Here you go everyone, the sixth chapter. I remember saying this would be up way back in July/August. Well, I'm only a month or two late... There are a few notes at the bottom I think you should read because it sort of offers and explanation as to why it took so long.
Disclaimer: Avatar: The Last Airbender belongs to the people at Nick.
Last Time:
The boy couldn't even kill. How could keep hope to lead a militaristic state?
They're Coming: Chapter Six - Treachery and Deception
The buildings and streets of the Fire Nation capital were designed to impress. In the olden days, the capital showed visiting dignitaries what strength, unity, and peace looked like. In the present, Lyoko was the icon of perfection; of what every city in the world would look like under Fire Nation rule. This year, Lyoko would play host to the Crown Prince's thirteenth birthday, hailing his transition into manhood.
"Lieutenant Zhao is here, as you requested sir." A guard bellowed from the other side of the throne room.
"Send him in."
Zhao walked towards Ozai with his head bowed in respect and knelt down a few feet away from the throne. "Your Majesty."
"Lieutenant Zhao. As you know, Prince Zuko's birthday is in two weeks. There will be a festival in the city, a large banquet, and a ball. I want Prince Zuko to attend the ball with your daughter."
"That's very kind of you sir."
"Isn't it? Your daughter is a fairly competent firebender in her own right. She has grace, beauty, charm, strength, the list goes on. Prince Zuko will marry Kimiko once he turns eighteen."
Zhao could barely stay still. "Thank you for considering her Your Highness!"
"Just a few things to clear up Lieutenant. She's the best choice considering his current options, but the two do not seem to get along. She isn't even trying to get his attention. Quite frankly, I find it insulting. Does your daughter think she's too good for him? The child reflects the guardian. What are you teaching her?"
Zhao stopped bouncing, "I'm terribly sorry about this. She tells me they've been spending a lot of time together lately, I'll teach her not to lie."
"She's not lying. Prince Zuko has been spending a lot of time with her."
"Pard—" Zhao was rather confused.
"Sparring. The time she claims they spent together has been spent sparring. Your daughter's behavior must stop Lieutenant. A woman's place is in the home, not on the battlefield. A wife will not raise a hand to her husband under any circumstances."
"I must admit, she is a bit high-strung. Don't worry, I"ll take care of it."
"Prove it. There will be a dance on Prince Zuko's birthday and I want to see them together. I intend for them to be wed whether they like the arrangement or not. But I do not have the time to deal with their complaints; the marriage will be a lot smoother if they get along."
"Of course, all her bending lessons will be cancelled immediately. The proper tutors for a lady will be hired as soon as possible."
"One last thing: I will not force my son to ask her to the dance, she must get him to do so of his own free will. However, you may use any means necessary to force Kimiko into courting Prince Zuko. Should she succeed, a suite will be made available to your family in the palace, and you will be promoted to Captain."
Zuko and Iroh were both late to dinner that night. Iroh traveled a lot, even in retirement. Ozai had tried keeping Zuko away from his brother when Iroh was in the palace, and the two only met on formal occasions. The two were together increasingly often lately, and Ozai didn't like it. He could only imagine what horrible things his brother was trying to teach Zuko.
The long anticipated day finally arrived. During breakfast, Ozai detestably noted Zuko having a friendly conversation with Iroh. Ozai gripped the armrests of his chair when Zuko and Iroh glanced at him, not even bothering to hide their amusement. What could they possibly be doing together? Perhaps Ozai was over-thinking the situation. Zuko could have gone to Iroh for help with something. Not that surprising, Ozai didn't take time out of his day to bond with his son. The only other plausible explanation for their sudden relationship was if they were planning something. It was a rather unsettling thought. Zhao had informed Ozai that Prince Zuko promised to dance with Kimiko a few days ago. Zuko even escorted Kimiko past the gates and into the city after breakfast.
