Kai was sitting at his desk later that evening when a gentle knock sounded from the otherside of the heavy door to his bedroom. He turned to it. "Come it," he said calmly.
His mother appeared, stepping softly into his room.
"Mom," he said, turning towards her. The word in his mouth soothed something in him. Despite the long amount of time spent at the duck pond with his father, Kai's mind had continued to race. He thought of Moaz, the picture of him lying unconscious on the bench seared in his mind like a brand. He thought of Ryken and that kid Tharis, and anger still filled every inside inch of him.
And then he wondered about Tazin, sad that he hadn't heard from him in a while, wondering if that was good news or bad.
And then he wondered what would have happened at the Agni Kai if his father hadn't shown up. Would Yue have stepped in? Would he have hurt her accidentally? If his father hadn't stopped him…would he have killed Moaz?
But saying his mother's name ebbed all those horrible thoughts. Suspended them momentarily.
"Hi," she said sweetly, making her way over to him. Kai didn't stop her when she wrapped her arms around him. The embrace fixed everything. His heart slowed, his muscles relaxed, his mind calmed. Katara pulled away first, staring into her son's golden eyes. Kai. It was a water tribe name. It hinted at the conflict she knew raged inside of them. Inside all of her children. The conflict they probably weren't even aware of. She smiled sadly and brushed some of his hair out of his eyes. "How are you?"
Kai pulled a smile on his face. "I'm good." Katara smiled as she watched him. A moment passed where neither of them said anything. Then Kai's expression fell and he looked down and away. "I'm so sorry, Mom. For everything. I–"
"Shh," she said. The light in the room was low. The single candle that Kai had lit was burning low on his desk. Outside the window it was night. "It's okay. Everything is going to be okay."
Kai's voice shook. "I just…I always ruin everything…and–"
"You don't!"
"I do!" he insisted, and Katara laughed beside herself.
"Well, then that's okay. Life would be too boring otherwise."
This made Kai laugh, and the tension from his hurt and pain ebbed. "Glad you see it that way."
"I love you," assured Katara, and she hugged her son again. He was taller than her, which made her a little sad. But his eyes were the same eyes of the little boy she remembered so well. The boy who tried so hard to be like his older brother. The boy who tried so hard to please his father. That boy was still inside this taller, older boy she now held.
"I love you too," said Kai. He pulled away and asked. "Have you heard from Tazin recently?"
Katara shook her head. "No. Not since the solstice."
Kai remembered well. Tazin had sent the family a letter at the last summer solstice a few months back, telling them that he was okay and alive. But he hadn't shared about any progress, and Kai assumed that meant there hadn't been any.
The prince nodded, wondering if perhaps Tazin was writing to their father. For some reason Kai couldn't shake the thought of his brother. He was beginning to worry that something was wrong.
Katara sat down on the edge of Kai's bed. "I'm sure he will write soon."
Kai nodded and sat back down in the chair at his desk. Katara continued. "Your father was explaining about that boy from today. Moaz."
Kai's cheeks flamed. He didn't say anything.
The Fire Lady continued. "I was wondering if you'd come along with me this evening to visit him."
"Tonight?" To see Moaz on the same day…he wasn't sure that was a good idea.
His mother nodded. "I was told he needs a healer."
Kai thought of Moaz' face after his father had pulled him off of the large boy. "Yeah," he started, his voice ashamed. "He probably does."
"Perhaps it would be a good time to apologize?"
The idea of apologizing made Kai want to throw up, but he knew he needed to.
So, he humbly agreed and dressed to leave. The mother and son pair left the palace with a few guards, walking past through the large wall to the city, which was quiet and deserted at night. Kai felt on edge, remembering back to when Juno had jumped him in these streets.
Katara knew the house they needed to go to, and led them to it quickly. When they arrived, a torch was lit outside the door. Kai wondered if the occupants were expecting this. Surely they hadn't expected that the healer sent from the palace would be the Fire Lady herself. Kai watched his mother knock gently but commandingly against the wooden front door. He felt the two guards with them tense and prepare, gripping their staffs tightly. Surely though they must've understood, thought Kai, that his mom hardly needed them. It would've been his father that had insisted that guards accompany them.
There was talking and shuffling on the other side of the door. Suddenly, it opened, and the stout, plump woman standing on the other side of it gaped at her visitors. Kai instantly knew it was Moaz' mother. The resemblance was uncanny.
"Hello," Kai heard his mother say. Katara bowed. "I'm Katara."
The lady recovered from her shock, but her expression turned angry. Kai controlled the small anger he felt when the lady didn't bow back, despite clearly knowing who stood on her porch. "I know who you are." She closed the door a sliver. "You'll leave my house at once."
"Please," said Kai's mother, her voice sweet and controlled. "I've come to help your son."
"Help him?!" screamed the short woman. The guards tensed again. "It's your horrible, pathetic family that's done this to him!" Her voice shook.
If Yue were here, Kai knew she would've spit fire back at the woman for insulting their family so directly. Kai watched his mother take a calming breath. "My son is here to apologize. We've come in peace and meekness. We are not here to harm you."
"It's your fault!" screamed the clearly scared and flustered woman. Kai felt a little sorry for her. The look in her eyes was fearful. "I'll never let you see my boy."
Katara sighed. How hard should she push?
To everyone's surprise, Ryken appeared behind the woman.
"Mrs. Huang. I would let them in. The Fire Lady really can help Moaz."
Kai watched his friend's face, searching for any sign of malice or anger. There was none. But the boy did seem to be avoiding Kai's gaze.
