I don't own Avatar The Last Airbender
Chapter 18
Zuko had long since admitted that life liked to treat him as a joke, but this was getting ridiculous. Here he was, a prince of the fire nation, drinking tea with a noble earth kingdom lady that he saved from bandits (does it actually count if she was one of those bandits, even if forced?).
And now he was coming back to his base like a conquering hero with a maiden in his arms. Okay, the last part is more correctly phrased as Toph demanding to ride with him on the komodo-rhino.
Oh, and did he mention that he was going to use her to get Gaoling to fully surrender? Because that didn't make a mess out of things at all.
Please note the sarcasm of the last sentence.
He broke his head as to how to manage that, but for now he decided to leave it until he was back in his room. Right now, he was too busy entertaining the kid who sat in front of him, apparently, she was all to eager to hear about his adventures.
In particular, she liked to hear about his fights with Mi-Sha's thugs, for obvious reasons. That didn't stop her from enjoying the more mundane misadventures he and his crew had.
"And in the end, the stupid lotus tile was in his sleeve the entire time."
"Pfft… so, you all ran around the town for nothing?!"
"More or less, yes. The entire thing was a huge waist of time."
Zuko had to admit, as much as she could be annoying sometimes, she was quite endearing. For some reason once he told her that he would help, she seemed to trust him much more, go figure.
"But enough about me, how did you, miss prim and proper (she snorted at that), got yourself in 'Earth Rumble'? I thought they would mark you off for height or age, probably both if had to guess.
"Oh, they did, I just had to beat each and any person there. You'd be surprised how eager they were after that."
"Somehow I believe that."
"Bark!"
As Toph was in front of Zuko, so was Xing in front of Toph. She hugged the upper torso of the hellhound, who was much bigger than when Zuko found it.
"I still can't believe that you found it in the swamp."
Toph said.
"Yeah, Xing is one of a kind. By your tone I will rale a guess that you were there?"
"Yeah, I once ran from home when I was little and somehow managed to get myself lost there. Lucky for me, badger moles found me and thought me how the bend.
"So you were thought by the original masters? No wonder your earth bending is so strong."
Mi-Dved commented next to him.
"Nah~ I'm just that awesome. But I got to hand it to you, you're taking it way better than most earth benders I met."
"Oh no, I'm actually in distress right now. Being so outmatched by a little ten year old girl is quite a blow to my ego, I'm debating myself as a men right now. I just have enough self preservation and awareness to keep it to myself."
"Hah…"
As they continued their track, they rode past a ruined village. Toph was suddenly extremely sullen, and it didn't take a genius to figure out what happened.
Zuko decided to cheer her out.
"Hey, it's not your fault."
"It is. I appreciate the effort, but we both know that."
'Sai, help?'
"Tell her about the people of that village."
"Care if I share something with you?"
Toph said nothing, so without hearing a decline he continued.
"Do you know about the village south of the swamp?"
"I thought you wanted to make me feel better."
Toph said with grinded teeth.
"Bear with me. You know that I cane to it mere hours after it was destroyed?"
"Really?"
"Yes, right after the swamp thing. Do you want to know what happened to the people?"
Toph had a very uncertain expression on her face.
"I… Yes, I want to know. Are they ok?"
"Well… some more than others. No one was severely hurt, you're doing I suppose?"
The girl nodded.
"Very impressive. Anyway, the people moved on. Some moved to other villages, some tried their luck in the nearest city, some even took my offer and are under my employment. And do you know what they all had in common?"
He noticed that she was entranced.
"They moved on. Each and every one of them continued with his life the best they could. I can't talk about the rest, but the ones that took my offer are now working on a tropical island and are well fed and taken care of."
"Did none of them had any ideas to just give up? Of course not, but they continued regardless because that was the best thing, they could do for themselves and their loved ones."
"Now it's your choice, what will the greatest earth bender in the world do? Will you rise above, or will you let Mi-Sha be forever a part of your life?"
He suddenly felt a blunt force at the right side of his stomach as toph elbowed him. He felt nothing, but he supposed that it would have been a different story with the armor.
"Prick."
She said with a smile.
"Fine, enough with the pity party. You're really good at this, you know?"
"Let's just say I had a lot of practice and leave it at that."
" You mean I had a lot of practice with you. In front of the mirror."