There was an amateur bending contest being held in one of the stadiums in Lyoko. After watching the first three rounds, Ozai returned to his chambers. He thought about what Zuko and Iroh could be planning. Zuko was loyal, Ozai was sure. And so was Iroh. But that was where their similarities ended. Zuko loved his father, he hadn't been corrupted by the illusions of fame and grandeur Iroh thrived on when he was still a general. You'll pay for this, Iroh had said after Ozai had forced him to resign. Iroh. Revenge. Zuko.
Ozai slammed a fist into his wall. The heroic Dragon of the West was sinking low enough to manipulate Zuko's trust in his family to reap revenge. The whole situation was infuriating, Iroh had the upper hand. Ozai would be thought mad if he accused the great General Iroh of plotting a rebellion with the Crown Prince no less.
He could just imagine it: The past rulers of the Fire Nation leaving the Spirit World to encourage a reformation. Zuko would become Fire Lord and appoint Iroh as his advisor. Together they would destroy everything Ozai had accomplished in his reign. It was a lose-lose situation. If Ozai accused Iroh, he would be seen as mentally unstable and unfit to rule. If he didn't do something, then he was risking a revolution. The hours until the banquet were spent brooding.
Ozai was getting anxious. Next to him Zhao was in a similar state. The feast was set to begin in a few minutes and Zuko was nowhere to be found. Ozai thought it all rather frustrating, his heir disappearing every time he was wanted. Zhao's voice disrupted his thoughts.
"I see my daughter."
"Is Prince Zuko with her?"
"…No, he's not. She's with General Iroh." That bothered Ozai. Iroh would not be with Kimiko for fun. Was he trying to convince the soldiers to riot by using their children? That was even lower than only using Zuko.
Kimiko greeted them. "Good evening my lord, Fa—"
"Where is Prince Zuko? You said he promised to spend the entire day with you." Zhao demanded. Iroh looked at Kimiko disdainfully.
"And we did! He said he would meet me at the feast." She answered defensively.
Zhao narrowed his eyes, "You better not be lying to me."
Kimiko's eyes darted to the floor, "I'm not. It just…got rather cold so I went back inside. Prince Zuko insisted on celebrating with his people."
Zhao was scowled, "You chose not to accompany Prince Zuko to stay warm? Are you a firebender or not? What if he meets someone?"
Then to Ozai, "That's not to say he can't defend himself, but it hardly seems fit for the Crown Prince to have to deal with petty thieves, assassins, and petty criminals on his birthday."
Back to Kimiko, "Find him immediately. Go outside and do not return unless Prince Zuko is with you."
Kimiko opened her mouth, "But the feast, the dance, the fireworks…"
"I don't care if it takes all night Kimiko. Do I need to bother a guard and have him escort you out?"
"No sir," she said through gritted teeth, bowed, and stormed out.
Ozai looked at Iroh, trying to figure out what his brother was thinking, when Zhao interrupted his thoughts. "Forgive me sir; I don't know where she picked up that nasty habit of lying."
Iroh finally spoke up, "Not quite Lieutenant, I'm sorry, Captain Zhao. Prince Zuko did ask me to watch over Kimiko until the banquet started."
"Did he? Why didn't you say that before she left?" Ozai snapped. Maybe Iroh was trying to kill Kimiko to save Zuko from being married to someone he would never love.
Iroh only shrugged, "I'm not the one who gave the order for her to do so."
Zhao opened his mouth to apologize once again, when Ozai stopped him. "Don't apologize Captain. It was a fitting punishment. After all, the ends justify the means."
"They do, don't they?" Iroh replied coolly. Ozai was about to point a finger at him and declare Iroh a traitor when Zuko arrived. A tanned bony-faced girl was with him.
"Sorry I'm late. Father, Uncle, Captain, I'd like you to meet Mingyun." He gestured towards the girl and continued, "Where's Kimiko?"
Ozai didn't question Zuko. Guests were allowed. "She's outside looking for you."
"Oh. Sit down Mingyun." Zuko held out a chair for her.
"I meant for Prince Zuko and Kimiko to wed, but it would appear as though he has someone else in mind," Ozai whispered to Zhao mockingly. His cousin was so easy to rile up.
