Author's Note: I want to dedicate this, my first ever multi-chapter story, to the one person who convinced me to write it; that special person who challenged me to overcome my laziness and was with me every step of the way. Me.
Nah, I'm just screwing with you, it was totally Zeiramsy.
Disclaimer: I don't know nothing about owning nothing, nohow.
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Until the Komodo Rhino Sings
It was midday in the Earth Kingdom. The hot sun beat down mercilessly onto the earth, browning the grass and cracking the dirt. Ripples of heat radiated from the parched ground and mirages of water appeared here and there, only to vanish as one drew closer. Amidst the searing heat and oppressive sunlight, a small spider scorpion crawled out from a crack in the earth. Twitching its antennae, it lazily scanned for danger before scurrying forth across the rough terrain. It zigzagged across a few feet of rough rocks and mud, finally coming to a stop on a long swath of smooth, level dirt. The spider scorpion remained there for a few seconds soaking up the sun, until it suddenly sensed vibrations. Less than a second later, it was smashed into the dust by the foot of a Komodo Rhinoceros.
Said Komodo Rhinoceros was a part of a very large Fire Nation procession on a sparrow beeline for Ba Sing Se. However, unlike so many Fire Nation processions before it, this procession was on a mission of peace. The Avatar had fulfilled his destiny and ended the war. Now the four nations were undergoing the second phase of the global restoration plan: Restoring the shattered balance. So, at the Avatar's request, each nation had sent a delegate, a representative, or in some cases, a national leader to meet at a peace conference in Ba Sing Se. This Fire Nation procession was bearing the Fire Nation's ambassador to the nations; Fire Lord Zuko himself.
Zuko sat in the royal carriage, staring blankly at the scenery passing him by. The oppressive heat and unbroken monotony was causing his mind to wander aimlessly. He was jarred out of his thoughts however, when his Uncle Iroh decided to speak up.
"Something on your mind, nephew?"
Zuko looked over at the man sitting across from him. Few would look at the bald, aging, and rather portly man and realize just how important he was. Uncle Iroh was his guiding flame, the ever-present voice of wisdom and reason that never failed to direct him toward the correct path. Iroh had offered to stay behind and preside over the domestic affairs for the duration of the trip, but Zuko had heard nothing of it. The peace conferences needed Iroh's calm wisdom; General Jee could handle the domestic affairs.
"That's Fire Lord Zuko to you, Uncle."
Iroh merely smiled, "Fire Lord or not, you are still my nephew, Zuko."
Zuko raised his eyebrows in mock indignation, "Uncle! Those are treasonous words. You had best watch your tongue."
"You're right Lord Zuko; I wouldn't want to be accused of being a traitor and thrown into the prison tower, now would I?" Iroh chuckled.
Zuko snorted at the irony. Several moments passed in silence until Iroh once again addressed his nephew.
"You never did answer my question, Fire Lord Zuko."
Zuko blinked in confusion then, remembering the original question, answered his uncle, "I was just remembering the last time we traveled these roads together."
Iroh smiled and leaned back, allowing a look of nostalgia to creep across his face, "Ah, yes I remember those days quite well. No grand royal processions for us, just the clothes on our backs and whatever we could carry. We lived the lives of humble travelers; quite an enjoyable experience if you ask me."
Zuko grimaced, "We were perpetually filthy, dirt poor, and had to reduce ourselves to dancing and singing for money." At Iroh's reproachful look he continued, "But I admit that it was a valuable learning experience." He grudgingly consented.
Iroh grinned broadly, "Oh, come now Zuko, you know you loved the songs! Here, you remember this one," Iroh cleared his throat, then began singing, "It's a long, long, way to Ba Sing Se, but the girls in the city are so pre-ee-tay. And they kiss so sweet, that you've really got to meet; the girls of Ba Sing Se!"
To his credit, Zuko tried to look annoyed and uncaring, but he soon broke down into a bemused smile. Then, figuring, 'to hell with it' he boldly joined his uncle in the popular folk song. Outside the royal carriage, several soldiers heard the singing and began casting inquisitive looks at each other. Soon, one of the more fun-loving soldiers actually joined in the song. From there it didn't take long until the entire battalion had burst into song, and from there, it was no time at all until the entire procession was singing heartily.
