Chapter 43
It took two more months for all the invited parties to agree on participation in the upcoming Fire Nation colony summit, but when the appointed time finally came, the already packed colony city of Yu Dao turned into a veritable beehive. With space at a premium, the most suitable place to hold a summit was deemed to be the estate of Yu Dao's mayor, Morishita. With so many dignitaries present, Zuko and Katara could not even afford the luxury of having their own quarters, Azula sharing with them. Suki, Ty Lee and two other Kyoshi girls occupied a room adjacent to the royal couple and Zuko's sister, the Fire Nation delegation having to squeeze in tight to leave the remaining space for the other visitors.
Zuko had wisely warned Azula not to mingle with the other dignitaries too much, at least not until the summit was concluded, since her presence could cause a lot of friction with the Earth Kingdom delegation in particular, and spirits forbid, they didn't need the Dai Li even more hostile towards them than they already were. Azula still had free reign to come and go about the town as she wished, as long as she had two of the Kyoshi girls accompanying her, and she made good use of her exploits, not only avoiding getting into any trouble, but bringing back important information about how the summit's proposal had already leaked to the general public of the colonies, and was enjoying widespread and overwhelming support from the locals.
The only delegation that was not staying at the mayor's house was the Earth Kingdom representatives. They had rented an entire house nearby, with the pretense of not wanting to stay under the same roof with 'deceptive and hostile Fire Nation officials'. Katara and Zuko both believed that the real reason for their decision was to keep King Kuei away from those who might implant some dangerous ideas about this summit into his head, wanting to retain their complete control over the weak-willed ruler of their nation.
With the evening of the summit's official opening fast approaching, the mayor's estate was abuzz with activity as servants rushed back and forth, making sure everything was as close to perfection as possible for the start of the proceedings. With all the invited summit guests starting to gather in the lounge for some informal talks before the real work got underway, Katara and Zuko wasted no time in joining the others, accompanied by Ty Lee and Suki.
As the Fire Nation representatives entered the lounge, it seemed as if everyone save for the Earth Kingdom delegation were already present. Katara could see Aang rather animatedly discussing something with Uncle Iroh, while in the other corner of the lounge, her father, Chieftain Hakoda, and his wife Malina, were busy discussing matters with the Northern Tribe Chieftain Arnook. Katara was especially pleased to notice that her brother Sokka was present as well, likely having arrived very late last night, and Katara was not surprised to currently find him standing by the heavily laden buffet, stuffing his face with all the delicious treats on offer.
"Sokka, I'm so glad you could make it!" Katara greeted her brother, approaching him first. He turned towards her, smiling and about to hug her, but at the last moment Katara noticed that his chin was all smeared with hot sauce, just about managing to push him away. "Careful, I don't want that hot sauce all over my dress, clean your face, you savage!" she swatted playfully at him.
"Ugh, sorry..." Sokka muttered, quickly wiping his face clean. "Better?" Katara nodded swiftly. "Anyway, I only arrived less than an hour ago... and I was so hungry by the time I got here! Even more hungry than usually."
"Looking forward to being part of a summit where history is made?" Zuko asked.
Sokka made a face at that. "Look, I'm sure it's really important, but you know all that political talk makes me sleepy," he yawned to make a point. "I'm all about action, a boomerang kind of guy, you know? But dad insisted that it's really important that I'm here, so... I guess here I am!"
"It really is important, Sokka," Katara nodded at him. "For one thing, we need you to name this new nation we're trying to put together. We trust you will not disappoint us."
"It's so nice to have my talents finally appreciated," Sokka sniffed a little, looking touched. "You'll have not just a name for your nation, you will have the best name you could possibly imagine, you have my word for it. Now, if I could only wriggle out of having to sit through this boring summit, that would be even better. Or maybe I could grab a nap under the table... you'll wake me up once it's over, right?"
"I'm sure you don't have to sit through it if you find it so boring. Chieftain Hakoda is supposed to argue on behalf of your tribe, anyway," Zuko told Sokka.
