Expansion
Chapter 21: Loose Ends
It was more than an hour before breakfast, but Tomiko was already dressed in his school uniform, satchel slung over his shoulder and hair in a neat topknot. He stood in front of the mirror in his bedroom and surveyed himself. Everything was in place; his collar was straight and his bright red sash was tied properly. He made silly faces then contorted his features into monstrous masks. Combined with his very proper uniform the faces looked bizarre. Tired of that, Tom sat down on the edge of the bed and waited. After a few minutes, a knock sounded on the door.
"Tom, it's me. I'm coming in, okay?"
"Okay, Zuko," Tom assented.
The Fire Lord, still wearing sleep pants, tied the sash of his silk robe and sat down beside his new charge.
"Wow, you're all set, I see. You look good."
"Really?"
"Yeah, really; so how do you feel?"
"Nervous; see, my palms are all sweaty."
Tomiko held up his glistening palms and then wiped them off on his thighs.
"I could go with you if you want," Zuko offered.
"NO!" Tom shouted.
"Oh, right; that would be embarrassing."
"Yeah, everyone would think I can't even walk to school without the Fire Lord."
"What about Mai?"
"NO!"
"Just the guard then," Zuko said with a chuckle.
Tomiko nodded.
"Come get some breakfast," Zuko suggested. "You don't want your stomach growling all through the morning, do you?"
"No," Tom giggled and got up from the bed. "Are Mai and the twins in the dining room?"
"They should be. Let's go."
Zuko guided Tom out the door with a hand on his shoulder. They walked in comfortable silence down the hall. Sure enough, everyone was already seated and waiting for Zuko and Tomiko to arrive.
"Hi, Tom," Miyako called.
She jumped up from her seat and gave her uncle a hug.
"Hey, Miya," he replied. "Good morning everyone."
"Good morning," Mai and Ursa replied.
"Aren't you handsome looking," Ursa said admiringly. "The girls really will be after you in a few years."
Tom groaned and began to eat, choosing his food carefully and chewing slowly. His stomach already felt like it was filled with fluttering insects. It probably couldn't fit much else. Everyone took furtive looks at the boy as if they expected him to explode or do something equally strange.
"I'm fine, everyone. I used to go to the school. I know my teacher and a lot of the kids. So….."
"Mama, I wanna go too," Miyako pouted.
"Your time is coming, little girl. Enjoy playing all day."
"Hmmm, I wanna go now," she insisted and banged her spoon on the table.
"Miya," Zuko said sternly.
She stuck her bottom lip out but stopped the miniature tirade.
"Maybe when you're old enough, you can go to my school," Tom said helpfully. "I could show you around."
"Okay," the princess said brightly. "When that?"
Ryuhito said nothing through all of this, but sat quietly, looking at his sister every now and then, his spoon moving steadily to his mouth.
"Um," Tom hesitated, "in a few years."
"Okay," Miya said again.
"I wonder if she'll be so eager once she's been there for awhile," Mai mused.
"I have a feeling that your daughter will be right at home in a school," Ursa commented. "She's very sociable."
"Is it time to go yet?" Tom asked nervously. "I'm finished my breakfast."
"You didn't eat very much," Mai observed.
"I can't," Tom replied. "My stomach feels funny."
"Okay, Zuko needs to get dressed so we can walk with you to the gate. And don't worry, we won't go any further."
The rest of the family finished their meal and their tea. Zuko walked back to his bedroom and put on his formal robes, trying but then abandoning the idea of putting up his own hair. When he was done, he joined everyone in the dining room again.
Tom was quiet while the twins talked nonstop as they walked out into the courtyard that led to the palace gates. He checked his satchel once again, straightened a uniform that didn't need straightening, gave Mai and Zuko each a hug and then stepped through the opening gate. He turned back to wave at the twins who called goodbye over and over again. A guard gave Zuko and Mai a bow and promised to watch the boy carefully. As the gate closed, both the Fire Lord and the Fire Lady sighed deeply.
"I'll be worrying all day," Mai remarked in a calm tone. "Are you going up to the university now or later?"
"Now; I want to be around when Tom gets home."
"He's lucky you care so much," Mai said and reached up to stroke her husband's cheek.
She felt a huge surge of love for the man who was willing to take in another child as if it was nothing, and effortlessly made said child feel completely cared for. Sure it was her brother, and sure he was part of the family; but there was a difference between Zuko treating a visiting brother-in-law with kindness and treating him like his own son.
"What are you thinking about" he asked as the four of them walked back to the palace.
