To answer everyone's question as to how I edited my chapters so fast…
Covid test + Quarantine from work to await my results+ being bored out of my mind= 64 edited chapters. I didn't have covid though, so that's another plus.
Also, don't hate me, but I am going to not have Crystal and Zuko go to the play. Actually… I think you will all really like what they are planning to do instead…
I mean, this is fanfiction. Why not change things up?
Chapter 66: The Sage
We landed in the late evening, Katara using some cloud coverage so we remained concealed. I had finally gotten movement back in my arms and legs about two hours after Ty Lee's attack, and I smacked Zuko on the arm with a pout. He only kissed me on the lips in return and promised he'd let me restrain him for a second the next time he ran into a crazy battle zone. I told him there better not be a next time, to which he just shrugged and said, "It's a war, Crys. Fighting is part of it."
I responded by saying, "Then next time we fight together."
He couldn't argue.
Once we arrived at the island, I could see a vast expanse of beach. Through our cloud cameo, I was able to make out a large wooden town in the distance that I assumed was a vacation spot for other Fire Nation citizens. The vacation home that Zuko's family had once stayed in was about two miles from the town, in a secluded spot that no one would be able to find unless they knew it was there. Trees stretched around the area, and Zuko explained to me they were palm trees. The building was three large buildings in one, with a giant covered porch out front stretching to the stone steps. From above, I could also see a large space out back that had a giant fountain and a training ground. The fine wooden material and red roofs made me think of the palace for a moment, and I shivered trying to push the image aside.
The Fire Lord was miles away. I was safe from him. I would just keep telling myself that.
Once we landed Appa behind the vacation home, I saw more palm trees and other greenery in abundance out back which would thankfully conceal Appa from someone who may fly by on an airship. We were safe.
The group quickly jumped off Appa, excited to explore. As the group raced off into the giant resort home, Zuko and I stayed outside in hesitation. I could sense as soon as we landed he had gone tense and somber. This was hard for him, coming to a place where so many memories of his mom filled the walls around him. I took his hand and gave it a tight squeeze, trying to offer him a small bit of comfort. He gave a sad smile, squeezing my hand back.
"It feels weird," he whispered. "Being here again. Last time I was here, my mom was still with me. That feels like ages ago. That was back during a time when I was happy… A time before my father became hungry for power and ruined everything… Who knew the greed of one man could destroy what used to be."
I turned and hugged Zuko, resting my cheek against his chest. "He didn't destroy you though. He only made you stronger. When we defeat him, we'll make him regret everything he did to your family. He won't hurt you or anyone else again… We have to defeat him."
He hugged me close and pressed his face into my hair. The warmth from him, the setting sun, and the ocean breeze felt so nice. "We will. We've come too far not to."
"Hey! Sparky!" Toph shouted from the back entry way. "Get your butt in here and give us a tour! This isn't a honeymoon resort!"
I turned and snapped, "Will you knock it off with the honeymoon comments!"
Zuko sighed. "Maybe we should just get married?"
Katara shrieked from inside. "I heard that! No marriage unless I plan it!"
Rolling my eyes, I muttered, "I think we should just elope."
He laughed and put an arm around my shoulders. "No. I guess I need to stay on your family's good side. Come on, before they come out and drag us in."
Zuko and I entered the giant vacation home where we arrived into a large wooden room with a stone fireplace. Wooden poles stood around the room to hold the structure up. Suki, Sokka, Toph, Aang, Momo, and Katara were waiting for our tour to begin. Although I had my suspicion Momo just wanted to come along to look for food.
Zuko began his tour, falling back into his memories. "This was the room my family and I would usually lounge around in, especially on rainy days. We would play Pai Sho, or just talk about our adventures on the island. I was very young back in those days though… the war wasn't something I very much concerned myself over, so it was easy to feel carefree. This was all before my father became Fire Lord."
Katara spoke up. "I can't imagine him being anything but the Fire Lord… Was… Was he a good man once?"
Zuko crossed his arms and shrugged. "I'm not sure if a good man is the best word for it. He wasn't heartless though… There were times back when my mom was around and he was just Prince Ozai, that I really felt he cared about me and my sister. However, after my grandfather died and he succeeded the throne, all he really cared about was leading with an iron fist. The love was gone. A darkness fell over our family."
