Blood in the Air: Changing Currents5
"And so, with the paperwork I present to you, you can plainly see why Conoco island needs a larger budget." The governor droned on as he continued his speech to the acting firelord, the latest in the days schedule of financial, social and military meetings. The days since Zuko's departure to Ba Sing Se had been unexpectedly calm, the only ruckus being when two nobles had gotten into a catfight over the tax budget.
The governor's voice was lost in a cavalcade of droning and buzzing that filled Captain Jee's ears, ever since the third meeting that morning and all through the day. Even during lunch he couldn't focus, head swimming with one issue after another, and he suddenly realized it was no wonder Ozai went insane. He sat stiffly, feeling a dull stab between his shoulders. 'More of this and I will go insane, too.' "I heard enough of your request. IT will be placed under consideration by the budget committee."
"Just consideration? This is vital to the residents of Conoco island? We can we ever have a lifestyle as good as the mainland if these changes don't go through? I implore you-" He was interrupted when Chai burst through the doorway. "Ah, sorry to interrupt, but there's an urgent report out here." A young soldier followed the announcer, carrying a wrapped scroll adorned with three ribbons.
Jee held up a hand, effectively dismissing the governor, and rising to accept the scroll. Only the most important messages were sent with three ribbons, often indicating news or orders from the Firelord himself. "When did this arrive?"
Chai made sure the governor left before pulling the door shut tightly, locking it to prevent unwanted ears. The Soldier kneeled as Jee approached, his expression dark, already knowing what was written. "Half an hour ago, from our intelligence that remained in Ba Sing Se. They say...Firelord Zuko was assassinated, right in the Earth King's palace."
Jee sneered, grasping the scroll and ripping off the ribbons. he unraveled it, reading the parchment for himself, before slowly lowering it from his eyes. "No... I refuse to believe Firelord Zuko, who defeated Azula, was killed by those filthy earthbenders! Who delivered this report? Go back to them and make sure it is accurate?"
"The messenger hawk came straight from Ba Sing Se. We can send another agent to verify, but it will take some time to travel, Commander Jee." The soldier paused, looking a little uneasy. "But...it would explain why we haven't word from the firelord himself."
"Nothing has been verified, and until it is you are to speak of this to no one!" Jee grunted, feeling his muscles tense. If Zuko truly died then the throne sat empty, and he envisioned the civil war that would follow as one person after another tried to claim it.
"Yes sir." The soldier bowed his head, quickly ducking out of the room as soon as Chai opened it for him. The announcer paused, looking deeply worried as he fixed his gaze on Jee. "I take it....clear all meeting from the schedule for the time being?"
Jee grunted in approval, briefly nodding as he sat down again. The desk before him was long, heavy, dark, and stacked with scrolls of commoners begging for the Firelord's attention. If Zuko was really dead, whose attention would they now beg? "Chai, join me for a drink. We could both use one."
Chai watched him, equally distressed about the situation, and thinking about Zuko's living relatives. "A drink won't fix this."
"No, but it might be the last chance we have to enjoy quiet before civil war erupts. Are you skilled with any weapons, Chai? Are you a firebender?"
Chai shook his head, now following without hesitating. Their only saving grace at the moment that that only a handful of people were aware, and each of them swearing to secretecy. "Not unless Origami counts."
"Somehow I don't think that will intimidate anyone. We have a lot to worry about." Jee left the table and its many scrolls, hands folded behind his back. The weight on his shoulders felt tenfold, now. "Not a word about what you heard is to leave that room. No one can know of this until we are certain... I need to see a body before I believe that!"
The few bodyguards that stood inside nodded at Jees's instructions, and Chai fingered his clothing. From what he understood, the firelord was traveling with the avatar, who should have kept him safe. Unless the avatar betrayed Zuko, sharing in the worlds hate for the fire nation. "And the avatar? Will he be welcome if he returns alone?"
"Avatar Aang was welcomed in this court by Firelord Zuko, and even in death I would not defy his orders." Jee lead the way into a room used for waiting guests, striding to the self-serve bar and pouring two small glasses of fire wine. "Aang wouldn't kill him."
"Because he's a monk?" Chai took one cup, staring into the deep red liquid. "I'm not to sure, myself."
"Because he is the Avatar, maintaining balance is his sacred duty. Killing Zuko would throw the world into disarray the likes of which you have never seen." Jee drained the cup, letting the liquid burn down his throat. It was welcome relief from the long day. "You worked in the palace all your life. I don't expect you to know about war."
Chai sipped at the wine, sighing deeply. "No, I have not seen war, the kind of which you speak, but I have seen the royal family. That was a war of another kind."
"Ozai and Azula... black marks I wish could be erased." He held no fear of talking unfavorably about their former ruler. "But what do you know of Zuko? He is different than the boy who was exiled... and yet, not entirely changed. Honor runs deep in that boy."
"Zuko....has no idea what's he's doing." He widened his eyes, realizing how that seemed. "I mean, he is a better firelord then the previous, and the reforms he's making are marvelous!" He gripped the glass, hoping Jee wouldn't slay him on the spot. "What my point was....he was never proper groomed for the position."
"I'm not going to kill you for speaking, Chai. There is no need to grovel at Zuko's feet if he isn't here." Jee poured himself another cup before retiring to a lounge chair, swirling the dark liquid as he thought aloud, "Difficult to groom someone when they have been exiled, don't you think?"
"Ozai wasn't interested even before that." He relaxed slightly, thinking that Jee wasn't that bad of someone to talk to. "But as a result, and source of some concern, he has no concept of the darker side of ruling. He won't think of watching his back until there's a knife already in it."
"He will learn, and it will be a painful lesson. Zuko's protection is from the Avatar, at least for now." Jee chuckled at his own sick humor, "The only royal who isn't a conniving bastard and he'll die form innocence."
"And that, dear Jee, is the definition of irony." He held out his cup for a toast, to either finding the firelord's death true, or the countless times to come of Zuko having his behind kicked by aspiring assassins.
"Irony... what a shitty idea." Jee tipped his cup in a toast, shocking Chai with sudden 'sailor language' within the royal walls. "I'm going to lay down until this rumor is confirmed or denied."
