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Kiss of Fire	By : Spleef Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > General Views: 75165 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Kiss of Fire
Chapter 29 – Welcome to Fire Nation
This chapter is set about a month after the events of the last one. It is about early August, by our calendar. There are a few more chapters planned for this story arc, before I move on to the final arc.
I’m glad some of you liked me posting my research in the last chapter. I have to admit, I’m a bit of a history-phile. History was one of my two minors in college. It’s not so much the dates and who ruled and which country won in wars that interests me, it is the culture and the folk tales and traditions that interest me. :3
Here’s a bit more history that I stumbled across! I was wondering what Piandao’s name meant, so I Googled it. Here is the Wikipedia article (which is sadly very short)‘The piandao was a type of Chinese sabre (dao) used during the late Ming Dynasty. A deeply curved dao meant for slashing and draw-cutting, it bore a strong resemblance to the shamshir and scimitar. A fairly uncommon weapon, it was generally used by skirmishers in conjunction with a shield.’
The name of the Dai Li who police Ba Sing Se is no mere coincidence. According to the (General) Dai Li Wikipedia article, ‘As the Chief of the Kuomintang (KMT) Army in China, Dai Li helped to develop China's Bureau of Investigation and Statistics. The benign title of the department belied the true nature of its secret police work, making Dai one of the most feared men in China, and earning him the nickname "the Beria of China". Dai was also the head of the Blue Shirts Society, a fascist organization that did security and intelligence work for Chiang Kai-shek. His agents were very successful at penetrating the Chinese Communist and Imperial Japanese puppet organizations.’ I find it fascinating that his name was used for Long Feng’s secret police, and that Long Feng himself is modeled after General Dai Li. From what is inferred on the show, and from Dai Li’s own article, both men came from humble beginnings to great positions of power under their leaders respectively.
Also, ‘They appear to be modeled after the government agents of Qing Dynasty China, generally known as the Dai Li (in Cantonese) (Chinese:大内; Pinyin: dà nèi)-- which literally means "Greater-Inner", and refers to those who serve in the Greater Inner Sanctum of the Forbidden City.’ (From the Wikipedia article on the Dai Li) This would also explain the Dai Li’s position to keep ‘rabble’ out of Upper and Middle Ba Sing Se, and make sure that news of the war doesn’t go beyond the Lower. How interesting that the Dai Li should be named after two things!
Adi is Hebrew for ‘jewel’ and I felt that that name was most appropriate for the upcoming character with the same name, as jewels come from the earth.
… Yeah. I’m a total nerd. :3 As always, please enjoy, and please review to show your appreciation of what you have just enjoyed!
o0o0o0o
Mid-Summer, 19 ASC (Early August, 1120)
Katara
We made it back to Sozun without any further trouble. Never had I thought I would be so happy to see the island as Zuko’s ship approached it. The year before, I had been terrified of setting foot on my husband’s land, and now I welcomed the sight before me.
On the largest lake within the volcano was set a temporary prison, made of wood, so that Enki and his men were unable to bend Earth. The structure in the middle of the lake wasn’t a pretty sight, on top of being a reminder of what had happened to us, but it was at least temporary and once Enki’s fate was decided, the lake would return to its pristine beauty. A full-on investigation was already underway when we arrived in the Palace, with several of Zuko’s most trusted men conducting it. My husband soon enough got the answers he desired, but the punishment of those involved did not yet come, though these people were kept under surveillance to make sure they committed no further wrongdoing.
My husband talked about the investigation with me when I asked questions, and he answered them frankly. I was shocked to hear a couple of names, but fortunately, the overall conspiracy involved just a few people from Fire Nation itself, and several more people that they had paid for this or that. Zuko assured me that when the time was right, his full wrath would fall on these people. For now, let them think that they had gotten away with it and that Enki was thought to be entirely responsible for the kidnapping. It would make their punishment all the more swift and just.
After I had settled back into the Palace, I shut myself away from Court. I no longer accepted invitations for lunch or tea, nor did I host any of my own.
