Disclaimer: See previous chapters.
So, in case any of you were wondering where I am right now, I am actually sitting on my balcony on a cruise ship. We just passed an active volcano, and it is 10:20pm at night, three hours off my normal time schedule.
Can you guess where I am?
No?
All right then.
I am on a Hawaiian Cruise with my mother and her friend from High School.
I've had a lot of down time (and no Internet access, it costs money. I'm probably going to have to indulge in this later in the week, so just so you know this has most likely been finished for a couple days.)
Anyways, tomorrow (Monday…like I said, it may be a couple days before this gets out) we go snorkeling in Molikini. This would be a lovely experience, except for the fact that I am deathly afraid of fish.
Yea….
On a brighter, creepier note, my mother is trying to set me up with every single man on this ship. Including our waiter. And the man from the hot tub.
You think I'm kidding.
Check out my profile. It has many pretty pictures. I update it all the time.
27
Zuko tried to enjoy the ball. He really did.
Ok, that's a lie. He didn't try at all. He was loathing every second of it. He hated the dancing, he hated the fake attention he was getting, and he hated Melia clinging to him constantly. He wished he could just go back to his room and sit there in the silence and think.
Plus, it aggravated him that someone decided to not show up that night. And she would hear it from him the next time he saw her. In fact, Zuko thought he would leave the ball now and complain to her that if he had to suffer through it, then so did she.
Or he would leave the ball now and just hide in his room until it was over.
But in doing that, he would anger his father, and show weakness. And that was something that he was NOT willing to show.
So, Zuko continued to act as he was supposed to, dance when he knew was correct, and talk to all the important people.
Unfortunately, all the important people happened to keep telling him off for everything he had done wrong in the past years.
"You should have never spoken against your father" "If you had just fought like a man you wouldn't have been banished in the first place" "Should have just let Zhao capture the avatar" we some of the more common comments that were being flung his way.
"Yes yes, my mistake. If you excuse me gentlemen, I am quite thirsty. By your leave." And then the aggravated prince turned around and stalked over towards a servant holding a tray of drinks. I don't care what it is, however, the more alcohol the better Zuko thought as he grabbed a glass and downed it. It happened to be his fathers' second-best-aged wine, so he grabbed another glass, this time drinking it slower.
"How goes the battlefield captain?" said a voice from behind Zuko. He turned around surprised to find Kila standing there, smiling up at him.
She was wearing a lovely red outfit, with minimal decorations. However, at her shoulders it started out a pale orange where it was shaped with a low, square cut neckline and faded to a blood red at the bottom of the dress where it flowed out like an upside down calla lily. Her hair was up in a simple bun with a few hairs curling downward. Her bangs were hanging elegantly in front of her eyes, which had just enough red eye shadow applied to make them stand out and appealing.
But the main thing that Zuko noticed was that hanging off her naked neck was a red ruby on a gold chain.
"Where did you find that necklace?" he asked.
Kila looked down at it and smiled. She touched it delicately with her fingertips and replied, "It was a present."
"From whom?"
"I don't exactly know. It was just laying on my vanity when I went in my room today. Good thing it had my name on it, or I would have guessed that it was for Melia. I'm actually surprised it isn't for her…" Kila stopped to pause in thought, but then regained her smile and let go of her beloved new decoration. "Well, whoever gave it to me, I would love to thank them. Its absolutely gorgeous."
"Um-hmmm" Zuko said, not really paying attention at this point. Kila rolled her eyes and turned to walk away and find more sociable company, but then Zuko grabbed her arm and commanded, "Dance with me."
"W-what?" Kila stuttered.
"Dance with me." Zuko repeated. "I'm tired of dancing with Melia."
"Oh, right." Kila said, placing her hand inside the crook of Zukos' elbow and followed him out onto the dance floor.
"Now, I know you can't dance to save your life, but please try to not embarrass me." Zuko said, in an almost pleading way.
The music started, and Kila thanked the gods, for it happened to be one of the easier pieces that she understood a bit better. However, his comment still stung. "What do you mean, embarrass you?"
