A/N: I am sooooo sorry about the delay. I was working on this chapter for what seems like FOREVER! Gave the hardest time, and then I had a chemistry and math test, which I did awesomeon but no time for writing. And the lack of reviews makes me feel like a failure of a writer... but it is here now. Hope you like it, please review! Make me a happy, ecstatic person.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. In fact my mom and insomnia seem to be owning me lately.
Previously on Events Unexpected…
Korra's ears heated. "So I can't lie to you about this being my first time."
"I wouldn't want you to. It makes this all the more special. Thank you," Kaji whispered the last sentence.
"I should be thanking you," Korra replied as she slid on the dress. "So, how long do we have until sundown now?"
"Hmmm," Kaji placed a finger to her chin in thought. Korra was still iffy in her positioning of the sun despite her firebending prowess. "About seven and a half more hours."
"Oh spirits," Korra whined and sat down with her hands folded in front of her chest. Kaji let out a light laugh. Korra soon joined her until they were both leaning against each other in fits of giggles.
Korra was comfortable in the warmth that was surrounding her. She figured that the sun had risen and was gracing her with the soft caresses of its rays. They felt tangible, almost like fingers playing with her long hair. Her body was a bit achy, but the soft pillow that she had buried her face in was enough to dull her body's complaints. It was a very soft pillow… and it had a great scent, like jasmine flowers mixed with something spicy… and… it appeared to be moving. The pillow was MOVING!
Korra bolted upright, looking around frantically. A thud followed by a string of curses, some of which made even her blush, sounded from the floor to her left. She was almost afraid of peering over the edge of the mattress. Laying flat on her tanned stomach, she pulled herself up by the corner of the bed until her nose was just past the rim, her sapphire eyes large and calculating.
The person in question was indiscernible due to being covered in a twisted blanket. What could have been hands or elbows pulled at the fabric in search of an escape. Finally, the corner was pulled over a head of messy black hair. It was long and reached well past the person's face and upper body. Korra was about to inquire as to what they were doing in her room and, now that she thought about it, in her BED! Her mystery visitor beat her to the punch.
"Jeez, you are most certainly not a morning person," a sarcastic, and painfully familiar voice said. Delicate ivory hands with perfectly manicured nails brushed the long locks to either side of the face. Kaji's annoyed expression glared at her from where she was sitting on the polished wooden boards.
Korra had completely forgotten that Kaji had spent the night, both of them being thoroughly exhausted after the trying events of the previous day. After their... intercourse… they had stayed in the small room until Kaji had indicated that the sun had gone down a few hours prior. They had not spoken much throughout the wait. Korra had- after some internal argument- found a comfortable position, leaning into Kaji's shoulder and playing with the girl's fingers. The contrast of light crème with Korra's bronze tone was not quite so prominent in the glare of the red light above them. Still, Korra couldn't help but remember the way Kaji had used the digits a few moments before. A blush crept over her. Kaji had, at one point, untangled a hand from Korra's and begun to absentmindedly stroke her brown locks. She murmured a few compliments on its silkiness and fragrance. It was almost perfect. If only Korra's thoughts had left her alone. She was still plagued by thoughts of Mako. Her feelings for him were still there, albeit not as prominent. Korra also wasn't sure if she would have been able to handle another blow to her heart. She couldn't get attached. Not again. But Kaji was making it so damn hard, what with her fingers lulling Korra into letting her guard down. She had reached over and stayed Kaji's roaming hand. Kaji relented and dropped it limply by her side. Korra had then stood and found another spot against the opposite wall, practically under the door. Kaji's face betrayed no emotion.
They didn't speak until it was time to make their escape. Kaji had inquired as to how Korra planned to execute her plan. Korra simply blasted the wood from its hinges and into the wall before it. The clamor must have woken the entire section of the palace. Voices of servants and guards, scurrying in frenzy, were heard from every corner. Kaji had sarcastically complimented Korra's strategic skills, but Korra wasn't listening. She grabbed the princess and rushed in the direction with the fewest signs of inhabitants. After sprinting down random hallways and through rooms with no certain direction, Kaji took the lead. She moved from between shadows, bee-lining toward Korra's room. They didn't slow until they were safely behind the door. Kaji, who was panting from not having eaten all day to replenish her energy, leaned against the whitewashed walls and slumped into a sitting position. Her knees were tucked against her chest and the crown of her head was propped against her legs. Korra wasn't much better. She found a particularly soft spot in her bed and flopped down. She mentally grimaced at thinking that she was, once again, sleeping in the clothes she had worn all day. At least her dress wasn't particularly dirty.
