A/N: I can't believe I am back after so long! I thought perhaps I was just going through a phase with fanfiction and it was a temporary thing. Obviously not. Welp! Princess Zuko is reunited with her friends and it feels so good to have them back in the palace. Things are starting to pick up and mysteries still abound about the coup and who and the evidence they need to stop any further attempts. The next chapters will be dealing with new information revealed to our heroes and a thickening of the plot like gravy on a Thanksgiving turkey...Happy reading and let me know what you think!
Disclaimer: How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? And would he actually chuck it since he's a woodchuck? Questions that only fanfiction can answer...
Chapter 17: Undiscovered Gifts
The Avatar returned to the Fire Nation early the next morning with guests who recently had their visas approved. Muta and Zuko met him at his usual landing site since her father was in a Council meeting and Azula could care less. The princess was prepared to give the Avatar the customary formal Fire Nation greeting as they had to keep up the appearance that they didn't know one another officially. If anyone caught wind of the true nature of their friendship there would potentially be hell to pay. The women approached the air bison as two other figures, from what Zuko could gather with her heat sense, dismounted the saddle. "Avatar thank you again for the ride. You saved us an entire week's worth of travel." A man with a deep voice said.
As soon as Zuko heard Sokka's voice she ran down the corridor to meet them spinning into a hug with the much taller and more muscular prince. Guards jumped aside to avoid colliding with the speeding princess. How on earth did she know where to go? they wondered. Sokka too was shocked and amazed at Zuko's ability to stop her exuberant display. He questioned if the reports he heard about Zuko's blindness were only partially true. People do have a tendency to exaggerate a story, he knew. Sokka held Zuko tightly to the surprise of everyone around except maybe Katara and Toph. Sokka looked into her face carefully and realized that her eyes were indeed sightless. He tried not to stare at the princess as he marveled at how well Zuko was doing despite the reports he heard from his friends who wrote to him regularly from the Fire Nation.
He asked them to give him updates about the princess' progress even though he had not been allowed to write her directly or visit the Fire Nation until now. Many of their first reports were filled with sadness and pity at how helpless she was. They described how she had to be led around wherever she went and rarely came out of her room. Their more recent reports dealt with her new appearance and what the attack had done to their princess. Sokka noted the large and angry-looking comet-shaped scar on her left eye but pushed the sympathetic pain that welled up in his stomach, down in favor of tightening his hug. Hopefully, they would have an opportunity to catch up and talk about it if she wanted to of course. Katara laughed at her best friend's antics and clapped. This was the Zuko she knows and loves. Katara was glad to see that Zuko hadn't given up on life and was just as determined now to live her life as she sees fit.
Muta raised her eyebrows at the princess's unexpected display of affection and smiled. She now understood why Zuko liked the Prince of the United Water tribes. He was quite handsome and dashing! And from the looks of the way he was holding her the feelings between them were mutual. By the time Muta caught up to their guests, Zuko was already hugging Katara gently as she figured her friend had just had a baby. "Please, you all must have lunch with me this afternoon. I have missed you terribly." Zuko said trying to contain her excitement at her friends' return especially in front of the curious guards and nobles who wanted to know why the princess was so bubbly and forewent her usual decorum with the foreign guests. Katara and Sokka picked up on this quickly and bowed. "Of course, your highness, we would be honored to join you today," Sokka said diplomatically.
Zuko smiled and replied just as diplomatically, "Then it's settled I will prepare for the two of you to join me and the others for lunch today in my chambers." Zuko made a mental note to have Muta write up a short note to give to Uncle and cousin Lu to have them join her for lunch today. Zuko smiled and gave the Avatar a bow. "Thank you so much for bringing my friends back to me. You have no idea how much I've missed them. Ah, you will be joining us for lunch today won't you dear Avatar?" she added to be sure he was included in the invitation. Aang smiled in return. "Although I appreciate your warm invitation, my princess, I'm afraid I'll be having lunch with the Fire Lord and noblemen today. We have important matters to discuss. I certainly hope it will not dampen the mood?" he said. Zuko chuckled softly. Of course not Avatar, however, I'm sure it won't be the same without you. I bid you farewell, sir." She said cordially giving one last bow in departure.
