Toph decided to go check on Katara since she hadn't come up to the dormitories. She tried to open the door knowing that Katara was probably changed, but the door was locked. So she decided to take the easy way in. The easy way being earthending the door open! When she calmly walked in after doing so, Katara wasn't in the room. She called out but couldn't find her. Then she noticed a crack in the side of the mirror. She moved in closer and put her hand in the crack and slid the mirror over to reveal a secret passage. She hesitated and then walked in and slid the mirror back over.
She then began to walk into the passage made of stone. It was wet and damp and cold and Toph shivered. A rat screeched and Toph yelped in surpriese. She decided to keep walking. She was getting closer and closer until a hand grabbed her shoulder. Toph knew who it was but she whirled around (just in case) to reveal Mai who grabbed her and led her back to the dormitories where Zhao was imitating the firebender using a rope with orange paper around the sides and a dark hood over himself as he sang.
Like yellow parchment is his skin
A great black hole serves as the nose that never grew
You must be always on your guard
Or he will capture you with his magical lasso
As he did this, he brought over a girl and threw the rope around her and began to growl at her while the girl giggled. Toph went to bed, and Mai stormed up taking the rope and the girl away singing
Those who speak of what they know
Mai then turned to Zhao and sang
Find too late that prudent silence is wise
Zhao you better hold your tongue
Mai then threw her daggers at Zhao, pinning him and his clothes against the wall. Mai then came over, put the rope around Zhao's neck and tightened it singing
Keep your hand at the level of your eyes
A sweet tune awoke the water beauty and she wondered where she was. Then she realized and carefully turned off the music box and got out of bed to the main room (or whatever it is) where the firebender was playing his piano/organ and she started singing
I remember there was mist
Swirling mist upon a vast glassy lake
There were candles all around and on the lake there was a boat
And in the boat there was a man
As soon as she sang that last word, the firebender turned to see the beautiful girl walking towards him. She looked the same way she did last night! Not 1 hair was moved from her head and her nightgown was still gorgeous. As she walked closer to him, he thought about hypnotizing her again but seeing her this beautiful, he changed his mind. As Katara walked over to him, she sang
Who was that shape in the shadows
Whose is that face in the mask
When she got next to him, she gently put her hands on his face, gazing at the wonderous creature but she felt that the mask was blocking him. Slowly Katara gently took off the mask but before she could see, the man covered the side of his face and pushed her to the ground angrily singing
Damn you
You little prying Pandora
You little demon
Is this what you wanted to see
Curse you you little lying Delilah
You little viper
Now you cannot ever be free
Damn you curse you
Katara silently began to cry and Zuko realized what he did so he calmed down and began to sing softer
Stranger than you dreamt it
Can you even dare to look or bear to think of me
This loathesome gargoyle
Who burns in hell
But secretly yearns for heaven
Secretly secretly
Oh Katara
Katara only stared at him while he continued
Fear can turn to love
You'll learn to see to find the man behind the monster
This repulsive carcass
Who seems a beast
But secretly dreams of beauty
Secretly secretly
Oh Katara
Tears poured down Katara's face as she realized how difficult the man's life must have been. She silently held out the mask to him which he took and put back on his face. A sudden shadow covered her view and helped her to her feet. Then 2 arms wrapped around her and hugged her silently
"I am deeply sorry my child." the firebender comforted
"Who are you?" Katara whimpered
"My name is Zuko! I would tell you more but we must return! Those 2 fools who run my opera house will be missing you." he replied gently
And with that said, he led the scared beauty to his dragon to bring her home.