Book I, Act VII: Back to Square One, Chapter III

Edited by: Bieverdog AO3: GalavantingGoose

Book I, Imbalance

Act VII: Back to Square One

Music: Ashley no Dansho / Separated Ways Legend of Korra OST

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Yxh9hSithM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0PoRgU1Gho

Chapter III

Fire Lord,

I am writing to inform you that I have arrived at the asylum. The trip was somewhat long, and the doctor did not make any notable comments during the journey. As soon as I arrived– "Zuko." –I requested the doctor to see your sister, which he agreed to, but he asked me for some time to check that she was feeling well to receive visitors– "Zuko…" –I was able to see her from afar. She appears to be well, though I haven't been able to talk to her yet. So, I am writing you this letter while I wait. As soon as I have more news, I will contact you again.

Your loyal subject, Colonel Mak.

"Zuko!" Mai looked at him, annoyed.

At his dining table, Zuko raised his eyes from the letter. "Huh? Yes?"

Mai set down her chopsticks. "So, what do you think?"

"Uh… Sure, it…" He scrunched his face. "What were you saying again?"

Mai looked down, muttering, "Hmm. Didn't think you'd leave me for a piece of paper."

"What?"

She looked at him askance. "Zuko, you're too caught up in your work. Just take a few minutes to enjoy your lunch with your girlfriend."

He fumbled. His sashimi codmon and beef-pork dumplings were staring at him, but– "Sure… I just– I'll leave it for later."

"What's keeping you so distracted anyway?"

He looked over the letter a third time, squinting to make sure he wasn't making a mistake. "Apparently, everything is fine… I don't get it."

"If everything is fine, leave it for later. Mulling it over during lunch won't help much."

"No, Mai, listen. When I sent Mak there, I expected something back; but everything's fine, like nothing happened yet. It just doesn't feel right. Am I imagining it or… What do you think?"

She set her hands on the table. "I think you're stressing yourself out. If something's up, just tell someone to look into it again or schedule a visit. Now, eat. Your dumplings look stone cold."

He pushed his plate forward. "I'm not so hungry anymore. I'll go over the other letters again."

She sighed. "If you die at thirty, don't blame me."

Zuko rose, heading straight for his room, but he was stopped by Renhao in the hallway. She was carrying papers in her hand. "Fire Lord, I apologize for the interruption; I didn't mean to cut short your lunch."

Zuko waved it off. "It's fine. Have you been able to re-establish the information flow with our embassy in Ba Sing Se?"

She smiled politely and urged him to follow as she explained. "Something like that... But I'm afraid that's not why we called you, Your Majesty."

He raised his brow. "Oh, what's the situation?"

She gritted her teeth. "Well, it turns out that we have received information about a group. At first, it was nothing relevant–just a few isolated attacks–but lately, they are becoming more frequent... We have notified the Earth Kingdom government, but... I don't know if they have much intention of stopping them."

He groaned internally before composing himself. "Who are they, and what do they want?"

"They call themselves the Yanshi. They demand that all our citizens be summarily expelled from the Earth Kingdom; otherwise, they will retaliate and take matters into their own hands."

Zuko clenched his robes. "That is ridiculous. We are doing everything we can to relocate our citizens; that's the point of the Harmony Restoration Movement!"

"Yes... But there are rumors out there that the Fire Nation has no intention of leaving and that we are just buying time to strike again. It must be said that our counterparts in the Earth Kingdom have not done much to dispel them."

"Then I will contact the Earth King immediately; they have to put an end to it." They reached the throne room; and as the guards opened the door, he could see the other ministers had already reunited there, their arguing hushed as he crossed the threshold.

Renhao handed Zuko the papers she carried and took her place. "As I was saying, we have already expressed our concern on the matter, but I'm afraid it might be too late. We've got a series of reports on attacks on our citizens in the Earth Kingdom. We believe this group has coordinated the attacks… They were bold enough to try an attack on our embassy, but they were apprehended before they could do any harm."

Fire Nation Embassy to the Earth Kingdom

Summary of the Reports from Earth Kingdom Authorities

Lower Ring, Lantern District: Fire Nation merchants mugged and killed, Misclassified as a robbery

Common harassment of citizens who collaborated with Fire Nation authorities during the occupation of Ba Sing Se, patterns of beatings and vandalization of property

Distressing reports of multiple attacks on towns bordered by Fire Nation colonies, uncertain number of deaths (Estimated in the dozens)

Lower Ring, Mi Prefecture: Ex-Fire Nation soldier lynched and hung with the word, "Invader," written over him

Numerous reports from the countryside of murders of Fire Nation citizens, estimated count: 15

Middle Ring, Ci District: Attacks on shops selling Fire Nation products, at least 5 injured and 2 dead during the incident, Vandalized with painted Yanshi symbol

Multiple assaults on Fire Nation trading caravans across the Earth Kingdom, 23 dead

Upper Ring, Royal District: Coordinated attack on the embassy, two terrorists taken captive, at least 3 injured during the attempt…

Zuko tapped the paper. "Do we still hold them in our custody?"