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Chai had reluctantly pulled himself out of bed the next morning, reminding himself that even if civil war was impend or not, he had a duty to perform. He was starting to regret continuing on with a private party once leaving the palace walls, draining his personal entertainment bar by himself. Now, with a pounding headache and bloodshot eyes, he shuffled a pile of papers around until Jee arrived to perform as acting lord.
Chai didn’t wait long before Jee arrived, dressed in naval uniform since he didn't yet schedule an appointment with the palace tailor for an outfit more fitting his new station. "Chai... a little too much to drink?"
"Or not enough. I can't decide." Chai muttered. "First appointment...some guy who wants to paint our boats different colors. Then someone who wants more money. Then someone complaining about the roads. Then someone who wants more money. After that is someone who wants a new place to live and more money at the same time."
"Dismiss all of them... the answer is no. This nation grew fat on spoils of war, they can stand to learn how to live without eating roasted duck every night." Jee already felt a headache coming as he sat behind the desk. The pain between his shoulders was back. "Any word about our missing Firelord?"
Chai sat down on a painted wicker chair, stationed a few feet away from the throne doorway. "...No."
"You're beginning to worry. Maybe you are human after all, and not just a door man." Jee rubbed his temple before unrolling one of the scrolls, briefly reading it with disinterest.
Chai brushed some hair out of his face, wondering just how they would spend the day. It seemed to tense for trivial bickering and pleading from city officials. "Some of the those are from the sages. They've taken the liberty of preparing a harem."
"A harem for a boy who isn't even eighteen? They are desperate... maybe they sensed this would happen." Jee shook his head, "Fools, every last one of them."
Chai finally rose, walking through the doorway to await the first appointment and inform them of the cancellation. A mere three minutes passed before Chai returned inside, his face growing pale. "We....have a problem."
"You mean another problem." Jee grumbled, watching the man as minutes passed. "Well?"
"Ten of the fifteen nobles are requesting an audience with you. All of them are waiting outside." The only time the Firelord met with nobles, as a group, was when the nation was undergoing major changes. The fact that a majority of them showed up suddenly suggested they knew something that wasn't supposed to be known yet.
Jee felt his chest tighten, knowing the rumors had to have spread if so many houses were waiting for an audience at once. Rising, he straightened his armor and paused. "Then it begins. Go find my crew, tell them to secure the palace. I want every guard on station and ready."
Chai disappeared though the doorway again,allowing the waiting group access before departing to carry out the orders. Ten finely dressed men and women filed in before the door was sealed, keeping the coming conversation sealed. A wrinkled elder with graying hair spoke first, holding up a rolled scroll. "We received some heavy news this morning. We all had scrolls delivered to our doorstep."
"The only scrolls I have seen are governors and lords asking for more land and money. What is on the scrolls that were delivered to you and your fellows?" Jee stiffly asked, face expressionless.
The elder huffed, crossing his arms. "I find it hard to believe you don't already know. These are copies of the intelligence report you received yesterday. We are without a firelord."
Jee suppressed a sneer, making note to interrogate the operative later. "You know the laws of succession. The throne remains occupied until death is confirmed by a member of the royal family or an appointed officer. Until then this is just rumor."
"I think you're stalling." The man stared fiercely at Jee. "You have no proof of life, either, and the Fire nation cannot go without a leader at this critical time."
"I was appointed acting firelord in Zuko's absence, and until he returns I will not forfeit that duty! Dare you question his rule? I would be happy to inform him when he returns..."
"His decisions mean nothing if he's dead." Another noble spoke out, siding with the gray haired elder. "And if he's not dead, wouldn't he have sent word by now?"
"Extenuating circumstances may exist." Jee said, flatly, unimpressed by the nobles even though the threat they presented was very real. Zuko trusted him for a reason, and now he had to prove that trust was not misplaced. "Who would you have take the throne? There is no one else."
"Wrong. There is Azula, who was meant to take the throne in the first place!" Half of the nobles stared at the speak with wide eyes, surprised at this suggestion. Not all of them felt the same confidence about the girl returning.
"Azula was in power for less than one week and she dismissed half of the royal court. She is mentally unstable and unfit for the throne!" Jee exclaimed, now looking to the others, "And would you reinstate Ozai? The man who sought to set tall the world on fire?"
"What's so wrong with setting the world on fire?" The gray elder asked, and another noble shook her head. An elderly woman, appearing kind yet firm. "Azula isn't the best choice. Ozai would have us all executed for allowing him to be imprisoned." "Then that leaves Iroh..." Yet another spoke out.
"General Iroh had an opportunity to seize the throne when Ozai was imprisoned, and showed no interest. He is retired." Jee cleared his throat, "You fret about speculation when half the world calls for our blood. is this the example nobles set for common people?"
"Watch yourself. Don't think you can make fools out us." The elder spoke, waving a withered finger. "How long do you think you can last as a placeholder?!" "This is not a time for issuing threat, Dai Chin." The woman stated, meeting Jee's gaze. "We are here to discuss all possibilities. It's obvious this news was leaked by someone...if it continued on to general public...."
"If it continued to the general public then we also have a problem with traitors." Jee sighed, knowing this discussion would take hours. "Those of you calm enough to speak as informed adults, and not panicked children, follow me into the war room."
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The sun was setting again, following the same pattern since the Avatar and his friends left Ba Sing Se. Appa huffed as he landed, tired from a full day of traveling, choosing a spot nested deep in an Earth kingdom forest. There was a convenient clearing, a site that appeared used for camping many times over, a pit in the center even holding tinder leftover from the last visitors.
Zuko was the first to jump out, walking over to the pit, looking it over. The dried moss and wood chips for ripe for burning, and it was already surround by rocks to prevent spreading. Zuko smirked, and with a flick of a finger a fire erupted as a ten foot pillar of glowing flame, illuminating the entire site and then fading into a normal sized campfire. Finally, after several days of rest, it seemed the affects of the poison were finally gone. 'Hows that for cold, uncle!?'
