Chapter 15

"So, how confident are you feeling today?" Suki asked, glancing at her guests in the press box, Azula and Katara having accepted the invitation to join her and avoid the crowds of spectators in the hall below.

"Quite confident, actually," Katara replied, her tone matching her words.

"Piandao won't know what's about to hit him," Azula nodded, just as confidently.

"Does that mean Yue is going back to her regular tactics?" Suki asked. Yue had used a very aggressive strategy to shock and overcome Zuko, and then she had tried the same with Zhao and Toph, but with less impressive results. The battle against Zhao had been hard and bloody, but after almost four hours of back-and-forth action, Yue had been forced to accept defeat. She'd almost succeeded in cracking Toph's defenses, but after Yue's first wave of attack hadn't managed to penetrate Toph's position, they had agreed on a draw soon after. It was clear that Yue was trying to preserve some energy after the grueling fight with Zhao and before facing the test of Piandao in the next round.

"Wait and see," Katara replied mysteriously. Suki sighed and shook her head. Yue had been playing a far more attacking brand of Pai Sho throughout the entire tournament, which was not at all her usual style.

Bumi's withdrawal had created the confusing situation where some of the contestants had played fewer games than the others, which made it very hard to understand who was actually leading the tournament. Suki's method of explaining the situation to The Harmony Ring readers was to rank the players based on the least points lost. By this method, Zhao and Yue were sharing the tournament lead, but Zhao had the advantage, having defeated Yue in their head-to-head. Toph, Zuko and Piandao were trailing the leaders closely and it was all to play for with three rounds to go. It was clear that this match between Yue and Piandao was crucial because the loser would be all but eliminated from competing for the title.

As the matches of the ninth round began, Suki soon received her answer. Yue began with the same opening she had employed against Zuko, and soon enough, a rather surprised Piandao was on the backfoot. "Okay, what's your angle here?" Suki asked, uncertain of why Azula and Katara were choosing these overly aggressive tactics for Yue. The results so far had been mixed, after all.

"It's a secret, Suki," Azula grinned. She looked pleased at how the game had started. Piandao was clearly uncomfortable with the situation on the board. He kept rising from his seat and pacing back and forth while Yue was busy thinking on her next move.

"I'm not asking for something to publish," Suki said. "I'm genuinely curious. I know that Yue is considered a jack of all trades. Everyone knows that she can attack, but I don't think she's ever played this aggressively?"

"That's exactly the point, Suki," Katara smiled. Suki was becoming a little annoyed at how smug both Azula and Katara appeared. Their attitude made Suki feel like she was missing something obvious here. Playing defensively against the best Fire Nation grandmasters and going on the offense against the others was the accepted order of things, but Yue and her camp were trying to break this orthodoxy.

"I have no idea what you're up to, honestly," Suki finally gave up. She couldn't afford to spend all of her time on thinking about Yue's strategy, she had more than one game to watch and cover. "It's almost like you want to make it really hard for the others to prep for Yue, because they could never be sure what to expect. But you're gambling her tournament win on this tactic?"

"Yes, because we have that much faith in her," Azula nodded. "Keep up, Suki. We're barely past twenty moves and Piandao is on the ropes."

"It is looking good for Yue, yes," Suki was pleased to admit. "But I remember she was in a very similar position with Zuko, and she let Zuko claw his way back into the game."

"Trust me, we've made adjustments to ensure something like that doesn't happen again," Katara said confidently. Indeed, Suki could not see any signs of Yue's attack slowing down. She kept tightening the screws on Piandao more and more.

"Very well, I'll admit that it was impressive," Suki spoke when after a desperate struggle to find any sort of counterplay, Piandao finally threw in the white towel and admitted defeat on the thirty third move. "You should be proud of her. And of yourselves, too," Suki smiled, watching Azula and Katara embracing with joy, sharing a quick kiss full of tender love.

"We're very proud of Yue, of course," Azula nodded. "But it looks like we're depending on Zuko not to lose against Zhao in the final round. If that asshole Sakamoto wins his remaining games, Yue can't claim the first spot."

"Fortunately, I think Zuko will be very motivated to kick Zhao's ass," Katara said, looking hopeful.

