A/N: Hey everyone! I came back long enough to publish a chapter and then disappeared again LOL. I have been working on this chapter in an attempt to begin bridging chapters from the first 18 with the last however many chapters there are left. It's Zuko's birthday and they don't get to party this time...
Disclaimer: "Only those who have been engaged to jerks can understand just how much they don't want to get married to one..."-Princess Zuko
Chapter 19—Five-Day Cruise
Day One:
Citizens stood on the dock with enthusiasm to wish the Princess well on her birthday voyage to Ember Island. Though many were looking forward to her celebration within the nation, there was a consensus that the princess deserved an opportunity to do something for herself for a change.
She was so selfless and caring for others. Many still remember how the princess saved the entire nobility within the security bunker by using her bending to deflect the mortar and sacrificing herself to save everyone.
It was not just something she did out of duty it was in her heart and who she was as a person. Princess Zuko would have done the same thing if there were a bunker full of commoners or orphans. She cared about each person in her nation equally and it showed in how she talked and interacted with people.
This is why she was so beloved and desired as a ruler. The people would still honor her and celebrate in their homes wishing the princess good fortune and favor from Agni, but she would be missed. They understood how much strength it must have taken for the young woman to stand before her nation disfigured and disabled.
Not a few heard that some nobles frowned on her issues and rejected her fitness to rule. They expected her to push through her feelings and perform as a royal figure piece despite the fact that she was a hero and saved many of their lives at great cost to herself.
Citizens respected the Fire Lord for making the decision to show her this kindness to celebrate privately. She would be allowed a moment to spend with her friends and family and to enjoy her birthday in peace. She had earned it.
The Fire Lord's generous donations to the local orphanage, the hospital, and public school in the Princess's name made the nation appreciate her even more. Many were sure that Fire Lord would never have made the contributions if it had not been Princess Zuko's birthday.
He certainly never would have done such a thing for Princess Azula! She would have deigned to think about anyone other than herself and would have been offended that any money from the royals' coffers went to anyone but who she deemed "worthy."
There was a big difference indeed between Princess Zuko and her family. Zuko stood on the deck of her chartered ship and waved to her people as they cheered.
Katara whispered how some were throwing flowers and releasing confetti for her. She blushed at the warm reception and gave a final wave before walking away to find a seat with Toph as the ship pulled away.
Although she couldn't be with her people directly, Zuko was grateful that she was able to give them a moment to celebrate her birthday with her even if it was just to say goodbye.
There would be fireworks released later that evening to give the princess luck for the next year. Zuko didn't mind that she wouldn't be there to experience them. She was afraid to admit to her friends, uncle, and cousin that the sound of fireworks reminded her of the mortar blasts so many months ago and that they took her back to the day her life changed forever.
Even now she still wakes up in a cold sweat with the sound of bombs going off in the back of her mind. She shuddered to hope with all her heart that her mission was not in vain and that she was not on her way to rescue an enemy.
The boat began to pull away from the dock and Phase 1 of their plan was already begun. The seas were favorable for the trip as they sped along to Ember Island. Sun and sky met in a brilliant display of balmy yellow-white and light azure.
Zuko basked in the pleasant warmth and fresh air as she sat in a deck chair allowing the breeze to flow over her in a soothing rhythm. The friends sat near one another quietly or in inane banter because they were taking members of the crew with them who didn't know anything about the secret mission.
They had to be careful of what they said to one another and pretend that the trip was purely for Zuko's party. They would arrive at the Fire Lord's newly renovated island bungalow in less than a couple of hours according to the captain.
A while later, Ako approached the princess cautiously so as not to startle her. Zuko smiled. She knew it was him because he always smelled of smoke and sandalwood like most fire benders did.
"Hi Ako, how can I help you?" she asked kindly. Ako shook his head in amazement. How did she know? He wondered.
"Actually, Princess, I was thinking to myself how can I help you." He said approaching closer and lowering his voice without changing his face.
"I know we are going to rescue the captain, but there is some suspicion around what could be happening. Am I right?" he said softly avoiding drawing attention to himself.
To the other sailors, it looked like he was having a pleasant conversation with the princess or seeing how he could serve her as they traveled. Zuko listened and nodded cautiously. She knew her uncle trusted Ako and so did her cousin, but she never really spoke to him about the case directly before so it felt strange now that they would have a conversation.
Ako picked up on her hesitation and understood. How could the princess know for sure that he was on her side when he used to work with the captain? Ako smiled and leaned in to whisper.
"I want you to know princess that although you and I don't talk about things as often as I speak with your uncle, we are on the same team. Whatever happens this week I have your back as do your friends and family." At that Zuko smirked.
How did he know what I needed to hear? she thought. Ako gave a little smile and his brow furrowed.
"I don't believe that Captain Nishikawa is a traitor. I've known him since I was fifteen years old as a young sailor. He is loyal to the Fire Nation and our country's principles and would not stain his honor even if he disagreed with the Fire Lord. I believe there is much more to the story that we have yet to discover, your Highness..." he trailed. Zuko sighed deeply.
"Thank you for saying this, Ako, I didn't think so about the captain either but things have been so crazy and unbelievable lately. People I thought were on my side turned out to be someone trying to kill me. You must forgive my fear..." she said nervously. Ako smiled understandingly.
"Of course, your Highness there is nothing to forgive. You are entitled to feel the way you feel. Just know we will all be with you and, no matter what, we will have our answers." he replied. Zuko gave one last sigh and smiled.
"Thank you again, Ako. I think I understand now why Muta loves you so. You have a good heart and level head. Two things we need more of in our country." she said gently. Ako grinned and stood. He gave a courteous bow even though the princess couldn't "see" it.
"We should be arriving within the next hour, your Highness. Please let me know if you need anything," he said kindly before walking away.
Toph pretended to sleep on her reclined deck chair but inwardly rejoiced at the conversation between her best friend and the former sailor. Zuko had no idea just how right she was about Muta's husband. Ako was so much wiser than he appeared to the average person.
Even Gramps had no idea just how smart and skilled he was. Ako was the perfect choice as leader of the watchdog group chosen to protect the royal family. This secret group was composed of people from every nation including the Avatar because some foresaw with accuracy that the Fire Nation nobility wouldn't be too keen on the changes to their ways of living and loss of profit from the war.
It would only be a matter of time before some would attempt to go back to their "glory days" and restore the state of war that many became wealthy from. Toph sighed as if adjusting to a new sleep position.
The only thing she wished had gone differently was how Jet handled Zuko's former guard Li. It was necessary to take him out but to do it in front of Zuko was rotten luck.
It would be hard for Zuko to believe that Jet was looking out for her after something like that. Lee had been one of the princess's guards since childhood along with Hide.
