Rhythm of the Rain
Chapter Twenty-Three
By DamageCtrl
All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything related to it.
Azula had dismissed her before she entered the Fire Palace's royal quarters to bathe before the meeting with the nobles and the rest of the court. Mai merely stood before the door that lead to the royal quarters and bowed her head as Azula walked passed her. When she heard the door close down the covered walk way, she stood up straight and turned around.
The orders to summon all available nobles and officials had been sent out. It was only a matter of time before they gather in the hearing room and lay eyes on Azula's smirking face. Since Azula's disappearance, rumors had spread that she had died in a battle and her body swallowed up by the sea or some other over romanticized explanation to why her body was never found. But Mai had always been wary. Azula was an intelligent predator. The most dangerous kind. She had been hiding and waiting for the perfect time to pounce.
And Mai knew she was part of that 'perfect time' equation. The hems of her dark colored robes brushed over the floor as servants stepped aside and bowed in her wake. She didn't give them a second glance as she headed for her room. Upon reaching it, she threw her doors opened and slammed them behind her. Narrowed gray eyes scanned her room and settled on a pile of books on the desk.
She crossed the room and plucked up an old bound book that had been put together before the war. Part of her studies had focused on understanding the customs of the other nations, as peace with them was now one of the country's top priorities. Despite all the stress, many of the books were out dated. The books on the Air Nomads had been worn out and the books on the Water Tribes were written around the time of Avatar Roku.
Mai's slender fingers fingered through the book, scanning the carefully written words for the chapter on ceremonies within the Water Tribe. It had surprised her, reading the book, to find out that the Southern Water Tribe, which she had heard had been reduced to a small outpost like camp, had once been as large and glorious as the Northern Water Tribe. She could only imagine the devastation the Fire Nation could've done to the ice palaces of the north.
Her eyes landed on the chapter on ceremonies and scanned it. Like in the Fire Nation, the Water Tribes had distinct ceremonies and procedures for death. And as they were, at least at one point, socially stratified. Certain upper classes and occupations had more elaborate death ceremonies. The chiefs of the tribe had the most elaborate ceremonies. Part of it included having their families fasting until the body was relinquished into the cold, icy hands of the artic sea.
Mai sat down on her bed. She was right. Upon the death of a chief, drums would have sounded through the city alerting the rest of the tribe of the death. Then the death ceremonies of prayer accompanied by music and communal mourning would occur. She snapped the book closed. There was no drumming. There had been enough time between finding the Chief dead and she and Azula leaving that official word would have been released about his death.
Perhaps Azula really did leave Chief Arnook for dead.
If that were true, Azula would finally be caught off guard. Mai raised her head. Even if she was, she has bending to back her up...She was formidable against the Avatar a year ago and she would be now...
A knock echoed on her door. "Lady Mai?"
"What is it?" she asked as she put the book down.
"The ministers and nobleman have begun to arrive."
"Sending them to the hearing room," Mai said as she stood up. "And tell them about the arrival of Princess Azula."
Haru quickly fumbled with his green headband as he tied it behind his head. He was late for breakfast after attempting to play cards with Jet and Ty Lee the night before. He shook his head. That girl didn't look like it, but she was a card shark. He made his way down the dark, narrow metal lined corridor and towards the deck where breakfast was always served. Up ahead, he could hear muffled voices coming from one of the rooms.
Without much thought, Haru casually passed by and picked up the last sentence clearly.
"Katara...are you pregnant?"
The earthbender froze in mid step. Had he heard correctly? His eyes focused on the door the voices were coming out of. It hadn't been closed completely, and from where he stood, he could see the faint green of what looked like Suki's clothes, from the small crack in the door.
"I...I think so," Katara's raspy voice replied. Haru leaned back against the wall of the ship, eyes wide with surprise. "I felt some symptoms, but I wasn't sure. Still...it's too early to tell, right?"
"Exceptions always happen," Suki replied. "Some women don't even get morning sickness. One of the warriors I trained with when I was a child was one of the lucky ones."
"It really could've been just the shellfish from last night." Katara insisted.
"Now you're just in denial," Iroh chuckled. "It is nothing to be ashamed of. It is part of life."
"I'm not ashamed, Iroh," Katara frowned. Inside the room, she gently pulled her hand from the old general's and carefully sat up into a sitting position. Suki helped steady her from one side as Katara's legs hung off the bed. "I'm just saying don't get your hopes up. It could be a false alarm."
"Zuko said your back as been aching," Iroh said. "Do you feel anything else? Soreness? Tender or sensitive brea-"
"Okay!" Katara announced as she held her hand up to silence the old man. "Really, that is way too personal now."
"I'm just asking," Iroh assured her calmly. He smiled warmly and stood up. "You should see the ship's medic...although I'm not sure if he is qualified to diagnose early stages of pregnancy."
"Maybe we should see someone when we reach the Fire Nation?" Suki suggested. Katara shook her head.
"No, Zuko wants to find his sister," Katara insisted. "And frankly, I do, too. There's no telling what she's doing now and how much of it she's already done."
Suki's eyes widened. "Katara...don't tell me you're honestly thinking about going to fight in your condition!"
"What condition?" Katara gasped. "Even if I am a pregnant, the women of my village didn't stop doing their jobs until they were in their third trimester and even then they still did some light weight work."
"But this isn't work we're talking about," Suki countered. "What if you get hit with lightning?"
Katara rolled her eyes. "I'm not going to get hit with lightning. The most I'll end up doing is holding back Azula's followers while Zuko or Aang fight her."
"You could still get hit," Iroh pointed out. "You could fall or someone could run into you."
