Author's Note: So welcome back to another installment of the Princess Zuko Diaries. Just kidding. Zuko is reunited with her friend Muta. Toph and Muta are buddies and pals now. The Fire Lord gets very active in this chapter. There are intrigues afoot and the plot thickens. We shall see more betrayals, situations, political happenings, and conspiracies before this story is over. We will see allies in unexpected places and enemies where there should not be any. I hope you're with me cause we are really only getting started. There is a whole other side to this story that I have been writing forward. I have to occasionally come back to the current chapters so that I can post, but I am definitely going to have somewhere close to 40 chapters when this baby is done. Pray for me... If you like what you read: follow, favorite, and comment. I'd love to hear from you!
Disclaimer: Fire Whiskey: It's so much better when you don't have to pay your life savings for it-Lao Bei Fong
Chapter 16-Takes One to Know One
It didn't take Ako and Muta long to accept the position on Iroh's staff. Zuko was thrilled of course to spend more time with Muta and Toph who had become like long-lost pals after their first dinner.
Toph loved that Muta was a noble, but understood her humor and didn't turn up her nose at her 'dirty' habits. Ako adapted to his new career with ease and relieved a great burden on Iroh and Lu Ten.
He was diligent in guarding information and rarely entertained the nobles who would come by Iroh's office seeking information but more likely gossip. Ako's lips were well sealed and he was a consummate professional at all times. If anyone was surprised that Iroh chose the young ensign as his assistant they hid it well.
Many wondered how the ensign who was never promoted on the ship run by Captain Nishikawa was suddenly chosen for such a high-ranking position in the royal household. Ako humbly answered to those bold enough to ask that he was just blessed to be in the right place at the right time with his wife.
Iroh felt he had made a great choice in the former sailor and hoped that his gamble would pay off in the end. Ako was well received in great part because of his wife and her connection with the Crown Princess of the Fire Nation.
It was no secret that Muta Akane had the favor and friendship of the princess as evidenced by her presence for meals, her access to private conversations and gatherings, and her spending a considerable amount of time with the princess throughout the day.
Her skills as a stylist and makeup artist came in strong demand by the noblewomen visiting daily after she assisted the princess in choosing clothing for some of the recent formal gatherings Zuko had to attend. Muta worked her magic with Zuko's scar and made it less noticeable to the Fire Lord's surprise and joy.
Out of an abundance of curiosity, the Fire Lord requested Muta's presence in his study. Muta was on the verge of freaking out a little, but Zuko grabbed her hands and gave her advice.
"Always remember to answer with words no nodding. Use your honorifics and be as concise as possible. My father isn't very tolerant of blabber though that's not really your thing." Zuko advised with a hint of apprehension. Muta knew of the struggles her friend had with her father and only wanted to help Zuko as much as possible. She put her hand on Zuko's shoulder.
"Ok, I can handle this Zuko. I'm sure he's just curious about me and what I've been doing with you. I'll be careful with my speech, and I won't embarrass you." She said with a nervous laugh. Zuko looked skeptical.
"It's not really you that I'm worried about…" she sighed to herself. No matter what seemed to be going well in Zuko's life her father always found a way to turn it into a threat or disappointment. Muta saw the look on her friend's face and gave Zuko another reassuring pat. She knew that the day would come that the Fire Lord would want to meet her. He had already met Ako and it was inevitable since she was present for meals and seen with Zuko around the palace.
She then turned and made her way to the Fire Lord's study with the servant who was sent to bring her. They walked down several corridors that seemed similar to the ones Iroh brought them in the first night they had dinner together. After arriving at a heavy and ornately carved cherry wood door, the servant knocked and Ozai bade them enter.
Muta kept her eyes low and curtsied as was appropriate for greeting royalty. She remained perfectly still and waited patiently for the Fire Lord to address her. Ozai observed her with a growing curiosity. Had she been trained in one of the culture schools as well?
"You may look upon me, madame." He said with an air of authority and command. Muta resisted the urge to smirk at his power play and lifted her head easily but modestly. He watched her face for signs of disdain or other negative emotions, but her face remained impassive and calm. She waited again for him to address her as to not give the impression of dominance or forwardness.
"State your name for me, young woman." He spoke easily as if almost bored with the encounter already.