'Shut up…'
At the south pole, the only teenage boy in all the south was having a heated discussion.
"What do you mean 'This is the last one?!'"
"What you heard. Sorry kid, but with most of the south under fire nation control tighter than a century old wine bottle we literally can't make the journey anymore."
The man he was talking to be an old sailor with white hair and gruff voice. Although smuggler is a more fitting description for one such as him.
"But you do this every week!"
"The last month had been more of a donation than anything, but without the coin to pay the men and still no word from your chief, I simply don't have the men to do this."
"Please, sir. The village will starve without the supply, I beg you to reconsider."
This time it was Katara who talked with praying hands and a pleading look on her face.
"Sorry girl, this all I have to give. Water here so dangerous that even pirates avoid it, the prince did a real number on them from what I heard."
The man shook his head and started to walk back to his ship. This made the water siblings run after him.
"Wait! What if you steal a fire nation ship? They wouldn't bother you after that!"
Sokka tried to negotiate.
"Ha! Good luck with that, kid. Your pa was the last one who tried it with an old ship, hit gold all right, and look where that got him. Let's just say that no one is too eager for a surprise visit of royalty anymore."
"But what will we do now?"
Katara asked in a broken voice.
"Don't know, don't care. Your brother looks old enough to hunt small game, maybe even take a page from the fire nation and have the ladies go out and bring whatever small animals there are here."
This wasn't so well received by Sokka, for more reasons than one.
"What?! Women can't hunt, it's the men's job!"
"Do what you will, I really don't give a damn, but you're on your own now."
"Please have a heart!"
Karara, while not the biggest fan of her brother's chauvinistic views, focused on the more important stuff and tried to save her village's food line. All she did, however, was get the smuggler's ire.
"Have a heart, have a heart?! All what I did until now was because of my bleeding heart, you ungrateful brats!"
"You think this venture somehow profits me?! Well think again! And don't even try to guilt trip me, I did above and beyond for your tribe! Goodbye!"
The old man entered his vassal and ordered his men to set sail, deaf to the screaming and begging of the siblings bellow him. The two watched with broken spirits as the ship sailed and got lost in the horizon.
After a long while, Katara finally spoke.
"So… What's now?"
Sokka sighed.
"I guess I have to do what the old man said."
"What, letting the women to hunt?"
Katara asked his not a small excitement.
"What?! No! I meant going to hunt myself, obviously. Really sis, I think the cold is finally getting to you."
It was safe to say that both katara's excitement and her view of her brother (which to be frank wasn't the highest) were lowered considerably.
"Geez, why did I even get my hopes up…"
The two began their track back to the village, blind to the turn of events that would follow.
Zuko was with Shen at the lieutenant's office, they were discussing the trip as well as the steps that should be taken.
"I still can't believe that he actually ordered you dead, you must have truly pushed him to a corner, your highness."
"What can I say, I'm a most wanted guy. Can't really blame him, can we? But on a more serious note, what are your opinions about our next course of action?"
Shen played with his beard as he thought.
"A difficult question, your highness… In my experience, bounty hunters are a practical sort, they wouldn't take a risk if there isn't a worthwhile reward. I suggest taking care of the reward, and the reward giver, and the hunt will crumble upon itself."
"But that would mean a direct confrontation with Mi-Sha in the desert. It would take more men and resources then either of us can manage."
"True, even with the men that we can spare should the Beifongs surrender, an assault on a target like Amora is not feasible. That is even without the bureaucrats breathing down our neck."
The last sentence caught Zuko off guard.
"Pardon?"
The old man nodded in understanding.
"Amora is infamous for its illegal activities that are far from the eye of the law, I can promise you that many of the nobles at court have at least some investments there. They will do their hardest to kill any operation in its diapers, the fact that Amora has no strategic value doesn't help our case."
"Damn…"
'You have something, Sai?'
"The enemy of my enemy is someone I can use. For now, however, cut down his livelihood. The desert can give only so many resources, at least for this level of technology."
"Fine, we can talk to Beifong about more manpower, I imagine that he would like some action against Mi-Sha even more than us. For now, let's just cut whatever businesses and other resources from Mi-Sha we can, I can handle being hunted for some time."
Shen raised an eyebrow.