The waterbender scowled. "I am not made of glass, Iroh. I'll be fine," Katara said. She stood up, still a bit woozy. "We don't know for sure that I'm pregnant. I think I am, but I might not be. And until I know for sure, I don't want word of this to get out. Especially to Zuko, understand?"
The other young woman and the old general sighed and gave her defeated looks. "Only until you know for sure," Iroh told her. "The moment we are back in the palace, you will see the royal physician and get checked."
"Fine." Katara conceded.
"And you will be careful," Suki insisted. Katara frowned. Suki frowned back. "I'm serious."
"I'll be careful," Katara relented. "Now, despite being wary of the cook's food, I'd like to go eat. My stomach has been growling for nourishment for a while now."
Haru's eyes widened as he looked around. They were coming towards the door and he darted back up the hall and around the corner. He barely made it around when the door opened and Iroh stepped out. Keen old eyes scanned the hall and then he carefully proceeded out.
The young male earthbender pressed his back against the wall and listened to the two young women follow the old general out and close the door behind. As soon as their voices faded and disappeared, Haru let out the breath he had been holding in. His eyes narrowed. Katara was pregnant? That would mean that she and...
His hands rose and gently rested over his heart. While he accepted the fact that they could never be together and that she was in love with the Fire Lord, this was coming a bit too fast for him to handle. If she was pregnant that meant that something must've happened while they were at the North Pole. He began to count the days off his fingers. Wasn't it too early for the symptoms? They hadn't been gone for more than two or three weeks.
Their stop over in the Earth Kingdom took longer than expected. And once they realized that the coal had been low, they had to move at a much slower pace, trying to use as little coal as possible to stretch out to their side trip to the Earth Kingdom. Maybe Suki was right...maybe it was an exception. Haru ran his hand over his head as worry began to reach him. Assuming that Katara was indeed pregnant, how would she fair in battle? A hundred different scenarios, all with Katara getting hurt, ran through his mind.
"Haru!" a voice shouted. The young man jumped and whirled around. He followed the sound of the voice back around the corner and nearly ran into Jet. "That's where you were. You're missing breakfast."
"Oh...yeah, I over slept," the tanned skin young man nodded. "Sorry."
Jet merely grinned and shrugged. "No worries. I would've drained, too, if Ty Lee won all of my money."
Haru let out a nervous laugh and followed him outside. On the deck, everyone seemed pretty normal. Sokka was sitting beside Katara, asking her if she was sure she was fine and if it was Zuko's fault. He noticed Iroh smirking when Sokka asked that.
"So in less than twenty four hours, we'll be landing in the port just outside of the capitol city," Aang said as he looked over the map on his lap. "Do you really think Azula is there?"
"That's what I want to find out," Zuko frowned. He was sitting across from the Avatar, his eyes narrowed as he glanced at the map. "I want to go in and check it out first."
"Alone?" Katara asked suddenly, looking up from her breakfast. She frowned. "Tell me you're not planning to sneak into the city by yourself." The group around them fell silent. No matter how much they tried to down play their relationship, moments like this made it fairly obvious.
Zuko let out a heavy sigh. "We have a larger chance of getting caught if we go in as a group. The less people the better. And it's not like I plan to immediately engage my sister in combat. I don't know what she's done since she arrived or even if she has. It's best to be cautious."
"I must agree with the Fire Lord," Iroh nodded from his end of the table. While it seemed so natural to everyone else, Haru couldn't help but wonder why Iroh sat at the head of the table instead of the Fire Lord during meals. Zuko usually sat on one side of his Uncle without question. "When it comes to Azula, we must try to find every advantage we can."
Zuko smirked to himself. Katara rolled her eyes. "But what if something happens or a message needs to be relayed? Wouldn't it be best if someone went with him?"
"I agree with that also," Iroh nodded. Zuko's smirk fell and he glared at Katara. She smirked back. "I think at least one other person should go with him while we remain on the ship and prepare. I also think that we shouldn't dock at the port. At least not yet."
"It would be a dead give away if Azula is there and waiting for us to arrive. We should get into the city undetected," Zuko inhaled a deep breath. Iroh reached over and asked for the map from Aang. The Avatar handed it to him and Iroh spread it out on his lap. "Once the sun rises, we won't be able to hide the ship anywhere near the harbor. We'll have to find another place to put it."
"Then we'll head for the harbor tonight. As soon as you set off, we will take the ship here," Iroh said, pointing to a jagged area down the coast from the port. "We'll anchor by the rocky coves here."
"Fine," Zuko nodded. "I will inform the captain."
"Now...who would like to go with Zuko?" Iroh asked the group brightly. "We need someone agile and fast. Capable of getting in and out without being seen."
"Can I go?" Ty Lee chirped, dressed in her pink costume and a wide, enthusiastic smile on her face.
"I don't know if that's a good idea..." Aang said softly.
"Why not?" Suki asked. "If she wants to leave and go with Zuko, we should let her." Katara raised an eyebrow and gave Suki a slightly suspicious look.
"I don't think you should go into the city or the palace." Zuko told Ty Lee.
Ty Lee's eyes dropped and she lowered the hand she had raised to get their attention. "I'm not planning on joining them or anything. I'm just saying...I am agile and fast."
"We know that, Ty Lee," Katara said carefully from where she was sitting. "But someone might also recognize you. You've been to the palace many times before and the city is your home town. You might attract attention and alert Azula if she's there."
"But I just want to make sure Mai is okay," Ty Lee told them. "I won't get into any trouble and I'll change clothes. I just want to see her." She stressed. The group mulled over the situation carefully.
