Here is the ninth full chapter in Book 5, released on time as promised. This an important bridge chapter similar to ones seen in all of the last installments in this series as it connects two arcs and sets up things for the future as the story progresses. However, that is all I have for now though and as there isn't anything to respond to that means that it time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the 9th full installment of Avatar: The Tale of Harry. Book 5: Duty.
Disclaimer: As always I own nothing related to these two great works of fiction.
Chapter 9
Harry sat at the head of the table looking around the gathered people in the familiar circular room atop Air Temple Island's lone tower. The faces were all different from the last time he'd been here but the scene itself was the same. It had been many years since Harry last had need for this room and this council, the War Council formed during the Principate War was different, but their hands had been forced and one of their number had exercised his right to call this meeting. The Council of World Leaders was once more in session.
Opposite Harry sat Remus in his traditional robes with the pendant of his office around his neck. As was custom, the Avatar sat at one head while the leader of the nation with the issue at hand sat at the other head, that leader having been the one to call this meeting. This was the first time that it had been the Air Nation to request such a meeting but that didn't change a thing from the standard procedure.
To Harry's right sat his daughter Lily. As the Chief of Police for Republic City and the one with the files that Sirius had retrieved for them, she was an honorary invitee to the meeting but was only here for the information that she had and had no say on any votes or decisions. To Harry's left sat Chief Dominique of the Southern Water Tribe and a protégé of Harry's in a lot of ways as he had often mentored the skilled warrior. Even in her early 50s, she still had the build of a fighter and was respected for her skills, she had the scars to prove her reputation.
On Remus's right sat his son and President of the United Republic, Teddy. As with past Presidents, Teddy had opted for a formal black suit with a green tinge to it in order to show his bending heritage. As with Dominique, Ursa and Altinak, Teddy was a seasoned military veteran and skilled fighter who had been forced into his role by the Principate War but having stayed on like Shacklebolt had and become a reassuring peacetime President since then.
To Remus's left sat Altinak, the Chief of the Northern Water Tribe and Remus's godson as he had been one of Chief Sirius's best friends. Calm, poised, and ready, Altinak wore his light blue, formal robes though no adornments minus the braids in his long hair. One of the more recent World Leaders, Altinak was still following in his father's footsteps in maintaining the North and ensuring that it was a bastion of freedom as the second of his line to sit the Northern Throne.
To Altinak's left sat Firelord Ursa, looking a little uncomfortable in her formal robes and not the military outfit that the former United Marine commander preferred to wear but as this was not a war council she was expected to wear her formal robes of office. Her long hair was done in the traditional style with a full top knot, the royal flame in it as all her family had worn before her. It was a contrast to the red scar that ran from just under her jaw, along her left cheek, and past the corner of her eye to her temple, a reminder of her injuries during the Second Siege.
As with Altinak, Ursa was one of the newest leaders and succeeding a beloved leader who had reigned for over half a century. She knew to keep her father's legacy and reforms intact, preserving them while also improving on it in her own way.
Lastly, on Dominique's left was King Xiang, Harry's own monarch and the 56th monarch of the Earth Kingdom though only the third since King Wu reformed it into the ISEK. The youngest at the table, Xiang was still reedy and bookish like his ancestor Kuei, and it was well known that he had a keen intellect and while mainly a figurehead, he was a scholar who did his best to apply that to his nation when it came to giving his royal approval to legislation that was presented to him. He wore a simple dark green suit with the broach of office on his left breast.
They were all here and here and waiting for the meeting to start. The only World Leader not present was Chief Titus of the Foggy Swamp Tribe but that was to be expected from him. While Titus made a habit of showing up to inaugurations or coronations, something his predecessors didn't do, as week as to funerals, he still stayed out of international politics in accordance with the long-standing isolationist policies of the Foggy Swamp Tribe.
As the smallest and youngest nation with limited influence, it was respected, and Titus always shared the same rights and privileges as the rest of them. He just followed in the longstanding tradition set forth by Chief Beauvais when she secured the independence of the Foggy Swamp Tribe some 87 or so years ago. Independent, neutral, and isolated as they wanted to be. Harry honored this as the Avatar and never expected Titus at these meetings.
