Quite honestly… In this moment in time. Zuko wanted to puke. He felt honestly sick and would be honestly surprised if his face didn't look green.
The situation he was in was quite something. And honestly he could never have imagined before today.
He was in a big beautiful dining hall with a good number of people. There was only one table, a big round table filled with delicacies from all over the world. And Bumi stood in front of it as he spread out his arms.
"WELCOME!" Bumi beamed. "Today we stand in a highly unique situation! Some might even call it historic. All gathered in one place, and now in this room we have Hakoda, the leader of the southern water tribe. King Kuei the rightful king of the earth kingdom. Lady Suki, the leader of Kyoshi island who has remained a sovereign island. Tho, the leader of the Foggy swamp tribe. Sovereign within the Earth Kingdom. Prince Zuko, the rightful heir to the fire nation throne. Yours truly, I am King Bumi of Omashu. A sovereign land and of course Avatar Aang who represents the balance and unity of the world." Bumi stated. "Sadly Chief Arnook of the Northern water tribe has not been able to join this gathering. How-ever. Master Pakku of the Northern water tribe is here as his representation. And after the end of the war I fully expect to have the same dinner again, except this time Chief Arnook will take his rightful place at our table."
Yup…. This was they were doing. Every single recognised leader of the world, all gathered in one room. And Zuko seriously needed to puke.
Here he was, in finest fire nation robes provided by Bumi. His hair in the crown of the crown prince to represent the status and Zuko just wanted to run for the hills.
He was not the only one though. Kuei seemed unusually pale as he was looking around, and Aang was shaking too.
"As you can see. This table is round!" Bumi said. "As we sit down we will all be sitting as equals regardless of the seize of our countries! What you will also note is that each plate has a number on it. This is because." he snapped a finger and a servant stepped forward holding a hat filled with paper slips. "Your seat will be determined by the piece of paper you are about to pull from this hat!" he beamed. "And then after the main cause all those who pulled an even number will be switching seats with each other for the dessert so everyone will end up sitting next to someone new." he said clasping his hands together. "Tonight will be considered a cultural exchange! We will learn to know each other as people and as leaders." he said. "There will be a few rules. We will remain civil towards each other! Remember, he who makes a fool off himself today will do so in front of all the world leaders. By other words. You don't want people in here to think you're an asshole."
Zuko just managed to keep in a groan… Thank you Bumi… Thank you… Just great.
Finally Zuko was allowed to pick a number and internally hoped he was allowed to sit next to Aang. Or at least Kuei! Him and Kuei at least seemed to be equally nervous.
No… Of course not! Zuko was seated right between Pakku and Suki… Great.
Then again. This round table was quite clever as Zuko looked around he could see everybody. And they really were all seated as equals.
The table itself was made of two plates, the inner disk able to rotate so you could easily get access to all the food. Which did indeed seem to come from all corners of the world. There was even some of those infamouse sea prunes Aang hated so much.
Zuko glanced to his left where Suki was seating… It wasn't like Zuko had anything against the girl. He just didn't know her! Like… At all.
Sokka had always been happy to blabber loudly about how she was amazing she was. But Zuko had never gotten to spend time with her.
Suko looked down, her hands tightening over her skirt and suddenly Zuko realized. Suki was the only female at the table… It honestly felt kind of unfair.
"Erhm…" Zuko tried. "Hi… Suki."
Suki glanced up at Zuko.
"We erhm… We never really got to talk much." Zuko continued. "Sokka has talked so much about you though."
Suki smiled lightly. "I bet he has." she said.
"Yeah when he starts he wont stop." Zuko said and Suki smiled amused as a deep red wine were poured for them by the servants.
Zuko halted by the sight of the strong alcohol and he had to admit, it was really enticing right now. Remembering how the liquid had made him relax before… But then. Zuko swallowed. "Erhm Suki. Can I ask you a favour?" he asked.
"What is it?" Suki asked.
"I erh… I'm not used to drinking." Zuko admitted. "So I don't know how much is too much could you… Keep an eye on me?" he asked. "If you think I am about to overdo it just stop me." he asked.
Suki smiled amused. "You have my word." she said. "Don't worry about it."
"Thanks." Zuko whispered.
"Well at least you're responsible." Pakku commented from Zukos other side.