"Yes, that's right," Katara nodded, a sudden idea occurring to her as her eyes lit up excitedly. "By the way, Sokka, there's this very lovely girl who also won't be attending the summit itself, and I know for a fact that she thinks you're real cute. Maybe you could keep her company?"
Sokka's hand holding a sweet roll came to a halt mid air. "A lovely girl who thinks I'm cute?" he blinked, looking very intrigued. "This wouldn't be a prank, would it? No, wait... my sister can't do pranks or anything funny, really, so this has to be real. Well, where is this mysterious girl?"
"Back at mine and Zuko's quarters," Katara explained, silently fuming at Sokka's comment about her humorlessness. "I'm sure she'd be happy to see you."
"Well... then I shan't make her wait any longer," Sokka grinned, straightening his clothes and preening himself a little. "How do I look?" he asked.
"You look just fine, Sokka, stop worrying about it," Katara sighed. Sokka flashed them all a confident, winning grin, before heading off.
"Katara, you know you're about to give your brother a heart attack, right?" Suki asked, rolling her eyes.
"Ooh, I so want to be there and see what happens!" Ty Lee gushed excitedly.
"What are you talking about? I'm sure it'll go just fine," Katara huffed.
"Well, to be honest... your matchmaking efforts in the past have not been all that successful," Zuko pointed out, appearing a touch concerned. "I hope it doesn't backfire, I would hate for Azula to get hurt."
"Oh..." Katara immediately realized his concern. She had only been thinking about Sokka possibly being frightened by Azula, and had completely forgotten that Azula was in many ways innocent and vulnerable. "Well, to be honest... while Sokka has not had a lot of luck with girls, it hasn't really been his fault, he's been hurt more than he's done the hurting. Umm," she turned towards Suki. "Sorry, Suki, I didn't mean to dredge up the past."
"Hey, fair is fair," Suki smiled at her, not appearing offended or guilty.
"I'm sure you're right, Katara," Zuko smiled at her. "Sokka is a really protective kind of guy, so I know I can trust him with my sister."
"That's what I thought," Katara smiled back at her boyfriend, then tugging on his arm and pulling him towards the group in the corner of the lounge, trying to attract her father's attention. She was successful, and Hakoda quickly excused himself and approached Katara and Zuko, leaving his wife talking with Chieftain Arnook.
"Ready for the big day?" Hakoda smiled at them both. "Kuei won't roll over without a fight, the Dai Li will make sure of it."
"We are aware of that, Chieftain Hakoda," Zuko replied. "And thank you once again for your support. I'm glad you recognize the opportunities this presents to the Water Tribes."
"I'd be a fool not to recognize an opportunity," Hakoda nodded firmly. "Our closer ties with the Fire Nation have already proved to be a great boon, thanks to you, Zuko, and especially thanks to my daughter," Katara's father smiled at her. "And now, to have closer ties to a nation that could be an important player in the politics of our world? Not to mention, having a say in its governance through a council seat? We are most definitely interested, and you will find Arnook similarly excited about this opportunity."
"Did you have time to speak with Sokka about the potential new job?" Katara asked. She was really desperate to see her brother finally settle down and start to seriously apply himself instead of just remaining this eternal wanderer who would not be tied down to anything or anyone.
"Not yet, he only just arrived," Hakoda shook his head. "But I think I can manage to convince him, Katara. We just first need to bully the Earth Kingdom into going along with your plan."
"Bully is such a dirty word," Katara winced. "But I understand what you mean..."
"Anyway, I'll get back to the others," Hakoda excused himself, nodding at Arnook and Malina. "Just know that when you start to press Kuei hard, you'll find both me and Arnook firmly on your side."
"Thanks, dad," Katara smiled at her father as he retreated, then turning to glance around the lounge. Iroh had retreated over to the buffet to pour himself more tea, leaving Aang standing all alone, deep in thought, so Katara and Zuko walked over to the Avatar, greeting him politely.
"Hey, good to see you, guys," Aang smiled at them. "I'm getting really excited! It's a good thing we're about to start soon, I can hardly contain myself!"
"I'm glad you found our proposal to your liking, Aang," Zuko said, looking pleased.
