A/N: Whew the updates keep coming later and later. I just returned to work this week and my school is still debating how and when they will open for the upcoming school year. I hope everyone is staying safe and being careful out here in the time of Love and Coronavirus. 2020 is turning out to be one of the most extreme and wild years for so many people I know. In this installment, Zuko is having her own 2020 experience and dealing with the aftermath of the attack on her beloved home. Lots of changes are taking place and she has to work through some of the challenges that come with surviving trauma. Mental Health Minute: Times are so stressful right now and so many life changes (like death, diseases, extended isolation, financial shifts) can take their toll on you. It is easy to begin to sink into depression or anxiety without even realizing it. If you are experiencing changes in your habits and thoughts or relationships, ideating suicide, or other harmful behaviors please speak to someone. 1-800-273-8255 is the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Things may not be that extreme in your life and you just need someone to talk to. There are actual sites where you can meet with someone online if you are unable to go out like Better Help who will walk you through the process of finding someone to talk to. Ok, the moment is done. I happen to be a strong mental health advocate because by nature of my job I have to be. Anyways. I love you guys and hope you enjoy this next chapter. Things get better in the next updates I promise...LOL!
Disclaimer: Fanfiction is for saying the things you wouldn't have the courage to in public...
Chapter 12: Picking Up The Pieces
The days following the Earth Kingdom's attack on the Caldera were chaotic ones. The damage done to the palace was unimaginable; ironically it resembled the early destruction of the Ba Sing Se wall during the Great war, but even worse was the state of the relationship between the Earth and Fire Nations.
Earth Kingdom citizens living in the Fire Nation to work or on humanitarian missions were scrambling to find new homes and escape to safer locations as the rate of hate-related crimes and protests increased exponentially.
Fire Nation citizens had no tolerance for anyone who did not look or act Fire Nation and conducted random checks for anyone who did not meet certain criteria. This created a huge problem for colonial citizens who were legitimately citizens of the country and had mixed parentage.
A large portion of nobles, including Earth Kingdom diplomats, scribes, Fire sages, and staff, lost their lives running to the underground bunkers or defending the keep as the mortars crashed onto common areas and causeways. The nation was in an uproar at the way the royal family was dealt an injurious blow especially the Princess Zuko.
Citizens were ready to go to war in honor of their princess and her sacrifice for them. She out of all the royals were considered the best their nation produced and for her to be hurt in such a way was to hurt them.
Ozai knew that his retired soldiers were patriotic enough and willing to re-join the armed forces and attack the Earth armies over their disrespectful and cowardly plot against the Fire Lord and his family in their own home, but he hesitated to call his men to action. His instincts kept telling him there was more to this story than met the eye and he didn't want to play into anyone's game or trap.
What was left behind in the wake of the assault was a bubbling cauldron of energy, frustration, and anger just under the surface like a tightly covered pot on a high flame. No one knew when things would finally bubble over and spill out around them. The rebellions and outcries were barely being contained by the governors of each province and any wrong move would be the catalyst to another war.
Reconstruction of the palace began immediately after the attack. On more than one occasion the crews had to stop to remove an unfortunate victim of a fallen structure or floor. Crews continued to work through their sadness because the royal family was essentially homeless unless they got the work done.
A few of the royals' bedrooms were still intact and some only minimally damaged because of the strategic layout of the Royal wing but none dared enter the rooms until the engineers declared the structure safe. With the constant work of the crews, the Fire Lord, the two princesses, General Iroh and Lu Ten were able to return to their rooms within a matter of weeks.
The visiting dignitaries from the other nations were all sent away within twenty-four hours of the attack because of Ozai's paranoia and the terms of the treaty. He had to make sure no lines were crossed, or any actions taken outside of the treaty could be seen as acts of aggression towards the other nations.
Ozai was not prepared to fight enemies on multiple fronts and thought it best to leave the other countries out of it knowing how tenuous the relationships with the Water and Air Nations already were.
Any Earth kingdom citizens present, however, were imprisoned or held on house arrest as prisoners of war. He allowed Toph to return to her parents knowing that Poppy and Lao Bei Fong's daughter's activities were always closely monitored, and the girl was present with Zuko in the bunker according to reports.