When Hide reported Lee's connection to the coup and his betrayal to the coalition, it was only a matter of time before Zuko's life would have been in danger. Hide discovered that Li was sharing sensitive information with the last person any of them would have expected him to have any connection with, Mai, daughter of Ukano.
Their relationship was questionable at best and highly suspicious, but it was his last conversation that finally revealed his true intentions. Hide and Kiko accidentally overheard Li warning Mai to avoid being in the Caldera on the very same day the attack was to take place.
Mai chided him and reminded Li that she already knew about the attack and told him to be careful of revealing his connection to her. She reminded him what the penalty of his betrayal would be if he disclosed anything before that date to Zuko or her family.
He vowed with his life that he would never do that and sealed his vow to Mai with a fiery, passionate kiss. He reminded her that he would do the deed himself if he somehow managed to let Zuko escape the ambush that day.
It was with that declaration that Mai was satisfied and knew the royal guard wouldn't fail her. Hide and Kiko on the other hand knew that Li just sealed his own fate as soon as they were able to report their concerns to Ako and Jet. Because of Jet's connection to the Navy and his "in" with the coup he was already aware of the day of the attack but when he discovered Li's part in it...
There was nothing anyone could do to keep Jet from dealing with him. Toph sighed again. What would Zuko think once she realized all she thought she knew about who to trust and what really happened that day was turned on its ear?
Truthfully, the princess only truly knew a quarter of the story. The betrayal runs so much deeper than disgruntled noblemen and xenophobia. Toph couldn't pretend to sleep any more; her mind was too busy and she felt unsettled.
Is it too early in the day to drink? She wondered as she sat up.
As predicted, the ship arrived within the hour and docked at the private pier near the Royal family's beach home.
The property had been restored and maintained from after the time in the war where unknown to the Fire Lord, Zuko, and her friends in the resistance resided there while she trained the Avatar in firebending.
The official story was that some local teenagers used the home as a hangout since it was practically abandoned. After the war, Fire Lord Ozai had it restored to its pre-war state and began using it as a reward for some of his noblemen for putting up with the changes to their country after the treaty had been signed.
It was a perk and bonus that was coveted and was thought to procure some favor with the royal family, at least for those nobles not trying to kill them of course. Soldiers quickly unloaded the supplies and baggage of the royals and their guests in the house.
As a reward and gift from the princess for her birthday, Zuko gave the captain and sailors three days off to stay on the island for a much-deserved rest. The captain and his crew would not be needed since the princess and her friends would be staying in the bungalow and camping on the beach.
Unbeknownst to the crew, Iroh had made arrangements with the captain to take the ship out and go on a "day cruise" with the princess as a surprise. The captain knew that both the old General and his Lieutenant were capable seamen and could easily navigate the small ship. The Water Tribe siblings were also sailors familiar with Fire Nation vessels and would assist.
The first day ended fairly quickly as the sun fell behind the horizon, and Iroh encouraged the young adults to settle in their rooms and get some rest. They would need to save their strength for the activities they had planned. There would be a meal on the beach in the morning to discuss their plans for the days ahead.
Day Two:
Early in the morning, just before sunrise Zuko shot up gasping and clawing at her chest. Beads of sweat dripped from the ends of loose tendrils of hair along her hairline. Her dream was too vibrant and realistic to just be a dream. She hadn't been able to "see" images in her dreams right after her accident and barely dreamed at all now.
Last night, however, was a different story. Zuko dreamed in vivid color and clearly saw faces and heard the voices as if they were talking to her in the flesh. Captain Nishikawa was in deep trouble. Whoever had taken over his ship was definitely a part of the coup attempt that nearly destroyed the royal family.
The man in charge of the mutiny was an ominous-looking captain with inordinately large hands and an even larger ego. He was cruel and malicious and hated Nishikawa for having a conscience. This man was a psychopath with no honor. In her dream, Zuko and her friends snuck up on the ship to break Nishikawa out only to discover that the leader of the faction and his men were expecting them.
Somehow "mutton chop" hands knew that they would be attempting to rescue the captain and were ready for them. Captain Nishikawa was dragged onto the deck and killed right before their eyes. He collapsed to the wooden floor lifeless and was casually thrown over the railing into the sea below once the full effect of what happened sunk in.
Soldiers surrounded the gaang and prevented them from escaping or using their bending to fight. The captured heroes were lined up on the deck of the ship to be dispatched execution-style and thrown into the water as food for the fish behind the captain. The rebel leader sneered as he approached Zuko first. He would take pleasure in ending her.
Zuko woke up before anything more could happen to her or her friends. She couldn't shake the feeling that the dream wasn't a dream, but a warning. It took a while for Zuko to regulate her breathing and calm herself. She knew that whatever she was feeling she couldn't let it stop her from doing what they came to do.
The question now was how were they going to save Nishikawa? She wasn't even sure who she could talk to about it. What if she was unable to trust anyone— even her own friends and family about this? Zuko prayed to Agni that they were doing the right thing and got out of her bed to take a shower.
Perhaps the water would help to clear her mind and give her the focus she needed.
Breakfast was an elaborate affair set up along the shoreline. The servants who lived at the house year-round made every possible pastry and breakfast dish that they knew the princess loved. Fresh fruit grown right there on the island, juices and the finest of porcelain dishes had been set before them.
After the food was placed and the blessing given the servants were dismissed and breakfast commenced. The group ate in relative silence with no one quite ready to broach the topic of how to save Nishikawa.
After Zuko took a long drink from her glass, she cleared her throat and said plainly, "I don't think we should take our day cruise." The group stopped in unison many with chopsticks mid-air their eyes firmly planted on Zuko.
Toph quickly scanned her friend's heart rate and knew she was not joking. Whatever Zuko was thinking about had her spooked and she meant it.
"Zu, what do you mean we shouldn't take our day trip? That was the whole purpose of coming to Ember Island remember?" Lu Ten questioned carefully in case there were any other listening ears around. Zuko sighed.
"I just think that we should plan to do some activities on the beach instead. The trip will be wasted on me since I can't see where we're going anyway and frankly, we don't know what the weather will be like or if we won't encounter troubled seas. I just have a bad feeling about it." she said only slightly revealing the tension and fear in her voice.
Katara's eyes widened at that knowing that Zuko didn't say anything she didn't mean even if she wasn't trying to reveal something. She also remembered how Zuko used to have premonitions during the war. Especially dreams.
It was like a deep connection to the Spirits themselves and her ancestor Avatar Roku. On more than one occasion, Zuko managed to save their lives because of her intuition and foresight. Something had to have happened for her to say this now. Katara would wait until they were alone before she asked her about it.
She knew that perhaps Zuko was afraid to share in case there was a potential traitor in their midst. If the past has taught them anything, it is that nothing is as it seems, and sometimes those you trust the most can be the ones to betray you the worst. Hopefully, Zuko would trust Katara enough to tell her what was going on.
