Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Author's notes: This story takes place in the spring after Zuko's coronation, but before the Gaang visiting the Jasmine Dragon in Ba Sing Se. Actually, the meeting in Jasmine Dragon is in the spring after the Comet's arrival and the defeat of Ozai in my personal timeline. This story builds on the stories "The price of peace", "Foundations of a city" and "On the ice". It would be extremely helpful to read those fics first.
Spring talks
By Eva aka Pinkfox
"What's going on there?" Aang frowned at the cluster of people at one corner of the catamaran he could see through the window. He, Katara and Sokka were seated in a small cabin, reviewing proposed amendments to the peace treaty from the Fire Nation, Earth Kingdom and Northern Water Tribe.
Katara looked up from the scrolls she was studying and also frowned. "I have no idea." She stood up and headed to the small window. "It looks like someone is angry?"
Sokka joined her at the window. "What now?" He sighed.
Aang also joined them. "Let's check it out. I think we are due for a break anyway."
Together they left the small cabin and headed over to where everyone was standing around. Hakoda and Pakku were glowering at a small girl dressed in a blue parka. She was trembling and fat tears dripped down her cheeks.
Aang gently pushed his way forward, followed by Katara. "Oef!" Suddenly the little girl flung her arms around his waist and burst out in noisy sobs, burying her head in his robe. Aang instinctively wrapped his arms around her before he looked down. "Miki? What are you doing here?"
Miki didn't reply and only buried her head deeper in Aang's robe. Aang took a moment to sit down on the wooden deck and maneuvered her to sit in his lap, her head tucked away in the crook of his neck and his hand rubbing reassuringly down her back. Then he looked up. "What is going on here?"
"We found here tucked away in a corner of supply room." One of the warriors stated. "We brought her back up and called for Chief Hakoda and Master Pakku."
"She stowed away?" Katara exclaimed. "But we have been at sea for almost two weeks. We are almost in Ba Sing Se."
Aang turned his attention to Miki. "Miki, calm down." He gently shushed her and pried her head out of his robe. When she had calmed down, he asked: "Why did hide on the ship, Miki?"
Miki peeked up at him through the curtain of dark hair before her eyes. "I wanted to come with you. Tikaani and the other boys said they were going to hurt me when you and Katara left because it was my fault they had to learn healing also. And Master Pakku and Chief Hakoda and everyone else also went away."
Aang sighed. "It would have been okay, Miki. I asked Bato to keep an eye on them so they wouldn't hurt you. Your mom and dad are must be very worried."
She shook her head firmly. "I left a note that I was going to Ba Sing Se with you. They know where I am. I took some food with me and I slept with Appa so I would stay warm."
"There is no way we can send you back now. We will send your parents a hawk to tell them you are here. But you should have come to one of us after Tikaani told you that, Miki, instead of stowing away. You will have plenty of chores to do and I want to see no bending until we reach Ba Sing Se. Is that understood, Miki?" Hakoda finally spoke up sternly.
Miki once more hid most of her face in Aang's robe, but her voice was clear when she replied: "Yes, Chief Hakoda."
"Now we have to see where you can stay. The cabins are full…" Hakoda thought quickly.
"We can share a hammock, Chief Hakoda." Ty Lee skipped forward.
Hakoda looked at the former circus acrobat. "Are you sure, Ty Lee?"
"Of course. It is only for a few days." She held her hand out to Miki. "Come Miki, let's find you a bath, some clean cloths and hot meal. Then we will see if what chores you can do."
Aang gently urged her to accept Ty Lee's hand and watched as the little water bender left with the Kyoshi Warrior.
Katara watched as Aang buried his face in his hands after reading the same scroll for the umpteenth time. Softly she walked till she stood behind him and put her hands on his shoulders. Feeling the rock hard muscles there, Katara started to massage them softly. Aang groaned and let his head fall on his arms. Katara didn't say anything, but just continued loosening up his shoulders.
When most of the knots had loosened up, she removed her hands and sat next to Aang, tracing the arrow on his head. "You want to tell what it is on that scroll that has you wound up like this?"
Aang looked up. "A faction in the Earth Kingdom is demanding that I either take Azula's bending away, like I did with Ozai, or that I sign an execution order that forces Zuko or me to take care of it. They are being very… stubborn… Saying that they have already been very forgiving to the Fire Nation and saying that they then at least can have the satisfaction of seeing her either dead or powerless… There are others that agree… I don't know what to do…"
Katara listened quietly. "What is Zuko's reaction to all of this? She is in his custody."
"He doesn't know yet how far they are willing to go. I know he still hopes she will be able to heal and redeem herself... And I am not exactly sure how to tell him…"
Katara nodded thoughtfully. "I was afraid of this… I have spent some time looking into this. Legally they don't have a paw to stand on when it comes to demanding her execution. All agreed to abide by the treaty of Huang Dong and it forbids extradition or execution for the legally insane. Also, Avatar Hinotaka has forbidden execution for the legally insane in every circumstance. What they can cause trouble, is the discussion if Azula is truly legally insane."
Aang sat up, his face clearing up now they were actively searching for a solution. "She is still completely catatonic from what I heard last."
