Beginnings, Endings, & in Between
I apologize so much for this late update! School got so busy and I was seriously so unmotivated to write. But I promise it will get better now that I feel like I've got some momentum. Hope everyone had good holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. Glad for the break and ready to write more! Thanks for all the support with follows and reviews. Hope you enjoy this chapter. The song for this chapter is "The Comeback" by Danny Gokey.The Comeback
"After a season of night falls and push backs You feel the lightning the thunder your soul shakes
After the heartache of wrong turns and sidetracks
Just when they think they've got you game, set, match
Here comes the comeback
Just cause you lay low got up slow unsteady
Don't mean you blacked out or bought out you're ready
Just when they think there's nothing left running on empty
Here comes the comeback
This is your time your moment
The fire the fight your golden
You've come so far keep going
Oh here comes the comeback
Under the roar of the heaven the tide breaks
And from the ashes you will take your place
Here comes the comeback
The fire the fight you're golden
You've come so far keep going
Oh here comes the comeback"
Just as we discussed, our last day was spent at Lake Laogai, training, eating, and hanging together. Somehow our relaxed training started with helping each other learn skills, but then it turned into a competition to see who could perform the best trick; and it ended with a tournament like game to fight against each other. Of course, no one could beat Aang, so he nominated himself judge. He didn't seem to mind. Once everyone calmed down, mainly Sokka the sore loser, we all sat down to have a picnic.
We were struck with the desire to retell all our adventures that led up to this point. Even adventures or lack there of before we all met. It was exciting to learn all about each other. Our backgrounds and upbringing being so different from one another. My past made me think of my grandmother and how I missed her. But I knew that she continues to watch over me.
Despite all our ups and even our downs, none of us would have traded a thing. If one thing had changed, who knew how it could have affected our lives that led us to here. It's crazy to think, that just a few months ago I've never left my island. Never seen the world for all it's wonders and imperfections. I owed it a lot to Zuko, even if we started out as enemies. Our relationship turned into something I wouldn't trade for anything in the world.
Subconsciously, these thoughts led me to lean against Zuko's shoulder. He smiled down at me, holding my hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze. Red dusts over my cheeks as I lean it against his shoulder and go back to laughing with the others.
Our day out was a great way to help with stress about the upcoming meetings. Zuko and I crossed paths with a few people that would attend the meeting. They seemed hostile, not happy to see us. Zuko was determined not to let it get in his way though. That was just his tough exterior. Inside, I knew Zuko was feeling overwhelmed. If anyone could handle it though, Zuko could. He went back to his room early to go over everything he wanted to address. Mentally prepare for all the accusations, true or not, that would be yelled at him tomorrow. I decided to join him later, after giving him some time for himself.
The girls and I decided to go out to dinner. It would be a fun way to end the day. We change into something better suited for dinner, nothing too fancy. Just clothes that aren't covered in dirt and sweat. The four of us manage to find a nice restaurant in the middle-class ring. The waiter has just taken our order and gone back into the kitchen.
"Despite our plans for dinner, we should all make sure to get to bed early. We will have a long day tomorrow," Katara strongly suggests.
"Yes mother," Toph sasses with folding her arms.
She's never one to follow rules.
"Don't sass your mother," Katara jokes.
The three of us laugh. Toph doesn't seem amused but I manage to catch a small smile. Suki looks around the restaurant.
"Tomorrow should be interesting. Hope the meeting goes alright," Suki says.
I groan.
"It's making me sick just thinking about it. I have a feeling it won't be as simple as we want," I state.
"Hey, I didn't come to this dinner to talk about work and meetings. We came to relax and enjoy ourselves," Toph interrupts.
"Toph's right. We should try to have fun. Not talk about tomorrow," Katara agrees.
"Alright. Then what do you want to talk about? It's all I can think about," Suki says.
I smirk. Knowing exactly what I want to talk about.
"Katara… how are you and Aang? Official?" I ask.
Katara blushes darkly while Toph and Suki perk up with my question waiting to hear the answer. We don't wait long.