Aang bowed in return and sighed as he watched the princess head in the direction of her rooms with her guests effortlessly. He admired the way she managed to find some sense of normalcy after such a traumatic event in her life. She truly lived by the motto to "Never give up without a fight." He hoped he would still have an opportunity to speak with her privately before his official departure, but he was rarely alone. Unfortunately, Ozai was still very much distrustful of strangers in his country though understandably so. Still, the not-so stealthy spies the Fire Lord keeps at a distance are an annoyance at best. It was too easy for Aang to sense them hiding behind pillars or inside corridors as they watched his every move. Truly, if Aang was out to do any harm to the Fire Lord, he would have done it back in the Earth Kingdom canyon where they fought years before. Nevertheless, he would continue to play the Fire Lord's game until they were able to re-establish peace between the nations once again.
Zuko hurried to her room to see the progress on lunch arrangements and whether her uncle would attend. With Katara and Sokka back in the Fire Nation, they may be able to get more done with the case. Noblemen were generally cordial to Prince Sokka because of his intelligence and gift for strategy. He was a problem solver and earned the respect that was given to him for his knowledge of Fire Nation law, architecture, and building code. Iroh was thrilled to know that the Water Tribe siblings had returned to the Fire Nation. He missed them terribly and like Zuko, believed they would give valuable input on the current case with the attack on the Caldera. He sent an enthusiastic "Yes!" as his reply which made the friends all smile. Muta appreciated the camaraderie between the four friends of the nations. It was a beautiful thing to her to see people of different backgrounds, ethnicities, and upbringings getting along so well. It was what she and her husband were striving for in their own work.
Lunch was a quiet and laid-back affair. Katara and Toph never left Zuko's room so they were of course on time. Muta and her husband Ako arrived a few minutes later. Muta wanted to walk in with her husband and present a united front when meeting the princess' other friends though she suspected that they would be just as kind and friendly as the Princess. Iroh and Lu Ten came in together just behind the Akanes and by then the antechamber was a full party. Guests seated themselves around the larger table Zuko requested be brought in for them. Lu Ten maneuvered ever so carefully so that he was "forced" to sit next to Katara. Katara avoided looking at Lu Ten though she carefully placed her hand in his under the table as a gentle smile played on her lips. Toph noted the two heartbeats pounding next to her and rolled her eyes. Here they go again… She wondered if they would be making another Little Lu Ten during this visit. Zuko sensed her cousin and best friend's heat auras shift to bright yellow and smiled. She was sure Katara would be slipping out of bed for another midnight run to the "bathroom". Perhaps Katara would let her braid her hair again.
Servants brought in platter after platter of meats, vegetables, pastries, rice, noodles, and fruits. After Iroh gave the blessing of the meal, the table was quiet except for the sounds of hearty eating and enjoyment. Sokka put away three plates before he was satisfied and Muta gawked in amazement. Even Ako couldn't eat that much! Where does it all go? she wondered aloud. Katara snickered. "My brother is actually being quite disciplined in his portions today Lady Muta. He could eat a whole cow-pig if we let him." She teased. Sokka glared at his sister and made a face. Muta and Ako laughed at the sibling antics. "I'll have you know, sis, that my excessive eating was attributed to puberty. I'm well beyond that now and don't need the same caloric load." The prince explained as an older brother would to a younger, much smaller sibling. Zuko grinned. "So, does that mean you don't have room for dessert, Prince Sokka?" Sokka gave Zuko a sideways look nudging her with his elbow and said, "I always have room for dessert, Princess," He said trying to hold back his own smile. Zuko and the others laughed and the princess called for the dishes to be removed and the treats and tea to be brought out.
Muta tapped her husband while watching her friend banter back and forth with the handsome ruddy prince and Ako nodded in agreement. The two royals from different nations had amazing chemistry between them. Muta knew what conversation she would be having with Zuko next. By the end of the meal, everyone was near to bursting. Iroh wasn't the only one to rest hands over a full belly today. Sighs of contentment filled the room and the group sat in happy silence. Zuko rested her head easily and unconsciously on Sokka's shoulder. Sokka smiled at her unintentional affection. He was glad to know nothing had changed between them. Zuko sighed heavily. "Ugh, I haven't eaten this much in months! I'm going to have to train double in the morning or I'll start looking like one of our blimps," she groaned. Sokka looked down at Zuko in surprise. "Training? What kind of training?" he asked intrigued. Zuko smirked lifting her head in his direction. "Why don't you join me tomorrow and find out? I haven't had a worthy opponent in months." Sokka smiled at her confidence.