"Someone is feeling better... and in the mood for arson." Mai quietly snickered as a nearby shrub had also caught on fire and was being reduced to burnt tinder. "Just don't set out tent on fire."
Zuko eyed the burning shrub, as if it actively defied him by burning. "Hmmph. We don't need a tent, do we?"
"You want to sleep in the open, where everyone can see you?" Mai stared, "Where they can watch you sleep...?"
"I've it done before. But I take it you haven't." He gave her a teasing smile before returning to the saddle to help with the other supplies, since he actually could this time. It felt like months had passed since he was actually useful.
Toph took her turn jumping off, happy to be in the dirt once more. "I got the tents again!" She stated happily, shifting her stance before pausing. "Actually, we might not have to camp out. There's a town near."
"A town this close to a campsite? Well, I guess that works for us! How far, Toph?" Katara was suddenly in bright spirits as she thought about sleeping in a bed instead on of the ground.
"Half a mile." She turned, pointed to west side. Trees covered any evidence of her statement, but Aang didn't even think of doubting her. "Nice. Think you can go a little further, Appa? They'll have fruit!" He patted the bison's head.
"Poor Appa, I bet he is exhausted. Aang, why don't we walk if it is only half a mile? It won't take very long." Katara ad Sokka tossed their bags back into the saddle as Mai sighed. She was sore from flying, sleeping on the ground, and now she had to walk?
"Ah, you're right." Aang felt slightly guilty for trying to push the bison further, but he resolved to make it up to his animal guide with an air brushing later. Toph bent a mass of dirt over the fire pit, extinguishing the flame as they moved onward.
Suki joined Sokka, placing her hand in his. "It will be nice to sleep indoors, won't it?" She snuck a kiss on his cheek, as Appa grunting behind them. It seemed a peaceful walk, until they sighed the first buildings, earth style buildings with the fire nation symbol painted on each of them.
"Uh oh... looks like not all the colonies were surrendered peacefully. I don't see anything on fire..." Sokka narrowed his eyes, gazing ahead to see if people were in the streets or if maybe the village was abandoned.
Zuko clenched his fists, now on alert as he marched forward. He suspected there would be resistance to his orders, and was prepared to deal with any defiance. If there were remaining soldiers, they wouldn't be there for long. A pained cry gave evidence of a population, as a group of soldiers gathered in the center of town, beating a single captured young earth woman.
Zuko was not alone in his march, as Sokka and Katara followed his strong example. They let him lead, appearing every bit the strong ruler he struggled to exemplify. Mai stood by his side, already reaching into her robe for a set of daggers clipped to her thin waist.
Zuko hastened his pace once he saw an innocent being tormented, running ahead to block a soldier from delivering a punch. He grabbed the man's arm, spinning him a circle and gaining the attention of the rest. "This ends now. All of you will answer for defying the firelord's orders. This town was to be released."
A soldier stepped forward, barrel-chested with armor that showed a veteran's battle scars. He smirked, showing off a disfiguring mark across his jawline. "Well look who we have here... a little boy come to save the garbage?" Two others chuckled, bearing swords on long chains. "Maybe he would like to join them."
Zuko readied his stance, shooting a trail of flame from both fists to swirl above them, licking at their plated helms. "Think again. I am firelord Zuko. Where is your commander?!" Aang stood back with the others, knowing Zuko had to be the one to stand against the soldiers, if he was to tighten his grip on his errant forces. But he was ready to intervene if it became necessary.
"You mean exiled prince Zuko! You don't have even half the flame of your father, Firelord Ozai." The soldier stood tall, sizing up Zuko and deciding he could break the child if he became a nuisance. Maybe he would do it just for fun, either way. "I command this colony and its forces. Now step aside, kid."
Zuko growled, as some of the soldiers snickered, whispering to each other about how the supposed fire lord wasn't even wearing proper fire clothing, but rather rags from the earth kingdom. The young woman took advantage of the distraction, hastily running away towards the avatar, feeling safer with him then with firebenders. "If you think my flame is so dim, then you won't fear a demonstration. There's a clearing half a mile from here."
"Agni Kai? Hah, I guess the rumors are true. You'll throw down with anyone who even disagrees with you! Eager to have another scar, then?" The soldier cracked his knuckles, "Why wait? This as good an arena as any."
"Looking for an excuse to burn the village out of spite? I don't think so." Zuko narrowed his eyes, keeping the commander and all of his wise cracking men in sight. 'Keep calm, keep control. Make him want to leave town borders.' "Seems you're afraid to fight without hostages around."
"Hostages? You mean that little bitch who cowers behind your bald-headed friend?" The commander snorted, flames appearing in his clenched fists. "Entertainment, that is all she ever was. Her sisters were very entertaining too, weren't they?" He leered at her, knowingly, with a twisted grin. "They screamed so loud and all you did was hide. This entire village is full of cowards."
The woman let out a strangled sob, kneeling on ground brokenly, and it nearly drove Aang to blow the the commander into a tree trunk. Zuko grit his teeth, but he wouldn't let the man goad into throwing the first fireball, not here. Even now every window in view was crowded by the faces of residents curious enough to peer outside. Too many that could get hurt or killed. "Says the coward who refuses to fight." This caused some whispering behind the commanders back, much to Zuko's delight. Maybe this would embarrass the man enough to come to the chosen battle site.
Zuko greatly misjudged the commander, and the whispering of his own men drove the firebender to strike. A swift, powerful fist punch erupted into a blazing fireball that nearly burned Zuko's travel-stained clothing. The commander grinned, self-assured that he would emerge victorious, and spread his feet further apart.
'Fuck.' Was all the firelord thought as he dodged the flaming sphere, displeased that he couldn't get the commander to relocate, but the fight had started and he couldn't stop without losing any hope of gaining the squad's respect. 'Bastard...he knows I'll be holding back, and he won't even try!' He sneered, retaliating with a fire arc toward the commander’s feet. 'Don't lose sight of the building. Don't let your flame get to close.' The remaining soldiers fixated on Aang and those around him, making sure they didn't interfere with the sacred Agni Kai.