Katara nodded. "I know. According to a panel of doctors and healers from the Fire Nation, Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes she is totally crazy…" Aang threw her look and Katara sighed. "Aang, if it was up to me, something would be done to declaw Azula… permanently. She terrifies me. But I also know that is not what you and Zuko want, so I will help you to find a balance between your ideals and my dream of a… declawed Azula."
Aang smiled faintly. "Thanks Katara."
Katara smiled back. "This is why I wrote to Yugoda, asking her to come. She is a far more experienced healer then I am and if there are questions I will suggest for Yugoda to lead another panel to review Azula's status…" Katara hesitated, moving closer to Aang and wrapping an arm around his shoulder. "But what I don't completely understand is why you're so… hesitant about taking away Azula's bending. Is it because you're afraid she will overwhelm you?"
Aang shuddered and leaned into her. "No that's not it. I think I can handle her. But I don't want to feel her. Something of Ozai is still there… like something you can't wash off. I don't want Azula there also. I will do it if I have to, but not if she isn't a threat…" Aang shuddered once more and Katara pulled him close, tenderly kissing the crown of his head.
General How was in the harbor to receive them. Aang stood on the bow of the catamaran dressed in his formal robes, flanked by Katara in one of her formal silk outfits and Sokka in a set of formal tunic and pants. Suki stood just behind them in full Kyoshi Warrior get-up. Many of the passengers stared at the walls of Ba Sing See which could be seen in the distance.
Big ropes were tossed down the wharf and when the ship was safely moored, the gangway was let down. Aang was the first to leave the ship followed by Katara, Sokka and Suki. Hakoda and the other members of the Council came closely after them.
General How bowed. "Avatar Aang, Lady Katara, Lord Sokka and Commander Suki… welcome back to Ba Sing Se."
All four bowed back and Katara spoke: "Thank you General How. I believe you have met most of the members of the Southern Water Tribe Council, except for a few. This is Mistress Kanna, representative of the women of the South and my grandmother, and Mistress Nauja, Keeper of Memories and representative of the women of the North."
General How bowed again. "Welcome to Ba Sing Se. I am General How, leader of the Council of Five. May I escort you to the litters? There are also ostrich horses if you prefer." He offered his arm to Kanna and escorted her to the nearest litter, Nauja following and assisted them both in the litter.
Hakoda turned to give some orders to the remaining warriors about unloading the ship and the people who would go directly to Ba Sing quickly divided themselves over the litters and ostrich horses. It was pure chaos for a moment, but fifteen minutes later the procession was underway.
Appa lumbered in front of everyone, Katara and Aang seated easily on his back with a nervous Miki with them. Suki, Sokka, Hakoda and General How were directly behind them on ostrich horses. Most of the councilors followed, also on ostrich horses, with only Kanna and Nauja using a litter. Ty Lee rode at the back, just before the marching contingent of Earth Kingdom soldiers that accompanied General How.
Suki sighed as she sat down her bag on the bed in her room. "Thank the spirits that's over." They had just been formally received by the Earth King, the Council of Five and the Council of Advisors, meaning that there had been lots of long, boring speeches and singing each other's praises of which only a small part had been really meant. She looked up when she heard a faint sound behind her, to find Sokka leaning in the door opening. "I don't suppose that Councilor Henei was the one managed to make you fall asleep when you lost that bet with Aang."
"As a matter of fact he was the one." Sokka frowned and surveyed her face. "Tired?"
"Not really. Just fuzzy from all the talking. Was there something you want?" Suki raised her eyebrow questioningly.
Sokka pushed off and headed to the bed. "What do you think I want?" He asked, his fingers trailing her over cheek.
Suki ignored his advances and just frowned at him. "Sokkaaaa…." She growled.
"Fine, fine…" Sokka said with a sign. "I just came to tell you we are having diner in the Jasmine Dragon this evening. Mai and Zuko arrived this morning."
Suki's face lighted up. "Really? I've been looking forward to seeing everyone again."
"I thought you would like the news." Sokka smiled knowingly. "We are meeting in the main hall at half past five."
"I'll be there. Now go…" Suki shooed him away. "I want to take a bath."
"I could join you?" Sokka wiggled his eyebrows.
"Out!"
"Zuko!" Aang burst out in laughter when the exited water bender bounced away from him to hug the surprised Fire Lord.
"It is good to see again, Katara." Zuko said with a smile on his face when he pulled away from her. Katara grinned back and moved on to Mai.
The future Fire Lady scowled when Katara hugged her also, but she couldn't hide the firm grip she had on the young water bender. "It's been a while."
Katara nodded. "Zuko hasn't sent you running yet?" she asked teasingly. "Not too bored yet?"
"Far from it, actually. Zuko is absolutely not… boring…" Mai said haughtily. But at Katara's twinkling eyes, she allowed a small smile to appear on her face.
Aang in the meantime had exchanged quick hugs with Zuko and was now attempting to catch up with him, though hindered somewhat by a twittering Momo who was vying for the fire bender's attention. Finally Aang handed Zuko some berries he had on him. "Maybe he'll calm down a bit now."
Zuko raised his hand to pet Momo and held up the berries before him. Momo quickly grabbed the berries and hurried of to a corner to protect his loot. "It wasn't me who he was interested in, just the chance for more food."
"I'm sure he will be back later." A painful punch to his bicep and a shout of 'Twinkletoes' had him looking over his shoulder. "Hello Toph. Done with chasing of councilors for now?"
