Expansion
Chapter 12: It's Just Something to remind me of Home
Zuko yawned. He had spent the last few hours in the documents room, a large windowless place, sorting through any papers pertaining to Sacred Flame Academy for Boys and Girls or the people involved with the new institution. The Fire Lord was dismayed to discover that everything was in order. The school had been duly registered, its teaching staff was legitimate and its curriculum, laid out on the scrolls in front of him, was appropriate. Why then couldn't he shake the feeling of unease that was making his heart race and perspiration bead on his forehead?
"Still here," Mai stated. "I brought some tea for both of us. Midori's watching the twins and Aang and Katara are spending the afternoon with Toph. So I'm all yours."
"Too bad we're stuck in here," Zuko moaned. "All the papers are in order. They did everything by the book. But I get the feeling that I'm missing something."
Mai poured the tea and handed Zuko a cup. She joined him on the floor where scrolls were scattered about haphazardly.
"Oh, Mai, are you comfortable? Do you want a chair or a cushion?"
"I'm fine, Zuko. Hand it over."
He gave her scroll after scroll and she glanced through them all, sharp eyes and sharp mind taking in everything.
"You're right," she stated and irritably pushed back the black hair that hung in her face. "Everything looks good, but some of these names bother me. The headmaster is Katsuo Oono. I've heard that name before, a long time ago, while you were banished probably. Let me think."
Her back ached a bit and she stretched to relieve the discomfort.
"Let me get you a chair," Zuko offered again.
"I'm fine," she snapped back. "Be quiet for a minute."
Mai leaned forward, put her head in her hands and groaned with frustration.
"Oono, Oono," she chanted. "Where did I hear that name?"
Zuko held his tongue and sipped his tea, helplessly watching Mai's mental struggle.
"Got it," she announced victoriously. "It was Azula."
"Azula," her husband repeated.
"Yes, I remember her mentioning this Oono man. She admired him greatly. What does that tell you?"
"It tells me that trouble's brewing."
"Right; he was a brilliant military strategist, one that your father called upon rarely, when Fire Nation troops actually encountered a little trouble. I'm certain he worked for your grandfather too. Anyway, Azula went on and on one day about how she actually got to speak with Oono and how he was impressed with her bloodthirstiness and her desire to see the Fire Nation completely dominate the rest of the world."
"Is that the only time you heard his name?"
"I think so. We moved to Omashu shortly afterward. When I finally made it back here with you, I wasn't paying attention to Azula."
Zuko smirked and leaned over, planting a passionate kiss on Mai's lips.
"Yes, I was thinking about you, you idiot," she acknowledged with a practiced roll of her eyes.
"So why would he want to run a school? Do you think the other staff members are hard core advocates of Fire Nation supremacy too?"
"My guess is that a lot of the people at that school will have some tie to the old military or the old regime. I doubt any of them are fans of yours."
"Agni, Mai! They're going to try to overthrow me, aren't they?"
"Slow down, we can't be sure of that yet. We need to check everyone out and it would help if we had a spy of some kind."
"Who?" Zuko asked.
"Who indeed?" Mai repeated.
Ursa looked at Mai with concern. Dinner was over and they, along with Zuko and the twins, lounged in a small sitting room near their living quarters. The young woman's face was drawn with worry and she looked tired.
"Mai, are you alright? You look exhausted."
She and Zuko had decided to keep their knowledge between themselves for now so Mai couldn't tell the complete truth.
"I am a little tired. Last night, I didn't sleep very well."
"You must look after yourself, now more than ever, Mai."
"You're right. I should get to bed soon."
"Zuko," Ursa said sharply. "Help Mai out; you put the kids to bed on your own and let Mai get a head start on her sleep."
"Uh, yeah, sure, that's no problem," he replied and gave Mai a questioning look.
She gave a slight shrug and rose from the comfortable arm chair she was ensconced in. She knelt down by Miyako and Ryuhito, who played rambunctiously on the floor, building towers of blocks and happily making them crash, sending hard wooden squares flying everywhere about the room.
"Daddy's going to put you to bed by himself tonight. I'm going to bed right now."
"Night, Mommy," they both cried.
"Goodnight, you two," she replied, wrapping both in her arms and holding them close. "I love you."
"K, Mommy," Miyako declared and broke away from the embrace.
She crawled under the table to retrieve a block. Ryuhito followed and the pair stayed there, fascinated with the little world they had just discovered.
"Okay, then, I'll see you later, Zuko. Goodnight, Ursa."
"Sleep well, Mai," the woman replied.
"Goodnight," Zuko added.
Mai wasn't tired, so much as pensive. As if worrying about Tomiko wasn't enough, now there was a possible uprising being planned right under their noses. And Tomiko would be thrust into the middle of it all.
"We need to see a complete list of students," she mused to herself as she undressed. "I want to know who their parents are and why they chose that school."
Mai gave her hair fifty vigorous strokes and then washed up for bed. She left one light on for Zuko and then slid under the covers. Try as she might, Mai couldn't get to sleep. After a frustrating half hour of shifting her awkward body around, she got back out of bed, put on a robe, and went in search of her husband.
She found him and the twins talking with Aang, Katara and Toph in the hallway just down from the nursery. When her children spotted her and came running, an almost indescribable feeling of happiness overwhelmed her.
