Korra heaved out a deep yawn, stretching out her arms as she made her way up the steps of City Hall. In hindsight, perhaps she and Kuvira should have gone to bed earlier last night, rather than stay up for their 'swim'. She watched Kuvira walking ahead of her, struggling to keep her legs steady. Every few steps, Kuvira's knees would buckle, forcing her to pause and regain her balance with a sore grumble. Amusing, and totally worth the lack of sleep. That waterbending trick had definitely been a good call.
A familiar man dressed in Water Tribe attire waited at the top of the steps to greet them. Korra lit up when she saw him, immediately running forward to embrace him in a hug. "Dad! You're here!"
Tonraq smiled at his daughter, squeezing his arms tight around her. The last time they'd seen each other had been more than half a year ago. "It's so good to see you, Korra."
"So you got the news, then?"
He nodded. "I did. This whole empire situation is gravely concerning. If we don't act soon, Empress Yula could bring disaster to the rest of the nations, just like she did Zaofu."
"Yeah, it's bad." Korra sighed, bowing her head. "We were there at Zaofu. We saw it sink into the ground. Wiped off the map, just like that."
Kuvira stood straight in front of Tonraq and held her hand outward in greeting. "Chief Tonraq, it's good to see you again."
"Matriarch Kuvira." Tonraq narrowed a glare at her, arms crossed over his broad chest. "I trust you've been treating my daughter well?"
"Oh, yes, of course." Kuvira stiffened, and pulled her hand back. "I have. Definitely. Just like I said I would."
Korra raised an eyebrow at her father. "Dad..."
Tonraq uttered a soft chuckle and wrapped his arms around Kuvira, who promptly gasped in surprise as he tightened a hug. "I'm just giving you a hard time. It's good to see you, too. Korra's been keeping me well informed about things between you two."
"Oh, uh... that's good." Kuvira blinked, unmoving in the man's hold. With how his arms had tightened around her, she couldn't even lift her own arms to return the gesture. She could only stand there awkwardly and wait for him to let her go.
"Cousin Korra, you made it." The voice materialized as though from thin air, as was typical whenever Eska and Desna appeared. Those two did have a knack for creeping up on people. Sure enough, Korra turned around to see her cousins standing right behind her, a little too close for comfort. How on earth could they be so quiet?
"Eska, Desna," she replied, with a simple nod of her head. "It's nice to see you, as always."
"Of course, it is a pleasure," Eska said.
"Yes, although the circumstances could be better," Desna added. "It is good, though, that you managed to escape Zaofu."
"Indeed. We would have been saddened if you had been buried with the city." Eska's expression remained as indifferent as ever, in spite of her insistence over possible 'sadness'.
Tonraq led the way forward towards the entrance, waving everyone along. "We'd better get inside. I'm sure the president is waiting for us."
President Sato, General Iroh, and Chief Beifong were already waiting for them at a large round table within City Hall's meeting chamber. Avatar Korra, Matriarch Kuvira, Chief Tonraq, and Chiefs Eska and Desna joined them at the table, ready to get the meeting underway. The only world leaders not present were those of the Dragon Empire—Dragon Empress Yula, and Earth Queen Izumi, who still hadn't been heard from since Yula took power. As of now, there was no separate Fire Lord in charge of the Fire Nation.
Once everyone was seated, Asami folded her hands in front of herself and leaned forward. "Now that we're all here, we can begin. General Iroh, where do the United Forces stand right now?"
"Right now, we're six thousand troops strong, including five battleship fleets, six airship fleets, twenty-two mech battalions, one hundred bombers, and twelve anti-aircraft units," the general explained. "We have a blockade set up around Yue Bay, and troops stationed all along the border to warn against attack. When given command, it'll take approximately six days for our entire force to converge at a designated target location."
Asami nodded, and turned a look towards the other side of the table. "Chief Tonraq?"