Kimiko came back to the banquet some time between the third and fourth course. Her hair was slightly damp and her cheeks tinted red. She sat next to her father and scowled at Mingyun who sat across her. "Who is that?"
Zuko introduced the two. "This is Mingyun. Mingyun, that's Captain Zhao's daughter, Kimiko."
"I haven't heard of you before, nor have I seen you. What do you parents do?" She asked condescendingly.
"That's none of your concern," Zuko responded coldly.
"No, but I think I deserve to know why she's here," Kimiko countered.
"I invited her. We're dancing together." Kimiko winced and stole a glance at Zhao.
Ozai stopped sipping his wine and leaned a fraction forward. He couldn't help himself, Mingyun obviously wasn't a noblewoman, but it was still amusing. Zhao was extremely proud of himself and his daughter, the latter if only for her beauty. Judging by her reaction to the announcement, Zuko had not promised her anything, as she had reported to her father.
Zhao's eyes narrowed to slits. "Very…unexpected choice, Prince Zuko. I respect your decision of course, but what, may I ask, caused the other ladies competing for the honor of going to the ball with you to, how shall we say…fail?" Zhao's words were carefully chosen.
Zuko's head tilted in confusion. "They just weren't what I was looking for," he replied slowly.
"Is that so? Well then, apologize to Prince Zuko for wasting his precious time Kimiko," Zhao commanded his daughter. Ozai was sure she was clenching her fists beneath the tablecloth. A few moments passed in silence, and Kimiko showed no intent of apologizing. She gasped when a brief wave of heat emanated from Zhao.
"I apologize for any and all discomfort my lack of charm and tact has caused you these past few months Prince Zuko," she muttered grudgingly. Ozai leaned back and started sipping again.
Zuko squirmed. "No apology needed, the past few months were …fun, I suppose."
Zhao would not let Mingyun get away with this, "Speaking of fun, did you have a good time watching the Agni Kai last week Kimiko? Have you ever considered participating in one?" Kimiko communicated to her father with a series of facial expressions, which ranged from 'you can't be serious' to 'please don't make me'; they were all ignored.
Kimiko sighed. Her voice filled with hate and scorn, "Well, if you don't feel the time we spent together deserved an apology, I'm sure you'll think differently about this: Mingyun, I challenge you to an Agni Kai at sunrise," she proclaimed loudly. Kimiko was not only proud like her father, but vain as well. Ozai didn't think she would give up what she undoubtedly saw as her birthright to someone so clearly below her.
The entire hall hushed. Female Agni Kais were rare and particularly fun to watch, especially if it was between the women of the court. For all their dainty and fragile countenance indoors, they could get downright bloody and barbaric. Every ear strained to hear the response. A chair toppled over and a middle-aged man spoke. "Mingyun? Stop!"
The man was the winner of the competition earlier and had taken up on the offer to dine with the Fire Nation's social elite. He walked towards Mingyun. "Please, call off the Agni Kai. Mingyun cannot bend," he begged Kimiko. Murmurs erupted. Ozai was not entertained by the little spat anymore. Couldn't firebend? And Zuko was choosing her over someone who could?
Kimiko however, was fit to burst, a taunting smile on her lips, "Oh? Well that solves it then. I'm sure you would've made a beautiful bride, but we can't have a queen who can't bend, can we? I think it best if you leave."
Zuko stood up and leaned across the table. "Shut up! This is my choice, who are you to say anything? I'm the Crown Prince!"
Kimiko stood up as well and sneered. "Of course. You're the Crown Prince." Her voice reached hysteria, "You can't choose a peasant over me! My father is a respected officer in the army, not to mention my being your second cousin! You can't choose filth over blood Prince Zuko! I will never accept her as my superior you tr—"
"Who are you talking to dearest cousin?" Zuko mocked. "Remember your place. I can, and I will. As Crown Prince, I can have you killed. As a better fighter and bender, I can personally kill you. Pick your poison."
Ozai had heard enough. He was fine with Mingyun being a peasant, but for her to even think about becoming queen when she wasn't the least bit able? Over his dead body. "Sit down!" he barked.