Ozai didn't want to risk offending their family by any mistreatment of their daughter ruining the business relationship that they have had since the Great War. The Bei Fong family was one of Ozai's top suppliers of steel, steel parts, and raw ore. He left the city of Gaoling alone even during the war because the Refinery made the best products for the right price.
The Bei Fongs were also largely responsible for helping Ozai maintain his throne after the war. Lao Bei Fong testified on his behalf as a character reference and surprisingly the international council was receptive to his words. Because of this, Ozai dared not bite the hand that fed him so to speak. Additionally, Ozai wondered what a little blind girl could do to subvert the Fire Nation.
The Fire Lord was determined to discover how the Earth Kingdom armies were able to execute such a well planned and stealthy attack on Fire nation soil, in his own home no less! He would get to the bottom of this insult and make the Earth Kingdom pay for destroying his home and ruining his daughter.
Speaking of his daughter, Ozai decided to make sure he went to see about Zuko's condition soon. He didn't want his council and remaining nobles to think he was callous or oblivious to his daughter's suffering. Any sympathy he could garner for his cause would go a long way in getting what he wanted from his people when the time came.
Azula too was injured but not to the degree Zuko was. Aside from minor cuts and bruises, she was on crutches for a few weeks because of a swollen and twisted ankle. Zuko managed to find her sister not long after the floor above Azula collapsed. The concrete pillar fell at an awkward angle only wedging Azula's ankle preventing her from moving, but not crushing or breaking it.
Zuko remained in the care and clinic of Dr. Ishi for an additional two weeks after she awoke. It was apparent to everyone that Princess Zuko would survive now, but she would not come out of her ordeal unscathed. They would know the full extent of the damage once the bandages were removed.
Nobles and courtiers from the Caldera and nearby outer provinces sent gifts, well wishes, and thank you letters to the Fire Lord and his daughter for her sacrifice. Word spread in multiple accounts about how Zuko bravely protected everyone from enemy fire. Sages and townspeople held a special vigil in Zuko's honor sending prayers to Agni and any other gods they worshipped for her swift recovery and healing. Others gave prayers of thanksgiving for her life.
Others still marveled at Zuko's skill in fire bending that would allow her to deflect an incoming mortar at full speed. Some would have found it impossible to believe if they had not seen the act of heroism with their own eyes. They praised the line of Sozin for being most powerful indeed.
Ozai then realized that Zuko perhaps wasn't as impotent in firebending as he previously believed. She had her mother's bending ability and probably never revealed it out of fear of misunderstanding. Her powerful form of bending is quite rare and could easily be mistaken for witchcraft or other styles of bending. Ozai could understand her need for secrecy though he wondered what other mysteries his daughter kept from him.
Dr. Ishi informed Ozai that he would be removing Zuko's bandages today and offered for him to come and see her if he desired. Ozai decided to come around lunchtime and sit with his daughter.
He knew from the initial reports of her condition from Dr. Ishi that all Zuko's prospects for marriage were as good as gone as her injuries left her horribly disfigured with a large burn across her left eye. Anyone who asked for Zuko's hand after this point would either really love her or have a strong desire to be in the royal family. Ozai would hold off on any plans of marriage for his daughter until he knew the full extent of the damage from her injuries and the climate of the council.
The Fire Lord ended the day's council meeting early. Those members privy to his ear knew that Ozai would be going to visit his daughter and discover the result of her impairment. They secretly wished him well.
Ozai walked down the corridor briskly to the physician's clinic ignoring the bowing and curtsying staff nobles and staff along the way. He was eager to see his daughter and how she fared. He gave a gentle knock and Dr. Ishi beckoned him in.
"Your highness, it is good to have you here. We were just getting ready to remove the bandages from her head and eyes. Would you like for me to let her know you're here?" he asked easily. Ozai shushed the doctor with his hands.
"I'd rather you not tell her I'm here. I just want to observe quietly, and I'll step in only if necessary." The doctor understood and nodded to the Fire Lord who walked into Zuko's room and took a seat in the far corner. He resisted the urge to groan as he took in the sight of his daughter with her head bandaged.
