Chapter 23
4 Years after the Hundred Year War
Royal Palace of Ba Sing Se
Despite being confined to the guest quarters of the Royal Palace, the next three days flew by Katara. There had been some incidents, such as some palace official ordering the guards to refuse her admittance to Azula's quarters, probably because the investigators wanted to keep them from interacting, but Katara had threatened the palace guards with serious bodily harm while reminding them of the king's decision to place Azula under her personal care. In the end, the guards had backed down, and she had been able to come and go about Azula's quarters as she pleased.
With nothing much else to do, Katara spent most of her time in Azula's company, and honestly, she was secretly grateful for these circumstances that allowed them to spend so much time together. Large portion of their time together was devoted to Azula teaching her Pai Sho, the princess treating this undertaking with extreme seriousness. Of course, Azula then took great delight in absolutely destroying her in all the games they had played, while Katara accepted her losses with a dignified smile. At least she felt that she was steadily progressing with every game, being able to hold out longer and longer, eventually earning a rare compliment from Azula, commending her progress... and attributing it to having an excellent teacher, obviously.
The rest of their time together was spent in conversations, learning more and more about each other, but there was some awkward guardedness still surrounding their interactions as neither of them felt brave and daring enough to address the elephant rhino in the room that was their mutual attraction. At least, Katara had by now become reasonably certain that it was mutual. With Azula lowering her guard slightly around her, the telltale signs were quite easy to spot, the stolen glances, the shy smiles and reddening of the cheeks when caught staring.
Katara was aware that she was being similarly obvious with her feelings, but she wasn't entirely certain that Azula had come to correctly identify the signs. Considering that the princess still struggled with showing empathy, it was highly likely that she remained oblivious to Katara's increasing attraction to her, and all of this made the waterbender ponder about how to make Azula aware of her feelings, or if it even was a good idea to do so. Despite having initially decided that it might compromise Azula's recovery, Katara found it more and more difficult to accept the decision to never make her feelings known to the princess, regardless of Azula's possible reaction.
There was definitely a lot on Katara's mind on the morning of the fourth day following their interviews with Lao Wan, thoughts and worries about the ongoing investigation, her feelings for Azula, as well as the uncertainty surrounding their future. She was still mulling over all these thoughts on her way towards Azula's quarters, when she was stopped in her tracks by one of the palace officials.
"Master Katara," a gaunt elderly man addressed her. "You may be interested to learn that Fire Lord Zuko and his entourage arrived late last night. He is asking for you to see him at his quarters. Shall I take you there?"
"Yes, please do!" Katara replied, immediately feeling hopeful, even if she also felt some regret about having been denied her alone time with Azula. Katara wished that she could bring the princess to the meeting with her brother, but she doubted that the guards would allow Azula to leave her quarters. After all, that had not been a part of the deal she had made with King Kuei.
The elderly clerk led her down the stairs one floor below, where she was shown inside even larger and more splendorous guest quarters than what had been granted to her and Azula. A small group of five awaited her inside the room, Aang and Sokka accompanying Zuko, the young Fire Lord decked out in his full ceremonial garb. The two Kyoshi Warriors accompanying them appeared awfully familiar as well, Katara quickly recognizing both Suki and Ty Lee.
"Guys, Katara is here!" Aang noticed her first, running up to Katara and embracing her. It was perhaps a slightly too tight embrace for Katara's liking, but she decided to endure it for now. Once Aang had released her, the gesture was repeated by everyone in turn, starting with Sokka and ending with Ty Lee. "Katara, you had us all so worried!" Aang exclaimed once the greetings were over and done with. "That letter you sent Zuko really scared us!"
"Oh... it was meant to calm you down," Katara sighed.
"Are you kidding me?" Sokka glared at her. "You decided to deviate from our plan and go on some kind of a detour with the probably most dangerous criminal mind in the world? How could that calm anyone down?"
"Maybe you should have more faith in me, Sokka," Katara frowned. "I had everything under complete control."
"Ending up in Ba Sing Se and causing a massive diplomatic incident between the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation is not a small detour on your way to the North Pole!" Sokka was nearly shouting.
Katara winced at her brother's words. When everything was summarized like that, it really did sound quite bad. "Yes, I'm sorry about that, but it just sort of... happened," she shrugged. "We learned a little more after I sent that first letter, and after that... it just didn't occur to me to send another message. I'm... sorry?" she smiled guiltily, looking primarily at Zuko, the young Fire Lord appearing both confused and concerned.
"Maybe you should start at the beginning, Katara," Zuko smiled at her. "We all want to understand just what happened and how you and Azula ended up detained in Ba Sing Se."