"Well… yes, though there have been requests for us to turn them over to the authorities in Ba Sing Se… Pressing requests, I might add."

Qin got up. Behind him, General Bujing and Admiral Chan looked on. "If I may, Fire Lord, I know we all want to remain on good terms with the people from the Earth Kingdom, but these acts are not to be taken lightly. There must be consequences for those who wish to harm our people; they must answer to justice. If an example isn't made, what is stopping these people from walking right into our remaining colonies? Our armies are no longer there to protect our citizens." Half of his ministers gave their support for his argument, and others remained quiet in the heat of the argument.

Renhao was baffled. "Trying Earth Kingdom citizens under our law? On their own soil? Have you gone stark, raving mad? That would spark the ire of the populace. It is clear our 'friends' in Ba Sing Se are just fine letting this group rampage through our cities. They do a fine job turning the attention of their own against us instead of their own problems. What do you think they will do then? We would be adding coal to the fire." A clamor of voices and shouts erupted from one side to the other.

Having had enough, Zuko rose from the throne. "Enough! We will do neither. Send word to the colonies: they will be allowed to train militias, ten soldiers for every thousand citizens. They will be immediately disbanded when the threat has passed. Regarding these terrorists, we will hand them over. I will write personally to the Earth King to see that they are tried accordingly. Write to the embassy now, and please recall Advisor Fang."

Renhao bowed. "As you wish, Your Majesty. There is some good news: we have begun to implement the new cultural education in our schools. I think you will be pleased with the result."

"Well, at least that's something. Is that all?" He received a smattering of tentative nods. "Until next time then. Keep me updated on the news from our embassy. This meeting is adjourned." He sighed, thankful that it was finally over. It was yet another problem brewing; and he felt like he was already getting used to it, as he was almost unbothered by it. Or at least, that's what he wanted to believe. He knew it would come back to haunt him before he slept; they always did. But, at least for now, his apparent indifference enabled him to focus on the letters again.

He headed back to his room; and as the guards opened the door for him. He was surprised to see that Mai was reading them as she lay in his bed. "Rough day at work?"

"How did you–"

She looked up, smirking. "How do you think? They let me in."

Zuko glared at the guards outside, who avoided his gaze. "Mai, you know it's for security reasons."

She waved the letters lazily as she placed them aside. "So, this is what's keeping you up at night, huh? Thought you'd tell me…"

He looked like he had sucked on a limon as he walked to her. "I wanted to… but I didn't want to burden you with it…"

She got up to meet him halfway. "You already are. Distracting yourself, psyching yourself out. At least, let me know what's turning you into a nervous recluse!"

He gesticulated awkwardly. "I am fine; I'm just worried."

Mai caught his hand. "There's a difference between worried and obsessed."

Zuko turned away. "Mai, you have no idea what I have to deal with every day. I think I'm handling it just fine."

She hugged him from behind. "I know I don't, but your actions say you're not. You're getting too caught up in it. I just think– Just give yourself a moment to do… nothing."

His mouth was open in confusion. "Nothing? Why would I–"

She smiled. "Yes, nothing. Just walk away from your desk and do nothing. Take a nap; actually taste your food; actually talk to me instead of worrying every second about Azula or some crisis a thousand miles away."

"But–"

Mai shushed him. "Zuko, I know you're being responsible, but you can be too responsible. The world isn't going to explode if the Fire Lord takes a two-hour break. I can't see you like this."

He sagged in defeat. "Okay, we'll do it your way then."

She looked up in thought for a moment. "When was the last time you visited the gardens?"

"Not in a while since it's an open space."

"Seriously? Let's go."

They strolled to the cherry tree by the pond, her hand in the crook of his arm. Mai smiled at him. "I'm guessing you've already memorized the theater scroll I got you."

Zuko cleared his throat. "Fairest flower in the green field, my heart to you I truly yield."

She laughed. "Really? You had to pick that part from the whole play? I like the part where the prince is murdered."

Zuko feigned offense. "What? But that's too tragic. Prince Aiko deserved better."

"Blame Gao." They laughed and settled into a comfortable silence for a few moments, breathing in the night air and staring at the moonlit pond.

Mai sighed, staring at the reflection of the moon. "Ty Lee loved this place; kinda feeling why now."

"Yeah, my mom, too. A place to just be." He heaved a sigh. "Everything felt easier back then."

"It really wasn't; we just didn't know." They remained silent, mesmerized by the moon, with her head resting on his shoulder. It had been a while since he felt at peace–

The tranquility of the moment was shattered as a guard ran up to them. "Fire Lord, an envoy has arrived from the Earth Kingdom. He says he brings urgent news from the Earth King. He's already at the palace, sir."