"Are you kidding? I was surprised at how amazing it was!" Aang exclaimed. "It was like you had created something perfectly according to my wishes." Katara blushed lightly when she heard these words, since the plan had been designed with one of its prime purposes being to appeal to Aang... and also to be extremely beneficial to the Fire Nation and everyone else at the expense of the Earth Kingdom.
"Everyone we've spoken to so far has been very supportive and approving of it," Katara joined the conversation. "But we expect King Kuei to be strongly opposed to it."
"I guess I can understand that," Aang shrugged. "I mean, he'd be giving away a lot of territory, right? But then again, he hasn't held this territory for many decades, so... and besides, the people of the colonies have spoken already, they favor autonomy and independence. As the Avatar, the will of the people is the only thing that matters to me, I don't even need to hear the other arguments."
"I'm pleased to hear that," Zuko said. "I hope it means that you won't mind if we have to... lean on King Kuei a little more firmly during the summit."
"Well... that depends on what you mean, Zuko," Aang gave the Fire Lord a scrutinizing stare. "I draw a line at military threats, or threats of any kind, you know that."
"We definitely do not intend to go there, Aang, the Fire Nation military will not be used that way as long as we have any say in it," Katara insisted firmly.
"Well, in that case we are in agreement, Katara," Aang smiled at her.
"Have you thought about that council seat if we manage to push the project through?" Katara asked him.
"Yes, it's... actually very appealing!" Aang nodded happily. "To have a say in shaping up a newly developing nation, watching it become something I've long dreamed about, I think it could be really rewarding. Yes, I can imagine doing something like that, especially at the beginning when my counsel might be needed more before we set things up to run smoothly."
"That's some good insight, Aang," Zuko smiled at the Avatar. "And should you take that council seat... well, you just might be serving alongside some very familiar faces," he added with a chuckle, then shaking his head when Aang gave him a curious stare. "Ah, no spoilers, my friend. We don't want to get ahead of ourselves, do we?"
"Heh, I guess not," Aang chuckled in agreement. The conversation would have probably continued, but at that point, Sokka barged back into the lounge with a wild, frightened look in his eyes as he rushed towards the group.
"Katara! Azula's broken out of her cell! She's done something horrible to that poor girl who thought I was cute, I'm sure of it!" he rattled off quickly.
Suki and Ty Lee immediately burst into laughter. Zuko slammed an open palm against his face. Aang just stood there stunned, while Katara let out an inward groan. "Sokka... Azula is the girl I was talking about!" she exclaimed in frustration.
Sokka's eyes bulged in their sockets and he looked like he was about to faint. "Wh-... wha... urk... gllp?" was all he could manage.
"I think Katara should just stop trying to spring surprises on people," Zuko sighed, shaking his head at the waterbender. "Sorry about that, Sokka. Azula has been doing so well in her recovery that we have decided to try and reintegrate her into a normal life at the palace, and so far, it's been working out great. I think your sister now regrets not warning you in advance."
"Hey, I thought it would be fun," Katara tried defensively.
"It absolutely was!" Ty Lee exclaimed, Suki nodding along in agreement.
"Mhm... ugh... not for me!" Sokka finally recovered, regaining his ability to speak. "I really got the fright of my life! But wait..." he suddenly blinked. "You were lying when you said she thinks I'm cute, right?" his eyes widened again.
"Nope, she definitely did say that," Katara grinned.
"Err..." Sokka froze, not sure how to proceed. Then his face fell as he thought of something. "Wait... maybe that's why she looked so sad when I ran from your room screaming like a little girl? Ugh... now I feel like an idiot. Again."
"Oh... I'm sorry, I guess my attempt at being funny really did backfire," Katara suddenly felt very guilty. "Want me to go back with you and clear everything up?"
"Nah, I'll do it on my own, don't worry about it, sis," Sokka straightened himself bravely, leaving them to return to the guest quarters. "I'll sort it out myself, regardless of how much Azula scares me..."
"Just start talking to her, you'll find she's not that scary anymore!" Katara called after him.
"So, Azula is running around freely, that'll take some getting used to," Aang mused thoughtfully. "Well, if she's really turned the page then I'm happy for her, but I hope you are taking this very seriously. She's your responsibility now, Zuko."
