Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender.
It wasn't the bartender. For a moment Zuko's heart clenched. Did they capture the wrong man?
"I have seen your face in the palace, who are you?" The Firelord demanded without preamble.
The man, whose eyes never left his, almost seemed to gloat, but he said nothing. It was incredibly disrespectful for one to stare brazenly into the eyes of the Firelord without even pretending to show respect for his station and rule; clearly this man had neither respect, nor any care for the person or position of the Firelord.
Zuko immediately disliked the man, not because he refused to at least nod his head in deference to the crown, but because of the attitude behind the actions. There was something almost sinister about him, but it was really only a hunch, and he hated to take someone into custody on nothing but a hunch.
"The Firelord asked your name, peasant!" barked one of the guards holding the captive man.
The man just smiled a smile that was more of a leer than a true smile and kept silent. Frustrated, Firelord Zuko shook his head and sighed. "Since you were seen fleeing out the window of a building being searched for a nefarious person the crown will be forced to detain you indefinitely until certain facts about your identity, intentions and possible associates have been ascertained to our satisfaction."
The captive's face turned slightly red with anger and his eyes seemed to shoot daggers, but he remained completely silent.
"Take him" He ordered the guards "put him in a secure cell under lock and guard. No one visits without a guard present, and only if I have personally given permission." The guards were quick to obey and marched off, again half dragging the prisoner between them.
Shaking his head, Zuko took one last look around him and turned to go back into the saloon. Just as he was about to reach for the doorknob he heard a sound from the woods behind him to his left. His head snapped to the side to see what had made the sound and he saw Umi walking slowly next to a man who he recognized as the bartender. He turned around and began walking towards them slowly, allowing them to come further into the light around the saloon.
As they drew near, he could see the man seemed almost blue in the face and was shivering almost uncontrollably. His teeth chattered and he appeared to be gritting them on and off to stop the shaking. He appeared wet, and Zuko suddenly realized why the man seemed so chilled.
Zuko raised his eyebrows in Umi's direction and she gave him the slightest of smiles in return. Zuko addressed the man. "Who are you, and why did you poison the man at the bar?" He demanded.
Looking cold and defeated the man sighed heavily. "Some g-guy gave me a c-certain bottle and paid me v-very well to give a drink from that b-bottle to whatever guy came in holding an envelope p-packet" he began, stuttering as he spoke through his chattering teeth. "The g-guy told me that this m-man would give that packet to a redheaded b-barmaid and that's how I would c-conf-firm he was the correct man to give the drink to. I p-poured the drink and set it on the bar w-wwhen I saw the packet in his hand, b-but he didn't even go for it until a-after the redhead left s-sso I knew it was him." He shook his head "I didn't know it would k-kill him...I just thought it w-would knock him out so the guy c-could come take his money back" the man explained desperately.
"You are either a fool, a liar, or willfully ignorant; you appear to have all your faculties so I doubt you're a fool, if you're a liar you're a fantastic one..." he paused a moment in thought, then continued. "...but I'm going to go with the latter; although it's a mixture of all three." Firelord Zuko shook his head. "I think you're simply fooling yourself, lying to yourself to feel better about cold-blooded murder" he stated.
"I'm no m-murderer!" he shivered, his jaw almost quivering in fear, not just from the cold; "Please, I just serve drinks!"
"Your story will have to be corroborated somehow, but until we can confirm whether your story is true or you had ulterior motives, you will be held under arrest." Ordering the remaining guard with him to take the man with Umi into custody, they all marched back into the saloon and another guard relieved Zuko's personal guard and the bartender was added to the other prisoner they held.
No one saw the look the first prisoner shot the bartender as he was secured next to him. It was pure venom, and full of the wrong kind of promise. The newest prisoner shrank away from the glare and looked away, trying to make himself appear non-threatening. He wanted nothing to do with this man, he was cold still from the block of ice he'd been frozen in by that crazy woman, and now, instead of a big wad of cash and soft, feminine company, he was a prisoner sitting next to a madman. Gritting his teeth, he stared off into the night.
Zuko guided Umi through the saloon with his hand on the small of her back. It was something he had never done before, but the number of men whose gazes seemed to follow her shapely form as they walked in made him a tad uncomfortable, and he found himself wanting to, in some way, show them she was his. Knowing how he felt through their link since he had yet to fully retreat to himself from their earlier, closer connection, Umi glanced up at Zuko and smiled, catching his eye as she moved into his side just a little closer and sent reassurance through their bond.
It was enough. She could have sworn he stood up a little taller as they passed through the doorway into the front part of the saloon, and through their link she could feel his gratitude and affection.
They walked outside and he chose a spot far enough away not to be overheard, but close enough that if one of the guards needed his help, he would be easily accessible. "Thank you for catching the bartender" he began.
"I couldn't let him get away with murder..." she murmured to him quietly. "Only, I am a little worried because I don't know if we will be able to truly accuse him of it publicly because we only know it happened because of me and our link. Will we share that with the public?" She shook her head "I'd rather not..."
The Firelord frowned. "You're right...I hadn't thought of that. If no one in the main part of the saloon saw the bartender pour the drink and then the man drink it...we only have conjecture and assumption by proximity to go on. The last thing I want is to be known as the Firelord that seemingly unjustly and without proof or reason, imprisons people." He sighed.
Umi reached over and grasped his hands in hers, his gaze quickly caught hers and as she squeezed his hands, he squeezed back. "Even if the truth of my abilities must come out, at least it will be for a good cause."
Zuko shook his head. "I will do everything I can to prevent that. As long as he keeps talking and doesn't clam up it should be fine since he already admitted to it without asking how I knew. A guard was witness as well, so it should be fine." Umi nodded.
"Is this a private party, or can anyone join?" Iroh said with a smile as he walked up to the chatting couple.
Glancing up in surprise Zuko smiled quickly, "of course father, please join us" to which Umi smiled invitingly. "It looks like everything is moving along well, here. I've been overseeing the questioning but it will be done soon. I recommend the two of you go ahead and return to the palace. There are plenty of guards here for you to take a couple with you. You can send the carriage back for us when you arrive."
Wanting to stay but knowing it was prudent to free up space in the carriage since the prisoners would need to be transported, Zuko agreed and left Iroh in charge, Umi staying by his side.
The ride back was a quiet one, each with their own thoughts. Arriving at the palace they parted ways, Zuko heading again back to his suite and Umi to her quarters.
0o0o0
Even though Iroh thought things would move along a bit faster, it was a good hour or so before all the occupants of the saloon were questioned and then released, not seeming to know about what had been transpiring. He figured if they were somehow all in on it they were impressive liars indeed, and if it were only a few of them they were very convincing, regardless. Thus, he decided most likely they were merely innocent; in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Once everything was wrapped up, the saloon was closed and the prisoners held under guard for the short trip to the prison where they would await questioning. Overseeing their transport and arrival at the prison, Iroh ensured that they were carefully secured in their individual cells under extra guard. He even made sure that they were specifically guards he trusted directly. He didn't want to take any chances.
