Sam
"Let's see how well the mirror works. I'll be on the other side of it and I'll watch." I said, "It's good anyway to have someone watching it to catch things that you may not notice."
Our two suspects arrived at the palace at the same time. They were being kept in two separate rooms in the palace. Zuko had decided that he would talk to Buzi first. I sat down on a chair in the secret room and Zuko sat down in the mirrored side of the room and Buzi was brought in. He looked at the mirror confused and sat down in front of Zuko. The guard stood right next to him.
"Good day to you, Buzi." Zuko said, conversationally. Buzi didn't know Zuko, but I did. This statement was anything but friendly. Buzi glared at Zuko and said nothing. "I have some questions to ask you." Zuko said. He waited for a response but when he didn't get one, he just went right into the questions. "How long have you been working with the traffickers?" Buzi still said nothing. "Is this how it's going to go? You won't give us anything? You know, considering what you have done, you could at least try to help us help these girls. Who knows, maybe we can help each other." Zuko said.
"Why would I help a scum Fire Lord like you? And one who fucks an outsider?" I gasped at this but luckily, Buzi didn't hear it. Zuko didn't react to Buzi's harsh words but I could tell it upset him.
"Because this scum Fire Lord is your best chance. How many girls did you sell?" Buzi laughed.
"You really think I actually remember how many sluts I sold?" he asked. I was watching him closely. He was trying to rattle Zuko. "You know, if Ozai were still on the throne, this trafficking thing wouldn't have happened. This is all your fault, you know?" Buzi said. Uh oh. This would most likely elicit a response out of Zuko. He already felt at least partially responsible for the trafficking. Zuko fought to not show a reaction but he did, albeit subtle. I could see it in the set of his shoulders. I wasn't sure if Buzi caught it or not.
"What makes you think Ozai would have cared about a bunch of outsider girls who are brought into the country to be raped?"
"He didn't care about outsiders, which was one of the things that made him great. He wouldn't have allowed the scum into the Fire Nation to begin with. You started this with that whore you call a wife." That did it. Zuko stood up and grabbed Buzi by the shirt and quickly conjured a ball of his dragon fire. I ran out of the secret room and into the room they were in. Zuko had the man by the throat and had the ball of fire millimeters from his face. I rushed over and grabbed his arm that held the fire.
"Zuko! Stop this!" I said. I pulled with all of my might but his arm didn't budge. "Zuko, I mean it! Knock it off!" I said, desperately. Buzi's eyes were wide, the glow of the fire reflecting off his cornea. Beads of sweat were forming on the skin exposed to the fire. "Zuko stop!" I said loudly, still yanking on his arm. He was much stronger than I was and I had no hope of budging him. Finally I dipped under his arm and stood between him and Buzi, "ZUKO, STOP IT!" I screamed as loud as I could. His eyes snapped to mine and he let go of Buzi.
"I'm sor-"
"Oh, no, don't you apologize to him! He doesn't deserve it." I said, glaring back at Buzi. He was trying to get a reaction out of Zuko, and it worked. I took Zuko by the arm and drug him out of the room.
"Zuko, you need to get a grip on yourself. He's trying to elicit a reaction out of you."
"I know, I know, you're right. It's just…when he said that…"
"I know you hate it when people say things about me but you can't react that way. What would have happened if I'd not been there?" I asked. Then realization spread across Zuko's face.
"I almost burned him. Had you not interceded…I would have become my father." Zuko said. I reached my hands up and took his into mine.
"No, you will never be your father. Even if you tried. You never could. You're too good, Zuko."
"No, if I had burned that man, that is exactly what Ozai would have done. You save me from myself, Fire Lily. There may come a day where I learn to actually listen to you." he said. I gave him a small smile and I reached up and stroked his face, running my thumb across his scar. I reached my arms around his waist and held him as he placed his arms around my own body. He pulled back, he looked at me. "I think it's time we bring in Shira."
"If you're ready, I think it's a good idea. You aren't going to get anywhere with Buzi."
