Expansion
Chapter 11: We need to get to Work
Tomiko lay curled up on his bed, wooden practice sword beside him and a miserable look on his face. As soon as school ended for the day, he walked home dragging his feet, quietly entered the house and crept up the stairs. He refused to speak to his parents, Hoshi and Akira. His mother cried and pleaded with him and his father sternly ordered him to speak, but Tomiko was unmoved. They had betrayed him utterly and he would never forgive them.
"I hate them," he growled into his pillow and more hot tears spilled down his pale cheeks.
He picked up his school satchel and threw it across the room. A loud clatter followed and the inkwell that was sitting on the desk ended up overturned on the deep red carpet. A pool of darkest black spread slowly across the thick scarlet rug, and sank deep into its fibers. Tom didn't bother to pick it up. He heard the sound of angry footsteps and covered his head with the pillow.
Akira burst through the door. Her sharp gold eyes immediately took in the mess. They narrowed and then turned to her son who kept his head under the pillow's comforting weight.
"That carpet is very expensive. It comes from an exclusive shop. Look what you've done to it," she hissed coldly.
"You care more about the stupid carpet than you care about me. I hate you!"
The middle aged woman marched over to the bed, yanked the pillow off Tomiko's head and pulled him up roughly.
"Sulk all you want. It won't change a thing. And, don't you ever speak that way to me again. I am your mother and you will respect me."
Tomiko twisted his head away, refusing to meet his mother's eyes. The sound of a timid knock on the partially open door caught Akira's attention.
"What is it?" she demanded.
"An important letter was just delivered, ma'am. It came from the palace."
Tomiko's ears perked up and he did his best to stop sniffling. A letter from the palace; he hoped it contained good news of some kind.
"Well, give it to me," Akira said harshly to the young female servant. "And get something to clean this rug."
With trembling fingers, the girl handed over the letter and scurried away to look for appropriate cleaning supplies. Akira broke the seal. She read the letter with a frown.
"Well," she sneered, "it looks like you'll be attending a party at the palace this evening and spending the night as well."
"Wha, what?" the young boy asked, wiping tears off his plump cheeks.
"The Fire Lord and the Avatar have formally invited you to a special celebration of the Avatar's marriage to Katara of the Southern Water Tribe. You don't have much time. Get cleaned up and dressed in something besides that school uniform. Don't think anything will change," she warned. Under her breath she muttered, "Peasants," and then left the room.
An hour later, a palace guard accompanied Tomiko from his house to the palace. He hadn't felt this happy in days.
Mai opened the doors to her wardrobe and looked through the various tunics, dresses and pants, all in varying shades of red, burgundy, gold and black. Picking out four outfits, she handed them to a servant who waited patiently off to the side.
"Please take those to Katara."
"Yes, my Lady," the woman replied with a bow and slipped silently from the room.
Zuko emerged from the bathroom, freshly shaven and smelling faintly of some manly soap. His dark hair was uncombed and stuck up like boarcupine quills.
"I hope you're going to take care of that," Mai remarked, pointing a finger at his head.
The Fire Lord ran his hands through the thick hair and smiled.
"There," he replied.
"I meant with an actual comb," Mai said and rolled her eyes.
She wondered to herself how well Zuko would manage without her. Hopefully, he would never find out. Wandering over to the bed, Zuko looked at the clothing laid out for him.
"Okay, so this is what I'm wearing?"
"Yeah, it is unless you prefer something else."
"No, I trust your judgment."
"Put it on and then comb your hair," Mai ordered with a smirk.
"Yes, ma'am; and what are you wearing?"
Mai held up two dresses, one completely black aside from some intricate gold stitch work on the high collar and hemline and one a lovely shade of burnt red with black edging and a band of black silk that would sit just underneath her breasts.
"The red one….it's pretty. Put it on for me?" Zuko asked hopefully.
Mai slipped off her pants and tunic and pulled the dress on. She adjusted it over her expanding belly and tied the sash then waited expectantly for Zuko's comment.
He was tongue tied for a moment, taking in his wife's angular, elegant beauty.
"Um, you look so lovely, Mai."
"The red dress it is," she smirked, looking at her husband's love struck expression. "I'm going to keep it on and fix my hair now. It's too hard to pull on and off over this," she added, pointing to her abdomen.