The children were in the middle, Miyako holding onto Mai's hand while Ryuhito held onto Zuko's. They ran ahead, stretching the limits of their parents' arms, before coming to abrupt stops and giggling crazily.
"Just Tom," Mai replied and turned her head so that her little smile was hidden from his view.
The school building was very ordinary. It was the same white stone topped with red tiles that was seen all over the Fire Nation and especially in Capitol City. Its name was ordinary too; Capitol City Junior School. But it held fond memories for Tomiko and though much smaller than Sacred Flame Academy, it was also much more welcoming.
He gestured for the guard to be on his way but the stubborn man waited until Tomiko entered the school yard proper. The boy stood still amidst all the activity surrounding him and took everything in. The play area was the same; red paint marked off sections for playing marbles while white paint designated the area for ball games. A group of girls played 'chopsticks'* under the shade of a huge tree while some boys tossed a ball back and forth. Other children talked in pairs or large groups. Some sat alone, watching the play or reading to themselves.
Tom wondered just why he was so nervous. A few short weeks ago, this had been his school. Many of the kids looked familiar and the teachers supervising the play were all ones he had seen before. But despite all that, everything felt different. He was different, forever altered by the events at and leading up to his time at Sacred Flame Academy.
From across the playground, two boys approached him. Tom grinned as he recognized them as friends.
"Fumio, Kenji!" he exclaimed.
"Hey, Tomiko," the boys said at the same time.
"We heard what you did at that school. Wow, blasting jelly. So you're like a hero," Kenji stated enthusiastically.
Tom blushed and shook his head. "Naw, I just helped out."
All three boys began to fidget. No one knew quite what to say. They looked at each other and then down at the ground, then back up at each other.
"Are you living in the palace now for real, with the Fire Lord?" Fumio asked.
"Uh-huh," Tomiko replied. "My sister's married to him, you know."
"What's it like?" Kenji almost whispered. "Is everything gold?"
"No, it's just like a big, fancy house with lots of rooms and servants and portraits and stuff."
There was not a hint of bragging in Tomiko's voice. The palace was only a building he slept and ate and played in. It just happened to be the most famous building in the entire nation.
"Do you think we could see it one day, I mean, if that's alright?" Fumio asked hopefully.
"Sure; you guys can come over and play. I'll ask when I get home."
Classes were about to begin. The teachers rang a bell and everyone lined up by their year. Tom stood with Kenji and Fumio. He felt much easier than he had just a few minutes earlier. Maybe the day would go really well after all.
"I think you should go with this guy," Mai stated firmly. "He's under thirty and very smart from what I've read. And he appears to be uncorrupted. That's always a bonus."
The Fire Lord and his wife were discussing Hoshi's replacement. The young man in question was named Hayato Kochi and was a recent graduate of Capitol City University. He had also spent a year studying at Ba Sing Se's university.
"He has no experience."
"No, but he knows a lot about economics, more than my father ever did. The experience will come. He'll probably have lots of enthusiasm to make up for his, um, what he lacks."
"You really think so?"
"Yes; don't you want some young blood in the council? Aren't you sick of the old men who are stuck in their ways? And you didn't have any experience when you became Fire Lord. You need to get a woman in their too one day. A little female perspective wouldn't go amiss."
"That's what I have you for," Zuko replied and gave his wife a bright smile.
"True; but I'm not actually on the council."
"You have more influence than any of those men ever will."
"Then trust me; go with this guy."
"Alright, I'll ask him formally and we'll see what he says."
"He'll accept. I'm sure of it."
Zuko found some clean parchment and opened his writing box. He dipped his brush into the black ink and proceeded to write a letter to Hayato Kochi. Mai got up from her seat and watched over his shoulder, suggesting a word or phrase here and there. The Fire Lord finished, applied his seal and pushed the letter off to the side to dry.
"Done," he said with a flourish. "Mai, are you sure you're alright with me going to Shimazu Island tomorrow?"
"I'm sure. Just please make a decision and take care of Azula. I trust you to make the right one."
"I hope that I can," he said a little sadly. "So, Tom should be coming home soon. I wonder how his day went."
"He wasn't sent home early and we haven't gotten any urgent letters so it can't have been that bad," Mai reasoned. "Akane's making his favorite dinner tonight. I think he deserves it."
"You know, I haven't given him any sword lessons in a long time. I should do that soon. And we need to take Piandao up on his invitation after the baby's born and you've rested up for a few weeks. Tom would be so thrilled to get some lessons from the master."
"A little vacation would be nice. I think it's doable. Hey, you never told me how the trial went this morning."