"W-Well we're good. Taking things slow but it's good. We're still best friends," Katara starts explaining.
"Best friends who kiss a lot," Toph adds evilly.
"Y-Yes, t-that too," Katara says clearing her throat. "There was a time I didn't think about that stuff with Aang. Being so focused on the war. Thankfully we got a chance to think about our feelings."
"Think? I'm pretty sure Aang always knew," Suki says stifling a laugh.
"Twinkle toes probably knew from the moment he met you," Toph says leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms.
Katara looks surprised.
"It's true. I knew from the moment I meant you guys. It was pretty obvious," I say.
"Like you have room to talk," Katara says.
"Zuko and me? We couldn't stand each other when we first met. We were enemies! Definitely the most annoying person I've ever met," I counter.
Suki leans her elbow on the table and rests her head in her hand.
"You two are so cute together," Suki says.
"It's so weird to see Zuko smile and laugh. You're the reason he's so happy. You guys totally bring out the best in each other," Katara agrees.
"I think Suki and Sokka are cuter. Even though Sokka is a dork," I change the spotlight.
"I can't believe you like him," Katara giggles.
The three of us laugh. It's Suki's turn to blush.
"He may be an idiot but he's a great guy. Though, I will admit he is a dork," Suki smiles.
Toph groans rather loudly.
"When did this become girl gossip about boys," Toph complains.
"That's right. Some of us are too young to be talking about boys," I tease.
Suki and Katara laugh.
"Who needs boys. They're all stupid," Toph reasons. "And I'm not too young! I'm just not interested."
"I don't envy the guy that catches your attention," Suki says.
"I'm warning him to run as fast as he can," Katara says.
The three of us laugh again. Toph's eyebrow twitches in irritation.
"You girls will see. Just because you have boyfriends. Mine will be even better than all of yours combined!" Toph says determinedly.
"Mine's Fire Lord," I state proudly.
"Well mine's the Avatar," Katara says triumphantly.
"Yeah… Sokka can't really beat that," Suki muses.
All of us laugh until tears threaten to leave our eyes.
"Forget boys. We'd be letting them win by spending our time talking about them," I say.
"Exactly. So, no meeting, no boys, what do we talk about?" Katara asks.
We all think for a moment.
"This is pathetic," Toph laughs.
"What do normal people talk about?" Suki asks.
"Probably how weird benders and warriors are and totally envy us," I say.
"Speaking of that, you have to hear what I heard at the market," Katara says.
That's how we spent dinner. Talking about nothing and randomness to fill the silence. How strange to think that because who we are, we're incapable of having a normal conversation at the dinner table. But that doesn't bother me. We're special.
After dinner, I walk back with the girls to their house before going to the palace. The stars are out and it's nice walking to get fresh air. Once at the palace, I immediately make my way to the kitchen. Most of the staff seems to be gone. Just a few around to clean everything up.
"Can I help you?" someone asks.
She looks to oversee the kitchen.
"I just came to make some food. I'm sure Fire Lord Zuko hasn't eaten," I say.
"We did offer food, but he declined to eat any. Too busy it seemed," she says looking at a scroll.
"Would you mind if I made something really quick? I promise not to make a mess and clean everything afterwards," I ask.
"You sure? A lady shouldn't really be in the kitchen," she says surveying me.
I smile in amusement.
"I'm just a person. Besides, you're all almost done. I don't want to add more work," I stand firmly.
"Alright, just this once," the woman says before turning and going back to something else.
I decide on making a soup and taking some bread up to him. It wasn't anything close to as fancy the chefs could make but I figured Zuko wouldn't mind. I knock on his door. At first there wasn't a response. Not even a noise coming from the other side.
Just before I can knock again, I hear some shuffling and the door is opened. Zuko looks disheveled. Something is clearly wrong.
"Zuko, what's wrong?" I ask.
No answer. He just looks right through me. I sigh. Holding up the tray a little more obviously I share a small smile.
"I brought you some dinner, can I come in?" I ask.