"Since it is Zuko's birthday, I think we should follow her lead and do what she wants to do for her day. We can take the trip some other time." Katara said carefully. She knew that if there was someone in their midst that was a traitor it would do no good to insist on the trip and create unnecessary tension. They would find another way.
Iroh grunted and nodded at Katara's sage advice to Zuko. He knew his niece was neither flighty nor a coward. If she didn't feel comfortable doing the mission that way, she would find another way to follow through. He would have a talk with her later on that day.
After breakfast, Iroh, Lu Ten, Ako and Sokka decided to take a hike to the other side of the island and see if they could catch fish for dinner. Muta, Kiko and Toph went into town to see if they could find some nice gifts for Zuko's birthday bash that next night.
Only Katara and Zuko were left behind on the shore of the beach. Katara knew then would be her chance to let Zuko know she could trust her and that whatever she saw they would take into consideration and care.
Katara exhaled which moved the waves in rhythm with her breaths and sighed. "You had a dream, didn't you?" she asked matter-of-factly. "You haven't had one since the war. It had to be intense for you to cancel your trip." Zuko tightly clenched her jaw. She forgot that Katara has seen every part of her and knew her well.
Many times Katara held Zuko when her dreams and visions of death terrified her. Zuko felt around the area for others and didn't sense anyone nearby.
"We can't take that trip. Someone tipped the rebels off. I don't want to think it was anyone here, but I don't know, there's no way to know. What I do know is that dream looked and felt very real." she said somberly. Katara cocked her head to the side.
"Looked? You saw what was happening?" she said with more surprise than she intended. Zuko nodded unable to say anything else remembering the terrible end to her and her companions in the dream.
"Yes, I could see faces and hear voices. Once face, the leader's, was very familiar. If we all go, they will be expecting us and will kill the captain and us. That's why I planned to go alone. At least if they kill me, it won't blow our cover it would just look like a tragic boating accident with a blind princess who was trying to be independent." Zuko said quietly. Katara scoffed.
"The hell you will! We don't operate that way remember? If I recall your last venture on your own got you speared in the shoulder by a spooked warrior. We stick together; come hell or high water. I'm going with you." she declared.
"Well, you're not going without me," Toph added. Katara and Zuko started in surprise.
"I thought you went with Muta and Kiko?" Zuko asked. Toph smirked.
"Only to the end of the road. I felt your heartbeat when you said you didn't want to go. It felt the way it did whenever you had one of your spooky premonitions back during the war." she said. Zuko chuckled.
"Ok, I guess I know who my friends are still," she mused aloud.
Zuko told them of the dream in detail not leaving anything out. Perhaps her friends would be able to catch clues she could not. Their very lives depended on not being caught and the element of surprise. If the spirits were granting her a warning, it wouldn't do to ignore it. The biggest obstacle is that the rebels would be expecting them to board the ship to find Nishikawa.
"What if we never boarded the ship, Zuko?" Toph asked with a wicked glint.
"How will we get him out without getting on board?" Katara queried. Zuko smirked.
"Like we did back in Ba Sing Se..." she realized. "Toph as always you're a genius." Toph took a small bow waving her hand in a rolling gesture.
"Thank you, thank you." she teased. Katara stared at the two blind girls feeling slightly left out.
"What did you two do in Ba Sing Se?" she asked with her most maternal tone. The two girls stifled a laugh.
"We kinda got arrested for underage drinking and starting a bar fight in the lower ring." Zuko confessed. Toph cackled.
"The Dai Li wanted to take us underground and melt our brains but I had already discovered my metal bending by that time. As they carted us away in metal containers, I broke out of mine without them seeing me and then followed along with the cart and opened Zuko's. By the time they realized we had escaped we were long gone." she crowed. Katara frowned.
"But how will we help Nishikawa escape? He's on water." Zuko and Toph smiled in tandem.
"That's where you come in Sweetness. We need you to steer a small, quiet boat alongside the ship to the side where the brig is located and we'll do the rest." Toph said with more joy than she probably intended. She always looks forward to "sticking it to the man" as she calls it. Katara grinned widely. It was brilliant.
They would have to be stealthy and quick but still had a chance to save the captain before he was executed.
"The question now is when do we go?" Katara asked. Zuko had the answer.
"I think it should be tonight. They won't expect us to come tonight and no one here will be expecting us to leave. We'll be back before sunrise." Toph punched her hand into the other.
"I can't wait..." she sneered. Later that afternoon when her uncle and the others returned, Zuko declared that she wanted to camp out on the beach. Iroh eyed his niece carefully. He suspected she had come up with a plan and knew that whatever she decided she was determined to do it.
He was fully aware that her friends were not the type to leave Zuko to her own devices so he wouldn't worry. He prayed they would be successful and retrieve the captain before it was too late.
Sokka and Lu Ten noticed that the three women were tight-lipped about whatever had Zuko out of sorts that morning but they also let it be known they would have to address the elephant in the room eventually.
As the sun started to fall below the horizon, Iroh lit a bonfire in a pit Toph dug for them in the sand. The fire caught easily and the warm orange glow of the flames cast eerie shadows on the faces of those gathered around it.
The roasted fish gave off a savory aroma and mouths watered to eat the treat Sokka caught that afternoon. Zuko leaned her head on Sokka's shoulder as he sat next to her and he gently took her hand and gave it a small reassuring squeeze.
They would figure out how to get Captain Nishikawa back with or without the ruse of the cruise he suspected. Sokka knew of Zuko's ability to dream and see visions. That morning, she had that same haunted look she used to get whenever it happened during the war.
He always trusted her intuition because it saved their necks on more than one occasion-His more than others specifically.
When they fought against an assassin sent by Zuko's father to track them down and return the princess to the Fire Nation, it was Zuko who saw how the man with the third eye fire bending was unstable if he was hit in the head.
The prosthetic metal arm and legs were prime indicators that he didn't have great luck with his bending as a younger man. Zuko urged Sokka to throw his boomerang when "Sparky, Sparky Boom-Man" as he was not so affectionately known as attempted to bring the Western Air Temple down upon their heads.
In a last-ditch effort, Sokka launched his boomerang hitting the assassin square in the middle of his forehead. The man staggered unsteadily. He was too dazed to realize the damage to his third eye.
As he attempted to launch one last fiery attack, sparks and small explosions bloomed around him until there was one final explosion that left nothing of the assassin behind and brought the cliff he once stood on down to the gorge below. He was a victim of his own weapon.
Sokka grabbed the princess in an excited embrace and nearly kissed her to her shock and surprise. Zuko blushed deeply, bowed, and hurriedly went to see what Aang wanted to do about staying in the temple or moving on leaving Sokka to rub the back of his head sheepishly as he watched her power walk away.