"Convincing Beifong will be a dragon's trail, we are trying to conquer his territory after all."
"He doesn't need to like us, his men don't even need to see us, they all just need to attack one place while we attack another at the same time. I can convince him to a truce for that at least."
"If you say so, your highness. What brings us to the next issue, what in Agni's name are we going to do with little miss Beifong? Where is she, by the way?"
"Oh, she's with Jasmine, I thought that a female companion close to her age may do her good. Right now, they are in the ship with Jasmine showing Toph around."
"Hmm… That may be for the best, especially if you want to leave a good first impression on her father. I do suggest tightening the security however, both to keep her in and keep unwanted guests out."
Zuko understood completely, it was a question of when, not if, Mi-Sha will send someone to silence Toph. For the old general Toph was a blind little girl, he knew nothing of her earth bending or the job she had for the last month.
A part of him felt bad for deceiving the old lieutenant, who had been so helpful to him, but he agreed with Sai that it was for the best that the fewer people who knew the truth, the better.
"By the way, I wouldn't dare to order you, your highness, but I humbly beg that you will at least keep me informed when you take my troops for your operations. The entire incident, no matter how well meaning it was, left me in a rather tuff spot."
Now that surprised Zuko.
"What do you mean? I have never taken soldiers without consulting you first."
It was Shen's turn to raise an eyebrow.
"Really? Because I got a report of soldiers raiding an illegal gambling den in the disputed area, freeing some slaves in the process. They claimed that the prince sent them specifically to deal a blow to Mi-Sha."
"What gambling den? I never sent anyone to such mission."
It seemed that the old lieutenant sensed the honesty in Zuko's reply, because he nodded in understanding.
"I see, in this case we have very much to be concerned about. A deception like that while using your name is a heavy crime, this also forces you into conflict with the bandit lord. But to be fair, you already are in conflict with him."
"Do you have any idea who this third party may be?"
"I'm sorry, your highness, there are just too many possibilities. It could be someone that has an axe to grind with you, it could be someone that wants revenge on Mi-Sha (Agni knows there are enough of those.), of both. Heck, it could be one on Mi-Sha's underlings trying to kick off his boss."
"I see…"
'Sai?'
"I'm with the good lieutenant on this one, we need to go to the crime scene for me to have any concrete conclusions."
'Damn…'
"Fine, have some men you can spare investigating this thing, focus on finding the identity of the soldiers who did it. Right now, however, this is a low priority next to the conquest of Gaoling and the war against Mi-Sha."
Shen saluted.
"It will be done, my lord."
"Good. What is the status of our forces by the way?"
"As good as can be, I suppose. We made some good progress, completely surrounding the area around Gaoling. Losses are low as well, the enemy is yet to adapt to our eyes. Things are much easier when you can just dump blasting jelly on an earth kingdom stronghold from height way above their reach."
"I can imagine that this will help, how close is Beifong to surrender?"
"Hard to tell, but it's only a matter of time. He can't last long with the state of affairs. Actually, I plan a bombardment of his home right away, this should send a message and drop morale quickly enough."
"Hmm… wait a bit with that, I would like to try something first."
Shen raised an eyebrow.
"Another one of your crazy, and often suicidal ideas?"
"Most likely."
Zuko admitted.
"And I will have to borrow one of your eyes."
The old lieutenant sighed.
"Of course you do… At least you ask. May I ask what your scam is this time?"
"I plan to send a letter to Beifong about my arrival for a talk, I will bait him with information about his daughter. Once I receive the invitation, I will fly there with Toph and convince him to go my way."
Shen wasn't so pleased.
"Your highness, while I agree that Beifong will take the bait, I must object to you being there. The chance of convincing him is very low, while the chance of him trying to use you as ransom is high."
"I see your point, but I already have plans for each problem. Let me deal with all the noble bureaucracy, I managed to convince Zhao of all people to do charity after all."
"Can't argue with that... Very well, you succeeded in everything you did so far, I don't see a reason to doubt you now. You will have your eye, your highness, but I implore you to take some men as protection."
"Fine by me, how long do you think it will take until we get Beifong's invitation?"
"A day or two, I imagine. Especially if you mention that you need to leave in the next few days."
"Noted, give me an hour to finish the letter."
