A/N: uploaded and then deleted the chapter because I keep mixing up Hideo's name with Hoshi's and never see the error until its too late...it's like a brain malfunction now. Sorry!
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Chapter 18: I Suppose that Cool Calmness Came After All
There were a lot of guards; the amount gave the assassin a twinge of apprehension. He was willing to die for Oono's cause so that his family (what little there was of it) could live in a Fire Nation they were proud of rather than the nation that cooperated with others, allowed foreigners onto its soil and even adopted practices from other cultures. He wanted a strong Fire Nation, one that the rest of the world bowed down to in fear. Yes, he was willing to die, but he wanted a fighting chance to kill that bitch and her children first.
He needed to watch very carefully. There may come a time when the woman relaxed or when a child wandered away. The guards could slip up. It was possible. The man settled in for a long wait.
A small ship with ten men crowded aboard it disembarked from the main one and made its way to the shore. The soldiers hopped out and dragged the boat across the rocky shoreline, up far enough so that the waves couldn't claim it. Zuko observed from the deck, silently hoping both that the men would be okay and that they would be successful in surprising Oono while the headmaster was busy with him.
"The waiting's awful, isn't it?" Piandao asked.
The older man, member of the Order of the White Lotus, former soldier and brilliant sword master, clapped a hand firmly onto Zuko's shoulder.
"Maybe some sparring will help. It will pass the time and limber us up; How about it?"
"Sure," Zuko agreed and drew his twin swords.
"Mix some firebending in too," Piandao urged. "Let's see what you've really got."
The two men went all out, sweating furiously under the bright sun. Toph appeared and stayed off to the side, listening to and feeling every move that both fighters made. She wore a huge grin and shouted encouraging words to Zuko like,
"Let 'im have it, Grumps," and "What are you, a wimp?"
The Fire Lord just rolled his eyes, something he did more and more often as the years went by. Mai was definitely an influence on him. The spar ended up a draw and Piandao was pleased. He offered Zuko a few pointers which the younger man listened to with great respect. There really was no one better with a sword than Piandao.
They went below to find towels and dry off.
"Come on, Toph, let's grab something to eat before things get going," Zuko suggested.
"I could eat," she stated and followed the men below deck.
They passed another hour eating and talking quietly about the possibilities that lay ahead for them. Zuko didn't feel fear any longer. He was confident that Mai could take care of herself and the twins. His faith in her truly was remarkable. He was determined now and full of a sort of righteous anger that made him tingle with an energy he hadn't felt since taking on his sister all those years ago.
"I wonder if Azula's safe?" he asked out of the blue.
"Hmmmph," Toph snorted. "That chick is pretty damn tough and ruthless; no offense."
Zuko shrugged. "Yeah, but she's not at her full potential."
"That's a good thing, remember," Toph chided.
"I know. It's just that the thought of some thug of Oono's murdering Azula and her not having a fighting chance really bothers me, despite everything."
"I thought you had more guards posted at the asylum," Piandao said.
"Well, I wrote to tell Tochihara, yes. I don't know why I'm thinking about her now. Agni knows, she never worried about me once in her life," the Fire Lord ended bitterly.
"You need to rise above all that, Zuko," Piandao advised sagely.
"Yes, I know," the Fire Lord sighed. "I apologize for letting the old bitterness seep through."
"Happens to the best of us," Toph sympathized. "I still whine about my parents sometimes."
"I wasn't whining," Zuko retorted huffily.
"Well, excuse me, Mr. Fire Lord," Toph retorted, her upper lip curling scornfully.
"Anyone would think that you are brother and sister," Piandao observed with a grin.
"Yeah, I kinda think of Zuko like that, right bro," she shouted and punched the young man on the shoulder.
The punch made Zuko drop the meatball that was held loosely in his chopsticks. He gave Toph a kick under the table and she responded with an even harder punch.
"Children," Piandao exclaimed.
That caught their attention. Both Toph and Zuko gaped at the sword master. He looked at them with raised eyebrows and shook his head.
"Uh, yeah," Zuko muttered as his face turned pink.
He retrieved his meatball and ate it thoughtfully while Toph picked away at her noodles.
"Maybe we should get back on deck," Zuko suggested. "We'll be there soon. Agni, I want this whole thing over with."
His thoughts turned briefly to Tomiko. It pained him not to know how the boy was. A lot of people would be paying high prices for their treason if Zuko had anything to say about it and if Tom got hurt in the fray there might be no holding him and his anger back.
"Zuko?" Toph asked, giving her friend a nudge.
"I'm thinking about Tomiko," he replied with a frown.
"You'll be bringing him home before you know it," Toph said soothingly. "I'm sure that Maho's taking good care of him."
The sound of water slapping against the dock had lulled them to sleep and it also wakened both Maho and Tomiko.
"Ow," the soldier complained as she stretched out all her kinks. "That was the worst night's sleep I've ever had. There were rocks everywhere. I think I'm one big bruise. How are you, Tom?"
"Okay," he yawned. "I hope I can go home today."
"I want to go home too, buddy. Let's take a peek outside."
They stuck their heads out of the cave, it was actually more like a crevice, barely large enough for the two of them, and looked around. It was quiet and there was no ship in sight.
"Awww," Tomiko moaned. "He's never gonna get here."
"Yes, he will," Maho replied. "I know you've had a rough time here and you want to leave really badly, but you need to be patient."
"I'll try," he grumbled and Maho ruffled his very messy hair.
"You're a sweet kid, you know that?" Maho asked.
"Sweet, ugh," he replied with a disgusted look. "I wanna be cool like Zuko."
"I think the Fire Lord can be pretty sweet too," Maho countered.
Tomiko thought for a moment. "I guess so," he replied.
Laughing, she dug deep into her satchel and found some stale bread along with the last of the apples.
"Sorry, kiddo, that's all I've got."