"Don't step on my feet or fall or anything." Zuko explained, rolling his eyes.
"Well I don't mean to," Kila said, trying to counter-attack. "If I'm such an embarrassment, then why did you ask to dance with me in the first place?"
This made Zuko shut up, so Kila was content for the moment.
"So do you like being back at the palace?" Kila asked after a few more minutes of silence.
"Yes." Was the short reply that she got.
She tried again. "Is it everything that you remember?"
"Is it a rule back in your time to always talk while dancing?" Zuko asked, rolling his eyes.
"No, I actually prefer being unsociable and taciturn." Kila replied saucily.
"Oh and you're so good at that." Zuko said.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"What do you think it means?"
Kila stopped dancing and just glared at him. Then she spun around on her heel and stomped off in a very lady like way out of the hall.
Kila stood out on a nearby balcony, gazing at the fire nation. She hadn't strayed too far, for fear of persecution or embarrassment or anything that would upset Iroh. She didn't care if she embarrassed Zuko at this point. Why did he always go through such trouble to make her unhappy?
"I would have thought I would find you inside where the party is." Said a voice from behind her. Kila spun around to find the Fire Nation Princess leaning against the doorframe, a smirk plastered on her lips.
"It was a bit loud, I wanted to let my ears rest." Kila said.
"Oh…" Azula said, nodding her head. "I thought it had something to do with my brother. But, I suppose I was just wrong."
"What do you mean?" Kila asked.
Zula smiled. She had gotten her attention; now it was just time to confirm her suspicions. "Well, with the way he has been dancing with Lady Melia the whole time, I suppose it would make any woman jealous. I mean, my brother isn't exactly a catch or anything, but he is Prince of the Fire Nation." Zula began examining her fingernails and let her voice trail off.
Kila blinked a couple times and then giggled. "I'm not jealous that he's dancing with his fiancé. That's what they're supposed to do."
Zula raised an eyebrow.
"Well…why would I like Zuko? He's a pompous arrogant jerk. Melia can have him." Kila said shrugging. "There are millions of other worthy candidates that I can choose from, and seeing that I'm now at court, I'm sure I can find a suitable one."
Azula blinked lazily. Kila knew that she wasn't getting anywhere, and Zula definitely did not believe her. Kila just waved her hand as if she was dismissing the matter and turned back around and began looking out at the city again.
"You're not fooling anyone you know." Zula pressed again.
"I have nothing to try and fool." Kila replied.
Princess Azula shrugged. "Don't stay out here too long, or people will begin to talk." Then she turned around and strode back into the hall.
Kila watched her leave, and then let out a huge breath that she didn't know she was holding, which seemed to always happen around the younger royal.
Watching from his throne, higher above the rest of the party, was the king, the master, of the Fire Nation. He was observing the whole operation, trying to decide if he should really care or not.
Our favorite Admiral was standing by his side, waiting for a perfect opportunity to speak up. Luckily for him, after two minutes he was given permission to speak freely.
"This party is going wonderfully Sir." Zhao said towards the Fire Lord. "Your son seems to be enjoying himself, and his fiancé is the talk of the party."
"Yes, she's most agreeable" The Fire Lord said in a very bored tone.
"Almost as agreeable as Miss Kila." Zhao said, sneaking a look at the Fire Lord.
"Is she not the one that you claimed to be a second Avatar?" The Lord said in a mocking tone.
Zhao cleared his throat and checked himself, and then began with his story again. "Well, with the situation I happened to be in a the moment, it was… A mistake." He stopped himself before he got into more trouble, and then began again. "But have you seen Miss Kila yet your majesty? She is the one over there" (he then pointed to said girl) "conversing with the Corporal, and is actually quite talented. When I was doing a routine check on your sons' ship, I had the pleasure of hearing her sing. I actually heard her speaking to your brother about how she wished she could sing for you."
"I have enough performers, I don't need another." The Fire Lord said lazily. "Now Admiral, return to the party, you are boring me."