Zuko had a few noticeable burns on her neck and shoulder but they seemed to be mending well and wouldn't scar too badly if at all. Ozai hoped that the other burns on her face were that simple and that perhaps Dr. Ishi was exaggerating on the extent of her scarring.
Zuko sat up in her bed resting her hands in her lap and breathing nervously. She was anxious to have the bandages removed so that she could get back to practicing and living normally whatever that would now look like. Zuko felt a presence in the room.
"Dr. Ishi is that you?" she asked her voice trembling with anxiety. Ozai remained silent as Dr. Ishi came into the room with his tray of supplies.
"Yes, dear princess, I am here. I have come to remove your bandages. How do you feel?" Zuko sighed with relief.
"I feel a little nervous, to be honest. It's been a month of sitting in darkness and I'm terrified of what I'm going to discover. Do you know if my father is coming?" she asked hesitantly. Dr. Ishi smiled.
"Don't worry little one. I am certain your father will be here for you when you least expect. Are you ready?" Zuko took a deep exhale. "As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose." She shrugged. Ozai smirked.
Zuko was one of the few individuals in this world who could be so easygoing about something as lifechanging as damage to her face. It was one of the qualities he secretly admired about her. As Dr. Ishi began snipping the bandages with his scissors he gave Zuko a warning.
"Zuko I want you to know that although we did all we could to minimize the damage you still have scarring on your left side where the blast impacted you the most. Thankfully your hearing is still intact in both ears though I know you still complain of some ringing. Just give yourself time to adjust to the whole situation. Alright?" Zuko nodded and whispered. "Yes."
Fortunately, the wounds were dry and the bandages were no longer sticking. As Dr. Ishi removed the last of the bandages, Ozai forced himself to hold back his gasp.
He gripped the arms of the chair he was sitting in tightly. His knuckles were white from the pressure. Ozai had no idea just how badly his daughter was wounded. Dr. Ishi perhaps didn't emphasize enough how bad the injury was. The scar was as the doctor described but his daughter was physically half of herself!
The burned skin was reddish-purple, hardened, and leather-like, but localized to her eye and cheek. The scar extended out to her ear which was shriveled and burned away little more than a nub now. It was an absolute miracle that his daughter still had her hearing in that ear. The next miracle would be if Zuko could even see out of her left eye with any vision. Dr. Ishi spoke quietly.
"Alright princess, you can open your eyes now. I'm done." Zuko opened her eyes and saw nothing. Fighting a creeping panic in her belly Zuko took a deep breath.
"Dr. Ishi," she called quietly. "Is the room darkened right now?" Dr. Ishi's heart broke. He let out a huff in shock.
"My lady it is midday…Please give me a moment. I need to run some tests." Dr. Ishi began moving around the room with an agility Ozai hadn't seen since the day Azula was born.
He grabbed a candle and lit it holding the candle up to Zuko's eyes and watching for any response in her pupil dilation or reflexes. Her eyes remained as they were and did not move with the light or give any response. Dr. Ishi looked back at the Fire Lord with an expression that told Ozai everything he needed to know: Princess Zuko was blind.
Dr. Ishi stood quietly for too long. Zuko picked up on his silence and knew what her gut told her as soon as she opened her eyes. She tried to regulate her breathing that she felt rising to a fever pitch. Dr. Ishi held the girl who was on the verge of a breakdown.
A wail rose in Zuko's voice first softly and grew until it was ear-shattering. It was a soul-rending cry that told anyone around that all was not well. Ozai stood suddenly and ran to his daughter. He moved Dr. Ishi out the way and grabbed Zuko by her arms. She continued to scream oblivious to the change and cried as if she had been banished to a world where no one could follow her. Ozai shook her roughly to get her attention.
"Zuko! Zuko! Stop this now! Stop child!" he shouted. He continued to call her name until Zuko's hypnotic terror eased suddenly as her father's voice registered. "Father?" She called as pitiful as a little baby just realizing she wasn't alone.