"Mommy," they yelled as if it had been days since they saw her.
"Hi sweethearts," she smiled warmly. "I couldn't get to sleep."
"Everything alright?" Zuko called as she walked toward her.
"Yep, just couldn't sleep without you there. I need your arms wrapped around me," she whispered seductively.
They all chatted briefly, and then parted company, off to their own rooms for the evening. Mai and Zuko took the twins into the nursery for their last night. They were moving into their new rooms the next day.
"Are you all ready to change rooms tomorrow?" Zuko asked with a grin.
"Yeah," Ryuhito replied excitedly. "It a big boy room."
"Mine a big girl room," Miyako added, not wanting to be outdone.
"You're equal but different," Mai said dryly. "Let's get those teeth cleaned and hands washed."
Fifteen minutes later, both children were sound asleep. Mai and Zuko slipped out of the nursery and into their room. She watched as Zuko undressed and with a subtle finger movement plunged the room into almost complete darkness. A bit of silvery moonlight fought its way through the shutters and sheers to give the room an almost eerie glow.
"Better?" Zuko asked as he climbed into bed and fitted himself against her back, putting his left arm around her and stroking her abdomen softly.
"Much," she replied and fell asleep.
Zuko pulled Aang aside from the group that had gathered to bid him and Katara farewell. The Fire Lord's brow was furrowed and his mouth was twisted into a grimace of sorts.
"What is it, Zuko? You look worried," Aang asked, concerned for his close friend.
"Look, I'm not sure about any of this, but Mai and I have suspicions about Tomiko's school."
"What kind of suspicions?"
"At least one of the people involved, the headmaster, is a former advisor to Ozai and Azulon. He was a military strategist."
"Okay," Aang stated, and rubbed a blue arrowed hand across a blue arrowed head. "These people all need to do something, don't they? So, he's working at a school. You think he's trying to organize a revolt or a coup?"
"Call us paranoid, but yes. Mai and I need to look into things a lot more; the parents of the students, all the staff, anyone involved at all. We're going to look into the island itself and see what's been going on there. Who donated the money for the school? How did the parents find out about it? What do Mai's parents know, if anything?"
"Wow, Zuko, you're really serious about all this. What can I do?"
"I need to know that if I need help, you'll come."
"You don't have to ask. Of course, I'll come, Katara and I both."
"Thank you, Aang," Zuko said warmly. "You're a good friend."
"Friends help each other; end of story. Katara and I will be in the South Pole for awhile. When we leave, I'll let you know where we're going."
The Fire Lord nodded and the tension on his face seemed to ease a bit.
"Part of me wants to just storm the place and shut it down before Tomiko even gets there."
"No, Zuko!" Aang exclaimed. "You can't do that. You need a good reason for that. Suspicions are not enough. Do you want to be like your father? Do you want the Fire Nation to become overly controlling once again?"
"No," Zuko said, shamefaced. "Of course, I don't want that and I'm not going to go after them. But once I have evidence, it's all over."
"Be careful. Your people and the world's people see you as fair and peace loving, not a tyrant. Don't ruin that."
"That's exactly why these traitors want to overthrow me. It's been more than six years since the war ended. I haven't had any major problems like we all assumed I would. Maybe they were just biding their time."
"Zuko, you're getting ahead of yourself. Check things out and see what happens. Don't do anything foolish."
"I know, I know. What we really need is an infiltrator, someone posing as an employee but working for me."
"Good idea; a cook or a part of the cleaning staff, maybe."
"Yes, we need to substitute one of our people for one of theirs," Zuko replied.
"You'll figure it out. I have faith in you, buddy," Aang stated with a big grin.
He clapped his friend on the shoulder and guided him back to the waiting group.
"What were you two talking about all secretive like?" Toph asked nosily.
"I'll tell you later, Toph," Zuko answered with annoyance.
"Whatever," the spunky earthbender replied.
"Aang, we really should get going," Katara prodded her husband.
"Alright, guys, I guess this is goodbye for now," the Avatar began. "Thanks for everything. We had such a great time."
Ryuhito and Miyako were patting Appa and Momo, tears in their eyes at the thought of the animals leaving.
"Bye, Appa, bye Momo," they both said mournfully.
"Aww, don't be sad," Katara said. "You'll see them again. When the new baby comes we'll visit."
She sat down on the ground beside the pair and pulled them into her lap.
"That's only a few months away. We'll be back before you know it."
"K," Miyako sniffled. "Me miss you too, Tara."
"I'll miss you and you," she replied affectionately, giving both tight hugs. You're great kids."
"So, thinking of starting your own family soon?" Mai rasped as she approached the newly married woman and the twins.
"Or are you just practicing" Toph joined in, voice heavy with innuendo.
"You're a fine one to talk about practicing, Toph," Katara countered, her face flushed.
"Not again," Aang sighed. "They're always bickering."
"Relax, Twinkletoes, it's all in good fun," Toph declared as she gave the fellow nineteen year old a brutal punch to the arm.
"I'll never get used to that," he whined, rubbing the spot that would inevitably be a motley patch of colour by later in the day.
"He, he," the earthbender cackled.
"Come on away from Appa," Mai instructed the twins as Aang and Katara made to leave.
The waterbender gave everyone another hug.
"Take care of yourself, Mai," she ordered in motherly fashion.
"I will," the knife thrower agreed. "Congratulations, Katara."