"I think Yue stands a very good chance to win the tournament," Suki said. She kept taking quick notes about the still ongoing games, but all of them looked more or less decided, so she was quickly losing interest after the main event of the round had finished. "She'll need to be careful against Haru, though. He's actually playing well in this tournament. Maybe for once nobody has made any comments about his wife." Azula and Katara both snorted at that.

"Well, maybe it's time someone made some comments about Kori, then," Azula grinned evilly. "Anyway, we should probably get going. Yue is going to be ecstatic about this win and we don't want to make her wait."

"She's still speaking with Piandao," Katara said, pointing down at the hall. "And the reporters will want a piece of her, I suspect. I think we have a bit more time."

"True," Azula admitted, turning towards Suki again. "You're still on for drinks tonight, Suki?"

"Sure, it shouldn't take me too long to wrap things up here," Suki smiled. Another tournament off-day was upcoming, which meant that the one evening when it was safe to indulge in drinking was upon them. With Mai busy working back in Ba Sing Se, Suki felt a little lonely, and she greatly appreciated the throuple occasionally inviting her to join them. She'd also spent a few evenings with Zuko and Toph. These tournaments were made so much more enjoyable by hanging out with her group of closest friends. "I'll stop by your room later in the afternoon. I hope I won't be intruding on anything," Suki said.

"Please, Suki," Katara grinned. "We're going to wait with that until way later in the evening, when we're all good and sauced."

"Good to know," Suki laughed. "Anyway, do I have to prepare myself for you trying to take advantage of my drunkenness and prodding me about my private life?"

"Please, bitch," Azula rolled her eyes. "I've told you before, we get more information than we've ever asked for from Ty Lee. A couple of weeks ago, she gave us this massive list of all the stuff that Mai has left at your apartment, and all the stuff that you have over at her place."

"How does Ty Lee know these things?" Suki groaned. "I'm guessing Mai tells her, but how does she get Mai to do that? I feel like most of my important communication with Mai is nonverbal. If I didn't know how to read her body language, I'd be screwed. But she actually does small talk with Ty Lee?"

"Don't underestimate the power of being childhood best friends, Suki," Azula smiled. "Besides, I don't think it's Mai who goes gossiping to Ty Lee. Ty just has special powers when it comes to extracting the information she wants to know. It's almost impossible to resist, even for me."

"Yes, I've given up on trying to withhold anything from her," Katara laughed.

"Okay, I guess I'll try not to be a little annoyed about that," Suki said. "I wonder what else Mai is telling Ty Lee that she's not telling me. At least not with words."

"Well, you said that you can read Mai's body language well," Azula shrugged. "Then you should be able to read that Mai is actually very happy with you."

"Really?" Suki asked, feeling her heart starting to skip faster. "I mean… I knew that! Of course. Why wouldn't she be happy?"

"Why indeed?" Katara smiled, shaking her head. She then tugged on Azula's arm and they rose from their seats together. "Anyway, we better catch up with Yue now. We'll see you tonight, Suki."


"Uncle! You made it!" Zuko exclaimed happily, reaching out to embrace Iroh. They had agreed to meet in the hotel's restaurant during Iroh's brief visit to Omashu for the purposes of promoting his new book. It was a very Pai Sho oriented book, a collection of Iroh's fifty best games, so professional tournaments presented the best opportunities for promotion. Now in his seventies, Iroh had begun to lose the appetite for traveling, so his arrival in Omashu was still something of a surprise.

"Of course, I said I would be here," Iroh laughed, affectionally clapping Zuko's back. "And what of your sister? Is she not joining us?"

"She promised she would. I'm sure she's just running a little late," Zuko shrugged. He looked around, spotting Azula who had just entered the restaurant, looking impeccable as always, but moving just a little sluggishly. It seemed that the rumors were not exaggerated regarding some wilder than usual drinking the night before.

"Zuko. Uncle," Azula said, embracing them both, admittedly a shorter embrace than the one Zuko had shared with his uncle, but still, it felt completely sincere. "I hope you're properly appreciative of my presence," Azula said once they had sat down. "I was this close to talking Yue and Katara into watching The Evil Dead with me. One of these days I'm going to succeed at it."

