A/N: Thank you everyone for being so patient with me. And to everyone who reviewed, a big thank you! This one was supposed to be shorter, but since so many liked the length of the last chapter, I made this a little longer. Again, please R&R!
Chapter 13
"No, I forbid it!" Lao said firmly, standing as the boy's jaw dropped.
"You can't forbid anything anymore," Toph said, turning and nearly shouting at her father. "I am not going to marry that pathetic excuse of an earthbender just because you want more business," she said pointing at the boy. "And I am here to tell you that I'm going my own way, down my path, not yours."
"Well, I never…" the boy started.
"Be quiet, Tawn," Lao said sternly as he sat down again.
The boy shut his mouth and bowed his head humbly. Lao sent a sharp glare at Zuko before turning it to Katara and Aang. Toph and her dad were breathing hard, and their faces were getting darker from their anger.
"I don't want them in this house again, and you are to remain here, and be a loyal, grateful daughter."
"I'm not the fragile, poor blind girl anymore. I am here to tell you that I have chosen my path, and that path lies with Aang and my friends," Toph said after taking a deep breath. "If you want to speak reasonably with me and not make demands, then I'll be at Master Shawn's house."
Toph turned to go as Lao's face turned scarlet.
"Don't turn your back on me, young lady. I said you will not leave!"
Toph turned back to her father and sent a glance at him. Katara saw tears start to fall down Toph's cheeks as she kept her gaze on her father.
"Tell Mom I said hi," she said.
Toph turned and started walking out, paced by Zuko who gave a smug look to the boy as they passed. Katara and Aang turned and followed them out, leaving a seething Lao Bei Fong behind along with an open-mouthed boy staring after them.
Shen moved quickly out of her way in the hallway as Toph stomped out. She slammed her foot onto the ground as they reached the front door, sending it flying open. As soon as they were on the streets, Toph started earthbending, moving faster than anyone else, and sending the streets into chaos.
Katara and Aang caught up with Zuko as he stared after her, almost dumbstruck.
"She'll be ok, why don't you go on ahead," Katara said to Zuko.
He looked at her, then Aang and nodded as they gave him encouraging smiles. He started jogging to Master Shawn's house as Aang and Katara walked sedately behind.
"You really think she'll be ok?" Aang asked once Zuko was out of sight.
"Yeah, she just needs some time. And from what I've heard from her, Zuko's the best thing for her right now. They just…understand each other."
Katara almost stopped as she glanced at Aang who was walking right next to her. She understood him and he understood her, probably better than anyone else, including her own brother.
"You ok?" Aang asked, looking at her with a question on his face after he noticed her staring at him.
Katara blushed and smiled at him. "Yeah, I was just thinking about them, and then about us. You really understand me sometimes, and I, well, I like it. Thank you."
Aang smiled at her and took her hand in his as they walked through the streets. The merchants were just starting to get their areas back under control from Toph's rapid departure and were starting to hawk their wares.
Katara looked at a few things, pulling Aang away from a few merchants who looked somewhat suspicious as they walked. She had just pulled Aang away from a man who was trying to sell him a scroll with earthbending secrets when she saw a flash of green, followed by raven black hair.
"What was that?" she asked as she spun around, trying to find it again.
She didn't see what she had thought she had seen as she and Aang continued on. They were almost to Master Shawn's house when she caught some bright green eyes framed by black hair staring at her. She spun, trying to see the person again, but saw nothing.
"You ok?" Aang asked her again, looking worried.
"I thought I saw a girl with black hair and bright green eyes staring at me," she said.
Aang looked around and squeezed her hand with his.
"This is Gaoling. Lot's of people have black hair and green eyes," he said.
Katara glanced around and saw many people with dark hair and green eyes looking at them strangely before turning back to Aang.
"But it looked like that assassin," she whispered.
Aang looked at her again, starting to look worried. "C'mon, let's get inside."
Katara nodded as they hurried to the masters' house, glancing around occasionally. She was thankful that she didn't catch the bright green eyes looking at her again as they entered the house. Aang shut the door behind them, Katara thankful that they were closed off once again from what could have been the assassin.
Katara was about to breathe a sigh of relief when she caught sigh of Zuko sitting against the door of the girls' bedroom. He looked up at her and sighed before looking back at his feet. Katara went to him, almost automatically for the heartbroken look he gave her.
"You ok?" she whispered as she kneeled down next Zuko.