"Oh, ho ho! A new development...This I have to see. You're on Princess!" He challenged. Toph grinned wickedly. She knew that Sokka had no idea just how much Zuko has "developed" since her accident. When he and Katara left the country Zuko was still unconscious. When Lu Ten returned, she had only just begun working with her bending again and some hand to hand, but now… "Sweetness, you may want to be there tomorrow just in case," Toph remarked with a smile. Katara raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Are we expecting injuries?" she asked with her usual maternal concern. Toph shrugged nonchalantly. "Dunno, just saying you should probably be there to support your bro—friends." She said to everyone's amusement. They knew that Sokka was in for a real challenge in the morning and would either have hurt feelings or actual wounds to nurse if he underestimated the Princess. Sokka gave his tiny blind friend a scowl she could not see but knew she could feel.
Lunchtime morphed into the late afternoon and easily into early evening and the friends old and new lingered a little longer than they had intended to in the Princess's chambers. Messengers came for General Iroh and Lu Ten to remind them of the dinner with the council and magistrates from the Caldera. Sokka was expected to attend the dinner being one of the few diplomats allowed in the country and reluctantly said goodbye to Katara and their friends as he entered the corridor to head to his room. He had to ready himself for a night of small talk, politics, and subtle and sometimes not so subtle xenophobia. Sokka knew Katara was not up for the exercise in futility and had already declined her presence at the event before she had to deal with the possibility. He understood tonight the girls would want to catch up. Lu Ten looked over at his father and sighed. "Do we really have to go to this function? I have neither the desire nor the energy to deal with nobles tonight." Iroh smiled knowingly. His son didn't fool him. He knew Lu Ten well enough to know that all his son wanted was to get his lady Katara back in his arms, but the sweet reunion would have to wait. They needed Sokka's insight and sociable manner to help possibly disclose more clues amongst the nobles that would get them the evidence they needed to expose the coup attempt on the kingdom. Sokka had a knack for getting people to open up to him without their intending to do so.
Iroh gave his son a mock pout and shook his head in pity. "So sorry my son; your presence is sorely needed tonight to help the Prince Sokka endure the trial that is diplomatic engagement. You must be there as do l. You will have plenty of time to catch up with your friends later." He said subtly emphasizing the word friends to let his son know he was on to him. Lu Ten frowned deeply and groaned to himself. "Alright. Let's just hope that the evening will be less about posturing and more about discourse and progress. I'm heading to my room to change." Iroh smiled as he nodded towards his son who was already making his way to his room. Sokka who was still in the corridor shook his head knowing Lu anxiously wanted to catch up with Katara, but as Iroh stated wisely it would have to wait. Besides, the less time Lu Ten gets to spend with his baby sister, the more likely they won't give him the "oogies." He shuddered to think about what they had planned.
The Fire Lord's banquet was just as dry and meaningless as the three men expected. After being announced by the scribes, guests walked into a room with no music or entertainment though the food and drinks flowed in a steady and sumptuous stream. Noblemen stood around trying to secure alliances and curry favor with the more powerful nobles, while the ladies of the nobility sat in their small pockets of unity and gossipped amongst each other. A few tittered about the return of the handsome Water prince while others echoed the sentiments of their husbands about the return of the foreigners to their land though none really had much to say about the presence of the Avatar. They recognized that he was an embodiment of the greatest power on earth and was worthy of their respect and audience. They eyed the young prince of water with jealousy at his relationship with the Fire Lord and distrust. Ukano eyed the Water Prince with disdain and concern. He knew that the young prince held the Fire Lord's favor because of his sharp mind and skillful and careful planning. Sokka was a brilliant strategist and Ukano feared that if he or any of his partners weren't careful, the prince could catch wind of their plans and inform Ozai. He walked up to the prince to engage him with an over-enthusiastic charm. "Greetings Prince Sokka! It is a welcome change to have you back in the Fire Nation again. We have surely missed your insightful knowledge in the council meetings," he said his voice slick and greasy like the film on the bottom of Appa's feet. Sokka's eyes flashed for only a split second and he turned on his diplomatic face and voice. It wouldn't do for him to punch the traitor in the face for trying to kill the woman he loves without solid evidence. It would just further fuel the distrust and hate from the traditionalist Fire Nation citizens. He gave him a pleasant smile and held out his hand.
