Chapter 38: Book I, Act VI: Lost and Found, Chapter V
Edited by: Bieverdog AO3: GalavantingGoose
Book I, Imbalance
Act VI: Lost and Found
Music:
Shirarezaru Yami no Shi FMA: The Sacred Star of Milos OST
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeGs8qFUrXA&list=PL060D81373541DC46&index=16
Chapter V:
Zuko had not yet received any updates from Mak; he hadn't even read Azula's letters, always distracted by other matters. He grabbed one, hoping thereby to read it, even absentmindedly. In the meantime, he had spent the last two days deliberating with Renhao about their relations with the Earth Kingdom, having the knowledge that at least she wasn't out to get him allowed for open talk. She had used the occasions to persuade him to join the order, subtly at first; but her attempts had become louder as of late. Her gambit was interrupted by the squabble with the Earth Kingdom, which required Fang to remain and appease the enflamed opinions of the Earth King's advisors.
"We still have to work out the details of our last meeting with the king, Fire Lord."
"I know. We can discuss it at the embassy. Aren't our diplomats communicating with them constantly?"
"Technically, yes. Although the Imperial Secretary managed those relations, I'm afraid that without her, things have become more complicated on that front. It may take some time, but we can get things to run smoothly again, especially with Fang's help."
"We don't have months! Each day that goes by without that organized, we are letting valuable Earth Kingdom information slip through our fingers. Get it dealt with."
"I will do what I can; but as I told you before, I am not fit for this… I assure you, as soon as the situation is dealt with, I will arrange a meeting with Fang about your proposal."
"Very well… Please notify me as soon as possible about it, there is–" He stared bug eyed as Mai stormed towards him and Renhao slipped away.
"Have you been hiding from me, Zuko?" Her voice was calm, but he could plainly see the ire in her eyes.
"Mai, what? No."
She looked at the floor and back at him, her eyes downcast. "I've been worried about you these past few days. You've been completely out of the picture. Your guards won't let me see you; you even tried to force them to keep me under practical house arrest."
He tried to lead her away. "Can you not do this now? Please."
"What is going on?" She shook his hands off.
"You know what's happening! And you act like everything is fine. You don't even seem to care!"
She scoffed. "Oh. So, now I am the problem then?"
"Yes! I mean no… Uh…Look, it's complicated…" He gripped his head, frustrated.
She held his hands. "Then tell me."
"Don't you see? You almost died the other day. People know who you are… What you mean to me… It's not safe for you to spend so much time around me, and… I just don't want to lose you, Mai."
"Zuko…"
He gave her a defeated look. "Please, just… I don't want you to risk yourself."
She bit her lip. "Is this about Azula?"
"How did you–"
Mai rolled her eyes. "Oh please, Zuko. My father is a politician. Rumors spread around the court like wildfire."
"Aren't you afraid she might come back for you?"
"Yeah… But if she comes, she comes. I've got you… and my knives." She sighed sadly. "I hope it doesn't come to that. Your father was a twisted man. Even though I still hate her, I… She was once my friend." For a moment, they fell silent.
"It feels so weird. Not too long ago, we were all children without a care in the world. It never should have come to this."
"Zuko, people change; and she did for the worse. She isn't a child anymore."
He looked down sadly, clutching his hands, one on… Oh, the letter. "I know, but she's still my sister."
She nodded at it. "What do you have there?"
"It's one of her letters… I didn't get around to reading it."
She lifted an eyebrow. "I never saw any letters, just some weird reports. Let me see."
Hello, brother.
Again, I'm required to send a letter. I feel much better. The food is fairly different, but I can't complain. They give me special treatment regardless of their policy. I can't say I'm thoroughly enjoying my time here, but it has become significantly more tolerable. That's as far as things go here. I'd like to hear about how things are going back in the city. Write back.
Sincerely,
Azula
Mai tapped the letter. "This doesn't look like her signature."
"Are you sure?"
She studied it closely. "The strokes look too careful. I'll double check to be sure."
Zuko considered the conundrum before his eyes lit up. "Maybe there's more documents in her room. We could compare it there."
