Ikki gave a curious stare at the two women and waved her hand in front of their faces. No response. "What do you think they're doing in there?"
"Probably some awesome spirit stuff," Meelo said. "Like raising a spirit army!"
For the past two hours, Kuvira and Jinora had been meditating into the Spirit World out on the meditation pavilion behind the air temple, while Ikki and Meelo had taken it upon themselves to look after their bodies.
Ikki frowned at her brother. "Meelo, that's stupid. Spirits don't have armies."
"How do you know that?" Meelo stared back at her with his arms planted across his chest. "Have you ever been to the spirit world?"
"Well, no."
"And have you ever not seen their armies?"
Ikki furrowed her brow. "Wait, that doesn't make any sense."
"The spirits could be planning an invasion right now, and you'd never know!" Meelo exclaimed. "You have to be prepared for these things, Ikki. Good thing you have me."
"Ugh," she groaned. "You are so annoying."
"Ikki, Meelo, leave their bodies alone." Korra approached the pavilion, carrying a stack of large boxes in her arms. Her muscles strained against the weight, but held firm. "Jinora's just giving Kuvira some lessons in spiritual guidance while I load the ferry."
"But someone has to keep an eye on them!" Meelo insisted.
"Meelo, they're fine." Korra turned to continue on her way, only to stop a second later and look back at him. "Also, there are no spirit armies."
Ikki pointed at her brother with a triumphant grin. "See, I told you!"
"There aren't any spirit armies yet," Meelo said, with a careful glare. "I'll be prepared for when the inevitable happens."
"And what exactly are you going to do when these spirit armies invade?" The question came from Kuvira, now leaning out of her meditative position as her spirit returned to her body.
Meelo proudly grinned and pointed his thumb at himself. "I'll give them a taste of Meelo!"
"Oh hey, you guys are back!" Ikki bounded in front of the two women, leaning close with an expectant smile. "What did you do? Where did you go? What did you see!" Before they could answer her, she turned a side-eyed glare towards her brother and added, "Also, Meelo, gross. You probably taste like sour pickles."
"We just went through some spiritual exercises," Jinora said, opening her eyes. "Nothing major."
Korra flashed a smile and made her way next to Kuvira. "Hey, welcome back. How'd it go?"
"I'm learning a lot about the spirit world, and how to better connect with the spirits," she replied, returning a small smile of her own. "Jinora is an excellent teacher."
"Well, as the Air Nation spiritual leader, I would hope so." Jinora played off the compliment with a simple shrug, as though trying to make it seem like no big deal. "It's nothing."
Kuvira glanced up at the stack of boxes in Korra's arms. By all accounts, no one should be able to carry that much at one time, but the Avatar made it look easy. One of these day's, Korra's physical strength would cease to astound her. Now was not that day. "So, how's the packing going?"
"Almost done," Korra replied. "Just a few more boxes to load onto the ferry, and we'll bring everything to the station. Mako and Bolin said they'd load the train during our meeting, so we should be ready to leave for Zaofu tonight."
Kuvira leaned closer, beaming with a delighted smile. "Have I told you how much I love you for moving to Zaofu with me?"
"You could stand to mention it more." Korra returned the smile, and leaned in the rest of the way for a kiss.
"Aww," Ikki said, with her hands clasped together. "Aren't they cute?"
"Blech." Meelo turned his head and pretended to gag. "If you're gonna start making out, get a room."
Jinora shot them both a glare. "Hush, you two."
A flash of orange appeared at the edge of the pavilion, as Tenzin made his way towards the group, airbender robes billowing in the wind. When he arrived, he greeted them with a bow. "Korra, Kuvira."
Kuvira returned the bow, pressing a fist against her palm. "Tenzin."
Korra hoisted the boxes in her grasp again, muscles flexing to maintain her grip. "Hey, Tenzin, is the ferry ready to leave?"
He nodded. "As soon as you finish loading, you'll be good to go."
"Great, I should probably get to that, then."
"Korra, I just want to say it has been an honor to guide and serve you over the years," Tenzin said, holding a hand to her shoulder. "You've grown into an incredible woman and Avatar. We're certainly going to miss you in Republic City."
Korra smiled. "Thanks, Tenzin. I'll miss you guys, too.
"Group hug!" Ikki exclaimed, as she lunged forward and wrapped her arms around Korra. Meelo and Jinora joined her, and Tenzin followed.
"You'll miss me most of all, right?" Meelo said, with a smug grin.
