Zuko rode in his poliquin as it carried him to his palace. Perhaps against his own better judgement he had left Mao own devices, the pair seemed to deserve each other. Besides he has bigger concerns than dragging home an errant sister. Upon his decision to let Aang arrange a meeting with Earth King Keui, he had ordered his generals to keep a garrison of his best troops in Yu Dao for the time being. Zhao the elder, for once found something that he could agree with Zuko. Especially because Zuko gave him command of the Old Guard.
Formed in the fires of Great War by Iroh, the Old Guard are considered to be the elite of the whole Fire Nation. Iroh and the Guard had strict requirements for candidates who wished to serve. Each soldier had to be less than 35 years of age, physically fit for combat, they had to actively served in the military for at least 10 years or served in at least 3 military campaigns, received at least 5 battle honors, and have the recommendation of their commanding officer. Each member of the Old Guard was then put through more intense training to fight with uncommon skill and tenacity.
The Guard had fought in some of the greatest battles during the Great War; including Iroh's siege of Ba Sing Se, the Siege of the North Pole, the Capitulation of Omashu, and finally the Sacking of Ba Sing Se.
Greeting him at the palace was his Crown Council - the Fire Nation counterpart to the Earth Kingdom's Ten Attendants - the Imperial High Command and several nobles. But at the head of them all was the old Duke of Ember Island, Sun Tzu. To his credit Sun Tzu bowed cordially with the others following suit as the poliquin stopped in front of them. There was a reason for Sun Tzu's appearance there, as the chief minister had given his resignation because of his poor health. Before he left the chief minister had recommended Sun Tzu as his replacement. Zuko agreed to the recommendation but they are always at odds with each other that only strain the young Fire Lord's nerves.
Zuko exited his poliquin and the first words out of his mouth were, "I'm surprised to see you Sun Tzu, I half expected you lead a coup." And he immediately regretted it.
"I have always been loyal to the Royal Family. I have long served your grandfather, and your uncle, and your father. Just as I now serve you Your Majesty."
"I-I'm sorry, I did not mean to be so- let's just forget it about."
"As you wish, Your Majesty."
Zuko moved to brush past Sun Tzu, but the old duke stepped aside with a bow as the others did the same, parting ways to allow their sovereign to pass by.
"Fire Lord, although it pleases the country, as well as I, that you have officially withdrawn your support from the Harmony Restoration Movement. Unfortunately, I believe that it is ill timed," said Sun Tzu when they were all in the throne room.
Zuko furrowed his brow in mild confusion. "Why? You have always said that we should act with force whenever dealing with the Earth Kingdom."
"Yes, the Earth Kingdom remains an undefeated enemy. But because of His Majesty's demilitarization policy our forces are not on a war footing. For now, I believe that we should be defensive until we have mustered sufficient strength to fight the Earth Kingdom."
"Indeed, if His Majesty wishes to renew hostilities with the Earth King, then we will need more time," added Zhao.
"How much time?" asked Zuko.
"We would need at least four weeks," replied Zhao.
"But Aang is meeting with the Earth King in three days, and we should expect to have a meeting with him...How could you expect me to prepare the army in that short amount of time?"
"By negotiating with the Earth King," said the foreign minister.
There was a short pause but it was enough for Sun Tzu to see the uncertainty in the young monarch eyes. "Your Majesty must keep the Earth King talking as long as you are able. I shall help you by inviting delegates from the Air Nomads."
"But the nomad countries have all been conquered by the Earth Kingdom!" protested Zuko.
"The colonists have welcomed many of the ousted high ranking government officials from these countries. With your permission we may officially recognize them as governments in exile. That would give them the legitimacy they need to be in the peace conference."
"But the Earth King would never allow the Air Nomads to join the talks, Keui would simply invoke his rights as their Emperor."