Zuko stares at me a moment longer before opening the door wider and moving to the side. I step in. Zuko's room is clearly grander than mine. It's nearly twice the size alone. Everything is bigger and covered in gold. I set the tray on the desk nearby. Zuko closes the door. I turn and place my hands on my hips.
"What's going through your head? You're acting weird," I ask trying to bait him.
Zuko just moves your head indicating that he heard.
"Are you going to ignore me? Are you being a total ass on purpose?" I ask more obnoxiously.
Zuko stares at me.
"There's something. Now tell me what's wrong. Or you can ignore me all night," I say.
Zuko bites his lips. I roll my eyes. Instead of sticking around maybe it would be best if I left. I couldn't actually push him to tell me anything.
"Fine, don't tell me. I thought we were doing better, thought we were in this together," I say more seriously. "They told me you didn't go eat. At least have some soup."
I walk pass Zuko to the door. As my hand reaches for the doorknob, his voice reaches my ear.
"I did go down," Zuko nearly whispers.
I stop but don't move to turn around. I wait for him to explain.
"One step in that room and I knew what a mistake this was. Everyone stopped talking and all eyes were on me. Eyes filled with disgust. They don't want me here. I'm sure they would have preferred if I died in the war. They're never going to listen to me," Zuko explains his encounter down in the dining room.
Quietly, I turn and see Zuko starring down at the food tray I brought. I smile slightly.
"Well of course they stared. You're the new Fire Lord. The once banished prince of the Fire Nation," I begin stating.
Zuko looks at me through the corner of his eye.
"Why wouldn't they look at the man who was related to the reason for their destruction, their hate. The reason for this horrible war," I keep going.
Zuko looks up at me completely angry.
"How is this helping?" Zuko asks confused and upset.
"Who said I was helping? I was just telling you why they were starring," I say.
Zuko frowns, clearly not amused.
"You used to be a better girlfriend," Zuko says, but I know he's joking.
I laugh lightly.
"And you used to not care what people thought. Whether you did the wrong thing or the right thing," I say.
Zuko looks away from me again. I walk up to him and place a hand on his shoulder.
"They're going to stare, they're going to be angry and maybe they won't listen right away. You're the Fire Lord of the Fire Nation. People were hurt and they're going to try to get justice. Just make sure they don't take advantage of that. Do what needs to be done to make things right again. Show them that you, and the Fire Nation, want to make amends. To make the world one again," I state.
Zuko turns his head and smiles down at me. It grows into a smirk. With one fluid motion, he's able to pull me against his chest. He hugs me tightly. I rest my head against him and hug back. Zuko sits in the desk chair and pulls me to sit in his lap. I move some hair out of his face.
"Better now?" I ask.
"Much, you really are a great girlfriend. I definitely got lucky," Zuko says sweetly.
I smile, leaning forward and kissing his cheek.
"Very," I tease.
Zuko smirks.
"So, you brought me food, does that mean you'll feed me?" Zuko asks teasingly.
I blush embarrassed.
"You have two hands, you can feed yourself," I reply.
"I can… doesn't mean I want to," Zuko says.
He grabs both of my hands. One he holds tightly on our laps, unable to move it. The other he holds at the wrist and forces me to grab a piece of bread. He plops it into his mouth. I blush deeper.
"See was that so bad?" Zuko asks.
"No," I whisper shyly.
Zuko leans his mouth to my ear.
"Then feed me," Zuko demands.
He lets go of one of my hands. I use it to feed him soup. His face scrunches.
"It's cold," Zuko complains.
"Well that's what you get for waiting so damn long!" I say.
Zuko laughs. I continue to feed him soup and bread until it's all gone. Just after he finishes, Zuko leans forward and surprises me with a kiss. I smile as he pulls back.
"I never thought you'd be this touchy," I say.
"With you, I can't help it," Zuko says.
"So cheesy," I tease.
"Your fault," Zuko says.
I nod before standing up. I smooth my outfit before taking the tray off the desk.
