At Team Avatar's house, Katara came out from the door, yawning and stretching. She took a roll of papers on a mail slot attached to the wall, and read it briefly, gasping with excitement, before running back inside. The others were all lounging around the upper part of the living room, and she ran to inform them about the information in the roll.

"I got it! I know how we're going to see the Earth King!" Katara said.

"How are we supposed to do that?" Reiko mimicked Joo Dee. "One doesn't just pop in on the Earth King!"

Kurai leaned over Katara's shoulder. "The king is having a party at the palace tonight for his pet bear."

"You mean, platypus bear?" Aang interjected.

"No, it just says 'bear'." Katara countered.

"Certainly you mean his pet skunk bear." Sokka attempted. He was lying upside down.

"Or his armadillo bear?" Reiko tried.

"Gopher bear!" Kurai grinned.

"Just...bear." Katara showed them the paper.

"This place ... is weird." Reiko chuckled.

"The palace will be packed. We can sneak in with the crowd!" Katara said, excited.

"Won't work." Kurai and Reiko chorused.

"Why not?" Katara asked.

"Wanna take this one?" Reiko asked.

Kurai shrugged. "The people of the palace are high society and cultured. I used to be Queen and Reiko is a BeiFong. But you guys..."

She trailed off, smiling apologetically.

"Aha, but you learned it! You could teach us!" Sokka said. "You both can!"

Kurai and Reiko exchanged a look. Kurai nodded at Reiko.

"Look," Reiko said. "You and Aang are hopeless. Katara, Kurai and I will go to the palace. You can pass as bus boys."

Kurai shook her head. "I'm going to give the city another look for signs of Appa."

"Yeah yeah enjoy the tea." Reiko said.

Kurai shot her a glare.

Xxx

Katara and Reiko entered the room from a door, wearing makeup, exquisite Earth Kingdom dresses, and holding a fan each. Reiko and Katara stared at the boys calmly before giving in to a fit of giggles. Aang blushed and stared dreamily at the sight of Katara.

Aang was stunned. "Wow, you look beautiful."

Katara opened her mouth to reply to Aang's compliment, but was stopped by Reiko placing her fans in front of her mouth.

"Don't talk to the commoners, Katara. First rule of society." Reiko said.

"We'll get in the party, and then find a way to let you in through the side gate." Katara promised.

xxx

Outside the tea shop, Kurai entered the square next to some musicians.

"Uncle, what's the commotion outside?" Zuko asked.

"Oh it's a real treat," Iroh said. "A Lotis Dancer is about to begin her dance."

"Lotis..." Zuko remembered Kurai. "Uncle, please excuse me."

He headed out into the square.

The music began, and the dancer began her circular Lotis dance.

Zuko's mouth dropped open in a small 'o.'

Kurai was dressed as an Earth Kingdom native. Kurai now wore a purple and magenta long vest with a black long sleeved gown with a gold trim adorned with a brown belt around her waist and a gold turtleneck underneath, gold tights and black boots. She also accessorized with a loose necklace with a gold cross pendant.

Zuko wasn't sure how much time he passed that way, watching her dance; but at some point his uncle had joined the festivities, and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You were right, Zuko." Iroh said. "This lady friend of yours is quite the Lotis Master! She might even be better than me! She is quite something, isn't she?"

Zuko's ember eyes met Kurai's crimson ones. "Yes, she is."

Xxx

At the Ba Sing Se Palace, Several high class citizens were lined up and being admitted inside by a guard, who was checking the invitation of one group before letting them pass. Reiko and Katara were next in line and approach him.

"Invitation please." Guard said.

Reiko spoke Formally. "I think this will do."

Long Feng spotted them. "Reiko BeiFong! Right this way! You and your friend are welcome here. If you don't mind, our Dai Li agents have some questions for you before the festivities."

Katara made a move to follow, but Long Feng held up a hand.

"Just, for Miss BeiFong, if you please. You, miss, may join the party." Long Feng guided Reiko away.

"R-Reiko..." Katara said hopelessly.