Author's Note: Merry Merry Everyone! Regardless of what, who, or when you celebrate, I hope everyone who is able to finds rest and enjoys some time off. I have been on a serious 3rd and 4th quarter 2020 hiatus. Online/Virtual teaching is not as easy as people would like to tell me it is. There is a lot of work involved with helping young people (and parents) stay motivated, come to class, and actually do the work! I hope you enjoy this chapter that I deigned to publish because it's been so long... Happy Reading!
Disclaimer: Is this my universe? Partially. Do I claim the characters or settings that belong to the A:TLA universe? Never! Do I like writing about them for fun? Absolutely!
Chapter 14: The More Things Change…
The next morning Zuko and Toph were up bright and early to meet Uncle and Lu Ten for breakfast in Uncle's room. Toph's excitement was obvious from the way she paced and fidgeted waiting for Zuko to emerge from her bathroom. "What's the holdup Sparkly? I thought we were meeting your Uncle today for breakfast…" she snarked.
Just then Zuko walked out of the steam-filled bathroom followed by a thick white plume of vapor and stopped right at the doorway still wrapped in her towel. She folded her arms across her chest and sighed.
"Well, if you continue to press me this way, I have but two choices of what to wear to breakfast: my towel or my birthday suit. And since neither outfit is befitting of a princess in her right mind in public, you're just going to have to wait. Breakfast isn't for another candle tick or two anyway. That is plenty of time for me to get dressed, OK?"
Zuko explained as her mother would to her as a small child when she was being impatient. Zuko smirked slightly at her friend who flopped back on the bed and sighed as if the world were ending again.
"Look, I'll keep my clothes simple today, OK?" Zuko encouraged. Toph groaned waving her hand in the air as if dismissing Zuko. Zuko chuckled silently knowing her friend forgot she couldn't see her and walked to her wardrobe to get dressed.
Kiko was indeed an angel in disguise. She took an entire afternoon after Zuko began to rehabilitate and improve to help her become more independent with things like dressing and doing her hair on her own.
First, she showed Zuko how to prepare her hair in simple styles like buns and ponytails or her topknot for the days she had to be a little more formal. Knowing that Zuko couldn't see the colors of her clothing or tell which outfits were formal or for every day by touch, the two of them worked to develop a system that Zuko could use to determine which pieces were which.
They decided to put various kinds of textured cloth on the clothes hangers to differentiate between certain outfits and styles. Silk and satin were used for formal wear, leather for training clothes, plain carved wood for travel or work clothes, and cotton for everyday tunics and pants. Accessories like sashes, belts, ribbons, and jewelry that belonged with a certain article were hung in a small drawstring bag over the hanger with the clothing.
Only Zuko and Kiko had permission to remove or replace clothing so that no one would confuse the system or cause any harm. Zuko felt for the ornately carved wooden hangers and reached for the third hanger to the right.
She touched the soft felt bag hanging at the top and smiled. Her favorite hairpin was in there and she knew this was the outfit she wanted to wear. Zuko took the hanger down carefully and made her way to a chaise nearby since Toph was still busy whining and moaning on the bed. She had already put on her undergarments and overshirt. Carefully she removed her tunic from the hanger and pulled it over her lithe frame.
The sash was in the bag with her hairpin and she took it out gingerly to keep from pulling the hairpin out too quickly. Once Zuko put on her pants and stockings, she carefully tied her sash paying attention to the side and direction of her knots, and reached for her hairpin.
She sat for a moment and ran her fingers delicately over the jade and mother of pearl dragon and phoenix that intertwined at the top of her pin. She treasured the pin because it was a special gift that her mother gave to her shortly before leaving Madame Hachi's island. Her mother told her that it was once her mother's and she was now passing it down to Zuko. It was an unbelievable gift that Zuko knew she would treasure with her life.
Strangely Ozai didn't recognize the pin and figured it was one of Zuko's few baubles she purchased for herself when she would walk through the market with Lu Ten from time to time. Azula had never seen it at all and had no clue of its significance. She teased Zuko often for wearing the pin with such a plain garment, but Zuko didn't care. This was a piece of her mother and she would wear it no matter how out of place or gaudy it seemed to others.