Kimiko immediately sat. Zuko shifted his weight to the other leg and smirked. "Oh, and by the way, I wasn't going to marry Mingyun if that's what you were thinking. She's engaged to him," he cocked his head at the man who had come up to them.
Kimiko's eyes widened, "So why did you bring her?"
"Because she deserved this. Once she's married, Mingyun will unquestionably be forced to have more children than she wants. When they're old enough to be recruited, the rest of her life will consist of hoping that they're alive to see the war finally end, but knowing full well that they'll be dead." Ozai glared daggers at Zuko who promptly seated himself.
Ozai blamed Iroh for all of Zuko's faults, from his being attention-seeking brat to his feelings for the weak. Because of Iroh, Zuko was criticizing the war, something he knew nothing about. If his brother would've just kept his hands off of Zuko, none of this would've happened.
He pointed a finger at Mingyun's fiancé, "Take your betrothed and leave. The rest of you, follow me." Ozai led them to his chambers and locked the doors, signaling to the guards that they were to stand watch. They each sat down in carefully molded chairs. Zuko and Kimiko were sending death glares to each other; Zhao seemed torn between doing something drastic to his daughter right then and there or waiting till they were in private; Iroh looked more or less impassive.
Ozai clenched his fists. Calm down, he told himself, breathe. A snap of his fingers gained everyone's attention. "Tell me again Prince Zuko, why did you bring take that girl to the dance when you knew she was engaged?"
Zuko took a deep breath, "The war is going to drive her mad. People can only cope with so much, and it doesn't help that the war will probably never end. Do you even know why we're fighting in the first place? Because I don't. All I know is—"
Ozai's temper flared. "You know nothing! Despite what you seem to think, we didn't just wake up ninety-seven years ago and decide to take over the world just because. There's a reason as to why we fight, and that reason remains unchanged." Ozai circled around Zuko whispering gently, what he would call lovingly, "Now why don't you tell me who's been feeding you those dreadful lies? They're trying to mislead you," Ozai glanced at Iroh,
"No one," Zuko stared at the floor.
Ozai grabbed Zuko's chin and forced him to meet his eyes. "Do not lie to me Prince Zuko," Ozai seethed.
"I'm not lying," Zuko countered calmly, if rather defiantly. Father and son held a short glaring match. Ozai straightened and unlocked the doors and yelled to the four firebenders stationed outside his doorpost
"Fifteen lashes for our dear prince." Zuko let out a disgruntled noise as if saying 'that's nothing'. Ozai stared at his son for a moment. "Afterwards, confine him to a cell. Release him only when he's learned proper respect."
The two guards saluted and more or less dragged Zuko out of the room.
Several tense seconds later, Iroh broke the silence, "That was—"
Ozai inwardly groaned, he already knew what was coming, "Cruel? Harsh? Unnecessary? Spare me." Iroh closed his mouth. "I did what needed to be done. Disrespect will not be tolerated. If the boy was anything tonight, that was it," Ozai spat.
"That was concern for his country!" Iroh shot back.
Flames erupted from Ozai's hands. "That was not concern for my country; that was concern for the filth we are trying to eliminate!" Iroh's fists were shaking. They continued to argue.
Meanwhile, Zhao and Kimiko sat quietly in their seats, quite forgotten, watching the spectacle unfold: Iroh against Ozai, brother against brother. But the spectacle ended abruptly. Iroh sat down and crossed his arms. Ozai wasn't surprised, though he would have liked to win on his own accord. Iroh only backed out because he was outmatched: Ozai, Zhao, and the two remaining guards outside the room who had raised their hands, prepared to defend their lord.
Speaking of which, it was time to find out exactly who planted those thoughts in Zuko's head. Ozai felt it was Iroh, but his claim was heresy if no one thought likewise. "Captain Zhao, have you observed any what could be considered traitorous behavior in Zuko these past few weeks?"
Zhao faltered. "Well…not anything in particular…."
"I see," was Ozai's curt response.