Zuko just nodded and dressed in a rich red tunic and black pants. He ran a comb through his tangled hair and then pulled on his shoes.
"I'm ready. Do you want me to check on the kids?"
"Mmmhmmm," she agreed and sat down at her vanity, ready to apply makeup and put on some jewelry.
The Fire Lord moved over to Mai and bent down placing a kiss on her neck, not wanting to muss up her makeup and face her wrath.
"I'll go see how they're doing and bring them over here," he stated.
He left the room and went next door where Midori sat with the kids. They both ran up to Zuko looking for a hug which he gave eagerly. Miyako walked around the nursery proudly, showing off a brand new pinkish red dress that she wore over red silky pants. Her black hair was loose and a thick fringe just like Mai's covered her forehead.
"You look very pretty," Zuko said to the little girl. "Do you want Daddy to pin your hair back for you?"
"Yep," she replied happily and waited for her father to find a hairpin.
When he was ready, Miyako perched on Zuko's knee while he struggled to insert the pin neatly.
"There you go," he declared when he finally finished. "Now you're prettier than ever."
Giggling, she slid off his knee and went to show Midori. Ryuhito meanwhile sat on the sofa looking earnestly at a picture book filled with dragons and other fierce looking creatures.
"Ryu, come here for a moment," Zuko called to his son.
The boy put the book down reluctantly before walking over to his father and standing before him. He looked handsome in red and gold, wearing a short tunic over simple pants. Zuko adjusted his sash a bit and pushed some hair off his forehead.
"I all ready, Daddy?"
"You look great," Zuko replied. "Let's go see Mommy now you two. Dinner will be soon. We don't want to make Aang and Katara wait, do we? And Midori wants to get home."
Nodding at the Fire Lord, the nanny got up to leave, giving each child a brief hug. Zuko led the children next door to see Mai and silently wondered where Tom was.
Aang and Katara sat comfortably in their room, dressed and ready to go. The waterbending master wore a snug fitting maroon dress with flared sleeves and lots of black detailing. Her chestnut locks were wavy and loose, falling almost to her waist. Her recently pierced ears held simple gold studs and thick gold bands sat on each of her wrists. The Avatar wore his formal monk's robes and looked admiringly at his new wife.
"Is it almost time to go?" he asked excitedly. "I'm looking forward to having some fun."
A loud pounding on the door of their room made their head jerks.
"Hey, are you in there guys?" Toph shouted.
"You know we are" Katara replied. "Come on in."
The earthbender looked neater than usual. Her hair was clean and tidy, pulled back in a loose bun, and she wore a deep red dress over bare legs and no shoes.
"I've been to the kitchen and the food smells great," Toph declared. "You're going to love everything."
"It's not all meat, is it?" Aang asked with trepidation.
"Of course not, Twinkletoes; there are lots of those sissy vegetarian dishes."
"Being a vegetarian does not make Aang a sissy," Katara stated defensively, hands on her hips and her lower lip protruding in a pout. "It's part of his culture."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever, let's go."
Katara muttered something about not missing everything about Toph and moved toward the door holding on to Aang's hand.
"Remember, I can hear everything you're saying," Toph stated.
"That's what I was counting on," Katara replied smartly.
"Fun, not fighting," Aang reminded the young women.
"We're not fighting," Katara said and turned her big blue eyes to her new husband. "We're teasing each other."
"If you say so," Aang replied, returning Katara's gaze, his big grey eyes filled with love.
They all ran into each other close to the dining room. There were hugs and words of greeting and relief on Mai's and Zuko's parts when they saw Tomiko with Ursa and Hideo. Katara was anxious to meet Ursa's new friend but hung back not wanting to interfere.
"I was starting to worry," Zuko told his brother-in-law as he wrapped a strong arm around the boy's shoulders.
"Sorry," he replied apologetically. "I met Ursa outside."
"It's my fault," Ursa interjected. "Hideo and I saw Tomiko near the gates so we walked in with him and had a little talk."
"Good," Zuko continued. "How are you, Tom?"
The boy shrugged and Zuko immediately saw Mai in the young boy.
"I'm scared," he finally answered, eyes filling with tears.
He swiped at them angrily. The nine year old was tired of crying but unable to stop.
