Author's Note: My word! It's been a while since I posted a chapter to this story. We have The Dragon of the West doing a small dinner party with Muta Osaka-Akane and her husband Ako to see what they can discover about Captain Nishigawa's ship. What will they learn if anything? How will Toph and Muta get along? Questions that need answering... I hope everyone is well and enjoying the first month of the new year. If you are in America are you waiting with bated breath to see how the Inauguration will pan out on Wednesday? It feels very Fire Nation-y no? If you enjoy let me know in the comments and Happy Reading!
Disclaimer: If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, does it have a turtle shell?
Chapter 15: Party of Five
As General Iroh, Toph, Lu Ten, and Zuko gathered in the great room where they had breakfast together only a few days 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 he 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.
The team 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 young lady. 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 in Noble Hall if she had an accident she couldn't foresee after claiming to be lost. 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 her 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 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 looked Ensign Akane and his wife up and down for several minutes without speaking. The man 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 prejudiced impression of the couple to assess 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, your highness. Once again, I apologize." He said with a voice that hovered between embarrassment, sincerity, and remorse. 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 her emphasis on the words 'our friends'.
The young woman who appeared cool and meek on the surface held a fire that could melt stone. Iroh clearly understood why Zuko chose Muta as a friend: they were like twin souls. Muta smiled broadly as the clearly uncomfortable captain and other guards sheepishly made way for the couple who had the obvious favor of members of the royal family.
As Iroh escorted the couple to his chambers he sighed wearily,
"I do apologize for your improper 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 and perhaps how she reacted tonight would determine where her friendship with the princess stands.
The walk to the old General's chambers took several minutes. Iroh intentionally took the couple by a longer path than necessary to keep the young man and his wife out of the view of the nobles. If they had been using the sailors from Captain Nishikawa's ship for their attempted coup, it's possible one would have recognized Ensign Ako Akane.
Iroh used the opportunity to give the young couple a short tour of areas that were generally off-limits to non-members of the royal family. They looked on with awe as they passed portraits of former Fire Lords and their spouses. The couple walked at a leisurely pace behind the respected general and stopped simultaneously at one portrait. The most recent one.
Ako's look was unreadable as he stared at the painting of the current Fire Lord. Ako Akane bowed low to the portrait and gave a salute once he was upright. Iroh instantly understood. This was probably the closest Ensign Akane would get to the actual Fire Lord who was also the country's Commander in Chief. He was showing his respect.
Would Ako have done that if he was a part of one of the greatest coup attempts this country has ever seen? It gave Iroh pause. Muta however shivered at her first glance of the enigmatic Fire Lord Ozai.
She understood why Zuko felt so alone and her self-esteem suffered so heavily. There wasn't a nurturing bone in that man's body, and he didn't seem the type to encourage or engage in open and heartfelt conversation. It was his way or the highway.
The cruelty, pride, and malice in his features were still accurately captured by the artist who probably attempted to make the Fire Lord at least appear quasi-benevolent. This portrait just made Muta hope with her life that she never had to meet the real person.
Iroh watched the friend Zuko spoke so highly of and knew he wanted to give her a penny for her thoughts as she observed the Fire Lord. Perhaps he would be able to find out some pertinent information after all. Iroh cleared his throat breaking the deep silence.
"This way, please. It's not much farther," He said. Iroh noted that Muta showed her training under Madame Hachi well. He wondered to himself how she was going to react to the "new" Zuko. Some of the young women that Zuko befriended from the island avoided her completely uncomfortable with what to say to her and how to act around her.
Many were too concerned about appearances to have genuine and heartfelt conversations with her. They also took their cues from the Fire Lord and his other daughter and sometimes avoided conversations altogether. It made for a very lonely and painful existence for Zuko especially when Toph wasn't around. He hoped tonight would be different.
As the couple walked into Iroh's antechamber Muta instantly looked for Zuko. She braced herself for what she would see and determined that no matter what she would be here for her friend. Zuko read the heat of the three people entering the room and felt a large warm yellow-orange, that must be Uncle Iroh, she thought.
She felt a warm orange tell-tale of a firebender, but the heat was still calm, Muta's husband perhaps? The last signature was a pale yellow with bits of yellow-orange, reserved but calm, also a firebender. She smiled. She walked right up to Muta to Muta's complete shock and held out her hands.
"Hello Muta, It has been a while." She said trying to hide the nervousness she felt in her voice. Would Muta reject her like all the others? Would she be uncomfortable and awkward or ignore her as other noblewomen had done? Muta grinned her signature Cheshire smile.