Early the next morning, Firelord Zuko, having hastily discarded his outer robe the night before, picked it up from where he had dropped it and felt something inside the inner pocket. Suddenly remembering the packet from the night before he had rescued from the barmaid, he quickly moved back the folds of fabric to reveal it, snatching it from its resting place and trotting over to his desk to inspect its contents. Suddenly, a thought stayed his hand. It appeared that the packet had been sealed with wax, to what end, he couldn't say, but perhaps he should have others present when opening it.
Deciding instead to dress and head to the throne room, he took his time, ordering a quick breakfast and staring at the packet as he ate, almost willing it to reveal its contents before opened. It didn't.
Breakfast done, he collected the thick envelope and strode out of his rooms, heading directly for the throne room. Once he arrived, he ordered a guard to find a palace runner to summon his father. Minutes later Iroh appeared in the doorway with a questioning look on his face.
"I asked you here father, because I desired more than just myself to be witness of the contents of this packet. I thought it best that we open it here.." Zuko explained.
"Ah, of course, Firelord Zuko. However, before we break the seal might we consider inviting the council to join us first?" Iroh asked.
The new Firelord pondered for a moment, then agreed. He knew how wise his adopted father was; it was probably best.
In ten minutes the council had convened and the lead councilman was breaking the seal on the packet. Moments later he was pulling out many sheets of paper that contained nothing at all; they were blank. On the very top of the stack was a handwritten note in large letters: "better luck next time".
Firelord Zuko's face turned dark like a thundercloud, and everyone in the room could feel the temperature raise several degrees. The council members looked at one another nervously, shuffling their feet a little as if desiring to flee the room. Zuko, however, had learned his lesson and was keeping a much shorter reign on his volatile temper. The temperature in the room was the only outlet he allowed himself for his frustration and anger at the sheer hubris of this person who seemed to be one step, or more, ahead of him.
He finally broke the silence. "It is obvious we were expected to open this packet. Which means whomever sent the now deceased unfortunate man into the dungeons, anticipated that he might be apprehended and prepared for that possibility."
The rest of the council members, including Iroh, nodded. "It may be that the now deceased man hid the original documents per the instructions of the one who hired him and sealed the packet he brought in order to keep any physical evidence out of our hands" the former general stated quietly. "He was very forthcoming with information, perhaps we should have smelled foul play." he frowned contemplatively.
"Perhaps..." the Firelord responded. "If so, then it is my responsibility." The temperature in the room finally dropped back to normal as Zuko directed the guilt to himself.
The council, silent until then, finally began to provide input, denying that their new Firelord held sole responsibility and citing that no one could see through deception that easily or it wouldn't be utilized. Zuko appreciated their defense of him and thanked them.
"The fact still remains that we have a man dead from poison, three people in custody, one of which may, or may not be the man who tortured Fire Princess Azula, and no physical evidence of any plot except what we, and Umi, witnessed in the dungeons." Firelord Zuko stated with a frown.
"The prisoners will need to be questioned, naturally" began a council member. "Although the validity and usefulness of such actions will only be known after they are done."
Zuko nodded. "True enough. For now, it is all we can do." He stroked his chin for a moment in thought, then nodded as if he had decided something. "Please see to it that all three prisoners are questioned separately first and record down their answers and demeanor. Afterwards, once we have reviewed their responses and crafted new questions for them based on those responses, let them be questioned again, only this time, together, making sure to have several witnesses present to view and record down their expressions, actions and words."
Iroh smiled his approval. "Very wise, Firelord. Although they may not give us accurate information perhaps their eyes or their bodies might betray them."
"Exactly."
"It will be done as you have commanded Your Highness" the lead council member stated, and Firelord Zuko dismissed them, knowing they probably had yet to even partake of breakfast. He certainly hadn't.
Iroh and Zuko both headed toward the smaller dining room usually used for informal, smaller meals, Zuko catching a passing servant to request that breakfast be served there for them.
Once they finished eating Zuko, having no meetings or appointments that morning, retired to his chambers to contemplate the events of the last few days. Things had been so hectic he had barely been able to think. He seemed to be simply moving from crisis to crisis. If it wasn't his huge error with the guards he accidentally burned, it was the servant's 'joke' gone wrong causing an international crisis, then to top it off a murder mystery with cagey suspects.
He sighed. He was already really tired of being Firelord. How was he going to manage to do this for the rest of his life? He shuddered slightly. That was something he could not think about. "One step at a time..." he told himself. Suddenly he remembered the servant girl who had a father who'd been arrested for disagreeing with the Firelord. No doubt the man had been executed, but still, he would like to find out regardless.
Suddenly it occurred to him to ask the woman in charge of the servants where the records were kept for all the palace staff. That way no one could know why he had an interest other than just observing the working of the palace. Feeling rather pleased with himself, Firelord Zuko summoned a servant and sent him to the head housekeeper with his request.
It wasn't long before the servant returned, telling him that the records could be found in the locked inner room of the palace library that was adjacent by hallway to the Firelord's study. He thanked the servant and dismissed him, feeling almost silly that he had somehow forgotten to even wonder why the other door in his study was there.
He still had a lot to learn about the palace apparently. Hidden dungeons, secret outside entrances into hidden dungeons..."just what kind of people were the Firelord's anyway?!" He thought to himself, shaking his head. "Evil people, that's what" his mind supplied helpfully. And they were his ancestors.
Firelord Zuko grimaced. He had a lot of work to do. Suddenly it occurred to him that he had not set anyone to the task of blocking up the hidden passageway in the hidden dungeon he had just been thinking about. Once more, he sighed. There really was no end to it. Azula was still down there though, at least for now, and he was loathe to send a crew down.
Shaking his head Zuko sighed again. If only Toph were here, she'd make quick work of that tunnel and those dungeons once he moved Azula up into the palace. But no, she had decided to go...somewhere with Sokka after the coronation was over. It was up to him to figure this out. Oh he knew that Umi would be guarding Azula and consequently keeping watch over the dungeons, but still, a backdoor inroad like those dungeons was just dangerous.
Still, he was thankful Umi was there, and he realized he would probably just have to rely on her to keep watch until Azula was moved and he could safely destroy the dungeons; or at the very least, block them up. It didn't take him long to connect to Umi and ask her to pay a little extra attention to the dungeon itself since the backdoor passageway was a vulnerability. She readily agreed and once their conversation was over he, once again, remembered the father of the servant girl.
It was time to go to his study and figure out how to open the door to the locked and hidden personal library he'd never known was there. Right. Running his hand down his face he took a deep breath and headed toward the study.