In an uncharacteristic move, Ozai pulled the girl in his arms and held her. She gripped her arms around him like a lifeline and held on sobbing into his robes. Ozai stroked her hair and whispered over and over, "It's alright…It's alright, daughter. Be still now. Be still…" She wept silently at his words allowing her father to comfort her and be present for her in a way she had not experienced before.
Dr. Ishi watched the scene with sadness and pride that the Fire Lord allowed himself to be a father at that moment when Zuko needed it most. He left the room quietly to give them privacy and immediately began to look in his records for any treatments he could try to help Zuko regain her sight if possible.
The days and nights grew lonely for the darkness bound Fire Nation princess, but she physically recovered from most of her wounds. Some of her wounds, however, were much deeper than physical. She kept up a brave front for her father and the doctor until she could be released from the doctor's care.
Dr. Ishi was able to have Zuko moved back to her newly completed bedroom. He removed her bandages from her face with only the ones around her head where the scar tissue had not fully healed remaining. Kiko made great effort to make the princess feel as comfortable as possible in her new condition.
The quiet and kind maidservant faithfully assisted Zuko and stayed by her side day and night but Zuko was slowly beginning to slip out of awareness of what was happening around her. The reality of her situation was finally sinking in fully.
Azula came to see her sister a few times but didn't feel much up to teasing or terrorizing her. Aside from not being able to stand the lingering pain in her leg from her injury, she didn't really know what to say to her and Zuko was in a state where she wouldn't have responded even if she wanted. Azula found being around Zuko depressing and she didn't have the words or skills to bring her back to herself.
Zuko spent her days just sitting in the dark in one of her armchairs or in her bed. To her, there was no need to light candles. She wouldn't be able to see them anyway. She would find no comfort from their light or warmth.
These days Zuko rarely had an appetite and she would sit silently for hours on end. She was merely a shell of herself existing until, if she were lucky, she would fade away into oblivion. Unbeknownst to Zuko, Kiko would leave the chamber each night in tears for her broken princess. She too felt helpless to do anything.
Ozai received daily reports about his daughter none which bore positive news. He was at a loss of what to do for her and planned to ask his brother for advice, but any actions he could take would have to wait.
The Earth King's letter arrived early this morning with a white ribbon tied around it. The ribbon signified peace and innocence and was sealed with the Earth King's ring. It was a message solely for the Fire Lord to be opened by him and him alone.
It was information that had been delivered at great peril revealing evidence of an emergent situation if the condition of the delivery hawk was any indication. The bird had been wounded from what appeared to be jagged cuts that could have been stone darts. Was the bird attacked by its own people? What is going on? Ozai wondered.
The Fire Lord didn't know what to make of the letter seeing as he had not received any letters from Kuei prior to and since the attack. He didn't know if the letter was a trick or distraction from what he planned to do in retaliation to the Earth Kingdom for their slight. Ozai called for his brother General Iroh to join him.
"Shut the door brother and lock it." Iroh looked at his younger brother strangely noting his intense suspicion. It was not uncommon for Ozai to become paranoid since the end of the war and his tumultuous coronation as Fire Lord once again.
Ozai shook his head noting his brother's look and held up the letter. Iroh took in a sharp breath at the ribbon and immediately recognized the legitimate Earth Kingdom seal which had been strangely absent from other letters before the attack. This was important.
"I don't know what this letter is about, and I think I will need your help to determine its intent," Ozai said soberly. Iroh had never seen his brother this serious or intense about his dealing with the Earth Kingdom before. Knowing that his brother had an imminent war upon him, any way to potentially avoid it should be explored.
"This seems very important. I'll help in any way I can, brother." Ozai nodded appreciatively and removed the ribbon. He moved to break the seal then paused. "Do you think this letter is authentic? I've not received a letter from him weeks before the attack and the ones I did were quite threatening until the last one." Iroh nodded and looked at his brother intently.
"There is only one way to find out…" he said as he gestured with his head towards the letter. Ozai smirked and chuckled shaking his head sheepishly. He berated himself inwardly for showing weakness, but he felt suddenly vulnerable after all the recent events.