"More damning testimony, more staring from Oono and I'm convinced that both those traitors need to die. I'm pretty sure Nakada and the others feel the same way. I've been thinking a lot about their execution, Mai."
"So, happy thoughts then?"
"Hmmm, I'll be glad to see them punished but none of this stuff makes me happy."
Mai dropped her head into her hands and snickered. Her sarcasm was often completely lost on Zuko.
"I came to a decision of sorts, though. I don't want them to die by fire. It's our element, symbol of our nation and firebending has changed for the better during my reign, thanks to the masters. Oono and Akagi aren't good enough to die by fire. I want them to hang. Then their bodies will be given to their families. They can decide what to do from there."
"I see your point and I agree. They're not worthy of any Fire Nation customs or traditions."
"Exactly," Zuko said. "They're not worthy."
"Are you done for the day?" Mai asked, after a pause. "I thought maybe we could go for a little walk before Midori leaves and Tom comes home."
"Yeah," Zuko smiled. "Let's go."
He got up from his chair and took Mai's hand, eager to spend some relaxing time with his wife.
Tomiko's classroom was much as he remembered it. There were fewer children, though. He hadn't been the only one sent by his parents to Sacred Flame Academy, but he along with one other boy was the only one sent back to Capitol City Junior School.
"I was here last week," Masato sneered. "What took you so long?"
Tom did his best to ignore the boy as he waited for the teacher to assign him a place to sit.
"My parents are really mad that Sacred Flame closed and so am I. I liked it there. This school stinks."
Tom still didn't respond.
"The Fire Lord ruined everything. Too bad he didn't die. That's what my folks say. I heard them."
"Then your parents are traitors too," Tom finally replied with utter calm. "They should be run out of town like my parents were."
"Ha, ha, that was funny. I threw lots of things at them. So what, are you gonna tell on them or something, orphan boy?"
"No, just shut up and leave me alone."
The teacher, a young man by the name of Tadashi Mori, entered the room and silence reigned.
"Master Matsuo, it's good to see you back. You may take the seat directly in front of me," he said kindly.
"Teacher's pet," Masato whispered as he moved to his own seat.
Tom knelt on the red cushion, placed his hands in his lap and then looked expectantly toward the front of the room. A blank scroll, inkwell and brush were laid out on his desk. Calligraphy would be the first subject of the day.
He enjoyed the movement of brush across paper and made elegant looking, well formed characters. The teacher moved up and down the rows giving suggestions and helping with difficulties. After half an hour, he asked everyone to clean their brushes in the water basin at the back of the room and leave them to dry.
Next was geography. They were studying the vast Earth Kingdom, its mountains, rivers, canyons, cities and farmlands. Mori was a good teacher, making even dull statistics sound interesting. He showed maps and drawings, pinning them to the giant wooden board at the front of the cheerful room, and read accounts of travels through the Earth Kingdom.
"I don't wanna learn about that stupid country," Masato from his seat two places behind Tomiko. "I'm gonna tell my parents that I don't want to and they'll get me out of it."
"Shh," a girl named Sora hissed. "Teacher's talking."
"Masato, you will study what everyone else is studying and not complain. And your attitude is outdated. The Earth Kingdom is a fine place with lots to offer. If you continue to make prejudicial remarks, you will stay after school to study the Earth Kingdom even more."
The boy's mouth hung open. How had the teacher heard him above his own talking and the general classroom noise? Mori continued with the lesson. Tomiko smirked behind his hand.
The playtime held after lunch did not go so well for Tom.
"It's your fault," Masato said to Tom and pushed the boy into the dirt.
"What's your problem?" Tom asked.
"You and your stupid family; they ruined everything. I hate them and I hate you."
Tomiko still sat in the dirt when he saw Masato pick up a rock. He tried to move out of the way in time but failed. The projectile hit him square on the forehead, leaving a smear of blood behind. The boy didn't cry or call out but looked coldly at Masato.
"Tomiko, are you okay?" Kenji asked.
"You're bleeding," Sora cried.
She rubbed at Tom's forehead, trying to clean the blood off.
"We have to tell teacher," she declared. "Come on, I'll help you up."
Tomiko grabbed her hand and she pulled, helping him to his feet. They rushed inside, Sora glaring at Masato over her shoulder.
"I saw him throw the rock," she stated. "I'll tell Sensei."
"No, don't tell him, okay. I fell and hit my head."
"But that's stupid. Masato did it and he should get in trouble."
"I'll deal with him myself."
"Tomiko, let Sensei help."
"Only if I have to."
Sora sighed. She took him into the classroom. Mori was there and stood up immediately when he saw Tomiko's head.
