Thank you to my Reviewers: Number Square (The Prince's Choice), Zutarawasrobbed, Astra Across the Stars, MissLuxe, alias093001, sophiecambellbower, SlythindorRen, Guest, Aeztfeder, Moonflier, Number Square, kawaii25, Zutaraxladynoir, and Went 4 Snacks!

Guest: I do like my cliffhangers hehe

Went 4 Snacks: Hahaha you and Zuko both. He's not sure how to fix this, but maybe strangling her would help? And you might have found me on Archie? I cross post a lot of places!

Dusk fell upon the city.

Aang breathed in the dry air here, pinching his collar between his fingers and lifting with the hope of some much-needed airflow. It was silly. He was an Airbender, he could cool himself down easily if he were permitted.

He scowled, thinking of air benders.

The group that Zuko had been moving along was growing in numbers. Every day, it seemed more airbenders arrived, hoping that they would find safety - which they would if they could just get through the city.

He'd spent a scant few minutes with Sokka earlier today, explaining the issue, and the sharp-minded Water Tribe boy proclaimed he was on the case. Spirits, Aang hoped by this time of night, they were all settling in at their last location, which even Aang did not know.

There were times he was dreadfully curious, but he trusted Zuko's militaristic planning. It was far better for Aang to be as far away from the knowledge as possible since he was already so interwoven.

Zhao's army was far past its promised trip time. It had been days since any of the men had gotten a proper shower and most of the military kits were starting to smell. While the men here followed Ozai without question, and by extension Zhao, it was clear some were getting uneasy by this prolonged expedition.

Day by day, Zhao was getting closer to frying someone as each day brought them no closer to dead airbenders. Aang, as well as the cast of previous Avatars in his mind, took pleasure in seeing his plans so foiled, but Aang was concerned about his mental well-being. He knew Zhao was not someone who would so easily give up. Something drastic, and most likely horrid, was going to happen soon.

The avatars were mostly silent in his head most days. He was unsure if it was because they were starting to trust him more or if this activity was so against everything they stood for that it was hard to be present for it. Either way, the silence was new. Aang almost wished they were back sometimes, just for someone to talk to.

Aang shook his head, looking at the men scuffling about. Morale was low and Aang felt a pinch of pity for them. Most were sort of bad people or people that had no qualms about killing airbenders, but that didn't mean that Aang thought all of them to be like Zhao.

In particular, the man who had noticed him making Ty Lee a necklace was someone Aang had begun to see as a friend. He was far less violent compared to most of the others, here because he thought it was his duty as a Fire Nationer. While Aang couldn't be sure that he was displeased with the actions they were asked to take, there were times when some of the younger men were discussing how they'd kill airbenders that Aang saw the man's lips turn down and his eyes darken.

His name was Hivri, and he had a wife and two kids back home, not much older than Kuzon, he'd explained. When he wasn't in the military service, he was a woodworker. His favorite things to make were animal carvings, and at night, he'd been showing Aang how to make little whittled creatures from fallen logs with their issued knives. It was incredible how, with just a few quick movements, a log of wood could turn into an ostrich-horse in his hands.

Aang liked to listen to him talk. He had a quiet, even voice. It soothed him when he was at his most anxious, during the nights he was sure Zhao was going to find someone and Aang would be forced to intervene. Aang's only job right now was to keep Zhao away from any areas where Aang thought airbenders might be, to continually send Zhao on a wild goose chase. That alone was enough effort.

Hivri often ate with Aang. He too preferred veggies to meat, and they often made a stew together with things foraged in the forest. The rest of the men ate their jerky and killed animals, and while Aang had eaten meat in the palace before, he still did not fancy the taste.

It was nearly dinner and Hivri was nowhere to be found.

Aang stood swiftly, walking over to a group of men arriving back from a patrol. They all stiffened at Aang's presence, bowing to him. Though Aang had been a guard for far less time than any of these members, the fact he was a Royal gave him a status above almost all of the other soldiers.

"Where is Hivri?" Aang questioned, raising his chin.

"Still on patrol," one of the patrol leaders responded, "Said he had an inkling. Near the east. Old man's insane, but hey." The man shrugged. "We're all going a little stir-crazy here."

"And no one stayed with him?" Aang asked, frowning.

