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

Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Zuko woke, not so well-rested, which made sense since they were sleeping in an unfamiliar place. Zuko woke up first since there weren't any curtains on the windows in the living area, so the sun shone right inside. Aang woke up about fifteen minutes later, probably hearing him shuffling around, using the bathroom. It would be a long day, but Zuko felt better after speaking to Latun and Xalin last night. They had given him such a boost. He appreciated that they took the time to tell them that what he and Aang were doing wasn't going unnoticed, and they were grateful. He also felt slightly jealous of their easy, relaxed intimacy and how well they knew each other. They had been able to communicate with just a look and seemed like the kind of couple that could finish each other's sentences. Zuko thought of Izara back home and hoped she was all right.

Once he'd relieved himself and washed his hands, he left the bathroom and said good morning to Aang, who gave him a quick wave and a smile as he passed him, going to the bathroom.

Zuko got ready for the day, and Aang did the same after he emerged. They chatted idly, rehashing some of what they discussed after dinner last night so they had their game plan ready.

They'd decided that they would suggest selecting a council, and the town would elect the people that would serve on the said council. This way, they could choose the people with their best interests at heart, but each different group would be able to have their needs represented by someone who could actually make some change. It would be the most diplomatically efficient way to move forward while ensuring everyone had a way to make their concerns heard. Zuko and Aang could elect someone or discharge them from service if they were not following the mission of serving the city.

After they were ready, they headed out, getting something small for breakfast on the way to the town hall. Everyone seemed to have gathered already, and the air seemed much more relaxed than yesterday. Zuko wondered if it was partly because he and Aang felt better rather than like they were entering a battlefield before they started discussions.

"Good morning, everyone. Did you all have a good night?" Aang asked in his cheery tone.

"Thank you for coming again. We appreciate your patience and support as we try to find a solution that makes everyone happy." Zuko followed, giving them a smile as he and Aang took their seats at the front of the room.

"We have an idea that we think will benefit you all. With the town proliferating and becoming a hotspot for trade, creating a council of people to govern the city would be a good idea. These people would be elected by the populace and should come from different groups within the town to ensure everyone's needs are represented equally." Aang spoke, using his 'big boy voice' as Zuko had taken to calling it.

The townspeople chatted amongst themselves, but the chatter seemed optimistic. Some were smiling, and others nodded in understanding. Zuko and Aang glanced at each other, wondering what had changed overnight. Spotting Latun and Xalin in the crowd, smiling at them both, he briefly wondered if they had put in a good word for them. The couple noticed his gaze, and Xalin shrugged as if he didn't know anything, but Latun's expression gave it away.

Aang must have noticed and followed his gaze, looking at the men and realising they must have done something. The Avatar grinned at them, beaming happily in gratitude for their contribution. Maybe everything would be okay.

"The ultimate control of this council is under myself and the Avatar; however, we do not wish to interfere if we can avoid it. You should be perfectly capable of governing yourselves. We don't want you to feel like we are looking over your shoulder and micromanaging everything you do. We want to trust that you all have the town's best interests at heart." Zuko added, and the chatter quietened while he spoke but picked back up afterwards.