They made it to the next town by midday. It was an active place, but far removed from the size of places like Omashu or Ba Sing Se. If Omashu was a mountain, Suwon was a cairn; it had been erected by mortal hands and stood as a marker in the midst of the sprawling plains. They hadn't met anyone on the road in, but there was plenty of foot traffic once they arrived in the town proper. Guards at the low gates checked their cart and asked them a few questions, but Riku's unnatural silence got them through quickly.
Being in such a town was a relief. They could upgrade their transport and slip out without garnering much attention.
"What should we do with her?" Jiro asked as they stopped at a quiet corner.
Katara looked over at Riku and sighed.
"Let's get something to eat." She said.
Haoran took the cart to a stable while the rest of them took up the bags and wandered to a small noodle shop. Jiro went inside to buy some food and Katara stayed with Riku outside. People flowed by and Katara listened as merchants called out to the masses. Suwon was clearly a popular stop on whatever highway it sat on, and the shops sold more than travel necessities. Women out of the road stood under silk umbrellas and men haggled over the price of leather boots.
Riku also looked out, her eyes distant as she watched the people pass by. Yet as Katara studied her, she froze when Riku's eyes sharpened.
"Ty Lee." Riku whispered.
Blood rushed into Katara's ears and panic made her start to shiver. Turning around, Katara searched the crowd for whoever had sparked the memory.
"Ty Lee!" Riku shouted, standing suddenly and waving.
Katara jumped up and pinned Riku's arm down, shushing her sharply. When she looked up to see if anyone had noticed, she made eye contact with a woman.
With Ty Lee.
Blood drained from both their faces, and as Ty Lee began to push through the crowd, Katara looked around for a way out.
Jiro hadn't arrived, and she couldn't just run off; it would cause more problems than being discovered.
"Katara?" Ty Lee called out as she got closer.
Katara squeezed her eyes shut and pulled her shoulders up.
"Ty Lee…" Riku said breathlessly.
Katara finally turned and faced Ty Lee, who was staring openly at Riku.
"Is it…?" Ty Lee questioned.
"This is Riku." Katara said.
And Ty Lee started to cry.
As people paused to look, Jiro exited the noodle shop, freezing at the scene.
"Ty Lee, you need to stop." Katara hissed.
Riku, alarmed, put her hands on Ty Lee's arms just as the other woman took gulping breaths to try and calm down.
"I'm sorry." Ty Lee said in a rush.
"Just sit down." Katara said sharply and they all sat down. Jiro looked around at the three women, slightly scared.
"Ty Lee, it's been so long." Riku said, putting her hands out on the table.
"You remember me?" Ty Lee asked, laying her own hands on top of Riku's.
"I do. We…" Riku cut off as she frowned. "We went to school together?"
She sounded unsure and Katara felt her entire body tense.
Tears started to fall down Ty Lee's cheeks and Katara gripped the table.
"Can someone explain what exactly is going on?" Jiro whispered.
"Riku had an accident a few years ago." Katara began, looking pointedly at Ty Lee. "She hasn't seen Ty Lee since."
"You knew me, before." Riku said softly and Ty Lee nodded, smiling despite her tears.
"Oh Riku, I'm so sorry. For everything." Ty Lee said in a rush.
"We are not doing this here." Katara ordered and Ty Lee blinked back at her.
"Right. Of course." She said and shook her head. "Here, this is where I'm staying."
Ty Lee pulled out a piece of paper and a stub of a pencil, writing down the characters in quick, neat strokes.
"I need to talk to you. Please come see me tonight." She said and handed the slip to Riku.
"Please." Ty Lee added firmly, looking now at Katara. After a moment's hesitation, Katara gave a curt nod.
As Ty Lee left, Katara put her head in her hands with a heavy sigh.
"What did I miss?" Haoran asked.
Katara groaned.
A million thoughts were going through her head, and none of them seemed to be connected. The last time she had seen Ty Lee was back in the Fire Nation at the school. Now she was here, hundreds of miles away and for no apparent reason.
Unless.
Katara looked at Riku, who was much more animated. She was smiling as she ate her noodles and Katara furrowed her brow as she thought.