Zuko looked at the guards and told them to bring Shira in. The guards entered the room with Buzi and took him out. When she was brought into the interrogation room, Zuko rose and went over to her.
"Good afternoon, Shira." Zuko said.
"Good afternoon, Fire Lord." she replied.
"Thank you for meeting with me today." I wasn't sure if he was being polite or rubbing it in that she didn't actually have a choice.
"Of course." she said.
"So you know why you're here, I assume."
"You want to know what happened."
"Yes, that would be ideal."
"I'll tell you. On one condition." she said. Zuko didn't like to bargain with inmates. He sat back and folded his arms across his chest.
"What is that?"
"I want to see my daughter." she said. Zuko intook his breath, sharply.
"What makes you think I'll let you see her?"
"Because I'm her mother. I have a right."
"Do you, though? Because it has become painfully obvious to your Fire Lady and I that she has been severely abused by one parent. And the other parent sat by and watched." he said. I liked his style. Going right for the deep cut.
"I love my daughter." she said.
"I'm sure you do. You always hurt the people you love." he said. He was quoting me. I oftentimes say that.
"So you'll let me see her?"
"I don't know. What I do know is you have no authority to ask me of anything. You are MY prisoner. So, depending on how this goes and if you help us I MAY allow you a short visit with her. Maybe." Zuko said. "I'm not making any promises." Shira dropped her head and a tear escaped her eye. She relented, knowing she had no choice. If she truly did want to see her daughter, she knew she had to play nice.
"What do you want to know?" she asked. Zuko leaned in.
"Everything."
"I hope you know, I was just a mule." she said. My ears perked up. Mule? There is no such thing in the bending nations. She was an outsider. Considering Buzi's hatred of outsiders, I was surprised he married one. But then I remembered how he treated her. He abused Chang but he also abused his wife. I know Zuko wouldn't have picked that up. He wouldn't know what a mule is.
"Go on."
"It started when Buzi and I were having trouble making ends meet." she said. "I had gotten a job at a beauty parlor to give people the spa treatment. I worked there for a couple of months when a man approached me and asked me if I wanted a job. I asked him what he had in mind and he said that he needs someone to 'move product around.' His words, not mine." she clarified. "I agreed and accepted the offer. The next morning, I went with him and saw what he meant by 'product.' The girls looked terrible. They were terrified, dirty and some had been beaten. They asked me if I would want to help and I said no. I couldn't do this to women. I knew what trafficking was and what happened to those girls." she said. "But the days turned into weeks and we still struggled day to day. If I worked this job, our money problems would all but disappear. So I went back to them and agreed. Shortly thereafter, Buzi joined us as well and we were making good money. Then they wanted us to start recruiting the girls. They said I have a good maternal demeanor and I would attract them. And then Buzi would overpower them and bring them to those who ran it."
"Did you ever meet the person who ran it?"
"Oh, yes, I did." she said.
"Can you describe him?"
"Oh, I can do more than that. I can give you a name. You know him. President Xinche. He is the pimp of the operation." This corroborated Toph's suspicion. This was huge.
"Would you be willing to go on the record with this information?" he asked. She hesitated but finally answered.
"Yes, joining this whole thing was a mistake. And I don't mean because I got arrested. These people are evil. I will testify too." she declared. Zuko smiled and nodded.
"What were you able to get out of Buzi?" she asked.
"Why?"
"Please, tell me. Anything?"
"Not really. He likes to play games."
"Fire Lord, if you let me see my daughter, just once, I'll tell you everything." she said. This was an attractive deal and I could tell Zuko was considering it.
"I need to talk about it with your Fire Lady. You will be kept here in one of the palace holding cells so you will be close."
"I'm not going back to prison?"
"You will, but not right away."
"Why?" Zuko's poker face was back.
"That isn't your concern." he said. She decided to try to demand.
"It's my body and my life! I have a right to know." she said. Zuko took on his intimidating demeanor. He leaned forward and wore a smirk.
