldn't help but stare stunned.
At the long end of the table, was indeed the famed pet bear this party was supposedly for. It was just sitting there, shovelling around food, stuffing into its mouth and was making a complete mess of everything while all the nobles around it had to act like this was not just normal. But a great honour to be so close to the bear.
While a lot of things about this party was familiar to Zuko… That bear in the middle sure wasn't. There was no way on earth Azulon or Ozai would ever have allowed such an embarrassing mess in their court.
Toph was hiding her face in Zukos sleeve so no one would be seeing her laughing.
It was pretty funny… Especially how those noble ladies got food all over their fine clothes and almost panicked but then had to turn around and thank the bear for such generosity. Looking like they were deeply afraid of offending the bear.
Didn't look like the bear was going to care either way.
"I don't see the king." Katara whispered as she held a fan over her face. "At least I don't think so."
Zuko looked around as well. In a royal fire nation court the fire lord would sit elevated above the guests. As if they say all of the guests were beneath him.
He didn't see any such seat though. The best place would be the spot where the bear was sitting.
"Do you need a refreshment young sir?" A servant kindly asked Zuko as she was standing with a tray filled with fancy glass's on it.
"No. That's fine." Zuko said.
"I would like a glass." Toph said.
"You're not getting it. You're twelve." Zuko stated sternly then looked at the servant. "Could you find some none alcoholic drinks for my sisters and I?" he asked.
"Yes of course sir." The servant bowed while Toph pouted. "We have a selection of juices. Mango, Cherry, melon, lime." she listed.
"Mango will do fine." Zuko said and the servant bowed as she backed away.
"Spoil sport." Toph pouted.
Katara on the other hand looked very appreciative at Zuko.
"Oh my lord!" A young woman suddenly screeched and Zuko turned to her.
It was a young noble woman whom was wide-eyed looking at Zuko and Zuko halted.
Did… Did this woman know who he was? Why was she looking like that?
"What happened to your face?!" The woman asked Zuko directly. "It's hideous!"
Zukos eyes widened as it hit him. She was talking about his scar. In one second Zuko became incredible self conscious and lifted his hand to cover his scar while he stepped back. "It erh."
"Hey you can't talk like that!" Katara exclaimed stepping between them. "You need to apologize! Now!"
"Ka-Katara." Zuko whispered.
"Why?" The young woman asked. "I was just asking a question. If that's a rash and this guy is sick. He shouldn't be here! What if someone else caught it?"
"It's a scar you idiot!" Katara huffed back suddenly all pretences forgotten.
"What did you just call me?" The girl asked.
"I called you a rude, entitled, moron!" Katara replied back.
"Erh Katara." Zuko looked around now seeing how they had gathered a lot of attention from multiple sides. Both guests, servants and guards.
The girl huffed. "Why I never!" she stated opening up her fan. "Speaking to me like that. Do you know who I am?"
"I don't give a crap about who you are." Katara said making everyone gasp in shock. One woman even screamed and a glass was being dropped and shattered on the floor. "Apologize!"
"I will not!" The woman huffed now getting red in the head.
"Katara. We need to go." Zuko suddenly grabbed Kataras shoulder and pulled her backwards.
"But Zuko!" Katara objected.
"Let it go Katara!" Zuko exclaimed as he pulled her away from the entire crowd that was snorting, gasping and already gossiping as Zuko used one hand to pull Katara with him and the other hand to shield the scarred part of his face from sight dearly wishing his hair wasn't slicked back so he could cover his face.
Finally he managed to push Katara into an empty hallway and let go.
"How can you let her speak to you like that." Katara gasped.
"Katara you were making a scene." Zuko hissed. "That's like rule number one at places like this. Never make a scene! Do you hear me?"
"She started it." Katara exclaimed.
"Look I appreciate you standing up for me. I really do." Zuko said. "But remember why we are here. If we get kicked out we can't see the earth king."
Katara opened her mouth and then halted. She crossed her arms as she looked away. "that woman sucked."
"Yeah." Zuko sighed. "It doesn't matter…" then he looked around. "Where's Toph?"
Katara blinked as well and realized it was alone. "She must still be in there."
"Or… This actually worked out." Zuko smirked. "With everyone's eyes on us she slipped out to let the others in. Good thinking Toph."
Katara smiled, then her smile faltered as she looked up at Zuko. "I'm sorry you had to go through that."
Zuko sighed. "It's okay." he said. "Just imagine… That woman thought she was important. If she found out who I actually am. She would freak!"