With a few practiced and deft movements Zuko had her hair in a neat and tightly tucked bun. She inserted the pin in the top of the bun sideways to keep from stabbing herself in the scalp and stood up. She walked over to the bed and rolled her sightless eyes.
"Alright tortured soul, I'm ready. Let's go to breakfast. Toph popped up like fresh snack corn on a hot stove and clapped her hands in delight.
"Yes, finally! You would think a girl your size would be ready to eat all the time. You practically tower over me and burn more calories than everyone in the palace and yet you eat like a catbird. I don't get it…" Toph teased lightly.
Zuko reached over and pushed her friend towards the door while making a face. "Get out." She snarled playfully. Toph cackled wickedly and the girls giggled their bubbly laughter filtering into the corridor as they exited Zuko's room.
"It's a good thing Uncle's room is close, or you'd probably be a skeleton by now Toph," Zuko said with a hint of sarcasm. "Gods, I know! You would think I'd get treated better by royalty." Toph retorted shaking her head. The girls laughed again and the door to Uncle's room opened suddenly giving the unexpecting pair a start with the sudden burst of air and change in temperature.
"Well, well! It looks like two of my favorite breakfast guests are in good spirits this morning. This is good. Please come in; everything is prepared for you." Iroh said cheerfully while pulling the girls into a group bear hug. The girls grimaced as he squeezed them tightly then released them to stumble to the table.
Zuko rubbed her rib cage while Toph rubbed her neck and shoulder. Very few people in this world were able to physically hurt the tiny yet powerful earthbender; Uncle Iroh was one of them.
Iroh chuckled from the doorway as he made his way into the spacious antechamber. Lu Ten was already seated and watching the scene with amusement. Iroh sat placidly at the low table resting his hands in their usual place over his rotund belly. The General took a deep and meditative breath before beginning.
"Good morning to all of you. Thank you for joining me for this meal. We have much to discuss…" he said. Zuko and Toph nudged each other's leg as they thought about what he could possibly want to discuss. Lu Ten noted the enthusiasm of his cousin and little friend and rolled his eyes. He couldn't blame them for feeling excited, but they didn't have to act like fangirls. This was serious official business and the girls were behaving as if they were about to go on holiday!
Iroh gave his son a sharp look and Lu Ten smirked. Though it was far in left field for Iroh to recruit two blind girls for the investigation, Lu Ten knew his father well enough to know that he had a very good reason for bringing the girls in and he would find out soon enough so he'd bear with the girly antics and enthusiasm for now. Iroh cleared his throat and all nudging and chatter ceased. The two girls "looked" in the well-respected man's direction silently to both the General and Lieutenant's surprise.
"Ladies, as you know I have decided to bring you both into this investigation we are currently conducting about who actually attacked the Fire Lord's palace." He said somberly. Toph instinctively grabbed Zuko's hand and gave it a firm squeeze in comfort.
Zuko took a deep breath to fight back the rush of memories at the mention of that fateful day her life changed completely. Iroh smiled in understanding. He knew that the issue was still fresh in her mind and he didn't want to create more pain for Zuko, but he felt that her assistance would help him get to the bottom of the situation quickly.
Zuko had an uncanny knack for dealing with people and reading a room. Iroh was sure her "other" skillset would also aid them tremendously.
"I have discussed with the Fire Lord the possibility of re-opening the Fire Nation's borders for the sake of diplomacy. We do not have enough skilled laborers in our country to assist with our growth and progress as well. Many of our previous earth kingdom residents were talented stonemasons, metalworkers, and artisans which we desperately need right now. Unfortunately, much of the restoration work needing to be done to the palace is on hold which leaves us vulnerable." Iroh explained soberly.
Lu Ten added quickly. "This attack was not planned in isolation. The targets were specific and narrowed to nobility and the royal family. We have reason to believe former General How planned this attack and used Earth kingdom citizens within the Fire Nation to coordinate the assault to give them almost unlimited access. The execution of their mission was too seamless, and our forces couldn't detect trouble until it was much too late." He grimaced. Toph and Zuko gasped.
Zuko immediately thought of Jet and his presence in the palace the day of the attack. How had he gotten access if he was supposed to be on a naval ship? Was Captain Nishikawa a part of this plot? She dared not consider the possibility. Iroh watched Zuko curiously. He noted the odd way her expression changed at the mention of Earth kingdom residents' possible involvement.
