The first time that Mai saw Toph Bei Fong, the younger girl was standing in the throneroom of Omashu. Modifications were still underway,
converting the chamber from the relatively simple arrangement favoured under Mad King Bumi towards the Fire Nation's traditional elevated throne and fire
pits. For now, however, the workmen had been banished and soldiers lined the walls while Mai's father sat on an elaborately carved wooden chair that she
had seen in his study at home.
Toph herself had four guards accompanying her: two had preceded her into the room and then stood aside, flanking the doors - and to Mai's
eyes, nervously aware that each had a Fire Nation soldier stood discreetly behind them, ready to strike them down. The other two followed Toph as she walked
down the centre of the room towards the Mai's family. One cleared his throat and as if signalled, Toph halted at the appropriate distance from the Governor
for a noble petitioner.
Mai's eyes narrowed. No, that was a signal. The tiny girl - barely waist-high to her towering guards had a film of milky-white over the
more expected green that was common in the Earth Kingdom, and they diconcertingly failed to focus upon those in front of her. She was blind.
"So cute," Mai's mother whispered and Mai's lips twitched. Indeed. Ty Lee would have had a pink ribbon around the Earth
Kingdom girl's throat in an instant, and probably romped with her like a puppy after no more than a minute. Toph's raven dark hair was elaborately
bound up behind her head and contrasted with her porcelain-like complexion and the pale yellow gown and creamy girdle that she wore. Weak colours, Mai
calculated. Making her look vulnerable and unthreatening. Her choices? Unlikely if she's blind, but who then?
"Lady Toph Bei Fong," the Governor greeted her formally, inclining his head slightly. "I am curious to hear what brings a
daughter of your clan into the newest stronghold of the Fire Nation."
Toph dropped to one knee and lowered her head. By Agni, Mai thought, boredly. Eyelashes too? Her mother squealed again at the cuteness,
causing Mai's brother Tom-Tom to squirm excitedly in their mother's arms.
"Lord Governor, with the triumph of the Fire Nation in securing Omashu, my father has concluded that the time has come for the Bei Fong
to seek closer ties with the conquerors," Toph recited sweetly. "I have been sent here in token of his hopes for a new relationship."
"Hmm." Mai's father leant back in his chair. Although she could not see it, Mai knew that his face had stilled to mask his
calculations. Pointless, particularly since the girl in front of him couldn't see his face. "You father offers an alliance?"
"Lord Governor, an alliance would be between equals," Toph replied, evading the trap neatly. "What my father offers is his
allegiance." She reached delicately into her girdle and produced a small scroll.
That wasn't a recitation, Mai noted. She might have been briefed, but she's no talking doll. At her father's nod she stepped
forwards and reached out for the scroll but as her hand reached it, Toph's hand moved slightly - clearly questing for the hand to receive the scroll,
moving it outside of Mai's closing fingers. "Hold still," the older girl instructed flatly and pulled the document away from Toph, not bothering
to wait for her father's instructions before cracking the seal.
It only took her a moment to decipher to contents before handing it over to to her father to peruse. Rats deserting a sinking ship. And
sacrificing their daughter for their own prosperity. How tedious.
Mai's mother leant over and read the scroll over her husband's shoulder. Usually it would be a shocking breach of protocol, but then,
how would Toph know. "Ooh!" she squealed. "Of course you can stay here, Lady Bei Fong! I'm sure Mai would love a new friend." Ah. That
was how.
Her father hmmed. "Yes, that would be best I think." He looked up. "Mai, Lord Bei Fong has sent his daughter here to ask for
my assistance in arranging a suitable marriage for her within the Fire Nation's nobility when she is old enough. In the meantime," he smiled
triumphantly, "he hopes that we will educate her in how to become a suitable young lady of the Fire Nation. Do you know what this means?"
"Mother has a new doll," Mai drawled under her breath and out of the corner of her eye saw Toph twitch. Good hearing.
"It means that the Bei Fong Clan, one of the leading names of the southern Kingdom want to assimilate," the Governor
declared proudly. "Tell me, Lady Bei Fong, do you have a brother?"
Oh Great Agni, no! Mai thought. Bad enough to be trapped her in Omashu. Marriage to some Earth Kingdom bumpkin? Unthinkable.
"No, Lord Governor. I am an only child," Toph replied evenly. Thank you, Agni.
"Hmm. A shame. Still, that would make you the her to your family, wouldn't it? Whoever marries you is going to be very lucky young
man." Colour appeared on Toph's face, high on her cheeks.
Mai's mother giggled. "Oh, she's just a little girl, dear." She turned her attention to Toph. "Tell me child, are you
a bender?"
Mai could read regret in Toph's posture. "No, my lady. I have been taught some of the exercises, for health reasons, but I cannot
bend."
"Ah, well that would have made matters a little awkward. It would be best if you didn't practise the earthbending exercises any
more, Lady Bei Fong. Perhaps Mai can teach you some of the firebending equivalents."
"I would like that," Toph agreed, smiling - a little nervously - but even so, the first smile to cross her face since she had
entered the throne room.
.oOo.
"Now Mai, Toph and I want your honest opinion on this," her mother called from behind the changing screen.
"Mm-hmm," Mai agreed from the couch and scooped a handful of fire flakes out of the bowl she held, bracing herself. Her mother had
insisted on bringing chest after chest of clothes with them, even those long packed away as far too small for Mai and decidedly the wrong garments to dress
Tom-Tom in once he was old enough. Still, the arrival of Toph made it somewhat convenient to have all the spare clothes around - perhaps an act of genuine
foresight by her mother. Ha ha. So funny that Mai forgot to laugh.
It wasn't as bad as it could have been. Toph stumbled a little coming out from behind the screen, probably due to the elaborate ankle
boots that had replaced the simple sandals that she had worn earlier under her gown. Red breeches and a heavy looking tunic that Mai thought had started out as
part of her uniform at the Royal Fire Academy for Girls.
"Well?" demanded her mother.
Mai paused. "Adorable," she drawled. "But you'll have to do something with her hair." She could have sworn that a
panicked look crossed Toph's face but it was quickly replaced by the solemn expression that Mai was beginning to suspect was a mask.
"Well of course," her mother fluttered. "Do you remember how Azula had her hair?" She touched Toph familiarly on the
shoulder. "That's Princess Azula, the Fire Lord's daughter. She and Mai were great friends when they were younger. Come and help me,
Mai."
