Chapter Text
"This is the last time you insulted my senior officers for no reason, you understand colonel? I don't care about whatever you learned of the world in the Northern Army! Here you are expected to respect others, especially the ones with higher position than yourself! How dare you insult my most loyal general for no reason at all?!" shouted Tagaka.
Ikiaq hadn't even bothered to look at her through her entire rage session, instead looking at the window at the approaching storm. The sole reason why they hadn't left was because of the approaching summer storm, and the ship had to be docked.
He raised his eyebrow, not looking at her, and spoke once she stopped yelling "Tell me something, chiefess. What is the punishment for what I did?"
Tagaka glared at him "Oftentimes execution."
Then he turned his head towards her "Then why am I not on the gallows yet?"
Tagaka rolled her eyes "Because I am feeling merciful today."
Ikiaq raised his head to glare at her "Wrong, chiefess. It is because I am useful to you. And you know that. That's exactly the reason."
Tagaka rolled her eyes "You aren't that important. Consider this a second chance. Only because of your "spiritual advisor" position I placed you in."
Ikiaq rolled his eyes, then shook the grey hairs from his eyes "I guess then I will have a lot of chances."
Tagaka turned away "Don't make me regret this all. You are right, you know. I only keep you because of Hakai. But make sure you don't become unworthy of such pursuit."
Ikiaq stood up from his chair "I think you know that anything is worthy of our cause."
Tagaka rolled her eyes "I would probably be able to do it without you. Don't make me question how much worthy you are for the cause. Because if our relationship gets to that state and I don't need you, gallows will be waiting for you."
Ikiaq frowned "Understood. But not everything is like you thought, chiefess."
The loud knock struck Nuri's door, completely shocking her. She had made sure the soldiers left her general area when they entered the house, but it was unmistakingly them. She saw their ugly faces, their ugly torn uniforms with Chin's cross, the blood staining their weapons, and gulped. Another knock and she looked at her baby under the sheets, left without father who died in the last raid, protecting them two.
There was nobody to protect them. She fell on her knees, started to sob quietly. There was nowhere to hide, not even her baby. Another knock. A pause. And then the doors fell.
The three guys entered, pointing weapons at her. She stood up and put her hands in front of her, hoping they won't notice her son.
The baby started to cry after one earthbent a dagger and her breathing stopped. One guy moved towards the child and she went back on her knees "Please... Take me... Don't..."
The soldier smirked "We take you both. We kill him in front of you. Then we kill you."
She started to struggle and scream, and the guys laughed as they dragged her. She was dragged out of her house, and as the gallows became visible she gulped a mouthful of dirt as she started praying "Spirits protect me. Yangchen protect me. Spirits protect him. Yangchen protect him."
And her prayers were answered. The first thing she heard were screams. Then large crashing sound. And the gallows were no more.
Then the first guy fell onto ground, releasing one her hand. Then another, releasing her other hand, letting her fall face first into dirt. Then the third guy fell but she couldn't see it.
The crying of her son made her raise her head from the dirt, after what she thought was ages but felt like seconds. She saw dark green boots, and looking above she saw a large woman chatting with a man in Ba Sing Se uniform half her size. She pulled herself to the woman's feet and continued the prayer. The woman stopped chatting and spoke "Please don't. You are welcome. Your child is safe."
The mention of her child gave her energy to raise herself from ground, but she was still on all four. She wiped her tears and gave the woman a full look, then gasped. Then she looked at the man holding her baby, and gasped again. The woman, understanding her fears, spoke "Do not fear. I won't hurt you. He won't hurt your child."
Nuri spoke "Am... Am I dead?"
The woman chuckled "Nope. You are saved."
Nuri spoke "Are... Are you Yangchen? Are you spirit?"
The woman chuckled "Close enough." She offered the woman a hand, and after seeing her hesitate, Kyoshi took her hand. She failed to raise her, as she crumbled to knees already.
The woman then spoke "I am Avatar Kyoshi."
Nuri gasped "Avatar..."
The man then spoke in a mocking tone "And soon to be Earth Queen."
The Avatar sneered, though Nuri's vision and hearing was blurry. She just spoke "Earth Queen..." After seeing the Avatar stash her one metal fan and mention something about clinic, she crumbled to earth and saw no more.
The first day sleeping in the palace was haunting for everyone. While they brought out the bodies, it wasn't like anyone there was comfortable with the fact that they slept on the same beds the servants have died on during the palace meltdown.
As expected, the daofei pair refused to enter, but surprisingly Zoryu also refused to sleep inside. Hei-Ran was proud of his decision, it seemed like he was transforming into a good leader.
The firelord had no right to live in foreign palace, that much was known. Old Zoryu, Hei-Ran was certain, would have jumped on the opportunity to live in bigger palace than his own, but this one was reluctant to.