"My name is Muta Osaka-Akane, your highness." At the name Osaka, the Fire Lord's eyes grew wide.
"Osaka? As in the daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Jee Osaka?" he asked in surprise. Muta was caught off guard by the Fire Lord's question and hesitated slightly in her answer.
"Uh, Why yes, my Lord. I was not aware that you knew of him." She replied quietly. The Fire Lord took a deep breath in a rare show of humanity and his voice softened as he said,
"Jee was a good man. Vexed me to no end with his moral high ground, but I respected him. He always stood up for what was right. It was a shame that we lost him in the North." Muta's words caught in her throat and she took a calming breath to keep from making an emotional display before her ruler. She didn't expect him to know her father at all much less remember him by name. She answered humbly,
"Indeed my Lord, it was always my desire to follow his example in my own life." The Fire Lord nodded appreciatively.
"Well, I'm sure you know I didn't call you here to talk about your father. I'm actually most curious about your relationship with my daughter. I was not aware that Zuko had any friend outside of the palace." He stated. There it was. The reason she was there.
"I see. Of course, your highness. I am a former classmate of the Princess' from Madame Hachi's school of Elegance. We graduated from the same cotillion and remained friends since then. What else would you like to know?" she asked innocently. Ozai smirked. Well, that answers the question about her training. Ozai leaned back into his chair casually.
He wondered if the young woman would be as easy to manipulate as some of the other young women from the local etiquette schools and decided to test her. If she was going to be around his daughter he needed to know whether she was prone to gossip and influence as some of the other noblewomen.
He smiled at Muta with a look that made her flesh crawl. Here was the part she knew was coming.
"Madame Akane, you have been styling and assisting my daughter with her grooming. Is there any particular reason for this? She has a servant and her own tailor who are more than capable. I admit your work is impeccable and you do very well. Perhaps there is someone my daughter intends to impress." He said his words heavy with implications.
Muta held her tongue. She wanted to tell him off for harassing his daughter when all she wants to do is feel normal, but Muta's training held her in check.
"Your highness, your daughter is one of my closest friends. On the island for her cotillion and the day she returned to the Caldera, I styled her in order to impress you, my Lord. Princess Zuko only desires to please her Fire Lord and her country. Any other reason beyond that would be hers to know." She answered diplomatically.
Ozai raised an eyebrow and stood. Hmmm. Not bad. Not bad at all. Let's see how you hold under pressure, Madame Akane, he thought to himself.
The Fire Lord sauntered over to the young woman and stood so close over her she began to feel claustrophobic. He leaned in so far that he could smell her perfume and see the fine hairs along her hairline. He watched her without blinking to gauge her response to his intimidation. Muta held her composure and watched him calmly but warily. Perhaps she and Zuko had much in common. His voice lowered.
"Do you mean to tell me you are willing to lie to the face of your Fire Lord, even while knowing it is a crime punishable by death, Madame Akane? You would withhold information from me? I could have you executed for this." He growled menacingly.
Muta maintained her calm façade though inwardly she was screaming in terror. This man is insane! Why would giving an answer that is both true and appropriate be worthy of death? Did he think she would just give up information without considering the consequences to her best friend? Zuko told her in no uncertain terms how unreasonable her father is and now she can see it for herself. How could she betray Zuko even a little?
If the princess had mentioned a thousand loves, she would not betray her friend even if it meant her life.
"My Lord, I would accept the punishment of my crime if I had committed one. As a friend and confidant of the crown princess would it be prudent for me to disclose any confidential information to anyone regardless of the threats or conditions placed upon my life? Could I so frivolously give up information not knowing the influence being exerted upon those individuals?" She swallowed the lump in her throat and sighed.
"My Lord, loyalty is only as strong as the faith placed upon it, and if I cannot be loyal how do I dare call myself her friend? How do I dare consider myself loyal to you or to the kingdom?" she dared.
Ozai stared her down a moment longer as he watched her for any signs of fear or insincerity. She was definitely the offspring of Jee Osaka. She had the same stubborn tilt of chin and set of the jaw when she was doing what she felt was right. He could trust her. Ozai smiled wickedly.
