Here is the 17th full chapter in Book 5, released on time as promised. The funeral has happened which means that it is time to elect the new Archabbot and that is what is to come so that is all I will say here. As such I will leave it here and as there isn't anything to respond to that means that it time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the 17th 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 17

"Alright the door is locked." Davies said as he took his seat and put the key away in his robes as he returned to the table in the middle of the room. "We will not be allowed out until we elect a new Archabbot."

It was 7 days after Remus's funeral and Luna sat at the circular table in the highest room of the large tower in the Southern Air Temple. With her were the 6 other electors of the highest position on the Air Nation. They were her fellow Head Abbots in Davies, Cho, Brocklehurst, and Edgecombe, along with Marshall Bexley of the ANDF and Monk Wroxton, the last one being the Head of the Air House at the Elemental Academy. It was finally time to choose Remus's successor.

"Thank you Davies." Luna said as she nodded to him, he was sitting to her right and Bexley was to her left more due to their support for her rather than any particular order. "Then as the senior Abbess, I officially declare the 3rd Air Nation Conclave open. Davies, as Head of the Southern Air Temple that is being used as the host Temple you are the chair for Conclave. As such, I will leave the rules to you."

As per the rules set out by Milo, the Conclave was opened by the senior Abbot or Abbess based on years as an eligible elector for the position of Archabbot. However, while the senior one opened it, Conclave was actually chaired by the Head of the host Temple. It was convoluted but Milo wasn't known for his linear thinking and neither Filius, who'd been elected by 6 votes on the first ballot, or Remus whose own election was strange given the circumstances, had decided to alter the process.

"Thank you Luna." Davies said pulling out a scroll from the arm of his robe and opening it. "As it has been almost 20 years since the last Conclave and over 50 since the first and only one to be done under normal circumstances I will go over the rules that were laid out by Archabbot Milo. Before I start are there any questions?"

Everyone shook their heads in the negative. Luna expected that. They were well versed in the procedure by this point and anything they didn't know would be read out by Davies. Why waste time when they could get right to it.

"Good, then I will begin by noting that while the Archabbot is elected by the seven leading figures of the Air Nation, those being the 5 Temple Heads and the leaders of the military that defends the Air Nation and education that educates it, any airbender who is considered a master in good standing is eligible." Davies said reading the first part of the scroll, a fact that surprised Luna but she didn't show it because she knew that they'd chose one of their own though she did note that Edgecombe and Brocklehurst exchanged a look at that. "That said it is noted that Milo recommends the Archabbot be one of the seven who elects the position as they are the most senior members of the nation."

"Makes sense." Wroxton said from his seat next to Bexley. "We are the ones who are expected to lead and have the experience. Plus, the air nation as always been led by an elder, this would be in line with our traditions."

"True." Luna said. "But let's save that for the coming debates Wroxton. Go on Davies."

"Thank you." Davies said. "Anyway, the seven of us are to be locked in the council chamber of the previous Archabbot's home Temple where the funeral has been held and are not to leave until a new Archabbot is elected. Food has already been arranged and if we do not have an Archabbot by dinner time we will adjourn for private meditations and sleep in this room."

"Do you expect that?" Brocklehurst asked, he was seated between Wroxton and Edgecombe. "Is there that much division between us that we will be deadlocked for longer than a day?"

"We are unsure as none of us were present for the 1st Conclave that elected Filius." Luna said channeling her husband's diplomatic skills that she'd observed during her time as First Lady as she knew she couldn't be her usual self here given what their agenda was. "His was the only election in line with protocol and in his case it was near unanimous with the only dissenting vote being his. When Remus was elected we were at war and he was the best candidate to lead us during that conflict, so we didn't have a debate."

"Debate is a good thing." Edgecombe said as Cho nodded from her other side. "We don't have a consensus Archabbot like Filius or Remus, so it is necessary to lay out the best candidates for the position."

"And under the rules we are to have that." Davies said bringing their attention back to the scroll he was reading from. "It says that we are to start with nominations or endorsements, though we are still free to abstain or vote for others regardless of our nominations or endorsements. If no Archabbot is elected on the first vote, and it is a supermajority of 5 votes needed for election, we are to debate until lunch when we break and meditate or talk amongst ourselves."