"What happened?" he asked seriously.
"We were playing and I hit my head really hard."
"Let me have a look," the teacher said and beckoned the boy over with his finger. "Ah, there's quite a welt there. I'm going to write a note for you to take home. Are you sure you're telling the truth?"
"Yes, Sensei," Tom replied without hesitation.
"Fine; Sora, would you help Tomiko clean up, please?"
"Yes, Sensei," she replied and led Tom to the back of the room.
Mori frowned as he watched the two children. Something wasn't right but he wouldn't push. He would wait for Tomiko to confide in him if he wanted to. Taking out paper, he carefully composed a note to Fire Lord Zuko and Fire Lady Mai.
"Tomiko," he called. "I'll give you this note at the end of the day. Make sure you give it to your guardians. I'll be checking."
"I'll give it to them," the boy answered brightly.
"Break's almost over. Why don't the two of you help me pin these dragons to the board?"
"Dragons; are we learning about them?" Tomiko asked excitedly. "Zuko, I mean the Fire Lord loves dragons."
"We're going to learn about them and make our own."
"Wow," both children exclaimed.
"I'm glad to see such enthusiasm. I think it will be a fun project."
The remainder of the children filed in after a few minutes. Masato looked around guiltily, expecting to walk into trouble and was suspicious when nothing happened.
"You'd better not be tricking me, Matsuo," he said as he walked past the boy. "I don't care who you live with."
"Just shut up," Tom replied tiredly. "No one cares what you have to say."
The rest of the day went smoothly and Tom had a new friend, someone he wanted to bring home one day and introduce to Mai and Zuko.
"I have a note for you," Tomiko said, thrusting his hand out and giving the scroll to his sister.
"What happened to your head?" she asked, moving closer and peering at the large bruise with a small cut in the center.
"That's what the note's about," Tom replied and glanced over at Zuko.
"How was it?" the Fire Lord asked.
"Mostly good," the boy replied a bit evasively.
"Everything except for the bump on your head, am I right?"
Mai was touching his forehead now, feeling the lump beneath the bruise and frowning. She opened the scroll and read quickly.
"You hit your head while playing….Is that true?"
Tomiko hesitated and then sighed. "Noo, it's not true. Some jerk threw a rock at me."
"And you didn't want to be a snitch so you lied to your teacher. Am I right?"
"Everyone would think I'm a big sissy. I can deal with the guy myself."
"Who is this boy?" Zuko asked protectively. "Why was he picking on you?"
"His name's Masato and he went to Sacred Flame too except he really liked it and so did his parents. They don't like you or me or Mai. But everyone else was nice and I made a new friend. Her name is Sora. Can she come over one day?"
"Well, sure, as long as it's okay with her mom and dad. We'd have to give her a note to take home."
"Can you write one tonight?"
"Alright; you must like her a lot," Mai stated.
She looked over Tomiko's head at Zuko and they both smiled, recalling their younger selves and the closeness they shared.
"Akane made your favorite dinner and the twins missed you," Zuko said. "Do you want to go inside?"
"Uh,huh, oh, guess what?"
"I don't know," Zuko replied.
"We're studying dragons and we're even going to make one. And we talked all about the Earth Kingdom and my calligraphy was really good."
"Dragons, huh; that's good to hear. How are you going to make one, with paper mache?"
"Yup and we get to paint pictures of them too and write stories about them."
"That sounds like fun. I'm so glad you like it there, Tomiko."
Tom enjoyed his dinner and he and the twins played together afterward until Miyako and Ryuhito were ready for bed.
"Can I help you put them to bed, Mai?" he asked.
"Yeah, yeah," the twins cried out.
"Feel free," she replied and watched as Tom expertly tucked in, first Ryuhito in his room, and then Miyako in hers.
He gave them each a kiss too and whispered something funny to them. Zuko came in a few minutes later to say goodnight. The Fire Lord brushed back hair from Miya's forehead and pressed a soft kiss there. He gave Ryuhito a tickle and then joined Mai and Tom out in the hallway.
"Come on into our room, Tom," Zuko said. "We'll write that note for you."
Mai sat at the desk and opened her writing kit.
"Her name is Sora, you said?"
"Yep."
"Alright," she said after a few minutes. "How's this?"
Tom read the letter over and smiled approvingly.
"Let it dry and remember to get it tomorrow morning."
"Thanks, Mai."
"Now, what are you going to do before bed, Tom?" Zuko asked.
"Can we play a quick game and then I'll go get my bath and get ready for bed?"
"Sure, what did you have in mind?"
"Pai sho; maybe you can show me some moves," the boy hinted.
