Alliance of the Seas

Chapter Fourteen: Grand Entrances and Council

Mako tugged at the long sleeves of his khaki dress uniform. It was stiff and scratchy in the heat of the summer day. This was his first time to visit the Fire Capital and he tried his best to hide his amazement. President Raiko didn't need one of his personal guards to be awed by the enemy — though Mako would never think of Korra as an enemy. Not to mention, this was supposed to be a celebration of the Avatar's birthday.

He knew that Bolin and Asami were somewhere on the palace premises, but he had yet to see them. He wandered the halls of the first floor — it was open to the public. Only the upper levels of the palace were restricted against the visitors. Exotic multi-colored lights were strewn about the area and a stringed quartet played music in the background. Tables of various hors d'oeuvres and refreshing beverages were laid out in the main hall in countless rows.

"Mako!" Bolin's familiar voice shouted nearby. Mako turned to his right and braced himself as his younger, stockier brother hugged him. "Glad you made it!"

"Hey, Bolin. How have you been?" Mako asked. He brushed aside Bolin's hands. He missed his younger brother terribly, but he didn't want Bolin to know that. If nothing else, Mako had his pride. Pride might not keep him warm at night, but it did service to keep his posture straight and his head held high.

"Great! Future Industries has really renovated the South. And oh my gosh! This place!" Bolin spun in a full circle with his arms out-stretched. "This place is awesome! I'd never been in a palace and wow, nothing can compare." He leaned close to Mako and cupped his hand around his mouth as he whispered with a suspicious darting of his eyes. "I already checked out the arena for the bending matches and you'll love it. There's no way the Wolfbats are going to win this time."

"I'm sure I will appreciate the arena," Mako murmured. He had mixed feelings about competing alongside Korra in a game. "How are Asami and Korra?"

"Good, good. Asami is really driven with her company. She's uh— written off dating for a while. And Korra —," Bolin trailed off. The background music of the stringed quartet changed. "Ah, there she is," he said, grinning broadly as his green eyes focused above and behind Mako's shoulder.

Mako turned around and stumbled back a step. Bolin's strong hand pressed against his shoulder blade kept him from stumbling further. Korra stood at the top of the spiral staircase in a blue and silver shimmery gown wearing a silver, gold, and sapphire crown on the top of her dark head of hair. Her hair was worn loose and flowing down her back and was longer than he remembered. In a word, she was — stunning. Her arm was hooked through that of a tall man in the red and gold princely robes of the Fire Nation — Prince Iroh.

It hurt Mako like a punch straight to the gut to look at the two of them together and he averted his eyes to stare at his shiny black dress boots. He thought the idea of Korra and Iroh as a pairing was merely a rumor. The reality of seeing the two of them together was like an icy fist that clenched around his heart.

"I hope she can see us," Bolin said. He raised his hands and began to wave wildly in Korra's direction.

"What are you doing?" Mako hissed in panic. "Stop that!"

OoO

"Just take a deep breath," Iroh whispered, leaning close to Korra's ear.

Korra felt a wave of goosebumps race down her back as Iroh's breath ghosted against her exposed neck. "Easier said than done," Korra whispered back. She gripped Iroh's arm tighter and looked towards the first floor of the main hall. Her attention was drawn towards Bolin who vied for her attention by waving his arms above his head. Mako stood next to him looking handsome in his police uniform with a familiar look of annoyance on his face. Her ex-boyfriend busied himself in an attempt to pull down Bolin's arms. Korra smiled at them and nodded briefly before focusing her eyes on the stairs at her feet.

"We have about a half hour to mingle before the meeting between the nations," Iroh said. He led them slowly down the spiraling staircase. "Look to the far right corner. That's the Earth Queen."

Korra focused her attention towards the far right corner to see an elegant older woman in royal green and gold robes. She wore a great golden crown upon her head and a severe look upon her face. There was a pretty girl at her side with vibrant red hair in an emerald and gold gown. A dozen soldiers stood around her — the male half, the Dai Li soldiers, in green and gray samurai armor and the female half in the traditional green and brown garb of the Kyoshi Warriors.

"I've only met Queen Hou-Ting once before," Iroh whispered. "Be wary of her, Korra. She has a great grudge against the Fire Nation due to the Fire Nation's oppression before Avatar Aang and Fire Lord Zuko. She's also bitter about Republic City being built on Earth Kingdom land."

"She does realize this is a celebration, right?" Korra asked, half-joking. She didn't see any spears or swords amongst the Earth Queen's personal guard, but she was certain they were all trained in martial arts and or Earth-bending.