"In this room?" Cho asked from Davies's other side. "Not the most private place in the world now is it?"

"We are all airbender masters here." Bexley pointed out. "We all know how to create soundproof bubbles, so we have the privacy despite the circumstances."

"Just making sure." Cho said. "So, after lunch there's a second vote then?"

"Correct." Davies said with a nod. "And if no Archabbot then more debate before a third vote is taken just before dinner. I've already said what happens after that. If we need another day then we vote after breakfast, debate, vote before lunch and repeat from there as needed."

"Is there a point where it drops from 5 to 4 votes needed to be elected?" Wroxton asked. "Surely at some point a simple majority is allowed?"

"No there isn't." Davies said scanning the scroll and groaning. "Milo just says that if it comes to a 4-3 deadlock point then start being political to get over it or elect the one causing the issue and see how that person likes the position. That is it."

"Very well then let's get started." Luna said as Davies put the scroll away to show that he was done with it, but he would consult it should they need it. "Are there any airbenders that people here want to speak up on before the first vote?"

"Yes." Bexley said almost instantly. "I want to endorse you, Abbess Luna, for the position of Archabbot. You have proven time and time again that you are an airbender of the highest regard and have been instrumental in the world throughout your long life. You fought in the Battle of the Elemental Academy with distinction. You were one of the key figures who liberated the Fire Nation from Hermione and were awarded the Roku Cross for your actions making you the only airbender in history to be given the Fire Nation's highest honor. You aided in the final destruction of the Enlightened and the Purist movements. Lastly you were pivotal in the Second Siege as you got the Avatar to the Princeps's airship to end it the Principate War."

"I would like to second Bexley's endorsement." Davies said when Bexley was done. "And add that you are a known member of Team Avatar meaning you have a great relationship with him. In addition, you are the former First Lady of the United Republic, so you know how the international scene works better than any of us. You are also close to the Chief of the Southern Water Tribe as you are part of that Royal Family by marriage, so you have strong ties there as well. Lastly you have the most experience running a Temple in the Air Nation as you were Head Abbess of Air Temple Island for 2 years before the Principate War and have been the Head of the Western Air Temple since the end of that same war."

"Thank you for your kind words." Luna said a little taken aback by how thoughtful Bexley and Davies were with their endorsements, but it made sense that they would hype her up as they were her key supporters. "Out of modesty and humility I will not speak about myself. I will say that I do not want to be Archabbot, this is not a position that I am seeking, but if it is the decision of this body to elect me I will accept as it is my duty to serve the Air Nation."

"How noble of you Luna but if you pardon me I will not be supporting you." Edgecombe said with a lot of sarcasm on the first part. "I know your history and I respect your service to the world but that is just it, you have served the world Luna and not the Air Nation. In fact, you didn't serve the Air Nation at all until were named Head of Air Temple Island when your husband retired as President of the United Republic. Bexley points out your service and that can't be denied but can we really have an Archabbot who has not devoted her whole life to the Air Nation like Milo and Filius did in their times."

"Well seeing as Remus spent most of his young adult life as a probender and didn't start teaching here until he was in his middle years I think so." Davies said and Edgecombe opened her mouth to add something, but Davies continued. "And I know what you're going to say next Edgecombe."

"Really what?" Edgecombe snapped. "Enlighten me Davies, what was I about to say?"

"You're going to mention that unlike the rest of us, Luna's husband is a waterbender and member of the Southern Royal Family who has served as President of the United Republic." Davies said. "And that that makes her somehow a lesser candidate because she didn't marry within the Air Nation. Need I remind you that Remus was married to an earthbender, and his only child, who is the current President of the United Republic by the way, was one as well. If you try to mention that don't forget that Luna has two airbender children who have served their nation all their lives in addition to her two waterbenders."

"No, I will concede on that front." Edgecombe said though Luna could tell that she was going to mention it as a way to discredit her, but she was now trying to save face. "But I do want to say that her ties to the other nations seem to be more than usual even in our interconnected society. She is related by marriage to the Chief of the Southern Water Tribe and has close ties to the other leaders through her status in Team Avatar and as former First Lady of the United Republic."