Kaji still hadn't moved from her spot on the floor. Korra twisted her neck so that she was able to look at the slumped girl without actually lifting her head from the mattress. "You can stay here if you want."
Korra immediately regretted offering. Cuddling up to the fire prodigy in her bed was most certainly not going to help Korra resist her charms. Just thinking of those warm arms, wrapping around her midsection, was enough to increase her heart beats.
Kaji raised her head and rested her chin on her knees. The tired and grateful smile she wore made Korra feel slightly guilty about wanting to go back on her offer. There was no turning back by that point. She simply opted to scoot over, kicking off her sandals in the process, and pull the sheets over herself. Kaji sat at the open side of the bed. Her eyes flickered in the moonlight spilling through the window doors leading to Korra's balcony. It was strange how all of the color was gone, leaving a ghostly silver overtone.
"Thank you," Kaji whispered into Korra's ear as she settled beneath the sheets. Korra felt a tickling sensation spread from the spot where Kaji's breath hit her. It moved across her jaw until it reached her lips. They yearned for the soft pressure that only Kaji provided. Korra turned to give a reply and, secretly, try to satiate her cravings. What she was met with was the back of her lover's head. The previously onyx tendrils running along the pillow shined white. Kaji's skin had turned paler, looking even suppler. Korra had to bite her bottom lip to keep it from running down the exposed neckline and upper shoulder. She turned her own back to the girl sharing her bed and tried not to think of how her heart no longer held its signature empty feeling.
"Umm, hello? Avatar Korra? Have I lost you to some spirit induced trance?" Kaji remarked snidely. Korra was so lost in her own mind that she didn't even have time to react when Kaji grabbed her hand and pulled her down onto the floor. Korra's face almost made contact with a very hard, very painful floor. However, Kaji saved her by redirecting her head into her lap. The rest of Korra's body wasn't so lucky and slapped into the ground.
"Hey," she said indignantly. Kaji's only reply was to turn her onto her back and give her a light peck on the lips. Korra looked at the pale expanse of skin that made up Kaji's neck and wondered how it would taste. She picked herself up onto her elbows and stuck her tongue out to run it across the inviting sight. Kaji's throat rumbled as she let out an appreciative growl. Korra ran her tongue in a circular motion, picking up on the faint morning perspiration that glossed over Kaji's epidermal layer. Salt and sweet mixed in one.
"Can you say 'good morning' like this every day?" Kaji teased. Korra was lost in the way Kaji's throat shook with each syllable.
Unfortunately, Kaji broke the contact by lifting her head and stretching her arms into the air. Her dress was crumpled from having been worn through the night. Korra's wasn't in any better condition. That was the furthest thing from the Avatar's mind as she watched the way Kaji's arm muscles tightened and relaxed. Every little movement reminded her of the small closet where she had practically let loose a hurricane from the amount of pleasure Kaji had elicited. I need to seriously stop thinking about that before I go in public, Korra mentally whined.
Silence stretched between them. It was a mixture of simple enjoyment of each other's company and an awkward loss for words. Korra had never truly experienced a morning after, much less a night before. She was completely out of her element when it came to romance. Not that we are romantically involved, she reminded herself. Casual. Nothing too special. She didn't know why it was constantly necessary to keep that in mind. She should have known better than to get attached again.
A soft rumble came from Kaji's direction. Korra turned in time to see her forcibly punch her stomach. Kaji's eyes lifted to meet Korra's questioning gaze. She smiled sheepishly and said a quick, "Hungry."
Korra couldn't hold in the chuckle that rose to her throat. However she was quickly covering up her own grumbling stomach. Both girls picked themselves up from the floor. Kaji placed the sheets back onto the mattress, leaning over to smooth out the creases. Korra was about to protest, but was silenced by the view of the sunlight gleaming over golden eyes and pale cheeks. Thin waves of gold mixed with the ebony hue of Kaji's hair. Having such a person before her took Korra's breath away.
"Enjoying the view?" Kaji asked, winking seductively.
"What view?" Korra bit back. Even as a joke, Kaji's narcissism annoyed her ever so slightly.
"Mean."
"Shut up."
