Chapter 12

Zuko had just finished up in a war room meeting and was heading out to sit outside and have some afternoon tea with Sokka and Suki. He hadn't got any more appointments for the day, and Suki's sessions were every other day, so she was off today. Sokka had already discussed some diplomatic issues with Zuko earlier in the morning, so they were able to relax for the remainder of the day.

One of the kitchen staff brought out some pastries and other things to nibble on and a large pot of freshly brewed green tea for them, and they sat at one of the tables just next to the gardens. Aang, Katara and Toph would be arriving in three weeks, and it felt like it couldn't come fast enough. As they sat and talked about the rest of their friends, wondering how they were going, Izara and Kazan had come out to do some training. Suki noticed first, wondering if Kazan, who was in her most advanced training group, would get a little more out of Izara than the rest of them had seen. Zuko and Sokka followed her gaze and watched them go through some of the sets taught in Suki's group.

As if the thought had been mulling in her head for a while, Suki abruptly piped up in the middle of Sokka's sentence.

"Izara has definitely got some experience. She's much better than she lets on." Suki watched with sharp eyes, not missing the lethality in Izara's movements. She was far too perceptive to miss it.

"Firebending may not be her specialty, but when I first met her, I watched her throw a knife at a guy and hit him squarely in the shoulder joint to stop him from using that arm for bending. He was about 20 metres away, and she'd barely glanced at him." Zuko recalled the skirmish when the siege finally broke and how Izara had behaved.

"You mentioned that she was just an assistant to her Uncle, though. It's possible that she learned a lot by being clever and paying attention while living on military bases." Sokka's suggestion would have made sense if not for the few other things that confused Zuko.

"I agree with you, but a few of the soldiers showed her respect like they would to a commanding officer. It wasn't exactly hidden, but it wasn't undeniable either. If she was just a glorified enslaved person for the Colonel, then she had to have done something for them to treat her like that. It wasn't all of them either, just a few. She mentioned that she could identify common poisons the other day too." Zuko's answer made Suki's eyes narrow at Izara and Kazan as they continued going through the choreographed sets.

Sokka, Suki and Zuko chatted for the next hour or two and watched everyone on the training grounds as they drank their tea and enjoyed their late afternoon meal. Zuko didn't seem to watch anyone but Izara, and Sokka and Suki both noticed this very quickly.

Kazan and Izara also worked through some self-defence techniques that Suki had taught in their last training session, and the Kyoshi Warrior smirked when she saw proof that she was right. Izara appeared slightly awkward and slow during the session, but when she worked with Kazan, everything was precise and masterful. She even found an exciting extension on one of the techniques and threw Kazan onto his back, putting him in an uncomfortable position with his arm locked up. If he tried to struggle, a bone would break, or his shoulder would dislocate, but they laughed as if it was nothing, and Izara released him and helped him up.

They worked through a few more techniques, and Sokka and Suki distracted Zuko from his gaze by waving in front of his face.

"Hey, man. You awake in there or too busy drooling?" Sokka said with a chuckle as Zuko's eyes focused on him.

"Drooling?" He repeated, not sure what Sokka meant.

"Drooling over Izara, of course. You've been staring at her for hours. You're lucky that looks can't kill." Suki answered with a soft girly laugh at the end.

"Or burn a hole through someone." Sokka's nonchalant shrug made Suki laugh more, and he nudged her with his elbow as he began laughing too.

"I'm just watching her training. She's...intriguing." Zuko struggled to find the right word but still felt it wasn't right.

"Yeah...right." Sokka's sarcastic, knowing tone made him roll his eyes, but part of him knew that he might be right. He did find Izara attractive, though. Maybe the mystery of her previous experience and subtly hidden talents drew him to her. Indeed that was it.

"Anyways, we're heading in for the night. I have my classes all day tomorrow, so I'll be up early." Suki linked her arm through Sokka's, who saluted lazily, and Zuko thanked them for their company and gave them a wave as they headed inside.

The kitchen staff appeared from nowhere and began cleaning up the table. Zuko helped as best he could, stacking plates and bowls as he conversed politely with the staff, asking them how things were if they had long left of their shift and about their families. He hoped that the extra mile he went helped people see how much he wanted to see his people, every last one of them, be happy and prosperous. His message seemed to be received well, judging by the smiles and pleasant chats he had with his staff.

