"Mao wakeup!"

"Five minutes," Mao grunted who shared the same room as Aang and Sokka. Mao wanted to sleep in after falling into bed at two in the morning. Whoever knew talking about politics could be so trying?

"What?"

Mao put up his hand in Aang's face.

"Five. Minutes. Give me five minutes more of sleep. Then I'll wake up."

"Okay," Aang got up and left the room.

What a horrible way to start the day. It's like I'm babysitting my little cousins again, Mao thought remembering when one of his older sisters was getting married. Even though he was eight years old, he and his grandmother ended up babysitting all of his little cousins who were younger than him. The wedding took a whole week with all of the merrymaking, and Mao barely remembered sleeping a wink when his cousins were awake, or were supposed to be taking their naps. They had other notions of fun, as they played hide and seek from Mao, and were keen on galavanting off on their own.

Mao sat up with an unpleasant thought that still stirred emotions that he long buried deep.

The wedding was when those few times I remember seeing mother smile before she died.

Unsettled Mao arose and splashed water from the water basin that was provided.

There is no use reminiscing about the past, when there is work to be done to secure the future.

After managing to convince Aang and Sokka to wander about the city. Knowing that they would undoubtedly get into mischief despite their best intentions. That should keep them busy for the whole day. Meanwhile Saito was practicing back at their living quarters. While the girls decided to have a girl's day out at the spa.

Along the way to the palace grounds he sensed a presence and purposely walked into some security checkpoints. And low and behold, there were a couple of Dai Li closely following him. It came as no surprise since the few who remained in the service of the king, were only allowed to return to their posts since they were arrested by Long Feng before his failed coup d'etat. Instead of being part of the Ministry of Culture, they have been put on a short leash under the king's secret service.

Mao stopped momentarily to buy a cup of a tea from a street vendor on a street corner. Being an Airbender, he is able to manipulate the wind so that sound can carry over to him without anyone noticing. It is so subtle that even Toph cannot sense him eavesdropping on her conversations.

"Is that the one we're looking for?" whispered one of the Dai Li to his partner.

"Yeah, that's him. He's an Airbender, and since air is a complete opposite to earth, he'll be a handful."

"Does the chief know what he's up to?"

"No, that's what we're here to find out. Chief says that the Air Nomad nobles were not happy about the peace treaty. This one in particular might prove to be troublesome."

"Didn't he travel with the Avatar? So he should be on our side right?"

"Not sure. The King's Ten Attendants don't want any stones unturned. We have close to nothing on this guy. He's a complete mystery."

"That and it doesn't help that our headquarters got burned by the Order of the White Lotus when they liberated Ba Sing Se."

"Well, let's just say he's a wild card for now."

Mao bought some tea leaves from the street vendor that were grown by Iroh. Then he walked nonchalantly down a blind alley and some winding streets. Rounding a sharp corner he waited as someone was running at a full sprint. A Dai Li ran past and Mao struck him from behind. Dragging the unconscious Dai Li into a dark corner, he bound and gagged him. It was not difficult for Mao to find the hapless Dai Li's partner, who was watching where the alley emptied out into a main avenue. Dai Li were easy to spot with their distinctive uniform. Mao approached him with a stick in between his fingers and felt around his robes as though he was trying to light a cigarette. The Dai Li did not notice Mao until he received an uppercut square into his jaw, knocking him flat into the alley. In which Mao dragged into and placed a dirty cloth over him. From a casual observer the unconscious Dai Li looked like a vagabond taking a midday nap who happens to wear some nice shoes. Then he thought otherwise and stripped the Dai Li of his uniform, and placed it over his robes that he was already wearing.

After making sure he was not followed by anymore Dai Li, Mao casually approached the palace gate, which had some imposing guards barring the way. He tilted his head down so that his hat would help hide his face, but just enough for him to see where the guards were placing their hands.

"May I help you?" Asked the captain of the guard, Mao simply took out a note and handed it to the captain. In which the captain sighed and opened it. After reading the contents, the man stiffened and opened the gate for him.

