Akemi took the children to their rooms to dress them for bed while Nori led me down the narrow hallway until we reached a small room that held two cots. One of them was barely used, the sheets perfectly made and un-creased, while the other was messy, pillows thrown onto the floor next to it, clothes covering the area around it.
"You would never guess by looking at her bed that she is the most put-together person I know," she said quietly, shaking her head and chuckling to herself.
"Is this Akemi's room?" I asked.
"Yes, you can use the extra bed there for the time being. I'll go get some extra blankets."
"Oh no! I'll get them. Don't overexert yourself," I said, motioning to her very round stomach.
"What do you mean?" Nori asked with one eyebrow lifted in confusion.
"Uhm," I started to stammer. I didn't want to seem rude by pointing it out blatantly. "Well, you're, uh…pregnant."
"I am?"
I went red. Is she serious? She's not pregnant? Did I offend her? I couldn't believe I'd just said something so stupid. I'd insulted my hostess and I hadn't even been in the house for fifteen minutes! Maybe she was just a little-
"Okay, mom," Akemi's voice interrupted my thoughts. She was standing in the doorway, a bundle of blankets in her arms, looking at her mother with disapproval. "That's enough amusement at Katara's expense. You're embarrassing her." Then she turned to me and rolled her green eyes. "She does that to everyone."
Nori just laughed and rubbed her belly. "Sorry, Katara. I just couldn't resist." I laughed uneasily.
"So, how long are you staying in Caldera for?" Akemi asked as she walked over toward the empty cot and placed the stack of sheets and blankets on top of it.
I felt a chill creep up my spine. I'd almost forgotten the reason I was here. How long would it take for me to complete what I'd been asked to do? How long would I have to collect information for? Would I be here for a month? Two months? A year? I really didn't know.
I busied myself with preparing my temporary bed, breaking any attempts Nori and Akemi made at eye contact. "I'm–I'm not sure yet. I could be here for a few months or a few years. It all depends on how long I'm…working here." And when I say working, I mean it in the loosest sense of the word.
"Have you found any work yet?" Akemi asked. She leaned over to help me cover the bed with sheets.
"I did," I said quietly.
"That's wonderful! Where will you be working?" Nori asked as she absent-mindedly started folding one of Akemi's crumpled dresses.
"Oh, I–uhm–I'm-"
"We're prying. I'm sorry, Katara. You don't have to tell us if you don't want to."
"No, no it's not that! I just don't know if you'll believe me when I tell you."
That was the wrong thing to say. They both looked up at me with surprised expressions on their faces, their eyes raking the healing gash on my cheek and bruises on my arms. They probably thought I was some sort of prostitute!
"No! No! It's not like that!" I started waving around frantically, not wanting them to think the worst of me. "I'm not working at a bawdy house or anything like that! I–." I took a deep breath and let it out in a whoosh. "I was accepted into the Royal Family's Task Force." They looked at me incredulously.
Maybe it would have been easier if I told them I was a prostitute.
"I know it seems hard to believe, but it's true. The cuts and bruises are from the tasks I was put through to be initiated into the squad."
There was a long pause that seemed to draw out forever, until Nori finally spoke. "Yes, I overheard some customers talking about that in the teashop. They said that for the first time in Fire Nation history a woman was admitted into the force, but I never thought that she would be so young." She said it out loud, but she seemed to be talking more to herself.
"Or pretty!" Akemi chimed in, smiling brightly. "Who would have thought? I was picturing a burly, dirty, masculine looking woman! But here you are, skinny, dainty and feminine."
"Thanks," I muttered under my breath, my face flushing. But they were both looking at me thoughtfully now, small smiles on their faces. They believed me, but they didn't seem to be looking at me differently after they found out, compared to the hundreds of furtive glares I'd been receiving that week. It was like I'd told them I got a job at a teashop or something. It wasn't any different to them.