"Ukano, always a pleasure. How have things been going with you and the family?" he asked keeping his voice even. Ukano beamed and gave the prince's hand an enthusiastic shake. "Oh, the family is doing well! I hope to be marrying off my oldest daughter soon. She has so many suitors to choose from right now." A few nobles listening in snickered and coughed in the background. Though Ukano worked side by side to help the Fire Lord find a suitable husband for Zuko before her "accident" none of the noblemen's sons that the Fire Lord rejected wanted Ukano's daughter, Mai. Her dour disposition and affinity for knives intimidated the men for fear she would somehow mysteriously become a young rich widow. Ukano cut his eyes in the direction of the rabble. Perhaps some of them could disappear and become a lesson to the others that thought his efforts were a joke. His look served as a warning and the snickering stopped. Sokka held back his amusement behind a mask of indifference. He knew he didn't want to give any impression that he was aware of what was happening in the Caldera especially since he just arrived today to make it easier for the noblemen to trust and open up to him. Being aloof was Sokka's best line of defense with the nobles and kept them at bay. Sokka gave Ukano a genuine smile. "I am sure that it will only be a matter of time before the match is made. Good to see you." Sokka said giving Ukano a firm pat on the arm and walking away. The sooner he could get away from that murderer the better.
Ukano smiled until Sokka was no longer in line of sight. His subsequent frown was as deep as his hatred for the Water prince. Iroh and Lu Ten walked up to the prince and checked in. "I know that was hard to do but remember that your efforts are not in vain," Iroh whispered. "Someone will disclose the information we can use and we will have justice," he added. Iroh can't say he would have had as much restraint with Ukano if it had been him having the conversation. The way he almost killed his niece was unforgivable! Lu Ten passed Sokka a flute of Fire Wine. "Here's to stopping evil and making the world a better place one nobleman at a time," he said with just a hint of sarcasm. Sokka smirked as he drank down his glass in one swallow. "Indeed," he replied.
While the party continued on late into the night, Katara, Toph, and Zuko sat braiding each other's hair as they used to do so many months ago. It felt strange to Zuko to work with Katara's hair knowing she couldn't see any imperfections in her handiwork. She hoped that the style she created would be at least decent since more than likely Katara would be leaving to spend the night in Lu Ten's quarters. Katara had confessed after everyone left Zuko's room that she had not had the baby after all. She told them how she miscarried shortly after leaving the Fire Nation after the Earth Kingdom attack. In fact, her miscarriage began on the ship soon after they embarked. The only people who knew about it were her brother and the nurse-midwife Yugoda who happened to be returning to the North Pole from the earth kingdom. She was on the ship and assisted Katara once she was aware of the situation, but Katara knew the sage healer wouldn't judge her or use the information against her. Katara was devastated that her little one didn't live, but she knew that the timing wasn't all that great either. The instability between the nations was already stressful and her unsanctioned pregnancy would have created more problems than not. Besides, the midst of a battle is not a good time to be pregnant. That thought gave Zuko pause. She wondered if Katara's miscarriage had anything to do with Katara using so much energy to heal her after the mortar blast. A sickening feeling touched the pit of her stomach and she sobbed involuntarily dropping her hands from Katara's head. Katara looked back sharply. "Zuko? Are you, OK? What's wrong?" She continued to watch Zuko carefully and Zuko's face crumpled as she burst into tears. Katara quickly wrapped her arms around Zuko and held her tightly. This act of care just made Zuko cry harder and Katara began to understand what she was thinking.
