The Fire Nation's Lily (Wing Beifong x OC)

Book One, Chapter Six: Friendships

Everyone in the Task Force was gathered at City Hall, and Sayuri stood with her arms crossed a large scowl on her face. For the past three days, she had been sparing with Tarrlok's minions and teaching them the best way to defend themselves against chi-blockers: distance and evasive movements. Even now, Tarrlok still fought tooth and nail to get the princess to join him in the takeout they were heading to, but Sayuri refused to give in. It was bad enough that she had been tricked into helping Tarrlok as it was.

"My fellow Task Force deputies, tonight we will execute a raid on an underground chi-blocker training camp located in the Dragon Flats Borough." Tarrlok said. "According to my sources, there is a cellar underneath this bookstore where Equalists train chi-blocking in secret. We will head out in a few minutes, but before we do that, Princess Sayuri, do you have any last minute advice to offer?"

The princess glanced at the fighters and she kept her face neutral. "Don't let them touch you." She gave Korra the faintest of smiles and proceeded to walk out of the room.

At breakfast the next morning, Korra filled Sayuri in on their big bust and her eyes sparkled in cocktail of excitement and pride. While the avatar continued to talk, the princess couldn't help but wonder when things were going to turn sour. After all, all things good would eventually rotten.

A few days later, Sayuri was awoken by the familiar cries of a Messenger Hawk. When the princess turned over in her bed, she noticed the bird perched on her open windowsill. Its ear-tuffs swayed slightly in the breeze and the young woman sat up. She held out her covered arm and whistled.

The bird snapped its wings open and glided on the crisp morning breeze. Its dark claws came into view and the bird was mindful not to cut the princess' skin as it landed on her forearm. Sayuri slowly stood up and walked towards her dresser. Once seated, she removed the letter from the holster and the hawk walked further up her arm, stopping when it reached her shoulder.

The parchment felt heavy in her hand and she glanced at the bird. "I don't want to open it, Goro."

Goro tilted its head to the side and gently picked at the golden stud in her earlobe. She ruffled his beige belly feathers, and the bird stopped attacking her earring. After taking a deep breath, the princess unraveled the note and began reading it.

My Dearest Firelily,

News of Amon has finally reached the Fire Nation, and your mother and I worried for your safety. Councilwoman Ena has informed us of your abduction by the Equalists, and we are hoping that you will return home before things get worse. Who is to say that Amon will not target you in order to sway our kingdom? This situation does not bode well with me.

We have also heard news of your involvement with Councilman Tarrlok's Task Force. It was clear to me that in your interview you were not comfortable with what was being asked of you. I wish I could have been there to help you. Your mother was impressed with your diplomatic responses, and she was more than aware of the position that Councilman Tarrlok put you in.

I have been hearing rumors of your budding friendship with Avatar Korra, and you cannot image how happy that has made me. If you choice to stay in Republic City, promise me that you will keep an eye on her; all Avatars have a knack of getting into trouble.

We are proud of you, Firelily, and we miss you terribly. Even now as I write this letter, I find myself missing your bright smile and your sharp-wit. Stay safe.

Love,
Grandfather Zuko

Sayuri began writing back, and every now and then she would pause and muse over what it was that she wanted to say. Her hand moved effortlessly against the paper and the black ink began to bleed into the delicate fibers. Once done, she waved the ink dried then rolled it up. She secured it in the container and held out her fingers for Goro to perch on.