"Zuko, what is it? If you know something please don't hesitate to tell us; even if it seems small to you. It may be a great help."Iroh encouraged. Zuko kicked herself inwardly at the fact she couldn't seem to hide what she was thinking from her uncle. She sighed deeply realizing that she would have to say something if she was to be a part of this team.
"The day of the battle… I, um, saw someone I knew from the Earth Kingdom when I was a prisoner of war." Iroh and Lu Ten both furrowed their brows in surprise. Toph turned her head slightly towards Zuko realizing that she knew who it was maybe.
There was only one Earth kingdom guy she remembers from Zuko's "imprisonment," but he was supposed to be dead. Zuko groaned squeezing her sightless eyes tight in the hopes she could disappear, but all eyes were on her.
"His name is Jet Wu. He was supposed to be dead. The Earth kingdom mercenary I thought had died under Lake Laogai in Ba Sing Se years ago somehow he ended up as a sailor on Captain Nishikawa's ship. He attended the debutante ball at Madame Hachi's Island where we were…reacquainted?" she squeaked unintentionally.
At that, three sharp grunts, guffaws, and oh's went forth. Zuko quickly realized what they were thinking and corrected them. Her face blushed a fiery rose.
"No! No, no, nooooo. Not like that! Guys, come on…" she said rolling her eyes. "I just meant I thought he was dead and found out he wasn't. That doesn't exactly happen every day. I was embarrassed because I thought I probably should have said something before now." She defended.
Lu Ten still gave his cousin a suspicious look of the corner of his eye but relaxed knowing that his cousin was the best at saying things that could be easily misconstrued by others. Zuko shook her head sadly.
"I thought it strange that an Earth kingdom citizen would be a sailor on a Fire Nation naval vessel. Especially someone like Jet who was infamous for trying to kill any Fire Nation person he could get his hands on. I couldn't fight the nagging feeling that something wasn't quite right, but I didn't trust my intuition." she said sadly the realization of just how much Jet betrayed her hitting home.
The breakfast companions sat soberly pondering while sipping tea or chewing thoughtfully. Zuko mused aloud. "How did he manage to leave his ship to fight in the palace in the first place? What happened to the ship and why weren't we alerted? None of this makes sense unless Jet had inside help." She said soberly.
Zuko's words fell like a ton of bricks. This scenario opened the door to another possibility no one really wanted to explore: Were there also Fire Nation officials in on the plot to attack the royal palace? This increased the difficulty of finding the culprits one hundred-fold. Who would want to sabotage the fragile peace between the two nations? Who would dare to commit treason against the royal family? Lu Ten whistled.
"This is not good cousin. If there were Fire nation officials involved, it could be any number of them who were profiting off of the previous war who wanted to regain that wealth and influence." Iroh stroked his beard. "Toph, I believe we need to track down that captain and have a small chat with him. Don't you agree?" Toph sneered as her knuckles cracked. "Just lead the way, old man." It was Iroh's turn to roll his eyes.
"First we need to see if he is even on land before we get to the part you would call "fun" little one. We must go in order…with patience." He said to Toph's irritation. "You know patience is really not my strong suit when there's a field trip involved," she whined. Zuko chuckled.
"I swear you and this burning need for field trips…" She mumbled affectionately while reaching for a fruit tart. Before she took a bite Zuko stopped her face filling with curiosity. "Wait. Uncle, what will Lu and I do if you're going with Toph?" Iroh smiled wickedly.
"You will be putting your special skill set to use my niece…" Lu Ten was instantly suspicious. "Special… skill… set?" he asked with not a little surprise. Iroh's laugh rumbled in his chest reminiscent of a coiled beast preparing to roar and billow flame. It was in moments like these that Lu Ten was reminded of his father's title The Dragon of the West.
"Yes, my son. I'm going to tell you a story. One that I think you know more about than you let on…" he said mysteriously. Toph cackled at the way Lu Ten's heartbeat sped to the pace of a Komodo-rhino. Needless to say, by the end of the story, Lu Ten was not only impressed at how his father found out about his and Zuko's true involvement in the war, but he was also impressed by the way the old General understood why they did what they did.