"Zuko do you think you had something to do with my miscarriage?" she asked gently. Zuko sobbed again her voice choking against trying to answer. Katara stroked Zuko's hair carefully and gave her a tight squeeze. "Zuko," she said firmly. " My loss of the baby had nothing to do with your water healing or treatment. There were so many factors that could have caused my miscarriage: the shell shock, the stress of being forced to leave so quickly, It was just the will of the spirits." she insisted. Zuko tried to wipe the snot from her nose with her sleeve as Katara wiped away the tears that only fell from her right eye. "How do you know?" Zuko moaned in despair. Katara smiled sadly and shrugged. "I don't know and neither do you so stop putting this burden on your shoulders. It happened because it happened. When it is time, Zuko, I will have another child and perhaps this time around Lu and I will have a chance to do things the right way, the legitimate way. Don't blame yourself. It was no one's fault except those responsible for the attack." she declared. Toph said nothing as she listened to her two friends. She picked up that Zuko was a little calmer which was good, but Katara was still holding back a little. She was telling the truth about how she felt but there was also something she wasn't saying. It was Katara's own business, however, and something she had to deal with so Toph decided to leave it alone.
"Hey, beautiful." Lu Ten whispered as Katara drew closer to him. "Hey, yourself," she smirked. Lu Ten frowned. "What is it, my love?" Katara looked away. She wasn't too keen on talking about her conversation with Zuko. Though she didn't blame Zuko as she truly said, it was so painful to think about the baby that was taken away from her so suddenly. She shrugged and shook her head. Lu Ten wrapped his arms around her pulling her into a tight squeeze. Katara's throat hitched and unbidden tears began to fall. Lu Ten's eyes opened wide from her sudden shift in emotions. "Love, what's wrong?" he asked placing his hands on either of her cheeks and waiting. Katara was silent for a long moment. Just when Lu Ten thought she wouldn't speak she opened and closed her mouth until she choked out, "I-I just...I miss our baby, Lu!" she sobbed. Lu wrapped his arms around Katara completely and held her. He allowed her to cry out her frustration knowing that there was nothing he could really say to bring her comfort. Being there for her was the best comfort he could give at the moment. Minutes passed and Katara's tears began to subside. Lu Ten led her to the bed and sat down with her. He kept his arms around her and let her lean on his shoulder as he hummed and stroked her hair. Lu Ten gave Katara a gentle kiss on the top of her head and took in her scent. She smelled of Jasmine and water lilies. It had been months since he last held her and he regretted not being able to be there with Katara when her pregnancy ended. Katara gave an occasional hiccup as her tears subsided and she sighed deeply. "Lu, are we doing the right thing? I mean, with this relationship? Nothing has been going right for us since we got together and there seems like no end in sight to this treaty. What are we doing?" she said softly.
Lu Ten raised both eyebrows. "Since when did you become the pessimistic one? I thought that was my job." he teased lightly. Katara huffed and gave a tiny laugh. "I'm trying to be serious here," she whined. Lu Ten sighed. "I know," he said lowering his eyes soberly. "It's hard to say whether or not we're doing the right thing, Kat. All I know is how I feel about you since day one. How you make me feel when I'm with you. I couldn't imagine living my life the way I did before I met you and I don't want to give you up for anyone treaty be damned." He said turning Katara to face him and staring deeply into her eyes. "I love you. I always have and I always will. No matter what you decide I have no intentions of stopping." Katara was mesmerized by Lu Ten's deep golden hazel eyes and a tear snuck its way down her cheek. "You know I love you too Lu Ten, but is love enough? Are we fighting the inevitable?" she wondered aloud. Lu Ten shrugged helplessly. "I really can't answer that, my love. I can't predict the future and I don't want to. All I know is what we have right now. Is our love enough for right now?" He asked more as a plea than a question. Katara stared wide-eyed at the love of her life and her heart melted. She knew the answer. "Of course it is Lu! It's just that I-I have never felt this kind of ache and love and pain and fear for the future before. What if-?" Her diatribe was cut short when Lu Ten pulled her in to remind her of what she just said. He kissed her breathless over and over until she forgot about her question. Their love was enough for right now. The what-ifs were a distraction to the truth. The what-ifs were expressions of fear and doubt. They couldn't give fear room to grow if their love was to survive the night. They would take each moment as it came until they knew for sure whether or not this was fate's cruel joke or love's triumph.