The blind earth bender wiggled her eyebrows. "I'll stop when they start acting normal… And we agreed: no politics tonight!"
"Okay, Toph. I'll remember." Aang sighed and quickly pulled Toph in a brief hug before she could protest. "You ready for your rematch with Bumi?"
"Always." Toph rubbed her hands in anticipation. "He's going down."
"Let's see that first. When I spoke to him, he was most assured of this victory." Iroh cut in, entering with a tray of cups and a pot of tea in his hands.
"Phaw." Toph just dismissed Iroh's words. "He Snoozles. Finally pulled yourself away from the beewasp-hive?" She gestured to where Katara, Suki, Mai and Ty Lee had started catching up enthusiastically, completely with the occasional squeal from Ty Lee and dour glare from Mai.
"They're not that bad." Sokka defended himself weakly. Toph just snorted.
"Would you like some tea?" Iroh had poured the cups and was now going around with his tray.
"Thanks, uncle." Zuko accepted the cup from his uncle. "You must have grown at least four inches since I saw you last, Aang."
Aang blushed faintly and Sokka slung an arm around his shoulder. "The little air bender we found in the ice berg is growing up!" Sokka announced. "He has shot up, managed to turn fourteen last autumn and even got himself betrothed. Even if it is with my little sis."
Total silence was the only reaction, total surprise from Toph, Mai, Iroh and Zuko. It also indicated total surprise from those who did now, but then a the stupidity of the Water Tribe man. The only exception was when Toph bopped him on the head with an cry of "Idiot."
Aang's blush only deepened and Katara glared at her brother. "Why don't you go to the roof top, Sokka, and shout it even louder? I am sure the other side of Ba Sing Se didn't hear it yet."
Mai was the first to scrape her jaw of the flour. "You're already betrothed?" Her voice still sounded surprised.
Katara rolled her eyes. "Not exactly. We have a formal understanding that we are to be betrothed when Aang turns sixteen. We had no plans to do this so soon, but with the Water Tribe Council trying to marry me off at every turn we thought it would be wise for Aang 'to put a claim on me'."
"Well Sugar Queen. To me it sounds like you are betrothed." Toph folded her arms. "If it looked like a turtle duck, walks like a turtle duck and even quacks like a turtle duck then it must be turtle duck."
Katara rolled her eyes. "Fine, if you want to call it that. Just don't go around telling everyone. The news will be out soon enough and Aang and I don't want to be under a magnifying glass more then we already are."
After the upheaval surrounding Sokka's reveal had calmed down the group settled down, enjoying Iroh's tea and the various snacks he had placed on platters around the room. They talked in two's or three's about various subjects, but most of them stayed away from politics.
Aang shook his head when Katara, Suki and Ty Lee laughed about Miki's excitement about being allowed to stay with the Kyoshi Warriors. In the few days on the ship the little girl had neatly wrapped Suki and Ty Lee around her pinky, though he approved of Katara mentioning the possibility of the Warriors helping Miki a bit more with their self-confidence.
"Aang, do you have a moment?"
Aang turned his head sideways to regard Mai with curiosity. This hesitancy was uncommon for the usually blunt woman. "Sure."
Mai grabbed a bag which was lying beside her and removed a box containing several scrolls. "I've been working on some reforms in education. Our history curriculum was one of the first things to go. We had several ancient scrolls on air benders and the Air Nomads and my staff compiled something from them, but I would like for you to read through what we have."
Aang accepted the box and smiled at Mai. "Thanks. But Mai, you know you don't have to ask…"
"Why are you talking so seriously here?" Zuko interrupted, wrapping his arm around Mai. "Oh, you gave Aang the scrolls? I thought you were going to wait for a bit?"
"There is no time like the present, Zuko." Mai declared.
"Please be kind about them, Aang. Mai was anxious about having it done well enough." Zuko pleaded.
Aang looked at the box and laughed when he saw Mai glowering at an humbled Zuko. "Of course Zuko. You should know me better than that by now. But I trust Mai's work and the people she has chosen to work her." He beamed at Mai.
"You are sleeping on the couch tonight." Mai poked Zuko in the chest before stalking away. Aang just laughed at the stunned expression Zuko had on this face.
"So who was the kid riding with you on Appa? The whole palace is convinced you and Aang adopted her or something." Toph asked
Katara rolled her eyes. "That is one thing I didn't miss… the gossip…" She then continued a little bit louder: "She's the first female student of the Northern Water Tribe to train with Grandfather. But she is the youngest with several older boys who don't like her and she was a bit frightened of Grandfather. So Aang kinda started watching after her. The boys threatened to hurt her after we left, so she stowed away."
"Sounds like she has guts." Toph commented
"She wants to meet you." Katara replied. "So, have you made any plans for after the talks? I heard they wanted you to help with the rebuilding of the Outer Wall."
"They wish I'd stay in Ba Sing Se." Toph snorted. "I've had more than enough after a winter here. I'm gonna help the Mechanist with some restoration of the Northern Air Temple and I'll visit Sparky and Mai for their wedding. After that, who knows?" Toph shrugged.
Katara hesitated for a moment, but decided to grab the bull by the horns. "Are you also going to visit you parents in Gaoling?"