"I've added half my nation's Navy to your fleet," he said. "The soldiers aboard can act as ground troops as well, if needed. In total, we have eight thousand troops aboard fifty battleships, stationed one mile outside your blockade. We also have numerous ocean mines we can set up outside the bay. That should at least slow down any attempted naval invasion."
"Excellent, thank you," she replied, turning her attention towards the Northern leaders. "Chief Eska, Chief Desna?"
"We have also brought half our military, although I believe you will find our additions more beneficial," Desna stated, with simple statement of fact. The North did indeed possess a far greater military than the South.
"Seventy-five battle ships carrying twelve thousand troops, sixteen airships, eighty-five bombers, ten battalions of mechs, and six Class-T9 water cannons," Eska detailed. "I trust that will be sufficient."
Asami's brow lifted at the report. "Wow. That's... more than we could have hoped for. Thank you."
"We could not sit by while this empress seeks to conquer the world," Eska replied, with a curt nod. "We will do what we can to stop her."
"You'll have my security force, as well," Kuvira said. "They're not numerous, but they're some of the most skilled metalbenders in the world."
Asami nodded. "Thank you, Matriarch.
Korra eased a sigh, setting her elbows against the table. "I'm hoping we can stop this without a battle. Even with a combined force this size, Yula's military is still larger. If we do manage to defeat her, the casualties will be enormous. We need to do this with as little bloodshed as possible."
"I agree," Lin stated, rising from her seat. She leaned forward, hands pressed flat against the table. "Which is why I have a plan."
Asami tilted a curious gaze towards the police chief. "What plan is that?"
"Exactly what she tried to do to you," Lin said. "We assassinate her. Cut the head off the dragon and the entire beast dies."
Korra's eyes flared at the suggestion. "What? That's crazy! We should at least attempt some kind of diplomatic solution first, before we go straight to killing her!"
"I agree with the Avatar," Kuvira said, narrowing a glare of concern at the police chief. "There must be some way we can end this without violence. At least, we should try. How would assassinating her make us any better?"
"Well, we'd be preventing a war, for one," Lin muttered, with a tired breath. "Look, normally I wouldn't suggest it, but the stakes are way too high. You realized that before, remember? You two already attempted to do the same thing back in Zaofu. Why so against it now?"
"We were trying to capture her, not assassinate her!" Korra insisted. "Yula was already on our doorstep and we didn't have a means of otherwise defending ourselves, with how outnumbered we were. It was just the best option at the time."
"Besides, it didn't work anyway," Kuvira said. "Yula knew we were coming and nearly killed us. Attempting another sneak attack like that could end in disaster. We shouldn't rule out diplomatic methods."
Kuvira's fingers tensed around the edge of the table. Even as she argued against it, a sinking knot of understanding coiled in her gut. Lin was right, of course. Taking out Yula would be the simplest solution. The best solution, if it prevented a war. So why couldn't she bring herself to voice it? Perhaps because she didn't want to get her own hands dirty with such an underhanded tactic, or perhaps because this was still Yula they were talking about? A changed, twisted Yula, but Yula nonetheless. How could she agree to send an assassin after her?
"After what happened to Zaofu, I think Yula has already proven she wants nothing to do with diplomacy." Lin hardened her glare, shifting focus towards Korra. "You said it yourself. If it comes to war, thousands of people could lose their lives. If we can prevent that by taking out a single tyrant, it's a small price to pay. As the Avatar, that's something you should understand."
"I know, I do," Korra said, lowering her face into her hand. "It just... feels wrong."
Tonraq reached out and gave his daughter's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "I don't think it's supposed to feel right, even if it it is the most practical solution. I don't like it anymore than you do, Korra, but the last thing I want to do is march my people to their deaths in a war that could otherwise be avoided."
"Agreed," Eska said. "If war can be prevented, we should pursue this option."
Desna nodded. "You have our support in this matter."
"And mine." Asami straightened in her chair, hands folded on the table in front of herself. The look she gave Korra was apprehensive and distant. Apologetic, even. "I'll admit, this isn't an easy call to make, but we have to do everything we can to end things before we find ourselves in an all out war. The best option, as messy as it might be, is the one that saves the lives of our people. That has to be our main priority, otherwise why are we even here?"