Korra turned to her closet, a depression in one of the walls of the room, hidden by two mahogany doors with cherry blossoms engraved in them. Inside hung the dresses, shirts, and pants that Korra had brought. The outfit she had worn when Kaji had first kissed her was in the back. It was pristine, the rips mended and no stains visible. She had to thank whoever had taken it upon themselves to fix the wreckage her clothes had been. She grabbed the blue tank top and navy loose pants. Her furs she left, the temperature being way too hot for them. Her armbands were missing but she soon located them in one of the drawers hidden to the right side of the closet. The deep oceanic blue was a welcome sight among all of the blacks and reds. The only colors in the Imperial Palace she never got tired of were the streams of gold and sometimes bronze that reminded her of two sets of eyes that constantly flashed through her mind. Her heavy boots, she replaced with sleek black ones that were in the far back. Turning, she saw that Kaji had been observing her the entire time.
"You are either going to behave yourself while I get dressed, or I'm kicking you out into the hallway," Korra warned, mock glaring. Kaji raised her hands in the air and put on the most innocent expression she could muster. Korra rolled her eyes and added, "Turn around and don't peek."
"You know, it isn't anything I haven't had my hands and mouth all over," Kaji remarked. She was silenced by Korra pointedly indicating the door then demonstrating how she would literally kick Kaji in its general direction.
"Behave yourself," Korra muttered. Kaji turned and stood facing a wall. Satisfied, Korra drew the cardinal curtains to cover the large glass doors leading outside. She then removed the old dress and threw it precariously onto the bed. Her pants and tank top had never felt so welcome. She performed a few practice slings of her arms and legs, reveling in the unrestricted movements. The boots came on next. Korra cleared her throat, indicating to the room's other occupant that she was done.
"Alright. Do you want to get breakfast?" Korra inquired.
"It would be an honor," Kaji replied. Korra rolled her eyes at the unnecessary pomp, "but I have to meet with the delegates of the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes that arrive this morning. Inzei is probably going to burn me alive for missing practically a whole day of preparation."
"More delegates are coming?" Korra hadn't heard anything about that. She had thought that only her presence was required… well, along with Tenzin.
"The Fire Nation has been atoning for the Hundred-Year War, but the nations are still very wary of each other. Each time a new leader is chosen, they must be accepted by the other nations as well," Kaji moved to Korra and beckoned her to sit on the bed. Korra obliged her, sensing there was more Kaji had to say. At some point, the firebender had procured a hairbrush. She now ran it through the small tangles in the Avatar's hair. Korra was lulled by the feeling of the bristles massaging her scalp.
"The earth Kingdom is sending a member of some organization called the Dai Li. They were reinstated after King Xing came into power. The Northern Water Tribe is sending the son of the Chief to get more experience in politics. The Southern Water Tribe's candidate is probably the only one I have to worry about. She's the last remaining member of the former Avatar's little entourage."
"Master Katara's coming here!" Korra gaped. Kaji's tone had darkened considerably when she mentioned the wise old waterbender. Korra couldn't help but get a little defensive when it came to her waterbending teacher. "You sound like you don't like her very much."
Kaji shrugged from behind Korra and started gathering her hair into her usual ponytail, leaving a few strands in front. Those would be made into their own tails. "I have not met her and therefore cannot form a just judgment."
Korra slumped. No way to continue that string of conversation. She simply waited for Kaji to finish with her hair. Once she was released, Korra moved toward the door and poked her head out. The coast seemed clear. She beckoned to Kaji, indicating that it was a good time to slip out and go their separate ways. The firebender gave a limp wave goodbye and headed in the opposite direction of Korra's path. She didn't know why, but Korra could sense that Kaji was upset about something. Korra shook her head. There was no way she was going to be able to think on an empty stomach and she hadn't eaten anything since breakfast the day before.
Following vases again, she reached the dining area. For the first time since the airbending family had gotten to the Fire Nation, they were all sitting together. Sitting was termed loosely. Meelo was bouncing up and down, grabbing grapes in his mouth as Ikki pelted them at him. Tenzin had been appointed baby duty, holding his youngest son while also trying to eat. Jinora and Pema were in some sort of heated discussion over a case of not wanting to eat at all. Korra took the last available seat, to the left of Ikki and the right of Pema. A grape sailed over her and into the jaws of the over hyper airbender boy.
"Korra, nice of you to join us," Tenzin greeted. He grimaced as Baby Rohan pulled at his sharp goatee.
"Sorry, did I oversleep?" Korra asked sheepishly, running her hand through her hair. Kaji had made it up much nicer than Korra ever did.
"Not by much. I have some matters of state to discuss with you."
"Enough Tenzin," Pema chastised. "The poor girl hasn't even eaten yet."