But it made their stay complicated. They had to raise the tent outside, as the Upper ring was ravaged and nothing else remained on the path to palace.
In the end, this all became permanents for the next few weeks. Everyone knew that they won't be leaving the city for the foreseeable future.
The biggest surprise was how when the question was of how will the resources be brought, Gao offered his services for no cost. Caravans came from Chameleon tail already the day the agreement was reached, but most surprisingly also from the southern areas. The good thing was that Ba Sing Se at least wasn't poisoned, so the water supply was possible to come from Serpent River and Lake Laogai even. But the ruin of the Agrarian zone and the summer coming to an end meant that Ba Sing Se isn't going to be self-sufficient this year and entirely reliant on the other warlords.
The winters in Ba Sing Se were very mild, and there were events where Ba Sing Se had to grow food over winter, but compared to the yield it was waste of labour. Too bad for the labourers, Kyoshi thought, but this year they will not have winter pause.
Even Kyoshi could understand the implications for her rule if the capital doesn't return to autarky soon. When the coronation happens after the restoration of the few services required for the city's functions, she will have her powers severely limited, even for an Earth King.
It took days to hunt out the last of the Chin's soldiers. One general, Orhan, was captured, while Shing and the two other generals made a daring escape after battling with combined forces of Duan and Gao in the southwestern Agrarian zone. They escaped westward, towards the enemy controlled areas. While Duan wanted to pursue them, Gao and Kyoshi refused, each for their own reasons.
Kyoshi didn't even know why Duan came to Ba Sing Se all the way from Gaoling, but when the battle happened, she was more than glad to have those reinforcements. He ensured Kyoshi that Yang was under control. Deng has joined forces with Iuri and Ping and forced Gwo to surrender. The trouble in the south got solved without her intervention, something she was finally glad to hear.
Eventually, with Atuat setting up a, soon enough, very crowded clinic in the southern former Upper ring, the city was returned to a relative normal. While there were no walls, nobody would dare attack them now. But one problem remained. The city was officially leaderless and office of the head of state was vacant.
A trouble Kyoshi didn't want to face.
The days after the most critical work was done, Kyoshi had spent in companion of Kirima, Atuat and Aju. Healing the wounded, soldiers and citizens alike.
The amount of wounded was huge, and the work required to mend the damages of Chin was huge. The lawless period of the Chin's rule, including the first 3 days and 3 nights, and Chin's collapsed rule, have left large scars on the people living in the capital.
Kyoshi had mastered healing fairly easily. Something she didn't expect to happen at all, and in all honesty she was impressed with herself for once.
But obviously someone else had to ruin the moment.
Kelsang has entered the makeshift clinic with Hei-Ran. He spoke "Kyoshi, can you make a pause?"
Kyoshi focused on the child's wound, which wasn't willing to mend itself "Nope, working."
Atuat interjected "Go take a pause, he will survive with this."
The child interjected "No, please help."
Atuat rolled her eyes "Aju, take over. Kyoshi, leave."
Kyoshi rolled her eyes, but obliged. She let the water splash at the boy, which screamed in pain from the water hitting wound. Aju gave her an angry look, but Kyoshi rolled her eyes. She spoke "What's the matter?"
Hei-Ran replied sternly "Let's get outside firstly."
Kyoshi frowned "What is going on? Where is Rangi?"
Hei-Ran rolled her eyes "She is in the Lower ring with Gao's army, doing cleanup. You won't need her for now. We need to talk with you."
They walked outside in silence, which lasted until they entered the palace. Kyoshi scowled "Alright, wanna tell me what is going on?"
Kelsang spoke "Not yet."
They entered the room, and more people waited inside. General Gao, which by now spent more time in the capital than his own domain, Zoryu, general Burak and Jinpa.
Kyoshi spoke "Well?"
Kelsang gulped "Well, I don't know how to..."
Hei-Ran interjected "If you don't know, I do. The topic is simple. The leadership of Earth Kingdom."
Kyoshi gulped "Umm, can we talk about it later, I have..."
Kelsang interjected "No."
Kyoshi started sweating, looking around. There was no help.
Gao spoke "Avatar, the Earth Kingdom has spent too much time leaderless. It is time to bring it back to its glory."
Jinpa grimaced at his answer, but spoke "The political implications of leaderless Earth Kingdom are already visible. Earth Kingdom needs its legitimate ruler."
Hei-Ran scowled "It is time to stop running away from your responsibilities, Kyoshi."
Kyoshi's hand started shaking, and she put her hands behind her back to cover it. She wished Rangi was there, to comfort her. Instead she was left with only old people, excluding Jinpa.