"Do you? You are a prisoner of the Fire Nation being held on crimes against humanity. As far as I'm concerned, me, your Fire Lord, you have no rights. My wife and I will discuss Chang and let you know." Zuko said. I loved it when he talked smooth as velvet but the venom was there. I didn't think he knew the effect it had. He looked over at the guard, "please excuse me for a moment while I talk to my wife." Zuko said. The guard gave a quick nod but otherwise didn't react.
Zuko stood up and walked out of the interrogation room and into the room with me.
"So, what do you think?"
"I think that went really well. I took notes on what she said. She gave a positive ID on Xinche. That's huge."
"What about Chang?" Zuko asked.
"I…I hate to say it, but I don't think we have a choice. If she will give us something then I think we have to. She's already proven that she has information. She's given us an ultimatum. She doesn't have to see her for long. And we can talk to Chang beforehand and explain to her why she is seeing her mother. And if she is too scared we can let Chang back out. I also think we should do it now. And then let her WRITE DOWN everything she knows."
"Sam, that is an excellent idea. You always come through for me. And I also agree about Chang. Let's get it over with." he said. He stood up and walked back over with Shira.
"Shira," Zuko began, "we will allow you to see your daughter but only for a moment. She is finally starting to heal from the abuse inflicted by you and your husband and we don't want to lose any ground we have gained with her. We will allow no more than five minutes." he said. Frankly that was four minutes an fifty-nine seconds longer than I wanted. Zuko continued, "Not only because of her mental health but she is recovering from a poisoning."
"What?! Who poisoned her?"
"One of the servants but we don't know where they got it from. They poisoned all of the children that were here." Woah, now, Zuko. This was going into territory that I didn't think we should disclose. Then I looked at Shira and her eyes stared off into nothing. He must have noticed it too. "Shira?"
"Fire Lord, I know where they got it."
"What?" Zuko asked but I could tell he wasn't surprised at all. That sly devil. I thought. He knew exactly what he was doing. Damn, I love this man.
"Yes, there is someone we worked with a lot from the Fire Nation. Her name is Xeni. She is the one who supplied it."
"How do I know you're telling the truth?"
"Because, the poison smells like almonds and is called Cyanide." she said. Well, blow me down. I thought.
"Shira, this is invaluable information and we need you to include this in your written statement. We also need to know where to find this Xeni." Zuko said, "Meanwhile, we will fetch Chang."
"Thank you, oh gracious, Fire Lord!" she said bowing as best as she could in her chains. He turned around and walked out. We walked down the hall together and went into Chang's room. We came to the room and Chang was sitting up looking better but still ill. To our surprise, Azula was sitting with Chang again.
"Azula? What are you doing here?"
"Oh, well, I couldn't get this girl out my mind. I was worried for her. So I decided to come and spend time with her." she said. She stroked Chang's hair softly. Chang looked up at her and smiled, snuggling into her.
"Well, we need to borrow Chang for just a few minutes." Zuko said. This was going to be more difficult with Azula here. Although Azula didn't think she had a maternal side, she most certainly did. When she has children she would be a fierce mama bear.
"Why?"
"Her mother wants to make a deal. Information in exchange for seeing her daughter." Zuko said. Chang looked surprised.
"My mommy wants to see me?" she asked. I couldn't tell if she was hesitant or excited.
"Yes, she does. But we want you to know, that you will be safe. Sam and I will be in with you the whole time. She won't be able to hurt you. And if we don't like it, we will remove you. And if you get scared, you tell us and we will take you out immediately." Zuko said. Chang didn't seem excited at the prospect of seeing her mother.
"I don't want to see her." Zuko walked over to her bed and sat down next to her. He took her little hand into both of his.
"Chang, I make you a Fire Lord promise that she will not hurt you." Chang seemed hesitant still. "Will you do it for me? And for Sam? As a favor?" Chang thought about it for a moment, not sure what she wanted to do. Before he could say anything else, Azula's hand grabbed his arm.
"No, Zuko. You can't do this."
"Yes, Azula, I can. And we have to. We can help the girls." Zuko said without thinking of who was present.
