The Return of the Avatar - Book one: Body

Chapter Nine - The Royal Visit

That same day, Chou had a different visit. But this time it was more of a deal. Ling took her lunch and as she was cleaning up, Buniq knocked at the door.

"Chou," said the waterbender, "There's someone here to see you."

"Who is it?" asked the Avatar.

"Uh... How can I say it... It's the Fire Nation?"

"What? The whole Nation?" Chou walked to open the door. And when she did, she saw Buniq standing next to two Fire Army captains.

"Avatar Chou?" asked one of the captains, a woman. "I'm Captain Igna, captain of the First Aerial Command."

"First Command? That's the Firelord's army."

"You're right. This is Captain Kaen, of the First Infantry Guard. We're here because Firelord Rina wants to see you. But, due to security reasons, she can't come here to your dorm room. We will take you to our embassy, if that's all right with you."

"The Fire Nation embassy? Didn't know we had one here. And, uh, you mean now?"

"If you don't have anything else to do. Firelord Rina would very much appreciate your presence."

"Can my friends come too?" Chou was talking about Ling and Buniq, who were there listening to everything.

"I'm sorry, but unfortunately, she's only able to talk to you alone."

"That's okay, Chou," said Ling. "I'll be alright here, with Daisuke and Buniq waiting for your return." Chou's fox cat was already on Ling's lap, purring.

Chou accompanied the two Fire Nation officers. She couldn't believe that she was called to talk to the Firelord herself. They climbed the cliff and on the top Chou saw a dragon waiting. At first she was scared, but as she saw no reaction from anyone - not even the animal.

"Have you ever riden a dragon before?" asked Igna.

"I don't think so," answered Chou. "I don't think I've ever seen a dragon before either."

"This is Badan, the Firelord's dragon. The Firelord asked to come with her dragon to welcome you, even though she's too old to ride her herself. She'll take her there."

The captains helped Chou to mount on the dragon's back and instructed on how to hold herself on the lizard's back. The two took off and, as Chou held herself tight, the dragon glided to an island close by, where she saw the Fire Nation Embassy. It was a large traditional Fire Nation imperial building, with a large green area around it. Arriving there, the dragon gently landed and Chou was greeted by a Fire Army general, recognizable by her full military garments.

"Welcome, Avatar Chou," said the general, as she helped Chou dismount. "I'm General Akemi, direct leader of the Fire Army under the Firelord. I'm glad you're here. The Firelord is expecting you."

Akemi accompanied Chou inside the building, through hallways and rooms. She saw some military personel saluting the general and other civilians simply greeting her. They got to a large door, and Akemi said,

"Please, walk in. The Firelord is there waiting for you. If you need anything, I'll be out here."

Chou walked inside and saw an old lady, dressed in an informal royal garment, even though, the royal headpiece was perfectly placed on a bun on her white hair. She was sitting down, looking at some books that were on a table next to her. On that table, also rested a small wooden red box.

"Excuse me, my Firelord," said Chou as she bowed.

"Don't bow to me, dear," said the Firelord. "I'm the one supposed to bow to you. I didn't believe I was going to meet the avatar from the Fire Nation while still alive, and here you are, granting me this gift."