The commander was a veteran of war, conditioning himself mentally and physically to meet any enemy on the field of battle. Zuko's attack was slow and predictable, and he jumped as the arc passed while moving his foot in a slicing arc that changed into a broad wall of fire. "Weak, just like your pathetic uncle! Did he teach you to fight?!" None of the others moved, on either side, watching with unblinking eyes.
'Ignore his words, focus on his stance. Predict his moves.' Indeed, Iroh had taught him not only firebending forms, but to keep a steady head during it too. He would not be like Xhou. He blocked the wall, using his own fire to collide and send it upwards to dissipate both attacks. 'And do not lose sight of the buildings.'
Iroh watched from the safety of the others, scrutinizing Zuko's form and finding no flaw. 'He has learned much, but what about treachery? This man will not fight honorably.'
Zuko grew increasingly frustrated as more blows were exchanged, as half his concentration was devoted to keeping the homes clear of fire. He suspected the commander was toying with him to wear him down, saving his energy for a massive strike. Minutes were ticking by, and victory seemed to be slipping out his grasp, despite his best efforts.
Unseen to Zuko, a soldier disappeared from the squad as he and the commander attacked, deflected, and attacked again. Now he approached from Zuko's blind spot, a service dagger in hand, ready to plunge it into the young firelord's back. The commander grinned, nodding to the soldier, and they both leaped at the same time. Fire from ahead, and steel from behind.
Zuko was prepared for the attack from the front, again using his own to cancel out the force, but he didn't expect a second opponent to knock him from behind. A sharp sting was felt as metal slid between two back ribs, piercing a lung. Immediately jumped away from both of them, keeping him both in sight as he stepped back. Pain exploded in his chest, his breathing diminished to half as blood leaked both outside and in his body. 'Hurts to breath...can't lose, can't die. Can't let them get away with this.' The other soldiers grinned as they readied stances against the avatar and his companions, already believing the Agni Kai was over, even as Zuko still stood. They thought it was only a matter of seconds...but Zuko refused to give.
He still had one lung, enough breath before pain over came him, if he could figure out a finishing attack. His mind raced, reviewing every form uncle taught him, whether he mastered it or not. But none of them would have enough power to defeat both men that stood before him. 'Can't lose...' He was growing desperate, his vision wavering ever so slightly, his hearing becoming distorted.
He could hear shouting, Aang speaking out with anger in his voice. 'Zuko! Dance with me!' A memory stood out, rather recent, of their visit to the long forgotten island, and thier specticular encounter. 'The dragons....they showed...' He remembered clearly the tornado of fire, flames in every color under the sun. It was during that display that the dragons imparted their wisdom, both visually and mentally. New firebending forms, unused by humans for centuries...
'Untested...don't know what will happen...' But instinctively he knew he could control it, it was his to command. A bloody cough escaped, ignored as he inhaled deeply, moving his feet into position. Time seemed to speed up as he performed the move, heat building up in his torso before being expelled out with the final movement. A stream of fire raced toward the commander and bladesman, morphing into the shape of a dragon with a ear piercing roar that stopped everybody in their tracks. The fiery dragon dove for the feet, and inexplicably lifting the two off as it catapulted straight up into the air. The dragon seemed to dance in a ball, the soldiers within twisting and turning every which way as they reach nearly thirty feet in the air. The dragon form dissipated, and both men were returned to the ground, compliments of gravity.
Both men landed with a sickening crunch, ensuring broken bones would compliment their multitude of burns. Only their soft groans and whimpers could be heard, pain wracking their every nerve and fiber of being. The Agni Kai was finished, but the victor was still unclear as blood stained Zuko's clothes. Would both firelord and commander die? Katara watched, hands shaking, both in fear of the powerful display she witnessed and for the young man's injuries. "Aang... help him..." Sokka held an arm out, keeping his sister from rushing ahead. "Wait, this isn't over yet."
Zuko sank to his knees, energy spent and coughing out blood. He was barely aware of his surroundings, the world blurred and spinning. 'Damn...still lost. No more...breath...'
The remaining soldiers looked from their commander to Zuko, some gripping weapons while the others put them down in uncertainty. The battle was undecided, even though the duel was over. A shadow grew over Zuko when Iroh suddenly stepped in front of him, already in battle stance and determined. He snorted, nostrils flaring with fire, "Your commander broke the rules of Agni Kai, and now he lay in the dirt and you still question who is victorious? There is no glory is choosing to side with a coward!"
Zuko found himself laying on the ground, without memory of doing so, his wavering gaze drifting toward Iroh and the armored men. The soldiers looked to each other wordlessly, each considering the consequences before dropping their weapons and bowing submissively. Aang burst forward now that the soldiers posed no threat, dragging Katara with him to Zuko's side as the firebender exhaled weakly, and grew still.
Katara slid to her knees beside Zuko, hands moving frantically as she ripped apart the tunic that was caked with blood and dirt around his sucking wound. He fought so valiantly, for no other reason than to stop innocents from suffering, and now his life was fading. Through rasping breaths she could feel him fighting, refusing to give up. Sokka could do nothing but watch, stunned, 'How could anyone deny he is the Firelord? The only guy who won't give up...'
With a smooth gesture, Katara emptied her water skin, bending the liquid into a thin stream as she focused on the wound. The tiny stream flowed into the gaping injury, soothing and cooling every nerve it touched. Summoning all her energy, Katara placed both hands on Zuko's back and used her healing skill to breathe life back into him. 'Please work... please work...'
Mai watched, almost detached, feeling so much turmoil inside she couldn't express it. Was Zuko really dying?
Aang rubbed his hands together nervously, hating the feeling of being useless while a friend was in danger. The air seemed colder, drawing a shiver from the airbender before realization struck, and he jerked his gaze upward. It was dark. While their attention was focused on the Agni Kai and the commander deception, the sunset had run it's course and now the moon and stars dominated the sky. "...Night. It's night."