"Oh yeah. You are a prince." Katara realized. "It would be funny to see her face when she figures that one out."
"It would be nice to see." Zuko smiled then he halted.
"Zuko?" Katara asked.
Zuko how-ever was quiet as he glanced over his shoulder, holding up a hand signalling for Katara to stay silent and Katara did.
For some moments they stood like that, in tense silence and suddenly Zuko jumped as he rushed forward grabbing a mans wrist and pulled him forward and out of the shadow where he had been hiding. "Who are you? Why were you following us?" he asked.
The man, middle aged with long hair in a long slim braid and a thin beard smiled. It was creepy.
"Easy Prince Zuko." The man said in a calm voice. "I am not out to do harm. Do you mind letting go of my arm?"
Zuko was quiet. The man hadn't even flinched as he had been found out. He stood strong and tall and didn't actually look that surprised.
"You know who I am." Zuko commented as he let go.
"Indeed." The man stood up. "Prince Zuko. Legitimate heir to the fire nation Throne." he said. "Katara of the southern water tribe." he nodded at Katara. "And you were with Toph Beifong. All of you part of the Avatars party." he said in a calm voice.
It ran cold down Zuko and Kataras back.
"I don't believe you had an invitation for this party." The man continued. "I trust you are not here to make trouble."
Katara stood up. "We wish to see the earth king." she said.
"And your request is being processed is it not?" The man asked.
Zuko frowned deeply. "That's not good enough. If he has time to throw a party for his pet bear he should have time to talk to the Avatar!"
"Careful young Prince. You are on thin ice already." The man spoke his voice suddenly colder with an underlying threat to it. "Please. Come this way." he asked as he turned and gestured for them to follow.
Katara and Zuko looked at each other, then finally nodded in determination and followed the man.
Finally they were let into what could best be described as some sort of library. Shelfs filled with books covered the wall and there was a big fireplace with a chair in front for calming and reading.
It would be a hard time to calm down in here though.
Zukos eyes were immediately drawn to the fire. It was odd… Weird… It was green.
Zuko was well familiar with blue fire. His sister was a master of the blue flames, which was something that required a much stronger intensity than normal orange or yellow flames.
Why was it green? It had to be what-ever they were using to fuel this fire but… why would they use fuel material that made the fire green?
The flames themselves felt unnatural and Zuko could feel it to his own core, his own inner flame which seemed to be squirming from the same sickness that dominated that fireplace.
Just then a servant stepped in carrying a tray with two glasses.
"Ah. Your mango juice. Please help yourself." The man with the long braid smiled kindly.
Somehow being given this children's drink just felt like adding salt to injury. And neither Zuko or Katara moved to pick up the glasses.
The man just shrugged and the servant put down the tray on the table.
"How are you enjoying your stay?" The man instead asked in a conversational tone as he walked to the seat in front of the fireplace. "I hope everything is to your liking." he smiled kindly as he sat down with crossed legs now with the green fire behind him.
It seemed very intentional. And he did look more intimidating with the green flames on his back.
Zuko was standing straight… This man was not like General Sung and he was not like those nobles.
His body was calm yet ready for any attack. All of his reactions were controlled and considerate. He didn't show off because he didn't need to.
This man was dangerous.
Just then the doors opened wide and three people were pushed inside making Katara and Zuko turn around.
"AANG!" Katara shouted as true enough it was Aang, Toph and Sokka.
"Katara! Zuko!" Aang shouted happily. "I'm so glad you're okay!"
"Okay what is going on?!" Sokka asked as he stepped forward. "We were just grabbed and pulled in here! Who are you?" he asked pointing at the man and Zuko turned back to him as well. He would really like to know too.
"please. Calm down." The man said. "My name is Long Feng. And I am a minister of culture in our beloved city. I work directly beneath the earth king."
"Great! Then let us see him!" Sokka exclaimed stepping forward.
"No. You will not see the earth king." Long Feng said.
"Why?" Sokka asked. "Why wont you let us see him? We got information. Important information that could end the war! From the Crown Prince of the fire nation himself!" he pointed at Zuko who stood tall as he frowned.
Long Feng lifted an eyebrow. "The Prince of the very nation you wish to defeat? And you find that a reliable source."
"Yes. I do." Aang said as he stepped forward. "Zuko is not just a Prince of the fire nation. He is my teacher and my friend. I have no doubt that his intentions of defeating the current fire lord and safe his people from the fire lords tyranny is sincere. He has given up everything to be here. His words are the most reliable source you are ever going to get."
