ATLA: Azlua

Phoenix City Part V

A/N: Hey everyone! I know it's been a while since I've posted a new chapter. The truth is, I hit a bit of a wall with inspiration—I knew how I wanted the story to end and had the major beats planned out, but the details in between left me feeling stuck. Thankfully, I've rediscovered the motivation I lost, and I'm excited to get back to sharing this story with you all. Look forward to more updates soon!

Ty Lee sat quietly in her office, the pale morning sun struggling through the frost-covered windows, casting faint, muted patterns onto the scattered scrolls covering her desk. Sleep had eluded her, leaving shadows beneath her eyes and an unfamiliar heaviness in her chest. Her usual vibrancy felt distant, worn thin by the political tensions consuming Phoenix City.

Zira stood silently by the door, arms folded, her keen eyes regularly flicking toward Ty Lee in concern. Commander Kaida, standing rigidly near the window, held a report in her hands, her voice flat and clipped as she read.

"Another dozen rebels detained last night," Kaida announced dispassionately. "They were attempting to incite riots near the eastern gates."

Ty Lee rubbed her temples, suppressing a groan. "This isn't sustainable. We can't keep arresting people and expecting peace to follow."

Kaida raised an eyebrow, a faint edge in her tone. "It keeps them in check."

"But for how long?" Ty Lee sighed, shaking her head. She glanced toward Renshu, who had remained quietly contemplative by the hearth, his gaze focused on the embers glowing softly within. "Any suggestions, Renshu? You seem lost in thought."

Renshu turned slowly, meeting her eyes with a measured calmness. "You need a foothold. The guilds refuse to negotiate, yet the people may still listen to reason."

Ty Lee leaned back, intrigued but wary. "What do you propose?"

Renshu stepped forward, the firelight casting flickering shadows across his face. "Establish a council drawn from respected community leaders. Teachers, healers, artisans—individuals who genuinely speak for their communities. If these people speak for you, the populace might begin to trust your intentions."

Ty Lee hesitated, her brow furrowing slightly. "Azula wouldn't approve. Too many voices make control difficult."

"Control isn't the immediate issue," Renshu responded diplomatically, clasping his hands behind his back. "The immediate issue is legitimacy. Without that, the guilds hold all the power."

She tapped her fingers thoughtfully on the desk, mulling over his words. "The idea itself isn't bad," she admitted slowly. "But it needs adjustment. Something temporary—less formal. That way, we avoid drawing unwanted attention from the capital."

She straightened, her voice gaining confidence. "We'll call it a People's Assembly. It'll be provisional, a transitional measure. When I step down as overseer, we can formalize it further. District representatives, perhaps, giving people an official voice while maintaining structured governance."

Renshu nodded slowly, a small, approving smile on his lips. "A compromise the Fire Lord might tolerate—and the people will appreciate."

Ty Lee allowed herself a faint smile in return, though it quickly faded as she caught sight of Kaida's skeptical glare. Transitioning her gaze back to the cold morning beyond the window, she took a deep breath, steadying herself.

"It's decided, then. Renshu, begin compiling a list of trusted community leaders." Her voice hardened slightly with determination. "It's time we gave the people something to believe in again."

Kaida's sharp voice cut through the room as she folded her arms. "Or we can simply shut down the guilds. One swift move and they're out of your way entirely."