"She won't talk to me," he sighed.
Katara placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled at him when he looked up at her. She stood up and took a deep breath before reaching to open the door.
"Are you sure you want to do that?" Aang asked as he walked up to them.
Katara turned and smiled at Aang. "Yes," she said as she opened the door and walked in, closing the door quickly behind her.
She saw Toph pacing before the window. Toph sighed as she turned her back to Katara and stopped.
"What do you want?" Toph asked, anger in her voice.
"Why are you angry at Zuko?"
Toph turned and looked at her strangely and Katara saw tear streaks running down Toph's face. The earthbender wiped her eye absently with her hand before she turned back to the window.
"He's hurt, hurt that you won't talk to him," Katara said softly after a minute of silence.
"He is?" Toph asked quietly, her back still to Katara.
Katara heard the tears that threatened in Toph's voice.
"Yes, he is," Katara replied, walking closer to Toph. "Are you ok?"
"Fine," Toph said shortly, anger coloring her voice again.
The earthbender was silent for a while before she spoke up again. "I'm sure it's never happened to you, but …have you ever been angry with your dad? Because he wanted something for you that you didn't?"
Katara sighed and sat down on one of the beds as Toph kept her back to her.
"Yes, when he left, after my mom died, and then again when we met up again after Ba Sing Sae."
"What did you do?" Toph asked, turning her body slightly towards Katara.
"I dealt with it and took care of my family and our people at home. And after Ba Sing Sae…I was so angry, but didn't understand why, until Aang left."
Katara turned thoughtful as she remembered how her dad had questioned her after Aang had woken up, and then their short talk.
"What happened?" Toph asked, turning to Katara.
Katara looked up at the earthbender and saw Toph was interested and her tears had stopped.
"I was angry that he had left me alone for years after Mom had died, when I really needed him. He said he was sorry, but knew I could handle it cause I was so strong. And that Aang needed my strength to get through this. Your dad is just scared, scared of you growing up, and he's always seen you as poor, blind Toph."
Toph snorted and turned back to the window, but Katara knew she had seen a hint of a smile on the earthbenders' face before she had turned away again.
"You showed him today who you really are, just like you did when we first met. He'll have to get used to it someday, and maybe someday, he'll finally accept it. But someone needs you more right now and you need him. Talk to him."
Katara got up and headed to the door. She was about to open it when Toph spoke up again.
"Thanks, sweetness."
Katara looked back over her shoulder and saw Toph grinning at her over her own before the earthbender turned back to the window. Katara opened the door and found Zuko and Aang jumping away from the door, trying to look innocent. She knew they were listening in as she smirked at them and held the door open for Zuko.
"Try again, though I won't be responsible for any injuries. And don't expect a healing anytime soon," she told Zuko as he started smiling.
He gave her an odd look as he passed her, but continued to smile as he walked into the room. Katara shut the door behind her and found Sokka, Suki, and The Duke watching her from further down the hall.
"What happened?" Sokka asked quietly as she walked up to them.
"Toph faced her dad, and told her how she felt. She got really angry and just needed some time, and maybe some advice. Now, leave them alone. Suki, is Master Shawn ready?"
Sokka's jaw dropped since she wasn't going to give any more info out, and that she had changed the subject so quickly. Suki nodded and gestured for Katara to lead the way before giving the boys a stern look.
"Leave Toph alone," Suki told them. "I don't want this house wrecked just because you guys had to pry."
Sokka, Aang and The Duke all nodded humbly as Katara and Suki made their way to the treatment room. The girls found Shawn massaging Liz's leg.
"There, that should feel better. You're doing great Liz, another week, and you should be on your feet again. Oh, hello ladies. I'll be right with you," Shawn said.
Katara waited as Suki helped Liz onto her feet and out of the room as Shawn washed his hands before turning to Katara.
"Please, sit, and I'll examine your shoulder to see what we should do next."
Katara nodded, and sat on the table as Shawn moved behind her and started poking her left shoulder. He gently touched the area again, and Katara braced herself for a wave of pain, but only an ache occurred.
"Better?" he asked.
"Yes, much better, only an ache today," she replied, smiling slightly.
"Good, you're healing much faster than I expected. Please lie down and I'll do some more acupuncture."
Katara nodded and followed the master's direction as he applied the needles to her back again.
"I heard a ruckus and found the young prince trying to get into your room earlier. Apparently Miss Bei Fong confronted her father and things did not go well."
