All right, my first fresh chapter. I am so proud of it. In this chapter, we finally get some action. Zuko takes over as Fire Lord and has to take out some garbage. Aiiro and Zuko have time together. As per your requests, Sokka and Katara make an appearance though they will be more important next chapter. Yes, they are still alive! Of course, the moment you have all been waiting for! Our darling Zhao has his trial. Special thanks to MeObviously for the pep talk, SarahNev as always for her guardian-angel of fanfic-ness and congratulations to JordanCat who was my 250th reviewer. I'll PM you personally for your prize. The person who gets me to 300 reviews will get an early preview of the chapter. Also a huge shout-out to Kishi, Happy Birthday! Lady Qiao is yours and you deserve her! And finally, a dedication to the people above and to Avafangirl! What a fine writer you are! As always, Avatar doesn't belong to me.
When I am King
Well, the war's been won.
All the fights are fought
You find yourself in just the spot
It's a place where everybody's got a song to sing.
The hero always saves the world. The villains get what they deserve
All these things if I were King would all appear around me
The world will sing when I am King
---Great Big Sea
A week had passed since Zuko had awoken in the Dragon Turret. It was a week like nothing Zuko could ever imagine. He could not get over how happy he was. Zuko had everything he ever wanted. He had his family, his honor and his home back. He was also the Fire Lord! Things could not get more perfect.
Zuko loved his new life, the ornate clothing, the palace and the freedom to walk around the home he had longed for. Everything was more beautiful then he remembered. The marble floors shined in the sunlight and the silk tapestries floated on the gold columns. The deferential servants in the elegant livery, all dying to obey his every whim. Zuko especially enjoyed dressing like a Fire Lord and feeling mighty. He had never taken much of an interest in clothing, but a monarch had to look his best.
Of course, not everyone shared the love of the ornate clothing. Hotaru and Mother may have taken back their titles as royal women, but they had refused to become court ornaments. "Kimonos are not going to work," the former pirates had insisted, despite Zuko's appeals to court protocol. "You can't wield a sword and fight in a gown."
Zuko was now master and commander of the greatest army the world had ever known; he was not sure why the females of his family even wanted to fight. Not wanting to spoil the good mood though, the young monarch finally had to have male attire re-tailored to fit their needs. The new outfits looked a bit strange, but they seemed happy. Zuko had wisely abandoned fashion to females and Uncle. He was just glad to have them back. Mother and he were still formal around each other, but Zuko was just happy that she was around. He was sure that they would become close in time, once they were all no longer immersed in work.
Uncle and Hotaru had made themselves quite the devoted companions to Zuko, spending nearly every waking moment at his side. Zuko reveled in time he spent with the people he loved most.
Even Aiiro was thriving in his new home. According to Sage Fukida, the little foundling was progressing in his studies. Zuko had tried to spend time with him but that came into conflict with Zuko's current problem. He had never realized how tiring ruling a country was.
Between listening to hundreds of reports, planning and engineering all the various components of the government, waving to the people from the balcony of the palace and practicing his martial arts with Uncle when he had a free minute, Zuko was barely sleeping or eating.
Even when he had grabbed a few bites of food, he was making endless amounts of decisions. "No, I don't want them executed. Have the Mechanist and his son brought to the Palace on the Island of Basemath. He may bring his community with him and will be guaranteed protection as long as he keeps inventing materials for the throne. I will forgive him this time for what happened as long there is an assurance it won't happen again. Don't treat him too roughly, he just needs to be reminded of our deal," he commanded one official, dealing with a rebellion of a vassal to the Fire Nation.
Zuko's mouth hungered for the roast duck that just inches away. Yet, he was too busy to eat. "Yes, I need those plans immediately. Where are they?" he would turn to another official, completely exhausted.
For hours every day, Zuko and his family had meet individually with each of the important officials, for them to pledge fealty and brief the new Lord. He knew his father's inner circle of advisors had less then fond opinions of him. They considered Zuko a weak failure and preferred Ozai's more brutal methods.
Uncle had once told them that their greatest fear was that Zuko would think for himself and care more about the people instead of the comfort of the elite. He needed to insure his court and cabinet was loyal and efficient before he would be able to reduce his work-load.
Yet, very little was more boring then this task. Zuko rolled his eyes and continued to be briefed on the affairs of the kingdom. The advisors spent the next hour alternating between boring him and patronizing him about all the political affairs. Hotaru's eyes were glazed with boredom. She was sketching caricatures of the officials on spare bits of parchment and passing them to Zuko. The young monarch was quite amused but managed to hide his smile. His parents on the other hand were listening intently and making notes on pieces of parchment, indicating names of people to be demoted and promoted to various positions, as well as the clans loyal to Zuko who should be rewarded. The list of new people was nearly complete, a few more days and Zuko could finally get some rest.
"Minister Yoshiyasu, please make your report," Zuko commanded the next person on his list as two plump court officials entered the room and bowed to the royal family.
"Your Majesty, the Nation's economy is doing splendidly," the advisor oozed, bowing obsequiously. His haughty tone and body language indicated that he thought himself valuable and important. Zuko knew he was one of the cruelest of his father's advisors, a man who consistently pressed for higher taxes. Clearly, changes needed to be made.
"And how was this season's crop?" Zuko continued, going through the list of concerns he felt he should know about.
"Nothing for your majesty to concern himself about. Agni has truly blessed us," Noguchi, his oily assistant kow-towed. His voice was irritating.
Zuko bit his lip to hold in what he'd like Agni to do to them both. "Have the taxes been collected?" Zuko inquired, trying to resist the urge to glare at him. "Let me see the reports."
"Yes, your majesty. The treasury reports are long and cumbersome. May I request permission to summarize them for you?" Yoshiyasu said, dipping his head into a low bow. It was not low enough.
Zuko was starting to get angry. He could see how they considered him a half-grown boy, to be lead about by the ear. Zuko was no one's minion. "In a moment, I will have you summarizing them in the dungeon. I won't punish anyone for being honest, but just remember this. You may say what you wish but I can do what I wish," he intoned, wishing he was old enough to stroke a beard.