Zuko glanced down, not really knowing how to respond to this praise. It honestly made him feel a little dizzy. Not helped as Sokka, Katara and Toph moved to place themselves in front of Zuko as if to make a shield to protect him from Long Feng.
Long Feng how-ever looked unimpressed.
"Either way. The earth king has no time for daily squabbles and the day to day manouvre of military" Long Feng said making Zuko blink astounded.
"Excuse me…. What?" Zuko asked.
"What's most important to his majesty is maintaining the cultural heritage of Ba Sing Se. All of his duties relates to issuing degrees on such matters. It's my job to distribute the rest of the cities resources. Including the military."
Zuko was gaping. That was the weirdest thing he had ever heard.
"I can see how that would seem strange to you Prince Zuko. Being from the fire nation where the Fire Lord is also the head of the military and the entire royal family has joined the military at some point or another. You though out of all people. Should also recognise the flaws of a nation ruled by military rather than culture. It hasn't worked out well for you. Has it?"
Zuko closed his mouth then hissed. "What you just told me is that the earth king is no leader at all. He's a figurehead at best. You are the one controlling the strings. According to what you just said!"
"He's your puppet!" Toph exclaimed.
"Oh no!" Long Feng held up his hands. "He's a figure head. A god to his people! He can't sully his hands with the hourly changes of an endless war. To have a peaceful city you need a peace loving King. Doesn't that make sense."
"No." Zuko said. "You are living in an illusion." he said then he stepped forward so he was in front of the others. And he sat down with crossed legs. His hands on his knees and a straight back as he looked up at Long Feng. "An illusion of your creation it seems. How-ever, an illusion is all it is. Hiding all the poor people behind a wall so you wont have to see doesn't make them disappear. Ignoring the war outside of your walls doesn't make it vanish." he said. "Every day the fire nation is encroaching on your land. Every day they are adding numbers to their army and removing numbers from your citizens. And it is moving closer. Every day, bit by bit. The fire nation is growing and coming closer. Six years ago, you nearly fell to a siege. Yesterday, the fire nation nearly breached your wall. And it is not going to end. Not before either this city has fallen. Or the fire lord has."
Long Feng frowned for the first time looking annoyed. "Six years ago the siege was dealt with. Yesterday while we do appreciate your help stopping the fire nation drill. That thing would never have made it pass the inner wall. Which is what really matters."
Zukos face retrieved as his golden eyes shone in anger and the fire behind Long Feng somehow seemed to grow a little more intense.
"You have one chance to help defeat the fire lord and thus safe your own city as well." Zuko said. "The solar eclipse."
"Enough!" Long Feng stood up. "I don't want to hear of your ridicules plan! It is a strict policy in Ba Sing Se that we do not mention the war within these walls! Constant news of an escalating war would throw our beloved city into chaos. Panic would rise and everything we have build would be lost! Do you understand me? There is no war in Ba Sing Se."
Katara gasped in shock. Sokka looked outraged. Aang gaped. Toph looked like she was going to break something and Zuko.
Zuko sitting with crossed legs looked stern, his eyes firmly on Long Feng.
"You can't keep the truth from these people!" Katara gasped.
"I'll tell them! I'll make sure everyone knows!" Aang shouted.
Long Feng frowned. "Until now you have been treated as our honoured guests. That how-ever could change rather quickly."
"You are foolish if you think you can keep this up for ever." Zuko said. "The truth doesn't go away."
Long Feng looked down at him. "The people you arrived with. They are fire nation refuges are they not?"
Zukos eyes narrowed.
"Do not worry. They have been taken well care of and no harm will come to them. That is… As long as no one here is causing trouble. Or a panic."
Zukos eyes remained narrowed and his mouth grew thinner.
"Of course. You could take them somewhere else. Any time you want. But of course there is no-where else to take them. Isn't that so?" Long Feng asked.
Zuko closed his eyes as he inhaled a deep breath. Then he looked up again.
"I met people like you before." Zuko said. "A lot of them. You are not as special as you think you are." he said. "People who would use innocent lives as black mail to get their way and maintain their power. You are no better than the fire lord."
If Long Feng was taken back by Zukos words he didn't show it.
"And as for this earth king." Zuko said. "Either he is an ignorant fool who doesn't know what is going on, and never took the time to find out or he just doesn't care. Either way I have no reason to respect such a man."
"Are you trying to tell me something Prince Zuko?" Long Feng asked.