"It's okay," Tomiko replied bravely and set himself to tearing the bread with his teeth.
"I'm going to sit down here and keep a look out. Sit over there so you can see too," Maho instructed the boy.
They both watched the water, fairly calm today, for any signs of Zuko's ship; the ship that would take them home.
When Mai finally opened her eyes, the morning was already well underway. She was surprised at just how well and how long she had slept. Her vigorous workout the day before combined with general worry and unease must have tired her out more than she thought.
The twins were clumped together in the centre of the bed. As soon as Mai moved, they woke up and immediately began chattering. Their stomachs growled and Miyako clutched hers with a sort of mock horror.
Mai shook her head and had to laugh.
"You're a funny kid," she said and bent down to give her daughter a kiss on the head.
The children dressed themselves (mostly) after Mai helped them wash up. She brushed her daughter's thick black hair and pinned it back with a pretty clip.
"How do you like that?" Mai asked.
"Pretty, but I hungry."
"Hang on; I'm doing Ryu's hair next."
The boy sat still as Mai ran a comb through his finer hair and made a perfect topknot.
"Alright, no rushing ahead of me; I need to speak with the guards first."
She called through the door and a guard called back. She knew each of their voices, faces and names.
"We're going to see about breakfast," Mai informed them as she opened the door.
Two men remained outside, guarding the room against unwanted intrusion, while three walked with Mai and the kids down to the kitchen. There was something wrong. Mai didn't smell anything; no rice, no bread, no pastries. Her chest tightened and she pulled the twins in close to her sides. She looked over at a guard and gestured toward the kitchen. They moved forward, weapons drawn, gliding slowly and silently down the corridor.
"Mama, what's…"
Mai clamped a hand gently over Miyako's mouth. She then put a finger over her own lips. The girl understood and fell silent. Unsure what to do, Mai moved backwards a bit, toward her bedroom, waiting for word from the guards.
A few minutes later, one guard walked back to Mai his face severe and his mouth a straight grim line. The knife thrower closed her eyes briefly and clutched the children even tighter.
"My lady," he began, and then looked down at the children who were watching him closely. "I, um, can't, with them…."
"Walk down here with me," Mai said curtly.
She placed the twins with the two guards who stood in front of her bedroom and then walked a few feet away gesturing for the man to follow.
"Tell me," she ordered.
"It's the cook, ma'am, she's dead. We're certain that the assassin is now inside the old servants' corridors."
"Rezu?" she breathed out slowly. "She's dead?"
Mai put a hand over her mouth and leaned against the wall for support.
"She was stabbed in the abdomen and stuffed into a cupboard. We found this on the floor."
Mai scanned the note giving permission for Ren Fukuda to enter palace grounds and make his deliveries.
"Oh, Rezu, you thought it was Ren and let him in."
"There's the question of her body, ma'am. What should we do with it?"
"She's got no family but there are friends…she's mentioned them. I need to speak with my mother-in-law. Please, walk down the hall with me and my children."
Once again, Mai grabbed onto the twins, both of whom looked a little perplexed by this time, and walked with them to Ursa's room. The guards moved aside and she knocked.
"Ursa, it's important. May we come in?"
She heard a rustling and then a muffled, "Wait a moment, dear."
Ursa opened the door a few minutes later. She looked Mai up and down and quickly tugged her and the kids inside.
"What's happened?" she asked, sounding like she was afraid to know.
Hideo sat on the sofa. His hair was a mess and he had dressed hastily. Ursa still wore her sleeping clothes with a robe over top.
"Hideo, could you watch the children for just a bit? I need to speak with Ursa."
Seeing the urgency on Mai's face, the professor jumped into action, gathering the children up and telling them tales from his journeys.
"They're fine. Now, sweetie, tell me what's wrong."
"Someone's in the palace, an assassin. He killed Rezu. I don't know what to do with her body, Ursa."
Mai felt as though someone else were saying those words or like she had become somehow disembodied, her voice floating above the rest of her.
"Nooo," the older woman moaned. "She's been at the palace for so long; she's, she was such a sweet woman. Zuko adores her. He'll be so upset. How did it happen, Mai?"
"Seems he came in pretending to be the delivery man and killed her so she wouldn't talk. Now he's wandering around our home, watching us and waiting for a chance."
"Let's do our best not to give him a chance, then. Now, I know some of Rezu's close friends. I've met them more than once. I need to send a letter now so they can take care of her properly. I suggest you have her laid out somewhere, Mai. She needs to be treated with dignity."
Ursa rushed over to the writing desk and composed a quick note. She rang for a servant and handed the letter over to the man with explicit instructions. Mai sat down across from the twins, a glazed look on her face.
"Breakfast, Mommy?" Miyako asked as soon as Hideo finished.
"That's right, you're hungry," Mai replied distractedly. "I need to take care of something but I'll be back with some food."
"Go," Ursa urged.
The older woman's eyes were glistening with tears for the old cook, a mainstay at the palace who always had a kind word to share.
"Watch them," Mai pleaded and gestured toward her children.
Ursa nodded and gave Mai a bit of a push.
The guard walked back with her to the kitchen. Mai's hands both rested on blades, ready to throw should the need arise. The other two guards greeted her with more news.
"See, Ma'am, you can see footprints in the dust. Where exactly does this corridor go?"
"It leads to a small door near the bedrooms. Servants would use it to carry laundry back and forth so they wouldn't be seen in the main halls with dirty sheets and towels. There are a few offshoot halls as well that lead to, the library area, I think and the council room. He could be anywhere," Mai grimaced.
Briefly, her mind flashed back to times years before when Azula had forced her and Zuko into those same corridors that the sun couldn't reach, locking the door and forbidding any servants from entering with just one look.
"I suggest we take a walk through. You and your family need to stay in one room so the other guards can cover all of you."