Zhao bowed and then retreated, knowing when he had lost. He would find some way to get her to perform for the Fire Lord. And when she did, he would then, somehow, prove her to be either another avatar, or whatever was different with her. Because there was still something that was very strange about her, he just couldn't decipher it.
Kila had sat down between two men at her assigned table. One of the men was trying to persuade her why the comet was such a useful tool. The other man was overjoyed at the fact that the Avatar was captured "just in time" and it was "so lucky that she was able to aid the prince". Kila just kept smiling and nodding, and tried to act as perfect as she could.
Too bad that she's human like everyone else.
However, she was saved by Iroh at a time that she almost blurted out what she really thought of the Fire Nation when he came up to her seat and whispered in her ear "My brother wishes to hear you perform after dinner."
Kila then had to remind herself that it was uncouth to choke on the roast boar.
"He…WHAT?" Kila whispered in a very angry way.
"He just summoned me and told me that he wants to hear you sing after dinner." Iroh said shrugging. "I have no idea how he learned that you could sing, but you have to make sure that it pleases him."
"But…but…but…" Kila stammered, which she again had to remind herself that it was frowned upon.
"Now now, you'll be fine. Just…do your very best." Iroh said, and with a pat on her shoulder, he walked back to his assigned seat at his assigned table.
"That is quite an honor Miss." The man at Kilas' left said. "To perform at a special ball like this, right in front of the Fire Lord-"
"You are very lucky." Continued the man on her right. Kila nodded weakly and then excused herself; she suddenly felt very sick.
As she was walking to the bathroom, Zuko stopped her. "What is this I hear about you singing for my father? And in front of everyone else here?"
"It's not my fault! He must have been told by someone that I can sing or something!" Kila said, trying to defend herself.
"Well you can somewhat sing, but just make sure that it's perfect tonight." Zuko pointed out.
Kila began to nod, but then stopped and smiled wickedly. "Did you just say that I can somewhat sing?"
Zuko blinked. "What?"
"I almost got a complement out of Prince Zuko!" Kila began to giggle. "I must record this monumental event."
Zuko rolled his eyes and then stalked off. Kila then realized that most of her nervousness was gone, however she still retreated to a hidden part of the palace where she could take a few deep calming breaths and then warm up.
Thirty minutes later, Kila made her way over towards where she was told to sing. It was the opposite side of the hall, and this made Kila both thankful, and regretful. Thankful on how she wouldn't be standing very close to the Fire Lord, regretful about how he would most likely be starring right at her the entire time. However, she had practiced her song and made sure it was perfect, and took a few calming breathes again.
She was announced and then made her way up onto the platform. The hall went quiet, which made everything worse in her opinion. Still, she tried to pretend that she was back on the ship, singing for the crew. A much larger, finer dressed crew.
Deciding that closing her eyes would be a better alternative, Kila slammed her eyes shut and then let her words flow.
Think of me,
Think of me fondly when we've said goodbye.
Remember me,
Once in awhile please promise me you'll try.
When you find, that once again you long,
To take your heart back and be free
If you ever find a moment
Spare a thought for me.
That was it, Kila was gone. She was lost in the song at this point, and all her nervousness had flown out the beautiful windows. She was able to open her eyes now, and gazed lovingly at all the partygoers whom were all gazing back at her.
We've never said, our love was evergreen,
Or as unchanging as the sea
But if you can still remember,
Stop and think of me.
Think of all the things we've shared and seen.
Don't think about the way things might have been.
Zuko had to hand it to Kila; she was able to hold the whole crowd with her voice. He could only hope that she was able to hold his father as well. He watched the Fire Nation citizens and knew that they were enjoying her performance, and he even noticed his sister had been able to wipe her everlasting smirk off her face, which now was just plain blank and devoid of emotion.
Think of me, think of me waking
Silent and resigned
Imagine me, trying to hard to put you from my mind.
Recall those days; look back on all those time
Think of the things we'll never do
There will never be a day when I won't think of you!