Burak spoke "If I may, Avatar, you might be the perfect ruler for the Earth Kingdom."
Hei-Ran spoke "As the testament says, which has the highest legal claim over the Earth Kingdom, the 45th Earth King declared you as his successor."
Kyoshi turned to her "Give it to me!"
Hei-Ran "Nope, from my hands."
Kyoshi blasted a fireball at the paper, but Hei-Ran dispersed it with ease. She spoke "Don't try that again. It's pointless. The document is known by the every governor."
Kyoshi scowled "Did Iuri know? Did Deng know?"
Kelsang grimaced "Yep."
Kyoshi was overtaken by anger "Why hasn't anyone told me this before!?"
Kelsang grimaced "Well, it wasn't their place to. It was mine."
Hei-Ran's features softened "Don't worry Kyoshi. You aren't alone."
She spoke "But I am not Szeto! I am not Yoshiko!"
Zoryu approached her "Nobody is asking you to be. Szeto didn't magically become the chancellor. Yangchen didn't bring the shang cities to peaceful annexation by the host states by magic and in a day. Yoshiko didn't gain the throne in a day, and especially didn't learn how to rule in a day. We are here for you. We will help you."
She left a crazy laughter "Yeah, like you would help me, a ruler of an enemy country of your own."
Zoryu was sufficiently cowed but Burak spoke "What he said is true. I can say for me that I am at your complete service, Avatar."
Gao spoke "And I."
Kelsang spoke "And I."
Jinpa also spoke "And I."
Hei-Ran spoke "And I."
Zoryu spoke "And I. At least until I return home."
Kyoshi smiled, but then gulped "What do I do? I am not a politician? Someone described me perfectly as failure of diplomacy, a breakdown of negotiations."
Kelsang rolled his eyes "Yang."
Chancellor Caoli waited patiently at the shore. The contact would arrive at any point. It was half-moon, but it was pitch black at Urajio, the small port north of the Caldera.
The boat arrived without any light, almost leading into crash landing. The chancellor approached the boat and spoke "Greetings man, hope your mother's fine."
The man spoke "Thankfully it's great, she's been recovering."
Caoli registered the correct code, and spoke "What do you have."
The man spoke "The clan will support you in the operation. You and the Firelord have full loyalty of the Jang Hui."
Caoli smiled "As it is expected."
The man spoke "Anything I should tell the clan from you?"
Caoli spoke "Tell them to be ready. Operation Fire Cross isn't too far away."
The man nodded, though Caoli couldn't see it in the darkness. The man returned to the boat using small fire from his hand, then started rowing away. In no time he was already away. Caoli climbed up the eel hound and gave the order to go southwards.
The plans for coronation were for it to probably be the most modest one in Earth Kingdom history. Even the ancient Earth Kingdom coronation had richer coronation than what was planned for Kyoshi. Kyoshi will not be the first Earth Kingdom's female monarch, but definetly the first Avatar Earth Queen, but there was simply no resources to pull what everyone wanted out.
As per tradition, all of the Earth Kingdom governors were required to come to the capital and swear loyalty to the Earth King. Usually the expenses were paid by the Mandate of Heaven, but Deng, Iuri and Ping have refused to take money for that when they come in few days. Yang has refused to come altogether, only agreeing when Kelsang convinced Duan to bring him along, and leave throne to his brother as regent.
Daofei of the Full Moon Bay have obviously refused to come, something nobody wasn't even surprised about.
It's not like Kyoshi wanted anyone to come. It's not like she wanted the coronation in the first place, but she had to accept the new duty.
If anything was positive about the new arrangement, she finally had some privacy with Rangi. While everyone knew of their relationship, they had avoided to show it when outside. It was still new thing, and Kyoshi didn't want to put more attention to her than needed. Even if she wasn't Avatar she was the tallest out of everyone, so she ought to create attention.
Kyoshi blocked the door with earthbending, and they were there for hours. Rangi put her head on Kyoshi's chest as they laid together on a bed that wasn't destroyed by Chin, and as the time went their hearts synchronized as Kyoshi was going through Rangi's hair. Rangi had her topknot removed, and Kyoshi knew it would be something Rangi would do only for her.
Rangi spoke first "It's nice. I didn't know I missed this."
Kyoshi chuckled "I knew I did. Back when you were in the Fire Nation, then me. Then..."
Rangi spoke "I know. I realized that."
Kyoshi spoke "I wish this lasted forever."
Rangi frowned "We'll have time. This all will end at some point. And we'll have a quiet life."
Kyoshi chuckled and raised her head "I hope that's true. Where would you like to go? To live later on?"
Rangi raised her head slightly to look at her "I never thought about it. I always assumed, Fire Nation? Ember Island is fine, and our clan island isn't bad as well."