"Okay, but Mai's better than I am. The board's in the wardrobe over there."
"I'll show you some stuff," Mai said as Tom retrieved the board and the tiles.
It was a beautiful set, another gift form Iroh. The pieces were intricately carved and colored and the board itself was the finest wood. The boy placed it on the coffee table and sat cross legged on the floor while Zuko and Mai sat on the sofa. The evening passed quickly and Tom was soon yawning.
"Time to get ready for bed," Mai suggested.
"Aww, just a few more minutes, please," he wheedled.
"No, you're tired and you have school tomorrow. And you still need a bath. I'll check on you in half an hour. You should be in bed by then."
"Fine," he sighed and began to pack up the board.
"Go on; I'll finish," Zuko said. "Goodnight, Tomiko."
The boy gave Zuko a hug before leaving.
"Are you sure you want to handle this bully yourself?' Zuko asked softly.
"Yeah, I'm sure."
"I'm proud of you, Tomiko," Zuko said with a warm smile.
The boy beamed.
Mai got up early with her husband to see him off. They ate breakfast together as the sun rose and she walked him outside where Jee waited patiently.
"Watch her," Mai warned. "She's capable of anything."
"I'll be careful, Mai. I promise."
"I hate this," she said bitterly. "I hate that she still has any kind of effect on us. I just want her to go away."
Zuko pulled her into a hug and rubbed her back, making soothing circles with the palms of his hands. She buried her face in his tunic momentarily and enjoyed the sense of peace and safety she got from the closeness with her husband.
"Jee's waiting," he said and pulled away gently.
"I'll see you late tonight. I'll be waiting up. I want to hear about everything that happens."
"Oh, I know you will," Zuko smirked. "Have a good day with the kids."
"Seriously, Zuko, be careful."
He gave her a hopeful smile and a wave as he walked away with his bodyguard and companion for the trip. Mai watched as he grew smaller, a small knot of anxiety in her stomach. Maybe another cup of tea would appease her worries somewhat.
Akane was in the kitchen and made her a cup of peppermint tea, slipping a fresh biscuit onto a plate and setting it down beside her as well.
"I just ate, Akane," Mai stated.
"I know, my lady, but you have a growing baby inside you and the biscuits are wonderful if I do say so myself. Please eat."
The cook found some cherry jam and put that down beside Mai as well. The Fire Lady wondered if this was what having a warm, caring mother was like. It felt good to be fussed over, much as she would never admit it.
She broke the biscuit open, spread some cherry jam on its warm centre and began to eat. It was delicious.
The airship was a small one much like Zuko had taken out of the capitol all those years ago to follow Aang and his friends. It moved swiftly through the air. The strong breeze that moved in their direction of travel helped their cause. The ocean was close enough beneath the balloon for Zuko to see the occasional school of fish move through the water.
He was grateful for his cloak. The breeze was not only strong but had an unusual bite to it. Zuko thought about family, how some members could be so great while others could be so troublesome. That was the way with all people of course, but family had to be dealt with in one way or another. He couldn't deny Azula's influence on his life or the feelings that just the mention of her name dredged up. He hoped that today, perhaps, he could eliminate her threat. That accomplishment would make any thoughts of her more bearable.
"You'll be glad when this day's over, I take it," Jee observed wryly.
'What gave that away?" Zuko asked with a grin.
"The look on your face and your clenched fists did it."
"Ah; Azula's a sore spot for Mai and me. The fact that she's threatened our children makes her much more than that too. She's, well, she needs to be taken care of somehow. Where can she go? How can we make her completely harmless without killing her? It's not just her firebending that's powerful; it's her mind and her drive."
"You'll figure it out. You need to contain her and continue with the chi blocking tea or herbs in her food. I think her recent firebending was brought on by extreme stress. Her life was in danger and her body did what it had to do. I don't believe she can bend at will as long as the herbs are in her system and she's safe."
"It would be so much easier if she had died. I feel so cruel when I say that, but it is true. I suppose that things can't always be easy. As my uncle says, 'trouble and adversity breed strength and integrity'."
"Wise words; I miss your uncle sometimes. He made those three years on your ship bearable. No offense."
Zuko just chuckled. "None taken," he replied. "I was miserable most of the time."
The two men, one approaching his later years and the other still in the early years of his manhood spent the next few hours talking idly about Capitol City, Iroh, children, the council and so on. Zuko really had no secrets from Jee. He was one of the people in his life that he trusted implicitly. Jee had always been there for him. Jee had never betrayed him.