"Look, dude, we're starved," one of them said petulantly. "And tired and exhausted. If he wants to go chase shadows, let him."

"You don't think there's anything out there?" Aang asked, tilting his head.

"Not whatever Zhao thinks there is," someone spat and was quickly elbowed.

"Ah, right. Commander Zhao wanted to see you, Guardsman Kuzon," the patrol leader said, snapping his fingers. Aang resisted the urge to look surprised or horrified. Instead, he puffed out his chest, nodding. He hadn't spoken directly with Zhao in days.

Inside of his head, Kasata was blinking awake, slowly coming to consciousness, as he always was when Aang went head to head with his leader. Aang felt less alone, feeling the soft fiery presence of Kasata now taking it in with him.

Zhao's tent was set up in the middle of the camp. As Aang entered, his feet crunched over rolls of maps haphazardly strewn about the floor. He tried to avoid them until he realized that the entire tent was filled with crumpled maps.

"Sir?" Aang asked uncertainty, a pit gathering at the bottom of his stomach.

"Kuzon, there you are," Zhao said, turning. He was less put together than usual. His hair was unkempt, and his shirt was half-way unbuttoned, showing his undershirts beneath. Aang offered no words, just came to stand at Zhao's table, staring up at a man who he so vehemently hated.

"What am I not seeing?" Zhao demanded, shoving the map riddled with marks toward Aang. He hesitated, glancing upward at Zhao.

This could all be a trick.

While it was clear Zhao was losing some sense of sanity, the light had not completely died from his eyes. He was still sharp, though a little unfocused on the right thing perhaps, and Aang knew he would never get away with a flat-out lie.

Zhao was still far too clever for that.

"I will admit that this is deeply troubling to me too, sir," Aang said, licking his lips, drawing his fingers absently across the map. "But, perhaps...we are just worn out?"

"What?"

Aang thought about his next words carefully. "An unfit crew does no good," Aang said slowly, "And it's nearly the tournament. Ozai'll be expecting me back. While it is frustrating that they are slipping through our fingers, a half-dead battalion will make more mistakes than a fresh-faced one."

"We cannot retreat," Zhao slammed his fists upon the table, "With nothing in our fingers. Not a single airbender dead. Can you imagine telling our revered Fire Lord that? No, of course not," Zhao muttered to himself, carding his fingers through his hair. "We cannot go back empty-handed."

Aang sighed. "When was the last time you slept, sir?"

He was not concerned for Zhao's mental health. It could fall away for all he cared. What he was concerned about, however, was what rash actions Zhao might make. Plus, any soldier would be concerned for their leader, and Aang had a role to play.

"That is not a question for you to be asking," Zhao's voice was sharp, warning.

"Ozai will call us back," Aang said slowly. Ozai would never miss a chance to parade the Royal Family around, not when he had been building toward this tournament with such strange glee. "And you can either be mindful enough to explain why you deserve a second chance or be half-crazed and babbling in the Throne Room, sir." Aang narrowed his eyes. "I think you know what you'd prefer."

He turned without being dismissed, leaving Zhao somewhat taken-aback in his tents.

If he could convince Zhao to sleep through the night, there was a far better chance he could move the airbenders.

Agni above, he hoped this worked.

"Kuzon…" Zhao opened the tent and Aang gulped, for a second thinking he was about to be killed for overstepping. Instead, it was a rare moment of humanism that had Aang fumbling. "I perhaps do not say this enough, but I am grateful for your input."

"Of course, sir," Aang finally croaked, unsure how to tackle such a lofty measure of gratitude, since Zhao rarely showed this side to anyone. Aang had been convinced that Zhao had simply skipped the day in childhood when one learned how to thank people. "I'm just doing what I can."

xxx

"Sokka-" Toph's voice broke, her end tone something of horror and panic.

"It's not mine." Sokka's voice was rough, agonized. "It's not mine, but shit, I just…" His hands shook as he tried to wash the blood off. As a beam of moonlight cut across his washroom, Zuko noted how pale he looked, how much he was quivering.

"Why do I get the feeling this is bad?" he asked.

"Since when is anyone covered in blood a good thing?" Toph said, but she was still staring in the direction of Sokka, though unmoving, as though her feet were rooted to the floor.