We never said, our love was evergreen
Or as unchanging as the sea,
But please promise me that sometimes you will think…
Kila smiled at her favorite part of the song. She took a deep breath, sang the vocal scale, and then burst out with all of her might at the last part, as if she wanted everyone to fall out of his or her chairs from her voice.
Of Me!
As she finished the piece, she stood on the platform with a very proud smile on her face. However, one small thing perplexed her: No one was clapping.
Actually, no one had made any motion. They were all just sitting in their seats.
Kilas' smile ebbed slowly away as she was trying to figure out what she had done wrong. She thought it was the best performance of her life, why did no one seem happy about it?
Then she looked straight across from where she was standing and realized why: the Fire Lord. Everyone was waiting to see if the Fire Lord enjoyed it or not. So she also looked at him and curtsied.
Much to her surprise, when she stood back up, the Fire Lord gave a quick little nod in her direction. Enough to let her know that her performance was acceptable and she would live another day. That was when the people of the party began clapping. Kila smiled again and began to walk back towards her seat.
Out of all the times he had heard her sing, this was the first time that Prince Zuko actually clapped.
His sister gave him a bewildered look and asked what in the world he was doing.
"I am giving praise where praise is due." Zuko answered. He then returned to his meal that he had left unattended while he had been watching Kila.
Zula looked at Kila, then back to her brother, and then back to Kila who was now taking her seat. Her smirk then returned to her face and she returned her gaze to Zuko. "You do realize that you are betrothed, correct?"
"I am aware of this fact, yes." Zuko said as he cut a piece of meat.
"So it's not really fair to Lady Melia."
"I have no idea what you mean."
Azula rolled her eyes and then scanned the hall for said lady.
Lady Melia happened to be sitting at a table where all the men were doing was praising Miss Kila and her performance. Apparently they had never seen someone so lovely be able to carry a tune before, and they wondered at her breeding and who her parents were, oh they must be so proud.
It was more than she could stand. She had been putting up with little miss perfect ever since she had fallen into Jet's hideout, and every day she continued to learn how Kila was so much better at everything than she was.
Well, ok that was a lie. So far she only heard how Kila could sing better than her. But that still meant a lot to Melia. She had good breeding, and for all she knew, Kila lived in a small house back in her original time era with parents that scourged the streets for scraps. Melia deserved the talent more than Kila did, that was for sure.
And how was it that the Fire Lord himself asked to hear Kila sing? How was she so special that the most powerful man in practically the whole world asked Kila to perform for him? Why didn't he ask Melia for anything, seeing as she was his future daughter-in-law?
"If you would excuse me gentlemen, I seem to have lost my appetite." Melia said as she stood up and exited the great hall.
The party went well into the night, and after her performance Kila was one of the most popular girls, and was dancing at every single song. She even had to designate one pageboy to keep running and getting her drinks to keep hydrated. She wished that she could dance with him as a thank you, but she had to remember her station, and therefore felt truly sorry for the young boy.
What Kila did not notice however, was that the Fire Lord had made his way down from his throne and onto the dance floor and had begun to make his way around the more important female guests. This, of coarse, was common towards the end of these important balls, and was going mostly unnoticed by most of the guests.
However, when the Fire Lord made his way over to where Kila had just finished dancing with her latest partner, she was quite shaken when the leader of the most overpowering nation asked her for the next dance.
"Oh…of coarse!" Kila said, hoping against hope that this was an easy dance and not one of the harder ones.
But, because of Murphy's Law, the next dance was one of the most difficult, and it took all of Kilas' willpower to not jump up and down in a five-year-old temper tantrum. She just put on her best smile and said, "I'm so sorry your Highness, but I'm afraid my dancing is not exactly to par."
"That surprises me, seeing as your singing is over par." The Fire Lord said, and the matter was dropped.
Kila was concentrating so hard on where she was supposed to be putting her feet that she had forgotten all of the important courtier rules that Iroh had taught her. She was not constantly smiling, she was not trying to strike up a witty conversation that was sure to please him, she was just starring at the floor and willing herself to not step on his feet.