Many still hungry for war would have called Zuko's subterfuge and Lu Ten's disappearance and reappearance as a prisoner of war, treason, and betrayal if the story was spun in the right hands. Toph nodded with pride at how Iroh was able to discover the whole story.
"Wow, Grandpa. I suppose if anyone had to figure out what happened, I'm glad it was you. This country would have been in flames, no pun intended, if the story had gone any other way. So, how are you going to use Zuko this time?" she asked her voice particularly bright. Iroh once again smiled his knowing smile and replied,
"Let's ask Zuko."
Zuko walked slowly along the unfamiliar corridor feeling for the heat of random persons scurrying about on duty or walking briskly to their important destinations. She occasionally slipped into the narrow hallways that weren't used by the nobles because they were servant's passages whenever an unexpected nobleman or lady approached.
She was making her way towards Noble's Hall, the area designated for noblemen to meet privately or rest between council meetings. Royalty was not forbidden to walk the hall per se, but it was a courtesy to allow the nobles a space to speak freely without fear of recourse.
No one would suspect that the misplaced blind princess of the Fire Nation would be on a mission to discover which nobles had possible involvement in the near destruction of the palace and royal family. She knew she wouldn't have much time before she was discovered so she felt for the body heat of people within the small chambers designed for a short respite and tuned in as she walked along the hallway to hear what she could pick up.
To her surprise and sometimes dismay she occasionally heard the sounds of activities she was certain several noblewomen would not be pleased to discover about their husbands. Zuko did her best to tune those noises out and keep moving knowing those particular discoveries weren't a part of her mission today.
The princess knew by the number of steps she took already, she was approaching the end of the corridor and would be blocked off by a wall. Zuko and Lu Ten counted the steps out before she attempted to come this way so that if she needed to abort the mission she could turn around and get back to safety.
Zuko was losing hope that she could get the information she needed today. It would look too suspicious even for a blind princess to walk back and forth along Noble's Hall so she prayed she would hear something soon. Just as she prepared to turn around Zuko picked up the rumblings of a passionate debate among some of the councilmembers and one voice stood out among the others.
Zuko felt for the window and positioned herself outside of the frame so she wouldn't be seen. She knew that the curtains were drawn to keep the noise down and to provide some privacy. Zuko stood stock still and listened. Councilman Ukano, Mai's father and the Fire Lord's now closest confidant was speaking.
"Gentlemen, it is clear that the message we sent was not strong enough. We must prove to the Fire Lord without a doubt that this false peace and "union" he is trying to create with the Earth Kingdom will not work! Those previous letters only served to confuse the fool and make him more suspicious!" he groused sourly. Another voice rang out,
"Yes! That Earth scum general nearly betrayed us and went too far. He had spies planted even in our Navy. How tried to kill all of us not just the Fire Lord. It's a good thing we were able to dispose of him before he reported back to the Earth king and ruined every—" Ukano cut back in,
"Yes, indeed. General How was too much of a wild card. That letter we faked from the Earth king should keep the Fire Lord busy enough while we continue our plans. Unfortunately, we still can't find How's main spy, the one called Ensign Wu. If he manages to reach the Fire Lord or our Generals and tell them what he knows, we will have more than trials for treason to worry about."
Zuko fought the urge to gasp at the mention of Jet. She knew that she couldn't stay much longer though there was no one in the hallway, or her presence would seem very suspicious. Ukano continued speaking oblivious to the presence of the fleeing princess in the hallway.
"We almost lost the Crown princess in that attack and I don't see the Fire Lord being too forgiving for that…" A yell and a scream rang out in the far end of the corridor causing the men to freeze in shock and fear. Ukano was the first to move flinging the door open to see the Crown Princess of the Fire Nation he was just talking about sitting awkwardly in the long corridor's end clutching her ankle and moaning in pain surrounded by debris from a servant's tray.
"Oh, Agni! Owwww! My ankle! Gods, it hurts..." she groaned miserably. The servant cowered in terror at the sight of her injured princess on the floor. The poor girl didn't see Zuko as she came around the corner with a tray heavily laden with tea service and pastries for the treacherous group that now stood in the hallway staring in disbelief. It was obvious that the princess didn't see the girl either or so it appeared to everyone else.