"It's alright," Korra interjected. She was really curious about Master Katara's imminent arrival and wanted to ask Tenzin about it. "I can listen while I eat."
Her plate was soon full with some rice in a creamy sauce and sprinkled with mushrooms. On the side, she had set aside two little bowls of lychee and one platter of dragonfruit. The rest was left for a later date where Korra was more open to food experimentation, or a day where she had a guinea pig to try it for her.
Tenzin cleared his throat and began, "Well, I would first like to address your absence throughout the day yesterday. I was beginning to worry that you had lost yourself in the palace, or worse, outside of it."
"I uh- did- get lost, I mean. I opened a door thinking it was a way to get back. Turned out it was some kind of supply room. The door was only able to be opened from the outside and it closed so I waited until someone found me," it wasn't completely a lie.
"You didn't metalbend the lock?" Tenzin asked skeptically.
"I couldn't. It wasn't made of metal," again Korra cursed the stinginess of the architects. Wooden door knobs? What the hell?
"Well, at least you were safe," Tenzin relented. He would inquire about Korra's day later. More pressing matters had to be attended to. "The rest of the delegates who had been summoned for Prince Iroh's coronation as Crown Prince are arriving in a few hours. We, you and I, along with Fire Lord Inzei and Crown Princess Kaji will be present in the throne room to greet them."
"Who are they?" Korra asked. She knew one attendee, but she was curious about the others.
"From the Earth Kingdom, the new head of the Department of Intelligence, or Dai Li, Izuru Kain. The Northern Water Tribe's prince, Prince Yun, will also be present. Finally, my mother, Master Katara will be the voice of the Southern Water Tribe."
"Master Katara's coming!" Korra didn't have to work too hard to express surprise and excitement in her exclamation. "Awesome!"
"Indeed," Tenzin stated formally. Korra resisted the urge to roll her eyes. At times, Tenzin could be such a stiff. It was his mother he was talking about for spirits' sake. A little excitement wouldn't kill him.
"So, am I supposed to get all dolled up for this meeting, or can I just go as I am?" Korra really hoped it was the latter option.
"What you have now is sufficient. The world knows that outfit as your own. It will be a good representation of your heritage." Apparently the universe was on her side.
"Yes! Thanks Tenzin," she beamed. Her perky attitude was not lost on him. Tenzin wasn't sure whether he wanted to question Korra's unprecedented good mood or if the better option was to leave her be.
The rest of the morning was spent entertaining the children, during which Korra tried her best to avoid flying pieces of food and children ricocheting from the walls. Pema calmed Meelo by handing his younger brother to him. Korra couldn't help but smile at the care and concern the boy showed for the baby in his arms. It was nice knowing Meelo didn't destroy everything he touched. Tenzin excused himself, leaving to get himself ready for the meeting later in the day. Pema took the opportunity to walk up to Korra. At times, she saw the teenage girl as another daughter, and as such, she could sense the drastic changes that had overtaken the girl the past few days.
"So, you are looking very pleased about something," she observed, trying to get to the bottom of Korra's sudden alterations in demeanor.
The girl visibly stiffened under Pema's curious glance. Korra quickly found an excuse that would most probably not give the woman next to her a heart attack. "Umm, you know- Master Katara's coming- and then there's- it is nice here- err, the flowers are pretty."
Korra made a note to learn how to lie better. She would have to if she was going to be able to keep her little escapades with Kaji secret. Spirits forbid it if Katara asked her. Her master had a way of seeing through any of Korra's thoughts.
"Yes, they are indeed," Pema laughed. "So, would one of said flowers have a name?"
Oh spirits! Think Korra. Any excuse. Any sort of "Distraction!" she yelled without actually doing anything. Pema looked at her in bewilderment. She had not been expecting such an outburst. Korra's hand moved to cup her mouth.
"I-I suppose I won't ask anymore," Pema said, trying to calm the girl. Korra's eyes looked like they would pop out of her head any second.
"Excuse the interruption," a new voice called from behind them. Korra whipped her head around, perhaps too quickly, and heard the audible click of her neck adjusting. Pema also turned a curious eye on the new presence. Korra barely held in the groan when she saw that it was none other than Panties-in-a-Bunch. He was wearing the same attire as the first day she had met him. His expression was as unchanged as his clothing. "I am here to escort Avatar Korra and Master Tenzin to the throne room. The Earth Kingdom airship has just arrived and the others have been spotted not too far from the Great Gates of Azulon."
"That was quick," Korra mused. They had said a few hours out but it had barely been two.
