Book I, Act IX: Burning Bridges, Chapter I

Edited by: Bieverdog AO3: GalavantingGoose

Book I, Imbalance

Act IX: Burning Bridges

Music: Nocturne of Amestris -FMAB OST https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ap2hT1VmYI&list=PLAC7C6367B6B22EC4&index=1 / Interlude - FMAB OST https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0Gb6u_dA7o&list=PLAC7C6367B6B22EC4&index=23

Chapter I

Hello, Uncle

How is everything? Are you selling much tea? You've probably noticed I haven't been in contact lately. I'm sorry for that. Things haven't been going very well here; but I'm working on it every day. You should see how many things have changed. You're welcome to come back home whenever you want; I wouldn't mind if you stayed.

If you don't end up coming, I'll probably go to Ba Sing Se to see you. I haven't done so yet because I'm waiting for things to cool down, you've probably heard about these Yanshi terrorists going about. I've been told the threat has passed in the city, but prevention is better than a cure.

I usually find myself thinking of you; thinking what you would do in my place. It helps me a lot–

"This is stupid." Zuko tossed the brush against the wall, crossing his arms.

"I did say it worked for me; you are another thing entirely, Zuko."

"I'll never be able to send him a letter at this rate." Zuko clutched his head in frustration.

"You'll find the time; don't be so fussy about it."

"Oh, you're one to talk about fussy."

Mai laughed. "Trust me; you don't want to get me started now. Just leave it there…So, are you going to the Earth Kingdom?"

"I don't know yet. Might not be safe… Mak told me they are still scrambling to find small Yanshi cells across the country. They are on the run; but who knows? What do you think?"

"If you have to, you should, but what for?"

"Well… I've been doing my best to help with the operation. I'm already involved; might as well make it official and join them at least for a day."

"Zuko, you're the Fire Lord. You can send someone else, and it would be the same."

"Not for me."

She sighed. "Then do whatever you want."

He got up; he wouldn't want to be late for a meeting he had scheduled. "Got to go, see you for dinner?" Mai nodded disinterestedly, and he left.

The palace had become an enclave for him, separated from the whole world. In part, he saw it as stupidity, but the threats against his life could not be ignored. At least, he got used to seeing the same faces around the palace; but the halls had become deathly silent when once they had been full of life. But it was not the time to dwell on it; he had somewhere to be after all. He went to the throne room, the attendants calling out his name once again. A stylized map of the nation and the colonies had been laid out across the room like a carpet.

Zuko walked towards the map. Slowly but surely, the tiles that marked Fire Nation colonies had been removed. He looked at the northern territories nearest to the Western Air Temple. The absence of any marker told him they were almost completely vacated. Aang had told him they'd already left for the Earth Kingdom proper. Even though not many tiles remained there, he knew it would be some time until he saw any sort of progress again.

Most of the older colonies had been stubbornly delaying the process, citing the need for time to adapt and prepare their populations. Certainly, emptying a big city was nothing short of a logistical nightmare, not to mention the issue of repopulation. The home islands were only so large. Too few areas were prepared for such a sudden influx of people. It didn't help that they were working against the clock.

They were nearing almost one year since he had struck his deal with the Earth King, and it had begun to seem increasingly one-sided in favor of Kuei in terms of benefits, responsibilities– He could go on. Initially, he didn't think much of it; but now, they were the ones being pressured to deliver without exception.

"Your Majesty…" Fang walked over to him.

"Yes?"

"Would you like an overall report?" Zuko nodded.

"The northern isles have been evacuated completely. There's only residual military personnel collecting whatever they can find that is of use or might have been overlooked. Regarding their settlement on the mainland, it has been so far successful. Many still have trouble trying to adapt to their new trades, but that was to be expected. We're still within our estimated range."

"Good. Make sure they get whatever they need and let me know whenever we can schedule a visit."

"Oh, I'm afraid that won't be possible at the moment, Your Majesty. Someone could be sent in your stead; that would be most advisable."

"It's been a week already."