Kyoshi lowered her head back to her pillow and spoke "That sounds nice. But I don't know how this all will last. How early can I abdicate? Can I leave this palace after I become queen?"
Rangi lowered her head back into Kyoshi's chest "I don't know. It isn't customary but Firelord isn't prevented from going wherever they want to. He just needs to take Imperial Firebenders with him. But you would know that better than me! Ask your past life."
Kyoshi rolled her eyes "Like it's that easy. I will have to, at some point. But I think customs are different."
Rangi chuckled into Kyoshi's chest "Just ask Jinpa, he should know that all, he is a big nerd."
Kyoshi frowned "I'd rather not, he is so excited about this all. I don't know why is he so happy to get even more work."
Rangi chuckled "I think he is just excited to work for the Earth Queen Avatar. You don't get that often."
Kyoshi groaned "I hate it. Imagine being happy for having to work. We need to find him a girl to take over his thoughts."
Rangi spoke "I think Aju will do that, just wait. If he even is into all that. I feel like they almost hit it off."
Kyoshi chuckled "Whatever. Not like I can complain, I can just give him all my boring tasks and he'll be happy."
Rangi jabbed her lightly "That's not nice!"
Kyoshi lazily rose her head "What? He'll enjoy."
Rangi spoke "Remember the first time we were in this position."
Kyoshi spoke "Yeah, you were unconscious after jumping off bison."
Rangi smirked "I wasn't all the time."
Kyoshi rolled her eyes "I expected that."
Rangi smiled "What will you do? Once you become the queen?"
Kyoshi spoke "Can I do anything?"
Rangi spoke "Of course. You are the Earth Queen. They have to obey you."
Kyoshi spoke after a pause "Honestly? I'd have us go on a vacation. All expense covered, and we go to a remote place where nobody will bother us."
A lightning strike struck, startling Rangi and making her rise to look through the window. The rain still hasn't started and the outside was dark from clouds covering the sky.
She spoke to Kyoshi "You think I could do this? Xu Ping An could, but not even Firelord could." she said pointing to the lightning
Kyoshi tried to speak but thunder rattled out. She rolled her eyes and waited it out, then spoke "I believe you could. Do you?"
Rangi lowered her head slightly "I guess so. But there is nobody to teach me."
Kyoshi smiled "Then teach yourself. And then teach me."
Rangi rolled her eyes "Nope, learn it yourself. You are the Avatar, there had to be one that could master it."
Kyoshi rolled her eyes "It's not so easy."
Rangi rose slightly more, as the thunder struck outside once again and rain had started to fall "You haven't tried. It was said Yangchen knew how to talk to her past lives when she was a little child."
Kyoshi frowned "I am not Yangchen. I can't do it."
Rangi lowered herself, but then lightning struck again and she rose up by reflex "Well, what prevents you to try at least?"
Kyoshi moaned "Come back down."
Rangi rolled her eyes but returned to her chest "Well?"
Kyoshi frowned "I am not strong enough."
Rangi tickled her and Kyoshi abruptly reacted, hitting Rangi. She screamed "Stop, don't! I will leave."
Kyoshi relaxed and spoke "I am ticklish."
Rangi spoke, returning herself down "It's not true. Remember how you wiped the floor with Chin."
Kyoshi frowned "It's not that easy."
Rangi raised herself and spoke "By the way, why did you react like you did? We never got the time to properly talk about it."
Kyoshi moaned but Rangi couldn't hear it as the thunder drowned her voice. Kyoshi then raised herself into sitting position "It is hard to explain."
Rangi frowned "What is it?" She narrowed her eyes and spoke "You haven't cheated on me, didn't you?"
Kyoshi gulped "It's difficult to explain."
Rangi was almost ready to explode but Kyoshi spoke "Please give me opportunity to explain."
Rangi frowned "What is there to explain? With whom you have cheated on me?"
Kyoshi turned her face away "With Yun."
Rangi's anger turned into shock "What? But... He's dead... I saw him die."
Kyoshi spoke "Not in literal sense."
Rangi's features softened "Was it just in a dream?"
Kyoshi frowned "Not exactly. It's complicated."
A knock on the door saved her from continuing and Jinpa's voice came through "Kyoshi? Are you there?"
Kyoshi moved to stand up but Rangi stopped her and spoke "Go away!"
Jinpa spoke "It's coronation business."
Rangi spoke "It can wait, go away!"
Once she heard no more voice, she turned to Kyoshi and spoke "Well? What did you do? What even did you do in the Fire Nation, and especially without me?"
Kyoshi frowned "Mastering the Avatar State."
Rangi's eyes lit up "Well, you did it, how exactly did you do whatever cheating? You mentioned last time you were scared you will lose control over it, when I forced you on stance training. But what exactly happened?"