0o0o0o0o0o0oo0
Between the search, and eventually discovery and then the time consuming task of searching through documents, two days quickly flew by and before he knew it, Zuko, along with Rika and Iroh, were headed down to the secret dungeon, complete with a freshly commissioned chair created to very exact specifications the new Firelord had obtained from Umi with Azula's permission.
He didn't question her decision not to ask Umi to heal her any further, he merely accepted it and moved on. Even with three people she knew cared for her greatly, it was still very daunting to have so many people in her room all at once.
To her credit, Rika had merely gasped when she saw Azula, her hand flying to her mouth in complete shock. No one had warned her that any part of the fire princess had been healed, so it was a complete surprise to her.
At the same time her eyes filled with tears, partially for herself, knowing that she wouldn't be alone constantly taking care of a madwoman with little to no interaction, and partially for the fire princess, that she had been healed at all.
She bowed low. "Please, stand up" Azula said quickly.
"May I speak?" the young maid began, at Azula's nod, she said "I'm so very happy for you Fire Princess Azula, you seem so full of life!"
Azula thanked her, seeing the tears and realizing they were genuine relaxed slightly. Maybe they would get along ok after all.
The trip to the palace proper and her rooms was uneventful. Zuko had taken care to make sure their path would be unhindered and uninterrupted to give Azula as much time to adjust as she needed.
She chose to stay in the chair instead of go straight to the bed, and decided she wanted to check out her rooms to see if they had changed. Rika was happy to oblige her, and Azula felt comfortable enough with her to tell Umi that if she had anything she wanted to do she was free to take a break since she'd been with her for such a long time without leaving.
Umi said thanked her and after ensuring that she was well taken care of, she simply dissolved into her flight form and disappeared, causing poor Rika to start, making a small squeak.
Azula giggled lightly and told the poor girl that Umi was an immortal spirit being, and it was nothing to be worried about. It wasn't long before the two began chatting about anything and everything that came to their minds, and as the time passed, both began to feel at ease with the other.
0o0o0o0o0o0
A week had passed since Firelord Zuko had sentenced the faithless guardsmen, and a servant came to him in the throne room right after the noon meal, informing him that the two men were well enough to travel and that they would be prepared to leave the next day if his highness so desired.
He thanked the man and let him know that he would assemble a small expedition to the prison where they would spend their remaining days. They would leave after they had broken their fast.
That evening he was deep in thought. As he had contacted those who would lead the trip to the prison and planned their journey, he was reminded of something he'd forgotten. His mother. The possibility that she might still be alive. He was going to have to go with them, wasn't he? He wanted to question Ozai himself.
His decision solidifying in his mind, he rang for a servant and had a message sent to the captain in charge of the journey to alert him that the Firelord would be accompanying them to the prison.
He placed General Iroh in charge for any incident that might come up while he was away, and said his goodbyes to Azula and Umi. Both were sad to see him go, but he assured them he would return swiftly.
Umi had been around only some of the time, allowing Rika and Azula to get used to each other, and for the ladies' maid to learn her role as the Fire Princess' helper. While he was glad Azula was adjusting better to not having her around, he missed seeing the lovely former water spirit.
Zuko considered contacting Umi through her water but didn't want to seem 'needy' to her since he had already said goodbye. He missed her already anyway, but stubbornly refused to seek her out again. He would be back before long anyway he consoled himself.
0o0o0o0o0o0
Sometime during that first week of living inside the palace proper, Azula had asked Umi to fully heal her upper body and make her bodily functions work better so as not to put such a strain on Rika. The former water spirit was happy to oblige and did all that she asked.
Rika, too, was happy, though she said nothing; especially considering that she really didn't understand how the beautiful immortal woman was able to heal such damage as Azula had taken, much less why the Fire Princess did not simply demand the woman heal her fully. It was, naturally, none of her concern, but her curiosity was definitely piqued.
At least her job was easier now, she was also very grateful that Azula was being so kind. She felt like the young princess actually cared about her well being and it made her feel good to think that someone of Azula's status cared about a mere servant.
Azula had had mixed feelings about Zuko leaving to go to the prison where Ozai was being held. She now understood how dangerous the man was to Zuko, not physically now, but mentally. And now, yes now she cared. More than she had originally realized.
She honestly hoped he found whatever it was he was looking for by confronting the man who had caused him so much pain.
0o0o0o0o0o0
Before he left, Zuko visited the prison to check on the status of the prisoners from the saloon having had no communication from the guard captain in charge of the palace prison. Apparently Iroh had been keeping tabs on the goings on, and Firelord Zuko was glad of it, he'd been so busy the fact that no one had contacted him had only barely registered with him.
The news was neither good or particularly bad, the prisoners were simply not talking. At all. If nothing else it was rather strange. Although he was told that the other prisoners seemed to fear the man that they had in solitary confinement under extra guard. Regardless of what anyone said to them, the other prisoners refused to talk.
Once he got back from the traitor's prison that housed Ozai he would need to look into things a bit more. For now, though, his adopted father had things well in hand. It was good to have someone he could trust to run things when he was busy or away.
0o0o0
The trek to the prison wasn't so long as it was tedious. Zuko actually kind of missed the Avatar and his antics, Katara and her constant mothering, Sokka with his special brand of humor and Toph with her abrasive, yet loyal nature.
Seeing as he had, at last, nothing else to do, Zuko was finally able to have a servant question the guardsmen they were transporting about the identity of Azula's attacker. He dared not address them personally, he still didn't trust himself not to allow rage to consume him after what had happened in the throne room even though he no longer felt the power of that rage when he thought about them or the nameless man.
The guardsmen were forthcoming as possible under the circumstances. It was, of course, impossible to confirm the description they had given. It could be any number of people; half the people currently in the palace prison could be suspects by their description of the man.
He would simply have to hope what they had already gone through had placed enough healthy fear in them to tell him the truth. Regardless, it was little to go on.
It was his own fault that they were unable to identify him by sight. He sighed as they neared the prison complex. Hopefully he would be able to find another way to discover the man's identity. At least the two hapless men had answered one of his questions satisfactorily; it had indeed been for mere money that they had allowed a predator into Azula's cell. He was disgusted all over again, but kept his temper. At least they were being forthcoming with him, if nothing else.
They had also mentioned that the man they had allowed in was familiar to them, they knew they had seen him before at the palace but they couldn't seem to remember where or in what capacity. It was indeed frustrating.
Interrupting his musing he realized they had finally arrived. Once they passed through security and all the paperwork had been completed and the guardsmen had been escorted to their cells, Zuko and his small entourage were brought, at his request, into the highest security area and to single cell, a short ways from the rest. This solitary confinement cell housed the former Firelord and Phoenix King Ozai, his rising halted by the determination and power of the Avatar and his friends.