Mai looked down and saw Rezu's prone form. She bit her lip hard and felt the blood well up in a small bubble. Licking the blood away, she swallowed down the metallic taste.
"Before you do anything, I want you to carry Rezu into the sitting room."
They picked up the woman without question and followed Mai across the hall.
"Put her down there," Mai ordered and pointed to the sofa.
They laid her down gently. She didn't look dead. Her face was as peaceful as ever and no signs of violence showed on her body. Mai moved closer; a little stain, dark brown now, marred her bright red tunic. She reached for a warm throw that sat on an armchair and covered Rezu, closing the cook's eyes as she did so.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
Mai gathered up a tray full of food in the kitchen and took it back to Ursa's room, guards in tow. Once inside, she sank down into a chair but didn't eat. Her appetite had vanished.
Sacred Flame Academy had a watchtower that was manned all day and all night. The men were to inform Headmaster Oono immediately upon sighting Zuko's ship. It was a dull job but better than dealing with brats, both men figured as they took turns looking through a spy glass.
Something large glittered in the mid afternoon sun and moved at a languid pace through the water.
"Hey," one man nudged the other. "That must be it."
"I'll go tell the headmaster now," the second man replied and ran down the stairs before the first man had a chance to protest.
"But I saw it first," he whined to himself. "I wanted to tell Oono."
Staying on the headmaster's good side was the aim of most employees at Sacred Flame. They had all heard just what his bad side was like and the kinds of things it liked to do.
"Sir, Headmaster Oono," the man from the watchtower shouted while trying to gasp for air.
He had run nonstop from the tower to Oono's office. The headmaster was on his way out when the man barged through the doorway and skidded to a stop.
"Have you heard what I did to Isa for not knocking?" Oono asked coolly.
The man gulped and moved back a few paces.
"I'm so sorry, sir, but it is important news. The ship is in sight. It will dock shortly."
"Get out of my way," Oono growled and shoved the man forcefully sideways. "Why didn't you tell me that immediately?"
Isa looked up sympathetically from his small desk.
"What are you looking at?" the man sneered and ran back out the door.
"I can see the dock," Zuko stated.
He was wearing full armor now, minus a helmet, as were the rest of his men. Piandao had reluctantly accepted a chest plate while Toph refused to wear anything but her simple tunic and her bare feet.
"I don't need armor," she insisted. "It would hinder my movement anyway."
"I'm just thinking of the arrows, Toph," Zuko replied.
"I can handle them," she asserted confidently.
"Fine then," Zuko said resignedly. "I could never make you do anything."
"Finally, he gets it," Toph joked, slapping Zuko on the back. "Ow, that armor is hard," she complained.
"Yeah, it's armor, you know, there to protect me."
Toph muttered under her breath and Zuko couldn't stop himself from smiling at the tough young woman. He was glad the earthbender would fight for and with him today.
"Zuko, there's someone waving at you from over near those rocks," Piandao stated.
"Huh, where?" the Fire Lord asked.
"That way," Piandao said and pointed over to Maho and a smaller form standing behind her.
"Tomiko?" Zuko whispered.
"Look," the boy called excitedly. "I see a ship. Zuko's here."
"Wow, your eyes are good. I see it now," Maho acknowledged. "Just hang on, Tomiko; it should be all over soon."
They stood squished together at the 'cave's' entrance and waited impatiently for the ship to reach the dock.
"Come on, come on," Tom urged under his breath.
When she could see actual shapes on the deck, the young soldier turned sideways and slipped out into the open. She looked back at Tom and nodded. He moved out too but stayed behind her, almost hidden from view. Maho waved frantically, desperate to catch someone's eye.
"That's Zuko!" Tomiko exclaimed as he saw a man in armor move along the deck over to the side closest to them. "I know it is."
The man waved tentatively at first, then with more enthusiasm. Tom moved forward. He wanted to call out to his brother-in-law but fought the urge. As he inched ahead, movement on the hill caught his eye.
"Maho," he hissed, giving the young woman a poke. "They're coming."
"Get back in there," she said frantically, practically jamming the boy through the large crack in the rock face. "Do not come out, until one of us comes to get you. Do you understand? Me or Toph or the Fire Lord, do you understand?"
He nodded solemnly, gold eyes wide and suddenly scared in his pale face. Maho ran for it, jumping into the cool water and swimming toward the dock. She made it, pulling herself up onto the wooden slats and running full bore toward the ship.
Ryuhito noticed his mother wasn't eating and approached her with a piece of fruit. He handed it to her, a huge toothy grin splitting his face.
"Thanks," Mai whispered.
She ran a hand down his cheek and ate the mango without tasting it. It felt like sweet mush in her mouth and she almost gagged. Her mind felt like a whirlwind; thoughts and ideas were all over the place. It was life and death now just like at Boiling Rock. Mai expected the cool, calm decisiveness to take over any time. She would come to a decision and take the appropriate action; a little more time to think was all she needed.
Rezu's death had shocked her but it was sinking in now and the desire to make the cowardly bastard pay was growing stronger. Perhaps they could flush the assassin out somehow. A plan formulated itself in her head. It wasn't great, but it was truly all she could come up with.
Mai cleared her throat. Ursa looked over at her expectantly.
"I have a bit of a plan," Mai stated.
She got out of her chair and whispered in Ursa's ear. When she finished, Ursa nodded at her daughter-in-law.
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"All I know is that I won't sit here and wait for him to attack us. I want him gone, now. I won't be afraid another night in my home."
Mai called for a servant. An older woman arrived quickly.
"I want you to go home," Mai told her. "Inform everyone else that they are to leave until I call them back. Do it now," Mai commanded.
"Yes, my lady," the woman answered, looking very confused.
She backed out of the room and took off down the hall at a god clip for an old woman. One servant had already died at the assassin's hand. Mai would not tolerate another death. She spoke briefly with the twins, giving them both kisses and hugs.