Ozai took a deep breath and broke the seal. He unrolled the letter and a strange metal pin fell out of it. It was the insignia of General How the man responsible for running the attack on the Palace. Ozai and Iroh gave each other a wary look. Ozai began to read the letter aloud:
Most Esteemed Fire Lord Ozai,
I humbly pray this letter finds its way to you safely and intact. There has been unrest in the Earth Kingdom because of "differences" in opinion amongst the nobles, military, and royal family. My former General How staged a rebellion in the country and circumvented the communications that were being sent out from my office. The letters you received that were allegedly from me in the days leading up to the attack on your kingdom were fake and were for the intent of creating disharmony between our two countries and to justify an attack based on your response. General Iroh should be able to attest to this because in his last visits to the kingdom he was unable to speak with me personally and was always met by General How or one of his representatives.
Ozai paused to confirm the information with his brother and glanced at Iroh who shook his head in disbelief. "Ozai it is true that I never got to see the Earth King personally. He was always "indisposed" or "unavailable." I challenged it on more than one occasion. "It did seem quite suspicious…" he mused aloud.
Ozai rubbed a hand wearily down his face. "So, we potentially could be attacking the innocent because of one man's actions…" he said the tiredness in his voice evident. Iroh furrowed his brows.
"We don't want to make any assumptions yet, Ozai. Let us hear the rest of the letter and make a determination afterward," He said. Iroh sat back in his chair poised to hear the remaining content as Ozai returned to reading.
We currently have General How in chains awaiting trial. He was responsible for planting "colonial" spies in your country who were actually Earth Kingdom rebels following his orders. Many of them were disgruntled by the continued presence of the Fire Nation in the colonies. The attacks on the colonies were also perpetuated by How and his followers. How will be tried for treason and any war crimes you deem appropriate. I am devastated that How would dare work under our noses to destroy the amicable relationship our two countries were beginning to form. I am doubly distressed at the result of the attack as well. I am so sorry about what has happened to your daughter Zuko, your noblemen, and staff. We will take whatever steps we can to repair the damage done by this man. Please know that the Earth Kingdom and the city of Ba Sing Se had nothing to do with the attack. We only desire peace with you after so many years of death and war. We ask for the opportunity to come to you to make amends and to discuss a plan to resolve the issue with the colonies as well as reparations for the shameful attack on your home. I will attend in person and humbly request a chance to prove to you that our country had nothing to do with this attack though we do take responsibility for it. I urgently await your reply.
Your most Humble Friend and Partner in Peace,
Kuei, King of Earth and Emperor of Ba Sing Se
The brothers gave one another surprised looks and looked back at the letter in Ozai's hands. Neither could believe that Kuei would abase himself in such a manner that could be so openly publicized and criticized by his enemies.
Either Kuei was crafty and much more skilled than he let on in the art of deception, or he was being sincere and cared immensely about his people and what occurred in his name. Going back to war now would be in neither country's best interest and the costs yet to be paid would be enough to ruin both kingdoms.
Ozai looked up at his brother again. "What are you thinking, Iroh? I know you have thoughts on this." He asked. Iroh smirked. "I'm shocked honestly. It would seem that we are facing a dilemma we've never before encountered," he said. Ozai nodded stroking his beard.
"It would be reasonable to think that this is all a ploy to draw you out and finish the job How started, but these are also unprecedented times, brother. The Earth Kingdom is full of strong, stubborn, and proud people like the earth they represent, but as a general rule, they are also quite honest and wise." Ozai raised an eyebrow in confusion. Iroh smirked.
"How would not so easily release his insignia not even for a mission. The sigil easily identifies him as a high general and he would be willing to fight to the death for it. If Kuei was truly not intending to harm our kingdom and sincerely wanted to pursue peace then this would be the start." The old general explained. Ozai nodded in understanding. Iroh sighed and rested his hands on his belly.
"I know what the council will say because feelings are still quite high and fresh from the attack. Some of your members continue to thirst for the days of war because it filled their pockets, but our country is not equipped now to fight the Earth Kingdom especially not on their turf. The country is too vast and populated and we have too little resources to think we will get far. I believe that we should consider what Kuei is saying and see if meeting with him is a better alternative." Ozai raised an eyebrow at his brother's reasoning. He looked unsure and his brother added,
"Kuei has done everything according to international protocol and the letter contains his authentic seal. I do not think the other letters were legitimate. We can do comparisons on them for handwriting and style. We should also check for the seal and interview all the ambassadors being held." he said sagely.
