Story Summary: 5 years after Avatar Korra and her friends defeated the Equalist leader, Amon aka Noatok, Republic City seems so have climbed the ladder of peace, equality and lower crime. Having become a fully realized Avatar, mastering all four elements and the Avatar State, Korra has been getting much more attention from the world. Now, the new Fire Lord has requested an audience with Korra but had not specified why. Korra, along with Mako, Asami and Tahno, head to the Fire Nation to meet with the Fire Lord and to find out the reason behind the unusual word of invite.
Chapter 1: The Arrival in the Fire Nation
Mako stood by the door, staring at the water tribe girl as she stood silently at the railings of the ship. He watched as she looked up at the starry night sky that acted as a backdrop to his view of her. He clenched his fist, fighting the urge to go up to her and hold her in his arms again. He knew she wouldn't like that. He looked down for just a second, but when he looked back up, he saw him standing next to her. Mako gritted his teeth, thinking to himself, maybe it's time I went to bed, and turned on his heel. "It hurts, doesn't it?" Mako's heart skipped a beat as the face of his ex-girlfriend stood in his way. "Doesn't it, Mako?" Asami Sato, ex-heiress to Future Industries, current President of Generation Technologies. Mako didn't say a word. Instead, he looked to the ground, avoiding Asami's gaze. "I know it was a long time ago, but…" Asami paused for a second before continuing, "That's how I felt too. When I saw you look at her the way you used to look at me. The way you were so overprotective over her. I felt like my heart was tearing itself apart, Mako, I felt like I couldn't breathe." She could see the tears welling up in his eyes even though he had turned to look away from her. "But I got over it, and you will too." She patted his chest lightly and smiled. "You should go and get some rest, Captain Mako." Asami turned around and walked down the hallway of the ship back to her room. Mako still couldn't move. He stood there silently until he heard Asami's footsteps fade and the faint sound of a door closing. Only then did Mako react, shooting flames from his fist before walking away. He turned his head only slightly back to look at the girl at the railings. She didn't even move a muscle. Typical, he thought, and retreated back to his room.
"We should be docking in the morning." Korra nudged the water bender beside her.
"You don't sound excited." He replied indifferently. "Well… You kinda sound like me when I talk to Bolin." Korra glared at him and he simply gave a laugh. "I'm kidding, about the Bolin thing. But you don't sound like you should."
"How do you want me to react, Tahno? The Fire Lord requested an audience with me. That's a big thing." Korra sighed. "I'm just a girl."
"Yeah, I don't know why either." Tahno turned around and leaned his back against the railings. "I don't get what's so special about you." Korra couldn't help but let out a slight chuckle as Tahno gave her a cheeky smile. "Whatever. You should get to bed soon… or… I won't give you anymore of those… 'private lessons'." Tahno winked at Korra and lazily pushed away from the railings, walking his usual 'Tahno' walk back to their room. Korra's smile didn't fade as she recollected the first time they met. He made her skin crawl, the way he walked towards her in that restaurant when she was with Bolin. The happiest moment was when she kicked water in his face during the finals of the Pro-Bending Tournament. There wasn't one moment back then when she thought that she would be dating what she called a 'sleaze bender'. Korra laughed to herself and took one last look at the sky before dragging herself back to her room.
"Good morning ladies and gentlemen, we will be docking at the Fire Nation Capital in one hour." The ship captain's voice rang through the ship as he made the announcement. Mako sat at his bed only half dressed. He remembered what Bolin said to him as he boarded the ship for the Fire Nation.
"You should be excited Mako! You're going to see your cultural home!" Bolin wrapped his arms around his brother. "I'm gonna miss you, big bro." Mako laughed and hugged his baby brother back.
"I'll miss you too Bo'." But Mako didn't smile, and Bolin knew why.
"Cheer up, Mako." Bolin said as the two brothers broke out of the hug. The two looked at the two water benders at the side talking to Asami and laughing as if there was nothing wrong. "You're going to see some real Fire Nation babes! Especially if you go to Ember Island! All… Those… Beach… Babes!" Bolin didn't change at all, maybe only in physique. He was taller and leaner, ever since he joined the Police Force and learnt Metal Bending. The only thing that made him eat less and exercise more was the reinstated Chief of Police, Lin Beifong, forcing him to do so because she didn't want, according to her, 'a chunky metal bender sliding along the wires of Republic City'. "Look, just look forward to the future and get yourself a new Fire Nation BABE!"