The Fire Lord was not sure if he liked this lack of attention, or if it annoyed him. "Is it custom from your village to not speak and stare at the floor while dancing?" he asked.
Kila smiled from the practically identical question that his son had asked earlier. And, being the creative person she is, answered it in the exact same way. "Yes, we prefer being unsociable and taciturn."
The Fire Lord was taken aback at the remark, and he made the smallest hint of his mouth turning up on one side of his mouth. Kila saw this, and then tried to spur on the conversation, again hoping that he wouldn't ask where she was from. "We actually walk around everywhere with our eyes on the ground, watching our feet the entire time. If a person walks too close to us, we look up and screech."
"And how did you get such a vocal talent in this village?" The Fire Lord asked in a bored slash somewhat interested tone.
"Well," Kila began, "in the evenings we have competitions on who can sing the best, and the person who wins gets to be carried around on the backs of everyone else for a day. Then they are fed a pig with a large apple in the mouth and light bonfires." Kila stole this last line from Luaus, but she didn't think that this would be noticed.
"And where exactly is this bizarre village that you come from?"
"Oh, a little place at worlds end."
"You really are quite a poor dancer." The Fire Lord commented when Kila stumbled.
"I warned you Your Majesty. I don't usually lie when it could make me look even more ridiculous than if I told the truth." Kila said, rolling her eyes. "But to tell the truth, back in my hometown, when we dance we just sway side to side."
"And so where did you learn to dance then? Did one of the pigs from the bonfires teach you?" The Fire Lord asked in a mocking tone, although Kila could hear a hint of amusement.
"Actually, it was your brother."
"So it was a pig then."
"But a much more polite one." Kila said, smiling. "I feel bad though, because after my lesson, they had to carry him to his room because his feet were bleeding."
"You can not be serious," The Fire Lord questioned.
"Well, honesty is the best policy." Kila quoted. "Insanity is just a really good defense."
The Fire Lord had to process this idea for a few seconds, and he still had no idea what Kila was talking about. But, then again, neither did she half of the time.
The song ended and Kila curtsied as gracefully as she could, which, if you could remember, wasn't that graceful. However, when she looked up, she noticed that the Fire Lord had nodded his head in a respectful sort of way. Perhaps he did this will all the ladies he danced with, but it made Kila feel all the more important.
Her dance with the Fire Lord did not go unnoticed however. The whole time Zuko had been watching from over his current partners' shoulders, and when she had walked away Zuko demanded the next dance to see what had happened between the two of them.
"Nothing" Kila answered as she and Zuko did some sort of waltz slash polka jig. "He just complemented me on my singing, which is really more than you have ever done."
"What are you implying?"
"That you have never said anything nice to me, and your father, who I have been told countless times is a heartless man, gave me a complement in the first few minutes of our dance. While you, sir, have known me for months and have never said a single kind thing towards me."
"It has been mentioned among the men that your singing can be compared to a siren." Zuko said, trying to regain some honor.
"That means nothing." Kila said in a huffy tone.
"Just take the damn complement."
"Just say the damn complement."
Zuko heaved a great sigh. "You have a nice voice."
Those five words gave Zuko the largest smile that he had ever seen escape Kilas' lips. And oddly enough, she gained a small half smile in return.
However, just like the dance that Kila had with the Fire Lord didn't go unnoticed, neither did this second dance between Kila and the son of the Fire Lord.
Both happened to be noticed by a certain fiancé, and a certain Royal Sibling.
"You know, I think he really likes her." Azula said to Melia.
"Which one?" Melia said, malice rolling off her tongue.
"Oh, I'll let you be the judge of that. But either way, I think it's a bad spot for you to be in. Your father-in-law favors someone else, and your fiancé loves someone else." With that said, Zula sauntered over towards the dessert table.
Lady Melia however, just continued to watch the dancing couple. And as their smiles widened from their conversation, Melias' anger grew.
Hope this is an acceptable amount, its twelve pages.
Yowza.
SeethingxShadows