"Your majesty, live forever, I never would dare show you disrespect!" Yoshiyasu protested, bowing properly this time.
"Keep it that way. All right, continue to brief me on the situation facing our people's economy," Zuko hissed, continuing with his list of concerns.
"Well, palace expenses are definitely an issue. A war is expensive and we must to look to ways to save gold pieces," Yoshiyasu explained his voice a bit more respectful.
"That sounds reasonable. What do you suggest?" Zuko asked, feeling quite smug. In this kingdom, there was but one master and it was Zuko! No one would ever insult him again.
"Well, we can increase taxes again and demand higher tribute from the captured territories," Yoshiyasu began. "We put down the rebellion in the towns of Shyam and the ringleaders are being transported to you for judgment. As for the ones left behind, higher taxes will teach them to mind their places. Martial law has been imposed and Agni have mercy on the next person who breathes wrong."
"That seems reasonable," Zuko said, feeling a bit disgusted. He was aware that the other nations would not willingly follow the Fire Lord. Ozai had been an utter fool to think people would just lay down and surrender before him. They would keep fighting forever. Though those mines Yoshiyasu spoke about were needed for the Fire Nation, other areas could be brought to peace. Peace treaties with heavy benefits for the Fire Nation could be exchanged for leaving areas that would be harder morsels to swallow.
"We also feel that it would be prudent to increase the number of executions. Prisons are expensive and rather costly. There are so many there for crimes against the Fire Lord. A good sword and a block can save us a lot of money," Noguchi explained in a slimy tone.
"Many of the people in prisons are those who can't afford to pay their taxes because of drought or famine. I can't just execute them for bad luck…" Zuko murmured, looking down at the papers given to him. It had been a hard year for the kingdom and the war was squeezing every drop from the nation.
"Your Majesty's tender years," Noguchi began, bowing again far too low to please the young Fire Lord.
"I may be sixteen years old but I am the son of Agni, your liege lord! I have no wish to continue my father's tradition of executing those who offer their opinion before me, but you seems to favor executions so much, I just may change my mind" Zuko snapped.
"That is not why my foolish assistant meant," Yoshiyasu said, trying to pacify the situation. "If your majesty will pardon him…"
"Of course I pardon him. Such an incompetent and bloodthirsty fool can't be blamed for being useless. Therefore I hereby relieve you of your duties until you learn that you serve at my pleasure for the benefit of the country," Zuko said haughtily. "Remove him from my presence."
The advisors had become a lot more respectful after that. A great deal of progress was made over the week. Yet, there was still so much work to do. Zuko had begun sleeping on a divan in his private study for two or three hours, then rising back to work. Uncle had expressed concern to Zuko about his lack of sleep. Zuko kept brushing him off but Uncle was growing more insistent. Finally, a week after Zuko had woken up to find himself a God (and the day Uncle threatened to drug him), he decided to return to his chambers.
He was so tired and his new bed had never looked so welcoming. He had his servants undress him into his night-clothing and leave him alone. Ordinarily, a few would sleep in his room to attend to his wishes, but the young monarch valued his privacy. A girl had been brought from the royal harem and but after a brief mental battle with himself, Zuko had made her leave. The poor girl had been trembling with terror and Zuko had no interest in taking advantage of a helpless slave. He wanted some time to himself and he told himself he was too tired to truly enjoy himself anyway.
He debated doing some reading but his eyes were too tired to do anything but nap. As he got ready to climb into his bed, he heard a soft knock at the door. Exhaling angrily, he went and opened the door.
It was a young maidservant, who had clearly not expected the Fire Lord himself to open up the door. Zuko remembered she had been appointed Aiiro's chatelaine. With regret, Zuko realized he had barely seen his little friend. Over meals, he had remembered the little boy seemed withdrawn and quiet, but he had been too busy to talk too much to him. "I humbly beg your majesty's pardon, I thought…" she gasped, dropping to her knees.
"Out with it, what do you want?" Zuko snapped at the sleep thief. How was he supposed to get anything done if he didn't get some time to relax? Uncle was right, a man did need his rest.
"Master Aiiro…he's been crying every night. He begged me not to tell you, but he's such a sight, sobbing into his pillow. Usually some warm milk gets him to sleep, but tonight he's worse then usual. I tried everything, he won't stop weeping," the poor maid mumbled, her face pressed to the floor.
Zuko tensed. "I'll deal with this personally," he said, walking outside his bedroom through his various rooms and through the hall. He only realized by the guards' surprised stares that Zuko had forgotten he was not wearing a shirt. He ignored that and walked into Aiiro's ornate bedroom. He could hear the boy's racking sobs through the doors. When he opened the door, he realized Aiiro was clearly trying to muffle himself with a pillow. Why hadn't Aiiro just come to him? "What's wrong?" he asked tensely.
Aiiro looked up from his pillow and shivered. "Master, what are you doing here?" he asked. "The servants said you were still busy."
Zuko sat down next to his ward. "I know I haven't been around much. I was busy, but I'm not anymore."
"It's good to see you again. I missed you so much. You are the only person I can trust here," Aiiro whimpered. "I kept waiting for you to come back but you were always in a meeting. Didn't you miss me?"
"Of course I missed you, Aiiro. That's why I came to visit you. When I walked to your room, I heard you crying. Now, why are you bawling?" he asked. He had no idea how to deal with a sobbing child. He blamed himself for neglecting him. He had thought it natural to leave children to nursemaids and tutors, forgetting how lonely he himself had been with a distant father and only fawning servants for company.
"Please don't be angry, Master," Aiiro wept, burying his head back in the silk pillow.
"Why should I be angry? I should have come visited you more. I promise I will make time every day for you. Now, cheer up. I'm here now," Zuko soothed. There was something more to this then just missing his guardian. "Aiiro, look at me. Tell me what's wrong. You really seem upset," he instructed, putting his hand on Aiiro's shoulder.
"I can't or you'll be angry!" Aiiro whimpered fearfully, his small body racked with sobs. He was immersed in silk blankets and in a room more beautiful then anything most children could imagine, yet he was miserable. Zuko was heartbroken to see the child in such a woebegone state.
"Whatever you did, I am sure it's fixable. Just tell me what happened and then I can deal with it." More sobbing. Clearly, Aiiro had truly screwed things up badly. "Aiiro, I am not going to ask again," he said more sternly, taking Aiiro's hand to give him some comfort.
The boy could not hide a gasp of pain and tried to pull away. Zuko scowled and forced the boy to open his hands. On the palms of each hand were two welts, angry and puffed. "I knew you'd be angry," Aiiro whimpered, pulling his wounded hands back and cringing.
"You are right I'm angry!" Zuko was going to find the person who abused his little Aiiro and beat the living daylights out of them.
"Please don't punish me anymore. I'm really sorry. I should not have climbed out the window but I just wanted to get to the roof and could see the South Pole." Zuko winced. He had ordered the guards to keep an eye on his little ward, but had never realized that they would treat him as a prisoner. "Please, I didn't mean to make people think I had tried to run away."
"I am not angry at you. So, you got caught?" Zuko asked, biting his lip. This had happened to him as well once, he had tried to see what was outside the palace. He did not like to think about what happened when he was discovered. He still had the scars on his feet.
"The guards caught me. They made me go back to Teacher Fukida. He got angry and made me hold out my hands…then…he…hit me! Miss Hyun tried to bandage them but Teacher Fukida made her stop. Said the pain would teach me a lesson about trying to go home."
"No one has the right to punish you, Aiiro. You belong to the Fire Lord, you are mine," Zuko whispered. Aiiro had seen enough pain in his short years to last a lifetime. Zuko had sworn that the little boy would be protected. "He was wrong and will pay for it."
"He's horrible. He makes me sit all day and study. If I dream off, he hits me. When I ask to see you, he tells me I'm ungrateful and should not disturb you," Aiiro wept.
Zuko allowed the younger boy to weep for another few seconds. "I promise you, you will get a new teacher who will be forbidden to lay a hand on you. It will be all right. If you want something, go to Uncle or send a message to myself. You aren't being ungrateful and you don't disturb me. I am never too busy for you. I don't want you climbing any more roofs though. You could have gotten hurt."
"I didn't mean to be naughty. I just hate all these people staring at me. They look at me as if I was a two-headed seal. I hate these tight clothes, I hate being behind all these walls and I hate being alone. I'm scared in this big room all by myself," Aiiro sobbed.
"People stare at you because you are someone new. They will get used to you soon. The walls are there to protect you and you'll get used to the new clothing. As for the room, I suppose for one night you can stay with me. Come along," Zuko said, picking up and draping the sleepy little boy over his shoulder. It was a nice feeling to have Aiiro's arms wrapped around his neck. Was this what it was like to have a child? He supposed the harem might actually be a good idea after all. He'd like to have another child or even a few more.
Zuko carried him to his own quarters, again ignoring his guards' confused stares. He laid Aiiro down in the Fire Lord's own bed and tucked him in the sink sheets so that the little boy would be warm. "Just sleep here. If you are afraid, just know I'm right here," he said, lying down next to him.
"I'm sorry for being so much trouble, Master," Aiiro whispered, cuddling up to Zuko like a kitten. Zuko realized how much he missed him.
"You aren't a bother. I know…about being alone," Zuko said, remembering a kindly older figure that had comforted a weeping little boy. "Do you want…to leave me and go back to your tribe?" He did not want to give him away.
"No, I told you I want to stay with you. You are my family now, Master and I love you. You said we'd be together till they tore us apart. I won't leave you unless you tell me to go."
Zuko sighed. "I will never tell you to leave. Things haven't been easy on you though," he said, putting an arm around Aiiro.
"Things aren't completely bad. I like Miss Hyun, she's a nice teacher. She tells good stories and she knows everything," the smaller boy said. "She's so pretty and she smells good too."
"Then she can be your teacher for now on. Does that make you feel better?" Zuko asked, putting an arm around his little brother figure.
"I'm sorry, Master. Sometimes I get scared and feel so alone. Nothing is familiar here," Aiiro whispered. "There are some good things. I like the food here. I like you. I like the General. I like learning to read and write and use swords. I am sure I will love it here." He sounded like he was trying hard to convince himself. At least he was making an effort.
"I know it's hard for you. It's all right to be sad and afraid, as long as you don't let it stop you for doing what's needed," Zuko quoted, with a yawn. "I promise, things will get easier once you get accustomed to the palace. I'll be spending more time with you now."
"I'm so glad. Then everything will be perfect. You'll keep me safe, Master, from the mobs, right?" There was a hidden terror in Aiiro's words. In the moonlight, Zuko could that the child truly was afraid. Zuko had forced himself not to think about that day that they had been dragged through the streets, but it had never been far from his thoughts. He had kept himself busy to keep the memories at bay, but he wondered if Aiiro was able to distract himself in the same way.
"Aiiro, no one will ever hurt you again. I give you the word of a Fire Lord. No one will ever hurt you again. I'm Fire Lord now."
"I trust you, Master." Aiiro's eyes shone with such filial devotion. Zuko smirked at the image of the previous Fire Lord. Ozai would not have been pleased knowing his bedroom was being used for a snot-nose child, especially a child of the Water Tribe. A lot of changes had been made to obliterate the memory of the tyrant, but Aiiro's happiness was the best one of all.
"Excellent. Problem solved. Now get to sleep, it's late," Zuko said, with a yawn.
"Good night, Master. I love you," Aiiro chirped, as his eyes closed. It was good to see him relax.
"Good night, Aiiro. Everything will be better in the morning. I…yes….me too."
"So, how long has it been?" Sokka sighed as he marked off another notch on the calendar carved on the wall. "I think it's been two weeks and we are still locked up here."
Katara sighed. She had believed that Zuko would have remembered them already. They had been sitting around and doing nothing for the past fourteen days. New prisoners were sometimes brought in, but none of the guards paid much attention to them besides for giving them meals. The horizontal and vertical bars seemed as uniform as the days that past. "I just don't understand," she whispered.
"Your Prince Charming is either dead or just doesn't care. Can't say which is more likely or more agreeable." Sokka had become stoic the last few days, which was his way of mourning. He had barely spoken for days after Mom died.
"Maybe he's dead. That's why he hasn't saved us," Katara muttered, but even she no longer believed it.
"From your mouth to Sedna's ears. All Fire benders should die. We still have to think of a plan to get out of here. I suggest we try to overpower one of the guards," Sokka mused, as he lay on his bed. "We can both jump on him at mealtime. Then we hide till we can figure a way to get out. Then we'll commander a ship and warn the Earth Kingdom."
"We are in the middle of the Fire Nation; we have no idea where anything is. If we try to escape, they'll kill us. Just like they killed Aang," Katara sighed, feeling so terribly nauseous. "I keep dreaming about him crying out in pain, and we could not help him. I can't lose you too."
"There is no point in thinking about the past, Katara. We can't let ourselves fall into despair. We must logically think of what our next step should be," Sokka said mechanically, as he shoved all his feelings away.
"You think he suffered when he died?" Katara asked, not listening. Here in prison, she at least had her brother. She was afraid to leave and possibly lose him. So many bad things could happen; they could be separated or worse hurt again. She was frightened of what the future held.
"I don't know, Katara. I don't know how to get us out of here, I don't know if we'll live to see another day. I don't know if Aang suffered. I'm supposed to know things and I don't!" Sokka finally snapped.
Katara walked to his cot and hugged her brother. "I don't know either," she whispered as she held him. "But we'll find it out together."
The next morning was back to business as usual. Zuko had held another meeting in the war chamber. Seated upon the Fire Throne, the seat of power, Zuko pondered how life could be any better. He could not believe the glorious feeling of sitting, of seeing every knee bow to him. He had associated this room with fear. The tapestries on the wall seemed as familiar as the back of Ozai's hand, both of which he had seen a lot of.
Now it was a place of hope and goodness. What goodness he would bring to his Nation! What peace he would bring the world! Richness and prosperity would follow his reign, a reign of mercy and happiness, of strength and valor! All children would remember the rule of Zuko the Conqueror, Zuko the Warrior, Zuko the Great and Compassionate and Just! He liked the sound of those names, he'd have to have a court scribe record them down and have it published.
"Agni's blessing on you all," Zuko said, rising his hand in benediction as he had seen his father do thousands of times.
"Long live Fire Lord Zuko," came the chorus, bringing joy to Zuko's heart. His people did love him. He had finally proven himself to them. Even when he had been brought low, they had cared about him. Now he was back where he belonged.
Zuko had dreamed for two years of the day he would be king. He had plotted and planned every action he would do. He wanted to end this war. He wanted to keep his promise to Aang. Yet, he had no idea how to accomplish that. Uncle had already taken Zuko aside and mentioned that the nation was wondering just what Zuko would be doing about the war. Uncle had not made any suggestions, but Zuko could read the unspoken response. He had to proceed wisely. "What news from the war front?" Zuko asked, trying to delay his response.
"A letter from the Siege of the North Pole. Will His Majesty hear it?" Chamberlain Simarik asked, a recent appointee to the position. Simarik was from one of the clans loyal to Sakura's family and his extensive knowledge of politics and economics were valuable.
Zuko nodded. The Northern Water Tribe had been found supplying the Earth Kingdom city-state of Kinterli with supplies and ships, to prolong the war there. Also, a number of Fire Nation ships, both merchant as well as naval had disappeared in the area. An invasion was needed to revenge the crews and merchandise lost. The court reader began reading, unfurling the scroll with great flourish.
"Your most honored and excellent lordship Ozai,
I am privileged to inform you that the bombarding of the Northern Water Tribe is going as planned. We have employed a non-stop bombing, not even letting them take a breath and varying the shots into different areas to cause maximum damage. The Water benders try to get near us and have managed to immobilize two ships; we've lost a hundred men but the casualties on the other side is more then ten times that.
Bodies of those Water Tribe brutes are everywhere and plenty of prisoners have been taken. It is still slow going because we are having trouble getting close to the city without getting frozen. Yet, Agni is with us and soon, it will be our honor to lay the treasures of Ice at your majesty's feet. We look forward to the arrival of Admiral Zhao to the mission, as soon as he drops off the Avatar and your majesty's most unworthy offspring,
Our deepest obedience and respect,
Colonel Fusei
Obviously, news didn't travel as fast as Zuko liked. The soldiers on the frontlines did not know they served a new Fire Lord. The young monarch flushed angrily. "How dare he!" he seethed, trying to avoid tossing a fire ball at someone.
"I say we execute him for that insult to you, Brother!" Hotaru snapped, tossing her hair. She had adjusted well to the return to royal power.
"Oh, he'll be dealt with, your highness. Someone else should be selected to arrest him and lead the invasion," Colonel Setau mentioned. Another one of Zuko's new appointees, he was a distant cousin on Mother's side and devoutly loyal as well as intelligent. Zuko trusted his good judgment. "Might I suggest Commander Sarya? I can vouch for him and he's well trained with navel battles."
"Sarya is tied up on the Earth Western front. We can't afford to move him," mentioned General Yuichi, a former colonel whom Uncle had vouched for himself.
"What about Commander Nitta? He is fresh from putting down the rebellion in Shyam where the Earth-benders on the prison ships revolted. He and the prisoners should be arriving any day now," said Colonel Ya-Ir, stroking his silver beard as he stared down at his scrolls.
"Nitta's specialty is land battles, not the navy. We need someone more appropriate for this battle," General Qiao said, putting a dark strand of hair behind her ear. A cold woman with a sadistic streak, Zuko did not like her very much. Yet, she was a fine general who had well earned her place in the military.
"With his majesty's permission, my maidens and I can lead it. Now that we are part of the army, we can be of great use to the nation. I'm better on the battlefield then in the court," Mother said, flexing her fingers hungrily.
Zuko sighed. He did not want his mother to leave just yet; he had barely spent any time with her outside of work. "Are you sure? "He whispered. He had so much to tell her, so many things to discuss with her.
"Let me help you, my son. I can do this with ease. You have Iroh to help you. Hotaru will also stay with you. With me at the helm, this siege will take far less time," Mother said quietly, her voice strong and determined.
Zuko had to know his mother was bored on the mainland and deserved a chance to use her talents. He had to put himself second. "Go and return soon," he said softly. "The Fire Nation thanks you for your duty. Scribe, take a dictation," he continued in a louder voice.
"His Majesty, Fire Lord Zuko is pleased to know of the success of the invasion and regrets to inform Colonel Fusei that he has been removed from the mission. Lady Sakura and her elite troops will be taking over. They are to indicate to the Northern Water tribe that they may apply for surrender whenever they wish. The shorter they wait, the less of them need die and the more generous my terms will be. Provide them a flare to fire if they wish to negotiate the terms of their capitulation. May Agni grant his people luck and victory,
His Majesty, Fire Lord Zuko
"We still have no way of getting close to the main city without being at risk of being frozen. That is something to consider," Mother mused, fiddling with her fan. "I suppose we will have to continue long-range bombardment. That could take a while, considering they have water aplenty. We'll just have to hope their food runs out as soon as possible."
"Peace in our time may depend on it. If Earth kingdom see the Water Tribe can surrender and survive, then they may follow their example," Zuko answered. "I wish to meet with their ambassador and discuss my offer of a peaceful surrender."
"Does your majesty mean to end the war?" asked Kiku, an elderly court scribe. The million gold piece question was finally getting asked. Zuko had been endlessly pondering it and had finally decided a response. "If your majesty can forgive such an impertinent question," the scribe quickly added. Few people questioned Ozai and escaped with their lives. Old habits die hard.
"If you will be a servant to this people this day, and will serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them saying what they wish to hear, then they will be your servants forever. You must serve their wants, not your own," Uncle whispered close to his ear.
Zuko nodded slowly. "It's a fair question, I'll allow it," he began in a loud voice. He remembered the image of Aang dying in his arms. The twelve year old boy had sacrificed his hopes and dreams for the future so that Zuko could see another morning. The only reason Zuko wore a crown on his head and was not a headless corpse was because of the death of the Avatar. More important, Uncle, Mother, Hotaru and Aiiro were around was because Aang had surrendered his life. Zuko owed everything to him.
"This is the year of Sozen's comet. We have been fighting for a hundred years. I think it's been long enough. I want our sons, brothers and fathers brought home. I also swore to the Avatar that I would bring peace to the world. We cannot easily occupy another land; it will be a constant battle for dominance against the occupied. Any man who thinks he can hold a wolf by the ears is a fool. You must either set the wolf free or destroy it. You will never tame it," Zuko answered slowly, choosing his words carefully.
The idea of peace would not come easily to his war-consumed country; he would have to proceed carefully. He was already considered weak because of his refusal to fight Ozai in the first Agni Kai. He would have to show that he put his nation before his own personal beliefs. A Fire Lord must put the good of others before himself. "However, I will not do it at the expense of the Fire Nation's prosperity," Zuko mused.
The chaos and the destruction that would be caused if Zuko mishandled this would be terrible. If this was taken as a sign of weakness, the other Nations would attack Zuko's people. He could not allow his nation to be put at risk. He would have to negotiate tough terms for peace to keep the other nations at bay.
"Through economic, diplomatic as well as military methods, we shall reduce the other nations as threats to us. My father used only the sword; I shall tame them by the harness and the gold piece as well. We will make them impotent as dangers to us. Once they realize that fighting is futile, they will sue for peace and we can demand high tribute. Till that happens, we must keep fighting," He would bring peace to the world, but he would do it prudently.
"Does that answer your question?" the young monarch continued. Zuko felt a small sinking feeling inside. Did he make the right choice? He knew the Avatar would understand that the war could not just end magically. Politics was messy and the chaos and revolt that would emerge from affairs of state being mishandled was worth continuing the battle.
"Splendidly, your majesty. Our nation is in wise hands with your Majesty leading us," Kiku said, bowing deeply. The looks of relief and happiness on Zuko's courtiers did reassure the young sovereign that he had done the right thing.
"Perhaps you have some of me in you after all," Mother whispered, her eyes shining with pride. Zuko smiled. He knew he would figure this situation out. After all, he had already gotten this far on his own and now he had his family back. He could do anything!
Zuko hid a yawn with a fan as he signed another decree. He had been sitting in council for five hours. He had promised some time with Aiiro. A good rhino ride in the fresh air and some Fire-bending practice would be wonderful for making him feel sixteen instead of sixty. "Are there any urgent matters that can't wait till tomorrow?" he enquired to Simarik. His family was getting tired and they needed to rest. Zuko was also starting to crave something to eat.
"Well, there is the case of the trial of a Fire Nation Admiral accused of treason. Will His Majesty hear the case?" Simarik asked. Zuko knew instantly which admiral was implied. There were only seven officially named and Zuko had met with the other six. "I imagine there is no rush to remove him from the dungeons."
Ah yes, he still had one last loose end to tie up. Zuko nodded and motioned for the guards to fetch the prisoner. "No, I'll try his case." He longed to allow the blaggard to just rot in prison forever and just forget about him.
"Amazing how the wheel of fortune turns, my lordly son," Mother said, sounding pleased.
"Lady Fortune took enough time turning her wheel, but I'll thank her anyway," Zuko muttered thoughtfully. There had always been something in his way, till Aang had exchanged his good luck with Zuko's bad luck. Now everything seemed to finally working out.
"I am sure this is the moment you have been waiting for. I shall accuse him myself. No one hurts my children and survives," Mother assured him, a glint of love in her eyes. Zuko smiled shyly at her, glad to be reminded that she did love him.
"Why even bother with a trial, my most lordly brother? We know he's guilty," Hotaru asked, stretching a long limb over her head. Her amber eyes burned with disdain. "The executioner waits with a sharpened ax. I say we get on with the show."
"Because all Fire Nation citizens have the right to a trial before his superior or an Agni Kai. I will not break the laws of my land my first week of ruling it," Zuko said, his mind buzzing with his up-coming duty.
"You show much honor in giving him this hearing, my nephew. It is not something he would have done for you," Uncle murmured, looking meditative.
"I am not like Zhao or Ozai. I do things my way," Zuko said, not entirely sure how he should deal with this situation. Still, hearing Uncle's praise did make him feel more sure of himself.
"I look forward to seeing him suffer," Hotaru whispered, her voice bright with excitement. "So many interesting ways of doing so and he can only die once."
Zuko sighed, wishing he did not have to inquire. "Did he force himself on you? I hate to ask but I need to know," he whispered. He had never sentenced anyone to death before but he would do it for his sister. Though if Zhao had done something so heinous, Zuko would kill him with his bare hands. It was the price honor required and the mere thought of anyone touching Hotaru made his blood boil. He was sure he would even enjoy killing him.
Hotaru shook his head. "He just kept me in a closet the whole trip. Never even touched me. He kept saying that he would make sure to spare me from execution and how I should be grateful to him. How he could give me back my royal status and protect me if I just let him."
"Why didn't you play along and then kill him?" Mother asked, her voice growing hard. "I trained you to fight unarmed."
"He said he'd torture Prin…I mean, Lord Zuko if I tried to escape or fight back. He said if I left the room without him, it would be a signal to slit every prisoner's throat. Our honored liege was willing to die along side me, I could not do anything to risk his safety," Hotaru answered firmly. Her eyes blazed with the same defiance that Zuko had.
"Thank you, Sister," Zuko whispered, still overwhelmed by how much his family loved him. He supposed having one uncle hating him was not the worst thing in the world.
"It's not for me I want revenge, but for you. He tortured you and now it's time for him to pay. You will hang him, right?" Hotaru asked.
Before Zuko could answer, the curtained door was parted. Zhao was brought in, chained and shackled like a common thief. His fancy admiral clothing had been removed and he was clad in the dirty white robes of a condemned prisoner. Zuko marveled at how ironic who wore the robes today. Fortune's wheel rarely turned but when it did spin, it could knock men off their high pedestals in the blink of an eye.
The former noble soldier had not shaved and looked a wreck. There was fear in his bearing, as the proud Fire Admiral had been reduced to a prisoner. He knew he was doomed and that there was no point in begging.
Zuko thought he would enjoy this moment more, but he found this victory hollow. He had ascended the crown, he had regained his honor, and he had his wonderful family all around him. Zhao did not mean anything to him anymore. Even the hatred from being chased, captured, beaten and humiliated no longer burned in him anymore. Strangely, he found himself feeling nothing but smug and satisfied as Zhao was forced to kow-tow before the throne. There was a long pause. Zuko remembered being banished from this very place. Seemed appropriate enough as the place to get his revenge.
"Zhao, son of Kyo, you stand accused of treason against His Majesty in the time before he ascended the throne, by insult and humiliation, false imprisonment, abuse and on many occasions resorting to near and attempted regicide to the body of the then heir to the throne. You also stand accused of the same crimes to His Majesty's crew, Her Highness the Lady Hotaru, and his royal highness, General Iroh. What do you plead?" Mother asked, her tone murderous. She obviously had not cooled her anger.
"Honorable Lady, I plead obedience to the Ruby throne. At the time when all these crimes were committed, they were done with the full approval of Fire Lord Ozai. To go against all these orders would have been treason. As I cannot see the future, I can not have known that His Majesty would be on the throne now and that these would become crimes," Zhao said, trying to maintain his dignity as he kneeled before them, eyes lowered.
"Your pursuit went beyond mere orders by humiliating the prince and threatening the crew. On numerous occasions, you went beyond the orders to insure maximum injury to his Majesty," Mother retorted, glaring at him.
"What loyal servant of the Fire Throne would not be zealous in the orders of his master?" Zhao parried. He was fighting a lost cause and he knew it.
"Zealousness is one thing but you pursued a personal vendetta against the then Prince of your Nation. Numerous witnesses such as His Majesty's former crew and your own crew can be brought to testify if you wish. Shall they be called?"
"Honorable Lady, any enemy of the Fire Lord was an opponent to me. Surely, you would expect the same loyalty from any of your own servants. Any insult to my master was my personal vendetta." Zhao held his head so proudly, even at the shadow of death. Zuko was impressed.
"So every action you committed against the current Fire Lord was on the orders of the previous one?" Hotaru enquired, her hand on her dagger. Zuko knew she had good aim. He wondered if she would actually execute Zhao herself. "Including threatening the safety of the Fire Lord's brother? Did the Fire Lord order that action?"
Zhao's face paled a bit but he maintained his poise. "The order was not directly given but I only did what I felt was best for this nation. I can call on a hundred witnesses who can testify to the loyalty I have shown this Nation. For that, I ask the right to die with honor," he answered coolly.
"All the loyalty in the world cannot make up for the sedition in threatening the life of a hero to our Nation. As such, I recommend to His Majesty that you and your family suffer the traditional death of traitors, not allowed to commit suicide. Rather, your entire family should be boiled alive, your bodies left as food for animals and that your name be struck from all royal records," Mother intoned coldly. Zhao's face went white at the mention of his family and his disgrace.
"Your recommendation is noted, Honorable Mother. I have thought long and hard about what I would do to you if you fell into my hands. You yourself delivered me into what looked like certain doom without second thought," Zuko mused, from his throne.
"The wheel of fortune has turned in your favor, Majesty. I did not expect mercy, nor do I ask it. My life is yours to take. Yet we are both men of honor. I merely ask that you leave my children out of this. Surely they do not concern you," Zhao said, trying to maintain his legendary dignity.
"You refused to leave my sister out of this. You harassed my servant. You tortured him. You even threatened my uncle and my crew. When the situations were reversed, you had no mercy on me or anyone who cared for my well-being," Zuko responded serenely. "I did say that next time you get in my way, I would not hold back."
"Then your majesty must not hold back. Chain me in the darkest dungeons where I can do no harm to your Majesty or kill me in the most horrible manner if it pleases my lord. I am aware my life is forfeit, it is justice. I have lost the favor of the Fire Lord, even if I did so by serving the Fire Nation. I am not afraid to die. But I ask that do not hurt my children. They are innocent. Your Majesty has always been known to be a champion of the defenseless," Zhao requested.
Zuko smiled. "You are in no position to give orders. I have already made my verdict. It is something I definitely think appropriate for you and your family." He paused for an agonizingly long moment. At this moment, he realized how much power he possessed. He could destroy his enemy with a wave of his hand; send him to the slave mines for life by nodding his head. Yes, he knew what he would do. "I will not kill you or your children," he finally said.
Everyone gasped. "Your Majesty?" Zhao breathed, as if he could not believe his ears. Hotaru looked livid and Mother looked just as confused.
In the story-box, Jyou too had seen his brothers kneel before him and had pardoned them. Zuko finally understand why. "I don't need to. Frankly, you are no threat to me. I'm strong, I am the Fire Lord. I have all the power and I don't need to prove it to you or anyone else. Nor do I wish you to have the comfort of death. I want you to live the rest of your life knowing that it's by my pleasure that you breathe. You deserve the worst possible life in the mines. "
Zhao paled a bit more. Zuko enjoyed this for but a moment. "Yet, for now, I will spare you and your children from that fate. I have no desire to begin my regime on a bloody note. You and your family are free."
Zhao looked up at his Fire Lord. "I...thank you...Your Majesty," he said cautiously. He was most likely wondering what the price was for such mercy to be given.
Zuko could feel the shocked stares of his family. He would have to provide an explanation. "It is not pity. I do not feel sorry for you, I despise you. I would have no problem killing you myself, but I will not execute a man for displeasing me. You served the nation and have earned yourself one chance of clemency."
Zhao bowed his head, acknowledging the return of his honor and pride. "You have learned much, Majesty. I am impressed," he said in a low tone. His face showed with something new, fear and respect.
Zuko scowled. He would still not show too much leniency. "I still don't trust you and your crimes have not been forgotten. Consider it conditional clemency. One wrong move and you'll spend your life as a mine slave."
"Nor should you trust me yet, Majesty. I haven't earned it back...yet," Zhao said, a bit of fire returning to his eyes. "But I will. Your Majesty has taught that nothing is impossible if one fights hard enough. I'm still an experienced Admiral. If given leave, I will serve Your Majesty as faithfully as I did to his Majesty's father. My love for this nation remains just as strong."
Zuko remembered the words his true father had taught him. "When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard. Make a man desperate enough and you gain an enemy that will never give up."
Zuko thought back on everything he had gone through and realized how true it was. Strip a man of his dignity and you leave a beast that will chew his own leg to survive. Threaten a child and the guardian will do anything in the world, far beyond normal limits. Zuko did not need such an enemy.
Zuko hesitated for a moment before he nodded. "Agreed. You may remain a military advisor for me under strict guard. You and your work will be heavily monitored for the slightest sign of disloyalty. Your son and daughter will be monitored as well. Now, I have other labors to attend to. You can report tomorrow to Chamberlain Simarik for orders. I shall give you the rest of the day to spend time with your family. They have their father back," he said as the guards untied Zhao. "A fat fox is easier to keep control then a lean wolf," he thought to himself.
Zhao knelt still there, a broken man just given a new lease on life. "May I wish your majesty many years of happiness on the throne," he bowed gracefully.
Zuko nodded. "You had better. It's in my will. Should I die accidentally, your entire family dies with me. Consider it insurance."
"I would expect nothing less." Zhao bowed. Zuko clapped his hands and from an ante-chamber, two children were shown in. Thirteen year old Katana and her seven year old brother ran to their father, kneeling down by his side.
"We want to die with you, Father!" Orli begged tearfully, his small body shaking with terror. He looked to be around Aiiro's age. That must have been why Zhao had held back when he had been torturing Aiiro. Yes, Zhao had stopped entirely when Aiiro had called out "Father." Zuko marveled that even monsters had souls.
"Quiet, boy. No one is going to die. What gives you a silly idea like that? Everything is fine," Zhao said gruffly, trying to hide his emotion. That fiend truly cared about his children. How was that even possible?
"But the guards said…" Katannah whimpered, clutching her father's waist, tears streaming from her brown eyes.
"That doesn't matter. This was all some misunderstanding. The Fire Lord has cleared everything up and generously offered me a place in his staff," Zhao said, holding both his children. He held his head high and his voice was steady. No one could turn a situation better then Zhao. "I think we should thank him."
Zuko watched as all three members of the rival clan kowtowed again to the throne. He looked around at the faces of the court. Many faces were openly shocked at the verdict of the Fire Lord. Zuko was aware that the vast majority of trials ended in guilty verdicts but not under his rule. Zuko would bring in an era of justice and mercy.
"Thank you, your majesty. Your kindness shall never be forgotten," Katannah said, bowing deeply. Zuko studied the pert girl and marveled at her resemblance to her father. At least she had escaped the simian-like hair. "May Agni bless you with never-ending happiness." She had inherited his glib tongue though.
"Ummm, thank you, young Zhao spawn. Now, run along. The servants can see you to rooms," Zuko mumbled. He had pardoned Zhao and his offspring but he did not want to see them again. He wanted to put his entire painful past behind him forever.
As the three members of the clan were escorted from the room, Zuko noticed the puzzled stares of the entire court, who must have wondered why Zuko had been so lenient. Hotaru and Mother were the most confused.
"Brother, have you gone stark raving mad?" Hotaru finally whispered as the former prisoners were allowed to leave the throne room. "You think showing mercy will do anything to change that monster's heart?"
"Your Majesty, foreign ambassadors may see this an indication that the Fire Lord is soft on crime. It might be wise to reconsider your wise choice," Setau whispered, looking nervous.
"To keep the Fire nation from being swallowed by a cruel tyrant with no restraint, I slew my own flesh and blood. Does anyone doubt I will do the same to any enemy of the Fire Nation?" Zuko challenged, feeling anger rising in him. He forced himself to choke it down, not wanting to have a tantrum in his own throne room. Somehow, Aang's sacrifice had left him calmer.
"Your Majesty, I misspoke," Setau said, bowing deeply. "I present my most humble apologies."
"Don't think I am afraid to do what I must. The Fire Nation's best interest is my one guide. My only wish is to see it prosperous, mighty and happy. Anyone who raises a hand against my people shall suffer death, even if I must kill the fiend myself. I just take no pleasure in killing."
Zuko looked to Uncle, who nodded encouragingly. If Zuko's real father approved, then the young monarch had truly made the right choice. "You are all hand-picked by me to rule this nation. I can't think of anyone better to choose and I am confident in you. I only ask that you remember jurisprudence. Fire Nation blood is precious and should not be wasted. We all have our moments when we are helpless. That's why when you have the position of power, cultivate mercy and renewal. You'll reap the rewards."
He looked around the court, one by one and found faces of respect staring back at him. "Now, if my most beloved court will excuse me, I have a family to attend to and a young Prince to educate."
"Can't sleep?" Zhao asked, hearing footsteps as he watched the stars come out in the inky black sky. He had never realized how beautiful the night sky was until now. His former master Jeong-Jeong had often made him stare at the sky, but Zhao had always been too impatient to notice it. It took seeing the sky through barred windows to truly make him appreciate his destiny.
"Yes Father. May I sit with you?" Katannah asked, her large brown eyes shining. Zhao marveled at how beautiful his daughter was. She was the very image of what a proper Fire Nation girl should be, strong, elegant and intelligent.
"All right. Just for a few moments. Are you all right?" Zhao asked, motioning for his daughter to approach. Katannah knelt down by Zhao's feet, her long hair plaited into two braids. She looked so much older then he remembered when he had seen her a year ago. In fact, she was almost a woman. Soon he'd be arranging a marriage for her.
"Yes Father. I just wanted to see you again," the young girl replied, her eyes bright.
"Well, here I am. Is your brother still sleeping?" Zhao asked, finding himself comforted by Katannah's presence. Ever since the age of five, she had been his little chatelaine.
"Yes. He was so happy that you were home that I could barely get him into his room. But don't worry, warm milk gets him every time. The little scamp is most likely dreaming of fresh mischief," Katannah said with an affectionate smile.
"There will be no more mischief, Tani. I've read quite a few letters from your tutors and I promise that things are going to be quite different. I expect better behavior from both of you or things will not go well," Zhao said in a harder tone. The teachers had written that Orli was an intelligent young boy with much potential, but also an incorrigible mischief-maker with an acid tongue and a chip on his shoulder. Katannah herself was an excellent student but often got distracted. "Now that I am stationed here in Azar, I plan to direct your education personally."
"That will be a big shock for Orli. He isn't used to having you around. We miss you so much. We thought…I thought they would kill you." Katannah's calm façade cracked a bit.
"Agni's children do not fear death, Tani. We only seek to die with honor," Zhao said sternly, softening his harsh words with Katanna's childhood nickname.
"I apologize for my weakness, Father. I should not have worried about being alone," Katannah said, bowing her head so that her braids flopped down her shoulders.
With a finger, Zhao lifted Katannah's chin. "If they would have killed me, but spared you and Orli, what would you have done?" he asked, staring into his daughter's eyes.
"I would have done everything to avenge your name. I would have made sure Orli was cared for and well trained and I'd regain our family honor," Katannah answered proudly, showing her noble heritage. She held herself even straighter.
"Then you would have never been alone. But that's irrelevant. The point is, the situation has been salvaged nicely. I managed to live and keep my honor. Hence, there is no reason to dwell upon the past. I have many plans for the future."
"Yes Father. I must ask how you survived the Fire Lord's wrath? What did you do?" the young girl asked, her brown eyes wide.
"Tani, my dear girl, never underestimate your father. Only the Gods could truly stop your father. The Fire Lord would never execute a loyal member to his nation," Zhao lied to his daughter. He understood that he was under guard and anything he said would be reported back to the royal family. That boy might have been weak, soft and cowardly, but he wasn't stupid. There would be no further chances. He would be watched closely and spied on, so he would have to tread carefully. For now though, he was satisfied.
"One would have to be blind not to see what a hero you are," Katannah said sweetly. Zhao smiled at his daughter's innocence. He truly had no idea why Zuko had spared him. Was the boy too weak to kill him? Was it pity? Was it a show of strength?
Zhao didn't care to know. It did not matter, he had managed to come out on top and he could work from here. Zuko obviously respected Zhao's power enough to keep him in a position of power. A military advisor was excellent position considering the other choice had been the stake.
Zhao could not touch the Fire Throne, but there was so much he could do now that he had partial freedom. Perhaps he could mend the ties between the royal family and himself, gaining more power by another way. Katannah was a beautiful girl, nearly thirteen. Another year and she'd make a fine Empress. Yes, Zhao could be the grandfather to the next Fire Lord. Zhao had patience. He had a good position in the center of power. He had knowledge hidden away. He had a young master who was soft-hearted and hopefully malleable. There were still many possibilities in front of him.
AN-How much do you want to kill me for Zhao's verdict? What else did you think? Next time, Aiiro, the Water Tribe siblings and Zuko start feeling the weight as Downfall begins!