It had been 9 days since Harry had met with Rohit and since then everything they had been doing had been building to this moment. Rohit had provided all the info he could, and the other leaders had been briefed on it, but this meeting would discuss that, approve or reject Rohit's deal, and what to do about Ekrizdis in hopes of resolving this potential schism before it devolved into conflict.
"Thank you all for getting here on such short notice." Harry said once everyone was seated and ready to start. "I know that for all of you this is a first but for the first time in almost 20 years we face a true threat to balance in this world and for the first time in my lifetime we actually have a chance to prevent it before the world is thrown into imbalance by the actions of a fanatic."
"I must admit, this is at the very least interesting from a scholarly perspective." Xiang said adjusting his glass as he looked over his notes that Harry knew his king prepared before any meeting he had. "I had never expected there to be airbenders who survived Sozin, are you sure of that? Theoretically it is of course possible but with no evidence of more than a handful of survivors who were swiftly murdered it is hard to believe that they would manage to keep this hidden for 3 centuries without anyone finding out."
"The evidence currently appears to back it up based on what Remus reported from his meeting with Ekrizdis." Harry said with a nod. "Though as with everything, I am reserving judgement until I meet with this Ekrizdis and learn more from him directly. That way I can truth see him and determine if he is the real deal or not."
"Are you sure that that is a good idea?" Altinak asked seriously. "I know that you are skilled Harry but from what I have seen in the reports, this man is an airbender of a skill we don't really know and is potentially off the charts for it given what little we actually understand of airbending due to what we lost thanks to Sozin. What if he tries anything against you when you meet him?"
"Then I end him then and there and we don't have to deal with the potential conflict he seems to be courting." Harry said simply. "However, I feel like I must meet with him to truly assess him. It is my duty to do so for the sake of the Air Nation, both in to try and prevent the potential conflict as this is a rare chance for us to do so and in terms of the importance of the fact that these may indeed be descendants of the Air Nomads of old. I have to make sure."
"I agree." Remus said. "This is the Avatar's prerogative to do so but I would have advised it regardless. The threats at the ANNC alone are enough to justify it and our pacifistic philosophy dictates that we avoid conflict at all costs. Luna has been using the various channels we have to arrange a meeting and from what we have heard, there is interest. He showed it when he appeared before me to make his intentions known and now that we are reciprocating things appear to be getting set in motion."
"I do not doubt it." Harry said. "After his appearance and claims, Ekrizdis will have to meet me if for no other reason than to plead his case. He knows that I have the power to approve of his claim if it is valid, which to me it is not given the changes in the world since Harmonic Convergence. However, he likely hopes that I will side with him to avoid conflict, but I won't. Plus, if he is like the other arrogant narcissists I have met, he will be unable to resist the chance to meet the Avatar and try and persuade me to agree with his extreme views."
"All of this is true based on what I was able to assess of him." Remus said. "Hence why the meeting is needed. The only thing is when and where it should take place?"
"When still needs to be worked out as we don't have any confirmation yet but where is not as there is only one place that I could really meet him." Harry said. "The one place on the planet that is truly neutral and that all must respect that neutrality regardless of affiliation or claims. Azkaban Prison."
"While I get the poetic nature of meeting a potential criminal at a prison, how will you do that?" Dominique asked speaking for the first time. "It isn't exactly a place two people would normally meet when neither of them isn't locked up there."
"It is the location that is important, not the fact that it is a prison." Harry clarified. "The location is protected by treaties between humanity itself and the Spirits that ensure that it is to be neutral from all politics, war, and anything else for all eternity. That is why it is the best place to parley with Ekrizdis. As for where on the island, we can use the roof of the prison to talk, that is my plan."
"I see no issues with this." Teddy said with a small nod. "The prison is made of stone so Harry can truth see and make sure that Ekrizdis is speaking the truth and his skills can easily deal with Ekrizdis's should there be violence. It is also purely neutral and independent and any act of aggression there will be a violation of international law so we can all go after Ekrizdis if he tries anything."
"It also requires a vote of this council to approve its use for the meeting." Harry said causing them all to look at him confused as it was clear none had actually read the fine print of the treaty. "Yeah, the Treaty of Azkaban are very specific on everything about that place. One of the provisions in the treaty is that it in the case of preventing war, conflict, be it of an international or internal nature, Azkaban can be used as a neutral site for negotiations between the parties. Violation of the neutrality is considered an act of war on the Spirits and that requires all other nations to defend the Spirits. However, it requires a majority vote of World Leaders, including myself, to exercise."
