The Only Hope

Book 4: Chapter 9

Now

“Yes…yes…okay, I understand sir; I will see what I can do.” My cousin hung up his radio phone, with a sigh. I watched him, carefully.

“What was that about?” I had sat quietly, and still for the full four minutes the phone call lasted. I had been careful to sit my tea cup down quietly upon its saucer- determined to snoop on the message.

“The President, he wants me to send troops to Zafou- we’d never make it in time.”

“Kuvira… I knew- I knew this would happen!” I stood unable to just sit. “Kuvira is going mad with power.”

“She only wishes to unite the Earth Kingdom.”

“And then rule it-think about it Iroh” my hands flared, from where I had sat them on my head, out to my sides, “The Earth Kingdom is just the beginning. She says that’s all she wants- for now. Soon her hunger will grow- look at our great grandfather! He started a war through the genocide of a whole nation and was prepared to do it again! And for what? Power!”

“While I agree with you that power is dangerous in the wrong hands, I think you’re allowing your nomadic teachings to cloud your judgment of Kuriva. She is not at the extreme level our great grandfather was and I highly doubt anyone would ever be again. Minus our great aunt- but that’s beside the point.”

I stared at him, frozen in my place. This was unbelievable. Without saying another word, I shook my head and left his office. He chased after me, calling out for me to stop. I didn’t. As I came upon the deck of his ship, he rounded around me forcing me to stop.

“What?!”

“Where are you going?”

“Why should I tell you?”

“Because I asked!”

“Home! Happy?”

“No I mean after that.”

Though I fumed with anger, I smiled inside a bit. He was finally learning who I was. He realized I couldn’t sit back and do nothing but that I wasn’t one to just up and leave. I would stop by the Island, and pack for my trip. I felt the warmth of love for him fill me, and it made me happy.

“Where do you think?” He lowered his hands as I said that, and looked me in the eyes.

“Be careful, okay?” Giving him a small smile, I nodded my head.

“I will… I’ve seen what she’s done, Iroh. I’m not going there to be a peaceful diplomat. I’m going there to try to stop her.”

“It can’t be that bad.”

“I traveled through the Earth Kingdom for a total of almost seven months. Trust me on this.”

He nodded his head. “I do.” We then hugged good bye and I took off.

~~~

I was torn on whether to bring Leza. While I wanted to bond with her, and go off on a world-wind adventure like prior years; she was now a mother with two babies who had just begun to fly. Well, one was. Lu-we seemed to be having a bit more trouble than his sister. I couldn’t bring myself to separate her from her children yet- so I left her behind, again.

I even left a note for Tenzin explaining where I went.

Through the luck of fate, I caught a good wind and was at Zaufo within a few hours. I had barely landed before being questioned by guards. Once they understood that we were on the same side, I was led to Su. She sat inside her office with her family, Opal included. They too were slightly shocked to see me, but welcomed me when I told them my cause. When I asked what was happening, they explained that there was a meeting in the meeting room is just a few minutes and I was welcomed to attend.