"And?" Bexley asked clearly pressing Edgecombe for more. "I don't see any of that as a bad thing but a positive. The Archabbot deals mainly with international affairs as he or she is our Head of State, we deal with domestic stuff at our Temples or divisions in my case and then discuss things at the ANNC that affect us as a nation or relate to international relations. Luna's ties are a good thing because she knows how that stuff works beyond the Air Nation and already has a working relationship with the current World Leaders."

"Plus, it's not like Remus or Filius didn't have that as well." Davies pointed out. "Remus was best friends with the Chief of the Northern Water Tribe and knew his son well long before he became Archabbot. In his time his own son became the President of the United Republic, and he named the Avatar as Teddy's godfather before he was even on the Southern Air Temple Council of Elders, so he too had those ties. As for Filius, he was the Avatar's airbending instructor when he was mastering our element, so he knew the Avatar well."

"I'm just saying that as good as that is it did have drawbacks for Remus." Edgecombe said though Luna could tell that she was starting to grasp for straws with her arguments against Luna. "He was seen as too close to the other World Leaders through his many ties to them making it seem like the world was run by an oligarchic elite as all had close ties to the Avatar and/or each other. We should elect an Archabbot who isn't part of that circle and who's first and foremost job is the betterment of the Air Nation above all else."

"And I assume that means you Edgecombe." Luna said simply. "I know you want the role."

"In the past maybe but I have an even better candidate than me now." Edgecombe said with a smile. "Ekrizdis."

That caused an outcry from Davies, Bexley and even Wroxton at her suggestion. Even Cho didn't look comfortable with it to Luna, but Brocklehurst was unaffected by the news. Luna kept a neutral expression, but she was seething inside. This was not what she'd expected, and it showed the Edgecombe was already a traitor to the Air Nation as far as she was concerned due to Ekrizdis's threats against the nation, but Luna had to keep it in check. They didn't have the proof, so she decided to let Edgecombe explain herself.

"And why him?" Luna said hoping her calm tone didn't sound forced though she had to add what she said next. "You'd support that extremist after he threatened us and demanded we just hand the nation over to him?"

"Is he even eligible?" Bexley asked. "He's not actually part of the Air Nation I believe."

"He is an airbender master in good standing." Brocklehurst said showing he was also in support of Ekrizdis. "Isn't that the criteria that Milo laid out? That is what Davies read out at the start. We are not limited to our number."

"I wouldn't say good standing." Davies said. "Remus banned him from the Air Nation which in my book means that he is not in good standing."

"And? That isn't a disqualifier in my book and my vote will always be for him and I'm an elector so that's all that should matter." Edgecombe said simply confirming her allegiance. "As for why him, it's simple, he's an airbender who cares solely for the Air Nation and is not connected to the elites of this world who seem to be doing what the Princeps tried to do only with a small group and not one person. How could he be when he's been part of the Exile Temple, they haven't had contact with the wider world until now. He also wants to restore the old, true ways which to me makes him the best candidate as he will put the Air Nation first."

"He's also the descendant of pre-genocide nomads so has a stronger claim than us who are all descended from those who gained airbending in the aftermath of Harmonic Convergence." Brocklehurst said before Bexley coughed. "Or were randomly born with it, sorry I forgot you were one of the odd ones Bexley. Ekrizdis has knowledge we've lost, knowledge he'd share with us if he was our leader."

"So, you too are supporting him then?" Luna asked Brocklehurst deciding to ignore Edgecombe's comment about comparing the current world leaders to the Princeps. "Despite his clear extremism that we all saw at the ANNC earlier this year."

"For now, yes." Brocklehurst said with a nod. "I will be casting my vote for him on the first ballot as well."

"That means you need all 5 remaining votes Luna." Edgecombe said with a grin. "Do you have them?"

"I don't know but I can see that the first debate is over." Luna said looking to Davies. "Call the first vote."

"Very well the first vote of Conclave will now happen." Davies said. "We have two initial frontrunners so I will start with them and then ask for other votes should any of our number not vote for the two who have been proposed. Those in favor of Abbess Luna?"

