Chapter Text
Nakita
There were so many hidden walls and passages to explore within the palace and Nakita had made it her personal mission to find them all. They made her a master of stealth, an undefeated champion of hide and seek, and an excellent spy. It was one of her favorite games, one of espionage where she was a sneaky hero of the shadows on the verge of uncovering mind boggling mysteries and dangerous schemes to take over the world.
Slowly, she crept through a passage as she decided which wing of the palace she should enter. Most days she'd make her way down to the war room and listen in on what was discussed, but it was mostly boring political jargon she couldn't quite wrap her head around. The library was equally as dull with the only inhabitants usually being Kya and Ursa who did nothing but go through book after book in silence. The sparring room in the training grounds was where the most excitement happened. Mihran was an exteremly talented firebender and watching him perfect his techniques was always a fun treat, but Nakita had already spent a good portion of the week watching him.
No, today she wanted to do something new. There was a room, somewhat deep within the palace, where her father's council worked nearly round the clock drafting bills to present during official meetings. Surely something interesting was happening in there.
It took her a few minutes to navigate her way, but sure enough Nakita soon found herself spying on two male government officials. She didn't know their names, but they were certainly high ranking as she had often seen them in her mother and father's entourage. In their presence, these men never really stuck out as anything extraordinary, but today there was an air of superiority about them. A confidence they could only let shine through behind closed doors.
"She will make a decent enough Fire Lord one day," the older official said as his lips curled. "She's a firebender at the very least."
Kya. The way this man was speaking about her made Nakita's heart race and her blood run cold. There was a hint of thinly veiled disgust to his words.
"Yes, and the boy will surely become a great general and war strategist. He certainly has the power for it," the second man added. "It really is a shame about his heritage."
Mihran. Nakita's body tensed. What was shameful about their heritage?
The men quickly scribbled a few characters onto their parchment papers before the second man continued where he left off.
"On second thought, it might not be a complete loss. That peasant's blood did give us the second girl. If it weren't for her eyes she'd be perfect."
"She has a promising future in the brothels," the first official laughed. "It's not as if anyone could truly love a mixed blood."
Ursa. The dark, unnerving glint in the men's eyes was nearly enough to make Nakita sick. Chills ran down her body as her mind screamed at her to leave, but the next thing out of their mouths stopped her.
"And what do you think of the youngest?"
Her breathing stopped. Slowly, her gaze filtered over to the older man as she awaited his response.
"The waterbender?" The word sounded dirty coming from his lips. "She's clearly her mother's daughter. She's nothing, worse than that even. She'll never amount to a thing."
Bile rose up from her throat. Swallowing it down, Nakita ran away as quickly as she could.
Hiro
Hiro sat at the edge of the turtle duck pond with his arms crossed and a pout on his face. His parents had been in the Fire Palace for nearly an hour, which meant he’d been giving his entire family the silent treatment for a full six hours. None of them had even bothered to check on him. He doubted they cared.
Next to him, Nakita did her best to cheer him up.
“Come on, whatever they did I’m sure it wasn’t that bad. I know you’re upset, but can’t we go play with Tenzin and Mihran? If you want we can tag-team against Tenzin!”
Hiro huffed, causing his cheeks to puff out. “I don’t want to talk to him.”
Nakita sighed. "I know, that's all you've been saying since you got here. Can't you at least tell me what happened?"
“We’re going to the Eastern Air Temple once the meeting’s over and dad told Tenzin he could pick out a flying bison.” The reply was curt and pointed.
“Really?” The young waterbender’s face lit up. “That’s so cool! I wish I had a flying bison. I’d name her Ember.”
Her enthusiasm only upset Hiro more. “Yeah, I want one too so I asked dad if I could pick one out and he said that I’m not ready for a bison yet.”
Nakita’s face dropped. “Wait, why?”
“It’s not fair!” Ripping out a clump of grass, Hiro tossed it into the pond. “Tenzin has always been dad’s favorite because he’s such a goody two shoes. He even told me the same thing dad did: that I need to learn responsibility and restraint.” Hiro's voice was mocking as he repeated his brother and father's words.
A brief silence passed between them.
“Did your mom say anything,” Nakita asked.
Hiro rolled his eyes. “Yeah, that two flying bison in the family is plenty.”
Another silence filled the space as Hiro looked out over the pond. He was never going to be good enough for anything. Tenzin was their father’s favorite, Lin was exactly like their mother, and he was just there.
Almost as if she had read his mind, Nakita spoke.
“If it makes you feel any better, you’re my favorite.”
Taking a moment to let her words sink in, Hiro blasted her with a small gust of air.
“Hey!”
He grinned wickedly at her annoyed face. “Don’t tell me you’re going soft on me.”
Flicking her wrist, she doused him in water. “You wish!”