"I am fine with it." Remus said thus casting the first vote and as the leader of the nation trying to prevent an internal conflict it was only proper that he be the first one to vote in Harry's eyes. "It is the safest place for the meeting."
"Same." Dominique added seconding the motion with her own vote in favor. "I trust the Avatar's judgement and if the meeting has to take place at Azkaban the so be it."
The other World Leaders all agreed one by one giving the proposal unanimous approval. Harry thanked them, they just had to sort out the meeting itself now that they had a location and that was up to Ekrizdis as they were ready whenever.
"Well now that that is sorted, what else is on the agenda?" Ursa asked. "I read the brief on this Ekrizdis, but I want to hear more from Remus as he mentioned the Fire Nation specifically in his rant. I am painfully aware of the sins of my ancestors in particular, but the Fire Nation has long since acknowledge our heinous crimes and have paid for them. No one is alive today who committed those crimes so you cannot blame us for the sins of the past."
"Yes that is the next topic for discussion." Harry said moving the meeting along. "We need to deal with his threats against the Air Nation as well as his claims against the Fire Nation though those seem to be secondary to his desire to control the Air Nation according to Remus. We also have to discuss the deal I made with Rohit as that also needs a vote to confirm it pending his intel proving useful."
"We can discuss that at the end." Remus said. "That is more a formality as the info has been good so far and the deal is contingent on his continual help and his information actually being truthful. First I agree with Ursa, we need to discuss the main threats of the Ekrizdis."
"There is one issue with the threat though." Altinak pointed out. "It is against Remus and the Air Nation and not the rest of the world. This leads to the question of what do we do with the status of Ekrizdis and the Exiled Nomads? We are in complicated waters right now."
"What do you mean?" Remus asked. "We have to prepare for the worst case and try to negotiate to prevent that."
"Yes that is true, but the problem comes with their national status." Altinak said. "Remember I did study the laws of war as part of my studies after the Elemental Academy and they are strict for good reason. If we recognize Ekrizdis and his nomads as an independent nation that has gone rogue, similar to how the Northern Water Tribe was declared rogue during the Second Purity War, or an illegitimate nation such as the Fire Utopia or the Principate, then we can all act as a body."
"I think I see where you are coming from Altinak." Harry said. "But go on."
"Yes Avatar." Altinak said. "However, if we confirm Remus's recognition of them as part of the Air Nation then they become part of it and would thus be considered a belligerent entity and any actions of violence taken by them would legally be seen as a rebellion against Remus. Furthermore, if they claim as such then our hands would be tied as it is an internal claim to legitimacy. All of that would make any conflict a civil war and short of a few violations, we cannot act in support of either side in any direct way."
"Altinak is right." Dominique said with a sigh. "It pains me to confirm it given how my mother, siblings, a few cousins. an aunt by blood and another by law are all airbenders and part of the Air Nation, including one who is almost certain to become then next Archabbot, but if this is internal we can't do much. Sure, there are going to be ways around it, intermediaries can be used, and we can't prevent private citizens or mercenaries from fighting for the Air Nation or Ekrizdis, but as nations our hands are tied."
"Given the claims made by Ekrizdis and Remus's statements to him when Ekrizdis appeared before the ANNC, which itself is Air Nation institution, an international court would likely confirm this as an internal matter." Xiang said. "Which means we can barely do anything, at least when it comes to the threat of civil war. The demands on the Fire Nation mentioned in the report are a different matter, however. Coupled with the threat, there is an argument that there is a danger of an international incident against the Fire Nation."
"No shit." Ursa said bluntly. "Which is something we need to prepare for. Remember that because of the 100-year war and the actions taken by that cunt during the Fire Utopia, the Fire Nation barely has a military strong enough to do more than defend though it has grown since the Principate a bit as a precaution and because of my own military background. I am not sure what Ekrizdis has planned for my nation, but I want to be prepared for it."
"Remus, if you mind tabling the issue of status for Ekrizdis for a moment, I think we can quickly sort out the claims against the Fire Nation first." Harry said trying to get the discussion back on track as it was in danger of devolving. "Once that is sorted we can focus on the major issue which is the conflict in the Air Nation."