She took another mouthful of fire flakes before obeying, brushing Toph's hair back and allowing her mother to pull free the bangs that
framed the younger girl's face before pulling the hair into a topknot. The hairpiece that her mother handed her to use was one she'd been given by
Prince Zuko - probably picked out by his mother but still - and she cursed herself for hesitating before fastening it.
"Now, what do you think?" Mai's mother caroled and pulled Toph in front of - oh surely not! - the room's single, tall
mirror.
She saw Toph blink, and just as Mai was about to say something cutting, the younger girl tilted her head and asked: "Is that me?"
in wonderstruck tones.
"Of course it is, Toph," the woman declared proudly. "You're the very image of a fine young fire maiden. You'll have
young men beating their way to your door in no time." She swept off towards the door. "I'll leave the two of you to get to know each
other."
Mai waited until her mother was out of earshot before commenting. "'Is that me'?"
"That's what I'd say if I looked any different." Toph giggled and waved one hand in front of her face. "I don't
look like a clown do I?"
"She's right. Except for your eyes, you could walk down any street in the Fire Nation and no one would look twice at you." She
shrugged and held out her bowl. "Fire flake?"
Mai watched Toph cross the room cautiously and after seeing her reach uncertainly for the bowl, positioned it in front of Toph's questing
fingers. Fingers that seemed if anything more calloused than her own. She hadn't thought that Earth Kingdom girls were trained to fight, but perhaps the
earthbending styles were harder on the fingers.
A little blind girl was the most interesting thing in all Omashu, and wasn't that pathetic?
.oOo.
"You're too balanced," Mai advised from her seat on the steps outside the palace. This was Toph's third lesson in the
firebending style and the first where she'd tried more than breathing exercises. Thus far it wasn't actually going too badly. Having walked Toph
through the moves, physically guiding her through each step, Mai had been impressed at how closely the young girl had managed to repeat them without that
guidance.
"How can I be too balanced?" Toph asked, sounding surprised. "My teachers always said balance was
everything."
"Yeah. Earthbender teachers. You're not doing that any more." Mai stood and walked over towards her student. "Firebending
is all about power and the greatest power comes from creating an imbalance and directing it to your advantage. Like my brother walking."
Toph frowned. "Your brother?"
"Tom-Tom's just learning to toddle. When he walks he throws himself forward creating an imbalance that should have him fall on his
face. Then he pushes his legs forward and rides the imbalance. It's the same for firebenders: they use their imbalance to power their
attacks."
"But what about defense?"
Mai shook her head. "The best defense is to destroy your enemies before they can strike you down. Firebending is aggressive." She
looked around and the building work and nodded. "Come this way."
Toph frowned and then followed Mai as she walked towards one of the stone pillars that were being replaced by steel buttresses for the new
palace. This one was still standing. "Look at... uh, touch this pillar. This is balanced, right."
The younger girl ran her hands over the carfully shaped stones. "It had better be, or it would topple over."
"What if it did?" Mai asked. "What if it was off balance and it fell? You can imagine the destructive force that would be
unleashed on whatever was underneath it. Stone hammering against stone, crushing everything between them and the ground."
Toph grinned. "Yes, I can."
"Well, if it was balanced, it wouldn't fall. Firebenders create and use imbalance. Our arts are the same way. Don't cling to
balance, release it... and unleash power." Mai took Toph by the shoulders and pushed her into place. "Now try again, and stop being so
dynamic."
Toph nodded and began to move through the kata. Still slow, still somewhat stiffly, but now with just the beginnings of the energy that Mai
had been looking for. "Again, faster!" Toph obediently repeated the moves, but she wasn't showing any more energy - her control was impressive,
Mai admitted: every move was exactly placed the same way as the first time. Which was the problem. "Too rooted, let go of the ground."
"I thought you wanted to teach me the firebending arts, not the airbending ones?" called Toph, still repeating the moves
flawlessly. She had stamina at least.
"Exagerate, think about fire dancing?"
"Fire dances?"
Mai shrugged. She'd heard the term from Zuko. Actual dancing wasn't something she could claim any experience of. And it wasn't as
if Toph would have ever seen a flame flicker the way that most people had. "Try putting some passion into it."
Toph frowned but obeyed. The whirling moves grew sloppier, but more energetic. "I suppose that that's better. Are you
tired?"
"Shouldn't I ask that?" Toph asked. "I mean, sitting down watching me do this must be very tiring."
"Hmm. Keep going then." It wasn't like there was anything else for her to do.
Round and round the Earth girl went. Hmm. Earth girl. She didn't really look or act like any of the demure, dainty little girls Mai had
seen among the Earth Kingdom families that remained in Omashu. The Earth Kingdom nobility apparently considered porcelain dolls the feminine ideal: pretty to
look at but otherwise quiet and useless. Toph might act like that around Mai's parents, but it was becoming clear that she was a passionate girl underneath
that mask... almost as fiery as the sparks...
Sparks?
Mai sat up sharply, eyes locked on the firefly sparks flying around Toph's fingers as she danced through the kata, topknot bouncing.
There was a spreading grin on the blind girl's face but she seemed - no, probably was - oblivious to what was happening around her hands. Panting,
exuberant. "Remember your breathing," Mai instructed, keeping her voice flat and even. This was unexpected. And interesting. "Your chi depends
upon your breath."
Toph took an even breath and moved on, turning, hands wheeling and...
Whoosh.
It wasn't a lot of flame - Azula, firebending prodigy that she was, would have heaped scorn upon the brief trickle of fire. But it was
completely unexpected and Toph fell out of the form, barely staying on her feet as she blew hastily on her fingers. "What was that?" she exclaimed
nervously. "Why didn't you warn me there was a candle there?"
"There isn't a candle there," Mai told her.
"But I burned my fingers," Toph protested, holding up the reddened tips of her fingers in proof. "I felt it."
"I'm sure you did," the fire maiden agreed. "But there isn't a candle there."
Toph frowned and then moved her hand gently through the air where she had just been burned. "Well what is it? There's some sort of
fire - or there was. Did I knock it over?"
Mai pursed her lip. "Tell me, Toph. How long have you been a firebender?"
"How long I've been a what?"
.oOo.
"Why this is magnificent," Mai's father said in delight. "A firebender? This will do wonders for your marriage prospects,
Lady Bei Fong."
"Dear," his wife suggested. "Perhaps we should call her Toph. After all, she's practically part of the family." She
planted Tom-Tom in a surprised Toph's lap and the toddler cooed, patting at the girl. Somewhat hesitantly, Toph held Mai's brother securely. "You
see, Tom-Tom loves her."