Zuko glanced at her, frowning. "I'm surprised you couldn't tell that it wasn't his," he commented lightly. Toph practically bristled.

"What do you think I am? I can sense a lot of things, but I'm not a magic seer!" she said, her defense more venomous than Zuko would have imagined.

Sokka was still scrubbing the blood off with a great sense of hurry, swallowing and breathing hard.

"Sokka, what happened?" Zuko asked, dropping his voice to a quiet, encouraging whisper. He took two steps, taking the cloth from Sokka's hand, pausing his movements. "Are you going to be okay?"

Sokka took a step backward, his feet stumbling beneath him. Zuko managed to catch him before he hit the floor hard, helping him sit on the edge of the tub.

"Toph, keep an ear open for any...eavesdroppers," Zuko commanded, and Toph nodded firmly, though she was focused on the pair of boys. Sokka dropped his head into his hands. He switched to Old Air Nomadic, though it was broken, unskilled. Zuko knew him better than that; he had a knack for languages, and he had picked it up faster than his sister. Whatever had transpired was truly getting to him.

"We'll be fine in Common," Zuko offered quietly. He couldn't be sure, but he needed the details. Sokka nodded, but it was half-hearted.

"I met up with our favorite cousin," Sokka said, regaining a bit of sense as he attempted to speak with a hint of subterfuge. "Just briefly. He's okay but exhausted. And worn out. He's not sure when Zhao will bring them home."

"Well, at best, we know it has to be before the tournament," Zuko said. "Father would be furious if Kuzon missed the matches since he's supposed to participate."

"Right, I suppose," Sokka nodded. "Anyway, Aang informed me of a group that was stuck on one side of Gaoling. The swamps, that's the goal, but they've been stuck just outside Gaoling for days."

"I had wondered," Zuko said quietly. He'd been expecting a missive from Dhakiya for a bit now, but had been increasingly worried when one hadn't come.

"They've just been collecting, their numbers are growing. It's harder and harder for them to pass because there are guards everywhere. So I went to try to guide them through, as you said, but Zuko…" Sokka swallowed. "It's impossible. And I don't use that word lightly. I don't know how to smuggle all of them through the city. Every cart is checked. Every house is watched. All the alleyways have guards passing through and there are rewards posted everywhere. Zhao's closeness and frustration about his lack of catches have made everyone here super vigilant for them. I spent most of the day trying to figure it out, but I…" Sokka bit his lip furiously. "I hate the idea that this is a puzzle I can't solve."

"That still doesn't explain... " Zuko trailed off, waving a hand toward Sokka's soiled clothes.

"At the end of the night, six more had arrived. There's nearly thirty at this point. Thirty. If Zhao found even one of them…" The silence that followed felt heavier than before, an understood terror gripping all three of them.

"A guard saw. As I was trying to get some through. He saw everything, too much. And he would have told. I guess I just wasn't thinking, so I just…" Sokka's fists clenched and unclenched. "I've never...never before…"

The word he left out did not need to be said. Sokka may consider himself a Wolf Warrior like the other men of his tribe, and he had been trained by his father and Bato, who were two terrifying warriors, but he was lucky enough to have never seen war. The tribe had brokered peace long before he was born and he'd never been in the middle of a true battle.

Taking a life was not something anyone should do lightly, but there was little choice, it seemed.

It did not make it easy.

"We buried him deep, no one will find him," Sokka finished, shoulders slouching completely.

"But someone might notice his absence. Fuck." Zuko pinched his nose. "There wasn't any other solution?"

"I could not see one. He would have told. We couldn't move the entire group. We didn't have the means to keep him as a prisoner and as it was, I didn't even think I'd hit him that hard until he...made this noise and just fell over…" Sokka said, his eyes glassy and a thousand miles away.

"Fantastic." Zuko knew sarcasm was not what Sokka needed right now, but he was in a bad mood before this, and with this information, he was in a worse mood, which he hadn't thought possible. "Just another thing on my plate."

Sokka raised his head. "Why, what happened today?"

"Oh, you haven't heard the happy news?" Zuko asked, throwing out an arm. Toph made a noise in the back of her throat, one of a warning, but Zuko couldn't stop the grim smile from landing on his face. "Apparently, Lady Bei Fong and I are expecting."

