Chapter 20.3- And so the Dragons Danced

XXXXXXX- MASASHI

He’d come to discover over time that he quite liked his job. Working as the cupbearer to the firebird meant that he had access to some od the most interesting briefings and news. He was basically a god in the palace when it came to access to information. Everyone tried to be in his good graces because he had alll the best gossip. He was also watched over by a guard at virtually every instance to make sure he didn’t do anything stupid like conspire to poison the Firelord. He also, technically, served as the FireLord’s winemaster. Having the person who served the drink take the first step of tasting it was just the kind of efficiency that the Fire nation would promote.

That meant he got to have all the best gossip, taste all the best wine, and walk around like a lesser noble with a guard. All for the small minor risk of being killed if he managed to irritate the Fire Lord. He was the third to be appointed to the position in as many years, but he’d already lasted as long as both of his predecessors combined.

He knew just how to deal with Fire Lord Ozai and his moods. He knew how to prevent the Fire Lord from turning any negative intentions on him. The secret, as his mother had taught him, was a combination of honesty and arse kissing in the right ratio. That was besides the point, however. A meeting like this was just what made his job so enjoyable. Other than the healthy salary, of course.

“So what is the report from Sung’s division?” The Fire Lord asked, talking to High General Hiro. The wizened old man nodded to acknowledge the question and then took a deep breath. He was measured with his words, the High General. He never spoke more than necessary and so was careful to choose his words for maximum impact.

“The flag of the Fire Nation now flies on the walls of Omashu. Colonel Natsu took the head of the Butcher of Omashu.” He said, giving the report in a cold tone, like he was discussing the weather and not the greatest military victory the Fire Nation had enjoyed in over a decade. Applause sounded out as the entire command council applauded the news. He walked forward to refill the Fire Lord’s cup and noted that he was smiling. Even the Fire Lord was happy with the news. Of course he was. This was the kind of Victory that cemented a reign as a success.

“Beautiful” he said, ending all the noise with his voice. None would dare interrupt the Fire Lord as he spoke.

“This is great news. Have it sent out at Midday tomorrow, when Agni is highest in the sky. This victory is worthy of celebration. Send it all across the Nation” He commanded. The smile on his face was audible in his voice. All the Generals and members of the Command Council were smiling as well. The Fire Lord’s mood was infectious.

“And Zhao’s plan? How is that coming along?” He asked, still pleased.

Now, it was one of the Admirals who answered, “Word is being sent across the military of a massive operation, but the specifics are still kept secret. We are freeing up resources all across the board to join in on the assault.” He said.

“Perfect. Have Sung and half his battalion reassigned to join Zhao. The two of them working together might be just what we need for this to come to fruition.”

“Yes, My Lord. I will have it done”

“Also grant Sung a promotion. Sign it in my name. He has proven himself.” He said.

“And the remnants of General Sung’s battalion, My Lord?” One of the Generals asked, while taking notes on the scroll in front of him.

“Grant a promotion to the one who killed the earth savage. He will take command of the force under strict orders to consolidate our hold on Omashu while a Governor is assigned for the province. Your grandson is doing splendid work, is he not, Natsu?” The Fire Lord said, turning at his last sentence to address another member of the Council. Lord Wu.

“Yes, My Lord. He is bringing honour to the family name.”

“Splendid. Maybe if he continues to perform beyond expectations then wedding bells might ring across the palace soon” The old man looked about to have heart attack from sheer joy. The entire council was silent at that, several of the older Lords looking confused. One in particular, Lord Shibai looked mutinous. But no one said anything. The Fire Lord had spoken. It took Masashi a few seconds to parse the hidden message of what had been said and remember the right context.

The Fire Lord had just hinted at lifting a punishment placed by his own father. And even more than that, he’d hinted at lifting the punishment with a marriage to his own daughter. That was something else. Something more.

XXXXXXX- NATSU THE ELDER

“Is there any truth to the reports?” East asked. Hesitant and sceptical as always.

“There is. Several of my sources have confirmed it. He was last spotted on Kyoshi Island off the coasts of the Earth Kingdom’s mainland.” South replied.

“So the Avatar walks among us again. And in the form of a 12-year old child. The spirits are cruel to force a burden so large on the shoulders of one so young.” North’s voice rang out from his position at the table.

“All the better for our plans, I think. He is not yet fully realised and will be even easier to kill before that happens” He said, offering his own thoughts on the matter.

“And the Prince’s position? We had assumed his banishment to be permanent with the thought that the Avatar was dead and gone. Now, there is a path for his return. His return could ruin all that we had worked for” South put down his cup of tea to offer his concerns.

“ The Fire Lord has no interest in seeing the return of his “failure of a son”. If Prince Zuko somehow succeeds in the capture of the Avatar then his reward shall be a knife in the dark” He replied, putting an end to that train of thought.

A/N; In wider politics and conspiracies…