"Zuko, you look after her too," she continued and he just nodded his assent. "Thanks again for everything."
"Toph, behave yourself."
"Yes, Sugar Queen," the earthbender answered smartly.
"Ursa, I'm so happy that you're happy. Hideo, you're a good man. I can tell. Giving us those artifacts was a very thoughtful gesture. I don't think you realize just how thrilled Aang is to get those things. He has hardly anything left of his people."
"It was my pleasure to do it, Katara. I hope to see you both again soon."
"In around three months," she replied with a bright smile.
Her long brown hair was braided and she wore her comfortable blue tunic and pants again. Blue eyes were tear-filled as she waved goodbye from Appa's saddle. Katara hated goodbyes more than almost anything. She had experienced too many painful ones in her lifetime. With the passage of years, she had learned to hide her emotions when necessary but when with friends, her every feeling showed plainly on her face. They always knew where they stood with Katara and that was comforting to them all.
Everyone watched until Appa disappeared completely from view. Subdued, they went about their business.
"Hideo and I are going into the city for lunch," Ursa announced.
"Time to kick some butt," Toph declared gleefully as she rubbed her hands together.
"Midori's waiting. Zuko and I have some things to look into," Mai remarked.
With that they moved apart.
Hideo held loosely onto Ursa's hand as they strolled through Capitol City. It wasn't as populous or diverse as Ba Sing Se, but it was coming into its own as an international city. There were restaurants that served both Earth Kingdom and Water Tribe food (it was as much in vogue to experience different cultures now as it had been anathema before), shops sold items from the different nations and Earth Kingdom and Water Tribe people walked the streets and mingled with the natives.
They stopped to watch a street performer (another thing that never would have been allowed in previous eras) play and sing a melancholy, romantic song that made Ursa's eyes sting with unshed tears.
"It's made you sad," Hideo said regretfully.
"It's wonderful," Ursa sniffed in reply. "Sometimes it feels good to cry."
"Oh," the scholar replied neutrally while inside he was wondering about the peculiarities of women.
"You don't get it, do you?" she laughed.
"I suppose not. There's a lot about women I'll never understand."
"Men can be a mystery too," she answered a bit darkly.
"I would like to hear the story of that night when you're ready. Perhaps the more times you tell it, the more distant it will become."
"Soon," she said. "It's a difficult story to tell and one that haunted me for years."
Nodding, Hideo reached out and stroked Ursa's cheek with his index finger. The touch was light and fleeting but intensely intimate. She swallowed hard and looked deep into her companion's soft brown eyes, eyes she could willingly get lost in forever.
"My small and humble house is just down that street. May I show it to you?"
"Uh, yes, I want to see it."
He led her down a narrow street made of small, smooth stones. Charming houses, none of them large, but all of them well maintained, populated most of the street, although the occasional small shop, equally charming, fit itself in somehow. When they reached the end of the street, Hideo turned into a walkway lined with cheerful flowers on each side. He stopped at the bright red door and fished in his pocket for the key. The rest of the house, except the red clay tiled roof, was white: typical of the Fire Nation.
Inside was organized chaos. Art and artifacts, papers and books were everywhere, stacked in neat piles or displayed in tasteful clusters. The walls were decorated with murals and paintings. In fact, there was very little actual wall visible. It was a little overwhelming but entirely like the inhabitant. Ursa loved it.
"Let me clear a spot on the sofa and I'll make us some tea," Hideo said briskly.
He shifted over a pile of papers, giving Ursa just enough room to precariously perch her bottom and then vanished into the kitchen.
"Look around if you like," he called.
"Okay," she replied and began to investigate the room.
Ursa picked up small statues and examined paintings closely. Some were clearly Earth Kingdom in origin and many were stunning. There was a large display case as well. It held an assortment of old weapons, ranging from small knives one could easily hide in a pocket to daggers to swords and arrows. She peered through the glass and tried to imagine who had owned these instruments of death and what had become of them.
"Ah, do you like the weapons?" Hideo asked as he surreptitiously pushed an old book off the table and set down the tea tray.
"I don't know if 'like' is the correct word, but they are fascinating."
"Yes, most were actually used in battle," he explained. "It's gruesome and terrible but a part of our history."
"I hope I never see war again. I hope my grandchildren never see it."
"Your son is doing all he can to make sure it's so; he and the Avatar make quite a team."
"They do," Ursa agreed proudly. "Zuko was always overshadowed by his sister and demeaned by his father. He struggled so hard for so many years, struggles I didn't get to see, but he's turned out better than even I expected him too."
"It must be something to have a child and watch him or her develop. I get great delight out of Ryuhito and Miyako. You can actually see them learn and put things together in their minds. And they're so charming and funny too."
"Yes, most of the time," Ursa chuckled. "You haven't seen a real temper tantrum yet."
"One day, perhaps…..here is your tea. I have some very good cakes as well. Please try one."
Agreeably, she took one and nibbled on it in between sips of her oolong tea.
"Delicious," she enthused.
A comfortable silence fell over the pair as they ate and drank. Ursa's eyes took in everything and she made a mental list of the items she wanted to ask about later. Hideo watched the woman furtively, glancing at her from under his lashes or sneaking quick looks when her attention was elsewhere. She was beautiful, a woman who experienced pain and difficulty and survived. She was strong and kind, curious and bright with a hint of darkness that made her all the more interesting. She needed love and he wanted to give it to her. Hideo was completely smitten, done for, head over heels. He had never been nearly this happy his entire life.
