I do not own A:TLA, or any of it's characters.
I Didn't Want this Either! Chapter 1: Meetings
Zuko POV:
As the first rays of the sun reach my eyes, I'm already up and stretching. To rise with the sun is the honor of firebenders. Making my way to the balcony from my room, in my dark red robe, I look at the morning sky. The sun's rays gleaming over my palace, my nation.
By the time I get to my antichamber, there's already a small breakfast ready at my table. I eat slowly while reading over the day's agenda.
Meetings at 9, 3, and 6. After the last meeting I am to dine with my council and the Earth Kingdom ambassadors for dinner.
Finishing my breakfast I put on my training gear and head outside to the training hall. One of my few moments of peace, ironically enough, is when I'm practicing my firebending. As I finish the morning's set, I hear footsteps and a hearty laugh.
"Zuko, ever the busy man. Don't you take breaks?" Uncle chuckles, stroking his beard. I sigh and walk towards him, and before I know it I'm pulled into a warm embrace. "I've missed you my nephew," he says warmly "very much."
I nod in agreement, going for my towel on one of the benches. Wiping my sweat I motion to the gate, "we should head inside. I have a meeting soon" I say to him, and he nods. We walk quietly, but contently, I lead him to his chambers and let him know I must get ready, and tell him he can join the meeting if he'd like to.
Heading back to my room, I run into one of my councilmen. "Looks like the young lord has been playing with fire" He says.
"General Kei, you know as well as I that training is important for the body and mind." I say back as he scoffs. He walks away without another word. I know Iroh told me to keep him close due to his power and hold amongst the nobles, but he isn't really on my side.
Making it back to my chambers, I quickly bathe and begin getting ready. I know my maids don't like me getting ready on my own, but it's something I'm capable of doing, and there are many guests for them to tend to these days so it isn't quite necessary. Just another day full of meetings. I don't think I've had a proper break in over a year. It's all fine though, things are going back to a good place within the Fire Nation. Not fully settled, but we're getting there.
A knock on the door "My lord, it's time for this morning's meeting, shall I escort you that way?" Says the head maid, Meira.
"Not today, I think walking alone would help me better prepare for what's to come" I say walking out of my chamber and out into the hall. Turning to her "thank you though" I say. I then go walking through the massive palace halls, it all looks the same as when I was younger. Large, oh so grandiose. It's dark red, black and gold interior reeks of the devastation of my youth. I want to change it, I just haven't had time to change the decorations of anything other than my chambers and study. Maybe some time soon I will get on that.
My thoughts move to what is on the agenda for this meeting. Mostly finishing up talks about the colonies and what to do about the recent issues of land ownership, but there was mention at the last meeting that there are international discussions about whom I should marry. I heard a list was made. Hopefully with candidates with merit. My mind wanders to the powerful waterbending master from the Southern Water Tribe. Katara. I haven't seen her since the end of the war, she's been busy with her duties and I with mine. I do hope she is well. I almost even hope she is on the list as well.
Wait, what? No. I immediately shake the thought from my mind, just as I enter the throne room. Upon my entrance, everyone stands up and bows their heads. I don't think I'll get used to it, it feels wrong to be so above everyone and thing. I wave my hand for them to sit and they oblige. Looking about the room I note that Iroh chose not to come, I'm sure he's just tired from his travels, or didn't want the same headache that is to wreck me after this too.
The room is large and grand. Dark pillars with gold embellishments on either side of the hall, with a long mahogany table with gold inlays on the corners. After reaching my seat at the head, the meeting begins. It starts with the usual talks of war reparations and figuring things out between us and the Earth Kingdom over the colonies that chose to stay. Mentions of rebels, but none have taken any action. Just hearsay. But it is to be taken seriously, since there have been skirmishes since the war ended between people, we cant take chances of another war.
After most discussion was over, my council members seemed to have other things on their minds. They looked awkward. I knew what was coming, but I was not to be the one to mention it. "Is there anything else we should discuss today?" I ask, looking about their nervous faces. One of the older members of the council, Li Yang, raises his hand.
"Fire Lord, when are we to expect a Fire Lady? The spot has been vacant for some time, and many are concerned over when and if an heir will be born at this rate." His voice shakes a bit, but there's a steadiness to his questioning.
The Earth Kingdom delegation nods in agreement. "We feel it would be beneficial to have an extra measure of peace, through a marriage between the Fire Nation and another land." An older gentleman says, looking at me straightforwardly. Looking around the room, putting my hands together, I think. They may have a point, but I don't feel the need for a Fire Lady at this time. I'm more concerned with other things.
But I sigh "I see, I will think about it." I look at a room of what seems to be hungry wolves, but instead of devouring me they wish to shove their ideals at me. Much better. I rub the furrow in my brow.