"Yeah." Mako said indifferently as Tahno walked past him. "I'll see you when I get back, bro."
"Don't be a stranger, Mako." Bolin smiled and waved as Mako walked up the ramp to the ship.
Mako sighed, rubbing his face in his hands. He wanted to get over her, but at the same time, he felt that if he did get over her, he would lose a part of himself. Mako got up from his bed and walked to the bathroom. He washed his face and did up his hair. If there was one thing the United Forces couldn't do, it was to stop his hair from defying gravity. He walked back into his room and pulled on his shirt and uniform coat, tucking in his old red scarf, which was also, another thing the United Forces couldn't remove. "It's a new day, Mako. New country." He took in a deep breath. His gaze drifted to the dresser at the corner of his room, specifically a tiny box that stood out among the things that lay messily around it. Mako picked it up, opened it, and pulled out the necklace, holding it by one end and watched as the amulet dangled in the middle of the strap. "Time to move on right?" He sighed. "Yeah…" A small flicker sprouted at the end of the necklace. "I loved you, Korra." Flames climbed up the strap. "I still do." The strap grew shorter and shorter as the fire continued to burn it away. "I thought I was enough for you." The amulet began to char. "I guess I shouldn't wait for you to say 'yes' anymore." He released the last bit of the strap and let it float down to the ground to settle among the ashes. Mako watched as the flame died out and there was nothing else left but ashes.
"To your positions!" General Iroh II commanded as he watched the ship dock at the Fire Nation Capital. He looked up to see the visiting company, his friends, Team Avatar, and a smile stretched across his face. The ramp was lowered and the visiting party walked down to the docks, greeted by both United Forces soldiers and soldiers from the Fire Nation military. Iroh bowed slightly as they walked down towards him. "Welcome, everyone, Avatar Korra, Captain Mako, Asami Sato, and Tahno, to the Fire Nation."
"It is an honor to be here." Korra and the rest bowed back. "Will you be coming with us to the Palace, General?"
"Of course, Avatar, but first I must attend to official business. You are assured my presence at tonight's reception." Iroh motioned for them to follow him. "We have prepared your transport to the Palace. If you would follow me." Iroh guided them down the docks, his men standing in position as they walked past them. The sight of an automobile grew more prominent as they walked closer and closer to the end of the docks. But this wasn't like those made in Future Industries or the new Generation Technologies. This was much grander, with a golden dragon mounted on top of each wheel and a fire hawk symbol at the front of the automobile.
"Wow, I've never seen anything so fancy before. Not from either Future Industries or Generation Technologies." Asami exclaimed. "This is truly amazing."
"Well, my dear lady," Iroh smiled as he opened the door for Asami, "It would be my honor to bring you to see its magnificent creator once you have all settled down." Asami giggled.
"That would be very nice of you, General." Asami gave a wink and stepped into the automobile after Tahno and Korra. Iroh turned and looked at Mako who stood awkwardly at the side, arms behind his back.
"You too, Captain." Iroh motioned for Mako to enter the automobile.
"But General…"
"I insist. As long as you are a staying in the Fire Nation, you are officially off duty." Iroh and Mako exchanged smiles. Even though Iroh was his commanding officer in the field and in uniform, they were friends off duty, even though sometimes they would get a bit too chummy when they were on duty, a wonderful sight for Iroh subordinates. They respected, not feared him, and seeing his friendlier side around Mako made them all respect him more, not only as a General, but as an individual as well. "Now go." Iroh held the door open.
"Thank you." Mako saluted and stepped in.
"I will see all of you tonight." Iroh closed the door and saluted as the automobile drove towards the Fire Nation Palace.