Had Xianji found out who Riku really was? If so, had the princess gotten a hold of Ty Lee? After all, Chihiro had been in league with the princess, so it wasn't an unreasonable idea that Ty Lee could be at least under the effects of the tea.
But there were few people who knew about Riku's true identity; and even with Zuko, Sokka, and Suki under the thrall of the tea, Xianji hadn't even known about Katara's relationship with Zuko. And if Xianji hadn't asked about that, it was a stretch to assume that she'd have a reason to ask about Azula's disappearance.
If Ty Lee was working with Xianji, then it would be for her own reasons.
Had she known that Katara was travelling with Riku? Did anyone know that?
"So who was that?" Jiro questioned.
"That's my friend Ty Lee." Riku replied.
"That is, surprising." Jiro said and Haoran elbowed him sharply in the side.
"I can understand that. I used to always wonder if Ty Lee actually liked me." Riku paused and her face fell slightly. "I think I used to make sure she wouldn't leave me."
"That's ominous." Jiro muttered and coughed as Haoran elbowed him again.
"Riku, you have to understand, being around Ty Lee is dangerous." Katara said.
"I know it gives me a headache, but there's nothing to worry about. The memories are gone." Riku said.
Katara chewed on the inside of her lip, looking down at her bowl.
They had all made assumptions about what the Mother of Faces did. The memories were well and truly gone; Noriko hadn't recognized her children in the slightest when they arrived in Hira'a. But Riku's headaches made Katara think something had gone wrong. Noriko had her entire past as Ursa erased, Riku's life of Azula had been picked clean of Ozai only. Whatever barrier kept her mind from accessing those missing pieces was different than Noriko's.
If she had her bending back properly, Katara might have been able to figure out what was going on.
But she was left in the dark with her bending hobbled as it was.
"Why is her name so familiar?" Haoran questioned.
"Ty Lee was also a friend of the Fire Lord's sister." Katara said and then looked up. "She was there during the Ba Sing Se invasion."
"Well, at least Riku has better friends now." Jiro said and then dodged Haoran's elbow.
"Do you think it's wise to meet with her? I don't think she's very trustworthy." Haoran said.
"Ty Lee, on her own, isn't a problem." Katara admitted.
"But you think something else is going on, don't you?" Haoran asked.
"Ty Lee would never trick us. Or, no." Riku frowned and stabbed her chopsticks into her broth. "She's…"
"Riku, I don't think it's a good idea to visit her. I think she's working with the palace." Katara said.
"To do what? The palace wants you, not me." Riku said.
Katara opened her mouth, but nothing came out as her mind failed to find an adequate reason. The only reason why Xianji would think to send Ty Lee was if she knew about Azula. Even then, there wasn't a good reason to grab the missing Fire Nation princess; it would only complicate things for her.
Unless she wanted Azula dead.
That would involve revealing the truth to Riku, if Katara wanted her to understand the seriousness of the issue.
Of course, that all hinged upon Ty Lee actually being under Xianji's control. Which was something she didn't actually know.
"We can go see her, if only to find out what's going on." Katara said.
"How big of a risk is this? Is she a Firebender or anything?" Haoran asked.
"Ty Lee is a chi blocker. She can make your bending inaccessible, temporarily." Katara answered. Jiro looked sick but Haoran just sighed.
"If we meet her alone, then it's still four against one. As long as we go in with our guard up, I'd say we have a decent chance of getting out in one piece." Haoran said.
"We should plan on just getting out of here. In case the worst does happen." Jiro added.
"What even is our plan? We're days away from the coast and I don't think this town has an airship port." Haoran asked.
"We have to get to the Fire Nation as quickly as possible." Katara said.
"I don't think you're going to make it before the council meeting." Haoran said. "It's nearly the end of summer."
Katara leaned back in her chair and put her hands in her hair.
"Let's just see what Ty Lee wants." She said. "Maybe it'll give us something to work with."
