Chapter 25: Madness and Brutality
Mako and Kuruk were in the tower's kitchen, stocking up the cabinets with food that Zuko and Katara had brought back from the Fire Nation.
"They look like they had a nice trip," Kuruk commented, glancing out the window at where Zuko and Katara stood talking to Iroh. It hadn't been long since the two of them had returned to Taku.
Mako nodded. "The Fire Nation is filled with great vacation spots."
"…How long do you think this will last?" Kuruk suddenly asked, still looking out the window.
"W-what?" Mako glanced at the waterbender. He wasn't expecting him to say something like that.
Kuruk gestured at Zuko and Katara. "They obviously have a thing for each other. But it can't last. Prince Zuko has to marry Lady Mai, or another Fire Nation woman. Lady Katara is also betrothed to someone else."
Mako remembered that the only he and Iroh knew of Zuko and Katara's marriage. The other people at Taku with them—Kuruk, and a couple of Zuko's soldiers and servants—thought that the only reason Zuko and Katara had gone to the Fire Nation together was for a vacation. Although Mako had known that many people would not be accepting of a marriage between Zuko and Katara, the realization hit him that many of these people were not antagonistic people—they were normal people like Kuruk. They might not actively oppose the marriage—but they wouldn't be happy with it.
"I trust Zuko's decisions." Mako finally said. "He always has good intentions. He's not selfish—he has always wanted the best for his people."
"His people…" Kuruk repeated, emphasizing the words. "You mean the people of the Fire Nation. But…what about the rest of the world?"
"He…he would treat them well..." Mako slowly replied.
Kuruk's gaze was unwavering. "The prince would prioritize the needs of the Fire Nation people over the needs of people from other nations. That's to be expected, but…I'm curious as to whether the prince truly cares about the people from other nations. With the exception of Lady Katara, of course."
Mako hesitated, unsure how to answer.
Kuruk shrugged his shoulders. "It's just food for thought. Tension between the nations is normal. Especially when there's an imbalance of power." With that said, he turned and walked away.
"Firelord Ozai." A Fire Nation soldier entered the throne room and bowed. He looked nervous, but announced, "Chief Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe and his men are outside the Capital, demanding that Prince Zuko release Lady Katara and return her to them. They also insist that Prince Zuko be punished for his actions."
Perfect timing. Ozai thought. "Bring them to me." He was in the middle of a court hearing. A large crowd consisting of court officials, soldiers, advisors, noblemen, noblewomen, and servants filled the throne room. They will witness my power and authority in this unusual situation.
It had been a long time since someone had openly spoke out against Fire Nation royalty. The crowd in the room exchanged glances with one another, wondering what the outcome of this confrontation would be.
Hakoda and his soldiers were led into the throne room. Scanning the room, Hakoda noticed that the prince was not present.
"Where is Prince Zuko?" Hakoda faced the Firelord, who was sitting on his throne. A wall of fire separated Ozai from everyone else.
"My son's whereabouts are none of your concern." Ozai replied.
"He has my daughter." Hakoda glared at Ozai, his fists clenched. His voice rose as he went on. "Bring him out and have him punished for what he has done!"
The Firelord's anger flared. "You dare question my son's actions?!" Ozai shouted. "He is the Crown Prince, and peasants like you should watch what you say about him." The Firelord's expression turned into a cruel smirk. "I know of your true intentions—you are plotting to murder him."
"That's ridiculous!" Hakoda protested angrily. "We want Prince Zuko to give Katara back to us and for justice to be served—that is all!"
"Lies! I'll serve you justice," Ozai snarled. "I've known of your plotting since the Tournament at Ba Sing Se. You used your daughter to seduce my son. You wanted her to get close to him so that through her you can seize power from us." He went on, "And now you want him to be punished when he hasn't done anything wrong. You are trying to bring him down in order for you to rise in power."
He's gone mad. No amount of arguing or protesting is going to change his mind, Hakoda realized. He looked around the room, seeing the frightened faces of noblemen and noblewomen watching the whole exchange. They won't stand up against the Firelord, even though his accusations are clearly false. The Firelord can say things that are complete nonsense, and these people are too scared to argue.
Hakoda also noticed the Fire Nation soldiers in the room, standing guard. They outnumbered Hakoda and his men. One soldier in particular caught Hakoda's eye—Kuzon, the recently appointed bodyguard. The young boy looked like he was trying hard not to show his fear.
Hakoda turned to face Ozai again. "Your accusations have no substance and make no sense. Give us Katara back, and we'll leave."
"You are in no position to make demands, Chief Hakoda. You underestimate the power of the Fire Nation. You have disrespected us and plotted against us, and you should be on your knees begging for forgiveness." Ozai growled.
One of Ozai's advisors spoke up, nervously. "Your Highness, perhaps it would be wise to think this over before making any decisions…"
"Silence." Ozai kept his eyes on the Water Tribe men. "What will you choose to do, Chief Hakoda? Will you kneel and beg to be cleared of your crimes?"
"My men and I are innocent. And I will never bow to someone like you." Hakoda stood his ground, showing no fear.
Fury flashed in Ozai's eyes. "Then you will suffer." He stood up from his throne, announcing to everyone in the room, "Let this be a lesson to enemies and traitors of the Fire Nation. Chief Hakoda and his men are guilty of plotting to overthrow the Fire Nation Royal Family. And the punishment for treason is death."
The Firelord started creating huge swirls of fire. His movements were sudden and powerful. It was an intimidating sight—the raging flames that circled the Firelord kept on growing larger and wilder, until he directed them at Hakoda and his men in a fiery blast.
No! Kuzon wanted to scream but could only stand frozen. His eyes were full of shock and terror as he watched the fire engulf Chief Hakoda and his men. Screams filled the room, coming from the Water Tribe men as well as from the noblemen and noblewomen witnessing the horrible scene. Even the Fire Nation soldiers, who were used to Ozai's reckless violence, had looks of horror on their faces as they watched. The smell of flesh burning was nauseating.
The expression on Ozai's face was one of triumph and madness. He wanted to see the look of defeat on Hakoda's face and hear his screams as he was burned to death. But Hakoda didn't scream, and his face showed no expression.
All of it was only a brief moment for Hakoda. He had watched the flames come rushing towards him. Then all he saw was fire as it consumed him, but he didn't feel any pain. It was as if his sense of feeling had already left him.
A vision of Kya, Hakoda's deceased wife and mother of Sokka and Katara, flashed through his mind. Kya. Sokka. Katara. Those were Hakoda's last thoughts. Then everything went black.