Mrs. Huang paused, considering her options. There was no way for her to understand just how much the Fire Lady would be able to help her son. She was still very clearly overcome with anger and hurt, but she was also very outnumbered and very nervous. Without saying a word, she moved the door open a inch more.
Fire Lady Katara, still wearing her royal robes, took the opportunity to push her way in. She took it upon herself to walk around the main level of the house until she'd located the broken and beaten boy lying on the couch.
It was a nice house, Kai thought. It wasn't large, but clearly the family had money. He followed his mother through the hallways and rooms until they finally found Moaz.
Katara gasped when she saw him, turning to Kai in shock and horror. Her gentle Kai had done this?
Kai's face flamed with embarrassment and shame under his mother's angry and shocked gaze. He knew she'd be discussing this with him afterwards. When she didn't look away, Kai met her gaze and knew immediately what she expected of him.
Moaz, unlike the last time Kai had seen him, was conscious. His lips were too swollen for him to talk, which Kai silently felt grateful for.
As Kai approached the large boy, Moaz sat up, his face menacing. His own mother was there in an instant, sitting on the couch next to him, calming him.
"I'm sorry," said Kai quickly. He tried hard to make it sound as genuine as he felt in saying. "It was out of call for me to behave the way I did. I'm deeply sorry, and plead your forgiveness." With these words he bowed.
Though Moaz couldn't speak, he could spit, and he did so, right into Kai's face.
Katara, her composure breaking, yelped.
Anger seared through Kai, but he thought of his brother and father, the way they controlled it. The same way he'd been taught to. His heart rate didn't even increase. He took a deep calming breath, wiping the spit from his face and eyes.
Ryken and the guards watched the scene with wide eyes.
Moaz and his mother's faces were the picture of hatred.
"Here," said Katara, after swallowing and recomposing herself. She reached in the air and pulled, water from a pouch on her waist coating her hands.
"What is this?!" screamed Mrs. Huang, gripping her son's shoulders tighter. "Stop it!" She stood, blocking her son from the Fire Lady.
"No, this–"
"Get away!"
Kai had seen his mother heal countless times, been healed by her himself countless times, that the sight of it had lost its wonder a long, long time ago. Nearly all of Kai and his siblings' scrapes, cuts, bruises, and in many cases burns, had been healed away by their mother. It was as normal to them as anything.
But Kai forgot how foreign it was to others. He thought of how Moaz had called Yue and his mother freaks at the party that now felt like an eternity ago. Surely the sight of her bending–healing–was as frightening to them as a wild animal.
Ryken inserted himself. "Just let her," he pleaded, moving Moaz' mother. "It will help him. I swear it."
Again after a long moment Mrs. Huang conceded, but her face was broken and sad. Moaz looked defeated, like being healed by the disgraceful Fire Lady was more humiliating than what had happened to him earlier that day, or anything else he'd ever experienced in life.
A disgusting waterbender, healing him. Kai supposed the disgrace of it was eating Moaz alive.
Katara moved gently to Moaz' face until her hands were covering his eyes and cheeks and mouth and nose. She made sure that Moaz always had a way to breathe. Kai watched as his mother's skillful hands made the bruises disappear and the swelling ease. There was a stillness in the air as everyone glowing water seemed to hum. Mrs. Huang's mouth fell open in fear and amazement.
Kai smiled. There was a crunch and unmanly yelp as Moaz' broken nose was forced back into place.
When she'd finished, the Fire Lady bent the bloody, used water back into her pouch. She'd dispose of it later. Then she stood and bowed again to Mrs. Huang.
Moaz' mom's face regained its anger and distaste. Her eyes sharpened and her jaw tightened. "This changes nothing," she spat. "You and your children are a stain on this country, and you don't deserve to be here. He has proven that to me."
She pointed a thick finger at Kai.
Kai saw his mother's face fall. "Thank you, ma'am, for allowing us into your home." She bowed sadly but respectfully. "I wish you well." The Fire Lady walked towards Kai and grabbed his arm, lacing her own through his. "Come," she said. Kai allowed himself to be led out of the small but lavish living room. The guards followed after them.
When they were out on the dark street again, Kai heard footsteps running up behind them. One of the guards yelled out to the other, preparing to defend.
"Wait!" called Kai, recognizing the outline of the figure.
"Kai!" called Ryken as he came into focus and into the light of their torches. Kai dropped his mother's arm.
"What's wrong?" Kai could tell from Ryken's face that something was wrong. His anger at him from earlier today when he'd seen Ryken show up to the fight with Moaz, was gone.
"It's just…" he looked warily at the Fire Lady, clearly uncomfortable in her presence.
"It's alright," said Kai, silently telling his friend that whatever he had to say, he could say it in front of Kai's mom. Katara looked between the boys curiously.
Ryken bowed to the Fire Lady quickly, as though remembering himself, then he took a breath.. Kai thought that despite his usual crooked, mischievous teeth and his unkempt hair, Ryken seemed older right now. Mature. "Do you remember the man you met at the party? The one–"
"Yes," said Kai quickly. "I remember."
"He's…not a fan of the royal family."
Kai felt his mother shift. "What do you mean?" she asked. She turned to her son. "Who is he talking about?"
Kai didn't reply right away. "How do you know?"
"It was just things he'd say during class…small things. But he said them often." Ryken paused remembering. "I don't even know if he's from the Fire Nation either. But he always, always, talked about how the government was in the wrong hands these days, and that something should be done about it."