"Mother said that when Queen Hou-Ting RSVPed she included two dozen personal guards. I only see half that number," Iroh said, a worried note in his voice.

"Korra! Iroh! My darlings! It's about time!" Fire Lord Kasai, Iroh's mother, called out. She hurried towards the two of them with Tonraq and Senna not far behind. Kasai laid her hand on Iroh's shoulder and kissed him on both cheeks before she turned to Korra. She pressed her palms on either side of Korra's face. "You look lovely, Korra," she said.

"Yes, she does," Tonraq agreed. His arm was wrapped around Senna's shoulder and he held her close.

Korra smiled at her parents. They both looked marvelous. Looking at her mother and father she'd have thought they were royals their whole lives. Her father carried an imposing strength and dignity while her mother had an air of elegance.

"Did President Raiko agree to meet?" Korra asked, addressing both her father and Iroh's mother.

"President Raiko only made a few demands," Kasai said, a trace of annoyance in her tone. "It was decided that no leader would have more than two guests."

"That's a lot of people for a small audience," Korra said.

"Only seven will be sitting at the round table," Kasai pointed out. "Our guests, with the exception of you, Korra, as you're also the Avatar, will stand behind their respective leaders."

"Eska, Desna, and I have decided to represent the Water Nations together," Tonraq said. "However, as both my daughter and their cousin we wish you to be present, Korra."

"Mother informed me that President Raiko has chosen Chief Beifong and Detective Mako for his guards. My grandfather and I will stand behind the Fire Nation," Iroh said. "Tenzin has requested his siblings — Kya and Bumi. Queen Hou-Ting will have the head of her Kyoshi Warriors and her niece."

"Has Fire Lord Zuko made it here yet?" Senna asked.

"Father should be here any time now," Kasai said.

There was a murmur of excitement amongst the guests. "That would be him," Iroh said, whispering in Korra's ear. "Let's go outside to see what's attracting everyone's attention," he said louder for the benefit of the group.

The Fire and Water royal families joined the crowds outside. A red dragon soared through the sky. Seeing as there were only two dragons in existence a red and a blue one — it narrowed down the identity of the flyer to only one other person who would have befriend Ran and Shaw. Former Fire Lord Zuko rode on the back of Shaw.

Korra glanced over towards where the Earth Queen stood amidst her troops. She looked unsettled and nervous by the show of Fire Nation power. Shaw lowered his head to the ground and retired Fire Lord Zuko eased off his back. He rubbed the red dragon on the underside of its jaw. He glanced over towards Korra. "Ran also wished to come celebrate your birthday, Avatar Korra, but it is unwise for her to leave home."

Korra tugged on Iroh's shoulder, drawing his ear close to her lips. "I told you Ran was pregnant."

"You don't know that," Iroh argued. He straightened and bowed at his grandfather and Shaw in respect. "We are honored by your presence."

The red dragon locked his amber eyes with first Iroh then Korra. He snorted, a cloud of warm air formed. Then expanded his large scaly wings and took off for the skies once more back in the direction of the homeland of the Sun Warriors.

"You always make an entrance," Kasai said, shaking her head. "Where's Mother?"

Zuko's expression darkened. "Mae is not feeling well. She expresses her heart-felt hopes that you have a wonderful celebration, Avatar Korra."

Korra couldn't help but fret over Mae's health. She'd been looking forward to introducing Asami to the strong-willed woman of legend.

"Don't worry, she's fine," Kasai said to Korra, waving her hand in dismissal. "Mother is finicky about grand celebrations. Her father was a politician and she's always had an aversion to the pomp and circumstance."

"Am I allowed to ask about the dragon?" Tonraq asked, his eyes wide with wonder as he stared at the retreating form of the magnificent crimson creature.

"Of course, I just can't answer," Zuko said, clapping his hand on Tonraq's shoulder.

OoO

"As the elected President of the United Republic of Nations, I would like to call this meeting to order," Raiko said. He sat at one end of the table and the Fire Lord, Kasai sat at the other end. The Earth Queen sat to Raiko's right, Tonraq next to her and then Korra between him and the Fire Lord. Tenzin sat to Raiko's left with Eska and Desna between him and Kasai.

"I will remind you that currently the Fire and Water Nations have withdrawn from the United Republic," Kasai said.

"However, our withdrawal was not meant to incite civil war in Republic City," Tonraq added.

"Though if you had allowed the military forces to help Avatar Korra when she asked, our father Unalaq, wouldn't have been able to wreak so much havoc, death, and destruction," Desna said in his emotionless voice.