Mao gave a curt nod and stepped inside the palace grounds unescorted. As he entered the palace, he ducked into a vacant room, stripped the Dai Li uniform and threw it into a fireplace. The flames immediately began to eat away at the silken robes. Mao allowed himself to smirk as he watched the emblem of the Earth Kingdom burst into flames. Stepping back into the palace halls he walked briskly, attracting a few curious glances from the maids and valets, but he knew it well enough and knew where the king would be at this hour at the day. Most likely having Yamcha in his royal cherry grove and admiring the reflecting pool that doubled as a man-made pond.

And low and behold he found the king, just as he had imagined him. Surrounded by nobility, loved by all, and have craven looking eyes boring into his back. Mao kept a respectful distance, leaning against a pillar, to study the king and the people around him. King Kuei was a tall, scholarly, bespectacled man. If he wasn't wearing his royal robes, one would think he was a scholar from a rich family. Mao began to mentally recall the intelligence reports on the king. Which he had to pull quite a few strings to get. The King is a God fearing man, capable of empathy. But was spoiled rotten by his mother, Queen He Ji, during his childhood.

Though Queen He Ji was born as a daughter of a common butcher, she had the good fortune of becoming a great beauty. She was so beautiful that she attracted the attention of late-king - who was known as a notorious womanizer as a young prince - who discovered her on his inspection of the city. The late-king made her his concubine and later crowned her queen shortly after his father died and he became king. But the prince died soon after Kuei was born, from a fever of the brain. And so Kuei was crowned king as an infant and has been on the throne ever since.

And so Kuei was given every advantage that his mother never had and more. But he was not raised in the manner as his half-brother Prince Cheilun, who born from Princess Diao-Chan of Omashu and is the grandson of King Bumi. There were rumors that Princess Diao-Chan was poisoned by He Ji for producing a son, and wanted to keep her position in the palace secured. But the scandal was covered up and the gossip became nothing more than a rumor. After her death, Prince Chielun was sent to live with his grandmother, the queen dowager. She gave him a royal education, and he had uncles as father figures, who who raised him to become a man among men.

Mao's reverie was broken as he heard the squeals of some young maidens practically throwing themselves at the king. Most likely the daughters of rich and powerful families. The nobles watched with amusement as the king struggled to maintain his composure despite the unwanted attention. Mao spotted two pregnant women seat themselves by the reflecting pool, far away from the merry-making. He instantly recognized one of them. Their ladies-in-waiting and their man servants brought them chairs and shade for them. The two women stole glances at the king, as he decided to take a stroll into the cherry blossom grove. He was then closely followed by the young maidens, the maidens' chaperones and the rest of the party. The two women turned away from the spectacle and started talking very animated amongst themselves. Mao raised an eyebrow and stepped away from his hiding place towards the two women.

"Are you Iroha-hime?" Mao asked as he quietly approached, the servants eyed him suspiciously.

"Yes?" Replied the older and more beautiful of the the two, Mao got on his knees and bowed his head to her.

"I have heard tales of your beauty in Kanto hime-sama. But they do not do the daughter of Date Masamune justice. Nor do they exaggerate for her sister in spirit, the young and fair Lady Fuyou."

"Oh, please," giggled Fuyou behind her sleeve enjoying the attention. "I am such a state, surely you exaggerate."

"Indeed you flatter us, sir?" Asked Iroha, prompting Mao to introduce himself. Normally, if one were to present him or herself to make an acquaintance, they would introduced by a mutual friend. But since Fuyou is so taken by Mao, it is alright to overlook this slight misstep.

"My name is Hojo Mao."

"Hojo?" Breathed Iroha, her eyes widened just slightly but her face was calm. There was a reason why social norms of introduction should be enforced, this was one of those reasons.

"Yes. I am the fourth generation as clan head after my father Hojo Naomasa, who was sworn to search for the Avatar and restore balance to the world. Which we have done. But the world is still in a state of flux. Kanto and other Air Nomad countries are in danger of being trampled underfoot."

"Yes, I have heard of your honorable family," Iroha replied with an air of one who is choosing one's words cautiously.

"Hojo," mused Fuyou. "It's not a name that I have heard before. Tell me Mao, does your family live here in the city?"

"No, my lady. My home is in Kanto. My family was forced to flee the family estate, after the Fire Nation invaded my homeland."

"Oh, Kanto. Iroha's father was from there. You must have come from a long way."