It was nothing that other members of the Fire Nation didn't say often. The Huangs were a perfect example of the elitist that still professed loyalty to the old line, ignorantly misunderstanding what the old line, Kai's grandfather Ozai and his forefathers before him, stood for.
"Okay…" said Kai, wondering why this was relevant.
Ryken licked his lips, his eyes shifting to the two guards. He took a step closer and spoke softer. "I think he told Moaz…"
Kai's eyebrows knit together. "What did he tell him?"
Ryken shifted uncomfortably. He seemed to change his mind. "I'm not sure. But I don't trust him anymore. Not Moaz and not Mr. Chang." He began backing away, but Kai knew his friend hadn't shared everything he knew or suspected.
"Ry–"
"Just, be on the watch for that man, Kai. There's more behind this Agni Kai. This isn't over. It's bigger than you think."
"Okay…"
Ryken was running back now. "Just remember that I warned you." He nodded his head respectfully towards the Fire Lady before dashing back towards Moaz' house.
Kai's mind was racing.
"What does he mean?" asked Katara of her son.
Kai answered truthfully, the words resounding and final in the darkness. He shrugged, completely at a loss. "I…I don't know."
. . .
The fire warmed Tazin's face. He could feel it. Not just on his skin, but inside of him. It was only a flicker, but it was there. He tried not to get too excited. Maybe something was happening.
The fire in front of him was the only thing between him and Aang, who was sitting cross-legged on the other side facing Tazin. The prince peeked an eye open to see the avatar was sitting disturbingly still. As though in another world.
Tazin closed his eyes again. Breathe. Just breathe. Feel the fire grow with each breath, he thought. He tried not to get frustrated that this was firebending practice usually reserved for beginners. Children even, when they would first start firebending training. Tazin himself had done it numerous times with his father and with his instructor Master Zhang in his early years.
But it didn't matter. If relearning everything was what it took to get back to his old life, to be a good Fire Lord, to get his father to be proud of him again, he would do it a hundred times over.
Breathe. In…out…
The flame continued burning.
In…out…
An owl hooted somewhere outside the cave.
In…out…
A log cracked.
In…out…
A bug landed on his temple and he smacked it loudly. The sound echoed in the cave.
Tazin opened his eyes to see if Aang had noticed, and nearly jumped when he saw the avatar already staring at him through the flames. The man was smiling, as though watching something entertaining. Tazin smiled sheepishly in return, grateful that the fading light of the cave hid his reddened face. It was sunset, and the sky outside the cave was a brilliant orange and pink.
"You're distracted this evening," Aang observed kindly.
The prince let his head fall. "I'm sorry. I don't know what it is." He sighed deeply. The fire remained unchanged. Deep inside he could feel anger that nothing was happening. This felt like a waste of time. Trying to unblock the chakra seemed like a better use of time.
But years of training in firebending had helped him control this type of anger, which left him now with…frustration. He stood, needing space from the fire. "Maybe I just need a break."
"You're losing endurance, Prince Tazin."
"No, no, I just feel distracted today for some reason. I can't focus."
"Is it your brother?" Tazin shook his head as Aang bent the fire away. When Tazin didn't say anything else, Aang spoke again. "You know, right as your father was preparing to train me in firebending, he lost it."
It was impossible not to be surprised. Tazin turned to Aang, gaping at him, sure he'd misunderstood the man. His voice was incredulous. "He lost his bending?"
Aang nodded. "It was a crazy time."
"He lost it completely? Like mine?" Tazin tried to imagine his father without his firebending, but it was impossible. The two were inseparable. Fire Lord Zuko, Master Fire Bender.
Aang's smile faded a fraction. "No, not completely. But it was…weaker."
Tazin kept his eyes trained on the avatar, not daring to believe the story was true. Perhaps he was only saying this to make Tazin feel better. But also, it would be uncharacteristic of Aang to lie. Especially like this. No, it must be true. "How…why did…?" Tazin didn't even know what to ask.
Aang smiled and stood too. "It's a very long story. But at the end of it all we both learned a very valuable lesson."
"Both of you?"
Aang nodded again. Then said, "The first time I tried firebending, I hurt someone." Aang looked into the boy's golden eyes. A spitting image of his father. And yet, the way he moved…the way he held himself…sometimes even the way he spoke…it was all her. "Someone I cared about a lot." They maintained eye contact. "I didn't let myself firebend after that. Not until your father came to teach me."
Tazin smiled at the thought. It was hard to imagine his father teaching Aang anything. Aang was already so wise and knowledgeable. Not to mention powerful beyond measure. But back then it wouldn't have been that way. He sat down against the cave wall. "Man. Almost two whole years and you never told me any of that." Aang chuckled, the laugh lines around his eyes already deep and creased. "How did my dad get his bending back?"
"Well, like I said, it's kind of a long story. Perhaps for another time."
"I just thought maybe…"
Sadness crept onto Aang's features and he studied the boy. "No." A beat passed. "The solution to your father's problem was finding a new way to fuel his fire. Where he was once so filled with rage and anger he needed something else."
"The sun," said Tazin quickly. "He bends with power from the sun."
Aang nodded, his small, crooked smile reappearing. "Exactly."
"That's how he taught me." His voice sounded sadder than he'd intended. Tazin looked away but he could still feel the avatar's gaze. Searching.
"My boy, let go," the man said after a moment.
"Of what?"
"The guilt."