"Don't cry," Miyako stated when she saw her uncle's tears. Tomiko bent down to hug the little girl. She patted him on the back and dried his face off with the palms of her hands. "We having a party."
"I know," Tomiko replied.
He attempted a big smile but it came across as more of a grimace. Mai moved close to her brother and put a gentle hand on his arm.
"Come on," she suggested. "Let's go inside. Try to have a good time, okay."
"Okay," he agreed and moved with her into the large dining room.
The twins shrieked with delight and the others gasped at the spectacular sight the room made. Lanterns that shone with a lovely warm yellow light were strung up throughout the room and simple vases filled with yellow and orange flowers sat in the centre of the dining table itself and on various smaller tables throughout the massive room. The linens were a blood red colour and the dishes were white with a red and gold scroll design. The room was bathed in a friendly glow and the effect was magical.
"Oh, Mai and Zuko, the room looks amazing," Katara declared.
"Yeah," Aang agreed. "Thanks a lot guys."
"No problem," Mai replied. "Why don't you and Katara sit there at the head of the table?"
When everyone was seated, Katara gave Ursa a searching look. Realizing what she had overlooked, Zuko's mother introduced Hideo to Aang and Katara.
"I am honored to meet both of you," Hideo said with a respectful nod of his head. "I have something for you, a wedding gift of sorts," he added mysteriously.
"It wasn't necessary to get us a gift," Aang replied.
"Oh, when you see them you'll realize why I did," Hideo continued cryptically.
"Well, that's kind of you," Katara said with a soft smile. "And," she added brightly, "I can see how happy Ursa is, so I like you already."
"Thank you," Hideo beamed. "I am lucky to have found such a wonderful woman."
"I know exactly what you mean," Aang grinned and gave his wife's hand a squeeze under the table.
Servants brought in the first course, a vegetarian broth and that was quickly followed by rice, various vegetable and nut dishes along with some meat dishes for the majority of the group. Light wine was also served along with a delicious fruit drink for those unable or not wanting to drink alcohol. Everyone ate and drank heartily and the talk was fast and furious.
Mai was pleased just to enjoy a dinner party for once; there was no need to stay sharp or keenly watch body language tonight or interpret slippery words. This party was about family and friends and celebration, nothing else. It was a blessed relief and a joy. The unborn child she carried kicked vigorously as if wanting to be a part of the action surrounding her. Mai smiled secretly behind her hand and looked around the table at everyone. Though she still kept her emotional displays small and subdued, that didn't mean she felt those emotions any less keenly than those who could express themselves more freely.
Her eyes fell on Miyako and Ryuhito. They talked to each other, sharing a special world known to young children and made especially sweet by their connection as siblings and twins. Her daughter ate with a vengeance while her son picked at his food more delicately, making the meal last. Laughing quietly to herself she looked at Zuko who sat beside her. He was chatting with Aang and had a relaxed soft expression on his face, something that was once a rarity for him. Mai had loved the boy and adored the man. She was proud of his accomplishments as Fire Lord and more proud of the wonderful father and husband he made. Silently she thanked whatever had brought and kept them together despite all their difficulties.
The Fire Lady's heart ached for her brother. He sat near the twins and smiled but Mai was keenly aware of the sadness in his eyes. Pure white rage surged through her. She wanted to keep Tomiko here in the palace forever. She wanted to make sure that her parents never saw him again. They didn't deserve the boy.
Taking a deep breath she turned her head and looked at the beaming newlyweds. They were enjoying themselves and Mai was glad to be a part of that. She cared for Aang and Katara very much, though she didn't feel the same closeness to them that she felt with Toph. The earthbender was like a younger sister, an annoying, funny, talented and smart one who understood things about Mai that some others just did not get. Mai was thrilled that Toph would be around the palace for a long time.
Ursa was another joy, the mother she needed and wanted; someone who supported her lovingly but never crushed or smothered. Her reappearance a few years earlier was one of the best things that could have happened to Mai and Zuko. And now, the woman was finally reaping some of her own happiness with Hideo, a sweet, kind man, seemingly incapable of malice.
"What are you thinking about?" Zuko asked as he leaned in close to her. "You looked so far away."
"Nothing much," she answered evasively. "Could you pass the beef and vegetables please? I'm still hungry."