Early the next morning, Zuko climbed over Katara, who slipped into the bed not long before sunrise, to get dressed for her spar with Sokka. She wouldn't wake her since she knew that her friend and cousin probably had a difficult conversation last night. She fought back the urge to blame herself again remembering her best friend's words. Toph sat up. "Is it time already?" she asked groggily. Zuko hummed as she pulled her workout tunic over her head. "Hmm hmm. You don't have to come you know," she added. Toph smirked. There was no way she was letting Zuko and Snoozles give her the "oogies" at the thought of them being alone. "I know, but I would really like to see you open a can of "whoop-ass" on Sokka's smug behind! He was so sure he could beat you yesterday. I'd like to see how that works out for him." Toph said with a knowing smile. Zuko laughed. "You know as well as I do that we cannot underestimate our opponents. I'd like to see what Sokka has learned since we last sparred," she said truthfully. Toph shrugged and unapologetically kneed Katara in the side as she climbed over her. Katara groaned in annoyance. "If you wanted me to get up this morning why didn't you just say that, Toph?" Toph snickered and made her way to the bathroom. Katara propped up on her elbows and looked at Zuko who was putting her hair into a loose but effective top knot. "Are you really going to spar with my brother this morning?" she asked with a twinge of concern. Zuko shrugged. "Of course, I've come a long way from where I was when you left me. I know it may not seem like it but I feel like I'm a better fighter now than before my accident. I guess you'll just have to see it to believe it," she said nonchalantly. Katara smiled. She had no doubt her friend meant everything she just said. It really wasn't Zuko she was worried about, but Katara would have to see it for herself. "Give me a minute and I'll come with you," she said grunting as she sat up. She could always come back and take a nap before breakfast.
Sokka was already in the arena waiting for Zuko as she walked in with Katara and Toph. He was warmed up and ready to go. A doubt niggled in the back of his mind if fighting Zuko like this was a good idea. He would never forgive himself if he hurt her unintentionally. He would just have to go easy on her. Lu Ten and Iroh strolled in shortly after the others with a group of soldiers and officers. Even the Avatar walked in just in time for the match. Was there usually a crowd when Zuko came to train? The soldiers and officers took a seat on the benches off to the side and waited as if it was their custom. Katara and the others followed suit and Zuko gave Sokka a Fire Nation bow of respect. Sokka returned the bow in the water tribe style. He noted that Zuko wasn't using her Dual Dao that she created with Master Piandao. As if by clairvoyance she said, "I lost my Dao during the battle with the Earth Kingdom. It was a miracle I wasn't skewered by them when I got blown into the bunker but they were damaged beyond repair. I'm planning to get another set soon." Sokka smiled. "How did you know that I was wondering about that?" he asked in amazement. Zuko shrugged. "You're a warrior and a strategist. You naturally notice the details others would not. Anyway, ready to get your butt kicked?" she teased. Sokka chortled. "Okayyyy. Aren't you Little Miss Confident? Don't get cocky..." he warned pointing a finger and maneuvering his Jian creating a heavy swish with each turn of the blade. Zuko laughed. "It's not confidence, it's just encouragement," she said matter of factly. Sokka decided in that moment he wouldn't hold back just to remind her of the last time they sparred together. The soldiers and officers chuckled. They knew what the Water Prince didn't about the princess's "confidence and were sure he was about to be put on a stretcher.