"Guess he couldn't have chosen a more inopportune moment. Fine, take me to him. I'll be back soon."

"Don't take too long." She smiled, and Zuko got up, following the guard inside. They reached one of the many rooms in the palace, where the envoy, dressed in fine clothes way too expensive for a common dignitary, waited sitting in a chair. On the table was a green box. A servant standing beside him held a covered tray in her arms. The man hadn't noticed his presence, for his thoughts appeared elsewhere. He only noticed him once he was a few feet away and was quick to bow deeply. "It is most considerate of you to receive me, Your Majesty."

Zuko gestured to him to rise up. Not wishing to waste any time, he cut to the heart of the matter. "I understand you bring an important message from the king."

"Well, yes, Your Majesty; and if I may, I have also brought you a gift that I know you will appreciate." The servant opened the tray to reveal an elaborate tea set. He recognized the symbols and letters carved in the wooden box: The Jasmine Dragon, an unexpected surprise.

"My uncle is doing well."

The man smiled. "That would be an understatement. His establishment has become a sensation in Ba Sing Se. The Earth King ordered this sent just for you. Would you do me the honor?"

The Fire Lord nodded.

"Thank you. The Earth King is very concerned about the current situation and has made it clear that he will see to it that this group pays for their crimes."

"I'm glad to hear that. I believe I ordered a message to be sent to him about it just today..."

"Well, he had already been analyzing the problem. You have nothing to worry about, Your Majesty."

The servants poured the water into their tea cups, and they picked them up.

"It's been a long time since I've smelled that scent."

"It is a special infusion just for you. Please do the honors."

As he took a sip of it, something felt off… way off. He spat out the tea, but some of it had slipped down his throat. It acted quickly, paralyzing his hands and his legs; and he fell, dropping the cup. One of the servants screamed as the envoy backed away into a corner.

Struggling to breathe, Zuko managed, "Wh– what is the meaning of this? Guards!" The guards broke into the room, half of them cornering the envoy, the other tending to him.

The envoy's eyes were manic. "I'm sorry; I had no choice." He gulped down his tea, convulsing to the floor. With his vision blurred, he could see the man's mouth foaming as he continued to twitch on the floor.

The doors of the room slammed open; Mai came running; and she knelt beside him. "Zuko! Call the royal physician now!"

"M-Mai…" His eyes locked on hers. She was crying.

She propped his head up, her hands cradling his face. "Just look at me. You're going to be fine."

He smiled weakly up at her whilst struggling to breathe.

"Hey, hey! Don't close your eyes– Zuko–" In panic, she turned to anyone, anyone who could– "Help!"

As he closed his eyes, he floated away. Confused, he opened them again, and he clutched his head dizzily as he walked down a dark corridor, the fire in his hands the only thing lighting his way. His footsteps echoed all around him. His clothes were all cracked, decayed. At the end, he saw a faint light coming from the opening of an iron door. When he opened it, he found Ozai in chains, his long greasy hair covering his face. He looked at him with disdain. His lips didn't move, but he could hear his voice echoing around the room. "Do you think being Fire Lord is easy?!

"The throne comes with many pressures, and those pressures will change you! But if you can stand the heat, you'll become something more. Of all the people in the world, I have the wisdom you need: the wisdom of experience! Be honest with yourself, Zuko. Do you really believe you can handle it all on your own? You'll be back; and I'll be here waiting for you, Son."

His father only stared at him in bored, knowing condescension.

He lunged at the cell bars separating them. "What do you want from me?! I'll never be like you, even if it costs me my life!"

He blinked, and his own face stared back from the stone floor. "Are you sure?" He fell on his back.

Laughter echoed from behind. "Soon, son; I'll be waiting."

In the blink of an eye, the room came crashing down; and he jolted up, opening his eyes. The sun shone brightly on his face. Mai hugged him tightly, he recoiled from the pain, and she let go. "Hey, you scared me half to death. You really owe that doctor a raise; it's already the second time he's saved your skin."

"Hey…" Zuko smiled faintly.

The doctor walked towards him. "Actually, you're lucky your attacker used a very common poison; otherwise, I don't know if we could have come up with an antidote in time. Can't say the same about him… I tried to save him too, but the damage had already been done." The man looked down, ashamed.

"Thank you, Doctor; I have just a few more things to finish." He tried to get up, but he winced in pain, falling back to the bed.

"To be blunt, Your Majesty, an attempted assassination is a perfect excuse not to work. Even if you were perfectly fine, which you are not, you would still need time to get over the shock. Now, let your body rest."

He tried his best to comply, for he knew it was for his health. But it hadn't sunk in for him yet that he had barely escaped death again, for he was far more disturbed by his dream. The voice of his father was still dancing in the back of his mind.

"I'll be waiting."