For most of the ride, the Krew sat in silence. Most of them were taking in the sights from the window of the automobile. Korra sat nervously, she didn't know why she was nervous, but she was. Maybe it was because she's never really met a real King, well in this case, a female Fire Lord. She's been around the leaders of Republic City, and she's met the Chief of the Northern Water Tribe, yet there was something about the Fire Lord that intimidated her. Korra felt Tahno's warm hand grasp her own. He squeezed her hand, telling her to relax. Mako pretended not to see Korra and Tahno exchange smiles. He turned to look out the window. My cultural home, huh? He looked at the symbol of the Fire Nation that was plastered around. Yeah, this seems like the place. He smiled and relaxed. Asami patted his hand and smiled at him. Mako looked to her and smiled, mouthing the words, thank you. Asami simply whispered, "You're welcome." It wasn't easy for Mako and Asami to be friends after all that had happened those few years ago, but they had gotten past it and had been friends ever since.
Asami turned back to the window and she stared in awe as they approached the Fire Nation Palace. "Well, would you look at that?" Everyone turned to look at what Asami found amazing, and it was. It wasn't like the skyscrapers in Republic City. This was enormous and grand, like an entrance to another city, not just a Palace.
The gates to the Palace opened and the automobile drove in. The inside of the gates was just as, if not more, impressive than the outside gates. They drove straight into what seemed like a massive garden, almost like Republic City Park, except this was grand, with the most magnificent of flowers, rare flowers, and the most specially carved statues and fountains that rained golden water. The automobile stopped at the start of a long pavement, and the doors were opened. The Krew stepped out of the automobile and were instantly greeted by an armada of servants draped in the colors of the Fire Nation. They bowed in welcomed, speaking "Welcome to the Fire Nation Palace" in unison. The whole Krew thought of nothing but Bolin's reaction. He would have gaped in amazement and immediately order someone to do something ridiculous for him. The head footman walked towards the Krew and bowed.
"It is of the greatest honor that I welcome you, Avatar and friends. Please follow me. The Fire Lord awaits you." He stood back up straight and dragged his hand across the air and pointed it in the direction of two grand doors at the end of the pavement. At the end stood three buildings, two at the side and one in the middle. The middle one was the grandest building of all, and there, the doors stood open with small figures standing in the middle of the two open doors. The Krew followed the footman down the pavement. Asami couldn't help but be amazed. She was rich and glamorous back in Republic City, but it was nothing compared to this. Korra kept looking around her. She was soaking up everything that was happening. She was in the Fire Nation, and what more, she was in the Fire Nation Palace, surrounded by servants, and was on her way to meet the Fire Lord. Mako tugged uneasily at his uniform. He felt extremely out of place. A few years ago he was a street rat, fighting in an arena for the next day's meal. Then, he became a hero of Republic City when he fought alongside Bolin, Asami and Korra against the Equalists. Not long after that, he joined the United Forces, and under the supervision of General Iroh, he quickly rose in ranks and attained the rank of a Captain of the United Forces. Now, now he was in the Fire Nation Palace and was about to meet the Fire Lord. Yeah sure, the Fire Lord didn't want to see him specifically, she requested to see the Avatar. Yet, it was so extraordinary.
As they reached the end of the pavement, the small figures became more prominent. The Fire Lord stood there with her family by her side, her husband and two children, a daughter and another son besides Iroh. She had a face bearing almost identical resemblance to the late Fire Lady Mai, firm and strong, unyielding in every aspect. Then, she smiled, opening her arms to welcome her guests. With that one smile, her whole face changed. It was soft and understanding, accepting. The Krew stood at the bottom of the stairs to the door, bowing in respect to the Fire Nation Royal Family.
"What a glorious day it is." The Fire Lord proclaimed. "At my doorstep stands the new Avatar." She bowed her head and the rest of her family bowed. "I am honored to be in your presence, great Avatar." Standing back up, she walked down the steps. "I have dreamt of meeting you, the reincarnation of my father's oldest and dearest friend. Welcome to my humble home, Avatar Korra."
"This is far from humble." Korra chuckled. "But I am truly humbled to be in your presence Fire Lord Ursa."
