Saturday, September 15, 1900, 9:29 AM, Marketplace Green

Much to the chagrin of all the guards and sages and pages, Zuko rode Appa the short distance to where the riot was taking place. There was a great amount of fore and fist being thrown back and forth between what seemed to be two factions. The rest of the gang, who, of course, accompanied Zuko looked at the riot below them with trepidation. Suki's absence was no longer a point of contention, and no one spoke on that subject. The violence beneath them was to incredible. They landed about 30 yards out from the fighting. Appa was not keen on being involved in any more violence, understandably.

"Zuko, are you sure that you don't want the arm-" Aang asked, before being interrupted.

"No, the the Fire Lord needs to put this down himself," Zuko said, getting a few sets of furrowed eyebrows in response for his use of the third person. "Look, I want to be different than all the other Fire Lords who sat in that Palace and didn't understand the people of this nation." His words were especially poignant now that he was dressed the same way he was during the war, after he joined Aang, of course. He looked like a regular citizen and he reasoned that would allow him to speak to them with a greater amount of understanding. He wanted the people closer to him for a plethora of reasons.

"Zuko, Katara entered the mix, "Are you sure this is wise? You could get hurt."

"Any bruises I get here wouldn't be the worst pain I've had," he countered sternly, stepping down.

"Well, I'm coming with you," Toph was about to step down.

"No, I have to do this by myself." He insisted, with a great of assertion and respect.

"No, you don't," Katara said looking down.

"He does," Sokka finally spoke, "It would just look like we're muscling in on his leadership. He has to be in complete control."

"Sokk-" Katara went.

"Now's not the time for argument," Sokka stopped his sister, "Go, Zuko!" Zuko took the advice immediately and started to walk away, well, into the fighting.

"Sokka, what the-" Toph started.

"I didn't say that we would have his back," Sokka said, gingerly climbing down, "But he has to appear to do this himself."

They all climbed down and kept far behind him. Sokka kept a greater distance due to his injury, but was close enough to see Zuko.

Somehow, Zuko walked into the riot effortlessly. He was floating like a butterfly between the thrusts of fists and fire. Sokka and all the others wondered what he was doing trying to walk to the center of the fray. Aand and the others were closer, but they were still a considerable distance away. Zuko found his way to the center of the fighting . He stood up straight, squaring his shoulder. He looked straight up at the sky, clenching his fists, tapping into his emotion, his heart, the source of his firebending. He found that it was still just as broken as it was last night, and this time he was in control of how much of the pain and grief he let out. He started taking deep breaths through his nose. He was almost in a meditative trance. With each deep breath in, Zuko exhaled a puff of smoke through his nose. With each breath, his core got hotter, and his inner fire burned brighter. He felt the flame rising up through him, up from lungs and heart. He felt it in his throat, and then in his mouth. He felt it on his teeth.

Zuko opened his mouth and and screamed, "STOP!".

And with the vowel in that word, another beam of fire, as bright as the sun came from Zuko. This beam was more refined and thinner but went up a higher than the fire he felt last night.

The people all around him stopped fighting to look over at the light. Upon first glance, they all had to look away because it was too bright. The fire was so concentrated in that beam the heat was concentrated just around him.

He stopped screaming and in an instant was on his feet, his fist clenched in anger. It was then when Sokka, Aang, and Katara noticed that he was taller than the average citizen. There was a beat of silence as the people look at who interrupted their violence. Then there was a whooshing as a thousand people got down and kowtowed immediately. He walked through the crowd careful not to step on anyone's hands. He was making his way to what amounted to a small hill.

"Arise, my people, I have something to say."

The citizens rose and crowded together in front of the mound so that the all see them. This is the second time he addressed his people, and with the Capital being a relatively small town, he saw some of the same faces that he greeted yesterday. The emotions of those faces were embarrassment, shame, with a few tinges of anger on those who had been disagreeing and fighting most vehemently. Two days, two speech, with two different tones. This time he had to come up with the words by himself. He had none of Sokka's poetry, and had all the negative emotions that the last forty-eight hours had presented him. Now he had to pick his words quickly, but carefully.

Being the Fire Lord was going to be hard work.