The servant who couldn't have been more than twelve or thirteen tried to pick up the scattered dished around her. Ukano barked at her, his voice heavy with malice. "Leave that be, you careless wretched girl! Can't you see your princess needs help?" The girl froze like a deer caught in the beam of a bright light. She stammered,
"I-I-I'm so sorry sir. I didn't see her highness as I was coming around the corner and I—" The girls stopped suddenly as Ukano raised his hand to strike her for making excuses, but was stopped by an unseen hand. He looked up to yell at whoever dared to put their hands on him to stop him and felt his own sense of terror when he saw the Prince Lu Ten glaring down at him unfavorably. Ukano lowered his hand immediately.
"Isn't it obvious the girl is terrified, Ukano? She is well aware of her mistake and I am certain she was unable to see the princess through stone walls as she rounded the corner, otherwise, she would have made way don't you think? We are not in the business of cruelty." Lu Ten said with a deep and commanding timbre which none dared challenge. Ukano looked away duly shamed by the prince who rebuked him. Lu Ten's eyes softened as he turned to look at the young servant girl.
"Do you know of the Palace physician, young one?" he asked firmly. The girl stammered, "Y-y-y-yes, m-my Lord." Lu Ten nodded. "Very good. Go fetch him and tell him he is needed in the Crown princess' chambers immediately. Be sure you also come back with him. Another servant will be directed to clean this up. Do not delay." He directed.
The girl bowed deeply and nodded before running as fast as she could to find the palace physician. Lu Ten looked to his cousin who couldn't have planned a better distraction and chided her. His voice was concerned yet edged with teasing.
"Cousin... How did you end up over here? Do you even know where here is? Kiko and I have just spent the last hour and a half looking everywhere for you. If I hadn't heard the commotion down the other corridor I wouldn't have found you! It seems we really can't leave you to your own devices sometimes…" He said shaking his head." Zuko pouted.
"I'll have you know I was doing just fine up until a few minutes ago." She said ignoring the "pain" in her ankle to scratch her one eyebrow and make a confession. "I, Uh, I…don't know where I am, honestly, but now that you're here you can be the gentleman you are supposed to be and help me back to my room? It's embarrassing enough for me to be lost in my own home, but surely you won't leave me here on the floor to further my humiliation!" She snapped as a blush crept up on her neck and face.
The men in the hallway quickly realized that the princess had no idea where she was and took a deep breath in relief. She couldn't possibly know what they had been talking about only moments before. Lu Ten resisted a grin as he bent down to help the injured princess up on her feet.
Two servants who were dispatched to clean up the mess immediately began picking up shards of porcelain glass while the other collected the food items that were ruined careful not to stare at the princess who was in a humbled state on the frigid stone floor. The nobles in the hallway scattered in different directions to afford the princess some modicum of privacy as her cousin went about helping her up from the ground.
Perhaps the presence of the disoriented princess on their hall was an ill omen about the actions the nobles were taking against the Fire Lord. Could it really be a coincidence that the disabled royal would appear at the very moment they were talking about her and her family by name?
Though many of the nobles were devotees to Agni in name only, they would not dare to assume Agni wouldn't show his hand or move on the behalf of others who are true. This was no longer a good time for them to talk. The men would wait for another day.
Zuko stumbled with a moan as she tried to put weight on her foot when she stood. Lu Ten swept her into his arms with a slight grunt knowing he had to make her injury look believable. Zuko continued to pretend her ankle was sore all the way down the hall until they reached her chambers. Their first mission was complete.
Zuko now knew who was behind the attacks, but they needed to put all the pieces of the puzzle together before they could begin trying councilmembers for treason or even remotely begin to repair the breach between the Earth and Fire kingdoms. There were still too many questions that needed answering and missing people who could give them the answers they needed… like Jet Wu.
On the other side of the Caldera near the docks, Iroh and Toph went about looking for information on Captain Nishikawa and his crew's current location. The sailors stationed at the port looked at the Dragon of the West and his blind companion curiously. What would they want with Captain Nishikawa? Was the Captain in trouble? So many strange events have been happening ever since the Crown princess came back from her etiquette training so many months before.