The Fire Lord's mood was almost jovial as the airship landed in the small field and they stepped out into the long grass. As he had a few times over the years, Zuko walked to the asylum's door, guards parting to let him through after bowing, and entered into the pleasant foyer where the secretary's desk sat. Doctor Tochihara was called and came out to greet the guests.
"It's an honour as always, Fire Lord Zuko. Please come into my office. We can talk privately there and I'll have some tea and sandwiches brought to us."
"Thanks," Zuko replied.
The office was smallish and the three men took up most of the space. But the food and drink was very welcome. Both he and Jee grabbed two sandwiches and stuffed them down neither really caring about propriety.
"I'll have Atsuka bring some more. The sea air must be good for the appetite."
"Very early breakfast," Zuko explained around a mouthful of bread.
"I see, hang on a moment then."
The doctor left briefly to give instructions to the cook who resupplied them shortly after.
"Now, shall we get down to business?" Tochihara asked.
He looked Zuko directly in the eyes and waited for a response. The Fire Lord nodded and took a gulp of black tea.
"My letter explained a lot, I hope."
Zuko nodded again.
"She has not used bending since the attempt on her life. If she refuses her tea, we put the herbs in her food. She'll either ingest the herbs like we want her to or go hungry. That is simple enough. Whether the herbs are sufficient to control her is another matter. I used to be sure that they were. Now I'm not."
"She was in an extreme situation, though. That made the difference, right?" Zuko asked.
"Well, the body does react in certain ways when it perceives danger. You can feel your heart beat faster, for one. I'm sure you've experienced that."
"Yes, many times."
"And we get a surge of power or energy over and above our usual. Somehow, those responses awakened Azula's fire and allowed her to bend, even if it was weakly and just for a short period of time."
"It's unlikely she'll find herself in a situation like that again, but for some reason that doesn't give me comfort. What if she finds a way to, I don't know, fool her body into thinking she's in danger. Is that possible?"
"I want to say 'no', but where your sister is concerned, my lord, I hesitate. She's a brilliant woman, very misguided and very cruel, but I don't doubt she could do anything she really sets her mind to."
"Great," Zuko sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "So what do we do?"
"As you've seen, our patients stay in comfortable, regular rooms, not prison cells. I do have a few rooms, down in the lower level, those that were reserved for the more violent patients. Let me show them to you."
Tochihara got up from his chair and gestured for Jee and Zuko to exit ahead of him.
"Please, follow me downstairs."
The stairs spiraled downward until the light of the sun was completely absent and the grey stone walls could only be seen with the help of wall sconces that Zuko lit. The basement wasn't dank or dungeon like, just very clean and unadorned and very grey. The Fire Lord examined the two 'rooms' carefully. The walls were made of thick metal panels riveted together, while the doors were solid metal slabs with a barred window. It reminded Zuko of the cells in The Boiling Rock Prison.
A metal bench was welded right to one wall while a bed frame was welded to another. Right now, there was nothing flammable, but put a mattress inside and Azula would have something to light up. Then again, she would only be harming herself with the smoke. The fire wouldn't spread beyond the cell anyway.
He shook his head, trying to dispel some of the weirder thoughts that entered his mind; Azula melting metal with intense heat and escaping up the stairs and out the door, blasting employees and patients on her way out and somehow finding the strength to swim miles to the nearest island.
"This assassin, Doctor Tochihara, how did he get to the island? He didn't leave a boat behind, did he?"
"Someone must have delivered him here. We found no boats or balloons anywhere. What do you think of the rooms?"
"I think they're very much like prison cells and I approve. She's not in the capitol and she's locked up securely. Is that a door inside the cell?"
"Yes; it leads to the bathroom. The outside entrance is there," Tochihara indicated. "She will have full access to it. It too is a metal room and has nothing but a toilet, a wash basin and a metal tub. We will supply her with soaps and towels and so on. She will be required to clean it herself. Dirty towels and uniforms are pushed out this small chute."
"And meals?" Zuko continued. "Oh, I see. There's like a little pull out drawer that you place the tray on."
"That's right."
He looked around some more and was satisfied.
"Take me upstairs to see her. I also want to supervise the transition from her present room to this one."
"Yes, my lord."
The doctor walked up the stairs while Jee and Zuko followed. They passed the main floor and walked up to the next one. Five guards paced the hallway outside the princess's room.
"Excuse me," Tochihara said to the guards and fished in his pocket for the key.
Carefully he opened the door, calling out to Azula at the same time. Zuko entered just behind the doctor. His sister sat on the edge of her bed looking fully alert and wearing a sly smirk.
"I've been expecting you," she said.