"I can see the logic and while I want to discuss it I will wait my turn as it is more important and complex so best to leave it the end." Remus said with a nod. "Ursa, please, what do you say to the claims for reparations and justice and what do you need from the other nations?"
"Firstly, to notion the reparations and justice, fuck no." Ursa said forcefully. "That cocksucker is getting jack shit from us. We have already apologized for our ancestors, my ancestors as I am a direct descendant of Sozin and done what we could in the wake of that war. Ozai had his bending stripped and spent the rest of his life in prison for his crimes. Many of the commanders, active and retired, still around at the end of the war who had also committed crimes against humanity were sent to prison."
Ursa paused for breath, but no one spoke. She was on a role and as this was a direct issue to do with her nation and its history they were leaving it to her until she was done addressing it before they made any comment.
"Furthermore, we paid for the repair of the Earth Kingdom and the Southern Water Tribe and shared our technology with them." Ursa said. "And still do to this day in fact. We did our part. Had we known that there had been survivors back then, of course we would have helped but we didn't, they chose to stay in exile. We can assist in the integration if they want but that's it. I'm sorry but we are not responsible for our forefathers' crimes against their forefathers and that's final."
"I concur." Altinak said once it was clear that Ursa was done. "This isn't like the actions of Chiefs Lucius and Unalaq when they caused pain and suffering. They were defeated while there were still victims and did whatever we could to help them. The genocide happened 300 years ago, it has been acknowledged, disavowed and apologized for by the Fire Nation repeatedly. No need to bring back old wounds that are now nothing but scars that we should never forget but must learn from."
"But should this end peacefully then the Fire Nation would help readjust them to the wider world, right?" Dominique asked and Harry knew she'd picked up on something that Ursa had said. "We all should of course but would it be acceptable for the Fire Nation to take the lead in that, in conjunction with the Air Nation of course."
"I will personally lead the efforts." Ursa said forcefully. "We will help but we will not be punished for the crimes of the past for which we have already been punished but can't truly atone for so we have done the best and will do what we can to help the descendants short of facing justice for crimes the current Fire Nation did not commit. We must be progressive, not regressive."
"I am in agreement with Ursa's proposal on the matter." Harry said with as the others nodded in agreement. "Should we manage to progress from my initial meeting with Ekrizdis to a more solid negotiation on integration of the Exiled Nomads, would be willing to attend Ursa?"
"I am open to negotiations with Ekrizdis regarding what aid the Fire Nation is willing to provide but there are lines I will not cross." Ursa said. "I also am going to bolster my internal forces, just in case they are needed to defend my nation but even if he breaks the laws of war I will not attack, the Fire Nation can't be seen attacking airbenders who are descended from the survivors of Sozin's genocide."
"That is probably for the best." Harry said. "Protect yourself and your nation though, I wouldn't put it past a man who has recruited known killers and criminals, the worst of the worst when it comes to airbenders, to try something underhanded against you or anyone else who opposes him."
"I think that is a wise idea." Remus said with a sigh. "I will do the same with my own security."
"I will discuss this with my generals when I return home." Ursa said. "I am still the Commander in Chief of our armed forces and have more powers there than I do in the political arena in my nation. It is what I know, and I will do what I need to in order to defend myself and my nation. I do ask for help just in case the worst happens. Remember the optics of my nation's history with the Air Nomads, it may be history, but public perception is big, and we can't lose their support."
"I think that is a good idea and I think there is a way we can all help and be ready just in case of the worst." Harry said and they all looked at him. "Even if the hands of the other nations are tied by the laws of war should this devolve to a civil war, there are ways to make sure that we are ready to act in a moment's notice if they are violated."
"I see and I get where you are coming from." Dominique said with a grin and Harry knew that Ron's tutelage in tactics had rubbed off on his niece. "I can easily order my troops to begin exercises in international waters near the Fire Nation and the Air Temples and to be on standby as if there was a war or if they are attacked because then we can defend ourselves. It's been decades since we had a good scrap, they might be getting soft on me, and the South doesn't like soft things."