Sokka huffed to himself in amusement as he stared at the glow of the fire and looked down at the princess who wasn't so uncomfortable with him anymore. That day in the Western Air Temple was the beginning of what was to be an awkward and eternal dance around one another until the fateful game of Kuai Ball more than two years ago.
He hoped that they would one day be able to be together with no treaty in the way and no reservations. He also hoped whatever Zuko saw today, the girls wouldn't do anything rash or on their own.
Hundreds of miles away on a naval ship near the southern border of the Mo Ce Sea, a man with a nasal voice called through the bars to Captain Nishikawa who could barely stay awake after his beating.
The grating and irritating sound only enhanced his pain as he struggled against the chains tightened uncomfortably on his wrists. He hung his head in exhaustion.
The rebel captain ordered Captain Nishikawa to be beaten after a messenger hawk flew in with a letter. The letter revealed unintentionally what certain royals planned to do when the real captain's daughter sent a distressed message declaring that she would get to the bottom of why she wasn't hearing from him.
"Your daughter apparently has friends in high places," the mutinous captain droned. "Now why on earth would she go and visit a certain disabled princess for help? What could such a weak and damaged royal do against the might of her own country's navy?" At that Nishikawa looked up.
His daughter went to Princess Zuko? He had overheard from some of the rebels how Zuko was injured after rescuing the nobility from a mortar blast that would have destroyed them all. He remembered how the princess sparred with Jet and matched him blow for blow on the deck of this very ship. He knew that she was a bender but she had to be extremely powerful to manage to deflect an incoming mortar.
Damaged or not, Princess Zuko was not one to underestimate. The very fact that she is still alive is a testament to her strength. This rebel should know that considering his history with the princess.
He wondered briefly if pride and ego were this man's motivation for turning against his country and the royal family. He had easily ruined his own reputation through his unseemly behavior towards the princess.
Though she didn't possess the charisma of her sister, or the craftiness of her father, the princess was a leader Nishikawa would follow any day. She was intelligent, honorable, and determined to do what was right without regard to the cost to herself. Captain Nishikawa cleared his throat and spoke clearly.
"You have no right to hold me here. You know you will not succeed. Your plan will fail because once again you underestimate your enemies." he said calmly.
The rebel pushed a twinge of fear in the back of his mind away remembering how the princess was no pushover and extremely dangerous. He jerked at the captain's statement because he had been told that once before not very long ago by a wise General. The very same General he wanted to eradicate now.
The captain smirked knowing the man was triggered. He raised up with rattling chains to make sure his point was heard.
"My daughter has faith that she will see me again alive and I believe she will. Whether or not the Fire Lord delivers me, I will leave this place alive, and I will not bend to your treason." he spat.
The rebel captain schooled his face and tossed his head with a chuckle as he walked away. He had no intentions of letting the captain see anyone alive again and ruin his plans.
All Nishikawa had to do was join them as a true patriot of the nation and help the movement of the Sons of Sozin restore the glory of the Fire Nation, but apparently, the captain has a conscience and loyalty to the Royal family.
No matter- they'll all be going to the same place in a while. The rebel captain suspected that the princess would try to come on or after her birthday in some sort of night attack. Once she was on board with her companions, he would dispatch the captain and them in one mighty power move that would set him apart from the other rebel leaders.
He would launch into a strategic position of power and the name of Takeshi Hondo would rise to the top of the food chain of nobility. He would be respected as a leader once again and in the running as the next Fire Lord.
Day Three (Late Night):
Sneaking off the beach to get to the skiff was no easy task. Toph knew that General Gramps was a light sleeper though he snored like a moose-lion and Lu Ten was restless. He tossed and turned not having Katara next to him to hold. Toph shuddered at the thought which on more than one occasion gave her the "oogies."
Sokka had no problem sleeping anywhere, anytime. It was the main reason Toph called him "Snoozles". He slept like a log under his sleeping bag and didn't move even when kicked over to pass by.
Muta wasn't feeling very well and opted to stay in the house that night. Ako being her loving and attentive husband knew that sleeping on the beach would not be an option for him especially if he didn't want to remain on the beach for the rest of their stay.
He would ask the General in the morning what they planned to do about Captain Nishikawa. Zuko, Toph, and Katara made as little noise as they dared walking away from the campsite. The camp and fire were set upon a small hill overlooking the ocean.
The grass on the hill made it easier for them to slip away unnoticed. Katara and Toph moved a small skiff with just enough room for four or five people to the far side of the beach for their transportation earlier in the day while the men were once again distracted with fishing and conversation.
A motor would have been too loud and obvious in the still night even over the waves that broke gently upon the shore. If they were to slip away unnoticed, they had to use every stealthy trick in their books to avoid having to explain the mission.
Lu Ten and Sokka would have poked holes in every part of their plan and prevented them from going delaying the rescue and potentially endangering the captain even more.
The young women were sure that what they planned to do would work—all they needed were the three of them to make it work. Zuko took a deep breath before stepping into the boat still sitting in the sand.
"Are we ready to do this?" she asked more for herself than her companions. Toph grunted in the affirmative and Katara smiled and said,
"For the captain and the peace of the world we are. We can do this, Zuko. Have faith in your plan. We're behind you all the way." Zuko smiled at Katara's confidence and borrowed a little for herself. They could do this.
"For Captain Nishikawa," she said.
Moving by sail-less boat took much longer than if they had used a small steamer but the approach to the ship was practically silent. Katara moved the ship through the water quite easily and brought the vessel alongside the ship to nearly touching.
It was the latest watch of the night so only one or two guards were on duty and were more than likely dozing in and out of consciousness. Zuko took another deep breath as Toph felt the side of the ship to see where the captain was being held.
There. He was two floors above the water line in a cell. He was bound in chains and his heart rate didn't sound too good.
"I found him. He's above us here," she said quietly indicating where the captain was imprisoned. When they were ready, Zuko and Toph gave Katara the signal and she set an ice platform between them and the ship.
Katara used the platform and a waterspout to raise the two girls up to the height where Toph felt the captain in the brig. Fortunately, the brig wasn't underwater as it could be in some large ships otherwise that would have created an entirely different problem that they didn't have time for.
Toph was able to open the side of the ship easily to get into his cell without being detected, almost. There was a slight scrape when she first began and she soon heard a tapping along the side of the ship. She felt a sailor standing on the edge of the deck holding onto the railing and tapping his fingers in a rhythmic pattern.
She stopped completely and slowed down to match the sound of the waves and inched the metal open more carefully. She didn't want to alert anyone on patrol of their presence.
Captain Nishikawa gasped in shock at the sound of his exterior walls opening. He was about to shout about a storm or perhaps some type of attack but stopped himself. He vaguely remembered his conversation with Lord Hondo about his daughter reaching out for help. Could this be that help? He waited to see what was happening.