Tonraq gave a slow look around the table. "So, we are all in agreement?" He received affirmative nods in response. Even Korra and Kuvira, who didn't outright voice their agreement, made no further protest against the plan.
"Looks like it," Iroh stated. "Now the question is: how do we do it?"
"A small team would be best," Lin said. "No more than a few people. It'll be easier to slip behind enemy lines that way, and get to Yula unnoticed. I volunteer."
"Lin, you're the chief of police," Asami said, quirking an eyebrow at the older woman. "We need you here."
"There are plenty of other capable individuals who can run the police force while I'm gone," she insisted. "Besides, this was my idea. I'm not going to suggest a dangerous mission if I'm not willing to do it myself. I'll still need a couple more with me, though."
Kuvira took in a deep, slow breath, and stood up from her seat. "I'll go."
Korra's eyes widened at the declaration. "Kuvira, wait, are you sure?"
Kuvira exhaled a deep sigh through her nose. As much as she might hate this, as much as the mere thought twisted a knife through her gut, it had to be her. If she'd never gone out with Yula, never started dating her, never been with her that night Azula attacked, if she'd never gotten Yula involved, none of this would be happening now. That was a responsibility she needed to accept.
"I'm sure," she replied, with a stern nod. "I'm the only world leader here without a nation to actually lead anymore, so I might as well. Yula needs to be stopped."
"I'm going too, then," Korra said.
"No, you need to stay here."
Korra balked. "What? Why on earth would I do that?"
"Any number of things could go wrong on this mission," Kuvira said. "It'll be dangerous."
"Which is exactly why I should go with you! I'm the Avatar."
"It's because you're the Avatar that you shouldn't go," she countered. "If something does go wrong, if the worst happens... The world can't afford to lose you."
Korra shook her head, staring at her girlfriend in disbelief. "Kuvira, you can't expect me to sit here and wait for you while you're in hostile enemy territory! I need to be there with you."
"Please, Korra. You're far more important to the world than I am. That's not something you can dispute."
"But Kuvira—"
Kuvira silenced her with a tight hug, arms wrapped around her shoulders. She breathed deep, and stroked her fingers gently through Korra's hair. "I'll be fine. I promise. Please... do this for me? The world needs its Avatar, no matter what."
Korra sank against the hold, not saying anything at first. After a moment's pause, she returned the embrace and set her head against Kuvira's shoulders. "Fine, I'll stay, but don't expect me to be happy about it."
"I know, it's okay," Kuvira replied. "Be as angry as you want. We can work it out when I get back."
"You'd better come back."
"I will."
Lin waited for the two to finish before continuing. "We should bring a healer with us, just in case. Preferably one with combat experience."
"I suppose I can talk to Anraq," Kuvira said. "As far as combat-oriented healers go, there isn't much better. Only thing is, if he agrees to come, Azula will want to, as well."
Lin bellowed a low grumble. "I'm not entirely sure I'm comfortable with that."
Kuvira sighed. "As awful as that might sound, having Azula with us wouldn't be a bad thing. She wants to stop Yula more than any of us, and if I'm being honest she could fight circles around almost anyone. She'd only be an asset."
"Assuming I can put up with her," Lin muttered. "Fine, ask them, see if they want in. If not, I suppose there's Kya. Spirits know she probably won't let me go without her anyway."
Kuvira nodded. "We'll need to know exactly where Yula is if we plan to do this."
"We have spies throughout the Earth Kingdom who can keep an eye out for her," said General Iroh. "The last report we received said she arrived at the state of Yi after leaving Zaofu, but that was a few days ago. We'll keep you updated as soon as we know more."
"Alright..." Kuvira sucked in a deep breath, steadying her nerves. "We'd better get ready then."