"Hmmph. You are definitely your father's daughter. I'm glad to know my daughter has another friend she can trust. Keep Zuko's little secrets. It's not like I don't know them already." He said with a chuckle. His brow furrowed slightly and he added,
"Madame Akane, although I do appreciate the way you care for my daughter, I would like for you to allow the people I pay to style her to do their jobs. I doubt very highly that you would like to downgrade your position as her companion just to pick out clothes and do makeup. However, you may give your creative input anytime she needs it with my blessing. Zuko must have a positive and cultured influence to help her regain her confidence. I trust you won't let her down. You are dismissed." Ozai said with a nod.
Muta did not miss the meaning of his words and bowed as was appropriate for her station. She backed out of the room before turning to the door. Once outside, she took a shuddering breath against the wall. Muta had no doubt that the Fire Lord would have carried out his threat if her answer had not been satisfactory. She sent up a silent prayer in thanks for her father's name and reputation and she doubled down on her resolve to not only keep Zuko's confidence but to protect her from the dangerous man she called father.
Ako was surprisingly helpful in uncovering information about the councilmen and nobles without realizing it as he worked to collect the information requested by the royals. Payment records to suspicious vendors and unusual account activity began to add up as the General and his Lieutenant realized how deep the conspiracy ran. Someone from within the government was funding this rebellion and soon they would have enough evidence to expose the criminals without fear of escape.
As Iroh and Toph continued to investigate the Earth Kingdom attacks and the whereabouts of the missing Captain Nishikawa, Ozai decided to reopen his country's borders slowly. He saw the effects of having no interchange between any of the nations and the sharp decline of the country's imports, exports, and economy. There was still no trade between the countries but this could be the first step in approaching a new solution for peace.
The Fire Lord began by allowing certain non-nationals to return to the country because of a lack of skilled professionals for certain fields, especially in medicine, architecture, and construction. He still had some parts of the palace to reconstruct and there was significant structural damage to parts of the city from the attacks that ruined his daughter and killed so many noblemen and noblewomen.
Any individual holding a Fire Nation visa had to go through a stringent almost embarrassing screening for its level of invasiveness prior to entry, but artisans took the opportunities eagerly because of the high salaries being offered for their skill sets. To the Fire Lord's surprise, one of the first visitors to the Fire Nation was not an artisan or worker, but the Avatar advocating for peace talks between the earth and fire kingdoms which some members of the council vehemently opposed.
This of course didn't surprise Iroh or Lu Ten knowing that there were several members, as evidence uncovered who would love to see another war and were willing to sabotage the kingdom to see it done.
The day the Avatar arrived was strangely anti-climactic. There were no parades or fanfare to greet the man with his flying bison. The welcoming party consisted of the Fire Lord, and the members of the royal family.
"Greeting's Avatar Aang, I must say I was surprised to see your request for entry into the country. It has been several years since we saw one another last." Ozai began cordially, but with some reserve.
Why had he suddenly decided to come? Is it possible that he had come to bargain for the opportunity for peace talks with the Earth kingdom? He would be open to negotiation if it worked in his favor. Ozai felt a tiny shred of hope in his heart.
He never forgot how the young Avatar in their final battle managed to remove his bending and change his world forever. Was there a chance he could have his blessing restored? He would have to have a moment alone with the young monk. The Fire Lord gestured to the corridor leading to the dining room.
"We have prepared dinner for you and accommodations for your animal—"
"Appa," Aang said with a slight smile cutting off the Fire Lord. Ozai was caught off guard.
"Uh, what?" he asked with confusion. Aang smiled.
"He's not just an animal, he's my companion and his name is Appa." He said as simply as saying the sky is blue. Ozai stood dumbfounded for only a moment.
"Ah of course, well, we've prepared accommodations for your companion, Appa." He said resisting the urge to swear and yell at the ridiculousness of treating an animal like a person, but it wouldn't do for him to offend the Avatar in the first few minutes of his visit.
Azula rolled her eyes already sure this visit was one conversation away from disaster. Ozai sighed to keep his temper.
"If you'll come this way, Avatar Aang." he offered pointing to the corridor with his hand and to end the uncomfortable situation as soon as possible. Zuko licked her lips to keep from smirking just in case her father or sister may have been watching for her reaction. She kept her face as stoic and impassive as she dared though inwardly she was cracking up.
