AtLA Rewritten: Edition 1

Chapter 72

After they rested, Dai called for them in the dining room again. Katara had done her last healing session, and though Dai was still a bit tired, she could walk without hurting herself now. She sat at the head of the table, chin high, shoulders square. She clearly meant business now. "What did you all figure out about the trap?" she asked.

Zuko had grabbed the trap. He dropped it on the table. "Look at the symbol on the trigger pad." Dai leaned forward to look, lips pressed together.

"Not only that, we have two suspicions. One, the trap was there to trap an animal of some sort and you had accidentally stumbled upon it. Or two, someone put it there on purpose because they know you usually go to that spot," Toph explained calmly.

Dai shook her head. "It's an animal trap, but nobody knows that path but me. It would've been done on purpose, by someone who has watched me."

Athlea looked at the trap, then Dai. "Do you reckon you have any enemies that could be after you? Someone that wanted to rule but couldn't because you're the rightful owner to it?" She tilted her head, eyebrows raised.

She blinked at Athlea. "I can't think of any. They don't officially name someone heir to the throne until they know for sure the former heir is dead. Really, there was no heir other than me once my sister died." Suddenly her face lit up. "Every Water Tribe Royal or Government official signs their letters with their name as well as this sign." She pointed to the trap.

Zuko raised an eyebrow. "So..."

Sokka nodded. "We could get their signatures...?"

Dai nodded to him and turned toward Ah Cy, who was standing nearby, eyes forward. "I want the official signature of every Royal and all of the employees. Don't miss a single person." Ah Cy nodded, walking away.

Katara smiled. "I think that's a good idea."

"This ought to catch someone, at least," Athlea agreed, leaning back into her chair, arms crossed."

"My point exactly. There was definitely someone who knew that path and that you would go there," Toph said.

Dai turned to Toph. "Yeah, but I'm not sure who. Nobody knew about that path, not even my sister." She stood, smiling. "Well, we're not gonna let this ruin the fun of being home. What do you guys wanna do? There's the movie theater, the hot springs... We could swim and get some food while we wait for signatures?"

Zuko stood suddenly. "Hot springs!"

Athlea blinked, looking up at him. "That was fast." She giggled softly and stood more slowly. "I think the hot springs would be nice, to relax." She nodded.

Katara laughed. "Yeah, Dai and Athlea could use this. Sounds good to me."

"I agree, I'm in need of some relaxation." Sokka leaned back into his chair with a pleased look on his face. Dai giggled.

"Maybe we could go to the movie theater another day, when we aren't in danger," Aang pointed out as he stood up.

"You're right, Aang," Dai agreed.

"Well, let's go then," Toph said.

They all changed into bathing suits and put their parkas on over them before the canoe brought them down the canal, turning before passing some buildings and bringing them to a rather remote area. The springs were tucked behind some ice walls, meaning that they were totally secluded from the city. Zuko rushed in happily before immediately yelping. "Hot!"

Dai facepalmed. "The hot springs? No way."

Athlea shook her head, laughing. "Silly."

Aang and Sokka grinned at one another, then rushed into the springs, excited as children. Athlea shook her head. "Now this will be interesting." She glanced at Dai. "How's your ankle?"