Kyoshi gulped "I was on a star bridge. With ends being Yun and you. When I asked Nyahita he said to run towards Yun. I ignored feelings towards you and I was scared of it all. When I opened the last chakra I thought it could close itself if I faced you, and only after the danger was over I reached back to you."
Rangi frowned, then spoke "It was all in a vision, right?"
Kyoshi nodded.
Rangi spoke "Have you tried entering Avatar stance since?"
Kyoshi shook her head.
Rangi frowned "Try to now."
Kyoshi closed her eyes and faced the window. And soon enough, as lightning stroke, her eyes were also white.
When her eyes opened again, they were normal. And Rangi was there with crossed arms. She spoke "See? Everything is fine."
Kyoshi frowned "I was scared."
Rangi's features softened and she went to hug Kyoshi, and spoke "It's okay. Everything is good now."
She pulled away and her face turned into dangerous smirk "But it doesn't mean you won't pay. And you will wish you went with Jinpa to talk about coronation. Stance training, 30 minutes, now!"
Jinpa was patient, and he understood what they were probably doing there, but when a matter was urgent it was urgent. At least for him.
When Kyoshi left the room she could barely stand on her legs. Jinpa rolled her eyes but she scowled "It's not what you think it is!"
Jinpa rolled his eyes "Then why else couldn't you walk?"
Kyoshi flushed "I did stance training."
Jinpa rolled his eyes "Is that your inside joke for having sex?"
Kyoshi flushed "It's not! I did stance training as punishment."
Jinpa scowled "Whatever. General Burak wanted your attention but this took too long and he had to visit the troops. I hoped to end this all earlier but you are impossible to work with."
Kyoshi reached for the chair and spoke "What do you want from me?"
Jinpa frowned "With this attitude there will be problems. Come on, Kyoshi, cooperate. I'm not any happier about this than you."
Kyoshi turned her head and snorted "Nope. You seem to enjoy this."
Jinpa flushed, then spoke "So what? Can't a man like being part of big historical event?"
Kyoshi rolled her eyes "Can a woman not like it?"
Jinpa pinched his nose bridge "Like it or not, this has to happen. You will be Earth Queen in few days, and you must know of your position."
Kyoshi turned to him with a pleading look "How long will this take?"
Jinpa paused, raised his eyebrow, and then spoke "For a change, not long. If you cooperate."
Kyoshi frowned "Sure. Start."
Jinpa brought a large book titled History of the Earth Monarchs, and Kyoshi pulled back "Nope, I am not reading this all."
Jinpa rolled his eyes "You won't need to. I did. But you should really."
Kyoshi turned her head away and put her tongue out. Jinpa then continued "For starters, Earth Queen is the head of state of the Earth Kingdom. Every decree, personal document of citizens, treaty, money minting, work, military action, draft, and much more, is done in her name. Officially, she is the one that gives each of those."
Kyoshi gasped and Jinpa chuckled "Don't worry. This is in old ages, before Ba Sing Se, when Earth King's subjects were handful. All of the civil servants are doing that job for you."
Kyoshi sighed, and Jinpa continued "Continuing, head of state of the Earth Kingdom, keeper of the Mandate of Heaven, is non transferable hereditary role. If no heirs from the holder of the title, the title is upon death of the holder being transferred according to the wish of the late King or Queen, and if it didn't exist, a crown council is convened. Historically that happened only recently with eruption of civil war thanks to elimination of Earth King Feishan by Tieguai the Immortal. It ended up in civil war."
Kyoshi yawned, and Jinpa continued "Now about stuff that interests you the most. The Earth King or Queen can abdicate only according to the popular mandate, which never happened, or through convening of the crown Council, which is impossible to gather now. Any other way would be considered desertion and is punishable by death. In the time of the vacancy of the throne, a regent is appointed until it is proven that Earth King or Queen cannot be restored to the throne, and if it is proven, the throne inherits the next in line."
Kyoshi frowned "So if I just disappear, I am considered like if I deserted the army?"
Jinpa smiled "Exactly. In history of the Earth Kingdom, not a single claimant of the Mandate of Heaven gave up his title because it is, as the name claims, Heaven's mandate."
Kyoshi bowed her head and Jinpa frowned "Don't worry, there will be a way. Never before was an Avatar in this position as well."
Kyoshi spoke "Alright, is that all?"
Jinpa frowned "Not even close."
Kyoshi groaned "Ughhh."
Jinpa rolled his eyes "Anyway. Next important is behaviour during coronation. Tomorrow you will meet with the ministers that survived Chin. There is barely a few and their appointment is mandatory, to serve as continuation. Others are on your discretion. The day after tomorrow you will be meeting with the ambassadors. Since Earth Kingdom doesn't recognize Fifth Nation you will be spared dealing with them but Fire Nation ambassador Quin is thrilled to meet you."