Suki was dismayed to hear this. "So the Fire Lord ruined your family too?"
He nodded. "Yeah… and back then I was too focused on earning his favor to understand the heartless beast he had become."
Zuko decided the mood had turned dark, and he moved on with the tour. As we walked towards the halls to the other rooms, I stopped as I saw a painted family portrait hanging on the wall. The young faces of Zuko and Azula as they stood in front of Fire Lady Ursa and Fire Lord Ozai took me by surprise. They looked like a family… Azula was scowling in the portrait, and Ozai held no smile on his expression, but the delight was shown in Zuko and Ursa's eyes. Zuko had lost so much…
"Crys?" Sokka poked his head around the corner. "You coming?"
I jumped a bit, having gotten lost in my thoughts. "Uh… yeah. Coming."
Zuko showed us around the rest of the house. There were two separate washrooms on the bottom floor with pumps to fill baths and sinks with water. A kitchen was at the end of the hall, with a large stove and storage containers. Thankfully nothing had been left since the last time Zuko and his family had been there, so there was no rotten smell. The dust wasn't very welcoming though.
He walked us down another hall that led to more storage rooms, and there was also a large room for dining. The dining room had a large shuttered window that opened up to show the ocean in the distance. The windows were shut, but Zuko opened them and the room filled with salty sea air. The dining table was terribly dusty as well, but made of fine polished wood.
"I'm surprised it looks so abandoned," Katara commented.
"It's not really maintained… I don't think my dad cares much for this place anymore because of the memories behind it. He would rather it probably stay abandoned and forgotten," Zuko said.
"This place would be beautiful if it was cleaned and restored," Suki said.
Toph shrugged. "I can't see much, but I approve of it. Great honeymoon spot." She turned to head back into the hall. Zuko and I blushed. Sokka pinched the bridge of his nose not wanting to think about that part of Zuko and I's future.
"Toph! I mean it! No more honeymoon chatter!" I stomped after her, while Suki laughed.
Toph twirled around to face me. "Or what?"
I growled. "Or I'll freeze you to a palm tree."
"Ooh. I'm so scared," she mocked. She turned and started to walk away again.
I tightened my fists, but Katara grabbed my shoulder to calm me down. "Don't let her get to you, Crys. You know she feeds off of weakness."
Sokka muttered, "That's definitely true." He'd had his fair share of experience.
The tour continued then, although this time Zuko grabbed my hand so I didn't strangle the earthbender whistling behind us. He showed us the small bedrooms on the bottom floor where a similar setup was in each. There was a bed, a cabinet to store clothes, and a window that made up a large piece of the wall. As Zuko took us upstairs, he showed us to the master suite which had a very large bed, a large cabinet, and a huge window. The other rooms upstairs were the private bedrooms.
Zuko showed us Azula's private vacation bedroom which had a fine bed and a very large window with a window seat. He walked us further down the hall, skipping the door beside Azula's room.
Aang noticed. "What's in there?"
Zuko's hand went tense against my own. I felt him shake. I knew immediately the room was his, and he wasn't ready to see it. Zuko ignored Aang, going to the next room. "This one was my uncle's."
We silently continued to follow him, although we all knew the room he avoided was his own. No one pressured him to show it though, especially when I shot them all a firm gaze and shook my head as they went to argue.
Once the tour was done, we all gathered back outside where Appa was waiting. Zuko disappeared for a moment back into the house as we unpacked the supplies we had brought. He came back with a bag full of money. We were amazed.
He smirked as our jaws dropped. "There's more where this came from. There's a hidden hatch by the stairs where our emergency vault is. Money was never a shortage for my family, so it looks like we left a ton since our last visit. If we need new clothes, weapons, or supplies then this should cover it and more."
Katara glanced over at Suki and I. "Those two definitely do. The rest of us have our Fire Nation clothing. Crystal lost hers at the palace and Suki doesn't have any."
"Well… someone else is going to have to buy mine then, because this air nation outfit is all I have and it may draw some looks," I commented.
Suki, who was wearing a maroon shirt and darker trousers, shrugged, "I think I'm good to go into town in what I'm wearing. Us girls can find you something suitable tomorrow, Crys. I'm guessing the shops are probably closing for the evening, so we'll go at sunrise."