Part of that reason was for my own safety, but also so I didn’t have to put up with the questioning of ladies about what happened with Enki. I detested the idea of even thinking about that loathsome man, much less coming under questioning from ladies who would, no matter how I answered their questions, see some scandal in what I had done. These ladies thrived on gossip, and usually at tea, I just sat and listened, without contributing any of my own. The last thing I needed was for my virtue to be slandered, especially by some of the more vicious women like Lady Hau, although I knew she was already doing that behind my back.
Poor Kuzon had nightmares after we got back home. During the day he was well-behaved and well-adjusted, acting like a proper Prince the times he sat in Court or at one of his father’s meetings, or during his lessons. But at night, the memories of his confinement on Enki’s ship hounded him and he would wake up, screaming and crying for me. His nurse did the best she could to comfort him and soothe him, but the nightmares of a child who has been through a traumatic experience are not as easy to dispel as imaginary monsters under the bed.
Finally, over a month after the attempted kidnapping, the summit was about to get underway. Letters had been sent out to all the leaders of the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes, and replies had been sent. Already, a few leaders or their representatives had arrived over the last couple of days, and the rest would come within the next week. This summit would decide Enki’s fate, and the fate of Omashu.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
I smiled to myself gently as I watched my wife sleep, cuddled with me atop the blue sheets on her bedt. It was almost dawn, and the sky was several shades lighter than inky black-blue, but I was in no rush to get out of bed. Katara’s arm was draped over my middle, her body against mine as I shared my warmth with her. I stared up at the soft dark-blue canopy that hung over my wife's bed, finding the color soothing.
I was not looking forward to the summit and the trial of Enki, but at least it would be over soon enough. I had all the information and evidence I needed, and my word was law. Everyone would see just how terrible my wrath would be when I was truly provoked. Once I passed down my judgment, it should serve as an example to anyone else that should try to oppose me or disrupt the peace that I and many others had worked so hard to achieve – whether that person be Fire Nation or Earth Kingdom.
After a while, I rose to get out of bed to do my morning stretching. I needed to get dressed, eat breakfast, and meet with my advisers and then meet with the people that had already come here, and greet the ones that would be coming today. Today would be a very long day, indeed.
My wife murmured and stirred as I moved away, and I felt her arm tighten around my middle. I could not help but smile a little at that.
“Don’t go, my lord. Stay with me, please.” she cooed softly. Oh, Agni. How I was so tempted to take her up on that offer. Most days I would gladly have, as a morning cuddle felt nice and might lead to more, and I certainly never objected to that.
“I want to, believe me.” I murmured, as she wiggled closer, tempting me with her soft and warm body. “But today’s going to be a very busy day. I have to get ready… the meeting is an hour after dawn. And you need to get ready too, to greet our guests.”
A soft groan was her response, and she squeezed me tightly for a moment before letting go. I leaned down to press a kiss to her temple before I climbed out of the bed.
o0o0o0o
Katara
I watched for several moments with sleepy eyes as he did his stretching, appreciating his well-maintained body before I closed my eyes, catching some more sleep.
When I opened my eyes, the sun was up, though it was still quite early. My husband had been gone for maybe an hour, and Hinode was at my bedside, nudging my shoulder gently with her hand. I murmured softly and rose, using the washroom before I dressed quickly in a comfortable shirt and trousers with a robe over it.
Kuzon was half-awake when I came to his apartment, staring ahead groggily as his nurse sat at his side. She looked up at me and shook her head slowly. I held back a sigh and sat on the bed, reaching up to stroke Kuzon’s hair. Neomi’s head shake meant that Kuzon had had another nightmare. They were happening less frequently now, but that didn’t make it much better. As soon as Kuzon noticed me, he became a bit more alert and sat up, holding out his arms for me. I smiled and let him snuggle close as soon as I was seated, wrapping my arms around him tightly.
“Didn’t sleep so well, did you?” I asked gently. He shook his head and buried his face against my chest. I stroked his hair gently, swaying my body slightly to comfort him.
“You’re safe here, you know that.” I murmured gently as I rubbed his back.
“The nightmares feel so real, Mama.” Kuzon whispered. I couldn’t fault him for that. When I was in a dream, that dream was real to me. Only upon waking did I realize that it had been a figment of my imagination. But it was worse for him because of what had happened on Enki’s ship. I could just throttle Enki without any remorse for what he had done.