Toph shrugged, but the underlying hurt was clearly visible when she said: "I have been in Ba Sing Se the whole winter. I sent them a note… They could have visited, but didn't even write back. No Sugar Queen, I'm not going back."
Katara patted her shoulder. "If you do want to go back one day, you don't have to go alone. I am sure some of us will go with you…"
"We'll see how it goes. I promise nothing." With those words Toph made clear the topic was finish and started talking about some of the antics of the councilors while Katara had been away…
"Did you have fun tonight?" Mai asked that evening while they were preparing for bed.
"It was good to have the chance to relax before 'the games begin'." Zuko replied. He lifted the sheets of the bed¸ but when he climbed in a pillow and blanket hit him in the gut.
"Ah ah… you were sleeping on the couch tonight."
"Ah Mai, please?" Zuko blinked and pouted at her with puppy eyes.
Mai fought to keep in her laughter. She stroked her chin and asked: "Alright… but what is in it for me?"
Zuko looked thoughtfully. "What about feet rub? And afterwards we can maybe 'practice' for a bit."
Mai pretended to think for a few moments. "That sounds like a reasonable deal." Mai settled down on the bed, while Zuko fetched some oil. He pulled her feet in her lap and started to rub in the oil. He hesitated for a moment, then inquired gently: "You seemed pretty upset this morning when Councilor Akihiko was nagging about having children as soon as possible after we are married?"
He felt her tense up, but her voice sounded calm when she replied: "I just don't like the pressure. The country is barely stable and there are still so many things that can fly out of control at any moment."
Zuko started making circular movements over the sole of her foot. "I knew about that, but that doesn't seem to be all that's bothering you."
Mai leaned back in the pillows. "I guess I just don't feel ready to be a parent. We are so young ourselves and we haven't had the best examples ourselves…"
"There is no hurry, Mai. I don't expect you to get pregnant directly after the wedding. We won't start trying until we are both ready." Zuko declared, rotating Mai's foot gently at the ankle. "We did have good examples of how not to parent. We can learn from that…" He gently kissed the arch before setting it back down in his lap and starting the second foot.
Kanna observed her granddaughter as they made their way through the hallway's of the palace to where the representatives of the Northern Water Tribe were staying. Katara was once more clothed in one of her formal outfits: a flowing full skirt, a tight blouse that left her belly bare and a blue half-saree which was tucked in her skirt, wrapped around her waist once and that was then draped over her left down her back. The whole outfit was made of different shades of blue silk with silver embroidery in the form of waves. Her hair was pulled away from her face, but mostly flowed loosely down her back and her mother's necklace and a simple pair of drop earrings were all the decoration she wore.
The palace staff bowed when they passed with soft murmur of 'Lady Katara'. Katara greeted most of them back with a nod and a smile. Kanna noticed that real respect shone out of their eyes, not fear or obligation. And when a young woman fell to her knees before Katara, begging for her help because she was being forced to wed a man she did not love, she watched how her granddaughter knelt at her side to calm the woman down. Once the woman had calmed down, Katara called over one of the other servants and asked them to bring the unfortunate girl to her office, saying she would be there in a little while.
"What are you looking at, Gran-Gran?" The water bender asked when they continued on their way, looking uneasy at the way her grandmother had been studying her.
"Nothing special… just wondering where you get all those expensive outfits." Kanna quickly mentioned the first thing that came to mind.
Katara looked down at her outfit and fingered the skirt. "Most of them were made for me in the Fire Nation. Mai came to Zuko with the message that the negotiators and nobles had trouble accepting me and she had the idea it might help if I at least looked the part. So Zuko sent someone to some kind of warehouse to collect all the silk they could find in shades of blue, white and sea-green. Then Mai dragged me to the royal tailor and simply ordered the outfits. Zuko arranged the same thing for the others. In the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation I receive a small stipend for my work that I have also used for appropriate clothing and jewelry. And that it."
"The style is different from everything that I've seen before though." Kanna mentioned, referring to the combination of skirt, choli and half-saree.
Katara smiled. "That was done for a reason. The colors were because I was a water bender, but I designed a different style from what I have seen in the different nations. I work with the Avatar, which means I have to attempt to stand above the nations as much as possible. This is just a way of showing that."
"When you explain it like that, it makes sense. But, Katara, aren't you showing a bit too much skin?"
Katara shook her head. "Most of the matrons seem to think so, but I'm guessing we will be variations of it on young women during the balls and dance." She turned around the corner and stopped before a door, effectively cutting of her grandmother's comments. "Here we ware." She raised her hand and knocked on the door.
"Come in."
Katara opened the door and Yugoda looked up from her sewing. "Katara, it is so good to see you again." The elderly woman stood up and grabbed Katara's hands. "I have heard much about what you have done."
"It is good to see you also, Yugoda. I am still very grateful for the lessons you have given me. They have helped me save many lives."
Yugoda smiled at her. "Did you want a cup of tea?"
"I'm sorry, but I have someone waiting for me in my office. I just showed someone the way to your room." Katara looked over her shoulder to see Kanna enter the room.
Yugoda's mouth fell open and she stared. "Kanna?"
Katara's grandmother nodded. "It has been a long time."
"Almost sixty-two years to be exact." With those words Yugoda moved to hug her old friend. As Kanna returned hug, Katara left the room quietly, a look of pure satisfaction on her face.