Zuko closed his eyes. Why had he been seated next to Pakku? Then again, they were going to switch places after the main course. He would be fine… Fine.
"Don't listen to him Prince Zuko." Hakoda said kindly from the other end of the table. "You have done great. You have truly stepped up as a leader for your nation. It's quite something."
Kueis cheeks were burning deep red as he looked down at the table.
"Well I…. I had a lot of help." Zuko said embarrassed as he scratched his neck.
"And as always Zuko is being modest." Aang smiled. "He did all the work."
"It was a team effort." Zuko said. "Everyone we met has helped."
"And you inspired them Prince Zuko." Hakoda said. "That's a leader. Someone who inspired people to work as a unit."
"Without Aang. None of that would have been possible." Zuko said. "The Avatar has symbolised a new hope for the world. That things can change."
"Indeed!" Bumi held up a finger. "The unique circumstances of Avatar Aang and Crown Prince Zuko standing together as one has created quite the image!" he stated. "It has required that both embraced their roles. Now then. Please… Dig in." he asked and people all nodded their fangs as they started to try things out.
Zuko found out he was correct about the wine, after only one glass he found himself loosen up quite significantly. He also found that it would be so easy to just nod yes to a fill up and continue going without thinking about it and he glanced at Suki.
"Here's a trick for you. Drink the water." Suki said. "Alternate. Don't drink more wine until you drunk the water."
Zuko nodded. Made sense. This really wasn't the day he would want to make a fool out of himself due to unchecked drinking.
As it turned out though the drink had the same effect on everyone else who loosened up and in time for dessert the table was outright merry.
….. The most important decisions in the world was always made after a couple of glass's of wine… it is what Iroh had said… It started to make sense.
Even Pakku was way more agreeable now that he was on his third glass.
As the main course ended they were all pretty happy as they stood up to walk a bit around before sitting down again but with changed seating for dessert.
This time Zuko was between Kuei and Tho, which was much more relaxing anyway.
Tho being a swamp bender was always very chilled company and Zuko had already developed quite a friendship with Kuei whom was more than happy to tell Zuko what he had been doing these last months.
Kuei had been travelling! Trying to see the earth kingdom for himself with his own eyes, in incognito!
In return Zuko could reply telling about the short time where he had been travelling with his uncle as Lee. Before he joined the Avatar.
"At first I was really shocked. How little people have." Kuei admitted. "But they were happy. And even if they had so little, many would still share it was… Quite something."
"I agree." Zuko said. "Your people is a very kind people."
The talks across the table went far and wide as the people talked about each others nations, asked very sincere questions and listened.
Zuko actually learned a lot over the very few hours there. About how the south pole used to be multiple tribes but they had now all formed into one for protection… That just made the guilt fill in Zukos stomach again.
He was taught more about the swamp and their laid back lifestyle where they didn't really have a leader but Tho had taken the role upon himself to lead as they joined the war.
Zuko got to share a lot as well. About the more positive sides of the fire nation and the direction he hoped he would be able to take the nation… he had everyones full attention as he went into that and it made him honestly thankful for the wine.
Everyone got to talk. They were honestly all very interesting people! …. Bumi really was a mad genius!
As the afternoon was nearing to an end and Zuko felt his own head drop, he was ready to call it a door. That was when it knocked softly at the door and in stepped Iroh.
"Uncle?" Zuko blinked.
"Forgive me the intrusion on this momentous occasion." Iroh asked as he respectfully bowed. "How-ever. I have news from the inside at the fire nation palace. And I thought it easier to tell you all now as you are allready gathered."
"Of course Iroh. You can speak freely here." Bumi said. "You were invited to the dinner but you declined."
"And risking overshadowing my nephew who is to lead?" Iroh asked. "No. That I must decline. Beside I am confident in Prince Zukos abilities to speak for himself and our nation." he said.
"A good decision." Pakku agreed. "Then what is it Iroh?" he asked.
Iroh inhaled. "We have all noticed it. Ozai has yet to retalliate which is strange." he said. "We would be thinking he would be in pursuit by now or at least lay siege to Omashu. But he hasn't acted so far." he said. "This is because… Ozai is gathering troops. He is building air ships. Massive ones. And he is waiting… Waiting for Ozais cometh and he intends to use it to burn the earth kingdom to the ground."
There was silence.