"Let her go," Jet said from his seat beside her. "I'll go along, too. No one knows who I am so there won't be any chance of being recognized."
Iroh looked at Zuko. The young Fire Lord thought it over for a moment and then slowly nodded. "Fine," Zuko stated. "We leave tonight. I expect the both of you ready by then. Ty Lee, make sure to change clothes. We can't risk you being sighted." The young woman smiled and nodded.
"What about you?" Jet asked as he looked at the other young man.
Zuko smirked. "I've already got something to change into."
How many days had they been in the Fire Nation? Mai had forgotten. Actually, she never began counting. Everything she had done since they arrived, she had done without question and small quips of how she finally had something to do. It seemed that over night, Azula's appearance had turned the once haughty and proud nobles of Zuko's rule into whimpering yes-men of Ozai's.
The moment Azula had stepped into the room and ascended the throne, the room went silent. Mai stood in the corner, observing from the back of the room. The first thing that came out of Azula's lips was that her brother had been arrested in the Northern Water for killing Chief Arnook. The second thing was that punishment for regicide was death.
Unlike Zuko, who was willing to debate over issues, take people's thoughts into consideration, and deliberate over what he wanted done, Azula was straight to the point, demanding that everything be done. First thing was first, she wanted to reform the army to it's' size from when her father was the Fire Lord. Mai closed her eyes. Azula wanted war.
She wanted revenge on the other nations that aided in her embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Avatar. The funding to the schools and research Zuko had set up was to be funneled back into the military. Referring to the young women who were in the palace to study, they were to be sent back. The Fire Nation ex-patriots were branded traitors to the throne if they did not aid the Fire Nation once more.
Everything that Zuko had been working for, Azula was ripping down without remorse.
"I am the Fire Lord now," Azula told them. "And if you have any...concerns, please feel free to voice them to me," She added sweetly. The first poor man that came forward was shot with lightning. He fell back, unconscious but was still alive. Barely. Azula looked back at the group of men before her. "Anyone else?"
Now, Azula was out in the very same courtyard where Zuko had practiced months earlier. She claimed to be exercising, but Mai knew the truth. Azula wanted to make sure everyone knew about her bending. And so far, it was working.
Word seemed to travel fast through the city. It wouldn't be long before Azula's presence on the throne of the Fire Nation and Zuko's alleged death sentence reached the other countries. As Azula gently brushed her hair back after her last show of power, she ascended the steps to the palace to where Mai was standing.
"I heard a strange rumor today," Azula said as she walked into the hall. Mai followed quietly behind her. "One of the servants was talking about how they heard a Fire Nation ship had arrived at a small port in the Earth Kingdom. A ship from that port baring cabbages arrived and apparently one the servants' husbands had bought goods from them and brought the rumor back. Isn't that interesting?"
Mai held her head up straight and didn't miss a beat as she walked behind the self crowned Fire Lord. Azula liked that title better than Fire Lady. Mai willed her face to stay stoic as she answered. "Was it one of our trade ships?"
"No," Azula said, a sickening smile crossing her lips. "It carried the banner of the Fire Lord."
Zuko... Mai nodded. "I see. What would it be doing in the Earth Kingdom?"
"Gathering coal," Azula told her. "Mai," she said, her voice suddenly taking a commanding tone. "Double the sentries tonight and send foot soldiers to patrol the city and the outside of the palace. If what I heard is right, my dear Uncle...and possibly even my brother could be paying us a visit any time soon."
Mai mentally swore. "I'll send the order."
Jet nearly fell off his bunk as he whirled around and looked at Haru. The earthbending male was sitting on the lower bunk directly across from him. "She's what?"
"Pregnant." Haru repeated, his hands twisting nervously on his lap. He heard shifting above him and Ty Lee's head appeared. She hung upside down over the edge of her bunk, which was above Haru's.
"Are you sure?" she asked, giving him a curious look. "It's kind of early to tell, isn't it?"
"I know," Haru agreed. "But I heard her talking with General Iroh and Suki this morning. There is a possibility that she is pregnant."
Jet jumped down from his bunk. As he adjusted the swords on his back, he frowned. "Has she told the Fire Lord yet?"
Haru shook his head. "She's not completely sure she's pregnant, so she hasn't told him."
"She can't fight if she's going to have a baby!" Ty Lee exclaimed. She flipped over the side of the bunk and landed beside Jet. "What if something happens?"
"I don't know," Haru sighed. Ty Lee reached up and tugged down a dark colored hooded robe. "But don't tell Zuko."
"I got that part," Jet grumbled. "We'll keep more of an eye on him then," Haru nodded and stood up as the two headed for the door. "Keep an eye on Katara."
"I will." Haru watched as the two headed down the corridor to the lower levels of the ship, where they were to meet with Zuko before they headed to shore on small sea craft.
The hull of the ship was lowered. In the distance, the glowing lamps and light from the houses of the Fire Nation were seen as the light house to guide the three. Two small kayaks were situated on the ramp, ready to be boarded and lowered into the water.
Zuko stood by his kayak and looked at the slightly larger one. Jet and Ty Lee were standing beside him, getting a crash course in paddling by one of the soldiers. The young woman, as promised, was dressed in dark red tinted clothes. They were spares from an unopened trunk that had been left in Mai's room. Her hair was tied back into a bun at the top of her head.
Jet was wearing his usual clothes. His hooked swords rested on his back. Zuko was wearing black clothes. Underneath his shirt, a blue mask was kept hidden until it was needed. Two swords were also strapped to his back.
"Zuko," Iroh said as he stood at the top of the ramp with Katara and Aang. "Remember that you are only there to assess the situation. You are to return to the meeting point at the coves no later than the day after tomorrow at sunset. Is that clear?"