They finished their lunch and then set out to gather their supplies. The stable where the ostrich horses were offered to buy the pair if they decided to change up their transport. Otherwise, they also sold tack and feed, giving them better supplies to make the longer trip. Katara made sure they had new clothes; the outfits from Ba Sing Se weren't overly fancy, but they wouldn't hold up well for rough travelling. Riku also pointed out some scarves, which would double as a disguise while also protecting them from the sun.
Coming into the Earth Kingdom had soaked them to their bones, but travelling out during the dry season threatened to suck the life out of them.
While they were wandering through the town, Katara worried that Ty Lee followed them. Of course, she never caught sight of her, but that didn't mean anything.
Katara remembered being chased by Azula. With Zuko, their group seemed prone to bumping into their pursuer instead of being actively hunted. Azula was something different; she had moved with military precision going after them. It had only been luck that saved them on a number of occasions.
Without Azula, Katara wondered how Ty Lee and Mai functioned. Clearly, Katara had never spent time alone with Mai, and even her moments with Ty Lee had been rare. In the imperial city, Ty Lee was subdued, letting Chihiro lead things in her own school.
Sokka had written about living with Ty Lee, and Katara wondered if the woman was any good being on her own. The Kyoshi Warriors had not been a good fit, making both Sokka and Suki worry about her.
Katara, so far removed from Ty Lee outside of Azula, hadn't cared at all about her struggle.
Now, she wished she knew more about Ty Lee's temperament. It might give her a clue as to why Ty Lee was now in Suwon.
By late afternoon, their group had come to a decision point. They were ready to head out, and in fact, none of them had expected to spend the night in the town. But if they were going to meet Ty Lee, they would have to linger.
"Here's the deal." Katara said. Walking down an alley, they kept out of sight from the main road.
"You two need to stay at the stables." She went on.
"What?" Haoran balked.
"If Ty Lee does turn out to be a problem, you'll need to be ready to go with the cart." Katara said.
"If she turns out to be a problem, will you two be able to even get out?" Jiro asked.
"We'll be fine." Riku said dismissively.
"No offense, but this person who was friends with a traitor just drops out of the sky, wants to have a chat, and you think you're going to be fine?" Haoran asked.
"Well, it's…" Katara fidgeted and looked around at each of the others. There were too many secrets and not enough time to work anything else out.
"Worst case scenario, Ty Lee tries to kill us." She managed to continue.
"Only that?" Jiro muttered.
"But the best case is that she helps us. She can get us to the Fire Nation faster than we can go on our own." Katara went on.
"Look, this isn't just about you. Our sister is trapped in the palace." Haoran said.
"And so is my brother." Katara snapped. "I'm not going to do anything to risk him, or anyone else."
Haoran and Jiro looked at each other and Haoran crossed his arms over his chest before letting out a sigh.
"We'll meet you at the west gate in two hours." He said, turning back to look at them. "If you don't make it back, we're going in and leveling the building."
"Good call." Riku said with a laugh.
Katara ignored her, pulling out Ty Lee's note from her pocket. As she handed it to Haoran, he hesitated.
"Are you sure you're going to be okay?" He asked.
"I have to be." She replied.
Haoran sighed again and took the note. Katara waved goodbye and she and Riku walked back into town.
Even as dusk settled over the town, there were still plenty of people outside. It made Katara's skin crawl as she felt certain someone was watching her. But every time she looked around, there were only clusters of people shopping or swapping gossip.
For once, Riku seemed oblivious and was humming tunelessly to herself. It was the first time Katara had ever seen her happy, or even in a good mood.
Typical of Ty Lee, she had taken a room at a tavern. Katara and Riku walked in, momentarily deafened by the noise of the people gathered for dinner. A man pushed past them as they lingered in the doorway and Katara lowered her eyes as he glared at her.
"Let's go." Riku whispered, tugging on her hand.
They started to walk to the back of the tavern, stepping gingerly between tables and around boisterous patrons. When they approached the bar next to the staircase, a woman leaned over to stop them.
"Can I help you ladies?" The woman asked, sounding angry.
"We're here to see a friend. She's in room three." Katara said. The woman looked them over before huffing out a breath.