Kimiko's eyes lit up and she straightened in her seat. "Permission to speak sir?" Ozai nodded. "If I may be so bold to say, I do believe there were hints. Subtle hints, but still hints nonetheless."
"Go on," Ozai encouraged, if there were indeed hints as she proclaimed… Zhao stared at his daughter incredulously. Iroh frowned, wasn't she fawning over Zuko just hours ago in the morning?
"One particular incidence comes to mind. We, that is, Prince Zuko and I, we went to the docks and a prison ship was pulling in. It was full of awful warriors from the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes I think. As they were being marched out, the captain of the ship told the prisoners to bow to their future lord, but—" Here Kimiko suddenly broke off and stared at the ground, her mouth set into a frown, her eyes slightly fearful.
Ozai stared for a moment, "Well? But? Continue."
Kimiko didn't. She only glanced around the room, biting her lip. "I..I can't."
"Why?"
"Prince Zuko…He told me not to tell anyone. I'm sorry sir, forget I mentioned it."
Ozai stood up. "You dare disobey me?"
"No! Of course not, it's just that I can't disobey Prince Zuko either! He'll be Fire Lord one day, and when he is, he'll take revenge if he ever finds out…" Kimiko sounded so pathetic.
Ozai's anger flared. Again, with the Fire Lord thing. At the rate Zuko was going, there was a very good chance he wouldn't become Fire Lord at all. "Just continue. I assure you, Prince Zuko is in no position to harm you. Go on."
Kimiko nodded meekly. "Right. The captain told the prisoners to bow to him but Prince Zuko refused. He said there was no need, and told everyone to go back inside, including the captain. I'm not quite sure what he said to them, he told me to stay out, but about half an hour later, Prince Zuko came out alone, and the ship left the harbor. Do you remember the prison ship that returned to Lyoko empty?"
Ozai pursed his lips, "No, I don't actually. Do you have any recollection of this Captain Zhao?"
Zhao didn't, not really. "Yes sir. I had meant for this to remain a secret, considering how embarrassing it is. I mean really, savages besting one of our crews? Unthinkable. I'm sorry I didn't inform you of this sooner, I had no idea Prince Zuko was involved."
Iroh couldn't stand it anymore. "Ozai, this is madness! No ships have ever returned to Lyoko empty—" Ozai lifted a hand, telling Iroh to stop.
"Captain Zhao, Kimiko, you are free to go. Expect to be rewarded for telling me this. As for the wedding, I'm sorry, but we'll have to postpone that. It seems Zuko is having a loyalty crisis so to speak, but don't worry." They bowed and left hurriedly.
When the doors were closed, Iroh began talking once more. "Again, madness! You know Zuko is loyal; you just don't want to believe it. See through their lies brother, it's obvious they're just spiteful. Zuko only has the Fire Nation's best interest at heart; he would never go against your will. And also again, no prison ships have ever returned to Lyoko empty! Who would navigate it into port? I—Where are you going?"
"To bed. Please be so kind as to shut the door on your way out. Enough Iroh, I don't want to hear it. I believe Zhao and Kimiko, even if you don't. You say I'm in denial, but perhaps you're just suffering from regret. Don't you wish you never gave up the crown?" Ozai paused for dramatic effect. Ozai walked through a doorway, leading to who knows where with just, "Reap what you sow dearest brother. Reap what you sow."
Iroh turned away and set off to find his nephew in the depressing dungeons down below. "That's right Ozai; karma comes back with a vengeance."
If anyone is confused, Zhao and Kimiko lied about the thing with Zuko. That's why Ozai doesn't remember it, that's why Iroh's denying it. Any other questions, please email me.
There really isn't anything to say about why this chapter is so late besides that I'm losing interest in Avatar. Plus, lack of inspiration, but that probably came with the loss of interest. The next chapter will be the final chapter. I hope I didn't let any of you down with this chapter, after making it seem like it was totally wonderful. Please review nonetheless!
Next Time:
Zuko has an encounter with Sokka's father. Zuko's emotionally and physically scarring Agni Kai.