Feeling his gaze, Ursa returned it shyly. "Agni, Hideo, what are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking that I love you," he replied boldly.
Not wanting to hear some sort of rebuke or kind letdown, at least not immediately, Hideo bolted out of his chair and headed back into the kitchen. Ursa, flustered, didn't know what to do or say.
The Fire Lord and Fire Lady spent the entire afternoon listing every name they could find that was associated with Sacred Flame Academy. Once they had that list, the pair checked every name with all the records they could find. Things looked dark and their heads hung heavier and heavier as the day waned.
"Why in the world aren't they covering their tracks better?" Zuko wondered.
"No one has done anything wrong, that's why. Starting a school should be and usually is a good thing. There's a chance that these people just want an excellent school with well qualified and experienced teachers and an emphasis on traditional values. I really hope that's true."
"But you don't believe it," Zuko stated and let his head fall onto the hard table they sat at.
"I don't believe it, not for a second," she confirmed. "Two generals, very important during Azulon's time have donated money for the school, enough between them to almost complete it. The rest of the major sponsors were advisors to Ozai. Most of the teachers have family members who were in the very top echelons of your father's and grandfather's military. This Chika Morita woman was in my parent's house when I was little. She's just a few years older than I am. Her father also got a governorship under Ozai. I'm sure he was angry when Sunan went back into Earth Kingdom hands and he was out of job. He certainly wouldn't come to you for one. Most of the parents of the students were once military too or discontented industrialists whose lives changed when the war ended."
"So the only people who are untainted are the other staff, the cooks and cleaning people, gardeners and so on," Zuko stated.
Mai nodded. "We need to track one of those people down. There must be some from around here. Let me look."
She scanned through the list of employees and their addresses. There were only three who lived near Capitol City.
"This one," Mai said, pointing at the scroll. "Izumi Tanaka. She's been hired to clean. And she lives nearby. We'll find her tonight and ask her what exactly she knows. Toph can come too and tell us if she's lying about anything."
"Yes, and we'll get one of Toph's students to replace her…..unless this Tanaka woman's face is know by her employers."
"I doubt that, Zuko. Toph needs to choose her best female pupil, someone who can think fast and doesn't get flustered."
"She should be home now. I'll get a servant to check."
Zuko rang for a servant and one knocked on the records room door almost immediately.
"Are they hiding in all the corners or something?" Mai asked dryly.
"My lord, my lady," the youngish man said and then waited patiently for his instructions.
"I need you to find Miss Bei Fong. She should be somewhere in the palace. Please tell her it's imperative that we see her in the records room as quickly as possible. Escort her if she doesn't know where it is."
"Yes, my lord," he replied firmly, bowed and took off down the hall at a trot.
Twenty minutes later, Toph arrived, hair still damp from her bath and sticking out wildly in all directions.
"This better be good," she warned. "I wasn't even finished my weekly bath. I've still got soap in places I'd rather not mention."
"You could have rinsed, Toph," Mai stated dryly. "It's important but not life and death."
"Well, you should have told that to the servant. Now what's got your royal knickers in a twist, Grumpy?"
Zuko and Mai gave the earthbender all the details regarding Tom's school and their plan to infiltrate it. She listened attentively enough, stopping them occasionally to ask a question or reconfirm a detail.
"So what do you think?" Zuko asked.
His lone eyebrow was raised and gold eyes looked at his friend expectantly.
"I think that I can't wait to sneak out tonight after dark and look for this woman. And I have the perfect girl for you. Her name is Maho and she's sharp, learns quickly, and is very creative. I know she'll be thrilled to get an assignment like this and do a great job."
"Yes, but can she clean?" Mai quipped.
"Ha, she'll learn," Toph replied.
"Alright, we'll need to see her here tomorrow," Zuko instructed Toph. "She can keep her mouth shut, I suppose."
"Yep, don't worry. When are we going tonight?"
"We'll leave after the twins are asleep," Mai suggested. "It's good and dark by then."
"Okay," Toph agreed. "I guess I'll see you at dinner soon."
"Thanks," Zuko said, placing his hand on Toph's shoulder and giving it a friendly squeeze.
"That's what friends are for!" she answered and left the room, whistling a jaunty tune.
Miyako and Ryuhito ran from one bedroom to the next, intrigued by the door that both joined and separated them. To stop his sister's pursuit, Ryuhito slammed the door hard. Miyako got her fingers out of the way just in time but she wailed anyway, the loud noise and the narrow escape both having frightened her. She stood on tiptoes and turned the knob. When she saw her brother on the other side she gave him a glare worthy of any Mai had ever given and pushed him to the floor.
"Enough," Mai said sternly. "Miya, I know you were scared, but there was no need to push your brother. Ryu, close the door gently from now on. You need to be careful."
Both children turned tearful faces to Zuko who shook his head.
"Your mother's right. You need to say sorry, both of you."
"K," Miyako sniffled. "Sowwy, Ryu," she said and hugged the little boy.
"Me sowwy too," he replied and placed a mushy kiss on her cheek.
"If only all problems were solved that easily," Mai drawled.