She was lost in thought as headed back to her office, updates from all the meetings she had that morning swirling around in her head. When she first spotted them, she stopped suddenly and just blinked. Then she blinked again.
Sitting on a bench in the garden beneath her were Toph and a boy she recognized as Teo. They weren't doing anything special, but they were sitting closer together then she had seen any boy do with Toph. And when Teo said something, Toph had a faint blush on her cheeks.
Katara blinked for the third time and a gently smile spread over her face. Toph obviously liked Teo and it seemed like Teo liked her back after seeing him take a punch for Toph to his bicep with a smile on his face. Without giving any notice she was there, she continued on her way, resolving to keep this quiet for now.
"Aang, why is that lady totally dressed in red and what does she have before her face?" Miki asked as Aang walked her back from the classroom where she had spent the day attending the palace school.
Aang patiently looked over and prepared to answer the latest question. Miki was pointing out a woman dressed in a crimson robe with a scarlet cloak over it. Her hair was totally covered by the hood of her cloak and before her face hung a thin red veil, but thick enough to obscure her features. A badge with a figure in a meditation pose surrounded by flames was sewn on her chest. "She's from the Fire Nation. She is a nun, a Bride of Agni. She lives with other nuns like her and together they pray to Agni that everything may go well in the Fire Nation. And what she wears before her face is a veil. The Brides of Agni say that no one is allowed to see their face. I think she is here with Fire Lord Zuko."
"Wow. Do you think I could ask her question for my project? I have to talk to people from the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation." Miki ticked of the groups on her fingers.
"I don't think that is a good idea, Miki. They are often not allowed to speak with anyone but the other nuns. You'd better find someone else to ask questions."
"Okay." Miki shrugged.
"Aang!"
Aang turned around and his eyes widened when he spotted the figure coming at them. "Teo? You're walking?"
Though he was still leaning on two crutches, Teo was walking on his own two legs. He grinned at Aang's stunned look. "My dad designed something from the arm and leg that Sokka sent him. I'm testing it."
Aang frowned. "Arm? Leg?" Suddenly his face cleared up. "From Combustion Man?"
"Exactly. He, I wanted to tell you that I arranged things with my dad about the supply trucks and the steam shovels. You will see."
"Very good. Thank you."
"You're welcome. And who is this young lady?" Teo looked at Miki.
"This is Miki from the Southern Water Tribe." Miki shyly hid behind Aang. "Miki, this is Teo. He is a friend."
Miki hesitantly stepped from behind Aang and bowed politely. "Nice to meet you, Teo."
Teo bowed back, a little bit difficult because of the crutches. "Likewise Miki.
"I wish I could be there. I really wanted to see their reaction." Ty Lee pouted as she helped Katara arrange her cape.
"I wish I didn't have see it." Katara muttered and surveyed herself in the mirror. She was wearing the dress and cape her grandmother had made for her. The choker of She-Who-Knows was on her neck, her circlet upon her brow and in her hand she held both the staff and fan of a Venerable Woman.
"There… all done."
"Thanks Ty Lee." It was the third day they had been in Ba Sing Se and they had four more days before the opening of the spring talks. Today was the first meeting of the Water Tribe Council.
Outside the room Katara was met by Sokka in full armor, his face painted with the wolf and his staff firmly in hand. "Ready for this?"
Katara rolled her eyes. "As ready as I ever will be."
Hakoda stepped up next to them. Let's do this then." He headed in the direction of the meeting room, Katara and Sokka just behind him, the members of his council following him. Only Kanna and Nauja were absent.
Hakoda swung the heavy doors open. The Northern members were already present, busy talking with each other. They all fell silent when they saw Katara following Hakoda.
"You are not supposed to be here, little girl." One of the councilors thundered.
Katara recognized Nanuq, the councilor who had opposed her proposed presence so fiercely the last time the Council had met. He had also been the one who had tried to press her into marriage. Her stood up straight and her voice was completely calm when she answered him. "On the contrary, Councilor Nanuq, I have every right to be here. And the proper form of address is not little girl, but Venerable Katara. If necessary, She-Who-Knows will work as well."
"You cannot… We didn't…" Nanuq sputtered.
"Everyone please sit down." Came the calm voice from Chief Arnook. "Then we can sort this out." He glared at Nanuq until the older man calmed down and took a seat. Katara and the other Southern members did the same, Hakoda sitting side to side with Arnook.
"Master Katara," Arnook asked, carefully using a title from which he was sure she was entitled to within the Water Tribe. "You just made a claim to the title of Venerable Woman and of She-Who-Knows. State your grounds. I do know that the Northern Water Tribe Council did not agree unanimously."
"That is correct, Chief Arnook. The Northern Council was not in agreement. But six members did agree and it enabled me to seek the blessing of the spirits. When I visited the Spirit World, Yue and Tootega did not only bestow the title of Venerable Woman upon me, but also that of She-Who-Knows." Katara explained.
"Can you show us the mark you should have received?" One of the other Northern Council members asked.
"Of course, Councilor Siku." With her brother's help she removed the cape, lowered one shoulder of her dress and turned to present her back to the members. "Here it is." One by one the Northern Members came forward and inspected the Water Tribe Symbol there. When they were finished, Katara fixed her clothing and took her seat. "I trust the council is now satisfied?" She inquired, raising her eyebrow.
