Book I, Act VIII: Daydreams of the Future and Nightmares of the Past, Chapter III

Edited by: Bieverdog AO3: GalavantingGoose

Book I, Imbalance

Act VIII: Daydreams of the Future and Nightmares of the Past

Music: Kyne's Peace - The Elder Scrolls V OST

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSujx7MNhyQ

Chapter III

He was sitting looking at the desolate mountains. Perhaps the scenery would have been more impressive had it not been for the soldiers surrounding him. He had long needed a break from the capital, and what better opportunity than to inspect the new villages that had been settled by the colonists. He had somewhat forced his ministers to travel with him, so they could all be in touch with reality when making their decisions. That's what he wanted to believe. In reality, he was constantly afraid of what treachery they could conceive behind his back. He had told Mai that he would be back soon, but now he already expected her to scold him when he was back in the capital.

But at least for now, he could think better without being confined to the palace walls or suffocated by the crowds of the big city. Instead, the calm breeze of that mountain village made him forget his problems and think of those times when his only concern was to capture the avatar. Yes, he had been frustrated once or twice, but he would choose that in a heartbeat over his current woes.

The locals had been very kind, perhaps too kind. He had heard from the soldiers that some of the peasants had come to see the Fire Lord as an immortal spirit, and they revered him as such. It was the cult that his ancestors had engendered, no doubt a ploy to further increase the influence and power of the office over the people. They were as human as everyone else, prone to make mistakes; so, their title shouldn't have been a shield against righteousness. He felt sorry for those people; but if all went well, at least his grandchildren would not have to live with the same ideals.

He looked to his left to see Minister Lee absorbed in a list. The man checked it, adjusting his glasses, before approaching. The minister bowed, and his eyes went back to the list. "We have accounted for around one thousand colonists here. They should mix well with the local population–similar trades with opportunities available in town. I've made sure some aid was provided for the building materials. I believe we should be done here."

He nodded. "Good. Let's move on to the next one, then."

The man stood there for a moment as if trying to gather his words and put away the list. "Fire Lord, forgive me; but isn't this task better suited to the magistrates from the region? We should be dealing with more important matters regarding the benefit of the nation."

He waved it off. "As I said before, Minister Lee, this will help us all gain better insight into our choices. How are we to decide on such 'important matters' if we are not familiar to those who will be impacted the most by those decisions?"

"It's a fair point, Your Majesty, but that's what the magistrates are for. They inform the governors, who, in turn, inform us so we can get the larger picture and, thus, make the best decisions."

"I am aware of the flow of information. But there's nothing better than experiencing it yourself, is it not? Rather than looking at numbers on a scroll, you get to see it play out."

The man's eyes drifted to his surroundings, noticeably displeased. "I suppose it gives a… different perspective, a welcome one; but we shouldn't linger for so long. Matters of state are not forgiving when it comes to time, as you must surely be aware."

"I like to have many different perspectives before coming to a decision. Within reason, of course. I'll get around to other things; but right now, my main priority is getting the colonists back to our country."

Lee bowed, adjusting his glasses again. "Of course, Your Highness. If you'll excuse me, I may have to assist with the cattle head count…"

"Alright then; you are dismissed."

Partly, he smiled inside. Those people had lived all their lives in the Capital, far away from farms and peasants. It was easy to get lost in the splendor of the city; to forget the pillars on which they stood. Now forced to be there themselves, he had to admit some took their job more diligently; but most simply could not be bothered by such "petty village squabbles". It amused him to see how they walked with disdain and arrogance around the villagers just to splatter themselves by stepping in a mud puddle. He had been in the same situation before, and living that way had helped him improve his view of the world. Perhaps it could do the same for them, though he had no high expectations.

Renhao approached his tent carefully, clenching her hands as she stood before him. She made a reverence then laced her fingers. "Your Highness… there isn't much for me to oversee here in terms of trade. I did speak to a trader familiar with the area. He has made the crop projections for next year. Based on his advice and some of my other research, I think this area would be better suited for teosinte-buckwheat."

