Chapter 49.1- And so the Dragons Danced

“And by what right do you presume that position? A son of Ozai still lives” Well, Hyo was one thing if not predictable. The old bastard would defend the status quo to his last breath. He was one of those I would either have to win over or get rid off before I officially took the throne.

“Zuko is a traitor, and a kinslayer twice over. He colluded to kill Ozai” I began with a lie, before continuing— “And he was the one to send the Avatar here. The same Avatar that killed his sister, Azula. That alone would be enough to disqualify him from the throne but there is also the fact that he colludes with foreigners and rebels. He seeks to abandon all that we have given blood, sweat, and tears for in some juvenile desire for peace. No, Zuko is a stain on the line of Sozin. And you ask by what right I seek the throne, by the same right that Tsukuyomi and his Wife unified the fire Nation. By the right of being the strongest of you all” I said with a smirk on my face, as I watched him bristle.

I’d just killed the Avatar, I could stand to be a bit arrogant. Everyone who could give me a good fight was on my side already. The others, the rest of the world? They’d be fodder.

My Grandfather was the first to bend the knee. Of course he was. Those who had followed him followed suit quickly enough, and then those who were still standing began to drop one by one. These were experienced men, Generals and skilled politicians. They’d know how to read the wind. That was why I was not worried even as Hyo and Aki seemed to consider not bending the knee at all. When they were the only ones left standing, they did it. Oh that didn’t mean I had their loyalty. They would plot and scheme to get rid of me at least twice but Id cross that bridge when I got to it.

“Good. Rise, my Generals” I said.

“Today, we sail for the capital” I proclaimed at last.

We already had the ships ready and provisioned for a long journey so why not put them to good use. And considering the palace was demolished, it wasn’t like there was much to do in Ba Sing Se.

I gave my orders to Long Feng in a crisp tone. I’d be leaving behind a battalion under the command of some Lieutenant or the other, but Long Feng would be the one actually in charge of the city. He had orders to see to the rebuilding of the palace and to keep the people happy and compliant. There was no need starting a rebellion without me here to quell it.

“Are you sure that is wise? We will need all the men we can get to assualt the capital” Aki posed. There it was. The challenges to my authority would start as suggestions. I pinned the man with a look.

“I have no intention of attacking my own capital. Zuko will face me in an Agni Kai” I said, and that was that. Of course, if Zuko had any sense, he’d say no and prepare for a siege but that was also unlikely to go well.