"I leave you alone for one minute and what do you do? You go and save the kingdom. Admit it, Zuko. You're an adventure junky." She teased. Zuko stood with her mouth askew the shock on her face growing with each moment. Muta hadn't changed one bit!
"Are you kidding me right now? I haven't seen you in over a year and the first thing you say to me is I'm an adventure junky? That is not true, Muta!" Muta laughed holding her belly and looked at the old general.
"Tell me, General. How long before she started fighting again after her recovery? Don't be shy, sir. She knows I'm right." Iroh chuckled to himself as he poured the tea. He had nothing to worry about all along. Zuko and Muta were going to be just fine. Zuko felt betrayed.
"Uncle! I can't believe this! Muta, how can you say that? I…uh, two months OK, but that does NOT make me…what you called me." Zuko said gesturing her hand in small circles. "You didn't even say hello…" she added with a pout. Muta took Zuko's hands in hers and sighed to keep from becoming too emotional.
"Hello, Princess Zuko. I have missed you, my friend." She said quietly choking back a sob. Zuko released her hands and immediately pulled Muta into a hug. Muta's eyes widened in shock as she realized how lonely perhaps Zuko had been all this time and she hugged her back pouring her love into it.
Zuko sobbed miserably as she realized that Muta was still her friend and didn't care about her scar or appearance; she cared about her. Ako Akane smiled to himself knowing how much his wife truly missed the princess and he knew without a doubt that they had a bond that couldn't be broken by time.
He remembered when Muta and the princess would talk on the ship. It was rare that the girls were ever apart. He hoped that they would be able to make this friendship last for both their sakes.
Muta chose to marry Ako even though it meant she wouldn't have access to the noble life that she was accustomed to prior. She never complained but Ako knew that this was one of the perks she would have enjoyed regularly if she had married above or within her station.
He never saw her parents more disappointed in her than the day she said she would marry Ako. They were furious that she would purposely choose to downgrade her life for love. Marrying a sailor was barely a step above marrying a peasant in their opinion. Her stepfather called her a fool.
Ako determined he would work harder to raise his family up so that Muta wouldn't miss out on these benefits ever again. Iroh nodded with satisfaction. He watched the scene unfold with pride at the way Muta made sure Zuko knew she was not going to change because of what she saw. There was a true bond of friendship between the girls and he would find a way to help them be there for each other.
Zuko and Muta wiped the tears from their eyes as they calmed themselves. Muta muttered under her breath sniffling to Zuko's amusement.
"You always were such a crier." Zuko chose not to respond knowing it was true and Muta was there to witness it on many occasions. She just smirked to herself. It was her turn to poke fun.
"You're so rude. You haven't even introduced me to your husband! Are you going to fix this?" she asked with sarcasm. Muta guffawed and laughed out loud. She held out her hand for her husband who came over with a smile.
"I know you can't see him Zuko, but do you remember punch guy at the debutante ball?" Zuko gasped with instant recognition.
"You mean the cute sailor whose face you were in the entire three days we sailed back to the Caldera?" Muta and Ako laughed together at this and Ako answered gently.
"Yes, your highness that's me. I'm glad you remember. A lot has changed since we all last saw one another." He mused.
"Yeah," the girls said in unison. They laughed at their synchronicity as the door swung open banging on its hinges. Toph had finally arrived.
"Hey Gramps, are these two done with their cryfest? I'm starving!" she said pointing at the two reunited friends. Iroh as patiently as always spoke to Toph gently.
"We were just about to be seated. I'm glad you were able to make it." Toph felt his elevated heart rate and realized that she needed to tone it down a bit or their operation could go south. Be it far from Toph to stress the beloved old man out. Stress equals mistakes.
She didn't speak but nodded to the husband and wife and dropped down next to the General unceremoniously. Muta eyed the loud and abrasive blind earth girl curiously. She noted her gruff manner and dusty feet. She had heard of this girl from her merchant friends in the market. Toph was a real character according to most but especially to the bartender of the local tavern.
"Are you the Earth Kingdom heiress, Toph Bei Fong by any chance?" she asked carefully with obvious admiration. Toph grinned from the recognition.
"In the flesh! And you're Muta, right? Zuko couldn't stop gabbing about you after she returned from that island." Muta looked surprised.