"Hmm," the Governor said, and nodded. "That's true. Of course, it does raise another point. Firebenders are required to
serve in the imperial army, from the age of fourteen. How old are you, Toph?"
"I'm ten," Toph said and Mai frowned slightly. She had guessed that Toph was a little older than that. Of course, firebenders
usually first displayed signs of their abilities even younger than that. She wished for a moment that she had worked out Toph's tells but thus far she
hadn't quite worked out how to identify when the younger girl was lying. Usually the eyes were the easiest cue, but Toph's blind eyes were almost as
uninformative to others as they were to her.
"Well that gives you some time to prepare," he told her. "And I suppose that no one will expect a great deal of you, because
of your blindness."
Toph blushed and ducked her head. Well, Mai thought she was blushing. She was beginning to suspect that Toph used that reaction to hide a
number of emotions
"How remarkable though," he continued. "A firebender from such a highly placed Earth Kingdom family. Do you know if any of
your ancestors are from the Fire Nation, Toph?"
"I don't think so," she admitted. "I always got bored when they started talking about genny,
genaloggies..."
"Genealogies?" Mai's father prompted.
"Yes, those. I don't think any of my grandparents or great-grandparents were from the Fire Nation, they were all from Gaoling,"
Toph said. "I'm not sure about longer ago."
"Hmm. And Gaoling hasn't really had all that much fighting near it," the Governor said thoughtfully. "How very strange. I
suppose that your spirit must be simply so attuned to fire that you only needed the slightest hint to begin bending."
Or maybe several days teaching the basics, Mai noted dispassionately.
"Anyway, now we'll have to find a teacher for you. Mai can teach you the forms but you'll need a real firebender to teach you
how to bend. There are some good benders in the garrison. And Prince Zuko is touring the new territories. He will want to meet you."
Mai turned her back and walked out of the room.
.oOo.
"So what's the deal with this Prince Zuko?"
Mai blinked and looked up. It was a mark of her distraction that she hadn't noticed Toph returning to the rooms that they were sharing.
Her parents had been more than glad to volunteer her to see that the blind girl didn't hurt herself. Or worse, make a noise and a nuisiance of herself.
They couldn't have that.
"You know him? Your mother mentioned a Princess Azula..." Toph was sitting on her own bed, wearing a nightdress - another of
Mai's cast offs. She wasn't looking at Mai, the older girl had noticed that Toph often didn't bother to look and someone she was speaking to. She
would have thought that that made it hard to hear but apparently not.
"Yes." Mai got out of bed and picked up her own night clothes. She must have missed dinner. "He's my age, the son of the
Fire Lord Ozai. Azula is his little sister, she attended the Royal Fire Academy when I did. Their mother brought him to visit sometimes."
Toph nodded. "You didn't like him?"
Mai said nothing as she stripped off her robes.
"You did like him." She could see Toph's face moving as she thought. "But you don't like him any
more?"
"It isn't your business."
Toph frowned. "So you aren't mad he's going to visit, you're mad because... ohhh."
"Which part of 'none of your business' didn't you understand?" Mai grumbled as she pulled on her own
nightgown.
"The part where it isn't," Toph told her matter-of-factly. "You're pretty much the first friend I ever made - well the
first that wasn't an animal, if they count."
"We've known each other for less than a week. That's -" Okay, so Azula had pretty much picked Ty Lee and herself as
henchwomen within days of meeting them, but that wasn't the same, right? "- not all that long."
"I know. I never knew making friends was so easy." Toph hung her head a little. "Mom and dad didn't let me leave the house
much, and that was just in the garden. With guards around. Anytime they had guests, I had to stay in my rooms so I almost never met anyone."
Mai raised an eyebrow. "I knew the Earth Kingdom were backwards, but I didn't realise they were that bad. Did they let you wear
shoes?"
"Yes. Except I generally didn't." Toph wiggled her toes. "It makes it easier for me to find my way
around."
"That was a joke. At school they taught me that the ideal Earth Kingdom woman was barefoot and pregnant."
"...if I wasn't supposed to be a fire maiden now, I think I'd be supposed to slap you for saying that."
Mai shrugged. "I don't think any of the teachers ever actually met anyone from the Earth Kingdom. The women I've met seem like
they're supposed to be dolls - looking pretty, but always kept somewhere safe."
Toph hid her face. "That's sort of how they treated me. Dad said that I was delicate."
"You miss them, don't you."
"No."
Ah. So that was how Toph sounded when she was lying. Half-choked as if... Mai winced. Crying. Great. I made a little girl cry for
her mother and father. Toph was lying down, facing away, shoulders shaking. Well this is going to do wonders for helping her to appreciate the Fire Nation.
What would Azula do?
...okay, no. Bad plan. What would Ty Lee do in this situation? Ty is good with people, she'd know how to help her. She could... well,
she'd... ugh.
Rather than going to her own bed, Mai walked over to Toph's and sat on it, resting one hand on the younger girl's shoulder. "If
anyone asks about this, deny everything," she instructed, and then hugged her from behind.
.oOo.
Before the Omashu had surrendered to the Fire Nation, a great stone bridge had connected the surrounding mountains to the city's pinnacle
of rock. It hadn't surprised many people when the bridge collapsed very shortly afterwards - Omashu was home to many Earthbenders after all. The
new bridge, prepared in advance was made of metal, secured strongly at both ends. Its great mass did not even shake under the weight of the many komodo rhinos
of Prince Zuko's entourage.
Mai frowned as Toph's fingers unerringly reached for the fire flakes. "I'm surprised you're more interested in food than in
seeing your new sifu arrive." She thought a moment about what she'd just said and then sighed, holding the bowl out. "Never
mind."
Toph smiled demurely and munched on the fire flakes. "I think I'm developing a liking for Fire Nation cuisine," she admitted.
"So, is Prince Zuko hot and spicy too?"
Mai didn't bother glaring at her and skipped straight to pinching the other girl's cheek, causing several fire flakes to spill out of
her mouth.
"What?" Toph mumbled, brushing the food delicately off her red and black robes. "We've already established that you have
an unrequited crush on him and - okay, okay, let go of my cheek already."
"He's probably the most important person you're ever going to meet," Mai warned. "When he reaches the Governor's
palace, expect him take father's chair while we kneel before him. He's very proud."
"Thanks."
Mai froze and then turned to look along the wall. Standing at the top of the stairs in military uniform, his helmet under one arm, Prince
Zuko gave her a quirky smile. She looked back at the bridge, which the komodo-rhinos were still only halfway across. "Your highness." She dropped to
her knees. "You're early."