Davies, Bexley, Luna, and to her surprise Wroxton all raised their hands on the first ballot. She'd expected the first two as they were known supporters. Initially she'd planned to abstain the way Filius, and Remus had when they were elected but when Edgecombe proposed Ekrizdis and Brocklehurst had shown that he was also going to vote for him, Luna's hand had been forced. She'd vote for herself to stop him from being elected. Wroxton was a surprise, she'd expected him to abstain but apparently he didn't agree with Ekrizdis as well and the proposal of him as a candidate had made him vote for her.

"That is four votes for Luna which means that there will be a second vote for the first time." Davies said. "All those for Ekrizdis?"

Edgecombe and Brocklehurst raised their hands showing Luna who his supporters were. It looked like the schism she expected to occur was going to happen with these two and they were likely going to take their Temples with them when it happened. Cho however had not raised her hand which had been expected.

"Cho, your vote?" Davies asked. "Or do you abstain?"

"I abstain for now." Cho said simply.

"Very well." Davies said. "The first ballot does not result in an Archabbot. Let us debate."

"Why did you abstain?" Edgecombe said note of accusation in her voice as she spoke to Cho. "Why not support the only legitimate candidate that was proposed?"

"Because I don't want to get involved with this shit." Cho said. "Don't think I didn't see this coming from the moment that Ekrizdis showed up at the ANNC. He was going to divide us regardless because of his claims, claims that have now been confirmed by the Avatar as we've all seen his report on the man. There is too much division and power plays within this council for Ekrizdis not to manage this."

"Exactly." Brocklehurst said. "That Avatar confirmed he spoke the truth which means he confirmed Ekrizdis as the rightful leader of the Air Nation."

"Brocklehurst, you and I know that that's a load of bullshit." Luna said reproachfully. "The Avatar was very clear when he spoke with each of you during the mourning period before the funeral. He met with Ekrizdis atop Azkaban and confirmed that he was speaking the truth about his origin which means that he believes what he saying. Harry also reiterated that as far as he was concerned Remus was the rightful leader of the Air Nation until his death and that the system in place for electing the next Archabbot was the right one meaning that the person we elect is the rightful leader of our nation."

"That may be, but the Avatar's confirmation of Ekrizdis's claims to be descended from the pre-genocide airbenders still carries a lot of weight." Edgecombe said. "And I say we make it true by electing Ekrizdis."

"What do you want Cho?" Bexley asked switching back to the topic of Cho's abstention and Luna agreed with that, it made the most sense as that was what was holding up the election. "You saw the divide, we all did, so what do you think we should do?"

"Frankly, I don't care what you do." Cho said bluntly. "All I want is to not be a part of the coming schism. I want to remain neutral through all this. I have seen what division does when it was done based on blood and frankly this is not very different to me as far as we are concerned. We are choosing between Luna and Ekrizdis and one of the arguments is that the latter is purer because he comes from airbenders before Sozin almost wiped us out and not the aftermath of Harmonic Convergence, but we all know how bullshit that is."

"You fought in the Battle of the Elemental Academy didn't you." Wroxton said. "You, Luna and Davies are the three here who saw that conflict first hand. You all still recall the Second Purity War."

"Yes I did." Cho said with a nod. "I defended the Academy when I had a chance just as you would given your position. I saw the what the division of the Purity War caused, and it made me not want to be part of it. It is why I opted to enter politics to end it, but I failed in that endeavor and afterwards I just wanted to be left alone and vowed to stay out of global affairs."

"Didn't you serve in the Principate War as well?" Bexley asked. "You certainly lived through the conflict; we all did."

"No." Cho said shaking her head. "I avoided the Principate War by simply just living where I was and keeping my head down as I didn't care who was in charge or what was going on far from where I was at the time. When I was offered the position as Head of Air Temple Island I only took it to make sure that one Temple remained neutral from everything, best be the smallest and most central Temple for that, and since then I've made it so. The only airbenders in my Temple are the ones who don't want to be part of any faction."

"Neutrality is a fair position to hold." Wroxton said. "If there is any division that occurs in the wake of this vote then I will do so as well as education is for all regardless of side. I am voting for Luna because I agree that she is the best choice for the international aspect of the position and I've studied fanatics at the Academy, I know one when I see one and Ekrizdis is one. I can't in good conscience turn the Air Nation over to him."