"It's good to hear, Minister Renhao."

"Thank you. I'd like to believe this isn't some sort of retaliation for what happened, and I hope I'm not overstepping my boundaries when I say it would be unwise to leave the nation unattended to exact revenge for such a trivial matter."

"Who said such a thing? Why no, this will help ground our perspectives."

Renhao scoffed. "Forgive me, your Majesty; but haven't we had enough grounding?"

"Based on what I've seen, not nearly enough."

He walked away from her with his hands behind his back. He had not yet thought of going back. Rather, he was intent on going forward to the next town and so on; maybe even make it as far as Jin Lin; even see Azula. It was high time he did. Perhaps he could tell Mai. But then again, she had always made clear to him how she didn't want to see her; how Azula would try to shower them with apologies just so she could be set free to do as she pleased.

He sighed. It was Azula they were talking about; it was possible. Yet, at least, some part of him held on to the hope that she was actually doing better, maybe even feeling better, as stupid as it sounded. But he couldn't help but feel skeptical about her change of heart.

"A dispatch has just arrived, Your Highness." The courier handed him two letters, one with a military seal, the other from the embassy. He mentally steeled himself, took them back to his tent, merely a repurposed military one but with enough amenities to make himself home in the middle of nowhere. There was room for a single bed with furs, a large table with a spread-out map of the Fire Nation, a small, regal chair and two small ones facing it; and a small bathroom. The last feature was simply a hole in the ground covered with a fine, red blanket, as if that made it more luxurious. He placed one letter on the table and broke the seal of the embassy's letter.

For His Majesty's eyes only:

You will be pleased with this news, Your Majesty: The trial of the Yanshi has borne fruit. First of all, I thank you for your support. I know that my decision to stay here longer has been highly irregular, but it has not been in vain. After I managed to convince the judge that the sentence be reduced if any information was provided, I was able to negotiate with the prisoner. The Yanshi pointed out many of his accomplices. This has led to many arrests in the city; and mainly, we have confiscated piles of unregistered weapons.

We have prevented a massacre. Whatever they had on their hands, we will find out; but for now, one thing is certain: this blow must have crippled their plans. They'll be unable to target our citizens in Ba Sing Se for the time being, but it's still unclear whether they have any presence in another city. But time is of the essence, and we must take initiative to finish them off before they have a chance to regroup or retaliate.

I suggest we offer our aid to the Earth King in hunting down these terrorists–a joint task force. It would ensure that the matter is put to rest whilst gaining valuable contacts and information on the Earth Kingdom army leadership. Not to mention it could be helpful to improve our standing here.

I await your orders. If you decide this is the best course of action, I could use some recommendations.

Your loyal servant, Imperial Secretary Fang

At least, that was some good news. Fang had proven to be useful after all. He'd need to contact the Earth King soon, make sure they ended the menace for once and for all. He only hoped they would do a decent job with it, for it wouldn't be long before they ran out of ways to make the Earth Kingdom more cooperative.

Their new expenses had proven hefty; so, they wouldn't be able to bail them out again without some hurting of their own. But so far, he tried to celebrate it as a victory, nonetheless. It felt refreshing for a change. Mai'd be proud. Though he'd need people he could trust inside the Earth Kingdom, for loyal subjects weren't exactly in high supply as of late. He placed the opened letter on the desk, unwrapping the next one. It looked like it was written in a rush, for it was not even on the standard paper, just a scribbled scrap wrapped up and sealed.

Fire Lord, I have been able to check the state of the princess again in person. The reaction was the same as last time. She was polite; but the interaction was brief, and again she claimed to be indisposed. I followed the traces of the damage caused by the fire; and I'm convinced it was generated from within the compound, which would check out with what I've been told. Though, I find it hard to believe that fireworks caused such a disaster. I have been trying to find any of the eyewitnesses, but it has become increasingly difficult to find one amongst all the new personnel. Besides, most direct me to Director Tsume or another superior for questions.