"Hey, Mr. birdman, rise and shine, you got a visitor" the warden who led them to the cell stated loudly, rattling the door to the locked cell.
"H'ain't gonna be doin' tha' anymore!" yelled one of the inmates rudely from one of the other cells back to their right.
"Shut up you ingrates, the Firelord is right here!" the man with them yelled back at the man who'd spoken.
"You're half righ', warden!" the man cackled with glee "tha' 'un in the cell used ta be Firelord 'n though' he was some Phoenixy bird king thing, 'n tha' 'un outside t' cell is just a lil' chick!" Ribald laughter echoed through the cell bock and the warden's face paled.
Before he was able to respond to the dissenter, Firelord Zuko held up his hand for silence. Even the still chuckling inmates quieted, curious to hear what the 'chick' had to say in response to the incredible insult.
He slowly turned and faced the cell that held the offender. The men's faces that had been temporarily showing amusement were quickly very serious. There wasn't a man there who didn't know that if the Firelord wished, he could easily roast them like meat on a pan in a nicely prepared oven. After all, who could judge the Firelord?
"I don't blame you for having little to no respect for your Firelord" Zuko began. He spoke earnestly and not loudly, but his voice carried well. "For more than one hundred years your Firelords have used and abused the entirety of the four kingdoms, the fire nation included." he shook his head.
"I also don't expect for you to suddenly respect me merely because I was handed a title by right of blood succession." He folded his arms behind his back, a la General Iroh style and took a few steps toward the cell where the offender stood.
The man actually moved back a step, his body belying his fear, though his face still held a sneer.
"I do, however, expect you to show at least a modicum of respect for your fellow man, and those who happen to be in authority over you, no matter who they are; especially if you have yet to know them." His intense stare was focused on the offender. "You may judge those before me for the deeds they did, and rightly so. However, I am NOT those before me, and I would thank you to reserve your judgement until my deeds have born fruit."
Zuko continued with the same intensity yet an almost teaching tone to his voice. "Those before me deserve absolutely no respect for their actions against all the four kingdoms, however there will always be those in authority over others, and respect for the position above you is an act you cannot afford to refuse to perform; well you know this, for here you are."
The new Firelord looked hard at them in front of him. "If you had learned respect and kept her precepts in the forefront of your mind in your daily life, I dare say you would not be here today, attempting to belittle the authority you so despise." With one last intense stare at the man whose gaze had finally shied away from his, Firelord Zuko turned around and nodded to the warden who stood still in open-mouthed shock, staring at the young Firelord who had just finished speaking so eloquently.
"If you would be so kind, warden" he unclasped his hands from behind his back and motioned to the cell door where the warden was still standing. The man blinked and coughed "of course, of course, Your Highness" he said almost reverently, and slid the plate away from the small barred hole at face height in the thick cell door.
"You take after your mother" was the first sound that came from inside the solitary confinement cell.
"I am going to take that as the highest possible compliment I could ever receive. Thank you, sir." He would not disrespect his own biological father in front of those he had been just reprimanding about a lack of respect.
"You would" the former Firelord sneered.
"It's funny you should mention her, because that is precisely why I'm here. You stated to me that day during the eclipse that my mother is still alive somewhere after all these years. Where is she?" There was much more he wished to say, but restrained himself.
Ozai barked a laugh. "You think I would tell you, even if I knew where that useless woman ran off to?"
The temperature in the cell block rose a few degrees and the air around Firelord Zuko seemed to shimmer slightly. The inmates in their cells shifted nervously.
The son of the 'useless woman' Ozai had just insulted was holding onto his temper with an iron fist. He remembered what had happened to the guardsmen he had spent the trip over here with. He couldn't forget their fate. He had vowed he wouldn't repeat it. He breathed in, and out, allowing the heat in the room to dissipate.
"No, you're right Ozai, I'm sure you wouldn't tell me" Zuko's shoulders dropped ever so slightly. "I came here to give you the opportunity to make some amends, but it is clear to me that you still haven't changed, even though your situation has. You, too, could use a lesson in respect." He finished mildly, thinking of what had just happened with the prisoners a moment before.
"Hah!" Ozai barked in derision. "Respect? You?" he gave a cruel laugh that screamed of hatred and dire threats. "You are a pathetic lapdog for that ridiculous frolicking Avatar who stole my birthright and my legacy and you want respect you disgusting insect?" Ozai snorted. "You are nothing but a mewling scar-faced loser. Let me out of here, and maybe I will give you another lesson and another scar to remind YOU to have some respect for ME!" The unbalanced man shouted. "OH yes, and, if you're a really good boy I might even tell you what you want to know." Ozai taunted.
As the man who had been his father spouted the black vitriol that seemed to keep coming from his lips without end Zuko tried his best to keep his emotions in check. The anger that he had felt when Ozai insulted his mother had melted in the face of the shame and pain of the words being thrown at him now.
He struggled to keep his face an emotionless mask, but it was becoming very difficult as he desired nothing more to run and hide or lash out at something or someone, namely, the man he used to respect and fear. Never again. It was time to fight fire with fire.
"I used to respect you, but then you proved to me and to everyone that you do not deserve any respect from anyone!" Firelord Zuko exclaimed, his tone belying his state of mind, as well it might. "Yes, you did give me a scar to remember to 'respect' you and your war council. I will always wear the consequences of my actions on my face for the rest of my life."
The room was dead silent. Every person within the sound of the voices of Zuko and Ozai were listening raptly to their heated exchange. No one had ever known why the prince...now Firelord had been burned, and to think that it had been his own father was a shock to all.
"However, I will also wear the consequences of YOUR actions on my face, for the rest of my life" the Firelord continued. "My father" he spat the word out as if it had a disgusting taste "who should have protected me, who should have chided and coached, instead chose to disfigure and dishonor and belittle." Zuko shook his head. "You do not deserve respect; instead you are receiving now exactly that which you deserve, a lifelong prison sentence. To spend the rest of your wasted life being kept in solitary confinement to protect those around you and indeed the world from the horrors that you inflicted and intended to inflict."
There was silence for a few moments before former Phoenix King Ozai's voice spoke quietly, practically oozing sinister hatred. "I promise you this, you insolent whelp, you'll never find that faithless woman!" His voice grew louder as his insanity began to emerge stronger than before. He laughed again, almost maniacally. "You'll never find either of them! She'll die, slowly and painfully and you'll never know where she was!"
Gritting his teeth an holding onto his temper with an iron will Zuko turned his back to the cell and forced himself to speak. "Goodbye Ozai" he said through a tight jaw, then, to the warden; "I am ready to leave" he stated more calmly. "There is much to be done at the capital and I have little time to spare."
The warden shut the small plate and they turned to leave, just as they did so they heard Ozai's muffled voice echoing in the cell block as he screamed impotently at Zuko from his solitary cell.