Zuko nodded. "I'll hang back with Crystal. I've seen enough of the town in the past. And it's probably best I don't show my face too much. Someone might recognize me."
"That's what cloaks are for, Zuko!" Aang argued. "And you've still got your Fire Nation wear, so I don't think people will be that suspicious!"
Zuko had managed to keep his Fire Nation outfit with Sokka's water tribe clothing during their time at the prison. When Zuko had arrived at the temple after he and Sokka returned with our father and Suki, he had been wearing his prisoner clothing. That clothing became our fire kindle once he put back on the red outfit he originally wore after snatching it from Sokka's bag that same night. His prisoner clothing however made a thousand questions race through my head when I realized what he was wearing, and I had forced an explanation only to become horrified when I heard Zuko had been caught. Sokka and Zuko calmed me down though, by reminding me that they were safe, so I didn't knock anyone's heads.
"Better not chance it for now. We don't want to risk discovery. Maybe I'll test it out tomorrow evening," Zuko said. He then glanced over at Sokka in response to Suki's suggestion. "Should we trust the girls to find Crystal clothes though?"
Sokka sighed. "Hopefully their definition of suitable is ours. Crystal's last Fire Nation outfit was way too revealing."
I rolled my eyes. "Katara's is just as revealing. You both are way too protective."
"Well, you don't give us much of a choice. It's either we watch you like a hawk or we have to save you from some crazy leader," Sokka defended.
I shook my head. Turning on my heel, I started to head away towards the path that wrapped around the house and led to the beach.
"See!" Sokka exclaimed to the group. "She doesn't even tell us where she's going!"
I stopped, and let out a heavy breath. "I'm going to the water to watch the last of the sunset. Anyone is free to come."
As I started to walk again, I heard Aang and Momo race to catch up. The others followed a moment later, wanting to see the scene as well.
That night, after we ate some dinner that Sokka and Suki went to town to buy, I laid in one of the smaller bedrooms downstairs. As the others slept in the rooms near me, I began to wonder why Zuko was so hesitant about showing us the room he had once stayed in as a kid. If it was as plain as Azula's, I didn't see any reason for it to be something he needed to shy away from. Of course, I knew it was probably more so the atmosphere he was scared of. Stepping in the room may have brought back some painful memories.
The next day, my curiosity got the best of me. Aang and Zuko had trained some before breakfast, and then once we ate, the group decided to clean up to head into town. As everyone got ready in their Fire Nation attire, I walked over to Zuko who was dropping some hay down beside Appa. Sokka and Toph had managed to buy a few bundles in town when they went to get us some breakfast.
Appa groaned a thanks, and quickly ate his breakfast with thrill. As Zuko turned away, he smiled when he saw me approach. I suddenly grew anxious when I saw his smile. I didn't want to upset him, but I was curious. He noticed my uncertainty.
"What is it?"
I ran a hand through my hair, dropping my gaze. "I… It's silly."
He placed a finger under my chin, lifting my head to meet his gaze. "You can ask me anything."
I sighed, taking his hand and bringing it down to hold it between us. "I was just wondering what has you so nervous about that room? Are the memories really too painful to face?"
He was surprised. Then he let out a heavy sigh. "It's not that they're painful… I'm just worried that they'll remind me of the monster I became after my mom died. That room is a symbol of the young and innocent prince I had once been before my father molded me into his puppet."
"I can't imagine how hard this is for you… having to be here… surrounded by so many memories of the past..."
He brushed his thumb on my unmarked cheek, since his other hand was still occupied in my grasp. "I'm trying not to dwell on the past and make new memories… You and the team are helping me get over the pain and move on." He dropped his hand and sighed. "But, if you are really burning with desire to see my room, you have permission to enter. I'd be curious too. I'll be up in a minute."
"Are you sure?"
He kissed me on the forehead softly. When he pulled away, he whispered, "Just don't tell Sokka you went into my room with me unsupervised."
I laughed. "Deal."
A few moments later, I found myself at the door that we had passed the day before. Opening the door, I stepped into the dusty room. The room was dim, so I immediately walked over to the large window and pushed open the shutters to let light in. Once light seeped into the room, I took in the surroundings.
There was a nice sized bed like Azula's room had, with a burgundy blanket that was in serious need of some beating. Beside the bed, I saw a wooden table where small wooden toys sat on the surface. Stepping over to the table, I saw carved turtle-ducks and a few theatrical masks scattered across the surface. I picked up one of the masks and ran my finger over the smooth wood.