"See you soon," she said and stepped out into the corridor.
The hulking metal monster came to a stop and lowered its gangplank. Maho called out, wanting to make sure Zuko knew who she was before darting up the ramp, water running in rivulets down her face and limbs.
"Maho," Zuko greeted her with a warm smile. "Was that Tomiko I saw with you before?"
"Yes," she sputtered. "He's alright. I told him to stay safe in that little cave until this mess is finished."
"Thank you for taking care of him," the Fire Lord said earnestly.
He placed a hand on her arm and looked her directly in the eyes.
"Tomiko's a pretty great kid. It was my pleasure. I need to tell you something before you go up there."
"Hey," Toph called. "Get over here, girl."
Zuko shrugged and walked with Maho over to the earthbender.
"I knew you would be awesome. Didn't I tell you, Zuko?"
"You did," Zuko agreed.
He smiled as Toph gave the wet young woman an affectionate punch on the shoulder.
"She likes you," he told he soldier.
"So that's what the punch means," Maho giggled. "Seriously, let me tell you what's been going on, my lord. Oono's men are making their way down the hill."
"Speak," he replied and Maho did.
She told them hurriedly about the blasting jelly and what she figured Oono's plans for it had been.
"So, if he threatens to blow up the school, he's bluffing. The jelly's gone."
"Tom and this caretaker man helped you remove it?"
"Yes, and I'm sure that Mr. Nomura is dead. He was a good man, a former soldier."
"I'm sorry, Maho," Zuko said softly. "I'll make sure his family is taken care of. That's all I can do."
"He respected you, sir, and would have done anything to protect you and your family. And he cared about the children."
Maho went on to tell Toph and Zuko and Piandao, who joined them, about Oono's and Akagi's cruelty, the policies of the school, the things that were said in the classrooms and everything else that she could think of.
"This Akagi man hurt Tomiko," Zuko stated darkly.
"Yes, my lord, he did."
"Point him out to me if you can. He and Oono are my prime targets."
"Whoa there big boy, remember our plan. We're covering you," Toph stated.
"We'll see," Zuko practically growled. "I might not be able to hold back. No one hurts my family and gets away with it."
He looked up then. The sound of marching feet was clear now.
"Go down below and change into dry clothes, Maho," the Fire Lord ordered. "You," he called to a soldier, "tell the men below deck that it's time. We're leaving the ship."
While hurrying through the ship's corridors looking for a place to change, Maho ran into Norio Saga. He gave her a warm smile and she returned it tentatively.
"I told you the Fire Lord would get your letter," he said smugly. "Norio Saga never breaks a promise."
"Yes, but I don't have time to talk. It's happening, now. Where are some dry clothes?" she asked.
"Oh, yeah, you're dripping a bit there. Follow me."
He led and she followed, trotting to keep up with his long strides. Outside a storeroom, he stopped.
"In there," he pointed. "I'll keep watch."
Maho dried off the best she could and found replacement clothing, all a bit big for her but she would have to make do. She put on a breastplate and grabbed a wicked looking knife that she tucked inside her belt. Firebending was a powerful weapon, but sometimes a knife was what it took.
When she opened the door, Saga looked her up and down with a grin.
"You look like a kid playing dress up," he observed.
"It's not my fault all the uniforms are too big."
"When we get home, I would love to see you in a dress, one that fits a little snuggly if possible."
"You're not shy, are you?" Maho replied.
She began walking back the way they had come, up the stairs and out onto the deck.
"You're a pretty girl; I like pretty girls."
"If we both make it back, I promise to put on a beautiful dress for you," Maho stated.
She blushed under Saga's appreciative look, her creamy skin turning a soft pink.
"Now, I've got good reason to survive," he whispered, leaning in close to her.
Oono's men stopped before the middle of the hill. There were maybe twenty of them and they stood in a straight line, staring forward and not moving.
"There are a lot more men than those," Maho told Zuko as she moved in close to the Fire Lord.
"It's the welcoming party," Zuko replied wryly. "There's no point putting this off any longer. Let's march."
He signaled and everyone began to move forward, down the gangplank and onto the dock. Only four could walk abreast comfortably on the dock so it took a while for all the troops to make it ashore. The two groups stood facing each other, neither making a move.
Mai's idea was this: Many guards, including two of the five Piandao left with her, would enter the servants' corridors through the kitchen. She had a feeling that the assassin might be hiding out in there biding his time or waiting for some sort of opportunity. Assuming he heard them coming, he would probably head for the exit near the bedrooms, hoping to catch Mai and her family unawares or at least less protected. But Mai along with the three remaining men trained by Piandao would be waiting for him.
The plan involved a lot of 'ifs' and there were unknown factors. Mai had no idea how capable the assassin was or what weapons he had. But she was determined to finish this nightmare and sleep peacefully in her bed tonight. She felt alert and intensely alive and more than ready to fight, to the death if need be.
The guards were informed quietly and made their way to kitchen, weapons at the ready in case they encountered the assassin. Mai went along, then scurried back down the hallway and stood poised for action, Piandao's men in front of her. All eyes were on the small door that might open any second.
It wasn't long; the door moved outward just a bit, sounding creaky and stubborn from disuse. Mai held her breath and then gawked as all three guards fell to the floor, unable to move and the assassin leapt out before she had time to blink. They drew at the same time, her two shuriken and him two throwing knives.
He was a thick, muscular man, and obviously well trained. Mai looked him directly in the eye trying to gauge his thoughts. He looked back and Mai would swear she saw mirth in their brown depths. She set her jaw and solidified her stance and was surprised when the assassin spoke.
"Now we find out who's more skilled. Who will win?"