Ursa and Mai lounged in the sitting room while the twins played together on the floor. Miyako had her stuffed toys and was pretending to feed them while Ryuhito 'read' to them from a picture book.
"It won't be long now, Mai, before you have another one to look after."
"Not long," she agreed. "Hopefully all the loose ends are tied up before the baby arrives."
"I'm confident they will be and then you and Zuko can enjoy some peaceful time with your family."
"How do you feel about moving Azula somewhere more secure?"
"I've come to terms with who she is and I understand the need to move her."
"I'm glad," Mai stated. "How are you and Hideo doing? You're spending a lot of time with him."
"I am; and I enjoy every minute of it. He's a dear man, Mai. I think I might be in love. It was never this way with Ozai. I never felt this comfortable and secure and cared about. It feels so good."
"Wow, so do you think the two of you will marry? Or are you going to stay with things the way they are?"
"I don't know. I'm not worried about it either. I just want to let our relationship grow into whatever we need it to. Does that make sense?"
"Yeah, yeah it does. I'm really happy that you're so happy Ursa. You deserve it more than most."
"Thank you, dear. You and Zuko and the children are a large part of my happiness as well."
Mai just smiled and took a look at the two small children stretched out on the carpet, busy in their world of play.
"I think I'll go see what Akane's got cooking. I'll bring some tea back. Are you hungry, Mai? Would the kids like a snack?"
"They probably would and tea sounds great. I'm not hungry, though. I'll wait for dinner."
Ursa left and Mai got up from the sofa. She carefully lowered herself onto the carpet, sitting next to the children.
"So," she began, "is your dragon enjoying the story, Miya?"
She reminded him very much of the Azula from years ago. Zuko's sister wore the same confident smirk and a sense of superiority oozed off her. Though dressed in the plain uniform of all the residents, her hair loose and adornment free and her nails clipped short and unpainted, Azula still looked every bit a princess to Zuko; Azula's idea of one, that is. He would not let his daughter become the type of royal Azula had been; haughty, cruel, demanding with a huge sense of entitlement.
"So, you heard the good news," she stated and looked Zuko directly in the eye. "I'm dangerous again."
"I heard," Zuko replied.
"Are you punishing me for killing a man?"
"No; you killed in self defense. I understand that."
"How very big of you, brother dear; you must be moving me somewhere more secure then."
"I could never put anything over on you, could I, Azula?"
"You're as transparent as ever. Let's get it over with. I'm sure you want to get back to your wife and children."
She spat the last words out as if they tasted bad in her mouth.
"I do," Zuko agreed.
Tochihara nodded and two guards entered the room. She stood up and placed her hands out, expecting the guards to shackle her. Instead, they each grabbed hold of an arm and walked her out the door. Zuko followed right behind, vigilant. He wondered why Azula was being so cooperative. Her behavior was more frightening than her shooting lightning at the bunch of them.
"I'll bet you're wondering why I don't resist," she remarked, inclining her head just a bit in Zuko's direction.
"Not really," Zuko replied.
"You're lying," she said.
"Alright, why are you not resisting?"
"I don't want to give you an excuse to kill me. I've got lots of time, brother and I've developed remarkable patience. My day will come"
"Don't count on it, Azula," Zuko remarked.
"I have to pass the days somehow; what better way than dreams of killing you and your wife? Of course, the brats would have to go too."
Zuko clenched his fists tightly and held his arms close to his sides.
"There's your new home," he said with more than a hint of triumph.
The guards gave her a gentle push inside the metal box of a room and then carefully locked the door. They checked the bathroom door as well, making sure it was secure. Zuko and Tochihara watched the procedure closely and the Fire Lord pulled on both doors himself.
"Feeling safe, Zuko? Are you sure now that your family is untouchable?"
"Shut up, Azula," he hissed in reply and angrily slammed his hand against the metal of the door.
"Poor, pathetic, predictable Zuzu," she laughed. "You'll always be the same."
"Enjoy your stay," the Fire Lord stated sarcastically and then walked back up the stairs before his sister could form a clever response.
"Are you alright?" Jee asked when he made it to the top of the stairs.
"Yes; I just hate myself for losing control. She always gets to me."
"Your sister is an expert at preying on people's weaknesses; your family is your weakness. She knows she'll get a response if she insinuates anything about them."
"She's right, though. I'll never change."
"No, she's not right at all. You've changed a great deal over the years, and all for the better. Don't let her get you down."
"Thank you, Jee. How about we say goodbye to the doctor and head for home?"
"I think that's a great idea."