"The… Earth Kingdom?" Zuko asked. "Like… All the earth kingdom?" he asked.
"Yes… All of the earth kingdom." Iroh said gravely. "He intends to wait. Get his airships into position and reign fire from above. Killing everyone whom stands on the ground within the earth kingdom borders."
There was silence. Absolutely stunned silence.
"And they call me insane." Bumi finally commented.
"This is madness!" Pakku exclaimed. "But why am I even surprised. It's on par with killing the moon spirit!"
"I… I knew he was insane but." Zuko swallowed. "Just burn it?" he asked. "An entire nation?"
"Sozin did the same thing." Hakoda pointed out. "Seems to me he is merely following in his grand fathers foot step." Zuko silenced as he turned to Aang whom was looking down at his half eaten ice-cream banana cake.
Iroh nodded grimly. "All is not lost." he said. "We know what he intends to do and when it shall happen. What we need to decide is how to respond!" he said. "But it is not a decision to be made tonight after all of your. Ahem." he coughed into his hand and Zuko looked down at his own empty wine glass. "How-ever I will encourage to not drink further tonight so we can all meet tomorrow!" Iroh said. "King Bumi will you allow me to arrange this meeting?" he asked. "Which should also include myself. General How, Admiral Jeong Jeong, Young Sokka and your own most trusted war advisor?" he asked.
"Permission granted." Bumi said. "From my own army invite General Gemma." he said. "You're going to like her." he smiled warmly.
"We'll look forward to meet her." Iroh said.
"She's my grand daughter. But don't let that fool you. She has defended our city fiersly for the last decade." Bumi stated. "I trust her explicitly when it comes to leading the military of Omashu."
"Can Lieutenant Jee be present as well?" Zuko asked. "I realize the fire nation will be over represented already. But he does have experience and more inside knowledge into fire nation military can't hurt."
"Acceptable." Bumi stated. "Unless someone else object?"
Everyone shook their heads.
"Good." Bumi stood up. "Then I suppose we better cut this lovely evening short. Which is regrettable but needed. Let it though be known, that it is done on the promise that we will have the same dinner again after fire lord Ozai has fallen." he said. "That day we will drink to fire Lord Zukos good health! And look towards a future where the world will be in balance ones more."
"You… honour me." Zuko whispered with a bowed head.
The others smiled amused but then stood up as everyone bowed shortly and finally left… Zuko honestly feeling dead on his feet as he followed Aang and Suki to their…. Pretty honestly cramped room.
Toph had arrived too, so they were all there. And they probably should split up into two rooms but no one could be bothered or wanted to pick favourites.
The moment they stepped into the room their friends rushed them.
"How did it go?" Katara asked.
"There weren't any fights were there?" Sokka asked.
"Prince Zuko. You look very tired." Zhau-Li had to admit as Haru and Ty Lee nodded.
Zuko sighed deeply.
"What is it?" Sokka asked.
Aang swallowed. "We have gotten new intel from the fire nation palace. Ozai plans to burn all of the earth kingdom to the ground."
There was stunned silence.
"Come sit down." Suki said. "We'll tell you all about it." she said and the group and they all sat down in a circle as Suki told.
"…. Just… Burn it?" Katara asked. "The entire earth kingdom? How can he…"
"I knew my father was insane." Zuko hissed as he grabbed his face. "But not… That insane."
"Hey." Mai put a hand on Zukos arm. "You stopped calling him your father for a reason. His actions has nothing to do with you."
"She's right Zuko." Aang said though he was wrapping his arms around his knees.
Zuko sighed deeply. "We should sleep. We're going to have a long day in front of us tomorrow. And the next couple of days."
Toph nodded her empty eyes looking out into nothing.
"Come on then." Mai kissed Zuko on the cheek. "Get some rest." she asked as she stood up pulling Zuko up with her and the rest nodded as they followed. Soon going to bed on their beds and futtons spread across the floor.
Mai as always had no shame and laid right next to Zuko…. It was nice though. It made Zuko feel… Safe. Even with this new messed up information. And it wasn't like they were the only one.
With Mai always just laying herself next to Zuko without a word. Sokka and Suki had just kind of taken it as a sign they were allowed to do the same and did. Even Aang had reached out his hand to let his fingers lightly tangle with Kataras.
Tomorrow was another day he supposed.