"No," Katara replied as she lay there. "Her dad doesn't understand her, and wanted her to come home and stay, marrying to merge businesses."
"Ah, I though as much. Poor child, I know she and Prince Zuko have feelings for each other, as do you and the Avatar. How was your visit into town besides that?"
"Good, but I think I may have seen the assassin."
Shawn stopped working for a few seconds.
"What does this assassin look like?" he asked, almost hesitantly.
"She looks about my age, but Zuko said she was older than she looked. My height, thin, with bright green eyes and black hair."
She felt Shawn stop altogether and turned her head to look at him. He looked shocked to the core, and his face was pale.
"Master Shawn? Are you alright?" she asked, lifting her head as she grew worried.
He shook his head and it looked like he came back to himself as he looked at Katara. She noticed for the first time that his eyes were dark green, and not just dark or black.
"Fine, let me finish and then you can relax for a bit."
Katara laid her head back down as Shawn finished. She thought about his reaction, but couldn't puzzle it out as she lay there before he came back and removed the needles. Once he was finished, he directed her to sit up as Suki brought in a bowl of water.
"I want you to try and waterbend," he said as he stepped back to watch.
Katara eyed the water and reached out with her senses. She felt the water, same as before, but she thought that this was a little different. She moved her hands, trying to raise the water and bring it to her. The water stirred once, but remained in the bowl. Katara tried again and the water rose an inch before falling back.
"Good, you should be back to normal in a few days," Shawn said as he gestured for Suki to take the bowl away.
Katara watched Suki leave as she picked up her shirt, her thoughts still on Shawn's reaction to her description of the assassin.
"Master Shawn? Do you know the assassin?"
Shawn had his back to her and she saw him bodily sigh as he picked up something from a desk at the far end of the room. He came back to her, smiling sadly as he handed the object to her. Katara took it and found that it was a painting of a family.
A man looking like Shawn with black hair, and probably twenty years younger sat looking extremely happy. A young girl of about four with shining eyes and black hair sat on his lap, looking up at him, almost adoringly. Behind the man stood a woman smiling down at the man and Katara gasped as she saw a woman who almost fit the look of the assassin perfectly, except with dark eyes.
"Who…?" Katara started as she looked up at him.
He took the painting and moved to place it back where he had picked it up from.
"They were my family. I'm sure the young lady you met was Jade, my daughter."
"Your daughter?" Katara asked. "But the Green Dragon is an exact twin to the older lady in the painting."
Shawn sighed sadly as he faced his desk, his back to Katara. "That was my wife, Jasmine. She passed away a year after the painting was made, trying to bring our son into the world. Her father had never liked me, and when I wanted to leave for the colonies with Jade, he forbid it."
Katara thought that this sounded a lot like Toph and her dad, but waited patiently for Shawn to continue.
"He asked Fire Lord Azulon to bestow custody of his granddaughter to him. He did, and I was forbidden contact with my daughter. Now, the old man has made her into an assassin."
Shawn slammed his fist onto his desk, startling Katara, but she waited again. The master finally turned to her with a sad look on his face.
"The current Fire Lord will do all he can to stop the Avatar from doing what needs to be done, and if that includes sacrificing a few loyal citizens, he won't lose any sleep over it. Stay inside, Lady Katara. You and all your friends."
Katara nodded as she stood up. "Will you be ok?"
He smiled kindly at her. "Don't worry about an old man like me, young lady. I'll be fine. And your next treatment will be after dinner."
Katara took the cue and left the room, hurrying to her own to get fully dressed. She found it gratefully empty and dressed quickly before heading out in search of the others. She found Aang and Sokka first, brushing Appa.
"Aang, Sokka, I need to tell you something," she said as she reached them.
"In a minute," Sokka said, brushing Appa's head with his back to her.
"Why, what's wrong?" Aang asked after he had peeked his head over Appa and saw her worried look.
"We need to find Toph, Zuko, and Suki first. Everyone needs to hear."
"They're in the kitchen," Sokka said, putting his brush down. "We got kicked out, but if it's important, let's go."
Sokka was grinning at the thought of food as they hurried to the kitchen. Toph and Zuko were in the corner, speaking quietly and Suki was cooking something with the help of Liz. They all looked up as the three entered.
"What's wrong?" Zuko asked, seeing Katara's worried look.