Kyoshi spoke "Which side she is?"
Jinpa grimace "The side that wins..."
Kyoshi frowned "Very reassuring."
Jinpa frowned "We can't really be picky. And considering all, you two will not be having a good time. And especially the other governors, since Huazo occupies a quarter of the Earth Kingdom territory."
Kyoshi nodded "I believe there will be war soon anyway. Huazo won't retreat and won't negotiate."
Jinpa grimaced "That's something we'd like for you to avoid. At least early on, if possible. I know it may be inevitable but please don't do it too early."
Kyoshi nodded "I don't even know what will it all be like. Honestly can't wait until this all is over so me and Rangi can go to a place nobody will bother us for some time."
Jinpa's first reaction was confusion, then anger took over "Kyoshi, what do you think this is about? You think you can just leave and go to some tropical island while Earth Kingdom stays leaderless."
Kyoshi flushed "Well, I hoped so? Am I not the most powerful person in the Earth Kingdom? I can do whatever I want?"
Jinpa's face reddened from anger "NO! You are a public servant Kyoshi! You have a duty that is more important than any of your feelings!"
Kyoshi backed "I'm sorry, I didn't know."
Jinpa rolled his eyes "You didn't plan something like that, did you?". When Kyoshi only bowed her head, he rolled his eyes again "I figured..."
Kyoshi spoke "Am I to become a prisoner of this? Am I back into where I was under Jianzhu?"
Jinpa gazed at her, pondering her words. Then he spoke "Not exactly. You will be able to leave. You will just need a good enough reason for that."
Kyoshi bowed her head and Jinpa spoke "Anyway, the next is your behaviour during the coronation."
Hei-Ran, Kelsang, Zoryu and Burak were caught up in the different room. The obvious two topic were being discussed.
How to return the world to the prewar state.
The world needed 4 countries. But it was impossible. Especially now.
Kelsang had planned to reach for the female air temples, as one male had been melted and another one being led by a lunatic. But the storm had prevented him from leaving and if he waited for it he would miss the coronation.
He promised himself and Kyoshi that he would be present. It would be Kyoshi's proudest moment, regardless of her opinion of it all.
Burak's shame of serving Chin was slowly leaving which was something positive. He decided to do right now.
The topics were the ones that they didn't need Kyoshi for. Themes for which including Kyoshi would only bring more headache.
The economy was to be restored. City services still were unreliable the further you went from the palace. The city was pacified, the damages fixed, but a lot was needed before city could function like before, let alone entire Earth Kingdom.
Census was already being done, with Gao's army doing cleanup they also gathered data about the surviving population. Large areas of city were destroyed and a tenth of Agrarian zone was useless for this year at the very least.
The water supply was safe, but with low accessibility, people had to pull it from Lake Laogai or all the way from Serpent's lake. The wells still worked but unreliably.
Surrender of Gwo and Yang had proven to be of great help with political situation. But it had unintended consequences of not ensuring full loyalty of those areas. Sadly there also was no alternative for them.
A lot of questions had no answer really. The enforcement of taxes would be mostly voluntary as the capital's finances were looted and relocated to Taku. Now in Saowon control.
Another part of the demands for the inevitable ultimatum, it seems. Hei-Ran got the confirmation that the three Chin's generals were looking forward to defecting to the Fire Nation, but Hei-Ran and Kelsang agreed to not spread the word until it's time. And especially not to Kyoshi which was to meet Fire Nation ambassador in few days.
They heard general Gao had a great idea, but he still wasn't trusted. They kept safe distance from him, giving him just enough information for him to be useful to them.
Chaejin sometimes even on good days cursed the day he agreed to this. Cursed because of the fact that it was far easier to topple Zoryu than it is to be his replacement.
Rarely any servant bowed to him, most often forgot. Not from intentional disrespect but rather because they were used to his old role. Zoryu had similar problems, he heard.
But today was not one of those good days. It was so hot the entire day, and Caoli was swamping him with papers requiring his signature.
When he heard of 2 Fire Nation ships arriving, he assumed it was for reinforcements. He had given his mom, Dowager Fire lady Huazo, complete control over the war stuff as long as he had to not take care of it. But when the ships left soldiers in full uniforms, and rushing towards the palace, he understood.
It was vengeance. Zoryu has done it.
When he saw no fighting, he accepted his fate.
Then he remembered. Zoryu wasn't even in the country.
When he saw Admiral Yamori enter, he relaxed. He spoke "What is going on?"
The balding admiral, in his 50s, bowed "Firelord, we were relocated to the mainland in the need of increased security. We had orders to firstly contact Koulin but I thought I needed to clear the doubts. We are loyal."