"I am telling you that in the last hundred years. The fire nation has taken over the earth kingdom bit by bit and you did nothing to stop them." Zuko said. "I am telling you that six years ago you lucked out against the dragon of the west. But now they are back. My sister is leading the troops now and she is as tenacious as she is clever. As well as completely ruthless and without mercy. If you pulled yourself together now and mobilized you could beat her still. You have the advantage as the defenders of the wall. But you are not doing that, you are unprepared and you will loose." he said. "And even if you didn't. The fire nation would be back yet again, and chip away at you bit by bit. The road you are on now will lead to Ba Sing Se's fall. And people will suffer. Your only real choice would be to strike back at the fire lord now we given you the golden opportunity. But you are a spineless coward." he said. "Say what you will about my father. But at least he stands up for himself and says exactly what he does. He is his own figurehead. You how-ever is hiding behind the icon of a hapless king so you can have your way. This is an utter disgrace, never have I seen such dishonourable behaviour before."
Long Feng was silent, his eyes now burning. "I know of you Prince Zuko. I do my home work." he said. "The Avatar said you gave up everything to be here. But that's untrue isn't it? You already lost everything. Three years ago is when you earned the title the banished Prince and that mark on your face. Isn't that so? And now there is a price on your head, as big as the Avatars. It was there before you joined him. Your only path for the fire nation throne would be to join the Avatar and take down the fire lord in a coup yourself. And you are telling me you are not working in your own self interest?"
Aang opened his mouth to speak only for Zuko to hold up a hand making Aang stop.
"You have no moral ground to stand on." Zuko said. "I would like to challenge you to go to the lower ring. And look those people in the eye. The people who are soon going to be invaded because you were to scared to stand up or show a shred of honesty or just the tiniest bit of honour." he said. Then he stood up. "I believe our business here is done. If you would excuse us. We will take our leave now." he bowed formally for Long Feng.
"Why of course." Long Feng replied. "Joo Dee will show you home." he said waving his hand and then a woman walked in.
The woman was dressed like Joo Dee… She smiled like Joo Dee.
But that was definitely not Joo Dee.
"What happened to Joo Dee?" Katara asked.
"I am Joo Dee." The stranger woman smiled that same weird smile as the first Joo Dee had smiled. "I will be your host as long as you are in our wonderful city."
Zuko frowned deeply, then glanced at Long Feng. "So this is how you treat your own citizens?" he asked. "Step out of line and they can just be replaced. Now where have I seen that before?"
Long Feng looked harshly back at Zuko and Zuko turned to Joo Dee the second.
"Please show us home." Zuko asked her in a more respectful voice.
"Of course your highness." Joo Dee bowed for him. "This way please."
And the entire gang followed Zuko and Joo Dee outside. Just kind of happy to finally get out of there.
For their entire walk to the house no one said a word. Just followed the new Joo Dee who walked in front, as soon as they reached the front door Zuko held up a hand. "We can take it from here. Thank you for your services Joo Dee." he said.
"Of course." Joo Dee smiled as she bowed and backed away.
They took a few steps inside and then… Zuko basically slumped together.
"ZUKO!" Aang shouted as he ran forward and managed to support the prince. "Are you okay?"
"Sorry." Zuko groaned. "I guess the adrenalin wore off." he hissed then managed to stand up again. Only to lift a hand to his hair and ruffle it up good ruining the slicked back hair style.
"Seriously. Are you okay?" Aang asked again as true enough. Zuko didn't look that good at this moment.
"I need to make tea." Zuko said. "Now." he said as he let go of Aang and headed to the kitchen. Taking off the green silk robe and dropped it after him in his dash.
"Zuko." Katara was about to step after him only for Aang to hold her back.
"Zuko uses tea making as a form of meditation to ground himself." Aang said. "I think he's stressed out right now."
"Actually he's pissed off." Toph informed as she too was removing her hair piece. "His body temperature has risen pretty high and he is keeping himself back."
"Okay making tea is probably a better option than burning down the house." Sokka had to admit. "And I wouldn't even blame him if he burned down the house."
They all looked at each other.
"This is so messed up." Aang said and they all nodded in agreement.
"I hope Zuko is all right." Katara then said looking towards the tea kitchen chewing her lip.
"He'll be all right." Sokka assured as he put a hand on Katara's shoulder. "He just need to calm down a bit. And he seemed to have found a way to do just that. With the added side bonus of us getting tea. I could use a cup right about now, so this suites me fine."
And Katara nodded. "Yeah…"