Sokka shot up. "What? How? You're joking, right? I'm gone for twelve hours...tell me what the hell you mean, buddy."

"I cannot believe I'm saying this right now," Zuko said, thinking back over the last few hours, "But your situation seems a tad more pressing than that. Forget I brought it up."

"Forget that you-"

"Calm down, it was just...my parents…" Toph was floundering for words, something she rarely did. She always seemed completely confident in her own voice. "It's nothing."

"Well, it's not nothing," Zuko muttered. "It's a big freaking issue, but hardly the worst in comparison to this news. Imagine that," he added with a sardonic huff.

"I should get rid of these," Sokka said, looking down at his clothes. He was starting to regain a bit of color and he seemed more level-headed. "No one saw the event, it was near the edge of town. He was sniffing around far past where he should have. Not even sure how he knew to...wish he'd just stayed back," Sokka added.

"That's step one," Zuko agreed. "We should burn them. Destroy them. I don't think it will lead back to you, but we do need to move those airbenders fast. I don't like them sitting like turtle-ducks in a barrel any more than you do."

"I might have a solution to that," Toph said, tilting her head.

"By all means. Please, fix something tonight," Zuko said, still glaring at her, furious.

"Well, they can't fly over the city, that would be a huge red flag. They can't go through the city for reasons stated by Sokka. So it's clear, isn't it?" she asked, though both boys looked blankly at her. "They gotta go under."

XXxxXX

If Zuko could have his way tonight, creeping down miles under the city would not be his choice of activity. It would be sleeping. Sleeping peacefully, might he add, with no snafus in moving the airbenders nor any gossip about bastard children being freed upon the world.

Zuko rarely got what he wanted.

"This is all fine and dandy," Zuko said snappishly, "But unless the airbenders magically know where to go, it's useless. This tunnel system is nearly impossible, not even a map would help."

"Hush, would ya?" Toph said, navigating the turns with ease. "I have a solution to that too!"

Sokka was now in fresh clothes and all of the blood had been washed away from his skin, though his face was still haunted by the event. Zuko couldn't blame him. However, Sokka had refused to be left behind, despite Zuko's worry for his sanity, and apparently this wasn't something Toph could just explain.

No, she had to show.

"Hood up, and don't be obviously Fire Nation," Toph warned Zuko for the umpteenth time. He'd been told to switch out of his red and gold outfit and to put on something more earth-toned. He couldn't imagine why, but Toph was adamant this was a viable solution.

It would really make him feel good to have one less worry, so Zuko did as she requested. Now, coming to a fork in the road, it seemed they were close to...wherever she was taking them.

Zuko heard it first. It was a roaring sound, and he originally thought it was an underground waterfall. As they got closer, he realized there were distinct tones making one unrelenting sound. It wasn't a waterfall at all. It was a crowd of what seemed like thousands of people.

As the trio turned the corner, Zuko gazed upon an impressive dueling ground, raised high above his head. They entered near the bottom of the high ring, millions of stadium seats above them, filled with people yelling and screaming. As they skirted around the edge, a contestant yelped, careening off the side and landing with a crunching sound in the earth.

"Uh, is he okay?" Zuko asked, seeing the feeble twitching.

"Yeah. These idiots have thick skulls," Toph said with a shrug. She had switched into an outfit that allowed her to move freely. It was the most dressed-down he'd ever seen her, even when she was in more comfortable things in the palace.

"Who are these idiots, exactly? What is this? Why is this?" Zuko hissed as Toph scampered into a set of seats.

"Hush, just enjoy," Toph said, patting Zuko's hand. "Patience is a virtue."

"Once again," an announcer crowed, running out to an impressively-built man, "The Boulder reigns supreme! Now, attempting to take him on, The Gecko!"

The crowd screamed as a gangly thing scuttled onto the arena floor. As a piece of sheetrock connected with the dude's chin, Zuko winced.

"Toph, what is this?" he asked.

Toph sighed, rolling her eyes. "You spoil all the fun. Welcome to Earth Rumble VI, Sparky. Earthbending competition. Now shut up and watch the fun," she commanded.