"Oh, he will, of that I am certain. And the longer we can stall, it may give us the time we need. And if a peaceful diplomatic solution can be found then we would have accomplished what we have set out to do," said Zhao. "But as a defensive precaution I have personally organized a special group to plan in the event of war with the Earth Kingdom. Thanks to the efforts of Your Majesty's Secret Service and our new friends in the Air Nomad countries, we have a better understanding of the Earth Kingdom and their long term military goals."
Zuko was taken aback. "How long has this been going on?"
Zhao replied with silence, "I do not quite understand your question Your Majesty."
"Planning for war when we are at peace? And with MY Secret Service and conspiring with, with foreigners behind my back!"
"Sire, the Ministry of War have their own means of gathering and disseminating information from our Office of Naval Intelligence. However, ONI has to coordinate with the other intelligence offices within the Ministry of War; army and air corps. In the past we have had to request permission from your grandfather Azulon on a case by case basis, to coordinate with His Majesty's Secret Service. Your lord father considered to be rather inefficient, and ordered that procedures be created to share and exchange information, and to coordinate our intelligence gathering efforts. And to maintain absolute secrecy he has allowed us to act with less oversight on the day-to-day operations."
"And how do you gather that information?" asked Zuko dubiously.
"Well, I cannot disclose how we do it, or our procedures for obvious security reasons. But to summarize our intelligence efforts focuses on recruiting informants. They range from low level to high ranking persons of interest; be in the government, academics, scientists, military, commerce among others. In addition we are focused on counter-intelligence efforts; thwarting foreign secret services in their efforts to...gather information...on our efforts and intentions." Zhao paused for emphasis.
"So everyone spies on everyone," Zuko said averting his eyes as though thinking about something.
"Yes sire," Zhao nodded as though glad.
"What can we do to protect the colonists?" Zuko finally asked.
Zhao leaned forward and began to lead into his strategy.
"Fire Lord, we are pleased to personally meet with you. Seeing you is uplifting," said Nagayasu.
"We welcome you again to our home. Please know that the people of Kanto are in our thoughts and in our prayers," replied Zuko.
"I am afraid sire, that we would need more than good wishes if we are to fend off the invaders."
"We wholeheartedly agree," said Sun Tzu before Zuko could form a response. "The Earth Kingdom have invaded your country without provocation."
"Our primary concern is the arms shipments to Kanto."
"But we have already sent you arms and ammunition," said Zuko.
There was an awkward pause.
"Unfortunately a significant number of the shipments have gone astray, as our merchant ships have been hijacked, and their cargo seized by General Song of the Earth Kingdom," said Nagayasu.
Zuko frowned, "We were not aware of this. The shipment should arrive at port in Emerald City."
"Well, Your Majesty, our government's secret service has reported the incident, and they are now in the process of rescuing the abducted crew members."
"You're telling me this now?"
"I am as informed of the situation as much as you are. I received a telegram explaining this less than an hour ago. We also expect to be rewarded for the safe return of the abducted. The cargo is lost for sure we are hoping that you will send another shipment."
"Well, that is not my problem," Zuko said dismissively.
"What His Majesty is trying to say, is that we are very happy for the safe return of his imperial subjects," interjected the old duke. "But unfortunately we cannot send another shipment on such short notice."
"Well, we do not expect it immediately right this moment. But what is more pressing on our minds is that the Earth Kingdom has violated the Peace Accords that they had made with Your Majesty," asserted Nagayasu.
Zuko frowned and tilted his head slightly.
Nagayasu explained, "Any ship that flies the flag of its home country is inseparable from the sovereignty of its home country; regardless of on what sea that ships sails or where it docks. By seizing your ships, your crew, and your cargo; the Earth King has violated your country's sovereignty. This is an act of war."
Zuko had to think before speaking as it slowly dawned on him of what the old man was trying to do. "I have already made arrangements to meet with Earth King Keui. I intend to resolve this conflict diplomatically, and I will not allow my country to drawn into another war."
"Yes, but if these negotiations fail-" said Nagayasu.
"They will not fail!" Zuko raised his voice.