"Just yesterday, I addresses you as I know I shall frequently. I recognize, acutely, that these are times of great change and confusion. So many aspects of our lives have changed in the last few days. The War is over and I am your new Fire Lord. There are many questions being asked of me right now and I have have to make many decisions on behalf of the realm. My objectives for this Nation is that we may have peace and harmony."

"I am not so removed from your lives that I do not understand your passion. I know it must be a great shock to see that my sister is being investigated by the Star Chamber. I know that the accusation must be too incredible for you to have even imagined. But this is not fiction and the truth will be found out."

"This Nation is unified by our people and by our laws. If a murder was committed, I will have to perpetrator brought to justice no matter how high or low they are. Wickedness in high places will not stand as long as I am the Fire Lord.

"My heart is broken, terribly broken by the terrible death of the Lady Mai, the love and joy that sustained me."

There was a gasp from the crowd, then murmurs.

"One thing that is not broken is my faith in my people. In this difficult time I know that you will be my strength. You will sustain me."

The people started applauding.

"All I require of you to to go about your lives in a peaceful way, while I work to make sure the rest of the world can do the same."

He took a deep breath. Appa was directly in front of him, behind the crowd. Zuko made the decision to walk through them. The people cleared a path as he trod, almost marched through them. Most tried to smooth out the wrinkles in their clothing and wipe the sweat off their brow on what was a typical Fire Nation summer day.

He climbed into the saddle, now filled up with the members of Team Avatar. His gaze was fixed on the crowd as they started to lift off. The crowd's gize was on him. It jarred him little to see that every head swiveled to see him take off. A few people even saluted.

What was worse, nobody said a word as they flew back to the palace.


1:15 PM

The others had congratulated Zuko on his endeavor, and discussed at length how good it was. Zuko had not meant to but he ignored them. Somehow he only wanted to hear the advice of the person he had appointed as his chief advisor.

"Yes, you did a great job." Sokka said seated in the most comfortable chair in Zuko's sitting room.

"But they were so machine like in their response. It was just silence. I was like talking to statues." Zuko answered, pacing back and forth.

"They're trying to figure you out." Sokka said, with an air of certainty they unnerved and heartened the Fire Lord at same time.

"What?"

"Zuko, aren't you like the youngest ever?"

"Yes."

"And you're inheriting the strangest predicament the world has ever faced. They don't know what to think of you. Let's not kid ourselves the last three Fire Lords were thugs and bullies. You're not. They just don't know what to expect. Do Fire Lords often talk to the public?"

"Historically, they didn't." Zuko admitted, sitting down, in a chair facing the the Tribesman.

"And you've spoken to them twice in the last two days. And did they ever have the FIre Lord apologize?"

"No, never."

"And has a Fire Lord ever told the people His Programme for government?"
"No."

"And has a Fire Lord ever told the people that he was heartbroken?"

"No…" Zuko connected all the dots.

"You're breaking with all the traditions, and they're going to be jarred by it."

"Since when were you such a genius?" Zuko asked, half as a joke and in astonishment that he understood so well.

"I have my moments."

Zuko laughed heartily for what felt like the first time in his life. His laugh faded away and there was a silence between them before Zuko started speaking again. This time the subject matter was darker.

"I'm just terrified that I'll fail. I can't afford to fail." Zuko sort of blurted out.

"Fail?" Sokka asked genuinely confused, his genius status now questionable.

"I failed once. I couldn't save one person and now I have to save the whole Nation." Zuko was not sad for Mai's murder in that moment, but rather he was actually writhing, shaking with fear, concern, and self-doubt.

"You have Aang and right on your side. And for whatever it means you have me on your side too."

"I know I do, but I am alone."

Flabbergasted Sokka replied gently, "But I just said we're with you."

"The whole world is on my shoulders. I might not be alone, but I am as lonely as they come."

"Oh," Sokka realized that there were many layers to this, "I know in my heart that there's someone out there for you. You're a good decent man, Zuko. You've gone through some things and done some things but there's no one breathing who hasn't done something they regretted. Your soulmate is out there. Closer than you might think."

Sokka paused, not knowing what that last sentence meant.

"I hope you're right"

"I know I am"

At that instant there was a swift knocking at the door.

"Milord, there is news."

"Come in."

And the door was thrust open. A boy of about twelve. He rushed in with the scroll in his hand. He knelt at the Fire Lord's feet.