"You will never find her! You will never find either of them, never, you hear me?! NEVER!" The sound trailed off as Ozai intermittently laughed as he muttered, his voice becoming difficult to hear.
Zuko twitched as he heard Ozai's words, but he did not turn around, he merely paused mid-step a half-second before continuing to walk away. Before he could step through the door held by the guard on the other side, a voice came from behind him, to his left. It was the man who had insulted him. He stopped but did not turn around as the man began to speak.
"I'm…" he almost seemed to choke on the words, but continued "'m sorry, Firelord Zuko. I wa' wrong. Yer ten times th' man Ozai ev'r c'd be. I 'ope yer able t' find yer ma." Zuko turned and faced the man who spoke. "Yer righ', ya know, I din' respec' nobody. My ma, sh' tried, taught me better'n 'at."
Zuko nodded to him. "Thank you." he replied quietly, then turned and stepped through the door and into the main part of the prison. As the warden led the small procession of Firelord and guards, they met up with the servants that had gone along to assist the party. Before they left, Zuko took the warden off to the side to speak with him for a moment.
"Warden, the man who spoke out today, what is he in the high security cell block for?" Zuko asked quietly.
"He is a regular offender, riling up the guards and other prisoners. He's caused more than his fair share of the riots we've had in the past, and it seems like he does it merely to cause trouble for those in authority." The warden shook his head "he's not in here for a major offense either; he comes from some of the poorer slums that sadly exist within the fire nation. He's in prison because he was conscripted into the military unwillingly by Firelord Azulon's command and had a problem with authority. So badly that he was thrown out of every military unit he was ever put under. Finally the former Firelord had him thrown in jail."
"That is unfortunate." Zuko answered.
The man nodded. "Will that be all, your majesty?"
"Not quite" Zuko responded with a raised hand as if to stop the man. "I would like to know if that man's unusual hatred for authority and chaotic behavior continues or if he makes a change. If he seems to be reformed after six months, please contact me." The warden nodded his agreement.
"Also, I would like the man's name and hometown if you please, warden."
"Of course, your highness; his name is Feruo Len Kui and let me see..." the warden stepped over to a filing cabinet and rifled through the files for a moment. "Here it is. Ah yes, his hometown is Hira'a and he does have a next of kin, or at least did when our records were updated a year ago. A mother, one Beria Kui."
"Thank you, warden. We will take our leave, thank you for your hospitality and assistance."
"It is our pleasure your highness, safe trip back to the capital."
Zuko nodded and soon the group was ushered outside the prison and they rejoined the rest. As it was late, they took respite in an inn until daybreak, where they broke their fast and quickly began their trip back to the palace.
0o0o0o0o0o0
Azula felt like she was adjusting well to life in the palace once again, and she had no idea how she'd ever managed before Rika came into her life. The girl was a complete wonder, and more than half the time seemed to somehow know exactly what she wanted or needed before she even asked.
She was so pleased with her that she even requested Uncle if he would authorize a pay raise for the young maid, as she felt it was very well deserved and probably long overdue.
Even though Rika was a wonderful companion, she did miss a bit, her old friends. Several times she had considered sending a messenger to Mai's house, but right before she could her nerve would fail her and she would push it to the back of her mind again.
After several days of this, she'd finally had enough and asked her handmaid if she could find word about Mai, discreetly of course. She didn't ask her to inquire of Tai Lee, she knew the carefree girl was probably traveling with the circus and the chances of actually finding her would probably be slim.
That evening Rika brought the news she had been waiting for. Mai was fine, living in her parent's house being groomed to be the wife of the Firelord. This brought her eyebrows up a couple inches, then, her eyes narrowed in contemplation.
Of course, it only made sense that Mai's parents would attempt to marry her off to Zuko, she was a noble, of a well-to-do family of influence and he was now an incredibly eligible bachelor.
At last she thought to thank Rika, an once she had assisted her for the evening, she dismissed the young woman to her own devices for the night and lay in her own large bed and contemplated the news she'd received in more depth.
If she were ever going to bring about her goal to unite Umi and Zuko in holy matrimony then she was going to have to get to work. First, she would have to deal with Mai. It was possible that she still held a torch for Zuko, and if that was the case, she would have a harder time of it. Azula was no longer the formidable opponent she had once been, in fact, she couldn't bend, much less walk. Mai probably would have no respect for her and certainly wouldn't fear her.
She wouldn't be able to force her to avoid her brother, and indeed, Mai would have no reason to do so. Azula sighed. This might be more difficult than she even originally had imagined.
The next day she was still conflicted by her dilemma and eventually asked Rika if she would assist her in a small journey outside the palace to view the training grounds. Despite the fact that she could no longer bend, she longed to see bending in action and distract herself from her thoughts.
Eager for a change of scenery and happy to please her mistress, Rika readily agreed and around mid-morning pushed Azula in the chair that Zuko had commissioned specifically for her unique needs outside and through the grounds to the training area.
She was in luck. There was a training spar happening that very moment. For the next several seconds as they approached she enjoyed the display of strong firebending prowess shown by one of the two sparring opponents, while attempting not to critique his opponent's tactics and ability.
She didn't have much time to take note of anything further, however, because as they neared, the lesser skilled of the two fighters threw a somewhat decently large fireball that flew wide. It would have harmlessly disappeared with no one the wiser if not for the fact that the Fire Princess Azula in her chair pushed by her ladies' maid was directly in the line of fire. Quite literally.
With only mere moments to react, Azula recognized her peril, knew she could do nothing to avoid her fate, and accepted it head-on, refusing to close her eyes. Suddenly, instead of the oncoming fireball she saw two things happening at the same time, almost seemingly in slow motion.
She saw the more skilled opponent register their appearance and recognize the danger to the young women and saw him turn and bound towards them with a gigantic leap, and then suddenly Rika was there, her eyes squeezed shut, her arms wrapped around Azula's head and shoulders, shielding her with her own body.
The Fire Princess was so shocked at the heroic and selfless act of her handmaid she almost froze in horror, but caught herself and quickly shouted "no, Rika!"
As she shouted she heard the girl whimper and cry out in pain and tears sprang to her eyes, believing that the girl would be dead in moments. At the same time she heard a distinctly deeper male grunt of pain and she heard what sounded like someone falling to the ground.
Knowing it couldn't be Rika, as the girl was still almost crushing her face in her desperation to protect her, she knew it had to be the combatant who had rushed towards them. Dismissing him from her mind for the moment she focused on Rika, reaching up and grabbing the girl's arms and squeezing slightly to get her attention. "Rika!" she barked "Rika! Can you move? Can you hear me?" her questions fell over one another in her almost panicked state.