Zuko nodded. "Yes. Don't worry. We'll be there."
Iroh nodded and stepped aside. Zuko looked over his Uncle's form and settled his eyes on the young woman in blue. She stood silently by the side of the ship, her eyes gazing down at the kayak and her expression lost in though. Zuko glanced over at his accomplices. They were both holding paddles and learning to use them correctly.
The Fire Lord ascended up the ramp and approached the waterbender. She didn't seem to notice he was in front of her until he looked down and caught her eyes with his. "Oh..."
Oh? I'm leaving and all she can say is 'oh'? He frowned. "I'm glad to see you're thrilled about my leaving."
"Well, now I can get some sleep without you hogging the bed," Katara retorted. She watched the corners of his lips curl up into a small grin. Zuko stepped forward, about to hug her, when she stepped back. "Don't hug me."
Zuko snorted and rolled his eyes. "The entire ship already knows."
"It's not about that," Katara told him. "I'm not hugging you good-bye...it's like acknowledging that you might not come back."
"I will be back. I'll only be gone two days at the most," Zuko reminded her. "Do you think so little of me that I'll die so easily?"
"No, I just think so little of your sister that she'll kill you on sight."
"Hmm..." Aang piped a few paces away. "She makes a good argument," A small ball of fire burst over his bald head and Aang shrank back. "Never mind!"
Katara raised her hands and clamped Zuko's upper arms. She gave them a firm squeeze, reminding herself of his strength. "I really mean it when I say don't do anything stupid."
"I won't."
"And make sure the other are safe," she added. Zuko nodded. He was already planning on keeping a close eye on the two. Especially Ty Lee. Katara's hands fell from his arms. "Okay. I'll see you when you get-"
Her eyes went wide as Zuko grabbed her shoulders and pulled her forward, slamming his lips over hers in one swift, perfectly timed moment. Iroh looked away innocently and Aang turned his head, blushing at the sight. He was glad that Sokka was still asleep this early in the morning.
When he pulled away, Katara blinked, slightly dazed. Her pink lips were now swollen and flushed and her cheeks filled with a reddish tint. Zuko smiled to himself. He loved seeing her breathless and flustered because of him. As Katara's wits returned, her dazed look turned into a sharp glare.
"You said no hugs." he reminded her.
"I think that implied no kissing either." she said behind gritted teeth.
Zuko only smirked more so. "Next time, be more specific."
"Ahem," Iroh coughed. Zuko turned to look at him and Iroh motioned to the kayaks and the other young man and woman waiting beside them. "They're ready."
Ty Lee let out a little giggle, having seen the little kiss. Jet raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. "All right," Zuko said as he walked back down the ramp, ignoring everyone's knowing looks. "There are only two kayaks. We'll have to split up."
Jet looked at the kayaks and then at Zuko. "There's only one seat in each. Someone will have to sit on someone else's lap."
For a moment, the group was silent. "Do not tell me that you were even thinking about the possibility that we would have to share a kayak," Zuko stated with narrowed eyes. "Because I am not sitting with another man on my lap."
"Hey, who said that I had to sit on your lap?" Jet replied, proudly. "If anything, you're smaller than me. It would be you sitting on my lap."
The two young men locked eyes, glaring at each other defiantly. Finally, Zuko let out a growl and threw his arms in the air. "Why are we even having this conversation? You and Ty Lee get the larger kayak - and I don't care who sits on whom!"
Katara bit her lower lip and let out a muffled snort as Aang snickered behind her. Zuko grumbled as he stomped to his kayak and got in. In the other vessel, Jet sat himself comfortably inside. There was just enough room for another person and Ty Lee wiggled herself in, seating herself on Jet's lap.
"Is that okay?" she asked as she adjusted her seating. "Tell me if you're uncomfortable, okay?"
"I don't think that'll be a problem." Jet assured her with a grin. Ty Lee beamed a wide smile and waved at Aang, Iroh, and Katara. Two soldiers came down the ramp and manually began to push the larger vessel the rest of the way into the water. Katara stepped forward and pulled the water under Zuko's kayak higher up the ramp until it was high enough to push away and bring him with it.
As soon as the two vessels were clear of the hull, it was raised closed. "Let's go watch them from the deck." Aang suggested. Katara nodded and followed him back up the ship. When they reached the deck, they could see the two dark colored kayaks moving away from the ship and towards the small beacon of lights in the distance.
"Captain," Iroh said as he joined the two on the deck. "Proceed to the rendezvous point!"
"Yes, General Iroh!"
Katara looked back at Aang and grinned. "Let's give them a hand, shall we?"
"Right!" Aang smiled back. The two stepped back and began to move in mirrored movements. Iroh looked over the side of the ship and watched as a steady wave of water began pushing the vessels forward faster than they could paddle. By day break, they would reach the shore.
Zuko looked peered through the hazy fog that had rolled in with the morning tide. From what he could tell, the sun would be rising soon.
"Zuko..." Ty Lee piped from the kayak half a length from his. "When are we going to get there?"
"You'll see the docks soon," Zuko said. "We'll go with the plan. Just paddle close to the docked ships. When we're close enough to the shore, we'll disembark and secure them under the docks." Ty Lee nodded.
Behind her Jet slowly maneuvered the boat behind Zuko's, trying to make the least amount of noise possible. The docks seemed to melt from the fog and Zuko told them to remain close as they made their way as close to the shore as possible. They weaved between ships that had already docked, trying to remain as hidden as possible in their shadows, before paddling to the edge of one of the docks.