Iroh cleared the streets of soldiers, taking their weapons and melting them into a pile of metal and flaming scraps of cloth and leather. Rumor quickly spread through the village, about a young scarred man who stood up to the soldiers who stole, beat, and raped defenseless people for months on end. He came with dragons, burning the soldiers into submission, and even summoned the Avatar to his side. Now a waterbender queen was striving to save his life.
The governor's voice was lost in a cavalcade of droning and buzzing that filled Captain Jee's ears, ever since the third meeting that morning and all through the day. Even during lunch he couldn't focus, head swimming with one issue after another, and he suddenly realized it was no wonder Ozai went insane. He sat stiffly, feeling a dull stab between his shoulders. 'More of this and I will go insane, too.' "I heard enough of your request. IT will be placed under consideration by the budget committee."
"Just consideration? This is vital to the residents of Conoco island? We can we ever have a lifestyle as good as the mainland if these changes don't go through? I implore you-" He was interrupted when Chai burst through the doorway. "Ah, sorry to interrupt, but there's an urgent report out here." A young soldier followed the announcer, carrying a wrapped scroll adorned with three ribbons.
Jee held up a hand, effectively dismissing the governor, and rising to accept the scroll. Only the most important messages were sent with three ribbons, often indicating news or orders from the Firelord himself. "When did this arrive?"
Chai made sure the governor left before pulling the door shut tightly, locking it to prevent unwanted ears. The Soldier kneeled as Jee approached, his expression dark, already knowing what was written. "Half an hour ago, from our intelligence that remained in Ba Sing Se. They say...Firelord Zuko was assassinated, right in the Earth King's palace."
Jee sneered, grasping the scroll and ripping off the ribbons. he unraveled it, reading the parchment for himself, before slowly lowering it from his eyes. "No... I refuse to believe Firelord Zuko, who defeated Azula, was killed by those filthy earthbenders! Who delivered this report? Go back to them and make sure it is accurate?"
"The messenger hawk came straight from Ba Sing Se. We can send another agent to verify, but it will take some time to travel, Commander Jee." The soldier paused, looking a little uneasy. "But...it would explain why we haven't word from the firelord himself."
"Nothing has been verified, and until it is you are to speak of this to no one!" Jee grunted, feeling his muscles tense. If Zuko truly died then the throne sat empty, and he envisioned the civil war that would follow as one person after another tried to claim it.
"Yes sir." The soldier bowed his head, quickly ducking out of the room as soon as Chai opened it for him. The announcer paused, looking deeply worried as he fixed his gaze on Jee. "I take it....clear all meeting from the schedule for the time being?"
Jee grunted in approval, briefly nodding as he sat down again. The desk before him was long, heavy, dark, and stacked with scrolls of commoners begging for the Firelord's attention. If Zuko was really dead, whose attention would they now beg? "Chai, join me for a drink. We could both use one."
Chai watched him, equally distressed about the situation, and thinking about Zuko's living relatives. "A drink won't fix this."
"No, but it might be the last chance we have to enjoy quiet before civil war erupts. Are you skilled with any weapons, Chai? Are you a firebender?"
Chai shook his head, now following without hesitating. Their only saving grace at the moment that that only a handful of people were aware, and each of them swearing to secretecy. "Not unless Origami counts."
"Somehow I don't think that will intimidate anyone. We have a lot to worry about." Jee left the table and its many scrolls, hands folded behind his back. The weight on his shoulders felt tenfold, now. "Not a word about what you heard is to leave that room. No one can know of this until we are certain... I need to see a body before I believe that!"
The few bodyguards that stood inside nodded at Jees's instructions, and Chai fingered his clothing. From what he understood, the firelord was traveling with the avatar, who should have kept him safe. Unless the avatar betrayed Zuko, sharing in the worlds hate for the fire nation. "And the avatar? Will he be welcome if he returns alone?"
"Avatar Aang was welcomed in this court by Firelord Zuko, and even in death I would not defy his orders." Jee lead the way into a room used for waiting guests, striding to the self-serve bar and pouring two small glasses of fire wine. "Aang wouldn't kill him."
"Because he's a monk?" Chai took one cup, staring into the deep red liquid. "I'm not to sure, myself."
"Because he is the Avatar, maintaining balance is his sacred duty. Killing Zuko would throw the world into disarray the likes of which you have never seen." Jee drained the cup, letting the liquid burn down his throat. It was welcome relief from the long day. "You worked in the palace all your life. I don't expect you to know about war."
Chai sipped at the wine, sighing deeply. "No, I have not seen war, the kind of which you speak, but I have seen the royal family. That was a war of another kind."
"Ozai and Azula... black marks I wish could be erased." He held no fear of talking unfavorably about their former ruler. "But what do you know of Zuko? He is different than the boy who was exiled... and yet, not entirely changed. Honor runs deep in that boy."
"Zuko....has no idea what's he's doing." He widened his eyes, realizing how that seemed. "I mean, he is a better firelord then the previous, and the reforms he's making are marvelous!" He gripped the glass, hoping Jee wouldn't slay him on the spot. "What my point was....he was never proper groomed for the position."
"I'm not going to kill you for speaking, Chai. There is no need to grovel at Zuko's feet if he isn't here." Jee poured himself another cup before retiring to a lounge chair, swirling the dark liquid as he thought aloud, "Difficult to groom someone when they have been exiled, don't you think?"
"Ozai wasn't interested even before that." He relaxed slightly, thinking that Jee wasn't that bad of someone to talk to. "But as a result, and source of some concern, he has no concept of the darker side of ruling. He won't think of watching his back until there's a knife already in it."
"He will learn, and it will be a painful lesson. Zuko's protection is from the Avatar, at least for now." Jee chuckled at his own sick humor, "The only royal who isn't a conniving bastard and he'll die form innocence."
"And that, dear Jee, is the definition of irony." He held out his cup for a toast, to either finding the firelord's death true, or the countless times to come of Zuko having his behind kicked by aspiring assassins.
"Irony... what a shitty idea." Jee tipped his cup in a toast, shocking Chai with sudden 'sailor language' within the royal walls. "I'm going to lay down until this rumor is confirmed or denied."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chai had reluctantly pulled himself out of bed the next morning, reminding himself that even if civil war was impend or not, he had a duty to perform. He was starting to regret continuing on with a private party once leaving the palace walls, draining his personal entertainment bar by himself. Now, with a pounding headache and bloodshot eyes, he shuffled a pile of papers around until Jee arrived to perform as acting lord.