"Where are you going?" Zuko asks.
"Back to my room, after taking this back to the kitchen first," I say.
"Aww, I thought you were going to stay here," Zuko pouts.
I ruffle up his hair.
"You need to get some sleep before tomorrow," I say.
Zuko frowns before standing.
"Fine, but only because it's important," Zuko agrees.
We share one last kiss before I depart. Walking down the lonely halls felt strange. The walk to the kitchen felt long, and I had to clean the new dishes without anyone else around. My small steps sounded like giant's as I walked down the eerie hall. Once inside my room, I took a nice relaxing bath before changing and falling asleep in bed.
Sun poking through my curtains woke me the next morning. I rolled over and stared at the ceiling, my heart running rapidly. Today was the day. All the important leaders and representatives would be meeting today. Just in a few hours. I was unnecessarily worried. I believed in us, Zuko and the Avatar, but I was still frightened of what people would say. They might try to severely punish the Fire Nation for the war. Even now I knew this would be a long and difficult process.
Feeling like I shouldn't be late, I got up, stretching my tired limbs and hopped in the shower. Even as the warm water poured on my face and body, I couldn't relax. Though, for a moment it did feel nice. Before I turned into a prune, I turned off the water and dried myself. With all the extra layers for my dress today it took a little longer to get ready. Nevertheless, it was one of my best outfit and I figured I should look nice for today. I tied my hair in my usual half-up do, not able to convince myself to fix my hair fancier.
There came a knock on my door. Opening it, I was surprised to see Zuko with a semi-smile on his face. It grew wider with one look at me.
"You look beautiful," he greeted.
I smiled. He looked good too in his royal robes. It was weird seeing his hair up with his crown. Every fiber in my being wanted to rip it out and run my fingers through his usual messy hair, but I restrained myself.
"You look handsome yourself. Coming to see if I'm ready?" I respond.
"Came to see if you were awake yet," Zuko slightly laughs.
"I may not wake up at the crack of dawn like you, but I wake up at a reasonable hour," I protested.
"Is that why we're going to be late? The meeting started a few minutes ago," Zuko says.
"What?!" I yell panicking.
Zuko smirks before laughing.
"More like starts in fifteen minutes, but I love seeing you frazzled," Zuko smiles poking my nose.
I frown. Sometimes my boyfriend can be so annoying.
"You're cruel," I say lightly shoving him away.
He has the nerve to laugh.
"Just don't tell everyone else that," Zuko jokes.
"They already know," I tease.
After taking one more look in the mirror, I lead Zuko out of the room and we walk down the hall. As we approached the meeting room, more and more people filled the hall. They were lightly chatting with each other. As if an important meeting wasn't about to take place. Before we got too far the gang walk up to us.
"Hey guys! Good morning," Aang greets brightly.
"Ugh," Toph groans. "How are you so chipper in the morning?"
"It's not that early," Katara says.
"Early enough," Toph complains.
"This is so exciting. Can't wait to get started," Sokka says.
"Just remember I'm representing the South Pole," Katara reminds him.
"And why do you get to?" Sokka asks annoyed.
"Because I have tact," Katara answers.
We all nod in agreement.
"Won't argue there," Sokka admits.
We laugh. Our group talks until we hear a gong. This is it. The meeting is about to start.
ZUKO POV
Seeing everyone gathered in the same room was a little intimating. Luckily, the gang and I were sitting next to each other. With Mikaila on my right and Aang on my left. Katara sat on Aang's other side. Then Sokka and Suki. Toph sat on Mikaila's right side. Honestly, Toph looked like she'd rather be anywhere else but here right now. At least she wasn't complaining… out loud… loudly. The room got quieter as all the representatives and leaders settled down.
The Earth King stood, a smile on his face as usual. The remaining whispers went silent at his presence. He cleared his throat before speaking.
"Welcome everyone, thank you for coming. As you all know, we're here to discuss the end of this war. I may not have been aware of its existence for a long time, but I assure you I want what's best for not only the Earth Kingdom, but all of the nations. Please let me introduce you to my counsel," Earth King Kuei states gesturing to his military members.