Chaejin shook his head. It was too late for this. He spoke "What have you got? I don't need more security. Stand. "
Yamori stood up, a soldier helping him. He spoke "Dowager Fire lady believes there is ongoing insurrection and some of the highest ranking administrators are involved."
Chaejin just gaped, then the admiral brought out a letter and spoke "This letter we were supposed to give to Koulin in the staff headquarters, but we thought it would be more appropriate that national security matters are brought to you personally."
Chaejin scowled "Give it to me! I'll give it to Koulin if I need to."
Admiral nodded and gave the letter. Chaejin then spoke "How much men did she retreat?"
Yamori spoke "Two full ships."
Chaejin frowned "That is almost 2 whole battallions. What is going on?"
Yamori spoke "Firelord, the 63rd Firebender and 34th cavalry battallions are at your disposal, along with 5th Imperial Firebender corps."
Chaejin spoke "What did my mother say?"
Yamori spoke "Whatever is said in the letter. I have no other information. The letter is unopened as you can see."
Chaejin frowned "Dismissed, Admiral."
Admiral bowed and left.
When Kyoshi got out, it was well into dark. And just as she expected to finally fall asleep after Jinpa's lecture, fate had other ideas and she met general Gao in the palace.
Gao bowed instantly and spoke "Avatar, may I have some of your time."
Kyoshi shook her head "For what? I thought I could get some sleep."
Gao snickered "No sleep, enemies don't sleep."
Kyoshi rolled her eyes "What is it for?"
Gao smiled "I wished we could discuss our future military operations."
Kyoshi raised an eyebrow "What? War with Fire Nation or Tagaka?"
Gao grimaced "That is also a possibility, but I had a more interesting proposition."
Kyoshi raised another eyebrow, then rubbed her eyes and yawned. She spoke "What do you mean?"
Gao grinned "We need to first solve our internal strife. There are non occupied areas of the Earth Kingdom that won't recognize your authority."
Kyoshi raised an eyebrow, then remembered "Like Gwo and Yang."
Gao grimaced "Oh no, not like that, they will recognize your rule on coronation. I meant more like the daofei."
Kyoshi raised an eyebrow, towering over the Chameleon Tail general, which spoke "Daofei confederation of Full Moon."
Kyoshi frowned "Is that really necessary?"
Gao spoke "Of course of course. How better to assert authority of Earth king than punish disobedience."
Kyoshi frowned "I don't want people to die. And our army is already barely existent. Can we just send ultimatum"
Gao smiled "Those are all valid concerns, but sending ultimatum doesn't have the same repercussions that punishing non abiders does."
Kyoshi grimaced "I don't know, what will others say?"
Gao frowned "I spoke with master Hei-Ran and she agreed. Master Kelsang agreed only if it's necessary. It is good for your reputation and what is better way to assert authority than to exert justice. Those are murderers, rapists and thieves, Avatar."
Kyoshi considered, then spoke "What will Kirima and Lek say..."
Gao frowned "Why is that important, Avatar? As the world leader you need to do what's right. Is there anything more righteous than exerting justice?"
Kyoshi bowed her head, looking directly into his eyes "I suppose you are correct. Who will be leading the operation?"
Gao grinned "Excellent. I would be honoured to take part in it. Me and Burak would be doing all the work. And if the need arises, general Duan of Nan Shan would join. We'd call it Ichi Go. Number one. First operation of Avatar Earth Queen Kyoshi."
Kyoshi grimaced "We'll talk details after coronation."
Jinpa got so lost in explaining that he even forgot to drink water. When he got out, he almost forgot that it was raining. Outside he met Aju. Lying in the rain on a deck chair. .
He came carefully, and she spoke "Hello."
Jinpa raised an eyebrow, shielding himself from rain with airbending. Aju on the other hand didn't even bother, her clothes were already soaked. He spoke "Are you okay?"
Aju spoke "Sure. Why ask?"
Jinpa frowned "I don't know, why are you lying in the rain?"
Aju spoke, not trying to gaze at him "It's nice."
She turned to face him "At home, rain is rare. There is only snow. I first saw rain in my life when I escaped my homeland."
Jinpa frowned "I must say I never enjoyed rain."
Aju turned her head towards the sky, and put her naked arms below her head. Even while raining, she always wore sleeveless shirts. She spoke "Perhaps because it is regular there. But in my homeland I don't think I've ever experienced rain. Especially not under these circumstances. Rain in warm weather is truly something great."
Jinpa raised an eyebrow and she sighed "It's one of the rare things I started to love here. I don't know if it is also because I am waterbender, though."
Jinpa frowned "In the Southern Air Temple there was rarely rain. The temple is above the clouds."