One young man had enough sense to mind his business and just tell the respected General what he wanted to know. "Yes, General, the captain is currently out to sea patrolling the Bay of Azulon and protecting the coastal areas. Ever since the attack on the palace, we called our Navy closer to home to ensure they can arrive in a shorter time period if the country came under attack. He's been gone for the last three months, sir." Iroh looked to Toph who gave him a thumbs up to signify he was telling the truth. Iroh nodded to the young man and requested his name.
"Oh, forgive me, General! My name is Ensign Ako Akane, sir. I sailed with Captain Nishikawa on his last mission a few months before the attacks. We went on a two-week furlough after we returned from Hashimoto Island. Then, I was re-assigned here right after I got married you see. In fact, my wife is actually a friend of the Crown princess. They went to Madame Ha—"
The young man stopped abruptly as his friend elbowed him in the rib for rambling and sharing too much information that the old General probably didn't want to hear. Iroh smiled gently at the young sailor and said.
"Ensign Akane, please tell your wife that I am certain my niece would love to hear from a dear old friend. We will send an invitation to have dinner soon. She speaks often of your wife, the former Muta Osaka, I believe?" The young man grinned like a man who had just won the lottery.
"Yes! That's her, your highness. How did you know? Muta will be so happy!" The men in the port office stared in awe at their friend who was telling the truth about his wife and just received an invitation to come to the palace to visit the Crown princess and famed General. Ensign Akane beamed with pride at the way his day was turning out. The General nodded to the other young men and reminded the young sailor,
"Look for an invitation in the next few days for both you and your wife. Please dress formally and bring your invitation that day. Princess Zuko will be very happy about your visit. Until next time gentlemen, have a good day." As General Iroh and Toph walked away to the sound of intense whispering and excitement behind them, Toph whispered,
"You're not slick, old man. I know that Zuko would like to see her friend from school, but that's not why you invited them." Iroh didn't say anything to that but smiled to himself. Then he added,
"Perhaps, young one. Since you know why I invited them then you also know why it would be of the utmost importance for that young man to arrive without anyone's suspicion as to the reason." Toph cackled softly and walked with her arm in the crook of the general's. "Of course, I do Gramps. You're good. You're really good…" Iroh patted Toph's hand gently and began humming an old Earth Kingdom ditty as the pair made their way back up the road to where their palanquin waited to return to the palace.
As General Iroh, Toph, Lu Ten, and Zuko gathered in the great room where they had breakfast together only a day before, they discussed what they knew and discovered. Iroh wasn't surprised to find out that Ukano was capitalizing on his closeness to the Fire Lord to secure information and to keep a pulse on the work they were doing to find the culprits who attacked the royal family.
It was shameful that those who lived in the heart of the Fire Nation were the ones responsible for almost destroying themselves and their royals. Knowing now that there were councilmembers in the coup attempt changed the dynamic significantly. They would no longer speak so freely about the case as they once did. Lu Ten was able to identify several of the men who came out of the room with Ukano when Zuko had her "accident" and recorded their names as soon as they reached Zuko's room.
They wouldn't be able to prove anything by just the words Zuko heard and the presence of those councilmen together. They would need witnesses and solid evidence of the foul play that led to so many deaths and the princess' disability.
The little servant girl who unwittingly bumped into the crown princess was moved to another part of the palace to work and keep her from running into those noblemen who may want to retaliate for Prince Lu Ten taking up for her. It was common knowledge that the nobles were much less inclined to show mercy and kindness to those they deemed beneath them. That was something Zuko sincerely hoped to be able to change one day.
The young girl who they later learned was named Rinji found a much better position in the physician's office helping to clean and prepare tools and materials for the doctor and his assistants. Dr. Ishi was glad to have the help and felt that he could begin to train Rinji as a new midwife for future generations. Zuko was just glad everything worked out for the girl.
She felt bad for using the poor girl in that way in the first place but knew that it would be less believable to have the princess wandering aimlessly in the halls specifically restricted from royalty without some good excuse. No one would question why the blind princess was wandering around Noble's Hall if she had an accident she couldn't foresee.
Plus, the Crown prince looking for her only legitimized her presence in the wrong place. It was common knowledge that Zuko had gained a near-normal sense of independence and would prefer to find her own way around the palace as she did before her injuries.