If it was an attack perhaps the assailants would be merciful and give him a quick death. In moments, the hole in the hull was the size of a large door and a tiny yet familiar little girl walked in as if she was supposed to enter that way.
"Who are you?" He whispered as she approached him.
"The cavalry," she said simply.
Captain Nishikawa tried not to groan as he was lowered slowly onto the skiff in the sea below. The Water Kingdom princess used her bending to hold the craft steady to avoid knocking into the side of the larger ship possibly alerting someone to activity though it would be hard to hear much over the waves that kicked up around them.
He watched in amazement as the little earthbender closed the hole she made in the metal hull of the ship with a seam that was as clean as if she never breached it.
No one would have guessed that the princess would come in a clandestine rescue mission circumventing the deck and avoiding a conflict. How did they know that a trap was set for them? He wondered.
Honestly, it didn't matter; he shouldn't have been surprised. Too many people underestimated the young royal and her companions already. They were the heroes of the Great war and master benders of their individual elements. He was just glad they were here now to help him.
The benders were so powerful that they didn't need keys, weapons, tools, or anything else but themselves as they opened the ship up like a can of sardines and entered the brig.
The soldiers didn't bother guarding Nishikawa's cell because no one had reason to believe the captain would be able to escape on his own and no one else knew he was there. The natural assumption was if anyone made an attempt to breach the ship, it would have started on the deck anyway.
Nishikawa was too injured and weak to do anything let alone break out and fight his way off the ship. It was not long after he heard the first, faint creak of the metal wall that Nishikawa knew Lord Hondo was about to be embarrassed and humiliated by the crown princess, his former fiancé once again. If the rumors he heard about Hondo's treatment of her were true, he didn't deserve to walk the same ground she did.
Men who abuse those deemed weaker than themselves are nothing more than bullies and are more than likely people with a poor image of themselves. They use the perceived weaknesses of others to make themselves feel better or stronger and the princess wasn't the first of his victims. He was a bully on the battlefield as well.
Multiple accounts from soldiers about lost friends and relatives testified to that point. Princess Zuko made it abundantly clear that she would not be mistreated by anyone no matter the station. Lord Hondo ended up leaving the Caldera in the shame and dishonor that he brought upon himself and fully deserved when all was said and done.
The captain felt as if the entire scenario happening before him now was a dream. The walls to his cell had opened as if it were a blanket or curtain. The little Earth girl, the heiress he would transport on occasion, moved the metal as if she were playing with dough.
He had heard she was the first and possibly only metal bender in the world and he felt lucky to be able to witness it for himself. The reality that he was being rescued didn't fully register until the Princess walked in behind the girl and approached him.
He noted that she didn't make eye contact with him as if she truly couldn't see him. She still moved as if she could still see everything around her and she approached him carefully.
"Be still, Captain." she whispered. Her hands lit in a shimmering glow more bright and powerful than any fire he had ever seen. She focused the flame that resembled pure light into a sharp point and drew near his shackles.
Nishikawa blinked in awe as the princess used her bending to cut through the metal chains of his shackles as if he were wearing butter. The earthbender was careful not to let the hot chains fall on the captain's wrists and injure him further. He finally found the wits to release the breath he had been holding and gasped in amazement.
If this was the kind of fire bending the princess could do, then everything he heard about her made sense. She was a bender of Agni's fire.
It was rumored to only be a gift granted to the sun warriors and the purest souls chosen by the spirits. Zuko embodied those characteristics perfectly and was probably the only one in the royal family who could handle such a responsibility.
His respect went well beyond her skill as a warrior and daughter of the house of Kasai. She was Agni's chosen and no matter what happened after this Nishikawa would pledge his life to help her protect the Fire Nation from this coup.
Together both girls lifted the captain off the bed and made their way to the small craft they navigated with no motor or oars. He noted the princess of the Water Kingdom was there holding the ship steady and simultaneously sending a "bed" of water to help bring them down.
"Welcome back, Captain." Zuko said gently as she settled into the skiff and covered the man with a blanket.
"Glad to be back." he croaked gently his voice sore from a lack of use and water.
Just as Katara turned the boat around to speed out of the range of the ship, she used her bending to separate the salt out of the seawater and place it in a canteen nearby. Toph grabbed the canteen and held it to the captain's lips. Nishikawa drank greedily. His eyes widened in surprise at how fresh the water tasted as it went down cool and soothingly.
After a moment he found his voice.
"I don't know why I was surprised to see you, your Highness; you have always proven yourself to be a competent leader and brilliant strategist. I only wish I could see Takeshi Hondo's face when he realizes I'm gone." he grunted with a smirk. Zuko smirked in kind.
"Takeshi Hondo is behind this? Makes me kinda glad I'm blind, now. I never wanted to see that bastard again under any circumstances." she said with a little more sarcasm than necessary. The captain chuckled and then grew very serious.
"Your Highness, thank you for saving me. I am certain Lord Hondo had every intention of killing me. He took over my ship on the day the Caldera was attacked. He gave me the option to join them but I knew that this was not the way to reform our nation or to make changes. I don't know how you knew not to come to the ship in a surprise attack but I'm glad you didn't." he said soberly. Zuko sat up in surprise.
"How did you know that's what we were going to do?" she asked. Nishikawa shook his head.
"My daughter. I think she was trying to help, but she sent a letter letting me know that she had gone to you for help to get to the bottom of things. I don't think she would have done it if she had known that it would have endangered me and everyone else." Zuko sighed deeply nodding in understanding.
Hilda must have been wracking her brain to figure out a way to get a response from anyone. Zuko and her friends left without saying anything to her. She was probably also feeling quite anxious with her due date approaching and wanting her father to be there.
"Hilda was so worried about you and desperately wanted you to be there for your grandchild. I'm sure that she sent that letter out of desperation. We couldn't tell her of our plans to leave otherwise it could have put her in danger." she said. Nishikawa smiled grimly. He knew.
"Anytime royals are on the move nearby ships and vessels are made aware as a precaution and for protection. The letter in combination with your coming to Ember Island made it easy for Hondo to predict that you were attempting a rescue mission. I have no doubt he would have ambushed you if you had come aboard." he explained.
Nishikawa sighed as if releasing all the tension of the previous ordeal. He looked at the princess curiously.
"Your Highness, how did you know not to come aboard the ship? Lord Hondo was so sure that would be your plan," he said. Zuko chuckled lightly.
"The spirits have a way of leading you in the right direction when you need it most," she said with a mysterious air. The captain huffed and breathed a prayer of thanks for the Spirits' intervention.
He felt like there was more to the story than just intuition, but it was her story to tell if and whenever she chose. However the princess found it out; it was a blessing for them all. He knew that though he was delivered from the ship, the real trial was just beginning. How would the royal navy/rebels handle a captain missing from his ship?