"My mom gave that to me," Zuko suddenly whispered.
I hadn't heard him enter, but I wasn't startled. Instead, I looked at the green painted wood of the grinning tree spirit face with cutouts for the eyes, and gave a sad smile. "It's cute. Your mom really liked the theater," I commented. I moved back and sat on the bed. Zuko sat beside me and looked down at the mask I still held in my hands.
"My mom seemed to know a lot about acting. Uncle told me before my mom married my father she lived in a small village where plays were common. He said that she performed a lot at her home village."
I nodded. "Your mom was chosen to marry your father because of Roku, right?"
Zuko nodded. "Yeah. Uncle gave me a letter from my mom before I joined the group to help save you from the Dai Li. I asked Uncle a little bit more about everything, and he told me that the sages told Fire Lord Azulon that a marriage between my mom and dad would produce a powerful lineage. They took my mom from her family and the man she truly loved, and brought her to live in the palace. I don't know much else though. I have the name of the village, Hira'a, but I don't know if she went back there after she was banished… I have a feeling she wouldn't go somewhere she could be easily found and captured..."
"So she was forced to marry someone she didn't love… that's so sad… although, one good thing came out of her marriage with Ozai..." I leaned against Zuko and rested my head on his shoulder. My finger traced over the carvings on the mask again. "She'd be proud of you for following your heart, you know?"
Zuko sighed. "I know…"
We sat in silence for a moment, just listening to each other's breaths. After a moment, I placed the mask back on the table and grabbed the turtle-duck figurine. I returned beside Zuko, leaning back into him. As I looked over the intricate carving of the small animal, I asked, "Did everyone already head off to town?"
He nodded. "Yeah. They were excited to shop. Hand the group a ton of coins and they act like it's the greatest day of their life." He brushed a hand through my hair. "We're alone."
"Sokka's letting his guard down then," I commented. "He's concerned about me wearing revealing clothing and getting too much attention, but he's left me with a guy that has already seen me half dressed." I stood and put the figurine back on the table.
As I did, I heard Zuko get up and wrap his arms around my waist. He hugged me from behind, and rested his cheek against my own. His body heat made my tan skin prickle with goosebumps.
He whispered, "You know… I've been thinking… with everything going on, and no prediction of what the future might bring…"
He stopped for a moment, and I heard him take a deep breath.
He finally whispered, "Maybe you're right. Maybe we should just get married now."
I gave a small smile. "Don't tease me, Zuko."
There was a small break of silence. Then he spoke softly into my ear, "I'm not."
Shivers went down my spine.
He continued. "We can have a real wedding after the war. A ceremony like Katara wants… but… how do we know if this war will ever be won? I mean, we may never get the chance… and… I'm tired of calling you my fiancee. I want you to be more."
His words completely flustered me. "But… mar- marriage is something that has to be done in front of a sage in your culture, right? And I'm… I'm pretty certain we can't just walk up to the sage in town and say, 'Hey, buddy. Prince Zuko and Crystal of the Water Tribe are here to wed.' Pretty certain our cover would be blown."
He chuckled at my horrible imitation. "Cute. But actually… the sage here is a member of the White Lotus," Zuko said. "He's on our side."
His words bewildered me. I turned and looked at him with question. "How do you know that?"
He answered. "The man that brought me to the Fire Nation Capital was the one who actually gave me the idea to come hide at Ember Island. He told me that Sage Ju, who is keeper of the temple a few miles outside of town, is actually a member of the White Lotus. He told me if we ever need help, we can trust him."
I was amazed. Then I was suddenly anxious. "I… I don't know…" I moved my hand to the charm of my necklace, my fingers tracing over the dragon symbols that formed a heart. "Are… are you sure? You really would accept me as your wife… now… with all this chaos?"
He cupped both of my cheeks in his hands. "You are the only woman I want to spend the rest of my life with, Crystal. And if that life is possibly short, then I want to at least die without any regrets."
My cheeks burned against his palms.
"Plus… Getting married on a pretty island doesn't sound like the worst thing in the world, right?"
I felt like I could barely breathe. I managed to joke softly though, "But what will I wear?"