Chai didn’t wait long before Jee arrived, dressed in naval uniform since he didn't yet schedule an appointment with the palace tailor for an outfit more fitting his new station. "Chai... a little too much to drink?"
"Or not enough. I can't decide." Chai muttered. "First appointment...some guy who wants to paint our boats different colors. Then someone who wants more money. Then someone complaining about the roads. Then someone who wants more money. After that is someone who wants a new place to live and more money at the same time."
"Dismiss all of them... the answer is no. This nation grew fat on spoils of war, they can stand to learn how to live without eating roasted duck every night." Jee already felt a headache coming as he sat behind the desk. The pain between his shoulders was back. "Any word about our missing Firelord?"
Chai sat down on a painted wicker chair, stationed a few feet away from the throne doorway. "...No."
"You're beginning to worry. Maybe you are human after all, and not just a door man." Jee rubbed his temple before unrolling one of the scrolls, briefly reading it with disinterest.
Chai brushed some hair out of his face, wondering just how they would spend the day. It seemed to tense for trivial bickering and pleading from city officials. "Some of the those are from the sages. They've taken the liberty of preparing a harem."
"A harem for a boy who isn't even eighteen? They are desperate... maybe they sensed this would happen." Jee shook his head, "Fools, every last one of them."
Chai finally rose, walking through the doorway to await the first appointment and inform them of the cancellation. A mere three minutes passed before Chai returned inside, his face growing pale. "We....have a problem."
"You mean another problem." Jee grumbled, watching the man as minutes passed. "Well?"
"Ten of the fifteen nobles are requesting an audience with you. All of them are waiting outside." The only time the Firelord met with nobles, as a group, was when the nation was undergoing major changes. The fact that a majority of them showed up suddenly suggested they knew something that wasn't supposed to be known yet.
Jee felt his chest tighten, knowing the rumors had to have spread if so many houses were waiting for an audience at once. Rising, he straightened his armor and paused. "Then it begins. Go find my crew, tell them to secure the palace. I want every guard on station and ready."
Chai disappeared though the doorway again,allowing the waiting group access before departing to carry out the orders. Ten finely dressed men and women filed in before the door was sealed, keeping the coming conversation sealed. A wrinkled elder with graying hair spoke first, holding up a rolled scroll. "We received some heavy news this morning. We all had scrolls delivered to our doorstep."
"The only scrolls I have seen are governors and lords asking for more land and money. What is on the scrolls that were delivered to you and your fellows?" Jee stiffly asked, face expressionless.
The elder huffed, crossing his arms. "I find it hard to believe you don't already know. These are copies of the intelligence report you received yesterday. We are without a firelord."
Jee suppressed a sneer, making note to interrogate the operative later. "You know the laws of succession. The throne remains occupied until death is confirmed by a member of the royal family or an appointed officer. Until then this is just rumor."
"I think you're stalling." The man stared fiercely at Jee. "You have no proof of life, either, and the Fire nation cannot go without a leader at this critical time."
"I was appointed acting firelord in Zuko's absence, and until he returns I will not forfeit that duty! Dare you question his rule? I would be happy to inform him when he returns..."
"His decisions mean nothing if he's dead." Another noble spoke out, siding with the gray haired elder. "And if he's not dead, wouldn't he have sent word by now?"
"Extenuating circumstances may exist." Jee said, flatly, unimpressed by the nobles even though the threat they presented was very real. Zuko trusted him for a reason, and now he had to prove that trust was not misplaced. "Who would you have take the throne? There is no one else."
"Wrong. There is Azula, who was meant to take the throne in the first place!" Half of the nobles stared at the speak with wide eyes, surprised at this suggestion. Not all of them felt the same confidence about the girl returning.
"Azula was in power for less than one week and she dismissed half of the royal court. She is mentally unstable and unfit for the throne!" Jee exclaimed, now looking to the others, "And would you reinstate Ozai? The man who sought to set tall the world on fire?"
"What's so wrong with setting the world on fire?" The gray elder asked, and another noble shook her head. An elderly woman, appearing kind yet firm. "Azula isn't the best choice. Ozai would have us all executed for allowing him to be imprisoned." "Then that leaves Iroh..." Yet another spoke out.
"General Iroh had an opportunity to seize the throne when Ozai was imprisoned, and showed no interest. He is retired." Jee cleared his throat, "You fret about speculation when half the world calls for our blood. is this the example nobles set for common people?"
"Watch yourself. Don't think you can make fools out us." The elder spoke, waving a withered finger. "How long do you think you can last as a placeholder?!" "This is not a time for issuing threat, Dai Chin." The woman stated, meeting Jee's gaze. "We are here to discuss all possibilities. It's obvious this news was leaked by someone...if it continued on to general public...."
"If it continued to the general public then we also have a problem with traitors." Jee sighed, knowing this discussion would take hours. "Those of you calm enough to speak as informed adults, and not panicked children, follow me into the war room."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sun was setting again, following the same pattern since the Avatar and his friends left Ba Sing Se. Appa huffed as he landed, tired from a full day of traveling, choosing a spot nested deep in an Earth kingdom forest. There was a convenient clearing, a site that appeared used for camping many times over, a pit in the center even holding tinder leftover from the last visitors.
Zuko was the first to jump out, walking over to the pit, looking it over. The dried moss and wood chips for ripe for burning, and it was already surround by rocks to prevent spreading. Zuko smirked, and with a flick of a finger a fire erupted as a ten foot pillar of glowing flame, illuminating the entire site and then fading into a normal sized campfire. Finally, after several days of rest, it seemed the affects of the poison were finally gone. 'Hows that for cold, uncle!?'
"Someone is feeling better... and in the mood for arson." Mai quietly snickered as a nearby shrub had also caught on fire and was being reduced to burnt tinder. "Just don't set out tent on fire."
