Chapter Text
It had been weeks since the royal tour began and, although Zuko had initially been a bit excited to get out of the already established routine in the capital of the fire nation, without realizing it, he ended up entering a new routine just as or even more stressful than the one he was used to. Between travels, diplomatic meetings, and festivals, he hadn't had a moment to rest. He visited and toured the cities in the morning and traveled overnight to his next destination. For this reason, he thanked the spirits that he finally headed to his last stop: Yu Dao City, for its founding anniversary, and hopefully could relax for a couple of hours.
-Your Majesty, we have arrived at the gates of Yu Dao -
It had been a long time since he last visited the city, and from what he could see through the window of the carriage, not much had changed, except, of course, for the decorations for the holiday and the large number of people who were in the streets, that were not only limited to being from the fire nation or the earth kingdom, there were also few people from the water tribe and some air acolytes who dressed in a particular but very familiar way.
Arriving at what used to be the royal family's residence, now city hall, Zuko could see by the distance a group of young citizens, apparently arguing.
- I'm telling you, Kai, the aquatic badgers will destroy the fire pandas - said one of the boys.
-You could not be more wrong. The name itself says it, those badgers are going to drown in today's match - answered his friend.
Zuko smiled to himself, listening to the boys having a conversation about some local sport, which made him wonder if, in some alternate reality, he would have been one of those boys talking about normal and routine things for his age. It wasn't as if he complained about being the fire lord; after all, he did everything possible to become it, but every action has its reaction, and every year the responsibility of the throne become heavier.
-Your Majesty, we have arrived - said one of the guards, interrupting his thoughts.
- Thank you, mmm... -
- Kanto, your Majesty -
-Thank you, Kanto- he always struggles with names, this was the twentieth time he had asked him.
- Welcome your Majesty - the city representative said, along with a small reverence. - I hope you had a peaceful journey and find the city of Yu Dao a rewarding place to end your tour -
-Thank you very much; I hope I can enjoy the city - Zuko answered.
- And so it will be, Your Majesty! Before taking you to your chamber, I would like to discuss with you about this project you are developing with the avatar; what do you think if... - and here we were again, an unexpected meeting that would take all of his afternoon.
....................................
-Six years have passed, and as I promised on the day of my coronation, I am and will continue fighting for peace. I will dedicate my life to serving my people and the world. Thank you!- The fire lord finished his speech and proceeded to return to his seat, to give rise to the great celebration and artistic presentations that would be held in the main square. After an hour full of songs, dances, and different historical recreations, Zuko already found himself somewhat impatient; he wanted to end the day and go to rest.
-And last but not least, let's welcome the students of Bei Fong’s metalbending academy, who will delight us with an unusual dance. Please let's receive them with a big round of applause- that caught his attention. "Bei Fong’s metalbending academy" Zuko overlooked the small detail that the self-proclaimed best earthbender of all time lived in the city. Although to be fair, they hadn’t been in touch for a while now, she did not attend the last meeting of the group for "important business" related to her school, even though he doubted that this was the real reason for her absence.
"unusual dance" Was he about to watch Toph Bei Fong dancing along with her students? This didn't sound like her, and it wasn’t. After a few seconds, he discarded that possibility, noticing her absence at the beginning of the dance, which managed to captivate more than one, it was a perfect mix between dance, acrobatics, and metal control.
At the end of the presentations, and after a small farewell by the night's presenter, the crowd dispersed, so it was fair to say that the night had ended successfully, as his political tour. So now, he could finally go to sleep and return to the fire nation the next day. He got up from his seat, and together with his guards, he hoped to reach the city hall to spend a quiet night.
-You aren’t thinking of leaving without saying hello- said a not-so-unknown voice behind him.
-Toph! I didn't see you in the crowd. -
-Same- she replied with a mocking smile -I heard you've been on tour, so I hope you have some exciting stories to tell tonight - she continues. If she only knew that this precise moment was the closest thing to exciting he had in the entire tour.
-I was already heading to the city hall to rest, it's been a long trip so far- Zuko replied, which wasn't completely a lie; he was feeling tired, although he had to admit that Toph wasn't his ideal person to hang out with; the last (not to say the only) time that they were alone without the gang was on Ember Island years ago, the day on when he broke any chance of closeness with her. After all, she willingly opened up about her life, seeking support and empathy from him, but he decided to cut the conversation.
- The almighty fire lord can't get past bedtime? -
he analyzed for a moment. Toph is considered by many to be a fun girl, and although it wouldn't be a life-changing trip, they may have a good time together; after all, he owed it to her.
-Okay, but only for a couple of hours- he agreed, not knowing the earthbender's true intentions.
- Great- Toph said satisfyingly, -oh! I forgot, I brought this too; you don't want anyone to recognize you - she said, tossing a hooded cloak to Zuko.
"Are you taking me to commit a crime?" Zuko asked dubiously.
-don't ask stupid questions, and take off that thing you're wearing; it's so heavy, I thought for a moment you gain some weight-
"This will definitely be a long night."