By the time he had looked back, Izara and Kazan were gone, presumably back inside as Izara would start her shift after the afternoon shift finished in about two hours. Guozhi had updated him on her progress, as he did with all the new Palace Guards in his reports, and mentioned that everyone had been impressed with her so far. According to him, her skills were well suited to her working as a guard, but he had also felt that she was trying to omit some things about herself and what she was capable of. It might be a bit strange, but he supposed it was worth looking into, although he didn't get any bad feelings from her. He didn't suspect her of being a spy or anything, but maybe he could ask around to see if anyone knew anything about it. The best place to start would be Kazan. From how they were interacting, they had known each other for a while, and he knew that Kazan was usually posted near his office in the palace on the day shift. Taking a mental note for later, he headed inside and towards his chambers to clean up and prepare for bed. He would see how things went tomorrow and if he had a chance to chat to Kazan about Izara, then he would just have to see what happened from there...

Izara had a pleasant afternoon catching up with Kazan as he helped her by teaching her some of the sets and self-defence techniques that were introduced in Suki's sessions. She was trying incredibly hard to feel like she wasn't entirely out of her depth but simultaneously not drawing too much attention to herself. She was somewhat worried about standing out, as she didn't want to feel like everyone's eyes were on her. If too many people looked too closely, she thought she would be busted. She felt like she was lying and hiding the truth from people she was becoming friends with, but thankfully Kazan made her feel at ease. Kazan was almost the entire reason she had dredged up that part of herself from ancient history and a sense of righting her past wrongs.

In the role that she now held, she had come to realise, especially over the last couple of weeks, that she was in one of the best positions she could be in to help make a difference. To restore the balance and make up for the pain and heartache she had undoubtedly caused in the past. At least being in the Capital and directly serving under the Fire Lord would give her a chance to be helpful, even if it was just by sharing a cup of tea with him and helping him relax.

She took her time as she brushed her hair, now that she had finished cleaning up, to ensure she was tidy and presentable for her guard shift. Her hair was a bit difficult to manage at the best of times, but she had noticed that the new products she'd been recommended had made a world of difference. It was so much softer and less knotty, and she had begun to enjoy feeling like an actual woman, not just a hairless rabaroo. Since she also had time for herself, instead of looking after her Uncle and whoever he was trying to schmooze at the time, she was feeling much better mentally, and her outlook had improved. Life didn't feel so meaningless anymore, and she wasn't dragging herself out of bed every time she woke up.

Clearly, the change in scenery had been good for her, as the Fire Lord had said, and she would tell him that he was right the next time she saw him for a training session. He probably already knew she wasn't as miserable; she would have left if she was, so it couldn't have been too bad. She usually enjoyed being correct, as most people do, but she hoped to be proven wrong this time. So far, she had been incorrect, and it seemed it would stay that way now that she was feeling more settled in. She was making friends and reconnecting with old ones, making a living for herself, and being independent. She didn't need to rely on anyone to survive, like her Uncle Uzan, or resort to stealing to ensure that she could eat once every day or two. Unfortunately, hunger was a good motivator, even for things that threatened her morals.

Once her hair was brushed and in a tidy braid, she straightened her uniform and checked her appearance in the mirror before leaving the room she shared with Mika, Kaina and Ming. She didn't see Mika and Kaina much since they worked day shifts, but they had shared a few meals when their days off had matched up. Ming was still on the afternoon shift, so she wouldn't get to see her as much while she was temporarily filling in on the day shift. When she returned to afternoons, they would be able to hang out more.

Heading down to the kitchens and cafeteria, she got herself something to eat, but Ling wasn't there for her to say hi to. Maybe she had already left since it was a bit later than she usually ate dinner. Daiku would be in the office for her to report to tonight, and they had met a couple of times, but she didn't know anyone else on the night shift well enough yet. Most of the others she met were on the day or afternoon shifts, but she supposed that permanently being on a different body clock would mean they wouldn't cross paths too often. Usually, those on the night shift would be set up in shared rooms, so they didn't get disturbed through the day as they rested by those on opposing hours.

After eating, she went to the Captain's office, and two others were also reported for night duty there. Shenzin was on the right and smiled when he saw her. He was ten years older than her, and they had met, but only in passing.

"Izara, right? I'm Shenzin, if you remember. I think we've met before." His voice was a bit deeper than she expected, but he had a kind smile that put her at ease.