"I just found out some information about the assassin," she said and immediately had everyone's' undivided attention. "She's Shawn's daughter, raised by his father in law. He wants us all to stay inside, away from her."
Everyone stared at her in shock before speaking at once.
"Shawn's daughter?" "I didn't know he had a daughter." "We all have to stay inside?" "Why should we worry about her?"
The last came from Sokka and Katara sent a sharp glance at him.
"What?" he asked her.
"I think I saw her. In fact, I'm almost sure it was her while we were walking back here today."
Everyone except Aang looked at her in shock again.
"Well, let's get her," Toph said, standing and marching to the door.
Katara was surprised at the venom in the small earthbender's voice before she remembered that the assassin had nearly killed Zuko.
"Wait," Zuko said as he reached out to take Toph's hand before she got too far.
Toph turned back to him slowly as he held onto her hand.
"We don't even know where she is, or where to start. Let's create a plan, and keep a sharp eye out. Then she'll be all yours."
Toph smiled wryly at him before sighing and letting him pull her back to her seat. Zuko then turned his gaze to Sokka.
"I've heard you're the idea guy, so any ideas?"
Sokka looked taken aback, but quickly left, returning with some papers and ink.
"We can keep a lookout, and Toph, can you tell who she is? I mean, can you tell when she's close?"
Toph looked thoughtful before turning her misty gaze to Sokka.
"Only within about fifty feet, but I haven't felt her. If she's as good as you all think she is, she might be able to change her footsteps so that I can't tell when it's her when she's far off. But if she gets close enough, I'll be able to tell. She can't hide who she is."
"Ok, that's a good early warning system," Sokka said, scratching his head. "Any ideas on how we can get her?"
Everyone had vacant or thoughtful expressions, but no one came up with anything. Finally Katara spoke up.
"Why don't you think about it, Sokka, and Suki and I can get dinner going. And you can stay out of the kitchen until its ready."
Katara shooed Sokka out and Aang followed, smiling at Katara. Toph and Zuko stayed in their corner, smirking at the warrior before Katara turned to them.
"I know you two won't be much trouble, but if you are, I'll kick you out too," she told them.
Zuko and Toph gave her a small smile and a nod before turning back to talking quietly.
Suki mouthed a thank you to Katara as she went to help with dinner. They avoided the subject of the assassin, instead talking about girl stuff, and the guys with Toph and Zuko oblivious to them. Dinner was ready quickly, grilled fish and rice with salad and fruit for Aang.
Zuko offered to help Liz out, but she refused politely. He looked almost dejected as Suki helped her friend out, so Katara held out a tray to Zuko.
"It takes time, but you can take this out," she told him. "And make sure Sokka doesn't start eating."
"Thanks," he said, almost hesitantly, but smiled gratefully at her as he took the tray of fish out to the table.
"He's still trying to fit in, isn't he?" Katara asked Toph once Zuko was outside of the room.
"Yeah, but it means a lot to him that you're not hostile anymore," the earthbender replied, smiling.
"Thanks, but he's done enough, even sacrificing himself for Aang that I can't hold a grudge. Especially all that he's done for you."
Toph smiled and blushed as she ducked her head, nodding.
"Thanks, for earlier," Toph said as Aang peeked his head in. "Hey Twinkletoes, we're just about done here."
She turned back to Katara as Aang left. "And I wasn't mad at Zuko, I just needed some time alone. To vent."
"I know," Katara replied, smiling at Toph.
Toph grabbed the bowl of rice and headed out to the table and Katara heard Sokka start complaining as she picked up the salad and fruit and followed Toph. Katara was the last to arrive and waited as the others sat down before placing her bowls next to Aang and sitting.
Everyone ate quietly, though they all sent glances at Master Shawn. He finally sighed and looked up at Katara.
"You told them?" he asked.
Katara nodded and was surprised at his sad smile.
"Good, then you all know of the danger. It would be best if you stayed inside unless I accompany you."
"Why would it be ok if you accompany us?" Toph asked.
Shawn smiled gently at her. "I have a good reputation in this town, and many people know me and greet me. The assassin will not attack you if you are in a large group. Also, I am not as defenseless as I may seem. I know everything she does; it's just a little rusty."
Toph nodded and returned to her meal. Dinner went smoothly and finished quickly, the boys on dish duty after they had finished. Katara followed Suki and Shawn to the treatment room for more acupuncture and another massage. Shawn had her try her waterbending again and she did better, but was not able to freely move the water.