Zuko eyed the burning shrub, as if it actively defied him by burning. "Hmmph. We don't need a tent, do we?"
"You want to sleep in the open, where everyone can see you?" Mai stared, "Where they can watch you sleep...?"
"I've it done before. But I take it you haven't." He gave her a teasing smile before returning to the saddle to help with the other supplies, since he actually could this time. It felt like months had passed since he was actually useful.
Toph took her turn jumping off, happy to be in the dirt once more. "I got the tents again!" She stated happily, shifting her stance before pausing. "Actually, we might not have to camp out. There's a town near."
"A town this close to a campsite? Well, I guess that works for us! How far, Toph?" Katara was suddenly in bright spirits as she thought about sleeping in a bed instead on of the ground.
"Half a mile." She turned, pointed to west side. Trees covered any evidence of her statement, but Aang didn't even think of doubting her. "Nice. Think you can go a little further, Appa? They'll have fruit!" He patted the bison's head.
"Poor Appa, I bet he is exhausted. Aang, why don't we walk if it is only half a mile? It won't take very long." Katara ad Sokka tossed their bags back into the saddle as Mai sighed. She was sore from flying, sleeping on the ground, and now she had to walk?
"Ah, you're right." Aang felt slightly guilty for trying to push the bison further, but he resolved to make it up to his animal guide with an air brushing later. Toph bent a mass of dirt over the fire pit, extinguishing the flame as they moved onward.
Suki joined Sokka, placing her hand in his. "It will be nice to sleep indoors, won't it?" She snuck a kiss on his cheek, as Appa grunting behind them. It seemed a peaceful walk, until they sighed the first buildings, earth style buildings with the fire nation symbol painted on each of them.
"Uh oh... looks like not all the colonies were surrendered peacefully. I don't see anything on fire..." Sokka narrowed his eyes, gazing ahead to see if people were in the streets or if maybe the village was abandoned.
Zuko clenched his fists, now on alert as he marched forward. He suspected there would be resistance to his orders, and was prepared to deal with any defiance. If there were remaining soldiers, they wouldn't be there for long. A pained cry gave evidence of a population, as a group of soldiers gathered in the center of town, beating a single captured young earth woman.
Zuko was not alone in his march, as Sokka and Katara followed his strong example. They let him lead, appearing every bit the strong ruler he struggled to exemplify. Mai stood by his side, already reaching into her robe for a set of daggers clipped to her thin waist.
Zuko hastened his pace once he saw an innocent being tormented, running ahead to block a soldier from delivering a punch. He grabbed the man's arm, spinning him a circle and gaining the attention of the rest. "This ends now. All of you will answer for defying the firelord's orders. This town was to be released."
A soldier stepped forward, barrel-chested with armor that showed a veteran's battle scars. He smirked, showing off a disfiguring mark across his jawline. "Well look who we have here... a little boy come to save the garbage?" Two others chuckled, bearing swords on long chains. "Maybe he would like to join them."
Zuko readied his stance, shooting a trail of flame from both fists to swirl above them, licking at their plated helms. "Think again. I am firelord Zuko. Where is your commander?!" Aang stood back with the others, knowing Zuko had to be the one to stand against the soldiers, if he was to tighten his grip on his errant forces. But he was ready to intervene if it became necessary.
"You mean exiled prince Zuko! You don't have even half the flame of your father, Firelord Ozai." The soldier stood tall, sizing up Zuko and deciding he could break the child if he became a nuisance. Maybe he would do it just for fun, either way. "I command this colony and its forces. Now step aside, kid."
Zuko growled, as some of the soldiers snickered, whispering to each other about how the supposed fire lord wasn't even wearing proper fire clothing, but rather rags from the earth kingdom. The young woman took advantage of the distraction, hastily running away towards the avatar, feeling safer with him then with firebenders. "If you think my flame is so dim, then you won't fear a demonstration. There's a clearing half a mile from here."
"Agni Kai? Hah, I guess the rumors are true. You'll throw down with anyone who even disagrees with you! Eager to have another scar, then?" The soldier cracked his knuckles, "Why wait? This as good an arena as any."
"Looking for an excuse to burn the village out of spite? I don't think so." Zuko narrowed his eyes, keeping the commander and all of his wise cracking men in sight. 'Keep calm, keep control. Make him want to leave town borders.' "Seems you're afraid to fight without hostages around."
"Hostages? You mean that little bitch who cowers behind your bald-headed friend?" The commander snorted, flames appearing in his clenched fists. "Entertainment, that is all she ever was. Her sisters were very entertaining too, weren't they?" He leered at her, knowingly, with a twisted grin. "They screamed so loud and all you did was hide. This entire village is full of cowards."
The woman let out a strangled sob, kneeling on ground brokenly, and it nearly drove Aang to blow the the commander into a tree trunk. Zuko grit his teeth, but he wouldn't let the man goad into throwing the first fireball, not here. Even now every window in view was crowded by the faces of residents curious enough to peer outside. Too many that could get hurt or killed. "Says the coward who refuses to fight." This caused some whispering behind the commanders back, much to Zuko's delight. Maybe this would embarrass the man enough to come to the chosen battle site.
Zuko greatly misjudged the commander, and the whispering of his own men drove the firebender to strike. A swift, powerful fist punch erupted into a blazing fireball that nearly burned Zuko's travel-stained clothing. The commander grinned, self-assured that he would emerge victorious, and spread his feet further apart.
'Fuck.' Was all the firelord thought as he dodged the flaming sphere, displeased that he couldn't get the commander to relocate, but the fight had started and he couldn't stop without losing any hope of gaining the squad's respect. 'Bastard...he knows I'll be holding back, and he won't even try!' He sneered, retaliating with a fire arc toward the commander’s feet. 'Don't lose sight of the building. Don't let your flame get to close.' The remaining soldiers fixated on Aang and those around him, making sure they didn't interfere with the sacred Agni Kai.
The commander was a veteran of war, conditioning himself mentally and physically to meet any enemy on the field of battle. Zuko's attack was slow and predictable, and he jumped as the arc passed while moving his foot in a slicing arc that changed into a broad wall of fire. "Weak, just like your pathetic uncle! Did he teach you to fight?!" None of the others moved, on either side, watching with unblinking eyes.