Occasionally the stubborn princess did get turned around, but there was always a servant or two who would get her pointed in the right direction. Zuko sighed and asked her uncle,
"Was the invitation sent to Muta and her husband, Uncle? I know it serves a double purpose, but I really can't wait to talk to Muta again and Toph, I think you're going to love her." Zuko said resisting the urge to smile. Toph feigned excitement and added with a twinge of sarcasm, "Can't wait…" Zuko glared in her direction.
"Give her a chance Toph! You don't even know her. She may surprise you." Zuko challenged. Toph waved her hand nonchalantly and sighed.
"Whatever, I'll play nice of course, but don't get your hopes up. It takes a lot to impress me." Iroh instantly recognized the twinge of jealousy in the tiny earthbender's voice but he let it go knowing that the princess and her friend would have to somehow work their unrealized issue out.
Within three days Ensign Akane and his wife arrived promptly at the gate for dinner with General Iroh and Princess Zuko. The guards standing at the gate eyed the young couple oddly. Though they were both dressed formally and spoke well, no one had come to call on or visit with the princess Zuko ever since she had her accident. Why would this couple suddenly be allowed to come to the palace to see her?
One guard who appeared to be the captain looked Ensign Akane and his wife up and down for several minutes without speaking. The young sailor fidgeted uncomfortably under the weight of the scrutiny, but his wife took his hand in hers gently and gave it a pat of support. Muta expected the guards would be more discerning before allowing anyone into the palace since the attacks. They would wait however long they needed to wait.
Muta was excited at the prospect of seeing Zuko after so many months and she would not be deterred. Though the guard recognized the unique signature of the old General he was still suspicious. What would the General Iroh and the Crown Princess want with a lowly ensign who obviously married above his station?
As the guard glanced at the wife again, he noticed how she stood erect and had the tell-tale tilt of chin worn by many women in the nobility. Though her clothes were not of the latest fashion, he noted that they were not worn or threadbare just simple when compared to occupants of the royal city.
Just when Ensign Akane had had enough of the humiliating wait, a deep and commanding voice spoke clearly over the guards causing all eyes to widen in surprise and for a few, in fear.
"Captain Haka, please allow my guests to enter the gates as they have been detained for embarrassingly long enough. What could have possibly given you the impression they should be held if I personally invited them? Or was there another reason?" he scolded raising an eyebrow at the captain who quickly realized the wily general knew exactly what he had done.
The captain knew he had nothing except his perception of their station to judge them by and held them up unjustly making them late for their appointment with the General and Crown princess. The captain hung his head slightly and bowed to the couple deeply.
"Sir, Madam, please accept my apologies for the delay. I have been much more cautious about who enters the palace since our recent events." He said while continuing to bow. He then bowed to the General.
"Please do not allow this moment to affect your visit or how you think of me. Once again, I apologize." He said with a voice that hovered between embarrassment, sincerity, sarcasm, and humility.
Muta looked at her husband in warning knowing he had a temper and would say something offensive if left to his own devices. Ako Akane bit his tongue to bleeding knowing that his wife was the one who was better with speaking and dealing with the nobility and he really didn't want to sleep outside tonight if he offended her. The lady nodded gracefully to the captain and spoke with a voice as sweet as honey,
"Indeed captain, we do understand your concern and appreciate your attention to your duty. Thank you for doing your job so diligently. We can rest assured knowing that our friends in the palace are kept safe. All is forgiven and do have a wonderful evening." Iroh stifled a smile at the words of the young woman who appeared cool on the surface but held a fire that could melt stone.
He clearly understood why Zuko chose Muta as a friend: they were like two peas in a pod. Muta smiled broadly as the clearly uncomfortable captain and other guards sheepishly made way for the couple who had the favor of members of the royal family. As Iroh escorted the couple to his chambers he sighed wearily,
"I do apologize for your unlawful detainment. There was no justifiable reason for it. I'm afraid our country still has a lot to learn about the futility of labels and assumptions… Nevertheless, I am so glad you were able to come tonight." The Akanes smiled at the powerful, yet humble General who cared enough about all citizens to treat them as equals regardless of perceived station. Muta grinned again,
"I wouldn't miss this for the world, your highness. I have longed to see Princess Zuko again. Thank you for the invitation." She said fighting the niggling feeling that things were definitely different now and perhaps how she reacted tonight would determine where her friendship with the princess stands.