Zuko slipped out first and lifted himself on the dock. He scanned the area carefully for anyone that could see them. When he was satisfied, he waved for the other two to come in. He knelt down on the docks and held the kayak steady as Ty Lee got out. Then she took his place holding it steady so that Jet could get out of the cramped space. As soon as the vessels were hidden, they scurried inland.
"How far is the palace from here?" Jet asked in a low voice.
"It's about an hour walk," Zuko replied as they crouched down own behind some barrels. "We'll move around the outskirts of the town. It will take longer, but we can't sneak into the palace until night anyway. For now, we'll head town and listen for some rumors."
"The most gossip happens in the morning hours anyway," Jet agreed. "We'll definitely hear about your sister if she is here."
"If she is here, we'll need to sneak into the palace to find out what she's doing," Zuko said in a low voice. "We'll try to find Mai...but afterwards, we need to get back to the ship and make sure we aren't followed."
"I have to admit, I'm impressed," Jet grinned. "I was afraid you'd march right in there and demand your crown back."
"Azula has no hesitations about killing those she considers allies to get away," Zuko told him, his eyes narrowing at her actions with their Uncle years ago. "I'm not foolish enough to take her on by myself. Especially with others near-by. Now, let's go!"
Katara twisted in bed. Her hand fell over her stomach as she turned in bed. She felt a twisting sensation in her abdomen and grimaced as her eyes flew open. Unable to get some rest, Katara kicked the blankets off her legs and sat up. As she did, she felt a sudden rush and inhaled a sharp breath.
Her eyes closed as the realization struck her. "Sorry, Suki...Iroh..." Katara said with a small smile on her face. "Looks like you won't be an Aunt or a Grand Uncle just yet..."
The morning market place was bustling with rumors and gossip. Men and women loitered around stall fronts, discussing the latest news in trade and politics. It wasn't difficult for Jet and Ty Lee to pick up the rumors while rummaging for breakfast. Zuko, due to his identifying burn mark, remained hidden in the back alleys of the buildings.
He kept a close eye on the other two as they walked carefully through the open air market, weaving their way through the house wives haggling for vegetables and the old men smoking their pipes while playing strategy board games in the corner. Children were running around, play mock firebenders, while somewhere in the distance, a baby cried.
Ty Lee casually strolled down the street, looking for a promising group of people to eavesdrop on. Jet followed behind her, holding a small bag of food they had already purchased. From the corner of his eye, he saw a sharp movement and turned. A young man was cornered by two soldiers in red. One of them was handing him a red scroll.
"Ty Lee." Jet's hand shot out and grabbed her upper arm, making her stop in her tracks as she followed his eyes.
Her eyes focused on the scroll and she gasped. "Conscription notice," she whispered. "They're drafting him into the army."
"I thought the army didn't need any more men." Jet said as they moved to the side and slipped into a vegetable stall before the soldiers could see them.
"Zuko reassigned the more experienced soldiers to other parts of the country for rebuilding. The lower level soldiers were sent home with some pay," Ty Lee whispered back. "If they're conscripting, someone must've put in the order!"
"His crazy sister?" Jet asked. Ty Lee nodded.
"You!" Ty Lee nearly jumped out of her skin as the voice barked in their direction. Jet stiffened and narrowed his eyes before turning around. Two soldiers were approaching him with eyes studying him carefully.
From the alley across the street, Zuko mentally swore as he saw the soldiers approaching the other two. However, there wasn't much he could do. If he came out, he'd risk exposing himself to his sister. And from what he'd heard since they arrived, she was there to be exposed to.
Back in the stall, Jet had turned, keeping Ty Lee shielded away from the soldier's eyes with his body. An amiable smile reached his face as he crossed his arms. "Can I help you?" he asked pleasantly. As much as he wanted to suddenly gut the men from navel to neck, he couldn't risk revealing his accomplices.
"You're not Fire Nation, are you?" one soldier asked.
"No, we're from the Earth Kingdom." Jet replied coolly.
The two soldiers loomed over him, sizing him up. After a few moments, they stepped back and nodded. "Thought you were Fire Nation," the first soldier murmured. "Never mind." The two gave him one last look before turning and looking for the next victim to recruit.
Ty Lee peeked over his shoulder. "They were going to draft you." she stated in awe.
"Yeah, like I'd join the Fire Nation army," Jet snorted. "We're clear. Let's go."
"Hey!" a voice hissed from within the tent. "Are you two going to buy some vegetables nor not?" A displeased looking old woman snapped.
Ty Lee grimaced and nodded. She shoved her hand into her pocket and plucked out her last remaining gold coin. "I'll take one of those!" she said, quickly pointing to the pole of melons in the corner. The old woman grunted and examined the gold coin before slipping it in her pocket.
Begrudgingly, she walked over to the melon and grabbed the largest one. She carried it over and Ty Lee reached for it. "What are you doing?" the old woman told her. Ty Lee's hands shot back.
"Getting the melon?"
"He's your valet isn't he?" the woman retorted, pointing to Jet. That had caught him by surprise. "He should carry it for you!"
Ty Lee raised an eyebrow. "Oh, he's not my-"
"Thanks for the melon," Jet leaned forward and took the melon from the old woman's hands. He looked down at Ty Lee and jerked his head to the side. He didn't seem too pleased with the title. "Shall we go, my lady."
"Um...right," Ty Lee nodded. She thanked the old woman and then scurried off after Jet. She leaned a little closer to Jet. "Thanks for the cover." she whispered.
"Valet? Do I look like a valet?" Jet snorted with distaste. "Forget it. We've heard enough already. Let's just find Zuko."