Zuko handed the serving dish to her and she helped herself to more. She took a generous sip of her juice and then turned to Katara.
"Tell me more about Ty Lee and Gen."
"They're inseparable," the waterbender answered.
"And they're very affectionate with each other," Aang added with a faint blush.
"And she's happy?" Mai probed. "She was a little lonely for a while."
"Trust me, she's happy," Katara stated. "And Gen is a good man. He treats her like a princess."
"Me a princess," Miyako declared loudly.
"Indeed you are," Zuko agreed, giving his daughter a wink.
She grinned back at her father and went back to eating.
"I'm really glad for her, aren't you, Zuko?" Mai stated.
The Fire Lord nodded and offered more wine to his guests before pouring himself a second glass.
"So, Tomiko," Aang began, "Zuko tells me that you're pretty good with a sword now."
"I guess," he answered a bit sullenly. "But it doesn't matter 'cause Zuko can't teach me anymore."
"Remember what we talked about," Ursa said sternly to the boy. "Don't fall into despair."
Those words instantly brought Zuko back to his time as a refugee in the Earth Kingdom. Iroh had said something similar to him when all seemed hopeless.
"My mother's right," the Fire Lord stated. "Things can change quickly. I know that you're sad and you have a good reason to feel that way. But I promise that your sister and I will do everything in our power to help you, short of acting like tyrants. I have plans."
"Come on, Tom, have some fun tonight," Aang encouraged the boy. "And tomorrow I'll take you for a ride on Appa."
"Really?" Tomiko asked, his eyes shining yet again with unshed tears.
"Yes," the Avatar affirmed.
"Oh, may I come too," Ursa asked hopefully, "and perhaps Hideo if he's willing?"
"That would be an incredible experience," the scholar said excitedly. "I would be delighted."
"Sure, it will be great!" Aang agreed.
When everyone had eaten their fill, purposely leaving a bit of room for dessert, servants cleared away all the dishes. A few minutes later they brought in a beautifully decorated cake and teapots with various kinds of the brew. The cake was set in front of the newlyweds, who radiated joy, both because of the wonderful dinner their friends had planned for them and the beginning of their married life together.
Zuko pulled out a present that had been hidden behind a table in a far corner of the room and placed it on the table near Katara. It made a thump as he set it down, giving the impression of solidity and weight.
"It's from Mai, my mom, Toph and I," he told her and sat back down.
"You open it," Aang told his wife.
The waterbender peeled back the layers of delicate paper that covered an exquisite red and gold lacquered box.
"Oh, wow, it's gorgeous," she declared. "And heavy," she added as she picked it up.
"Open the box," Mai instructed her friend.
Slowly, with anticipation, Katara swung the box open. A tapestry, neatly folded, was cradled by the box's fine red silk lining. She pulled it out and let if fall open. Delicate bunches of windblown red camellias* were scattered along an off white background, the dark green leaves of the plant contrasting beautifully with the rich red of the flowers and the paleness of the material itself.
"In the Fire Nation," Mai explained, "red camellias mean 'in love'."
"Thanks you so much," Katara and Aang both stated.
"It's lovely," the waterbender added. "We'll treasure it."
"I'm glad you like it," Mai replied.
"Don't take all the credit, Mai. I helped pick it out," Toph stated.
"Did you, Toph?" Aang began and then stopped, realization slapping him square in the face.
"It never gets old," Toph laughed while the others just glared at her.
"Katara dear, you and Aang should cut the cake," Ursa suggested helpfully.
"Oh, yeah," she agreed. "Come on, Aang."
The newlyweds cut the cake together and everyone cheered. Katara handed out thick slices of the vanilla flavored cake while Ursa poured tea for everyone including the children.
"It's very hot," Mai warned the twins as she pointed to their teacups. "Let the tea sit for a few minutes. On second thought, hang on a minute."
Mai grabbed a pitcher of cold water and poured a bit into each cup, cooling down the liquid considerably.
"Now you can take little sips."
"K, Mommy," Miyako said happily.
She tackled the cake like eating it was a very important job, opening her mouth wide and pushing in large chunks.
"Careful," Tomiko said and began to laugh. "You might choke, Miya."
The little girl fought hard to swallow the large piece, her eyes growing wide.
"Miyako," Zuko called sternly, "take smaller bites. No one is going to steal it from you. And we don't want you to choke on it."