"If you vote against him then if there is a division it won't be forgotten." Edgecombe said with a clear threat in her voice. "You won't be able to remain neutral, neither of you will. You will be part of the cause of the division."

"You may be able to come after me if you want when the division happens and perhaps I too will peacefully pass away in my sleep despite being in robust health." Wroxton said glaring at Edgecombe but not outright saying what they all suspected to be true about Remus's death. "And I will accept that and go to the Spirit World in peace, but my successor will remain neutral in the division and as I was the one who voted, he will be blameless for my actions here today. You know who my successor will be when I become High Chair, he will be neutral in the division as will I."

"Yes we can all trust Lysander to be neutral." Brocklehurst said his words dripping with sarcasm. "It's not like he's Luna's son or anything."

"Lysander is his own man; he is not me or my husband." Luna said. "He will honor the Academy's neutrality, and so will I if you choose me as the next Archabbot. I will not blame you for your decision nor expect anything from you should the worst come to pass. Of course, I would be fine with Davies or Wroxton being the Archabbot instead if that would be more appealing to the others."

"I won't accept it." Davies said simply surprising Luna. "Not unless we are stuck for days, and it is the only way to break the deadlock. Luna is the best choice, and I am sticking with that."

"And I am an academic, not a politician and we need the latter right now." Wroxton said. "Plus, I am the youngest here, too young for the role I feel."

Before anyone could say anything else there was a set of knocks on the door. The seven electors shut up and waited as the hatch at the bottom was opened a tray was pushed in. Getting out of his seat, Davies went to it and picked up the lunch tray, a simple rice and steamed vegetable meal with assorted fruit from the local area and bottles of water and juice on it and took it to the table before placing it in front of Luna. As the chair of Conclave this was another one of his responsibilities and he continued placing the trays in order of seniority until all were served and the hatch closed again.

"Let us break for lunch." Davies said taking a seat. "We should eat in silence and think about the debates we have had about the two leading candidates. There will be a two-hour break starting now during which we may meditate or discuss once we are done eating. We will resume with another full debate when the time is done and once we do anyone can call for the second vote. So, let the Spirits bless our meal and this Conclave."

Luna just offered a silent prayer to the Spirits to end this Conclave soon and began to eat. She didn't like politics and it was something she felt was antithetical to the Air Nation but alas they weren't immune from it when it came down to an election like this. She had a feeling it was about to get worse, but she also knew that if they wanted this to end today then she'd have to become a politician. It helped that she was married to a former one so she knew what to do and would honor her promise even if making it was against the philosophies of the Air Nation.

She really didn't want the role, but Wroxton had managed to throw a wrench in her plan with his opening vote for her. Though Luna hadn't said more about it other than that it was a possibility, she really did want Davies or Wroxton to take the position.

Luna had expected it to be between her and Edgecombe with Wroxton and Cho abstaining to start with, so she'd mediate with them to get them to vote for Davies or Wroxton over her. However, Edgecombe's decision to nominate Ekrizdis seemed to have made Wroxton want her so now she had to see it through to the end and take the position for herself.

First though, Luna wanted to finish her meal. There was a peach on her tray in her assorted fruit, and she was looking forward to it as the Southern Air Temple was famous for them, they grew the best in the world after all. Once she was done she knew the politicking would happen, she was just curious as to who would start it.

It turned out to be Edgecombe and Brocklehurst who started it by getting up when they were done and taking their trays to the door, Davies would push them through at the end of the time and began talking to each other as far away from the table as possible. Brocklehurst created a small vortex that would give them privacy as they turned to the wall and talked. Luna knew they were just discussing what to do when it was over, she could tell that much. That meant that they expected it to end on the next vote or two.

It happened when she was taking a sip of water and thinking on what was to come after finishing her meal, she couldn't remove her tray as Edgecombe and Brocklehurst were right by the door. Davies tapped her on the shoulder and indicated with his head that she should head to the other side of the room.