They stand as their names are called.
"General Mishang, leader of resources, troops, and any other need military services could need. General Bin, my upper ring and palace protection services. General Chisho, the leader of the lower ring and middle ring. General Sung, defender of the outer wall. And lastly, General How, my chief military advisor and coordinator with military in other Earth Kingdom villages. My most trusted Counsel of Five," Earth King Kuei introduces.
They all slightly bow before taking a seat.
"Now, I think we should start with a word from the Avatar," Earth King Kuei smiles.
Aang smiles back before standing.
"Thank you and thank you for hosting this meeting. I remember the days before the war. It feels so long ago, well it was a hundred years ago," Aang speaks.
Some members laugh, others didn't seem amused.
"Nevertheless, the war changed everything. It damaged and split our nations. But I don't think it's too late for us. I know we've all been hurt, all experienced loss and extreme pain, this journey will be long and hard. But I know in the end, we can get to where our world was, better than it was. A world with peace and love and joy. So, let's do what we can to get there together," Aang says before sitting down.
The Earth King stands back up.
"Thank you, Avatar. Now a word from the Fire Nation if there are no objections," Earth King Kuei suggests with no interruption. "Very well, please, Fire Lord Zuko."
The Earth King sits down, and all eyes immediately go to me. I clear my throat awkwardly, being caught off guard, before standing.
"Hello," I say taking a deep breath. "Like the Avatar said, this journey will be hard, but I… I want to get back to what our world had. That's what we all want. To fix this war for once and for all."
I was interrupted before I could continue.
"Fix? How can you fix this war? You can't pretend it's something that can just be bandaged up and left to be healed," a representative from an Earth Kingdom village speaks up upset.
"I'm not acting like it was nothing. Not trying to sweep it under the rug. I just meant that I'd like to resolve this conflict and come back together," I clarifiy.
"How are you going to do that? Our people are too busy rebuilding everything you destroyed, with money we don't have, to think about "coming back together" again," another representative irritably states.
"I fully intend to pay war reparations for all the villages," I say honestly.
"And you think that will make everything better?" a representative asks.
"No, but it's a start. There are other measures I'm taking and will take," I say.
Soon I couldn't tell who asked the question, but I answered nevertheless.
"What about your military? Are you going to let them attack us again?"
"Military leaders have been captured and sent to our highly fortified prison, the Boiling Rock, they will spend the rest of their life there. I've also reduced my military's number," I say.
"To zero?"
"I can't do that. I can't leave us vulnerable," I answer.
"You vulnerable? We were vulnerable. You're merciless."
"What about the military stations?"
"Prisoners around the Earth Kingdom have been released. They're making their way home. As far as those bases, they've been abandoned, and all troops in the villages have returned home," I explain.
"What about the people? The Fire Nation citizens invading our villages. Have you taken them away?"
"I have not," I reply.
"Why not?"
I hesitate, wanting to think carefully of my answer.
"Some have lived there all their life, they didn't fight against you. I don't see why they should go back," I finally say.
"We don't want them here. It's our home. Get your people out of there!"
"I'm sorry I–" I start.
"We don't want your apology. We want the man responsible for our loss. Your father."
Many agreed. Like my father would agree to do that.
"My father would never apologize because he doesn't see what he did as wrong. He's too prideful to even consider it. You'll have to settle for mine," I state.
"And he's what, still alive? Why won't you kill such a horrible man?"
"That was my decision," Aang speaks up. "I didn't want to end the war with more blood. He can't pay for his crimes if he's dead. But I assure you he can't ever bend, and he won't see the light of day again."
"That can't be enough," Chief Arnook, of the North Pole, spoke up.
He looked angry but mostly he looked sad. It was easy to see in his eyes.