In the Beifong mansion, Lao Beifong sat in his office. He was going through the various reports of the state of the battlefield, none of them painted a pretty picture.
A servant with military uniform entered the room.
"My lord, you have a message."
Lao stopped his work.
"I asked to not be disturbed."
The Beifong patriarch then looked up from his desk and saw the stamp on the letter.
"And I think I made myself clear about any 'offers' from the fire nation."
"It's from prince Zuko, my lord."
Lao stopped to think about it for a minute, why would royalty involve itself with this? The prince must want the prestige, what other reason there could be.
"I don't care, burn it with the others."
"It has your daughter's name on it."
"What?! How could he possibly… give it to me."
The man gave Lao the piece of paper.
As Lao read, he felt his hands shaking. This was either very good, or (most likely) a tremendous disaster. This one is something he can't decide alone.
"You may leave to your duties, soldier."
As once the man was gone, Lao ringed the bell to fetch a server. Almost immediately, a man appeared.
"Please summon my wife to my office."
The servant bowed and went to his new assignment, after a few minutes his wife entered the office.
"Very good, you may return to your duties. I will call when needed."
The servant bowed again.
"Yes dear, how can I help?"
His wife was in downed spirits, as was the norm those days. The kidnapping of their daughter affected her greatly, it took much effort to get her out of bed those days.
Lao silently gave her the letter from the prince to read.
As she read, he saw her eyes shining a little brighter.
"Honey, those are great news!"
Lao, however, didn't share her newfound hope completely.
"Dear, I must remind you that this could very much be a trap set by the fire nation."
"But what could they possibly do, honey? They will come here, in one of their supposedly flying abominations, true, but they will come here with five men at most. I hardly think it's beyond the capabilities of our guards."
"True, but this is what bothers me the most. And if recent stories about the disgraced prince are true, this may be more of a fight then anticipated. I'm also worried about why he wants you to come as well, I fear that it may be a part of his trap."
"Well dear, if the whereabouts of our daughter will be discussed, I would very much like to be present."
Lao sighed, knowing his wife had a point.
"So what do you think?"
"I think that we should except. If all goes well than we will have information on our daughter, in the worst case we'll be heavily guarded against a threat with no support in the sit of our power."
"Very well, I will write that I accept their terms."
"Thank you, dear. I love you."
Popy kissed him on the cheek and went to her way, her spirit lifted very much.
Lao wrote his answer and went himself to the falconry, he wanted to be the one to send this particular letter.
After all was done and the letter was sent Lao went back to his office to prepare for the meeting.
As he did so, he had another look at the letter.
"To lord Lao Beifong,
I ask for an audience with yourself about our terms and future cooperation.
In return, I will supply you with the recent information I have about your missing daughter.
I will come on a flying eye with five soldiers as escort and no more, I ask to let us lend with peace.
Please reply as soon as possible, in a few days I will have to leave the reign.
Sincerely,
Prince Zuko, first son of fire lord Ozai."
Lao sighed again.
"What is your game, prince…"
Whatever it is, he just hoped his little angel was fine. He couldn't imagine how scared she must feel right now.
"No! Stop! Get your hands off me!"
Toph was fighting like a woman possessed, she kicked to every direction. Alas, it was for naught as she was dragged against her will.
"I curse you all, you hear me?! I curse you all!"
"Kid, please stop being so dramatic. It's just a bath."
"I agree with Ling, Toph. This is a bit much even by my standards."
At Zuko's orders, Toph needed to be presentable before their trip to Gaoling. For that, as the only two women the closest to Toph's age, it fell under Jasmine and sergeant Ling to prepare the young girl.
One would think that the girl would be thrilled to finally be clean, but no~
Toph just had to be an annoying brat in that exact critical moment.
"But I don't want to!"
With how things are going, they will never prepare Toph in time.
"And why not?"
Ling asked.
"I just don't want to, okay? Besides, I can wash myself."
"I would have liked to believe that, kid, but so far you did the absolute best to stay dirty."
"Well, excuse me if I like the feeling of the earth in my feet."
"Your 'feeling' will cost his Highness his good first impression, so pardon me if we have different properties."
Ling concluded as Jasmine added.
"And we are all women her, there is nothing to be ashamed of. Not that you have anything at all…"
The last part Jasmine said to herself in a quiet voice, but apparently not quite enough for the blind girl.