"Thank you, squire," he said as he looked at the scroll in his hand. He shuddered a little bit. The squire boy left the room at the same speed at which he entered.

"What's wrong?" Sokka asked, noticing his reaction.

"Black Ribbon." Zuko said his hand trembling. He handed it to Sokka, "You read it."

Sokka undid the ribbon and started. "A report from General Fung. My Lord, Earth Kingdom," Sokka's eyes grew wide and he started to read faster, "Earth Kingdom forces have entered the colonies. Current estimates say that 10,000-12,000 soldiers have been dispatched to each of the seventeen prefectures. 170,000, at least, in the colonies, altogether. Awaiting your orders. Ordered my soldiers not to attack and to retreat and hold bases. Soldiers standing their ground at bases and precincts. There is chaos and rioting in the streets. Awaiting your orders."

Zuko was standing and pacing again, "SHIT!"

Just then, without a cursory knock, the door flew open. Aang, Katara, Toph and Suki walked, no, rushed in.

"Zuko, something's very wrong," Aang said seriously, "I had a vision of-"

Sokka interrupted him- "It's real. At least 170,000 Earth Kingdom troops in the colonies."

"No, that's our land!" Suki barked, "It's about time we took it back." The animosity she felt towards the pair of them was obvious, but Sokka had the realization that she would be stepping out of his life permanently, and he did not feel grief or sorrow, but sort of joy and relief that tasted bittersweet in his mouth.

"Well, Zuko," Sokka said, ignoring her, "If Aang knows, I think that's it's better that he solves the problem."

"And what am I supposed to do?" The Avatar was quite pensive.

"How about this?" Toph started, "Zuko you tell your troops to stand down and put them at the disposal of the Avatar, and Aang you can direct the troops as you see fit."

"So, you're gonna have the Avatar turn against the Earth King?" Suki spat her words, "What kind of subject are you?"

"Calm down, Suki. This isn't about you," Toph replied. Suki only huffed in response

"Look," Sokka was in full advice mode, "There are several problems here."

"No shit." His ex retorted.

"First, the people are in chaos because they don't know who is in control. In most of those colonies anyway, they don't feel Fire Nation or Earth Kingdom. They feel different They see Earth Kingdom soldiers marching in as just as much of an invasion as those first days of the War when the FIre Nation attacked. But they do not like Fire Nation troops there either, it feels like an occupation rather than a welcome police force.

'Second, any act of aggression on the Fire Nation's part will just make World War Two. But here in the islands you can't be seeming to surrender. It would just jeopardize this your rule.

'Third, Aang cannot be seen as taking a side in this." Sokka turned towards the Avatar, "If you take charge of Zuko's troops, the Earth Kingdom will go nuts. If you appear to be on their side, the Fire Nation citizenry will look on you again as the enemy?"

Quoth Aang, "So, again, what am I supposed to do?"

Sokka started, "Go to the colonies-"

Zuko connected the dots, "And restore the peace among the citizens. I tell my troops to return their bases and to stand their ground. And if the Avatar tells the Earth King's Generals and troops to stand down, they'll listen."

"But who's going to be in control of the colonies, then?" Katara and Toph asked simultaneously.

"It has to be you, Aang." Sokka said.

"What?!"

Zuko continued, "Look, Aang, seventeen Governors-General have disappeared. The fact that there is chaos in the streets proves that no Earth Kingdom Government has taken its place. The people want a leader. I can't do it. Kuei can't do it-"

Suki interrupted him, "That's Earth King Kuei to you!"

Zuko ignored her, "So, I think it has to be you."

"We should get going then." Aang said exhaling deeply. "Sokka you should stay here with Zuko. We don't need to aggravate your injury."

"Fine, it you get flying soon you can get out there before the sun sets." Sokka stated.

"Everyone in?" Aang asked.

"Of course," Katara said.

"You know it." Toph added.

"Suki?" Aang asked, slightly intimidated by her.

"Fine, but I'm doing this for my Kingdom." She huffed.


7:30 PM

"I hope he succeeds," Zuko said pacing, "This is going to be in all of the papers tomorrow."

"He defeated Ozai, he can put down an uprising." Sokka said from his chair again sitting, nibbling on something.

"I was going to wait until Monday to speak with the Sages to get their advice, but I'll have to meet with them tomorrow."