"Yes, and the attempt was foiled before it could even begin because of our operations in the Earth Kingdom. If it weren't for that, you could have been wounded or worse. Here, you're protected by the palace guard and walls; out there, any Yanshi terrorist could be hiding amongst our own, waiting to strike. So, as of now, you cannot take such a risk."

"You've said it yourself: the attack was foiled because of our knowledge of those cells. I'm sure we can do that again."

"Not quite, Fire Lord. You see, the Earth Kingdom, thanks to our continuous prodding and our insistence in a joint operation, has cracked down on most Yanshi cells, which means they are disjointed and on the run. We won't be able to know if one of their agents is in the country since they're likely operating on their own. Since they are now decentralized, I'm afraid there's no way to cut the head off the two-headed rattle-viper, so to speak. Please heed our concern, Colonel Mak suggested your chambers be moved to the top of the central tower. It is the safest room in the palace, just as an extra precaution."

"Very well, but I won't remain there longer than necessary. Once the terrorists are dealt with abroad, I'll visit the settlements."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. There– there is also another matter we should discuss, but in private." Zuko raised an eyebrow but didn't think much of it. After an extensive tax report, he walked with Fang through the palace to the same room where Renhao had taken him earlier to play Pai Sho.

The secretary closed the doors, checking if there was someone in the hallway first. "I'm sorry for the suspense, Your Majesty."

Zuko squinted his eyes. "What is it, Fang?"

"Well, you see, it is no secret you are currently dating Lady Mai; and as Fire Lord, one of your duties is also that of ensuring succession. Namely, you haven't designated an heir, nor are you trying to procure one. As your foremost advisor, it is my duty to let you know that it is destabilizing and usually makes the court nervous. "

He blushed and loosened his collar. "It happens when it happens. I'm not going to force our relationship for that."

"I respect your decision. You are still young, Fire Lord, but you must know that unless the matter is settled, there will be infighting amongst the nobles about who would deserve the privilege, not to mention betrothal offers… "

"So, you're also asking me to marry her?"

Fang nodded. "It would settle half of the problems… and send the signal that you're working on it–"

"Stop. Just… I have to think this through. Was that your only concern?"

"I believe so. I only have one other thing to mention." He waved him to continue. "It's about the good Colonel. He has done excellent work in the Earth Kingdom. I suggest that he be given a greater role in our efforts there."

Zuko looked at him askance. "Wouldn't it be a little early for a promotion? Surely, an award would do."

"In a normal military career, yes, but his work has been outstanding. He is a great asset, Your Majesty, and most importantly, one very loyal to you. It is one thing to have a Colonel as an ally and another to have a general leading your war council."

Zuko widened his eyes, he couldn't believe he was suggesting that. "An Imperial General?! He would be skipping the line.

"And? You are the Fire Lord. There is no line; there is only what you see fit."

"I may name him, yes; but the higher ranks in the military will want my head on a spike. It isn't our tradition… Senior generals get that privilege after decades of service. Not even my father challenged that law."

Fang held up a finger. "Well, back then, the military had more influence because we were in the middle of the war. Now they are in the middle of demobilization; so they do not have enough leverage to challenge your decision. Besides, any rough edges could be smoothed over with some generous early retirement offers."

"Are you suggesting bribery?"

"Not at all. I'm merely suggesting we thank our oldest generals for their accomplishments in the war. With so many decades of work, they are deserving of a good retirement."

The Fire Lord held his chin, pacing a bit. "Then this would open a bunch of positions. Are you suggesting I clear out the old guard? Replace them?"

"Precisely. In case you haven't noticed, they are the ones who have given you the most trouble; the ones who fully oppose your decisions. It would only fit your goals that the military gets… renewed by young talent. The newly promoted General Mak would make it to the lists without a hitch."

"That sounds reasonable. For now, I'll consider Mak's promotion and the retirement offers. If that goes well, I will push their discharge dates forward."

"That's wise of you, Your Majesty. Please, I would advise we keep this between us. You wouldn't want to rattle the cricket-hornet's nest before they are put to sleep."