"Yes," Panties-in-a-Bunch agreed while also sweeping her statement aside. "Where is Master Tenzin?"
Pema answered in an aggravated tone. She apparently disliked the man as much as Korra did. "He is preparing for the meeting. He will be back shortly."
The man nodded once. He stuck his hands in the long sleeves of his robe and shrank into the perimeter of the room, perhaps to be less obtrusive. Korra found him just as annoying out of the way. Thankfully, Tenzin didn't take much longer in reappearing. The awkward silence had been killing her. Tenzin was dressed in his usual airbending robes. The yellow robes tucked under his brilliant red cape, held together by a small pin, swished with his every movement. The blue arrow on his forehead contrasted with his white scalp. His brown eyes were set in the determined stately stare that foreshadowed an important event.
"Master Tenzin, Avatar Korra, if you would please follow me," Panties-in-a-Bunch turned and exited the room. Tenzin gave a quick farewell peck to Pema and started after the thin man. Korra bounded over to keep pace. Her nerves were on edge from Kaji's bipolarity and the prospect of seeing Master Katara after the months away.
The throne room was as imposing as ever. Korra quickly glanced over at the window that she had flown through two days before. The marble floor had been remade without the pillars of stone jutting from it. The window itself was good as new as well. The glass gleamed with the sunlight as though nothing had occurred.
Fire Lord Inzei sat behind his wall of orange flames. They were much lower, barely flickering above the braziers that held them. It gave a warmer setting to the room, not so foreboding. Inzei wore the same outfit he had on the first day they had met, carbonate laced in gold. His hair was down, spilling over his shoulders and back, except for a small topknot that held his crown. Kaji held a place just below the dais to the Fire Lord's right side. She had opted for the formal robes of the Fire Nation royal family as well. Her robes were similar to Inzei's only without the fire sigil on the top layer. Her hair was also let down with a slight topknot for her crown. Her eyes flickered to Korra and the icy glare melted slightly. The rest of her face gave no indication that she felt anything toward the Avatar. Korra attempted to emulate it by keeping her attention focused on the Fire Lord. She found it increasingly difficult, as though some sort of magnetic force kept pulling her eyes in Kaji's direction.
"I take it that you have been informed that the Earth Kingdom emissary has arrived and the others are expected within the hour," Fire Lord Inzei skipped the formalities, opting to get on with the issue at hand.
"Yes, your servant was most helpful and most patient," Tenzin nodded. The compliment came a bit strained, not that Korra could blame him.
"Ah, yes. Korsan, you are dismissed for the moment. Your services will not be needed until the rest of the representatives of the Water Tribes are here." Korsan, Korra drew the name out snidely in her mind, bowed and exited the room. His robes swished against the polished marble until he was well beyond the open doors of the room. Two muscular guards then pulled the heavy gates closed, giving them privacy.
"Do they know of the slight modification to the coronation ceremony?" Tenzin continued once they were alone.
Inzei's brow furrowed, showing his age in the deep lines across his broad forehead. His hair seemed to have grown a few shades of grey since the last time Korra had seen him. "No. They still believe it is my son who is to be crowned."
Korra's gaze drifted to Kaji's static form, still sitting on the small plush cushion below the Fire Lord's raised dais. Her eyes were trained on the two men conversing, almost predatory in the way they took in every stray movement of her subjects' faces. Each twitch that could give away what they were internally musing was silently catalogued within the whirring gears of Kaji's intellect. They were subtle, but Korra could pick up the barest hints of apprehension behind her tight shoulders. The golden irises flicked over to her. For a moment, Korra was staring into the orbs of the dragons circling the columns around them, only these had pupils of the darkest stygian depths. In a way, they were even more frightening. Almost alien from the hidden warmth that Korra was used to seeing, swimming guarded just behind the cryptic mask, now missing completely.
Then the gaze moved on, back to the Fire Lord and Airbending Master. Korra felt warm tears suddenly pool behind her eyelids. She forced them down with some effort, wondering whether they were from fear or disappointment at being seen as a cursory detail. The usually mischievous fires that shined behind her iridescent blue eyes dulled as she reapplied her political façade.
They did not have to wait long for the ambassadors of the three nations to be escorted to the palace. Inzei retook his position behind the wall of flames, now high enough to hide his face. Kaji also made herself a path and came to stand by her ruler's side. Her silhouette was a mere shadow behind the throne that seated Inzei. Korra and Tenzin stood to the left with their backs to the doors. She reminded herself not to turn her head when the doors were once more, flung open to accommodate the procession.