"Well, I wrote to you about that Dai Li attack while we were on our way to the Republic City," Katara began to explain. "I landed us ashore near Mount Makapu, and we discussed what had happened. And I guess Azula managed to convince me that these Dai Li attacks just won't stop, and that we needed to get to the bottom of the conspiracy against her."
"Azula can be very convincing," Ty Lee nodded with a tinge of bitterness to her words. "She always gets everyone to do what she wants."
"Yeah, I can't believe you fell for her ruse, sis," Sokka shook his head, looking disappointed. "I would have thought that you would know what Azula is like."
"What are you talking about?" Katara bristled at her brother's tone. "Azula was right! The Dai Li would have kept hunting her relentlessly, because it was none other than Long Feng back at the reigns and running this operation!"
"Long Feng was behind all this?" Aang gasped, wide-eyed. "Are you sure, Katara?"
"Uh... yes, I'm sure?" Katara frowned at the Avatar. "He collapsed an entire ceiling on me before Azula took him out for good."
"This is most worrying," Zuko spoke, his voice strained and nervous. "The official communications from the Earth Kingdom made no mention of Long Feng's involvement."
"Of course, the Earth Kingdom wants to keep it a secret," Katara sighed. "That's why they have launched this investigation. They want to pin everything on Azula."
"Pinning everything on Azula, sounds good to me," Sokka chuckled. "I'm sure she's guilty of something..."
"Sokka, that's my sister you're talking about," Zuko frowned at his friend.
"You have to admit it, Zuko, this whole thing sounds like the kind of a long winded scheme that only Azula could come up with," Suki pointed out, Ty Lee and Aang both nodding in agreement, much to Katara's rising levels of annoyance.
"You're all being extremely unfair right now," the waterbender spoke up angrily. "Neither of you have just spent more than two weeks traveling with Azula. I know what happened, because I was there! I know that Azula isn't guilty of what they are trying to accuse her of."
"I think Azula has messed with your mind so much that you no longer know right from wrong," Sokka rolled his eyes.
"Oh, this is just great," Katara pointed an accusing finger at her brother. "Now all of you are starting to question me as well, just like that investigator of King Kuei. I thought at least my friends would have my back!"
"I most certainly have your back, Katara," Zuko nodded earnestly at her. "I am here to help you, and to help my sister. And I brought a group of Fire Nation's finest legal minds to get you both out of this situation."
"We all have your back, sweet-... Katara," Aang spoke up, quickly correcting himself at the glare that lit up in Katara's eyes. "We were just so worried about you. We were certain that Azula had done something to you."
"Well, she hasn't done anything to me," Katara snapped irately. The rational part of her mind understood why her friends were so distrustful of Azula, but now that she was so heavily emotionally invested in the fate of the other girl, she could not help but feel highly protective of her princess.
"Yeah, she's just gotten you in this whole mess," Sokka shrugged. Being siblings with Sokka always provided plenty of moments where Katara wanted nothing more than to give him a hard slap. This was definitely one such moment.
"What are you even on about, Sokka, we took out Long Feng," Katara replied fiercely, hands on her hips. "And he was definitely stirring up trouble, so we actually deserve to be commended instead of being threatened with some trumped up charges!"
"Long Feng shouldn't have been anywhere near Ba Sing Se and the Royal Palace, so it's good that you have stopped him," Aang nodded in agreement. "And I should be able to smooth everything out with Kung Kuei. I'm sure that this entire mess will be sorted out soon and things will be back to being normal again."
"I'm not sure what you mean by things being back to normal," Katara shrugged. She was still feeling rather prickly by the attitude of her friends, with the exception of Zuko. "I'm not done helping Azula, Aang."
"You've already taken enough risks on her behalf, Katara," Aang shook his head. "You don't owe Azula anything. Someone else can take care of her now."
"Yeah, she's gotten you into enough trouble as it is," Sokka nodded in agreement with his best friend, the two exchanging approving nods.
"Since when are you two deciding what I should do with my time?" Katara glared at the two boys.
"Well, I for one am very happy that Katara has decided to help my sister," Zuko said, smiling at the waterbender. "I know that Katara thrives on helping others, and she is exceptionally good at it. I simply hope that my sister knows how lucky she is and appreciates it."
"I think she does, and hopefully she'll tell you as much herself," Katara smiled back at Zuko. "Also, even though I've enjoyed seeing you all again, I probably should be getting back to Azula. I didn't get the chance to check up on her this morning."
"Why do you have to do that?" Aang wondered. "We haven't seen you for three weeks, and we've only just arrived..." his expression turned pleading.