"Yes, I believe we have, but only briefly." Izara nodded and bowed to him in respect.

"I wanted to do at least one or two shifts with you before leaving you to fill in for me for a while. Sorry that it's at such short notice. My original plan didn't work out." Shenzin approached the desk where Daiku was, and she fell into step next to him since she must be shadowing him tonight.

"Thanks for doing this, Shenzin. I really appreciate it." Daiku spoke to him and gave Izara a smile. "Good to see you, newbie. Settling in, okay?" Izara nodded in answer.

"No worries. Shame that Juzo got injured and couldn't fill in. He's off for about four weeks, isn't he?" Shenzin signed himself in, and Izara did the same after finishing.

"Yeah, we'll see how he's feeling in four weeks. Don't want him to make anything worse." Daiku turned to Izara and continued, "Juzo was going to fill in for Shenzin but injured himself at home. Broke his ankle when he was working in his garden. We like to ensure that both the men and women get some time off for maternity or paternity leave, especially when their kid is as cute as yours."

"I couldn't agree more, but I am biassed, I guess." Shenzin raised his hands in a gesture of admittance and smiled.

"I'll see you back in a few hours then." Daiku waved them off, returning to his paperwork now that they had both signed in for the night.

Izara bowed and followed Shenzin as they went to his post in the garden just outside the palace door. It was good of him to help her out by running through things with her on her first shift filling in for him, and it was her first night shift. They went through the various parts of what would be her patrol duty for the next two months, and there was a little more involved in the upkeep on the night shift. They periodically checked doors and windows were locked and closed and made notes of any changes, as well as people entering and exiting, staff, civilians and other guests in the palace. Another part of their job that differed from the day and afternoon shifts was that their breaks worked differently. About two-thirds of the guards were on, covering more extensive ground on their patrol routes, but they made sure that the number of staff was always the same by having some staff eat at their post, and some would be able to have a break in the cafeteria. This changed each night, so tonight, she would be in the cafeteria, and tomorrow she would eat at her post.

She did her best to take in all the information that Shenzin gave her, and she also learned a little bit about him in the process. He had been working as a guard in the Capital for 12 years, and the last 6 were in the palace. His wife, Iyumo, owned a small shop in the Capital, which her sister was running until she had recovered after having their first baby. Their little girl, Lei-Yi, had arrived two weeks earlier than expected, and along with Juzo's injury, the plan for his leave had gone awry.

When they did their last door and window check of the shift, the sun barely rose when the next guards took over for them, and they reported to Daiku. After they had signed out, Daiku thanked them and sent them off home. Shenzin parted with Izara just outside the Captain's office.

"Thanks again for filling in at such short notice. I'll be here tomorrow night if you'd like another run-through." Shenzin was partly stating but also asking her if she felt she needed a little more help. Not wanting to leave her high and dry, but not wanting to belittle her.

"I think it'll be fine. The other guys and Daiku can help me if I need it, but it seems pretty straightforward. Spend time with your family." Izara smiled, and Shenzin smiled after a moment, seeming to feel better about leaving her alone.

"If you change your mind, tell one of the Captains, and they'll let me know. I'm happy to help out." After she nodded, he gave her another smile and bid her goodnight and goodbye. She bowed and watched him walk towards the palace entrance, heading back to his own home in the Capital.

Izara returned to the barracks and picked up her bedclothes as quietly as possible before heading toward the baths. Kaina, Mika and Ming were still asleep, but Kaina and Mika would be up soon for their shift. She took her toiletries out from her chest at the foot of her bed and kept it open to not to risk disturbing her sleeping friends. When she arrived at the baths, a couple of other girls were there, and they chatted with her quietly before leaving after a few minutes since she got there when they had finished.

After cleaning up, Izara returned to her shared room and greeted both Kaina and Mika, quietly getting ready for their day. They left to go and get breakfast before starting their shift about 5 minutes after Izara had gotten into bed and waved goodbye to them. She read her book for around 30 minutes before deciding it was high time to get some rest. She would have liked to stay awake long enough to say hi to Ming, but it was her day off today, so she would probably get some extra sleep today and not be up for another hour or two. A well-deserved rest.

Placing her book on her bedside table, she had a few mouthfuls of water before tucking herself under the covers and closing her eyes, drifting off to sleep after around ten minutes...