He laughed. He then lowered his forehead to my own. "Guess whatever the girls bring you in a few hours. Although, I don't care what you wear because you look beautiful in everything."
I couldn't believe what was happening. Were we really considering this? Eloping? Marrying in secret?
"How do we sneak past the group?"
A mischievous glint crossed his gaze. "I actually thought about that."
He pulled a parchment out of his pants pocket and handed it over to me. I was bewildered when I saw a sketch of some pretty detailed images of my family, Aang, myself, and Zuko. Zuko's eyes and scar took up most of the background, with the actors playing Aang, myself, Katara, and Sokka at the forefront. A heavy set man was drawn on the bottom corner of the page to reveal the writer. The play was called "The Boy in The Iceberg" and was being put on by the Ember Island Players troupe.
"The play is tonight," Zuko spoke. "I went for a walk this morning through the town to test out my cloaked disguise and saw the ad on a billboard. I'm going to tell the group they should go. I don't think they'll want to miss it anyway. Aang will be thrilled I'm sure."
I still was nervous. "Won't they question why we're not going?"
He answered. "I'll tell them the honest truth: you and I have a date. Toph can't say we're lying."
I felt my heart pound in my ears. "You… you've thought up everything." Then I looked at him with honest curiosity. "What made you decide this all of the sudden?"
He pushed a strand of hair back from my face behind my hot ear. "Being here… remembering what it's like to have a family… I miss that feeling. I want a family, Crystal. I want to be responsible for someone, and to treasure someone for the rest of my days. If there's a chance we're all going to die soon, I want to know I achieved one thing in my life before our time is up." He inched towards my face, his gold eyes burning into my azure orbs. "Will you have me as your husband, Crystal?"
I couldn't find my voice at first. My body was on fire. I felt like I was living a dream. However, Zuko was right. We may not have the future, so what little future we had left, I wanted to be completely Zuko's in that time.
"Yes," I whispered. "You're the only one I've ever wanted, Zuko…"
He sighed with relief. "That's what I wanted to hear."
Around lunch, my family returned from town with thrill at their purchases. In that time, I'd dunked my face in the wash basin to try and hide the blush that was taking over my skin. While I did so, Zuko looked over a map to get the trail to the Fire Sage's temple. He said the trip was just three miles from where we were, and there was a path that would lead us straight there.
As we sat around eating some lunch, Suki and Katara showed me the outfit they had picked out for me. Katara was wearing her original Fire Nation outfit, but had bought some new shoes since her others were worn. Suki was wearing a new outfit which was a red two piece with low short sleeves, and had gold trim on the darker red neckline. Her bottom was a pair of red pants with a skirt and a lighter red belt. Her hair was halfway up in a bun with a gold headpiece. Her shoes were similar to Katara's.
"Sorry, Crys. I tried to find you a one piece, but Suki was persistent. She made a point that you would need to be able to move around if a fight breaks out," Katara stated.
I gave a small smile. "It's okay. The scars don't bother me as much anymore." I took the clothes from her and headed inside the building to go change. Heading to my room, I felt my heart pound again as I stared at the outfit Katara had handed me. It was not a wedding dress, but it was definitely pretty…
Putting on the burgundy outfit, the shirt cut off right at my collarbone, and brushed a little past my midriff. The straps were about three inches in length, and settled on my forearms. The skirt was split in the middle like Suki's, and the pants cut off at my knees. The shoes were a similar color, and light on my feet. Placing my hand on the gold charm on my chest, I shut my eyes as I listened to my pounding heart.
Mom… You always told me to follow my heart… I hope this is what you meant…
Composing myself, I headed out of the room and back to the outside world. Aang was practically jumping up and down with thrill when I stepped back outside. I asked Katara what was going on, and she answered, "Zuko just made plans for us tonight. Looks like we're going to see a play."
Sokka huffed. "I don't know how I feel about leaving you two alone on a date."
Zuko argued. "We've been alone before. How is now any different?"
Sokka scowled. Suki walked over and took his hand. "Please, Sokka! I missed out on your adventure most of the year! I want to see your journey! This will be so much fun!"
Sokka gave in with a sigh. "Fine." He looked back at Zuko with a firm gaze. "Keep an eye on you know who then. She likes to run into danger."
I rolled my eyes. "I'm not that bad."
Toph coughed. "No comment."