"It's time for sleep," Zuko stated. "Come on into the bathroom."
The twins cleaned up and struggled out of their day clothes and into their sleep wear. Mai and Zuko both let them do as much on their own as they could rather than stepping in to help as soon as one encountered a bit of difficulty. Both twins were quite adept already at dressing and undressing, brushing their teeth and washing up.
"So how do you like your new rooms?" Zuko asked as he sat on Ryuhito's bed and watched while the boy fought to keep his gold eyes open.
"I like it," he replied and then gave a huge yawn.
"We'll leave the door open, okay?" the Fire Lord asked.
He rubbed the boy's head and then placed a kiss on his forehead.
"Mmm," the toddler agreed.
"Goodnight, Ryu. I love you."
"Love you, Daddy," Ryuhito replied as he drifted off into the world of sleep.
"He's out?" Mai asked as she stood in the doorway, having just said goodnight to Miyako.
"Gone," Zuko grinned.
"So is Miya. We'd better get Toph and find this woman."
They left through Ryuhito's door and told Shinji they would be gone for a few hours. Ursa was now aware of their suspicions and their plans and would take care of any possible problems with the twins.
"Maybe you should stay home," Zuko suggested hesitantly. "Toph and I can handle it."
"You didn't just say that, did you?" Mai asked bitingly. "We're not entering a battle zone. We're going to Izumi's house. Maybe you should stay home."
"I, I only meant, that I don't want you to get hurt," the Fire Lord answered lamely.
"You are the one who'll get hurt," Mai replied tartly. "Now let's go."
Feeling abashed, Zuko pulled Mai into his arms. "You know that I worry too much sometimes. I don't want anything to ever happen to you or the baby."
"Zuko, we'll be fine," she stated more softly this time.
As they approached Toph's door, the earthbender opened it and stepped outside.
"Let's do this," she declared with a grin.
All three were dressed in dark, inconspicuous clothing that allowed them to blend in with any crowds they may encounter. While Capitol City nightlife was far from lively, there were restaurants and a few theatres open. The further they got from the palace, the raunchier that night life became.
"Are those…?"
"Yes, Zuko, they are," Mai answered with an eye roll that no one could see.
"Oh, and that's a…"
"Yes, and…..watch out!" she exclaimed as a pair of drunken men tried to push their way between them.
Mai drew a blade reflexively but decided against throwing it. The Fire Lord didn't need tales of him prowling around at night bandied about and then blown out of proportion.
"According to the map, her street should be the next one," Zuko said.
They turned down a short, barely lit street and approached a small apartment building. Entering cautiously, the trio climbed the stairs, Mai holding onto the rail, and knocked at number 24.
After a brief wait, a short, pretty young woman with listless brown hair tucked behind her ears, opened the door just a crack. She peered outside cautiously and her grey eyes widened when she saw three people staring back at her.
"Are you Izumi Tanaka," Mai asked.
"Ye,yes," she replied, sounding frightened.
"Fire Lord Zuko needs to speak with you," she continued and the woman fainted.
"Izumi, who's at the door," a dry, cracked sounding voice called from inside the apartment.
"Ma'am, Izumi fainted. We're going to carry her inside."
"Well, I can't stop you, whoever you are," she replied nastily. "What did you do to my daughter?"
"Nothing, ma'am," Zuko continued politely. "She was just shocked at my identity."
Mai pushed the door wide open and Zuko carried the fallen girl inside, placing her on the worn sofa that sat under the apartment's only window. Izumi's mother lay on the bed, wrapped in blankets and squinting at them.
"You better not be thugs come to rob us," she warned. "I've got a cane, you know."
"I'm Fire Lord Zuko and this is Fire Lady Mai," Zuko began, gesturing to his wife. "The other woman is Toph Bei Fong, a close friend and famed earthbender."
The woman didn't answer. Her jaw was slack and her eyes were closed.
"Since when do you have this effect on women?" Mai laughed.
"Oooh, he's a lady killer," Toph added as she slapped Mai on the back and began to laugh hysterically.
"This is serious," Zuko hissed. "Pour some water on them or something."
"Oh, don't be such a drama queen," Mai replied.
The Fire Lady approached Izumi and gave her cheeks a couple of sharp slaps. The young woman stirred and looked up into Mai's gold eyes.
"Who, who are you?" Izumi asked.
"I'm Fire lady Mai," she answered brusquely. "Your Lord needs your help, so sit up and look sharp."
The young woman fought through her daze and sat up straight. She took in Zuko's familiar scar and gasped. "It really is you!"
"We've been through that once," Mai said impatiently.
"My mother, is she alright?"
"Yes, she fainted too," Toph replied.
"I can hear you," the middle-aged woman interjected. "And I didn't faint. I just needed to rest my eyes. Izumi, I think you need to listen now."
"Yes mother."
"You've been hired to work at Sacred Flame Academy as a cleaning woman, am I right?" Zuko began.
"Well, yes, my lord."
"And that job begins in a few days when the school opens?"
"Yes, I leave on the ship the day after tomorrow."
"Have you seen your employers? Do they have any idea what you look like?" Mai continued.
"No, my lady; everything was done by mail. They only know my name and my address and my previous employers."
"We need you to stay home. We've got someone else for the job," Mai stated bluntly.
"But, why? I need the money. My mother's been sick for months now. I'll be able to pay for a good doctor and medicine."