"Go on up." She said, before adding quickly. "You better not be up to anything. I don't need Haruki accusing me of taking business away from her again."
"No ma'am." Katara said hurriedly and shoved Riku up the stairs.
The small second floor took up a third of the floorplan yet there were five doors crammed along the hall. Walking to the end, they stopped at the last door on the left. A brass number three was nailed into the door and Katara frowned.
Riku knocked impatiently and Katara felt the muscles in her back tighten.
Quick footsteps moved behind the door and it was quickly pulled open. Ty Lee barreled out of the room, throwing her arms around Riku's neck.
"You came!" She squealed.
Riku smiled somberly as she put her arms around Ty Lee and they hugged for a moment.
"Good, wonderful, can we go in now?" Katara hissed.
"Oh, right." Ty Lee popped backward and stood aside, gesturing for them to enter.
Katara walked in first, looking around the small room. Beyond the linens on the bed and a leather satchel at the foot, there was nothing, and no one, else in the room.
"I'm so glad you came." Ty Lee gushed as she shut the door.
"Why are you here?" Katara questioned, whirling around.
Ty Lee's eyes widened and she took a step back.
"Chihiro sent me." She said.
"Chihiro?" Katara sputtered.
Convinced that the Hirasawas were working with Xianji, Katara's stomach twisted.
"Who's Chihiro?" Riku asked.
"She poisoned me." Katara hissed.
"Well that's a problem." Riku said just as Ty Lee interjected, waving her hands.
"No, no, she didn't. Well, she did, but that wasn't what was supposed to happen." Ty Lee said.
"Oh I'm fairly certain I know what was supposed to happen. I heard her talking to her father about what was supposed to happen to me." Katara retorted.
"You don't understand, Chihiro is trying to help." Ty Lee said.
"I don't think you have the best track record for picking the right side." Katara shot back.
Ty Lee flinched and she glanced over at Riku before walking to the bed. Sighing, she sat down and rested her arms on her legs.
"Look, I have been trying so hard to be one of you. I went to Kyoshi and that didn't work out. I came home and Zuko-" Ty Lee's head snapped up and she looked at Riku.
Riku waved a hand before crossing her arms over her chest.
"I know the Fire Lord and I have a contentious relationship." She said.
Ty Lee frowned, but sighed and looked back down at the floor.
"And with the school, nothing fit. Chihiro was better at everything anyway. I thought about going home but, I'd just be." Ty Lee broke off and flexed her hands. "There was only one time in my life where I felt like I got to be myself. And I got to be important."
"When you were hunting us." Katara said dryly.
Ty Lee snorted and looked up, a playful smile on her face.
"I mean, we were pretty good at it you have to admit." She said.
"You-!" Katara's voice cut off in a strangled gargle.
"I want to be with, with Mai and Riku again." Ty Lee said. "So I told Chihiro I'd go find you."
"Does Chihiro know about Riku?" Katara questioned and Ty Lee shook her head.
"Mai doesn't even know." She replied.
Katara sighed and rubbed her eyes.
"So how did you know Katara was with me?" Riku asked.
"I found Noren. Your father." Ty Lee said forcefully. "I've been tracking you ever since."
"How did you know we'd be here?" Katara asked.
"When I hit the coast, I heard about what happened in Omashu. I figured you'd come to a town like this for supplies." Ty Lee said.
"Omashu was only a few days ago. How did you get here so quickly?" Katara asked.
"Because I brought a tank." Ty Lee said with a smile.
Riku laughed and Katara just stared.
"You're running out of time you know. The council meeting is in a matter of days and you have to get back to the palace." Ty Lee said.
"A tank is not going to get us across an ocean." Katara countered.
"But an airship will." Ty Lee stated.
"You were always so clever!" Riku said and clapped her hands together. Ty Lee turned, her eyes bright as she looked at Riku.
They all jumped as the door crashed open, splintering apart as it hit the far wall.
Katara turned, pulling water from her pouch while Riku lowered her stance with fire daggers in her hands.
"Playtime's over." A large man growled as he ducked through the doorframe. Two more men followed him.
Katara sighed. This was getting tiresome.