"You can save that for the formal reception," Zuko told her, reaching down to - unnecessarily - help her back to her feet. "I
couldn't sleep last night so I came on ahead and told my escort to catch up." He turned to Toph who was standing, half-frozen in surprise, face
crimson. "Excuse me, could I have a moment with Mai please."
"Uh... sure, I'll just... wander along the wall a way..." Toph muttered.
Mai stared after the girl as she trotted along the top of the wall, resting one hand upon the crenellations to guide her. "Don't go
too far, we have to return to the palace soon."
"I didn't know you had a little sister," Zuko noted. "I guess I don't know you as well as I thought I
did."
Mai nodded slowly. "Apparently not."
He smiled. "It's good to see you, Mai. Two years seems like a long time. I was pleased when your father was appointed Governor here
and I found out I would be visiting you."
"'We aren't children any more'," Mai said, causing him to flinch. "You were right."
"Yes," he agreed. "But I was also wrong. Just because we're adults doesn't mean that we have to change who we are. I
know it can never be the same, but I'd like it if we can still be friends."
"So would I," Mai admitted. "How are your family?"
Zuko shrugged. "Same as ever. Azula and Lu Ten are feuding again."
"How predictable. What is it this time?"
"Your friend, Ty Lee. It seems that Lu Ten swept her off her feet last time he visited. She went back to the northern fleet with
him."
Mai sighed. "She always did love a pretty face. I hope your cousin will be good to her."
"He's a good man, Mai," Zuko told her. "As as far as I can tell he's as smitten by her as she is by
him."
"The great romantic," she said sarcastically. It's not really about Ty Lee, she thought. It's the same as ever: power. Lu
Ten stole Ty Lee away from Azula to score a point and now she wants revenge. "Your father would never approve of them marrying, you know. Lu Ten could be
the next Fire Lord, so he has to marry a strong firebender. If his father hadn't killed the last of the Dragons, young fire maidens would be hunting them
down to win renown and earn his hand in marriage."
"Oh?" Zuko laughed. "Would you slay a dragon for my cousin if you were a firebender? I'm sure that Ty Lee would be happy
to share him with you."
"He's not my type."
"He isn't hot and spicy enough for you?"
Mai's cheeks reddened. "How long were you standing there, your highness?"
"Long enough to hear you avoid her question," Zuko admitted. "Was there something else I shouldn't have
heard?"
"You're impossible."
.oOo.
"I must say, I don't understand why you're doing this, Prince Zuko," Mai's father admitted as he led the way up one of
the rearmost towers of the palace. This particular tower was among the furthest along in conversion to modern standards, metal covering almost every surface.
That was necessary, given its purpose. "He's a prestigous prisoner, I admit, but he's also a crazy old man."
"He's also one of the strongest, cleverest Earthbenders ever. If he was ruler of the entire Earth Kingdom instead of that fool in Ba
Sing Sei, the war could be going very differently. Imagine if the Avatar had had his support when she fought the Three Dragons. My father himself admits it was
a very close fight." Zuko shook his head. "I need to take his measure. Besides, don't you want to share the good news with him?" He gestured
back towards where Mai and Toph were following the two men.
"Oh?" the Governor said. "Oh, I see," he claimed sagely and nodded.
Toph and Mai looked at each other and rolled their eyes. It was blatantly clear that he didn't. Zuko smiled. "You're a fine
administrator," he assured the older man. "My father couldn't have picked a better man to organise the rebuilding of Omashu. Mostly I want to
discuss spiritual matters with the former King. If you feel your time is better spent elsewhere, I wouldn't presume to second-guess you."
Mai's father beamed. "Well, I wouldn't want to slight you, your highness, but perhaps I should return to my other
duties."
Zuko nodded encouragingly. "I'm sure that the guards can guide us. It has been very kind of you to make so much time for me, your
excellency. Perhaps you and your family could dine with me this evening. The quarters you made available are very spacious," he leant in confidingly,
"But perhaps a little quiet after spending two years in the military."
"I quite understand." Mai's father stepped aside and let the girls catch up. "Mai, please attend upon his Highness in my
absence."
"...of course, dad."
.oOo.
Bumi, one time King of Omashu, was kept in a room with metal walls, ceiling and floor. On top of that, he had been locked inside an iron
casket, with only a small window left to expose his face. His wrinkled face lit up in a gap toothed smile when he saw the door open to reveal Zuko, Mai and
Toph. "Welcome, welcome. It's not often I get visitors up here, much less pretty girls!"
Zuko bowed. "King Bumi," he greeted the deposed ruler with aplomb. "I am Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation. My companions are
Lady Mai, whose father I believe you have met, and Lady Toph Bei Fong, who is from Gaoling."
"Picking the fairest flowers of two peoples, your highness? I can't say I blame you. Were I twenty years younger..."
"You would be old enough to be our great grandfather?" Mai asked sardonically.
Bumi cackled insanely. "Oh I like you. Sharp as those knives you don't think I can see up your sleeves. So, Prince Zuko, what brings
you here to see an old man?"
Zuko reached into his belt and pulled a small token out from a cunningly concealed fold. "I was thinking that we might have a little
conversation about the White Lotus," he said.
"Oh, do you play Pai Sho?" the old man asked in apparent delight but Mai could see - knew Zuko had seen - that the gambit had
scored a mark somewhere.
"A little," Zuko admitted. "It's expected in a courtly upbringing. But we both know that the White Lotus isn't just a
gambit in that game, your majesty. My uncle Iroh was a very good player, as it happens. This particular token was his. Which suggests to me that
around twelve years ago, someone decided to sacrifice a piece. Or am I wrong?"
"Twelve years ago? I don't recall any special tournaments for Pai Sho that year," Bumi dissembled.
Zuko leant forwards, face very calm. "Let me speak plainly, Bumi. You don't mind if I call you Bumi, do you?"
"You go right ahead, Zuko," . We're all friends here."
"For a hundred years, the Fire Nation has held the advantage in the War. Oh, we've had our defeats. But generally? We've been
winning. And for most of that time, the Avatars have done nothing. The Air Avatar was a coward and the Avatar Kanna was almost as much of one, fighting only
when she was cornered. And all that time the people of the Earth Kingdom were crying out for an Avatar to lead them to victory over the Fire Nation. To punish
us."
"Did you and the rest of your society manuver my uncle, my father and my grandfather to face the Avatar in order to arrange a new
Avatar? Someone younger, more biddable, someone whose birth loyalties would be to the Earth Kingdom?"