"Indeed," Iroha interjected. "Perhaps we can continue our conversation in private. Will you please leave us?" She addressed the servants who bowed to their mistresses and left. When the servants were safely out of earshot, Iroha continued.

"So what does a Hojo want from the Date?"

"Hime-sama. I ask of you to speak to your husband, the Earth King. During the war, my great-grandfather, Ujimasa made an agreement with your husband's grandfather. The late-king promised to restore our homelands back to the Air Nomads that were stolen from the Fire Nation, if they fought in the defense of the Earth Kingdom. Now that time has come for your husband to honor that promise."

"You're a nomad? I was wondering why you were speaking with honorifics? Ha, ha, ha!" Lady Fuyou sneered, which surprised Mao and then remembered that he knew little about her. He thought that she was a silly daughter of a rich nobleman, and no one of great importance. So he overlooked her.

"To think that this common nomad had the audacity to barge in, and talk to us as though he was our equal. And then tries to make us act at his behest? I would sooner believe that he was a court jester! Where-where is your fur hat and clothes, and cloth boots? Ha, ha, ha!"

"I do not jest Lady Fuyou. This is a grave situation. The Air Nomads are not going to stand by and watch our lands being stolen by the Earth Kingdom. The proclamation of the Harmony Restoration Movement will only cause friction between our two peoples."

Lady Fuyou rose to her feet, her beautiful face contorted and flushed red with anger.

"Do not lecture me on the affairs of state peasant! Do you know who I am? I am Kwan Fuyou. Daughter of Kwan Long Feng- No, I mean...I'm the First Consort to the King! So don't mess with me! So know your place and your station!"

"Forgive me. I am a common lord who has spent more time on the battlefield and tending to my retainers and my charges. I am accustomed to speaking plainly and to the point. I meant no offense."

"Your apologies mean nothing to me nomad. Guards!"

Mao was led away, but he saw in the corner of his eye, that Iroha was deep in thought. Outside the palace walls Mao went on his way back to his quarters. There will be other chances. Though he mentally kicking himself for underestimating Lady Fuyou, he should have looked into every possible detail. Then again, Long Feng did very well in hiding his personal life. Whoever knew he had a family and he was a father in law to the king? Had Long Feng succeeded in his coup d'etat, his victory would have been complete.

"A nomad impersonating a Dai Li? If it was up to me I would have you flogged for making fools of us," said the guard captain. "But since you're a guest of the king, I have no choice but to release you. But mark my words nomad, the next time you cross me, I will beat you within an inch of your life. Nomads come cheap where I come from."

Last time I checked, it was the Dai Li, not the nomads who committed treason against their lord, thought Mao as he left. But as he left, he was greeted by Jet who was wearing Earth Kingdom attire.

"You look better dressed as an Air Nomad," said Mao as Jet started walking beside him.

"Well, I am Earth Kingdom and an Air Nomad."

Mao was a little perturbed by this and stopped.

"Way to dodge and evade. It's so much like an Airbender trait, but that is beside the point. How did you know where I was?"

"You're not the only one who has a few friends. Don't forget, I'm a Kazekage just like you."

Mao face softened. "Yeah, don't worry, I haven't forgotten. How are our diplomatic efforts so far?"

"Each of the nobles are trying to show how important and powerful they are by each sending their own ambassador. But the Ten Attendants are stalling. They don't want them to talk to the king. How were things on your end?"

"No good. Just now I was escorted out after talking to the king's first consort Kwan Fuyou, and Iroha-hime."

"Princess Iroha is an Air Nomad?"

"Which why I took the chance to talk to her. I thought that she would be sympathetic to our cause. Who knows, maybe she would be able to convince the Earth King to back off and leave us alone."

"Did things turn out well?"

"No. Before I was able to get anywhere I was kicked out."

"We should stop what we're doing. The king's secret service is onto us now. I've been placed under surveillance, real professionals."

"Are they Dai Li?"

"Yeah."

"I was under surveillance as well. Two Dai Li were on my tail until I took care of them before coming here."

Jet looked at Mao with alarm.

"Don't worry there were only two of them. But you're right. There's not much we can do. It's up to our diplomats to deliver now, and cover a few issues with the other guests."

"Who?"

"The Water Tribes and the Fire Nation," Mao said simply.