"I'm sorry about causing an interruption, Azula. I hope your ladies can forgive me, but I wanted to catch up with my nephew and niece in private," Iroh smiled apologetically. "First of all, how is your health, Azula? You appear a little tired? Understandable, these tournaments take a lot out of everyone involved."

"Yes, I'm just a little tired, but otherwise perfectly fine, don't worry about it, uncle," Azula rolled her eyes. "And how is your promotional tour going?"

"It's going very well, thank you," Iroh smiled. "There was even a queue at the book signing event! Not bad for an old relic like me. The sales are not at all bad for a Pai Sho book."

"I'm glad to hear it," Azula said, making a point to appear a little bored. Zuko couldn't help but to give his sister a slightly reproachful stare. After Iroh's previous book hadn't been selling as well as expected, Zuko had come across crates upon crates with the copies of the book in Azula's garage. She had apparently bought two hundred copies to boost the sales numbers, and she hadn't told anyone. Zuko was wondering if Azula would do the same again for Iroh's latest book.

"Well, you two have been doing very well yourselves, it would appear," Iroh said, sounding impressed. "Zuko, that game against Piandao was exquisite. When it finally will be the time to put together your own collection of greatest games, this one should be a contender."

"Thank you, uncle, I am quite proud of that one," Zuko admitted. "Unfortunately, I've not had much else going my way. I don't think I can win this tournament."

"Don't think about that, just focus on your next game," Iroh lectured. "What happens in the other games is outside of your control, anyway, so don't even stress about it. Focus on what you can affect."

"As long as I can kick Zhao's ass in the final round, I'll be happy with my tournament," Zuko grumbled.

"As long as you do that, I'll be happy with your tournament, too," Azula grinned. Zuko knew perfectly well what Azula meant by that. If Zuko could stop Zhao from winning their game, Yue was certain to win the tournament. It wasn't that Zuko particularly wanted Yue to experience a tournament victory because it was sure to boost her confidence even further, but still, he would much rather see Yue winning the Omashu tournament than Zhao Sakamoto.

"You and Katara have been doing an amazing job yourselves, it would appear," Iroh told Azula. "Yue's play in the tournament has been a revelation. You must be very proud of her."

"Obviously," Azula nodded confidently. "Sorry, Zuzu, but Yue deserves to win this tournament. She deserved to win the one in Fire Fountain City, so this is way overdue."

"Well, it wouldn't be undeserved," Zuko admitted, deciding to be magnanimous. Yue could have the odd tournament win, Zuko didn't mind that too much. The only thing Zuko cared about was that he and not Yue won the world championship finals next year.

"Certainly not," Iroh agreed. "Now listen, both of you. While I always enjoy catching up with my favorite niblings and hearing about your latest exploits, there is an actual reason why I wanted to speak with you both. Something that… unfortunately might make you a little upset with me."

"I doubt that could be possible, uncle, not after everything you've done for us," Zuko said encouragingly.

"Well, let's not be that hasty," Azula spoke, sounding more guarded. "You're not plotting another ill-fated return to competition, are you?"

"Oh, nothing like that," Iroh laughed, shaking his head. His expression quickly sobered up, though. "It has to do with Zhao Sakamoto and his return to competition."

"What about Zhao?" Azula asked quickly while Zuko was still reeling from surprise. He certainly had not expected Iroh to bring up Zhao Sakamoto. "I didn't think you've had many past dealings with him?"

"I didn't have any dealings with him, other than us being professional rivals during my active career," Iroh said. "And I obviously knew that he was a lackey of your father, which made me very wary of him, but with my brother's downfall, I suppose Zhao Sakamoto is his own man once again."

"Still a complete asshole," Zuko said. "Azula thinks that he might have put Joo Dee up to that shooting incident, can you believe that?"

"I can and unfortunately that's the reason why you might be even more upset with me," Iroh sighed. "Please, believe me when I tell you that I never knew about Zhao's plans to return to active competition. When I learned about it, the news came to me as a complete and utter surprise. If I had known about his plans, none of what I'm about to tell you would have happened. The truth is that Zhao Sakamoto wrote to me more than four years ago. I believe it happened soon after he was released from prison."

"What did he want from you?" Zuko asked, feeling very surprised.