D for Drakensis
You're only young once, but immaturity is forever.
converting the chamber from the relatively simple arrangement favoured under Mad King Bumi towards the Fire Nation's traditional elevated throne and fire
pits. For now, however, the workmen had been banished and soldiers lined the walls while Mai's father sat on an elaborately carved wooden chair that she
had seen in his study at home.
Toph herself had four guards accompanying her: two had preceded her into the room and then stood aside, flanking the doors - and to Mai's
eyes, nervously aware that each had a Fire Nation soldier stood discreetly behind them, ready to strike them down. The other two followed Toph as she walked
down the centre of the room towards the Mai's family. One cleared his throat and as if signalled, Toph halted at the appropriate distance from the Governor
for a noble petitioner.
Mai's eyes narrowed. No, that was a signal. The tiny girl - barely waist-high to her towering guards had a film of milky-white over the
more expected green that was common in the Earth Kingdom, and they diconcertingly failed to focus upon those in front of her. She was blind.
"So cute," Mai's mother whispered and Mai's lips twitched. Indeed. Ty Lee would have had a pink ribbon around the Earth
Kingdom girl's throat in an instant, and probably romped with her like a puppy after no more than a minute. Toph's raven dark hair was elaborately
bound up behind her head and contrasted with her porcelain-like complexion and the pale yellow gown and creamy girdle that she wore. Weak colours, Mai
calculated. Making her look vulnerable and unthreatening. Her choices? Unlikely if she's blind, but who then?
"Lady Toph Bei Fong," the Governor greeted her formally, inclining his head slightly. "I am curious to hear what brings a
daughter of your clan into the newest stronghold of the Fire Nation."
Toph dropped to one knee and lowered her head. By Agni, Mai thought, boredly. Eyelashes too? Her mother squealed again at the cuteness,
causing Mai's brother Tom-Tom to squirm excitedly in their mother's arms.
"Lord Governor, with the triumph of the Fire Nation in securing Omashu, my father has concluded that the time has come for the Bei Fong
to seek closer ties with the conquerors," Toph recited sweetly. "I have been sent here in token of his hopes for a new relationship."
"Hmm." Mai's father leant back in his chair. Although she could not see it, Mai knew that his face had stilled to mask his
calculations. Pointless, particularly since the girl in front of him couldn't see his face. "You father offers an alliance?"
"Lord Governor, an alliance would be between equals," Toph replied, evading the trap neatly. "What my father offers is his
allegiance." She reached delicately into her girdle and produced a small scroll.
That wasn't a recitation, Mai noted. She might have been briefed, but she's no talking doll. At her father's nod she stepped
forwards and reached out for the scroll but as her hand reached it, Toph's hand moved slightly - clearly questing for the hand to receive the scroll,
moving it outside of Mai's closing fingers. "Hold still," the older girl instructed flatly and pulled the document away from Toph, not bothering
to wait for her father's instructions before cracking the seal.
It only took her a moment to decipher to contents before handing it over to to her father to peruse. Rats deserting a sinking ship. And
sacrificing their daughter for their own prosperity. How tedious.
Mai's mother leant over and read the scroll over her husband's shoulder. Usually it would be a shocking breach of protocol, but then,
how would Toph know. "Ooh!" she squealed. "Of course you can stay here, Lady Bei Fong! I'm sure Mai would love a new friend." Ah. That
was how.
Her father hmmed. "Yes, that would be best I think." He looked up. "Mai, Lord Bei Fong has sent his daughter here to ask for
my assistance in arranging a suitable marriage for her within the Fire Nation's nobility when she is old enough. In the meantime," he smiled
triumphantly, "he hopes that we will educate her in how to become a suitable young lady of the Fire Nation. Do you know what this means?"
"Mother has a new doll," Mai drawled under her breath and out of the corner of her eye saw Toph twitch. Good hearing.
"It means that the Bei Fong Clan, one of the leading names of the southern Kingdom want to assimilate," the Governor
declared proudly. "Tell me, Lady Bei Fong, do you have a brother?"
Oh Great Agni, no! Mai thought. Bad enough to be trapped her in Omashu. Marriage to some Earth Kingdom bumpkin? Unthinkable.
"No, Lord Governor. I am an only child," Toph replied evenly. Thank you, Agni.
"Hmm. A shame. Still, that would make you the her to your family, wouldn't it? Whoever marries you is going to be very lucky young
man." Colour appeared on Toph's face, high on her cheeks.
Mai's mother giggled. "Oh, she's just a little girl, dear." She turned her attention to Toph. "Tell me child, are you
a bender?"
Mai could read regret in Toph's posture. "No, my lady. I have been taught some of the exercises, for health reasons, but I cannot
bend."
"Ah, well that would have made matters a little awkward. It would be best if you didn't practise the earthbending exercises any
more, Lady Bei Fong. Perhaps Mai can teach you some of the firebending equivalents."
"I would like that," Toph agreed, smiling - a little nervously - but even so, the first smile to cross her face since she had
entered the throne room.
.oOo.
"Now Mai, Toph and I want your honest opinion on this," her mother called from behind the changing screen.
"Mm-hmm," Mai agreed from the couch and scooped a handful of fire flakes out of the bowl she held, bracing herself. Her mother had
insisted on bringing chest after chest of clothes with them, even those long packed away as far too small for Mai and decidedly the wrong garments to dress
Tom-Tom in once he was old enough. Still, the arrival of Toph made it somewhat convenient to have all the spare clothes around - perhaps an act of genuine
foresight by her mother. Ha ha. So funny that Mai forgot to laugh.
It wasn't as bad as it could have been. Toph stumbled a little coming out from behind the screen, probably due to the elaborate ankle
boots that had replaced the simple sandals that she had worn earlier under her gown. Red breeches and a heavy looking tunic that Mai thought had started out as
part of her uniform at the Royal Fire Academy for Girls.
"Well?" demanded her mother.
Mai paused. "Adorable," she drawled. "But you'll have to do something with her hair." She could have sworn that a
panicked look crossed Toph's face but it was quickly replaced by the solemn expression that Mai was beginning to suspect was a mask.
"Well of course," her mother fluttered. "Do you remember how Azula had her hair?" She touched Toph familiarly on the
shoulder. "That's Princess Azula, the Fire Lord's daughter. She and Mai were great friends when they were younger. Come and help me,
Mai."
She took another mouthful of fire flakes before obeying, brushing Toph's hair back and allowing her mother to pull free the bangs that
framed the younger girl's face before pulling the hair into a topknot. The hairpiece that her mother handed her to use was one she'd been given by
Prince Zuko - probably picked out by his mother but still - and she cursed herself for hesitating before fastening it.