"Count me in on that as well." Altinak said with a nod. "It has been a while since my warriors got a chance to cross train with another nation in different conditions to what we are used to up in the North. I think, if Ursa was to give her blessing, that I would like to do so with the Royal Fire Army. Your nation does have some of the worst environments for my warriors short of going to the Si Wong."
"I am sure that my generals will see the benefit to training with the Northern Warriors." Ursa said with a smirk. "Teddy, you are a former general and technically the Commander in Chief, what about the United Forces? Can we count on your support as well, in this unofficial capacity of course."
"Unlike Raiko during the Southern War of Independence, I am no coward and will not avoid internal disputes that could spill over onto my turf." Teddy said. "That and once I discuss this with Quirke and successor General Ossett we shouldn't have a problem. Quirke is an airbender and she will not approve of her nation being under threat, she might even try to come out of retirement to fight and Ossett respects her opinion and will follow her advice. Plus, I think the United Air Force could use some exercises with the ANDF, the Air Nation does know aerial combat better than anyone else."
"What of the Army, Navy and Marines?" Ursa asked. "Of all the militaries here, the United Forces is the largest and most versatile."
"The Marines can join the Northern Warriors in the Fire Nation." Teddy said simple. "You were once the Commander of the United Marines and are a legend in the Corps, they would be honored to be in the Fire Nation and to help you out. As for the Navy, I can have them join the Southern Navy if Dominique agrees."
"I do." Dominique nodded as she quirked a smirk at Teddy. "My sailors would love to show up the United Navy the way only the South can do, I will personally see to it. Plus, I do enjoy humbling my brother-in-law whenever possible."
Everyone chuckled and Harry smiled at the sight despite the serious conversation. One of the few good things of the Principate was that the world was now more connected than ever, and as they'd lived through that war, no one wanted another one. As such, they all cooperated as best as possible. It also didn't hurt that there was some level of connection on a familial or friendly level between 4 of the 6 nations and the Avatar himself.
Course this did have the disadvantage of appearing to be an elite oligarchy that ran the world and thus caused some to grumble about it. In fact, it had been a driving force behind one of the Principate's recruiting tactics and was still talked about today.
However, in an ever-connected world and with various acts of coincidence, fate, love, treason, or death, it was possible for these connections to occur. Once Teddy stood down and Remus passed, those connections would lesson a fair bit and they would all but end when Harry died, and the Avatar Spirit passed on to his successor in the Fire Nation.
"You didn't talk of the United Army." Ursa pointed out. "What are the plans for them?"
"Yeah they are going to have to stay." Teddy said with a shrug. "Sorry about that but I need them here just in case. We need to protect ourselves as well and the United Army is best for that."
"I can live with that." Ursa said. "I think I am set for now and need to discuss more once I get in contact with my generals before I contact any of you regarding joint exercises in my nation. Remus, the floor is yours."
"Thanks Ursa and thank you all for your support of me in this troubling time." Remus said gratefully. "I hope that this is not necessary, but I fear that it will be."
"Remus, as far as I am concerned, you are the legitimate leader of the Air Nation." Harry said seriously. "You were fairly elected under the approved system created by Archabbot Milo when he took over and restructured the Air Nation into a cohesive, modern, nation that had been a little lose under Tenzin and Jinora, though for good reasons as the numbers weren't there at the time. If Ekrizdis wants to rejoin the Air Nation I can mediate the negotiation, if he wants to be independent and separate but on the world stage similar to the Foggy Swamp Tribe then I would also support that, but I will not support his claims to the whole Air Nation."
"I second what the Avatar has said." Dominique added and the others nodded in agreement. "If there was a question to legitimacy then that would be something but there is no question here given the systems in place. The only question is what will Ekrizdis do because that dictates how we act."
"Dominique is right." Teddy said. "As much as I hate it but as cowardly as he was, Raiko was still following the law when he ordered the United Forces not to interfere with the South's war for independence. Even with getting creative, Korra and Iroh would have violated the law if they had engaged without provocation from the Northern Navy. This time we are skirting the law, but we will not break it."
"Thank you Dominique and Teddy." Remus said with a smile. "Alas, given both mine and Ekrizdis's actions as I didn't realize the potential implications at the time, this is going to be an internal matter. Given your familial connections to me, including Dominique being related by marriage to my likely successor, you both might have to take a fully isolated role in this one. I do not doubt that Ekrizdis will get his own people who don't like us to join him."