"So the Fire Nation would try to rule the world once again," Hou-Ting, the Earth Queen, scoffed. She tapped her long, manicured gold colored nails across the table top. "One hundred years of oppression weren't enough for your kind?"

"Now, now, we didn't come here to argue," Tenzin said, holding his hands up in a gesture of peace. "We are here to celebrate the birthday of Avatar Korra and she has requested an audience with us — the leaders of our respective people. Let us hear her out."

Bumi, standing behind Tenzin, began to clap. Chief Beifong, standing to his right elbowed him hard in the ribs and the clapping ceased.

Korra stood, her gaze inadvertently met Mako's from where he stood behind President Raiko. "President Raiko, I understand that when you refused to assist me that you felt you were protecting Republic City by remaining uninvolved. You were wrong, but my allies and I were able to protect the world without your help." Korra shifted the crown on the top of her head. "This crown is not because I wanted to be a princess of the Water Tribe. This crown represents my position as a council member for the Spirit World."

"We tried having a council," President Raiko pointed out. "Tarrlok — the representative from the Northern Water Tribe was corrupt," he said, looking towards Eska and Desna.

"The North is under new management," Eska said, folding her arms over her chest and issuing the president a challenging glare.

"My point is that, perhaps having a president and a council both is a good solution. The president may not have all the information he or she needs to make the right decision," Korra said. She sat back in her seat, her father reached for her hand and squeezed it briefly in support.

"So, the Fire and Water Nations want to rejoin the Union?" Hou-Ting demanded. She looked at the red-haired woman and the Kyoshi warrior standing behind her. The red-head snorted in laughter. "Even my niece believes that to be ridiculous," Hou-Ting said. "And Diamond has no head for politics."

Korra directed her attention the Earth Queen's niece. She seriously doubted that young lady didn't have a head for politics.

"The Union was created to incorporate the Four Nations," Zuko said. He stood behind his daughter at the end of the table across from President Raiko. "When Avatar Aang and I created the United Republic of Nations it wasn't to dissolve the nations, but to bring them together in harmony. The plight of one nation is the plight of all nations."

"So say we have a council and a president. The two parties disagree on a course of action. What then? Are we to consult the Avatar to serve as the tiebreaker?" Raiko asked suspiciously.

Korra shook her head. "No, the Avatar must remain neutral. I am the messenger between the human world and the spirit world. I will represent the spirits at council. With the barrier between the worlds gone I must focus on my duties."

Hou-Ting scoffed. "Princess of the Southern Water Tribe and Avatar isn't neutral."

"Korra is my daughter and a princess through birthright. The spirit of the Avatar chose Korra as the next champion for a reason," Tonraq said, his voice edged in anger and impatience.

"Our family has ruled the Water Tribes since the creation of the Water Nation," Eska said. "Do not fault Korra for the sins of our father."

Iroh cleared his throat. "Perhaps you should allow someone in the military to serve as another voice," he suggested.

"I suppose you would want to take back your old position?" Raiko asked. His eyebrows were raised in disbelief.

Iroh shook his head. "No, sir. My duties are first as my role as Crown Prince of the Fire Nation. Though perhaps Commander Bumi might reconsider his early retirement."

Everyone turned to Tenzin's elder brother.

"Would you consider it?" President Raiko asked. "As the son of the previous Avatar you would be the ideal candidate. You're of Water and Air origins and you're a non-bender."

"And you would need to move to Republic City," Lin Beifong said.

"Oh, well then, how could I refuse?" Bumi said.

Kya and Tenzin groaned in unison.

"Welcome back, Commander Bumi," President Raiko said with his first smile of the evening.

"Queen Hou-Ting, is this arrangement satisfactory to you?" Kasai asked.

"I will allow my niece, Diamond, to represent the Earth Nation in this council," the Earth Queen answered after a lengthy pause.

Korra looked across and met Mako's gaze. They both seemed to be thinking the same thing. It was strange for the Earth Queen to allow her niece who had "no head for politics" to represent their nation in the council.

An uneasy truce was settled and the meeting adjourned so that the guests might prepare for the pro-bending tournament that afternoon. Mako lingered behind in the meeting room leaving only him, Korra, and Iroh in the room.

"So, will we have a Fire Ferrets team?" Korra asked. Iroh stood at her side, his shoulder brushed against hers.

"I can't believe that just happened," Mako said. He gestured towards the empty round table. "You just reunited the Nations."

"Did you think I would stand back and allow civil war to continue?" Korra asked, incredulous. "Bolin and Asami told me how bad it was back in Republic City."

"They left before it really escalated," Mako said. He pulled out the chair that President Raiko had recently vacated and sat down. He braced his elbows on the table and rested his chin in his hands.