The first person to come into the right corner of Korra's vision was a tall, rather lanky looking boy. His skin was a shade darker than hers, symbolizing his Water Tribe heritage. He wore rich, flowing cerulean robes outlined in the snowy white pelts of the snow fox-wolves. His hair was slicked back over his head and drawn into a wolf tail, held together by a leather ribbon. His eyes were piercing icicles, tinted blue but mostly the color of the landscape of his home. They were lined with hidden nervousness at being so far from his land and amongst some of the most powerful people in the Four Nations. The woman next to the Northern Water Tribe prince was dressed in dark emerald clothing. In the center of her chest was emblazoned a filled golden circle within an open ringlet of a similar color. Her hair was inky enough to perfectly match Kaji's, reflecting the flames in streaks of orange, and put up into a tight bun held together by a jewel-encrusted clip. The eyes that looked into the flames were a luminescent shade of green, glowing with an ethereal light. Her presence somehow unsettled the young Avatar, reeking of secrets and plots. The final guest soon took up all of Korra's attention. The wizened old woman was dressed plainly in her blue furs, still bearing her hair in loopies and a braid. The deep royal sapphires that sparkled with the light of her kind heart seemed to calm even the prince's frayed nerves. Seeing Katara again, after so long had Korra practically, internally, squealing with joy.
"I bid you welcome to my humble home," Fire Lord Inzei's voice sounded from within the flames, crackling and writhing like some small spirits in a dance. Each new occupant gave a polite bow of their heads, accepting the invitation.
"It is many things Inzei," Master Katara spoke, her voice still flowing synonymous to her bending, "but 'humble' is not one of them."
The Fire Lord disregarded the break in formal conduct, allowing a faint laugh to drift over the barrier separating him from his audience. "Perhaps I can remedy some of the tension caused by the power held in these halls."
The fire dissipated before the tall man as he came from his high position. His eyes were light as he took in the short old woman. Katara beamed back. She had always made it a point to keep in touch with the royal line of the Fire Nation and keep the monarchs in check. Zuko had used her advice often, calling on her in times of distress and peace alike. His daughter had likewise trusted her and, when it was her turn to step down, so had her husband. Inzei had proven himself a just and kind ruler, though not a direct descendent of Agni.
"Before I can go into any more pleasantries, I am afraid I must continue with business. The reason you have all come is to approve of my successor, in respect to the oath sworn by all nations after the Hundred Year War so that peace may be upheld. Prince Yun, Agent Kain, and Master Katara… may I present to you, my heir and the future Fire Lord," Inzei motioned to the dark figure still obscured behind the shadows cast by the inferno engulfing the dais before them. Korra held her breath, waiting for Kaji's entrance, hoping that all went well for the girl.
Two pairs of blue eyes widened and a pair of green narrowed as a section of Inzei's fire shifted into a bright royal blue infused with white. Korra couldn't help but take an intake of breath at the splendor with which Kaji emerged from her hiding place. The way the blue flames danced around her arms and licked at her jaw and cheeks without actually harming her. Her eyes flashed iridescent, then white, and finally settling into the epitome of the precious metal that symbolized the royal line. The onyx folds of her clothing seemed to be outlined in a faint light, almost making her appear godly. Korra could not have said that she had looked more beautiful than she did at that moment.
"Azula?!" a disbelieving hiss ran through Master Katara's clenched teeth. Korra barely caught it, but as she whipped her head to face her mentor, she saw a foreign emotion hit the usually warm eyes. They had become a stormy vortex of surprise, hatred, and something more. Something that Korra had never seen before. Perhaps hurt, perhaps another form of anger, perhaps something indiscernible.
"What is the meaning of this Inzei?" Katara spoke up, her voice constricting into a sort of growl. Kaji's face remained monotone in the face of Katara's glare. Korra almost wanted to run in front of the girl, fearing that Katara's eyes might actually start flinging daggers.
"We have much to discuss. I am aware that this may be of some shock to-" Inzei started.
"What… is the meaning… of this?" Katara repeated. Prince Yun looked like he wanted to crawl into any available corner or shadow at that moment. Izuru Kain had a faint smirk playing at her thin lips.
The Fire Lord shrank away slightly from the Katara's boiling wrath. "T-this is Crown Princess Kaji of Agni's blood. She will be taking the thrown after the sun sets on my reign."
"How did this come to be?" Katara bit out. The question held the sting of a whip, and yet, Kaji stayed still, placid.
"Crown Princess Kaji-" Inzei began.
