Chapter 10
Katara and Toph were sipping some jasmine tea while watching Kya attempt to pull herself along the floor, two months had passed since Aang had left. Kya was 6 months old and well on her way to mobility. With each little attempt to pull herself forward she would disturb the liquid in her mother and Toph's cup.
"Well I guess that's official," said Toph amused as she wiped the spilled tea off her dress, "unless your waterbending has gotten a little sloppy."
Katara smiled proudly at her daughter, but there was something in her eyes that wasn't quite as enthusiastic, "I just wish Aang could be here. I didn't think he'd have to miss so much, or at least he'd be able to visit...I suppose I could go to him, but I just can't chance the altitude sickness with Kya."
"He knows that Katara, he wouldn't want you to. As far as the messages have said he's almost through. They've been able to make real progress."
"I know, I'm just being selfish," Katara said.
In a move that was incredibly un "Toph like" she put her arm around her friend. "No you're not. He's supposed to be here for you all, and yet, he's supposed to be away. He's had a tough time of it too. You know that."
Miles away in a cramped conference room of the palace Aang and the key leaders of each nation were discussing the future of their world.
"The problem remains," Aang said, "that there will always be dissent. We've been able to see that no matter which rebel steps down there will always be someone to take his place. To summarize, we all agree that it is important that we create a mecca of understanding and peace that integrates our four nations. We will create a symbol of community and understanding, and have an open forum where anyone can come to voice their grievances about their leadership. A system of checks and balances will keep each nation in this new community equal. We must elect from each nation a leader who will sit as head council member, this person cannot be already a leader of the tribe, so Hakoda, Zuko and Kuei I will look to you for nominations, you will also have the final say on who will lead your council. We will call this new neutral area Republic City and the outer laying areas will be smaller towns that follow the regulations of this republic. In other words, a neutral area that each nation will have a hand in forming. Does anyone have anything to add?"
Zuko stood and said, 'I will only add that I think everyone agrees that the avatar should always serve as mediator of this council. His or her wisdom is exactly what we need in order to keep balance in this new project...we should create a refuge for the avatar to live among these people and for your family especially Aang, as you are the last airbender it is important that we keep you and any other potential airbenders safe. We can create it in the same design of the airbending temples. There is an island off the coast of the main portion of the city that will be perfect for this."
"I will have to discuss this with my wife, but I can't imagine why this would be a problem. I motion that we begin the election process," Aang replied.
Hakoda stood and said, "the rest of the water tribe and I have decided to nominate my son, Sokka for the position. If anyone understands the tasks at hand it's him, and I would trust his decisions with my life."
Sokka looked positively shocked.
"Sokka will you accept this position," Aang asked.
"Absolutely!"
There were laughs all around and Sokka's face turned from surprise to contentment.
Next Zuko stood and nominated his Uncle Iroh. This was met with complete support from all and he readily accepted, contingent on the freedom to reestablish his tea shop.
Kuei nominated a prominent earth kingdom man who had been his personal counsel since the fall of the fire nation. However he added that it was important to create a police force in the new republic, "I nominate Toph Beifong as chief of police. She can assemble whomever she pleases to help her. The truth is we cannot leave the republic to just the four of you to protect."
"I'm sure Toph will want to be there anyway," said Aang. "I will confirm with her upon my return home, speaking of which...are we finally at an agreement?"
There were ayes from around the room and Aang visibly relaxed, he said, "Fine. Then I will return home and contingent upon my wife's agreement, we will begin to move our family to republic city."
"I will send my best engineers and builders to the island to get started building," said Zuko.
"As will I," agreed Kuei.
Zuko nodded at his fellow leader and added, "we will model it exactly on the southern air temple, hopefully your culture will be revitalized there."
"Thank you," said Aang, "and now if you will all excuse me I need to pack. I have to get home. Sokka? Will you join me?"
"Sure thing. I have most of my belongings at the southern air temple as well. Zuko we might need a few balloons. Katara has forgotten how to pack light."
They laughed together but Aang was in another world. He was finally going home.