"I'm trying!" His own yell scared him. Even Aang was surprised. It was unlike Tazin to be loud. His father had taught him better than that. At least he thought. "For so long! But nothing has changed. I keep fooling myself thinking there's a spark again, but there's still not." Another moment passed. "There's nothing."
"I don't mean your guilt about the girl."
"You don't understand. Every night in my mind I see her die again. I feel the burn of losing that fight." A hand went to his bare, scarred chest. "I hear Kai's scream. Her death bears down on me like a weight." His voice broke. "And I just can't hold it anymore." The sun continued to sink in the sky. "And Kai…how could he ever forgive me?"
"I see this, Prince Tazin. I do understand what you are saying, believe me. But I think there is more to your guilt. Something we haven't been focusing on." Tazin looked up. Even in the fading light, the avatar's piercing gray eyes shone brightly, staring into his soul and baring it all out for Tazin to look at himself. "Kai does not hold you responsible for that girl's death. I sense his feelings towards you are of a longing, an envy, a desire to have you near him again. He blames himself more than anything. This is guilt you can let go of. Do not feel so responsible for him. Do not blame yourself for his loss." Tazin felt his jaw clench. "I think what plagues you more is something you've never even spoken about with me. I'm sad I've failed to see it." Tazin continued to say nothing. Aang's next words were profound. "Do not feel that you have failed your father."
How had Aang seen that when even Tazin felt like he himself still hadn't acknowledged it? How could Aang see the guilt Tazin felt for disappointing his father? Tazin felt something inside of him that he couldn't quite explain. Sadness? Regret? Anger? His voice was disturbingly quiet. "What Fire Lord can't bend, Aang? My father will never take me."
"His love is not dependent on your success as an heir to the throne."
"You don't know him like I do."
"You're right. I know him better," he said boldly. "Trust me, Tazin, I've seen a horrible, horrible side of your father. And because of that I know how much being a good father means to him."
"Well maybe he's changed since you knew him. He's only proud when I make a smart comment in a meeting, or when I find a solution to some problem a councilman has. Before I came here I was glued to his side. I've been glued to his side since I was probably fifteen!" He paused. "And I was so, so happy because he loved me so much. But only because I was doing a good job though. Not for any other reason." Tears finally came. "And now…he'll never want me. Not until I can bend again."
Aang's shoulders slumped. He needed a new strategy.
Just then, a small, light-brown haired girl peeked her head into the cave. "Mom says come now or you don't get to eat."
The avatar's smile returned quickly and easily. "Well then. That sounds like a threat I do not want to test." He spoke to his daughter but looked towards Tazin. "Let's go then, shall we?"
"Yes, finaaaally," she said, grabbing her father's hand and attempting to drag him down the rocky stairs to the small house. He moved to follow her but she stopped when she noticed Tazin. He'd been watching carefully with a small smile, but still had not moved. Sad memories still glued him in place.
She ran over to him quickly, grabbing his hands to pull him to his feet. "Come ooooon, Tazin. Stop being sad and come eat." The little girl pulled with all her might.
Tazin and Aang both laughed at her keen observation. "At your command, Liza." He stood when she pulled again and then picked her up so she was sitting comfortably in his arms. Aang beamed as he watched them.
"Finally," she muttered again, eliciting another laugh from the two men.
The sunlight had almost completely faded from the sky now, but the path down the makeshift stairs was familiar to Aang and to Tazin, who still held little Liza in his arms.
They finally reached the small house, which was nearly carved into the side of the sloping mountain. Like usual, a wonderful smell was wafting through the open windows. Tazin felt himself hurry a little faster. Liza bounced in his arms.
"Stop," she said softly. "You're juggling me."
Something about the way she said the words in her high little voice made Tazin smile. "Sorry," he responded. He continued down the stairs in a steadier way, holding Liza close to him so he didn't jostle her so much. Suddenly however, he had to nearly step out of the way because Aang, who'd been walking in front of them, stopped without warning.
"Whoa there," Tazin said, trying to stop his own feet.
"Shhh," said Aang softly. Commandingly. Tazin and Liza turned to the house where Aang was looking and listened closely.
He could hear Paloma's familiar laugh, but she was talking with someone. Who though?
Tazin walked closer but Aang stopped him again, this time deliberately. What?
The avatar's face was scarily stony.
Then quietly, the man moved closer to the house to hear what the conversation was. Tazin followed quietly. Liza had even quieted her breathing.
"...he'll be back?"
"I'm not sure," answered Paloma. Her tone was light and comfortable. It was a lie. She knew they were on their way. "Sometimes they stay away late. I never know when he'll be back."
"They?"
A pause. "My daughter as well. She likes to stay out playing."
"I see."
The man who she was speaking with was silent for a moment. Tazin moved to see if he could get a look at him through the window. Why was Aang not going in there? It sounded like Paloma was busying herself setting the table.
"You know, he never talks much about his home life when he is with us. Do you just have the one daughter then?"
"Yes. And one on the way, obviously."
"Obviously."
Tazin finally got a look. The tall, white-haired man was smiling fakely. His hands were behind his back and he was standing straight as an oak tree. He looked large and out of place in the cozy living room. His clothes were crisp and clean.
The prince looked back to Aang, whose jaw was clenched tight. His gray eyes were narrow. Who was this stranger?
It was the man who spoke again, as Paloma seemed to be trying to pretend he wasn't there. "Perhaps I may wait here until he does come back?"
Another silence, and Tazin could imagine the death glare Paloma must be giving him. Tazin had seen it many times. "Of course, Councilor. Make yourself at home." Tazin wondered if the man had caught the passive aggressiveness in her words. Paloma could have a temper. The chaos to her husband's calm.