The little girl nodded. She carefully broke her cake into tiny pieces. Her difficulty had frightened her and the desire to please her father was strong.
"Isn't that easier?" Zuko asked his daughter.
Nodding, she went back to eating the delicious treat. Hideo meanwhile was pulling items out of pockets hidden inside his robe. Aang's eyes opened wide as he spotted a monk's necklace, different from his own, but undoubtedly from one of the air temples. Other air nomad artifacts along with a few Water Tribe ones ended up on the table. Getting up from their seats, Aang and Katara crowded around Hideo and Ursa.
"Where did you get these?" Aang asked excitedly.
"They are part of the university's collection. I, well, I persuaded the people in charge to let me return these beautiful items to you. Katara, you and your people can enjoy them and Aang, these air nomad artifacts should stay with you. The loss of your people saddens me greatly and I know that these few things cannot and will not bring them back. But perhaps they will trigger happy memories of being with them for you."
Aang was moved almost to tears and Katara spontaneously threw her arms around Hideo and embraced him tightly.
"That is one of the sweetest things anyone has done for us," she gushed.
"Nonsense, I'm just returning what belongs to you."
"Thank you so much, Hideo," Aang said softly. "These are treasures."
"You're welcome."
"Aang and Katara," Zuko said, standing up and holding his wine glass aloft, "I would like to say just a few words."
The couple returned to their seats and listened attentively to the Fire Lord.
"We didn't exactly get off on the right foot,"
The adults all laughed, and the children joined in despite not knowing what was funny.
"but now both Mai and I consider the two of you dear friends, people we can count on and people we admire. We wish you joy in your marriage, continued health and a happy family."
"Here, here," Toph shouted and took a swig of her wine.
Everyone else took a sip of their drinks as well, Tomiko imitating the adults and banging his glass of juice against Ursa's glass of wine.
"To Aang and Katara," the group called out.
"This whole day has been great," Aang declared. "We love you all."
"It's not over yet," Mai said.
"Oh?" Katara said curiously.
"Yeah, there's something we need to show you outside," Zuko added. "Is everyone finished?"
Murmurs of 'yes' and nods were all the answer Zuko needed.
"Let's go outside to the garden then," he suggested. "You might want to get another tunic or cloak. It gets cool at night."
"This is like summer in the South Pole," Katara stated. "I'm fine."
"I'll take the twins by their room," Mai said. "I can meet you all in the garden."
Tomiko tagged along with Mai. He walked beside her, his clothes brushing against hers, and looked up at her every few seconds. Anxiety practically oozed from the boy's pores and Mai felt her heart constrict again.
"Do you need to talk?" the Fire Lady asked her brother.
His lower lip quivered slightly and he nodded his head up and down.
"Okay," Mai continued. "Do you want to wait until later when Zuko's here too?"
Another nod; Tomiko reached for Mai's hand and held it tightly. Inside the nursery, the nine year old helped Miyako put her cloak on while Mai helped Ryuhito with his.
"I need to get mine. I'll be back in a second," Mai instructed.
While Mai was next door, Tomiko sat on the sofa looking mournfully around the room that, after tomorrow, he would not see again for a very long time. The twins climbed up beside him, snuggling close. Miyako patted her uncle's cheek gently and repeated, "It okay," over and over again until Mai returned. The scene wrenched at Mai's already bruised heart and she silently vowed to somehow save Tom and make their parents pay. It sounded melodramatic in her mind and she rolled her eyes at her own thoughts; Tom was in no physical danger, after all. He was simply going to boarding school. Yet his well being was at stake and there was absolutely no excuse for the pain both Hoshi and Akira were causing their son. Something needed to be done.
"Let's see what's waiting for us outside," she said cheerfully enough, trying to dispel the sad mood that hung over the room like a pall.
The twins skipped along beside Mai and Tomiko, running ahead and then back again, falling occasionally, but getting up quickly and taking off like little dynamos.
"I'm glad you're staying the night," Mai told her brother. "The twins are all excited."
"Me too," Tomiko replied. "I'll bet I know what's going on," he continued and then whispered something that made Mai smile.
"Well, we can't keep anything from you, can we?" she answered dryly. "Just don't say anything."
"I won't," he grinned. "Miya and Ryu will love it."