Mai fought the desire to roll her eyes. Who was this guy, the ringleader at a circus, introducing the latest act? She continued to watch and it was her years spent silently observing people that gave her the edge. Something in his eyes changed and she knew he was about to throw.
His hands moved, but Mai's shuriken was in his throat before the knives left his fingers' grips. He stared at Mai with wide eyes that were slowly glazing over. With the last of his strength he raised a hand and moved his arm back, preparing to throw. Mai pushed him over with one daintily slippered foot.
"I win," she declared and finished him off.
"Where's Oono?" Zuko demanded. "Is he hiding behind all his men?"
Akagi stepped forward and made a supercilious bow.
"I see you came prepared. Ah, I see the informant," he stated as he looked at Maho.
The young soldier clenched her fists and narrowed her eyes at the man.
"That's Akagi," she whispered to Zuko.
The Fire Lord's fingers tingled as he fought for self control. He wanted to set the man ablaze right then and there.
"What are you waiting for, Grumpy? Let's take these losers."
Zuko ignored Toph and began to speak in a loud, clear voice that carried beyond the soldiers and up the hill to where Oono waited.
"I, Fire Lord Zuko, am giving all of you one chance to surrender. Do you hear that Oono?"
Up the hill, the headmaster smirked and gave the signal. Ten Yu Yan archers pulled back their bows and let go in one fluid motion, all of them together.
"Crap!" Toph exclaimed. "Arrows coming."
She had just enough time to move the largest rocks on the beach into a wall of sorts, deflecting the deadly projectiles off their course.
"They had their chance," Zuko growled deep in his throat and began to move forward, Toph and Piandao flanking him and Maho with a large group of soldiers, including Jee, right behind.
His swords were drawn and flames coursed down their sharp, shiny lengths. Gold eyes focused solely on Akagi as he slashed and hacked and pushed and burned his way through the throng of Oono's men. Piandao stuck to his side, taking care of anyone still moving while Toph continued to deflect shower after shower of arrows, knocking heads where she could as well.
For his part, Akagi slipped back behind the row of men and ran up the hill, leading Zuko to Oono.
"You don't know what's waiting for you," Piandao shouted but Zuko stubbornly moved forward anyway.
Shaking his head, the sword master used his sword's pommel to knock someone out then expertly sliced the tendon just above the ankle of another man. He fell screaming to the ground.
Maho had circled around the first wall of men, finding a second wall waiting for them. She ran back, dodging fire blasts and adding her own to the fray, expertly taking out three of the enemy.
"There's another bunch of them behind these men," she yelled, trying to get Zuko's attention.
Piandao looked at her and found time to shrug while slicing more tendons, not bothering to see whether the soldiers fell or not; he knew that they would. Another volley of arrows rained down on them. One managed to get by Toph and find a tiny gap in Zuko's armor, piercing the flesh of his left shoulder. He didn't even notice or feel any pain. All his attention was riveted on making a path to Akagi and then to Oono.
"The Fire Lord's been hit," Saga shouted as he managed to catch up to Maho.
He fought with just a small knife, tremendous tenacity and pure nerve, whirling about like a wild man and enjoying every second of it. It wasn't often that he engaged in more than bar brawls; this was exhilarating, actually fighting for something, something important to both him and his entire nation.
The pair of them were right on Zuko's heels, desperate to protect their lord, and if the truth were told, Norio Saga didn't want to see the lovely young woman he had only just met and wanted to know better, get hurt either. Piandao and Jee both ran alongside the pair, Jee bending ferociously while the sword master continued to disable Oono's men.
Toph was occupied with a small group of determined firebenders, a group that had moved forward from the second line, and the archers, who continued to let their arrows fly from the top of the hill. Oono had put his poorest benders and fighters up front and better ones in the middle, while his elite waited with him for the Fire Lord's appearance. So Toph's opponents were more skilled than the ones she had first encountered.
Like Saga, she wore a frightening grin and her head was constantly cocked to one side as she listened to every sound that erupted or whispered around her. Her bare feet were planted solidly in the packed down earth of the narrow hillside road. She only stepped forward when vibrations close to her either stopped altogether or became a mere vestige of their former selves. Her progress up the hill was slow but her success rate was almost perfect. Only that one arrow had gotten through. She heard it impact a body and then Saga's shout.
'It would have to hit Zuko,' she thought angrily to herself. 'But he's too damn stubborn to die anyway. He hasn't fallen down yet.'
By the time she finally pulled herself away from the fallen group of benders who surrounded her, Zuko was already at the top of the hill.
"Idiot," she shouted and several moaning men turned their heads toward her. "Not you idiots, the other one," Toph corrected them and then stomped up the hill, shifting large amounts of earth as she did so, just because she could.
Mai pulled her blade out of the assassin's throat.
"I suppose that cool calmness came after all," she remarked to herself.
She wiped it off on the man's dark clothes and put it back where it belonged, next to her skin. It was the first time she had killed, but she felt no remorse and didn't question her actions. He had come into her home, murdered a woman and then laid in wait to kill her and her family. He was willing to murder her unborn child and her two small children all for and because of a man with distorted views of the Fire Nation. No, she felt nothing but triumph and relief, a heady combination.
Kneeling down beside Piandao's men, Mai peered closely at them until she finally noticed very tiny darts sticking out of all their necks. She got up and moved back to the assassin, poking through folds and pockets until she found a small blowpipe. Mai searched her mind for knowledge about paralyzing venoms; all she could think of was the shirshu Zuko once told her about. There wasn't anything she could do for the warriors. The paralysis would wear off eventually.
"Are you alright?" she asked them all, looking into each set of eyes.
They were fine, embarrassed if anything. The guards who had gone through the servants' corridors in pursuit of the assassin all came tumbling out of the door and comically sidestepped the dead man lying on the hallway's intricately designed runner. A sticky pool of blood had settled beneath the man's head and Mai silently wondered if the runner could either be cleaned or that one section somehow replaced.