I have also noticed a drastic increase in security. It has already been high since my last visit; but now I'm certain it has doubled. Tsume tells me that it is because of some bandits who prowl the forests, but I have not seen signs of anyone. At this point, I think there are more guards than patients. I cannot discard his reason as a possibility since the institution is surrounded by nothing but wilderness and the nearest town is a good sixty lis away. However, I have my doubts. The institution seems a reasonable target, but the walls and a handful of guards would be more than enough of a deterrent.

Fire Lord, I'm quite certain that my investigations have not gone unsuspected; so, I apologize for the condition you might find this letter in.

Unless you object, I'll look into it further.

Your loyal servant, Colonel Mak.

He put the letter down and supported himself with the desk. He realized he had a choice to make. There weren't many people he could trust to undergo a military operation. Mak had failed, but he always remained loyal. Even when the army rioted when they hadn't received their payments, he had remained by his side. Who else was he going to send to command the operation? His uncle? He probably wouldn't agree in the first place, but he knew that only he could keep the peace.

Kuei had lost his grip again, and their government was without a head, going after the shortsighted interests of a few whilst their people were overlooked. Now pushed to blame the Fire Nation for their misfortunes, their leaders could easily spark another war. Even optimistically, it would claim many innocent lives. He had no choice, needed Mak now; so, he'd have to send someone else in his stead to keep investigating the situation at the asylum. Once the whole Yanshi deal blew over, he would inspect Azula's condition himself.

He threw the letters away in anger and walked out, telling his guards to call his ministers for a meeting as he sat on his mock throne and waited, preparing his words.

Renhao peered through the tent door first with a surprised look on her face, and she sat down. "Fire Lord, you've called on us?" Closely behind her entered the others. Hiyori quickly sat down. The other ministers crowded into the formerly spacious tent, standing around him in a semicircle, all waiting for him to speak.

"I know this isn't our usual way of conducting a meeting, but given the circumstances… I've just received word from Imperial Secretary Fang; he made a suggestion I think we should look into. The Earth Kingdom authorities have seized a large stash of weapons from the Yanshi; and now, most are still on the run. Fang believes we should pursue them now and finish them off. He suggested we offer to work side by side with them to bring the remaining members to justice."

"That's great news, Your Majesty; but I think we should let the Earth Kingdom authorities deal with the clean-up. I don't think it's a good idea to lend any military aid. It wouldn't be appreciated, not now–"

Zuko slightly raised his voice. "I don't agree; quite the contrary in fact. I believe this is a prime opportunity to not only rid ourselves of this problem for good, given the inability the Earth Kingdom authorities have shown, but also to better assess any developments in their armed forces lately. We get two birds with one stone."

Hiyori looked confused. "But… Fire Lord, why would we need to assess their military capabilities? We're not at war nor plan to be… Our relations are strained, yes, but still somewhat cordial."

"And they will remain so, and continue improving, but having information about them has proven to be extremely valuable. The reason why you're here is that we have to select capable personnel for this task. We need people who are discrete, efficient." They muttered with themselves, then there was a short silence.

Lee walked closer. "Wouldn't it be best if you consulted with the military staff, Your Majesty?"

His eyes went straight to War Minister Qin. "Minister Qin, you are well acquainted with them. Do you have any suggestions?"

Qin was surprised he had addressed him. "I am. I'm sure I'd be able to provide some names."

He stood up. "Good. Today I'm recalling Colonel Mak to lead this operation. Prepare a letter for the Earth King." He could see some doubted him; but nevertheless, they nodded and did as instructed. Kuei couldn't refuse; they had helped too much already. Even his own ministers would realize that. Besides, they would operate together. There was no way they could deny it; the plan was foolproof. Only one problem remained–Azula.