Aang had no fear when it came to her father. She would have to ask Aang the secret of how he manages to do that and find a time during his visit to speak privately. Dinner was a subdued affair since none of the usual attendees were present. Lu Ten happened to be out of town probably going to check on Katara and their baby which should be due any day now.
Zuko hoped she would be able to see her friends again soon. She missed Katara and Sokka so much and couldn't wait to meet her new "nephew" when he arrived.
Azula was already bored with this pretense of a diplomatic visit and fiddling with her chopsticks as the Avatar and her father prattled on about a peace talk that had no way to get off the ground. She gave it a day before the Avatar was on his way back to wherever he flew in from disappointed and broken. Zuko on the other hand listened in carefully knowing that if there were to be peace talks she would need to know the details.
The next day Avatar Aang was up early to go speak with the Fire Lord at his request. Aang had a feeling he already knew what the Fire Lord wanted to talk about and also knew he had to prepare for the possibility of the peace talks being rejected.
He approached the ornate cherry doors that marked the Fire Lord's study. Ozai bade him enter and he opened the door to the Fire Lord looking less regal and a little more haggard than he expected. It looked as if Ozai hadn't slept all night.
"Fire Lord, Ozai are you well? We can reschedule if you need rest or see your physician…" Aang began. Ozai raised his hands placatingly.
"No, no, I'm fine Avatar. We can meet now. I had a lot on my mind last night and didn't sleep very well." He said not to Aang's surprise. Aang kept his voice even and low,
"How may I help you Lord Ozai?" He asked as he took the seat offered to him. Ozai reached for a glass that had a brown liquid in it usually reserved for late nights and after dinner. That wasn't a good sign, Aang thought. If he's drinking already, he's definitely going to ask. Aang steeled himself for the inevitable question. Ozai took a deep breath and placed his glass on the thick cherry wood credenza.
"I am open to the peace talks despite what my council demands. I know that many of them are still itching for the spoils of war and see my reticence as a failure to the country. I know we don't have the resources nor the desire to war again and it wouldn't benefit our country to continue to shut out the other nations." He said to Aang's surprise. Perhaps he was seeing reason? Then Ozai continued.
"My country is struggling and the only way out is through. Avatar Aang, with my bending gone, I don't have long to live. I feel it every day and it frightens me. I refused to make Azula crown princess because frankly, she doesn't have the diplomacy it takes to cooperate with this new world. Councilmen would gladly use her to their own ends as she would use them. You and I both know what that kind of Fire Nation would look like." He said soberly.
Aang was chuffed. A child could see the disaster waiting to happen if Azula were ever crowned Fire Lord. Aang placed his hand on his chin in thought.
"So, who else do you have in mind to take your place when the time comes?" he asked sincerely. Ozai shook his head sadly.
"No one. My brother abdicated his right to rule and his son would never be approved by the council because of his relationship with the water tribe princess." He said plainly. Aang noticed he purposely omitted Zuko from the equation.
"Lord Ozai, what about Zuko? She is a quite capable young lady and her heart is for your people. She is well-beloved by every citizen. Why won't you consider her?" he asked. Ozai scoffed. Is that his perception? He knew he had to clear up the confusion now.
"Avatar Aang, my daughter is a great diplomat and she would no doubt win the hearts of the common people. But the council? The Noblemen? They would never allow her to rule this kingdom blind. They don't care how she saved their lives. Her blindness would be seen as a weakness and prevent them from respecting her. No, Zuko can't be Fire Lord." He said with finality.
"The only way I abdicate the throne would be if Azula or Zuko had an heir." He added. Aang immediately understood. Ozai had no intentions of giving up the throne. He just wants his bending back. Aang figured the time had come to give it to the Fire Lord straight,
"Ozai, I know what it is you want from me." He said. Ozai raised an eyebrow.
"You know the agreement we made years ago in order for you to retain your throne. I cannot restore your bending to you even if I wanted to do so. The spirits found you unworthy of your bending and unworthy you will remain. Regardless of your feelings and your fears, it wouldn't take much to replace you, but I don't recommend that alternative. I do suggest you do all that is in your power to keep your kingdom moving in the right direction for everyone's sake." Aang said.