After cleaning up after lunch, the group lounged around for a few hours not doing much. Since we had done a lot of training that morning, we decided to just make the rest of the day a break. We had all been pretty tense since fleeing the temple anyway, worried about dad and the others.
Dad…
I sat on the steps at the front of the beach house, staring out at the sea beyond.
Dad had finally given me his blessing. He told me I could marry Zuko. His acceptance had been a huge weight off my shoulders after the spite he originally held towards my betrothed. If he were here with us now, and learned about Zuko and I's plans, I wondered what he would say. I knew he would probably not be thrilled of our secrecy, but I also knew he wanted me to be happy.
And Zuko… Zuko would make me happy… He already did.
My hand absentmindedly brushed against the scar on my wrist where Fire Lord Ozai had marked me. Tonight, that scar would mean nothing… I would belong to only Zuko, and he would belong to me.
"Hey, Princess! What's going on with you and Sparky tonight?" Toph came and plopped down beside me. Her question made my heart pound again. "You both are acting weird. Your heartbeats aren't normal."
I tried to brush her off. "We're just excited for our date."
Wasn't a complete lie.
She pursed her lips. "Sure… well, whatever you're doing tonight while I'm being forced to go "see" this play, as long as it will make you happy then that's all that matters."
"It will," I whispered. "Zuko has the whole evening planned. He's a huge romantic."
Toph sighed. "Honestly, I'm surprised you two haven't run off and gotten married yet. The amount of time you spend with one another… one would think you're husband and wife."
I breathed out heavily. "Do… do you think I'd be a good wife, Toph?"
Toph was surprised by my question. She shrugged though, answering, "The way you care about everyone and the sacrifices you're always making for the group… yeah… Zuko will be a lucky man to have a wife like you someday."
Toph left me, realizing she forgot to tell Aang something. Once I was alone again, I stared back at the waves letting her words drift through me. My hand tightened around the charm that had once belonged to Zuko's mom and I shut my eyes. "I'll love him forever, Fire Lady Ursa… I promise…"
Zuko POV
I could see she was nervous. Watching her while we ate lunch, I could tell she was a mixture of emotions. I felt the same. I was both nervous and excited. I was both scared and confident. I knew what I wanted, and I could see she did too.
When Crystal had joked yesterday about eloping, I had brushed the thought aside, knowing we weren't being serious about the matter. However, as the night came and started to pass, I stayed awake in the room on the first floor I was in and images flashed through my mind: Images of all the times I almost lost Crystal.
From the very first time I met her, when she almost died from the fever I had been responsible for, all the way to my father and sister trying to destroy her the other week, I realized there were just too many close calls. Crystal didn't have the best luck on her side.
However, I had to give her credit. Most of the situations she got herself into were because of her pure heart.
She revealed her waterbending to try and save the Avatar. She fell off the ship trying to save my crew from the storm. She rushed into battle at the North Pole to save her sister tribe. She was captured in Ba Sing Se during her quest to save Appa. And she tried to take on the three-eyed giant so no one else would get hurt.
She was rash and insane, but all of her actions were selfless and from her heart.
There was no telling what would happen in the days to come. If the Avatar didn't defeat my father by the comet, I could not even begin to imagine the destruction and devastation that would follow. Or the loss. If we did not win the battle against my father, then many of us could die. The thought of Crystal dying before becoming my wife greatly unsettled me. If there was one thing I desired, then it was to have and to hold the woman I loved as my own forever.
The future was so uncertain, but the present was clear. I wanted Crystal to be more than just my girlfriend. I didn't want her to be my fiancee anymore…
Thinking back to Areto, I remembered how terrified I was that I was about to lose her to another man. I couldn't let that happen again. I wanted her to be only mine…
When I told her about Sage Ju earlier in the morning, and heard her accept my proposal, I was overcome with ecstasy. She confirmed to me what I already knew: she wanted me to be hers.
I could remember the first day I saw her. Approaching the small group of villagers at the South Pole, I saw a girl with beautiful brown hair and intense azure eyes. Her scar was only a symbol to me of her survival from something terrible. I could see a fighter before me, and I could tell she was ready to protect her people. I couldn't see much else under her blue tinted fur clothing, but from the distance I could tell she was definitely a strong young woman, and beautiful.