Another man, one of which was on my father's council prior to mine, turns forward and says "well, Sire, wouldn't Mai be the best choice for this? I know thinking of added peace with other nations would be good, but we also must think of our people. This would be their Fire Lady." Trying to not show any emotion on my face at the thought of her being my Fire Lady, I look at him. He's smug. The same older man I ran into before the meeting, noble in all ways but morally. General Kei is not someone I trust, but I'd trust him less if he weren't on my council.
"You are aware Kei, that we parted ways many suns ago. She is not in the running for this." I say looking him in the eyes. It's not that we parted ways in a bad way, it was simply a mutual falling out. No hard feelings, well, for her it seemed more like a simple lack of feelings to be hard on.
Kei just shrugs, and like that the meeting is over. I knew this topic would be brought up. Before everyone left the meeting hall, that same older man from the Earth Kingdom brought out a parchment to me. "It's a list of who the world's people had thought of as good matches for you Sire. We thought to bring it to you, to see what your thoughts were." I take it from him, and nod my head in appreciation. As he leaves the room, I notice one of the names on the list. No, more than one, but one in particular piques my interest.
"Katara."
Katara POV:
A few weeks later, in the Southern Water Tribe
"Alright everyone, good job today! You're dismissed." I say to my class of young waterbenders. They all excitedly scurry off to their homes, some being led by their waiting parents. I've been teaching both healing and fighting to the kids of my tribe for a while now, since Pakku decided to retire to be with Gran Gran. I guess after missing decades with the love of his life, he wanted to not waste another second. He even made her a new betrothal necklace.
It's been years since the war, and in a few weeks I'll be turning 19. So much has changed. The Southern Water Tribe looks just as elegant and grand as the the Northern, since many people relocated and helped with reparations after the war.
"Moon to Katara, come on we have a meeting today" Sokka says. Apparently he tried to get my attention but I was too zoned out.
"What's this one about Sokka? I thought it would be later." I say looking at him, his blue eyes look into mine with worried look. I cock my eyebrow at him "what, what is it?" I ask, incredulously, obviously confused. Very confused.
He doesn't say anything, he just grabs my hand and squeezes it. A good sign. We make our way to the Tribe Hall, where meetings are held with our ambassadors. Walking in, there's members of the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom as well as out council and Chief at the table. Dad was made chief, and Sokka his heir as soon as we got the Southern Water Tribe back on its feet.
"Sorry we're late." Sokka says, not letting go of my hand as he leads me to our seats beside Hakoda, our father. Looking around, I don't understand why so many people are here today. I thought it was just a routine meeting. This doesn't look routine. I feel uneasy with everyone's eyes seeming to be on me.
Dad, well Chief Hakoda begins the meeting. "Welcome Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation. I hope it's not too cold." He laughs, before switching to a more serious tone "let's not beat around the bush, Fire Nation Ambassador Li, you may state the case now." Dad then looks at me, same with Sokka. They both smile in a kind of sad way. They look like they are about to send me to war.
"Well, Chief Hakoda, as you know through our messages, the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation have been pushing Fire Lord Zuko for a bride. Many talks have been had in the Fire Nation, and the Fire Lord decided to let the council choose what to do." He clears his throat, and looks at me for a moment before continuing "we have come here on behalf of our nations to propose to Lady Katara, the master waterbender, from the hand of Fire Lord Zuko."
There's a long pause. I can't believe what I'm hearing. The normally flowing fountain behind me turns to ice as I feel myself tense in anger, Sokka noticing this grabs my hand once more. They can't be serious, right? This is a joke, Zuko wouldn't... He has Mai. I mean there was no word of a Fire Nation wedding, but they are together, I thought so at least.
Before I can gather myself any further to speak, Pakku stands up, noticing my discomfort, "and if we refuse?" He asks pointedly, and without missing a beat, a different Fire Nation man speaks, this time looking at Sokka and then back at Pakku.
The man heartily looks on "then we would go to Kyoshi Island, and see how Warrior Suki would respond. She already knows of these circumstances." This older man has a devious look in his dark amber eyes, almost malicious. He knows he's taunting us, and he is enjoying every bit of it.
Sokka bites his lip, and seeing him upset, I release his hand and stand up, putting a hand on my chest, "I'll do it. Leave Suki out of this." Pakku looks back at me with a sad expression, I just nod at him. The fountain behind me goes back to flowing again as I try to calm my nerves. I cannot let them do this to my family.
I start to think to myself, I may not want to do this, Zuko may not even want to do this. But I know Sokka loves Suki, more than anything, and she him. I don't want my selfishness to separate two of the most important people in my life. I don't understand why it has to be me, but I'll do what I can. Maybe one day I can even get out of it. I don't give up that easily anyways.
My dad clears his throat, a look of deep sadness and upcoming regret in his eyes "then there is much to discuss."
A/N: Hope you like it, this is my first try at a fanfic, thank you for reading!
(Did small edits and am working on the rest of the chapters, thank you for your patience!")