"He started with a lengthy sob story about how he was no longer able to engage in his favorite hobby because of the ban from professional tournaments," Iroh explained. "And call me a sympathetic old fool, but I began to feel sorry for the man. I tried to put myself in his shoes of wanting to play against the best Pai Sho masters of the day, but being banned and denied that opportunity."

"Fine, but what did Zhao want from you?" Azula asked in a harsh voice. "Did he just want to whine and sob to you?"

"Not quite," Iroh sighed. "He begged me to indulge him in some long-distance matches of Pai Sho. And we began to exchange correspondence and play over the course of the next few years. Until I heard about the international Pai Sho federation lifting his ban."

"I don't believe this," Azula gasped. "You're Zhao's secret coach!"

"Well, I was such a secret coach that even I didn't know about it," Iroh said with a helpless shrug. "I know that Zhao was also in correspondence with other recently retired grandmasters like Gyatso, Pakku and Bumi. I don't think that Bumi would have ever responded to Zhao, but it's possible that Gyatso and Pakku did. So, it's very likely that it wasn't just me who helped Zhao maintain his level of play and even improve it during his absence from the professional tour."

"Wonderful," Azula groaned, rubbing her brow and looking like she was in pain. "Just wonderful."

"I… don't know what to say, uncle," Zuko said, feeling at a loss. He had expected many things, but nothing like this. "It just seems very thoughtless of you."

"You have to understand that Zhao was being very deceptive," Iroh said. "He made it appear as if we were both retired players who still held love for the game. I'm afraid that's what he appealed to and that's how he got to me, through my passion for Pai Sho."

"Well," Azula began. Zuko could see that his sister was pretty pissed off, but she was trying to maintain her composure. "What's done is done, I guess. But you're not helping Zhao anymore? I hope I understood that correctly."

"Yes, ever since I read that he's returning to competition I stopped replying to his letters," Iroh nodded.

"Ugh," Zuko groaned, feeling utterly frustrated by this situation. It was bad enough that Yue had suddenly decided to make her comeback and was proving to be a very serious threat. Now, his own uncle had gone and helped create another serious competitor for the world title. Zuko seriously wanted to scream and throw something, but just like Azula, he tried his best to maintain his composure. "I guess Azula is right. There's no use crying over spilt milk."

"You both are kinder than I deserve," Iroh sighed. "However, I have not come just to confess about my poor judgement. I have also come to help both of you. Zuko, you said that defeating Zhao will turn this tournament into a success story for you. And Azula, Zuko winning against Zhao will likely give the title to Yue. Well, I'm here to help Zuko with preparations against Zhao. Our long-distance exchanges have given me some unique insights into Zhao's game. I believe I have some tricks up my sleeve that will help you in the upcoming contest."

"That sounds… excellent?" Zuko said, feeling pleasantly surprised. Maybe this situation could still be turned to his advantage.

"I propose that after dinner we retire to your room, Zuko, and I will show you what I have prepared for Zhao," Iroh said.

"And I will be joining you," Azula spoke up decisively. "Whatever tricks you have up your sleeve, uncle, I want to know as well. Yue is entitled to this knowledge."

"Of course, Azula," Iroh nodded in agreement.

"Yes, I suppose that is fair," Zuko admitted, feeling a little reluctant. Ideally, he would have preferred if Yue did not receive this secret weapon against Zhao, however, it seemed that it was impossible to prevent, not without ruining his relationship with Azula. And regardless of how much the world championship title meant to him, that wasn't a price he was willing to pay.


Aang was aware that his decision to play a smaller and less important tournament in Caldera City made little strategic sense. However, at the conclusion of this mini-tournament, Aang was more than pleased about having made this choice. He had ended up winning the event, while having a lot of fun in the process, and it had definitely helped to restore some of his lost passion for the game.

Much of the fun stemmed from the fact that On Ji had finished just behind him in second place, the best result of her pro career. On Ji had been delighted and in good mood throughout the entire tournament, and the flirting between them had only gone from strength to strength. Admittedly, it was On Ji who was doing most of the flirting, because Aang still tended to freeze up whenever he was in a situation where he was supposed to say something witty or flattering, but it felt as if they were still making progress.