Ty Lee nodded. From his hiding place, Zuko kept his head lowered and the hat over his head as he slipped out into the street for a moment. They easily caught sight of him and followed him into the alley. He led them further down the small, cramped spaces between the buildings.
"What did you find?" he asked. He had heard most of the rumors while he was following them, however, he might've missed something.
"Azula is definitely here," Ty Lee said as they stopped behind a pile of lumber. "She issued a draft to rebuild the army immediately. She also ordered the navy to set off somewhere early this morning. And some soldiers have been seen leaving the palace. That's all we got."
"Have you noticed all the soldiers around here?" Jet asked. Zuko nodded.
"She heightened security..." the Fire Lord replied in a low voice."Except the palace to be heavily guarded."
"Do you think she knows we're coming?" Ty Lee asked hesitantly.
"I wouldn't put it past her," Zuko stated. He crossed his arms and scowled. "Eat breakfast and get some rest. We'll head into the palace come sunset."
"My lady," the cook bowed before Katara as she arrived on deck. She jerked her head back and gave him a questioning look as he lowered his head. "Forgive me!"
She raised one eyebrow in question and glanced at the table. Iroh was already drinking his morning tea and Suki and Aang were with him. "Um...why?" Katara asked.
"The shellfish you had for dinner two nights ago," he began as he kept his head low. "Forgive me; I did not know they were spoiled."
From the table, Iroh and Suki looked up. "Spoiled?" Katara asked with a frown. "Then how come I was the only one who got sick?"
"The only ones who ate the shellfish dish were you and your brother, my lady," the cook explained. "Please forgive me!"
Katara's eyebrows furrowed. So it really was food poisoning. And of course, Sokka has a stomach of iron, so he wouldn't get sick, Katara sighed tiredly and raised her hand to rub her forehead. "It's fine. No harm done."
"I will ask for forgiveness from the Fire Lord as soon as he returns, my lady." the cook assured her.
"There is no need to do that," Katara assured him. "It's fine. You're forgiven."
The cook merely mumbled a few more apologies before slinking away to the kitchen. Katara took her seat across from Suki and the young woman carefully put down her tea. She glanced warily at Aang before looking at Katara. "So...food poisoning?"
Katara nodded. "Definitely food poisoning."
"Are you sure?" Iroh asked, glancing up from some papers he was reading. Katara grinned and nodded.
"Oh, I'm definitely sure. I will be sure for at least five days." Katara chuckled. Iroh's eyebrows shot up and he nodded, understandingly.
"What about the back aches?" Suki asked.
Katara rolled her eyes. "Because someone kept insisting on sharing a one person bed with me," the waterbender grumbled. "I told him it was a bad idea, but didn't listen." Suki smiled and nodded. The concern she had been carrying was instantly lifted off her shoulder. She wouldn't have to worry about Katara getting hurt in the fight and losing her child.
Aang tilted his head to the side as he bit into a piece of bread. "What are you guys talking about?"
"Nothing!" Katara and Suki piped simultaneously. The two looked at each other and began to laugh. Aang merely looked at them curiously and then turned to Momo.
"Girls..." he mumbled.
A blue masked figure swept over the top of the wall and landed neatly on the other side. He crouched down on the soft ground and scanned the courtyard before the stables. There was one guard in the far end and the guard wasn't looking in his direction. He knew this over looked part of the palace wouldn't be heavily guarded. Silently, he reached into his pocket and took out a small stone. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed it over the wall as a signal.
A second later, two other darkly dressed figures landed beside him. He pointed to the guard and the female nodded. She stalked forward and sneaked up behind him. Her hands flew out, sending quickly pinches to points of his body and sending him crumbling to the ground in silence.
Zuko motioned for Jet to move and the former rebel darted forward. He grabbed the guard's arms and dragged him into the bushes, leaving the area clear.
Their positions were simple. They were to find Mai quickly. Ty Lee was to make sure that Mai was kept while Zuko and Jet tried to find out Azula's plans. And finally, stay out of Azula's sight. As they crept through the halls, Jet couldn't help but look at the extravagance of the palace. It was a sprawling series of building walled off from the rest of the society.
He saw court yards and gardens and he began to somewhat resent Zuko and his entire family for the opulence. Then again, there was a constant fight for the throne and if what he had heard about Zuko's family was true, it was rare you could trust your own family. Zuko stopped and held his hand up, motioning for them to fall back as footsteps were heard approaching.
As the trio hid behind the thick pillars that supported the palace, at least two dozen soldiers stormed past them, all clad in armor and baring weapons. "The Fire Lord gave the order, Captain," a voice said further down the hall. "A Fire Nation ship was spotted off the coast south of here. Orders have been dispatched to destroy it."
"Destroy it?" another male voice growled. "Why would we destroy another Fire Nation ship? And why was I not informed?"
"Admiral Ting gave the direct order from the Fire Lord, sir," the soldier reported. "The ship has been branded as carrying traitors from the Earth Kingdom. We are to dispose of it immediately."
"Hold your men back, Commander," the Captain frowned. "I want to speak to the Fire Lord."
"The Fire Lord isn't seeing anyone right now, Captain," a female voice said. Ty Lee and Zuko's eyes went wide. It was Mai. "And I don't suggest forcing your way to see her."
"Lady Mai, what is the meaning of this?" the Captain stated. "I was told to return from the north immediately! I demand to see Fire Lord Zuko."
"Fire Lord Zuko isn't here," Mai said. "Fire Lord Azula is."
The trio couldn't see the shocked look on the Captain's face as he let out a sharp grasp. "When did this happen?"
"A few days ago," Mai stated in a dull voice. "I suggest you follow your men and keep them from getting into any trouble."