"Six?" Zuko echoed. He wasn't sure how he felt that this was the six iteration of this. It reminded him of something Katara had told him was happening in his own city, though this was different in many ways. Where the underground ring in the Fire Nation Capital seemed keen on the most blood and near death, this one at least had a code of conduct. Err...sorta.

They watched The Boulder plow through about eight contestants with an ease that was impressive. He truly was a Master Earthbender. It wasn't just his size; it was the way he seemed to predict everyone's moves before they could do them. Zuko rarely got to see earthbending, at least not combat earthbending. There was an appeal to it that he found interesting. He wondered how his firebending would react if he tried to mimic some of the stances here…

"And, like every other night, The Boulder is the undefeated winner! All of this could be yours if you're brave enough to take him on...and win." The announcer was holding a sack of cash and a huge belt, but the crowd was utterly silent. Not a single soul moved, no one dared offer themselves up.

Zuko turned to Toph...to find her missing.

"What the-" he muttered, until he saw a green dot approaching the announcer. "She wouldn't…"

"It's Toph," Sokka said, "You know she would."

"I'll take a crack at it!" Toph said, her voice echoing around the arena. There were whispers all around.

"Do my eyes deceive me or is it...yes, it's the Blind Bandit! Oh, you're in for a show tonight, folks! We haven't seen this competitor for nearly two years! Let's give it up for the former supreme champion of Earth Rumble VI!"

"Get 'er, Boulder!" Sokka yelled, standing up. "Beat her!"

From across the arena, Toph flipped Sokka the bird.

"Dude, shouldn't we be cheering for her?" Zuko demanded, yanking Sokka down by his shirt.

"What can I say? The Boulder has a new fan," Sokka shrugged, "Plus, it's not like she needs it."

It was true. The crowd that had once been going wild for The Boulder was now basically falling over themselves screaming for Toph.

"But you don't think-"

"That she'll get hurt? She'll lose?" Sokka squinted at Zuko. "She'll probably win. However, she deserves it. Royal Baby with you my ass…" Sokka muttered to himself.

Zuko wasn't so sure. He was positive that the fight would be over in seconds and Toph would have to be scraped off the bottom of the arena floor. He knew her to be a good fighter, true, but this guy...this guy was something else. Plus, it had been a while since Toph had practiced, he knew this much too.

The fight was over in seconds, but it was The Boulder who took a nose-dive off the edge. All it had taken was one swift slide of her foot, and just like that the match was over.

The crowd was foaming at the mouth at this.

"Come back to mama!" Toph cheered, holding the belt above her head, soaking in the adoration towards her.

"You think she dragged us all the way down here to win back a stupid title?" Zuko asked. Sokka thought for a second before shaking his head.

"As frustrating as she is, she seemed sure she had a solution. I think we're getting to it...slowly."

It became clear that no one was going to challenge Toph, and the tournament was adjourned. Toph motioned to the pair of boys to follow her as seas of people streamed out, back up to the city. Zuko and Sokka hopped onto the walkway to the dueling ground and behind it, where all of the contestants were nursing injuries.

"The Blind Bandit! Awe, I thought I was dreaming. C'mere," one of the men said, pulling Toph into a sweaty hug.

"It's great to see you too, Gopher," Toph said, punching his chest.

"Fucking good show, man," The Gecko said, "Though it always is."

"You're a little shit though," a third man laughed. "You had The Boulder practically quivering when you walked on stage!"

"The Boulder does not 'quiver' at the sight of a small girl," The Boulder stated. "Though, The Boulder had hoped to hold out a bit longer."

"Two more seconds than the last time we went head-to-head," Toph teased.

"The Boulder says fuck you."

"Who are these two?" one of the men asked suspiciously, poking at Zuko.

"My guests. Be nice," Toph teased. "Fellas, meet the group. While the Badgermoles might have taught me to bend, it was these assholes who practically raised me. This is where I learned all the good shit."

"Makes a lot of sense now," Zuko mumbled to himself.

"What does?" The Gecko asked. Zuko smirked.

"Where she got her abhorrent potty mouth from."

"That's our girl!" Gopher slapped her shoulder. "Who knew that the little eight-year-old that wandered in here all those years ago-"

"You started here when you were eight?" Sokka made a choked sound. "And you all...fought an eight-year-old?"