And even if the tournament was by now over, it seemed that there was still fun to be had. On Ji had agreed to celebrate their success together, agreeing on a restaurant date. Aang was currently busy standing in front of the mirror in his hotel room and trying to decide between an orange or saffron yellow shirt for the date. He was still mulling over this crucial decision when there was a sudden knock on the door. Aang went over to open the door, doing a double take when he saw On Ji standing there, wearing a coat that seemed a little out of place for the Fire Nation summer.

"Room service," On Ji grinned at him. "May I enter?"

"Uh, sure, but… I was busy getting ready," Aang managed awkwardly, stepping aside and letting her enter, the scent of her lavender perfume leaving him a little dazed.

"I thought perhaps we could have an appetizer," On Ji said, revealing that she'd been hiding a bottle of champagne behind her back. "Don't worry, it's nonalcoholic," she added, having noticed Aang's suspicious stare directed at the bottle.

"Oh, in that case, I don't see why not," Aang nodded. "I remember my friends once tricking me into trying champagne, but I didn't much care for it. I'm sure the nonalcoholic one is going to be much better."

On Ji laughed softly at that, making Aang wonder if he had missed a joke. "Well, maybe you'd rather have something other than champagne," On Ji said in a sultry voice. "Maybe you'd rather have… me?" she said, letting the coat slip down her shoulders and pool at her feet, revealing that she was stark naked underneath.

Aang froze, gaping at her. On Ji was even more gorgeous than he'd imagined, and he'd definitely been imagining her a lot. "I think I… I'd rather have me… I mean… you," Aang managed to utter after a long struggle. His feet felt like rooted to the spot, though, refusing to cooperate.

But On Ji was already moving towards him, and fortunately, it didn't look as if she was about to stop.


Even if Yue had maintained her composure well throughout the whole Omashu tournament, she was definitely feeling the nerves ahead of the final round. It wasn't that she had any fear of choking herself. She was playing Haru Tamang in the final round, and even if Haru was having something of a minor redemption in this tournament, Yue still felt confident of victory. By now, she had truly bought into the myth that Omashu was a special and lucky place for her, Azula and Katara.

Still, Yue found herself in that uncomfortable situation where in order to win the tournament, she needed a favor from a fellow competitor. What Yue needed was for Zuko to win or draw against Zhao, and then, if Yue beat Haru, she would finish on top of the podium. Before the start of play, Yue had felt tempted to approach Zuko and say something, but she had limited herself to the usual phrases of politeness, wishing Zuko the best of luck. Saying more than that just seemed impolite to Yue. She trusted that despite their rivalry, Zuko would remain the consummate professional and would give his best against Zhao. Azula had reassured her that Zuko was greatly motivated to beat Zhao, and in fact had some special tactics prepared in advance, courtesy of Iroh Nakamura's advice.

Yue began her game nervously. She found herself way too drawn to the game between Zuko and Zhao, almost forgetting that the result of that game mattered only if Yue won her own game. And after the first twenty moves, that did not appear to be a certainty. She was down a flower tile after Haru had surprised her with a Knotweed trap, and her opponent had all the initiative. Yue quickly decided that her little trips over to Zuko and Zhao's table had to stop and she needed to focus on her own game.

Once Yue had refocused her attention, she soon managed to stop the rot and find some counterplay. By the thirtieth move, the situation on the board had been nearly equalized. By the fortieth move, Yue was back in the driving seat. She was no longer down a flower tile, and her attack on the right flank looked promising. As the tournament officials readjusted their timing clocks, adding an extra hour for the next forty moves, Yue hoped she wouldn't need that much time to take Haru out.

During this little break, Yue allowed herself a brief look around to peek at how the other games were unfolding. Only her game with Haru and Zuko's match with Zhao were still ongoing. Toph had mauled one of the local masters, which meant that she was now in the tournament lead. Yue would overtake Toph again once she defeated Haru, but Yue knew that she had to remain focused on the task at hand. And her ability to focus was once again impaired upon noticing that the match between Zuko and Zhao could still swing either way.

The spectator stands were filled with excited whispering as play resumed. Yue managed to catch the faces of her wives in the crowd, and she was relieved to see that Azula and Katara did not appear anxious. In fact, they both looked very calm and full of confidence, and to feel their faith in her helped Yue recapture her focus. Soon enough, she had Haru on the run. He could not prevent Yue from breaking through on his right flank and overrunning his defenses. Haru tried his best to evacuate what was left of his right flank. Instead of wasting her time in mopping up the stragglers, Yue simply began to build up the next wave of attack on the left flank. When Haru saw what was in store for him, he decided to spare himself from this utter annihilation and resigned on the fifty-third move.