They heard someone take in a sharp breath. "Very well." the Captain said in a low voice. A few seconds later, two men passed Zuko's hiding place.
"It's Mai!" Ty Lee whispered in a low voice. She gave the two men she was with a pleading look. Zuko shook his head. A pained look graced Ty Lee's face as she bit her lower lip. She wanted to see her friend and make sure she was okay.
Zuko held up his hand and peered around the corner. Mai was walking silently towards them. Azula didn't seem to be anywhere in sight. Ty Lee looked at the men once more. Finally, Zuko nodded. As Mai rounded the corner, she caught the movement of a dark colored robe and narrowed her eyes. Her hands immediately tucked into her sleeves, preparing to get her knives ready.
"Who's there?" she demanded.
"Mai!" Ty Lee peeked from behind the pillars. Mai's face paled.
Silently, Mai prayed that she was seeing things. That Ty Lee wasn't in the saber tooth moose lion's den. "No..." she whispered. "What are you doing here?"
"We're here to save you!" Ty Lee whispered. Mai felt a pain stab through her chest.
"Get out of here," she hissed in a low voice. "Now!"
"Not without you," Jet said in a low voice. Mai snapped around and saw the 'freedom-fighter' emerging from behind another pillar. "We need to get you out of here."
Mai's mind began to whirl with panic. How many of them were there? Didn't they realize who was in the building with them? Mai kept her eyes steady on the two. "Get out."
Ty Lee shook her head and darted forward, towards Mai. "Come on, we have to go-" Suddenly, her scream cut through the death like silence of the hall as a flash of blue flames flew between the two young women. Mai remained rooted in her place as Ty Lee jumped back. Wide eyes turned towards the directions the flames had come from and she felt her heart nearly stop.
Azula stood there calmly, a small smile on her face as she locked golden eyes on Ty Lee's tan frame. "Ty Lee, what a surprise."
Behind his pillar, Zuko mentally swore. Any sliver of a chance of surprising Azula was gone. Her footsteps echoed clearly in the hall as she walked towards the three standing out in the hall. "Azula..." Ty Lee whispered, almost breathlessly. She willed herself not to turn in Jet or Zuko's direction.
"What are you doing here?" Azula asked sweetly. Her eyes flickered over the young man a few paces from Ty Lee and smirked. "Isn't he that waterbender's little friend?"
Mai looked Ty Lee and then at Azula. "Isn't it obvious?" Mai began. "She used him to sneak in." Jet narrowed his eyes and Ty Lee turned to Mai.
"Sneak in?" Azula asked smugly. "Now why would she need to do that? She's one of the honored daughters of nobility. She shouldn't have to sneak in anywhere." She stated coolly.
Ty Lee didn't miss a beat. Her eyes lowered ad she bit her lower lip. "They said you came and got Mai..." she said in small voice. She lifted her head and looked up at Azula. "Why didn't you bring me with you? I didn't even know you came back."
She better be faking... Jet thought to himself.
"Well...you were so busy with your circus," Azula said smoothly. "And had I known you were going to go with Mai, I would've come to you, too."
Then Ty Lee dared something that no one else would've dared to do. Whimpering, she ran forward, her arms extended as she slammed into Azula. "Azula!" She threw her arms around her old friend and hugged her tightly. "I missed you!" She said as she pulled back slightly. Her hands slipped down over Azula's arms.
Azula smiled sweetly and gently patted Ty Lee's back. Mai narrowed her eyes. Azula was never one prone to hugging. And when she tried, it was awkward at best. When did the self proclaimed Fire Lord feel comfortable hugging another person? Mai's eyes flashed to Jet's and back to Azula and Ty Lee.
"Are you really?" Azula asked. She raised her hands and gently placed them on Ty Lee's shoulders, gently pushing her away. "I'm surprised. And here I thought you didn't care."
Ty Lee's eyes widened. She knew that tone of Azula's voice and paled. "Azula-" She saw a flash of blue in front of her and screamed once more.
A body slammed into hers, knocking her out of Azula's hold, but not before a searing ball of blue flames reached her skin. Ty Lee cried out as Jet knocked her over. The two skidded across the floor. "Look out!" Jet grabbed Ty Lee's wounded shoulders and pulled her to the side as another flame of blue came flying down on top of her.
Streaks of black were painted over the stone of the wall as Azula seethed. "Don't tell me you missed me when you never even once looked for me. Don't think I don't know," Azula sneered. "You ran straight to the circus after I disappeared!"
"I didn't know, Azula! Everyone told me you were killed!" Ty Lee cried. The cloth of her robes over her shoulders had been burnt off and her skin bubbled with wounds from the fire. She wasn't a firebender and even after years of being surrounded by them, she'd never felt such pain from a fire in her life. Much less from someone who she called friend. That fact hurt her more than the actual wound.
"I thought I could count on you," Azula hissed as she loomed over them. "But I should've known better."
The sound of blades being unsheathed sounded behind her. "That's enough, Azula," Zuko stated in a low voice. "You're family, so I'll give you one more chance. Give up now or I won't be held responsible for my actions."
"Zuzu, you came, too," Azula smiled. "So that really is your ship in the southern coves," she mused. Her narrowed golden eyes locked on to her older brother. "Who did you bring this time? Your usual little band of friends?" She smirked widely. "Maybe even that Water Tribe whore you slept with in the Spirit Oasis?"
Behind his mask, Zuko's eyes widened. They flickered over to Mai, who stood there, a cold emotion on her face as she glared at him. No...
"She knows," Azula laughed as she watched her brother's head turn just slightly towards Mai. "And don't bother telling her I'm lying. She saw you two."