Mai was hesitant at first–he could tell she still had many unwanted memories from that place–but she didn't protest. "The sooner we get this dealt with the better…"
Since Azula had left, he had ordered her room to be closed; and it had remained undisturbed since she was gone. He never thought he would be back there. His last memory from there was watching his sister raving, muttering things that made no sense. She was there in body, but her eyes were blank, dead. She wasn't there at all. He couldn't recognize her; it was as if she was gone. At first, he couldn't help but feel relieved; but… seeing her in that state–
"This is it." As the duo unlocked the door, everything inside had been covered by a thin film of dust and appeared untouched. From afar, one would have thought the princess would come back at any moment; but it was as still as a morgue. He walked up to Azula's desk. Mai had stopped by the door, thoughtful. He didn't say anything; he knew she was going through the same experience. She took a deep breath, and in she went right beside him.
Besides the dust, there was nothing noticeable about his sister's desk, only that it was still cleaner than his. There was nothing laying around, so he checked the drawers. Inside them, scrolls had been neatly tied together in bundles. As he examined each one, none bore her signature. They consisted mostly of old tomes about military strategy, reports of troop movements, scoutings…
Mai grunted. "She always hid her letters." She reached down into the back of the drawers, finding nothing. Unsatisfied with her search, she yanked the whole drawer out. On the bottom side of the drawer, there was a secret compartment.
She smirked, dusting off one of the letters before handing it to Zuko. He opened the window, and the light revealed cobwebs that clustered on the ceiling like clouds in a sky. He placed the two letters on the dusty desk. With the two side by side, the difference was clear. He stared at the ink with wide eyes.
"Something's wrong…"
She gave him a deadpan look. "Very insightful."
"I knew it…" He silently thanked himself.
"Now what?"
"Mak has gotta come back with something this time… I just hope she's alright."
Mai only looked back silently. She shook her head. "With her luck, I doubt it." Without further delay, they left everything as it was. He could actually tell that her mood had improved, an astounding feat for her standards.
* * *
Days had passed, and he had no news from the colonel yet. He was growing restless again. He was spending the afternoon alone in the garden, sitting in front of the pond and watching absentmindedly as the turtle ducks came and went in a row, nibbling at his offerings. He chuckled darkly at the irony of his situation. A week ago, he had nervously awaited news of his sister's escape in fear of what she could do to others. Now he ached with the same intensity as he now awaited some of her safety. He would pace and sit up in bed in fear of what could have happened to her. Wondered what she would have done were she in his place–
"Fire Lord, am I interrupting?" He turned around to see Minister Hiyori. She was carrying a notepad. The shadow of her petite form blocked out the warm sunlight.
He gestured. "No. Please take a seat."
"Thank you. I wanted to report that my investigation has proved fruitful concerning the matters you have requested. As we speak, my department is scheduling a demonstration. If you will, I would be honored if you could attend. Perhaps you would be able to make some changes of your own; it could surely be arranged."
His eyes still followed the turtleducks. "It sounds intriguing. I will have to consider it… Though I would like to keep the traditions just as they were. There's no need to change them."
"Very well. Just your attendance would do. I could extend an invitation to Lady Mai if you'd like. The demonstration will be staged privately." She smiled politely.
"Thank you. Is there anything else?"
She shifted in her seat. "No… Actually, only a small request. I know the cabinet has remained silent about the past events. I wish to inform you that the cabinet was shocked to learn about the alleged treachery of our colleague, whom we all knew to be of unwavering loyalty to our country. You can imagine we were puzzled to learn about the acts of the secretary. Even though I do not fault your judgment, I would merely request that you give a second look into the matter."
Now she had caught his attention. "I see. Regardless of your perception of the secretary, the evidence we found was conclusive. Why make this request?"
"Undoubtedly, you must imagine I have my doubts. Aside from my personal opinion and relationship, I've known her for a long time. She even served under your father. I've never known her to act so rash. I am merely concerned." Her brown eyes sharpened slightly.
"Very well. I will consider it."
She bowed. "You have my deepest gratitude, Your Majesty. I won't burden you much longer. You shall receive the details with the invitations soon."
With that, the minister left, leaving Zuko alone again to ponder.
* * *
Finally, the expected day arrived, and a servant girl extended a parchment bound with a red ribbon. He did not expect something so formal... As soon as he returned to his room, he untied the silk ribbon. She certainly had spared no expense, for the message was made of the finest paper and the characters were gilt.
Your Majesty, we invite you and Lady Mai as honored guests to our cultural exhibition, which will begin at sunset this evening in the coronation plaza."