"What girls?" Chang asked. Zuko looked at me and I shrugged. We'd better fess up now. He turned back to her and took her hands again.
"Your mommy and daddy…hurt a lot of young girls and women. And she told us if she can see you then she will help us punish the bad guys." Zuko explained.
"Zuko, you can't do this. She was abused by that monster and she is still sick. She can't see her." Azula said, placing her arm around Chang again.
"I know, Azula, I don't like it either, but Shira has information that we need."
"So you're going to use a little girl?!" Azula said, getting loud.
"I know it seems like we want to use Chang, Azula, but she has cooperated with us and has made a reasonable request. Zuko told her no more than five minutes." I said.
"That's five minutes too long!" Azula shouted.
"I'll do it." Chang said. Azula, Zuko and I looked at her, surprised. "I want to help the ladies." she said. I thought she, in this moment, displayed the emotional maturity of a thirty year old. She reached back to the bed and grabbed Gizo. I reached my hand up to Chang and stroked her cheek.
"Chang, you are a wonderful little girl, do you know that?" I asked. "No, you are a wonderful YOUNG LADY." I amended. She smiled and blushed.
"Zuko, you aren't taking her without me." Azula said. She was becoming protective of Chang. Maternal. With Izumi she is just the fun aunt. I liked this side of her.
"Of course, we have a secret room where you can watch and she won't know you're there." Azula looked intrigued, "Sokka and I just finished it. With the help of your brother." I gave credit where credit was due. Chang got out of bed and she was a bit tipsy. Azula got off the bed and was walking around the bed when Zuko picked Chang up and carried her. We all walked out of the room and down to the interrogation room. I showed Azula the secret room and she was amazed. I decided to stay behind the mirror with her. Zuko carried Chang into the room with Shira and sat her down on her feet. When she saw her daughter, her face lit up. When Chang saw her, she hid behind Zuko and wrapped her arms around his leg. Zuko reached down and took her hand and pulled her from his leg. He knelt down to her level and brushed some hair out of her face.
"Remember, Chang, I'll be here the whole time. I promise." he said. She slowly walked over to Shira. She reached out for Chang and she recoiled. Shira looked at Zuko, angrily.
"What have you done to my daughter?!" she asked, accusingly.
"Showed her what a loving family looks like." Zuko shot back.
"Point for Zuko." I said to Azula.
"Yeah, for sure." she said. Shira held Chang on her lap and Chang sat very uncomfortably. She talked to Chang and asked how school was but she didn't get much information.
"What is the name of your friend?" Shira asked.
"Gizo." she said.
"Yeah, where did you get him?"
"Izumi gave him to me." she said. Shira looked up at Zuko.
"So you're trying to buy my daughter's love?"
"No, Shira. She needed a companion who she could take with her everywhere. So we got her this. Having this little guy has helped her a lot. Especially since we don't burn it when she misbehaves." Zuko said causing Shira to flinch. Chang was looking uneasy and was starting to squirm. Zuko held his hand out for Chang to take which she did readily.
"That's it?!" Shira asked. Chang stood next to Zuko trying to hide in his robes.
"We said no more than five minutes. And it's been seven. Count you blessings. Guard, take her…back." Zuko said. He didn't want to say where she was actually going and upset Chang more. Chang looked up at Zuko, upset. As much as she was scared of her mother, she still loved her. The unconditional love of a child. Zuko picked her up and hugged her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, Gizo dangling down Zuko's back. He came out of the room and Azula and I joined him. He carried her back to her bedroom. She still needed rest. He laid her down on the bed. "You were a very brave young lady, Chang. I'm proud of you." Zuko praised her. She blushed again. He kissed her on top of her head and tousled her hair.
I came up to her, leaned down to her and smiled. "Yes, Chang. What you did today a lot of grown-ups couldn't do. You are a very brave little girl. I'm so proud of you." I said, kissing her forehead.
She laid back on the bed and I pulled the covers up over her. She looked exhausted. Azula kicked her shoes off and climbed into the bed again with her and wrapped her arm around the girl. Zuko and I smiled, leaving them alone to bond.