The maid, still almost kneeling, her entire body wrapped around her mistress protectively, moaned softly as she began to shift back. She released her grip on Azula's head and shoulders and attempted to stand. Azula didn't release her hold on the young woman as she struggled, steadying her. Finally finding herself unable to stand from shock, the young woman simply collapsed on her knees, her body swaying in Azula's hold.
Out of the corner of her eye she could see the man who had leapt toward them slowly pushing himself off the ground as the other combatant ran up to assist him. She turned her attention back to her handmaid. "Rika…are you badly burned?" she asked quickly.
The girl looked dazed and seemed to only partially notice that Azula was talking to her. Frustrated by her lack of mobility and inability to stop a firebending move that should have been mere child's play for her so that her self-sacrificing ladies' maid had to stop it and be injured for her, the Fire Princess almost ground her teeth, her tears drying quickly in her sudden anger at her helplessness.
There was a time when a gaff like that would have been a death sentence from her to the offender, swift and pitiless. Now…now she was only angry at herself.
Focusing back on the dazed girl who knelt somewhat shakily as she steadied her, she saw the man who had been on the ground had finally stood up and turned around to question them about their well being. The other man gasped.
"She's injured; her back!" he pointed to about where her shoulder blades would be. "We have to get her to the infirmary right away!" he said quickly "you need to get that arm looked at too."
"Indeed" a deep voice answered him "and you need to work on your aim."
Immediately looking up from Rika towards the sound of the rich voice she had just heard Azula blinked and her mouth nearly dropped open in shock. She had vaguely noticed his looks as the men had sparred when they came upon them, but he was downright gorgeous up close. He was tall, his jaw square and wide, eyes dark and expressive, his shirtless body all planes and angles, muscular and broad-shouldered.
Azula was relatively sure that her awe of his physique was distinctly inappropriate at that precise moment, but she was unable to find it within herself to care about propriety. In front of her was the most handsome man she had ever seen in her life, and suddenly she was extremely self-conscious. Shyness and insecurity gripped her though, and she found herself unable to speak.
Rika, who had been blinking quietly, suddenly slumped over Azula's lap in a dead faint; her weight pressing on the Fire Princess' hands and arms causing her to move her arms back to allow the girl to collapse safely.
Finally able to find her tongue, she barked orders at the two men in front of her. "You" she gently released Rika's shoulder with her right hand to point towards the man who had actually shot the fireball. "Run to the palace and have a stretcher brought for my handmaid; immediately! Tell them the Royal Fire Princess Azula commands it!" she imperiously invoked her title, watching almost belatedly as both men seemed almost to wince as they dropped to the ground in obeisance.
"Get up you fool" she almost ground out in aggravation "get the stretcher or I will personally ensure you regret this day even more than you do right now."
"Yes, your highness!" the smaller man bounded up and took off toward the palace at a very fast pace.
Once he was gone, it was just the two of them and the unconscious maid on her lap. Not awkward at all. Nope. She glanced toward his arm and gasped. "You are burned rather badly, I apologize for my hasty words; I am worried for my maid." she finally stated.
"No apology necessary your highness, it is we who should be apologizing on our faces to you and your handmaid" he shook his head "this should never have happened. I am very sorry for not being more aware of the surroundings as we sparred." He responded; eyes lowered in subservience.
It was her turn to shake her head. "Not just you. We should have been more alert when we came upon the match. I…" she hesitated for a moment and her voice cracked slightly, causing her throat to constrict almost painfully. "I…I am not…not accustomed to…" she began, her throat seeming to have a mind of its own and not wanting to allow her to speak.
She blushed in shame, "I'm not used to being a non-bender" she finally admitted quietly, her cheeks flaming and head bowed "I didn't realize the danger." She couldn't look at him, didn't want to see the disgust and loathing that was sure to be written all over his face.
"Fire Princess Azula!" he stated loudly, almost sharply. It was such a surprise the blush left her hot cheeks and her head shot up to find her startled gaze meeting his far gentler one. "You are royalty, hold your chin high, back straight and your shoulders back. Never bow your head to one who is not your equal." he finished quietly.
She stared at him in shock for several moments before blinking and doing as he'd instructed. "And who are you to command your Fire Princess to do anything?" she finally answered with a slight grin in her voice and the curl of a smile on her lip.
The handsome man in front of her had the grace to blush ever so slightly and drawl "touché" before the servants appeared with the litter for a still-unconscious Rika. Even with their appearance Azula realized what the man had done for her. He had pushed her to hold herself like royalty because he had seen the servants coming and knew she needed that. She was eternally grateful.
It didn't take long for the servants to carefully extract Rika from her lap and then they were headed back toward the palace before she was even able to ask one of them to assist her back.
Once again her helplessness overtook her and she seemed to shrink within herself. She looked toward the palace wistfully. She didn't know how to get back, and the man in front of her was injured. She couldn't very well ask him to push her.
"Are you ready to return to the palace your highness?" the man of her thoughts spoke suddenly.
"What?" she answered eloquently. "Your arm…" her voice trailed off.
"…will still be my arm by the time we arrive." he stated matter-of-factly and stepped around behind her and waited patiently, not moving; awaiting her command.
What else could she do? "I'm ready" she said quietly, her voice thick with emotion, her gratefulness profound. "Thank you."
0o0o0o0o0o0
Firelord Zuko returned to his palace just in time to see servants carrying a litter with what looked like…Rika?! He did a double-take before snagging a servant who followed along, asking how the girl had been burned. The man replied that he didn't know, but that she had been unconscious on top of the Fire Princess.
Before his mind could run off with him in dangerous directions of Azula's treachery, he asked the servant where his sister was, and then nearly sprinted off in that direction. What greeted his eyes was a very interesting sight; his sister in her chair with a slight smile on her face as she is pushed towards the palace steps by none other than the young new captain of the guard, Shen Lu.
He screeched to a halt and blinked. Well. Well, well, well… His brain hiccuped for a moment. Why was his captain shirtless? Exactly what had been going on while he was away?! It was time for some answers.
He shook off the surprise and strode up to meet the two before they reached the palace.
Looking almost guilty, but for what he couldn't fathom, his captain of the guard, though seeming very uncomfortable, saluted him crisply and bowed formally, belying his current state of undress.
He acknowledged the captain's respect and nodded back.
"Azula" he greeted his sister and nodded toward her. She inclined her head to him, "Firelord Zuko" she began "you've returned."
He nodded again and looked back to his captain. "Captain" he started "I was met by pallet bearers with Fire Princess Azula's handmaid on it with a burn on her back; what is the meaning of all this?" he gestured to both of them, and then to the palace.
Azula opened her mouth, but didn't speak. He was grateful that he would not have to remind her in front of the captain that he had addressed his captain, not her.