Sometime later, the ambassador of Kanto to the Fire Nation was speaking with Fire Lord Zuko in the king's royal cherry blossom orchard.

"So let me get this straight. You want to establish embassies and consulates throughout the Fire Nation, as well as in the colonies. They would be regarded as sovereign territory of Kanto, and all of its diplomatic personnel and their bodyguards will receive diplomatic immunity?"

"Yes, your Majesty. Likewise, the Fire Nation will be given similar considerations in Kanto as the host country. And your diplomatic missions will not be arrested, or tried for any crimes that they commit while they are there. At least, so long as our diplomatic missions will receive similar treatment in the Fire Nation."

"But that would only place them above the law."

"As it would do the same for your people. Would you not want ensure that your ambassadors be protected?"

"Well, how would we get rid of them if they do commit a crime?"

"Banish them. You may unilaterally send away our diplomats whenever you wish for whatever reason. Likewise, you would have the full legal authority to withdraw your envoys, if you feel that they may be unsafe in Kanto, which would never happen. As the host country, my government would place guards outside your embassies, to make sure that they will not be attacked. And you may place guards of your own for their own security, if it puts your mind at ease."

"But you would expect the same treatment?"

"Yes, your Majesty."

"...All right. I will agree to this."

"Thank you, your Majesty."

Meanwhile, at the reflecting pool, another ambassador was talking to the Water Tribes chiefs Arnook and Hokada.

"I think that's a great idea," said Chief Arnook.

"Hmm. I don't know," said Sokka skeptically. "I mean, it seems like a good idea. But it just means that they'll be given a free pass to do whatever they want."

"I agree with my son," said Chief Hodaka. "They could easily send spies."

"Your fears are unfounded my lords. We do not fear the ambitions of the Water Tribes, who have always been our stalwart allies in the past. And there has always been a generous and honorable friendship between our countries. Not to mention it would save considerable time, and effort to send messages simply by walking down the street to the local consulate."

"I think that we should allow these embassies to be built, in the north, and south poles. And each tribe should have a consulate in Kanto. If our tribes are to be equal, then we should each have our own voice," said Katara.

Hokada closed his eyes and lowered his head as though to be deep in thought.

"Very well then. For the sake of peace and better understanding between our peoples. We will allow Kanto to have embassy in the South Pole."

"Good. And in the North Pole as well?" asked the ambassador.

"Yes, of course," replied Arnook.

"Excellent. Thank you my lords."

At the throne room, where a different ambassador from Kanto stood at the double doors, he whispered his name and official position to the King's Herald. Before him, the King's Ten Attendants sat at a long table in front of the throne. But the throne sat empty, evidently the king will not be there to greet the ambassador, let alone hear what he has to say.

"The Ambassador from the Air Nomad Kingdom of Kanto. Sir Okubo Nagayasu."

"We do not recognize that country of which this man claims to be an ambassador is from," said one of the Ten Attendants.

"But we shall hear what one of the king's citizens has to say," said another.

"Come here and say what you have come to say," commanded a third.

Nagayasu bowed low before entering the room, he then swaggered towards the throne, paused and bowed low a second time to his hosts who sat motionless and unresponsive.

"My lords. In order to better communicate throughout the world to each of the nation's governments' requests and intentions. My superiors believe it to be both expedient, and wise, to establish diplomatic missions in small plots of lands of our respective countries. Preferably in each other's' capitals and major cities, where they would be accommodated to have housing and offices to conduct their work. These consulates will aid in cultural exchange, help our respective diplomats remain in contact with their home country, assist our respective nationals who live abroad. These embassies would also allow us to better negotiate treaties and peacefully settle disputes. In fact, if I may be so bold, had we have had these embassies in place, we would have been able to put together a comprehensive treaty at the peace accords. And would have allowed everyone to have had an equal voice-"

It was then that another Attendant interrupted Nagayasu. "The Air Nomads were already represented in the peace accords by the Avatar, and the King Kuei who is their emperor. It is they who had served your interests in the negotiations. Besides, I don't really see why we should even allow some lords, who rule over country bumpkins, in signing such an important treaty. Why, if we had allowed every ambitious noble have their voice heard, nothing would have been accomplished and we would still be sitting in the Fire Nation capital, doing nothing but talk."