"My daughter, my only daughter, was only sixteen when she died because of your people. You came and destroyed our home. You destroyed all our homes," Chief Arnook states raising his voice and getting shouts of agreement from others. "You killed our fathers, our mothers, our children. You took our resources, forced us to do your work. Destroyed our homes, our land, our bodies. We have suffered! You can give us money, your lame apologies, your promises, but how can we trust you? Know you won't try this again. I say the Fire Nation is no longer worthy of being a nation. I say it disbands!"
"Down with the Fire Nation!"
"Yeah!"
Everyone begins shouting. The Earth King stands and tries to quiet everyone down. Soon everyone in the room is standing, shouting at everyone else. I stand there, quiet, looking at nothing. Wondering how we could possibly move forward when people won't let go of the past. I sit, feeling defeated.
"Everyone sit down! This is not how we will solve this!" Earth King Kuei says, looking angry for the first time ever.
With protests and grumbles, everyone sits back down. Mikaila stands.
"Mikaila, of the dual benders, you wish to speak?" Earth King Kuei asks.
"Yes, please give me permission," Mikaila requests.
"Very well," Earth King Kuei gestures before sitting down.
"My name is Mikaila, I'm a dual bender of earth and water," Mikaila starts.
That gains some whispers.
"As you know, many years ago the Fire Nation declared my people to be killed. Some managed to escape. We were isolated from the world, but we survived. We weren't alive though. Always in fear, to leave our new home and even to bend. Never wanting to see the outside world again. Except my grandmother," Mikaila smiles. "She was just a girl when the decree was made. She was the only one that remembered the world and wanted to see it again. Sadly, she died from illness and age before she could fulfill her wish."
Some saddened faces filled the room.
"I left home in her place, the only home I knew of to a world where I probably was going to die. I didn't last long. Fire Lord Zuko saved me when he was still just a banished prince. I stayed with him on his journey. Let me tell you, he was an ass," Mikaila laughs lightly. "I hated him more than anything."
I bristled at that. Not because it surprised me. I knew when we first met that we couldn't stand each other. I was shocked because I had no idea how this would help. Mikaila got serious again.
"After time, he became my friend. He was there when I needed him. He actually had a funny side, a kind side. He wasn't a monster, he's a person. A person who was also hurt. I grew to love him. Despite what people told me about him and even the Fire Nation. I know the Fire Nation has hurt us, but not everyone in the Fire Nation is to blame," Mikaila concludes.
Everyone quietly thinks on her words. One man laughs cruelly.
"Easy for you to say, you're sleeping with the Fire Lord."
Mikaila stiffened at that.
"Excuse me?" Mikaila asks offended.
"Well it's easy to say such nice things when you're in his bed. Do you think such things when he's–"
"Enough," I interrupt, feeling angry.
Standing, I glare at the man.
"You can say whatever you want about me. But you don't get to say that. You don't get to say anything bad about Mikaila," I defend her.
"Is she the reason you became "good"? Is she that great in bed? Maybe if she stayed one night with me, we could work something out."
My fists were filled with fire. I could see some terror on people's faces as they leaned back but I didn't care. That man deserved whatever my body was going to do next. With one soft touch though, the flames were gone.
"Zuko, please. You know that won't solve anything," Mikaila whispers with her hand on my shoulder.
I nod, knowing she was right. Mikaila turns to the man.
"Zuko is above punching you but know I am not. Next time you want to say something so disgusting, I will hurt you. How's that for working something out?" Mikaila states firmly.
The man doesn't reply. The Earth King stands up.
"I think this is a good start for today. Why don't you all leave the reports of demands and needs here. Send word to your leaders if you need. We'll pick this back up the day after tomorrow, same time," Earth King Kuei says.
People shift as they stand and collect their papers. They exit the room. Our gang is the last to leave, with me holding all the request papers. Seeming heavier than they actually are. It was my job to look through all of them and see what I could do about them. They had all the missing people from their village, accounts of damage, and costs they would need to rebuild. Some even had a list of Fire Nation citizens living in their village. It would be a long night and day tomorrow.
It was only lunchtime. Most people were heading to the hall to eat, but I wasn't sure I should go. After how disastrous the meeting went, it was probably best if I stayed in my room.