I couldn't describe what I was feeling in that moment. Was I happy? Happy they accepted me, even if others were judging me constantly for my actions? Or was I feeling gratitude that they acted as a family would, unconditionally loving in every matter? I couldn't describe it, that feeling.
But it was nice.
"And this is the east wing," Lieutenant Dao said, motioning with his hand in front of us. We were walking through the Royal Palace, and I couldn't help but gawk in amazement at everything I saw. The east wing stretched down and curved so that we couldn't see the end of it. But even what was in our view was breathtaking. Large windows lined one wall, opening onto a large courtyard filled with a beautiful blue pond where small turtle ducks bobbed under the surface for koi fish. Each window was covered with thick, red and gold, satin curtains, tied back so bright, sunlight could pour into the hall.
The floors were made of dark marble that reflected the flames coming from torches that hung on the wall opposite the windows. The molding was golden, like pure pieces of liquid-gold sunlight were hardened and carved with intricate designs. The ceilings were high, so each time we spoke the sound echoed back slightly.
I could only imagine living in this palace, growing up in it as all the royal family members did. Only, they were actual royalty and I was…well, a simple peasant. The day where I lived in a grand palace like this would never come.
"This is where the royal family's bedroom chambers reside. Soon, the renovations will be finished," Lieutenant Dao motioned to a red curtain that looked like it hid one of the many hallways that branched off the main wing. "They're we can provide residence for the Task Force members. It will be much safer to have them close by the royal family in case of an emergency."
"When will they be ready?" Makoto asked from beside me. He'd made it through the Labyrinth in better condition than I did, only coming out with a few minor scrapes and bruises. In a way, I was glad it was Makoto. We'd sort of become friends over the time we spent training with each other and it would be comforting to know that we would be stepping into something new together.
"The quarters should be ready in a few months, give or take. When they are, you'll be free to stay here during the hours you are assigned. If you wish to, you can live outside the Palace grounds completely and just come in for work. It's your decision, but we strongly recommend that for the safety of the Royal Family, you stay here during your shift."
Makoto and I nodded in consent and followed Lieutenant Dao down the long hallway. We passed a set of beautifully decorated double doors that reached from the floor to the ceiling. From the golden designs and Fire Nation insignia on the doorknockers, I could only presume that it was a royal family member's room.
The Lieutenant led us down a few more hallways, pointing out landmarks for us to remember where we were next time we came, important rooms Task Force members should know about in case of emergencies: weaponry rooms, the hidden rooms specifically made for times when you need to hide during an invasion. The last place we were brought was the training wing.
Before we even stepped foot into the wing, the scent was quite evident. Walking through the wing felt like hitting a physical wall of male perspiration. I felt my body weaken. It was like I'd been tranquilized by the scent. I stole a quick glance at Makoto and Dao. They both seemed fine, almost like they couldn't even sense a difference in the air.
"You will be given set days that you are to attend training sessions. On those days, you will report here at dawn and will not leave until your instructor dismisses you. Failure to attend these sessions will result in a portion of your pay being deducted for that week. We expect your full cooperation. Any questions?" Dao asked as we made our way down the wing. We didn't have any, so the Lieutenant started pointing out the rooms.
As we toured the wing, I could feel the eyes of the old force members watching. Not wanting to cause any trouble, I avoided their gazes and let them whisper in hushed tones. I didn't feel like dealing with the gossip. Lieutenant Dao led us through one of the training rooms so we could get an idea of where we'd be spending most of our time.
"New recruits, Dao?" a large, burly man, that would have easily sent grown men whimpering away in fear, shouted over the sounds of weapons clanging against each other. He stepped away from the chaos and made his way toward us, a goofy smile plastered on his face.
"Hitoshi, this is Makoto and Katara. They are the newest members of the Task Force and your students. Katara, Makoto, this will be your training instructor, Hitoshi."
Now that he was closer, I could see the extent of Hitoshi's strength. Muscles rippled under his skin as he moved and a few scars marred his arms and face. His dark hair was pulled back except for a few strands that flopped over his gold eyes. He greeted Makoto with a polite nod of the head…and then his eyes raked me over.