"Now, what do you think?" Mai's mother caroled and pulled Toph in front of - oh surely not! - the room's single, tall
mirror.
She saw Toph blink, and just as Mai was about to say something cutting, the younger girl tilted her head and asked: "Is that me?"
in wonderstruck tones.
"Of course it is, Toph," the woman declared proudly. "You're the very image of a fine young fire maiden. You'll have
young men beating their way to your door in no time." She swept off towards the door. "I'll leave the two of you to get to know each
other."
Mai waited until her mother was out of earshot before commenting. "'Is that me'?"
"That's what I'd say if I looked any different." Toph giggled and waved one hand in front of her face. "I don't
look like a clown do I?"
"She's right. Except for your eyes, you could walk down any street in the Fire Nation and no one would look twice at you." She
shrugged and held out her bowl. "Fire flake?"
Mai watched Toph cross the room cautiously and after seeing her reach uncertainly for the bowl, positioned it in front of Toph's questing
fingers. Fingers that seemed if anything more calloused than her own. She hadn't thought that Earth Kingdom girls were trained to fight, but perhaps the
earthbending styles were harder on the fingers.
A little blind girl was the most interesting thing in all Omashu, and wasn't that pathetic?
.oOo.
"You're too balanced," Mai advised from her seat on the steps outside the palace. This was Toph's third lesson in the
firebending style and the first where she'd tried more than breathing exercises. Thus far it wasn't actually going too badly. Having walked Toph
through the moves, physically guiding her through each step, Mai had been impressed at how closely the young girl had managed to repeat them without that
guidance.
"How can I be too balanced?" Toph asked, sounding surprised. "My teachers always said balance was
everything."
"Yeah. Earthbender teachers. You're not doing that any more." Mai stood and walked over towards her student. "Firebending
is all about power and the greatest power comes from creating an imbalance and directing it to your advantage. Like my brother walking."
Toph frowned. "Your brother?"
"Tom-Tom's just learning to toddle. When he walks he throws himself forward creating an imbalance that should have him fall on his
face. Then he pushes his legs forward and rides the imbalance. It's the same for firebenders: they use their imbalance to power their
attacks."
"But what about defense?"
Mai shook her head. "The best defense is to destroy your enemies before they can strike you down. Firebending is aggressive." She
looked around and the building work and nodded. "Come this way."
Toph frowned and then followed Mai as she walked towards one of the stone pillars that were being replaced by steel buttresses for the new
palace. This one was still standing. "Look at... uh, touch this pillar. This is balanced, right."
The younger girl ran her hands over the carfully shaped stones. "It had better be, or it would topple over."
"What if it did?" Mai asked. "What if it was off balance and it fell? You can imagine the destructive force that would be
unleashed on whatever was underneath it. Stone hammering against stone, crushing everything between them and the ground."
Toph grinned. "Yes, I can."
"Well, if it was balanced, it wouldn't fall. Firebenders create and use imbalance. Our arts are the same way. Don't cling to
balance, release it... and unleash power." Mai took Toph by the shoulders and pushed her into place. "Now try again, and stop being so
dynamic."
Toph nodded and began to move through the kata. Still slow, still somewhat stiffly, but now with just the beginnings of the energy that Mai
had been looking for. "Again, faster!" Toph obediently repeated the moves, but she wasn't showing any more energy - her control was impressive,
Mai admitted: every move was exactly placed the same way as the first time. Which was the problem. "Too rooted, let go of the ground."
"I thought you wanted to teach me the firebending arts, not the airbending ones?" called Toph, still repeating the moves
flawlessly. She had stamina at least.
"Exagerate, think about fire dancing?"
"Fire dances?"
Mai shrugged. She'd heard the term from Zuko. Actual dancing wasn't something she could claim any experience of. And it wasn't as
if Toph would have ever seen a flame flicker the way that most people had. "Try putting some passion into it."
Toph frowned but obeyed. The whirling moves grew sloppier, but more energetic. "I suppose that that's better. Are you
tired?"
"Shouldn't I ask that?" Toph asked. "I mean, sitting down watching me do this must be very tiring."
"Hmm. Keep going then." It wasn't like there was anything else for her to do.
Round and round the Earth girl went. Hmm. Earth girl. She didn't really look or act like any of the demure, dainty little girls Mai had
seen among the Earth Kingdom families that remained in Omashu. The Earth Kingdom nobility apparently considered porcelain dolls the feminine ideal: pretty to
look at but otherwise quiet and useless. Toph might act like that around Mai's parents, but it was becoming clear that she was a passionate girl underneath
that mask... almost as fiery as the sparks...
Sparks?
Mai sat up sharply, eyes locked on the firefly sparks flying around Toph's fingers as she danced through the kata, topknot bouncing.
There was a spreading grin on the blind girl's face but she seemed - no, probably was - oblivious to what was happening around her hands. Panting,
exuberant. "Remember your breathing," Mai instructed, keeping her voice flat and even. This was unexpected. And interesting. "Your chi depends
upon your breath."
Toph took an even breath and moved on, turning, hands wheeling and...
Whoosh.
It wasn't a lot of flame - Azula, firebending prodigy that she was, would have heaped scorn upon the brief trickle of fire. But it was
completely unexpected and Toph fell out of the form, barely staying on her feet as she blew hastily on her fingers. "What was that?" she exclaimed
nervously. "Why didn't you warn me there was a candle there?"
"There isn't a candle there," Mai told her.
"But I burned my fingers," Toph protested, holding up the reddened tips of her fingers in proof. "I felt it."
"I'm sure you did," the fire maiden agreed. "But there isn't a candle there."
Toph frowned and then moved her hand gently through the air where she had just been burned. "Well what is it? There's some sort of
fire - or there was. Did I knock it over?"
Mai pursed her lip. "Tell me, Toph. How long have you been a firebender?"
"How long I've been a what?"
.oOo.
"Why this is magnificent," Mai's father said in delight. "A firebender? This will do wonders for your marriage prospects,
Lady Bei Fong."
"Dear," his wife suggested. "Perhaps we should call her Toph. After all, she's practically part of the family." She
planted Tom-Tom in a surprised Toph's lap and the toddler cooed, patting at the girl. Somewhat hesitantly, Toph held Mai's brother securely. "You
see, Tom-Tom loves her."