"Ma'am, what happened? Are you hurt?" one asked urgently.
"You can put it together," Mai drawled.
"Um, yes," he stuttered in reply. "The men….."
"They're temporarily paralyzed. He," she said, giving the corpse a little kick, "used a blowpipe as soon as he stuck his head out the door; never expected that."
"We'll take care of it," a guard said in reference to the assassin's body. May we move the men somewhere more comfortable?"
"Yeah," Mai replied. "There's an empty room three doors down. You can use that."
The Fire Lady didn't ask what they planned on doing with the body. Right now she didn't care. It was just a mess that needed getting rid of. Whether they burned him or put him on ice made no difference to her. He was dead now, just an unpleasant memory.
"I need to see my children now," Mai stated.
It seemed like forever since she had left Ursa's bedroom when really it had been less than half an hour. Leaving the guards to their work, she moved down to Ursa's room and called through the door.
"It's me," she declared.
Ursa ran to the door and yanked it open. Seeing her daughter-in-law looking uninjured brought a joyful look to her face.
"Well?" she asked the knife thrower. "What happened?"
"It's taken care of," Mai replied.
"That means he's dead?" Ursa said, wanting clarification.
"Yes," Mai nodded.
"Did you….?"
"Yes," Mai nodded again.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Ursa." Mai looked at her hands and noticed a small smear of blood. "I need to wash my hands."
"Mommy," the twins called as soon as Mai stepped into the room.
They rushed her, pulling hard on her robes, wanting her full attention.
"Your mom needs to clean up. She'll be out in a minute," Ursa told the twins and pulled them aside, leaving Mai free to move.
The Fire Lady shut the bathroom door and poured cold water into a basin. She put some vanilla scented soap on her hands and then washed them over and over until she was certain there was no trace of the assassin's blood. Replacing that water with fresh, Mai scooped up cold handfuls and brought them to her face, enjoying the almost numbing feeling the water gave her skin.
She patted her face dry, put on a smile and walked back out into Ursa's room. With hands outstretched she called for her children.
"I think it's time you two went back to your own rooms."
At a signal from Oono, the arrows ceased their flight and the remainder of his soldiers halted where they stood. The headmaster looked Zuko up and down, a sneer on his cold features. In the silence, cries of pain carried up the hill. The Fire Lord finally acknowledged his own discomfort, but only internally. He would not let Oono know just how much his shoulder hurt.
"I see one of my amazing Yu Yan archers hit you," the traitor observed. "That must be painful."
Beside him, Akagi snickered. He was untouched.
"I've suffered much worse," Zuko replied dismissively.
"Of course, your father saw to that," Oono chuckled and indicated the scar on Zuko's face. "He knew then how worthless you really are. Too bad he didn't just kill you and be done with it."
"Hey, Zuko," Toph chimed in from somewhere behind him. "Did we come here to talk or get rid of this trash?"
"Silence, earthbender," Oono thundered. "You taint my nation's soil simply by standing on it."
He looked at the powerful young woman with disgust. Zuko radiated rage and fire sprang from his fingertips.
"She is my friend and a better human being than you could ever hope to be. How dare you talk to her like that? This ends now."
With those three words, he created a huge wall of flame and pushed it toward Oono and Akagi. The pair of them easily diffused the fire and made their own, peppering him with powerful blasts that forced him to jump and twist. Using his swords, he deflected the flames with ease and breathed in deeply. He realized that losing control of his emotions would only cause his bending to be erratic. He could not afford that now. Every move, every thrust needed to be perfect and concentrated and pure.
The two men stood before him, smirks on their faces, so very certain of their victory. Stepping back a bit, Zuko got into proper stance and concentrated, making snake like whips of fire run down the length of his swords. He moved his arms in a circular motion, biting back a shriek at the jolt of pain from his shoulder, and the fire curled its way around Oono and Akagi. He ran forward. Out of the corner of his good eye he saw Piandao bringing up the rear, ready to push back any enemy flames he could. The sword master seemed to realize that this fight was Zuko's, that the Fire Lord wanted to handle those two men himself if at all possible.
He was face to face with Oono and Akagi now, close enough to see the fine stubble on their cheeks and the cracks on their lips. Behind the headmaster and his number one man, Zuko spotted the group of ten soldiers who had left his ship early, hoping to sneak up on Oono from behind. Their timing was impeccable. Zuko gave them a quick, pointed glance as if to say, 'if I'm in trouble, move in and take them out.'
The two traitors were busy trying to beat off Zuko's winding whips of fire that seemed to crawl up their bodies. Akagi missed and the flames licked at his neck. He beat out the fire with his hands, screaming now in pain. A faint smell of burnt flesh tainted the air. Infuriated, he lunged at Zuko who thrust the point of one sword into his thigh, pushing down with all his strength.
"That's for Tomiko," he stated in an eerily calm voice.
It took all Zuko's willpower not to cut the man's throat. But he needed to bring Akagi down not kill him. Zuko wanted the man judged in front of his whole nation, not on some small island where no one could see. He would not make Akagi or Oono martyrs for a cause.
"Toph," Zuko yelled and the earthbender was at his side within seconds. "Akagi's on the ground there. Make sure he can't move."
Toph put earth cuffs on the man's wrists and ankles (she had picked up this skill from her time with the Dai Li), then pushed him out of the way, moving the ground beneath him. She did all this while still deflecting random arrows and the waves of fire she sensed around her.
Oono came at Zuko full speed, flames issuing fiercely from his fists. Zuko had to roll on the ground to avoid them, pushing the tip of the broken arrow further into the flesh of his shoulder. He grimaced and kicked outward, the bright orange of his fire colliding with the headmaster's. Oono moved closer and then loomed over him, his fiery fist almost making contact with Zuko's face. Toph moved forward, but Piandao placed a firm hand on her arm, stopping her.