"Money is not your worry anymore. I will compensate you very well and you'll be able to look after your mother here in your home," Zuko explained.
"I don't understand."
"The less you know, the better," Toph told the woman. "It's very, very important. You want to help your lord and your country, don't you?"
"Say yes, dear," the mother butt in.
"I am honoured to do anything I can to help you. Please, believe me."
"I believe you," Toph replied.
"Did they give you papers to present?" Mai asked.
"Yes, let me get them," Izumi replied.
She moved to a small desk and pulled open a drawer that squealed on its tracks. After a quick search, she pulled it out with an "Aha," and handed the papers to Zuko.
"What can you tell us about the school?" Toph asked.
"Nothing, really; just that it's new and the pay was much better than I make now. They wanted employees who…" she paused to think for a minute, "who mind their own business and do what they're told without question."
"That's it?" Mai pushed.
"I swear by Agni," Izumi replied passionately. "I don't know anything else."
"She's good and so is the mother," Toph stated.
"Thank you, Izumi," Zuko said with a slight bow. "Your cooperation is appreciated and may be extremely important."
The young woman flushed and bowed in the traditional Fire Nation style.
"I think you're doing a good job, my lord," she blurted out.
Zuko gave her a genuinely pleased smile. "A messenger from the palace will bring you your money tomorrow morning."
"Thank you," she replied.
When the trio left, she collapsed onto the floor again.
"Young people today," her mother said with a quick shake of her head. "No stamina."
Maho Shimane stood perfectly straight with her shoulders thrown back and her face expressionless. Toph knew that the young woman was nervous, though. The blood raced through her body and her breaths were quick and shallow. Tiny drops of perspiration ran down Maho's back and made the fabric of her light red under tunic stick uncomfortably to her skin.
"Thanks for coming, Miss Shimane," Zuko stated gratefully. "Toph speaks highly of you. Oh, and have a seat if you like."
"No thank you, my lord," she replied briskly.
Her voice held no trace of the tension she felt and her grey eyes met Zuko's with confidence.
"Alright then, my wife and I have an assignment for you. You will be our eyes and ears at Sacred Flame Academy, a new school that opens shortly. We have some questions about the school's true purpose. You will take the place of a young woman named Izumi Tanaka, who was hired as part of the cleaning staff. She lives here in the capitol city in Yaesu 1-Chome 12-15, apartment 24*. She lives with her sick mother and took the job to help pay for doctors and medicine. I have her employment papers here and the boat leaves tomorrow at 7 a.m. From further investigations, we've learned that a ship will go back and forth between Tokoma Island and the port here at Capitol City once a week. I now have a man on that boat. Any correspondence from you must fall into his hands. Fortunately, part of Izumi's job is keeping track of cleaning supplies and making an itemized list of what's needed on the next shipment to the island. She or you I should say are to give that list to our man. His job is to be there to take it from you. I've given him a code word so that you can be sure it's him. The word is 'tasukete'.** I also have a man who will be there at the dock every time the ship arrives. The information will be passed on to him and then finally back to Mai and me."
Zuko paused and looked at the young woman very carefully. Her face was bright and alert, pretty even, and she seemed to take in all the information easily.
"So, any intelligence I may have for you has to get on board the ship with that list of cleaning supplies. And this man you've hired is the only one I can give it to."
"Exactly," Mai agreed.
The Fire Lady sat on the edge of Zuko's desk, close enough to touch him. Her pale, delicate looking hands rested easily on her bulging belly and her discerning gaze was focused on Maho.
"Can you do that?" Mai asked.
"I'll find a way, my Lady, no matter what it takes.
Satisfied, Mai gave a nod.
"Is there anything in particular that you want me to look out for?" Maho asked.
The Fire Lord gave his wife a quick glance.
"Any talk or hint of rebellion against my rule," Zuko replied bluntly. "What they talk about in the classroom might not be what they're supposed to talk about. There may be a lot of secret meetings of the school hierarchy. Anything you think is suspicious should be reported back to me. And there's one more thing we need you to do."
"Yes, my Lord," she said eagerly.
"Mai's nine year old brother, Tomiko, will be there. I want you to keep an eye on him if at all possible. Do you know what he looks like? We have a portrait of him."
"I've seen him yes, and will recognize him."
"Make a point of contacting him at least once. We'll tell him about you, what you look like and the name you will be using. So, he won't be surprised. He needs someone there on his side," Zuko continued as a sad look flitted across his features.
"I understand."
"Alright; Toph says that you can take good care of yourself. If you need to defend yourself, do so. You'll need to wear simple clothes tomorrow, something the average citizen would wear. You'll get a uniform once you arrive. Do you have any questions, any at all?"
"No, my Lord."
"Fine; be careful, be discreet. With any luck, you won't find anything and can 'quit' and come home. Here are your papers."
"Yes, my Lord," she stated and moved forward to take them.
"Mai and I, we appreciate what you're doing."
"It's my duty and I'm proud that you chose me."
She turned to gaze at Toph and relaxed her posture for the first time since she entered the office. A smile pulled at her lips and she fidgeted with the dark brown hair that covered her forehead.
"I'm proud that Miss Bei Fong chose me."
"Hey, Grumpy…."
Zuko cleared his throat and frowned while Mai chuckled softly.