"Not without our approval she isn't," Prince Yun spoke up. His voice was high-pitched for his age. The defiance with which he tried to assert himself was only further evidence of how green he was in the political game. His remark was made, figuratively, by riding on the coattails of the senior bender. Katara, however, nodded her agreement and emboldened the youth.
"Princess Kaji," Inzei amended but his tone was gruff and silencing, "challenged my son, Prince Iroh, to an Agni Kai for the title of heir to the Fire Nation. She was successful in defeating him. By the sacred laws of our land, her reward must be honored."
"This fight was not approved by the Council of Nations," it was the first time the shady Earth Kingdom woman had spoken. Her voice was smooth and clear, though low.
It was Inzei's turn to raise his voice, "I do not remember resigning my country and the power I hold as Fire Lord over to the Council. It is by my good will that this meeting is even taking place. You would do well to remember it."
"Those are dangerous words Fire Lord," Katara cautioned. Her eyes had yet to leave Kaji's, both enraptured in their staring match.
"It is my country and the laws that preside over it are not ordained by a foreign body," Inzei retorted. Korra had gained a new respect for the man. Katara and the other two delegates were giving him the perfect chance to reappoint his son as the heir to the throne, but he was taking Kaji's side. Still, she was torn between her loyalty of Master Katara and her newfound, minor, affections for Kaji.
"I for one am perfectly fine with this new candidate for the Fire Nation," Izuru Kain interjected before any more heated words could be thrown around. "I would like to inquire as to Princess Kaji's credibility for such a position however. Fire Lord Inzei, you mentioned she is the blood of Agni. How are you so certain?"
"Is it not obvious?" Master Katara cut Inzei off from answering. "She holds mastery over the blue flames. Only a few have been able to control it, all of whom were of the royal bloodline. Still, you are most certainly not a descendant of Zuko."
The final statement was directed to the silent prodigy. Kaji, ever laconic, answered with a simple yet firm, "No."
Katara's assumptions proven correct only served to ignite her convictions further. "How can you trust her? She is of Azula's blood! Need I remind you of the crimes committed by that woman?"
"Princess Azula was fully reinstated into her rank and title and proved her loyalty to the Fire Nation multiple times after her release from prison. Do you doubt Fire Lord Zuko's wisdom?" Kaji inquired in a monotone. The Dai Li agent nodded her head in assent, a secret smirk tugging the corners of her pale lips. Yun and Katara were both unconvinced, though the boy seemed to be swaying in resolve.
"It is not his wisdom that I doubt, only her intentions… and, by default, yours as well," Katara fired back.
"I have done nothing to warrant your hostility," Kaji never missed a beat. "The prejudices you hold for my grandmother are clouding your judgment of the current matter."
"Do not talk down to me girl," Katara's voice had dropped and with it, the temperature also lowered. Korra fidgeted form one foot to another. "I have seen more suffering and pain than you could imagine, much of which was caused by Azula. She is no saint, and I will be dead before I trust anyone who has been raised under her influence."
"Mother please," Tenzin stepped forward. Up until that point, he had not moved, much less said anything. "In this case, Crown Princess, because that is what she is," he cut off the woman's protests before they came forth from her lips, "has the right. There are no grounds on which the crown can be denied to her."
The silence that stretched through the seconds after Tenzin's statement was notorious. Katara did not know what she could say that would combat her son's cool rebuttal. There was no way to deny that the girl, Kaji, was ineligible for the Fire Throne. She would only sound eristic if she based her arguments on the sense of foreboding she felt whenever those sharp golden eyes met her own. In the end, she thought of a way in which she did not completely capitulate.
"I will agree… with one ultimatum," Katara continued adamantly. She would not stand to see everything she and Aang and the rest fought for burn to ashes, even if she was being paranoid. She was one of the first to believe in second chances, however the deceased Fire Princess was an exception… and by default, so was her disciple.
"Name it," Inzei said. "I would rather everyone leave content, than to have to resort to petty debates and arguments."
"The girl shall come to Republic City, where I will be staying for the duration of three months. There, she will be taught the manner of running a state by the Council and be supervised by me."
"I cannot do that," Inzei shook his head. His hands were tied but there was no way that he would be able to afford sending his heir to the Earth Kingdom, even if Republic City acted as its own state. "She must learn the ways and politics of our nation. Time is of the essence as I am starting from scratch."