Zuko's heart stopped. Mai turned her head away from him. "As we speak, a hundred soldiers and all the naval ships at the dock are encroaching on your ship," Mai told him coldly. "You shouldn't have betrayed me." she added quietly.
"It's been a long time since we last saw each other, big brother," Azula mocked with a grin. "Why don't I give you a head start? You run and I'll hunt you. It'll be just like old times."
Zuko gripped his swords tightly in his hands. "No, we end this here." he hissed in a low voice.
"You really think you can take me?" Azula laughed. "You never could. Not when we were children. Not now. Not ever."
"Zuko, you need to get back to the ship and warn them!" Jet shouted as he stood up. He grabbed the handles of his swords.
"They'll be fine! They have the Avatar, benders, and my Uncle!" Zuko insisted.
"You won't make it out of here alive if you fight me." Azula said sweetly. She stood her spot, blue lightning sparking from her finger tips.
"If I don't take care of you, someone else will. Don't worry." Zuko assured her.
Jet gripped his swords. Katara was pregnant. If Zuko died, her baby wouldn't have a father. "Damn it," Jet swore. "Zuko get out of here! I'll hold her back!"
Zuko's eyes widened, automatically regretting bringing Jet and Ty Lee. "What are you-?"
"Katara's pregnant!" Jet yelled.
Suddenly, Zuko's will to die wasn't so strong. Katara...his Katara was having a baby. His baby...and he knew it.
For a moment, Azula lost her concentration. Without hesitation, Jet sprung forward. He rushed towards her, swords up and ready. Before he got three steps towards Azula, a shot of lightning flew at him. It hit the blade of one his swords, sending him flying back.
"Zuko, go!" Ty Lee screamed from where she still lay huddled by the wall. "Katara won't make it and neither will the baby if you die!"
Azula growled angrily at the young man who had dared attack her. She raised her hand and sent another bolt of lightning flying at him. Jet barely had time to avoid a being hit chest first. His shoulder was hit instead and he was flung back, his body slamming against a wooden pillar. He let out a grunt as his body bounced forward. Before Azula could send the finishing blow, Mai shot out her knives and pinned his clothes to the pillar. His body hung forward, unconscious.
"I'll finish them," Mai told Azula in a cold voice. She looked past the firebending prodigy. "Zuko!"
Azula whirled around. Zuko was up and out the window at the farthest end of hall. Swearing, she whirled back to Mai. "Take care of them," Azula ordered fiercely. "When you're done, head to the rocky cliffs where I sent the navy! I'll let you have the pleasure of destroy that waterbender."
Mai merely nodded as Azula ran forward and jumped after Zuko. As soon as she was gone, Mai rushed to Ty Lee's side. "Mai..."
"We need to get you to a doctor," Mai told her sternly. She frowned as she helped the acrobat stand up. "What were you thinking coming here?"
"I knew you didn't betray Zuko," Ty Lee said. "And I wanted to make sure you were all right."
"I'm fine," Mai said. "Is it true?"
"What is?"
"Is she with child?" Mai asked. Ty Lee lowered her eyes as one arm hung over Mai's shoulder.
"We think so...are you mad?"
"Yes...and no," Mai admitted. Her eyes looked away. "It's complicated."
"Ty Lee! Get away from her!" Jet's voice shouted from the pillar. Jet pulled against his clothes, ripping the cloth as he pushed forward angrily.
"Its okay, Jet!" Ty Lee assured her. "Mai's on our side."
"Help me get her to the physicians," Mai said. "I need to go after Azula."
"We'll go with you-" Ty Lee began, but Mai shook her head. In front of them, Jet stumbled forward, pulling the last of the blades from his shirt.
"You're burned badly," Mai told her. "You need help. I'll go to Zuko."
"Why should we trust you?" Jet asked in a low voice as he held his swords up warily. "You've been helping that psycho from the start! Why the hell should we do what you say?" Mai narrowed her eyes.
"Because I just saved your lives."
"He'll be back soon..." Katara said as she looked over the water and at the rocky cliff side. It was early in the morning; the sun had yet to rise, but everyone was up. Partly because of Iroh's Music Night. Her eyes lit up. "Why don't we go on shore and wait for him?"
"No, no, no, and...what else?" Sokka asked as he tapped his chin. "Oh yeah, no!"
"Sokka," Katara frowned. "Come on...besides, Toph's been stuck on this ship for days and she probably wants to feel nice solid ground."
"Solid ground?" Toph perked her head up like a gopher in the desert. "When are we leaving?"
"See?" Katara said.
"In case you two ladies are forgetting, that," Sokka said, pointing to the coast line ahead of them. "Is Fire Nation land currently under the possible control of one Fire Lord's crazy sister. Um...no offense, Iroh."
"None, taken." Iroh mused. He sat across from Suki; a Pai Sho board in front of them.
"I'm with them," Aang said. "I'm sick of the ship. We can take Appa and just go ashore for a few minutes."
"A few minutes...?" Sokka asked, unbelieving.
"Just a few minutes! An hour at the most!" Katara insisted.
"Fine," Sokka said. "But I'm going with you!"
Toph snorted. "Oh...I feel so much safer already."
Katara rolled her eyes as she began to walk towards where Appa was sprawled on his back on the deck, sunbathing. "Just get on the bison."
A.N. - So she wasn't pregnant? Well...we'll see... Sorry for not updating! Work as been quite hectic the last few days I haven't been able to write. :( I'm not very good at writing action or fight scenes either. Just a warning! But the story is almost over at least. :D And then I'll ask the wonderful betas who have volunteered to begin their horrid task.