"Fire Lord Zuko, I should say, wanted me to pick the best and I did. Now, go get ready and knock 'em dead, girl."
"Yes, sir," Maho almost shouted.
She bowed and left the room. Her step was decidedly light.
An old brown trunk that had been used by Hoshi and Akira many times sat on the floor of Tomiko's bedroom. Normally the servants would pack it but Akira was angry at her son and ordered him to do the job himself. He didn't care; if nothing else, it would pass the time.
Carelessly, he threw in socks and underwear and sleep clothes. His uniform plus a spare had already been sent to him. One he would need to wear tomorrow. His mother insisted on it.
"I want everyone to see you in that uniform," she had informed him, preening like peacockgoat.
The spare he scrunched up and stuffed on top of the other things. He wished that he could bring some of his toys or at least a favorite book, but they weren't allowed.
"Stupid school," he snarled. "I already hate it."
He thought about a portrait of Mai, Zuko and the twins that he kept hidden away at the bottom of a drawer. Maybe he could sneak that into the school with him. He tiptoed over to his door, peeked outside and seeing no one shut and locked it. Once the portrait was in his hands, he wrapped it lovingly inside a pair of sleep pants and covered it up with more clothes.
"I have to do a better job or she'll redo it all," he whispered to himself.
Out came everything and this time he folded the clothes as neatly as he could, tucking the beloved portrait into the sleep pants once more.
"There," he stated, sounding quite satisfied with himself.
"Why is your door locked? Tomiko?" his mother called a few minutes later.
"Um, I was, I was changing," he stuttered in reply.
"In the middle of the day?" she pushed. "Let me in. I want to see how the packing is coming along."
Reluctantly, Tomiko unlocked the door but let his mother open it herself. She scanned the room quickly and then moved over to the trunk.
"Hmph," she sniffed. "You need to work on your folding."
Her hands sifted through the layers of red and orange and black cloth, adjusting here and moving there.
"What's this?" she asked sharply and Tomiko's head dropped in defeat.
"It's just something to remind me of home," he replied.
"Oh?" she questioned, gold eyes flashing. "Let's have a look."
Nimbly she unfolded the cloth. Her face grew tight with rage when she saw those faces looking up at her.
"You're going to this school to get away from them; taking a picture along defeats that purpose."
"I don't wanna get away from them!" he exclaimed, now in the midst of his own rage. "I wanna stay here. But you won't let me. So I'm taking the portrait."
"No, you're not," Akira warned. "I'm taking it."
"Please, let me," he begged.
"It's against the school rules," the woman reminded him. "And rules should not be broken."
"No one will know. Please…"
"I'm putting it somewhere you'll never find it. Don't try to sneak anything else in there. I've had enough of your rebelliousness."
"I hate you so much. I wish Mai and Zuko were my parents."
Akira got up from her kneeling position on the floor, marched up to Tomiko, grabbed him by the shoulders and shook.
"I waited too long," she stated icily. "I should have sent you away years ago."
She turned on her heel and left the room, portrait tucked under her arm.
"A servant will pick that trunk up in one hour and it will be brought to the ship. You can take supper here in your room tonight."
"Good," he yelled as soon as the sound of her footsteps disappeared.
He was trying very hard to be brave and not cry. All he could think about was the portrait of his family.
For the second time in the space of a day Mai and Zuko left the palace under cover of darkness and moved stealthily through the gardens, out the gate and onto the street. The area in front of the palace was almost deserted, but the pair kept to the shadows anyway, Mai moving as gracefully as she did when not pregnant.
"This way," she whispered and Zuko followed without question.
A small side street, more of an alleyway really, led to the back of Mai's childhood home. A heavy wrought iron fence surrounded the lush garden. The Fire Lady gave the gate a little tug and a twist and then pulled it open.
"They still haven't fixed it," she said with a shake of her head.
She continued to lead the way, stopping at a large window that opened onto a completely dark room.
"This is the library…well the second library."
Using one of her many blades, she broke the simple latch and pushed the shutters inward. Zuko helped her climb inside and then hopped in agilely. The hallway leading away from the disused library was dark too. But once they entered the more lived in part of the huge house, wall sconces were lit.
The couple stopped and listened intently for a few minutes before moving on. It seemed that everyone was asleep. They crept up the stairs and stopped outside of Tomiko's door. It was open a crack and Mai peeked inside. Her brother was fast asleep. His face looked calm and peaceful, the turmoil he was suffering subdued for now.
They slipped inside, shutting the door, the clicking sound thundering in their ears. Tomiko did not stir. Mai approached the bed and placed a hand on the boy's forehead, brushing back the dark hair. She spoke softly, encouraging him to wake. After a few minutes, he moved about and his eyes opened into little slits. They quickly widened with surprise and happiness. He grinned.
"Hey," Mai said. "You need to keep quiet, okay. Zuko and I have some things to tell you."
Tomiko's eyes moved over to the other dark shape. He waved a hello and Zuko approached the bed.
"Hi, Tom," the Fire Lord whispered.
"You two look funny, like bandits or something."
"I guess we do," Zuko agreed. "Now listen carefully. There will be a woman at the school using the name Izumi Tanaka. She's part of the cleaning staff and she knows who you are and what you look like. We've aked her to keep an eye on you. She will let you know who she is when the time is right. She's got dark brown hair and grey eyes and she's sort of pretty."