The rescued captain and his three heroines rode in silence the rest of the way to the island. There would be much to talk about later. As the small boat no bigger than a lifeboat coasted over waves and fell into a hypnotic rhythm, Zuko was pensive.
Hilda had almost unintentionally signed all of their death warrants. She didn't blame the woman for her actions. If she had been in the same predicament, she's not sure she wouldn't have done something just as impulsive.
Zuko breathed a thankful sigh to the Spirits for giving her the dream and protection for her and her friends and family. She also thanked Agni for Toph's brilliant counterplan.
She smirked to herself at the thought of Takeshi Hondo being foiled once again and felt like that alone was a worthy reward for her successful mission.
Once the ship was close enough to Ember Island, Katara took a small break from propelling the boat to check on Captain Nishikawa's injuries. His eyes grew to the size of saucers as he watched the ethereal blue glow of her healing powers move over him and knit broken skin, bones, and tendons together. The tight but painless stitching eased as the body healed and Nishikawa's respect for the Water Kingdom princess grew one-hundred-fold.
"I've never seen water healing up close like this before, your Highness. What you can do is amazing and I am forever in your debt. Thank you, Princess." he said with deep admiration and appreciation. Katara smiled.
"It was my pleasure to help you, Captain. When we realized that you needed our help, we wasted no time. Your daughter loves you deeply and needs you to be there for the birth of your first grandchild. Rest now. We'll be on the island soon." she replied.
The captain smiled at her kind words and understood now what the princess saw in the Water Kingdom siblings. Perhaps the things that had been told to him and perceptions he had of the other nations were not as true as they seemed. It is not in what nation you are from; it is in what characteristics you live by that matters. He hoped he would live long enough to instill that into his grandson or granddaughter.
The weary travelers reached the shore just before sunrise to the not-so-surprising looks of General Iroh, Sokka, and Lu Ten. Ako and Muta were shocked, but glad to see the princess, Toph, and Katara back on the island safe and sound with a slightly worse for wear Captain Nishikawa in tow.
Day Four:
Takeshi Hondo roared in anguish.
"How!? How was that wretched woman able to do this?" he screamed as he looked around the empty cell with only small clues that the captain had once been there. The man was gone without a trace! No one should have been able to sneak up on deck and get to the brig unseen.
"How did she do it?" he screamed again to the terror of the crew watching the tempestuous rebel rage. They knew that answering would only be certain death at this moment and the crew stood by silently until the moment either passed or some other crisis began. Captain Nishikawa was gone.
There was no evidence of a break-in short of the missing shackles and perfectly cut chains that were above his bed. Somehow, he was released from his hold in the ship's prison and was spirited away without anyone seeing or hearing anything that night.
In the background, one person knew what had happened and he would be damned if he gave it away. Jet watched the scene with hidden amusement as he chewed on his favored wheat straw.
When he saw Hilda's letter, he cringed inwardly knowing that Zuko would be walking right into a trap if they attempted recapture of the ship or even a rescue. Hondo was ready for them and would have annihilated them without a single thought.
By some miracle, Zuko apparently scrapped whatever plan she had for a night attack and went for a more subversive approach. Jet was on patrol that night and heard the slight scraping of metal on the hull. With a subtle glance over the railing and a look at the flapping metal he knew it was Toph.
He tapped lightly on the side of the ship in code to tell her to keep it down knowing that if anyone else heard the noise, he wouldn't be able to help them in the event of discovery. Toph instantly silenced her actions knowing she didn't want to fight if she didn't have to possibly endanger the captain and her friends.
Jet watched as Katara managed to keep their ship from knocking into the hull and also assisted the others with getting to the brig without being seen. He had to hand it to those women; they were badass.
It did him good to know that Zuko continued to live out her motto to never give up without a fight. His heart ached when he briefly caught a glimpse of the red and angry-looking comet-shaped scar across her eye. He wondered to himself if he hadn't detained her that day would she have ended up this way—blind and disfigured?
He felt almost sick to his stomach to want to know the truth. He couldn't allow himself to get caught up in those thoughts, however. Jet was just glad he was able to stop Li before he managed to follow through with his plan to kill Zuko.
He was even more glad that Zuko, Katara, and Toph were able to "stick it to the man" last night. Specifically, this man... Lord Hondo was still screaming about the escape when their commander's ship began to approach the portside. Takeshi Hondo was a dead man...
Zuko and her friends had some explaining to do. The men woke up early to discover that the three women were not only not at the camp but their bedrolls looked as if they hadn't slept in all night. Where did they go? Surely, they didn't go to rescue the captain on their own?
Ako and Muta joined the General, Lu Ten, and Sokka just before sunrise having a feeling that something wasn't quite right. They arrived to discover that Zuko had not gone to the house nor was she, Katara, and Toph on the island at all.
Just as Iroh was preparing to give the orders to take out the vessel they rented for the week, a small skiff approached the beach with three figures sitting up wearily. As their ship skimmed the sand, Lu Ten and Sokka ran up to the ship to pull it ashore.
They discovered the three women were safe and sound but also had Captain Nishikawa with them. He looked as if he had been through torture though he showed evidence of Katara's water healing and care. Lu Ten eyed Katara with a look of both relief and furor. Katara just smiled and shrugged. They did what had to be done and they were successful.
Sokka knew a dirty look at Zuko or Toph would be useless, so he climbed into the ship and helped to get the prone captain to his feet.
"It's good to see you alive and well," he said quietly to the captain or perhaps to all of them. The captain picked up on the tension but wanted to assure everyone that the women handled their mission with care and caution.
"Yes, if it had not been for these women, I am certain I wouldn't be. It is amazing what they can do. The Lord Hondo never saw or heard them come and go. We were very fortunate." Iroh's brows rose in surprise. Lord Hondo? This was very strange indeed.
They didn't hear any more about the man after his engagement fiasco with Zuko and Iroh naturally assumed he faded into the shadows never to return. Sokka and Lu Ten gave one another a strange look and realized the treachery may run even deeper than they know. Iroh noted their look and knew that a conversation was in order.
"Captain Nishikawa, it appears we have much to talk about, but first let's get you fed and in a comfortable bed," Iroh suggested. The group agreed and they all began to make their way to the beach house. The servants had been preparing breakfast and missed when the men brought the captain upstairs to Sokka's bedroom.
Sokka and Lu Ten helped the captain to get into the bathroom to clean up. He had lost much weight from being starved and ill but he was still tall enough to fit in some of Lu Ten's clothing. The tunic and pants hung somewhat loosely on Nishikawa's frail frame but with good meals and rest, he would be back to normal in no time.