"My Lord, if I may interject?" Kaji took a step forward. Inzei gave her a curious gesture of his hand, allowing her an audience. "Princess Azula taught me all of the Fire Nation's history and politics until I was well versed in all such things. I believe that three months is a feasible amount of time and I already have a strong foundation. If it will quell Master Katara's fears, is it not worth the wait?"
Inzei sighed and rubbed his temples. Having Katara teach Kaji was not an adverse notion. If the girl was truthful about her knowledge, and he did not doubt she was, then he had nothing to keep her. Having Master Katara's assent in Kaji's coronation was also something he desperately needed. Gravely he nodded, first at the young girl, then at the wise old woman.
"You are all fools," Katara grumbled, but she knew the battle was done. Her demands met, she had no further ground to stand on. "I do this with the greatest trepidation, but I accept your decision Fire Lord Inzei. Let us hope we do not live to regret it."
All heads now turned to Yun. The boy quivered and nodded his head. Inzei then called the guards in and instructed them to bring the document that would hold the approving signatures of the emissaries. The parchment was a crisp milky color with imperial gold leaf lacing, the ink jet black, and the Fire Lord's seal a deep crimson. Fire Nation colors, what a surprise, Korra thought sarcastically. The Dai Li agent procured a pen from the interior of one of her drooping sleeves. Her signature was a delicate serpentine green spread in intricate swirls and loops. Yun and Katara used the ink provided. Their signs were both blocked and practical, though Katara's was more elgant script. The pen was next handed to Tenzin. His longhand was the largest of them all. When it finally got to Korra, she had to stay her shaking fingers before she quickly scribbled her name above the rest.
"With this, the crowning is official," Izuru Kain announced. "Congratulations Crown Princess Kaji."
Korra did not like the way the woman stared at Kaji. The eyes of the two girls met and, for a moment, the similarity was striking. A hidden message seemed to run through the connection between Kaji and Izuru's abysmal pupils. Had Korra been open with herself, she might have mistaken the twinge within her heart as jealousy. She quickly discarded the notion as an absurdity. Still, the feeling persisted.
"I thank you for taking the time to make this journey, and I humbly pledge myself to my country, but also to the pursuit of world peace," Kaji bowed her waist. Her gesture was returned by all except for Katara, straight as an unconquerable mountain, and Korra, who Kaji would never allow to bow to anyone.
"Your loyalty is well received," Agent Kain remarked. "I apologize, but I must be leaving this evening by order of the Earth King. I would like a private audience with Crown Princess Kaji… by your leave Fire Lord."
"You may," Inzei replied. He was in serious need of some fire water to subdue the raging headache, at least initially. "Master Katara, Prince Yun, you will be escorted to your rooms in the guest wing. I believe that you will be staying for the festivities of the summer solstice in three days?"
"I will be staying, yes," Master Katara nodded. She was planning on leaving with her son and his family. "However, I would like to see my son and pupil as it has been far too long."
"M-my father allowed me leave to partake in your celebration," Yun stammered out. "I-I will make my exit at present. Thank you for your hospitality."
As everyone relaxed and took to their separate tasks, Korra, Tenzin, and Katara were left standing in a small circle before the empty throne. Korra couldn't hold herself in any longer. She took a flying leap and pulled her mentor into a tight hug. The woman though frail looking, took the brunt of Korra's barrage and squeezed the excited girl. Korra had missed the scent of snow and pelts that marked the peoples of the Water Tribes. Mixed with Katara's ever present warmth was like coming home.
"You have grown so much, child," Master Katara smiled and took in Korra's image. She had grown taller, or Katara had grown shorter. Her hair was held in the same fashion as the day she had taken off for the mysteries of Republic City. There was something more to the brilliant blue eyes as well. The childlike innocence that came from the seclusion of the training grounds where Korra had lived all her life was gone. Knowledge had replaced it as well as experience. Katara could read it all; the courage, pain, insecurity, and love that had blossomed like a forget-me-not in the sunlight.
"I missed you Master Katara," Korra replied, her eyes teared up with all of the emotions running through her like a flood. "I'm so happy that you'll be staying with us."
"As am I child. As am I," a new resolve hit the master bender. She would see what Azula had planned through this new girl that called herself Crown Princess. If for nothing else, she would do so to protect the beautiful heart of the Korra she saw before her. Three months would be ample time. Three months would reveal the game the blue firebenders were playing.
P.S. I hope it isn't too long. I intially split it in two parts, but then it had a really boring ending. Not that this is an amazing one or anything, but I like it as an exposition to later chapters. Anyway, thank you for reading and please give me your feedback, telepathically or through typing it down. Preferably the latter option as I can't read minds.