At that point Bexley and Wroxton were chatting but not about the election and Luna noticed that Cho wasn't in her seat. That meant that she was where Davies wanted her to go so Luna got up and headed there to find Cho waiting for them.

Luna faced her when she reached, and Davies stood between them as he began to airbend to give them privacy in a special air bubble that wouldn't let sound out. It took a moment but soon Davies had the bubble set up now nodded when it was clear for them to talk.

"I take it you know why I want to talk to you now Luna." Cho said in a hushed tone that Luna knew was done to lower the chances of them being heard even more. "I was in Republic City politics with your husband, I was even part of his first two cabinets, so I know you know how this shit works."

"I saw it first hand for 15 years and I do recall that you were one of his political appointments." Luna said. "Secretary of the Interior, right?"

"It was a role to keep me in the cabinet." Cho said. "And done so that I'd endorse him when I dropped out, but I did so well he kept me for another term before I chose to retire rather than remain in the cabinet during the third term."

"That I didn't know." Luna said truthfully, she wasn't part of all the backroom deals Ron had made during his first election as she was doing her own work on his campaign. "But it makes sense, you brought votes to him that would have gone to Ro otherwise."

"Correct." Cho said with a nod. "But when I retired I didn't want anything to do with politics anymore, but it looks like I have to deal with it once more as I did accept Remus's appointment to run Air Temple Island."

"You are the vote I need to win." Luna said. "So, you know you hold all the cards right now and you know it. Normally I wouldn't play games, but I know that Ekrizdis is bad news, and I can tell that my desired outcome, Davies or Wroxton taking the role, is out the window."

"There is a conflict coming." Davies said showing his skill to Luna by being able to talk through his complex bending. "And you are the best to lead us during it as you know it better. Plus, with you we know we have the Avatar on our side."

"I know and as Harry does his duty so will I." Luna said to Davies before looking at Cho. "So, tell me what you want Cho. You can name your price as you have the power right now."

"That is right and there is only one thing I want." Cho said. "Guaranteed neutrality in the schism. We all know it's coming. I want you to promise me that you will declare Air Temple Island a neutral safe haven for airbenders who don't want any part in the coming conflict and that you will make sure the World Leaders honor it by also declaring it a neutral site with all the rights and privileges that come with such a declaration. Let me sit this out and be a place for others to do as well. Those loyal to you can join you, those loyal to Ekrizdis can join him, and those who just want to live a peaceful, pacifist life can come to me."

"Alright done." Luna said, it was an easy thing to do, and she could even get Harry to make and Avatar Proclamation on it that would ensure that any violence on the Island would constitute a violation of the laws surrounding civil wars thus meaning that the other nations could get involved if they wanted to. "Vote for me and my first decree will be to make Air Temple Island a neutral zone that I will get the other nations to recognize in such a way that even Ekrizdis would have to do so. Any airbender not wishing to choose a side will be allowed to go there. I will also respect the neutrality of the Academy. I will go so far as to not even use the island for any meeting with them in a break from tradition."

"Thank you, and I'll hold you to it." Cho said seriously. "But you have my vote now. I don't want to be here any longer than I have to be. If they schism right away I will not stay as well, I will begin my neutrality by heading home and not attending your anointment."

"That is fair." Luna said as Davies checked a watch he had on. "Davies? Is it time."

"Almost so I'm going to drop this." Davies said. "And then send the trays out. Take your seats and we can end this soon."

Luna just nodded as the air bubble fell and Cho went to her seat. Luna waited a moment watching as Davies went to the table and collected the trays that were still on it. This seemed to be the cue for Brocklehurst and Edgecombe to drop their bubble and return to their seats as well, the latter glaring at Cho.

Luna could understand that. Edgecombe and Cho had been best friends at the Academy, but it had ended when Edgecombe didn't stay for the Battle though in the decades since they'd mended it somewhat, but it was never at the level it had been at the Academy. Now it was defiantly going to end as the vote was coming, and Luna went to her seat and got ready for it.

Davies waited a few minutes once the trays were gone as they all sat in silence thinking on the coming vote. They needed to make sure that the trays were gone, and no one was eavesdropping before continuing. Luna understood this, it was a necessary precaution, but it made the wait a lot harder.