"You've sent down the word that you are going to meet with them?"

"I have," Zuko answered, "And from now on we'll be getting intelligence briefings. Everything you hear in there will be the freshest information in the world. I think they know what's going on in the Earth Kingdom Court before the Earth King does. And now we will too. No pressure," Zuko chuckled.

"I think I can handle that," Sokka said. "Now," he said yawning, "We've been up for many hours now. I need to sleep. Especially if tomorrow is going to be as busy as today and yesterday. All the days are melting together."

"Sounds familiar." Zuko remarked.

"During the War, I felt the same," Sokka said. He got up and walked towards the door. "Is there anything else you need?"

"No," Zuko said, "Thank you, Sokka. Go get some rest."

"Yes, My Lord." Sokka said the words playfully, but Zuko really liked how they sounded. It was as if for the first time they sounded right in his ears. They sounded so right coming from Sokka.

He watched the Water Tribesman leave and sat down in the room by himself. And for the first time in so many weeks he was alone. He wanted to cry, but he could not. He could not because there were too many other things. A conflict in the colonies. Upheaval in his own streets. Suki's angst. Too many other things to think about. He knew that Mai would not want him to be distracted, but that was hard.

He wondered how quickly he would go gray in this place. It was a bubble, a richly ornamented, and well looked after bubble, but a bubble nonetheless. The people could not see in, and in many respects he could not see out. He would not, could not understand how the people thought. He could only wonder if hey understood a thought occurred to him. Maybe he could speak directly through him through the newspapers. He had to ask Sokka!

He looked at the grandfather clock, only a few minutes had passed. He got up from his chair and started to work his way towards Sokka's room.

'I'm sure he's not asleep yet.' Zuko thought.

He found himself at the threshold of Sokka's door and was about to knock when he found that it was slightly ajar. There was just enough of a crack for Zuko to see into the room. The Fire Lord did not know what possessed him to peek instead of knock, but he peered through the crack.

He was right. Sokka was not asleep yet.

Sokka was taking off his robes, and had stripped to the last layer. He was facing away from the door and the bed obscured the everything from below his knees. Gingerly, he took off the last layer of those robes that Fire Nation nobles wore. Somehow, with all the layers, the robes were always cool. At that point Sokka was only was only wearing underwear, what the soldiers call boxer briefs, red of course. Then he slid the Fire Nation underwear off and was completely naked.

Sokka, needless to say was in fine shape. His shoulders were broad and when he stretched his arms out, it showed the muscles that he kept well toned with his swordsmanship. Zuko paid special attention to the line, the deep, perfectly straight groove in his back that followed his spine. He looked to where the line met Sokka's buttocks. They were firm as was the rest of him, but they were ample and looked as if they would be 'responsive'. Zuko look on as the golden light cast on Sokka's back and ass from the setting sun made Sokka glisten. Zuko felt an attraction, a lust to the man in front of him. At seventeen years old it never occurred to Zuko that he could find another male appealing in any way. The bulge that formed under his robe was proof enough that he had that capability.

Zuko who was still peering through his narrow vantage was gawking, gaping, ogling Sokka. Zuko would not admit it of course and he took comfort in the fact that no one could hear his thoughts and that no one could see his spying.

'Wow, he's toned," Zuko thought.

His thoughts turned more, shall we say, fleshly.

"Fuck, that's sexy. I wonder what his front looks like,"

Zuko stepped away from the door, backing up slowly.

He lifted his trembling hands to right in front of his face. Quickly, he left the space by Sokka's room.

He got to his chamber less than fifteen seconds later and shut the doors behind him.

"I shouldn't be thinking about him like that." He somewhat shouted, into his big empty room. "I'm not like that! Am I?"

Immediately looked down at his robe. His cock was still hard and twitching. He closed his eyes in an attempt to ward off the thoughts. That proved to be fruitless, in fact counterproductive. The images of Sokka's body kept replaying.

He tried shaking his head to rid himself of the pornography in his head. His cock was still standing up straight under his robes. By instinct, he felt his hand reaching for the tool.

"No, no, no," he muttered to himself, "I'm not going to jerk off thinking about Sokka."


I think I'm going to end it right there. Thanks Ayame22794 and MizoreBloodtooth for following. And thanks again to Ayame22794 for favoriting.