"That is beside the point," Nagayasu said patiently. "I am not considered with what happened at the peace accords right now. I only ask that we establish diplomatic missions-"

"I don't really see any point in such trivialities as diplomatic missions throughout the empire," yet another Attendant interrupted. "It would be redundant, and it would only confuse people to believe that the Air Nomads have their countries, when they are a part of the empire."

"We are a free and independent country that have not, and will never be a part of the Earth Kingdom. The Air Nomad Kingdom of Kanto refuses to be a part of the Earth King's dominion."

"Your country is a member of the dominion. And the Earth King is your emperor. So your trip here was meaningless, what were you here for again?"

"...To tell you that I am an Air Nomad. And I am warning you to stay out of my country. I will never become part of the Earth people, nor will I allow my children or their children to become one."

"Well, you certainly don't look like an Air Nomad. For one thing your clothes are too nice!"

The Ten Attendants laughed.

"Yes, where is your clothes that are made of dead animals? Ha, ha, ha!"

Okubo turned his back on them and left the room.

"Don't you turn your back on the King's Ten Attendants, nomad!"

Okubo paused momentarily but thought otherwise and continued walking briskly out of the room.

Mao sat with Jet as the ambassadors gave their reports to Honda and Shingen.

"Hmm," grunted Honda. "Good work."

"I beg your pardon Lord Honda," said the first ambassador. "But what was the point of these embassies? We could easily send one of our messengers to the capital, and wait for a reply like we always have. With these embassies, they would simply be extra costs for our government to spend."

"We have also made arrangements with the other Air Nomad countries to set up embassies in their countries as well. And they will do so as well. Lord Mao will explain more in detail," urged Honda.

"These embassies are a part of our grand strategy," Mao straightened up a bit. "By establishing diplomatic ties with our friends and allies, it would further legitimize our political status as an independent country. Not only must we have the military muscle and a prosperous economy. We must also pursue foreign relations that would give us the political clout to have our voice heard."

"But that would not remove the fact, that there are Earth People and Air Nomads, living side by side throughout Kanto and the Earth Kingdom," said the second ambassador.

"Do you know how many Earth People are living in Kanto now?" interjected Nagayasu. "Only about six hundred thousand, in a country that has twenty-four million people."

"Kanto is a completely different country than the Earth Kingdom," continued Mao. "Simply by accepting our proposal of establishing embassies, the rest of the world except for the Earth Kingdom recognize our independent sovereignty."

"But this would undermine the authority of the Council and the Avatar," said the first ambassador. "Do not expect them to remain silent. The Council of Thirteen has always ruled the Air Nomads since the last Khan. We should have run it by them first."

"That would have been unwise," interjected Mao. "There are a few members of the council that now serve the interests of the Earth Kingdom, and they have been aiding the Earth Kingdom in their colonisation efforts."

"What about that monk who was at the meeting last night?" asked Jet.

"Kosai-sensei? He's alright. He's all Air Nomad through and through. He was Lord Date's teacher as well as mine."

"So, is it true that the council members are chosen by the king? Not by the council?"

"The council still chooses its members. But there have been times when they have allowed the king and his attendants influence their decisions," Shingen said finally. "Had we gone to the council, it would have been likely that a few of the members would have reported to the Ten Attendants, who would have taken preventive measures in our political maneuver."

"I get it now. So the Earth Kingdom can't just invade if the rest of the world are friends with us. By rejecting our overtures, it makes them look the aggressors," said Jet.

"That's right. But it doesn't change the fact that we are still at a disadvantage. Especially when the Earth Kingdom can field the largest land army in the world. Close to a million, if they commit all their reserves."

"And let us not forget, that in the past, the Earth Kings have been known to use military force to repress countries, that have wanted to opt out of the dominion. So they're not squeamish about using military force. But for now, these embassies will help us," added Honda.

"It may be too soon to talk about it," added Shingen. "But if we play our Pai Chou tiles right, and we'll be able to establish trade and secret military alliances with the Water Tribes and the Fire Nation."

"Will we be dealing with the Fire Nation as well?" asked Jet darkly. "I rather not have anything to do with those ash-makers. Not after what they did our country and our people."

"...We'll talk more on that later," replied Shingen. "But for now, we'll need to cover some other details..."