'Ignore his words, focus on his stance. Predict his moves.' Indeed, Iroh had taught him not only firebending forms, but to keep a steady head during it too. He would not be like Xhou. He blocked the wall, using his own fire to collide and send it upwards to dissipate both attacks. 'And do not lose sight of the buildings.'
Iroh watched from the safety of the others, scrutinizing Zuko's form and finding no flaw. 'He has learned much, but what about treachery? This man will not fight honorably.'
Zuko grew increasingly frustrated as more blows were exchanged, as half his concentration was devoted to keeping the homes clear of fire. He suspected the commander was toying with him to wear him down, saving his energy for a massive strike. Minutes were ticking by, and victory seemed to be slipping out his grasp, despite his best efforts.
Unseen to Zuko, a soldier disappeared from the squad as he and the commander attacked, deflected, and attacked again. Now he approached from Zuko's blind spot, a service dagger in hand, ready to plunge it into the young firelord's back. The commander grinned, nodding to the soldier, and they both leaped at the same time. Fire from ahead, and steel from behind.
Zuko was prepared for the attack from the front, again using his own to cancel out the force, but he didn't expect a second opponent to knock him from behind. A sharp sting was felt as metal slid between two back ribs, piercing a lung. Immediately jumped away from both of them, keeping him both in sight as he stepped back. Pain exploded in his chest, his breathing diminished to half as blood leaked both outside and in his body. 'Hurts to breath...can't lose, can't die. Can't let them get away with this.' The other soldiers grinned as they readied stances against the avatar and his companions, already believing the Agni Kai was over, even as Zuko still stood. They thought it was only a matter of seconds...but Zuko refused to give.
He still had one lung, enough breath before pain over came him, if he could figure out a finishing attack. His mind raced, reviewing every form uncle taught him, whether he mastered it or not. But none of them would have enough power to defeat both men that stood before him. 'Can't lose...' He was growing desperate, his vision wavering ever so slightly, his hearing becoming distorted.
He could hear shouting, Aang speaking out with anger in his voice. 'Zuko! Dance with me!' A memory stood out, rather recent, of their visit to the long forgotten island, and thier specticular encounter. 'The dragons....they showed...' He remembered clearly the tornado of fire, flames in every color under the sun. It was during that display that the dragons imparted their wisdom, both visually and mentally. New firebending forms, unused by humans for centuries...
'Untested...don't know what will happen...' But instinctively he knew he could control it, it was his to command. A bloody cough escaped, ignored as he inhaled deeply, moving his feet into position. Time seemed to speed up as he performed the move, heat building up in his torso before being expelled out with the final movement. A stream of fire raced toward the commander and bladesman, morphing into the shape of a dragon with a ear piercing roar that stopped everybody in their tracks. The fiery dragon dove for the feet, and inexplicably lifting the two off as it catapulted straight up into the air. The dragon seemed to dance in a ball, the soldiers within twisting and turning every which way as they reach nearly thirty feet in the air. The dragon form dissipated, and both men were returned to the ground, compliments of gravity.
Both men landed with a sickening crunch, ensuring broken bones would compliment their multitude of burns. Only their soft groans and whimpers could be heard, pain wracking their every nerve and fiber of being. The Agni Kai was finished, but the victor was still unclear as blood stained Zuko's clothes. Would both firelord and commander die? Katara watched, hands shaking, both in fear of the powerful display she witnessed and for the young man's injuries. "Aang... help him..." Sokka held an arm out, keeping his sister from rushing ahead. "Wait, this isn't over yet."
Zuko sank to his knees, energy spent and coughing out blood. He was barely aware of his surroundings, the world blurred and spinning. 'Damn...still lost. No more...breath...'
The remaining soldiers looked from their commander to Zuko, some gripping weapons while the others put them down in uncertainty. The battle was undecided, even though the duel was over. A shadow grew over Zuko when Iroh suddenly stepped in front of him, already in battle stance and determined. He snorted, nostrils flaring with fire, "Your commander broke the rules of Agni Kai, and now he lay in the dirt and you still question who is victorious? There is no glory is choosing to side with a coward!"
Zuko found himself laying on the ground, without memory of doing so, his wavering gaze drifting toward Iroh and the armored men. The soldiers looked to each other wordlessly, each considering the consequences before dropping their weapons and bowing submissively. Aang burst forward now that the soldiers posed no threat, dragging Katara with him to Zuko's side as the firebender exhaled weakly, and grew still.
Katara slid to her knees beside Zuko, hands moving frantically as she ripped apart the tunic that was caked with blood and dirt around his sucking wound. He fought so valiantly, for no other reason than to stop innocents from suffering, and now his life was fading. Through rasping breaths she could feel him fighting, refusing to give up. Sokka could do nothing but watch, stunned, 'How could anyone deny he is the Firelord? The only guy who won't give up...'
With a smooth gesture, Katara emptied her water skin, bending the liquid into a thin stream as she focused on the wound. The tiny stream flowed into the gaping injury, soothing and cooling every nerve it touched. Summoning all her energy, Katara placed both hands on Zuko's back and used her healing skill to breathe life back into him. 'Please work... please work...'
Mai watched, almost detached, feeling so much turmoil inside she couldn't express it. Was Zuko really dying?
Aang rubbed his hands together nervously, hating the feeling of being useless while a friend was in danger. The air seemed colder, drawing a shiver from the airbender before realization struck, and he jerked his gaze upward. It was dark. While their attention was focused on the Agni Kai and the commander deception, the sunset had run it's course and now the moon and stars dominated the sky. "...Night. It's night."
Iroh cleared the streets of soldiers, taking their weapons and melting them into a pile of metal and flaming scraps of cloth and leather. Rumor quickly spread through the village, about a young scarred man who stood up to the soldiers who stole, beat, and raped defenseless people for months on end. He came with dragons, burning the soldiers into submission, and even summoned the Avatar to his side. Now a waterbender queen was striving to save his life.