Then over the time she was my prisoner, I found her beauty in other ways. Not just her body, although she was definitely nice to look at, but also in her personality. Her care for the crew; Her endearment towards my uncle; And her concern towards me, the one who had ripped her from her home and threw her in a cell. She learned about the boy I had once been, and she wanted to help bring him back.
And she had… She taught me to smile again. She made me laugh. She reminded me what love was. She had been my savior, even if she didn't realize it. She always talked about how she never protected me in return, but she had been protecting me all along. She protected me from the darkness inside me. She brought me back to the light.
Crystal was my happiness. And I wanted that happiness forever.
As the sun started to lower with the coming of evening, the group headed off to go get ready to see the play. They were going to grab dinner in town. I could tell Crystal and I both were not very hungry, anxious about the events to come. I had already sent a message to Sage Ju using a messenger hawk from town. The same hawk had returned an hour after lunch to let me know that the preparations would be made, and a White Lotus tile was tied to the hawks talon.
Once Crystal and I were alone, I walked over to where she stood at the front steps to see her family off. They were already gone around the bend, disappearing down the path towards town.
Taking her hand, I felt her return my favor with a firm grip. She looked radiant in the outfit that Katara and Suki picked out for her. I always felt red was her color, although I was certain she preferred blue due to her upbringing. But the red always brought out her eyes with intensity.
"You ready?"
She looked over at me upon my question, and I could see her azure eyes were full of the same determination and confidence that I had seen when I first laid eyes on her.
She turned and brushed her fingers on my left cheek, moving under the base of my scar. "I was scared at first," she whispered. "But then I realized that such a feeling is foolish. Because I know as long as I'm with you, I will be okay. You're my warm sun after an endless blizzard."
I smiled. Lowering my face towards hers, I whispered softly, "You're turning too poetic. I'm finding you some history books from now on."
She laughed. I was so glad to hear that sound.
Kissing her softly on the lips, I knew my next kiss would be given to my wife. When I pulled away, she was smiling at me still with those amazing azure eyes.
Crystal POV
The path we took was through a mass of palm trees. The trail seemed to be pretty well maintained, and looped us around the town towards the other side of the island. Zuko and I walked the whole way, hand in hand, and the warm sea breeze kept us at peace.
All thoughts of the war seemed to vanish from my mind. All my worries drifted. As the sun began to lower more in the sky, I knew by the end of the day I would no longer be just the daughter of a chief. I would be the wife to a handsome prince.
The steps towards the temple seemed to be endless, but we finally arrived at the small red wooden building that had a golden roof similar to the one at the vacation home. A man in a long red robe met us at the entry. He was a tall man with graying hair and a gray small beard. He looked maybe early fifties, and his gold eyes watched us approach with delight. He wore a pointed hat that was the same color as his robe.
Stepping off the porch to greet us, he bowed to Zuko in respect. "Prince Zuko. My name is Sage Ju, keeper of Ember Island's temple." He stood straight to meet Zuko's gaze. "Your Uncle informed me you may one day seek my aid. Of course, this isn't what I had in mind." His eyes shot towards me, and he smiled. "However, I am honored to fulfill what many have desired since the moment you two crossed paths."
I smiled. "Thank you. We're grateful for your time this evening."
He nodded. "Of course. However, I will say that you two better have a more formal ceremony once this war is over or many people will be rioting in the streets."
I laughed. "Don't worry. My sister has already planned everything in her head, so there will definitely be a ceremony once this war ends."
He chuckled. "Good. Just what I wanted to hear." His eyes shot back to Zuko. "This will not be a traditional ceremony due to the short notice, but all I need is you to repeat my words. We will head down to the beach. When the sun hits the water, you both will recite the vows. Water and Fire, uniting as one."
Sage Ju started to make his way down another path towards the beach. I felt my heart pound harder. Zuko noticed my breathing hitch. He looked over at me with concern. "You okay?"
I met his gaze again. "I just… I never imagined this would happen… marrying someone out of love rather than to fulfill my father's desire. Part of me was always scared I would end up Areto's wife one way or another." I placed my other hand over the one I already held. "But you saved me from that fate. Now I get to marry the man I love."
He smiled. "And you saved me from gloomy Mai, so I am definitely pleased with this result." He brushed the thumb of his free hand against my scarred cheekbone. "Come on. The Fire Nation could attack us any minute, and I want to at least share one battle with my wife."