"The Boulder was momentarily conflicted about fighting her," The Boulder said, crossing his arms, "But The Boulder got over that pretty quickly."

"I broke his nose," Toph said in a stage-whisper, making a splat sound as she slapped her hands together.

"Ah, Blind Bandit," a new voice said. His was silky. There was something dangerous about him, something that Zuko did not entirely trust. Sokka seemed to feel the same way, for he moved closer to Toph, as though in a protective stance. "I believe that this is yours."

"Xin Fu, pleasure as always," Toph said, but her voice was tight. "I actually don't want it. Keep it. I'd prefer to talk about a trade."

"A trade? Whatever could you want?"

"Toph…" Zuko hissed out of the corner of his mouth. She was not going to do what he thought she was, wasn't he?

"I'mma level with you all. Things are shitty up there and these tunnels are the solution. You all know these tunnels as well as I do, especially the ones that exit near the Swamps," Toph said, striding forward and ignoring Zuko's frantic expression. "You've probably heard that there are airbenders again. That's true. And they're being hunted like doe-foxes. Slaughtered like animals. And they need to get through the city, guided, to safety."

Toph looked in the direction of each of the men. "You all know me. You know I very rarely ask for something and that I'm generous with the winning pot. Know when I say that this is bigger than any of us. I am requesting that you assist these airbenders through the maze of tunnels and deposit them safely at the entrance to the swamp for the foreseeable future. For not just me, but for the fate of hundreds of innocent lives."

"What are you doing?" Zuko said, grasping her wrist tightly, his mind in a whirl of panic at how they were going to fix this.

"Anything for The Blind Bandit!" The Boulder said firmly.

"We can trust them," Toph said, waving a hand at everyone. "They're like older brothers to me. They have my back like I've always had theirs. Plus, they're good guys. Most, at least." She turned to Xin Fu. "Except for you. But, in addition to pissing off some Fire Nationers," she said, which did cause a slight smile on Xin Fu's face, "We are willing to pay you handsomely for your silence in this matter."

"How handsomely?"

"You'll be the belle of the ball," Toph said flatly. "Four times what any poster is offering for information on airbenders."

Before Xin Fu could open his mouth, Zuko dragged Toph aside, out of earshot.

"Are you mad? We can't trust that guy! He even looks shifty!"

"Not everyone is gonna be changed by the goodness of their heart. But everyone has a price. His is just actual money," Toph said, rubbing her fingers together. "Trust me. You pay him enough, you got him. He's not gonna be stupid enough to take away his cash cow."

"And if you're wrong? And he turns all of us in?"

"I know the boys would go to bat for me," Toph said firmly. "And plus, who's gonna believe him over the word of the Fire Lord Heir Apparent?" Toph asked. "Plus, he is also running a rather illegal fighting ring. I don't wanna shut this place down, but for the cause, I would."

"I don't like this," Zuko said with a furious hiss.

"Look, Zhao's a big bad, right? Xin Fu is a little bad. He's pretty shitty, not really good boyfriend material and you probably don't want to leave him babysitting a child, but he really fucking hates the Fire Nation. He lives his life by spite. We had him halfway just at that."

Zuko breathed out through his nostrils, puffing out hot air. "You'd better be right about this," he warned.

Toph stalked back over to Xin Fu. "We have a deal?" she asked, spitting and holding out her hand.

Xin Fu shook.

"Everyone see this?" Toph said. "Now, if he goes back on the promise that he will keep these airbenders safe…"

"The Boulder will gladly smash your skull in."

"The Hippo will join!" an oversized man said.

"I'll bury your body so far down no one will find it," The Gopher added.

"That will not be necessary, as long as there is a continual allowance left for me. I swear upon my mother's grave," he said, meeting Zuko's eyes. Zuko gave a terse nod of agreement. He didn't like it, but coins were a small price to pay in comparison to the lives of the airbenders.

"I'm not sure I approve of all these homicidal declarations," Zuko hissed to Sokka. "But I suppose I appreciate the honor and loyalty."

"Sokka. Where is the first group? We'll get them through tonight," Toph said, turning.

"Up near the entrance to the city. To the east," Sokka said.

"The Boulder will gladly assist! The Boulder likes the idea of doing something good," he said.