"Alright it is time to resume." Davies said at last indicating that the two hours since the start of lunch had passed. "Do we need anymore debate or should we proceed to the second vote."

"Just vote and get this over with." Edgecombe spat. "I know you've struck a deal to rob the rightful leader of his position so confirm this shit already and then we can move on with what you're now responsible for."

"I second a vote to end this." Bexley said.

"Very well." Davies said. "All those in favor of Luna for Archabbot?"

Instantly Davies, Bexley, and Wroxton raised their hands. Luna was a second later and then, after a few heartbeats, Cho raised her hand and ending Conclave with her vote. Luna had the 5 votes she needed. She was officially the Archabbot.

"And those in favor of Ekrizdis." Davies asked as a formality.

Edgecombe and Brocklehurst raised their hands. However, as soon as they did they both rose as well. This was what Luna had been expecting and would signal the start of the schism that they would cause, not her.

"Conclave is over, and we know who is the false Archabbot." Edgecombe said as she glared angrily at the table. "So, open the door and let us go Davies. Congratulations Luna, you just broke apart the Air Nation and will go down in the annals of history for being the one to cause what has never before occurred amongst airbenders. What is to come is entirely your fault and all of it will be on your head. The Eastern Air Temple officially secedes from the Air Nation and recognizes the Ekrizdis as the legitimate leader of all airbenders. We do not recognize the authority of the illegitimate Air Nation anymore."

"So too does the Northern Air Temple." Brocklehurst said though he didn't sound angry like Edgecombe, only resigned. "We formally secede and join the Exile Temple and Eastern Air Temple in recognizing Ekrizdis XIII as the rightful leader of all airbenders."

"Ok well wait a moment you two." Davies said. "I must officially declare Conclave over and then you can leave us. Luna, you have 5 votes, do you accept the result?"

"I do." Luna said.

"Then by law you are the new Archabbot of the Air Nation." Davies said officially declaring Luna the Archabbot. "It is up to you what to do with these two."

"If you chose to leave the Air Nation and take your Temples with you then so be it." Luna said looking at the two traitors with a steely look in her eyes. "I know I can't stop you and I know you have too many supporters to change it. Let any who want to stay in the Air Nation leave for the Western or Southern Temples and those who want to be neutral can go to Air Temple Island, I recognize it as neutral in this schism."

"Thank you." Cho said.

"However." Luna continued. "It will be recorded that I was rightfully elected and that it was you two who caused this schism with Ekrizdis not me. He had the chance to join, and he turned it down. You two then chose to leave the Air Nation and take your Temples with you. In keeping with the principals of freedom that govern our element, I am letting you go freely and without restraint. Should you do anything to harm the Air Nation though, then I will consider it an act against us, and the fault will be on your heads."

"Spin it however you wany." Edgecombe said. "But the fact remains that anything that happens from this moment on is your fault Luna. You made the decision to accept the election and as such you are responsible for what is to come."

"I am only responsible for my own actions." Luna said as Davies got up and went to a storage cupboard to remove the special horn that was only blown when a new Archabbot was elected. "Anything you two or Ekrizdis do is your own fault and on you. I let you walk. If you attack then you are at fault, and we will defend ourselves. You are the ones spinning it and victim blaming just like Hermione did and the world will see through it but again that is your choice, and you will have to live with what comes of it."

They were interrupted by a loud, long, low sound on the horn. Davies was blowing it out the window so that they present in the Temple could hear it. He gave it four more blows for 5 in total, the number determined to let everyone know that a new Archabbot had been elected and to represent the 5 Temples of the Air Nation.

Once he was done he pulled the horn in and went to the door. He took out the key and unlocked it before stepping aside. Without another word, Edgecombe and Brocklehurst left the room. Luna knew they wouldn't be at the ceremony but so be it. With their declarations, the Airbending Schism had officially begun.

"Thank you for honoring your word." Cho said rising from the table and bowing to Luna. "I will now return to Air Temple Island and begin preparing it for all who want no part in this. Until the schism ends, I will not participate in the ANNC or National Committee meetings to avoid showing a side, nor will Air Temple Island take a stance. The only thing I will participate in is another Conclave should it be needed or if there is a request for a neutral arbitrator to negotiate any peace. In the latter case then I will be that arbitrator and the location must be Air Temple Island for this is an Air Nation issue."

