Chapter 28 – Most Reliable Subordinate
(A few days have passed since the prison break)
P'Li told her squadron that she would remain in New Ozai until the treaty was finalized. Only two of her subordinates remained while the rest went to deliver the message. Of course, her actual reason for staying behind was to help Kuzo destroy the city's resources.
Bumi had been organizing the Resistance faction, and having them prep everyone for evacuation. Many did not like the plan and wanted to stay in the city regardless of everything. Others voiced their desire to go through with the coup de tat anyway. Lin's voice was among them.
The former Dai Li Leader found herself sitting on one the high rooftops where packages shipped all throughout the city. It offered a stunning view of the weaving supply highways and the landscape past New Ozai's walls. She stared at the distant mountains, deep in thought.
Lin had not spoken a word to Kuzo in the time he had stayed at the antique shop. She fully expected him to try to convince her to train him again, but he surprisingly did not.
Maybe he's given up. Unlike the Water Benders and Air Benders, there's still plenty of Earth Bending masters out there.
She sighed not knowing what to do.
I remember I wasn't happy about being nominated as the Avatar's advisor. I wasn't happy… Maybe a little bit.
Lin groaned and scratched her head in agitation.
I was excited that I could make a difference! I didn't put the Avatar on a pedestal or anything, but I believed in the cause! I thought if I fought beside him, I would be able to influence the world. Make it a better place the way I would want it.
She thought about how she, Kuzo, and Nomu had freed the prisoners while barely breaking a sweat. At that point, even though Lin did not know them, she thought they were both admirable and had fully acknowledged them. It hurt all the more when the Avatar proposed leveling New Ozai…
Lin laid on her back in frustration, staring into the blank empty sky.
It's not like I don't understand the reasoning...In all fairness, if it wasn't my home, I might have readily agreed to it…
But I still hate it.
She thought about what she would do when they evacuated the city.
I need to mail the earrings back, and they'll have to find another Earth Bending teacher. I have to make sure the residents are safe… Should I join the regular White Lotus and support the cause that way?
Depression took deeper roots in her mind. She clinched her fist and thrust it into the sky.
I want to change the world but…
She groaned even louder.
"I don't want to be his companion to do it!" Lin yelled into sky.
"Whoa… bad time?"
Lin quickly got up and turned to the speaker.
"I wasn't eavesdropping I swear. Just wanted to find a nice drinking spot."(Nomu)
The Water Bender sat beside her and uncorked a bottle. He offered Lin a sip, but she refused.
"You should talk to him."(Nomu)
"What?"(Lin)
"You should talk to Kuzo. Both of you have had time to sort out your thoughts. You guys probably had like… the worst first meeting and fight I've ever seen."(Nomu)
"Heh. You expect us to just play nice and I'll join the little merry Avatar band?"(Lin)
Nomu took a long draught and wiped his lips with a refreshed expression.
"Nope! In fact, I'm pretty sure you guys would kill each other if you stood in the same vicinity for too long. Traveling together? Psh! That's completely out of the question! Hahaha~"(Nomu)
Lin raised an eyebrow at the slightly buzzed boy.
"Then why should I talk to him?"(Lin)
Nomu shrugged his shoulders.
"I think you'd feel better if you did. You guys had what, two conversations before swearing to never talk to each other ever again?"(Nomu)
"Well, when you say it like that, the Avatar and I sound like complete idiots."(Lin)
"Yup! You guys really are!"(Nomu)
"*Sigh* You really don't pull your words. Did you drink that much already?"(Lin)
"Nah. Maybe Kuzo's candidness is starting to rub off on me. Gross!"(Nomu)
"I see….Fine. Go get him."(Lin)
"Wait, what?"(Nomu)
"I've decided to take your advice. Now, go get him."(Lin)
"Haha… just like that?"(Nomu)
"I don't believe in wasting time and I need to hear some things from him."(Lin)
*Sigh* "I can't make him come here, but I'll put it out there."(Nomu)
The boy stood up and left.
Nomu found Kuzo looking over a fresh batch of letters sent by spies all around the world. The Avatar was sitting back with his legs perched on top of the table.
"Our spy, Mei, has been assigned to Hiroshi Sato's protective detail. I am contemplating whether having him killed is worth blowing her cover…" Kuzo muttered absentmindedly.
"Always a lively conversation with you. If anything, I can complement you on that…." Nomu said as he took a swig from his bottle.
"You've absorbed my teachings, or at least, you better have. What is your opinion as my military advisor?"(Kuzo)
Kuzo handed the letter to Nomu, who grimaced upon reading it.
"He has a daughter."(Nomu)
"… Father has to die. Girl does not. Though I have no idea what would be done with her. It might be better if she also died."(Kuzo)
"Grrrughhhh Kuzo…" Nomu decided to change the subject. "You should talk to Lin."
The Avatar rested his elbows on the table and began to drum his fingers together.
"…It has been three days since her tantrum, correct?"(Kuzo)
"Yeah..."(Nomu)
"Very well. It is time to secure my next subordinate."(Kuzo)
Nomu almost spit out the wine he had been drinking.
