The Fire God's Bride

Part 1

Chapter 9 – The Wedding

The Fire Palace walls were decorated with blue, red, and gold tapestries; a symbol of the union of fire and water. Ribbons of vine-like ice snaked the palace's posts and brazen fires blazed at the bases. Even the red carpets were spotted with light blue flakes design. An orchestra, playing music pieces of god and men, blended with the cheerful atmosphere.

Aang and Toph arrived hours before the celebration through Aang's flying bison, Appa. They still wore their everyday clothes; Aang with his orange monk-like clothes and Toph with her green-tunic-light-brown-pants ensemble. They were ushered into separate rooms and there, they were dolled up.

An hour or so later, Aang decided to visit Toph and somehow be her guide. The Fire Palace was not made up of earth nor metal and he was worried that Toph may get lost. He knocked at her door thrice before she called him out to enter.

"Toph. I–"

His eyes rounded at the sight of Toph. She looked different from the usual Toph he got used to. A green kimono hugged her feminine body, accenting her bumps and curves. Her usually kept hair was hanging loosely on her shoulders.

"Twinkle Toes! What's the matter?" Toph asked loudly, breaking Aang's train of thoughts. "You're just standing there like a statue… and your heart's beating fast."

Aang blushed furiously, making the servant giggle. He didn't notice that the eastern wing of the palace, wherein Toph's room was located, had floors made from earth. "N-Nothing. Just came here to fetch you. Er… you… you look nice in your dress."

"Thanks," Toph beamed. "It's very rare of you to compliment me honestly."

Aang smiled at her as he suddenly felt warm inside.

-O-

I look like a whore, Katara thought horribly as she stood before a large mirror while a female servant tightened the obi of her dress.

Katara was wearing a light blue kimono with flower designs that had dark blue edges and plunging v-neckline. The undergarment is plain white and the obi is gold while its ribbon is red. Her hair was tied like that of the Fire Nation women she saw once on one of her father's illustrated scrolls. The wooden red clogs she was wearing seemed to squeeze her feet.

"Can I really not wear my parka?" Katara asked one of the servants sheepishly.

The servant stopped herself from rolling her eyes. Katara was amusing for her, being the only noble (was she?) who talked conversationally to them. Even when her questions are unending, the servant came to like her. "You really can't, Lady Katara."

"But I feel so… naked," Katara whispered in reply, tracing her exposed collarbone.

"You'll get used to it," the servant grinned.

If Katara hadn't been so nervous that day, she would've snapped and screamed bloody murder at the servant but she instead gave a shaky smile. "I hope I will."

The maids were just putting finishing touches on Katara's face when several knocks echoed the room. They all looked expectantly at Katara and she trembled.

"C-Come in," she called out in a wee voice. The maid who she had been talking to a while ago gave her a reassuring smile.

A lady with pale skin and midnight black hair entered the room. Her features wore the expression of boredom, as if weddings happen every day, but her yellow eyes were piercing. The air around her held superiority, setting her aside from the servants.

"I am Princess Mai," the lady said in a flat tone. "You must be… Lady Katara."

Katara ignored the emphasis on the word 'lady'. "Nice to meet you, Princess Mai."

"I'm here to escort you," Mai said. She seemed to notice Katara's hesitation and she smiled. "Don't worry. I won't bite you."

Katara bit her tongue to stop answering back. She smiled bravely and nodded. "I'm ready."

She headed out of the room with her chin held high. Mai was following her close behind but Katara didn't talk to Mai due to her speeding heart and weakening legs. Closing her eyes, she brought the memory of her mother's smile to ease her a little bit.

Oh, mother, if only you are here, she thought wistfully. She didn't notice where she was heading or the decorations that surrounded her. But at the sight of the waiting crowd, she banished her sad thoughts away.

"This is it Katara," she whispered softly to herself. "It's your time to 'shine'."

-O-

"It's really her, Toph," Aang elbowed Toph as soon as he saw Katara. "The girl from the Southern Water Tribe."

"Geez, Sparky is so cunning," Toph replied. "Years after, he would seek for another replacement. That girl will age!"

Aang didn't have the chance to agree with her and pity Katara for the music changed from a lively one to a dreamy piece. The lights dimmed save for the ones that lighted the bride's path. He could see her trembling and she seemed so small underneath the kimono but her face betrayed no trace of fear.

"Look at her eyes," Aang whispered to Toph. "It's blazing like blue fire!"

Toph snorted. "Yeah. I can clearly see what you mean, Twinkle Toes."

"Oh, sorry," Aang muttered as he felt himself blush with shame.

"No offense taken."

The music started to play softly when Katara reached before Zuko and kneeled down. He started to give a small speech about Katara becoming his wife. Iroh then went up the steps and gave a crown to Zuko. The crown was like one that Zuko wore but its base was red and the golden phoenix wings attached to its sides. The pin was black; an inverted blue crescent moon is located on its far end where three golden stars hang. The crown was made up of precious stones: gold, onyx, and sapphire.

Zuko placed it on Katara's top knot and the crowd clapped. To her outmost shock, he extended his hand to help her stand up and she shyly took it. They stod together before the cheering crowd and for the first time that day, Katara was able to give an easy smile.

Demon: That's pretty long, tono.

Me: Yup.

Temper: Please review everyone!

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Chapter 8

Thank you very much:

- AnnaAza and LiahkonaAs for the reviews! I really appreciated it. XD