Councilor, wondered Tazin. From where? He tried to meet Aang's eyes to see if the avatar would give anything away. Who was he?
Aang finally did meet his eyes, but it wasn't to explain. No, the look in his eyes was scary. The avatar stood quickly and motioned for Tazin to follow. He did so, following the large but nimble man around the back of the house. Through another window Tazin got a clearer shot of the man. He was wearing green robes. Earth Kingdom.
Liza started to talk, but Tazin covered her mouth quickly. Then he put a finger to his own lips. He saw understanding in her gray eyes. She didn't speak. He felt her small body shaking and he rubbed her back to calm her.
Aang looked at Tazin and made a similar motion, telling them silently to say quiet and stay hidden. Tazin nodded.
Then he watched as Aang entered through the back door of the home. He didn't have a good view of the three people in the home, but he could hear them loud and clear.
Tazin almost didn't recognize Aang's voice for how quickly he'd changed it. It sounded kind and inviting. "Councilor! I didn't know we had the privilege." Tazin imagined Aang quickly walking to his pregnant wife's side, her face heavy with relief. Aang had the most reassuring presence of anyone Tazin knew, though his mother was a close second. "You know I don't like people coming to my home, however."
"I'm sorry, Avatar Aang. It's urgent."
"What could be so urgent that you had to disturb my sweet wife?" The question was asked so kindly it was almost too easy to miss the threat behind it. Tazin knew his master was beyond bothered.
It was a moment before the man replied. "It's the Fire Nation royal family, sir."
Tazin gasped, forgetting for a moment to keep quiet. Had something happened to his family? Were they okay? Every thought and worry raced through his head in an instant, and Tazin began to sweat. Had he not still been holding Liza in his arms he would've raced in there. But the girl, and his responsibility for her, kept him grounded in the present.
"I'm afraid I don't know what you mean," said Aang.
"The crown prince, Avatar. It's confirmed he's no longer living at the palace. He likely hasn't been for a while, according to–"
"According to who?"
The counselor didn't respond. "Our sources."
Tazin could've sworn the people inside could hear his heart racing. He thought of his mom and Kai and Yue. He thought of his father. If the world learned why he wasn't at home…that an innocent death had happened because of him and Kai, that Tazin couldn't bend. This would look bad on all of them. "And why would such a matter be of such urgent importance, counselor?"
"So you admit you were aware the prince is not in the Fire Nation."
"I had no idea of any such fact," lied Aang skillfully. "I'm simply confused why such a report had you racing all the way to my home this late into the evening."
"Because we suspect cruel motives."
"Cruel motives on the part of whom exactly?"
The home still emanated a wonderful smell and Tazin's stomach growled loudly. Man, he was hungry. But his ears strained for every word floating out of the open windows.
"Fire Lord Zuko."
It was a shock unlike any other. Tazin's heart sank, and every muscle in his body froze. He could feel Liza watching him, but he felt miles away. His worst fear was coming true. Not only had he failed his father, but his failure was reflecting poorly on his father.
"You're clouded by old prejudice, Counselor Zhu, and you've allowed such prejudice to create ridiculous thoughts and accusations. I'm disappointed you've acted on such outrageous notions."
"I've spoken to the Earth King and he agrees. The silence from the Fire Nation on council issues at Republic City has been suspicious."
"How dare–"
"He's building an army, Aang."
"You will not interrupt me in my own home, Zhu."
The words were powerful, and the man quieted himself. Aang had a way of commanding authority without yelling, and sometimes it was very unnerving.
"I implore you to see reason, Avatar Aang." Aang did not respond right away, so the man continued. "There are many others who feel the Fire Nation has been acting suspiciously." A beat passed. "People are scared."
"The Fire Nation has more than earned the trust of this world. Zuko has rebuilt that nation to its previous glory."
"To what previous glory do you refer?"
"To the glory of a strong and advanced nation, that gives freely to other nations and countries and shares its wealth with the people of the world. Zuko has been critical to the growth of Republic City. You do not imply I mean the "glory" of the previous Fire Lord?"
"You can't deny Zuko's similarity to his father."
"In appearance only. Zuko is a far throw from his father and has proven that 10 times over. When will you all be satisfied?"
"They say an innocent girl died at the hands of the royal family."
"Who is saying this?!" cried Aang, his first sign of lost composure.
"Everyone! Nothing is adding up! The prince is away building the Fire Lord's army! A girl mysteriously dying? Piles and piles of hidden wealth? What is he doing with his money?! Why has he not come to the last few meetings at Republic City? The Earth King does not understand! People are scared!"
Why had his dad not been going to Republic City? Something felt wrong. All of this was wrong.
"The prince is not building an army for his father! The thought is ridiculous!"
"Then where is he? Here?!"
Something caught in Tazin's throat. How? How could he possibly even suspect that. Even Aang seemed too shocked to reply for a moment. But he did finally respond. "There's another meeting in a few weeks' time, counselor. Perhaps you can ask the Fire Lord these questions yourself."
"You think he'll come then?"
"I do."
Silence. Tazin could hear blood pounding in his ears. "We don't want another war, Avatar Aang."
"Neither do I, counselor. I can promise you that." More silence, so Aang spoke again. "Might I show you the way out?"
Tazin heard two sets of footsteps heading towards the front door. Aang opened the door for the man. "Thank you for your concern, Counselor Zhu, and your thoroughness in coming all the way out here. Your concern and devotion to peace is admirable."