"Ready to begin?" she asked. Sokka nodded, but when Zuko didn't respond he remembered she couldn't see him nodding and added, "I'm ready when you are." Zuko stepped back the appropriate number of paces from the center of the floor. How she knew where to go was already an indication that Sokka may be in for the fight of his life. He quickly moved to his place and waited and watched as the Princess greeted the Sun before bowing once again to him. He bowed back and in an instant, the fight was on. Sparks flew between the two swords and made the familiar ringing when two masters matched blow for blow. Piandao would have been proud at the way his two prized pupils performed that morning. The crowd watched in surprise and amazement that the Water prince held his own against their almost surreal warrior princess. Sokka was unsure at first of Zuko's ability to dodge his attacks, but quickly discovered that she almost had a sixth sense of his next moves. He couldn't feint to the right or left with Zuko because she was always ready for him. He was usually considered unpredictable to his opponents, but Zuko countered his every move with speed and accuracy. She even showed him a move or two he hadn't seen from anyone before. Sokka could barely get in a hit before Zuko was already parrying and making her next offensive move. It was when Zuko managed to nick the prince on the arm that it became clear that the princess was not the same woman he left behind several months ago. Those reports from his friends may have been true at some point, but they didn't apply now. Zuko was just as fierce and powerful as before and he could tell that she used every faculty available to her advantage. If he survived the fight, he would ask her about what changed.
Eventually, the battling duo had to call a draw because both of them were getting worn out from the fight that seemed to have no end. Zuko and Sokka's friends and the soldiers cheered at a good showing from both of them. Officers were taking notes on how to train the non-bending soldiers with the moves they saw from the two swordmasters. Toph came up to Sokka after the last soldier congratulated him on his swordplay and keeping up with the Princess to which Sokka gave him a strange and confused look. "How's your arm?" she asked as if not surprised that he would be injured. Sokka sighed. "Not nearly as hurt as my pride. I think I'm losing my touch. That fight should have been over hours ago." he teased. Toph snickered. "Well, you actually held up pretty well against Zuko 2.0. Most of her opponents would have begged her to stop long before you two finished today." Sokka's eyes widened and his heart rate didn't escape the little earthbender. "What?" he quipped.
Toph never missed an opportunity to get a reaction out of Snoozles. "Yeah, usually guys are being carted out on stretchers after a spar with Zuko and that's on light days. When she's really motivated, however...whew! No mercy. After a while soldiers stopped volunteering because no one wanted to risk getting put on desk duty," she remarked casually. Sokka huffed and chuckled nervously. He leaned down and whispered. "Are you saying she was going easy on me, Toph?" Toph cackled. "I'm not saying anything. I'm merely sharing information with you. All I know is that usually when Zuko is finished fighting there are bodies on the ground. You stayed upright though. That's some badassery. Good show, Snoozles!" she declared with a pat on his uninjured arm and walked away. Sokka huffed again as he watched the smug and annoying little girl walk out of the arena. Secretly he fought down the urge to ask Zuko if she really did go easy on him this morning the implications of which would absolutely destroy his manhood. Instead, he made his way to his room to get dressed for breakfast. Lu Ten and Iroh gave one another a knowing look as they watched the tall warrior exit the arena after his conversation with Toph. "Should we tell him?" Lu Ten asked already knowing the answer to his question. Iroh gave a deep belly laugh. "Do you really think it would benefit him to know? A man needs his pride sometimes and... some things are just better shown than told," he mused chuckling to himself.
Later that day, a very pregnant young woman with odd sunlight-colored hair walked up the stairs leading to the palace gates. She looked unsure of herself but pressed forward towards the guards who eye her with caution. "Hilda Nishikawa comes to the palace requesting an audience with Her Highness Princess Zuko," she said with more confidence than she felt. The guards look over her and note that she is dressed as a noblewoman and wears a ring. "Why hasn't your husband come with you to request a visit?" One guard asked suspiciously. The other guard added with disdain, "Shouldn't you be at home preparing for your duties as a mother? It is shameful for you to come out in public this way." he spat. Hilda lowered her head. She knew that the culture dictated that women be seen and not heard and that women in her condition should stay at home and let their husbands handle important affairs but this was different. It was urgent for her to see the Princess for only she would understand the significance of why she was there. The guards were about to turn Hilda away when Muta walked by and noticed Hilda standing awkwardly to the side as noblemen and their wives entered the court. She looked nothing like her normally pampered and sometimes haughty self. Muta and Zuko had heard from Chrysanthemum that Hilda was pregnant by her wealthy merchant husband and was expecting her first child in the winter. Why was she here? Something about her was off-her eyes were red and puffy from what had to be crying. Muta briefly wondered if it had anything to do with Hilda's father, Captain Nishikawa, who was a person of interest in Iroh and Lu Ten's case. She stopped right at the gate.