Chief Arnook looked around the circle and each person present nodded. Only Nanuq shook his head. "It looks like a scar that could have been made with any sharp object. I desire more proof."
"Will the word of the spirits themselves suffice, Councilor? The Avatar is standing by to act as a bridge. Or do you wish for something more?" Sokka asked sarcastically.
"I will abide by the word of the spirits." At his agreement, Sokka stood up and poked his head around the door. "Aang. You are urgently invited to join us."
At Sokka's eye roll Aang said: "I suppose they want the word of the spirits." He followed Sokka into the meeting roll. "You requested my presence?" He asked Arnook and Hakoda formally.
Hakoda nodded. "You are correct, Avatar Aang. Councilor Nanuq doubts Master Katara's claim to her titles and wished for the word of the spirits. Will you assist us?"
"I will assist you. Master Katara, may I have your necklace?" Aang took the necklace, exchanging quick smiles. Then he sat in a meditative pose in the middle of the room and worked on creating the bridge, using the necklace as a focus.
There was silence for a few moments and then Aang's eyes and tattoo lighted up with a blue glow. When he spoke it was partly still Aang's voice, but it was overlaid by clearly female tones. "I am Yue, the Moon Spirit. Who called for me?"
Everybody looked at Nanuq, who coughed once and spoke hesitantly. "I requested you presence, Princess Yue. I wished to verify if you truly had bestowed Master Katara with the titles she claimed."
"I bestowed her with both titles and gave her my blessing. Do you require anything else?"
"No, Princess. Thank you for your assistance."
The glow from Aang's tattoo's and eyes dissipated and Chief Arnook felt the briefest touch on his hand, like his daughter used to do when encouraging him. Katara and Sokka rushed forward when Aang slumped, obviously exhausted from serving as a bridge. Despite having done this several times, it still had this effect. The siblings helped him up from the ground and assisted him to the door. Also familiar with Aang's reaction to acting as bridge, Suki and Toph were there to assist his while Sokka and Katara went back to the meeting.
"He is still asleep?" Katara frowned worriedly. "That's strange. He usually is tired, but doesn't sleep for three hours."
Toph shrugged. "I'm just telling you what I know."
A smile stole over Katara's face. "That's fine, Toph. Thanks for keeping an eye on him." She quietly entered the room to find Aang deeply asleep. Chewing her lips for a moment, she bended some water from a nearby jug and surrounded her hands with water. Still moving quietly, she started to scan his body, knowing Aang would protest the action if he was awake.
Still, Aang woke from the touch of the cool water on his bare skin. He lay quietly while Katara finished and smiled at her. "I'm guessing you're worried." He asked while she bended the water back into the jug.
Katara sat down next to him on the bed and Aang pulled her down to cuddle against him. Katara spared one thought that it was smart she had changed back to plain cotton, but then she felt herself calm down as she listened to Aang's soothing heart beat. "I am. This is not normal."
"Did you find anything?"
"Not really…Just something… fuzzy… Nothing I can describe." Katara sounded frustrated.
"I think it is just that I'm tired… And I think you would feel the same thing if you scanned yourself, Zuko, Sokka or any of us. We've all been going pretty much non-stop since before Sozin's comet. We are all tired." Aang comforted. "I was thinking. You've never visited the Eastern Air Temple. What would you think of stopping there for a few days before we head to the North Pole?"
"I like the idea… Just the two of us… Let's do it."
"Great… How did the rest of the meeting go?" Aang asked, running his hand trough Katara's hair.
"Good would be the wrong word. They finally accepted me, after much grumbling. Councilor Nanuq threw another fit at Sokka's titles, but we managed to get him to accept those to. But his limit was reached when dad started talking about wanting Gran-Gran and Nauja there also since they are a part of the Southern Water Tribe Council… Nanuq fainted, so he was carted away to the healers. Between dad and Chief Arnook we managed to knock down the more difficult proposed adjustments and the remaining have been sent out to the scribes to be copied out for all participants. We're having another meeting the day before the opening…" Katara trailed of when she saw the look in Aang's eyes. She knew what that look meant. So she reached up and fused his lips with hers…
"Who knocks at the garden gate?" Iroh asked through the slide in the door.
"One who has eaten it's fruit and tasted his mysteries." The voice on the other side of the door replied.
Iroh pulled open the door. "Welcome Piandao. Please join us. You are the last to arrive."
"Thank you, Grand Lotus." With those words Piandao took a seat around the table and poured himself a cup of tea from the tray in the middle of the table.
Iroh took his seat at the head of the table and also poured tea for himself. "Tomorrow is a most auspicious day. Tomorrow is the opening of the spring talk and they are historical. Yet, there is also much that still opposes our search for peace. We are here to share knowledge about the situation in each of our domains. Our combined knowledge will then be convened to those who are in need of it… Master Pakku, what can you tell us about the situation in the Water Tribes?"
"The rebuilding of the Southern Water Tribe is going slowly, but steadily. There are a few young ones who show promising signs that they might be water benders, but they are too young to really know. Many who have settled there from the North are having some trouble adjusting to the different culture. Especially since Chief Hakoda added women to the Council and Katara and Aang started pushing for both boys and girls to be taught the basics of both styles. I think it will work out though. Maybe a few people will migrate back to the North and some unsatisfied in the North will come to the South. From what I understood from Chief Arnook rebuilding in the North is also going well and the situation there is fairly stable at the moment. But I can see change is coming there also and it could cause unrest. If possible, changes should come slowly…"
"Yes, we heard your granddaughter caused quite a stir in the Water Tribe Council. How are you handling all these changes, old friend? You used to be as stiff as a rock." Bumi cackled.