"Kuzo, what? If you try to recruit her, you'll probably just piss her off more."(Nomu)
"Nonsense. She's had enough time to herself to realize her ambitions. There is no doubt that she desires to be my military advisor and Earth Bending instructor."(Kuzo)
"I really have no idea where all that confidence comes from! Care to impart some on me? Also! Why do you even want to recruit her?! If it's about a teacher, there's plenty of Earth Benders out there. And if you do force her to join us, she'll only argue and second guess everything you do. Her priorities, personality, and perspectives are way too different!"(Nomu)
Kuzo turned to Nomu seriously.
"It is because she will second guess me and offer opposing views that may make her the most reliable subordinate of all. I do not need 'yes' men or bobble heads on my war council. If I am heading for a cliff that I believe is the right way, I want someone to tackle me to safety, not politely ask me to turn around, or even walk off the cliff with me."(Kuzo)
Nomu laughed at the image. "The stupid leading the blind, huh?"
"More important than having the same views, I value those who can give varied perspective and opinions."(Kuzo)
Nomu followed the thought process and smiled at the irony.
"Well, Lin is definitely that, I suppose."(Nomu)
"And in regards to her personality, she's actually more akin to mine more than you or P'Li."(Kuzo)
"Hmmm… Now that you mention it, I can see the semblance. Stern, pragmatic, candid, calculative…(Nomu)
"Ambitious. She has a fire in her that I see in myself. Prideful and egocentric. That is why, I know she will join me. We oppose each other because our core beliefs are fundamentally different, but we both want the same thing in the end. She has the practicality to see that, and use me for her own ends."(Kuzo)
"Hm… interesting theory… By the way, what is it exactly do you guys want in the end?"(Nomu)
"Hmph. To change the world in our image."(Kuzo)
Kuzo stood up and left the antique shop.
"Hehe… 's funny."
Nomu muttered softly as he took another swig.
"Lin Beifong."(Kuzo)
On the rooftops, the Lin looked back at the Avatar standing in the door way. She then turned toward the scenery again and stared blankly.
Seeing as she did not ask him to leave, Kuzo took it as permission to sit.
"You and I are alike, whether you admit it or not."(Kuzo)
Lin's eyes twitched.
"Lin Beifong. You want to mold the world in your image. I desire the same thing."(Kuzo)
She clenched her teeth.
"The path is clear. Work by my side and I will give you that influence."(Kuzo)
"… You sound like a devil offering a shady deal."(Lin)
"That is wrong. I possess no hidden motives. My reasons have been made perfectly clear, and I will give you what you desire in full."(Kuzo)
"And I'm supposed to just believe that?"(Lin)
"…Yes."(Kuzo)
A gale passed over the rooftops and hung laundry could be seen fluttering in the wind.
"It's egocentric… It's selfish and stupid and prideful and self-righteous…!"(Lin)
"If you want to change the world, at least that much is required, Lin Beifong. Admonishing yourself for desiring such a lofty ambition will only cause your own suffering."(Kuzo)
"It's an overloaded messiah complex…! I don't like that side of me. The side that wants to be important. The arrogance in believing I know what's best for people."(Lin)
"…"(Kuzo)
Lin sighed heavily and decided to change the subject.
"You're sacrificing this city."(Lin)
"…Yes."(Kuzo)
Lin took a deep breath and prepared to ask tough questions.
"…You plan to create a new world upon the ruins of people's lives. You… even plan on killing Ozai and Baro, don't you?"(Lin)
Kuzo's face is unreadable.
"Do you really believe a world built on such foundations can stand strong?"(Lin)
"… I am no fool. I know the process is just as important as the results."(Kuzo)
"Then why do you act like the ends justify the means?! People will look back and find that their peace was built on bloodshed and sacrifice!"(Lin)
"No… they will not…"(Kuzo)
"…?"(Lin)
"I cannot reveal the full scope of my plans. All you need to know is that I will bring everlasting peace to this world."(Kuzo)
"…"(Lin)
"And I will bring it about my way. In my vision. The Avatar isn't some gallivanting hero that saves the day so everyone may live happily ever after. He is not someone who babysits humanity and holds their hand through troubled times. ALL of the past reincarnations have done that, and they've all failed. The peace they ushered in, eventually collapsed into nothing but shadows and dust!"
"And you will accomplish something different?"(Lin)
"I am stronger than they were. I will do what they could not."(Kuzo)
"…"(Lin)
She saw fire in the Avatar's eyes. A zeal and charisma belonging only to the most avant garde. Lin looked down. Her feelings were in complete conflict with each other. Her soul had never experienced so much turmoil.
"I have no choice, do I? Either be a part of the change, or be useless… Take a spectator's seat or be a mere foot soldier…"(Lin)
"… An accurate assessment."(Kuzo)
Lin closed her eyes momentarily.
"I will join you. Even if I do not agree with you… I'll make sure the world moves in the right direction."(Lin)
Lin no longer felt doubt as she stared intensely at Kuzo.
"I'll make sure YOU move in the right direction…"
