Where There Is Smoke, There Is Fire [Avatar: The Last Airbender Fanfic]

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

"My Lord, although I do not wish to alarm you, I think a personal visit with the Avatar would be the right thing to do. The regional instability is growing, and people are getting concerned that they will become pariahs on both sides." Zuko's advisor was right; he should have expected this day.

The meeting was regarding some Fire Nation colonies in Earth Kingdom territory. His looking through rose-tinted glasses probably allowed it to get this far. He supposed it was bound to happen eventually. The idea had been to increase relations between the peoples of both countries and avoid uprooting the lives of those living there. Zuko had declared it part of Earth Kingdom once more, but apparently, there had been some unrest, and it may not have been the right choice.

His advisor was currently meeting with and receiving direct reports from the diplomat he had placed there to try and smooth over the complaints. Some Fire Nation citizens hadn't been happy that they were now living in Earth Kingdom territory, which meant that they were immigrants, despite the circumstances. It did change what they were entitled to, as they were not Earth Kingdom citizens, although they lived within its borders. They were concerned that they would not be looked after correctly, and it seemed that they were partially correct. A few of the Earth Kingdom locals, albeit some of the more radically minded, were not happy that the Fire Nation citizens were allowed to stay and were rather vocal about their displeasure. This had made his people uncomfortable, and a fistfight had even broken out between two men. Of course, not everyone would get along, regardless of where they came from, and he hoped it was all. He had worked incredibly hard to erase the negative reputation of the Fire Nation. He didn't want anything to tarnish it. It was also important to him that his people felt safe and happy where they were and that their Earth Kingdom neighbours were welcoming and kind.

He and Aang decided to return the land to the Earth Kingdom and ensured with the local officials that the Fire Nation citizens would be allowed to stay if they wanted to. Since most of them had been living there for years or even their whole lives, none felt comfortable uprooting their lives and moving across the ocean. Only the Avatar and Fire Lord could genuinely fix the problem.

"My Uncle will be arriving anyway, so I can ask him to keep an eye on things when I am away," Zuko spoke as if he had made up his mind. The advisor stood up and began to get flustered.

"I will organise an airship to take you and a contingent of staff for the trip."

"No, don't. I can't show up like that; it will give the wrong impression. It would be best if I went alone with the Avatar. We will travel faster that way too."

"But, My Lord, you cannot go on your own. We need to organise for guards to go with you." He was getting more flustered and flicking through the pages in his hands.

"Again, I will not be on my own. I do not require any better protection than the Avatar himself. Showing up like we expect a fight isn't putting their minds at ease. We need to present a calm and helpful demeanour. An airship and a contingent of guards isn't going to show that." Zuko wasn't one for making a fuss, and he knew things would be fine if he left his Uncle in charge.

"My Lord..." he trailed off, knowing that the younger man was right and slowly nodded. "I will see that all preparations will be made for you to depart once your Uncle arrives. I will send a letter ahead to inform them of your visit."

"Thank you. That will be all. Please ask Wen to fetch the Avatar so I may discuss this matter with him."

He began making some notes and brainstorming, only lifting his head when he heard the door open. His friend's shaved head appeared on the threshold, and he closed the door behind him before he came and sat down.