Korra chuckled. "Of course, Meelo."
Azula glared at the front of Republic City's City Hall with a scowl, arms folded tight across her chest. "I don't like this. We shouldn't be here. We should be back in the Fire Nation weeding out those treacherous Sun Warriors and eliminating them."
"We have to be here," Zuko stated, giving his sister a careful glance. "We can't just blow off the other world leaders, not when this meeting has been planned for weeks. That would send the wrong message."
"Of course you would say that, Zuzu," she muttered. "Such a goody-goody."
"It's alright, Azula." Anraq reached out to her, tentatively setting his hand against her shoulder. She accepted the touch with a simple huff. "We increased security throughout the palace while we're away, remember? Imperial troops are covering every possible entrance, every window, every secret passage. No one's getting in who doesn't belong."
"Yes, I suppose you're right." Azula sucked in a deep breath and slowly let it out to calm herself. A second breath, and her frown lessened into little more than a minor pout. What was it about Annie's reassurances that always had a way of putting her at ease? Perhaps she was simply in a good mood. Yes, that had to be it. "Besides, it's not as though they can attempt to assassinate me while I'm in Republic City."
Yula stepped next to them, keeping her gaze locked on City Hall. "We'll deal with them when we return, Master. Anyone involved with the Sun Warriors will suffer the consequences of their treachery."
One more deep breath, and Azula nodded. Right, then. Time to get this waste of time out of the way. Without any further hesitation, she marched up the steps towards the entrance. "Very well, let's get this meeting over with, shall we? I can't wait to hear the rest of the world politely chastise me."
The other world leaders sat around a large table in the meeting chamber within City Hall, ready and waiting when Azula's group entered. Waiting as they had for the last hour, when the meeting had been scheduled to begin. Irritation and annoyance hung thick and heavy over the chamber, as the world leaders watched the tardy arrivals approach. While Eska and Desna remained unwavering in their usual impassive indifference, Tonraq maintained a glare of annoyance. The Avatar, especially, had sunk into her seat with her arms folded, thorough frustration creased across her face. Izumi waited calmly with her hands folded on the table, unflinching in her seat, while Asami offered the late arrivals a pointed stare, but was otherwise stoic.
"Oh look, everyone's here," Azula stated, as she pulled out a chair from the table. "Thanks for waiting. Not that you could have started without us, of course."
The two sides of the table could not have been more divided. The free and separate world leaders sat on one side of the table, consisting of Chiefs Eska and Desna of the Northern Water Tribe, Chief Tonraq of the Southern Water Tribe, President Sato of the United Republic, Matriarch Kuvira of Zaofu, and Avatar Korra, the world's spiritual bridge. The other side of the table contained the Dragon Empire's leaders—Fire Lord Yula, Earth Queen Izumi, and the Dragon Empress herself, Azula. Zuko and Anraq stood off to the side, near the wall. This was a meeting for world leaders, which meant they had no place at the table. They could watch, but could not speak.
Tonraq inhaled a deep breath, and slowly let it out through his nose. "Now that you're here, let's begin. We all know why we're having this meeting."
"Yes, you all want me to abandon my new empire," Azula said, with as clear an eye roll as she could muster. "If you ask me, you're just throwing a hissy fit. There's nothing wrong with what I've done."
"Nothing wrong?" Korra bolted upright in her seat. "You took over the Earth Republic! And turned it back into a kingdom!"
"I haven't 'taken over' anything," she countered. "I liberated the Earth Kingdom after the Red Lotus threw it back into ruin, and offered the people safety and security. They chose to be a part of my empire, in order to continue receiving my protection. We even had vote. I fail to see the problem here."
Asami narrowed her eyes at the empress. "They only chose it because you tricked them into thinking it was best for them. You've manipulated the people into believing you have their best interests in mind, but really you just want control."
"Oh, is that right? Do you have any proof of that?" Azula waited a moment, listening for a response. Nothing, as expected. With a smug scoff, she continued, "No, I didn't think so. You sit on your pedestal throwing around baseless accusations, simply because you don't like me."
Kuvira leaned forward, glaring daggers at the empress. "You've done terrible things already, Azula. Things you haven't answered for."
"And what exactly do you intend to do about it?" Azula leaned back in her chair and raised her legs up onto the table. "There's nothing you can do. I'm a world leader, whether you like it or not, so unless you intend on starting a war, you can't touch me. I would really advise against that, by the way. The Imperial Army is the most massive and advanced fighting force in the world. We'd crush you."