Iroh ordered the meal to be brought upstairs to his bedroom. They would take breakfast privately. This was a normal occurrence for the royals as sometimes they had business to discuss that required closed doors. The servants figured it had something to do with the princess's birthday and they happily placed the covered trays on the tables and left.
Iroh gave the housekeepers instructions to go out and gather the ingredients for a special dessert that was an Ember Island specialty and required ingredients that would not easily be on hand. The women smiled as they prepared to leave knowing that it was Princess Zuko's birthday and General Iroh probably had a surprise for the young woman.
As the women left the house, Sokka and Lu Ten looked around to be sure the coast was clear and helped the captain into Iroh's room. They would have to work quickly to figure out the story and what they would need to do for Captain Nishikawa to keep him safe. Once everyone was seated in the General's room, Iroh gave the blessing and they began to eat quietly.
Iroh sat pensively sipping on a cup of tea and waiting. After a long while, he spoke. "This is a quandary, "he said. No one moved or muttered a word as Iroh began. They felt the gravity of the situation as much as he did. Iroh took another sip of his tea and continued.
"The captain was sending messages on a regular basis to the communication towers to keep up the ruse that the ship was not compromised. Now the captain has been rescued. This would normally not be a problem if it was clear and well known that there is an active coup attempt, but we don't know who is friend or foe currently. To find out that Takeshi Hondo was involved is indeed problematic. This means whoever is in charge has great reach and access to many resources."
Zuko's mind was reeling. Ukano is indeed a person of influence but only as much as can be gathered by his association with the Fire Lord and other nobles. Whoever this person is, has influence over the military and nobles and perhaps beyond the Fire Nation's borders.
Zuko had a bad feeling that they may be dealing with someone closer than they dared to think before. Iroh saw the wheels turning in his niece's mind and knew she was thinking what he was thinking.
"We need to know who is perpetuating this charade in order to determine how to proceed. Unfortunately, it may be someone who has both national and international influence. I think we need to start with what happened to you Captain Nishikawa and how you ended up a prisoner on your own ship." Iroh said.
The captain sighed deeply. He felt ashamed that he failed to keep his ship, but the way the mutiny happened caught him off guard and was perhaps intended to be that way.
"I still feel shame burning my face when I think about it. My entire ship had been corrupted under my very nose." He began uneasily. Zuko knew how easy it is to be caught off guard by those you trusted and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. The captain smiled gratefully at the show of support.
"My most trustworthy and faithful sailors had been removed one by one. It started with Ako, actually." he said looking at the young former sailor who remembered the day he had been sent ashore to work at the dock after a denied promotion.
"I didn't deny your promotion, son. I had been overruled by Commander Zhao who wanted his nephew to have the position. Little did I know, he was one of the main conspirators for taking over my ship. The only person that hadn't been removed that I trusted was Ensign Jet Wu. Because he was considered a colonist, they assumed he would be one of the first to side with them when the mutiny occurred." Zuko's ears perked up again at the mention of Jet Wu.
"What is Jet's part in this? Did he betray you captain?" she asked with concern. Before the captain could answer, Sokka squinted and asked with a tone Zuko hadn't heard from him before,
"Jet? He's alive? How is he a part of this story? Wait...Zuko, you knew he was alive!?" he asked with suspicion eyeing Zuko carefully. Zuko squeaked as she realized that she had only spoken to Ako, Muta, Toph, her uncle, and Lu about Jet's return from the brink of death. Katara and Sokka had been left out.
"Uh, yeah. So, he's not...um, dead. I actually saw him on Madame Hachi's Island. He was a, uh, sailor on Captain Nishikawa's ship." she added sheepishly. Sokka pressed his lips in restraint. They should not have been left out of knowing something so important. Jet was a wild card to say the least.
"I see," he said quietly. "So uh, you didn't think that would be something we might have needed to know, Zu?" Katara added just as shocked and surprised about the resurrection of the former guerilla leader turned ally and now potentially a villain. Zuko blushed deeply.
"It wasn't intentional! At the time I found out about him there was no attack. He was working as a sailor and said he had a debt to a member of the royal family. Jet was there that day in the Caldera and I wasn't really sure why. I know it wasn't for a social call, but I'm just trying to get to the bottom of it all." she said fighting the defensive feeling creeping up her spine.
Toph tapped Ako on the arm. "I think it's time they knew, Ako." she said in an uncharacteristically sober voice. All eyes quickly focused on Toph and Ako who cleared his throat. Ako nodded and sighed deeply knowing that the news would either be taken well or horribly.
"Jet isn't your enemy. On the contrary, he's on assignment to infiltrate the coup. We all are- Me, my wife, Toph, and the Avatar. Jet is the reason Captain Nishikawa is still alive. He remained on the ship to prevent them from killing him until we could rescue him from Lord Hondo. I'm pretty certain he also covered for you three last night so that you could help the captain escape undetected." Katara and Zuko gasped in shock. Toph nodded in confirmation. Ako exhaled and cleared his throat again.
"We're all a part of a coalition which has vowed to protect the royal family and the fragile peace between the Fire Nation and the world." he explained. Not one mouth was closed when Ako finished speaking. For General Iroh, the picture became much clearer. He chuckled to himself.
"Do you happen to play Pai Sho, young man?" he asked already knowing the answer. Ako smiled broadly.
"Indeed, I do, Your Highness. You can always find a friend that way." he replied cordially. Iroh sighed in relief and nodded his head. "Children, he's telling the truth. He's a member of the New White Lotus as I suspect his wife and our Lady Bei Fong are as well. Does that about cover it?" he said. Ako nodded.
"Yes, our division formed shortly after the signing of the treaty to ensure that anyone who attempted to plunge the world back into war for various reasons would be thwarted. The peace was too young and vulnerable to leave it up to the countries themselves to figure it out." he said.
No one moved or dared to breathe as they listened to the unbelievable story. There were people outside of the Fire Nation working to ensure the Fire Nation was safe? How were they able to operate undetected for so long? Ako knew there would be more questions than answers so he sought to explain more thoroughly.
"Our particular division was created immediately after Princess Zuko returned to the Fire Nation. We swore an oath to protect the royal family because the Avatar determined that the country would best continue to be served by the line of Sozin to maintain the peace and give continuity to the country. More specifically, we protect you, Princess Zuko." Zuko was stunned. Why would anyone want to protect her? Why was she so important? she wondered.
Ako smiled seeing the question on her face and replied, "The Avatar and your country think very highly of you, Princess Zuko. Out of all the members of the royal line, we knew that you were the only one qualified to take over after your father. What you did to save the world was not taken for granted. You risked everything to ensure an end to the war and to bring about peace by winning over your enemies. That is no easy task and we believe you have what it takes to keep the peace and promote the wellbeing of your country." he said.
Zuko huffed. That was a lot to take in. Why did it seem her father was so determined for her not to be the next in line for the throne? To her father Ozai, he may as well have called her useless.