As the procession neared Ba Sing Se, Earth Kingdom peasants peeked out from their doorways and wondered why the royal procession of the Fire Nation was singing a popular Earth Kingdom traveling song.
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Fire Lord Zuko was the second representative to arrive to the peace conference. The first were the representatives of the Southern Water Tribe, Katara and Sokka; although, as companions of the Avatar, it was only natural that they had arrived first. That little blind girl, Toph, had been invited as well. Zuko had been mildly surprised to learn that she was actually a representative of the famous (or infamous) Bei Fong family.
The representatives were currently all gathered in the impressive throne room of the Earth King's palace. The Avatar and his companions were standing near the center, and were the main focus of the assembled nobility. Zuko on the other hand had opted to stand far away from the center of attention. He had no real desire to interact with the Avatar and his friends any more than strictly necessary. They weren't enemies anymore, but it was impossible to just forget about almost a year of hostility. So Zuko, Iroh, and their assorted Fire Nation servants kept off to the side and the nobility left them alone.
'The pompous fools are probably terrified of anyone who wears Fire Nation colors' Zuko thought as he sipped a cup of tea delivered to him by a trembling Earth Kingdom servant. He made a point of thanking the servant and then began walking toward the Earth King's throne, motioning for his Uncle to stay where he was. As he drew closer to the throne, the assembled nobility grew silent and watchful. Ignoring their fearful stares, Zuko strode purposefully ahead until he was mere feet from the Earth King himself. Just when the tension was thick enough to suffocate, Fire Lord Zuko surprised the whole room by placing his fist against his open palm and bowing respectfully.
With that simple gesture, the tension in the room melted away, and the guests resumed their gossip and small-talk. Zuko addressed the Earth King, "Your Majesty, I would enquire as per when the negotiations for peace are to begin. We did not come here to exchange pleasantries."
The Earth King smiled and adjusted his glasses, "Ah, Fire Lord Zuko, before I can answer your question, I must first of all I must ask that you call me by my real name, Kuei. I've been trying to get my citizens to call me that as well, but old habits die hard I suppose." At this the Earth King gave a small chuckle, "Now then, to answer your question; the formal negotiations for peace will not begin until every representative from every nation has arrived and is comfortably situated."
"And how many more representatives have yet to arrive?" Zuko asked.
The Earth King scratched his chin in thought, "Hmm… well Chief Arnook from the Northern Water Tribe is due to arrive tomorrow, as well as King Bumi from the Western region of the Earth Kingdom. Yes, once those two arrive, proper negotiations can begin."
Zuko bowed once more, "Thank you, Your Majesty. You have been most helpful."
The Earth King sighed as Fire Lord Zuko walked away, "They never do call me Kuei."
Zuko scowled as he returned to his uncle's side. "We have to endure another day of this pointless mingling until the peace conference can actually begin."
Iroh merely sipped his tea, "Patience, Zuko. Don't look at the situation as a chore; look at it as an opportunity. Have some fun and socialize instead of being so reclusive."
Zuko scowled even deeper, "Socialize? Who would I socialize with? If you say the Avatar or his friends, I'm banning Jasmine tea from every shop in the Fire Nation when we return."
Iroh gasped, "Zuko! You should never make jokes like that; tea is no laughing matter!"
If Zuko hadn't had to convey the image of a dignified Fire Lord, he would have rolled his eyes. "My point is, uncle; I cannot enjoy myself here. This room is full of empty-headed windbags and former enemies."
Iroh stroked his beard, "I see your dilemma, Lord Zuko. Very well, I suggest that if you cannot enjoy yourself here, you go somewhere that you can."
Zuko raised his good eyebrow, "Uncle, are you suggesting I sneak out?"
Iroh ribbed his nephew good naturedly, "That's exactly what I'm suggesting. You go have fun, I'll distract them." With that, Iroh strolled over to the large gathering of nobles around the Avatar and his companions. "Say, have any of you ever heard how I got the title, 'The Dragon of the West'?"
Zuko chuckled at his uncle's antics and quietly backed into the shadows. He would trade his elaborate Fire Lord apparel for some simple robes and head out into the city. Hopefully there he would be able to relax and enjoy himself.
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Author's Note: Yeah, so this chapter was boring as hell. Don't worry though, the Jinko and action is coming up soon.
Tihs is a sbulminial msseage. You wlil rveiew tihs capther