"Then you will stand by and watch as more of your imperial subjects are abducted by the Earth Kingdom?"
"No!" Zuko said defensively.
"What His Majesty is trying to say is that he considers it his sacred duty to protect his imperial subjects, as well as the realm. But he is a man of peace and he will not be drawn into an undesirable conflict," Sun Tzu interjected yet again.
"Fire Lord," said Nagayasu. "In light of the situation, my government has instructed me to have our government agents receive the shipments directly from our suppliers here in the Fire Nation."
Zuko thought for a moment again.
"We will-" began Sun Tzu.
"I changed my mind. I will not sell you anymore weapons," Zuko said abruptly his words echoing in the room.
Nagayasu blanched as a surprised Sun Tzu turned to look if what Zuko had said was actually true. Zuko's composure told all he was resolute in his decision.
"Fire Lord, I apologize," bowed Nagayasu. "It has been hard as the war is consuming everything. My sons and their sons are all fighting in the front. As a father and grandfather I wish for their safe return. I will do anything. Please reconsider."
Zuko answered with silence.
"Let us speak again with clearer heads next time," added Nagayasu.
"No, we will not," said Zuko.
Nagayasu arose from his seat. "When you are ready to speak. I will listen. The situation in the world is most troubling and would require the help of allies. What helped through the Great War has been the motto, 'There is no last word in diplomacy.' When you are ready to talk. I will listen." And with that Nagayasu and his diplomatic aides respectfully left the room.
"What has come over you? You should go after them and apologize," Sun Tzu now said with genuine concern.
"Me? What has come over you? How can we negotiate with the Earth Kingdom on the proposition of a peaceful settlement if we continue selling weapons to the Nomads. Any hope of peace with the Earth King will be blown out of the water with each shot from our rifles. All we have to do is recognize the governments that are in exile, isn't that enough?"
"That will damage our relations with the nomads. Don't you see? We will need the Nomads to have a strong military position during the peace talks. And because you have withdrawn from the Restoration Movement, you have placed yourself at odds with the Earth King. We need strong allies."
"No, I will not escalate tensions with the Earth King, I will put all my energy into diplomacy!"
"But if the diplomatic efforts fail-"
"THEY WILL NOT FAIL."
"At least order your Ministry of War to marshal your armies and your navies."
"We are done here," said Zuko with finality as he walked out.
"No, we are not," Sun Tzu grabbed the young man's arm. "You cannot walk away from this Fire Lord. You have made a grave error when you decided to sign the Peace Accords. All you have done to draw the battle lines of the next war. The Avatar cannot fight to keep the peace forever, he is but one man. What the world needs is a strong leader and that leader must be the Fire Lord."
Zuko shook his arm away and stomped away. The old duke could only stand and watch his sovereign's retreating back. Zhao approached the duke to stand next to him.
"I have spoken to the Fire Sages Your Grace. The people are have grown malcontent and regularly take to the streets to protest against His Majesty's Regime. There is even talk of abdication, you yourself signed that along with our peers."
"Give him time."
"These-" said Zhao before lowering his voice, "-these are perilous times Your Grace. You have said it yourself, what the world needs is a strong Fire Nation, and a strong Fire Lord."
"Give him time," Sun Tzu said with more force.
"Zuko is too young, too inexperienced, and his government filled with incompetent sycophants. To make matters worse, a tsunami had flooded the port city of Da Nang. Mudslides caused by seasonal monsoons have swept Piandao's village of Shu Jing. There are even rumours in the capital that Fire Lord Zuko has lost the Mandate of Heaven."
"Give him time," Sun Tzu said slowly.
Zhao paused to appraise his stoic friend and colleague. "The people, the nobility, and the heavens are against him. And he will not listen to your wise counsel or the counsel of his ministers. If you will not act, it is only a matter of time before someone else seizes the throne. And who will lead us then?"