"I'm going to drop these papers in my room, don't wait for me," I say excusing myself.
They agree to meet in the dining room. The walk to my room was long and silent. The door creaked as I slowly opened it. The darkness was daunting and lonesome, but its probably what I deserved at the moment. Lighting a single candle, I began to go through the many papers.
MIKAILA POV
Lunch was loud with all the leaders and representatives in the room. Even with the overwhelming noise, I still noticed that Zuko failed to show up. Maybe he got lost? Most likely he decided to skip lunch. But why? Looking around the room at all the people and various range of emotions and conversations, I was beginning to see why. Grabbing a plate and filling it with food, I took the familiar walk back to his room. Shaking my head along the way. I was starting to feel like Zuko's personal food deliverer.
Knocking on the door, I hear Zuko welcome me in. He's sitting practically in the dark at the desk. A serious expression on your face.
"You know, at this rate you might as well make this my job," I tease.
Zuko looks up at me at the sound of my voice. He smiles lightly.
"Sorry, I wanted to get through a few before eating," Zuko says.
"You mean you wanted to avoid everyone," I correct knowingly.
Zuko looks surprised before smiling wider.
"You know me so well. It's a blessing and a curse," Zuko states.
I place the plate on the desk. Looking over, I see that Zuko is writing all the information onto his own piece of paper. I lean against the desk and pick up a paper, reading over it.
"What are you doing?" Zuko asks.
"Isn't it obvious?" I answer without looking up. "I'm helping you get through all these papers."
There was no response, so I assumed Zuko was looking at me with some expression of bewilderment. Then shifting of papers told me he went back to the paper he was reading before I interrupted him. We sat in silence, reading and writing down the information.
The next day the gang and I spent our day just outside the city in the green fields. It was a relaxing day. For most of us. Zuko acted like everything was fine but I could tell he was still nervous about the meeting tomorrow. This time I decided I wasn't going to let people keep talking over him like they did last time. There had to be some order.
At one point, Zuko split away from the group and sat on a hill. The one he told me he loved me. I smiled and climbed up to join him. Without a word I sat down next to him, admiring the view in silence, waiting for him to speak up when he felt ready. Minutes passed. It seemed he didn't even know I was there, but I didn't mind waiting. The wind picked up and the breeze began to blow my hair. Having it down for a change gave the wind more chances for my hair to hit my face. I closed my eyes, hearing the wind flow through the grass.
"It's hard, can't say if I expected it to be like this or not," Zuko finally speaks up. "I knew they would hold grudges and I knew they would be upset, but I thought they would be more willing to work this through. Not try to get rid of us."
Zuko pauses, but I wait for him to speak more. Whether he wanted to or not.
"You've seen the papers, even with the enormous wealth the Fire Nation has taken, the amount of reparations could hurt us. I want to repay the world for our wrongs, but I don't want to sacrifice our well-being. We might have to disband after all," Zuko states.
After another quiet moment, I take it as my turn to respond.
"You worry too much," I say feeling Zuko's eyes on me in question. "You are right, the Fire Nation should pay for the crimes it has done, but no one said you had to pay it all up front. Pay half, pay a quarter, pay whatever and work out a way to pay the rest over time. Maybe that way, the others will see that you remain loyal."
I open my eyes and face Zuko.
"You're going to be a great leader. You've already made good decisions after the war. Don't second guess yourself just because not everyone agrees with you," I finish.
Zuko takes my hand and brings it up to his lips. The action still causing me to blush.
"If people knew where I got my wisdom and love, they would make you Fire Lord over me," Zuko says smiling.
"And wear those stuffy clothes? No thanks," I smile wider.
Zuko chuckles.
"You'll always be my secret weapon," Zuko says. "May I ask you something? Regarding the requests from the Fire Nation."
"Of course, you know you can ask me anything," I reply.
Zuko nods knowingly.
"The dual benders. You only asked to go back to your homes. You didn't ask for any money. Is it because of us? Afraid you can't ask for money from your boyfriend or how it'll look?" Zuko asks.