"Of course, Avatar." Tazin easily detected the bitterness in the man's voice. Counselor Zhu had far from let his concerns be ebbed by Aang.
"I trust you won't act in any brash way until the meeting."
"Certainly not." It was a laced lie and Tazin knew it. Aang had to as well.
"Thank you," said Aang, and the door closed.
Tazin waited a moment, trying to gather his thoughts. When he was sure the coast was clear, he walked in through the back door, still holding little Liza in his arms.
Aang was standing still, his expression frozen horror. Paloma had her hands to her mouth, covering them. For the first time Tazin saw worry in the strong woman's expression. This was bad. This was really, really bad.
Aang hurried to a small desk in the corner of the adjacent living room. Tazin watched him pull out a piece of paper and scribble what could only be a letter.
"Who are you writing?"
Aang didn't hear the boy.
Tazin looked to Paloma, who'd busied herself by nervously dishing out bowls of soup.
When he'd finished the letter, Aang exited through the front door to send it off. He returned in a quick moment.
"I'm afraid we'll be leaving tomorrow, Your Highness," said the avatar. Tazin hated when Aang called him that.
"To the Fire Nation?!" he asked anxiously. Tazin couldn't tell if the thought excited him or filled him with dread. Home. He hadn't been back, hadn't seen his own family, in over two years.
"No, to Republic City. It's time for you to reenter the world."
. . .
Yue wrapped some borrowed furs tight around her, already the air was starting to crisp and the wind bite at her exposed skin. Then been on this large hunk of metal for almost two weeks, and only today was she starting to see ice and snow in the far distance, almost imperceptible against the gray sky. She was standing on the edge of the ship, staring down into the blue water, watching as it lapped against the shiny hull of the black ship.
She could see her mother's anxiety easing as the air got colder, her stress leaving. There was something nice about seeing her mother ease. She'd witnessed it on every trip they'd taken down to the South Pole to visit her mother's homeland. Yue had always thought it was the thought of her father's hug or her brother's laugh which eased the visible tightness in her mother.
But now she understood it was deeper than that. More organic. Her mother had no family in the North, but even still her face and figure eased. It was the wind and snow and ice itself which sparked the marked change in her mother.
How did she do it, wondered Yue. How did she live so long in a place she so clearly didn't belong?
She'd never doubted her father's love for her mother. He was open and candid with his affection towards the Fire Lady, even in front of his children and councilors. Yue had grown up hearing him express it to her numerous times, even calling her "dear" or "beautiful" in front of them. For the strong and intimidating man her father was, something about his wife softened him, and it was clear to anyone who saw them together. The Fire Lord loved his Fire Lady.
But now Yue became more sure of her mother's love for her father. It was less openly expressed in public. But what love would it take for someone as proud of their culture and heritage and family as her mother was to leave that all behind to live in a distant country opposite of everything she'd grown up with? That was a love that must run deep.
Somehow the image of who her mother was shifted in her mind, and she saw her a little differently. She tried to imagine what her parents had been like at her age, or even Kai's. What she would give to watch how they fell in love.
Yue turned at the sound of footsteps behind her. She saw her mother.
"The captain says we'll be there by nightfall."
"Wonderful," said Yue, and she hated how sarcastic it sounded, though she did nothing to correct it. She turned back to looking at the water.
Katara, for the first time in weeks, didn't feel hurt by her daughter's attitude. There was little she could do about it anyways. So she smiled and closed her eyes, lifting her face up to better feel the cold wind on her skin. She felt her cheeks and chin go numb. The feeling was so overwhelmingly familiar.
Her daughter's voice broke her trance. "It felt like a bad time to leave."
Katara sighed and joined Yue on the edge of the ship, staring out to where the blue water and white ice met the gray sky. "I know. I felt that too."
"I don't know why," Yue added. "It just did."
"Is it Kai? Are you worried about him?" Katara wondered if perhaps Yue knew more about what Kai was going through than she did. Did Kai talk to his sister? Katara was under the impression they still fought a lot.
Yue scoffed and rolled her eyes. "No. The idiot can handle himself fine. I'm just worried he's done something stupid."
"With the Agni Kai?"
"No…well…maybe?" Her blue eyes looked long off. Distant. "I don't know. Just forget it, I guess."
With that she walked towards the rooms down below the upper level of the ship. Katara's shoulders slumped.
The next morning when Yue awoke, the ship was anchored against the border of the Northern Water tribe. From the window in her room she could see the high outer wall, built of ice hundreds of yards thick. It was breathtaking, nothing to the defenses of the struggling but growing Southern Water tribe. Watch towers sprinkled the wall, and Yue could make out strong warriors standing in them. They were small, little blue dots. She slipped out of bed and dressed, slicking her silver hair back into a tight braid. She slipped her red tunic on, replacing her usual shoes with matching gold boots. She looked at herself in the mirror. Dark skin, blue eyes, silver hair…red clothing. She was a walking contradiction.
She left her room and climbed the stairs to the open upper level of the ship. Her mother was already there, staring out at the palace of ice and stone with a small smile, her arms folded across her chest.
The Fire Lady waved to her daughter when she noticed her. "Are you ready?" she asked as Yue approached.
"As I'll ever be," said Yue. "I still don't understand why we had to come."
Katara didn't grace her daughter's comment with a response. She tried to lace arms with her, but Yue moved away and folded her arms across her own chest, popping a hip.
Men were working hard to lower the gangplank onto the ice so they could walk down off the ship. Yue kept her eyes trained on them, ignoring the sad gaze of her mother.