Sun Tzu turned on his friend and colleague. "This is treasonous talk and I will not hear no more of it. A change of leadership would not solve our problems it may only worsen them. Now is the time to close ranks and support the Fire Lord."
Zuko walked aimlessly about the palace garden trying to see if the calm serenity could provide some relief to him. His feet led him to the garden pagoda and thought it the perfect spot to rest.
The Head Butler approached his young lord, "Is there anything that his lordship wishes to eat or drink?"
"Yes. Some oolong tea," said Zuko without looking up. He tried to relax but he could not. He did not feel sad nor happy. Neither did he feel tired nor energetic. Rather the young sovereign felt half empty. He looked about himself to see something that would catch his eye, which he eventually did he saw the Fire Lilies were in bloom. His eyes were so transfixed on them, that he failed to notice the Head Butler lay a pot of hot tea in front of him. Silently the head butler poured a cup of hot tea for the young lord with some unnecessary flourish.
"So the Fire Lord has returned," Mai said clarity that shot through Zuko as she sat beside him.
"Mai," Zuko's eyes lightened up.
"You left without saying anything to me. I had to figure out where you were from official edicts your soldiers posted around the capital."
Zuko turned away in regret. He had flown in such an indignant rage that he left immediately for Yu Dao in the dead of night. The only ones that he had sent word of his departure was to Mayor Morishita in an angry letter. He had not left to defend the colonies, he had done so in search of revenge. Clearly the manner of which he left Mai was shameful.
"Zuko," Mai said reaching out to him, "if you're having problems, you're supposed to talk to me. I am your girlfriend."
"You're right, I am sorry, it won't happen again," said Zuko but those words rang hollow. Part of the reason why he did not tell her is because she tells her parents everything, and they in turn tell their relatives. Including her loud mouth uncle who was the warden at the Boiling Rock who hates him with a passion. Currently the uncle is now chief inspector in the ministry of the interior.
Oblivious to Zuko's internal thoughts Mai gently turned her beloved to face her. "You've been having trouble sleeping."
"How-?"
"Have you looked in the mirror lately?" Mai's eyes peering into Zuko's. "Tell me what's wrong."
Zuko's eyes were downcast, his head down, his shoulders slumped. Mai tried to look him in the eye but it was futile, as the man she has grown to deeply care for seemed far off. "There are so many problems that I have to deal with. No matter how hard I try it's never enough. I don't know what to do anymore. I feel so alone."
Late that night, Zuko laid wide awake staring at the ceiling of his bed chamber. Mai laid beside him sleeping peacefully as she cradled her bare arm wrapped around Zuko's bare chest. Their nakedness covered only by the silk sheets that kept them warm in the cold night air. He stroked Mai's long black hair that he considered to be the most beautiful attribute of his beloved. He caressed her back and moved his hand down further until he touched her butt. Despite Mai's undying love and support for him, it did little to offer any clarity of purpose of what Zuko must do. His face hardened as he carefully moved Mai's arm. Quietly as he could he slipped into his clothes and a night robe.
"Where are you going?" asked Mai who was half asleep.
Zuko leaned over her and pulled the sheets over her bare chest and shoulders. "Shh, I'm going to get a drink of water, I'll be right back," he said pecking her forehead and adjusted her loose hair behind her ear. He opened the door to his bed chambers and found Suki and Ty Lee standing vigilant outside.
When Zuko was away Mai had made a personal request for the Kiyoshi Warriors to protect them. He had only made it official by making them the palace guards for the Royal Family.
"Do you hear anything?" he asked.
"No, Zuko, it's been quiet all night," said Suki.
"Honest to goodness!" started Ty Lee but was loudly shushed by both Suki and Zuko simultaneously. "There hasn't been a peep."
Zuko then started walking away.
"Where are you going?" asked Suki.
"I'm going to get a drink of water."
"You should go back to sleep, you have to at least try."
"How did you know I had trouble sleeping," Zuko asked with a frown. "I'm sorry, it's not that I don't trust you. I know the Kiyoshi Warriors are the best guardsmen in the world."