"Believe me, I know that better than anyone, Aang," Zuko nodded with a sigh. "I'm taking it extremely seriously, trust me."
"That's good enough for me," Aang smiled, then excusing himself. "Anyway, I'll go talk things over with the Water Tribe folks. Looks like your uncle wants to talk to you, Zuko," he added, pointing behind their backs. Indeed, Iroh stood close by, slowly sipping his tea and as always looking deep in thought.
"Uncle," Zuko smiled at Iroh as their small group approached him. "Any final observations or pearls of wisdom before the summit begins?"
"Nephew, I think you may have outgrown me in that area already," Iroh returned the smile. "For one, it wouldn't have occurred to me to put together such a brilliant plan for the colonies to back Kuei into a corner."
"Oh... that was all Katara, actually," Zuko smiled at her.
"No, it wasn't, it was a real group effort involving Zuko and his ministers, I'm not going to take all the credit," Katara argued, blushing from what she felt was a wildly exaggerated compliment.
"Well, the initial idea was yours, we just ran with it," Zuko didn't seem to agree and his praise filled her with intense, gratifying warmth.
"I suppose it doesn't really matter who came up with it, what matters is that it's a very clever idea," Iroh chuckled. "Kuei is in a very difficult position. Reject the plan and be reviled by the rest of the world. But the Dai Li will still fight the plan tooth and nail. I was out in the city earlier and I saw the Earth Kingdom delegation. The Dai Li were forming almost like a human shield around the king wherever he went, there were at least a dozen of them. They made sure no citizen of Yu Dao could approach him to voice their grievances."
"Ugh, that's... disgusting," Zuko frowned.
"It's so disappointing that he doesn't have the will and strength to fight their influence," Katara nodded in agreement.
"Such is the fate of weak rulers," Iroh remarked. "I knew I would never have to worry about that with you, Zuko. Especially now that you and Katara have forged such a powerful bond."
"I could not agree more," Zuko nodded, smiling at his beloved. "But... I could have become someone like Kuei, an ineffective figurehead, if Mai and her family had asserted influence over me. Katara quite literally saved me from that kind of fate."
"You saved me just as much, Zuko. I would have become completely miserable if I had continued the way I was, always helping to realize the dreams of others, but never following my own," she smiled back at Zuko, then shooting an apologetic glance at Aang, but fortunately he was well out of the earshot, conversing with her father and Malina.
"I think we are all in agreement that you are very good for each other," Iroh nodded sagely. "Oh, and Zuko... I also ran into your sister out in the town earlier today. I must admit, she seems quite well-adjusted."
"I'm glad to hear that, uncle," Zuko smiled. "I was a little worried about how she would react to you. She was always hostile towards you, though nowhere near the anger that she feels for our mother."
"Well, I wouldn't say that she was very nice when we met, but it was definitely an improvement," Iroh explained. "I could sense that she was almost jealous of me, I think because of how highly you think of me, nephew. She seems so very desperate to be your most important ally that she views me as a rival."
"Ah... that does make sense," Zuko nodded. "I think I can talk to her about it and make sure that she doesn't feel threatened by you and our relationship. At least she doesn't feel like you're turning me against her, which is something she has always accused mother of."
"It is regretful that she is unable to let go of it," Iroh sighed. "But real and meaningful change takes time. You know that better than anyone, nephew."
"I know... and it's a painful road to walk," Zuko nodded sadly. "But I'm trying to be there for her, the way you were there for me, uncle. And Katara has been a great help, too, Azula seems to respect her opinion as well."
"She just needs to feel loved and supported, and I think we have managed to help with that so far," Katara smiled.
"All I know is that she could not hope for a better company on her road to recovery," Iroh said. He was about to add to his statement, but at that moment, the doors to the lounge opened and another group of people entered, the portly mayor of Yu Dao, Morishita, ahead of the Earth Kingdom delegation, an almost fearful looking King Kuei surrounded by six stony faced Dai Li officials in their customary black and green robes. "Well now..." Iroh remarked with great interest. "Looks like the real fun is about to start..."