"In a civil war, private citizens from any nation can fight on either side if they want to so long as they put themselves under the jurisdiction of the side they join and are subject to the laws of war." Altinak said. "That includes mercenary groups. Given that this is the Air Nation, and the fighting forces are limited, it would be prudent to reach out to some of the more reputable companies and get their support. Of course, the Avatar is seen as a citizen of the world and can be involved as well."
"I will be though I will of course try to prevent it first before I get involved." Harry said. "But if it comes to it, I will side with the Air Nation and not remain neutral in this affair."
"Your support means a lot to me Harry." Remus said with a smile. "I do hope that it will not come to it, but we should prepare now for that. I do not like using mercenaries but if it comes to war, I will put out the word that those who support the Air Nation and are private citizens or groups can join and we can discuss terms then. I know of at least two groups who would join us so that is a start."
"I agree, we should prepare for the worst." Ursa said. "We didn't for the Principate because we didn't see them coming, and my nation certainly didn't for the Enlightened, but this time we know of our enemy ahead of time. I don't want history to repeat itself."
"As you said, we couldn't see those before they threw the world out of balance." Harry said with a sigh. "But at least this time we can. Ekrizdis has done us one good thing, he has tipped his hand early and we can use that to our advantage to head this off before violence happens while preparing for the worst at the same time. I propose we use the rest of this meeting to discuss planning and what we know of the Ekrizdis. Lily, why don't you start with your report from the files your informant provided us."
"Of course." Lily said with a nod.
"Wait Lil, there is one thing that needs to be addressed first before we go into the shit you brought with you." Dominique said turning to Harry. "Harry, you need to be ready as well. I know you are as healthy as you can be, and your bending is still great, but part of your power is your image and the skills you possess on the battlefield. You need to reacquaint yourself with your nonbending fighting styles."
"You are also going to need a special suit to fight at the level of the past, something more advanced than the thing you use now." Altinak pointed out. "You are getting up there and while I know you are as good as a man half your age, the wounds you suffered in the Principate War were extensive. It is for the best to upgrade it to something that brings you as close to peak form as possible."
"I know and I understand that." Harry said with a sigh as he had a feeling that this might be coming and accepting it. "I also know that I need to do this. Fortunately, there is one place I can go to sort everything out and once this is over, I will head there. They can make the suit I will need and forge new blades in my style for me while I train again with them. It has been 19 years since I held a sword but it's not something one forgets, especially after half a century of training with them. However, this is something that I will do myself and base myself there while we coordinate with Ekrizdis for a meeting. Now though, let us discuss preparations for the worst."
The others nodded and the conversation switched to the report that Lily had and the preparations they all had to make should the worst come to pass. For once they had forewarning of an Avatar level threat and this time they would be prepared and try to cut it off before it happened. They would not get into a dragged-out conflict, not again. Harry feared the world couldn't handle another one.
Harry listened more than participated as he had to think on his own future. He knew what he had to do and where he had to go while he trained and prepared to meet a man who could potentially become his next, and if so hopefully final, great enemy.
Once this was over, Harry, Ginny, Ron, Dominique as she seemed set on it, and maybe Sirius as Harry could use the boy's skills, would leave and head back to the Earth Kingdom. That was where the place Harry had to go to was located so best to get there as soon as possible.
It had been decades since Harry last set foot in the city of metal, but it was still the forefront of innovation and research in the world today. They had been the ones who had made his current braces so they could do this. He trusted the city and knew they were loyal to the Avatar. It was as good a place as any to base himself while he prepared to meet Ekrizdis. It was time to visit the Metal Clan. It was time to once again see Zaofu.
Well, there are the preparations set and for once the Avatar and World Leaders have a chance to avoid conflict while preparing for it as well so what can go wrong? Those preparations, along with a certain long and needed talk given two people who will be present that will give more insight into a few characters, are coming in the next arc as we return to Zaofu for a bit before the next level of the story kicks in. There is plenty more to come so stay tuned as the final adventure of Avatar Harry continues. As always any questions in PMs or reviews will be answered before the start of the next chapter (as well as replied to if possible). Please follow, favorite and review, all are greatly appreciated. Until next week.
Stringdog