"So, the rumors are true," he said with a half-amused, half-impressed expression on his face.
Not again. I almost groaned out loud.
"What rumors, sir?" I tried to sound indifferent, but even I could hear the true annoyance barely concealed under my words, the slight exaggeration on my sir.
Hitoshi smirked.
Makoto shot me a look that said, Cool down.
I rolled my eyes. Fine, fine, but first…
"If you're referring to the fact that I'm a woman, I'm sorry to tell you that you aren't the first who's made that discovery. In fact, you aren't even the first one here who's questioned my gender. So yes, I am a woman, and yes, I am a new recruit."
"Can you fight?" Hitoshi asked seriously, smile gone, completely un-phased by my sarcasm. Not the reaction I was expecting.
"What?"
"Do you know how to fight?" he asked again, this time a bit slower.
"Yes, I know how to-"
"Alright, then." Hitoshi turned abruptly, walked toward the weapons station and browsed among the selection of swords, carefully examining each one's length before choosing two.
Huh?
"Don't say I didn't warn you," Makoto muttered beside me. I shot him a cold glare from the corner of my eye. What does he mean? Warn me?
Hitoshi walked back over with a sword in each hand. They were both similar in their make, steel blades with dark wooden hilts, but one was a bit smaller than the other. He held the smaller one hilt-up toward me.
"This size should suit you just fine. Let's see if your blade is as sharp as your tongue," he gave me a wry smile. Crap.
By now, the entire room had stopped in the middle of their training exercises to watch our exchange. I couldn't reject Hitoshi's challenge in front of a room full of thirty guys. I'd look like a coward. I put on my best act of false bravado and gripped the hilt of the sword.
"Don't think you don't have to go easy on me." No going back now. The men pushed back toward the walls of the room, giving us an area large enough for a sparring match. We each moved to opposite sides of the circle and bowed. I settled into my stance and took a moment to size him up.
It was a given that he'd naturally be slower. His muscle weight would slow him down, so I could use that against him, but he'd still be stronger than me. If I let him catch me off balance he'd knock the sword from my hand with a single swing. I'll be faster, but he'll be stronger.
Time's up.
Hitoshi charged toward me, the playful, goofy smile wiped completely from his face. He was all business, focused, on-the-attack. If I'd never fought before, I would have been frozen in fear where I was standing.
But I have experience. I was ready.
He swung out and I ducked under his arm. Using the momentum I already had, I spun on my heel and swung my sword at him, but he'd already turned around and blocked my swing.
We repeated this little dance a few times before he caught onto my plan. I was ready to duck under his swing again, but he stopped half way, brought his other fist around and let it collide with my kidney. A horrible, gasping sound came from my mouth, but he was still coming at me. I tucked and rolled, pulling more distance between us. I tried to pull myself up, holding my stomach while I wheezed.
"Like you said, I'm not going easy on you, little girl. So, stop avoiding my attacks and fight!"
He lunged toward me again, but this time I didn't duck. I blocked his attack with the flat of my sword, crouched down and swung at his feet. I knew I wouldn't knock him over. I didn't put nearly enough power into it for that, but I felt satisfied watching him stumble backward. I didn't give him a chance to catch his balance before I advanced on him. With a snarl, I charged him, swinging at him wildly. He blocked each of my attacks, the confidence in his eyes slowly returning.
I went back to defending myself while he took the offense. We were getting nowhere with this fight. I was too fast for him, but he was too strong for me. Minutes of worthless fighting passed before either of us made a mistake.
Unfortunately, I made the first one.
My grip on the sword was too loose, and one of his swings sent it clattering to the ground on my right, too far away for me to reach. He smiled smugly.
"What are you smiling for? I'm not done with you yet." But I knew he what he was thinking. I was beginning to feel the physical strain, but Hitoshi looked like he was barely breaking a sweat. How the hell was I going to beat him without a weapon? I stood my ground and took a fighting stance again.