"Come, we shall get acquainted inside." Fire Lord Ursa spoke. She turned and walked into the Palace, hand gently nudging her children, beaming at her husband. Korra's heart seemed lighter when she saw the Fire Lord smile. All her anxiousness slipped away. She didn't know why she was so afraid, maybe it was because of all the stories people told about the great Fire Lord, about how each and every generation of Fire Lord is all powerful. Sozin, starting the war, Ozai, almost burning the Earth Kingdom to the ground and Zuko, the Fire Lord that changed the destiny of the Fire Nation, and made it the greatest Nation in the world, the Nation that bore the icon of peace and life, and despite all his power, all his accomplishments, he chose to travel the world humbly as nothing more than an advocator for peace. Korra couldn't help but feel like nothing compared to that. Seeing a warm side of the Fire Lord, she understood that even though she was probably the best fire bender in the world and the fiercest fighter Korra would ever meet, she was also kind and compassionate.
The Krew followed the footman into the Palace, walking past paintings of the previous Fire Lords. All of them were male, not a single one was a woman until Fire Lord Ursa. It was a controversy when Zuko proclaimed his daughter the new Fire Lord, yet no one spoke against it. They knew that their Fire Lord was competent; they knew that he knew what he was doing and what he did was right for their nation. The day Fire Lord Zuko stepped down and Ursa took the reigns, the Nation celebrated. Fire Lord Zuko was loved by his people, and he raised his daughter to be loved just the same. The footman led them inside the common room area and guided them to individual seats where the royal family was already seated. Once the Krew was settled, the footman gave a bow of dismissal and stood off at a corner of a room, not disturbing the guests but in hearing distance in case he was needed.
"Avatar Korra, it is a real pleasure." Ursa said once more. "As you know, I am Fire Lord Ursa. This is my husband, Ryzu, my eldest daughter, Honora, and my youngest child and son, Kuzon." As she metioned each named, they bowed their head slightly in response. Honora was about 18 years old. She was exceptionally tall like Asami and beautiful too, as expected by the Fire Nation Princess. Kuzon was about 15. He was already tall, but definitely still growing.
"Fire Lord Ursa," Korra went back to her feet, placed her hands together and bowed. "I have heard so much of you. It is my honor to be here. There is not a chance, not a reality where I would deny an audience with one such as yourself."
"Don't be silly, Avatar Korra." Ursa smiled. "And in front of friends and family, you need not be so formal. Why, Bumi and I never used formalities, although his brother, Tenzin, always did."
"I would imagine." Korra laughed. "Are you close to Commander Bumi?"
"Sometimes I would choose to deny it, but yes, I am. He is my best friend." She looked to Mako. "You are Captain Mako, am I correct?"
Mako shot to his feet and bowed low. "Yes, I am." He stood back up. Ursa gave a laugh and motioned for him to sit. "I am in debt to your son, General Iroh. He has given me a life I never thought I would live."
"He is a gift isn't he?" Ursa sighed. "My dear boy, so big and strong now." She looked at Asami next. "Miss Sato of Generation Technologies. My son has told me much about you." She gave a cheeky smile.
"I am flattered that he has." Asami smiled. "He really is very sweet." Neither of them mentioned Asami rejecting him as a suitor. They fancied each other, but Asami hadn't made up her mind.
Nothing of importance was spoken during their time in the common room. Ursa didn't speak a word of why she had requested an audience with Korra and Korra didn't ask. She knew that when the time was right, Ursa would tell her. About an hour into exchanging welcomes and small talk, Ursa finally said, "Well, I know all of you must be very tired." She clapped her hands together. "Your luggage would have already been brought to your rooms, and our footmen and handmaids will show you too them." Ursa stood up, straightening out her robes. "Oh, and don't forget that we have a reception for you, Avatar Korra, tonight in the ballroom. I hope that everything would be to your liking."
"Thank you very much, Fire Lord Ursa." Korra and the rest of the Krew gave one last bow before exiting the room after the royal family had left.
A/N: Yeah, I know we don't know the name of Zuko's daughter, but I thought it would be nice if he named her after his mother. And the whole 'Honora' thing kinda seemed funny to me so instead of naming his daughter Honora, it would be his granddaughter, and in later chapters, Ursa will explain why. And yes, we don't know who she married and many speculate that she married Bumi. I find that a bit weird because that would mean Iroh holds a higher military rank than his own father. So yeah... Heh. And don't get your panties in a twist with the whole shipping wars. All will make sense eventually.
P.S. Asami and Iroh are dating but are not officially a couple.