"Well, I have to remain with Azula because King Kuei released her into my care. She is my responsibility," Katara replied. "I don't think Zuko would have wanted his sister locked up in some horrible dungeon."
"No… there have been enough dungeons already," Zuko appeared grateful. "Thank you so much, Katara."
"And I have missed you guys, really, I have," Katara said. It was the truth, even if her thoughts had been completely preoccupied with the princess. "I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to spend together later. And maybe, just maybe, you could try and be a little more understanding and supportive of what I've been doing," she added, Sokka and Aang looking a little chastised, while Suki and Ty Lee exchanged looks and shrugged uncertainly.
"Perhaps we overreacted a little bit," Aang conceded with an apologetic look on his face. "It's only because we have been so very worried."
"I suppose I shouldn't blame you for that..." Katara sighed, smiling apologetically. "I definitely should have sent more letters. It just... somehow escaped my mind." Katara did feel rather guilty about that, making everyone worried about her while she had been too busy crushing on Azula.
"Katara, before you leave, I was hoping to learn a little more of what has happened here," Zuko spoke up. "It would help me in clearing up the situation with King Kuei."
"I think we're all interested in learning more details," Sokka stated impatiently.
"Yes, that's probably a good idea," Katara agreed, then realizing that Zuko also needed and deserved to know more about his sister's progress. "Also, there are some things you should know about Azula," she told the young Fire Lord. "But... that's something you might wish to keep private, so..."
"Right," Zuko nodded at her, turning to face the rest of the group. "Guys, if you could give me a moment in private with Katara?" Aang and Sokka exchanged glances, Aang in particular looking wary, if not... jealous? Still, the two of them left the room as asked. "You too, girls, please," Zuko looked at his two most trusted Kyoshi bodyguards. Suki and Ty Lee nodded swiftly and exited to join Sokka and Aang outside.
As soon as Katara was left alone with Zuko, she allowed a deep sigh to escape her chest, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Spirits... I didn't think it would be this hard," she sighed quietly.
"What do you mean?" Zuko asked with concern, coming to stand by her side. "What's wrong, Katara?" he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Just a little tired from the backlash I'm getting for helping Azula," she exclaimed. "I expected suspicion and skepticism... Azula has earned it over the years, but it definitely becomes very tiring."
"I'm sorry that you have to deal with all that," Zuko spoke softly. "I want you to know that I greatly appreciate everything that you've been doing. I am also dying to know how Azula has been behaving."
"I think you'll be happy to know that she's been doing very well, Zuko," Katara smiled. "Sure, we got off to a rocky start, but as we spent more and more time together, she began to treat me with less and less hostility. And lately, we've been on good terms, supporting each other. You'll be happy to know that she has shown so many promising signs... expressing concern, empathy, understanding... positive emotions. Baby steps, but I feel that we have been making progress with her."
Zuko looked overwhelmed at hearing Katara's explanation, his eyes appearing slightly moist as he quickly dabbed at them with the sleeve of his robes. "That's... more than what I could have hoped for. You're a miracle worker, Katara," he smiled, looking deeply touched. "Has she... mentioned me at all?"
"We have discussed many things, including you and your family," Katara nodded. "I think you will find her attitude towards you changed. I think she has accepted that she will not be ruling the Fire Nation, so I don't think she will continue to treat you as a rival to take down. And I think that she genuinely believes that you want to have a good and healthy relationship with your sister."
"I want that more than anything," Zuko smiled. It was rare that he allowed himself to appear hopeful and happy, but for Katara, it made for a wonderful sight and she was glad to have been able to deliver such good news. "Now I'm really desperate to meet her face to face. Do you think we could make that happen? Or if that would even be a good idea?"
"I think you'll have to ask King Kuei for permission, but I think he'll grant it," Katara replied. "As for whether it's a good idea, I think it most definitely is. It will help Azula to know that you're supporting her."
"I really am, Katara. I really am," Zuko sighed, appearing relieved and excited. "I guess I should go and speak with King Kuei. What can you tell me about this... investigation?"
"I know that the palace officials want to spin it by blaming Azula for an unwarranted infiltration of the Royal Palace," Katara explained. "With King Kuei oblivious to what's happening, they have been running circles around him, trying desperately to wrap the case up before you arrived. They tried to press me into testifying that it was all Azula's plan from the beginning, then they tried to bully her into signing a confession, but we both stood firm. I haven't heard from them since, but I know that the officials are desperate to deny that Long Feng was involved or even present at the palace."