"Hey! It's not my fault that the two of you are cows! Especially her!"
Toph point at _ direction.
"I'm blind and even I can see how huge her- Ow! Ow! Sorry! Sorry!"
The last part was a result of Ling having enough talking about her figure as she heads locked the poor girl and made some quiet painful movements on Toph's head.
Jasmine sighed, this was going to be a long day.
"Are you sure you want to do it, Zuko?"
While the girls had their… fun… Zuko and Mi-Dved had a talk.
"It's the best option. If all goes well then, we gain more territories and an ally, if not then we at least tried."
"Can I at least go with you?"
"We talked about this. While you may not care if you're being called traitor to the nation and other thing, I very much care about you. Besides, we don't want to give Beifong any reason to believe that we were the ones to kidnap his daughter."
"I suppose that's correct…"
Mi-Dved admitted against his will.
"Besides, I have a no less important task for you."
"I know , but still…"
"It will be a great win of you succeed."
"*Sigh* fine, I'll do it."
"Thank you, I knew I could count on you."
"Yeah, sure."
The earth bender waved him off.
"Just be sure to return with everybody safe and sound."
"Will do. By the way, have you seen Xing?"
"Can't say I did. You recon Xing's on the hunt again?"
"Agni, I hope not. I swear it's only a matter of time before it brings back a platypus bear or something."
Mi-Dved looked at a spot behind Zuko that caught his attention.
Mi-Dved looked at a spot behind Zuko that caught his attention.
"Well… you may have to make duo with an ostrich-horse for now."
"Please don't tell me…"
Zuko turned around and saw exactly what he feared. Xing walked towards them and in his mouth was a small ostrich horse.
The poor animal itself was quite smaller than the adults, but wasn't a chick, must have been an adolescence. It still was three times higher than Xing and had nasty claws and beak.
"On the bright side, it probably didn't belong to anyone, right?"
Zuko facepalmed.
"And take Xing with you, probably before it starts to see the similarities between human flesh and chicken."
"Acknowledged…"
Mi-Dved said in a much less certain tone, the random twitch in the ostrich-horse's leg didn't help.
"So, what are the news?"
Hakoda had his close console with him as they discussed the happenings of the war.
"As you predicted, Mi-Sha and Zuko are at the throats of each other. Rumor has it that Zuko entered the Si Wong desert and butchered an entire squad of enforcers."
The news surprised Hakoda, even if he didn't show it.
"Really? Why did he even enter the desert?"
The man before him shrugged.
"No idea, but the rumors said something about a library."
This time, it was Bato that answered with crossed arms and a raised eyebrow.
"Really? You expected us to believe that the prince of the fire nation goes all the way to a traitorous desert for some books?"
"Must be some library…"
Hakoda commented.
"Never mind, what are the prince's losses?"
"None, chief."
Now that caused a reaction.
"Excuse me, no casualties? He went head on with an entire enforcer squad, this is much less believable than the library."
"Sorry chief, it is what it is. The prince left a hamlet with ten people and returned to the same hamlet with the same ten people, only with an entire dead enforcer squad tied to the tails on their Komodo-rhinos. He apparently had them hanged in every possible place so that Mi-Sha wouldn't miss."
"La and Tui, kids way more ruthless then we thought. And you say that brute saw the bodies?"
Hakoda would have paid to see the look in Mi-Sha's face.
"Front row, yes. He went as ballistic as expected.
"Man, kid got balls, I'll hand it to him. I guess all my planning was useless than, hah…"
Hakoda lamented.
"Don't worry, chief, we sure helped lit the fire. Besides, we did good, moral is high, and the troops are happy."
"Thanks Bato, you always know how to cheer me up. But for the more serious business, what is the status of the war theatre?"
Hakoda address the men.
"Could be better. Gaoling is basically done for, and Omashu is still under siege. Those new eyes the fire nation created added another dimension to the war that we don't have a counter for yet."
Another man informed Hakoda.
"Really? From what I gathered, the eyes are purely for spying. They are just too high for combat, at least they were when I was bedridden."
"Well, things changed, chief, they now can build large enough eyes to carry troops and supplies. now they can just throw barrels of blasting and jelly from sky high, decimate a fortress to rubbles and call it a day."