He laughed; Hiyori could have merely sent a scrap of paper. It should not have required so much effort, but he admired it, nonetheless. At least, he could have an evening with Mai... He felt sorry for not being able to spend as much time with her as before. She still didn't understand that it was for her own safety; but as capable as she was, he didn't want to put her at too much risk. Still, sometimes it frustrated him how stubborn she was. Anyway, surely the event would be nothing more than a private presentation, nothing too dull or taxing.
He gave orders to one of his guards to fetch Mai, and the man returned shortly after.
"Sir, she... said, if you wanted to see her, you could go to where she is yourself, sir."
He didn't want to know what was wrong with her now. Without much choice in the matter, he went to her house. It wasn't very far from the palace anyway; still, he didn't go anywhere without his personal escort anymore.
Entering the parlor, he scratched his neck. "Hello, Mai; I was wondering if–"
Her voice was tart. "At least, you deigned to come in person. I see you finally remembered you have a girlfriend. But it's okay, Zuko; it's not like we agreed to meet last time and you didn't show up."
"Mai... Come on… I was busy. I didn't–"
She crossed her arms. "I honestly don't want to hear your excuses, Zuko. Just tell me why you came."
"I… want to make it up to you. I'd really like us to at least have a moment together and... Well, I wanted to know if you wanted to come with me to a presentation."
"A... presentation? Like those Ember Island ones? I hope they have snacks because the last one I went to licked ash."
"Well, they are totally different. Besides, the truth is that I really want to spend more time with you. And later, we could go to dinner if you wanted."
She scoffed. "That's your way of making it up to me? Will you take me as a political shield again?"
"What? No, no, nothing like that. It's just– Agh! forget it." He turned around, but she grabbed his arm.
"...What about, instead of yucking it up with some stuffy bureaucrats, we just run out and see what we can find?"
"Uh…" He stared at her, clueless.
"Step one." She pointed at the escort he had brought with him. "Lose the babysitters."
"They're my guards."
"You don't say. Just send them home, will you?"
"Fine." She took his hand, directing him to the service room of her house. It was full of cleaning utensils and hanging clothes. She picked up a servant robe and held it out in front of him for measure. "Hmm… Looks about your size." She tossed it to him.
He held the voluminous robe loosely in one hand. "About?"
She tched. "Try it on."
"But the crown–" She snatched it out and tossed it into a pile of dirty clothes and mussed his hair.
Zuko looked at her, annoyed, and she laughed. "Come on, nobody would ever find it here. Besides, I like you with your hair down."
He slipped on the shirt reluctantly. "Ok. Now what?"
She held up her fingers. "Step two: blend in. I'm sure you have some practice with that."
"Do you?"
She stared at him. "More than you could think of. When you're bored out of your skull, you find ways." She casually pushed open the window and leapt out the window. He grimaced, but she was fine. "What are you waiting for? Seriously, stop worrying; trained assassin here."
He jumped after her; but he tumbled belly-first into the mud.
She smirked. "Way to get into character." She helped him up as he hopelessly tried to clean his shirt.
Surrendering to the mud, he looked at her. "So… What's the big plan now?"
"No plan; that's the fun. Keep up, Fire Lord." Before he could reply, she ran towards the street, dodging the oncoming traffic.
Did me keeping her cooped up make her go mad? He barely managed to keep pace, bumping into passersby now and then. She soon took the high road, jumping from roof to roof as a shadow amidst the tiles.
The late afternoon sun beat down upon him as he began to huff. "Stop it!"
"Come on! You and Aang used to do this all the time!"
"Not for fun!" He saw a reachable balcony, using it to finally reach the roofs away from the traffic. Some passersby were frightened at the spectacle. Alerted guards began to chase them. Just what I needed: a stupid debacle. In his thinking, he had lost sight of Mai. She wasn't on the rooftops anymore–
A voice from below. "Over here. Move it, slowpoke." Somehow, she had jumped down to an alley. He had at least one trick for falling from so high–he took a few steps back, sprinted forward, and jumped, slowing his fall with his firebending. It was still a harsh landing; but at least, he didn't break anything in the process.
"That's cheating." She chuckled like it was all a game.