They joined the rest of the group, all gathered near the fountain. Zuko snuck away for a moment and then took his place beside Mai, slipping an arm around her waist. The twins stood nearby with Tomiko while Aang, Katara, Hideo and Ursa sat on the nearby bench talking. Toph made earth sculptures and then destroyed them just as quickly.
"Look up everyone," Zuko commanded.
"Is that supposed to be funny?" Toph asked.
The inky black night sky erupted with explosive colour as a spectacular fireworks display began. It seemed every shade of every colour imaginable exploded above them, starting with a single point and then spreading outward like expanding stars and comets. The children were enthralled, eyes open as wide as they could go and mouths agape. The couples all held hands and watched attentively while Toph felt the reverberations with her whole body. It was at times like these the earthbender wished that she could see.
When it was all over, the kids were flushed from the excitement. Miyako pulled on Zuko's hand and he looked down into her shining eyes full of wonder, unable to stop the wide smile that took control of his mouth.
"Pwetty, Daddy," she shouted piercingly.
"Yes, but not as pretty as you," he answered, picking her up and holding her close.
"What an amazing end to the day, Zuko and Mai," Aang stated. "Thanks so much for doing all this for me and Katara."
"You're welcome," Mai replied. "It was fun and you deserve it."
"If you don't mind, we'd like to go to bed," Katara told everyone.
"I'll bet you do," Toph stated suggestively which earned her a glare from the Water Tribe woman.
The waterbender and the Avatar hugged their friends and bid them all goodnight, whispering words of gratitude to Mai and Zuko once again.
The night sky was calm now, the fiery display over, and Ursa along with Hideo sat on the garden bench and watched it after everyone else had gone inside.
"Look," Ursa said excitedly, pointing upward at a bright constellation, "there's the Great Dragon."
"Yes, I see it," Hideo replied. "It's beautiful."
"And there's the Little Dragon," she continued.
"Hmm, yes, it's lovely."
He reached over and took hold of Ursa's hand. She didn't resist. He moved closer and brushed his lips against hers. Ursa kissed back, increasing the pressure. It was so long since she had kissed a man and it felt good. Pulling back, she looked into Hideo's eyes, her own sparkling.
"Um, I really should get going now," he stuttered.
"Let me walk you to the gate then," Ursa replied, taking his hand and pulling him upward.
They walked slowly and talked in whispers, enjoying the last of their time together. At the gate, Ursa boldly kissed the university professor once again. Her years of being reticent and chaste were over. Hideo seemed fine with that.
Mai and Zuko didn't bother bathing the twins; they were too exhausted and their fatigue was translating into ill humor. Tomiko, tired himself, helped his niece and nephew pull on their sleep clothes. Their heads nodded and their bodies were limp and pliable. They were asleep by the time Mai and Zuko tucked them in.
"Looks like you need to go to sleep too," Mai told Tomiko affectionately.
"Can we talk first?" he asked.
The boy looked like he was about to burst; the emotions he was holding in were creating tremendous pressure inside both his mind and his body.
"Yeah, come on over to the sofa," Zuko suggested.
"I'm so mad at Mom and Dad," he began in a strangled voice. "I hate them."
Mai glanced at Zuko and then down at her pale red nails. She stayed silent, waiting patiently for her brother to continue.
"I got ink all over the carpet today and Mom got really mad and I don't care. At least when I'm at the new school I won't have to see her or Dad anymore. But I'll miss you."
He was weeping now, tears streaming down his face and chocked sobs shaking his body. Mai pulled him close and let him cry on her shoulder. She really was at a loss for words. What could possibly comfort him?
"Tom," Zuko said and rubbed the boy's back. "You'll be alright. You'll be alright. Look, you've got to tell me everything you know about this school."
"Wha, what?" he asked.
"What have your mom and dad said about it? What is it called? I'm going to look into and make sure it's legitimate, that it's properly registered and the teachers are trained."
Tomiko wiped a hand across his nose and sniffed loudly.
"Uh, it's called Sacred Flame Academy for Boys and Girls."
"That's good, Tom. What else do you know?"
"I think Dad knows the man who started the school. I think he was in the war. I think lots of the teachers were soldiers or generals or something."
"Really," Mai drawled and she and Zuko exchanged another glance.