"Really Zuko? Why me?" Zuko smiled sheepishly,
"Because I really wanted you and Toph to get to know each other and become friends. I missed Toph terribly while I was gone, and Muta, you were so kind to me, you know after the beginning. You both have been such amazing friends to me, and I just wanted you two to get along with each other." she said softly.
Toph's expression softened. Zuko missed her that much? Maybe she really misjudged her friend and this Muta girl. Muta was shocked. Zuko wanted to be her friend this whole time and bring her into Zuko's inner circle? She lowered her head at the honor.
"Well, I'm game if you are Lady Bei Fong." Muta said humbly. Toph snorted and laughed.
"If we're going to be friends you have to drop the formalities. True friends are on first a name basis, right?" she asked rhetorically. Zuko smiled.
"Yes, of course, but just remember the rules outside of this room. Not everyone appreciates people being genuine and natural with one another. We must retain honorifics in front of the other nobles." She said. Iroh smiled at his niece's diplomacy and nodded.
"Yes, in these rooms we have more liberties than when we are before the public, but you are welcome to be yourselves in this space. In fact, it is preferred." He said. Muta and Ako gave one another a strange look. Perhaps being royal nobility isn't all it's portrayed to be before the masses.
"Of course, we will respect your wishes Zuko. Toph, thank you for the opportunity to be friends. I've actually heard a lot about you and I have questions." Muta said with a glint in her eye. Toph raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, and what do want to know?" she asked suspiciously. Muta smirked and grinned wickedly. "Is it true that you outdrank an entire table of soldiers in a game of strip shots at the Wild Pony and all those men had to go home in their skivvies?" she asked. Toph howled in amusement.
"Ha! Every last one of them. Those pansies couldn't hold their liquor if the glasses were glued to their hands! Best night ever! Ha Ha!" Ako's eyes nearly bulged out of his skull.
"Oh My God! That was you!? My lieutenant couldn't even show his face the next day. He made some excuse about feeling under the weather. You made complete fools out of those guys!" he said clearing his throat in a most subtle way. Iroh watched the soldier curiously. His response told him much about the young soldier.
"Not bad…" Ako added nonchalantly while nodding in approval and broke into raucous laughter. Muta sighed in obvious relief and laughed along. Ako was actually in that group who were clothes-less that night, but they tried not to share that bit of information often as it didn't help for promotional purposes.
Toph noted their heartbeats and filed the information in the back of her mind though outwardly she cackled at the story. The couple was hiding something.
Dinner passed uneventfully with conversation after conversation that flowed with the addition of wine and rich foods. Zuko and Muta eventually recalled their misadventures and even their fight on the first day at Madame Hachi's to Toph's complete admiration and surprise.
"Who won?" she asked without any regard for propriety. Muta laughed,
"Obviously Zuko did, she got in one last sneaky hit while I was on the ground. I didn't think she had it in her, but boy was I wrong!" Muta snickered. Ako was in shock.
"You fought the Princess of the Fire Nation? You never once told me about this." He said with a hint of betrayal in his voice. Muta smiled and patted her husband affectionately.
"It was water under the bridge, dear. Besides, how else are two total strangers supposed to become friends?" she asked innocently. At that Zuko laughed until her side ached. She sighed heavily.
"Gosh, that seems so long ago now. Honestly, I don't know how Lady Hayato put up with the two of us, but she showed so much grace anyway." She said whimsically. Muta smirked.
"Did she really have that much of a choice? We had to figure it out for our own sakes and hers, but she taught us patiently and well." She said with a faraway look in her eyes. Zuko smiled also lost in her thoughts. Toph yawned at the turn of the conversation and Iroh cleared his throat to snap the two women out of their reverie.
"Well, I think this moment of reunion calls for dessert and a toast!" Iroh chirped as he passed around cups of tea and servants brought in tray after tray of sweet delectable treats for the dinner guests to enjoy.
Muta's eyes opened wide at some of the treats she hadn't had in over a year because there were just too many other things to worry about instead of candies and pastries. Like bills. Ako Akane frowned slightly at the table laden with desserts.
He knew they hadn't been able to afford those kinds of things since they got married. Muta was accustomed to so many things that she now seemed deprived of since they married. She had lost quite a bit of weight from having to eat less and though she called it a great thing, Ako disagreed.
Muta was living like a peasant and he didn't like it at all. Ako vowed to himself he would one day make moments like this the norm rather than few and far between. Iroh noticed Muta's excitement at the treats and Ako's change in mood. He perceived that the young couple hasn't had many luxuries in their marriage while living on a soldier's salary.