Tonraq shifted in his seat, deepening a frown across his face. "Is that a threat, Empress Azula?"
"Hardly. Just a statement of fact, for your own good."
"Azula, we're going to be frank," Asami said. "You need to end this power grab. We know it's only a matter of time before you make a move against other nations to further expand the Dragon Empire. We won't allow that to happen."
Azula rolled her eyes again. "There you go with your accusations again. I have made no hostile actions against any nation, and those who have joined me have done so under their own free will. You have no reason to believe I'll attack any of you, other than that you need a reason to oppose me." She paused, gesturing to the Earth Queen at her left. "Izumi, if you'd please."
Izumi glanced towards the far wall, sharing a brief look with her father before turning her attention to the other world leaders at the table. They stared at her curiously, expectantly. While they might not trust Azula, they did trust Izumi. "All Earth Kingdom states who have joined the Dragon Empire have done so willingly, as voted upon by their people. I've handled each official request myself. Some states have declined the offer and are governing themselves, but I receive more requests every day. No one is being forced to join the empire."
"What about you, Fire Lord Yula?" said Tonraq. "You've been quiet."
Kuvira shot a quick glance towards Yula, meeting each other's gaze in a tense moment of silence. Azula watched closely, pulling her legs off the table so she could lean closer. Now, here was the real test for her student. What would she do, when confronted by the people she had once called friends? Would she stand strong, or crumble in the face of their opposition? Yula's eyes sharpened, fierce and unyielding. Kuvira stiffened, slowly leaning back in her seat. Azula grinned. There was the answer.
"It's just as Earth Queen Izumi says," Yula replied, with a stern bite in her tone. "The people have been treated with kindness and respect, and are making the decision themselves. You have no reason to stop us, and quite frankly it's insulting to sit here and argue about it when we have more important domestic matters to take care of."
"No reason?" Korra's brow darkened, shooting a heated glare across the table. "What about the world's balance? We can't have an empire controlling multiple nations! That will throw the world out of balance, sooner or later. I've worked too hard to maintain that balance to see it broken again."
Kuvira nodded. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to agree with the Avatar on that."
Azula slashed a grin across her face, and met the matriarch's gaze. "Of course you do. You're sleeping with her. Don't you think you might be a little biased there?"
Asami immediately bolted to her feet and smacked her palm against the table. "Empress Azula, that is inappropriate for a world meeting!"
"Oh yes, my apologies," she said, with yet another blatant eye roll. "My point is that the idea of requiring the world to be run a certain way in order to to 'maintain balance' is an antiquated one that has no place in an ever growing and advancing society. Even the Avatar itself has become an obsolete ideal. You claim all I want to do is control, and yet you ignore the fact that all the Avatar does is try to control how the world functions, keeping it on the path she sees fit. Anything that challenges her view of what's right must be quelled in the name of 'balance'. That method of governing is outdated and corrupt."
Azula narrowed a cold glare at the Avatar. Not with mockery, not with smugness. True, seething contempt. "As far as I'm concerned, the biggest insult here is the Avatar sitting at this table. This is a meeting for world leaders, and she doesn't belong here. The world doesn't need her anymore."
"You're wrong!" Now Kuvira sprang to her feet, slamming her entire fist down upon the table. Deep cracks ruptured across the granite top. "The world will always need an Avatar, because of people like you who think they can get away with anything they want!"
"That's enough, both of you!" Tonraq exclaimed. He, too, was on his feet now, shooting a stern glare back and forth between both Azula and Kuvira. "We're not here to discuss the Avatar, we're here to discuss the Dragon Empire and how to deal with it."
"Yes, and exactly how do you plan to 'deal' with me?" Azula asked. "Are you going to declare war on a nation that has done nothing to you, and shown no hostility? Or perhaps you'd all like to attack me right here? Who would the controlling ones be then?"
"She does have a point." The response came from Desna, who along with his sister had remained quiet up until now, simply watching the proceedings.
Eska nodded in agreement with her brother. "Indeed. If we openly oppose her when she's done nothing to warrant such an attack, we would be seen as the aggressors."
"Furthermore, our people would not appreciate any kind of escalation in conflict," Desna said. "We shouldn't be considering anything involving force when we don't have to."
"As already indicated, the Dragon Empire has shown no hostile activity towards any nation," Eska continued, "nor has it used force to conquer any of its territory. We see no reason to oppose them."