"This is not the first time General How has tried to do things his own way. He once tried to manipulate the Avatar for his personal weapon during the war. Perhaps we should investigate further before we bring this information to the council's attention or make any extreme decisions." Iroh nodded confidently placing his hands on his knees before he stood. Ozai took a deep breath. This was a lot to consider.
"I think that you are right about one thing: we need to investigate before we risk any more lives. I want to be sure that we are not opening ourselves up to further danger or showing weakness at a time when we should exhibit strength. Let us check our records of colonials working in the Caldera and see those previous letters that were allegedly sent by the Earth King. I would like your help with interviewing the Earth diplomats. We can't afford to get this wrong." Iroh gave his brother a nod of affirmation and stood.
"Consider it done, Brother. I recommend that we do not disclose what we have read to anyone just in case there are still spies planted among us. We cannot truly be sure of who we can trust just yet." Ozai nodded in return and dismissed his brother to mull over the Earth King's words and the potential they held.
Zuko was not doing well at all during this time. It had now been over a month and she refused to leave her room, eat regularly or bathe. Kiko would have to occasionally ignore the princess' complaints and sour disposition and give her a sponge bath. She knew that the princess's behavior was not healthy or indicative of herself. Kiko couldn't blame her highness for feeling so sad and she couldn't relate to being blind, but she knew that something had to change for the princess and soon.
On the way to take the princess' dirty clothes to the laundry near the kitchen, she ran into Dr. Ishi. "Ah, Kiko! How goes everything with our dear princess? I had been planning to come and see her a while ago but there have been so many patients lately. Is she well?" Kiko lowered her eyes to the floor and fought the urge to burst into tears.
"I'm afraid not Doctor," she barely whispered afraid to speak too loudly for fear of reprimand or gossipers nearby. The doctor saw the look on her face and knew he needed to find out more. To Kiko's surprise, the doctor took her by the arm and led her to the laundry. The room was empty, and he shut the door to speak to her privately.
"Kiko, you know that I can be trusted to do what is in the princess' best interest. We both care for her highness dearly and want only what is best for her. What is happening?" Kiko wiped several tears from her eyes and more continued to fall.
"She's so sad, Doctor Ishi." she choked between small sobs. Dr. Ishi handed the servant a handkerchief. She dabbed at her eyes and sniffed quietly. Kiko knew there were always listening ears about the palace.
"The princess won't eat, she refuses to bathe, and she doesn't want me to light any candles. She doesn't talk to me like she used to. It's like the princess we used to know is gone as if she truly had died. It's so hard to see her this way day after day." The doctor nodded and hummed to himself softly. Depression is common for patients that have encountered traumatic and life-changing events. Losing one's sight could definitely fall into that category.
"I was afraid something like this would happen. What the princess is dealing with is common when people experience great loss or trauma. You have been doing all that you should in supporting your princess. I think I have a recommendation that could help her. For now, please continue to serve and support Princess Zuko." Kiko nodded staring at the doctor with wide and red-rimmed eyes. The doctor smiled tightly.
"She needs your consistency and presence. Keep talking to her and encouraging her as I know you do already. She needs to remember why she lives. I will get back with you by the end of the day and hopefully, we can implement some changes that will turn things around for our dear lady. Thank you again for having the courage to tell me what is going on dear." he said.
Kiko looked up at the doctor with a hopeful gaze then looked down at the floor. She was afraid to express too much emotion. It was not appropriate for someone of her station, but she sincerely hoped the doctor could help. The doctor understood her concern.
"Kiko, you keep your head up as well; We shall have our Princess back soon enough. She needs you more now than ever to remain positive and hopeful." Kiko gave the doctor a brave smile and nodded.
"I will do my best, sir, and thank you," she said giving a quick bow. The doctor left the laundry room quickly and made a direct path to the Fire Lord's study. They would have to move quickly to help Zuko out of her slump and before she did anything drastic to herself as some who have suffered from depression have been known to do.