A plan began to formulate in Iroh's mind. Iroh cleared his throat once again and said,
"I'd like to propose a toast: Here's to friends old and new, to fond memories and new adventures that await us." Iroh held his cup in the air. The four young people called out "Here, here," To the toast and drank their tea quietly.
Iroh decided that tonight would not be the best to push for answers. They may be approaching how to deal with the Ensign the wrong way. He wanted the young couple to trust them and share without fear of retribution or punishment. As the women continued to talk and laugh, chattering away like schoolgirls, Iroh signaled to Ako to follow him.
Ako stood and watched the old General curiously but complied and followed him to the study Iroh had attached to his room. In the small parlor, Iroh offered the young man another drink which he politely refused. Iroh smiled.
"I know you are curious as to why I have called you here alone. I remember being young and in love. I wanted to do any and everything I could for my bride. I see that same love and passion in you for your bride." He said gently with nostalgia in his tone and eyes. Ako smiled and nodded in agreement.
He truly does love his wife and would give her the world if he could. Iroh took a small sip from his glass of fire whiskey he poured just before.
"What if you had the opportunity to change employment? Would you... leave the navy to do something else?" Iroh asked his voice loaded with curiosity. Ako was taken aback. Do something else? Was General Iroh offering him something else? What was his play? Ako sighed deeply. Iroh encouraged them to be open and honest so Ako would not hold back now.
"General Iroh, I love the navy and the work that I do. It's honest and straightforward. It does pay the bills, though sometimes I would like to have a job that allows me to treat my wife to nice things. I'd like to see her more often and spend time doing the things she loves. The things she was accustomed to before we married. I admit I don't want my wife to live like…like a peasant." He said trailing off at the end as if ashamed of himself for putting his wife in that situation.
Iroh nodded understandingly. Financial hardship can be a powerful motivator for making decisions good or bad. Iroh grew serious.
"I understand, Ako, and I believe I may have an opportunity for you that will give you what you want and what I need." Ako stood in silent shock at the General's words. He would have to hear him out to know if this was truly an opportunity or if he was about to be used. It wouldn't be the first time. Iroh noted Ako's demeanor and smiled. Ako was not one easily swayed. That's good.
"I saw how you were unafraid to give me the answers I sought when I came down to the docks the other day. I have need of people who can assist me in the work I am currently doing for the Fire Lord. I feel that you would fit the bill perfectly." He said nodding. Ako watched wide-eyed as he continued to listen. Iroh added,
"You are of course free to decide, and I do encourage you to talk it over with your wife, but my son and I are in desperate need of a good assistant. One who could field correspondence and help delegate our workload. You would be privy to sensitive Fire Nation dealings, so I am also placing you in a high position of trust. Of course, this means I will also compensate you handsomely for your time and work. What do you think of this?" he asked sincerely.
Ako took a deep breath. Assistant to the Crown prince of the Fire Nation? This would set his family up for life! But… Ako blinked a few times to think and his face grew drawn.
"With all due respect my Lord, don't you already have an assistant? In fact, I'm sure you have several. Why me? How can you decide that you trust me enough to do the job when you have only encountered me twice?" he asked with concern. Iroh chuckled.
"Because Ensign Akane, I also do my due diligence and ask questions. When I encountered you several days ago, I made sure to look into your records. You were at the top of your graduating class with an impeccable service report and you were also passed up for many promotions because noblemen's sons were given priority though your qualifications and experience were superior. Besides that, anyone who supported my niece during the Great war is considered a good man in my book." Ako chuffed. He should have known that the shrewd old general wouldn't have been remiss in finding out what he needed to know about him. Iroh added,
"I believe in putting competent people in positions of trust and power and I believe you have both the competence and trustworthiness to do this work with me." Ako fell into a deep bow.
"General Iroh, I am honored by your offer and humbly request time to talk it over with my wife. Please allow me a little time to speak with her and decide together. I am truly humbled by your consideration of me for this position." He said not rising until the Fire prince bade him so. Iroh smiled.
"Ako, you have already proven to me that you deserve this, and you may take all the time you need, though the sooner you can start the better I will feel, "Iroh said with a sigh and a shake of his head. "I think the ladies are done eavesdropping now, so let's go back to join them." Iroh chuckled humorously.
The sound of rushing, stomping, cries of pain and annoyance moved away from the door quickly and Ako held the bridge of his nose at the antics of his wife and her friends.