"I'll look into it tomorrow. If it's all legitimate, I can't do anything to close them down. Anyway, let's not talk about it anymore tonight; time for sleep, okay, Tomiko."
"Okay," the boy agreed readily enough.
A cot was set up in the nursery for him and he crawled under the blankets, eyelids drooping. Mai and Zuko sat with him until he was out completely and then retired to their own room.
Mai sighed and sat down at her vanity. She took off her jewelry and unpinned her hair, giving it a quick brushing. Zuko stood behind Mai, watching her reflection in the mirror and taking off his own clothes.
"It was a good night, wasn't it?" he asked.
"Yeah, it really was," Mai agreed. "Everyone had a great time."
"You looked so beautiful tonight," the Fire Lord said softly and reached out to touch her silky ebony hair.
Mai got up from her seat and turned to face her husband. She cupped his scarred cheek and rubbed her thumb across the garish mark. Zuko took her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing the palm. The Fire Lady placed her head on her husband's chest and he dropped her hand, encircling her in his strong arms.
"What do you think about this school, Zuko?" she asked.
"I'm not sure what to think anymore. But I'll tell you one thing, Mai. I have a very bad feeling about it."
Nodding her agreement, Mai snuggled in closer, enjoying the warmth of Zuko's body. She could stay like that all night.
Everyone but Toph slept in, even Zuko who consistently rose along with the sun. Breakfast was a casual affair with people wandering into the dining room at their leisure and staying for as long as they liked, sampling the many dishes laid out on the sideboard and refilling teacups over and over.
"Is Toph working?" Aang asked Zuko.
Momo sat on the young Avatar's shoulder and took the bits of food that were offered to him. He made little pleased noises as he nibbled on the fruit and nuts.
"Mmmm," the Fire Lord yawned. "Yeah, she takes her job very seriously. I should be working too, but I have honored guests."
"You'll just have to work twice as hard tomorrow," the Avatar replied cheerfully. "Oh, there you are, Katara. Do you want some tea?"
"Please," she said and sat down beside her new husband.
"Were you comfortable last night?" Zuko asked politely.
"The room, the bed, everything was wonderful. Thanks again, Zuko."
"It was our pleasure. Now you can say that you had a wedding celebration. Although, I'm sure your family will do something too. Katara, how's your father doing anyway?"
"He's very happy, happier than I've seen him in years; Nauja is a large part of that."
"Good for him," Zuko stated. "Here come Mai and Ursa and the kids," he added with a wide smile.
"Daddy," the twins shouted.
They piled onto his lap and wrapped little arms around his neck. Zuko kissed each of their heads and returned the hugs.
"Let's get you some breakfast," Zuko suggested, standing up carefully.
He and Mai served the twins while Tomiko helped himself. The boy looked a little happier than he had the day before.
"How are you doing, Tom?" the Fire Lord asked. "Did you sleep okay?"
"I slept fine. I wish I could stay here instead of going home."
"Sorry, Tom; but you still have the rest of the morning here and your ride on Appa."
"I know," he sighed. "C'mon, Miya and Ryu, sit beside me."
The twins trotted off with their uncle and dug into their food. Momo perched on the back of Miyako's chair, hoping for more handouts and playing with her ponytail. She was delighted to oblige him, of course, and laughed every time he made her hair swing.
"Mommy, Daddy, we get a Momo?" she asked sweetly. "He cute."
Mai looked at Zuko and Zuko looked at Mai. Explaining to toddlers that Momo was, in all likelihood, the last of his kind would be a difficult task. Aang saw their dilemma and swooped in for the rescue.
"Momo's special," the Avatar began. "He's one of a kind, I mean there are no more Momos, and he would be lonely without me and Appa. But when he visits here, you can take care of him for me."
"Okay," they both replied happily enough.
Miyako continued to feed the flying lemur and stroked the long tail that curled around her neck and dangled down onto her chest. She cooed to the animal as if it were an infant.
"Has your mom been here already, Zuko?" Mai asked curiously. "I haven't seen her yet this morning."
"Yep, she ate already and went to meet Hideo at the gate."
"Those two seem really close," Katara observed.
"Yes, and they've only know each other for a short time," Mai replied. "I think it's terrific."
"What do you think, Zuko," the waterbender asked.