"Good Morning Hizo and Yoh! What's going on this morning?" she asked glancing over at the distraught young woman who stared at her with wide eyes. Hilda immediately recognized Muta. The guards smiled at the sight of the favored friend of the crown princess. "Ah good morning, Lady Muta. This woman thinks she can just come in and request an audience with the Crown Princess." Hmmm. Muta was thoughtful. "Well, I certainly understand why. We were all classmates together at one time and the princess did tell us we were welcome at any time to call." She leaned in closer to the guards as if she had a secret. "This one wasn't very nice to me or the princess, though. Leave it to me to have a word with her," she asked hoping they'd take the bait. The guards grinned. They know how it is when an opportunity for sweet revenge presents itself. Muta was kind and friendly to everyone. If this lady was anything like the other noblewomen who poo-pooed on others, then she was about to get her just desserts. The guards turned aside and allowed the ladies to pass so that Muta could have a "talk" with the noblewoman. Muta beckoned Hilda to follow her though Hilda looked at Muta with great suspicion. Would she use this opportunity to take revenge on the way she treated her at Madame Hachi's school?
Muta led her to a small parlor and closed the door behind them. She looked up at Hilda and stared at her for a long moment. Hilda twisted her handkerchief around her fingers nervously. What did Muta want with her? She was already shocked to see Muta in the palace but remembered the rumor she heard that Muta's husband was now working for the Crown Prince and General Iroh. She realized at that moment it wasn't a rumor and now her future hinged on this moment. Hilda could have asked the floor to open up and swallow her whole right then. She knew that what she wanted rested in the hands of a woman she treated horribly not very long ago."I know you probably don't remember me..." Hilda began. Muta smiled. "Of course, I remember you, Hilda. We were in Madame Hachi's school together not two years ago," she remarked. Hilda huffed breathlessly. Yep. She remembered. Hilda hung her head. She didn't have time to try to justify her behavior. Her father's life was at stake. She dropped to her knees to Muta's shock and embarrassment. "Muta, I wouldn't be here if I didn't have to be. I need your help. Something bad has happened to my father and I need to know what it is. I must see Princess Zuko. She knows him and he respects her greatly." She began wiping fresh tears from the corners of her eyes. Muta was stunned to silence by Hilda's change of attitude. Hilda took a deep breath.
"My father promised me he would be here in time for the birth of his first grandchild, but he hasn't written me in months! That is not like him. Please, I wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't important. My father is all I have left in this world. Please Muta...Please help me." Hilda begged as her tears began anew. Muta shook her head in disbelief at the turn of events. Hilda never would have thought she'd have to abase herself before someone she looked down upon once, but it only seemed fitting that she'd be receiving the karma now. Muta's heart went out to her. Muta took a deep breath and sighed. She knew now that there was definitely more to the story with Captain Nishikawa. She also knew what she had to do. Muta spoke with authority. "Hilda, although I am friends with the Princess, I don't control her schedule. It is highly unorthodox for her to take visitors unannounced. I will speak to her and see if she can see you today. Please understand that I will do this because I can see how distraught you are about your father and I would want someone to do the same for me. Please wait here. I'll be back shortly." she said to Hilda's shock.
Hilda called to Muta before she walked out the door. "Muta, wait! Thank you... I promise that what I have to discuss is important and I will not bother the princess again once I am heard. I know that the princess will be fair and kind." Muta sighed deeply. She nodded to Hilda reminding her to wait in the parlor until she returns. Hilda gets herself off of the floor and bows deeply to Muta. Muta bows back at a normal height somewhat uncomfortably and hurries to find Zuko who she discovers is in the training arena. Muta whistles long and high. "Zuko, you're not going to believe this..." she began. Zuko stared in awe as she heard the story about Hilda. She knew that it was strange that the Captain was on radio silence for so long but if his own daughter is worried it might not be good. Muta lowers her voice to a whisper. "You have no idea how distressed she is. It's so out of character for her. It really may be important and perhaps even pertinent to the overall case." Zuko knows Muta is right and sighs. "Ok, Muta. Please go tell Hilda to wait in my antechamber. I'll speak to her as soon as I finish my workout." She declares.