"Zuko," Oono crooned.
The Fire Lord was almost mesmerized by the silky voice.
"Have I told you that there are barrels of blasting jelly placed in four locations around the school? One little signal and all those poor children will be blown into the spirit world…if you believe in that sort of thing. Do you, Zuko?"
The Fire Lord couldn't contain himself. He began to laugh.
"You're a little behind the times. I know the blasting jelly is gone. Remember, I had a spy here since the school opened. She even helped get rid of it. Your reputation is one of a brilliant man, but you're really just an arrogant, hopelessly misguided fool."
Oono's eyes widened with fury. He drew his fist back, ready to drive it hard into Zuko's face. But the Fire Lord was ready; his breath of fire was impressive, almost as strong as Iroh's and the sheer force and magnitude of it propelled Oono backward several body lengths. He lay sprawled on his back, chest armor and sleeves scorched and his hair smoldering. Zuko leapt on the man, straddling him and placing one Dao at his throat, daring the man to move.
"Guess you didn't need those ten guys after all, Zuko" Toph declared. "You," she moved over beside Oono, "can't compete with the best."
She spat on the headmaster, emphasizing her hatred and disgust
Rezu's friends came to pick up her body. Both Mai and Ursa greeted them as they came through the main gate. The palace was still heavily guarded and no one got inside without either the Fire Lady or Ursa assessing the visitor first.
Mai was awkwardly silent. Death was something she had no experience with. She understood its mechanics but the grieving and the preparations and the ceremonies were foreign to her. The only funeral she had attended was that of Zuko's grandfather and during it she had mainly worried about her friend.
Ursa, however was comforting and helpful. She knew the right words; she placed soft hands on trembling ones, made tea, and sat the three women down in the dining room. They asked questions and Ursa answered as best she could. There was no good reason for Rezu's death. Ursa couldn't sugarcoat it. But she could emphasize just how loved the old woman was and how she would be missed by the entire royal family. She really was irreplaceable.
Sensing Mai's discomfort, Ursa made excuses for her daughter-in-law and Mai left the room, expressing her regrets one more time. Once out in the hall she breathed more easily and went to find the twins. They were playing happily with Hideo in their rooms while four guards stood attentively outside.
"Thanks again, Hideo," she stated.
"The more time I spend with these little people, the more I like them. It's really not a bother at all."
"Me like Hideo," Miyako stated and gave the man a hug.
He was touched by the gesture and hugged back. Ryuhito stood off to the side and watched, not quite ready for that intimacy yet.
"You look a little tired, Mai," Hideo observed. "You've had quite a day."
"Slightly understated," she rasped.
The physician had visited Piandao's men and declared them perfectly fine aside from the not being able to move part. But that had almost completely worn off and they would be roaming about the palace soon. The assassin's body was burned unceremoniously, she found out after all. His weapons and clothing were put into a box as evidence. Mai didn't understand how it could be proven that the items had belonged to an assassin and not someone else, but couldn't be bothered to pursue that any further.
Her thoughts centered around Zuko and Tomiko now that her crisis was over. As she watched her children play freely, no worries crawling around in their minds, she ran a hand across her abdomen and leaned back.
"Sleep if you want, Mai. I've got the children," Hideo offered kindly.
She did and did so deeply for more than an hour.
Oono, Akagi and the others that Maho pointed out as leaders in the conspiracy against Zuko, were all chained, hands and feet tightly bound to prevent firebending. They would spend the trip home in a small hold near the ship's galley. The rest of the soldiers would have to ride above deck, heavily guarded by Zuko's own.
Zuko and his people were fortunate; there were only three severe injuries along with many minor burns and knife wounds. The enemy suffered heavier losses. Their bodies dotted the hillside. For his part, the Fire Lord rejected immediate treatment and instead went to get Tomiko.
"Hey, you can come on out now," Zuko yelled into the crevice. "Tomiko, it's me."
He had run along the coastline until he reached the small cave, slipping on slick, seaweed covered stones and placing his hands down into the damp pebbled shoreline to stop himself from falling. His voice was eager and shook with suppressed emotion.
Tomiko poked his head out tentatively. Once he saw Zuko's distinctive face peering back at him, he shrieked with delight, squeezed himself out through the crack and threw himself into his brother-in-law's waiting arms.
"I knew it, I knew it, I knew it," he yelled enthusiastically.
"What?" Zuko asked as he ran a hand affectionately through the boy's dirty hair.
"I knew you would come and get me and stop those bad people. I hate it here and I want to go home."
"So do I, Tom, so do I. Let me have a look at you."
Zuko stepped back and peered closely at Tomiko. The boy was a bit dirty and was covered in bruises and scrapes and insect bites but other than that he appeared fine. The Fire Lord noticed faded red lines across one palm and gently took the boy's hand.
"Akagi did this?" he asked
Tomiko nodded and tears filled his eyes.
"It really hurt too."
"I'm sure it did. And that man will pay for everything he's done."
"How's Maho? She's not hurt is she?"
"She's just fine and so is Toph."
"What's wrong with your arm, Zuko?" Tom asked when he noticed the man favor his left one.
"Nothing much; I'll get it fixed up later. Let's get you onboard. You look hungry and we have a really good cook."
"Yes," Tomiko agreed.
"Is there anything in your room here that you need to get?"
"No, nothing."
"Okay, I'll take you to the ship. I need to figure out what to do with the rest of the children here."
They struggled over the rocks once more, Tomiko falling a few times. Once on the dock, the boy spotted Maho and ran to greet her.
"See, everything worked out," the young soldier declared.
"Did you find Mr. Nomura?"
Maho didn't need to reply. Her face said everything.
"Oh," Tom stated despondently and began to cry.
"Hey," Zuko said when he caught up. "What's wrong?"