"Hmmm, oh, I'm happy that she's happy and I like Hideo a lot. He's a very decent man."
"So, could she marry him if she wanted to? I mean she's not still tied to Ozai, is she?"
"No!" Zuko exclaimed. "I made sure that she's free and clear of him."
Katara nodded. "Good," she stated.
"Are we going to see Appa soon?" Tomiko asked. "I don't have a lot of time left."
"Well, I'm ready," Aang stated. "What about everyone else?"
"Sure," everyone replied.
They left the dining room as a big group, meeting Ursa and Hideo inside Appa's stall. The couple was chatting earnestly while stroking the giant animal with affection.
"He's magnificent, Aang," Hideo declared with wonder.
"You remind me of a professor from Ba Sing Se University that we met once," Aang replied. "He was very enthusiastic about knowledge and anything unique."
"Learning has been my entire life, up until now," the brown eyed man replied, glancing shyly at Ursa.
Tomiko approached Appa slowly and rubbed his nose. Appa responded with a loud snort that made the boy smile. As per their promise, Mai and Zuko allowed the twins to sit on Appa while Aang led his animal friend around the courtyard. Tomiko joined them, holding onto tiny hands to make sure they didn't fall off. Excited squeals reached the adults and echoed through the courtyard. After a second circuit, Aang stopped Appa and helped the twins off.
"You stay up there, Tomiko," Aang told the boy. "Ursa, Hideo, come on up."
The two adults scampered up Appa's side and got comfortable in the large saddle. Hideo looked a bit apprehensive. Ursa gave his hand a reassuring squeeze and the tension in his face eased. Tomiko had been up before and looked forward to the ride. When they were airborne, Hideo let out a loud "Whoop!" which made both Ursa and Tom giggle. Aang gave them a tour of Capitol City. It looked wondrous from high above, little red and white squares and rectangles among splashes of green, the blue of the sea coming into view, ships leaving for journeys and ships arriving home, the people hard to make out specks of red. It was magical, something Hideo would never forget.
Back in the courtyard, the scholar thanked Aang profusely. The Avatar took the gushing in stride, offering to give the man another ride whenever he and Katara visited again.
"Yes, that would be marvelous," Hideo declared. "I look forward to it."
Tomiko meanwhile rejoined Mai, Zuko and the twins. He fidgeted and looked around him as though trying to imprint every detail onto his brain. He didn't want to forget anything.
"Is it time for you to go, Tom?" Mai asked quietly.
He nodded and his gold eyes filled with tears.
"We'll see you before you leave for school," she reminded him. "And Zuko will look into everything."
"I will, today," the Fire Lord reaffirmed, patting Tomiko on the back. "Say goodbye to everyone and Mai and I will walk you to the gate."
Obediently, Tom bid farewell to Ursa, Hideo, Aang and Katara. He gave Appa one last pat and then began to walk, not looking back for fear he would begin to cry. Miyako walked on one side of Tom and held his hand, while Ryuhito walked on the other. Once at the gate, Mai pulled Tomiko into a hug.
"We'll do everything we can to get you back home," she whispered in his ear.
Zuko took his turn. He looked directly into sad eyes and promised to do his utmost to help the boy.
"We'll see you in a few days," he reminded Tomiko.
"Okay, thanks for having me over. It was a lot of fun."
He kneeled down in front of the twins and tickled them both, enjoying the sound of their merry laughter.
"Bye, everyone; I love you."
With that the guards opened the gate, one walking the boy home. When the gate closed again, Mai buried her head in Zuko's chest and sighed heavily.
"That was really hard," she stated. "Next week will be awful. We need to get to work."
"I intend to, Mai, I intend to," Zuko replied.
His voice was edged with steel and his eyes reflected fiery determination, the same determination that had carried him through all the most difficult times of his life. He needed it now as much as he ever had.
* Means 'in love' in Japanese flower language
A/N: All is not lost, fans of Tomiko. He's not history yet. In fact, I had an epiphany the other night, one that will take this story in a direction I hadn't intended on. Stay tuned!
I feel so bad for the kid and absolutely despise Akira. I suppose that's a good thing, since I want her character to be pretty unlikeable.
Next time, Zuko does some investigating, we say goodbye to Aang and Katara, Ursa and Hideo step it up, and Tomiko leaves. Toph will do her usual.