Korra watched her cousins with raised eyebrows, shock creasing across her face. Her voice squeaked out in a quiet sputter, until she managed to force out a response. "So what, we just leave them alone and let them continue growing their empire across the rest of the Earth Kingdom?"
Desna nodded. "Unless you have some other cause for the world to intervene."
"What about keeping balance?" Kuvira asked. "Isn't that important?"
"To be honest, Dragon Empress Azula makes a compelling argument in that regard, as well," Eska stated.
"We are sorry, Avatar Korra, Matriarch Kuvira," Desna said, "but that is how we stand."
Kuvira heaved a breath of frustration, shifting her attention towards Asami. "President Sato?"
Asami didn't answer at first. She held her hands together, fingers pressed against her lips. Her gaze moved back and forth between both sides of the table, giving each world leader a careful look, studying them. When she spoke, she let her eyes close. "Republic City only just recovered from everything the Red Lotus did to it. We need to focus on moving forward and advancing ourselves, not getting involved in foreign conflict when we don't need to."
Korra's eyes widened. "But Asami—"
"Avatar Korra." The response was quick, biting. The sternness in her tone and the use of Korra's full title conveyed her meaning with clear intent. In this meeting, they weren't friends. The were fellow leaders, and needed to interact as such. "I know you don't like Empress Azula. I don't like her, either. If I'm being honest, I rather detest her for everything she's done, but we can't let our personal feelings get in the way of making decisions. Chiefs Eska and Desna are right. The Dragon Empire has given no cause for us to intervene, so we won't." Asami's eyes narrowed into a pointed glare, shifting coldly towards the Dragon Empress. "But that doesn't mean we won't be watching you closely."
"By all means," Azula said, with a mocking smirk, "watch away."
Korra sank against her seat, defeat already drawing across her face like a dark veil. Still, she chanced a hopeful glance towards her father. "Dad?"
Tonraq shook his head head. "I'm sorry, honey. In light of everything I've heard here, I have to agree with the others."
Azula immediately pushed her seat away from the table and stood up. "Good, now that everything is taken care of, we'll be going. As we've already mentioned, we have important domestic affairs to attend to." She gave them all a parting wave, and turned towards the door with a flip of her golden cloak. "Take care, everyone."
"Well, I guess that went okay," Anraq said, as he made his way down the steps of City Hall. He kept in stride next to Azula, while Zuko and Yula trailed a step behind them. "I don't think any of them are too happy with us, but at least they won't be giving us problems."
"Yes, it went exactly as I knew it would," Azula said, with a fleeting sigh. "Nothing but a waste of time, as I expected. In any case, Annie, we'll be returning home soon. Be at the Dragon's Wing in one hour for departure "
Anraq raised an eyebrow. "You don't want me coming with you now?"
"Well, I figured you might want to catch up with old acquaintances while you're here." Azula paused, shifting a narrow look towards her bodyguard. "They might try to persuade you against me, but stay strong. Try to make them see things our way. We don't want anyone trying anything stupid."
"Uh, right, yeah," he said, stopping at the bottom of the steps. He stood there and waited, watching the others leave. "Thanks."
Not a second later, a calm yet eerily affectionate voice spoke out from behind him. "Hello, my fearsome turtle duck."
"Whoa!" Anraq spun around, nearly jumping out of his shoes. Eska and Desna stood there, both staring at him with the same half-smile. "Hey Eska, Desna. Didn't hear you sneak up on me there. So, how's things?"
"We must say, we are disappointed you left the North Pole without any parting words," Desna said. "But we understand why you did."
"You do?"
"Yes, of course." Eska looked over Anraq's shoulder, towards the now distant group of Dragon Empire leaders. "Empress Azula is a very powerful and domineering woman. It is no surprise you decided to chase after her, instead."
"Although, she does seem a bit young for you," Desna muttered, with a critical glare. "I suppose she is of marrying age, but still."
"Okay, hey, no." Anraq waved his arms in front of himself in firm denial. "Azula is older than she looks, trust me." He froze, a grimace twisting across his face. Wait, no. Why in spirits name had he decided to contest that part of the statement first? With a groan, he smacked his forehead and added, "And I'm not chasing after her. Or doing anything with her. I'm her bodyguard!"
Desna lifted an eyebrow. "Oh, is that what you've chosen to refer to it as?"
"So it is your job to 'guard' her body?" Eska said, as both she and her brother broke out into the most awkward, spine-chilling laugh Anraq had ever heard.