"She's not really a cleaning lady, is she?" Tomiko asked, already knowing the answer. "She's like a spy or something."
"Better not to tell you anything else," Mai replied softly. "You can trust her, though. Don't trust anyone else at that place and keep your eyes and ears open. We need you to go along with everything as best you can no matter how wrong it may seem to you. Zuko and I want you safe."
"I'm scared of that place," he stated, his voice hitching and his eyes filling with tears.
"So are we," Zuko said honestly and gave the boy a hug. "Be brave and strong like we know you can be, like we know you are. Mai and I are doing our best to figure this all out. We love you, Tomiko."
"I love you," he sobbed and buried his head in Zuko's chest.
"Hey, give your old sister a hug too," Mai rasped.
Tomiko wrapped his arms around Mai as best he could. When he pulled back he patted her belly.
"Love you too, baby," he whispered affectionately.
"We need to go," Zuko warned. "But we'll be at the docks tomorrow to see you off."
"The twins too?"
"Yes, and my mother and Toph."
"K," he sniffed and lay back down, ready to sleep again. "Mai?"
"Mmmhmmm."
"Mom took away my portrait of you guys. She wouldn't let me bring it."
"I swear, I'm going to..." Mai growled.
"Get it back," Zuko finished.
"Thanks," Tom said and turned over to face the wall, already half way to the world of dreams.
Mai and Zuko snuck out the same way they had come in. The entire way home, Mai wiped furiously at her damp eyes.
It was difficult getting everyone up early and down to the docks. Breakfast and washing up would have to wait.
"But I hungry, Mommy," Miyako whined.
"I know. Let's grab something from the kitchen and you can eat it on the way."
The small entourage stopped by the warm and busy room. Mai ran in and snatched a few pastries and pieces of fruit.
"Here," she said, handing some to both her son and her daughter.
Miyako munched happily, her discontent forgotten quickly. Ryuhito stuffed his food into empty pockets, saving it for later.
"We need to hurry," Zuko prodded everyone.
The twins did their best to move more quickly, but short legs could not keep up with longer ones. The Fire Lord scooped up both, putting one on each hip. They giggled as they bounced up and down.
Mai, Ursa and Toph followed behind, walking briskly. After twenty minutes, they reached the docks. The Fire Lady spotted Tomiko surrounded by Hoshi and Akira. Gritting her teeth, she approached her parents, nodded curtly and proceeded to talk to her brother.
"Are you all set?" she asked.
He shrugged. "I guess."
"He's not going on the ship alone, I hope," she addressed the two adults.
"Your mother is accompanying him," Hoshi replied.
"Lucky him," Mai said under her breath.
"Tom, Tom," the twins called as they ran up to the older boy and enveloped him in a huge hug.
"Hi guys," he replied and returned the hug enthusiastically.
"Don't want you go," Miayko stated with a pout. "Miss you."
"Yeah," Ryuhito agreed.
"I'll think about you all the time," Tomiko stated firmly.
Akira watched the scene with a mixture of disdain and jealousy. It had been a long time since Tom had spoken to her with any hint of love or affection in his voice. Well, that was alright. Sometimes sacrifices had to be made. If she had to endure her son's hate for him to become a proper and dignified Fire Nation nobleman, then so be it.
"Hey, kid, see you around," Toph said gently, for her, and gave him a light punch on the arm.
"Goodbye, Toph."
Ursa embraced the boy warmly and kissed his cheek.
"Are you certain sending him away is the right thing to do?" she asked Akira. "He's so unhappy."
"It will toughen him up," she replied tersely. "And it's really none of your business, Ursa."
"Yes, you're his mother," Ursa agreed. "But I hate to see a child in pain."
To herself, Ursa vowed never to see Akira socially again. She had changed far too much for the woman's liking. Ursa had had enough negativity in her life. She avoided it now, if at all possible.
Zuko was last to say goodbye. He eyed his in-laws frostily and put an arm around Tomiko, moving him away from the little cluster of people.
"Do you remember everything we told you last night?" he asked.
Tomiko nodded proudly. "I remember."
"Well done. Now, just go to your classes and blend in. And remember that you know the truth about this nation, about me and Mai and about our friends."
"Okay. I miss my sword lessons, Zuko."
"So do I; maybe we'll get to practice again soon. I love you, Tomiko."
"I know."
Zuko rubbed the boys head and pulled him in for a quick hug.
"Go then," he said.
Tomiko walked back to where his mother stood watching the scene. Akira took his hand in hers and pulled him along to the waiting boat. It was a battle all the way to the gangplank. Tomiko looked back over his shoulder and Akira tugged him all the harder. Once on board, he stood close to the deck's railing and watched as the people he loved slowly vanished.
*Japanese address system with Yaesu-1 Chome being the city district and 12-15 being the city block and building number.
** means 'help' in Japanese
A/N: Long chapter; I think of it as a set up for all that will follow. And it took quite a while to organize everything in my mind. I sincerely hope the exposition didn't bore too much. I tried to inject a little humour here and there.
I love the idea of Mai and Zuko skulking in the dark together.
How does everyone like the Ursa/Hideo relationship?
Next chapter I'll spend some time with both Maho and Tomiko at Sacred Flame and of course, there will be lots of Maiko.
Thanks for reading and reviewing,
Alabaster