Yue rose to the thunderous applause of the crowd, which if meant for her, seemed a little premature and disrespectful, considering that another important game was still continuing. It was only then that Yue noticed Zuko also getting up to his feet, about to shake Zhao's hand. Zhao accepted the handshake with his customary oily smile, but Yue could sense his annoyance through this mask of politeness. Yue didn't care how annoyed Zhao was, however, because Zuko had somehow pulled off a victory when not too long ago, the game had appeared too close to call. This was it. Yue had won the Omashu tournament, her first title after her return from retirement. She immediately turned towards the crowd, smiling and waving, receiving cheers and applause in return. It was a flattering reaction, and it seemed as if she was a rather popular winner in the eyes of the spectators. Soon enough, the tournament officials were leading her away, while a catchy tune began to play, music filling the hall and mixing with the applause of the spectators.

I've played all my cards
And that's what you've done too
Nothing more to say
No more ace to play

The winner takes it all
The loser's standing small
Beside the victory
That's her destiny

"That's a bit of a disrespectful song," Toph remarked as they were being escorted away, together with Zuko. Because of the results of the final round, Toph and Zuko had ended up sharing the second place. It was truly a splendid day for their group of friends.

"Yes, not a song I would have chosen," Yue agreed quickly. "I think all three of us deserve to be standing tall after a tournament like this."

"That's true," Zuko nodded. "Well done, Yue. I guess it was only a matter of time before you got a win."

"Thank you," Yue smiled. "I couldn't have done it without you, though. I don't know exactly how you took care of Zhao, but I'm grateful you did."

"Zhao needed a win, so he had to take risks," Zuko explained. "He simply took one risk too many."

"Did Iroh's tips help at all?" Yue asked curiously.

"Not this time," Zuko shrugged. "Zhao went for a weird opening that we hadn't prepared for."

"That's actually a good thing," Toph pointed out. "It means we get to keep that ace up our sleeves, you know? The thing about tips like these are that they only work once."

"You're right as usual, Toph," Zuko smirked as they were led backstage in preparations for a tiresome press conference. Yue rather wished she was done with these formalities and could catch up with her wives again, but her mood definitely improved when Azula and Katara soon muscled their way backstage, quickly pulling her into a three-way hug to share the joy of her victory. Azula soon pulled away to go and embrace her brother, leaving Yue to enjoy Katara's displays of affection in the shape of hugs and kisses.

"That was a wild finish," Katara eventually spoke, having stopped trying to squeeze the life out of Yue. "Azula and I are in agreement that you deserve to choose how we celebrate tonight."

"Zuko is taking me to that lovely Fire Nation steakhouse later tonight," Toph announced. "You should join us. Zuko's treat."

"Wait, what?" Zuko exclaimed. "I'm taking you where now?"

"You said that if you won the final round game against Zhao, you'll take me back there, remember?" Toph said insistently.

"But you said that we wouldn't have the time-" Zuko tried, then sighing and shaking his head. "Ugh, whatever. Fine. We're going back to the steakhouse, Toph." Toph gave an excited fist pump at that.

"It would be fun to join you, guys, but I don't feel like getting my mouth scalded by all those spices," Yue sighed.

"You and Katara can always order from the kids' menu," Toph grinned.

"I think we're giving that steakhouse a pass, Toph," Azula said decisively. "How about a movie instead?"

"I know you won't stop until Katara and I have been traumatized by The Evil Dead," Yue sighed. "But please, don't try to lure me into watching horror when we should be doing something that I would actually enjoy."

"Sorry," Azula said meekly. "What would you like to do, then?"

"I want to go clubbing! It's time for some disco!" Yue announced, grinning broadly. Much to her relief, Katara and Azula also appeared very excited for the plan, and they didn't even know about the ending to the night that Yue was imagining. Yue was certain that her wives would approve of her idea, which was a full reenactment of their first night together in Omashu. She was absolutely determined to make this a night to remember.