When they'd finished, the Fire Lady, in her regal red gown, golden fire emblem crown shining from her chestnut colored hair, and the Fire Princess, slim and strong, walked gracefully down to meet the men dressed in blue waiting at the bottom.
They finally reached them and Katara bowed to the man who Yue clearly assumed was the chief of the tribe. He looked to be about her father's age, but was slightly taller. He had long brown hair, with many small braids. His furs were large and fine, nicer than any of the other men who were milling around.
"Chief Hahn," said her mother from her small bow. She stood straight and Yue saw that her mother knew this man well. The man, Chief Hahn, smiled at her and they embraced.
"Katara," he said in a way that reminded Yue of her slightly ridiculous uncle. They had a similar crooked smile, something Ryken also had. For some reason the thought of Ryken made her sad. And then angry. Ryken had shown where his loyalties lie, and it was not with them. She was pondering angrily on this sad fact when she felt a pressure on her foot.
"Ow!"
Her mother was looking at her with wide eyes. Oh shoot. Yue looked to the man and noticed that he must have said something to her.
She bowed quickly. "Hello,"
"Princess Yue. It's wonderful to meet you." His eyes sparkled, and Yue thought the way he said her name was strange. Like he'd said that name a lot of times before. It was used to his mouth.
"The pleasure is mine, Chief Hahn." She could feel her mother glaring at her for the sharp tone she was using.
The man smiled and bowed his head to her, unphased by her tone, before turning to the Fire Lady. "Katara, it's wonderful to have you both here. Your brother was here only a month or so ago."
"Was he?!" said Katara, and the two fell into easy conversation, the conversation of old friends. They walked side by side, and Yue comfortably fell into step behind them, glad she'd been saved from making conversation herself. It was interesting to watch her mother. She seemed ten years younger here. Her smile was wider and her eyes brighter. Despite the red clothes she wore, her mother matched the surroundings. Yue had never thought her mother didn't match in the Fire Nation. But whenever they'd gone to the Southern Water tribe, and now here as well, their mother fell into a comfortable, less restrained version of herself. She matched.
A few of the other men and women, clearly other important leaders of the tribe, greeted Yue. She payed no one more than a tight-lipped smile, walking with the confidence she'd always had, the confidence which had attended her since birth. I'm the sole Princess of the Fire Nation, the most powerful, richest nation on the earth. Her already straight back straightened, and she walked with the power she told herself she had.
No one else came to greet her as the group made their way into the tribe.
When they neared the wall they loaded large canoes, Yue and Katara in the same one as chief Hahn. From there they sailed through a canal under the wall into the large and magnificent city.
It was impossible not to be amazed when her eyes laid hold upon the tall, magnificent, intricate buildings of the Northern Water Tribe. It was less a city and more a network. Everything was connected and tall. Ice sculptures raised high into the sky. Detailed carvings decorated the walls of the larger buildings. Bridges of ice criss crossed above her head, waterfalls flowed through the city in the most beautiful way, decorating the city with blue ribbons of moving water.
There were training arenas galore, with water benders sparring in blue training clothes Yue had never seen in the sole training arena of the Southern Tribe. People walked about the pedestrian streets, talking, chattering or trading their furs for fish, or shoes for spears. It was a vibrant, lively city.
It seemed to pull something inside of Yue. There was a heartbeat, a breath, to these people, and Yue could feel it. They were living one with their element in a way firebenders just would never be able to. Their environment was as much a part of them as they were of it.
Her mother's laugh broke her trance and Yue looked forward to where her mother was sitting at the front of the canoe with the chief. They were laughing together, telling jokes and reminiscing on old memories. Things Yue didn't care for.
The princess crossed her legs and folded her arms, sighing deeply. She looked around at the men standing on the edge of the boat rowing them through the city towards the palace.
One of the men, no he couldn't be much older than her, caught her looking at him. Yue's heart fluttered when he smiled humbly at her. He was dressed in heavy furs and ridiculously thick boots. His hair was a lot like Kai's. Brown and shaggy.
She looked away quickly, never smiling or letting her cheeks get red. She made a point of not looking at him the rest of the ride to the palace, though she could feel his glance every once and a while.
After what seemed like forever, they reached the mighty edifice that was the home of the chief and his family. A woman, dressed as nicely as the chief, was waiting for them. She greeted Katara with as warm a hug as her husband had.
"Katara! How wonderful! It's such a pleasure to see you after so long a time." Katara beamed and embraced the woman.
"Seka," said Katara kindly. The woman had the same coloring as Yue's mother. The same dark skin and blue eyes, dark brown hair with about the same amount of gray.
Yue didn't expect the woman to turn to her so quickly. "And oh, my. How grown you are!"
Yue forced a pained smile onto her face as the woman came to her and smiled. She didn't expect the hug.
"We are so blessed to have you both here," said Hahn to the women.
Katara smiled. "We are grateful for the strong friendship you have always bestowed our family," she replied, and Yue could tell she meant it.
They were all escorted inside to a large dining room. The low table was filled with all the food Yue was used to eating in the Southern tribe, plus a few other dishes she didn't recognize. She held back a gag when she saw the dried, dead, squid sitting in a bowl.
They all knelt around the table and Yue ate as little as she could without being rude. Much more and she knew she'd be up all night. This kind of food never settled right with her.
About half way through the dinner, she heard some laughs from down the table. Katara and Hahn and the chief's wife were sitting at the head of the table. Other leaders and important people filled the other seats.