Later that day, Kuzon and I were outside in our full court regalia, waiting for the next dignitary who would be part of the summit. Most of others had already arrived, including the King of Ba Sing Se’s eldest son, who was about fourteen or fifteen years of age. He had come with a several older men as his advisers, and his own retinue of Dai Li guards. From what I understood, his father was not feeling well, his health had been somewhat frail in the last few years. There was also the son of Chief Arnook of the Northern Water Tribe, along with the boy’s uncle as his adviser, and three women from Kyoshi, among others.
The portal through the wall opened, and several guards, clearly Earthbenders, clad in green and white, entered with a sedan that bore the crest of the flying boar in gold against a green background. I had never met Toph Beifong, but I knew she was one of Zuko’s biggest supporters, and a powerful woman in her own right. My husband stood at my side, his chin raised and his shoulders squared back, his hands folded in front of him neatly. I stood quietly, my arms relaxed, my hands clasped and obscured by the sleeves of my robe.
The sedan was lowered, and the leader of the Beifong guard bowed to us, announcing Lady Beifong’s arrival. The Fire Lord nodded and bade for him to rise.
The woman who stepped out of the sedan was a far cry from what Zuko had told me of this woman who wasn’t afraid of getting dirty. Her hair was swept up in an elegant coil with pale yellow and white flowers dotting it tastefully, and her robe was of green and white silk. Her step was steady and sure. Some might say she walked like a man, and that was the first sign that her fancy clothing was not an indication of her true nature. The ladies of the Fire Nation walked carefully, having been taught to have graceful little steps. Lady Beifong’s steps were anything but, and she had not even taken any assistance in climbing out of the sedan, whereas I always took a steadying hand when I was climbing in and out of a vehicle. Was this woman really blind?
I was silent as another person emerged from the sedan. It looked like a miniature version of Lady Beifong herself, with pale skin and black hair. She looked to be perhaps ten years of age, and she took a step behind the older woman. Both of them bowed to the Fire Lord, and Zuko inclined his head. The two of them exchanged the proper greetings and pleasantries. Several of the Beifong guards were led into the Palace by our servants, to get Lady Beifong’s rooms ready for her. Zuko waved away several more guards, and raised his hand in a gesture that I knew to mean to prepare food and tea.
“I see you brought along your daughter.” the Fire Lord stated calmly, after several moments of silence.
“I felt that she was old enough to accompany me, and that this trip would be a valuable lesson for her.” Lady Beifong stated, her voice soft but firm. So that’s who the girl was. I wondered who her father was, for I didn’t remember Zuko ever telling me that Toph Beifong was married.
“Would you like some tea and refreshments?” my husband asked. Lady Beifong nodded briskly.
Usually, the Fire Lord didn’t share a private meal with every one of the people who came to the summit, but I understood that he and Lady Beifong had been good friends since before the War ended, and had worked together with the Avatar. We sat in one of the lower rooms that opened onto one of the gardens, and I took the chance to study her and her daughter more closely. Her daughter looked very much like her mother, except that her eyes were clear, a warm shade of green like the grass in summer, unlike her mother’s cloudy eyes. She caught my glance and stared right back unabashedly. Had this girl’s mother been a Court lady, she would have been scolded for such impertinence to the Fire Lady.
“Adi read the letter to me.” Lady Beifong stated conversationally, as she took a sip of her tea. “I found Enki’s behavior appalling. One would think he was raised by hog-monkeys.”
Zuko laughed a little at this. Apparently, he was familiar with this woman’s straightforward attitude… even expected it.
“So, what do you have in mind for him?” she continued.
“That remains to be seen, though I do have quite a few ideas.”
“Will you throw in an ass-whipping from me?” Lady Beifong asked with a smirk. I heard my husband give out a short chuckle before he took a sip of his tea.
“Okay, let’s set that aside for later.” she added, waving her hand through the air dismissively. “I heard that you had gotten married, and I knew that I had to see it with my own eyes. Well, you know what I mean.”
She turned her face towards me, her eyes unfocused.
“You’ve not said anything since we exchanged greetings. Doesn’t your husband allow you to speak?”
I found myself put on the spot, and glanced at my husband with uncertainty. He sat stiffly, and gave me a brief nod.