"A day at a time, Bumi." Pakku retorted dryly. "A day at a time."
"He is not telling you he is just scared of getting his butt kicked by his granddaughter or being chased around with a spoon by his wife." Bumi continued cackling.
"It is also possible that those who truly desire change quickly might decide to migrate to the South." Piandao interjected quickly. "My main question is if they will able to work in one council with all the differences."
"It depends from both sides. Hakoda played it smartly by ensuring that Katara could speak with her title as Venerable Woman, an ancient tradition even respected in the North. Yet… I think that after the spring talks the tribes will operate more separately. Not only because of the philosophical differences, but also because each tribe has different needs and the geographical situation is also completely different. For example, it has already been decided there will be separate embassies." Pakku clarified his words.
"That might be for the best." Iroh concluded. "Jeong Jeong, how is the situation in the heart of the government?"
"Ideological differences are fading more in the background at the moment. The greatest concern for everyone, from traditionalist to reformer, is the economy. The most urgent worry is stop its downfall. Unemployment is rising quickly and more and more people are in need of relief. A solution will have to be found quickly. But once there is light at the end of that tunnel, all the ideological issues will be coming out in full force throughout the Nation. A trusted source tells me that the Phoenixes are already trying to blame the downturn on the current Fire Lord and his policies. Instead of trying to help to find solutions they focus on finding people to blame."
Iroh nodded. "And this could turn into a vat of blasting jelly only needing a spark to explode… What is the reaction of the Reform Movement to the current issues, Piandao?"
"The current issues and problems have had a tempering effect on the Reform Movement. They have realized that ideas and ideals cannot repair everything and that they have little effect when people are hungry. But the Movement has many young and bright minds. They are trying to adapt their ideas and ideals to practical solutions that can help the Fire Nation at the moment. If they succeed and win more support, I am foreseeing that the Movement will grow into a force to be reckoned with. One that will probably be helpful to our cause, but also one on which an eye needs to keep. There are some truly radical ideas going around that I feel that are dangerous."
"Alright." Iroh nodded. "Bumi, before I update you about Ba Sing Se… the situation in the rest of the Earth Kingdom."
For once, Bumi left out all the follies and gave a clear report. "People are rebuilding, but it is slow going. There are not enough benders, not enough supplies, not enough manpower. Yet people are hopeful. I know of many refugees who are planning on returning home and rebuilding. In many place there is still a fierce hatred against the Fire Nation though. People wish for revenge. When more colonies are evacuating this summer and more refugees returning, they will mix. I think there is a recipe for a very volatile situation."
"Did you have everything?" Iroh asked the young initiate acting as scribe. At his nod, Iroh spoke. "I have seen the same issue and I have urged Fire Lord Zuko to discuss the issue at the coming talks."
"Would it be prudent to send our agents to the most risky areas? It would give us more up to date information and if the means if we need to act." Jeong Jeong asked.
"That was going to be my proposal." Pakku agreed. "Also I know that the Avatar and Katara will be going there to assist. Master Toph will also be in the Northern part of the Earth Kingdom to assist there."
"We will be sending out our agents." Iroh decided. "If we need to make any other precautions, we can decide on them after an agreement is reached during the talks." Iroh paused for moment to sip his tea. "Finally the situation in Ba Sing Se. The situation is far more stable than a month ago. The government is starting to function more smoothly and the Lower Ring Restoration Project has taken away a lot of the pressure in the Lower Ring. Three factions seem to be forming in city. First, there are traditionalists, the Green Jade Restoration Movement. They want hard measures against the Fire Nation, the privileges of the nobility restored and a reinstatement of the Dai Li. On the other side we have a group similar to the Reform Movement in the Fire Nation, the Flowers Blossoming from the Earth. They want massive reforms, but at the moment they seem more idealistic then practical oriented. Finally we have the moderates. They are not united in one movement, but want a rebuilding that is as quick and painless as possible. If a reform is necessary, they accept that, but they are also willing to learn from the past. General How is a the main face of this approach. If the path of the current government remains steady, I can see the situation stabilizing even further…"
The Earth King stood up and looked over large arena in front of him. It was a large area strewn with rocks and surrounded with a deep canal filled with water. He was seated in a special box with Song at his side. Also in the box were the various heads of state with their consorts, the Avatar and his closest friends. Around the rest of the arena were stands were the rest of the representatives and other interested people were seated.
Kuei looked at Aang, who nodded. He spoke the opening words, with Aang bending the air so that his words carried over the entire crowd. "Welcome to the spring talks in Ba Sing Se. We have a lot to do in the coming days. But before we start this, I present to you these demonstrations of the power and beauty that lies in each nation."
He sat back down and signaled the master of ceremonies to start the first demonstration. After the announcement the Boulder, the Hippo and Xin Fu walked in and started to show various complicated moves.