"Ha! You think you have a chance against me without a weapon?"
I practically catapulted myself at him, adrenaline fueling my movements. He swung out at me, but I was careful to stay out of his sword range. I landed a punch to his face, but he grabbed my arm with his free hand and tossed his sword onto the floor behind him. I swung my free hand around and he caught my fist mid swing. I thrashed wildly, but Hitoshi kept his hold on my hands. He pulled me toward him, slightly bending down so we were face to face.
"Admit defeat yet?"
Before he could catch onto what I was doing, I leaned back and then smashed my forehead into his. His grip on my hands released and I stumbled backwards.
"Shit," he laughed, one hand resting on his knee, the other rubbing his forehead. I stood on my toes, in a ready position, ready for him to suddenly jump up and attack, but he didn't. He just straightened up and held an arm out toward me.
"You're a great fighter, Katara. Better than I expected. You've got a unique style, but there are still quite a few flaws in your technique. It's nothing we can't improve, though. I'm looking forward to working with you." Hitoshi waited, one arm still extended toward me. His goofy smile had reappeared. Taking a step forward I grabbed his forearm with my hand and he gave my arm a firm shake.
And then I felt my feet leave the floor and a second later, my back slam against the hard ground. Hitoshi kneeled down beside me, smirking, as I coughed, trying to regain the breath I'd lost.
"Rule number one: never let your guard down," he said to me and then looked up. "Alright, Makoto. Let's see what you've got."
I decided I kind of liked Hitoshi after all.
"You really don't know how to keep your mouth shut do you?" Makoto asked as we walked down the street to Akemi's house together. It was a nice night, and a lot of people were out to enjoy it. The street vendors were all yelling out simultaneously, attempting to draw some customers in with their supposed bargains and deceiving tricks. Children played on the stoops of the apartments, skipping stones and kicking a small ball around. The ball rolled over towards us as we walked and I kicked it back over lightly, watching as they fell right back into their game.
"I'm sorry I have a low tolerance for people who feel the need to insult me. Sue me."
"I'm just saying," he raised his hands in a defensive manner. "I know you want to prove to all these people that you can do it, but that doesn't mean you have to snap at every person who approaches you. Hitoshi was pulling your leg. He was testing you. You're too hot headed. It's going to get you killed in a fight one day."
"Sorry, father," I laughed and Makoto rolled his eyes. He was right though. Between a choice of fight or flight, I'll pick fight the majority of the time. It's my natural instinct. I just don't like letting people walk all over me. "This is me right up here."
We walked up to the small teashop. Warm light flowed outwards onto the street and a delicious aroma wafted from the shop. Akemi walked out of the shop with a broom to sweep the front of the shop and waved when she saw us approaching.
"Hey, Akemi," I gave her a wave.
"Katara! How was the tour?"
"It was…interesting."
"She got challenged by the training instructor two minutes after we walked in," a voice chimed in from behind me. "I'm Makoto, nice to meet you." He bowed deeply to Akemi.
"What a gentleman," I muttered and he elbowed me in the ribs.
"It's nice to meet you, Makoto. I'm Akemi." Oh, spirits. Was she seriously blushing? "Why don't you come in for some tea?"
Akemi's shift was about to end, so she brought some tea to the table and sat down with us. The three of us talked until closing, which came a lot faster than I expected it to. I almost gagged when the two of them tried to flirt without me noticing, but I turned away and pretended not to pay attention to the conversation until they returned to neutral ground.
It was odd, though. Aside from Kiano and the others from my tribe, I'd never really been able to laugh and joke freely like I was with Akemi and Makoto. It felt like I was a normal teenager, hanging out with friends until after our curfews. Not one spying on an enemy nation during a hundred year-long war.
It felt like I was telling them I'd be there when they fall back, but I was holding a dagger, ready to plunge it into their backs.