But down across the way, Yue saw the boy she'd noticed on the boat. He was sitting with a group of kids around her brother's age, mostly other boys, but there were a few bored looking girls as well. The group was laughing, and Yue saw one of them looking at her with a disgusting smile.
She glared at him until he turned away. The other boy, the one from earlier, tried to meet her gaze. She could feel him staring. When the first boy cowered away, Yue looked at the familiar one, glaring with all the intensity and heat of her soul. Disgusting, classless idiots, he thought.
The familiar boy was not looking away though. He stared right into her eyes, waiting for her to look away first. But she wouldn't. This was a declaration of power, and she wouldn't lose. The boy smirked
"I knew a Yue once," said the chief, and Yue jumped, startled by the sound of his deep voice. Her head whipped to look at him. What? What could he possibly be saying that was of any importance?
"Sorry, what?" She tried to sound polite. Before the man answered, she glanced quickly back at the boy. He was still smirking at her.
"I knew another Princess Yue," said Chief Hahn.
His words finally sunk in.
"Another Princess Yue," she said questioningly. "Who?"
"Hahn," said Katara warningly, not looking up from her plate.
"You haven't told her?" he asked incredulously, now looking at the Fire Lady. "That is who you got the name from, correct?"
"Well…yes."
"Wait," said Yue, suddenly curious. "Who was she? What are you talking about."
Hahn looked at her mother again, who gave the smallest shake of her head. He respected her decision, but knew he needed to convey something. He looked into the princess' eyes, her hair so eerily similar to the girl he'd known so long ago. The girl he'd been betrothed to.
"She was…a friend. A girl as feisty and brave as I can tell you are."
"Feisty of a different kind, I would say," said her mother with a laugh. The two others laughed and Yue felt a searing annoyance. She hated being kept in the dark about things.
Yue looked to the Chief's wife. "My best friend," the woman said sadly, her eyes distant, as though remembering something from long ago.
"So she's dead," said Yue. Her tone was blunt.
"Yue!" cried Katara.
"What?"
The chief and his wife laughed.
The rest of the dinner passed easily enough. Yue only chanced one look at the group of people who'd clearly been talking about her earlier, but they weren't looking at her anymore, and seemed to have moved on. She shook her head, clearing her thoughts, and choked down the rest of this disgusting prune soup.
. . .
Yue awoke that night to the sound of hushed laughter outside her door. She'd been given a room in the palace right next to her mother's. She'd bundled up so tightly in borrowed furs, angry that anyone could sleep in such a cold environment.
She saw shadows of moving feet beneath her door. The moon shown bright and full through the window of the bedroom.
Quickly she snuck to the door, straining to hear what the people were saying. But they had moved past her door and further down the hallway.
Without deciding to do so, Yue pushed her door open and stepped into the empty palace hallway. The group of people had disappeared around a corner.
Making another rash decision, Yue tip-toed nimbly down the hall, following them. When she turned the corner she saw it was the same group of people from dinner, the boy from the boat included. They were laughing and sneaking further down the hallway to the stairs Yue knew lead out of the palace.
Her curiosity got the best of her. It seemed the palace back home wasn't the only palace people snuck out of.
She was practiced at being quiet, her light figure helping her stay obscured and quiet on her feet.
They reached a bridge leading out of the city and Yue watched to see which way they'd go when they got to the other side. When they were standing in more light, Yue noticed that they were holding long, smooth wooden boards of some sort. She crouched behind the wall in the darkness, squinting to make out what they were.
Two hands squeezed her middle and she yelped. A hand immediately covered her mouth, quieting her cries. Her eyes were wide and she struggled against the strong grip. But it was no use. It was a man much stronger than her who held her captive. He was smiling. She bent water but the boy anticipated the exact move and grabbed her wrists, stopping her.
It was the boy from the boat.
"If you wanted to come too, all you had to do was ask," he said with that same smirk from before.
She finally struggled away from him. "Get off me," she demanded, scrambling to her feet, wiping her clothes with her hands.
"Shh! Shh," the boy said through a quiet laugh, as though she was an oddity to him. Something new and entertaining. "You'll wake the whole palace."
Silence followed and they stared at each other for a moment. Then Yue looked out across the bridge. The group had disappeared.
She folded her arms and popped her hip, looking back to the boy. "Where are you going?"
The boy was still crouched on the ground where he'd caught her. He stood with a sigh, pointing to the sky. "It's a full moon. Best the waves'll be all month."
"So?"
"So," he said through another laugh. "We're going surfing."
Yue glanced sideways, then back to him. "What's surfing?"
The boy's mouth fell open, and he stared at her."You–wait. You…"
"Stop mumbling. Tell me."
The words stopped him and he stared at her with a smile, too stunned to laugh. "You're really something else." He crossed his arms, lifting an eyebrow at her.
"What's surfing?" she asked again.
With another sigh, he took his fur coat off. "Come on. It'll be best just to show you." He held the coat out to her. "But wear this, you're shivering."
Yue looked down to her thin red night clothes, then to the coat he was holding out to her. "I'm not wearing that ugly blue thing."
Again he smiled. Then he shrugged, tugging the coat back on himself. "Your call, Princess."
He said 'princess' like it was an insult. Then he nodded his head and started a quick jog down the bridge.
Yue waited. She didn't care for his attitude, and certainly felt no need to figure out what surfing was. She stood frozen, arms still crossed, hip still popped.
He neared the other end and called out without turning around. "Come on!"
Despite it all, she couldn't stop herself from following him.