Aju frowned "Let me tell you one beautiful thing about rain. My little secret." She turned to him, her blue eyes feeling like piercing. "It helps hide emotions better. It allows me to cry as much as I need. Nobody sees anything, and if anyone asks, I just enjoy it because I am waterbender. Only Kirima and Atuat don't buy the story."
Jinpa raised an eyebrow "Is that why you were always happier after rain. You let all out until you get numb?"
She chuckled "Not necessarily. I grew to enjoy it. It makes me happier, at least."
Jinpa smiled "What else makes you happy?"
Aju frowned "Not many things, really. It's mostly the little things. Rain, meat..." She raised an eyebrow, then spoke "Healing people, I must say. At least makes me feel like I did a good thing."
Jinpa sat at the other chair "It's nice to hear that."
Aju smiled at him "You know what else? Flying."
Jinpa raised an eyebrow "But you were often grumpy when flying. Why is that then?"
AJu took her hair in her hands and started twirling "Sometimes it reminds me of how far am I from home. I don't know. I promised chief Yutu I would return. I would free the tribe. Then now I am closer now to the north than south. Every flight only brought me pain in the heart." She took her braid and started untwirling "But it's not the flight itself. It's just the path."
Jinpa put his hand over his bald head, and it had occasional pieces of hair, it's strength weakened due to the water. He was due to new shave. He spoke "I didn't know that."
Aju frowned, as she fully untangled her braid, letting her long hair go free "I must say I more liked flying on your than on Kelsang's bison. Seems like Yingyong likes me."
Jinpa smiled "Glad to hear that. I also feel like it's true."
She turned her head towards the cloudy sky. She herself was fully damp like if she went out of bathtub, and Jinpa was already growing tired from redirecting rain, as he started to slowly get more and more wet. He spoke "Wanna go inside? It's too wet here?"
Aju spoke "You go. I wanna stay more."
As soon as he turned to go, Aju caught a large blob of water from rain and threw it at Jinpa. Jinpa fell to the ground, his efforts wasted, and scowled "What the fuck?"
Aju chuckled "Scared of getting wet?"
Jinpa brought a large gust of wind, then directed it at Aju, but she blocked it with more rain. She spoke "FIrst rule of fight gotten wrong! Never fight opponent on unequal battlefield!"
Jinpa scowled "I'll get back to you for this!"
Aju laughed "I'd like to see that."
Chaejin couldn't understand the letter despite everything. The accusations were plain bulshit. Accusing chancelor Caoli of conspiracy would be like accusing Koulin of conspiracy.
He spoke to Caoli, which reaffirmed his loyalty. He in the end gave the letter to Koulin, which arrested Caoli but couldn't get anything from him, so he was let go with a warning.
A lot of things didn't make sense. He had no idea what drugs did the Taku warlord take when he wrote all that, or if his mother misunderstood everything, or what even is going on. Perhaps even Chin planted it all so he could make Fire Nation destroy itself.
Nothing made sense to him. Either his mother became paranoid, which she already was, or if there were rumors, but no proof.
The only semi good argument she had was that he was student of late chancelor Dairin, but that doesn't warrant anything.
He was about to pull his hair out when Koulin entered. She bowed and spoke "Chaejin, what's wrong?"
Chaejin scowled "Well what you think is wrong? My mother sent me the letter you saw, we interrogated him but there was no crime."
Koulin frowned "I know. Perhaps Dowager Fire Lady got paranoid?"
Chaejin brought head to the table and spoke "That also doesn't make sense. She never was."
Koulin spoke "Why not write her back, cousin? It's not like that far. And if there really is a conspiracy, you'd better start now."
Chaejin frowned "There are a lot of other names from the clans, but I can't purge them. They swore loyalty to me."
Koulin frowned "You thought it's a falling in line effect? When they saw victorious side they just quietly switched sides."
Chaejin raised an eyebrow "But we barely got to unite the nation again. Can I really destroy my entire work because of paranoia?"
Koulin had no answer.
Kyoshi feared every new day. Every new day brought the inevitable closer. Every new day brought more and more work.
Every new day reminded her more of the days when she was here last time. Under Jianzhu's boot in glided cage.
The days were monotonous. The coronation was in few days, they rehearsed the protocol often and taught her her new duties, but teaching her how to speak in political way was the most boring of them all.
She missed the early days when she spent them in the healing huts. It's not like she particularly liked the ordeal. The thing she enjoyed the most is the power it granted her.
She knew to never use it. But the temptation was what made her happier.
Now her enormous potential of power was being wasted on administrative work. While everyone did the fun work.
She had no idea when will it end. But she was determined to end it as soon as possible. Preferably by her abdication to a capable successor.
Till the day came, she would have to endure. No matter how much it took.