Mai had fallen asleep once, just for a second. The sound of her book hitting the floor woke her right back up, however, and she decided to pace around the hallways rather than stay in bed. Lying down was just too conducive to sleep. She grabbed a robe and put it on over her nightgown.
Once outside her room, she walked at a steady pace, visiting the library, Zuko's office, the council room, the kitchen and her training room. She tossed a few knives, and then a few more. The sound as they hit the target seemed loud in the nighttime silence of the palace.
Knives put away, she walked back toward the bedrooms and checked on Tomiko. He slept soundly beneath the covers. A small stuffed toy sat on the pillow next to him and a drawing he had done at school that day sat on his desk. Mai looked at it in the moonlight and smiled. He had drawn the garden; the fountain was off to the side while he and Zuko swung their swords in the centre of the picture. Further off were Mai and the twins. No one else looking at the picture would recognize the Fire Lord or Fire Lady but that didn't diminish the drawing's beauty in her mind.
Mai closed the boy's door quietly and then looked in on Ryuhito. He was tangled up in the sheets and his face was stuffed into the pillow. She moved him over, careful not to wake him, then kissed his cheek and stroked his damp head.
Miyako slept curled up with her stuffed dragon, arms wrapped around it protectively. The Fire Lady observed her little girl; her face was expressive even in sleep and she looked ready to take on anything. It was like looking at a reflection of her young self, the features just a bit softer and more rounded, but a few years would take care of that.
Sighing, she left the room and headed back to her own, hoping to find Zuko there. He was. Hearing the door open, her husband turned around and greeted her with a wide smile.
"Hey," he said and moved toward her.
She went gladly into his open arms and they stayed like that for a few minutes, not saying a word.
"I'm glad you're back," Mai said, breaking the quiet.
"So am I."
"Is everything okay?"
"Azula's going to stay at the asylum in a special room. It's a lot like a cell and it's very secure."
"You saw this room?"
"Yes, I saw it."
"And you're happy with it?"
"I am," Zuko replied and kissed her forehead.
"What did she say?" Mai asked and there was the tiniest flicker of anger in her eyes.
"Oh, you know the usual Azula talk; threats and intimidation."
"Mmmm….and you got upset."
"Only briefly; she knows how to get to me, Mai, through you and the kids."
"Bitch," Mai said with unusual venom.
"I agree; now let's forget about her. How was your day?"
"It was good. Tom had fun at school. He brought home a drawing he wants to show you."
"I'll look at it tomorrow."
"You look exhausted, Zuko."
"I am."
Mai went to the wardrobe and found his sleep pants, tossing them onto the bed. He got into them quickly and they both slipped under the covers, Zuko moving as close to Mai's body as he could get and putting an arm around her belly, rubbing it rhythmically until they both fell asleep.
Two Weeks Later
Zuko watched as the two bodies dropped, jerked and then gently swayed. It was a terrible sight, one he wished never to witness again. He held firm in his belief, though, that both Oono and Akagi deserved the end that they got.
It wasn't a public execution. He didn't believe in those. But Justice Minister Nakada, Jee, and several guards stood alongside him quietly. The entire city knew what was going on at the palace, however. After the trial had ended and the traitors were declared guilty, a brief discussion as to their sentence was held. Death was agreed upon by all and the sentence was announced to the citizens.
"Cut the bodies down," Zuko ordered. "Wrap them in their shrouds and dismantle this scaffold."
The guards scurried forward to do his bidding while the palace physician stood by, waiting to declare the traitors officially dead. He checked for pulses, found none and gave Zuko a nod.
The bodies were wrapped roughly. Family members waited outside the palace gates. The corpses would be brought out to them.
The Fire Lord looked down at the ground and sighed. He'd had more than enough of death. He wanted to leave the rope and the bodies and the awful sound of them dropping behind forever.
"Jee, I'm going inside now," he said softly and didn't wait for a reply.
He walked swiftly and had to fight down the urge to run. Once inside the palace he sought out Mai and the children. They were in the nursery, getting more things ready for the baby and thinking about some playtime in the garden.
Mai looked him up and down and whispered, "Is it over?"
Nodding, Zuko sat down in the rocking chair. The twins climbed up into his lap almost automatically and he rocked back and forth, like he had when they were infants. It was good here; here he was surrounded by life, the lives he held in his arms, his wife and the new life, almost ready to greet the world.
*traditional Japanese hand game
A/N: One more chapter and an epilogue left.
JillRG, there will be no Tenzin in this story.
I'm not sure what I'll be doing when this story is finished. I'm open to any brilliant suggestions or requests for one shots or short chapter stories. You can pm me if you have an idea you'd like to share.
Alabaster