"Hmm," the Governor said, and nodded. "That's true. Of course, it does raise another point. Firebenders are required to
serve in the imperial army, from the age of fourteen. How old are you, Toph?"
"I'm ten," Toph said and Mai frowned slightly. She had guessed that Toph was a little older than that. Of course, firebenders
usually first displayed signs of their abilities even younger than that. She wished for a moment that she had worked out Toph's tells but thus far she
hadn't quite worked out how to identify when the younger girl was lying. Usually the eyes were the easiest cue, but Toph's blind eyes were almost as
uninformative to others as they were to her.
"Well that gives you some time to prepare," he told her. "And I suppose that no one will expect a great deal of you, because
of your blindness."
Toph blushed and ducked her head. Well, Mai thought she was blushing. She was beginning to suspect that Toph used that reaction to hide a
number of emotions
"How remarkable though," he continued. "A firebender from such a highly placed Earth Kingdom family. Do you know if any of
your ancestors are from the Fire Nation, Toph?"
"I don't think so," she admitted. "I always got bored when they started talking about genny,
genaloggies..."
"Genealogies?" Mai's father prompted.
"Yes, those. I don't think any of my grandparents or great-grandparents were from the Fire Nation, they were all from Gaoling,"
Toph said. "I'm not sure about longer ago."
"Hmm. And Gaoling hasn't really had all that much fighting near it," the Governor said thoughtfully. "How very strange. I
suppose that your spirit must be simply so attuned to fire that you only needed the slightest hint to begin bending."
Or maybe several days teaching the basics, Mai noted dispassionately.
"Anyway, now we'll have to find a teacher for you. Mai can teach you the forms but you'll need a real firebender to teach you
how to bend. There are some good benders in the garrison. And Prince Zuko is touring the new territories. He will want to meet you."
Mai turned her back and walked out of the room.
.oOo.
"So what's the deal with this Prince Zuko?"
Mai blinked and looked up. It was a mark of her distraction that she hadn't noticed Toph returning to the rooms that they were sharing.
Her parents had been more than glad to volunteer her to see that the blind girl didn't hurt herself. Or worse, make a noise and a nuisiance of herself.
They couldn't have that.
"You know him? Your mother mentioned a Princess Azula..." Toph was sitting on her own bed, wearing a nightdress - another of
Mai's cast offs. She wasn't looking at Mai, the older girl had noticed that Toph often didn't bother to look and someone she was speaking to. She
would have thought that that made it hard to hear but apparently not.
"Yes." Mai got out of bed and picked up her own night clothes. She must have missed dinner. "He's my age, the son of the
Fire Lord Ozai. Azula is his little sister, she attended the Royal Fire Academy when I did. Their mother brought him to visit sometimes."
Toph nodded. "You didn't like him?"
Mai said nothing as she stripped off her robes.
"You did like him." She could see Toph's face moving as she thought. "But you don't like him any
more?"
"It isn't your business."
Toph frowned. "So you aren't mad he's going to visit, you're mad because... ohhh."
"Which part of 'none of your business' didn't you understand?" Mai grumbled as she pulled on her own
nightgown.
"The part where it isn't," Toph told her matter-of-factly. "You're pretty much the first friend I ever made - well the
first that wasn't an animal, if they count."
"We've known each other for less than a week. That's -" Okay, so Azula had pretty much picked Ty Lee and herself as
henchwomen within days of meeting them, but that wasn't the same, right? "- not all that long."
"I know. I never knew making friends was so easy." Toph hung her head a little. "Mom and dad didn't let me leave the house
much, and that was just in the garden. With guards around. Anytime they had guests, I had to stay in my rooms so I almost never met anyone."
Mai raised an eyebrow. "I knew the Earth Kingdom were backwards, but I didn't realise they were that bad. Did they let you wear
shoes?"
"Yes. Except I generally didn't." Toph wiggled her toes. "It makes it easier for me to find my way
around."
"That was a joke. At school they taught me that the ideal Earth Kingdom woman was barefoot and pregnant."
"...if I wasn't supposed to be a fire maiden now, I think I'd be supposed to slap you for saying that."
Mai shrugged. "I don't think any of the teachers ever actually met anyone from the Earth Kingdom. The women I've met seem like
they're supposed to be dolls - looking pretty, but always kept somewhere safe."
Toph hid her face. "That's sort of how they treated me. Dad said that I was delicate."
"You miss them, don't you."
"No."
Ah. So that was how Toph sounded when she was lying. Half-choked as if... Mai winced. Crying. Great. I made a little girl cry for
her mother and father. Toph was lying down, facing away, shoulders shaking. Well this is going to do wonders for helping her to appreciate the Fire Nation.
What would Azula do?
...okay, no. Bad plan. What would Ty Lee do in this situation? Ty is good with people, she'd know how to help her. She could... well,
she'd... ugh.
Rather than going to her own bed, Mai walked over to Toph's and sat on it, resting one hand on the younger girl's shoulder. "If
anyone asks about this, deny everything," she instructed, and then hugged her from behind.
.oOo.
Before the Omashu had surrendered to the Fire Nation, a great stone bridge had connected the surrounding mountains to the city's pinnacle
of rock. It hadn't surprised many people when the bridge collapsed very shortly afterwards - Omashu was home to many Earthbenders after all. The
new bridge, prepared in advance was made of metal, secured strongly at both ends. Its great mass did not even shake under the weight of the many komodo rhinos
of Prince Zuko's entourage.
Mai frowned as Toph's fingers unerringly reached for the fire flakes. "I'm surprised you're more interested in food than in
seeing your new sifu arrive." She thought a moment about what she'd just said and then sighed, holding the bowl out. "Never
mind."
Toph smiled demurely and munched on the fire flakes. "I think I'm developing a liking for Fire Nation cuisine," she admitted.
"So, is Prince Zuko hot and spicy too?"
Mai didn't bother glaring at her and skipped straight to pinching the other girl's cheek, causing several fire flakes to spill out of
her mouth.
"What?" Toph mumbled, brushing the food delicately off her red and black robes. "We've already established that you have
an unrequited crush on him and - okay, okay, let go of my cheek already."
"He's probably the most important person you're ever going to meet," Mai warned. "When he reaches the Governor's
palace, expect him take father's chair while we kneel before him. He's very proud."
"Thanks."
Mai froze and then turned to look along the wall. Standing at the top of the stairs in military uniform, his helmet under one arm, Prince
Zuko gave her a quirky smile. She looked back at the bridge, which the komodo-rhinos were still only halfway across. "Your highness." She dropped to
her knees. "You're early."