"Guardswomen, you mean!" Ty Lee chimed in still feeling the need to whisper.
"Do you need someone to escort you?" Suki asked Zuko.
"I'll be fine. The walk will do me some good," Zuko said briskly.
Zuko did as he said he would. He went to the kitchen, and boiled a pot of hot water, crushed tea leaves, a small whisk, and a tea bowl. But he then drew a jacket and left the palace in the dead of night through the servants' side door, where it leads into secluded streets and alleyways - which is useful for people who are supposed to be discreet - and made his way to the prison where his deposed father is kept in isolation.
"Halt! Who goes there?" shouted a guard.
Zuko willed fire to ignite in the palm of his hand to reveal himself.
"My apologies," bowed the guard and promptly led the Fire Lord to where his father is imprisoned.
"I wish not to be disturbed," said Zuko when the guard had opened his father's cell door.
Not remembering the proper order of things, Zuko dumped the crushed tea leaves into the mixing bowl, filled it with hot water, and vigorously stirred it with the small whisk. When he was done Zuko simply stared at his father without offering the tea that he had just prepared. Ozai gazed back at his son with dignity and confidence befitting royalty. Despite his current circumstances in a jail cell, Ozai was well groomed. He had just enjoyed a nice bath, changed into his night clothes, and was about to read a novel before turning in for the night. It was as though Ozai was still Fire Lord and that he chose to be in a prison cell on a silly whim.
"To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure Fire Lord?" Ozai asked his son with a smile.
Zuko frowned and turned his eyes downcast as though having second thoughts of what he was about to do. "I need your advice...father."
"Why do you need my advice when you have your ministers, your advisors, your strategists, and generals?"
"Would you stop your stupid mind games?"
"It is a simple question, I am not trying to play games. I am your prisoner after all."
"Because-" Zuko started but stopped himself, "this is a mistake," he said as he got up and made his way to the door. But before he got to the threshold he was stopped abruptly by Ozai who said,
"Does Sun Tzu still twitches before he lies?"
Zuko turned to his father who sat quietly drinking the tea that the young Fire Lord had just prepared.
"It is quite obvious when he does lie. Most of the time he tells the truth. But unfortunately when he lies, it to protect those closest to him," Ozai continued.
"How did you find out?" asked Zuko who had now sat back down.
"I found out that he had kept a mistress and I confronted him. He kept twitching every time he denied having an affair with that whore. And then I revealed that she was with child. This time he stopped twitching and confessed. He later married her, although that whore may have spread her legs for any number of men, that it is impossible to know for certain if his bastards are really his or not."
"I-I had no idea," said Zuko who could decide to be more at shock at; the scandal that the renowned duke was involved in, or his father's calm neutral expression. The way he did not blink not once made him appear demented.
"But don't let me influence your relations with the man. You're lucky to have him around, he is a good man and very honest for the most part."
"But he did the right thing. He took responsibility and married her."
Ozai's calm expression remained unchanged. "Do you remember those family vacations we used to take on Ember Island? Once, at the beach - you couldn't have been older than three at the time - we saw a hawk attacking a turtle-crab by the water. You ran as fast as your little legs would carry you to rescue that turtle-crab. Even then, you possessed an odd affinity for the weak. But then, when you had the turtle-crab safely in your arms, you hesitated. The hawk looked at you with hungry eyes, and you realized you were condemning it to starve. You didn't know whether to side with the hawk or the turtle-crab. Before you could reach a decision, a giant wave washed over you and carried you out into the ocean. I dove in myself to save you. You spent the rest of the day in your mother's arms, vomiting seawater."
"I came here looking for advice. I want to know how you were able to sleep peacefully in spite of the pressures of the throne."
"And I told you."
"I don't see how an old family memory-"
"I'm tired, Zuko. We're done talking for now. Perhaps we will continue tomorrow. Oh, and don't forget to bring more tea, you have developed good taste when you were with Uncle Iroh."