The assassins had been expected, the fact that they had managed to sneak into the palace's private gardens had not been expected. Zuko stood back to back with Katara as the two assessed the situation. Only two men faced them, but it was apparent from the way that they casually swung their weapons that they were not to be taken lightly. The two benders mentally ran through their options, with Katara opting to go for the water from the pond while Zuko, worried about damaging the newly planted flowers in the garden, decided against using his bending.
Instead, he reached behind him and grabbed the hilt of his broadswords and brought them forward, ready to fight and win . . .
"QUACK!"
Zuko, Katara and the assassins froze and stared at the little turtle-duck that dangled from the prince's hand. The assassins burst into laughter while Zuko's eyes bugged out in horror (he had forgotten that he had altered his scabbard into a carrying device for Kaiya), and the bolder of the two stepped forward and poked his finger into Kaiya's face. No one noticed the small vein that popped out on the distressed turtle-duck's head.
"What is this?" the assassin chortled, tears leaking from his eyes. "A new Fire Nation YEOWTCH!"
Kaiya had taken extreme offence to the finger that was poking in her face, and had let out a small hiss right before she bit down on the extended appendage. Zuko and Katara took advantage of the confusion and knocked both assassins out before Katara encased them in ice for easier transportation to the dungeons.
Zuko bent down and retrieved Kaiya from where she had landed, and gently placed her back on her little platform. No words were exchanged as they hunted for the nearest guards to take care of their would be trouble makers, but Zuko's wide, proud grin said it all.