Zuko was once again sitting in a chair in the dark saying nothing and brooding over her state. Kiko tried to be cheerful and clean the room around the princess. She opened curtains and windows and added flowers hoping that at least the feel of the sunlight would help to cheer Zuko more.
Kiko lit candles in the room which suddenly went out as if someone had snuffed them. Kiko looked up in surprise to see that the princess's hand was raised in the air in a simple firebending move.
"I said I didn't want you to light candles, Kiko. I thought it was clear that there would be no point." She said her voice edged with annoyance and anger. Kiko bowed low. "I meant no disrespect, my lady, I only meant to help you get closer to your element. I—I will go now if you desire." Kiko whispered sadly. Zuko sighed deeply and gave a little groan.
"No, no, Kiko. I know you're just trying to help and I appreciate it. You have to learn that there is nothing you can do. Nothing either of us can do. I'm just waiting for my life to be over. There's no point to any of this anyway." The door to Zuko's room burst open and a familiar snarky voice called out.
"Who are you and what have you done to my Sparkly? I can't believe I'm hearing this coming from you of all people, Zuko! You never give up! I have a good mind to throw a couple of rocks your way…" Zuko sat up in her chair in shock. There weren't many things she recognized easily in the new and unfamiliar world but that voice...
"Toph? I—I thought my father sent you away. What are you doing here?" she said trying to mask the surprise in her voice. Toph smirked and chuckled to herself.
"I'm here to help a friend get her ass in gear. From the sounds of things, I made it right on time too. I know things are bad when your father requests my help personally. What are you doing Zuko?" Toph asked gently. Zuko's head went into an instant tailspin. There were too many unfamiliar words attacking her brain at once.
"My father…asked for you?" she asked understandably bewildered. Toph rolled her milky white eyes.
"Yes, he did. He was worried that you were spiraling out of control and he was afraid of what you would do next. Stop avoiding my question." Zuko sat with her mouth agape. She huffed at the absurdity of her situation and the fact that her father was now being a father. She would have to allow herself to explore that later.
"Honestly, Toph I don't know what I'm doing or what to do. I've never been without my sight before and…" she trailed.
"And you're terrified of having to learn how to live life a new way. It's easier to revert to being a brat who sits in the dark and pretends she doesn't have all these skills she can use to get back to living. Am I close?" Toph said without missing a beat. Zuko made a face. Toph read Zuko's heartbeat and scoffed.
"So you're going to tell me right now that a mortar defeated one of the greatest firebenders to ever live? You saved everyone in that bunker including me, Kiko, and yes, even your father. Structurally the whole bunker could have collapsed and killed everyone, but you kept that bomb from reaching us. You gave every one of us a fighting chance. Now it's time for you to do that for yourself." Zuko took in a sharp breath her lower lip trembled and she held on to her chair's armrests. Her voice was barely a whisper.
"I'm scared Toph. I don't know how to get around my own home that I've known since birth. What if I fall? Who do I trust? What if I can't see an enemy coming? I've never been this vulnerable before." Toph walked right up to Zuko and took her hands from the armrests and held them in hers.
"Of course, you're scared. You should be. This is all new territory, but I've never as long as I've known you seen you back away from a challenge. Never. It's now time that you start living again and you can start by trusting the people who always have your back. Truth or Dare Princess Zuko…" Zuko chuffed.
"Are you serious right now?" she said her voice full of surprise and disbelief. Toph said nothing but waited as she normally did when no one wanted to take her challenges. Zuko groaned to herself. She never chooses truth. The truth is always used against her. Zuko sighed and answered,
"Dare. I chose dare." Toph grinned like the cat who swallowed the canary and nodded.
"Good, I dare you to go and take a bath, to let Kiko wash your hair and get you dressed and for you to meet me in the gardens by the turtle duck pond. You've sat in the dark long enough. You have one hour." Though sightless, Zuko opened her eyes wide at her friend's demand.
"That's three dares, Toph." She protested lightly though technically the first two should have been automatic. How had she gotten this out of sorts? Zuko never would have thought she'd ever hear Toph Bei Fong ordering her to take a bath but alas, that just goes to show how much her world had turned upside down. It was also her wakeup call. Zuko knew she needed to bathe before Toph found some terrible pun to make at her expense.