"They're going to have a tough time denying it once I collect all the information," Zuko smirked knowingly. "I've told you before that the Earth Kingdom has eyes in my court, but the opposite is also true... we have several sympathizers spying on everything that goes on in Ba Sing Se. They then deliver their reports to my uncle."
"Oh! I wonder if that's why your uncle was at the palace a few days ago..." Katara mused thoughtfully.
"Yes, he was probably collecting some of the reports. I'm sure I'll hear from him shortly," Zuko smiled. "I'll be honest with you… unlike the others, I actually knew about Long Feng's involvement. I received a report that Long Feng was back in the picture right after you and Azula had departed from the First Lord's Harbor. That's why I was so worried about you two… and I made everyone around me anxious as well."
"Oh…" Katara sighed, feeling even guiltier. "I really should have done more to calm your fears. And perhaps I shouldn't have snapped at Aang and Sokka just now. It's just that... over the past week I have heard so many people repeating to me how evil Azula is, how she can't be trusted and how she's manipulating me... it's all rubbish!"
"I'm happy... but also surprised that you would defend her so," Zuko gave her a curious stare. "Azula has caused you much pain over the years. Does this mean that you have forgiven her?"
"I have," Katara nodded with deep conviction. "I've learned so much about your childhood... and the time when you were away from the court, during your exile. What your father did to you both... it was a very different treatment, but just as damaging in her case, probably even more insidious. I'm not saying that Azula doesn't have to accept any responsibility for what she has done, but... in my eyes, she has been a victim of her father's brutality, just as much as you have been. You both deserve to be helped."
Following Katara's words, Zuko instinctively reached out and pulled her into a short embrace. "I have been blessed with the most amazing friends, but none more amazing than you, Katara," the Fire Lord smiled at her gratefully. "I owe you so much for what you have done for me, and for my sister. And what you're continuing to do for Azula."
"You don't owe me anything, Zuko," Katara smiled back at him. "All I'm asking is for you to have mine and Azula's back. That's all we both need right now."
"And you have my unconditional support, both of you," Zuko nodded solemnly. "Is there anything else I should know before going to see King Kuei?" he asked.
Yes, you should know that I'm very much in love with your sister, and I treasure every moment I get to spend with her, slowly picking apart her protective shell and uncovering the hidden beauty within, was something along the lines that Katara wanted to blurt out, but... she just couldn't. It wasn't the place or the time, and she really need to make Azula aware of her feelings first. No, she didn't want to freak out Zuko as well.
"I... well, just a couple of things," Katara quickly deflected, having remembered something. "We had a slight accident on our way to Ba Sing Se. I might have pushed Azula a bit too hard into opening up, and she had a bit of a relapse. I don't blame her for slipping back to her old ways. I should have expected for it to happen at some point, really."
"Agni knows, I did that many times," Zuko sighed with a sympathetic look on his face. "What did she do?"
"Well... she burned down an entire farmstead," Katara lowered her eyes slightly. "But the good news is that she made sure nobody was killed or even seriously hurt! It's just that... I promised those poor farmers that we'll send them money for rebuilding as soon as we're able to."
"Of course, Katara," Zuko smiled. "Perhaps once we have settled everything here, we can deliver the money to them personally."
"That would be a lovely gesture, thank you very much!" Katara smiled at him. "I can't tell you how relieved I am to have someone else with me who wants to believe in Azula just as much as I do. Oh! And speaking of that..." Katara suddenly thought of something else. "When you have the permission to speak with Azula, I think it would be a good idea if you brought Ty Lee with you."
"Hmm… are you sure?" Zuko gave her an uncertain look. "Ty Lee might be a little frightened to face Azula, and I don't want to see her needlessly upset. She's been through a lot with my sister."
"I think she would benefit from seeing the change in Azula. It could give her the peace of mind that I think she still desires," Katara tried to explain. "Also... I think it would be great to have someone else aside from us two on Azula's side. Ty Lee is such a sweet and forgiving soul, I believe that if she sees that Azula has truly changed, she'd become an instant supporter."
"That's... not a bad idea," Zuko agreed with a smile. "Alright, I'll bring Ty Lee with me."
"Good," Katara nodded. "But now I should let you arrange that meeting with King Kuei. Once you have the permission to visit your sister, come and find us. I'll be staying with her, preparing Azula for your visit. I'm not sure it would be a good idea to spring it upon her as a surprise."
"Certainly not," Zuko agreed. "I'll see you both very soon. And Katara, I just want to thank you once again. I really appreciate everything you've been doing."
"You're more than welcome," Katara smiled, heading for the doors. "We'll be waiting for your visit... and hopefully, you will be a bringer of good news."