"Go and return to your Temple." Luna said. "I will not contact you until this is over, and I will make sure the World Leaders know your status. Should your services be needed to mediate peace talks an intermediary will contact you but that is only if the worst comes to pass."

Cho nodded before she turned and left the room. This left only four of them, which given this was the number that elected Remus in the wake of the Global Coups the number was not unprecedented, but it would hamper Luna's legitimacy to some even if her election was fully by the book.

"While I will participate in the ceremony as is my duty, I too will stay out of the schism and any conflict that arises from it." Wroxton said. "I will return to the Academy in the morning and be there, but I will execute the duties of my position if and when needed."

"Thank you." Luna said to the man. "They should be ready when we get down to the Great Hall so let's get this over with."

"Yes let's." Davies said. "I need to make sure things are in order so I will head out now."

Davies didn't wait for a response; he was gone before Luna could say anything. She just looked at Bexley and Wroxton, but they shrugged and headed for the door to follow him down and likely make sure things were ready. Lune let them go before following them out a few moments later. It was time to take her new position.

Luna decided to take it slow down all the stairs to the Great Hall at the bottom of them. It gave them more time to set up and prepare for a quick ceremony that had to take place after the election. It also gave her time to think on what she had to do once she wore the pendant. She had to pick her replacement as Head of the Western Air Temple, but she already had a person for that. Then she had to call the World Leaders to a meeting to brief them on the fallout from Conclave. Things were about to change, and they needed to be ready for it.

By the time Luna got to the Great Hall it was already ready. In it were the 3 electors remaining each standing at one end of the room. Flanking them were several incense torches. In the center of the room was a red cushion for Luna to kneel on right where Remus had laid in state just a week prior. Gathered in the room were the airbenders of the Southern Air Temple and others who had stayed including Ron, Ginny, and Dominique who had claimed to be a representative World Leader for the ceremony as her reason for staying.

There was one odd thing. Harry was standing to the side holding the pendant in his hands. Normally the role of putting it on fell on the Head Abbot of the host Temple but it seemed that Harry would do it today.

"I asked the Avatar to do the honors." Davies said when Luna turned to look at him. "This way we know that you have his support as the rightful leader of the Air Nation in this schism."

"Thank you, that was a wise choice." Luna said as she knelt on the cushion. "Let's get this over with."

"As you wish." Davies said before addressing the room. "Conclave is over. On the second ballot we had a winner by 5 votes to 2, and she has accepted the election results. It is my honor to anoint the 4th Archabbot of the Air Nation."

With that Davies began to airbend the smoke from the incense followed by Bexley and Wroxton who started at the same time. A moment later three streams of air surrounded Luna. Once it was around her, Harry stepped forward, but never touching the bent smoke, and Luna lowered her head as he placed the pendant of office over her head and let it fall against her chest before backing away and speaking.

"Rise Archabbot Luna, rightfully elected and anointed leader of the Air Nation."

Luna did and as she did she felt the weight of the nation settle on her shoulders. She'd never expected to lead despite everyone else expecting it of her but now she had to, and she was sure as shit going to do a good job.

"We have a lot deal with because right now the Air Nation is in schism." Luna said shocking several of the airbenders present but ignoring them and turning to Harry. "Avatar Harry, I officially call a meeting of World Leaders to discuss this. We need…"

Luna continued to address Harry with her initial plans. They had to hit the ground running with this or else they'd be on the back foot. Something big was coming and Luna was going to be ready for it. She just didn't know how big it or how unprecedent the events that would follow her election would be.

I think that is a good place to end it with a little bit of foreboding and a slight cliffhanger with all that happened at the end and what is to come now that it has officially happened. We now have a new Archabbot, and it was who was expected to take the title with the anticipated fallout of the election. The Air Nation is now in schism. What will come of that? How will the World Leaders handle it? What will be Ekrizdis's response? All that to come as the final story in the life of Avatar Harry continues. However, that is all I have for this chapter so I will leave it here. 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