"You can save that for the formal reception," Zuko told her, reaching down to - unnecessarily - help her back to her feet. "I
couldn't sleep last night so I came on ahead and told my escort to catch up." He turned to Toph who was standing, half-frozen in surprise, face
crimson. "Excuse me, could I have a moment with Mai please."
"Uh... sure, I'll just... wander along the wall a way..." Toph muttered.
Mai stared after the girl as she trotted along the top of the wall, resting one hand upon the crenellations to guide her. "Don't go
too far, we have to return to the palace soon."
"I didn't know you had a little sister," Zuko noted. "I guess I don't know you as well as I thought I
did."
Mai nodded slowly. "Apparently not."
He smiled. "It's good to see you, Mai. Two years seems like a long time. I was pleased when your father was appointed Governor here
and I found out I would be visiting you."
"'We aren't children any more'," Mai said, causing him to flinch. "You were right."
"Yes," he agreed. "But I was also wrong. Just because we're adults doesn't mean that we have to change who we are. I
know it can never be the same, but I'd like it if we can still be friends."
"So would I," Mai admitted. "How are your family?"
Zuko shrugged. "Same as ever. Azula and Lu Ten are feuding again."
"How predictable. What is it this time?"
"Your friend, Ty Lee. It seems that Lu Ten swept her off her feet last time he visited. She went back to the northern fleet with
him."
Mai sighed. "She always did love a pretty face. I hope your cousin will be good to her."
"He's a good man, Mai," Zuko told her. "As as far as I can tell he's as smitten by her as she is by
him."
"The great romantic," she said sarcastically. It's not really about Ty Lee, she thought. It's the same as ever: power. Lu
Ten stole Ty Lee away from Azula to score a point and now she wants revenge. "Your father would never approve of them marrying, you know. Lu Ten could be
the next Fire Lord, so he has to marry a strong firebender. If his father hadn't killed the last of the Dragons, young fire maidens would be hunting them
down to win renown and earn his hand in marriage."
"Oh?" Zuko laughed. "Would you slay a dragon for my cousin if you were a firebender? I'm sure that Ty Lee would be happy
to share him with you."
"He's not my type."
"He isn't hot and spicy enough for you?"
Mai's cheeks reddened. "How long were you standing there, your highness?"
"Long enough to hear you avoid her question," Zuko admitted. "Was there something else I shouldn't have
heard?"
"You're impossible."
.oOo.
"I must say, I don't understand why you're doing this, Prince Zuko," Mai's father admitted as he led the way up one of
the rearmost towers of the palace. This particular tower was among the furthest along in conversion to modern standards, metal covering almost every surface.
That was necessary, given its purpose. "He's a prestigous prisoner, I admit, but he's also a crazy old man."
"He's also one of the strongest, cleverest Earthbenders ever. If he was ruler of the entire Earth Kingdom instead of that fool in Ba
Sing Sei, the war could be going very differently. Imagine if the Avatar had had his support when she fought the Three Dragons. My father himself admits it was
a very close fight." Zuko shook his head. "I need to take his measure. Besides, don't you want to share the good news with him?" He gestured
back towards where Mai and Toph were following the two men.
"Oh?" the Governor said. "Oh, I see," he claimed sagely and nodded.
Toph and Mai looked at each other and rolled their eyes. It was blatantly clear that he didn't. Zuko smiled. "You're a fine
administrator," he assured the older man. "My father couldn't have picked a better man to organise the rebuilding of Omashu. Mostly I want to
discuss spiritual matters with the former King. If you feel your time is better spent elsewhere, I wouldn't presume to second-guess you."
Mai's father beamed. "Well, I wouldn't want to slight you, your highness, but perhaps I should return to my other
duties."
Zuko nodded encouragingly. "I'm sure that the guards can guide us. It has been very kind of you to make so much time for me, your
excellency. Perhaps you and your family could dine with me this evening. The quarters you made available are very spacious," he leant in confidingly,
"But perhaps a little quiet after spending two years in the military."
"I quite understand." Mai's father stepped aside and let the girls catch up. "Mai, please attend upon his Highness in my
absence."
"...of course, dad."
.oOo.
Bumi, one time King of Omashu, was kept in a room with metal walls, ceiling and floor. On top of that, he had been locked inside an iron
casket, with only a small window left to expose his face. His wrinkled face lit up in a gap toothed smile when he saw the door open to reveal Zuko, Mai and
Toph. "Welcome, welcome. It's not often I get visitors up here, much less pretty girls!"
Zuko bowed. "King Bumi," he greeted the deposed ruler with aplomb. "I am Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation. My companions are
Lady Mai, whose father I believe you have met, and Lady Toph Bei Fong, who is from Gaoling."
"Picking the fairest flowers of two peoples, your highness? I can't say I blame you. Were I twenty years younger..."
"You would be old enough to be our great grandfather?" Mai asked sardonically.
Bumi cackled insanely. "Oh I like you. Sharp as those knives you don't think I can see up your sleeves. So, Prince Zuko, what brings
you here to see an old man?"
Zuko reached into his belt and pulled a small token out from a cunningly concealed fold. "I was thinking that we might have a little
conversation about the White Lotus," he said.
"Oh, do you play Pai Sho?" the old man asked in apparent delight but Mai could see - knew Zuko had seen - that the gambit had
scored a mark somewhere.
"A little," Zuko admitted. "It's expected in a courtly upbringing. But we both know that the White Lotus isn't just a
gambit in that game, your majesty. My uncle Iroh was a very good player, as it happens. This particular token was his. Which suggests to me that
around twelve years ago, someone decided to sacrifice a piece. Or am I wrong?"
"Twelve years ago? I don't recall any special tournaments for Pai Sho that year," Bumi dissembled.
Zuko leant forwards, face very calm. "Let me speak plainly, Bumi. You don't mind if I call you Bumi, do you?"
"You go right ahead, Zuko," . We're all friends here."
"For a hundred years, the Fire Nation has held the advantage in the War. Oh, we've had our defeats. But generally? We've been
winning. And for most of that time, the Avatars have done nothing. The Air Avatar was a coward and the Avatar Kanna was almost as much of one, fighting only
when she was cornered. And all that time the people of the Earth Kingdom were crying out for an Avatar to lead them to victory over the Fire Nation. To punish
us."
"Did you and the rest of your society manuver my uncle, my father and my grandfather to face the Avatar in order to arrange a new
Avatar? Someone younger, more biddable, someone whose birth loyalties would be to the Earth Kingdom?"
D for Drakensis
You're only young once, but immaturity is forever.