He watched them with wide eyes, and took a careful step backwards. "You know what? Forget it."
When their laughter ceased, Eska offered an endearing smile. "We must depart now, Anraq."
Desna leaned in closer to him, staring into his eyes. "However, should you ever desire to join us for another night together, do come for a visit."
"So long, my fearsome turtle duck." Eska leaned in and give him a light peck on the cheek, before shuffled away alongside her brother. Moments later, they were gone.
"That was the weirdest breakup I've ever seen."
Anraq turned towards the voice, noticing another pair watching him from halfway up the steps of City Hall. With a delighted laugh, he ran up to greet them. "Hey! Kuvira, Korra, man it's great to see you guys again!" When he reached them, they both pulled him in for a welcoming hug. "Spirits, it's been ages."
"Only six months," Korra chuckled. "I hardy recognize you."
"Heh, yeah I got a total Fire Nation makeover my first day down there," he said, glancing down at his outfit. During the past six months, he'd grown used to how different he looked. He didn't even flinch when looking at his own reflection anymore. "So, how are things going with you? Kuvira, I hear you're leading Zaofu now."
Kuvira nodded. "I am. Honestly, I still can't believe it after everything that's happened, but it's true."
"I'm actually moving there with her," Korra said. "We head out on the train tonight."
"Things between you two are going well, then?" Anraq glanced back and forth between the two with curiosity. From what he'd read in the papers and heard about from other people, these two had been dating for quite some time.
Kuvira grinned, reaching down to take Korra's hand in her own. "Yeah, things really are."
Anraq returned the smile. "That's great. I'm happy for you both, really."
"And what about you?" Korra's tone grew stern, steel hardening her gaze. "How are things going with Azula?"
There it was. Azula's words echoed in the back of his mind. Stay strong. No problem there. With a reassuring smile, he replied, "Actually not as bad as you'd expect."
"Do you have any information on her?"
Anraq's chest knotted, slowly sinking deeper. No way around it, then. "Any information?"
"Yeah, that is why you left with her, right? To gather information?" Kuvira said, with a questioning stare. "Anything we could use against her, to stop her."
"I mean, that was part of the reason at first, but..." Anraq rubbed his forehead, mind racing to come up with a way to explain this. So much had happened in the past six months. Spirits, where to start? "Okay, this is going to sound surprising, but I actually enjoy being around her."
Kuvira blinked. "Come again?"
"Yeah, I know, her first impressions weren't exactly endearing." Oh boy, that was putting it lightly. "Heck, I have the lightning scar to prove it. The thing is, there's more to her than that. She really is doing her best to help her people, and improve their lives. Sure, her methods are a little unorthodox..."
"A little unorthodox?" Korra shot back. "She's started an empire and now controls almost half the world!"
"Yeah, I get that, believe me." Anraq softened his eyes, giving them both a pleading look. Please, spirits, let them understand. Let them give his explanation a chance. Let them trust him. "But Azula isn't the heartless monster you make her out to be. She's a person. Sure, she's made a lot mistakes along the way, and she can come across as pretty abrasive most of the time, but I believe in what she's doing. I like being her bodyguard, and I like living in the Fire Nation."
Kuvira stared at him, mouth hanging agape, breathless, as though a brick had crashed into her gut and sent the air rushing out her lungs. "You're not serious."
"I am." Anraq hardened himself. Azula's voice echoed again in his mind, strengthened his resolve. Just stay strong. They might have difficulty accepting what he told them, but he couldn't afford to let them shaken his resolve. Not now. He had to make them understand. "I know, six months ago, I never would have imagined myself feeling this way. I hated her. I hated everything she stood for, and everything she had done. But after spending time with her, getting to know her? Believe it or not, she's a friend."
Korra visibly deflated, posture slouching as her eyes steadily sank in disbelief. When she spoke, her tone carried the weight of her shock, hesitant and defeated. "So you're not going to help us?"
"You mean help you undermine everything Azula is doing? No, I'm not. If you know anything about me it's that I'm loyal to my friends. You both are my friends, two of the best I have, but Azula is my friend, too. You can't ask me to betray her."
"Anraq..."
"I'm sorry, but that's that." He shook his head, remained adamant. Time to go. If he listened to them any longer, if he had to further defend himself, he might lose his temper. He didn't want that, not with them. "Look, it was good seeing you both again, but I should get going. We'll have to catch up later, under different circumstances. For now, I'll see you around."