“Ah, he gives you permission to speak!” Lady Beifong said with a small clap of her hands. How the hell did she know about Zuko’s nod?
“I… no. He doesn’t give me permission!” I said with a bit of a fluster. “I just thought it best to simply let the two of you talk, since I know you’re… old friends. I’m not one to interfere with my husband’s business.”
Why did Lady Beifong feel so familiar to me? I had never met anyone of the Beifong clan, much less this woman. Her straightforward manner, her bold comments… it seemed natural for her.
“How polite of you.” Lady Beifong replied dryly. I set my jaw, saying nothing as I took a sip of my soup.
My husband and Toph Beifong talked a little more, discussing what had gone on in their lives and such. Though her father was technically the head of the Beifong clan, I quickly got the impression that Toph was her own boss, and that was why she was here instead of her father. She spoke briefly about her daughter, and my husband was just as brief about himself and his family. They might have been old friends, but they were none too close, time and distance setting them apart.
When the meal was finished, Zuko rose to his feet.
“I have a meeting to attend to with my advisers. You’re free to walk through the grounds, or go to your apartments and rest. The same goes for your daughter. I’ll see you two at dinner.” My husband inclined his head to her slightly. She bowed back.
“Kuzon, you are to observe the meeting. Come.” Zuko stated. Kuzon hastened to his feet and bowed to me, before inclining his head to the Beifongs. Thus, I was left with Toph and her daughter. The other delegates that had already arrived were comfortable here, given appropriate apartments and given leave to roam the gardens and other public areas at will. I had already met each and every one of them personally, greeting and welcoming them here and taking the time to ‘read’ them, understanding them better. As far as I knew, there was only one delegation left to arrive.
“I hope you enjoy your stay here, Lady Beifong. If you need anything, all you have to do is ask a servant or guard.” I said with a bow of my head before I rose from my seat.
“You mean you’re just going abandon me to let me wander on my own?” she asked with a slightly horrified tone. I paused in my steps and turned back to her.
Ging Lei and I were responsible for the accommodations, making sure that everyone had a pleasant and restful stay here. I had asked the kitchens to cook Earth Kingdom and Water Tribe foods along with the usual Fire Nation fare, so that all our guests would be comfortable. They were welcome to wander through the gardens or sit by the ponds. The night before, a group of actors had been brought to the Palace to perform a play for those who had already arrived, and more entertainment was planned for an after-dinner treat. No one could fault Zuko on his hospitality. Even though our guests were here for a trial, that didn’t mean that their stay couldn’t be enjoyable.
Her deadpan stare told me that she had meant the statement in sarcasm. Her attitude truly was rubbing me the wrong way. Why did she think she had to be so confrontational with me?
‘No, I don’t mean to be rude to you. I simply thought you’d want some time alone, to rest or take a walk and stretch your legs. Your daughter, too.”
“How considerate of you.” Lady Beifong replied with a note of sarcasm in her tone. I held back a frown and tuned away. Had she been like this while she was traveling with my husband and the Avatar?
“How considerate of me.” I replied in the same tone as she used. I couldn’t help but feel defensive around her and her attitude.
“I’ll see you at dinner.” I added before I quickly left the room.
o0o0o0o
Zuko
Dinner had gone on well. We had eaten in the banquet hall, with all of the delegates and representatives at the table but for one group. I wasn’t sure whether the Omashu representatives were intentionally late, or something had happened. Either way, the trial would proceed, whether they were here or not.
I had ordered the actors to perform something that all of us could enjoy. There were many fairy tales and legends that all nations shared, with just a few variations, and the troupe had chosen something appropriate from such a category, with some surprises and modifications. The guests were suitably amused.
Though I would not be a poor host, I was eager for the summit to be over. I didn’t like the knowledge that Enki was being held prisoner here, in the Palace City. I wanted him out of here, and out of my life. My son had nightmares because of what he had done, and my wife had withdrawn from social life at Court. And the people in Fire Nation who had aided Enki in what he had done thought they had gotten away from it, since I had taken no action against them. Yet. It almost seemed as if I was the only one who wished to avoid another war, though I knew that there were countless people who enjoyed the peace.
I felt a gentle hand on the sleeve of my robe.
