Yeah! I am on a roll!!! Okay, new Character alert!!! This chappie is a bit mushy, so yeah...be prepared!!Part of teh story behind Sakura's ailment. R&R
Ty Lee raced into the grand hallway. Kei was right behind her, hot in pursuit. Out of a doorway came a servant and Ty Lee dashed under his legs, making him lose his balance. He tumbled over, and Kei was forced to jump over him. She was almost there, two more doors to go. She stopped at the door and waited patiently for Kei.
"She's going to be here today." Ty Lee whispered. Kei blushed. He opened the door slowly.
Inside, two doctors were performing medical procedures on Sakura, who seemed perfectly comfortable.
"Hi kids." She called. They waved. Kei strolled up casually to one of the nurses. Her brown hair almost whipped his face as she turned around.
"Oh, hello Kei." She greeted.
"Hello, Miyako." He blushed. "So, how is she doing?"
"Better than the last check-up. But still, the sickness hasn't left her. We have tried all the antidotes and remedies possible to the Fire Nation's abilities. If only we could get some Earth Kingdom doctors…"
"Yeah, but that probably won't happen."
"Still, we could barter. Some of our knowledge for theirs."
"If we happen to not tell them we're Fire Nation."
"Yeah…we could do that. Some of our students have Earth Kingdom traits…"
"…Like you?" She blushed. "You with your beautiful eyes…"
"Stop it, Kei!" She squealed. "Back to the diagnosis. I think if we find this certain plant, the Jade Lotus, which is said to be the rarest plant in the whole world, we may have a chance to have the sickness diminish."
"Let me guess. The only place to find it is in the Earth Kingdom?"
"Nice try. Actually, the location is unknown. It hasn't been seen in several years. Maybe even before the Air Nomads were wiped out. All we have is this picture." She handed him a scroll which he opened.
"Lemme see! Lemme see!" Ty Lee whimpered. He lowered it so she could see it. It was a beautiful plant, with four gentle petals of jade. In the middle were four stalks of seeds, each seeming to drip with gold. Ty Lee gasped. "This is the plant that will save Mama?" Kei's head seemed to droop.
"Ty Lee, Mama will never get better. The sickness is going to kill her eventually. Everyone will die eventually. But this plant will help her live longer. So she may see you grow up a bit more."
"But until we find that plant," Miyako added, "We will need to find the next best thing. And yes, Kei, this is in the Earth Kingdom."
"So, why did you come here today?" Kei asked, "You are supposed to be studying abroad. In the Fire Nation capital. Not here, in the countryside."
"Well, that is exactly why I came. I have volunteered to find this plant for your mother. I will dress up as an Earth Kingdom nurse, and simply trade one plant for another."
"But, that is dangerous. If they find out your Fire Nation…"
"I know Kei. I wouldn't do this for anyone else, but this is…your mother." She smiled, "I want her to be alive when you finally are old enough to make the decision."
"I am old enough. Father won't let me until I master firebending. But you know that won't be long. You will probably be back by then. And you already know I have made the decision."
"What decision!? What decision!?" Ty Lee asked. Kei and Miyako burst out laughing. Miyako moved over to one of the doctors.
"Doctor, is it okay if I talk to the son of the patient personally outside?" He nodded, and Miyako motioned for Kei to go outside. Ty Lee moved over to Sakura.
"Honey, I heard you made friends with Ozai's girl." Sakura smiled.
"Yep, I'm going to her birthday party."
"How nice."
"Mama?"
"Yes?"
"Does your sickness hurt you?" Sakura grew silent.
"Yes, Ty Lee, it does. But I've gotten used to it. I still smile."
"Mama, I'm going to find that flower for you."
"Oh, honey. You can't do that…"
"Well, I'll try my best!"
"…You do that, sweetie." One of the doctors came over and told Ty Lee that is was time to go, and that her mother would be back later that night. She slumped outside. At least she knew she would see Mama at dinner. But where would she find that plant?
As she turned down the hall she heard voices in the room next door. Slowly, she approached the door and opened it. Miyako and Kei were shocked to see her. They were leaning on the wall in an empty room, and seemed to be in the middle of a conversation.
"What are you two doing…?" Ty Lee asked.
"Talking." They said at the same time. Then they kissed. Miyako was laughing.
"Ewww…you guys are gross. Why don't you just marry her, Kei?"
"All in due time, Ty Lee."
"So you are going to get the replacement plant?" Ty Lee asked.
"Yes."
"Good luck."
"Thank you."
"I'm going to try to find the real plant!"
"I bet you are." Miyako laughed again.
"But really, I bet I can…"
"Ty Lee, I'm not going to see Miyako for awhile, could you leave us alone?" Kei said.
"I won't see her for awhile either!"
"…True.." He thought aloud.
"Come on, Kei. I need to spend time with the little poodlemonkey too!" Miyako ruffled Ty Lee's hair. "So, I hear you have made some new friends?"
"Yeah, Azula and Mai. Azula is kind of bossy, but she is really cool. We played an easy version of Pai Sho. Not like the boring one you play, Kei. Ours had animal figurines, and I was the hogmonkey. I wanted to be the dragon, but Azula was always the dragon. Mai didn't play. She doesn't like to do much. And…" Ty Lee turned around and saw them kissing again, "Are you listening to me at all!!?" She stomped off, "Love…" She said, disgusted.
Ty Lee walked over to the small pond. She leaned over the bridge and stared at her reflection. But she did want love. She just didn't like it when got in between her and her brother. Oh well, it is life.
Okay, it wasn't that bad. I have plans for that plant and Miyako. This is not the end! MWAHAHAHA!! Yeah, I think the next chapter is going to be about the Birthday party, but I might have a last minute idea...so yeah.