I smiled and nodded.
We both made our way down the path The Sage had gone to catch up to him. He guided us through the plantation of the island towards the sand of the beach. The spot was secluded, with cliffs on both sides. The water rolled gently as waves brushed the shore. The sun was almost to the horizon, its warm colors bouncing with the water.
Sage Ju moved us to the center of the beach, placing us between him and the waves. The sand shifted as we moved, but Zuko held me up so my clumsy nature didn't embarrass me.
As the sound of the waves filled my ear, and the warmth of the sun soaked my skin, I stared into Zuko's eyes and felt peace. We held each other's hands, our fingers intertwined.
"Great spirits and ancestors. We come together today to unite two souls into one. Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation and Crystal, daughter of Chief Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe. Born from two different lands and people, yet joined together by love."
As he spoke, I thought back to the past. From the moment I saw Zuko, descending the ramp and coming towards my people, I had felt a strange feeling build inside me. As I came to learn about him, and the kind heart he had past the dark wall his father had caused him to build, the feeling had only grown. It took almost drowning and a broken arm for me to finally realize that the feeling inside me was love. Fate had always planned for me to stand in this spot. It had always been my fate to fall in love and marry the amazing man before me.
The sun hit the water, casting a radiant glow across the scene before us. Zuko's eyes lit like two embers, soft and warm. His hands tightened around my own as water and fire united.
"Recite the words, Prince Zuko," the Sage began. I blocked out Sage Ju, and only listened to the voice I longed to hear.
Zuko spoke with sincerity, his voice sending tears to my eyes. "I, Prince Zuko, take Crystal as my wife. Under the presence of Sage Ju, our union has been granted by divine hand." The recite ended, and Zuko branched off. "I take you now and forever, Crystal. I will love and protect you, cherish you, and be faithful to you until our last dying breath and beyond."
I smiled widely. "And I, Crystal of the Southern Water Tribe, take Zuko as my husband. Under the presence of Sage Ju, our union has been granted by divine hand." I felt a tear fall as my heart filled with more joy than I had ever felt. "I will always love you, Zuko, and support you, no matter what the future brings. I will treasure you and protect you with my greatest ability. I will cherish this union forever…"
Tears formed in his eyes as well.
Sage Ju spoke with power. As he spoke, the sun rays shot between us and the waves grew. "I, Sage Ju, pronounce that this union be complete. Water and Fire as one. Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation, and Crystal of the Water Tribe… husband and wife at last."
Everything blurred around me in that moment. All I could see before me was Zuko, my husband.
"I love you, Crystal," Zuko promised. "Forever."
I moved forward, taking my hands from his and moving them to his shoulders. "I love you, Zuko… Forever…"
He moved forward and our lips connected. As we became one, our hearts melted together with the blaze of the sun. He moved his hand behind my back, pulling me closer. Our breaths, hearts, and souls united.
When we pulled apart, we both were out of breath from our moment of elation.
Sage Ju spoke again. "Is there anything else I can assist with before I take my leave, Prince Zuko?"
Zuko kept his eyes on me, as he answered, "No. Thank you Sage Ju, but I have all I need."
He started to take his leave. He stopped though, and spoke with reassurance. "You all will win. The stars are lining in your favor. I will be receiving an invitation soon to see Fire Lord Zuko announce his new Fire Lady."
His hope gave us both peace.
Once we were alone, we moved from the beach over to a spot of grass under some trees. As we sat in the grass, watching the stars appear in the night sky and listening to the waves, Zuko held me to him never wanting to let me go again.
"My wife is truly beautiful," he whispered.
I sighed against him. "My husband is definitely charming."
He laughed. He grabbed my arm gently and brought it towards him to kiss the scar on my wrist. "There… I claim you again."
"Good. Because now you're stuck with me."
He suddenly grabbed my other shoulder and made me lower to my back on the soft grass. He moved over me and brushed his hand against my scarred cheek. His face inched towards my own. "Thank you, Crystal… for showing me the light."
I moved my hand to brush his cheek, and my fingers traced the line of his scar. "And thank you… for freeing me from the dark."
He moved forward and kissed me again, this time with greater passion. Water and Fire… Coming together at last.
Looks like Toph was right about this place being perfect for our honeymoon...