The man looked very uncomfortable, but could not, of course, refuse to speak. "Your majesty, Kaibo, one of the newer recruits and I were sparring not long ago in the training grounds. We believed no one to be nearby and the spar became a bit rambunctious. A large stray fireball flew off at an odd angle and we nearly missed the fact that the Fire Princess Azula and her ladies' maid had suddenly come up at that very moment, right into the path of the fireball." he explained.
Zuko glanced at Azula out of the corner of his eye. She looked like she was about to split at the seams, but she was being respectfully silent. He was so proud of her. He knew he'd better ask her to tell her side or she might actually explode right then and there and he'd have another mess to deal with.
He turned to look directly at her. "How did you happen to be there?"
"It was my fault, Firelord Zuko" were her first words. He blinked. "I wanted to go outside, and instead of the gardens I wanted to go to the training grounds" she hesitated and then continued more quietly. "I wanted…I wanted to see bending again." She sighed and seemed to get smaller with every word.
"Rika took me out to the training grounds at my request, and our arrival there during the spar was completely random and there was no way they could have known we would appear when we did. Neither of them are at fault whatsoever" she pressed again.
Taking responsibility for her actions…covering for others…ah, Zuko was very proud of his little sister. He would have to tell her later.
"How was Rika injured?" he asked Azula.
"She…" her eyes misted as she remembered the ultimate act of sacrifice her young handmaid had displayed. Her voice was hoarse "she saw it coming and threw herself on top of me and protected me with her own body."
Zuko's eyes widened in shock as she spoke, "could Rika have actually saved Azula's life?" he shuddered to think how he would have reacted if he would have returned to the palace to find his sister dead, minutes before he returned. Suppressing an actual physical shudder in response to the hideous thought, he wrangled his emotions back into order and realized he probably was supposed to respond.
"She saved your life…" was all he could say.
Azula nodded, no longer able to speak around the lump in her throat.
Suddenly he noticed a rather serious burn on the arm of his captain of the guard. How…? He nodded to the burn on the man's arm "how were you burned?" directing the question this time to his captain.
"I tried to block the fireball" he replied simply.
This time Azula wouldn't be silent. "If I may" she interjected "that is accurate, but a gross understatement."
"Continue" Zuko allowed.
"It all happened so fast, but as fast as that fireball was, he literally beat it to us. Rika was…in front of me, covering…covering me…" she hesitated emotionally "but I was able to see off to the side, one of the men who were sparring literally leapt over to us at almost inhuman speed. I don't know what he did, I couldn't see anything but how fast he got to us, and then him falling to the ground." she finished.
"Captain?" was all he said.
The man seemed to deflate slightly. "When I saw the ladies and the fireball I attempted to block the attack but was only able to intercept part of it. The handmaiden was still burned badly; very brave and selfless young woman."
Zuko agreed "yes, she is." He looked from Azula to his Captain. "Let's move this into the palace. I will want a full briefing of this incident tomorrow morning Captain. For now, see the healers about that arm. I will accompany the Fire Princess to the palace."
The captain nodded and saluted again then bowed and, bowing to Azula, he strode briskly away.
Finally left alone to speak freely, Zuko began to push Azula's chair the rest of the way to the palace and asked her if she truly were alright.
She nodded "I really am fine, just…worried" she said as she glanced towards the disappearing back of the captain of the guard under her lashes.
"Worried…about him?" Zuko asked teasingly, realizing the direction her head seemed to be turned ever so slightly. He stopped pushing the chair for a moment.
Her blush was bright and fast. Oh boy. It was time to find out all he could about the captain of his guard, and then some.
"I meant Rika of course" she insisted, still blushing profusely.
Zuko never knew his sister was such a girl. He grinned inwardly. This might turn out to be fun once everything settled down.
"She will be fine you know."
"I don't know!" she burst out passionately. "I just couldn't believe it…it happened so fast. One moment we were having fun and the next she was in front of me, hugging me so that she completely covered me with her body and taking the fireball that probably would have killed me." she shook her head "how…how do you…how do you thank someone for something like that? She didn't have to do that, it's not exactly in her job description…she didn't have to do it…" her voice trailed off.
"She did it for the same reason I would, Azula."
"She's not family…" she looked confused.
"No…but she takes good care of you, she serves you happily, and she selflessly protects you" he explained. "She's not just your servant Azula, she's your friend. She loves you. She proved that today beyond a shadow of any doubt."
He started pushing again and allowed her to consider this until they were well into the palace and reaching her rooms. He pushed her inside and turned to close the door behind them.
"I'm going to call Umi, Azula; it isn't really proper for me to be in here, alone, neither is it modest or decent for me to assist you as Rika does."
Azula nodded.
"Before I do though, Azula, I'm really proud of the way you handled yourself today." Zuko smiled gently toward his sister as a surprised look crossed her face. Then he called for Umi.
In moments, Umi had materialized in front of them. Before Zuko could even say a word, apparently recovered from her shock, Azula had blurted out "Umi will you please heal Rika?!"
Umi blinked and opened her mouth to ask exactly what this was all about but Zuko beat her to it. "I'll explain if you come with me, but we do need to hurry, the young woman was burned badly."
Her silver eyebrows rising in surprise, Umi simply nodded and smiled at Azula asking if she would be ok by herself for a few minutes to which Azula answered "of course, help Rika" before Umi followed Zuko out the door.
0o0o0o0o0o0
Captain Shen Lu stepped back into the barracks after seeing the militaries' healers and having his arm salved and bandaged. It hurt, of course, but he'd do it again in a heartbeat. He just wished he could have been a moment faster he might have been able to save the handmaid.
Such a brave soul, and so selfless to throw herself in front of danger for her mistress. He wished he had more men in the fire nation guard like her.
The Fire Princess popped into his mind right about then. She was lovely. He'd heard stories of course, horror stories of the things she'd done before she'd come back defeated and burned to a crisp. Everyone thought she had died; so the fact that she was clearly alive and not crispy was quite a shock to most people.
She'd been…unsure of herself; like she was trying to figure out who she was. He supposed she must have gone through something that would have killed lesser men.
Speaking of men…as much as he would have loved to stand and think about Fire Princess Azula, he needed to have a chat with Kaibo. It took him a bit to find the soldier under his command. He did finally find him running through kata's without fire. He was sweaty, he'd been working out for awhile; he looked a bit haunted. The captain sighed inwardly. It was time to do some damage control.
0o0o0o0o0o0
As they walked, Zuko told Umi very quickly what had transpired, as shocked as she was she saved her reactions for later, as there was little time but to listen.
When they got to the room where they were working on Rika, Zuko stated that Umi was a waterbender who knew healing and asked if everyone could please clear the room so she could have peace to concentrate while she worked.
Quickly the room was emptied of everyone but the three of them and Umi covered her hand in her water. Before she could begin, however, Zuko admonished her to only heal the girl inside and a little outside; just enough to make it obvious something was done but not healed so much as to cause talk.