Going outside was the last thing Zuko wanted to do, but then again, Toph knew that already. Never one to flake out on a dare, Zuko huffed standing up and holding her hand out for Kiko.
"Kiko, will you assist me with a bath please?" she asked softly. Kiko watched the entire exchange with incredulity. All it took was one conversation from the blind earthbender to get her princess back? She would have said something weeks ago if she had known.
This girl speaking to her now was the Princess Zuko that retreated inside and locked herself away like a fairy tale princess locked in a tower. She would do anything to see her princess freed from her self-imposed prison.
"With pleasure my lady." She said trying hard to hide the obvious joy in her voice. Toph smirked and inwardly crowed in victory.
In less than forty-five minutes Zuko and Kiko were making their way down the corridor to the prized gardens her mother had made near the pond where they would sit for hours and feed the turtle ducks.
A sour taste rose in her throat. Zuko would never see the pond again and the fluffy little ducklings that would come up to her for bread. She would never be able to watch the waves as they gently lapped upon the shore of the pond or the beauty of the flowers that were lovingly planted to draw the eyes in. Zuko felt a terrible sense of loss and almost commanded Kiko to turn around when she heard a deep and familiar voice in front of her full of surprise and awe.
"Zuko? Oh, you're outside! I'm so glad to see you here, cousin. I've missed you so much and I worried about your health." He pulled her into a tight bear-like hug that she was sure he adopted from the Water Tribes. He stopped and held her shoulders gently. Zuko squirmed from the unexpected contact when he suddenly said,
"Cousin, isn't it a beautiful day?" with a cheerfully pleasant voice, but Zuko frowned.
"I wouldn't know, Lu, I can't see it." She spat with venom and pulled back sharply. How dare he act as though nothing in her life had changed! Why would he say something as insensitive as that? Lu Ten was taken aback. "Dear Princess, I'm sorry I meant no offense. It's just that you don't need to see the day to know it's beautiful." He took a deep breath and sighed touching his cousin's arm lightly.
"Can't you feel the warm sun kissing your skin? Or smell the fragrant flowers from the garden? Can you hear the buzzing of the humming bees and bumble-birds, and feel the light breeze filtering between the trees? There is a plethora of beauty around you little one…" he trailed apologetically.
Zuko swallowed the bitter lump in her throat. It was easy for him to say that the world was beautiful when his vision was still intact. She turned her head away still frowning. Lu Ten grew sober.
"I'm sorry ZuZu, I don't mean to offend you or diminish what you are going through, I only want you to know that I'm glad to see you. The world is so much better when you're in it, and I meant…I only meant that there is still much beauty and wonder to enjoy in this world no matter how you have to do it." Zuko's single eyebrow raised in surprise. She knew he was right.
Her cousin wasn't treating her any differently than he normally did which gave her hope, but she still had yet to encounter the other noblemen and women and even her own father. Zuko sighed her shoulders slumping in resignation.
"Thank you, Lu. I know you're right, but it will take a little time for me to get accustomed to experiencing my world a little differently," she said softly. Lu Ten nodded.
"Understood. I'm just glad to finally see you out of your room, Zuko. Father and I were getting worried there a little bit. I hope we can spend time together soon." Zuko smiled tentatively and nodded. Toph smiled widely and gave Lu Ten a punch to the shoulder which he promptly rubbed to remove the sting. Lu Ten chuckled.
"Hmmn, Toph, I'm glad you're here too, and you rock no pun intended. I must be going ladies. Later, Zu." Lu Ten said as he placed his hand on Zuko's shoulder before continuing on his way. Toph cackled at Lu Ten's unintended joke and bumped Zuko's side.
"He's right you know. You're right too, of course: it will take some time, but your healing starts with your perspective. You have to choose to be strong and positive about this situation. Sometimes the only way out of something is through. Find your hidden strengths. I believe in you though," she said kindly. Zuko bumped Toph back in her side and smiled.
"I'm glad you're here, Toph," she whispered. Toph sighed. "So am I."