I felt sick.
I had training the next day, from sunrise until noon.
It was pretty uneventful, just the basics. I'd been grouped with the most recent recruits, some who'd been admitted to the Task Force only a month before me. Others had been here longer, a few months or so. I tried to take Makoto's advice and cool down, and it worked for the most part. That is, until I heard one of the older members make a perverted side comment and calmly kicked him where it counts.
Other than that, it was an ordinary training session.
They gave me my new uniform too. It was similar to the one I was given for the Labyrinth, but a bit different. It wasn't black this time, but a dark red, with gold rimming the edge of the robe and the Fire Nation insignia over the heart. The material was more durable, while still breathable. It seemed a bit more flexible too, which would come in handy during a fight. I was able to pick my choice in weapons too: knives and a sword. I opted out of the armor. It would just weight me down.
I left the armory and started to make my way down the hallway when I was suddenly slammed into the wall. What was going on? Did someone find out I was a spy? I tried to twist around in my attacker's grip, but whoever it was had a firm hold on my hands and kept my front secured against the wall.
"What the hell are you doing?" I snarled.
"Just thanking you for earlier, of course. It was a pleasure to meet you," a low voice spoke in my ear. I flinched away.
Ugh, the creep from earlier.
"Why, the pleasure was all mine. I appreciate the warm welcome and all-" I thrashed again and was able to wrench a hand free, but he spun me around and held me against the wall by my neck, my back pressed against the wall. He tightened the hand around my neck and pinned my right hand against the wall beside me. I dug my nails into his wrist, thinking it'd make him loosen his grip, but he just tightened it harder. I could see him clearly now. He was in his twenties, dark hair, with the characteristic gold Fire Nation eyes. I would've called him handsome if he wasn't assaulting me.
He moved closer to me, so almost every line of his body was pressing against mine. His weight was too much for me to just shove off. I started to feel helpless. Crap.
"Get–off me–you–pervert," I choked out.
"Now, now. Don't struggle. It'll only make this harder for you."
His vice tight grip around my neck was cutting off my air supply, and I was starting to panic.
"I know why you're really here."
What the hell is he getting at?
"Do–you?"
He smiled down at me, his gold eyes shining brightly like a predator trapping its prey. He released my right hand and moved his to my waist, letting it slowly trail down to my thigh…
My eyes widened when I realized what he was doing.
"Get OFF me!" I let my newly released arm swing upward and collide with his face. He let go of my neck and I shoved him away. He stumbled backwards touching his mouth, which was red with blood. I wheezed, trying to gasp in air to compensate for the lack of oxygen in my lungs.
"You bitch!" He took a step toward me, raising a hand back. I was still barely able to breath, so I closed my eyes and braced myself for the slap.
And then I heard the sound. It reverberated off the high palace ceiling. Smack! But I didn't feel it right away. It would sting in a moment. But the stinging sensation didn't come. I opened one eye and was surprised to see my vision blocked by a surprisingly lean, broad back. Dark hair covered his head, beads of sweat dripped from the back of his neck down under his loose robes.
"Sorry to interrupt, Zen," the figure said, one hand gripping the hand Zen had drawn back to hit me. "But that's not the way to treat a young lady." That voice is–
It was Zuko's.
A/N: Alright, well! I'm back after a break. Things in RL got hectic, but they've calmed down a bit and I was able to get back to writing. Things are definitely going to pick up now, so I hope you enjoyed this chapter. There will be more to come soon, I promise (and by more, I mean more Zuko x Katara action!).
I'm determined to finish this story no matter what, so there may be another break somewhere along the lines, but trust me I'll finish it. Thanks to those of you who P. me! Your interest in the story really pushed me to finish writing this chapter! Leave me any comments you had on the story, whether you liked certain parts, hated certain parts, or just felt completely indifferent. Your interests really do help me in writing this story. So thank you!
Hope you and all of your families are doing well during the holiday season! Enjoy :)