He assured her that she could heal her more later, he just knew they would come back in and see her and he didn't want them seeing a perfect healing that should be impossible for any waterbender. It would start rumors and then eventually Umi would no longer be able to go anywhere for being mobbed.
As it was, no one really knew what had happened to Azula, and when it came to her, people seemed to simply not ask. But this, this was different.
Umi nodded and began to heal Rika. In moments the ugly burn on her back between her shoulder blades and up towards her neck had diminished significantly, but not completely, and inside she fully healed the girl, nerves, muscles, everything. She made sure the scar was soft enough not to lessen her movement in any way.
Finally she stepped back, and the girl face down on the pallet began to awaken. Slowly she turned over and yawned, rubbing her eyes. Suddenly she sat bolt upright.
"Azula!" she cried and looked around in panic.
"Rika, it's ok, Azula is perfectly fine." Zuko said, hoping she would realize where she was soon.
The young woman blinked a few times and finally seemed to come to herself. "Firelord..Zuko?" she looked around "where am I? Is this the infirmary?"
He nodded. "Yes, you were burned, do you remember?"
She nodded as well "yes, I remember willing it not to touch Azula."
"Rika…" Zuko began, not really knowing how to thank the young woman who'd saved his sister's life. "Thank you" was all he could say, his throat choked up on the emotion of the heartfelt words. He had so much more to say, but really didn't want to seem weak or emotional in front of a servant who could tell tales and undermine his authority. Even if it was just Rika. How he hated palace politics and posturing.
He glanced over at Umi and his eyes said it all.
"What men and Firelords find difficult to say, Rika, is that he thanks you from the bottom of his heart. His sister is alive today and not only that, completely untouched, because of your selfless act. You are a bona fide heroine, Rika, and I don't know if words can aptly portray how grateful we both are for you."
Zuko nodded. "It goes almost without saying, that anything within my power to provide for you that doesn't undermine my authority or damage someone is yours; you need only ask". He added.
Rika stared at them blinking silently, trying to take in everything they had said. "So, Azula is ok?" she repeated, still seeming to be a bit in shock.
Umi nodded "she is indeed, if you're feeling up to it you can visit her, I'm sure she'll be overjoyed to see you up and about."
"Really?" the girl asked curiously.
"You just wait until you see her" Zuko almost chuckled, "she's waiting to find out about how you are right now."
"I'll go see her then, thank you" Rika smiled politely, still seeming to be either a little out of it or nervous and climbed onto the floor preparing to cross the room to the door.
"Your dress! Silly me…" Umi exclaimed "you can't go out there like that, there's a huge hole in the back of your dress."
This finally seemed to snap Rika out of her daze "oh no, my dress…I loved this dress!"
"Maybe we can fix it, adjust it a little." Umi said smiling.
"Oh I don't know, it's a pretty big hole" the servant girl replied hesitantly.
"I'm a bit of a seamstress…if you go ahead to your room and change, give me the dress and I promise you'll love it just as much when you get it back" the former popular seamstress promised.
Still looking a bit unsure, Rika nodded. "I'll take the dress to Azula's rooms with me."
"That will be fine. Here" Umi handed the girl a towel to wrap around her shoulders. It hid the hole nicely. "That should get you to your room."
"Thank you, Umi, Firelord Zuko."
"You're welcome, Rika" Umi replied and Zuko nodded to the young woman and she opened the door and darted out to a chorus of shocked gasps and murmurs of amazement from the palace healers.
As they filed into the room after Rika left they murmured in amazement between each other as one of them said "You must be a very powerful healer indeed" to Umi in awe.
"I have been called such" she agreed blandly. Then she smiled and they walked out of the room and she followed him towards the throne room where Iroh was. When there was no one around she simply dissipated with a wave; she knew he would want to speak with his father alone.
She was right. He hadn't seen his father in about a week, and he had a LOT to tell him.
Iroh listened with great interest as his adopted son related the events that transpired a mere hour or so before. The old General was touched by Rika's clear sacrifice. Then Zuko told him of his trip to the prison where Iroh's own brother was being held. He was not surprised at the way his brother had treated the young man he himself now called 'son'. Ozai had never had any respect for anyone but his own father and himself.
It truly should not have surprised him some of the things Ozai had said, but to even bring up the incident in which he had intentionally maimed his own son in front of prisoners and guards, strangers, was just contemptible. Iroh was so proud of his adopted son for how he had handled the situation.
The comments about the man's own wife and (he assumed) daughter proved once again how cruel and even unhinged he actually was. Ozai, in that statement, had basically attempted to taunt Zuko with the fact that Azula was alive and he (Ozai) thought the new Firelord had no idea where she was. This time, however, the joke was on him.
"I can't believe that he cared so little for the daughter that was always his favorite that he would be willing to allow her to die just so I couldn't find her." Zuko shook his head in disgust "the man is just plain despicable."
Iroh nodded. "It is very sad indeed. We are all very fortunate, especially Azula, that Umi found her and cared for her."
"Yes. We all owe her so much…" Zuko murmured quietly.
"Indeed we do. None of us would be here if not for her. Without a firebending teacher the Avatar would not have been ready to face Ozai and the four kingdoms would be ruled by a tyrannical and megalomaniac "Phoenix King" with the fire nation ruled by his cruel and insane daughter." Iroh looked up at the ceiling for a moment then back to Zuko. "Yes, indeed, the whole world owes her a debt of gratitude it will never know, and can never pay."
"Not just the whole world…"
"No…we personally owe her our lives" the older man agreed quietly "as does Azula, and so much more than that. Possibly even Rika now as well."
"And despite all that, I still…" the new Firelord hesitated a moment "I still…I love her, father." He sighed "I know as long as I'm Firelord she is out of reach, and eventually I'll be expected to take a wife as things begin calming down. The nobles and generals are already clamoring to marry me off to their daughters and procure an heir for the longevity of the nation."
Iroh nodded. "I know, my son, I know. Affairs of the heart often seem to submit to affairs of state." His gaze grew pensive and he seemed to stare off into space.
"It shouldn't have to be that way!" Zuko said, impassioned "my mother shouldn't have had to do what she did just to keep me alive, she shouldn't have had to choose between my grandfather and her firstborn son! She shouldn't have had to…to leave…to leave me. Alone. With…them." his voice trailed off.
"I know Zuko, I know. All we can do now is our best to find her" the older man replied quietly.
Zuko nodded. "I just wish I knew where to start…I wish I had anything to go on at all…but I don't."
"A way will present itself, I'm sure of it. I don't know how, but somehow, you will find a way, Firelord Zuko." General Iroh declared. "If you have proved anything, my son, it is that you will find a way and that you never give up."
Zuko allowed a small quirk of the lips in a half-smile. "Yes" he agreed "I will never give up."