"Damn… This is a problem. Any idea of the source? We may be able to sabotage it."
"Sorry chief, from what we know the eyes are being made in the heart of the fire nation in special facilities that are owned by some big shot businessman. No way we are getting anywhere close."
"Damn… I suppose we act at night than."
The men nodded in agreement.
"Very well, I suggest we go east. Everything we could have done here, we did. I have a feeling that the earth kingdom soldiers there will appreciate our help very much. All in agreement?"
"Ai!"
The men all said in agreement.
"Very well, east it is!"
Zuko was now in his room, preparing for the peace talk. Now he had the opportunity to ask Sai something that was bothering him and that he needed to make sure.
'Sai?'
"Yes, your highness?"
'From the near end of our battle in the desert, I noticed something strange…'
Zuko didn't know how to form it with words.
'I…'
"You mean to ask about your regained hearing in your left ear?"
'Yes! What did you do?'
"Remember our talk about the phoenix technique? As well as the spiritual energy I took from the swamp?"
'Yes, do you mean that it started taking affect?!'
The hope in Zuko's thoughts was unmistakable.
"It started taking affect from the first night after the swamp. I slowly but surely used the spiritual energy to reconstruct the scared tissues, as well as enhance your physical abilities. I did not lie when I said you are six times stronger then when you met me."
'Really? That's great!'
"Don't act so surprised, I promised you that your scars will heal in a year's time. I literally cannot lie, unlike others…"
'Sorry for doubting you Sai, but how I didn't feel it before?'
"Recreation of nerves is a very painful process, I disconnected them temporarily from the ill place so that you wouldn't be wailing on the floor in pain all the time. Also, your body isn't capable to handle to much spiritual energy yet, a faster progress will literally burn you from the inside."
'Good call… So, what are the next steps in this regeneration?'
"For now, to rewrite your chi flow to a much more efficient design, one that could handle the spiritual energy stored inside you. Eardrum is an easy enough thing to recreate for the relative lack of nerves and other complicated cells. An eye, will require the chi rewrite to heal."
'Than keep doing what's you're doing.'
Zuko was beyond happy with the news, undeniably Sai was the best thing that happened to him!
With those thoughts in mind, Zuko prepared for the meeting with the Beifongs.
Zuko was now with lieutenant Shen in front of their ride. It looked very differently from the first eye prototype Zuko himself created, obviously Loban and his men spent many hours and resources on the project once he gave them his blessing.
So far, he liked the results.
The balloon was blood red with the fire nation symbol on each side, it also wasn't a ball anymore but a more sausage look alike.
The wooden basket, that once was barely big enough for two people, was now made of metal and was big enough to house up to ten grown men comfortably.
It also was bigger, if that wasn't obvious, much bigger. Zuko guessed that the thing was six Komodo-rhinos in height, width and length. He would have to ask Loban for a person "airship" of his own.
"Quite a feeling, seeing how the memorial of my son evolve. A good one at that."
The old lieutenant commented.
"I'm happy you liked it. Are you sure you will go with me as well?"
"Yes, while in is a huge risk, an even greater one will be facing the wrath of your father once he hears that you died under my watch. Besides, Chin is more than ready to replace me should the need arrive."
"Your faith in me lifts my spirit…"
The old man chuckled a little.
"Please don't take this wrong, your highness, I have every confidence in your ability to keep us safe. The main reason that I wished to join was for the protocol. In case any agreement is made, I will be official representee of the military. Any agreement that is written before me is as valid as the terms are allowed by my rank. Pardon me, my prince, but I don't trust the random opportunist to not play with your credibility after your banishment."
"Very well, thank you for your help."
Zuko would lie if he wasn't feeling hurt a little, but he understood Shen's point of view. Something a month ago he wouldn't have done.
"Nephew!"
Zuko locket back and saw his uncle walking towards him. with him were the other soldiers that will accompany them.
"Uncle, glad you could make it."
Zuko said with a smile, even if it didn't quite reach his eyes. Good thing a helmet has more uses than just to guard the head.
"Prince Iroh."
Shen bowed curtly. Zuko, however, caught a little stiff in the lieutenant's bow.
'Do you think he has some bad history with uncle? Can't be, their sons were good friends.'
"If I'm correct, his wounds are much deeper thar some personal misgiving. I will tell you later when it will be only the two of us."