Katara kept her gaze focused on Aang as she moved as one with Master Pakku and three other water benders from the Northern Tribe, streams of water dancing around them and almost changing effortlessly from ice in liquid and from liquid in steam. Instead just demonstrating moves the Water Tribes had chosen to give a demonstration of water dancing and Katara had pressured by Councilor Ninuq to participate.
She had first protested against it, citing the many preparations she was involved in and the fact that she never had water danced before. Finally, after Pakku had said she would be able to manage easily, she had agreed and even thought up a new ending.
All five benders kneeling in the sand, they sent up the water in the sky and changed it into snowflakes after which it gently fell down on the audience. Oh's and ah's were heard from the parts of the crowd who never had seen snow before.
After she had made her way back to her seat, she felt Aang grab her hand discretely and he whispered: "You were beautiful down there. I'm proud of you."
Katara blushed faintly. Those words made all the stress worth it.
The crowd fell absolutely silent when both Toph and Bumi jumped down from the Royal box and took positions from across each other. Those who were familiar with both earth benders guessed what was coming and started looking for the closest place to hide from flying rocks. Soldiers carrying the insignia of earth benders marched into the area and took stances to keep the flying rocks away from the audience. Inside the Royal box Aang moved to tactical place, staff in hand to use either earth or air bending to keep errant rocks away from its occupants.
"Ladies and gentlemen from each nation. The only true match we have today… a match between two of the most powerful benders the Earth Kingdom has ever seen… In that corner… King Bumi from Omashu, still fit at over hundred years old. And the other corner… Toph Bei Fong, also known as the Blind Bandit and the earth bending instructor of the Avatar! Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy the match and watch out for flying rocks!" the announcer finished and he moved out of the arena.
Both Toph and Bumi grinned at each other, each waiting for the other make their first move. Bumi moved first, ripping a piece of rock from the ground and sent it in the direction of Toph. Toph was a fraction of a second later, sending out her own rock. They collided in the middle of the arena with a loud bang.
The battle was on…
Forty-five minutes later the battle was still going on at full strength. Several members of the audience had hidden away and both soldiers and Aang were kept quite busy with keeping the rocks away from the audience. The rest of them were staring in awe at the display of power before them.
"How long do they plan on keeping this up?" Song asked, her eyes large at the spectacle beneath her.
Suki grinned. "They could keep it going for the whole day if they wanted too. I believe they are evenly matched. And of course none of them would give up before the other."
"I hope they keep going… This is amazing. Wahoo!" Sokka jumped up and cheered at a move of Toph.
Mai raised her fan and rapped him sharply on the head. "Sit down." She leaned her head on her fist. "It has become boring. How long are you going to let them continue, Aang?"
Aang shot a quick look over his shoulder. "I think it's is time to end it. We still have that fire bending demonstration and my own." With that he jumped in the middle, using air to carry him far enough and yelled: "Okay… that is enough!"
Of course, neither bender listened…
Growling Aang focused and his eyes and tattoo's flashed with the familiar blue light. With ease he bended an earthen prison over each of the two combatants and kept them there until they stopped struggling. "I said enough!" With those words he let them go.
Toph bended the dirt of her and strolled past Aang. "Chill Twinkletoes. We were just having fun." Bumi followed her cackling and Aang shook his head, letting it go in the knowledge he would never be able to change his friends.
After the fire bending show the crowd became totally silent once more. They had heard the Avatar would give a demonstration, but no one knew what to expect.
Aang moved in the middle of the arena and took a deep breath. He still wasn't sure if it was correct to do this, but he trusted Sokka's judgment of the effect if it would have on the various representatives and diplomats.
Bowing his head down he closed his eyes to focus once more and his tattoo's and eyes lighted up once more. But this time the effect was far more powerful than keeping the earth benders contained had been. The wind started to pick up and air formed a sphere around him that lifted him from the ground, taking him out reach from the audience.
Fire shot from his hands and feet, forming a spherical cage around the sphere of air, but still allowing Aang to be seen easily.
A small gesture called upon the water in the canal, emptying most of it. The streams of water danced around the sphere in a mysterious pattern. Sometimes it seemed to play tag with the licks of fire, but at other time the stream seemed to flee the heat.
And finally, chunks of rock were torn from the arena and they joined the game of tag that was going on between the other three elements that surrounded Aang.
After keeping this up for a few moments, the chucks of rock returned to arena, forming a perfectly smooth underground once more. The water filled the canal again and the flames dissipated in the air. The air currents that had surrounded Aang also carried him back down after which they also faded.
The audience had remained silent during the display, but when Aang was finished they broke in a deafening cheer.
Eight men quietly snuck through the night, each dressed in dark colors. Their destination was a large apartment building in the Middle Ring. Each one of them managed to reach the roof without any sound. Two rappelled down each side of the building, causing thousands of tiny cracks to appear in the walls. When each of them had ended up back on the ground, they simply punched the walls as one.
For a moment nothing happened…
Then there was a rumbling sound and the building started to collapse. The air was immediately filled with the screams of the wounded and dying. From the other houses other people appeared. Some entered the ruins, looking for survivors while other stood frozen in shock. Luckily city services arrived quickly and pure chaos turned into controlled chaos.
From the corner of their eyes someone spotted the fluttering hem of a red cloak. A few moments later someone found two men unconscious in the ruins, the edges of their clothing singed and the remains of earth on their hands.