Druk stirred out of slumber as Zuko strapped his travel bag around the dragon's neck, a deep, tired grumble bellowing out between the massive red-scaled jaws. When the dragon's eyes opened, Zuko patted the side of Druk's head. "It's alright, boy. It's just me. Thought I'd let you get a little more rest before I woke you."
While Zuko had been invited to the meeting between world leaders, he had elected not to go. He had far more personal business to take care of, and they didn't need him there. Whatever plans they intended to make, they could do so without him. He needed to move quickly, anyway. Couldn't afford to waste time.
"Zuzu, what are you doing?"
Zuko stiffened at the sound of his sister's voice. Turning around, he saw Azula staring at him with her hips cocked to the side and her arms folded across her chest. Anraq stood next to her, one of his arms wrapped around her waist. With a small sigh, he shifted his attention back to Druk and continued tying his gear into place. "I'm leaving."
Azula raised an eyebrow. "Leaving? But you just got here. Where else would you even be going?"
"Communications with Ba Sing Se have been cut off, ever since Yula's rise in power," he explained. "Izumi was Earth Queen, and I'm concerned about what might have happened to her. I know my daughter well enough to know she would never willingly follow Yula's plans, and with the Dai Li reinstated, I fear what kind of state that city is in now. Izumi might have been removed from power and imprisoned. Or worse."
"So you're going to Ba Sing Se to look for her?" Azula questioned.
"That's precisely what I'm doing."
Anraq blinked with concern. "And you're going alone? Lord Zuko, with all due respect that's crazy. Ba Sing Se is the Dragon Empire's largest city, and we're their most wanted fugitives. There's no way you make it five steps within the walls before the Dai Li snatch you up and drag you off to who knows where."
"I have to do this," Zuko insisted. "Izumi is my daughter, and if anything happened to her while I didn't try to help her..."
Azula approached with a scolding sigh, and gently smacked her hand against his shoulder. "Then let us come with you, Dummy."
He furrowed his brow, glancing over his shoulder at them in confusion. "You want to come with me?"
"Well, it's not like we're doing anything else right now," Anraq said, with an insistent shrug. "Other than sitting and waiting for Yula's forces to show up on our doorstep. We might as well."
"Besides, Izumi is my niece." Azula raised a hand and began to casually check over her nails—freshly filed to their signature points. "I can't have Yula holding her prisoner in some dingy Earth Kingdom prison. It's embarrassing."
"Are you both certain you want to do this?" Zuko asked "It'll be dangerous."
Anraq laughed. "Do you have any idea who you're talking to? At this point, danger is my first, middle, and last name."
"Plus, you're an old man," Azula said, giving her brother a firm pat on the back. "You really expect to do this on your own?"
Zuko smiled. "Well, if you're sure, it would be nice to have you. Thank you."
Azula merely waved off the comment, making her way towards the awakening dragon. "Don't mention it, Zuzu. Let's just make sure little 'Zumi gets home safe, alright?"
"Alright, everyone aboard," Anraq said, already climbing atop Druk's back. "Next stop, Ba Sing Se!"
"Actually, we have one more stop to make first," Zuko said.
Azula hoisted herself into position in front of Anraq. "What stop is that?"
"I wasn't going to go alone." Zuko tightened the last strap to his gear, and climbed atop Druk's head. "At least, I was going to try not to."
"You mean you're recruiting someone?"
"Precisely." Zuko gave Druk's head a firm pat, and the dragon raised himself upwards off the ground, standing at full height. "If we're going to be looking for Izumi in Ba Sing Se, we're going to need someone who can see every inch of it, on the surface and through the ground."
"Oh, you mean an earthbender?" Anraq questioned, with a puzzled stare. "You know, Korra, Kuvira, and the Chief are here. Why not just ask one of them?"
"They're busy with other things right now. No need to bother them."
Azula leaned back against Anraq's chest and folded her arms. "Well then what earthbender are you planning to recruit?"
A smirk curled its way across Zuko's face, as Druk flapped his wings and took to the sky. "The greatest one there is."