"Buddy, hey, before you go," Sokka said, fishing an ink-pot from his bag, "Will you sign my bag?"

XXxxXX

Katara's fingers couldn't quite finish the beading.

She was usually more skilled, but ever since the news about Aiga, she'd found herself too distracted to do something so tedious. Especially so, now that her maid was gone.

Thrice she'd messed up a line and had to snap off the entire thread, pooling the beads into her palm and noisily dropping them back into the ceramic bowl.

Aiga was down visiting her family. Katara had offered to go with, but Aiga had quietly rebuffed her. There wasn't the same fire burning in her eyes anymore, but the slight had still hurt Katara's feelings a bit. Katara didn't know how to explain that she hadn't told anyone, but Aiga did not seem to be in the mood to hear her.

She'd never seen this side of Aiga.

She was still respectful, almost alarmingly so, but there was something growing between them that Katara was trying to stay ahead of but feared she would not be able to cross.

How could Katara worry about something as stupid as a ball when her friend's family was being attacked? How could she rightfully focus on beading to please a thousand wealthy families when the poor were being killed off below her nose?

With a frustrated huff, Katara set aside her dress.

She pulled out her suitcase.

She had promised herself she wouldn't pack until she'd finished her dress, but her second trip was on the horizon. She knew Zuko would arrive home soon – in only a few hours, since it was past noon now, and not long after, she'd be off. Then, once she returned, there would be practically no time before the ball, so yes, she really needed to finish this dress.

However, it seemed her fingers were being purposely unskilled, and she was fearful that she'd break away entire sections if she tried anymore.

She flopped the suitcase on her bed but found herself totally uninspired to pack, too.

She decided to go and fetch herself an iced tea.

Usually, Aiga would do such things, so over-eager to please her and to do her job, but Katara could handle this herself perfectly fine. Plus, she didn't know how to call her replacement handmaid currently...

She nodded to the guards as she passed, making her way to the kitchens. She wasn't sure if she could go into the back areas, but maybe she could snag a passing maid to grab it for her?

She noticed that there were pools of women gathered among the halls.

As she passed the women's room, she noticed Kilee crying.

Katara stopped, changing her path, and going inside.

"I'm just repeating what I heard," Avizeh was saying, waving a hand around. "There's no need to call me names."

"You could have announced it more tactfully," Saoise snapped at her.

"Oh, and I should have just waited for the official Royal announcement?"

"What announcement?" Katara asked, frowning. Spirits, had Zuko chosen a wife while he was gone? Out of the convoy, Yue seemed the most practical. She could almost see that, she thought bitterly. Do it while he was away so he would not have to deal with the rest of the girls, just send them away.

"Distressing news. What is the standard?" Ratana stage-whispered. "Has this ever happened?"

"Has what-" Katara tried to ask again, but was interrupted.

"Did you know?" Avizeh asked, zeroing in on Katara. "You were in his favor for quite a long time."

"I don't even know what I might or might not know!" Katara threw up her hands.

"Lady Toph is...is…" Kilee hiccupped, trying to dry her eyes, but failing. "Pregnant!"

Katara almost laughed, until she realized the group of girls was serious. Then, her mind whirled.

"By...the Prince?" she asked, which seemed equally as laughable as the first bit.

"By who else?" Avizeh questioned. "It's all anyone's been talking about! She told her parents during dinner. We should pack our bags now, I reckon."

"Toph is pregnant by Prince Zuko?" Katara repeated.

"Yes, spirits, try to keep up," Avizeh huffed.

Katara blinked. "That's impossible. They're not...he's not.." she struggled. "That can't be right."

"Well, I have it from a very reputable source," Avizeh said, blinking. "My maid heard it from her cousin, whose best friend is the younger sister of a girlfriend of one of the cooks, who overheard it during the dinner there just a few hours ago."

Katara opened her mouth to tell Avizeh that clearly the information she had was wrong, but faltered.

Zuko and Toph both had been weirdly distant lately. Maybe there was something? And maybe neither wanted to dare tell her? Maybe it was all an accident, or one night, or something more?

Maybe Katara was closer to leaving than she thought.

"I'm sure we'll get a confirmation when they arrive back," Katara said, though her breath felt short. "I can't imagine something like this will simply be ignored."