"Oh, I can only imagine what kinds of tea there will be at the meeting. I wonder if I could compare notes with their tea maker, maybe even a game or two of pai sho."
"And we have the identity of another potential white lotus member."
"Uncle, please take this seriously."
"Nephew, I'm wounded. Of course I take my tea seriously!"
"Then don't let us stop you, you should get inside and prepare your wires. Can't leave our host wanting, can we?"
"An excellent idea, nephew!"
Uncle quickly went inside, the men that were with him followed.
Zuko sighed and turned to the more dutiful old man.
"I decided to tale uncle because of his fire bending skills, but also as a comic relief. He has a talent in befriending strangers over tea and pai sho."
"As… good reason as any, I suppose."
"Trust me, I'm as happy with that as you are."
Shen had an uncertain look on his face.
"Your highness, pardon me for my intrusion, but… is all well with you two?"
Zuko was quiet for a moment.
"It's… complicated."
"You know, I'm an old man myself, maybe I can give an advice or two."
"It's a little hard for me to take, given the amenity you seem to have with my uncle."
Zuko said in an accusing tone.
"Oh, you noticed…"
Shen seemed to be taken back.
"I offer my sincere apo-"
Zuko raised his hand to silence the old lieutenant.
"It's fine! I'm sure you have your reasons. So far you were ideal with your work, even when forced to work with a man you hate. I can't hold that against you, especially when you try to hide it."
"I… thank you…"
"Don't mention it. But I must ask, what's the deal between you two?"
"It's… complicated…"
"Hah… how the tables have turned."
Shen chackled as well.
"That they do, your highness, that they do. Now we only need our special guest, and we can take off."
As if Kho itself heard them, Toph and Jasmine just entered the line of sight.
Toph was dressed in a lime-colored kimono that was fitting for high born ladies such as her. She also wore (most likely unwillingly) wooden sandals that gave her a few inches. Her stance and behavior were also drastically changed from the easygoing little girl he knew her to be.
All in all, she looked like the very picture of high nobility that she was supposed to be.
Jasmine, however, she wore a matching kimono as Toph, only hers seemed to hug her figure very well. How did she manage that Zuko had no idea, but he threw in up there in things that were beyond him with women logic. To complete the picture, she had her namesake adoring the right side of her hair.
Jasmine looked both noble and provocative, somehow.
"My sincere apologies for my tardiness, your highness. There have been unforeseen delays in the lady's room."
That came from Toph of all people.
"Okay, who are you and what did you do to toph?"
The little girl immediately broke her mask and snorted.
"Don't worry, it's still me Sparky. I'm just preparing myself for the meeting. I must be the perfect daughter after all."
"Don't do it, it's creepy."
"For you and me both, Sparky."
Once she saw him make sparks with his hand to show her his lightning bending, she started to call him "Sparky". The soldiers, thankfully, were too afraid of him to mimic the girl. In front of him, at least.
"Fine, go inside and creep the others. We'll be meeting your parents soon enough."
"Whatever."
Even if she said that, Zuko noticed in her tone how excited she was to be home again.
Toph went inside.
"So how do I look?"
Jasmine asked innocently as she made a spin, showing off her outfit.
"Radiating, like a true highborn lady, I would have never noticed something amiss."
"You know what to say to a lady. See you inside, my prince~"
She gave him a peck on the chick and went inside.
He heard Shen chuckled from behind him.
"Oh, shut up…"
The two entered the airship last and it took off. He had a feeling it was going to be a long ride…
AN
And this is the end of chapter 18
A girl is finally inviting Zuko to meet her parents! are you as excited as I am?
Bu the way, can anyone guess why Shin has some grudge against Iroh?
Now for the reviews:
deniswanheda :
Thank you!
I always thought that a leader is as good as his men, if they can't measure up to the expectation so either the leader is bad, or they should be replaced.
I want Zuko to not be the hero, but to give the people around him the opportunity to be their own heroes, as was with Kyoshi.
There will be some drama with iroh, I promise.
This is also what I aim for their relationship to be, but Rome wasn't built in a day.
Zuko will have some bones to pick with Zhao in the North arc, that's for sure.
Anyway, be sure to write what you think about the chapter and the story. Don't be afraid to share what you think could and should happen.