Iroh pulled out a set of chairs, one for him and one for Korra. They sat across from Mako. "The rebuilding wouldn't have gone as well without them," Korra said. "Asami's Future Industries have really made a difference. I think she's glad to be working on a project that's not weapons. Bolin and Ming have used their earth bending to facilitate construction."

"Ming? Wasn't he one of the White Falls Wolfbats?" Mako asked.

Korra nodded. "The whole team journeyed to the South. I restored their bending. Tahno is really anxious to have an honest competition with the Fire Ferrets."

Mako snorted. "No one is anxious to lose," he said with a cocky grin. He jerked his head in Iroh's direction. "Why aren't you participating?"

"It would be unfair," Iroh said.

"Afraid to face off against me?" Mako challenged.

Iroh pushed away from the table and offered his hand to Korra. "I prefer not to fight against my allies. I don't practice restraint. If you're planning to bend in the next hour, don't you need to change, Korra?" Iroh asked.

Korra accepted Iroh's hand. His grip was warm and firm. "Are you coming, Mako?" Korra asked.

Mako's amber gaze followed Korra and Iroh. "I don't know. I need to make sure that President Raiko doesn't need me anymore for the evening."

"The first match is girls versus boys, so we've got plenty of participants. Take your time and decide, Mako," Korra said.

"What will you do if I don't agree?" Mako asked.

"I'll let you be the one to hold Bolin as he cries," Korra said.

OoO

Mako was the last to leave the meeting room. His stomach was in knots at seeing Korra and Iroh act so comfortable around one another. Mako was Korra's best friend. Team Avatar had four core members — Korra, Mako, Bolin, and Asami. Had the Fire Prince settled into some new role that displaced the original team?

"You're going to do it, right?" Bolin asked, tackling Mako the moment he stepped outside of the room.

"What are you doing?" Mako asked, extracting himself from Bolin's arms.

"Waiting for you! The first match is in less than an hour! Chief Beifong told me to tell you that you were off duty for the rest of the day, but that President Raiko expected you to be ready for your next shift at fog," Bolin said. He tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Or maybe she said at dawn." He shook his head. "Whatever! The point is — you're free!"

"Who is participating in the first match?" Mako asked, his curiosity getting the best of him. He loved his role as a detective and while he didn't share Bolin's enthusiasm he loved Pro-bending. "Korra said its girls versus boys."

"Korra, Eska, and Jinora versus Desna, Tenzin, and me," Bolin explained.

"What? Jinora and Tenzin? They're air bending in a match? What element is Korra using? Eska and Desna I assume are using water," Mako said.

"Korra is squaring off her earth bending skills against mine. Asami came up with the various match rosters. There's also going to be an all water team — Korra, Eska, and Desna versus all earth — me, Ming, and Diamond!"

"What?" Mako blinked at Bolin in confusion. "Wait? Diamond? The Earth Queen's niece?"

"That's the one. Apparently, when Korra sent out the invitation she let the Earth Queen know of her intentions to host a bending competition and to see if she wanted to extend the invitation to any of the guests she was bringing," Bolin explained. He ran his fingers through his dark, tangled hair. "Phew! It's a bit confusing how many match scenarios there are, but Asami is in charge of arranging it."

"I see," Mako said, his mind spun at the possibilities. It had been a long time since he'd been excited about a Pro-bending match. "And the Fire Ferrets will face off against the White Falls Wolfbats?"

"All right!" Bolin shouted, pumping his fist in the air. "I knew you'd be in!"

"Don't want to disappoint Asami," Mako murmured.

"It's a little late for that, big bro," Bolin teased, elbowing Mako in the ribs. "What did you think of Korra's crown? Pretty amazing, right? I was with her when the scary deer spirit gave it to her. I thought I was a goner, but he only seemed interested in talking with Korra and not in eating me."

Mako hardly listened as Bolin rambled. His mind whirled with the realization that while he was off pursuing his career as a detective his friends had been plenty busy without him.

A/N: I was tired of the Fire Lord not having a name, so I named her Kasai. As far as I can tell, it means Fire in Japanese. I may change the name if it is revealed in the next season, which airs Friday June 27th ! Thanks to shotgunhero for beta-ing this chapter. Your reviews are really inspiring, so thanks to those of you taking the time to write a note last chapter: PrincessofBadLuck, Marji0922, Kahnartis, eliza20, Toreh, ByakuyaxRukiaKuchikifan, and spanky.1998aw

Also, the name of the Earth Queen has been changed to Hou-Ting, as it was revealed in Season Three of Korra this weekend. 6/28/14