He ran to her, exasperated. "What's wrong with you? Running around like you're crazy? There were some guards chasing at us too–"
She shushed him. "Relax; take a breath. Stop worrying about everything. This is your city; see it like normal people do. No palanquins; no processions; just you, the street, and the sights." She took his hand. The alley led to a staircase that had a panoramic view of the entire Hari Bulkan. The palace dominated the landscape. They sat there and drank in the view.
His gaze was cast broodingly over the city. "It's easy for you to say. I worry about them every day; I have to. Everything they do around here, their way of life, all falls on me."
She interlaced their fingers and looked at him. "Worrying and experiencing are worlds apart. I know you care and you worry, but if you sit in your office the whole time, you can't see them–they're just scribbles on paper. Are you the Fire Lord or the Statistic Lord?
"Also, you need to let loose once in a while. A year ago, you were finally free of your father, your responsibilities as the prince. Didn't that make you feel unburdened?"
He looked into the distance. "It… felt different."
Her eyes softened. "Ever since you took the throne, you've changed; but I know the Zuko I knew is in there somewhere. I didn't fall in love with a prince; I didn't fall in love with the Fire Lord; I fell in love with an awkward boy who liked to sneak by and read theater scrolls."
He blushed. "Mai…"
She looked away, smiling sadly. "I usually do this, you know… Mine may not have been the life of a princess, but I always had to exceed my parents' expectations. Being a Lady was a job thrusted upon me. it's funny… I was so good at it my parents thought I actually enjoyed it. Didn't help that my father was a yes-man for yours. He tried to force my relationships to get connections; thought I went along with his every decision. You can imagine how happy he was to learn I became friends with the princess–how much it would help advance his career.
"So, I decided to live like I wanted to. And it worked. As long as they thought I was the 'respectable, future Fire Lady' they raised, everything was fine. Running around with no clue or care what would happen became my only respite from my 'perfect' life, an escape from the numbness of it. Came with some handy skills too… It helped clear my mind, helped me to find who I was, what I wanted. Maybe it could help you, too."
He stared dumbly, not knowing what to do with his hands. "I'm glad it helped you… reveal your true… self?"
She snorted softly, pinching his cheek. "There you are, see? Still got it in you."
His shoulders sagged. "I just have a lot on my plate now; maybe we could do this more often."
She pointed in his face. "On one condition: drop it with the guards. Let them nap in front of someone else's door."
He smiled goofily. "Ok… Deal."
* * *
Looking down at the plaza full of entertainers and high society from the rooftops, Mai was unimpressed. "So, this is the famous performance you were talking about?"
"Didn't know our traditions would be boring to you."
"Well, dancing is not my thing; plus you saved yourself from more political gladhanding." She gestured to the council that was in attendance, all clapping like mindless drones. "No doubt they all can't wait to get to talk to you; I bet even my father is in there somewhere. I'd stay only to see their faces drop when they find out they came for nothing; but this is just too boring." They snuck back down the roof and jumped off, making their way back to Mai's house. The guards below did not even stir from their slumber as they crept through the window to her room. She tossed Zuko the crown like it was one of her knives.
"Be careful with that."
"You have your own personal smith; they can just make another one." She gave him a kiss.
"Now get back before your babysitters think you stubbed your toe." She pushed him out playfully.
He chuckled. "Always taking matters so seriously."
"Just the way I like it."
He reached the palace, walking past the guards, who directed side glances, with a smile on his face and his hair caked with mud. They hesitated and almost stopped him before they saw that the man they took for a beggar was wearing the crown. "Your… Majesty?"
"Yes?" He turned to him, unable to erase that stupid grin off his face.
"Uh… nothing, sir." Zuko shrugged it off, forgetful of his physical state, and continued through the palace, leaving behind a trail of muddied footsteps. The guards posted at his room stared, but they opened the door with no question. As he was about to crash into his bed, he saw a scroll lying innocently on his desk.
Fire Lord Zuko,
I hope the news reach you well. As ordered, we escorted the doctor back to Kokuyoseki. Even though he didn't appreciate our company, he let us inside the institution. The fires he spoke of were true; they spread to one of the guard towers and a wing of rooms that is now uninhabited. Regarding the princess, she was placed in an isolated care room for safety. The doctor argued that we could see her as soon as she recovered.
I await further orders.
Your faithful servant,
Colonel Mak
He looked over the letter again and paced in thought. He slipped into bed, his mind relieved yet buzzing.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone