I'll probably stop updating this for a while (again) in favor of my other stories, if this short chapter is any indication. But thanks to everyone who alerted or continued reading this. :)
The Fire Lord entered the kitchen with a grand flourish of his robes, his face set hard with purpose. He clapped his hands together and gathered the cooks in front of him.
"Okay everyone, the Earth and Water representatives of the first Conference of the Three Nations will be arriving in a couple of hours, and dinner needs to be prepared by then. This is imperative for establishing a good first impression of our beloved country. We must show the representatives some of the more beautiful aspects of Fire Nation culture, so I expect the most delicious native Fire dishes to be made. I require your utmost attention and skill for this endeavor. Dismissed!"
The cooks departed in a flurry of movement, some of them heading to the pantries to amass ingredients, and others grouping together to discuss what should be done with the dessert and whether or not Fire cheese toast required provolone or cheddar.
After surveying over the scene, Zuko nodded in approval and headed out of the chamber swiftly. There were many more tasks to be addressed in preparation for the arrival of Earth and Water ambassadors, as well as the Avatar.
"…and so I welcome you to the Fire Palace with open arms."
Zuko sat down after finishing his opening speech, with the representatives seated around the rectangular table applauding him.
"Wow, this looks delicious Zuko, I mean Fire Lord Zuko!" Aang exclaimed, eyeing the brightly colored dishes set out in front of them with relish.
"Thank you Avatar," he replied with a rare smile on his face. "These are all traditional Fire Nation meals made by the finest chefs gathered from all over the country. No expense was spared in providing you with authentic Fire Nation flavor. Please enjoy your meal." He gestured towards his guests, signaling to them that they could begin eating.
The young Avatar merrily grabbed a little bit from each dish, forming a hill of different vegetables and fruity soufflés on his plate.
The other representatives avidly tried out different appetizers as well, some with spicy cow hippo on their forks and others with bright red yam.
"This is amazing!" extolled one of the delegates from the Water Kingdom, sampling a peppercorn soup.
"I'm glad you all are enjoying the food," Zuko said, finally at ease when he judged the dinner to be going smoothly. "Each dish is spiced with signature Fire Nation herbs."
"Could I get a little more water?" asked one of the Earth Kingdom members, motioning a servant to come over and refill his cup. His face was slowly growing redder and he began to cough profusely. "I think—" he coughed, "—I may ha-ave ea-eaten–" really hacking now, "—too much o-of the fire flakes—" Steam started to smoke from his mouth, and he clutched his throat in pain before falling backwards onto the cushion. His water was knocked over, and when the cool liquid hit his skin, the group heard a sizzling sound.
"Ambassador Shu!" Zuko lept up and ordered several attendants to give the unconscious man a checkup.
"What just ha-appened?" said a female Water Tribesman. She too began coughing, and unable to firmly grasp her cup of water, spilled her savior all over her front, which trickled uselessly onto the floor.
"The ya-ya-yams!" All of the delegates besides Aang were soon sent into a frenzied state by the cumulative spiciness level of the Fire Nation cuisine. Some ran towards the servants with jugs of water like squawking arctic chickens and others floundered uselessly on the ground, their tongues frying from piquant flavors.
"Zuko, what should we do!" Aang called out.
But it was too late. Soon the entire dinner party lay dead-like on their cushions, their red sweaty faces betraying their motionless state. The servants could do nothing to help; even when splashed with water, it only evaporated into the air.
Zuko stared at the scene in horror. He bit his teeth together and swallowed the situation down. "Servants, bring these people to the infirmary. Tell the nurses to give them the highest priority. Tell them to use the best Fire Nation remedies!" But he stopped himself. "On second thought, tell them to use medicines appropriate for each one's nation."
As the servants picked up the bodies and carried them out, the Fire Lord couldn't help but bury his face in his hands. The dinner was a disaster. The Earth Kingdom would launch an invasion plan as soon as they got wind.
"Zuko, it's okay. You didn't know this was going to happen," reassured the Avatar, looking at his friend with confident eyes.
"Thanks Aang." Zuko took a couple of breaths and calmed himself down. "Actually, why aren't you in the body count right now?"
"Tastes buds from all Four Nations," he replied, grinning widely and showing off his Avatar tongue.
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