"It's Nomura," the boy wailed and buried his face in Zuko's stomach.
The Fire Lord knelt down on the dock so that his eyes looked right into Tom's. He wrapped his arms around the boy and just let him cry until the tears stopped. Hiccoughing, Tom pulled away and rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands.
"Will you take me on the ship, Zuko?"
"Sure; let's go."
He walked the boy aboard and introduced him to Piandao. The sword master asked Tom all about swords and led him down to the galley for a much needed meal.
"Thanks," Zuko called after the man.
Piandao turned and smiled, his hand resting on Tomiko's shoulder. Relieved that Mai's brother was really and truly fine, Zuko turned his thoughts to the matters at hand. There were well over one hundred children at the school with no teachers to supervise them. The huge ship could only hold so many passengers safely. He wanted the worst offenders brought back to the capitol with him. Perhaps the rest of Oono's crew could stay on the island along with some of his to watch them, until he could send another ship back. Yes, that might work.
"Is there anything I can do to help, my lord?" Maho asked.
"Well, I would like to take the children home with us. But that means leaving a lot of traitors behind until I can get another ship here."
"I'll stay if that helps," the young woman volunteered without thought.
"It does," Zuko smiled. "Do you thing Saga would stay behind too?"
"Oh, I have a feeling I'll be able to persuade him."
"Excellent, another ten soldiers should do, especially if everyone is shackled. We brought plenty of chains," Zuko smirked.
Arrangements were made. The children, holding onto satchels which contained their meager belongings, all that was allowed at the school, marched down the hill and onto the Fire Lord's ship. Most looked at Zuko curiously but some looked with open hatred.
"That's a little disturbing," Piandao observed as the children filed by.
"Yeah, it really is," Zuko agreed.
Tomiko, who stood close to Zuko, watched too and stuck his tongue out at Jiro when the bully walked by.
"Friend of yours?" Piandao joked.
Toph sidled up beside Zuko. "Still haven't gotten that shoulder checked, have you?"
"Uhh, no, not yet; I've been too busy."
"Do it now, or I'll make you do it," the earthbender ordered.
"I'm going," Zuko replied, "after I send some hawks."
He wrote a quick note to Mai telling of their victory and Tom's safety, never doubting that she would get it. He also mentioned the many kids that would be arriving at Capitol City dock. Somehow, Mai needed to notify the parents of this change of plans. Finally, he went below deck and sought out one of the doctors.
"I've been waiting for you, my lord. You need to take off your shirt."
Zuko complied and watched as the physician pulled the arrow out and the blood began to flow freely. The middle aged man cleaned the wound thoroughly and then applied a thick paste.
"This ointment will help prevent infection," he stated and then bandaged the area with strips of cloth, pinning it all into place.
"Thanks," Zuko said as he jumped up from his seat.
"My lord, I suggest you eat now and then rest. Actually, I don't suggest, I order."
"I promise," the Fire Lord sighed and walked obediently to the galley where he grabbed a quick bite.
His bed seemed to call to him then and he walked to his cabin in a fatigued trance, opened the door and dropped down onto the mattress. He was sound asleep within seconds and didn't awake until long after the sun set.
It was late evening of the following day when the ship pulled into port. Mai had arranged for parents to pick up their children by sending a notification out throughout Capitol City and the surrounding area. A servant informed her when the ship arrived and she walked to the main palace gates by herself.
The twins were already fast asleep and she didn't feel like interrupting Ursa and Hideo. They knew Zuko was safe after all and would see him in the morning. As she walked, still alert for intruders though the palace was so heavily guarded it was difficult to walk anywhere without bumping into a sentry, Mai reveled in a feeling of peace she hadn't felt for the last few weeks.
She smiled as she imagined Zuko's face upon seeing her. Then she smiled wider at thoughts of the night to come. When she saw the gates in the distance slowly open, Mai began to run. Tomiko tore through the opening and called out her name. He hugged her and patted her belly and then hugged her again.
"She's here, Zuko," the boy yelled back at the man.
Toph and Piandao entered as well, Toph giving Mai a quick embrace while the sword master smiled and said hello.
"We'll take Tom inside," he stated discreetly and then looked between her and Zuko.
Husband and wife just gazed at each other for a few moments, drinking the sight of their beloved in.
"You're hurt," she stated.
"Not too badly," Zuko replied.
She stepped closer and placed a hand on his left shoulder. Zuko placed a hand on her cheek. He inhaled her smell, the familiar, comforting and arousing scent of vanilla reaching his nostrils.
"You're fine?" he asked.
"Yes, but I have a few things to tell you."
"Are the children asleep?"
"Mmm, yes, and they're fine too."
Zuko bent down and placed his lips against Mai's, gently with no pressure, just to feel their softness and warmth.
"Let's go to our room and you can tell me everything," he suggested.
It was hours later before they got to sleep.
Jee, along with three guards, walked across the street to Hoshi's and Akira's house. They pounded on the door until finally a clearly flustered Hoshi yanked it open.
"How dare you disturb my sleep," he shouted. "Why are you here?"
"Fire Lord Zuko has ordered both you and your wife taken into custody. You will stay in the jail until he figures out what to do with you," Jee explained.
Zuko's bodyguard glared at the man and began tapping his foot impatiently.
"Go get your wife now or we will."
"What's going on, dear?" Akira called as she descended the stairs.
She saw Zuko's men and froze.
"Oh," she said and sat down with a thump, "how disappointing."
A/N: That was the most difficult chapter of this story so far and I worked very hard on it. I truly hope you enjoyed it and that it wasn't disappointing.
Next time…Hoshi and Akira get their comeuppance, Tom adjusts to his new life, and the rest of the baddies sit around and wait for their trials.
There will be healthy doses of Maiko as well.
Thanks for reading and extra thanks to my reviewers (who always make me smile).
Alabaster