Ako continued as if he heard her inner thoughts. "Princess, we are sworn to serve and protect and are made up of members from all nations. The decision to choose you was one based on who you are, the strength of your character and potential you have already shown. We know that you would rule with justice and fidelity. Others see that as well. Protection of the royal family members includes from the royal members themselves if necessary." he said grimly.
Lu Ten sat stunned and looked at his cousin. He agreed with Ako's assessment of Zuko but wondered what else was being held from them. There had to be more. Zuko mirrored his look but there was something else underneath it. "Zu, what are you thinking?" he asked cautiously. Zuko sat as still as stone then turned to Ako.
"What do you know, Ako? What more aren't you telling us? Do you know who is behind this?" she said quietly. Ako swallowed hard. "I do. At least I have a very strong suspicion, Princess, but we can't convict or bring people to trial on suspicions especially members of the royal family. I will say this. Your father is not aware of it, nor is he a part of it. He is just struggling to maintain his hold on the throne knowing his circumstances, and limited time. He is surrounded by enemies and the timing is critical. If we don't find a way to stop this, the world will return to war."
The entire room was filled with heavy hearts and sober minds. No one could have predicted this turn of events least of all the captain. Captain Nishikawa was grateful that Jet had not betrayed him, but now he worried that the young man was in peril because of him. He prayed to Agni that the Jet would be able to get away and live the life he deserved. He spent his entire life fighting for others. He wished the sailor he loved like a son would be able to experience a little of the peace that should come with the end of the war.
General Iroh was relieved that Ako was not a spy and was working to protect the common good, though he was surprised at how someone so young could rise to become the leader of a powerful secret faction like the New White Lotus. He supposed it was no different than the Avatar rising at the tender age of twelve years old to protect the world and end a war. He would support Ako being the Grand Lotus of the original faction and advise him where he could.
Zuko felt her heart break into two. She didn't want to think that anyone in her family would stoop so low as to try to kill her or her father just to take a throne but the evidence in her mind was becoming clearer. She couldn't bring herself to say it so she chose to hold the betrayal in her periphery and take care while she could.
What could they do? What could they do against such recklessness and hate? How do they stop something as devious as a hostile takeover of her home and the only life she's ever known? Is it too late for peace? she wondered.
The only comfort in all of this was that she had a better understanding of who her friends were now and that she could lean on them for support when the feelings overwhelmed her. This is not exactly how she envisioned her birthday turning out.
Day Five:
The gaang found it impossible to celebrate Zuko's birthday the way they had intended because the reality of what they had to face was almost too much, but there was no way they could let the day pass without giving it a solid try.
Sokka and Katara determined that this was a moment to rejoice because they now had a better understanding of who the enemy was instead of some nameless faceless entity that always loomed overhead. The captain was finally safe and they knew how they could help him.
The team could now be proactive and make moves that would ensure the continuation of the peace they fought so hard for. This could be the gift they give Zuko. The siblings decided that they would help do one more positive thing to make sure Zuko's trip wasn't in vain this week.
They sat down with everyone and devised a plan to help Nishikawa make it to his daughter and then out of the Fire Nation for good so that their family would be safe. It wasn't enough to rescue Nishikawa from the ship. It was clear that the choices the coup had were to declare Nishikawa dead or a traitor.
The easiest thing would be to say he died and then hunt for him later because no one would be looking for him. The other would be to declare him a deserter or traitor— but then how do you explain the up-to-date reports in his handwriting, the missing sailors, the mix-matched crew members, and the character of Captain Nishikawa himself?
He was a decorated veteran with a fierce loyalty to the Fire Nation. Too many allies would be ready to cry foul play in light of the current climate if he were to be accused without evidence and not given a fair trial and suddenly go "missing." So, it was no surprise when a messenger hawk arrived on the island that late evening announcing the sad demise of the captain and how he would be missed.
The false report stated that he suffered a heart attack that previous morning and had fallen overboard. By the time he was found in the water, it was already too late. Because the distance was too far to give him an honorable burial in the Caldera, it was determined that he would be given a burial by sea.
Fortunately, Ako had the presence of mind not long after the group's shocking revelation that previous morning, to use his network to send out a message to Hilda Nishikawa to let her know that her father had been rescued and that she would need to leave for her family's countryside estate immediately. He told her not to trust the official reports and to move in secret.
To disclose any information would be dangerous. He promised more information would be given at a later time in person.
Though Zuko's birthday had been somewhat somber and dragged down by the knowledge of recent events, Zuko was happy. They had done what they set out to do and saved the captain's life.
Though he would have to live under a new identity, Nishikawa would have the chance to be a grandfather and be there for his daughter and son-in-law. Zuko was also glad that Jet was still on her side and was working to protect the peace he also fought for. He kept his word about paying a debt he owed to a certain royal and she was grateful as she thought back to the conversation they had so many months prior on Nishikawa's ship.
She hoped one day she would be able to thank him in person and perhaps return the favor for him as well. Sokka slid up beside the princess who was still deep in thought.
"What's on your brain, Zu? If you keep thinking this hard you might hurt yourself." Sokka teased playfully. Zuko smirked and gave her favorite Water prince a shove.
"Ha, Ha. Nothing, Sokka...and everything, I suppose. This was the craziest birthday I've ever had if I must be honest about it." she admitted. Sokka hummed thoughtfully.
"Yeah, I wouldn't have wished this kind of birthday on you or anyone for that matter, but there was a lot of good that came out of it." he said. Zuko furrowed her brow.
"Oh? Please enlighten me, wise one." Sokka gave his crooked signature smile.
"Well, for starters, we rescued the captain who did not end up being a traitor. Additionally, Hilda will have her father with her in time for her baby. And... there is one more thing..." he said mysteriously.
"Ok..." Zuko whispered. Sokka chuckled. "Jet is alive and is actually on our side. You gotta appreciate the miracles." he said. At that Zuko gave Sokka a brilliant smile and a laugh that sounded like heaven. Great minds think alike apparently...
"Wow, leave it to you to actually say something that makes a lot of sense. Thank you for that, Sokka. You're right: a lot of good did come out of it, but you forgot one more thing..." she added. Sokka raised an eyebrow.
"Ok..." he whispered.
"I get to spend the rest of my birthday with you and all the people I love." she said with a grin and stood up to walk away. Sokka nodded in satisfaction until he thought about what she said.
"Hey! Wait a minute! Am I included in that list of all the people? That statement was kinda ambiguous, Zuko. And what exactly did you mean when you said this time, I said something that makes sense? I always make sense. Where are you going?" he called after her.
Zuko continued to walk and laughed as she made her way down to the beach for a final stroll until the call to board the ship for home. Her birthday was shaping up to be a whole lot better.