I squeeze his hand.
"My father and I both agreed on that. We don't want money. We've never needed it. As much as my people have grown to despise the Fire Nation, we've forgiven you. All thanks to you. Money isn't really what we want," I answer sincerely.
Zuko smiles before leaning on me, resting his head on top of mine.
"In this still crazy world, you make me sane," Zuko says.
"Someone's got to," I say teasingly.
"Oh yeah?" Zuko asks.
Without warning he pins me down in the grass. I laugh. Zuko smirks before tickling me until I can't breathe. He ignores my pleads for him to stop. I manage to throw him off me and take off down the hill. I laugh as he chases me towards the group.
"Tag!" Sokka yells excitedly. "And Zuko's it!"
Everyone disperses trying to avoid the person who's it. The field filled with our laughter.
When the meeting came into order the following day, the tension was higher. Some tried to secretly glance over at our group, most weren't subtle. The Earth King stands and begins to speak.
"Morning everyone, I'd like to start this meeting off with some words from my Counsel of Five," Earth King Kuei says.
Zuko raises his hand.
"Yes, Fire Lord Zuko?" Earth King Kuei acknowledges.
"I'd like to say some words," Zuko says.
"Very well, the room is yours," Earth King Kuei states before sitting down.
Zuko stands, taking a deep breath. I can tell he's still a little shaky. Even I don't know what he's about to say. I had a feeling it would be good. Zuko looks up at everyone and straight into their eyes. Not backing down.
"I know some of you are hesitant to trust the Fire Nation. We did horrible things, I did horrible things. I used to believe that the Fire Nation was the strongest nation and we deserved to lead everyone because we were better. But we weren't. In fact, we became weak. We tried to force our ways on other people, people who have fought back for a century. Your nations are the strong ones.
I wish I could go back amd change the events leading up to the war, but I can't. I can try to convince you to move forward. The war is finally over and just like you, I want to make things right. I know it will take a while to earn your trust and your forgiveness, but I will work at it. I know what it's like to suffer loss. My mother was taken from me. I'd do anything to get her back.
I've changed. I'm still learning my role as Fire Lord, but the thing I do know without certainty is I can't rebuild our world alone. Your notes on your needs were very helpful. I won't be able to pay all of you the full amount up front, but I'm hoping you'll take a cut and we can work out a way to pay the rest over time. I'll even send some of my people to help rebuild if that's what you want.
As for the people from the Fire Nation still living in your villages, I'd like to express my true thoughts on the matter. Traveling all over the world, having Aang as my friend and Mikaila as my girlfriend, I've come to a conclusion. The Fire Nation citizens should be allowed to live in the Earth Kingdom, in fact, everyone should be allowed to live wherever they want. We aren't just four nations, we're one world. I think it's time we act that away," Zuko speaks.
After his words, the room is silent. I'm in awe but I'm not sure how everyone else will react. Then one of the leaders from the Earth Kingdom stands. His expression is plain, making my heart beat in my throat. Unexpectedly, he begins to clap, and his face soften. Others in the room stand and join until most of the room is standing and clapping. Our gang joining the group. Zuko looks shocked but smiles.
"It's time to change our world for the better! Beginning by changing our view on the Fire Lord, and hopefully his nation," the first man speaks up.
The man from yesterday who spoke ill about Zuko and me remained seated with a stern expression on his face. He wasn't the only one who seemed to disagree. For now, I ignored them.
The road to recovery and restoration would still be long, but maybe not as hard as we first believed. If people were willing to work with the Fire Nation, then we had a chance of being great again. After a time of darkness and obstacles, after pain from bad choices, and just when it seemed evil would win, it's finally time for the Fire Nation's and time for the world's comeback.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter! I promise the next chapter will come out much sooner. Thanks again for all the suggestions in the reviews, and if you still have suggestions please review! I'd love to hear what you guys want in the story and I'll try to incorporate it if it fits with the story! Thanks again, again haha! PLEASE REVIEW!