“My lord, you seem troubled.” Katara whispered softly, her eyes remaining on the entertainment. I let out the barest of sighs, not having realized that I had been frowning slightly.
“My thoughts are heavy.” I murmured, taking reassurance in the light touch on my arm.
“Some tea or wine?” she asked. Wine would dull my senses, so I made a hand gesture to the tea. A servant hastened to pour some for me before she retreated. I put a smile on my face as some of the others laughed at an amusing part of the play.
My wife sat at my side, the perfect picture of refinement and propriety. She drew her hand from my arm and placed it in her silk-clad lap on top of her other hand. Her hair was done up in a style similar to what my mother often wore, and she had on a tasteful amount of ornamentation, her body wrapped in rich red and black silk. How different she looked from many years ago, when she would be clad in rough Water Tribe clothing, her hair pulled back in a thick braid. I allowed myself to gaze at her for several long moments, feeling the same love for her as I always had only it now ran deeper.
I gazed around casually at the others who were here. It was not hard to do, as my seat was the highest. Everyone seemed relaxed and amused, as if they had all come here simply for a party, rather than a far more serious reason. I couldn’t wait to retire to bed, and had to stifle a yawn.
Finally, the play ended. I heard thanks being given to me, and gracious farewells. I nodded and returned the proper courtesies, my wife doing the same and giving everyone a pleasant good night. Toph was the last to do so, patiently sitting with her daughter and taking a last treat to nibble on while the rest of the guests exchanged words with me. When everyone else had retired, she approached me, her daughter at her side. It was almost comical to think that the twelve-year-old girl who enjoyed playing in dirt and didn’t like wearing dresses was now an attractive woman dressed in dark green silk.
Of course, the same could be said about a certain Waterbender of no noble blood who had once been my enemy, and was now clad in the finest red silk at my side. How time could change people so much – for the better or for the worse was something that only hindsight made clear.
“Good night, Lady Beifong. Have a restful and calming sleep.”
“You too, Fire Lord Zuko. May the spirits smile on your sleep.” she replied, bowing her head. Back then, when we were traveling together as teachers to the Avatar, there had been next to no formality. I missed that casualness, the relaxed manners without any formalities between the members of the Avatar’s group. A simple ‘Good night’ sufficed back then as we settled into our sleeping bags or the ground. No bows, no formalities, no distance.
“Have a pleasant night, Lady Beifong. May the hospitality of this house comfort you.” Katara said. It was a common and courteous thing to say to guests.
“Thank you, Lady.” Toph replied, silent for a moment before my wife, as if watching her, even though her eyes could not see. Katara stiffened just slightly, caught off guard by this.
“I hope you enjoy it here, Adi.” Katara added as she quickly turned her attention away from Toph, and the girl bowed her head.
“Thank you. You have a happy sleep too.” Adi said with a bow. Toph started to walk away, the girl following her mother. My wife placed her hand on my arm, and I looked down at her.
“It’s been a long day, my lord. Let us retire.”
She didn't have to say that twice.
On the way to my apartment, Kamas stopped me. I knew that if he was seeking me out at this time of the night, it was important. I let him speak.
“The final delegation is here. The ship from Omashu arrived but an hour ago. Seeing the time, I have the ship being held in the harbor, with all men on it confined to the vessel until morning. Extra guards have been placed, to ensure that nothing foul happens.” he stated, inclining his head.
“A prudent decision.” I stated. It was far too late to receive anyone, and being so closely guarded would make the message clear to these men.
“There’s something else that I must tell you…” he said with a whisper.
o0o0o0o
The next morning, I rose from my bed, doing my best to not rouse my wife. She always looked so lovely in deep red, the color enhancing the soft warmth of her dark skin.
The men from Omashu had been allowed off the ship, and escorted here under close guard. They now stood before me, forced to bow. I gazed at them calmly. Most of the men were clearly Enki’s men, and I recognized several of them from the Omashu summit. I knew that a couple of these men were Enki’s cousins. Briefly, my gaze fixed on the only man who wasn’t of Earth Kingdom blood, my father-in-law, Amigaitut.
“Welcome to the Fire Nation. May you enjoy our hospitality.” I stated, my voice laced with the slightest edge of irony.
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Kiss of Fire