Ozai heard and understood the threat clearly. Let it go or lose everything. It's not like Aang didn't have the power to see it done. Ozai ran his hands through his disheveled hair. He shook his head in disbelief. He still couldn't understand how a young man barely out of puberty can command him and the decisions of his kingdom. But Ozai decides to let it go sadly knowing that he couldn't afford to have his secret out and potentially lose his position.
Aang stands up holding his staff firmly and looking the Fire Lord in the eye. "Ozai, you have an opportunity to make things right. Think about the legacy you want to leave behind. You still have time." Aang said before bowing and turning to walk out the door.
At the door's click, Ozai took a large swig of the fire whiskey he was at first nursing when the Avatar arrived. In a sudden fit of rage, he took the glass and threw it across the room shattering the crystal into a thousand pieces. He didn't miss the irony. Though he didn't get what he wanted he knew that he couldn't allow his country to fall apart. He would have to speak to King Kuei soon.
Aang remained at the palace a few days longer sending out letters and preparing for his journey he would take west to the colony of Yu Dao. He was asked to come and see how the fire and earth kingdom lived symbiotically in the town. He had to admit he was intrigued and did want to know if it could be done and done well.
During his visit, the Avatar and Zuko pretend not to know one another formally to avoid raising suspicion about their shared past during the Great war. Hide was one of the few soldiers that accompanied Zuko to the Earth Kingdom and knew the true story of Zuko's "capture". Li was another who took the secret to his grave but Hide continued to protect Zuko's secret in order to maintain the peace that they fought so hard to obtain. Hide backed Zuko's story so that people wouldn't suspect the true nature of her relationship with the Avatar.
Avatar Aang said he had to make a day trip to the coast to see some friends. The Fire Lord was somber and morose but didn't give much of a response to Aang either way. He was so preoccupied with his dilemma that he barely missed the news. Aang said he would return by the end of the day and spend one more day or two before heading off to his next diplomatic visit.
Zuko Toph and Muta were sitting in Zuko's bedroom reading a letter written by Toph's parents. Muta made sure that she read the letter exactly the way it was written despite the fact that her parents were saying some seriously messed up things. She mentioned that after one particularly condescending line.
"Do your parents know you?" Muta asked with confusion. Toph cackled.
"It makes them feel better to live in the fantasy world they created around me. Eh, whatever. Keep reading, Toots." Muta chuckled at her new nickname and continued reading the letter.
Poppy mentioned how the Earth kingdom was having a shortage of Fire wine and Fire Whiskey and the taverns were starting to lose business. They were hoping the embargos ended soon so that they could continue having and selling those products without the overpriced smugglers acting as middlemen.
Men were starting to fight over supplies and people were losing patience. The glass and metalwork products from the Fire Nation were also in high demand and their crystal ware was going for extortion level prices.
The surplus of rice and other products they usually ship over to the Fire Nation from the Earth kingdom were being allowed to rot in the fields or storehouses because they couldn't sell enough to reduce the supply. Most people could only keep so much in their personal storehouses and once again farmers were losing money.
As Muta finished the letter she couldn't help but notice how this attack on the Fire Nation halted so many good things that were developing between the nations.
"Sounds like we really need to kiss and make up with the Earth Kingdom before things go to hell once again," Muta said honestly. Zuko sighed.
"I know. I really wish there was a way to convince my father to bring King Kuei here for talks. I think he would feel more comfortable than going over there and it would be a good move on the Earth Kingdom's part. This is too important to just let it fester." She admitted. Toph sat up.
"Maybe there is something we can do, guys. Kuei is my cousin on my father's side." Zuko and Muta both cocked their heads in confusion. Toph chuckled. "Yeah, we don't talk about it. Perhaps if my father made a plea on behalf of the nation for the sake of business and commerce, your father would be willing to listen. They've worked together for decades and I don't see your father throwing that relationship away because of pride." She said. Zuko smiled
"Toph you are a genius, as always. Muta, would you mind dictating a letter for Toph? I think it's time we help these men out a bit." Zuko said with a smile. Muta grinned widely. "It would be my honor." She said with a bow as she got up to grab Zuko's calligraphy set.