"It stills feels sluggish," she told Suki as they walked back to their room.
"But you're doing better," Suki said. "In no time at all, you'll be back to normal."
"Thanks," Katara said as they found everyone in their room, save for Master Shawn.
"What's going on?" Suki asked.
Aang looked up from a few sticks sheepishly. "We're playing a game, wanna join?"
Suki and Katara looked at each other and smiled before joining. They played on into the night, laughing as they changed games, talked and joked, forgetting their worries for the time being. Katara noticed that they had automatically separated into couples, with The Duke and Liz making fun of everyone for being so involved.
Suki started shooing the boys out as they started yawning, and stepped out after them. Toph and Katara got up and waited by the door as Liz gave them an odd look before getting ready for bed.
"Now?" Katara asked Toph, grinning.
Toph held up a finger, signaling to wait, then grinned at Katara. "Now."
They opened the door and walked out together, talking loudly and found Sokka kissing Suki passionately, his arms wrapped around her.
"Ahem," Katara said as she stood with her hands on her hips as they came up to them.
Suki tried to pull away, but Sokka held on, pointedly ignoring them. Katara saw Toph smirk as she stomped her foot down, sending a ripple through the floor and knocking Sokka onto his but.
"Hey! I was busy! You could have waited!" he said, glaring at them.
"Yeah, right. Just so you know, we're almost even," Toph said as she marched past him to the bathroom.
Sokka stared after the earthbender, before turning to Katara who was looking down at him smugly.
"Did you two plan this?" he asked her as Suki started laughing.
"What would make you think that?" Katara asked before turning to Suki. "Sorry Suki, but we do owe him."
Katara turned around and walked back into her room, closing the door behind her. She was relaxing on her bed when she heard a thud and a muffled curse from outside her room before Toph walked in, looking happy.
"Another and I'll be really happy," Toph said as she lay down on her own bed.
Liz and Katara giggled, but stopped abruptly as Suki came in. Katara saw the glare Suki was giving Toph and excused herself to go to the bathroom before any words came out. She was just about there when she saw Master Shawn slip quietly out the front door.
Curious, she went to follow him, but stopped, feeling hesitant. But remembering Hama, she crept to the door, noticing it was not closed completely. She saw Shawn standing in the street, looking up at the roof of the building across the street from his house.
Katara followed his gaze and saw a shadow move in the moonlight. As she concentrated on it, she found it was the assassin in a black suit much similar to what Zuko had worn when they had gone into the war balloon as their spirit personas. The girl did not wear a mask, but a black hood kept most of her hair hidden, save for a few black strands that escaped and blew in the gentle breeze.
"I want you to leave them alone, Jade," Shawn said.
Katara was surprised at how low it was, and yet so emotional, with many emotions in it. She knew she heard sorrow, joy, and protectiveness in it.
"I can't," Jade replied, and her tone was full of sorrow.
"You don't have to live this life. You're old enough to choose your own path. You can stay here," Shawn said, his tone starting to plead at the end.
Jade remained silent, but Katara saw her head duck. The assassin's voice surprised Katara when she spoke again.
"I have to. I can't tell you why, but I can't," Jade said finally, remorse and resignation in her voice.
"You can buy time, but not act," Shawn said. "The Avatar can help you."
"I'm sorry, but no. I can't promise that I won't come here, but I won't bother you. Don't expect anything else," Jade said.
"Jade, wait…" Shawn started, but Jade had disappeared.
Shawn shook his head sadly before turning back to the door. Katara crept to the bathroom, as quietly and quickly as she could, but Shawn called out to her before she made it.
"Katara, I know you heard," he said as he shut the front door.
Katara stopped and turned around slowly, feeling ashamed. She looked up into his face and found him smiling at her.
"It's ok," he said. "But if you face her again, please, don't do anything drastic. She's still my daughter."
Katara nodded as he walked up to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. She thought he looked so sad, standing there, but he gave her a reassuring smile and squeezed her shoulder lightly before heading off to his own room.
Katara felt odd, but hurried to the bathroom, and then to bed. She wanted to tell the other girls, but they were all asleep. She thought over what she had heard as she started drifting off to sleep. She had thought of the Green Dragon as a deadly assassin, no scruples.
But now, that same assassin was not only Master Shawn's daughter, but she was sure something else was holding the assassin to her work. Katara turned over, mulling over everything in her head, but fell asleep before she came to any conclusions.